bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MARIA ZNAMIEROWSKA-PRÜFFER
– AN ETHNOLOGIST AND MUSEOLOGIST
Authors: Czachowski Hubert
Published: July 2019

Born in Kybartai, Lithuania, on 13 May 1898,
in the 1930s Maria Znamierowska studied ethnology at the
Stephen Batory University (USB) in Vilnius under Prof. Cezaria
Baudouin de Courtenay-Ehrenkreutz and Prof. Kazimierz
Moszyński. She began working at the University Ethnographic
Museum established by Prof. Ehrenkreutz; apart from the
collection of material culture, the Museum researched
into and collected records of oral and musical folklore.
M. Znamierowska organized exhibitions on folk construction,
and investigated folk fishery, the topic she dealt with in her
MA thesis and doctoral dissertation. In 1925, she married the
zoologist and entomologist Prof. Jan Prüffer.
Following WW II, Znamierowska-Prüffer and a group of
USB professors came to Toruń, where she was employed
as lecturer at the Chair of Ethnology and Ethnography
of the Nicolaus Copernicus University (UMK). She made
attempts to establish an ethnographic museum resembling
the Vilnius one at her Chair, however, she was only able to
set up an ethnographic section at the Toruń City Museum
(1946-1958). Having received Professor’s title in 1955, in
1959 she launched a separate Ethnographic Museum in
Toruń, additionally establishing an ethnographic park by
the museum. Her most important exhibition: ‘Traditional
Folk Fishery in Poland’, was mounted in 1963.
Committed to creating open-air museums in Poland,
M. Znamierowska-Prüffer also released publications
on ethnographic museology. Having headed the Toruń
institution for 13 years, she left the Museum boasting the
collection of 15,000 exhibits and an ample Folklore Archive.
In 1958-1963, she headed UMK’s Chair of Ethnography,
however giving museology lectures until 1988. She
participated in numerous ethnology and museology
conferences around Europe. An active member of the
Polish Folklore Association, she held various positions in
its structures until 1978, when she became its honorary
member. Retired, she continued her in-field research, and
worked on her last publication meant to recapitulate all her
research into fishery (1988). She died in Toruń in 1990, and
was buried there. The Toruń Ethnographic Museum has
been named after her since 1990.
Zur Größe von Landesparlamenten. Kriterien für eine sachliche Diskussion
Authors: Reutter Werner
Published: July 2019

Decisions on the size of a parliament are genuinely political . Insofar it seems only logical that the few studies dealing with this topic from a political science perspective fail to provide unequivocal criteria that would allow politicians to pick just the “optimal” size of a parliament . Nevertheless, political science can provide some yardsticks that should enable informed decisions . According to studies on the size of parliaments and some empirical findings, the number of seats of North Rhine-Westphalia’s parliament is not to be reduced as demanded by the right-wing populist AfD . To downsize this state parliament would result in further deficits of democratic representation . In this respect, the AfD’s demand to reduce the size of state parliaments is not just a “standard issue of symbolic politics” (Werner J. Patzelt) . Rather, this claim reflects the party’s skeptical, if not even outright negative stance towards basic principles of representative democracy .
The relationship satisfaction of parents to children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Riikonen Anni , Aho Anna Liisa , Rantanen Anja
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the research is to describe the marital satisfaction of parents with a child with congenital heart disease, and the factors associated with it. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire from applicable parents (n = 104) via the website of the Finnish Association for Heart Children and Adults and a closed Facebook forum where such parents are members. Marital satisfaction was measured using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction (EMS) scale. The data were analysed using statistical methods. The variables were described by frequencies, percentages, and dispersion measures (Md = median, Q1= lower quartile, Q3 = upper quartile). Associations between the background variables and relationship satisfaction were examined using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskall-Wallis test. Most of the surveyed parents were quite satisfied with their relationships. Parental factors associated with marital satisfaction were the gender of the parent, current health situation, support received from the spouse, problems with the spouse, and remarkable changes in economic situation during last year. The age of the child with a congenital heart disease was a factor associated with marital satisfaction. The interaction skills of the parents must continue to be supported and strengthened, because good interpersonal skills increase marital satisfaction and help resolve the conflicts that may arise in a relationship.
Effectiveness of mini-open carpal tunnel release: An outcome study
Authors: van den Broeke Lieselotte R. , Theuvenet Willem. J. , van Wingerden Jan. J.
Published: July 2019

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy with a high morbidity and healthcare-related costs. Currently there is no consensus about the best treatment option. The purpose of this prospective cohort study conducted at a single institution was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following a mini-open carpal tunnel release for idiopathic CTS.

Methods A total of 72 patients (53 female and 19 male patients; mean age, 57.8±15.3 years; range, 24–94 years) had a mini-open carpal tunnel release performed by a single senior surgeon between June 2015 and June 2016. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at 3 and 12 months post-intervention. At every follow-up, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTSQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain and satisfaction were completed. Digital sensibility (using Semmes- Weinstein monofilaments) was assessed and pinch and grip strengths were measured.

