bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 2D Magnesium Oxide Nanosheets: A Potential Material for Phosphate Removal
Authors: Ahmed Saeed , Iqbal Arshad 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPhosphate ions are responsible for eutrophication in drinking and wastewater, so it is necessary to limit the phosphate concentration in water bodies to limit the eutrophication problem. Porous magnesium oxide (MgO) nanosheets are synthesized at room temperature by simple precipitation and calcination. The synthesized material is characterized by various techniques. The sheet‐like MgO and commercial MgO are evaluated by the batch adsorption test. The synthesized material has an efficient adsorption efficiency of 95% at pH 5 as compared with commercial MgO, having a removal efficiency of 24% under the same investigated conditions. The synthesized MgO can be an efficient adsorbent material to overcome the eutrophication problem of the waste/domestic water.
Elevated blood levels of Dickkopf‐1 are associated with acute infections
Authors: Mazon Melody , Larouche Valérie , St‐Louis Maryse , Schindler Detlev , Carreau Madeleine 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionDickkopf‐1 (DKK1) is a soluble protein and antagonist of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. DKK1 is found elevated in serum from patients affected with various types of cancers and in some instances, it is considered a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Elevated serum levels of DKK1 have also been detected in animal models of chronic inflammatory diseases. Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated upregulation of DKK1 in cells and mouse models of the bone marrow failure (BMF) and cancer‐prone disease Fanconi anemia (FA). The present study aimed to investigate whether DKK1 blood levels in patients are associated with FA or inflammatory responses to acute infections.MethodsPlasma samples were collected from 58 children admitted to the Centre Mère‐Enfant Soleil du Centre Hospitalier de Québec‐Université Laval with signs of acute infections. Blood plasma specimens were also collected from healthy blood donors at the Héma‐Québec blood donor clinic. Plasmas from patients diagnosed with FA were also included in the study. DKK1 levels in blood plasmas were assessed by standard ELISA.ResultsPatients with acute infections showed dramatically high levels of DKK1 (6072 ± 518 pg/ml) in their blood compared to healthy blood donors (1726 ± 95 pg/ml). No correlations were found between DKK1 levels and C reactive protein (CRP) concentration, platelet numbers, or white blood cell counts. Patients with FA showed higher DKK1 plasma levels (3419 ± 147.5 pg/ml) than healthy blood donors (1726 ± 95 pg/ml) but significantly lower than patients with acute infections.ConclusionThese findings suggest that blood DKK1 is elevated in response to infections and perhaps to inflammatory responses.
Aggregation‐induced Phosphorescence Enhancement in IrIII Complexes
Authors: Mauro Matteo , Cebrián Cristina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTransition metal complexes that efficiently emit from an excited state with formally triplet character are an appealing class of compounds. However, they typically suffer from severe quenching, e. g. triplet‐triplet annihilation, in aggregated phase that often hampers their use in the solid‐state. Nonetheless, an intriguing effect, namely aggregation‐induced phosphorescence enhancement, has been sometimes observed, but clear elucidation of the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon is far from trivial. Nowadays, cyclometalated IrIII emitters play a leading role due to their outstanding features. Aiming at a rationalization of the AIPE effect, an overview of the different classes of IrIII emitters displaying enhancement of the emission upon aggregation will be herein provided along with their potential applications. Their photophysical properties will be discussed jointly with their X‐ray structural analysis. IrIII complexes represent the largest family of AIPE‐active compounds to date.
