bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICO-LABORATORY CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING DYSFUNCTION OF KIDNEY ALLOTRASPLAT FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF IMMUNOSUPRESS SCHEMES IN THE EARLY AND REMOTE PERIODS AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Lavrishcheva Yu. V. , Kuvardin E. S.
Published: February 2019

Background. A significant role in solving the problem of renal replacement therapy should be played by kidney transplantation, which is now widely regarded as the optimal method for treating end-stage renal failure. An important problem remains the survival of the graft, and therefore it is necessary to find the most optimal method for diagnosing the earliest lesion of the graft.Objective. Examine the possibility of using glomerular filtration rate calculated by the Cockcroft–Gault (C&G) and EPI formulas to assess renal allograft function.Design and methods. 216 patients with functioning renal allograft were examined, among them 92 women and 124 men, the average age was 56.8 ± 12.8 years. All patients completed: determination of serum creatinine level (Cr) (mmol/l), determination of the level of daily proteinuria (g/day), calculation of glomerular filtration rate using the formula EPI (ml/min) and Cockcroft–Gault formula (ml/min). All patients received immunosuppressive therapy.Results. We divided patients into 4 groups: 1 — patients without daily proteinuria with serum creatinine (Cr) < 0.110 mmol/l, 2 — patients without daily proteinuria with Cr > 0.110 mmol/l, 3 — patients with daily proteinuria less than 0.15 g/day with Cr < 0.110 mmol/l, 4 — patients with daily proteinuria more than 0.15 g/day with Cr > 0.110 mmol/l. The average Cr level was in the group 1 — 0.093 ± 0.001 mmol/l, in 2 — 0.162 ± 0.005 mmol/l, and 0.081 ± 0.002 mmol/l, and 0.135 ± 0.012 mmol/l in 3 and 4 groups, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate Cockcroft–Gault and EPI, respectively, in group 1 — 82.1 ± 4.4 ml/min and 74.9 ± 3.7 ml/min, in 2 — 55.3 ± 2.9 ml/min and 46.8 ± 2.4 ml/min, at 3 — 79.4 ± 2.8 ml/min and 71.1 ± 2.5 ml/min, at 4 — 51.2 ± 1.6 ml/min and 42.5 ± 1.2 ml/min. Сr level is not a sufficiently accurate indicator of allograft dysfunction, as in group 1 it was significantly higher than in group 3 (p < 0.01), exactly the same picture was observed when comparing groups 2 and 4. At the same time, glomerular filtration rate using the Cockcroft–Gault formula and EPI formula was slightly higher in group 3 and 4 compared with group 1 and 2.Conclusion. Calculating glomerular filtration rate using the Cockcroft–Gault formula and EPI formula is a more sensitive method for assessing renal allograft dysfunction.
Predictors of Depressive Symptoms Among Mid-Aged and Older Men With Diabetes in China
Authors: He Ping , Hu Ying , Li Changwei , Wu Dongmei , Ge Song , Liu Tingting
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose:

Although mounting evidence has consistently shown that depressive symptoms are more common among diabetic women than among diabetic men, diabetic men are frequently overlooked in diabetes-related mental health studies, and research on predicators of depressive symptoms among diabetic men remains scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the gender-specific characteristics that predict depressive symptoms among mid-aged and elderly men with diabetes.

Methods:

A secondary data analysis was performed using the baseline data from the China and Health Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 824 men aged 45 years or older with diabetes were included in the analysis. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale short form. Age, education level, marital status, nighttime sleep duration, smoking status, duration of diabetes, treatment with insulin, and pain were based on self-reports. Information on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), functional impairment, weight, height, and blood lipids was also collected.

Results:

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 22.7%. Male-specific significant predictors of depressive symptoms included nighttime sleep duration (short sleepers [p = .019], normal sleepers [p = .001], and long sleepers [p = .000]), instrumental activities of daily living (p = .001), and pain (mild pain [p = .003], moderate pain [p = .024], and severe pain [p = .017]).

Implications for Practice:

This study provides important findings about nighttime sleep duration, pain, and functional impairment and their relationships with presence of depressive symptoms in mid-aged and older men with diabetes. Screening tools should include these items to enable early detection and depression treatment for vulnerable men who may be otherwise missed.
Implications of Transitional Care Interventions on Hospital Readmissions in Patients With Destination Therapy Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Iseler Jackeline I. , Wierenga Kelly L. , Shaid Elizabeth C. , Hirschman Karen
Published: February 2019

Background:

The rising number of patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) require care management to successfully transition home after implantation. These patients and their families need to manage their heart failure, and the complexities of an LVAD and the associated lifestyle modifications. Translating knowledge of transitional care interventions in patients with chronic diseases to those with an LVAD may provide valuable insight. To help inform the furthering of care transitions in the LVAD patient population, an integrative review was conducted.

Aim:

The aim of this review was to explore the transitions of care interventions of care in patients and its potential for application in the destination therapy LVAD.

Methods:

This integrative review was guided by the Whittemore and Knafl's methodology.

Results:

A total of 12 articles from 264 retrieved articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the literature review.

Discussion:

This review identified that evidence-based transitional care interventions have been shown to decrease avoidable rehospitalization, the associated costs, and improve quality of life when compared to usual care.