Results Statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement was found in terms of digital sensibility, grip and pinch strength (except for 2-point pinch), BCTSQ scores and pain scores. The complication rate was minimal, and no major complications occurred. Two patients experienced recurrence. The availability of follow-up records (including patient-reported outcomes, BCTSQ and VAS scores, and the complication rate) at 1-year post-intervention varied between 69% and 74% (50–53 patients) depending on which parameter was assessed. Patient satisfaction was high (mean, 80.9±26.0; range, 0–100).

Conclusions This study demonstrates that mini-incision carpal tunnel release is clinically effective in the short and long term.
A novel photonumeric hand grading scale for hand rejuvenation
Authors: Lee Jong Hun , Choi Yean Su , Park Eun Soo , Kim Jong Seo , Kang Moon Seok , Oh Hwa Young , Yang So Dam , Jeon Seon Hui
Published: July 2019

Background Few scales are currently available to evaluate changes in hand volume. We aimed to develop a hand grading scale for quantitative assessments of dorsal hand volume with additional consideration of changes in skin texture; to validate and prove the precision and reproducibility of the new scale; and to demonstrate the presence of clinically significant differences between grades on the scale.

Methods Five experienced plastic surgeons developed the Hand Volume Rating Scale (HVRS) and rated 91 images. Another five plastic surgeons validated the scale using 50 randomly selected images. Intra- and inter-rater agreement was calculated using the weighted kappa statistic and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Paired images were also evaluated to verify whether the scale reflected clinical differences.

Results The intra-rater agreement was 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.922–0.974). The interrater ICCs were excellent (first rating, 0.94; second rating, 0.94). Image pairs that differed by 1, 2, and 3 grades were considered to contain clinically relevant differences in 80%, 100%, and 100% of cases, respectively, while 84% of image pairs of the same grade were found not to show clinically relevant differences. This confirmed that the scale of the HVRS corresponded to clinically relevant distinctions.

Conclusions The scale was proven to be precise, reproducible, and reflective of clinical differences.
Formin-2 drives polymerisation of actin filaments enabling segregation of apicoplasts and cytokinesis in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Stortz Johannes Felix , Del Rosario Mario , Singer Mirko , Wilkes Jonathan M , Meissner Markus , Das Sujaan
Published: July 2019

In addition to its role in erythrocyte invasion, Plasmodium falciparum actin is implicated in endocytosis, cytokinesis and inheritance of the chloroplast-like organelle called the apicoplast. Previously, the inability to visualise filamentous actin (F-actin) dynamics had restricted the characterisation of both F-actin and actin regulatory proteins, a limitation we recently overcame for Toxoplasma (Periz et al, 2017). Here, we have expressed and validated actin-binding chromobodies as F-actin-sensors in Plasmodium falciparum and characterised in-vivo actin dynamics. F-actin could be chemically modulated, and genetically disrupted upon conditionally deleting actin-1. In a comparative approach, we demonstrate that Formin-2, a predicted nucleator of F-actin, is responsible for apicoplast inheritance in both Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, and additionally mediates efficient cytokinesis in Plasmodium. Finally, time-averaged local intensity measurements of F-actin in Toxoplasma conditional mutants revealed molecular determinants of spatiotemporally regulated F-actin flow. Together, our data indicate that Formin-2 is the primary F-actin nucleator during apicomplexan intracellular growth, mediating multiple essential functions.
RITAN: rapid integration of term annotation and network resources
Authors: Zimmermann Michael T. , Kabat Brian , Grill Diane E. , Kennedy Richard B. , Poland Gregory A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Identifying the biologic functions of groups of genes identified in high-throughput studies currently requires considerable time and/or bioinformatics experience. This is due in part to each resource housed within separate databases, requiring users to know about them, and integrate across them. Time consuming and often repeated for each study, integrating across resources and merging with data under study is an increasingly common bioinformatics task.

Methods

We developed an open-source R software package for assisting researchers in annotating their genesets with functions, pathways, and their interconnectivity across a diversity of network resources.

Results

We present rapid integration of term annotation and network resources (RITAN) for the rapid and comprehensive annotation of a list of genes using functional term and pathway resources and their relationships among each other using multiple network biology resources. Currently, and to comply with data redistribution policies, RITAN allows rapid access to 16 term annotations spanning gene ontology, biologic pathways, and immunologic modules, and nine network biology resources, with support for user-supplied resources; we provide recommendations for additional resources and scripts to facilitate their addition to RITAN. Having the resources together in the same system allows users to derive novel combinations. RITAN has a growing set of tools to explore the relationships within resources themselves. These tools allow users to merge resources together such that the merged annotations have a minimal overlap with one another. Because we index both function annotation and network interactions, the combination allows users to expand small groups of genes using links from biologic networks—either by adding all neighboring genes or by identifying genes that efficiently connect among input genes—followed by term enrichment to identify functions. That is, users can start from a core set of genes, identify interacting genes from biologic networks, and then identify the functions to which the expanded list of genes contribute.

Conclusion

We believe RITAN fills the important niche of bridging the results of high-throughput experiments with the ever-growing corpus of functional annotations and network biology resources.

