bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female Genital Mutilation and Obstetric Outcomes in the Far-North Region, Cameroon: A Case - Control Study
Authors: Halle-Ekane G. E. , Guidona N. M. N. , Mbuagbaw L. T. , Mengouo A. M. , Mbu R. E. 
Published: March 2019

Various forms of Female Genital Mutilations (FGMs) have been performed for several years and continue to be practiced with serious consequences.
Aims: The study aimed at assessing the socio-demographic profile, prevalence, types of FGM, and associated obstetric outcomes in the Far North Region, Cameroon.
Study Design: Case-control study.
Place and Duration of Study: Four health facilities in the aforementioned region from 4th February, 2017 to 28th April 2017.
Methods: We included 213 parturients matched for age and parity in a proportion of 1:2 (71 with FGM and 142 counterparts). Data was collected on their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of FGM and obstetric outcomes. Each parturient’s labor was monitored using a partograph and intermittent fetal heart rate auscultation. The mother-neonate dyads were followed up until discharge from the hospital. Data were analyzed using Epi Info™ version 7.
Results: The mean age of parturients was 23.8 years (SD: 5.8 years). The prevalence of FGM was 28.7%. Most participants had FGM before the age of ten for the following reasons: cultural, marital, social acceptability and suppression of sexual desires. Female genital mutilation was significantly associated with Caesarian section (RR:2.91; 95% CI: 1.43-5.93; p=0.002), episiotomy (RR 8.0: 95% CI 1.56-17.26) P=0.03), perineal tears (RR: 3.67; 95% CI: 1.93-6.98; p<0.001), prolonged labor (RR:2.7; 95% CI 1.44-5.09; p<0.001), and neonatal resuscitation (RR:.44; 95% CI: 1.59-12.18; p=0.002). However, only perineal tears (Adjusted RR:5.58; 95% CI: 2.49-12.53; p<0.001) and episiotomy (Adjusted RR 11.52; 95% CI: 1.16-114.69; p= 0.03) were independently associated with FGM on multivariate analysis.
Conclusion: The prevalence of FGM was high. FGMs were associated with maternal and fetal morbidity. Therefore, mass sensitization on the consequences of FGM, utilization of ANC services and health facility child births should be encouraged.
Influence of Pesticides on Azospirillum sp. Population and Its Nitrogen Fixation in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Soils
Authors: Madhavi A. , Anuradha B. , Rangaswamy V. 
Published: March 2019

Aim: To study the impact of selected pesticides on Azospirillum sp. population and its nitrification in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils.
Study Design: Black clay and red sandy loam soils with known pesticide history were collected from groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivated fields and were investigated to elucidate the impact of pesticides on Azospirillum sp. population and its nitrification in both the soils.
Place and Duration of Study: The soil samples were collected from groundnut cultivated fields of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh (A.P) and the study was carried out for 3 months.
Methodology: Ten gram portions of each soil sample were placed in (25 × 150 mm) test tubes and treated with different concentrations of pesticides, (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg g-1 soil) which were equivalent - 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 kg ha-1. Soil samples without pesticides served as controls. The soils with and without pesticides were incubated at room temperature (28 ± 4°C) in the laboratory and moisture content was maintained at 60% water holding capacity (WHC) throughout the experimental period. After 7 and 14 days of incubation, triplicate soil samples were used to estimate the population size of Azospirillum sp. using the MPN method. Five ml aliquots of semi – solid malate medium were added to five MPN tubes and inoculated with 0.5 ml of a soil suspension from 10-1 to 10-5 soil dilutions, and incubated at 37°C.
Results: The population of Azospirillum sp. in both soils increased when pesticides were applied @ 2.5 - 5.0 kg ha-1 and incongruity, when the pesticides concentration increased from 7.5 - 10.0 kg ha-1, the Azospirillum sp. population gradually decreased in both soils.