Implications for Practice:

A common feature of transitional care interventions is the inclusion of nurse leadership. Nurses should be prepared to participate in transitional care interventions to optimally improve outcomes for patients with heart failure and potentially those with an LVAD. Additionally, to make transitional care interventions more effective they should be implemented with moderate intensity or greater.

Conclusion:

This review provided information supporting the trialing of transitional care interventions in patients with an LVAD and suggests pilot research to optimize interventions for this population.
Desarrollo de la motivación a través de la implementación de situaciones problema sobre la densidad.
Authors: Lobo Raúl Vicente , Henao García Jhon Jairo
Published: February 2019

This study presents a didactic strategy that seeks to stimulate the motivation of a group of 20 tenth-grade students at the Educational Institution El Nacional de Sahagún (Córdoba, Colombia). The research aimed to develop students’ motivation by using problem situations about density, through a descriptive-type qualitative study. The study determined initial motivational profiles and compared them with data obtained during and after the implementation of a didactic unit, which confirmed the development of motivation at the end of the process. This indicates that chemistry becomes an opportunity to stimulate motivation through problem situations.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Perrone Francesco
Published: February 2019

No abstract available
Case 2 – Adjuvant therapy in a patient with HER2-positive early breast carcinoma
Authors: Vázquez Raúl Márquez , Martín Antonio González , Cortés Javier
Published: February 2019

Approximately 20% of breast cancer patients harbor tumors that overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which represents an adverse prognostic factor. The therapeutic landscape for this type of breast cancer has been transformed by the approval of anti-HER2 agents for adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. Despite that, some of these patients will eventually relapse. Dual HER2 blockade has been successfully tried in early and advanced breast cancer. Here we report the case of an early HER2-positive breast cancer patient treated with trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and chemotherapy. The recently released final results of the much anticipated APHINITY trial confirm the outcome achieved in this patient.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Pautier Patricia
Published: February 2019

No abstract available
Characterising social pathologies: an analytic grid
Authors: Freyenhagen Fabian
Published: February 2019

In this paper, I would like to take up one proposal that I touch on as part of the longer paper delivered at the SPT conference on Critical Theory and the Concept of Social Pathology. The proposal is an analytic grid for characterising social pathologies, particularly in thelight of the conceptualisations of this idea specified within the Frankfurt School CriticalTheory tradition.Let me first summarise briefly the longer paper. I present some general features of the idea of social pathology (see below), and suggest that this idea can set FrankfurtSchool Critical Theory apart from mainstream liberal approaches – notably, in virtue of the specifically ethical register it involves (rather than a justice-based one dominant incontemporary liberalism) and the interdisciplinary approach it calls for (which marks a contrast to the relatively stark division between normative theorising and the social sciences characteristic of much of political philosophy today). I criticise the way Habermas and Honneth transform the early Frankfurt School conceptualisations of this idea by tying itto their respective models of functional differentiation of society.
Protest, Property and the Commons: Performances of Law and Resistance By Lucy Finchett-Maddock
Authors: Schecter Darrow
Published: February 2019

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Liberal Moments: Reading Liberal Texts Edited by Ewa Atanassow and Alan S. Kahan
Authors: Godfrey Thomas
Published: February 2019

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How to be a Marxist in Philosophy By Louis Althusser Edited and translated by G.M Goshgarian
Authors: Harris Neal
Published: February 2019

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RESPOSTAS FISIOLÓGICAS AO EXERCÍCIO AQUÁTICO EM GESTANTES HIPERTENSA E NORMOTENSA: RELATO DE CASO CONTROLE
Authors: Rosa Guilherme , Henriques Ighor , Soutinho Ingrid de Freitas , Silva Gustavo Neves Monteiro , Mello Danielli Braga de , Pereira Fábio Dutra
Published: February 2019

Contexto: Exercícios aquáticos são prescritos para gestantes devido seus benefícios para a mãe e bebê, entretanto, é importante conhecer as respostas fisiológicas à prática do exercício nessa população.Objetivos: avaliar as adaptações fisiológicas ao exercício aquático em uma gestante hipertensa e uma gestante normotensa.Método: Relato de caso/controle composto por 2 mulheres gestantes (1 hipertensa, 31 anos, 102,1kg, 1,60m e sedentária; e 1 normotensa, 35 anos, 97,8kg, 1,73m, e fisicamente ativa), ambas no terceiro trimestre de gestação. Avaliou-se a frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), duplo produto (DP), variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC), e glicose sanguínea (GLI) em quatro momentos distintos: em decúbito dorsal após repouso de 15’ (M1), em imersão em piscina com água na altura do manúbrio esternal após repouso de 5’ (M2), imediatamente após a sessão de exercício aquático (M3), e em decúbito dorsal após repouso de 5’ (M4) respectivamente, exceto para a GLI que foi aferida apenas em M1, M3 e M4. A sessão de exercício consistiu em movimentos de adução e abdução horizontal de ombros combinados com flexão e extensão de quadril sem a utilização de implementos e intensidade entre 60% e 80% da FC máxima.Resultados: observou-se que as variáveis hemodinâmicas apresentaram modificações apenas em função da imersão na piscina. A sessão de exercício provocou elevação nas variáveis analisadas em ambas participantes, exceto para GLI que apresentou redução. Destaca-se a melhora em FC, PAS, PAD, DP, VFC e GLI na gestante hipertensa em M4 em comparação ao M1.Conclusoes: o exercício aquático provocou adaptações fisiológicas positivas apresentando-se como uma possível modalidade a ser praticadas por gestantes.
Discerning In-Situ Performance of an Enhanced-Oil-Recovery Agent in the Midst of Geological Uncertainty: II. Fluvial-Deposit Reservoir
Authors: Fatemi S. A. , Jansen J.-D.. -D. , Rossen W. R.
Published: February 2019

An enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) pilot test has multiple goals, among them to be profitable (if possible), demonstrate oil recovery, verify the properties of the EOR agent in situ, and provide the information needed for scaleup to an economical process. Given the complexity of EOR processes and the inherent uncertainty in the reservoir description, it is a challenge to discern the properties of the EOR agent in situ in the midst of geological uncertainty. We propose a numerical case study to illustrate this challenge: a polymer EOR process designed for a 3D fluvial-deposit water/oil reservoir. The polymer is designed to have a viscosity of 20 cp in situ. We start with 100 realizations of the 3D reservoir to reflect the range of possible geological structures honoring the statistics of the initial geological uncertainties. For a population of reservoirs representing reduced geological uncertainty after 5 years of waterflooding, we select three groups of 10 realizations out of the initial 100, with similar water-breakthrough dates at the four production wells. We then simulate 5 years of polymer injection. We allow that the polymer process might fail in situ and viscosity could be 30% of that intended. We test whether the signals of this difference at injection and production wells would be statistically significant in the midst of geological uncertainty. Specifically, we compare the deviation caused by loss of polymer viscosity with the scatter caused by the geological uncertainty using a 95% confidence interval. Among the signals considered, polymer-breakthrough time, minimum oil cut, and rate of rise in injection pressure with polymer injection provide the most-reliable indications of whether a polymer viscosity was maintained in situ.
Acute cerebral infarction in a patient with an epidural catheter after left upper lobe resection: A case report
Authors: Kitajima Asuka , Otsuka Yuji , Sanui Masamitsu , Lefor Alan Kawarai
Published: February 2019

Background
There are several recent reports that left upper lobe lung resection is a risk factor for the development of postoperative thromboembolism. Although administering epidural analgesia is common in thoracic surgery, anesthesiologists should be alert when administering epidural analgesia to a patient undergoing left upper lobectomy, considering the increased risk of postoperative thromboembolism and the potential need for anticoagulation or fibrinolytic therapy in the immediate postoperative period.
Case presentation
A seventy-one-year-old female with a metastatic lung lesion developed a cerebral infarction approximately 30 hours after video-assisted thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy. Cerebral intravascular therapy was indicated and the epidural catheter was removed immediately to avoid formation of an epidural hematoma. Approximately four hours after onset, reperfusion was successfully established by aspiration of endovascular thrombi. She recovered with mild residual paralysis of the left upper extremity and was transferred to a rehabilitation facility.
Conclusions
We present a patient with a cerebral infarction after left upper lobectomy. Left upper lobectomy is associated with an increased risk of postoperative thromboembolism. Although the exact mechanism of thrombosis after left upper lobectomy is unclear, a judicious decision should be made regarding epidural catheter placement for postoperative analgesia.
Outcomes After Noncardiac Surgery For Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Sprung Juraj , Deljou Atousa , Sabov Moldovan , Kane Garvan C , Frantz Robert P. , DuBrock Hilary M , Martin David , Schroeder Darrell R , Johnson Madeline Q. , Weingarten Toby N
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a significant preoperative risk factor. We aimed to determine predictors of perioperative morbidity and mortality after noncardiac surgery for patients with precapillary PH.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with pulmonary hypertension having surgery at a single large medical referral center. The PH and surgical databases were reviewed from 2010 to 2017. Patients were excluded if PH was attributable to left-sided heart disease or they had undergone cardiac or transplant operations. To assess whether PH-specific diagnostic or cardiopulmonary testing parameters were predictive of perioperative complications, analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations.
Results: Of 196 patients with PH undergoing noncardiac operations, 53 (27%) experienced 1 or more complications, including 5 deaths (3%) within 30 days. After adjustment for age and PH type, there were more complications in those undergoing moderate-to-high vs low-risk procedures (odds ratio [OR], 4.17 [95% CI, 2.07 to 8.40]; P<0.001). After adjustment for age, surgical risk, and PH type, the risk for complications was higher for patients with worse functional status (OR, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.19 to 4.78]; P=0.01 for class 3/4 vs class 1/2) and elevated serum N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (OR, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.05 to 4.96]; P=0.04 for ≥300 vs. <300 pg/mL). From an analysis that included covariates for age, surgical risk, and functional status, elevated serum NT-proBNP levels remained associated with increased risk (OR, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.05 to 4.76]; P=0.04).
Conclusions: Patients with PH undergoing noncardiac surgery with general anesthesia have a high frequency of perioperative complications. Specific clinical (functional status), diagnostic (serum NT-proBNP), and intraoperative factors (higher-risk surgery) are predictive of worse outcomes.
Evaluation of the effect of ERAS to nutritional status of patients with elective craniotomy using bioelectrical impedance analysis: a prospective and randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yan Jing , Wang Shasha , Wang Yuan , Zhao Tianzhi , Zhao Binfang , He Shiming , Ye Lin
Published: February 2019