Availability

Rapid integration of term annotation and network resources is available as an R package at github.com/MTZimmer/RITAN and BioConductor.org.
Evaluating the oestrogenic activities of aqueous root extract of Asparagus africanus Lam in female Sprague-Dawley rats and its phytochemical screening using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Authors: El-Ishaq Abubakar , Alshawsh Mohammed A. , Chik Zamri Bin
Published: July 2019

Asparagus africanus Lam. is a plant used traditionally for natal care. This study evaluates the oestrogenic activities of aqueous root extract and screens for possible bioactive phytochemicals. Oestrogenicity of A. africanus was evaluated in ovariectomised rats treated with 50, 200, and 800 mg/kgBW doses twice daily for three days. Ethinyl estradiol (EE)1 mg/kg was used as positive control, and hormonal analysis and gene expression were carried out. The findings demonstrated that the extract produced a dose-dependent increase in the oestrogen levels with a significant increase compared to untreated rats. Pre-treatment with oestrogen receptor antagonist (ORA) prior to A. africanus treatment reversed the trend. Gene expression analysis on rats treated with 200 mg/kgBW A. africanus showed significant (p < 0.005) upregulation of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα), while pre-treating animals with (ORA) significantly (p < 0.005) increased the expression of calbindin 3 (Calb3) in the EE group as compared to the untreated rats. The GC/MS results showed the presence of steroidal saponins such as stigmasterol and sarsasapogenin. These might be the bioactive constituents that exhibited these activities. The oestrogenic properties of A. africanus revealed in this study could contribute to the antifertility properties of the plant. However, further pharmacological studies are required to confirm the antifertility effect.
Proximate grassland and shrub-encroached sites show dramatic restructuring of soil bacterial communities
Authors: Xiang Xingjia , Gibbons Sean M. , Li He , Shen Haihua , Chu Haiyan
Published: July 2019

Background

Changes in aboveground community composition and diversity following shrub encroachment have been studied extensively. Recently, shrub encroachment was associated with differences in belowground bacterial communities relative to non-encroached grassland sites hundreds of meters away. This spatial distance between grassland and shrub sites left open the question of how soil bacterial communities associated with different vegetation types might differ within the same plot location.

Methods

We examined soil bacterial communities between shrub-encroached and adjacent (one m apart) grassland soils in Chinese Inner Mongolian, using high-throughput sequencing method (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA).

Results

Shrub-encroached sites were associated with dramatic restructuring of soil bacterial community composition and predicted metabolic function, with significant increase in bacterial alpha-diversity. Moreover, bacterial phylogenic structures showed clustering in both shrub-encroached and grassland soils, suggesting that each vegetation type was associated with a unique and defined bacterial community by niche filtering. Finally, soil organic carbon (SOC) was the primary driver varied with shifts in soil bacterial community composition. The encroachment was associated with elevated SOC, suggesting that shrub-mediated shifts in SOC might be responsible for changes in belowground bacterial community.

Discussion

This study demonstrated that shrub-encroached soils were associated with dramatic restructuring of bacterial communities, suggesting that belowground bacterial communities appear to be sensitive indicators of vegetation type. Our study indicates that the increased shrub-encroached intensity in Inner Mongolia will likely trigger large-scale disruptions in both aboveground plant and belowground bacterial communities across the region.
The Role of Hemic Hypoxia in the Development of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children Associated with Hepatitis B
Authors: Islomov D. Sh. , Khadjimetov A. A. , Amonov E. Sh.
Published: July 2019

Background: There are not enough studies and evidenced researches conducted related to this topic. Therefore, we studied fetal haemoglobin in various somatic diseases in children with sensorineural hearing loss associated with hepatitis B.

Materials and Methods: 26 children with sensorineural hearing loss associated with hepatitis B, aged from 5 to 18 years, were examined. The comparison group consisted of 8 children with sensorineural hearing loss without concomitant somatic pathology. The control group consisted of 12 healthy children. The compulsory examination plan for patients included generally accepted laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods: complete blood count, urine, feces, Wasserman reaction, ECG.

Results: Hb concentration in blood inpatient children with sensorineural hearing loss of the associated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was reduced significantly by 58% compared with the healthy children. In children with Sensorineural Hearing Loss (CHT) without CHB, the studied parameter decreased when compared with healthy children by 25%. Analysis of the results showed a significant increase in the level of fetal haemoglobin in the blood of children with CHT associated with hepatitis B on average by 1.5 times, indicating hypoxia.

Conclusion: Dependence of the indices of partial oxygen in the blood and, to a greater extent, HbF, on the blood content of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1, von Willebrand factor, indicates the pathogenetic significance of the leading markers of endothelial dysfunction in the development of tissue hypoxia in children with sensorineural hearing loss combined liver disease.
Antimicrobial Profile and Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Fosu Kwabena , Quansah Elvis , Dadzie Isaac
Published: July 2019

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy is associated with significant morbidity for both the mother and the baby. Proper investigation and prompt treatment are needed to prevent the serious life-threatening condition and morbidity associated with UTI in pregnant women.