Probing the viability of palladium‐challenged bacterial cells using flow cytometry
Authors: Omajali Jacob B , Mikheenko Iryna P , Overton Tim W , Merroun Mohamed L , Macaskie Lynne E 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe ability of bacterial cells to retain membrane integrity and membrane potential when challenged with palladium (II) solution has not being examined previously, which would provide a platform towards the bio‐fabrication of a multifunctional tandem bio‐nanoparticles. This study investigates the use of flow cytometry coupled with fluorescent probes to determine membrane integrity and membrane potential of cells of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and Bacillus benzeovorans challenged with 1 mmol L−1 of sodium tetrachloropalladate (II) (Na2PdCl4) solution at pH 2 followed by reduction of palladium (II) (Pd(II)) with formate to give 1 wt% loading of Pd(0) on the cells.RESULTSFluorescently labelled active bacterial cells retained over 80% of membrane potential when challenged with Pd(II) solutions except for Bacillus benzeovorans (Bb) with about 32% retention. Cell viability was also seen to be variable and strain‐dependent while dead cells lack any membrane integrity. Since esterase activity is energy independent and unable to confirm the membrane potential of the bacterial cells, the dye 3,3′‐dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide [DiO6(3)] was used to determine and confirm the membrane potential of the bacterial cells.CONCLUSIONThe results revealed that since fluorescently labelled bacterial cells containing Pd(0) can retain metabolic activity when analysed with flow cytometry, it provides the potential for combining chemical catalysis with biochemical activity in reactions that require metabolic synergy. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Analgesic and Anti‐inflammatory Potential of Merged Pharmacophore Containing 1,2,4‐triazoles and Substituted Benzyl Groups via Thio Linkage
Authors: Ahirwar J. , Ahirwar D. , Lanjhiyana S. , Jha A. K. , Dewangan D. , Badwaik H. 
Published: July 2018

A plethora of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are available in the market with adverse side effects like gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, and ulceration. Currently, the focus of researcher on the development of better, synergistic molecules by the hybridization of two or more active biomolecule or ligands to develop newer derivative possessing good anti‐inflammatory activity with minimum side effects. In line with this, the present study was designed to synthesize a series of merged pharmacophore contaning1,2,4‐triazoles and substituted benzyl groups via thio linkage. Purity of the derivatives was confirmed by thin‐layer chromatography, combustion analysis, and melting point. Structure of these derivatives was set up by determining infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy. All the synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities in mice and rats, respectively. In animal studies, the derivative 3‐(5‐(4‐nitrobenzylthio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl) pyridine showed more potent analgesic activity, and the derivative 3‐(5‐(2,4‐dimethylbenzylthio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl) pyridine showed more potent anti‐inflammatory activity as compared with other derivatives. The results of the present study indicate that reaction of pyridine linked 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol with different substituted benzyl halides to produce merged pharmacophore contaning1,2,4‐triazoles and substituted benzyl groups with potent analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. Docking studies were performed by using Argus lab, and all the derivatives exhibited good docking scores between −10 and −12 kcal/mol and were better as compared with standard drugs aspirin and indomethacin against cyclooxygenase‐2. Among all compounds, 3j has shown the maximum docking score and found in agreement to in pharmacological activities.
Moving forward: why responding to migration, mobility and HIV in South(ern) Africa is a public health priority
Authors: Vearey Jo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionGlobal migration policy discussions are increasingly driven by moral panics – public anxiety about issues thought to threaten the moral standards of society. This includes the development of two Global Compacts – agreed principles to guide an international response – for (1) “Refugees” and (2) “Safe, Regular and Orderly Migration.” While the need to address migration and health is increasingly recognized at the global level, concerns are raised about if this will be reflected in the final Compacts. The Compacts focus on securitization, an approach that aims to restrict the movement of people, presenting potentially negative health consequences for people who move. Globally, concern is raised that migration‐aware public health programming initiatives could be co‐opted through a global health security agenda to further restrict movement across borders. This is particularly worrying in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) – a regional economic community associated with high levels of migration and the largest population of people living with HIV globally; this case is used to explore concerns about the health implications of the Global Compacts.DiscussionCurrent HIV responses in SADC do not adequately engage with the movement of healthcare users within and between countries. This negatively affects existing HIV interventions and has implications for the development of universal HIV testing and treatment (UTT) programmes. Drawing on literature and policy review, and ongoing participant observation in policy processes, I outline how Global Compact processes may undermine HIV prevention efforts in SADC.ConclusionsThe global health imperative of developing migration‐aware and mobility‐competent health responses must not be undermined by moral panics; the resultant international policy processes run the risk of jeopardizing effective action at the local level. Globally, migration is increasingly recognized as a central public health concern, providing strategic opportunities to strengthen public health responses for all. Without mainstreaming migration, however, health responses will struggle. This is particularly concerning in SADC where HIV programmes – including UTT initiatives – will struggle, and key health targets will not be met. Globally, contextually appropriate migration‐aware responses to health are needed, including and a specific focus on HIV programming in SADC.
