bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Powder Formulation of Antagonists Yeasts, Cryptococcus albidus and Cryptococcus terreus as Biofungicides
Authors: Wiyono Suryo 
Published: February 2016

The research has following objectives: 1) to investigate compatibility of yeasts antagonistÂ C. albidus and C. terreus, 2) to obtain suitable carrier Â in powder formulation for those two yeasts,Â 3) to get appropriate formulation additives for those yeasts, Â and 4) to obtain optimum powder formulation consisting yeasts, carrier materials and additives.Â Compatibility of C. albidus and Â C. terreus Â was tested through bio-assayÂ against Lasiodiplodia theobromae on detached banana fruitÂ and Alternaria solani on detached tomato leaves.Â Compatibility was indicated by no reduction of antagonistic activity. Â Benomyl-resistant mutant of C. albidus Â and cycloheximide-resistant mutant of Â C. terreus were mixed with sterilized tapioca, talc and kaolin Â to get initial yeasts density of Â 8.5 log cfu/g and water content of 15%, Â then Â packed by plastic bag and stored under room temperature. Survival of formulated yeasts was assessed monthly by plating on PDA medium containing 150 ppm cycloheximide for C. terreus, and 150 ppm benomyl for C. albidus.Â Yeasts population was expressed in log cfu/g materials. Â To determine effect of carrier materials on antagonistic activity, bio-assay of formulated yeasts against pathogens was conducted after 3 months storage. Tested additives i.e. CaCl2, pure chitin and crab shell powder were added into suspension of C. albidus and C. terreus to get concentration of 1.25%,Â 0.5 %Â and 0. 1% (w/v). Sterilized aquadest and yeasts without additives was used as control. Then Â the treatments was examined the antagonistic activity through Â bio-asaay Â on detached banana fruits and tomato leaves. Appropriate additive(s) was determined by its ability to increase antagonistic activity of yeasts. Storability and antagonistic activity of Â C. albidus dan C. terreusÂ in the mixture of best carrier and additive were examined.Â C. terreusÂ was compatible to C. albidus. The best carrier materials supporting highest survival of C. terreus was tapioca and talc, those supported survival for four months storage.Â Talc was best carrier material for C. albidus formulation by maintaining its survival for five months storage. Additives which able to increase antagonistic activity of C. terreus were CaCl2Â 0.1 % , pure chitin Â 0.1 % Â and crab shell powder Â 0.5%. Â Additives providing best increase of antagonistic activity of C. albidus were CaCl2 0.5%, pure chitin Â 1.25 % Â and crab shell 1.25%.Â Supplementation of chitin and crab shell, both at the rate of 1.25% into talc-base powder formulationÂ increasedÂ survival of both yeasts at one months storage, however no significant effect subsequently.Key words: formulation, yeasts antagonists, Cryptococcus terreus, Cryptococcus albidus,Â carrier agent, talc, tapioca, kaolin, CaCl2, chitin, crab shell powder
Ecological Impact of Merremia peltata (L.) Merrill Invasion on Plant Diversity at Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
Authors: Master Jani 
Published: February 2016

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) is the third largest protected area in Sumatra.Â Unfortunately, the area is invaded by Merremia peltata which occupiedÂ aboutÂ 7 000 ha. The aims of this study was to determine the ecological impacts ofÂ M. peltata on plant biodiversity at BBSNP. Three locations were selected for vegetation analysis and M.peltata invasion assessment on the vegetation composition in BBSNP, i.e. the primary forest representing undisturbed area, secondary forest representing burned area, and invaded forest representing forest invaded by M. peltata. Three line transectsÂ were constructed at each locations along1 km, andÂ the nested sampling plots were constructed every 100 m with the following quadrants : 20 m x 20 m for trees, 10 mÂ x 10 m for poles, 5 mÂ x 5 m for sapling, and 2 m x 2 m for seedling. The data collected were invasions of M. peltata, trees species, and diameter of the trees.Â Invaded forest has lower diversity index (1.90)Â than the other two. This caused by the invasion of M. peltata as the percentage of coverage in the invaded forest reached 44% compared to secondary and the primary forest which wereÂ 27.11% and 1.00%. It is evidenced by the correlation between the percentage of coverage M. peltata and diversity index (-0.988).
Influence of Ejection Fraction on Outcomes and Efficacy of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696) in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Solomon Scott D. , Claggett Brian , Desai Akshay S. , Packer Milton , Zile Michael , Swedberg Karl , Rouleau Jean L. , Shi Victor C. , Starling Randall C. , Kozan Ömer , Dukat Andrej , Lefkowitz Martin P. , McMurray John J.V. 
Published: February 2016

Background—
The angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared with enalapril in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (EF) in the Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF) trial. We evaluated the influence of EF on clinical outcomes and on the effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril.

