bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wetting of glass surface using natural surfactants
Authors: Biswal Nihar Ranjan 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Surfactant adsorption at the interfaces (solid–liquid, liquid–air, or liquid–liquid) is receiving considerable attention from a long time due to its wide range of practical applications.

Objective:
Specifically wettability of solid surface by liquids is mainly measured by contact angle and has many practical importances where solid–liquid systems are used. Adsorption of surfactants plays an important role in the wetting process. The wetting behaviours of three plant-based natural surfactants (Reetha, Shikakai, and Acacia) on the glass surface are compared with one widely used nonionic synthetic surfactant (Triton X-100) and reported in this study.

Methods:
The dynamic contact angle study of three different types of plant surfactants (Reetha, Shikakai and Acacia) and one synthetic surfactant (Triton X 100) on the glass surface has been carried out. The effect of two different types of alcohols such as Methanol and amyl alcohol on wettability of shikakai, as it shows little higher value of contact angle on glass surface has been measured.

Results:
The contact angle measurements show that there is an increase in contact angle from 47° (pure water) to 67.72°, 65.57°, 68.84°, and 68.79° for Reetha, Acacia, Shikakai, and Triton X-100 respectively with the increase in surfactant concentration and remain constant at CMC. The change in contact angle of Shikakai-Amyl alcohol mixtures are slightly different than that of methanol-Shikakai mixture, mostly there is a gradual increase in contact angle with the increasing in alcohol concentration.

Conclusion:
There is no linear relationship between cos θ and inverse of surface tension. There was a linear increase in surface free energy results with increase in concentration as more surfactant molecules were adsorbing at the interface enhancing an increase in contact angle.
Carbamylated Lipoproteins and Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tan Kathryn C.B. , Cheung Ching-Lung , Lee Alan C.H. , Lam Joanne K.Y. , Wong Ying , Shiu Sammy W.M. 
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives
Protein carbamylation is a consequence of uremia and carbamylated lipoproteins contribute to atherogenesis in CKD. Proteins can also be carbamylated by a urea-independent mechanism, and whether carbamylated lipoproteins contribute to the progression of CKD has not been investigated.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A case-control study was performed to determine whether there were changes in plasma levels of carbamylated lipoproteins in individuals with type 2 diabetes with eGFR >60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 compared with a group of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. A cohort of 1320 patients with type 2 diabetes with baseline eGFR ≥30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was longitudinally followed up to evaluate the association between carbamylated lipoproteins and progression of CKD. The primary kidney outcome was defined as doubling of serum creatinine and/or initiation of KRT during follow-up. Plasma carbamylated LDLs and HDLs was measured by ELISA.

Results
In individuals with diabetes with eGFR >60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, both plasma carbamylated LDL and HDL levels were higher compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). After a mean follow-up of 9 years of the diabetic cohort, individuals in the top quartile of carbamylated LDL (hazard ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 3.46; P<0.001) and carbamylated HDL (hazard ratio, 4.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.87 to 7.13; P<0.001) had higher risk of deterioration of kidney function compared with those in the lowest quartile. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, plasma carbamylated LDL was no longer associated with kidney outcome after adjusting for baseline eGFR and potential confounding factors. However, the association between plasma carbamylated HDL and kidney outcome remained significant and was independent of HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions
Plasma carbamylated HDL but not carbamylated LDL was independently associated with progression of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Similar Breast Cancer Risk in Women Older Than 65 Years Initiating Glargine, Detemir, and NPH Insulins
Authors: Bradley Marie C. , Chillarige Yoganand , Lee Hana , Wu Xiyuan , Parulekar Shruti , Wernecke Michael , Bright Patricia , Soukup Mat , MaCurdy Thomas E. , Kelman Jeffrey A. , Graham David J. 
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE
To assess whether initiation of insulin glargine (glargine), compared with initiation of NPH or insulin detemir (detemir), was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a retrospective new-user cohort study of female Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years initiating glargine (203,159), detemir (67,012), or NPH (47,388) from September 2006 to September 2015, with follow-up through May 2017. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for incidence of breast cancer according to ever use, cumulative duration of use, cumulative dose of insulin, length of follow-up time, and a combination of dose and length of follow-up time.

RESULTS
Ever use of glargine was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer compared with NPH (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.88–1.06) or detemir (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.92–1.05). No increased risk was seen with glargine use compared with either NPH or detemir by duration of insulin use, length of follow-up, or cumulative dose of insulin. No increased risk of breast cancer was observed in medium- or high-dose glargine users compared with low-dose users.

