bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic formation of hazardous molecular heterocyclic amines from high temperature pyrolysis of model biomass materials: cellulose and tyrosine
Authors: Kirkok Samuel K. , Kibet Joshua K. , Okanga Francis , Kinyanjui Thomas , Nyamori Vincent 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Research inventories on the co-pyrolysis of major biomass components such as cellulose with amino acid materials is scarce in literature despite the fact that such studies are critical in understanding toxic product relations from high temperature cooking, combustion of bio-fuels, cigarette smoking and forest fires. This paper explores, quantitatively, the yields of heterocyclic nitrogenated molecular reaction products of grave mutagenetic concern from the co-pyrolysis of model biomass materials; tyrosine and cellulose. Research has established that heterocyclic amines such as isocyanates are mutagens as well precursors for asthma, and other respiratory disorders.

Methods
An equimassic mixture of tyrosine and cellulose (50 ± 2 mg) by weight were pyrolyzed in a tubular quartz reactor in flowing nitrogen at 1 atm. Besides, varying combinations of tyrosine and cellulose in the ratios 3:1 and 1:3 were also explored for comparison. The reaction time was set at 2 s so as to simulate combustions events in nature. The pyrolysate was collected over 5 mL dichloromethane and characterized using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer detector.

Results
Evidently, it was noted that 1-methylindazole was released in high yields at 300 °C, constituting ~ 300 µg in the entire pyrolysis temperature range (200–700 °C). Nonetheless, isoindazole gave the highest yield ~ 730 µg while 1-naphthyl isocyanate gave a total yield of ~ 336 µg in the same temperature range. Remarkably, the change in char yield between 300 and 450 °C for the pyrolysis of 25% tyrosine in 75% cellulose was found to be ~ 48% whereas the change in char yield for the pyrolysis of 75% tyrosine in 25% cellulose was 49%.

Conclusion
The char and tar yields considered important residues of biomass burning have been reported in this study and found to be consistent with other research output in literature. The striking similarities of % yield of char across all temperatures for various combinations was the most significant observation in this investigation—char yield was independent of the mixing ratio during pyrolysis. From a mechanistic standpoint, it was noted that tyrosine inhibited cellulose based nitrogenated products. Thus N-products dominated the O-products.
Methyl lucidone exhibits neuroprotective effects on glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT-22 cells via Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling
Authors: Park Jee-Yun , Amarsanaa Khulan , Cui Yanji , Lee Ji-Hyung , Wu Jinji , Yang Yoon-Sil , Eun Su-Yong , Jung Sung-Cherl 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOxidative stress causes neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, ischemia, and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been evaluated as an effective treatment strategy for neurodegenerative disorders. Methyl lucidone (MLC) extracted fromLindera erythrocarpaMakino (Lauraceae) has been previously reported to exhibit microglial-mediated neuroprotective effects via inhibiting neuroinflammation. However, the antioxidant effects of MLC are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the neuroprotective mechanism of MLC in HT-22 neurons against oxidative stress induced by glutamate. In results, the pretreatment of MLC significantly enhanced the viability of HT-22 cells under glutamate-induced oxidative conditions, suggesting that MLC has a neuronal mechanism to protect neurons without microglial regulation. Also, the glutamate effect to increase ROS production was effectively blocked by MLC without any free radical scavenging activity. To induce this antioxidant effect, MLC upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), known as an intracellular antioxidant enzyme, and its transcription factor. Additionally, Akt phosphorylation regulating Nrf-2 was confirmed to be involved in the neuroprotective signaling activated by MLC. These results indicate that MLC may play a role as an antioxidant agent to inhibit neurodegenerative processes via activating antioxidant signaling pathways that include Nrf-2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K).
Resilience by industrial symbiosis? A discussion on risk, opportunities and challenges for food production in the perspective of the food-energy-water nexus
Authors: Parker Thomas , Svantemark Maria 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Growing population and affluence coupled with climate change puts pressure on the supply of food, water and energy. The three are interconnected, conceptualised in the food-energy-water nexus. In this article, two innovative proposals for food production based on recirculating, multiloop systems are analysed in terms of risk and resilience to illuminate how such industrial symbiotic systems might contribute to food supply resilience, within nexus constraints.

Method
The proposals encompass greenhouses using waste heat and carbon dioxide combined with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) with water, nutrient and energy loops between the two. The two cases are discussed in comparison with the existing major alternatives for production of the respective foodstuffs, using an inventory of global risks as a structure for the discussion. The analysis is relevant to understanding current and emerging risks posed by the unsustainable and interlinked supply of food, energy and water, particularly in the perspective of continued climate change.

Results
Based on the cases, the concept of distributed, symbiotic food production is discussed in comparison with centralization, i.e. the economies of symbiosis vs economies of scale, focusing especially on how these different economies affect risk and resilience. The discussion centres on a comparative risk analysis between food production in industrial symbiosis and conventional forms.

