bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The logic of biologically active small molecules: amazing ability of microorganisms*
Authors: Ubukata Makoto 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this review article, I will outline my way of thinking about biologically active small molecules. The structure of liposidomycin B from Streptomyces species resulted in my initial sense that a structure tells its function. A biologically active small molecule may save directly or indirectly a number of people. Even if the molecule has not been used as a therapeutic agent, it can be used as a useful chemical probe for dissecting a living cell into different biochemical pieces. Such biologically active small molecules derived from microorganisms have been primarily found in cultivable microorganisms that make up only 1% of total microbes in nature. Discovery of novel growth factors, zincmethylphyrin, zinc coproporphyrin, and coproporphyrin enabled laboratory cultivation of previously uncultured Leucobacter sp. These findings might expand the possibility for further discovery of novel therapeutic agents or chemical probes.
Application of optimal control strategies to HIV-malaria co-infection dynamics
Authors: Fatmawati  , Windarto  , Hanif Lathifah 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
This paper presents a mathematical model of HIV and malaria co-infection transmission dynamics. Optimal control strategies such as malaria preventive, anti-malaria and antiretroviral (ARV) treatments are considered into the model to reduce the co-infection. First, we studied the existence and stability of equilibria of the presented model without control variables. The model has four equilibria, namely the disease-free equilibrium, the HIV endemic equilibrium, the malaria endemic equilibrium, and the co-infection equilibrium. We also obtain two basic reproduction ratios corresponding to the diseases. It was found that the disease-free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable whenever their respective basic reproduction numbers are less than one. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine the dominant factor controlling the transmission. sic reproduction numbers are less than one. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine the dominant factor controlling the transmission. Then, the optimal control theory for the model was derived analytically by using Pontryagin Maximum Principle. Numerical simulations of the optimal control strategies are also performed to illustrate the results. From the numerical results, we conclude that the best strategy is to combine the malaria prevention and ARV treatments in order to reduce malaria and HIV co-infection populations.
Application of neem (Azadirachta indica) as biological pesticides in cocoa seed (Theobroma cacao) storage using various local adsorbent media
Authors: Mardiyani S A , Sunawan  , Pawestri A E 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Cocoa seeds are recalcitrant (the water content is more than 40%) that require special handling. The use of adsorbent media to reduce the decrease in the quality of cocoa seeds and extend their shelf life in this storage has not been widely done. Local adsorbent media such as sawdust, sand and ash have the potential to maintain the viability of cocoa seeds. The objective of this research was to determine the interaction of the application of neem (Azadirachta indica) as biological pesticides and the use of various natural adsorbent media in the storage of cocoa seeds (Theobroma cacao). It was an experimental study with a factorial design composed of three factors. The first factor was the medium adsorbent type for the storage of cocoa seed, which consists of three levels (river sand, ash, and sawdust). The second factor was the concentration of neem leaves for pre-storage treatment with three levels (10, 20, and 30%). The third factor was the storage time (10 and 20 days). The results of the study indicated that the combination of the three factors showed a significant interaction in the height of the plant and the diameter of the stem of the seedling at 28 days after sowing. The fresh weight of the seedlings of the seeds that were stored in ash media gave a better result than the seedlings of seeds that had been stored in the river sand and the sawdust as adsorbent media. The application of 20% extract of neem leaves gave the best influence for the seeds that were stored for 20 days.
Electricity generation from wetlands with activated carbon bioanode
Authors: Sudirjo E. , Buisman C J N , Strik D P B T B 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Paddy fields are potential non-tidal wetlands to apply Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (PMFC) technology. World widely they cover about 160 million ha of which 13.3 million ha is located in Indonesia. With the PMFC, in-situ electricity is generated by a bioanode with electrochemically active bacteria which use primary the organic matter supplied by the plant (e.g. as rhizodeposits and plant residues). One of limitations when installing a PMFC in a non-tidal wetland is the usage of “expensive” large amounts of electrodes to overcome the poor conductivity of wet soils. However, in a cultivated wetland such as rice paddy field, it is possible to alter soil composition. Adding a conductive carbon material such as activated carbon is believed to improve soil conductivity with minimum impact on plant vitality. The objective of this research was to study the effect of activated carbon as an alternative bioanode material on the electricity output and plants vitality. Lab result shows that activated carbon can be a potential alternative for bioanode material. It can continuously deliver current on average 1.54 A/m3 anode (0.26 A/m2 PGA or 66 mW/m2 PGA) for 98 days. Based on this result the next step is to do a test of this technology in the real paddy fields.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Xu Zhiyuan , Mathieu David , Heroux France , Abbassy Mahmoud , Barnett Gene , Mohammadi Alireza M , Kano Hideyuki , Caruso James , Shih Han-Hsun , Grills Inga S , Lee Kuei , Krishnan Sandeep , Kaufmann Anthony M , Lee John Y K , Alonso-Basanta Michelle , Kerr Marie , Pierce John , Kondziolka Douglas , Hess Judith A , Gerrard Jason , Chiang Veronica , Lunsford L Dade , Sheehan Jason P 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Facial pain response (PR) to various surgical interventions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is much less optimal. No large patient series regarding stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been published.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of MS-related TN treated with SRS.

