bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PVA Nanocomposites Of Organoclays Obtained Using Different Cationic Surfactants
Authors: Ünlü Cüneyt H. , İşçi Turutoğlu Sevim , Galioğlu Atıcı Oya , Ece Ömer Işık , Güngör Nurfer 
Published: March 2018

This
study is about preparation of two different organoclays with cationic
surfactants and their poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites with
increased thermal and mechanical behavior. Organoclays were prepared
modifying clay mineral with solution intercalation method using
aqueous solutions of cationic surfactants dodecyltrimethylammonium
bromide (DTABr) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPBr). Obtained
organoclays (D-MMT and C-MMT for DTABr/MMT and CPBr/MMT,
respectively) were characterized using different methods including
zeta potential and XRD. Results indicated an absolute decrease in
zeta potential about 20 mV for C-MMT, and 14 mV for D-MMT indicating
flocculation and coating of the surface. Moreover measurements
indicated that interlayer distance increased based on basal spacing
peak shift whose value was 1.27 nm for NaMMT, whereas 1.40 nm for
D-MMT, and 1.75 nm for C-MMT. The organoclays were used in
preparation of PVA/clay nanocomposites; thermal stability of the
nanocomposites were determined using TGA, while mechanical strength
measurements were done using DMA. Maximum thermal decomposition
temperature of the pristine PVA and nanocomposites were compared and
an average increase of 4°C were observed. Also activation energy of
the decomposition was observed ca. 40 kj mol-1 higher than pristine PVA.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Low-Income Country
Authors: Graham Simon Matthew , Moffat Chipiliro , Lubega Nicholas , Mkandawire Nyengo , Burgess David , Harrison William J. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
We describe our 10-year experience with total knee arthroplasty in patients who are included in the Malawi National Joint Registry.

Methods:
A total of 127 patients underwent 153 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) between 2005 and 2015. The mean duration of follow-up was 4 years and 3 months (range, 6 months to 10 years and 6 months). The study group included 98 women and 29 men with a mean age of 65.3 years (range, 24 to 84 years). Nine patients were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive.

Results:
The primary indication for surgery was osteoarthritis (150 knees), and the mean preoperative and postoperative Oxford Knee Scores were 16.81 (range, 4 to 36) and 45.61 (range, 29 to 48), respectively. Four knees (2.6%) were revised because of early periprosthetic joint infection (1 knee), aseptic loosening (1 knee), and late periprosthetic joint infection (2 knees). There were no perioperative deaths. In the group of 9 patients who were HIV-positive, there were no early or late complications and the mean Oxford Knee Score was 47 (range, 42 to 48) at the time of the latest follow-up.

Conclusions:
This study demonstrated good short-term results following 153 primary TKAs performed in a low-income country.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Prevalence of and Predictive Factors for Scoliosis After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease in the First Year of Life
Authors: Kaito Takashi , Shimada Masatoshi , Ichikawa Hajime , Makino Takahiro , Takenaka Shota , Sakai Yusuke , Yoshikawa Hideki , Hoashi Takaya 
Published: March 2018

Background:
The surgical treatment of congenital heart disease is reported to be associated with a high prevalence of scoliosis, although the detailed etiology is unknown. Surgical interventions involving the rib cage are considered to increase the risk of scoliosis. However, whether the cardiac condition or the procedure performed makes patients more susceptible to the development of spinal deformity is controversial.

Methods:
The present study included 483 patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of congenital heart disease with use of procedures involving the immature rib cage (sternotomy and/or thoracotomy) during the first year of life, followed by the evaluation of standing chest radiographs at ≥10 years of age. Patients with congenital spinal deformity and potential neuromuscular disease were excluded. The prevalence of and predictive factors for scoliosis were evaluated. The presence of scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥10° to <20°, ≥20° to <30°, ≥30° to <45°, ≥45°), the convex side of the curve, and the location of the curve were evaluated radiographically. Potential predictive factors that were analyzed included the age at the time of surgery, surgical approach, use of cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative heart failure and/or cyanosis, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, cardiomegaly, and age at the time of radiography.