Conclusions
The results indicate that distributed symbiotic food production can contribute to resilience to the most threatening of the relevant risks identified and that, therefore, more in depth investigations of how symbiotic systems can contribute to resilience are merited. These, in turn, would warrant an informed discussion on food-production policy.
Neonatal cholestasis: recent insights
Authors: Ghazy Ramy Mohamed , Khedr Mohamed Ahmed 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeonatal physiological jaundice is a common benign condition that rarely extends behind the second week of life; however, it may interfere with the diagnosis of a pathological condition termed neonatal cholestasis (NC). The latter is a critical, uncommon problem characterized by conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. This review aims to highlight the differences between physiological and pathological jaundice, identify different causes of NC, and provide a recent approach to diagnosis and management of this serious condition.Main textNC affects 1/2500 live births, resulting in life-threatening complications due to associated hepatobiliary or metabolic abnormalities. NC is rarely benign and indicates the presence of severe underlying disease. If jaundice extends more than 14 days in full-term infants or 21 days in preterm infants, the serum bilirubin level fractionated into conjugated (direct) and unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin should be measured. A stepwise diagnostic approach starts with obtaining a complete history, and a physical examination which are valuable for the rapid diagnosis of the underlying disease. The most frequently diagnosed causes of NC are biliary atresia (BA) and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis (INH). The early diagnosis of NC ensures more accurate management and better prognosis. Despite the unavailability of any specific treatments for some causes of NC, the patient can benefit from nutritional management and early medical intervention. Future research should attempt to shed light on methods of screening for NC, especially for causes that can be effectively treated either through proper nutritional support, appropriate chemotherapeutic management, or timely surgical intervention.ConclusionFurther attention should be paid for diagnosis and treatment of NC as it may be misdiagnosed as physiological jaundice; this may delay the proper management of the underlying diseases and aggravates its complications.
Public Awareness and Perceptions of Radiotherapy and Their Influence on the Use of Radiotherapy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Soko Geofrey F. , Burambo Anthony B. , Mngoya Mpanda M. , Abdul Burhani A. 
Published: November 2019

PURPOSE Misconceptions associated with radiotherapy (RT) may affect the patient’s choice to undergo or not undergo RT. In this study, the level of awareness and perceptions about radiation and RT, as well as their impact on the use of RT, were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between November 2018 and March 2019. Stratified sampling was used to obtain a sample of 629 participants from 4 strata, including 53 patients with cancer, 129 health professionals, 127 medical and nursing students, and 320 respondents from the general public. A questionnaire with 13 items measuring awareness and 8 items measuring perceptions was used for data collection. The Kruskal-Wallis test and χ2 test were used to test association between predictor and outcome variables. Statistical analyses were performed using statistical software. RESULTS The percentage of right responses was < 50% in all 13 awareness items. Only 16.9% of respondents were aware that RT would not reduce their lifespan. Only 34.5% of respondents had positive perceptions of RT. Awareness was higher among medical/nursing students, younger respondents, single or cohabiting respondents, and those who had attained a college or higher education. Overall, 52% would accept receiving RT if recommended as part of their treatment. Those who would accept undergoing RT were more likely to have higher awareness and a positive perception of RT. CONCLUSION Public awareness of RT in Dar es Salaam is low, and negative perceptions prevail. Low levels of awareness and negative perceptions have a negative effect on the use of RT.
Neostigmine Versus Sugammadex for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade and Effects on Reintubation for Respiratory Failure or Newly Initiated Noninvasive Ventilation: An Interrupted Time Series Design
Authors: Krause Martin , McWilliams Shannon K. , Bullard Kenneth J. , Mayes Lena M. , Jameson Leslie C. , Mikulich-Gilbertson Susan K. , Fernandez-Bustamante Ana , Bartels Karsten 
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND:
Pulmonary complications related to residual neuromuscular blockade lead to morbidity and mortality. Using an interrupted time series design, we tested whether proportions of reintubation for respiratory failure or new noninvasive ventilation were changed after a system-wide transition of the standard reversal agent from neostigmine to sugammadex.

METHODS:
Adult patients undergoing a procedure with general anesthesia that included pharmacologic reversal of neuromuscular blockade and admission ≥1 night were eligible. Groups were determined by date of surgery: August 15, 2015 to May 10, 2016 (presugammadex), and August 15, 2016 to May 11, 2017 (postsugammadex). The period from May 11, 2016 to August 14, 2016 marked the institutional transition (washout/wash-in) from neostigmine to sugammadex. The primary outcome was defined as a composite of reintubation for respiratory failure or new noninvasive ventilation. Event proportions were parsed into 10-day intervals in each cohort, and trend lines were fitted. Segmented logistic regression models appropriate for an interrupted time series design and adjusting for potential confounders were utilized to evaluate the immediate effect of the implementation of sugammadex and on the difference between preintervention and postintervention slopes of the outcomes. Models containing all parameters (full) and only significant parameters (parsimonious) were fitted and are reported.

