bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size- and shape-dependent effects of microplastic particles on adult daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio)
Authors: Gray Austin D. , Weinstein John E. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

The incidence of microplastics in marine environments has been increasing over the past several decades. The objective of the present study was to characterize the size- and shape-dependent effects of microplastic particles (spheres, fibers, and fragments) on the adult daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio). Grass shrimp were exposed to 11 sizes of plastic: spheres (30, 35, 59, 75, 83, 116, and 165 μm), fragments (34 and 93 μm), and fibers (34 and 93 μm) at a concentration of 2000 particles/400 mL (= 50 000 particles/L) for 3 h. Following exposure, grass shrimp were monitored for survival, ingested and ventilated microplastics, and residence time. Mortality ranged from 0% to 55%. Spheres and fragments &lt;50 μm were not acutely toxic. Mortality rates in experiments with spheres and fragments &gt;50 μm ranged from 5% to 40%. Mortality was significantly higher in the exposure to 93-μm fibers than other sizes tested (p &lt; 0.001). The shape of the particle had a significant influence on the number of particles ingested by the shrimp (p &lt; 0.001). The residence time of particles in the gut ranged from 27 to 75 h, with an average of 43.0 ± 13.8 h. Within the gills, the residence time ranged from 27 to 45 h, with an average of 36.9 ± 5.4 h. The results suggest that microplastic particles of various sizes and shapes can be ingested and ventilated by adult daggerblade grass shrimp, resulting in acute toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3074–3080. © 2017 SETAC
Outcomes for patients with synchronous and metachronous primary lung cancer after diagnosis of head and neck cancer
Authors: Tamjid Babak , Phan Phuong , John Thomas , Mitchell Paul , Gan Hui 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundNot‐infrequently patients with head and neck cancer are also diagnosed with synchronous lung cancer or metachronous primary lung cancer, which complicates the treatment decisions and prognosis.MethodsPatients were identified from a database of patients with head and neck cancer with second primary non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).ResultsThirty‐four eligible patients (15 with synchronous lung cancer and 19 with metachronous lung cancer) were identified. Thirteen of 15 patients with synchronous lung cancer received curative intent treatment for head and neck cancer first. Six of 15 patients were in complete remission, 5 of 15 patients had died, and 4 were alive with progressive disease. Median time between 2 diagnoses was 47 months in the metachronous lung cancer group. Twelve patients had died, 3 were alive with disease, and 4 were lost to follow‐up. Median survival from the time of lung cancer diagnosis was 13 months with a trend to better survival with synchronous lung cancer (15 vs 11 months; p = .11).ConclusionAggressive multidisciplinary management of second primary lung malignancies in patients with head and neck cancer can result in respectable long‐term disease control particularly in patients with synchronous lung cancer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1544–1549, 2017
Efficient Polymer‐Polymer Conjugation via Thiol‐ene Click Reaction
Authors: Fairbanks Benjamin D. , Love Dillon M. , Bowman Christopher N. 
Published: June 2017

Despite the rapid reaction rates and high efficiency of the radical‐mediated thiol‐ene reactions in high concentrations, complications arise when implementing this reaction under dilute conditions, such as those often requisite for polymer‐polymer conjugation. Here, we briefly review some of the challenges inherent in polymer modification via thiol‐ene reactions and demonstrate several successful polymer couplings (including star polymer assembly) under a variety of conditions with coupling efficiencies exceeding 91% achieved with appropriate initiator and terminal functional group selection. Generally, the results indicate thermal initiation with an “azobis” initiator was unsuccessful in polymer‐polymer conjugation of a thiol‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to an alkene terminated PEG. Reduction‐oxidation initiators, both ammonium persulfate and Fe(II) and Fenton's reagent were effective in conjugating thiol terminated PEG to norbornene terminated PEG, but not to an allyl ether terminated PEG. Type I photoinitiators, in particular a water soluble acyl phosphinate, were more effective than either the examined thermal or redox initiators for thiol‐ene polymer‐polymer conjugations generally.