Aim: This study was designed to detect common uropathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern among asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital.

Methodology: Mid-stream urine samples were collected from 200 individuals and inoculated onto cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar media.  Colony counts yielding bacterial growth of ≥ 105 CFU /ml was regarded as significant bacteriuria. Pure isolates of bacterial pathogens were characterized by colony morphology, Gram-stain and standard biochemical procedures. Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of all identified isolates.

Results: The overall prevalence of bacteria-associated asymptomatic UTI was 17.5%. Escherichia coli (42.9%) was the most isolated organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus (34.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.4%), Staphylococcus saprophyticoccus (5.7%) and Proteus mirabilis 2 (5.7%). Yeast cells and Schistosoma haematobium were also recorded in 2% of the women. Isolates showed significant sensitivity to commercially prepared antibiotic discs. However, higher level of resistance was recorded with tetracycline, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid.

Conclusion: Early screening for UTI should be done for all pregnant women and those found to be infected need to be treated with appropriate antimicrobial agents to avoid complications.
Quantification of the Contribution of Rural Women in Socioeconomic Development
Authors: Hossain Md. Ripon , Islam Md. Matiul , Billah Md. Maruf
Published: July 2019

In Bangladesh, rural women contribute in social development and they are good partners to economic development too. However, their contribution to the socioeconomic development by spending time in various ways has not been quantified yet. The study aimed to quantify the extent of contribution of rural women in socioeconomic development at two villages named Sachibunia and Islamnagar of Batiaghata upazila under Khulna District of Bangladesh. Data were collected from purposively selected 120 respondents using a structured interview schedule on 14 selected characteristics of the respondents which were treated as independent variables. The extent of contribution to socioeconomic development was the dependent variable. Spearman’s rank order correlation co-efficient (ρ) was computed to ascertain the relationships between the selected characteristics and dependent variable. Rural women’s performed different daily activities and spent time for those activities were converted into money. Through this way, the obtained quantified contribution to family income of the unemployed respondent was 26% and of employed respondent was 50%. Quantified contribution to family income by educated paid respondent was 48% and by highly educated paid respondent was 60%. Quantified contribution to family income by low educated unpaid respondent was 29% and by highly educated unpaid respondent was 23%. The average quantified contribution to family income made by rural women was 53.32% which had been ultimately used for better standards of living. Negative significant relationship was found between the faced problems and their contributions in socioeconomic development. Family is the smallest constituting unit of the society and the country as well. Thus, it could be concluded that the contribution made by women in socioeconomic development is more than its men counterpart at rural level. It might be recommended that, adequate support should be provided to rural women to nurture this contribution by ensuring due acknowledgement and honor for them.
Using cannabis to mitigate symptoms of opioid use disorder
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2019

This January, when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommended substituting cannabis for methadone and buprenorphine by saying opioid use disorder (OUD) would be a listed indication for its medical use in the state, he aroused the ire of treatment professionals across the state — and country (see “Marijuana as treatment for OUDs? Most medical experts say no,” ADAW, Feb. 11). There is absolutely no proof that cannabis alone is a substitute for buprenorphine or methadone. But these same treatment providers — including opioid treatment programs (methadone clinics) — acknowledge that it could be useful as an adjunct.
Ultrahigh Thermoelectric Performance Realized in Black Phosphorus System by Favorable Band Engineering through Group VA Doping
Authors: Duan Shuai , Cui Yangfan , Chen Xin , Yi Wencai , Liu Yunxian , Liu Xiaobing
Published: July 2019

Black phosphorus (BP) has emerged as a promising thermoelectric candidate because of its strong electronic and thermal anisotropy, suggesting a large σ/κ ratio can be realized by controlling carrier transport orientation for a potentially high ZT. Nevertheless, to date, low conversion efficiency (ZT ≈0.08, 300 K) and poor stability of BP remain the major issues that have hampered its practical applications. This work reports a material family in simple composition XP7, XP3, and XP (X = N, As, Sb, Bi) with high‐performance thermoelectric properties by first‐principles calculations. Strikingly, an ultrahigh ZT up to 1.21 at 300 K is achieved in p‐type BiP7 with an optimal carrier concentration of 5.48 × 1019 cm−3 and ZT in n‐type NP3 can reach up to ≈0.87 at the electron concentration of 3.67 × 1019 cm−3 along the zigzag direction, owing to their enhanced density of states and multivalley band structures around the Fermi level through the resonant effects of VA guest and host atoms. Additionally, the calculations demonstrate further improvement in thermoelectric performance of pristine BP by ≈4.8 and 4.5 times at 800 K in p‐type NP and n‐type NP3, respectively. Considering the high stability, current results indicate that N–P based systems are highly promising for novel metal‐free, nontoxic, and ultralight thermoelectrics.
Multiscale Experimental and Computational Modeling Approaches to Characterize Therapy Delivery to the Heart from an Implantable Epicardial Biomaterial Reservoir
Authors: Shirazi Reyhaneh Neghabat , Islam Shahrin , Weafer Fiona M. , Whyte William , Varela Claudia E. , Villanyi Agnes , Ronan William , McHugh Peter , Roche Ellen T.
Published: July 2019

