bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study of clinical application on IMRT three‐dimensional dose verification‐based EPID system
Authors: Huang Miaoyun , Huang David , Zhang Jianping , Chen Yuangui , Xu Benhua , Chen Lixin
Published: June 2017

The three‐dimensional dose (3D) distribution of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was verified based on electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs), and the results were analyzed. Thirty IMRT plans of different lesions were selected for 3D EPID‐based dose verification. The gamma passing rates of the 3D dose verification‐based EPID system (Edose, Version 3.01, Raydose, Guangdong, China) and Delta4 measurements were then compared with treatment planning system (TPS) calculations using global gamma criteria of 5%/3 mm, 3%/3 mm, and 2%/2 mm. Furthermore, the dose–volume histograms (DVHs) for planning target volumes (PTVs) as well as organs at risk (OARs) were analyzed using Edose. For dose verification of the 30 treatment plans, the average gamma passing rates of Edose reconstructions under the gamma criteria of 5%/3 mm, 3%/3 mm, and 2%/2 mm were (98.58 ± 0.93)%, (95.67 ± 1.97)%, and (83.13 ± 4.53)%, respectively, whereas the Delta4 measurement results were (99.14% ± 1.16)%, (95.81% ± 2.88)%, and (84.74% ± 7.00)%, respectively. The dose differences between Edose reconstructions and TPS calculations were within 3% for D95%, D98%, and Dmean in each PTV, with the exception that the D98% of the PTV‐clinical target volume (CTV) in esophageal carcinoma cases was (3.21 ± 2.33)%. However, the larger dose deviations in OARs (such as lens, parotid gland, optic nerve, and spinal cord) can be determined based on DVHs. The difference was particularly obvious for OARs with small volumes; for example, the maximum dose deviation for the lens reached (−6.12 ± 5.28)%. A comparison of the results obtained with Edose and Delta4 indicated that the Edose system could be applied for 3D pretreatment dose verification of IMRT. This system could also be utilized to evaluate the gamma passing rate of each treatment plan. Furthermore, the detailed dose distributions of PTVs and OARs could be indicated based on DVHs, providing additional reliable data for quality assurance in a clinic setting.
Development of the breast immobilization system in prone setup: The effect of bra in prone position to improve the breast setup error
Authors: Kawamura Mariko , Maeda Yoshikazu , Yamamoto Kazutaka , Takamatsu Shigeyuki , Sato Yoshitaka , Minami Hiroki , Saga Yusuke , Kume Kyo , Tameshige Yuji , Sasaki Makoto , Tamamura Hiroyasu , Ohta Kouji , Itoh Yoshiyuki , Naganawa Shinji
Published: June 2017

Purpose/objective(s)

Accurate and reproducible positioning of the breast is difficult due to its deformability and softness; thus, targeting a breast tumor or tumor bed with fractionated radiotherapy using external beam radiation is difficult. The aim of this study was to develop a novel bra to aid in breast immobilization in the prone position.

Materials & methods

To assess the accuracy of prone position fixation of breast tumors, 33 breast cancer patients with 34 lesions were recruited. The bra used in this verification was customized from a commercially available bra. Duplicate MRI were acquired in the prone position, alternating with and without the bra, and for each series, patients were asked to step off the MRI table and re‐set up in the prone position. Patients were also asked to remove and re‐fit the bra for the second MRI. Each pair of images were superimposed to match the shape of the skin surface, and the maximum difference in tumor geometric center in three axes was measured. The required set up margin was calculated as: required margin = mean difference in geometric center + 2.5 standard deviation. The volumetric overlap of the tumor, as well as contouring uncertainties, was evaluated using contour analysis software.

Results

The median breast size was 498 cc. The required margins for the lateral, vertical, and longitudinal directions were estimated to be 4.1, 4.1, and 5.0 mm, respectively, with the bra, and 5.1, 6.9, and 6.7 mm, respectively, without the bra. These margins covered the dislocation of more than 33 lesions in total. With the bra, 33 lesions had achieved an objective overlap of 95% and 99% with 2 and 4 mm margins, respectively, whereas 4 and 8 mm, respectively, were needed without the bra.

Conclusion

The use of an immobilizing bra reduced the setup margin for prone position fixation of breast tumors.
Delocalized Spin States in 2D Atomic Layers Realizing Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Chen Shichuan , Kang Zhixiong , Hu Xin , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Hui , Xie Junfeng , Zheng XuSheng , Yan Wensheng , Pan Bicai , Xie Yi
Published: June 2017

The electrocatalytic activity of transition‐metal‐based compounds is strongly related to the spin states of metal atoms. However, the ways for regulation of spin states of catalysts are still limited, and the underlying relationship between the spin states and catalytic activities remains unclear. Herein, for the first time, by taking NiII‐based compounds without high or low spin states for example, it is shown that their spin states can be delocalized after introducing structural distortion to the atomic layers. The delocalized spin states for Ni atoms can provide not only high electrical conductivity but also low adsorption energy between the active sites and reaction intermediates for the system. As expected, the ultrathin nanosheets of nickel‐chalcogenides with structural distortions show dramatically enhanced activity in electrocatalytic oxygen evolution compared to their corresponding bulk samples. This work establishes new way for the design of advanced electrocatalysts in transition‐metal‐based compounds via regulation of spin states.
Single‐Source Precursor Route for Synthesis of High‐Quality Green‐emitting Quantum Dots and Their Hydrophilic Surface Modification
Authors: Wang Sheng , Lv Yanbing , Wu Ruili , Li Lin Song , Shen Huaibin , Xing Ming , Chen Xia
Published: June 2017

The high‐quality green‐emitting CdS0

.