image
Characterization of Gun Propellants by Long‐Term Mass Loss Measurements
Authors: Heil Moritz , Wimmer Kerstin , Bohn Manfred A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThree different gun propellants (A5020, JA‐2 or L5460, NK1074) have been investigated up to 35 years by mass loss at isothermal temperatures between 30 °C and 90 °C. From these data, activation energies for the different reactions of zero order (mass loss increase up to stabilizer consumption) and first order (solvent evaporation at begin) are derived. The mass loss data are described very well by a combination of these two reactions. Stabilizer consumption has been determined by HPLC. In case of diphenylamine (DPA), several consecutive products (mononitro‐DPA up to tetranitro‐DPA) have been regarded also. Activation energies are in the range of energies obtained by other methods: 84 kJ/mol [A5020], 150 kJ/mol [JA‐2], 100 kJ/mol [NK 1074]). Long term measurements show seasonal influence in the mass loss data. Respective graphs are shown in this work. At least four years of measurement are recommended to compensate for the signal drift caused by seasonal changes.
Cerebroplacental ratio thresholds measured within 2 weeks before birth and risk of Cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise and adverse neonatal outcome
Authors: Bligh L. N. , Alsolai A. A. , Greer R. M. , Kumar S. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesPrediction of intrapartum fetal compromise in uncomplicated, term pregnancies is a global obstetric challenge. Currently, no widely accepted screening test for this condition exists, although the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) shows promise. We aimed to evaluate prospectively the screening performance of the CPR 10th centile threshold for prediction of Cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC) and composite adverse neonatal outcome (ANO) after 36 weeks' gestation in low‐risk women, and to compare this with CPR ≤ 1 and < 5th centile thresholds described previously in the literature.MethodsThis was a blinded, prospective, observational, cohort study of 483 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy who underwent fortnightly CPR measurements from 36 weeks to delivery, and their intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were recorded. The CPR 10th centile threshold screening performance was calculated for emergency Cesarean section for IFC and composite ANO (defined as acidosis at birth, 5‐min Apgar score < 7 and/or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit). Comparison of screening performance of CPR ≤ 1 and < 5th and < 10th centile thresholds was also undertaken for these specified outcomes.ResultsIn total, 437 women were included in the analysis, of whom 4.1% had an emergency Cesarean section for IFC and 17.8% had a composite ANO. Sensitivity and specificity for CPR < 10th centile were, respectively, 55.6% and 87.9% for prediction of Cesarean section for IFC, and 28.2% and 88.0% for composite ANO. Compared with CPR ≤ 1 and < 5th centile, CPR < 10th centile yielded the best overall test performance for detection of Cesarean section for IFC and composite ANO, although its predictive value was only fair for Cesarean section for IFC (area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) = 0.72) and poor for composite ANO (AUC = 0.58).ConclusionThe CPR 10th centile threshold may be useful as a component of a risk assessment tool for Cesarean section for IFC in low‐risk pregnancies at term. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Integrated Process for Ethanol, Biogas, and Edible Filamentous Fungi-Based Animal Feed Production from Dilute Phosphoric Acid-Pretreated Wheat Straw
Authors: Nair Ramkumar B. , Kabir Maryam M. , Lennartsson Patrik R. , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. , Horváth Ilona Sárvári 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntegration of wheat straw for a biorefinery-based energy generation process by producing ethanol and biogas together with the production of high-protein fungal biomass (suitable for feed application) was the main focus of the present study. An edible ascomycete fungal strain Neurospora intermedia was used for the ethanol fermentation and subsequent biomass production from dilute phosphoric acid (0.7 to 1.2% w/v) pretreated wheat straw. At optimum pretreatment conditions, an ethanol yield of 84 to 90% of the theoretical maximum, based on glucan content of substrate straw, was observed from fungal fermentation post the enzymatic hydrolysis process. The biogas production from the pretreated straw slurry showed an improved methane yield potential up to 162% increase, as compared to that of the untreated straw. Additional biogas production, using the syrup, a waste stream obtained post the ethanol fermentation, resulted in a combined total energy output of 15.8 MJ/kg wheat straw. Moreover, using thin stillage (a waste stream from the first-generation wheat-based ethanol process) as a co-substrate to the biogas process resulted in an additional increase by about 14 to 27% in the total energy output as compared to using only wheat straw-based substrates.