Methods and Results—

Eight thousand three hundred ninety-nine patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV HF with reduced EF [left ventricular EF (LVEF) ≤40%] were randomized to sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg twice daily versus enalapril 10 mg twice daily and followed for a median of 27 months. The primary study end point was cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization. LVEF was assessed at the sites and recorded on case report forms. We related LVEF to study outcomes and assessed the effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan across the LVEF spectrum. The mean LVEF in PARADIGM-HF, reported by sites, was 29.5 (interquartile range, 25–34). The risk of all outcomes increased with decreasing LVEF. Each 5-point reduction in LVEF was associated with a 9% increased risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.13;
P
<0.001), a 9% increased risk for CV death (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.14), a 9% increased risk in HF hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.14) and a 7% increased risk in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.12) in adjusted analyses. Sacubitril/valsartan was effective across the LVEF spectrum, with no evidence of heterogeneity, when modeled either in tertiles (
P
interaction=0.87) or continuously (
P
interaction=0.95).

Conclusions—
In patients with HF and reduced EF enrolled in PARADIGM-HF, LVEF was a significant and independent predictor of all outcomes. Sacubitril/valsartan was effective at reducing cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization throughout the LVEF spectrum.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01035255.
Dopaminergic Genetic Polymorphisms Predict Rule-based Category Learning
Authors: Byrne Kaileigh A. , Davis Tyler , Worthy Darrell A. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Dopaminergic genes play an important role in cognitive function. DRD2 and DARPP-32 dopamine receptor gene polymorphisms affect striatal dopamine binding potential, and the Val158Met single-nucleotide polymorphism of the COMT gene moderates dopamine availability in the pFC. Our study assesses the role of these gene polymorphisms on performance in two rule-based category learning tasks. Participants completed unidimensional and conjunctive rule-based tasks. In the unidimensional task, a rule along a single stimulus dimension can be used to distinguish category members. In contrast, a conjunctive rule utilizes a combination of two dimensions to distinguish category members. DRD2 C957T TT homozygotes outperformed C allele carriers on both tasks, and DARPP-32 AA homozygotes outperformed G allele carriers on both tasks. However, we found an interaction between COMT and task type where Met allele carriers outperformed Val homozygotes in the conjunctive rule task, but both groups performed equally well in the unidimensional task. Thus, striatal dopamine binding may play a critical role in both types of rule-based tasks, whereas prefrontal dopamine binding is important for learning more complex conjunctive rule tasks. Modeling results suggest that striatal dopaminergic genes influence selective attention processes whereas cortical genes mediate the ability to update complex rule representations.
High-Resolution Measurements of Turbulent Flow Close to the Sediment–Water Interface Using a Bistatic Acoustic Profiler
Authors: Brand Andreas , Noss Christian , Dinkel Christian , Holzner Markus 
Published: February 2016