CONCLUSIONS
Overall, glargine use was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer compared with NPH or detemir in female Medicare beneficiaries.
Anticonvulsant valproic acid and other short-chain fatty acids as novel anticancer therapeutics: Possibilities and challenges
Authors: Lipska Katarzyna , Gumieniczek Anna , Filip Agata A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Results from numerous pre-clinical studies suggest that a well known anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) and other short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) cause significant inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by modulating multiple signaling pathways. First of all, they act as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDIs), being involved in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Afterward, VPA is shown to induce apoptosis and cell differentiation, as well as regulate Notch signaling. Moreover, it up-regulates the expression of certain G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are involved in various signaling pathways associated with cancer. As a consequence, some pre-clinical and clinical trials were carried out to estimate anticancer effectiveness of VPA, in monotherapy and in new drug combinations, while other SCFAs were tested in pre-clinical studies. The present manuscript summarizes the most important information from the literature about their potent anticancer activities to show some future perspectives related to epigenetic therapy.
Differential effects of acute and chronic treatment with the flavonoid chrysin on anxiety-like behavior and Fos immunoreactivity in the lateral septal nucleus in rats
Authors: Germán-Ponciano León Jesús , Puga-Olguín Abraham , De Jesús Rovirosa-Hernández María , Caba Mario , Meza Enrique , Rodríguez-Landa Juan Francisco 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of acute (a single injection) and chronic (21 consecutive days) treatments with chrysin 2, 4, and 8 μmol kg−1 on anxiety-like behavior and Fos immunoreactivity in the lateral septum nucleus (LSN), a structure that is involved in the regulation of anxiety, in male Wistar rats. These effects were compared with the clinically effective anxiolytic diazepam 7 μmol kg−1. The results showed that acute, but not chronic treatment, with 4 μmol kg−1 chrysin exerted anxiolytic- and anti- depressant-like effects with these effects being similar to that of diazepam. Also, none of the above-mentioned treatments did alter Fos immunoreactivity in the LSN, but a tendency towards the reduction of this variable was detected with chrysin 4 μmol kg−1 and diazepam 7 μmol kg−1. Altogether, results suggest that chrysin exerts anxiolytic-like effects, however, it can produce pharmacological tolerance after repeated use, similar to benzodiazepines.
Synthesis, in vitro safety and antioxidant activity of new pyrrole hydrazones
Authors: Tzankova Diana , Vladimirova Stanislava , Aluani Denitsa , Yordanov Yordan , Peikova Lily , Georgieva Maya 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Six new N-pyrrolylhydrazide hydrazones were synthesized under micro synthesis conditions, assuring about 59–93 % yield, low harmful emissions and reagent economy. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by melting points, TLC characteristics, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectral data followed by MS data. The purity of the obtained compounds was proven by the corresponding elemental analyses. “Lipinski’s rule of five” parameters were applied for preliminary evaluation of the pharmacokinetic properties of the target molecules. The initial in vitro safety screening for cytotoxicity (on HepG2 cells) and hemocompatibility (hemolysis assay) showed good safety of the new compounds, where ethyl 5-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(1-(2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-hydrazineyl)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-2-methyl-1H-pyr-role-3-carboxylate (4d) and ethyl 5-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(1-(2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazineyl)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan--2-yl)-2-methyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (4a) were the least toxic. The antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging activity (DPPH test) and reducing ability (ABTS) was also evaluated. The antioxidant protective potential of the compounds was next determined in different in vitro cellular-based models, revealing compounds 4d and 3 [ethyl 5-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(1-hydrazineyl-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-2-methyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate] as the most promising compounds, with 4d having better safety profile.
The Antiglycation Effect of Monomethyl Branched Chained Fatty Acid and Phytochemical Compounds and their Synergistic Effect on Obesity Related Colorectal Cancer Cell Panel
Authors: Alqaraleh Moath , Kasabri Violet 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background and aims: monomethyl branched chain fatty acids (mmBCFA) and phytochemicals including: Hydroxycitric Acid, Chlorogenic Acid and Piperine have been considered as an interesting agent for researches due to their role in diabetes and cancer. The present study examines the antiglycation effect of mmBCFA and phytochemicals and investigate their Synergistic effect on different colorectal cancer cell lines.

Methods: This study was carried out by using murine monocyte-macrophage cell line and Methylglyoxal (MGO) to enhance the glycation process, furthermore to examine the antiproliferative effect of both the mmBCFA and phytochemicals we use Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against obesity related-colorectal cancer cell line panel.

Results: Both phytochemicals and mmBCFA have a higher antiglycation effect than Aminoguanidine (AMG) significantly, moreover, all of the phytochemicals and mmBCFA have antiproliferative against SW620, CACO2 and SW480, nevertheless none of these agents was equipotent to Cisplatin, furthermore, the synergetic effect observed only when we co-incubate Piperine with mmBCFA.