5Se0

.5/8Zn1

−

x
Cd
x
S/2ZnS QDs with “8” and “2” monolayers (ML) of corresponding shell were first synthesized by “thermal‐cycling coupled single precursor” (TC‐SP) approach. The component‐gradient Zn1−

x
Cd
x
S interlayer played a key role in the growth of thick shell by gradually buffering the large lattice mismatch (~9%) between the CdS0

.

5Se0

.5 core and ZnS shell. Moreover, the Zn1−

x
Cd
x
S gradient interlayer as well as ZnS outshell increased the potential barrier to prevent excitons from being trapped by surface defects. The photoluminescence quantum yields of the as‐synthesized CdS0

.

5Se0

.5/8Zn1

−

x
Cd
x
S/2ZnS core/shell QDs can reach to 70% in organic media and still maintain 60% after aqueous phase transfer. The green‐emitting CdS0

.

5Se0

.5/8Zn1

−

x
Cd
x
S/2ZnS core/shell QDs may be good candidates for applications of biomedical and photoelectric field.
Synthesis of Tailed Metalloporphyrins Modified with 2‐Chloronicotinic Acid and Interactions with Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Wang Shu Jun , Peng Yu Ling , Zhang Cheng Gen , Ma Qi Peng , Peng Xiao Xia , Ren Li Lei
Published: June 2017

Two kinds of free‐base tailed porphyrins modified with 2‐chloronicotinic acid and the corresponding Zn porphyrins have been synthesized. They have been characterized by elemental analysis and NMR, UV/Vis, fluorescence spectra, and infrared spectroscopies. Their configurations have been optimized through theoretical calculations. The fluorescence quantum yields were determined by a comparative method. The interactions between the Zn porphyrins and human serum albumin have been studied by means of fluorescence spectra. The experimental results showed that the interaction mechanism involved a combined fluorescence quenching process (static and dynamic quenching) and that the main driving force was hydrophobic in nature. Quenching constants, binding constants, thermodynamic parameters, and binding distances have been determined.
A Theoretical Study of Benzene Dimers in the Excited States: Wavefunction Delocalization, Charge‐Transfer Admixture, and Electronic Coupling
Authors: Kim Dongwook
Published: June 2017

Ab initio calculations were carried out to investigate various benzene dimers, including T‐shaped (T), parallel‐displaced (PD), herringbone‐type (Hb), face‐to‐face eclipsed (F2F‐E), and face‐to‐face staggered (F2F‐S) configurations in the lowest singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) excited states. Monomer and dimer geometries in the excited states were optimized at the scaled opposite‐spin (SOS) CIS(D0) level of theory, and their energetics were compared. In PD and edge‐on type dimer configurations (T and Hb), the exciton wavefunctions are localized mainly within single benzene molecules, making intermolecular interactions in the excited states nearly the same as those in the ground state. On the other hand, both the cofacial dimers (F2F‐E and F2F‐S) in the excited states present substantial enhancements in the binding energies, approximately ranging from 0.12 to 0.55 eV, compared to the ground state. However, further analyses of electronic couplings between the frontier molecular orbitals of each molecule demonstrate the significant difference between such dimers; unlike in the F2F‐E dimer, in the F2F‐S configuration, the excimer formation arises from coupling between different states of each monomer, e.g., the S1 state of one molecule and the S2 state of the other. In addition, for these cofacial dimers, the electronic coupling for triplet exciton is much weaker than that for its singlet counterpart, which can be rationalized by the different role of exchange energy in stabilizing respective states.
Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor Based on Functionalized Graphene/Fe3O4‐Au Magnetic Capture Probes for Ultrasensitive Detection of Tetrodotoxin
Authors: Shang Fang , Liu Yuan , Wang Sui , Hu Yufang , Guo Zhiyong
Published: June 2017

An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for the detection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) is proposed, which are composed of the branched poly‐(ethylenimine) (BPEI) functionalized graphene (BGNs)/Fe3O4‐Au magnetic capture probes and luminol‐capped gold nanocomposites (luminol‐AuNPs) as the signal tag. Herein, a typical sandwich immunecomplex was constructed on the glassy carbon electrode. The BGNs/Fe3O4‐Au hybrids could efficiently conjugate primary antibody via the Au−S chemical bonds or Au−N chemical bonds and rapidly separate under external magnetic field. The introduction of BPEI to GO could enhance the luminol‐ECL intensity. Meanwhile, the multifunctional nanocomposites have been proved with good water‐solubility, excellent electron transfer, outstanding stability, etc. The luminescent luminol‐AuNPs, a high efficient electrochemiluminescence marker, can be assembled on the second antibody, which can produce the ECL signal to achieve the determination of TTX. This proposed ECL immunosensor with a linear range from 0.01–100 ng/mL can be applied in the detection of TTX in real samples with satisfactory results.
Size- and shape-dependent effects of microplastic particles on adult daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio)
Authors: Gray Austin D. , Weinstein John E.
Published: June 2017