METHODS
This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 263 patients contributed by 9 member tertiary referral Gamma Knife centers (2 in Canada and 7 in USA) of the International Gamma Knife Research Consortium (IGKRF) constituted this study.

RESULTS
The median latency period of PR after SRS was 1 mo. Reasonable pain control (Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] Pain Scores I-IIIb) was achieved in 232 patients (88.2%). The median maintenance period from SRS was 14.1 months (range, 10 days to 10 years). The actuarial reasonable pain control maintenance rates at 1 yr, 2 yr, and 4 yr were 54%, 35%, and 24%, respectively. There was a correlation between the status of achieving BNI-I and the maintenance of facial pain recurrence-free rate. The median recurrence-free rate was 36 mo and 12.2 mo in patients achieving BNI-I and BNI > I, respectively (P = .046). Among 210 patients with known status of post-SRS complications, the new-onset of facial numbness (BNI-I or II) after SRS occurred in 21 patients (10%).

CONCLUSION
In this largest series SRS offers a reasonable benefit to risk profile for patients who have exhausted medical management. More favorable initial response to SRS may predict a long-lasting pain control.
Descending Branch of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Graft for Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Revascularization
Authors: Strickland Ben A , Bakhsheshian Joshua , Rennert Robert C , Fredrickson Vance L , Lam Jordan , Amar Arun , Mack William , Carey Joseph , Russin Jonathan J 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) revascularization can be achieved with relative ease when a contralateral PICA is present. However, without a contralateral PICA, identification of a suitable vessel alternative can be challenging due to a size mismatch.

OBJECTIVE
To propose the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (DLCFA) to be an acceptable, if not preferred, arterial graft for PICA revascularization.

METHODS
Data from patients who underwent PICA revascularization with DLCFA grafts were obtained from an institutional review board-approved prospectively maintained database with informed consent from the patients.

RESULTS
Three patients, all presenting with ruptured aneurysms, were treated with PICA revascularization using the DLCFA. All cases achieved bypass patency and no ischemic events occurred during the bypass procedures. Graft spasm occurred in 2 patients. Two patients that presented with neurological deficits achieved excellent neurological outcomes and 1 suffered an anterior spinal artery stroke during a repeat endovascular treatment 1 wk after revascularization.

CONCLUSION
The DLCFA is favorable for PICA revascularization when a contralateral PICA is not a viable option.
High-energy gamma-ray and neutrino production in star-forming galaxies across cosmic time: Difficulties in explaining the IceCube data
Authors: Sudoh Takahiro , Totani Tomonori , Kawanaka Norita 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We present new theoretical modeling to predict the luminosity and spectrum of gamma-ray and neutrino emission of a star-forming galaxy, from the star formation rate (ψ), gas mass (Mgas), stellar mass, and disk size, taking into account production, propagation, and interactions of cosmic rays. The model reproduces the observed gamma-ray luminosities of nearby galaxies detected by Fermi better than the simple power-law models as a function of ψ or ψMgas. This model is then used to predict the cosmic background flux of gamma-rays and neutrinos from star-forming galaxies, by using a semi-analytical model of cosmological galaxy formation that reproduces many observed quantities of local and high-redshift galaxies. Calibration of the model using gamma-ray luminosities of nearby galaxies allows us to make a more reliable prediction than previous studies. In our baseline model, star-forming galaxies produce about 20% of the isotropic gamma-ray background unresolved by Fermi, and only 0.5% of IceCube neutrinos. Even with an extreme model assuming a hard injection cosmic-ray spectral index of 2.0 for all galaxies, at most 22% of IceCube neutrinos can be accounted for. These results indicate that it is difficult to explain most of the IceCube neutrinos by star-forming galaxies, without violating the gamma-ray constraints from nearby galaxies.
Five successful pregnancies with antenatal anakinra exposure
Authors: Smith Chelsey J F , Chambers Christina D 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Our aim is to add to the limited existing prospective data on IL-1 inhibitor use in pregnancy.

Methods
Data were obtained from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Autoimmune Disease in Pregnancy Project, a prospective cohort study of pregnancy outcomes in the USA and Canada. Eligible women were enrolled prior to 19 weeks’ gestation between 2004 and 2017. Outcomes were obtained by maternal interview and medical record abstraction.