Results:
The mean age at the time of surgery was 112 days, and the mean age at the time of radiography was 14.4 years. The prevalence of scoliosis was 42.4%, and the prevalences of ≥10° to <20°, ≥20° to <30°, ≥30° to <45°, and ≥45° scoliosis were 31.7%, 5.8%, 2.5%, and 2.5%, respectively. Three patients underwent surgery for the treatment of progressive scoliosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that the predictive factors were female sex, left thoracotomy, bilateral thoracotomy, NYHA class, and age at the time of radiography for ≥10° scoliosis; cardiomegaly, NYHA class, and age at the time of radiography for ≥20° scoliosis; cardiomegaly, number of surgical procedures, and age at the time of radiography for ≥30° scoliosis; and cardiomegaly for ≥45° scoliosis. Age at the time of radiography was a predictor of <45° scoliosis; however, the relative association was small.

Conclusions:
Surgery for the treatment of congenital heart disease during the first year of life was associated with a high prevalence of scoliosis (≥40%). While female sex was one of several predictors of ≥10° scoliosis, cardiomegaly was the sole predictor of ≥45° scoliosis.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Reliability, Validity and Turkish Adaptation of Self-Directed Learning Scale (SDLS)
Authors: Demircioğlu Zeynep İşıl , Öge Burak , Fuçular Emine Ezgi , Çevik Tuğçe , Denizci Nazlıgül Merve , Özçelik Erol 
Published: March 2018

Self-Directed Learning Scale (SDLS) developed by Lounsbury, Levy, Park, Gibson, and Smith (2009) was used for determining individuals’ self-directed learning. The purpose of this study was to translate the SDLS
into Turkish and to investigate its reliability and validity with a sample of
272 university students. The SDLS, the Modified Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale
(MSEIS), Self-Directed Learning Inventory (SDLI), and the Causal Uncertainty
Scale (CUS) for determining convergent validity was applied to the
participants. Factor analyses results verified the uni-dimensionality of the scale.
The test–retest correlation of SDLS was 0.82, whereas Cronbach alpha coefficient of the
scale was founded as 0.85 in the reliability analyses. Correlation coefficients
representing for convergent validities varied from -0.30 to 0.72 (p &lt; .01) and criterion validity of
the scale was determined as 0.236 when cumulative GPA was used as criterion
in the assessment of concurrent validity. The findings suggest that the Turkish
adaptation of SDLS is a valid and reliable tool to measure self-directed
learning in Turkish samples.
Communal latrine utilization and associated factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kefeni Elzabeth Girma , Yallew Walelegn Worku 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Despite the quick urban population growth increased volume of wastes, including human excreta, which demands an expanded need of infrastructure, solid institutional setup and communities' engagement for management of safe disposal of excreta, arrangement of such basic social services has not developed as per the rate of population growth. Mostly, communal latrines are inclined towards an absence of cleanliness, as they accommodate many people beyond their capacity, filling up septic tanks quickly. A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in 817 randomly selected communal latrine user households, five focus group discussions and four key informant interviews were analysed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to discover the impact of different factors on the use of communal latrines. The findings revealed that the rate of communal latrine use in Addis Ababa was about 79.8%. Unhygienic conditions, latrine emptying challenges, extreme smell, number of family units sharing the same squats, and latrine designs for the aged and children were identified as barriers to latrine utilization. This study suggests that, in parallel with the continued investments to increase access to sanitary facilities in the city, the management and behavioural change part has likewise to be stressed for better use and sustainability.
Phosphodiesterase 10 Inhibitors - Novel Perspectives for Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Drug Discovery
Authors: Zagorska Agnieszka , Partyka Anna , Bucki Adam , Gawalskax Alicja , Czopek Anna , Pawlowski Maciej 
Published: March 2018