Conclusion: The present study aimed at determining the influence of selected pesticides such as oxydemeton methyl, emamectin benzoate, dithane Z-78 and benomyl on the population of Azospirillum sp. and nitrogen fixation in black clay soil and red sandy loam soils in groundnut cultivated fields of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Insecticides and fungicides applied up to 5.0 kg ha-1, enhanced the population of Azospirillum sp. and its nitrogen fixation also increased significantly after 7 and 14 days of incubation in both soils. However, the population of Azospirillum sp., decreased with increasing period of soil incubation in both treated and untreated soils.
Clinical relevance of circulating MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts for ovarian cancer
Authors: Link Theresa , Kuhlmann Jan Dominik , Kobelt Dennis , Herrmann Pia , Vassileva Yana D. , Kramer Michael , Frank Kerstin , Göckenjan Maren , Wimberger Pauline , Stein Ulrike 
Published: March 2019

Metastasis‐associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and S100 calcium‐binding protein A4 (S100A4) are prominent inducers of tumor progression and metastasis. For the first time, we systematically tracked circulating serum levels of MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts in the course of surgery and chemotherapy and analyzed their clinical relevance for ovarian cancer. MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts were quantified in a total of 318 serum samples from 79 ovarian cancer patients by RT‐qPCR and digital droplet PCR, respectively. MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts were significantly elevated in serum of ovarian cancer patients, compared to healthy controls (P = 0.024; P < 0.001). At primary diagnosis, high levels of MACC1 or S100A4 correlated with advanced FIGO stage (P = 0.042; P = 0.008), predicted suboptimal debulking surgery and indicated shorter progression‐free survival (PFS; P = 0.003; P = 0.001) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.001; P = 0.002). This is the first study in ovarian cancer to propose circulating MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts as potential liquid biopsy markers.
Downregulation of CHIP promotes ovarian cancer metastasis by inducing Snail‐mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Park Sun‐Mi , Park Seung‐Ho , Ryu Ki‐Jun , Kim In‐Kyu , Han Hyeontak , Kim Hyo‐Jin , Kim Seon‐Hee , Hong Keun‐Seok , Kim Hyemin , Kim Minju , Cho Bok Im , Heo Jeong Doo , Kim Na Hyun , Hwang Eun Mi , Park Jae‐Yong , Yook Jong In , Cho Hee Jun , Hwangbo Cheol , Kim Kwang Dong , Song Hoseok , Yoo Jiyun 
Published: March 2019

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in the conversion of early‐stage tumors into invasive malignancies. The transcription factor Snail, an extremely unstable protein whose subcellular levels are regulated by many E3 ubiquitin ligases, promotes EMT as well as associated pathological characteristics including migration, invasion, and metastasis. Through yeast two‐hybrid screening, we identified the carboxyl terminus of Hsc70‐interacting protein (CHIP) as a novel Snail ubiquitin ligase that interacts with Snail to induce ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation. Inhibition of CHIP expression increases Snail protein levels, induces EMT, and enhances in vitro migration and invasion as well as in vivo metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. In turn, Snail depletion abrogates all phenomena induced by CHIP depletion. Finally, Snail and CHIP expression is inversely correlated in ovarian tumor tissues. These findings establish the CHIP–Snail axis as a post‐translational mechanism of EMT and cancer metastasis regulation.
Patients’ Perspectives and Experience of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Sumpton Daniel , Kelly Ayano , Tunnicliffe David J. , Craig Jonathan C. , Hassett Geraldine , Chessman Diana , Tong Allison 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo describe the range and depth of perspectives and experiences of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to inform gaps in patient‐centered care.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL to April 2018. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze the findings.ResultsWe included 56 studies involving 1,484 adult patients with psoriasis (n = 1,147) and psoriatic arthritis (n = 337). Six themes (and subthemes) were identified: suffering uncontrollable and ongoing upheaval (dictating life choices and course, disrupting family and social roles, limited by debilitating symptoms, unstoppable and far‐reaching fatigue), weighed down by mental load (anxiety provoked by the volatility of symptoms, dreading deterioration, struggling with unrecognized distress, helpless and nihilistic), harboring shame and judgement (marked as unhygienic and contagious, rejected and isolated, hiding away and resenting own appearance, pain and embarrassment in intimacy), demoralized by inadequacies and burden of therapy (disappointed by unmet expectations of treatment benefit, daily drudgery, deterred by unpalatable or inconvenient treatments, disempowered by lack of personalized care), gaining control (making sense of the condition, accepting a new health status, regaining independence and normality, attuning to the body), and making confident treatment decisions (trading off perceptible benefits against safety and convenience, relying on family input, seeking empowering and reassuring relationships).ConclusionPatients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis contend with disruption in their functioning, roles, and life course and have unmet expectations about treatment. Enhanced therapeutic relationships, addressing treatment expectations and supporting psychosocial needs may improve satisfaction and outcomes.