The incidence of microplastics in marine environments has been increasing over the past several decades. The objective of the present study was to characterize the size- and shape-dependent effects of microplastic particles (spheres, fibers, and fragments) on the adult daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio). Grass shrimp were exposed to 11 sizes of plastic: spheres (30, 35, 59, 75, 83, 116, and 165 μm), fragments (34 and 93 μm), and fibers (34 and 93 μm) at a concentration of 2000 particles/400 mL (= 50 000 particles/L) for 3 h. Following exposure, grass shrimp were monitored for survival, ingested and ventilated microplastics, and residence time. Mortality ranged from 0% to 55%. Spheres and fragments <50 μm were not acutely toxic. Mortality rates in experiments with spheres and fragments >50 μm ranged from 5% to 40%. Mortality was significantly higher in the exposure to 93-μm fibers than other sizes tested (p < 0.001). The shape of the particle had a significant influence on the number of particles ingested by the shrimp (p < 0.001). The residence time of particles in the gut ranged from 27 to 75 h, with an average of 43.0 ± 13.8 h. Within the gills, the residence time ranged from 27 to 45 h, with an average of 36.9 ± 5.4 h. The results suggest that microplastic particles of various sizes and shapes can be ingested and ventilated by adult daggerblade grass shrimp, resulting in acute toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3074–3080. © 2017 SETAC
Outcomes for patients with synchronous and metachronous primary lung cancer after diagnosis of head and neck cancer
Authors: Tamjid Babak , Phan Phuong , John Thomas , Mitchell Paul , Gan Hui
Published: June 2017

Background

Not‐infrequently patients with head and neck cancer are also diagnosed with synchronous lung cancer or metachronous primary lung cancer, which complicates the treatment decisions and prognosis.

Methods

Patients were identified from a database of patients with head and neck cancer with second primary non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results

Thirty‐four eligible patients (15 with synchronous lung cancer and 19 with metachronous lung cancer) were identified. Thirteen of 15 patients with synchronous lung cancer received curative intent treatment for head and neck cancer first. Six of 15 patients were in complete remission, 5 of 15 patients had died, and 4 were alive with progressive disease. Median time between 2 diagnoses was 47 months in the metachronous lung cancer group. Twelve patients had died, 3 were alive with disease, and 4 were lost to follow‐up. Median survival from the time of lung cancer diagnosis was 13 months with a trend to better survival with synchronous lung cancer (15 vs 11 months; p = .11).

Conclusion

Aggressive multidisciplinary management of second primary lung malignancies in patients with head and neck cancer can result in respectable long‐term disease control particularly in patients with synchronous lung cancer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1544–1549, 2017
Efficient Polymer‐Polymer Conjugation via Thiol‐ene Click Reaction
Authors: Fairbanks Benjamin D. , Love Dillon M. , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: June 2017

Despite the rapid reaction rates and high efficiency of the radical‐mediated thiol‐ene reactions in high concentrations, complications arise when implementing this reaction under dilute conditions, such as those often requisite for polymer‐polymer conjugation. Here, we briefly review some of the challenges inherent in polymer modification via thiol‐ene reactions and demonstrate several successful polymer couplings (including star polymer assembly) under a variety of conditions with coupling efficiencies exceeding 91% achieved with appropriate initiator and terminal functional group selection. Generally, the results indicate thermal initiation with an “azobis” initiator was unsuccessful in polymer‐polymer conjugation of a thiol‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to an alkene terminated PEG. Reduction‐oxidation initiators, both ammonium persulfate and Fe(II) and Fenton's reagent were effective in conjugating thiol terminated PEG to norbornene terminated PEG, but not to an allyl ether terminated PEG. Type I photoinitiators, in particular a water soluble acyl phosphinate, were more effective than either the examined thermal or redox initiators for thiol‐ene polymer‐polymer conjugations generally.

image
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Two Morphine Protocols to Treat Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in a Level II Nursery in a Community Hospital
Authors: DeAtley Heather N. , Burton Amanda , Fraley Michelle DeLuca , Haltom Joan
Published: June 2017