Background:
The phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10) family, identified in 1999, is
mainly expressed in the brain, particularly in the striatum, within the medium spiny neurons,
nucleus accumbens, and olfactory tubercle. Inhibitors of PDE10 (PDE10-Is) are a conceptually
rational subject for medicinal chemistry with potential use in the treatment of psychiatric
and neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective:
This review is based on peer-reviewed published articles, and summarizes the cellular
and molecular biology of PDE10 as a rational target for psychiatric and neurodegenerative
drug discovery. Here, we present the classification of PDE10-Is from a medicinal chemistry
point of view across a wide range of different, drug-like chemotypes starting from theophylline
and caffeine analogs, papaverine and dimethoxy catechol type PDE10-Is, TP-10,
MP-10, MP-10/papaverine/quinazoline series inhibitors, and ending with the newest inhibitors
obtained from fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD). The authors have collated recent research
on inhibition of PDE10A as a promising therapeutic strategy for psychiatric and neurodegenerative
diseases, based on its efficacy in animal models of schizophrenia, Parkinson’s,
Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. This review also presents pharmacological data on
PDE10-Is as possible therapeutics for the treatment of cognitive deficits, obesity and depression.
Moreover, it summarizes the current strategies for PDE10-Is drug discovery based on
the results of clinical trials. The authors also present the latest studies on crystal structures of
PDE10 complexes with novel inhibitors.
Metastatic Site Location Influences the Diagnostic Accuracy of ctDNA EGFR- Mutation Testing in NSCLC Patients: a Pooled Analysis
Authors: Passiglia Francesco , Rizzo Sergio , Rolfo Christian , Galvano Antonio , Bronte Enrico , Incorvaia Lorena , Listi Angela , Barraco Nadia , Castiglia Marta , Calo Valentina , Bazan Viviana , Russo Antonio 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Recent studies evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of circulating tumor DNA
(ctDNA) analysis in the detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations from
plasma of NSCLC patients, overall showing a high concordance as compared to standard tissue
genotyping. However it is less clear if the location of metastatic site may influence the ability to
identify EGFR mutations.

Objective:
This pooled analysis aims to evaluate the association between the metastatic site location
and the sensitivity of ctDNA analysis in detecting EGFR mutations in NSCLC patients.

Methods:
Data from all published studies, evaluating the sensitivity of plasma-based EGFRmutation
testing, stratified by metastatic site location (extrathoracic (M1b) vs intrathoracic (M1a))
were collected by searching in PubMed, Cochrane Library, American Society of Clinical Oncology,
and World Conference of Lung Cancer, meeting proceedings. Pooled Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence
intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the ctDNA analysis sensitivity, according to metastatic
site location.

Results:
A total of ten studies, with 1425 patients, were eligible. Pooled analysis showed that the
sensitivity of ctDNA-based EGFR-mutation testing is significantly higher in patients with M1b vs
M1a disease (OR: 5.09; 95% CIs: 2.93 – 8.84). A significant association was observed for both
EGFR-activating (OR: 4.30, 95% CI: 2.35-7.88) and resistant T790M mutations (OR: 11.89, 95%
CI: 1.45-97.22), regardless of the use of digital-PCR (OR: 5.85, 95% CI: 3.56-9.60) or non-digital
PCR technologies (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 2.24-3.91).

Conclusions:
These data suggest that the location of metastatic sites significantly influences the diagnostic
accuracy of ctDNA analysis in detecting EGFR mutations in NSCLC patients.
Quality by Design: Concept to Applications
Authors: Swain Suryakanta , Parhi Rabinarayan , Jena Bikash Ranjan , Babu Sitty Manohar 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Quality by Design (QbD) is associated with a modern, systematic, scientific
and novel approach which is concerned with pre-distinct objectives that not only focus on product,
process understanding but also lead to process control. It predominantly signifies the design and product
improvement and the manufacturing process in order to fulfill the predefined manufactured goods or final
products quality characteristics. It is quite essential to identify the desired and required product performance
report, such as Target Product Profile, typical Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP) and
Critical Quality Attributes (CQA).

Methods:
This review highlighted the concepts of QbD design space, for critical material attributes
(CMAs) as well as the critical process parameters that can totally affect the CQAs within which the
process shall be unaffected thus, consistently manufacturing the required product. Risk assessment tools
and design of experiments are its prime components.

Results:
This paper outlines the basic knowledge of QbD, the key elements; steps as well as various
tools for QbD implementation in pharmaceutics field are presented briefly. In addition to this, quite a lot
of applications of QbD in numerous pharmaceutical related unit operations are discussed and summarized.