Body‐Self Unity With a New Hip or Knee: Understanding Total Joint Replacement Within an Embodiment Framework
Authors: Lape Emma C. , Hudak Pamela , Davis Aileen M. , Katz Jeffrey N. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMedical research increasingly makes use of embodiment concepts to understand how illness disrupts unity of body and self. However, few have applied embodiment concepts in total joint replacement (TJR), an effective treatment for end‐stage arthritis. In considering why a troubling proportion of TJR recipients have continued pain and functional limitation, we ask: what role might be played by the embodied experience of living with an implant? Relevant theoretical models and prior research on embodiment in musculoskeletal health and transplantation are reviewed. Our findings suggest a research agenda with implications for addressing suboptimal outcomes in TJR.
Bubble Column Enables Higher Reaction Rate for Deracemization of (R,S)‐1‐Phenylethanol with Coupled Alcohol Dehydrogenase/NADH Oxidase System
Authors: Dias Gomes Mafalda , Bommarius Bettina R. , Anderson Shelby R. , Feske Brent D. , Woodley John M. , Bommarius Andreas S. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOne of the major drawbacks for many biocatalysts is their poor stability under industrial process conditions. A particularly interesting example is the supply of oxygen to biooxidation reactions, catalyzed by oxidases, oxygenases or alcohol dehydrogenases coupled with NAD(P)H (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidases, which all require the continuous supply of molecular oxygen as an oxidant or electron acceptor. Commonly, oxygen is supplied to the bioreactor by air sparging. To ensure sufficient oxygen transfer from the gas to the liquid phase, stirring is essential to disperse the gas bubbles and create high gas‐liquid interfacial area. Studies indicate that the presence of gas‐liquid interface induces enzyme deactivation by protein unfolding which then readily aggregates and can subsequently precipitate. This contribution has examined the effects of stirring and the presence of gas‐liquid interface on the kinetic stability of water‐forming NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) (EC1.6.3.2).These effects were studied separately and a bubble column apparatus was successfully employed to investigate the influence of gas‐liquid interfaces on enzyme stability. Results showed that NOX deactivation increases in proportion to the gas‐liquid interfacial area. While air enhances the rate of stability loss compared to nitrogen, stirring causes faster loss of activity in comparison to a bubble column. Finally, deracemization of 1‐phenylethanol, using a coupled alcohol dehydrogenase /NADH oxidase system (ADH/NOX), proceeded with a higher rate in the bubble column than in quiescent or in a stirred solution, although, inactivation was also accelerated in the bubble column over a quiescent solution.magnified image
CT‐based sex estimation on human femora using statistical shape modeling
Authors: Fliss Barbara , Luethi Marcel , Fuernstahl Philipp , Christensen Angi M. , Sibold Ken , Thali Michael , Ebert Lars C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivesEstimating the sex of decomposed corpses and skeletal remains of unknown individuals is one of the first steps in the identification process in forensic contexts. Although various studies have considered the femur for sex estimation, the focus has primarily been on a specific single or a handful of measurements rather than the entire shape of the bone. In this article, we use statistical shape modeling (SSM) for sex estimation. We hypothesize that the accuracy of sex estimation will be improved by using the entire shape.Materials and MethodsFor this study, we acquired a total of 61 femora from routine postmortem CT scans at the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Zurich. The femora were extracted using segmentation technique. After building a SSM, we used the linear regression and nonlinear support vector machine technique for classification.ResultsUsing linear logistic regression and only the first principal component of the SSM, 76% of the femora were correctly classified by sex. Using the first five principal components, this value could be increased to 80%. Using nonlinear support vector machines and the first 20 principal components increased the rate of correctly classified femora to 87%.DiscussionDespite some limitations, the results obtained by using SSM for sex estimation in femur were promising and confirm the findings of other studies. Sex estimation accuracy, however, is not significantly improved over single or multiple linear measurements. Further research might improve the sex determination process in forensic anthropology by using SSM.