Conclusions: phytochemicals such as Hydroxycitric Acid, Chlorogenic Acid and Piperine and mmBCFA could be used as treatment to prevents the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in diabetes. Furthermore, the co-incubation between these compounds can inhibit cancer growth, as alternative therapeutic strategy against obesity related-colorectal cancer.
Comparison of Efficacy of Nortriptyline Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Painful Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Zakerkish Mehrnoosh , Raeisi Davood , Rafie Shahram , Yazdi Mohammad Jafar Shaterzadeh , Kosarian Zahra , Telegrafchi Shirin Rahimzadeh , Hesam Saeed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background and aims: Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and is difficult to treat. Existing treatments are often inadequate at controlling pain and limited by side-effects and drug tolerance. This study assessed the efficacy of nortriptyline versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in patients with DPNP.

Material and method: This is a randomized clinical trial study conducted on 39 patients with DPNP referring to Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz in 2017. Patients were randomly treated with TENS (18 sessions, each session 30 minutes; n=20) or nortriptyline (25 to 75 mg, once daily; n=19) for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated for side effects and pain relief using visual analog scale (VAS).

Results: There was a significant improvement in pain with both treatments compared with baseline (p˂0.001). The patients in nortriptyline group experienced more pain relief (7.21±1.51 to 0.84±1.34) than the TENS group (7.6±1.47 to 2.75 ±2.43) (P=0.001). The 50% pain relief was observed in 14 patients (73%) in nortriptyline group, 6 patients (30%) in TENS group. Moreover, the side effects were seen in 15% of TENS and 55% of patients in nortriptyline groups (P=0.019).

Conclusion: Both TENS and nortriptyline were effective and safe in the management of DPNP. But nortriptyline showed a better performance on pain relief.
Tortuously Turning Reality into Theatre: The Case of Nicoleta Esinencu
Authors: Popovici Iulia 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
How do the professionals of the theatre of the real deal with the dilemmas raised by the techniques and ethics of representation that lie at the heart of this particular drama genre? There is little in the available scholarship to provide much guidance in this regard. This article addresses the question and the gap encased within it by examining the critical case of Nicoleta Esinencu, one of the most high profile contemporary drama directors of this kind in Eastern and Central Europe. Focused on the work done by Esinencu at the avant-garde Laundry-Theatre in Kishinev, the analysis dwells on the ethics of documentary work and of representing real life people, the information-gathering process, the choice of topics and the societal implications of the performance. Furthermore, the article captures the bespoke interdisciplinarity of ethnographic research and drama studies while unearthing unsuspected tensions between the claims about representing authentic experiences made by the theatre of the real and the actual perceptions of the professionals.
Transforming Narratives: Reaction, Context and the Emerging (IM)-Possibilities of Social Discourse on Art in Cluj-Napoca
Authors: Braniște Miki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The aim of this article is to comprehend the register of existence and the developing of social art practices and discourses in Cluj-Napoca, citing the example of the contemporary art space The Paintbrush Factory, established in 2009. Analysing the operation mode/modus operandi of artists, curators, and cultural agents of Cluj-Napoca, I study the creative pattern based on reaction as a response to the undergoing changes within the socio-political environment of the city as well as those on a global scale. The wider expansion of the urban regeneration theory, that attributes an economic growth factor to culture (based on the existence of creative industries), persuades the local authorities to create a new narrative of a Cluj-Napoca based on the image of a creative city. The Paintbrush Factory is precisely the success story – with a grassroots background, and international standing – that Cluj-Napoca Town Hall needed to legitimise its new development project that sought to put the city on Europe’s map. This ambition of the authorities is reflected in the application for the title of European Cultural Capital 2021. The story of the Paintbrush Factory mirrors this precise transformation of the city, which sees the industrial production being replaced by symbolic production. During this process factories are literally replaced by IT firms and adjacent services, while The Paintbrush Factory that had benefited from a long-term rental of a factory space is eventually displaced in this massive gentrification course of the city.
Allowed Revenue of Network System Operators in the Croatian Energy Sector and Interest Rate Changes on the Croatian Capital Market
Authors: Gelo Tomislav , Vrban Željko , Pudić Dalibor 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The energy sector is characterized by market and monopoly activities. Monopoly activities include network activities, transmission and distribution of electricity, and transport and distribution of natural gas. For this reason, the revenue of the network activities is defined as allowed income, and it is under the control of the national energy regulator. In Croatia, this is the Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency. The allowed revenues of the network system operator in the Croatian energy sector are defined by the methodologies for individual network activities, which are based on the method of eligible costs. Network activities are usually capital-intensive activities. Capital cost is an element of the eligible cost method and is accounted for as a weighted average cost of capital (WACC). WACC affects the allowed revenue of the network system operator and the network tariff. It depends on the interest rates on debt capital, the risk-free rate, the market risk premium and the corporate tax rate. Changing the interest rate on the capital market, which also depends on the credit risk of the country, affects both the change in WACC and the change of tariffs for transport / transmission of energy. Amortization and operating expenses of the network operator, approved by the energy regulator, also have a significant impact on allowed revenues. The impact of the WACC change on the allowed revenue and network tariffs of network system operators has a different impact on the network tariffs, which depends on the structure of the eligible costs of a particular network system operator. Changing WACC affects the changes in tariffs of the network system operator. The aim of the paper is to determine how an interest rate change affects the WACC and how the change in WACC affects the change in the allowed revenue and the network tariff of the gas transport operator and the transmission of electricity in Croatia. The paper will analyse the tariffs of electricity transmission and natural gas transport in Croatia and compare them with those in the European Union.
Typhoid fever with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis masquerading as dengue fever: a case report
Authors: Yin Wong Ji , Wei Poh Kok , Shean Wong Poh , Hafidzah Nik , Suryani Sharifah , Ken Cheah Chee , Koi Ng Tiang 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Dengue fever classically presents with fever, arthralgia, myalgia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. A classical presentation with a positive serology test is usually enough to make the diagnosis in an endemic area.