The authors sought to evaluate the impact on length of hospital stay and treatment duration of morphine after implementation of a change in the institutional protocol for managing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in an effort to improve patient outcomes. A single‐center, retrospective chart review was conducted at a Level II nursery in a community hospital in Kentucky. Fifty‐nine neonates born between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015, who were diagnosed with NAS and received morphine for treatment were included. The protocol 1 group consisted of 33 neonates who received an initial dose of morphine 0.04 mg/kg/dose administered orally every 4 hours (January 1–December 31, 2014), and the protocol 2 group consisted of 26 neonates who received an initial dose of morphine 0.06 mg/kg/dose administered orally every 3 hours (January 1–November 30, 2015), after a change in the protocol for managing NAS was implemented on January 1, 2015. Data were reviewed and compared between the two protocol groups to determine the impact that the dosage change had on length of hospital stay and morphine treatment duration. The average length of stay decreased by 7 days in the protocol 2 group compared with the protocol 1 group (21 vs 28.65 days). The average duration of treatment decreased by 7 days in the protocol 2 group compared with the protocol 1 group (18.3 vs 25.4 days). These differences between groups were not statistically significant, however, because the population size was not large enough to achieve adequate power. These results indicate that protocol 2 displayed the potential to decrease length of stay and duration of treatment compared with protocol 1 at this facility; however, balancing higher starting doses with the risk of oversedation will continue to challenge the health care team. Concern for oversedation when using the higher starting dose in protocol 2 has prompted further research (e.g., protocol 3, initial morphine 0.05 mg/kg/dose every 3 hrs). Continued research is also necessary with larger patient populations to enable generalizability to other institutions.
Characterization of Gun Propellants by Long‐Term Mass Loss Measurements
Authors: Heil Moritz , Wimmer Kerstin , Bohn Manfred A.
Published: June 2017

Three different gun propellants (A5020, JA‐2 or L5460, NK1074) have been investigated up to 35 years by mass loss at isothermal temperatures between 30 °C and 90 °C. From these data, activation energies for the different reactions of zero order (mass loss increase up to stabilizer consumption) and first order (solvent evaporation at begin) are derived. The mass loss data are described very well by a combination of these two reactions. Stabilizer consumption has been determined by HPLC. In case of diphenylamine (DPA), several consecutive products (mononitro‐DPA up to tetranitro‐DPA) have been regarded also. Activation energies are in the range of energies obtained by other methods: 84 kJ/mol [A5020], 150 kJ/mol [JA‐2], 100 kJ/mol [NK 1074]). Long term measurements show seasonal influence in the mass loss data. Respective graphs are shown in this work. At least four years of measurement are recommended to compensate for the signal drift caused by seasonal changes.
A Bayesian mixture model for clustering and selection of feature occurrence rates under mean constraints
Authors: Li Qiwei , Guindani Michele , Reich Brian J. , Bondell Howard D. , Vannucci Marina
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we consider the problem of modeling a matrix of count data, where multiple features are observed as counts over a number of samples. Due to the nature of the data generating mechanism, such data are often characterized by a high number of zeros and overdispersion. In order to take into account the skewness and heterogeneity of the data, some type of normalization and regularization is necessary for conducting inference on the occurrences of features across samples. We propose a zero‐inflated Poisson mixture modeling framework that incorporates a model‐based normalization through prior distributions with mean constraints, as well as a feature selection mechanism, which allows us to identify a parsimonious set of discriminatory features, and simultaneously cluster the samples into homogenous groups. We show how our approach improves on the accuracy of the clustering with respect to more standard approaches for the analysis of count data, by means of a simulation study and an application to a bag‐of‐words benchmark data set, where the features are represented by the frequencies of occurrence of each word.
Progress on Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices of 2D Layered Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Zhenxing , Jiang Chao , Yin Lei , Cheng Ruiqing , Zhan Xueying , Xu Kai , Wang Fengmei , Zhang Yu , He Jun
Published: June 2017

2D layered semiconducting materials (2DLSMs) represent the thinnest semiconductors, holding many novel properties, such as the absence of surface dangling bonds, sizable band gaps, high flexibility, and ability of artificial assembly. With the prospect of bringing revolutionary opportunities for electronic and optoelectronic applications, 2DLSMs have prospered over the past twelve years. From materials preparation and property exploration to device applications, 2DLSMs have been extensively investigated and have achieved great progress. However, there are still great challenges for high‐performance devices. In this review, we provide a brief overview on the recent breakthroughs in device optimization based on 2DLSMs, particularly focussing on three aspects: device configurations, basic properties of channel materials, and heterostructures. The effects from device configurations, i.e., electrical contacts, dielectric layers, channel length, and substrates, are discussed. After that, the affect of the basic properties of 2DLSMs on device performance is summarized, including crystal defects, crystal symmetry, doping, and thickness. Finally, we focus on heterostructures based on 2DLSMs. Through this review, we try to provide a guide to improve electronic and optoelectronic devices of 2DLSMs for achieving practical device applications in the future.
Cerebroplacental ratio thresholds measured within 2 weeks before birth and risk of Cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise and adverse neonatal outcome
Authors: Bligh L. N. , Alsolai A. A. , Greer R. M. , Kumar S.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Prediction of intrapartum fetal compromise in uncomplicated, term pregnancies is a global obstetric challenge. Currently, no widely accepted screening test for this condition exists, although the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) shows promise. We aimed to evaluate prospectively the screening performance of the CPR 10th centile threshold for prediction of Cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC) and composite adverse neonatal outcome (ANO) after 36 weeks' gestation in low‐risk women, and to compare this with CPR ≤ 1 and < 5th centile thresholds described previously in the literature.