Adhesion properties of polyacrylic block copolymer pressure‐sensitive adhesives and analysis by pulse NMR and AFM force curve
Authors: Okada Shun , Kashihara Yusuke , Hirai Tomoyasu , Fujii Syuji , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Urahama Yoshiaki , Ito Makiko , Liang Xiaobin , Nakajima Ken 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTThe adhesion strength of a pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) is influenced by two factors, the interfacial adhesion and the cohesive strength. A suitable method for the estimation of these two factors was investigated. Blends of triblock and diblock copolymers consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (hard) and poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (soft) blocks (A) and blends of triblock copolymer and poly(n‐butyl acrylate) oligomer (B), both with different blend ratios, were prepared as model PSAs. The peel strength decreased with an increase in the hard block content for B, whereas it was independent for A. The tack increased with a decrease in the hard block content for A, whereas it was independent for B. The influence of the hard block content on the peel strength and tack was thus different. The 1H pulse nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and force curve analysis showed that the molecular mobility was higher for B than for A. The Young's modulus and adhesive energy calculated by the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts two‐point method using the atomic force microscopy (AFM) force curve qualitatively reflected the cohesive strength and the interfacial adhesion, respectively. The Young's modulus and adhesive energy are found to be useful parameters to investigate the adhesion mechanism. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47791.
Mechanical and nonisothermal crystallization properties of coal gasification fine slag glass bead‐filled polypropylene composites
Authors: Ai Weidong , Liu Shuo , Zhang Jiupeng , Miao Shiding , Wei Cundi 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTCoal gasification fine slag (CGFS) was subjected to calcination at 600 °C for 7 h, forming CGFS glass beads (CGFSGB). CGFSGB was successfully incorporated into polypropylene (PP) by melt compounding. The results indicated that CGFSGB has the potential to replace calcium carbonate in the plastics market. Thermogravimetric analysis showed obvious reinforcement in thermal stability by incorporation of CGFSGB, but crystallization ability decreased. The CGFSGB was modified with 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (KH570) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) to improve the compatibility between the CGFSGB and PP, resulting in CGFSGB‐S and CGFSGB‐A, respectively. The tensile strength, thermal stability, and crystallization ability of PP composites and dispersity of the CGFSGB were increased after modification by KH570 and HCl, and the PP/CGFSGB‐A composites showed better performance than PP/CGFSGB‐S. Surface area and pore structure analysis and transmission electron microscopy revealed that good mechanical performance of PP/CGFSGB‐A may be attributed to existence of mesopores in CGFSGB‐A. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47803.
Systems Metabolic Engineering Meets Machine Learning: A New Era for Data‐Driven Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Presnell Kristin V. , Alper Hal S. 
Published: March 2019

The recent increase in high‐throughput capacity of ‘omics datasets combined with advances and interest in machine learning (ML) have created great opportunities for systems metabolic engineering. In this regard, data‐driven modeling methods have become increasingly valuable to metabolic strain design. In this review, the nature of ‘omics is discussed and a broad introduction to the ML algorithms combining these datasets into predictive models of metabolism and metabolic rewiring is provided. Next, this review highlights recent work in the literature that utilizes such data‐driven methods to inform various metabolic engineering efforts for different classes of application including product maximization, understanding and profiling phenotypes, de novo metabolic pathway design, and creation of robust system‐scale models for biotechnology. Overall, this review aims to highlight the potential and promise of using ML algorithms with metabolic engineering and systems biology related datasets.