Arrhythmia induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sugumar Hariharan , Prabhu Sandeep , Voskoboinik Aleksandr , Kistler Peter M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractArrhythmia induced cardiomyopathies (AIC) refer to the collective condition of Arrhythmia, Tachycardia, and ectopy‐induced Cardiomyopathy. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are modern epidemics that often coexist and exacerbate one another. We aim to provide an overview of the current understanding and evidence for treatment and management in AIC with a particular focus on AF‐mediated cardiomyopathy and suggest approaches to recognize, screen, and manage AIC.
Trans‐aortic pulmonary vein isolation using magnetic navigation system for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in a patient with dextrocardia, situs inversus, and inferior vena cava continuity with azygos vein
Authors: Okajima Katsunori , Nakanishi Tomoyuki , Ichibori Hirotoshi , Shirai Takeaki , Kadotani Makoto , Shimizu Hiroki , Onishi Yoshio , Yamashiro Kohei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA 51‐year‐old male with dextrocardia and situs inversus underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Because the procedure through the trans‐septal approach was impossible due to the inferior vena cava continuity with azygos vein, we performed pulmonary vein isolation using magnetic navigation system through the retrograde trans‐aortic approach. Superior and inferior left‐sided and superior right‐sided pulmonary veins could be isolated which was confirmed by the ablation catheter. The patient was free from atrial fibrillation episode at the 12 months follow‐up except only one palpitation episode lasting nearly 12 hours at 9 months after the ablation.
Ostracod‐based reconstruction of Late Quaternary lake level changes within the Tangra Yumco lake system (southern Tibetan Plateau)
Authors: Alivernini M. , Akita L. G. , Ahlborn M. , Börner N. , Haberzettl T. , Kasper T. , Plessen B. , Peng P. , Schwalb A. , Wang J. , Frenzel P. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTTangra Yumco, a large saline lake located in the central–southern part of the Tibetan Plateau, lies in a hydrologically closed basin and is part of a cascade lake system including Tangqung Co, Tangra Yumco and Xuru Co. The extension and position of this lake system makes it valuable for reconstructing palaeoclimatic variations through the lake history and to compare both with the adjacent lake systems. We reconstructed Late Quaternary lake level changes based on data from two lacustrine sediment cores. A micropalaeontological analysis focusing on Ostracoda was carried out combined with dating (14C, 210Pb, 137Cs), sedimentology and stable isotope data from bulk sediment. Ostracod analysis involves the quantitative documentation of associations. An ostracod‐based transfer function for specific conductivity was applied to assess and refine lake level changes and to compare the results with other lake level reconstructions from the Tibetan Plateau for evaluating inter‐regional climatic patterns. Seven ostracod species were detected, with Leucocytherella sinensis dominating the associations followed by Leucocythere? dorsotuberosa, Limnocythere inopinata and Tonnacypris gyirongensis. Fabaeformiscandona gyirongensis, Candona candida and Candona xizangensis were found in only a few samples and at low percentages. The synthesis of ostracod‐based environmental reconstruction and chronology for samples from Tangra Yumco reveals the evolution of the lake system during the past 17 ka. A low lake level around 17 cal ka BP is followed by a recovering until the reaching of a high stand around 8–9 cal ka BP. Subsequently, between 7.7 and 2.5 cal ka BP, it remained relatively stable with a subsequent short‐living lowstand–highstand cycle at around 2 ka. Thereafter, the ostracod‐based conductivity transfer function shows an increase of conductivity corresponding to a lake level rising phase at around 0.4 ka. The recorded changes are indicators of past climatic conditions and refine the palaeoclimatic models in this area.