Delivery of therapeutic‐laden biomaterials to the epicardial surface of the heart presents a promising method of treating a variety of diseased conditions by offering targeted, localized release with limited systemic recirculation and enhanced myocardial tissue uptake. A vast range of biomaterials and therapeutic agents using this approach been investigated. However, the fundamental factors that govern transport of the drug molecules from the biomaterials to the tissue are not well understood. Here, the transport of a drug analog from a biomaterial reservoir to the epicardial surface is characterized using experimental techniques and microscale modeling. Using the experimentally determined parameters, a multiscale model of transport is developed. The model is then used to study the effect of important design parameters such as loading conditions, biomaterial geometry, and orientation relative to the cardiac fibers on drug delivery to the myocardium. The simulations highlight the significance of the cardiac fiber anisotropy as a crucial factor in governing drug distribution on the epicardial surface and limiting factor for penetration into the myocardium. The multiscale model can be useful for rapid iteration of different device concepts and for determination of designs for epicardial drug delivery that may be optimal and most promising for the ultimate therapeutic goal.
Anti‐CD19 chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T‐cell therapy bridging to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An open‐label pragmatic clinical trial
Authors: Jiang Huiwen , Li Chenggong , Yin Ping , Guo Tao , Liu Lin , Xia Linghui , Wu Yaohui , Zhou Fen , Ai Lisha , Shi Wei , Lu Xuan , Wang Huafang , Tang Lu , Wei Qiuzhe , Deng Jun , Jin Runming , Xiong Wei , Dong Jian , Mei Heng , Hu Yu
Published: July 2019

Chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy is effective and safe for patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B‐ALL), but its value has been limited in terms of long‐term leukemia‐free survival. New strategies that can help CAR‐T therapy achieve lasting effect are urgently warranted. This non‐randomized interventional pragmatic clinical trial had a particular aim. It explored whether consolidative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) could improve the long‐term prognosis of the minimal residual disease‐negative complete remission (MRD− CR) patients after CAR‐T therapy. In the first stage, 58 r/r B‐ALL patients received split doses of CAR‐T cells after lymphodepleting chemotherapy, and 51 (87.9%) achieved CR. In the second stage, 21/47 MRD− CR patients without previous allo‐HSCT and contraindications or other restrictions, on their own accord, received consolidative allo‐HSCT within three months after CAR‐T therapy. There was no difference in overall survival (OS) between the MRD− CR patients who received allo‐HSCT and those who did not. However, event‐free survival (EFS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) were significantly prolonged by allo‐HSCT in the subgroups. This was with either high (≥5%) pre‐infusion bone marrow MRD assessed by flow cytometry (BM‐FCM‐MRD) or poor prognostic markers (P < .05). However, no difference was found in EFS and RFS for patients with pre‐infusion BM‐FCM‐MRD <5% and without poor prognostic markers (P > .05). To conclude, CAR‐T therapy bridging to allo‐HSCT is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for r/r B‐ALL patients, and may prolong their EFS and RFS, especially when they have high pre‐infusion BM‐FCM‐MRD or poor prognostic markers.
A bronchoalveolar lavage‐driven antimicrobial treatment improves survival in hematologic malignancy patients with detected lung infiltrates: A prospective multicenter study of the SEIFEM group
Authors: Marchesi Francesco , Cattaneo Chiara , Criscuolo Marianna , Delia Mario , Dargenio Michelina , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Spadea Antonio , Fracchiolla Nicola Stefano , Melillo Lorella , Perruccio Katia , Alati Caterina , Russo Domenico , Garzia Mariagrazia , Brociner Marco , Cefalo Mariagiovanna , Armiento Daniele , Cesaro Simone , Decembrino Nunzia , Mengarelli Andrea , Tumbarello Mario , Busca Alessandro , Pagano Livio ,   on behalf of the Sorveglianza Epidemiologica Infezioni nelle Emopatie (SEIFEM) Group
Published: July 2019

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is recommended for diagnosing lung infiltrates (LI) in patients with hematologic malignancy (HM). Prospective data on the impact of BAL on survival are still lacking. We conducted a prospective observational study on patients who performed BAL for LI among 3055 HM patients hospitalized from January to September 2018. The BAL was performed in 145 out of 434 patients who developed LI, at a median time of four days from LI detection. The median age was 60 (1‐83). Most patients had an acute myeloid leukemia/myelodisplastic syndrome (81), followed by lymphoma (41), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (27), and other types of HM (36). A putative causal agent was detected in 111 cases (76%), and in 89 cases (61%) the BAL results provided guidance to antimicrobial treatment. We observed a significantly improved outcome of LI at day +30 in patients who could receive a BAL‐driven antimicrobial treatment (improvement/resolution rate: 71% vs 55%; P = .04). Moreover, we observed a significantly improved outcome in 120‐day overall survival (120d‐OS) (78% vs 59%; P = .009) and 120‐day attributable mortality (120d‐AM) (11% vs 30%; P = 0.003) for patients who could receive a BAL‐driven treatment. The multivariate analysis showed that BAL‐driven antimicrobial treatment was significantly associated with better 120d‐OS and lower 120d‐AM. We did not observe any severe adverse events. In conclusion BAL allows detection of a putative agent of LI in about 75% of cases, it is feasible and well tolerated in most cases, demonstrating that a BAL‐driven antimicrobial treatment allows improvement of clinical outcome and survival.
QbD approached comparison of reaction mechanism in microwave synthesized gold nanoparticles and their superior catalytic role against hazardous nirto‐dye
Authors: Alam Md Sabir , Javed Md Noushad , Pottoo Faheem Hyder , Waziri Aafrin , Almalki Faisal A. , Hasnain Md Saquib , Garg Arun , Saifullah Md Khalid
Published: July 2019