Genetic and chemical approaches for surface charge engineering of enzymes and their applicability in biocatalysis: A review
Authors: Pedersen Jacob Nedergaard , Zhou Ye , Guo Zheng , Pérez Bianca 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSurface charge engineering has received considerable interest from the scientific and industrial community in the last few decades. Although it was previously hypothesized that the surface charge–charge interactions were not a fundamental force to determine protein folding and stability, many studies today show that surface charge plays a key role determining protein structure and activity. This review aims to (a) highlight the value of surface charged engineering of proteins to improve enzyme stability and activity in aqueous media and in the presence of ionic liquids (ILs) and organic solvents, (b) describe the existing approaches (genetic engineering or chemical modifications) for surface charged engineering, and (c) demonstrate the applicability of these surface charged enzymes in biocatalysis. The review provides a new foundation for the scientific and research community to exploit the surface engineering of protein concept for the development of new enzymes that are more active and stable in the presence of ILs and organic solvents, thereby offering new opportunities for industrial biocatalysis. Furthermore, this review is a useful tool for researchers to decide the best available technology to improve their enzyme system/process.
QSAR characterization of new synthesized hydantoins with antiproliferative activity
Authors: Tot Kristina , Lazić Anita , Božić Biljana , Mandić Anamarija , Djaković Sekulić Tatjana 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHydantois have been identified as constituents of a number of pharmacologically active molecules. In the present study, we have examined in vitro antiproliferative activity against human colon cancer cell lines HCT‐116 of three series of 3‐(4‐substituted benzyl)‐hydantoins with various substituent attached in position 5 of the hydantoin ring. Since the investigated compounds have recently been synthesized and show antiproliferative activity, a good understanding of the properties of the potential drug responsible for their pharmacokinetics is an important goal for their further development. One of the important properties is lipophilicity. Lipophilicity has been assessed by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and high‐pressure liquid chromatography) by means of direct and indirect (using calibration curve) methods. Chromatographic lipophilicity indices in addition to calculated logP values were compared by hierarchical cluster analysis. The linear solvation energy relationship approach was used to understand and compare the types and relative strength of the molecular interactions that occur in the chromatographic as well as in the n‐octanol–water partitioning systems. Finally, correlation between in silico pharmacokinetic predictors and antiproliferative activity was examined. Preliminary quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling indicates that pharmacokinetic predictors capture only one‐quarter of all chemical features that are important for antiproliferative activity itself. Among selected descriptors are chromatographic lipophilicity indices.
Bioanalytical method for quantitative determination of mithramycin analogs in mouse plasma by HPLC–QTOF
Authors: Eckenrode Joseph M. , Mitra Prithiba , Rohr Jürgen , Leggas Markos 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMithramycin (MTM) has potent anticancer activity, but severe toxicities restrict its clinical use. Semi‐synthetic approaches have yielded novel MTM analogs with potentially lower toxicity and similar efficacy. In an effort to transition these analogs into in vivo models, a bioanalytical method was developed for their quantification in mouse plasma. Here we present the validation of the method for the quantitation of mithramycin SA‐tryptophan (MTMSA‐Trp) as well as the applicability of the methodology for assaying additional analogs, including MTM, mithramycin SK (MTMSK) and mithramycin SA‐phenylalanine (MTMSA‐Phe) with run times of 6 min. Assay linearity ranged from 5 to 100 ng/mL. Accuracies of calibration standards and quality control samples were within 15% of nominal with precision variability of <20%. MTMSA‐Trp was stable for 30 days at −80°C and for at least three freeze–thaw cycles. Methanol (−80°C) extraction afforded 92% of MTMSA‐Trp from plasma. Calibration curves for MTM and analogs were also linear from ≤5 to 100 ng/mL. This versatile method was used to quantitate MTM analogs in plasma samples collected during preclinical pharmacokinetic studies.