Results
Five pregnancies with anakinra exposure were identified, all resulting in full-term singleton live births with no major or long-term complications. Three maternal subjects used anakinra for adult-onset Still’s disease and two for systemic JIA. For all individuals who discontinued anakinra, some amount of steroid medication was necessary for treatment of disease flare. Two maternal subjects developed oligohydramnios, one also with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Two women had Caesarian sections, one medically indicated and one scheduled. One infant had low birth weight, but follow-up records indicated normal adjusted weight at 1 year. Three women successfully breastfed their infants, at least two of whom continued anakinra while breastfeeding.

Conclusion
Anakinra was used successfully in five full-term pregnancies; however, two subjects developed oligohydramnios, a process that can be linked to fetal renal anomalies. Given previously reported cases of congenital renal anomalies associated with both antenatal anakinra use and maternal hyperthermia, the relationship between maternal IL-1 inhibitor use, uncontrolled maternal febrile disease and fetal outcomes should be further explored.
Effects of 3 Different Methods of Care on the Peristomal Skin Integrity of Children with Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pars Hatice , Çavuşoğlu Hicran 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:
There are a limited number of studies examining the effects of products used in stoma care. This study compares the effects of 3 different methods of care on the peristomal skin integrity of children with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes.

METHODS:
In this randomized controlled study, 60 children were allocated to the 3 study groups (group 1: hydrogel, group 2: soap and water, group 3: saline solution). Dressings were changed daily for all groups during the first week, then weekly for group 1 and daily for groups 2 and 3. The evaluations were performed using a PEG Region Peristomal Skin Integrity Observation Form and devices measuring stoma region pH, moisture, and temperature. One evaluation was performed in a hospital and 4 during home visits in the first month after PEG insertion.

MAIN RESULTS:
Moisture levels in the stoma region were normal in the saline solution group, high in the hydrogel group, and low in the soap and water group (P < .05). Complications potentially affecting peristomal skin integrity in the stoma region (erythema, drainage, hemorrhage, hypergranulation tissue) were observed most frequently in the soap and water group (5%–45%) and least frequently in the hydrogel group (15%–25%). However, there was no statistically significant difference among the groups with respect to these complications (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
Because the dressing requires 6 times fewer changes per month, and wound site infection in the stoma site is minimized, the use of glycerin hydrogel should be considered for inclusion in pediatric stoma care procedures.
Risk Factors for Peritoneal Recurrence in Stage II to III Colon Cancer
Authors: Mayanagi Shuhei , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Honda Michitaka , Oba Koji , Aoyama Toru , Kanda Mitsuro , Maeda Hiromichi , Hamada Chikuma , Sadahiro Sotaro , Sakamoto Junichi , Saji Shigetoyo , Yoshikawa Takaki 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:
Most previous reports to analyze risk factors for peritoneal recurrence in patients with colon cancer have been observational studies of a population-based cohort.

OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to determine the risk factors for peritoneal recurrence in patients with stage II to III colon cancer who underwent curative resection.

DESIGN:
This was a pooled analysis using a combined database obtained from 3 large phase III randomized trials (N = 3714).

SETTINGS:
Individual patient data were collected from the Japanese Foundation for Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer clinical trials 7, 15, and 33, which evaluated the benefits of postoperative 5-fluorouracil–based adjuvant therapies in patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS:
We included patients who had stage II to III colon cancer and underwent curative resection with over D2 lymph node dissection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Main outcomes measured were risk factors for peritoneal recurrence without other organ metastasis after curative surgery.

RESULTS:
Peritoneal recurrence occurred in 2.3% (86/3714) of all patients undergoing curative resection. Mean duration from operation to peritoneal recurrence was 17.0 ± 10.3 months. Of these patients with peritoneal recurrence, 29 patients (34%) had recurrence in ≥1 other organ. Multivariate analysis showed that age (≥60 y: HR = 0.531; p = 0.0182), pathological T4 (HR = 3.802; p < 0.0001), lymph node involvement (HR = 3.491; p = 0.0002), and lymphadenectomy (D2: HR = 1.801; p = 0.0356) were independent predictors of peritoneal recurrence. The overall survival was lower in patients who developed peritoneal recurrence than in those with other recurrence (HR = 1.594; p = 0.002).

LIMITATIONS:
The regimens of adjuvant chemotherapy were limited to oral 5-fluorouracil.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings clarified the risk factors for peritoneal recurrence in patients who underwent curative resection for colon cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A609.
Projected Changes in Temperature-related Morbidity and Mortality in Southern New England
Authors: Weinberger Kate R. , Kirwa Kipruto , Eliot Melissa N. , Gold Julia , Suh Helen H. , Wellenius Gregory A. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Climate change is expected to result in more heat-related, but potentially fewer cold-related, emergency department visits and deaths. The net effect of projected changes in temperature on morbidity and mortality remains incompletely understood. We estimated the change in temperature-related morbidity and mortality at two sites in southern New England, United States, through the end of the 21st century.