Evaluation of Intratesticular Lesions With Strain Elastography Using Strain Ratio and Color Map Visual Grading: Differentiation of Neoplastic and Nonneoplastic Lesions
Authors: Konstantatou Eleni , Fang Cheng , Romanos Odyssefs , Derchi Lorenzo E. , Bertolotto Michele , Valentino Massimo , Kalogeropoulou Christina , Sidhu Paul S. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of strain elastography using calculated strain ratio and visual elastography score in differentiating nonneoplastic, benign, and malignant neoplastic intratesticular lesions.Materials and MethodsThe study was approved by the hospital review board as a retrospective review of 86 patients examined with gray scale, color Doppler ultrasonography and strain elastography (visual elastography score and strain ratio). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratio of color Doppler and stain elastography were documented. Receiver operator characteristic curves assessed the diagnostic accuracy of strain elastography to discriminate nonneoplastic, benign, and malignant neoplasms. Histology or follow‐up ultrasonography determined lesion character.ResultsThirty‐one of 86 (36.0%) intratesticular malignant neoplasms, 17 of 86 (19.8%) benign neoplasms, and 38 of 86 (44.2%) nonneoplastic lesions were confirmed with histology (n = 52) or follow‐up sonography (n = 34); 89.5% of intratesticular lesions were heterogeneous or hypoechoic on gray scale, with no difference between benign and malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio for nonneoplasm versus neoplasm were documented: color Doppler: 68.8%, 97.4%, 26.5, 0.32; visual elastography score: 81.3%, 57.9%, 1.93, 0.32; strain ratio: 68.8%, 81.6%, 3.73, 0.38. Neoplastic lesions showed a higher strain ratio than nonneoplastic lesions (P < .001), with strong correlation between median strain ratio and visual elastography score (Spearman's coefficient, 0.693; P < .001). Strain ratio is a significantly better assessment than visual elastography score for malignant lesions (P = .025). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between size (P = .001), hypervascularity (P < .001), and malignancy.ConclusionHigher strain ratio and visual elastography score are associated with neoplastic lesions and offer an alternative to assess tissue characteristics but do not improve the diagnostic accuracy when compared with the color Doppler pattern.
Ultrasound Features of Palmar Fibromatosis or Dupuytren Contracture
Authors: Morris Gregory , Jacobson Jon A. , Kalume Brigido Monica , Gaetke‐Udager Kara , Yablon Corrie M. , Dong Qian 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo retrospectively characterize the ultrasound appearance of palmar fibromatosis in patients with a surgical or clinical diagnosis of palmar fibromatosis.MethodsA search of ultrasound reports from 2005 to 2015 and a subsequent search of medical records were performed to identify patients with a surgical or clinical diagnosis of palmar fibromatosis. The ultrasound images were retrospectively reviewed to record the lesion location, size, echogenicity, compressibility, hyperemia, and calcification.ResultsA total of 36 patients were identified (average age, 60 years; 61% male), yielding a total of 55 palmar fibromatosis lesions, of which 2%, 7%, 29%, 36%, 20%, and 5% were located at the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth digits and between the fourth and fifth digits, respectively. The lesions were located directly superficial to the flexor tendons in 93% with their epicenters at the distal metacarpal in 89%. Average lesion dimensions were 13.1 mm in length, 6.8 mm in width, and 2.5 mm in depth. On ultrasound images, the lesions were characteristically hypoechoic (98%) and noncompressible (95%). Atypical features included calcification (2%), compressibility (5%), hyperemia on color Doppler images (6%), epicenters at the metacarpophalangeal joint (7%) or proximal phalanx (4%), and location superficial but lateral to the flexor tendons (7%).ConclusionsPalmar fibromatosis most commonly appears hypoechoic and is located directly superficial to the flexor tendons with an epicenter at the distal metacarpal, most commonly the fourth digit. However, the epicenter location may be at the distal metacarpal and proximal phalanx of other digits, adjacent to the flexor tendons, with possible hyperemia and calcification.