Identification of siderophore producing and cynogenic fluorescent Pseudomonas and a simple confrontation assay to identify potential bio-control agent for collar rot of chickpea
Authors: Kotasthane Anil S. , Agrawal Toshy , Zaidi Najam Waris , Singh U. S. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
In soil, plant roots coexist with bacteria and fungi that produce siderophores capable of sequestering the available iron. Microbial cyanogenesis has been demonstrated in many species of fungi and in a few species of bacteria (e.g., Chromobacterium and Pseudomonas). Fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates P29, P59, P144, P166, P174, P187, P191 and P192 were cyanogenic and produced siderophores in the presence of a strong chelater 8-Hydroxyquinoline (50 mg/l). A simple confrontation assay for identifying potential antagonists was developed. Fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates P66, P141, P144, P166 and P174 were antagonistic against both Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. Vigorous plant growth was observed following seed bacterization with P141, P200 and P240. In field experiments, seed bacterization with selected bacterial isolates resulted in reduced collar rot (S. rolfsii) incidence.
Purification and characterization of a newly serine protease inhibitor from Rhamnus frangula with potential for use as therapeutic drug
Authors: Bacha Abir Ben , Jemel Ikram , Moubayed Nadine M. S. , Abdelmalek Imen Ben 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Protease inhibitors from plants are well known to be potent inhibitors of the growth of bacteria, fungi, and even certain viruses which make them excellent candidates for use as the lead compounds for the development of novel antimicrobial agents for applications in medicine. In this study, Rhamnus frangula was selected as a protease inhibitor source. The maximum recovery of the protease inhibitor against trypsin was recorded in the crude extract made in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and isolated from the mature leaves. Then, the protease inhibitor designated as RfIP1 was purified to homogeneity by Sephadex G50 with an apparent molecular mass of 22.5 kDa and its N-terminal sequence exhibited a high degree of homology with known serine protease inhibitor sequences. The RfIP1 displayed maximal activity at pH 7 and 37 °C. It maintained almost 80% of its maximal activity through a large pH range. The thermo-stability of RfIP1 was markedly enhanced by BSA, CaCl2, and sorbitol, whereas the addition of Mg2+, Zn2+, NaTDC, SDS, DTT, and β-ME significantly promoted inhibitory activity. The protease inhibitor displayed high inhibitory activity toward some known proteases (cathepsin B, chymotrypsin, collagenase, thrombin, and trypsin) that have more importance in pharmaceutical industry and it acted as potent inhibitor of some commercially proteases from Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus sp, and Bacillus licheniformis. The protease inhibitor also possessed an appreciable antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Antioxidant properties and polyphenolic content in terrestrial cyanobacteria
Authors: Singh Dhananjaya P. , Prabha Ratna , Verma Shaloo , Meena Kamlesh K. , Yandigeri Mahesh 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCell-free extracts of twenty terrestrial cyanobacteria were evaluated for their antioxidant properties in terms of free-radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) and metal chelating activity and deoxyribose protection. Extract ofAnabaena constrictawas the most prominent antioxidant agent (IC50for DPPH activity 0.91 mg ml−1, ABTS 0.23 mg ml−1, deoxyribose protection 0.63 mg ml−1and Fe+2-ion chelating 0.9 mg ml−1). The extracts of cyanobacterial species contained high quantity of total phenol and total flavonoid that were supposed to impart prominent antioxidant properties. Cyanobacterial species also showed fairly high PAL activity. We reported varied quantities of polyphenolics gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, vanillic and ferulic acids and flavonoids rutin, quercetin and kaempferol in cyanobacterial extracts. The presence of these polyphenolics was linked with the free radical scavenging, metal chelating and antioxidative damage protecting properties of the organisms. Cyanobacteria are the most feasible, promising and alternative candidates for searching out new chemical leads for industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals and biomolecules of importance. Presence of biomolecules such as polyphenolics and their connection with the prominent biological functions (e.g., antioxidant properties) make these organisms a potential source of secondary metabolites with predominant biological activities. Additionally, dominant presence of polyphenols as antioxidant agents in cyanobacterial species may reflect their adaptation strategies against abiotic stresses for their ecological success in different habitats.