Background The aim of the present study was to test the body composition changes of patients undergoing elective craniotomy using bioelectrical impedance analysis, so as to evaluate the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) to nutritional status of patients. Methods 140 patients who needed elective craniotomy were randomly divided into two groups: observation group (ERAS group) and control group (traditional treatment group). The age was 45.6 ± 12.7 years old. Patients in ERAS group were treated with a set of enhanced recovery measures, while control group patients underwent conventional treatment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to test body composition before and after the surgery. Results The body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), muscle mass (MM), fat mass index (FMI), free-fat mass index (FFMI), body cell mass (BCM), body cell mass index (BCMI), in both groups were decreased after surgery. The decrease of FM and FMI in the control group was significantly different from that in the observation group (p<0.05). However, the decrease of BM, BMI, MM, FFMI, BCM and BCMI in both groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion Patients undergoing elective craniotomy showed various degrees of nutritional injuries, and ERAS could alleviate nutritional injuries caused by operation. Keywords Enhanced Recovery after Surgery • Bioelectrical impedance analysis • Elective craniotomy Trail Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-INR-16009662. Registered on 27 October 2016. Trail Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-INR-16009662. Registered on 27 October 2016.
Comparison of Intravenous Lidocaine and Dexmedetomidine Infusion for Prevention of Postoperative Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Shuying , Li Hui , Ni Juan , Ma YuShan
Published: February 2019

Background

Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) frequently occurs during recovery in patients who undergo intra-operative urinary catheterization distress. We conducted this study to compare the effect of intravenous lidocaine and dexmedetomidine infusion for preventing CRBD.

Methods

120 patients undergoing elective open abdominal hysterectomy and hysteromyoma requiring urinary bladder catheterization were randomly allocated into three groups of 40 each. Group L received a 2 mg/kg lidocaine bolus followed by infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h; Group D received a 0.5 mg/kg dexmedetomidine bolus followed by infusion of 0.4 mg/kg/h; Group C received a bolus and infusion of normal saline of equivalent volume. The incidence and different severity (mild, moderate, and severe) of CRBD were assessed on arrival in the postanaesthesia care unit at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively.

Results

The incidence of CRBD was significantly lower in Group L and Group D compared with Group C at 0, 1, and 2 h. However, there was no significant difference among the three groups regarding the different severity of CRBD at all time points. The requirement of rescue tramadol for CRBD was lower in group L and group D than in group C. The incidence of sedation was significantly higher in Group D compared to Group L and Group C, though no difference in other adverse effects was observed.

Conclusions

Intravenous lidocaine and dexmedetomidine infusion reduced the incidence of CRBD as well as the additional tramadol requirement for CRBD, but had no effect on the different severity of CRBD.
ARMYTHMIC ACTIVITY OF MYOCARDIUM AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF ANESTHESIA AND PERI-OPERATIVE PERIOD IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Authors: Sumin S. A. , Volkova N. A. , Mikhin V. P. , Bogoslovskaya E. N. , Eremin P. A.
Published: February 2019

Prevention of cardiovascular complications, which often result in fatal events in the peri-operative period, is one of the most crucial issues of modern anesthesiology.

The objective: to investigate the changes in arrhythmic activity and conduction disorders during anesthesia and in the peri-operative period in the patients undergoing open cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.

Subjects and methods. 57 patients of 60.1 ± 3.8 years old were enrolled in the study; they all underwent planned open cholecystectomy under combined anesthesia with tracheal intubation and artificial pulmonary ventilation. Group 1 consisted of 28 patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD) in the form of exertional angina of functional classes of I and II; and Group 2 included 29 patients without CHD. The frequency of episodes of group and polymorphic premature ventricular contractions, supraventricular tachycardia and atrioventricular block of degree II, was analyzed by daily Holter ECG monitoring for certain time periods during anesthesia and the peri-operative period. Stages of the study: I – on the eve of the surgery (18 h); II – within 6 hours before the surgery; III – immediate preparation and induction of anesthesia (62.0 ± 6.7 min); IV – maintenance of anesthesia (57 ± 14 min); V – recovery from anesthesia (48 ± 11 min); VI – the 2nd day after surgery (18 h).

Results. A significant increase in the frequency of episodes of group and polymorphic premature ventricular contractions, supraventricular tachycardia and atrioventricular block of degree II, was found out at the stages of induction, maintenance and recovery from anesthesia in patients with CHD and in patients without concurrent cardiovascular disorders. Increased frequency of episodes of group and polymorphic premature ventricular contractions was observed in patients with CHD at the stages of induction and recovery from anesthesia (by 242 and 225%). The highest increase in the frequency of polymorphic premature ventricular contractions was observed in patients with CHD during recovery from anesthesia (by 284%) and in those without cardiovascular pathology at the induction stage (by 461%); the increase in episodes of supraventricular tachycardia was maximum at the induction stage in the patients without cardiovascular pathology (by 291%).