Conclusion:
This article provides a complete data as well as the roadmap for universal implementation
and application of QbD for pharmaceutical products.
Sorafenib as a Salvage Therapy in FLT3-ITD Negative Relapse/ Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yang Nan , Gu Zhenyang , Liu Zhanxiang , Huang Wenrong , Wang Shuhong , Wang Lili , Gao Chunji 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib showed dramatic effects in acute myeloid leukemia
(AML) cells harboring fms-related tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation.
However, FLT3-ITD mutation only occurs in 25% of AML cases. The therapeutic effects of sorafenib in AML
patients without FLT3-ITD are still in need of further investigation.

Methods:
A young AML patient with central nervous system (CNS) relapse was treated with sorafenib
combined with chemotherapy. Another patient with refractory AML arising form chronic myelomonocytic
leukemia (CMML) was treated with sorafenib monotherapy. Spinal and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
minimal residual disease (MRD) and peripheral blood cell count were monitored to evaluate disease status.

Results:
The patient with CNS relapse exhibited significant shrink of tumor volume. The other patient with
refractory AML achieved hematological improvements.

Conclusion:
These two cases suggested that sorafenib might be utilized as a potent salvage therapy for some
refractory/relapsed AML patients without the FLT3-ITD mutation.
99mTc-(tricine)-HYNIC-Lys-FROP Peptide for Breast Tumor Targeting
Authors: Ahmadpour Sajjad , Noaparast Zohreh , Abedi Seyed Mohammad , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Breast cancer is a malignant disease with high mortality rate among women in the
world. It is necessary to diagnose breast cancer at the early stage before it metastasizes in patients.

Objective:
The aim of this study is the evaluation of 99mTc-(tricine)-HYNIC-Lys-FROP for breast tumor
imaging.

Method:
Lys-FROP peptide was labeled with 99mTc using HYNIC as chelator and tricine as co-ligand. Specific
binding of this radiolabeled peptide on breast cancerous cell was assessed in different cell lines as well as in
tumor-bearing mice.

Results:
HYNIC-Lys-FROP peptide was labeled with 99mTc at radiochemical purity more than 99%. It was
observed high stability in normal saline and serum about 95%. The highest cellular uptake was observed in
MCF-7 breast tumor cells treated with 99mTc-(tricine)-HYNIC-Lys-FROP as compared to other cell lines (lung,
ovarian, T47D breast cancer cell lines). Biodistribution results in female MCF-7 tumor-bearing mice showed the
relatively high tumor uptake and tumor-muscle ratio as 3.82 ± 0.66 after 15 min post-injection of 99mTc-(tricine)-
HYNIC-Lys-FROP. Tumor uptake was reduced in mice that were co-injected with excess of unlabeled peptide
to be 0.91 ± 0.08.

Conclusion:
Findings showed this radiolabeled peptide is a promising candidate for tumor targeting and molecular
imaging of breast cancer.
New Quinoline Based Sulfonamide Derivatives: Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Activity Evaluation Against Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Yurttaş Leyla , Çiftçi Gülşen A. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Quinoline is a privileged scaffold especially known with antimalarial and antibacterial
drugs before, presently followed anticancer efficiency with a new group of protein kinase inhibitors.

Objective:
In this work, combining quinoline ring, hydrazone and sulphonamide groups, we have synthesized
N'-arylidene-2-[4-(quinolin-8-ylsulfonyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetohydrazide derivatives (3a-o) and evaluated their in
vitro anticancer activity against cancerous cell lines PANC-1, CAPAN-1, and healthy cell line hTERT-HPNE.