Microwave irradiation (MI) process characteristically enables extremely rapid “in‐core” heating of dipoles and ions, in comparison to conventional thermal (conductance) process of heat transfer. During the process of nanoparticles synthesis, MI both modulates functionality behaviors as well as dynamic of reaction in favorable direction. So, MI providing a facile, favorable and alternative approach during nanoparticles synthesis nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic performances.

Although, conventionally used reducing and capping reagents of synthetic origin, are usually environmentally hazardous and toxic for living organism. But, in absence of suitable capping agent; stability, shelf life and catalytic activity of metallic nanoparticles adversely affected. However, polymeric templates which emerged as suitable choice of agent for both reducing and capping purposes; bearing additional advantages in terms of catalyst free one step green synthesis process with high degree of biosafety and efficiency.

Another aspect of current works was to understand role of process variables in growth mechanism and catalytic performances of microwave processed metallic nanoparticles, as well as comparison of these parameters with conventional heating method. However, due to poor prediction ability with previously published architect OFAT (One factor at a time) design with these nanoparticles as well as random selection of process variables with their different levels, such comparison couldn't be possible.

Hence, using gum Ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia) as a model bio‐template and under simulated reaction conditions; architect of QbD design systems were integrated in microwave processed nanoparticles to establish mechanistic role these variables. Furthermore, in comparison to conventional heating; we reported well validated mathematical modeling of process variables on characteristic of nanoparticles as well as synthesized gold nanoparticles of desired and identical dimensions, in both thermal and microwave‐based processes. Interestingly, despite of identical dimension, MI processed gold nanoparticles bearing higher efficiency (kinetic rate) against remediation of hazardous nitro dye (4‐nitrophenol), into safer amino (4‐aminophenol) analogues.
Epoxidation of cyclohexene with H2O2 over efficient water‐tolerant heterogeneous catalysts composed of mono‐substituted phosphotungstic acid on co‐functionalized SBA‐15
Authors: Jin Manman , Niu Qingtao , Guo Zhenmei , Lv Zhiguo
Published: July 2019

A series of Keggin‐type heteropolyacid‐based heterogeneous catalysts (Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15) were synthesized via immobilized transition metal mono‐ substituted phosphotungstic acids (Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM) on octyl‐amino‐co‐functionalized mesoporous silica SBA‐15 (octyl‐NH2‐SBA‐15). Characterization results indicated that Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM units were highly dispersed in mesochannels of SBA‐15, and both types of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites existed in Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15 catalysts. Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance in H2O2‐mediated cyclohexene epoxidation with 83.8% of cyclohexene conversion, 92.8% of cyclohexene oxide selectivity, and 98/2 of epoxidation/allylic oxidation selectivity. The order of catalytic activity was Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15 > Fe‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15 > Cu‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15. In order to obtain insights into the role of ‐octyl moieties during catalysis, an octyl‐free catalyst (Co‐POM‐NH3‐SBA‐15) was also synthesized. In comparison with Co‐POM‐NH3‐SBA‐15, Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15 showed enhanced catalytic properties (viz. activity and selectivity) in cyclohexene epoxidation. Strong chemical bonding between ‐NH3+ anchored on the surface of SBA‐15 and heteropolyanions resulted in excellent stability of Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH3‐SBA‐15 catalyst, and it could be reused six times without considerable loss of activity.
Significant enhancement of fracture toughness and mechanical properties of epoxy resin using CTBN‐grafted epoxidized linseed oil
Authors: Bach Quang‐Vu , Vu Cuong Manh , Vu Huong Thi , Vu Hoa Binh , Van Nguyen Tuyen , Chang Soon Wong , Nguyen Dinh Duc , Thi Tuyet Anh Dang , Doan Vu Ngoc
Published: July 2019