Conclusion: Open cholecystectomy in general anesthesia is associated with increased arrhythmic activity and higher conduction disturbances incidence at all stages of anesthesia in patients with coronary heart disease and those without concurrent cardiovascular disorders.
Tau reconstruction at CMS with a focus on high $ p_{T} $ taus
Authors: Bhattacharya Soham
Published: February 2019

We present the algorithm and performance of tau reconstruction at the
CMS experiment, while highlighting a dedicated reconstruction algorithm
that uses calorimeter hits instead of tracks to reconstruct taus with
high transverse momentum. Describing the standard Hadrons-Plus-Strips
(HPS) algorithm and its dependence on track reconstruction and shower
modelling, we present the calorimetric tau (calo-tau) reconstruction
that uses minimal track information for high
p_{T}pT
taus. The pros and cons of these algorithms are discussed along with
their performance and potential uses. It is found that the calo-tau
algorithm outperforms the HPS algorithm in the high efficiency region.
This study is work in progress, and is an attempt to tune the
reconstruction for high p_{T}pT
taus. The calo-tau algorithm is not yet an official tau reconstruction
algorithm for CMS.
Molecular detection of human adenovirus in urban wastewater in Egypt and among children suffering from acute gastroenteritis
Authors: Elmahdy Elmahdy M. , Ahmed Nehal I. , Shaheen Mohamed N. F. , Mohamed EL-Chaimaa B. , Loutfy Samah A.
Published: February 2019

Incidence of enteric viruses in sewage, the efficacy of wastewater treatment plants to remove these viruses, and health effects from their release into the surface water are very important environmental issues in the microbiology field. One of the most pathogenic enteric viruses is adenovirus which can cause a serious disease such as gastroenteritis with low grade fever and mild dehydration in humans. In this study we performed qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of HAdV on 60 stool samples from children with acute gastroenteritis admitted to Abu-Rish hospital and 96 environmental samples (32 raw sewage, 32 treated sewage, 32 sewage sludge) collected from Zenin wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). HAdV were detected in 17 (28.3%) of stool, 27 (84.4%) of raw sewage, 16 (50%) of treated sewage and 25 (78%) of sludge samples. The viral concentrations were in the range of 2.02 × 106–7.23 × 106, 8.7 × 105–4.3 × 106, 1.22 × 104–3.7 × 106 and 1.48 × 106–1.77 × 107 GC/mL in stool, raw sewage, treated sewage, and sludge, respectively. HAdV was detected throughout the whole year of sample collection. Moreover, our results suggested that males were more susceptible to adenovirus infections than females. The results indicate that the high incidence of HAdV in the treated sewage may cause adverse health effects.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Enhanced simultaneous nitri-denitrification in aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor containing polyurethane foam-based carrier media
Authors: Sandip Magdum , Kalyanraman V.
Published: February 2019

Fluidization of carrier media for biofilm support and growth defines the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) process. Major MBBR facilities apply virgin polyethylene (PE)-based circular plastic carrier media. Various carriers were studied to replace these conventional carriers, but polyurethane (PU) foam-based carrier media has not been much explored. This study evaluates the potential of PU foam carrier media in aerobic MBBR process for simultaneous nitri-denitrification (SND). Two parallel reactors loaded with conventional PE plastic (circular) and PU foam (cubical) carriers compared for their removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen contaminants from wastewater. Results indicate that average COD removal in MBBR containing PE plastic carrier media was 81%, compared to 83% in MBBR containing PU foam. Average ammonical and total nitrogen reduction was 71% and 59% for PU foam-based MBBR, compared to 60% and 42% for PE plastic-based MBBR. SND-based nitrogen removal capacity was doubled in aerobic MBBR filled with PU foam carrier media (27%), than MBBR containing PE plastic carrier media (13%). Cost economics also governs the commercial advantage for the application of PU foam-based carrier media in the MBBR process.
Uma Ponte Para O Futuro e o Encontro com o Futuro: A Persistente Tensão Entre a Normatividade e o Mundo Vivido Habermasiano
Authors: Junior Antonio Menezes , Brzezinski Iria
Published: February 2019

Este artigo traz uma pesquisa qualitativa e teórica com base em análise documental. Adota posição filosófica e sociopolítica a partir do pensamento Habermasiano, com enfoque na Teoria do Agir Comunicativo, relacionando-a ao projeto publicado pelo Partido do Movimento Democrático Brasileiro – PMDB (2015/2016) intitulado “Uma Ponte para o Futuro” e à recente “Cartilha Encontro com o Futuro” (2018), que em face de seus apontamentos são “hipermetropia[s] diante do presente, um ofuscamento completo do passado e uma visão dupla perante o futuro” (Menezes Jr. & Brzezinski, 2018). Demonstrar-se-á a apreensão existente entre os mundos vivido e de sistemas de Habermas com a normatização de ideais considerados ilegais e ilegítimos, que provocam o retrocesso do sistema de educação brasileiro e a quebra de suas conquistas. Concluir-se-á que as relações dialógicas manipuladoras são perigosas, demonstrando a precariedade das democracias, desigualdades sociais, corrupções e o impedimento do que deveria ser o Estado democrático de direito.
Caracterización Fisicoquímica y Microbiológicos de los Mini Tomates Sweet Grape Producidos con Sustratos y Aguas Residuales Tratadas
Authors: Cunha Ananda Helena Nunes , Sandri Delvio , Vieira Jonas Alves
Published: February 2019

