bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unexpandable lung from pleural disease
Authors: Huggins John T. , Maldonado Fabien , Chopra Amit , Rahman Najib , Light Richard 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTUnexpandable lung is a common complication of malignant pleural effusions and inflammatory pleural diseases, such as pleural infection (e.g. empyema and complicated parapneumonic effusion) and noninfectious fibrinous pleuritis. Unexpandable lung due to pleural disease may be because of an active pleural process, and is referred to as malignant or inflammatory lung entrapment.An unexpandable lung may also be encountered in the setting of remote pleural inflammation resulting in a mature fibrous membrane overlying the visceral pleura preventing full expansion of the lung. This condition is termed trapped lung and may be understood as a form of defective healing of the pleural space. Trapped lung typically presents as a chronic, stable pleural effusion without evidence of active pleural disease. An unexpandable lung most often manifests itself as an inability of fully expanding the lung with pleural space drainage. Patients will either develop chest pain preventing complete drainage of the pleural space or develop a post‐procedure pneumothorax.Pleural manometry and radiological imaging are useful in the assessment of an unexpandable lung. Pleural manometry can demonstrate abnormal lung expansion during drainage and imaging will demonstrate abnormal visceral pleural thickening found in trapped lung or malignant and inflammatory lung entrapment.
Magnesium supplementation: A consideration in dialysis patients
Authors: Apetrii Mugurel , Covic Adrian , Massy Ziad A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEven though disorders of magnesium (Mg) balance are common in dialyzed patients, this cation is often neglected. Many factors interfere with serum magnesium including diet, medications (eg, antacids or phosphate binders), and the dialysis prescription. Mg supplementation may help reduce serum phosphate concentration, PTH, and interfere with vascular calcification and bone mineralization. It could also decrease the all‐cause and cardiovascular mortalities, although the results of current studies are conflicting. As with many other variables that influence hard endpoints in nephrology, additional research directly targeting the role of Mg supplementation in dialyzed patients are required. Nevertheless, a current risk/benefit assessment suggests that supplementation of Mg targeting high normal serum levels may represent a plausible option to improve the outcome of dialysis patients.
Phenotypic Prenatal Diagnosis of Chronic Granulomatous Disease: A Useful Tool in The Absence Of Molecular Diagnosis
Authors: Kulkarni M. , Gupta M. , Madkaikar M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractChronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency disorder affecting the microbicidal function of the phagocytes. It is characterized by susceptibility to recurrent infections leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis, though, has significantly reduced the rate and severity of the infections; the breakthrough infections still remain a challenge. Currently, allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative option which is very expensive and unavailable for many due to lack of suitable donor. Thus, prenatal diagnosis (PND) forms an important component of management in the affected families. PND is challenging in families approaching late in pregnancy with an uncharacterized molecular defect. In such cases, PND can be performed by analysis of NADPH activity of fetal blood (FB) neutrophils at 18–20 weeks of gestation. Cord blood samples at 18 weeks of gestation from healthy control were used to establish normal ranges for NBT and DHR. PND was offered for six pregnancies (NBT: n = 3, DHR: n = 6) with index cases of CGD confirmed by abnormal NBT and DHR analysis. NBT and DHR tests were found to be negative for all the six cases, confirming the same on samples post‐delivery. NBT and DHR tests offer a rapid and sensitive PND of CGD in the absence of facilities for molecular diagnosis. It was observed that addition of CD15 along with CD45 led to an accurate DHR analysis. It is recommended to perform the diagnosis with adequate precautions only at centres with considerable experience and expertise in the diagnosis of CGD.