Carboxyl‐terminated poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene) (CTBN)‐grafted epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) (CTBN‐g‐ELO) was synthesized and used as an effective toughener to simultaneously enhance the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of epoxy resin (EP). The ELO was fabricated from linseed oil via epoxidation processing. The characteristics of the ELO and CTBN‐g‐ELO, such as the average molecular weight and chemical structure, were determined using gel permeation chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of the CTBN‐g‐ELO loading on the characteristics of the EP were investigated in detail. The test results indicated that by adding 15 phr CTBN‐g‐ELO, the tensile strength, impact strength, and critical stress intensity factor (KIC) were significantly increased, by approximately 23.62, 91.8, and 33.8%, respectively, compared with pristine EP. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus, which were examined via dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively, exhibited decreasing trends. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the CTBN‐g‐ELO existed as spherical particles in the EP, helping to stop the crack growth and change the crack growth directions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48276.
Simultaneous quantification of ondansetron and tariquidar in rat and human plasma using a high performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet method
Authors: Chong Yae Eun , Chiang Manting , Deshpande Kiran , Haroutounian Simon , Kagan Leonid , Lee Jong Bong
Published: July 2019

Ondansetron, a widely used antiemetic agent, is a P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrate and therefore expression of P‐gp at the blood–brain barrier limits its distribution to the central nervous system (CNS), which was observed to be reversed by coadministration with P‐gp inhibitors. Tariquidar is a potent and selective third‐generation P‐gp inhibitor, and coadministration with ondansetron has shown improved ondansetron distribution to the CNS. There is currently no reported bioanalytical method for simultaneously quantifying ondansetron with a third‐generation P‐gp inhibitor. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a method for ondansetron and tariquidar in rat and human plasma samples. A full validation was performed for both ondansetron and tariquidar, and sample stability was tested under various storage conditions. To demonstrate its utility, the method was applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study following coadministration of ondansetron and tariquidar in rats. The presented method will be valuable in pharmacokinetic studies of ondansetron and tariquidar in which simultaneous determination may be required. In addition, this is the first report of a bioanalytical method validated for quantification of tariquidar in plasma samples.
Highly Reversible Lithium Storage of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon@MnO Hierarchical Hollow Spheres as Advanced Anode Materials
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Fanchao , Guo Wenbin , Rao Shun , Mao Peiyuan , Xiao Pandeng
Published: July 2019

The practical implementation of MnO‐based anode materials is still obstructed because of their short cyclic life and unsatisfactory rate performance, attributable to low conductivity, large volume variation and self‐aggregation of MnO during intense cycles. To overcome these obstacles, we successfully fabricated nitrogen‐doped carbon@MnO hierarchical hollow spheres through a novel approach. As anode nanomaterials for Li‐ion batteries, the nanocomposite possesses a highly reversible capacity of 1302 mAh g−1 after the 200th cycle at 0.1 Ag−1 and 964 mAh g−1 after the 500th cycle at 0.5 Ag−1, respectively. The prominent electrochemical performances of the nanocomposite may result from synthetic effects of nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow structures, nanosized MnO and the gradual generation of high‐oxide‐state manganese oxide on nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow spheres during intensive cycles. The aforementioned results also demonstrate that MnO nanocrystals can be well utilized by attaching to nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow spheres, which is a valid way to achieve excellent lithium storage properties for transition metal oxides.
Sn‐Pb Binary Perovskite Films with High Crystalline Quality for High Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Xuankun , Chen Jiehuan , Lian Xiaomei , Wang Yaqin , Wu Gang , Chen Hongzheng
Published: July 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

As an environmentally friendly perovskite material with low bandgap, Tin (Sn)‐based perovskite has drawn much attention. A simple and effective method for fabricating high‐quality Sn‐Pb binary perovskite film is highly desired. Here, with methylammonium chloride (MACl) post‐treatment to assist vertical recrystallization, we fabricated high quality FA0.75Cs0.25Pb0.5Sn0.5I3 perovskite film via one‐step processing method. This recrystallization method was first used in Sn‐based perovskite. The obtained film consists of vertically aligned grains with high crystallinity, which contributes to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.03% in corresponding perovskite solar cell (PVSC). The cells maintained 80% of their initial PCEs after being stored for 30 d in glove‐box. This simple, effective method provides an easy way to fabricate high performance Sn‐Pb binary PVSC.
Late‐onset anorectal disease and psychosocial impact in survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Madenci Arin L. , Dieffenbach Bryan V. , Liu Qi , Yoneoka Daisuke , Knell Jamie , Gibson Todd M. , Yasui Yutaka , Leisenring Wendy M. , Howell Rebecca M. , Diller Lisa R. , Krull Kevin R. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Murphy Andrew J. , Weil Brent R. , Weldon Christopher B.
Published: July 2019

Background

The prevalence and associated psychosocial morbidity of late‐onset anorectal disease after surgery and radiotherapy for the treatment of childhood cancer are not known.

Methods

A total of 25,530 survivors diagnosed between 1970 and 1999 (median age at cancer diagnosis, 6.1 years; age at survey, 30.2 years) and 5036 siblings were evaluated for late‐onset anorectal disease, which was defined as a self‐reported fistula‐in‐ano, self‐reported anorectal stricture, or pathology‐ or medical record–confirmed anorectal subsequent malignant neoplasm (SMN) 5 or more years after the primary cancer diagnosis. Piecewise exponential models compared the survivors and siblings and examined associations between cancer treatments and late‐onset anorectal disease. Multiple logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to evaluate associations between late‐onset anorectal disease and emotional distress, as defined by the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI‐18), and health‐related quality of life, as defined by the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36).