AbstractVelocity profile measurements at high spatial and temporal resolution are required for the detailed study of solute and momentum transfer close to the sediment–water interface. Still, not many devices allow such measurements in natural systems. Recently, a bistatic acoustic current profiler has become commercially available that allows the recording of profiles at down to 1-mm resolution with a maximum frequency of 100 Hz and a profile length of 3.5 cm. This study tested the ability to characterize the turbulent flow of this profiler in a laboratory flume and in a run of the river reservoir. The tests showed that average velocities were reliably measured in the upper 2.5 cm, while the flow statistics were affected by Doppler noise and signal decorrelation. The latter is caused by the decreasing overlap between the individual beam signals. Doppler noise can be estimated and accounted for by established correction procedures, but currently there is no method to quantify the influence of signal decorrelation. Both error sources mainly affect the measured variances of the velocities, while the Reynolds stresses are reliable as long as there is no interference with the solid bottom. In the field application, most problems arise because of the necessity of coordinate system rotation, since a perfect alignment of the profiler with the current is not possible. Also, because of the coordinate system rotation, the Reynolds stresses become contaminated by noise, which can be removed by low-pass filtering. Still, this filtering results in loss of the turbulent signal, which was estimated in this study to be between 2% and 10%.
Missed opportunities to keep children safe? National survey of injury prevention activities of children’s centres
Authors: Watson Michael Craig , Mulvaney Caroline , Timblin Clare , Stewart Jane , Coupland Carol A , Deave Toity , Hayes Mike , Kendrick Denise 
Published: February 2016

Objective: To ascertain the activities undertaken by children’s centres to prevent unintentional injuries in the under-fives and, in particular, the prevention of falls, poisoning and scalds. Design: A questionnaire was posted to managers of 851 children’s centres, using stratified cluster sampling. The questionnaire included questions on injury prevention activities undertaken by the centre, knowledge and attitudes to injury prevention, partnership working, and barriers and facilitators to injury prevention. Setting: England. Results: A response rate of 61% was achieved. Most respondents (98%) agreed that children’s centres can be effective in preventing accidents. Over half of the respondents (59%) did not know whether there was an injury prevention group in their area, and 22% did not know whether there was a home safety equipment scheme. Only 12% knew the major cause of injury deaths in children under five. A variety of activities were being undertaken including one to one advice and issuing leaflets. However, for some important topics such as baby walkers and disposal of unwanted medicines, no advice was being provided in some areas. Lack of funding (52%) and lack of capacity (39%) were the most common reasons cited as barriers to injury prevention activities. Conclusion: Injury prevention is an important activity undertaken by children’s centres. Given their position in the heart of the community, their potential as an agency to prevent injuries has been highlighted and recommended. Further support and resource will be needed if they are to fully develop their potential in preventing unintentional injuries in the home.
Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on platelet mitochondrial respiration and correlation with aggregation and bleeding: a pilot study
Authors: Mazzeffi Michael , Lund Lindsey , Wallace Karin , Herrera Anthony V , Tanaka Kenichi , Odonkor Patrick , Strauss Erik , Rock Peter , Fiskum Gary 
Published: February 2016

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may cause platelet dysfunction, contributing to bleeding. There are no investigations of how CPB affects platelet mitochondrial respiration and what correlation this has with platelet aggregation and bleeding. Methods: We studied platelet mitochondrial respiration and aggregation in eighteen adult cardiac surgery patients having CPB. The relationships between respiration, aggregation and postoperative bleeding were analyzed. Results: Platelet respiration, reflected by the respiratory control ratio (RCR), was unchanged after CPB (mean difference in RCR= −0.02 (95% CI=−1.45 to 1.42), p=0.98). Further, there were no significant relationships between indexed adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)-induced aggregation and the RCR (p=0.12 and p=0.41). Only post-CPB ADP - induced aggregation correlated with 24-hr chest tube output (p=0.04), but indexing for platelet count attenuated the effect (p=0.07). Conclusion: Platelet mitochondrial respiration is preserved after CPB and is not correlated with aggregation or bleeding. Only post-CPB, ADP-induced aggregation correlates with postoperative bleeding.
Combined use of iterative reconstruction and monochromatic imaging in spinal fusion CT images
Authors: Wang Fengdan , Zhang Yan , Xue Huadan , Han Wei , Yang Xianda , Jin Zhengyu , Zwar Richard 
Published: February 2016