An umbrella review of meta‐analyses of interventions to improve maternal outcomes for teen mothers
Authors: SmithBattle Lee , Loman Deborah G. , Chantamit‐o‐pas Chutima , Schneider Joanne Kraenzle 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to perform an umbrella review of meta‐analyses of intervention studies designed to improve outcomes of pregnant or parenting teenagers. An extensive search retrieved nine reports which provided 21 meta‐analyses analyses. Data were extracted by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR Instrument.Most effect sizes were small but high quality studies showed significant outcomes for reduced low birth weight (RR = 0.60), repeat pregnancies/births (OR = 0.47–0.62), maternal education (OR = 1.21–1.83), and maternal employment (OR = 1.26). Several parenting outcomes (parent‐child teaching interaction post‐intervention [SMD = −0.91] and at follow‐up [SMD = −1.07], and parent‐child relationship post‐intervention [SMD = −0.71] and at follow‐up [SMD = −0.90]) were significant, but sample sizes were very small. Many reports did not include moderator analyses.Behavioral interventions offer limited resources and occur too late to mitigate the educational and social disparities that precede teen pregnancy. Future intervention research and policies that redress the social determinants of early childbearing are recommended.
Effects of Sex Education and Kegel Exercises on the Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nazarpour Soheila , Simbar Masoumeh , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Alavi Majd Hamid 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe sex lives of women are strongly affected by menopause. Non-pharmacologic approaches to improving the sexual function of postmenopausal women might prove effective.AimTo compare two methods of intervention (formal sex education and Kegel exercises) with routine postmenopausal care services in a randomized clinical trial.MethodsA randomized clinical trial was conducted of 145 postmenopausal women residing in Chalus and Noshahr, Iran. Their sexual function statuses were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. After obtaining written informed consents, they were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (i) formal sex education, (ii) Kegel exercises, or (iii) routine postmenopausal care. After 12 weeks, all participants completed the FSFI again. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the participants' sexual function before and after the interventions, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors for variation in FSFI scores in the postintervention stage.OutcomesSexual function was assessed using the FSFI.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and FSFI total scores among the three study groups at the outset of the study. After 12 weeks, the scores of arousal in the formal sex education and Kegel groups were significantly higher compared with the control group (3.38 and 3.15 vs 2.77, respectively). The scores of orgasm and satisfaction in the Kegel group were significantly higher compared with the control group (4.43 and 4.88 vs 3.95 and 4.39, respectively).Clinical ImplicationsFormal sex education and Kegel exercises were used as two non-pharmacologic approaches to improve the sexual function of women after menopause.Strengths and LimitationsThe main strength of this study was its design: a well-organized randomized trial using precise eligibility criteria with a small sample loss. The second strength was the methods of intervention used, namely non-pharmacologic approaches that are simple, easily accessible, and fairly inexpensive. The main limitation of the study was our inability to objectively assess the participants' commitment to exercise and the sexual function of their partners.ConclusionSex education programs and Kegel exercises could cause improvements in some domains of sexual function—specifically arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction—in postmenopausal women.
Does Serum Homocysteine Explain the Connection Between Sexual Frequency and Cardiovascular Risk?
Authors: Yang Hui-Fang , Kao Tung-Wei , Lin Yuan-Yung , Shih Mu-Tsun , Li-Wei Wu , Liaw Fang-Yih , Peng Tao-Chun , Chen Wei-Liang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
Sexual activity correlates with various health issues, and homocysteine is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis. Research on the relation of sexual activity to sexual frequency and homocysteine is sparse.