El propósito del estudio fue caracterizar cualitativamente el mini- tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Variedad Sweet Grape empleando diferentes sustratos de cultivo y soluciones nutritivas, preparadas con tratamiento de aguas residuales, con nutrientes suplementarios y aplicados por goteo. El experimento fue un diseño de bloques factorial 2 x 3 al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Los frutos fueron analizados en la acidez total (%), sólidos solubles (°Brix), relación sólidos solubles e acidez total (SS/AT), el pH y los microorganismos mesofilos aerobios, hongos y levaduras, coliformes totales y Escherichia coli fueron determinados por los múltiples tubos y los resultados se expresaron en un Número Más Probable (NMP g-1). Los valores de acidez total son cerca de la literatura (promedio 0,35%) y sólidos solubles son aceptables de acuerdo con la comercialización (>6 °Brix), ambos siendo influenciados por los tratamientos, pero no del pH; relación SS/AT mostraron excelente sabor y calidad de los frutos de tomates Sweet Grape, siendo mayor para solución de nutrientes convencional (SnC) comparación con lo efluente suplementado con sales comerciales (EcS) en sustrato 3 (S3).
Knowledge Governance: Building a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Pinho Isabel , Pinho Cláudia , Costa António Pedro
Published: February 2019

This exploratory systematic literature review is a starting point for a deep literature review on “Knowledge Governance” (KGOV) topic. The aim is to have a quick picture about KGOV; specifically trying to identify the seminal, core and relevant documents. We also seek to know the contexts of these studies, as well as on what ontological levels and activities they refer to. The principal results are: a) the identification of the structure of the topic, by retrieving the main seminal articles and the most cited (core documents) and b) the building of a structured analysis framework. This framework will be used to perform a deep literature review that aim to develop an integrated and holist conceptual model on Knowledge Governance. Major conclusions are related to clues for future research on this topic.
In silicoEvaluation of Substrate Binding Site and Rare Codons in the Structure of CYP152A1
Authors: Mortazavi Mojtaba , Nezafat Navid , Negahdaripour Manica , Raee Mohammad J. , Torkzadeh-Mahani Masoud , Riahi-Madvar Ali , Ghasemi Younes
Published: February 2019

Background:

The Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) have an essential role in the oxidation of endogenous and exogenous molecules. The CYPs are identified in all domains of life, but the CYP152A1 from Bacillus subtilis is specially considered for clinical and industrial applications. The molecular cloning of a new type of CYP from Bacillus subtilis was reported, previously. Here, we describe the hidden layer of biological information of the CYP152A1 enzyme, which can help researchers for better understanding of enzyme application. In this study, four rare codons of enzyme, including Arg63, Arg187, Arg276, and Arg338 were identified and evaluated using the bioinformatics web servers.

Methods:

Through in silico modeling of CYP152A1 via the I-TASSER server, the above-mentioned rare codons were studied in the structure of enzyme that may have an important role in the proper folding of CYP152A1. In the following, the substrate binding site of CYP152A1 was studied by AutoDock Vina, and the heme and palmitic acid were considered as the substrates.

Results:

The results of docking study elucidated the Arg242 in the active site is closely related to the substrate binding site of CYP152A1, which help us to further clarify the mechanism of the enzyme reaction.

Conclusion:

Studies of these hidden information’s can enhance our understanding of CYP152A1 folding and protein expression challenges. Moreover, identification of rare codons can help in the rational design of new and effective drugs.
(Thio)urea-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts Reaction: Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)- methanes
Authors: Rivas-Loaiza Juan A. , Reyes-Escobedo Carlos E. , Lopez Yliana , Rojas-Lima Susana , García-Merinos Juan Pablo , López-Ruiz Heraclio
Published: February 2019

:

Bis(indolyl)methane derivatives (BIMs) were synthesized in moderate to good yields by (thio)urea catalyzed electrophilic substitution of indole (2) with various aldehydes 1. Reactions were performed under conventional and microwave (MW) heating, either using 1,2-dichloroetane as solvent or without solvent. The procedure using microwave heating was also applied to the synthesis of the natural products vibrindole A (3n), arsindoline A (3i), arundine (3o) and tris(1H-indol-3-yl)methane (3j). Additionally, the synthesis of streptindole was carried out via intermediate 3g. This methodology is well suited for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes: it offers good yields of products, low sensitivity to moisture and oxygen, high tolerance to different functional groups on the aldehydes such as alkynes and trimethylsilane, and simplicity in operation
New 2-Oxopyridine/2-Thiopyridine Derivatives Tethered to a Benzotriazole with Cytotoxicity on MCF7 Cell Lines and with Antiviral Activities
Authors: Attia Adel Mahmoud , Khodair Ahmed Ibrahin , Gendy Eman Abdelnasser , El-Magd Mohammed Abu , Elshaier Yaseen Ali Mosa Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Background:

Perturbation of nucleic acids structures and confirmation by small molecules through intercalation binding is an intriguing application in anticancer therapy. The planar aromatic moiety of anticancer agents was inserted between DNA base pairs leading to change in the DNA structure and subsequent functional arrest.