Background Spinal fusion surgery is an important procedure for treating spinal diseases and computed tomography (CT) is a critical tool for postoperative evaluation. However, CT image quality is considerably impaired by metal artifacts and image noise. Purpose To explore whether metal artifacts and image noise can be reduced by combining two technologies, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and monochromatic imaging generated by gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) dual-energy CT. Material and Methods A total of 51 patients with 318 spinal pedicle screws were prospectively scanned by dual-energy CT using fast kV-switching GSI between 80 and 140 kVp. Monochromatic GSI images at 110 keV were reconstructed either without or with various levels of ASIR (30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%). The quality of five sets of images was objectively and subjectively assessed. Results With objective image quality assessment, metal artifacts decreased when increasing levels of ASIR were applied ( P < 0.001). Moreover, adding ASIR to GSI also decreased image noise ( P < 0.001) and improved the signal-to-noise ratio ( P < 0.001). The subjective image quality analysis showed good inter-reader concordance, with intra-class correlation coefficients between 0.89 and 0.99. The visualization of peri-implant soft tissue was improved at higher ASIR levels ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Combined use of ASIR and GSI decreased image noise and improved image quality in post-spinal fusion CT scans. Optimal results were achieved with ASIR levels ≥70%.
Community-Based Needs Assessment of Neurodevelopment, Caregiver, and Home Environment Factors in Young Children Affected by HIV in Lima, Peru
Authors: Muñoz Maribel , Nelson Adrianne , Johnson Maureen , Godoy Nancy , Serrano Esther , Chagua Engerid , Valdivia Jesica , Santacruz Janeth , Wong Milagros , Kolevic Lenka , Kammerer Betsy , Vega Clemente , Vibbert Martha , Lundy Shannon , Shin Sonya 
Published: February 2016

Background: In many resource-poor settings such as Peru, children affected by HIV have a high prevalence of neurodevelopmental delays (NDDs) and remain excluded from adequate treatment. Methods: Community health workers (CHWs) administered NDD screening instruments to assess child development and associated caregiver and household factors in 14 HIV-affected parent–child dyads. Focus group discussion with caregivers was conducted to explore their needs and behaviors around early child stimulation and to assess their perceptions of the screening experience. Results: Over 70% of the children had abnormal classification in at least 1 (out of 5) developmental domains according to Ages and States Questionnaire–provided cutoff scores. Caregiver depression and stress were associated with abnormal development as were some parenting behavior factors. Knowledge about child development was low. Caregivers felt testing and discussing results with a CHW were very insightful. Reported caregiver behavior differed between caregivers with HIV-infected children and those with uninfected children. Conclusion: Taken together, these exploratory quantitative data suggest that parenting behaviors associated with low child development scores may be modifiable and that community-based testing is well received and informative to these HIV-infected caregivers.
Rapid discrimination of the phenotypic variants of von Willebrand disease
Authors: Roberts Jonathan C. , Morateck Patti A. , Christopherson Pamela A. , Yan Ke , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Gill Joan Cox , Montgomery Robert R. ,   the Zimmerman Program Investigators
Published: February 2016

Key PointsA novel ELISA-based VWF multiplex activity assay assigns VWD phenotype among a cohort of type 1 and 2 VWD with an overall accuracy of >88%. This assay shows correlation with traditional quantitative clinical VWF assays and may provide a rapid diagnostic method for variant VWD.
Basal and Post-ACTH Aldosterone and Its Ratios Are Useful During Adrenal Vein Sampling in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: El Ghorayeb Nada , Mazzuco Tânia L. , Bourdeau Isabelle , Mailhot Jean-Philippe , Zhu Ping Shi , Thérasse Eric , Lacroix André 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Context:
Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is required to identify a lateralized or bilateral aldosterone source in primary aldosteronism.

Objectives:
Our objectives were to compare basal and post-ACTH selectivity ratio (SR) and lateralization ratio (LR) and to determine the prevalence of basal contralateral suppression and its effect on surgical outcome.

Patients and Intervention:
Bilateral simultaneous adrenal vein samples were obtained before and after a 250-μg bolus of ACTH. Analyses were conducted on 171 technically successful AVS and on the subgroup of 66 operated patients with evaluable outcome data.

Results:
ACTH increased selectivity on both sides from 66.7% in basal samples (SR ≥ 2) to 91.8% poststimulation (SR ≥ 5). A discordance of lateralization between basal (LR ≥ 2) and post-ACTH (LR ≥ 4) values was observed in 28% of cases, which were mostly lateralized cases basally that became bilateral post-ACTH. Basal CL suppression is present in only 30% using absolute ratio of aldosterone between the opposite (nondominant) adrenal vein and the peripheral vein AOPP/AP below 1.5 vs in 77% using aldosterone/cortisol ratio (A/C)OPP/(A/C)P below 1.5. The absence of CL suppression was associated with a lower rate of response to adrenalectomy in terms of clinical and biochemical parameters with difference in clinical cure (55% vs 13% P = .0003) and overall cure (35% vs 9%, P = .0084) using AOPP/AP, but not when using (A/C)OPP/(A/C)P.