Aim
To examine the association between sexual frequency and homocysteine in the general population in the United States.

Methods
In total, 2,267 eligible participants 20 to 59 years old who had serum homocysteine data and completed a sexual behavior questionnaire were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2005 to 2006. The correlation between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels was analyzed using a linear regression model and an extended-model approach was performed for covariate adjustment.

Outcomes
Individuals, especially men, in the lower quartiles of sexual frequency had significantly higher serum homocysteine levels, and a sex difference was identified in subgroup analysis.

Results
In a model of quartile-based analysis after adjustment for age, sex, and race and ethnicity, the regression coefficient of the highest quartile of sexual frequency compared with the lowest quartile was −1.326 (P = .012). After further adjustment for multiple covariates, the inverse association between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels remained unchanged. Negative trends maintained statistical significance (P for trend &lt; .05). In subgroup analysis by sex, a negative association between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels remained unchanged in men even after adjusting for multiple covariates, but not in women.

Clinical Implications
Clinical physicians in primary care should support patients’ sexual activity, and there are implications for health promotion programs.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the first observational investigation stratified by sex to evaluate the correlation between sexual frequency and serum homocysteine levels. The study was a cross-sectional observational investigation and the causal relation should be evaluated in a follow-up study.

Conclusion
Decreased sexual frequency correlated with higher homocysteine levels in a nationally representative sample of US adults, especially men; this might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or other atherothrombotic events.
Petrology of foiditic and meymechitic volcanism in the Maimecha–Kotui province (Polar Siberia)
Authors: Vasil’ev Yu.R. , Gora M.P. , Kuz’min D.V. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Comparative analysis of ultramafic meymechites of the Maimecha Suite and alkaline volcanics of the Ary-Dzhang Suite (foidites (nephelinites, analcimites, limburgites, etc.) and melilitites) has shown their consanguinity, which indicates their relationship with the same magmatic system periodically producing large amounts of alkaline ultramafic melts. We have studied the petrogeochemical and mineralogical compositions of rocks and melt inclusions in the hosted olivines. The rocks of the Maimecha and Ary-Dzhang Suite differ considerably in MgO content, which is well explained by the accumulation of olivine. The inclusions in olivines from the meymechites and the rocks of the Ary-Dzhang Suite correspond in composition to foidites. The trace and rare-earth element patterns are similar both in the foidites and meymechites and in the melt inclusions: They show negative anomalies of Rb and K and positive anomalies of Nb and Ta. The ratios of indicator elements (Nb/Ta, Ba/La, Ta/La, etc.) in the rocks of the Maimecha and Ary-Dzhang Suite are constant and almost independent of their Mg# values. The La/Yb ratio in the foidites is significantly higher than that in the meymechites and in the melt inclusions from their olivines, which indicates that the rocks of the Ary-Dzhang Suite resulted from the fractionation of highly magnesian alkaline picritoid melt.
Disaster Management Structure of Universities: Case Study of the Central Campus of the University of Tehran
Authors: Omidvar Babak , Karimloo Kayvan , Tavakoli Sani Sadegh , Darabi Hassan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveResearch on the disaster management plans of renowned universities worldwide shows that such plans are generally compiled in 3 categories: structural, nonstructural, and organizational sections. The importance of earthquakes in Tehran and the high vulnerability of the University of Tehran to earthquakes encouraged us to challenge the university’s plans concerning disaster management.MethodsAn initial attempt was made to analyze the disaster management of 23 renowned universities worldwide and their structure compared with the present organizational structure of the University of Tehran. Then an expert opinion study was done to determine the appropriate management structure of the Incident Command System.ResultsThese efforts resulted in an adhocratic system as the proper one for emergency situations after an earthquake. Furthermore, the results of the comparative study led to a general management structure that may be considered as a global pattern.ConclusionsAn appropriate organizational structure is proposed for the disaster management of the University of Tehran, which may be used as an appropriate disaster management structure for other universities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:681–693)