Objective:

The final scaffold of the target compounds was annulated and linked to a benzotriazole ring. These new pharmacophoric features were examined as antiviral and anticancer agents against MCF7 and their effect on DNA damage was also assessed.

Methods:

A new series of fully substituted 2-oxopyridine/2-thioxopyridine derivatives tethered to a benzotriazole moiety (4a-h) was synthesized through Michael cyclization of synthesized α,β- unsaturated compounds (3a-e) with appropriate active methylene derivatives. The DNA damage study was assessed by comet assay. In silico DNA molecular docking was performed using Open Eye software to corroborate the experimental results and to understand molecule interaction at the atomic level.

Results:

The highest DNA damage was observed in Doxorubicin, followed by 4h, then, 4b, 4g, 4f, 4e, and 4d. The docking study showed that compound 4h formed Hydrogen Bonds (HBs) as a standard ligand with GSK-3. Compound 4h was the most active compound against rotavirus Wa, HAVHM175, and HSV strains with a reduction of 30%, 40%, and 70%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Compound 4h was the most active compound and could act as a prospective lead molecule for anticancer agent.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Camptothecin Conjugated with NSAIDs as Novel Dual-actin Antitumor Agents
Authors: Cai Xingchen , Huang Weiwei , Huang Yi , Xia Lihua , Liu Miao , Wang Mengke , Wang Wenchao , Li Qingyong
Published: February 2019

Objective:

The single-agent therapy was unable to provide an effective control of the
malignant process, a well-established strategy to improve the efficacy of antitumor therapy is the
rational design of drug combinations aimed at achieving synergistic effects.

Objective:

The objective of this study is generating the new potential anticancer agents with
synergistic activity. Owing to the unique mechanism of action of Camptothecin (CPT), it has shown
abroad spectrum of anti-cancer activity against human malignancies, and growing evidence revealed
that Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of different kinds of cancers.
So four CPT-NSAIDs conjugates were synthesized and evaluated.

Methods:

In this study, a series of novel CPT - NSAIDs derivatives were synthesized by
esterification. These new compounds were evaluated for in vitro antitumor activity against tumor
cell lines A549, Hela, HepG2, HCT116 by MTT assay. To probe the required stabilities as prodrugs,
stability tests were studied in human plasma. To further evaluate the stability of Ketoprofen-CPT
in vivo, the female SD rats were used to determine the pharmacokinetics following a single oral dose.

Results:

In vitro results showed that Ketoprofen-CPT and Naproxen-CPT conjugates possessed nice
efficacy. In a molecular docking model, the two conjugates interacted with Topo I-DNA through
hydrogen bonds, - stacking and so on.In human plasma results showed that the prodrug
was converted to ketoprofen and another compound. The female SD rats were used to determine the
pharmacokinetics following a single oral dose, the half-life (t1/2) of Ketoprofen-CPT was
approximately 12 h which was much longer than that of CPT.

Conclusion:

Good activity was noted for some compounds will be helpful for the design of dualaction
agents with most promising anti-cancer activity.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Ticagrelor and its Active Metabolite Determination in Human Plasma: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Marsousi Niloufar , Rudaz Serge , Desmeules Jules A. , Daali Youssef
Published: February 2019

Background:

Ticagrelor is a highly recommended new antiplatelet agent for the treatment
of patients with acute coronary syndrome at moderate or high ischemic risk. There is a real need for
rapid and accurate analytical methods for ticagrelor determination in biological fluids for pharmacokinetic
studies. In this study, a sensitive and specific LC-MS method was developed and validated
for quantification of ticagrelor and its Active Metabolite (AM) in human plasma over expected clinical
concentrations.

Methods:

Samples were handled by Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE). A linear gradient was applied
with a mobile phase composed of formic acid 0.1% and acetonitrile with 0.1% of formic acid using a
C18 reversed-phase column. MS spectra were obtained by electrospray ionization in negative mode
and optimized at 521.4→360.9 m/z, 477.2→361.2 m/z and 528.1→367.9 m/z transitions for ticagrelor,
AM and ticagrelor-d7, respectively.

Results:

This method allowed rapid elution, in less than 4 minutes, and quantification of concentrations
as low as 2 ng/mL for ticagrelor and 1 ng/mL for AM using only 100 μL of human plasma.
LLE using hexane/ethyl acetate (50/50) was an optimal compromise in terms of extraction recovery
and endogenous compounds interference. Trueness values of 87.8% and 89.5% and precisions of
84.1% and 93.8% were obtained for ticagrelor and AM, respectively. Finally, the usefulness of the
method was assessed in a clinical trial where a single 180 mg ticagrelor was orally administered to
healthy male volunteers. Pharmacokinetic parameters of ticagrelor and its active metabolite were
successfully determined.

Conclusion:

A sensitive and specific quantification LC-MS-MS method was developed and validated
for ticagrelor and its active metabolite determination in human plasma. The method was successfully
applied to a clinical trial where a single ticagrelor 180 mg dose was orally administered to
healthy male volunteers. The described method allows quantification of concentrations as low as 2
ng/mL of ticagrelor and 1 ng/mL of the metabolite using only 100 μL of plasma.
UPLC-MS/MS Method for Determination of Khasianine in Mouse Blood: Application for Its Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Chen Lianguo , Weng Qinghua , Lin Yijing , Lu Xiaojie , Zhong Zuoquan , Xiong Jianhua , Wang Xianqin
Published: February 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of khasianine in
mouse whole blood sample and its application for the pharmacokinetics by a rapid, selective and sensitive
ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method.