Method:
Fifteen compounds were synthesized a simple, well-known three-step synthetic procedure starting
from 8-quinolinesulfonylchloride. Cytotoxicity studies were performed according to the conventional MTT
method. As a second stage, flow cytometric analysis was done to the nine most cytotoxic compounds for determining
the mechanism of action which could be apoptosis and/or necrosis.
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Results/Conclusion: According to anticancer activity evaluation, compound 3b bearing 4-methyl phenyl moiety
exhibited significant cytotoxicity which has an IC50 value nearly four-fold lower than cisplatin displayed,
whereas compound 3f bearing 4-trifluoromethyl phenyl moiety showed two-fold potency of the standard drug
against PANC-1 cell line. Compounds 3h, 3k and 3n against CAPAN-1 also showed significant cytotoxicity,
selectively. The most active compounds 3b, 3c, 3d, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3k and 3n against PANC-1 and compounds 3f,
3g, 3h, 3k and 3n against CAPAN-1 were selected to be studied in flow cytometry. Compound 3b induced
apoptosis of PANC-1 cells with a percentage of 16.0%, whereas compound 3h induced apoptosis of CAPAN-1
cells with a value of 20.6%.
Spatial Variation of Metals in the Batang Arau River, West Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Indah Shinta , Helard Denny , Herfi Marjani Amajida , Hamid Hukama 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT: This paper aims to assess metallic pollution in the Batang Arau River, an important source of freshwater supply for local communities in West Sumatera, Indonesia, by applying multivariate statistical techniques. Sampling was conducted at eight stations along the river from March to May 2014. The results indicate that all the metals studied have similar spatial distribution patterns, with an increasing trend in concentration from upstream to downstream. Total concentration of six metals studied upstream, as background concentration, was 1.050 mg/L, and increased to 2.249 mg/L downstream. Spatial distribution of metals did not show significant variability (p < 0.05) for Cd, Cr, Fe, and Pb, but Co and Mn did. The results of principal component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA) and correlation analysis suggest that Cd, Co, and Fe are originated from natural and anthropogenic sources; Cr and Pb are derived from natural sources; and Mn is controlled by anthropogenic sources.
Thermal Degradation of Long Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Charuwat Peerawat , Boardman Gregory , Bott Charles , Novak John T. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT: The thermal hydrolysis of saturated (C16:0 and C18:0) and unsaturated fatty acids (C16:1, C18:1, and C18:2) was investigated at 90 °C to 160 °C for 30 min and 8 h durations. Hydrolysis efficiencies were calculated based on mass yield (i.e., mg/g parent compound), which accounted for all C2–C24 by‐products. Very little degradation (less than 1%) of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) was observed from 30 min thermal hydrolysis. At 140 and 160 °C for 8 h, saturated fatty acids degraded uniformly to C2 to C14. Saturated fatty acids tended to convert to alkanes (1.5–2.0% of total fatty acids) instead of fatty acids (8 h). Thermal hydrolysis did not significantly affect unsaturated LCFA degradation at any duration. The unsaturated by‐products seen were the result of cleavage at the allylic or vinylic positions. Thermal hydrolysis of LCFAs with digested sludge was investigated. The amount of VFAs and LCFAs in primary and secondary sludge was increased at 140 and 160 °C as a result of lipid degradation in the sludge mixture. Thermal hydrolysis of fatty acids with different catalysts was also investigated. Whereas saturated LCFAs were stable under all catalytic conditions, unsaturated LCFAs were nearly completely degraded when hydrolyzed with hydrogen peroxide and activated carbon or copper sulfate.
A New Photocatalyst Bismuth Oxo Citrate: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Najdanović Slobodan M. , Petrović Milica M. , Slipper Ian J. , Kostić Miloš M. , Prekajski Marija D. , Mitrović Jelena Z. , Bojić Aleksandar Lj. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT: A new photocatalyst bismuth oxo citrate was synthesized by facile precipitation process with calcination at 200 °C. The photocatalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, N2sorptometry, and elemental analysis. Morphologically, it is composed of polyhedral particles with different, irregular shapes and sizes. The specific surface area (SSA) of the photocatalyst was 8.92 m2g–1. It showed very good photocatalytic performance and reusability. Total decolorization of Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) was achieved in less than 10 minutes, which is much faster in comparison with TiO2P25. Also, bismuth oxo citrate showed higher photocatalytic activity than other photocatalysts based on bismuth compounds reported by other authors. Optimal photocatalysis parameters were pH 2 and photocatalyst dose of 250 mg dm–3. The decolorization rate was found to decrease as initial dye concentration increased. The photocatalytic data best fitted to L–H kinetic model with pseudo‐first order reaction rate. Chrastil diffusion model showed that diffusion has not influence on the process.