Prospective evaluation of outcome of dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts treated via percutaneous transvenous coil embolization
Authors: Culp William T. N. , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Wisner Erik R. , Hunt Geraldine B. , Steffey Michele A. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Marks Stanley L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo report outcome and complications after percutaneous transvenous coil embolization (PTCE) and evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and imaging changes in dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) pre‐PTCE and post‐PTCE.Study designProspective clinical trial.AnimalsTwenty‐five dogs (15 dogs in imaging subgroup) with IHPSS.MethodsClinical signs, hematologic, and biochemical parameters were recorded before and 3 months after PTCE. All dogs received the same medical treatment and underwent PTCE. In the imaging subgroup, ultrasonography, hepatic portal scintigraphy, and computed tomography‐angiography were performed pre‐PTCE and post‐PTCE.ResultsAll evaluated bloodwork values improved by at least 50% of their initial value, by 3 months post‐PTCE. Liver volume increased after PTCE (P = .001), but remained lower than normal in 11/15 dogs. Hepatic arterial fraction decreased after PTCE (P = .029), consistent with increased portal blood flow to the liver. Twenty‐four of 25 dogs were available for reevaluation at 3 months, and all abnormal clinical signs had resolved in 22/24 dogs.ConclusionPTCE appears promising as a treatment for IHPSS, as clinical signs resolved in most cases, bloodwork abnormalities often normalized, and the procedure was performed safely with minimal complications. PTCE increased hepatic portal perfusion and liver volume in most dogs. These promising results justify a future randomized clinical trial comparing PTCE, other attenuation options, and medical management alone.
Effect of superabsorbent polymer on soil and plants on steep surfaces
Authors: Khodadadi Dehkordi Davoud 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this study, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP; Super‐AB‐A‐200) was used for the amendment of the water‐holding capacity of soil on a steep surface. Three concentrations of SAP [0.20, 0.40 and 0.60% (w w−1)] and a control (0%) were blended with sandy soil. This study aimed to evaluate the evaporation rate, water retention capacity and saturated water content of polymer‐treated soils for determining plant survival and seed germination rate through cylinder and steep surface experiments. The results demonstrated that sandy soil treated with SAP showed significantly enhanced soil water holding compared with the controls. Furthermore, the seed germination rate was significantly higher in polymer‐treated soils than in the controls. The survival times of grass and ligneous plants were lengthened under water stress conditions. Finally, treatment with 0.40% SAP was the optimum selection for sandy soil amendment on steep surfaces.
Sorption and desorption behaviours of 2,4‐D and glyphosate in calcareous soil from Antalya, Turkey
Authors: Ozbay Bilge , Akyol Nihat Hakan , Akyol Gokce , Ozbay Ismail 
Published: October 2017

Abstract2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyl acetic acid (2,4‐D) and glyphosate are used extensively as a herbicide in vicinity of Antalya, Turkey. Laboratory batch experiments were conducted to investigate the sorption isotherm and sorption‐desorption characteristics of 2,4‐D and glyphosate. Results indicated that degree of sorption of glyphosate was approximately 50 times higher than 2,4‐D (Kd= 34.43 vs. 0.66 L/Kg). The sorption of 2,4‐D and glyphosate was described by linear and rate‐limited processes for soil. Organic carbon content was most likely responsible for sorption behaviour of 2,4‐D and glyphosate. The rapid desorption can be attributed to soft carbon fraction (humic/fluvic acid and lipids) whereas slower desorption can be responsible by hard carbon fraction (black carbon, kerogen) of soils that led to chemically nonideal behaviour (hysteresis). Sorption of 2,4‐D was low due to most likely deactivation of organic carbon surfaces by excess carbonate fraction, whereas strong binding of glyphosate onto organic carbon causing high sorption behaviour.
Chloroplast DNA markers for Echinochloa taxa
Authors: Zhang J‐P , Fu F , Liu C , Lin Z‐X , Wang Y‐Y , Ye C‐Y , Lu Y‐L 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe genus Echinochloa (Poaceae) includes numerous problematic weeds over a wide range of ecoregions in the world. To date, molecular markers for species identification and assessing phylogenetic relationship are still limited in the genus Echinochloa. In this study, we developed seven chloroplast molecular markers based on divergent chloroplast regions of E. crus‐galli and E. oryzicola. Furthermore, Marker #1 (psbA) was examined in more than 200 Echinochloa accessions and a phylogenetic tree grouped these Echinochloa accessions into four clades. Additionally, two different E. crus‐galli varieties (E. crus‐galli var. crus‐galli, E. crus‐galli var. praticola) and E. colona were successfully distinguished by this marker. The developed molecular markers contribute to better identification of Echinochloa taxa.