Methods:
We used distributed lag Poisson regression models to estimate the present-day associations between daily mean temperature and all-cause emergency department visits and deaths in Rhode Island and in Boston, Massachusetts. We estimated the change in temperature-related visits and deaths in 2045–2054 and 2085–2094 (relative to 2001–2010) under two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) using downscaled projections from an ensemble of over 40 climate models, assuming all other factors remain constant.

Results:
We observed U-shaped relationships between temperature and morbidity and mortality in Rhode Island, with minima at 10.9°C and 22.5°C, respectively. We estimated that, if this population were exposed to the future temperatures projected under RCP8.5 for 2085–2094, there would be 5,976 (95% eCI = 1,630, 11,379) more emergency department visits but 218 (95% eCI = −551, 43) fewer deaths annually. Results were similar in Boston and similar but less pronounced in the 2050s and under RCP4.5.

Conclusions:
We estimated that in the absence of further adaptation, if the current southern New England population were exposed to the higher temperatures projected for future decades, temperature-related emergency department visits would increase but temperature-related deaths would not.
Meibomian Gland Dropout in Hematological Patients Before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Giannaccare Giuseppe , Bonifazi Francesca , Sebastiani Stefano , Sessa Mariarosaria , Pellegrini Marco , Arpinati Mario , Moscardelli Fabiana , Versura Piera , Campos Emilio 
Published: March 2018

Purpose:
To perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of meibomian gland (MG) dropout in hematological patients before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and to correlate it with both ocular surface and hematological characteristics.

Methods:
This prospective study included 46 consecutive patients undergoing HSCT and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Noninvasive meibography of the lower eyelid, meiboscore (Pult scale), Schirmer test type I, tear film breakup time, and corneal and conjunctival staining were measured. Subjective symptoms were scored by the Ocular Surface Disease Index. The dry eye diagnosis was ascertained according to TFOS DEWS II Criteria. Hematological data included diagnosis (acute leukemias vs. other malignancies), stage of the disease, time from diagnosis to ophthalmological examination, and previous therapy (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or autograft).

Results:
Hematological patients presented a significantly lower tear film breakup time and a higher meiboscore compared with controls (respectively 4.8 ± 3.0 seconds vs. 11.0 ± 3.0 and 2.0 ± 1.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4; P < 0.001). Conversely, other parameters did not differ between both groups. Dry eye was diagnosed in 14 out 46 hematological patients (30.4%). MG loss was significantly higher in hematological patients than in controls (29.8% ± 15.0% vs. 21.2 ± 13.0; P = 0.007) and was higher in the nasal third compared with both central and temporal thirds (respectively, 39.8% ± 21.4% vs. 18.5 ± 15.6 and 25.1 ± 18.3; P < 0.0001). The diagnosis of acute leukemia (β = 0.449; P = 0.003) and the history of previous chemotherapy (β = 0.444; P = 0.003) were associated with lower MG loss.

Conclusions:
Hematological patients presented significantly reduced MG areas even before HSCT, particularly those affected by nonacute malignancies. The topographical pattern of MG dropout resembles that of conventional dry eye.
Cumulative Endothelial Cell Loss in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Grafts From Preparation Through Insertion With Glass Injectors
Authors: Downes Kenneth , Tran Khoa D. , Stoeger Christopher G. , Chamberlain Winston 
Published: March 2018

Purpose:
Evaluation of cumulative Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty endothelial cell loss (ECL) from preparation through injection using 2 different glass injectors.

Methods:
Eighteen Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty grafts with “S” stamps were prepared by eye bank technicians. Nine grafts were assigned to injection with a modified glass Jones tube injector with a 2.4-mm opening and 9 were assigned to injection with the DORC glass pipette injector (<1.5-mm opening). The grafts were prepared and loaded into the injectors using the standard surgical technique, ejected onto a bed of viscoelastic on a glass slide, and unscrolled using viscoelastic. The grafts were stained with the vital dye Calcein-AM, then digitally imaged and analyzed using FIJI. The percentage of ECL was calculated by measuring the area of nonfluorescent pixels and dividing it by the total graft area pixels. A statistical comparison was performed using a 2-tailed unpaired t test.

Results:
Grafts injected using the DORC injector versus Jones tube injector had ECL of 29.2% ± 8.5% [95% confidence interval (CI)] versus 23.0% ± 5.1% (95% CI), respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.17); however, the patterns of ECL on the grafts was different between injectors. Peripheral ECL caused by trephination and surgeon grasp sites accounted for 7.5% ± 1.2% (95% CI).

Conclusions:
There was no statistical difference in ECL between the 2 injectors. There were characteristic differences in patterns of ECL seen between injectors, which may be clinically relevant and indicate the types of stress that grafts are exposed to during passage through various injectors.