RESULTS:
Of 13,031 screened patients, 7316 patients were included. The composite respiratory outcome occurred in 6.1% of the presugammadex group and 4.2% of the postsugammadex group. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the composite respiratory outcome were 0.795 (95% CI, 0.523–1.208) for the immediate effect of intervention, 0.986 (95% CI, 0.959–1.013) for the difference between preintervention and postintervention slopes in the full model, and 0.667 (95% CI, 0.536–0.830) for the immediate effect of the intervention in the parsimonious model.

CONCLUSIONS:
The system-wide transition of the standard pharmacologic reversal agent from neostigmine to sugammadex was associated with a reduction in the odds of the composite respiratory outcome. This observation is supported by nonsignificant within-group time trends and a significant reduction in intercept/level from presugammadex to postsugammadex in a parsimonious logistic regression model adjusting for covariates.
Winter Swimming: Body Hardening and Cardiorespiratory Protection Via Sustainable Acclimation
Authors: Manolis Antonis S. , Manolis Stavros A. , Manolis Antonis A. , Manolis Theodora A. , Apostolaki Naomi , Melita Helen 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Winter swimming is a stressful condition of whole-body exposure to cold water; however, winter swimmers have achieved variable degrees of adaptation to cold. The question arises whether this extreme sport activity has any health benefits or whether it may confer potentially harmful effects. As a form of aerobic exercise, albeit more strenuous when performed in cold water, winter swimming may increase body tolerance to stressors and achieve body hardening. When practiced by individuals who are in good general health adopting a regular, graded and adaptive mode, winter swimming seems to confer cardiovascular (CV), and other health benefits. On the other hand, unaccustomed individuals are at risk of death either from the initial neurogenic cold-shock response, or from progressive decrease of swimming efficiency or from hypothermia. Furthermore, as it may occur with any intense exercise, individuals with evident or occult underlying CV conditions may be more susceptible to adverse effects with provocation of arrhythmias and CV events that may pose a significant health risk. Hence, a stepwise strategy to initiate and build up this recreational activity is recommended to enhance and sustain acclimation, achieve protection from potential risks of cold-water exposure and possibly avail from its promising health benefits. We need more data from prospective studies to better investigate the short- and long-term health consequences of this important recreational activity.
Fatores determinantes da política de dividendos das instituições financeiras brasileiras
Authors: Simon Mariana Lanner de Araujo , Procianoy Jairo Laser , Decourt Roberto Frota 
Published: November 2019