Ivermectin and its target molecules: shared and unique modulation mechanisms of ion channels and receptors by ivermectin
Authors: Chen I‐Shan , Kubo Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIvermectin (IVM) is an antiparasitic drug that is used worldwide and rescues hundreds of millions of people from onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. It was discovered by Satoshi Ōmura and William C. Campbell, to whom the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded. It kills parasites by activating glutamate‐gated Cl− channels, and it also targets several ligand‐gated ion channels and receptors, including Cys‐loop receptors, P2X4 receptors and fernesoid X receptors. Recently, we found that IVM also activates a novel target, the G‐protein‐gated inwardly rectifying K+ channel, and also identified the structural determinant for the activation. In this review, we aim to provide an update and summary of recent progress in the identification of IVM targets, as well as their modulation mechanisms, through molecular structures, chimeras and site‐directed mutagenesis, and molecular docking and modelling studies.
image
Experimental Study on the Effects of Surface Roughness on the Behaviors of Hydrodynamic Instabilities of Couette-Taylor Flow
Authors: Monfared Mostafa , Gaied Lamia , Berrich Emna , Shirani Ebrahim , Bigerelle Maxence , Aloui Fethi 
Published: October 2017

Couette-Taylor flow is a type of fluid flow that occurs in the annulus between differentially concentric cylinders, when the outer cylinder is fixed and the inner cylinder rotates and the rotation rate exceeds a critical value. In this research we have studied the effect of surface roughness on the hydrodynamic structures of Couette-Taylor Flow. The PIV technique has been applied for flow visualization. At first, for a smooth surface, the different flow patterns include Couette flow, Taylor vortex flow, wavy vortex flow, modulated wavy vortex flow and turbulent flow. They are investigated numerically and experimentally. The transition Taylor number for every flow regime is also taken into consideration. The results showed that the numerical results correspond quite well to the experimental data. Then, the different surface conditions for inner cylinder which are studied are: a smooth one, a sandpaper-type P180, a canvas plastic with different wire-mesh roughness. They are used to study the effects of surface roughness on the flow structures and critical Taylor numbers.
The experimental results showed that the roughness causes a delay in the appearance of the first instabilities.
A Hydrofoil Configuration for Wind Powered Energy Ship Applications
Authors: Woeste Jacob T. , Turner Mark G. , Saxer Nicolas 
Published: October 2017

Hydrofoils allow for boats to reach greater speeds by lifting the hulls of the boat out of the water. This reduces the drag due to the hulls pushing through the water. Implementing this technology on energy ships, sailboats or kiteboats that generate renewable energy using wind power, can increase the efficiency of such energy generating systems.
A hydrofoil design was developed and manufactured for a Hobie 17 sailboat to allow for preliminary testing of the energy ship concept. A V-shape hydrofoil design was used to provide hands-free foiling of the sailboat. The advantages and disadvantages of this configuration are explored. An attachment mechanism is also described that allows for the user to preset the angle of attack of the dihedral hydrofoils, and an analysis of the adjustment angle’s impact on the hydrofoils′ angle of attack is quantified. Since the V-shape hydrofoil design pierces the water’s surface, ventilation becomes an issue due to air being sucked down the low-pressure lifting surface of the hydrofoils. To reduce ventilation, fences were added along the top surface of the hydrofoils. The hydrofoil design was tested and proven to be a feasible configuration for wind powered boats.
Investigation of EGR With EGB (Exhaust Gas Bypass) on Low Speed Marine Diesel Engine Performance and Emission Characteristics
Authors: Wang Zhanguang , Zhou Song , Feng Yongming , Zhu Yuanqing 
Published: October 2017

In 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has enforced stricter nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission standards. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology is an effective way to achieve IMO Tier III standards for two-stroke marine diesel engines. This paper selected the 6S50ME-C8.2 diesel engine for research, by making use of GT-POWER simulation software. In this paper, three different types of EGR systems were built to investigate the effects of EGR on engine performance and NOx emissions.
The results show that both the high pressure EGR system and the low pressure EGR system can reduce NOx emissions with the power drop and BSFC risen.
While in the high pressure EGR system combined with CB (cylinder bypass) and EGB (exhaust gas bypass), more NOx emissions can be reduced with less power drop and BSFC risen. What is more, the running points of the compressor are still in the efficient areas and away the surge margin.
Based on the conclusions, the results obtained in this paper can provide reference for turbocharged diesel engines with EGR systems to reduce NOx emissions and improve engine performance.