Methods

This was a blinded, prospective, observational, cohort study of 483 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy who underwent fortnightly CPR measurements from 36 weeks to delivery, and their intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were recorded. The CPR 10th centile threshold screening performance was calculated for emergency Cesarean section for IFC and composite ANO (defined as acidosis at birth, 5‐min Apgar score < 7 and/or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit). Comparison of screening performance of CPR ≤ 1 and < 5th and < 10th centile thresholds was also undertaken for these specified outcomes.

Results

In total, 437 women were included in the analysis, of whom 4.1% had an emergency Cesarean section for IFC and 17.8% had a composite ANO. Sensitivity and specificity for CPR < 10th centile were, respectively, 55.6% and 87.9% for prediction of Cesarean section for IFC, and 28.2% and 88.0% for composite ANO. Compared with CPR ≤ 1 and < 5th centile, CPR < 10th centile yielded the best overall test performance for detection of Cesarean section for IFC and composite ANO, although its predictive value was only fair for Cesarean section for IFC (area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) = 0.72) and poor for composite ANO (AUC = 0.58).

Conclusion

The CPR 10th centile threshold may be useful as a component of a risk assessment tool for Cesarean section for IFC in low‐risk pregnancies at term. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Two threefold Interpenetrating 3D Supramolecular Networks Based on 1D Chains and Hydrogen‐bond Interactions
Authors: Zhu Ai‐Xin , Yang Li‐Bo , Fang Xiao‐Dan , Zhang Ce , Dou Ai‐Na , Yin Qi
Published: June 2017

The coordination compounds, [Cu2(Htba)(tba)Cl] (1) and [Ag2(Htba)(tba)(NO3)] (2), were synthesized under solvothermal conditions by using a triazolate‐carboxylate bifunctional organic ligand 4‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)benzoic acid (Htba). X‐ray single crystal diffraction analyses for the two complexes revealed that compounds 1 and 2 exhibit one‐dimensional (1D) chain structures with uncoordinated carboxylic groups, which are further connected by O–H···O hydrogen bonds into 3D, threefold interpenetrating supramolecular frameworks with different topologies belonging to 4‐connected and (2,4)‐connected nets with the (42·82·102)(43·62·8)2(44·62) and (125·16)(12)2 Schläfli symbols, respectively. The photoluminescent measurements reveal that both 1 and 2 exhibit bluish‐purple emissions in the solid state at room temperature. In addition, the compound 2 can serve as an antenna for sensitizing the visible‐emitting of the lanthanide cations to display their characteristic emissions.
Integrated Process for Ethanol, Biogas, and Edible Filamentous Fungi-Based Animal Feed Production from Dilute Phosphoric Acid-Pretreated Wheat Straw
Authors: Nair Ramkumar B. , Kabir Maryam M. , Lennartsson Patrik R. , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. , Horváth Ilona Sárvári
Published: June 2017

Integration of wheat straw for a biorefinery-based energy generation process by producing ethanol and biogas together with the production of high-protein fungal biomass (suitable for feed application) was the main focus of the present study. An edible ascomycete fungal strain Neurospora intermedia was used for the ethanol fermentation and subsequent biomass production from dilute phosphoric acid (0.7 to 1.2% w/v) pretreated wheat straw. At optimum pretreatment conditions, an ethanol yield of 84 to 90% of the theoretical maximum, based on glucan content of substrate straw, was observed from fungal fermentation post the enzymatic hydrolysis process. The biogas production from the pretreated straw slurry showed an improved methane yield potential up to 162% increase, as compared to that of the untreated straw. Additional biogas production, using the syrup, a waste stream obtained post the ethanol fermentation, resulted in a combined total energy output of 15.8 MJ/kg wheat straw. Moreover, using thin stillage (a waste stream from the first-generation wheat-based ethanol process) as a co-substrate to the biogas process resulted in an additional increase by about 14 to 27% in the total energy output as compared to using only wheat straw-based substrates.
Identification of siderophore producing and cynogenic fluorescent Pseudomonas and a simple confrontation assay to identify potential bio-control agent for collar rot of chickpea
Authors: Kotasthane Anil S. , Agrawal Toshy , Zaidi Najam Waris , Singh U. S.
Published: June 2017

In soil, plant roots coexist with bacteria and fungi that produce siderophores capable of sequestering the available iron. Microbial cyanogenesis has been demonstrated in many species of fungi and in a few species of bacteria (e.g., Chromobacterium and Pseudomonas). Fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates P29, P59, P144, P166, P174, P187, P191 and P192 were cyanogenic and produced siderophores in the presence of a strong chelater 8-Hydroxyquinoline (50 mg/l). A simple confrontation assay for identifying potential antagonists was developed. Fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates P66, P141, P144, P166 and P174 were antagonistic against both Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. Vigorous plant growth was observed following seed bacterization with P141, P200 and P240. In field experiments, seed bacterization with selected bacterial isolates resulted in reduced collar rot (S. rolfsii) incidence.
Purification and characterization of a newly serine protease inhibitor from Rhamnus frangula with potential for use as therapeutic drug
Authors: Bacha Abir Ben , Jemel Ikram , Moubayed Nadine M. S. , Abdelmalek Imen Ben
Published: June 2017