Este artigo busca identificar os fatores determinantes da política de dividendos das instituições financeiras brasileiras, em uma amostra composta por bancos comerciais e bancos múltiplos com carteira comercial, listados na B3 no período de 2000 a 2017, totalizando 245 observações, utilizando dados em painel com efeitos fixos. Os resultados indicam que os fatores determinantes da política de dividendos são: Retorno sobre o Patrimônio Líquido, com efeito negativo e Concentração do Controle Acionário, com efeito positivo no payout. Os resultados indicam também uma preocupação com o efeito sinalizador dos dividendos e o papel dos dividendos em mitigar os problemas de agência.
Diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of natriuretic peptide screening for the detection of heart failure in the community: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goyder C. R. , Roalfe A. K. , Jones N. R. , Taylor K. S. , Plumptre C. D. , Hobbs F. D. R. , Taylor C. J. 
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Patients diagnosed with heart failure in primary care have a better prognosis than those diagnosed in hospital. However, most cases are missed in the community. Recent attention has focussed on the potential of early detection through screening. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are tested by GPs and used to rule out heart failure in patients presenting with symptoms. Evidence is now emerging that they may also have a role in screening but their accuracy in this context and the associated optimal thresholds, have not been established. The impact that NP screening would have on patients and health care systems also remains unclear. Methods: We aim to undertake a systematic search of the following sources: Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Screening, data extraction and critical appraisal will be carried out independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. We will include studies based in the community with >100 participants that recruited a screened population. We will not add a study design filter and there will be no language restriction. The primary outcome will be the sensitivity and the specificity of NP screening and optimal thresholds for screening will be explored. Outcomes of interest for the impact analysis will include mortality, hospital admissions and cost effectiveness. This protocol has been developed in accordance with guidelines from the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P). Discussion: This systematic review will identify how accurately NP screen for heart failure in the community and explore where NP screening thresholds should be set. It also aims to summarise the clinical impact of this strategy. Together, these results should inform future interventions that may provide an alternative pathway to facilitate improved detection of heart failure in the community. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018087498; registered on 11 May 2018.
A sophisticated antibiotic-loading protocol in articulating cement spacers for the treatment of prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Yang Chuang , Wang Jin , Yin Zhifei , Wang Qiaojie , Zhang Xianlong , Jiang Yao , Shen Hao 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesThe optimal protocol for antibiotic loading in the articulating cement spacers for the treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains controversial. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of articulating cement spacers loaded with a new combination of antibiotics.MethodsA retrospective cohort study involving 114 PJI cases treated with implantation of an articulating cement spacer between 2005 and 2016 was performed. The treatment outcomes of the conventional protocol (i.e. gentamicin and vancomycin (GV protocol)) were compared with those reported using the sophisticated antibiotic-loading protocol (i.e. vancomycin, meropenem, and amphotericin (VMA protocol)).ResultsThere were 62 and 52 PJI cases treated with the GV and VMA protocols, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 22/78 of all isolates (28.2%) in this series were resistant to gentamicin, whereas there were no vancomycin-, meropenem-, or amphotericin-resistant strains. The overall infection recurrence rates were 17.7% (11/62) and 1.9% (1/52), respectively (p = 0.006). In patients with a negative preoperative culture, there was no infection recurrence reported in the VMA cohort (0/45 (0%) vs 10/54 (18.5%) in the GV cohort; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis indicated that the VMA protocol correlated with a decreased risk of infection recurrence compared with the GV protocol (p = 0.025).ConclusionThe sophisticated VMA protocol for the loading of antibiotics in articulating cement spacers, as part of a two-stage exchange, was associated with a reduced rate of infection recurrence. This proposed protocol appears to be safe and effective, especially in patients with negative culture results prior to the first-stage operation.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:526–534.
High-Throughput Urinary Neopterin-to-Creatinine Ratio Monitoring of Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Stuart Charlotte M , Zotova Elina , Koster Grielof , Varatharaj Aravinthan , Richardson Grace , Cornick Faye R , Weal Mark , Newman Tracey A , Postle Anthony D , Galea Ian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSystemic inflammation is a marker of ill health and has prognostic implications in multiple health settings. Urinary neopterin is an excellent candidate as a nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation. Expression as urinary neopterin-to-creatinine ratio (UNCR) normalizes for urinary hydration status. Major attractions include (a) urine vs blood sampling, (b) integration of inflammation over a longer period compared with serum sampling, and (c) high stability of neopterin and creatinine.MethodsA high-throughput ultraperformance LC-MS method was developed to measure neopterin and creatinine together from the same urine sample. The assay was applied in several clinical scenarios: healthy controls, symptomatic infections, and multiple sclerosis. Area under the curve was compared between weekly and monthly sampling scenarios. Analysis of a single pooled sample was compared with averaging results from analysis of individual samples.ResultsThe assay has excellent intraassay and interassay precision, linearity of dilution, and spike and recovery. Higher UNCR was demonstrated in female vs male individuals, older age, inflammatory disease (multiple sclerosis), and symptomatic infections. In healthy controls, fluctuations in inflammatory state also occurred in the absence of symptomatic infection or other inflammatory triggers. Analysis of a single pooled sample, made up from weekly urine samples, integrates inflammatory activity over time.ConclusionsUNCR is a useful biomarker of systemic inflammation. The method presented offers simplicity, speed, robustness, reproducibility, efficiency, and proven utility in clinical scenarios. UNCR fluctuations underline the importance of longitudinal monitoring, vs a single time point, to capture a more representative estimate of an individual's inflammatory state over time.
Periodontal disease defects and mandibular cortical index in lupus patients
Authors: Braga Vagner , Morita Lucas , Munhoz Luciana , Lourenço Silvia , Arita Emiko 
Published: November 2019

Objective:Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. It is well known that lupus patients have higher risk of osteoporosis, but if the disease affects mandibular cortical bone and alveolar bone is not fully established. The objective of this study was to evaluate periodontal disease defects and mandibular osteoporotic alterations in patients with lupus as compared to healthy patients using panoramic radiographs.Material and Methods:The panoramic radiographs of 72 patients with lupus and 360 healthy patients were evaluated for the presence of bone loss secondary to periodontal disease, classified as horizontal and vertical bone loss. We also assessed mandibular osteoporotic alterations by using the mandibular cortical index. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the risk of mandibular osteoporotic alterations as well as horizontal and vertical bone loss in patients with lupus as compared to healthy patients.Results:There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the presence of horizontal bone defects and mandibular cortical indexes. However, patients with lupus demonstrated that patients with lupus were 2.17 more likely to present vertical bone loss than healthy patients.Conclusions:Patients with lupus might have higher risk of vertical bone loss than healthy patients due to pathophysiology of their disease. Further larger prospective studies should be performed to confirm our findings.