Results

By 45 years after the diagnosis, 394 survivors (fistula, n = 291; stricture, n = 116; anorectal SMN, n = 26) and 84 siblings (fistula, n = 73; stricture, n = 23; anorectal neoplasm, n = 1) had developed late‐onset anorectal disease (adjusted rate ratio [RR] for survivors vs siblings, 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0‐1.5). Among survivors, pelvic radiotherapy with ≥30 Gy within 5 years of the cancer diagnosis was associated with late‐onset anorectal disease (adjusted RR for 30‐49.9 Gy vs none, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1‐2.3; adjusted RR for ≥50 Gy vs none, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.1‐9.2). Late‐onset anorectal disease was associated with psychosocial impairment in all BSI‐18 and SF‐36 domains.

Conclusions

Late‐onset anorectal disease was more common among childhood cancer survivors who received higher doses of pelvic radiotherapy and was associated with substantial psychosocial morbidity.
Facile Formation of Stable Water‐Dispersed Luminescent Silicon Nanocrystals by Laser Processing in Liquid: Toward Fluorescent Labeling for Bio‐Imaging
Authors: Yuan Ze , Nakamura Toshihiro , Chinnathambi Shanmugavel , Pu Yanbai , Shirahata Naoto , Matsuishi Kiyoto
Published: July 2019

We herein develop a facile formation process of a water‐dispersed red luminescent undecenoic acid‐functionalized silicon nanocrystal (UA‐F: Si‐nc) via pulsed laser irradiation of porous silicon (PSi) in an organic solvent. The formed UA‐F: Si‐nc has a high stability against pH changes in aqueous solution and photo‐irradiation in water without any multi‐step surface treatments. Such a robust aqueous surface protection of Si‐nc is caused by hydrophilic organic group terminations and subsequent surface protection of OH bonding. From the viability and in vitro bio‐imaging tests against Hela cells and A549 cells, we confirmed that UA‐F: Si‐nc has very low cytotoxicity due to the essential biocompatibility of silicon and remains exhibiting a bright red luminescence in the cells. Because of its high stability in water as well as biocompatibility, UA‐F: Si‐nc is expected to act as a fluorescent label of cellular imaging.
Ultrasmall Gold Nanocluster Based Antibacterial Nanoaggregates for Infectious Wound Healing
Authors: Ravindran Girija Aswathy , Balasubramanian Sivakumar , Bright Richard , Cowin Allison J. , Goswami Nirmal , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: July 2019

Wound infections are a growing challenge and significantly delay the healing process. To overcome this challenge, nanotechnology‐inspired treatments have recently emerged as promising alternatives to conventional drugs and antibiotics. Here, we introduce a new type of antimicrobial nanoaggregate that integrates the intrinsic properties of ultra‐small gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with a biocompatible antimicrobial polymer, namely, chitosan (CS). The synergetic combination created from the AuNCs and CS in the nanoaggregates resulted in superior antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains, when compared with their individual components. Furthermore, the nanoaggregates also facilitate rapid wound healing without exhibiting any cytotoxic effects in mammalian cells. These nanoaggregates may become a potent component of innovative wound healing therapies.
Associations of pathogen‐specific and host‐specific characteristics with disease outcome in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremic pneumonia
Authors: Sharma‐Kuinkel Batu K , Tkaczyk Christine , Bonnell Jessica , Yu Li , Tovchigrechko Andrey , Tabor David E , Park Lawrence P , Ruffin Felicia , Esser Mark T , Sellman Bret R , Fowler Vance G , Ruzin Alexey
Published: July 2019

Objective

To understand the relationships of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacteremic pneumonia (SABP) outcome with patient‐specific and SA‐specific variables.

Methods

We analysed SA bloodstream isolates and matching sera in SABP patients by sequencing SA isolates (n = 50) and measuring in vitro AT production, haemolytic activity and expression of ClfA and ClfB. Controls were sera from gram‐negative bacteremia patients with or without pneumonia and uninfected subjects. Levels of IgGs, IgMs and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SA antigens were quantified and analysed by one‐way ANOVA. Associations of patient outcomes with patient variables, antibody levels and isolate characteristics were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

SABP patients had higher levels of IgGs against eight virulence factors and anti‐alpha toxin (AT) NAbs than uninfected controls. Levels of IgG against AT and IgMs against ClfA, FnbpA and SdrC were higher in clinically cured SABP patients than in clinical failures. Anti‐LukAB NAb levels were elevated in all cohorts. Increased odds of cure correlated with higher haemolytic activity of SA strains, longer time between surgery and bacteremia (> 30 days), longer duration of antibiotic therapy, lower acute physiology and total APACHE II scores, lack of persistent fever for > 72 h and higher levels of antibodies against AT (IgG), ClfA (IgM), FnbpA (IgM) and SdrC (IgM).

Discussion

Limitations included the cross‐sectional observational nature of the study, small sample size and inability to measure antibody levels against all SA virulence factors.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that SABP patients may benefit from immunotherapy targeting multiple SA antigens.