Case Presentation:
A 30-year-old man presented with fever, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, and delirium. Dengue Immunoglobulin M (IgM) serology was positive. Blood culture grew Salmonella typhi, his ferritin was raised, and bone marrow histology showed histiocytes and hemophagocytic activity. A 2-week course of ceftriaxone (60–75 mg/kg/day) and intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg once a day) for 3 days resulted in complete resolution of his illness.

Conclusion:
We report a case of typhoid fever with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis mimicking as dengue fever due to cytopenias and hepatitis, and dengue IgM serology was positive. Although rare, a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment.
Design And Implementation Distributed System Using Java-RMI Middleware
Authors: Sallow Amira B. 
Published: February 2020

Networks of computers are everywhere. The Internet is one, as are the many networks of which it is composed. Mobile phone networks, corporate networks, factory networks, campus networks, home networks, in-car networks, both separately and in combination, all share the essential characteristics that make them relevant subjects for study under the heading distributed systems. Most organizations use a wide variety of applications for the smooth functioning of their businesses that includes homogenous as well as heterogeneous systems. Heterogeneous systems run on different platforms, use different technologies or sometimes even run on a different network architecture altogether. The essential role of Middleware is to provide a simple environment to manage complex, heterogeneous and distributed infrastructures.
The main goal of this paper is to use Java-RMI middleware to build a distributed system for scheduling the threads. The system comprises two separate programs, a server, and a client. A typical server program creates some remote objects, makes references to these objects accessible, and waits for clients to invoke methods on these objects. A typical client program obtains a remote reference to one or more remote objects on a server and then invokes methods on them.
Results of the alcohol septal ablation in combination with simultaneous endoprosthesis of coronary arteries in treatment of patients, suffering obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and concurrent ischemic heart disease
Authors: Rudenko K. V. , Nevmerzhytska L. O. , Dudnyk O. Yu. , Fanta S. M. , Lazoryshynets V. V. 
Published: February 2020

Objective. To study the immediate and remote follow-up results of treatment in patients, suffering obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and concurrent ischemic heart disease, using the alcohol septal ablation in combination with simultaneous endoprosthesis of coronary arteries.
Materials and methods. In the investigation were included 129 patients, suffering obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, to whom the alcohol septal ablation was performed in 2009 - 2018 yrs in M. M. Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery. All the patients were distributed into two groups: the first -14 (10.9%) patients with concurrent ischemic heart disease and the second -115 (89.1%) patients without concurrent ischemic heart disease.
Results. Reduction of the systolic pressure gradient in the exit tract of the left ventriculus, mitral regurgitation, and the functional class characteristic in accordance to criteria of a New-York Association of Cardiologists in both groups in immediate and late periods of observation have appeared statistically proved. In a remote period of follow-up in 13 (92.9%) patients, suffering the ischemic heart disease, a satisfactory hemodynamical result was registered, and in 1 (7.1%) - poor. Conditionally poor results in this group of patients were absent. The patients without an ischemic heart disease (n=107) in accordance to the above mentioned indices were distributed in a follow manner: 74 (69.2%), 28 (26.2%) and 5 (4.7%), accordingly. Statistically significant difference in accordance to hemodynamical results between two groups of patients was absent in immediate and remote periods of follow-up.
Conclusion. Simultaneous conduction of the alcohol septal ablation in combination with endoprosthesis of coronary arteries in patients, suffering obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and concurrent ischemic heart disease, constitutes a safe proved combined intervention procedure, which owes good immediate results, persisting in the remote period.