Conclusions:
Stimulation with ACTH is useful to improve selectivity of AVS but can frequently modify interpretation of lateralization. Basal ratios are as important as post-ACTH ratios to set an indication of adrenalectomy. AOPP/AP is superior to (A/C)OPP/(A/C)P to assess contralateral suppression. Infrequent CL suppression reveals frequent occurrence of contralateral hyperplasia in lateralized cases and helps predict postoperative outcomes.
How blockchain-timestamped protocols could improve the trustworthiness of medical science
Authors: Irving Greg , Holden John 
Published: February 2016

Trust in scientific research is diminished by evidence that data are being manipulated. Outcome switching, data dredging and selective publication are some of the problems that undermine the integrity of published research. Here we report a proof-of-concept study using a ‘blockchain’ as a low cost, independently verifiable method that could be widely and readily used to audit and confirm the reliability of scientific studies.
Treatment of moderate hallux valgus by percutaneous, extra-articular reverse-L Chevron (PERC) osteotomy
Authors: Lucas y Hernandez J. , Golanó† P. , Roshan-Zamir S. , Darcel V. , Chauveaux D. , Laffenêtre O. 
Published: February 2016

AimsThe aim of this study was to report a single surgeon series of consecutive patients with moderate hallux valgus managed with a percutaneous extra-articular reverse-L chevron (PERC) osteotomy.Patients and MethodsA total of 38 patients underwent 45 procedures. There were 35 women and three men. The mean age of the patients was 48 years (17 to 69). An additional percutaneous Akin osteotomy was performed in 37 feet and percutaneous lateral capsular release was performed in 22 feet. Clinical and radiological assessments included the type of forefoot, range of movement, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) score, a subjective rating and radiological parameters. The mean follow-up was 59.1 months (45.9 to 75.2). No patients were lost to follow-up.ResultsThe mean AOFAS score increased from 62.5 (30 to 80) pre-operatively to 97.1 (75 to 100) post-operatively. A total of 37 patients (97%) were satisfied. At the last follow up there was a statistically significant decrease in the hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle and the proximal articular set angle. The range of movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint improved significantly.. There was more improvement in the range of movement in patients who had fixation of the osteotomy of the proximal phalanx.ConclusionPreliminary results of this percutaneous approach are promising. This technique is reliable and reproducible. Its main asset is that it maintains an excellent range of movement. Take home message: The PERC osteotomy procedure is an effective approach for surgical management of moderate hallux valgus which combines the benefits of percutaneous surgery with the versatility of the chevron osteotomy whilst maintaining excellent first MTPJ range of motion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:365–73.
Ultrasound-assisted preparation of ZnO nanostructures: understanding the effect of operating parameters
Authors: Sikwal Niraj R. , Sonawane Shirish H. , Bhanvase Bharat A. , Ramisetty Kirankumar , Pinjari Dipak V. , Gogate Parag R. , Babu Rajulapati Satish 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe present work deals with the use of ultrasound atomization for the preparation of zinc oxide nanostructures. The focus of the work is to understand the effect of different operating parameters, such as ultrasonic power dissipation, flow rate, concentration, and surface tension, on the final particle morphology obtained during the synthesis. The prepared nanostructures were observed under scanning electron microscope to understand the morphology of the synthesized nanostructures. It was established that the final characteristics of the nanostructures, in terms of shape and size, can be effectively controlled by controlling flow rate, precursor concentration, surface tension, and ultrasonic power dissipation. The droplet size was found to increase with an increase in the flow rate of an aqueous solution of zinc nitrate, ultrasonic power, and decrease in the loading of surfactant (polyvinylpyrrolidone). The present work has clearly established the utility of ultrasound-assisted synthesis of nanoparticles with clear evidence for obtaining desired characteristics based on controlled application.