Protease inhibitors from plants are well known to be potent inhibitors of the growth of bacteria, fungi, and even certain viruses which make them excellent candidates for use as the lead compounds for the development of novel antimicrobial agents for applications in medicine. In this study, Rhamnus frangula was selected as a protease inhibitor source. The maximum recovery of the protease inhibitor against trypsin was recorded in the crude extract made in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and isolated from the mature leaves. Then, the protease inhibitor designated as RfIP1 was purified to homogeneity by Sephadex G50 with an apparent molecular mass of 22.5 kDa and its N-terminal sequence exhibited a high degree of homology with known serine protease inhibitor sequences. The RfIP1 displayed maximal activity at pH 7 and 37 °C. It maintained almost 80% of its maximal activity through a large pH range. The thermo-stability of RfIP1 was markedly enhanced by BSA, CaCl2, and sorbitol, whereas the addition of Mg2+, Zn2+, NaTDC, SDS, DTT, and β-ME significantly promoted inhibitory activity. The protease inhibitor displayed high inhibitory activity toward some known proteases (cathepsin B, chymotrypsin, collagenase, thrombin, and trypsin) that have more importance in pharmaceutical industry and it acted as potent inhibitor of some commercially proteases from Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus sp, and Bacillus licheniformis. The protease inhibitor also possessed an appreciable antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Antioxidant properties and polyphenolic content in terrestrial cyanobacteria
Authors: Singh Dhananjaya P. , Prabha Ratna , Verma Shaloo , Meena Kamlesh K. , Yandigeri Mahesh
Published: June 2017

Cell-free extracts of twenty terrestrial cyanobacteria were evaluated for their antioxidant properties in terms of free-radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) and metal chelating activity and deoxyribose protection. Extract ofAnabaena constrictawas the most prominent antioxidant agent (IC50for DPPH activity 0.91 mg ml−1, ABTS 0.23 mg ml−1, deoxyribose protection 0.63 mg ml−1and Fe+2-ion chelating 0.9 mg ml−1). The extracts of cyanobacterial species contained high quantity of total phenol and total flavonoid that were supposed to impart prominent antioxidant properties. Cyanobacterial species also showed fairly high PAL activity. We reported varied quantities of polyphenolics gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, vanillic and ferulic acids and flavonoids rutin, quercetin and kaempferol in cyanobacterial extracts. The presence of these polyphenolics was linked with the free radical scavenging, metal chelating and antioxidative damage protecting properties of the organisms. Cyanobacteria are the most feasible, promising and alternative candidates for searching out new chemical leads for industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals and biomolecules of importance. Presence of biomolecules such as polyphenolics and their connection with the prominent biological functions (e.g., antioxidant properties) make these organisms a potential source of secondary metabolites with predominant biological activities. Additionally, dominant presence of polyphenols as antioxidant agents in cyanobacterial species may reflect their adaptation strategies against abiotic stresses for their ecological success in different habitats.
An umbrella review of meta‐analyses of interventions to improve maternal outcomes for teen mothers
Authors: SmithBattle Lee , Loman Deborah G. , Chantamit‐o‐pas Chutima , Schneider Joanne Kraenzle
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to perform an umbrella review of meta‐analyses of intervention studies designed to improve outcomes of pregnant or parenting teenagers. An extensive search retrieved nine reports which provided 21 meta‐analyses analyses. Data were extracted by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR Instrument.

Most effect sizes were small but high quality studies showed significant outcomes for reduced low birth weight (RR = 0.60), repeat pregnancies/births (OR = 0.47–0.62), maternal education (OR = 1.21–1.83), and maternal employment (OR = 1.26). Several parenting outcomes (parent‐child teaching interaction post‐intervention [SMD = −0.91] and at follow‐up [SMD = −1.07], and parent‐child relationship post‐intervention [SMD = −0.71] and at follow‐up [SMD = −0.90]) were significant, but sample sizes were very small. Many reports did not include moderator analyses.

Behavioral interventions offer limited resources and occur too late to mitigate the educational and social disparities that precede teen pregnancy. Future intervention research and policies that redress the social determinants of early childbearing are recommended.
Effects of Sex Education and Kegel Exercises on the Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nazarpour Soheila , Simbar Masoumeh , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Alavi Majd Hamid
Published: June 2017

Background

The sex lives of women are strongly affected by menopause. Non-pharmacologic approaches to improving the sexual function of postmenopausal women might prove effective.

Aim

To compare two methods of intervention (formal sex education and Kegel exercises) with routine postmenopausal care services in a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted of 145 postmenopausal women residing in Chalus and Noshahr, Iran. Their sexual function statuses were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. After obtaining written informed consents, they were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (i) formal sex education, (ii) Kegel exercises, or (iii) routine postmenopausal care. After 12 weeks, all participants completed the FSFI again. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the participants' sexual function before and after the interventions, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors for variation in FSFI scores in the postintervention stage.

Outcomes

Sexual function was assessed using the FSFI.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and FSFI total scores among the three study groups at the outset of the study. After 12 weeks, the scores of arousal in the formal sex education and Kegel groups were significantly higher compared with the control group (3.38 and 3.15 vs 2.77, respectively). The scores of orgasm and satisfaction in the Kegel group were significantly higher compared with the control group (4.43 and 4.88 vs 3.95 and 4.39, respectively).