Methods:

The blood samples were preprocessed by one-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The
study was performed on an ACQUITY I-Class UPLC system with a UPLC BEH column. Lannaconitine
(internal standard, IS) and khasianine were gradient eluted by a mixture of acetonitrile and water with
0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The mass spectrometer was equipped with an Electrospray
Ionization (ESI) source in positive mode. The quantitative detection was performed in a multiple
reaction monitoring modes at transitions m/z 722.4→70.7 for khasianine and m/z 585.3→119.9 for
the corresponding IS.

Results:

The calibration curve was of good linearity ranging from 0.5 to 1000 ng/mL (r > 0.995). The
Lower Limit of Detection (LLOD) and Lower Limit of Quantitation (LLOQ) were 0.2 and 0.5 ng/mL,
respectively. The inter-day and intra-day precision (RSD%) were both less than 14%, and the accuracy
ranged from 86.6% to 108.3%. The matrix effects were between 98.0% and 103.7%, and the average
recovery was better than 67.4%.

Conclusion:

This assay established a sensitive, rapid, selective UPLC-MS/MS method which was successfully
used for the pharmacokinetic study of khasianine in mouse blood, and the absolute availability
of khasianine was 0.78% which exhibited a poor oral absorption.
Simultaneous Determination of Koumine and Gelsemine in Human Plasma Using HPLC-UV Assay and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Qiu Hongqiang , Yu Changxi , Cheng Yu , Que Wancai , Zeng Xiaofang , Wang Hui , Liu Maobai
Published: February 2019

Background:

Of two main alkaloids extracted from Gelsemium, koumine was shown to be a
promising analgesic, while gelsemine proved to be deleterious. Many patients suspected to be poisoned
by Gelsemium cannot be timely diagnosed due to the lack of UPLC-MS/MS. Additionally, the
concentration of alkaloids in humans has never been reported. The aim of this study was to establish a
more economical and accessible method using HPLC-UV for diagnosis and quantitative analysis of
Gelsemium poisoning.

Methods:

Plasma spiked with an internal standard, oxcarbazepine, was prepared with solid-phase extraction.
Koumine and gelsemine were separated on a C18 column using a mobile phase consisting of
methanol, water, and di-n-butylamine (58:42:0.01) pumped at a flow rate of 1.00 mL/min. The detection
wavelength was set at 263 nm. Plasma concentrations of two different times were determined for the
patients.

Results:

The calibration curves for both monomers possessed good linearity from 0.05-50 mg/L
(r=0.9997 and 0.9999, respectively). The extraction recoveries were greater than 88.5 %. Variation for
intraday and interday assays of koumine and gelsemine were less than 8.3% and 7.7%, respectively. The
concentrations of the two alkaloids were identified in 5 patients with Gelsemium poisoning by using the
established method.

Conclusion:

The established method by using HPLC-UV is applicable for diagnosis and quantitative
analysis of Gelsemium poisoning in such cases. TDM of koumine and gelsemine in patients with Gelsemium
poisoning may provide additional information for the clinic to improve rescue strategy.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Medvedev V. L.
Published: February 2019

This lecture describes the preoperative preparation, the course of the operation and the management of patients in the early postoperative period when performing a radical robot-assisted prostatectomy. The material was developed for the purpose of methodological assistance to surgeons in the development of this operational method.
From Information Seekers to Innovators: Qualitative Analysis Describing Experiences of the Second Generation of E-Patients (Preprint)
Authors: Scott Duncan Therese , Riggare Sara , Koch Sabine , Sharp Lena , Hägglund Maria
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Current health care systems are rarely designed to meet the needs of people living with chronic conditions. However, some patients and informal caregivers are not waiting for the health care system to redesign itself. These individuals are sometimes referred to as e-patients. The first generation of e-patients used the internet for finding information and for communicating with peers. Compared with the first generation, the second generation of e-patients collects their own health data and appears to be more innovative.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the second generation of e-patients through exploration of their active engagement in their self-care and health care.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 patients with chronic conditions and 5 informal caregivers. They were all recruited through a Web-based advertisement. Data were analyzed according to the framework analysis approach, using the 3 concepts of the self-determination theory—autonomy, relatedness, and competence—at the outset.

RESULTS

Study participants were actively engaged in influencing their self-care and the health care system to improve their own health, as well as the health of others. This occurred at different levels, such as using their own experience when giving presentations and lectures to health care professionals and medical students, working as professional peers in clinical settings, performing self-tracking, contributing with innovations, and being active on social media. When interaction with health care providers was perceived as being insufficient, the participants sought support through their peers, which showed strong relatedness. Competence increased through the use of technology and learning experiences with peers. Their autonomy was important but was sometimes described as involuntary and to give up was not an option for them.

CONCLUSIONS

Like the first generation of e-patients, the participants frequently searched for Web-based information. However, the second generation of e-patients also produce their own health data, which they learn from and share. They also engage in the innovation of digital tools to meet health-related needs. Utilizing technological developments comes naturally to the second generation of e-patients, even if the health care system is not prepared to support them under these new circumstances.