Thiamin (vitamin B1) content in phytoplankton and zooplankton in the presence of filamentous cyanobacteria
Authors: Fridolfsson Emil , Lindehoff Elin , Legrand Catherine , Hylander Samuel 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTop predators in several aquatic food webs regularly display elevated reproductive failure, caused by thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency. The reasons for these low‐thiamin levels are not understood and information about the transfer of thiamin from the producers (bacteria and phytoplankton) to higher trophic levels is limited. One main concern is whether cyanobacterial blooms could negatively affect thiamin transfer in aquatic systems. Laboratory experiments with Baltic Sea plankton communities and single phytoplankton species were used to study the effect of filamentous cyanobacteria on the transfer of thiamin from phytoplankton to zooplankton. Experiments showed that the thiamin content in copepods was reduced when exposed to elevated levels of cyanobacteria, although filamentous cyanobacteria had higher levels of thiamin than any other analyzed phytoplankton species. Filamentous cyanobacteria also had a negative effect on copepod egg production despite high concentrations of non‐cyanobacterial food. Phytoplankton species composition affected overall thiamin concentration with relatively more thiamin available for transfer when the relative abundance of Dinophyceae was higher. Finally, phytoplankton thiamin levels were lower when copepods were abundant, indicating that grazers affect thiamin levels in phytoplankton community, likely by selective feeding. Overall, high levels of thiamin in phytoplankton communities are not reflected in the copepod community. We conclude that presence of filamentous cyanobacteria during summer potentially reduces the transfer of thiamin to higher trophic levels by negatively affecting phytoplankton and copepod thiamin content as well as copepod reproduction, thereby lowering the absolute capacity of the food web to transfer thiamin through copepods to higher trophic levels.
The trouble with stress: A flexible method for the evaluation of nonmetric multidimensional scaling
Authors: Dexter Eric , Rollwagen‐Bollens Gretchen , Bollens Stephen M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) is a powerful statistical tool which enables complex multivariate data sets to be visualized in a reduced number of dimensions. Users typically evaluate the fit of an NMDS ordination via ordination “stress” (i.e., data distortion) against a commonly accepted set of heuristic guidelines. However, these guidelines do not account for the mathematical relationship which links ordination stress to sample size. Consequently, researchers working with large data sets may unnecessarily present ordinations in an intractable number of dimensions, subdivide their data, or forego the use of NMDS entirely and lose the benefits of this highly flexible and useful technique. In order to overcome the limitations of these practices, we advocate for an alternative approach to the evaluation of NMDS ordination fit via the usage of permutation‐based ecological null models. We present the rationale for this approach from a theoretical basis, supported by a brief literature review, and an example usage of the methodology. Our literature review shows that NMDS analyses often far exceed the number of observations under which the original stress guidelines were formulated—with a significant increasing trend in recent decades. Adoption of a permutation‐based approach will consequently provide a more flexible and quantitative evaluation of NMDS fit and allow for the continued application of NMDS in an era of increasingly large datasets.
Mechanical and wear performance evaluation of tungsten added Co‐30Cr‐4Mo‐1Ni biomedical alloy with Taguchi optimization
Authors: Aherwar A. , Singh A. , Patnaik A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDevelopment of biomaterial with diverse properties (physical, mechanical, wear, and many others) for hip femoral head is one of the most exigent tasks. Improper material often causes component failure during functioning. Therefore, in this study, a series of implant materials containing tungsten of different weight percentages were fabricated by high temperature vacuum casting induction furnace and the physical, mechanical, and wear properties were examined. The proportions were varied from 0 wt. % ‐ 4 wt.% in a cobalt–chromium alloy (Co‐30Cr‐4Mo‐1Ni). The mechanical properties were tested by the micro‐hardness tester and the compression testing machine, while the wear performance was analyzed through a pin‐on‐disc tribometer under different operating conditions at room temperature. Initially in this study, steady state experimental analysis was performed to obtain the volumetric wear loss and coefficient of friction by varying sliding velocity and normal load respectively. Afterwards, the Taguchi experimental design has been conducted to obtain the optimum wear response. Lastly, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were utilized to analyze the contour of wear mechanism and 3D surface topography. From the results obtained, it was found that Co‐30Cr‐4Mo‐1Ni‐2 W implant material provides the best combination of the properties for a given application.