Clinical Implications

Formal sex education and Kegel exercises were used as two non-pharmacologic approaches to improve the sexual function of women after menopause.

Strengths and Limitations

The main strength of this study was its design: a well-organized randomized trial using precise eligibility criteria with a small sample loss. The second strength was the methods of intervention used, namely non-pharmacologic approaches that are simple, easily accessible, and fairly inexpensive. The main limitation of the study was our inability to objectively assess the participants' commitment to exercise and the sexual function of their partners.

Conclusion

Sex education programs and Kegel exercises could cause improvements in some domains of sexual function—specifically arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction—in postmenopausal women.
Does Serum Homocysteine Explain the Connection Between Sexual Frequency and Cardiovascular Risk?
Authors: Yang Hui-Fang , Kao Tung-Wei , Lin Yuan-Yung , Shih Mu-Tsun , Li-Wei Wu , Liaw Fang-Yih , Peng Tao-Chun , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: June 2017

Background

Sexual activity correlates with various health issues, and homocysteine is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis. Research on the relation of sexual activity to sexual frequency and homocysteine is sparse.

Aim

To examine the association between sexual frequency and homocysteine in the general population in the United States.

Methods

In total, 2,267 eligible participants 20 to 59 years old who had serum homocysteine data and completed a sexual behavior questionnaire were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2005 to 2006. The correlation between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels was analyzed using a linear regression model and an extended-model approach was performed for covariate adjustment.

Outcomes

Individuals, especially men, in the lower quartiles of sexual frequency had significantly higher serum homocysteine levels, and a sex difference was identified in subgroup analysis.

Results

In a model of quartile-based analysis after adjustment for age, sex, and race and ethnicity, the regression coefficient of the highest quartile of sexual frequency compared with the lowest quartile was −1.326 (P = .012). After further adjustment for multiple covariates, the inverse association between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels remained unchanged. Negative trends maintained statistical significance (P for trend < .05). In subgroup analysis by sex, a negative association between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels remained unchanged in men even after adjusting for multiple covariates, but not in women.

Clinical Implications

Clinical physicians in primary care should support patients’ sexual activity, and there are implications for health promotion programs.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first observational investigation stratified by sex to evaluate the correlation between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels. The study was a cross-sectional observational investigation and the causal relation should be evaluated in a follow-up study.

Conclusion

Decreased sexual frequency correlated with higher homocysteine levels in a nationally representative sample of US adults, especially men; this might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or other atherothrombotic events.
Petrology of foiditic and meymechitic volcanism in the Maimecha–Kotui province (Polar Siberia)
Authors: Vasil’ev Yu.R. , Gora M.P. , Kuz’min D.V.
Published: June 2017

Comparative analysis of ultramafic meymechites of the Maimecha Suite and alkaline volcanics of the Ary-Dzhang Suite (foidites (nephelinites, analcimites, limburgites, etc.) and melilitites) has shown their consanguinity, which indicates their relationship with the same magmatic system periodically producing large amounts of alkaline ultramafic melts. We have studied the petrogeochemical and mineralogical compositions of rocks and melt inclusions in the hosted olivines. The rocks of the Maimecha and Ary-Dzhang Suite differ considerably in MgO content, which is well explained by the accumulation of olivine. The inclusions in olivines from the meymechites and the rocks of the Ary-Dzhang Suite correspond in composition to foidites. The trace and rare-earth element patterns are similar both in the foidites and meymechites and in the melt inclusions: They show negative anomalies of Rb and K and positive anomalies of Nb and Ta. The ratios of indicator elements (Nb/Ta, Ba/La, Ta/La, etc.) in the rocks of the Maimecha and Ary-Dzhang Suite are constant and almost independent of their Mg# values. The La/Yb ratio in the foidites is significantly higher than that in the meymechites and in the melt inclusions from their olivines, which indicates that the rocks of the Ary-Dzhang Suite resulted from the fractionation of highly magnesian alkaline picritoid melt.
Disaster Management Structure of Universities: Case Study of the Central Campus of the University of Tehran
Authors: Omidvar Babak , Karimloo Kayvan , Tavakoli Sani Sadegh , Darabi Hassan
Published: June 2017

Objective

Research on the disaster management plans of renowned universities worldwide shows that such plans are generally compiled in 3 categories: structural, nonstructural, and organizational sections. The importance of earthquakes in Tehran and the high vulnerability of the University of Tehran to earthquakes encouraged us to challenge the university’s plans concerning disaster management.

Methods

An initial attempt was made to analyze the disaster management of 23 renowned universities worldwide and their structure compared with the present organizational structure of the University of Tehran. Then an expert opinion study was done to determine the appropriate management structure of the Incident Command System.

Results

These efforts resulted in an adhocratic system as the proper one for emergency situations after an earthquake. Furthermore, the results of the comparative study led to a general management structure that may be considered as a global pattern.

Conclusions

An appropriate organizational structure is proposed for the disaster management of the University of Tehran, which may be used as an appropriate disaster management structure for other universities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:681–693)
Analysing Tuberculosis Cases Among Healthcare Workers to Inform Infection Control Policy and Practices
Authors: de Vries Gerard , van Hunen Rianne , Meerstadt-Rombach Fleur S. , van der Valk Paul D. L. P. M. , Vermue Marinus , Keizer Sytze T.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

To determine the number and proportion of healthcare worker (HCW) tuberculosis (TB) cases infected while working in healthcare institutions in the Netherlands and to learn from circumstances that led to these infections.

DESIGN

Cohort analysis.

METHODS

We included all HCW TB patients reported to the Netherlands TB Register from 2000 to 2015. Using data from this register, including DNA fingerprints of the bacteria profile and additional information from public health clinics, HCW TB cases were classified into 4 categories: (1) infected during work in the Netherlands, (2) infected in the community, (3) infected outside the Netherlands, or (4) outside these 3 categories. An in-depth analysis of category 1 cases was performed to identify factors contributing to patient-to-HCW transmission.

RESULTS

In total, 131 HCW TB cases were identified: 32 cases (24%) in category 1; 13 cases (10%) in category 2; 42 cases (32%) in category 3; and 44 cases (34%) in category 4. The annual number of HCW TB cases (P<.05), the proportion among reported cases (P<.01), and the number of category 1 HCW TB cases (P=.12) all declined over the study period. Delayed diagnosis in a TB patient was the predominant underlying factor of nosocomial transmission in 47% of category 1 HCW TB patients, most of whom were subsequently identified in a contact investigation. Performing high-risk procedures was the main contributing factor in the other 53% of cases.

CONCLUSION

In low-incidence countries, every HCW TB case should warrant timely and thorough investigation to help further define and fine-tune the HCW screening policy and to monitor its proper implementation.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:976–982
External Validation of Three Prediction Tools for Patients at Risk of a Complicated Course of Clostridium difficile Infection: Disappointing in an Outbreak Setting
Authors: van Beurden Yvette H. , Hensgens Marjolein P. M. , Dekkers Olaf M. , Le Cessie Saskia , Mulder Chris J. J. , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M. J. E.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Estimating the risk of a complicated course of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) might help doctors guide treatment. We aimed to validate 3 published prediction models: Hensgens (2014), Na (2015), and Welfare (2011).

METHODS

The validation cohort comprised 148 patients diagnosed with CDI between May 2013 and March 2014. During this period, 70 endemic cases of CDI occurred as well as 78 cases of CDI related to an outbreak of C. difficile ribotype 027. Model calibration and discrimination were assessed for the 3 prediction rules.

RESULTS

A complicated course (ie, death, colectomy, or ICU admission due to CDI) was observed in 31 patients (21%), and 23 patients (16%) died within 30 days of CDI diagnosis. The performance of all 3 prediction models was poor when applied to the total validation cohort with an estimated area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 for the Hensgens model, 0.54 for the Na model, and 0.61 for the Welfare model. For those patients diagnosed with CDI due to non-outbreak strains, the prediction model developed by Hensgens performed the best, with an AUC of 0.78.

CONCLUSION

All 3 prediction models performed poorly when using our total cohort, which included CDI cases from an outbreak as well as endemic cases. The prediction model of Hensgens performed relatively well for patients diagnosed with CDI due to non-outbreak strains, and this model may be useful in endemic settings.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:897–905
Folk Perception of African American English Regional Variation
Authors: Mitchell David , Lesho Marivic , Walker Abby
Published: June 2017

Contrary to previous “sociolinguistic folklore” that African American (Vernacular) English has a uniform structure across different parts of the US, recent studies have shown that it varies regionally, especially phonologically (Wolfram, 2007; Thomas & Wassink, 2010). However, there is little research on how Americans perceive AAE variation. Based on a map-labeling task, we investigate the folk perception of AAE variation by 55 participants, primarily African Americans in Columbus, Ohio. The analysis focuses on the dialect regions recognized by the participants, the linguistic features associated with different regions, and the attitudes associated with these beliefs. While the perceived regional boundaries mostly align with those identified by speakers in previous perceptual dialectology studies on American English, the participants consistently identified linguistic features that were specific to AAE. The participants recognized substantial phonological and lexical variation and identified “proper” dialects that do not necessarily sound “white”. This study demonstrates the value of considering African Americans’ perspectives in describing African American varieties of English.
Les députés et les partis politiques sortants profitent-ils d'un avantage électoral ? Une analyse des résultats électoraux au Québec
Authors: Blais-Lacombe Ariane , Bodet Marc André
Published: June 2017

Using official electoral results from provincial elections since 1973, we evaluate the incumbency effect in Quebec by measuring the impact of a combination of characteristics related to candidates and political parties. We verify whether the presence of an incumbent candidate is necessary to ensure that the incumbent party benefits from an electoral advantage. We also compare the magnitude of the incumbency effect between governing and opposition parties. Making use of parametric multivariate statistical tools, we conclude that political parties benefit from an electoral advantage in Quebec. Except for ministers who make a small difference, simple Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) do not improve their electoral performance, while in some cases new candidates with incumbent parties perform better.