Praziquantel Targets M1 Macrophages and Ameliorates Splenomegaly in Chronic Schistosomiasis
Authors: Kong Delong , Zhou Chunlei , Guo Hongfei , Wang Wei , Qiu Jingfan , Liu Xinjian , Liu Jinfeng , Wang Lijuan , Wang Yong 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Splenomegaly is a common feature of many infectious diseases, including schistosomiasis japonica. However, the immunopathogenesis and the treatment of splenomegaly due to schistosomiasis have been largely neglected. Praziquantel (PZQ), a classical schistosomicide, has been demonstrated by us and others to have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities against schistosomiasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of PZQ on alleviating the splenomegaly caused by
Schistosoma japonicum
infection in mice. The results showed that the number of macrophages, especially the number of M1 macrophages, was significantly increased in the enlarged spleens of infected mice (
P
< 0.001). After PZQ treatment for 4 weeks, the number of splenic macrophages, especially the number of M1 macrophages, was significantly reduced (
P
< 0.001) by the way of apoptosis, and another schistosomicide, mefloquine, had no effect either on the splenomegaly or on reducing the number of macrophages. Furthermore, by using the murine macrophage line RAW 264.7, we found that PZQ could inhibit the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and attenuate phagocytic activity in M1 macrophages. Thus, our studies suggest that PZQ plays a powerful role in ameliorating the splenomegaly caused by
S. japonicum
infection, which presents a new strategy for the therapy of splenomegaly resulting from other pathological conditions.
Functional Involvement of Leishmania donovani Tryparedoxin Peroxidases during Infection and Drug Treatment
Authors: Das Sanchita , Giri Sagnik , Sundar Shyam , Shaha Chandrima 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe parasiteLeishmania donovanicauses visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease. The parasites survive within mammalian macrophages and express a unique set of enzymes, the tryparedoxin peroxidases, for their defense against oxidative stress generated by the host. In this study, we demonstrate different roles of two distinct enzymes, the mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidase (mTXNPx) and the cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase (cTXNPx), in defending the parasites against mitochondrial and exogenous oxidative stress during infection and drug treatment. Our findings indicate a greater increase in cTXNPx expression in response to exogenous oxidative stress and a higher elevation of mTXNPx expression in response to mitochondrial or endogenous stress created by respiratory chain complex inhibitors. Overexpression of cTXNPx inLeishmaniashowed improved protection against exogenous stress and enhanced protection against mitochondrial stress in parasites overexpressing mTXNPx. Further, parasites overexpressing cTXNPx infected host cells with increased efficiency at early times of infection compared to control parasites or parasites overexpressing mTXNPx. The mTXNPx-overexpressing parasites maintained higher infection at later times. Higher mTXNPx expression occurred in wild-type parasites on exposure to miltefosine, while treatment with antimony elevated cTXNPx expression. Parasites resistant to miltefosine or antimony demonstrated increased expression of mTXNPx, as well as cTXNPx. In summary, this study provides evidence of distinct roles of the two enzymes defined by virtue of their localization during infection and drug treatment.
In Vitro
Evaluation of Povidone-Iodine and Chlorhexidine against Outbreak and Nonoutbreak Strains of Mycobacterium abscessus Using Standard Quantitative Suspension and Carrier Testing
Authors: Cheng Aristine , Sun Hsin-Yun , Tsai Yi-Tzu , Wu Un-In , Chuang Yu-Chung , Wang Jann-Tay , Sheng Wang-Huei , Hsueh Po-Ren , Chen Yee-Chun , Chang Shan-Chwen 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Povidone-iodine (PI) and chlorhexidine (CHX) are widely used antiseptics active against conventional
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Enterobacteriaceae
,
Candida
species, and viruses, but their efficacy against
Mycobacterium abscessus
remains unproven. We determined the
in vitro
potency of alcoholic PI and CHX against
M. abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
(ATCC 19977),
M. abscessus
subsp.
bolletii
(BCRC 16915), and our outbreak strain of
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
(TPE 101) in reference to
Staphylococcus aureus
(ATCC 29213) by standard quantitative suspension and carrier methods (EN 14563). By suspension, all mycobacterial strains compared to
S. aureus
were significantly more resistant to CHX, but not PI. By carrier, the mean logarithmic reductions (LR) achieved by PI under clean (dirty) conditions were 6.575 (2.482), 5.540 (2.298), 4.595 (1.967), and 1.173 (0.889), while those achieved by CHX under clean (dirty) conditions were 3.164 (5.445), 5.307 (2.564), 3.844 (2.232), and 0.863 (0.389) for
S. aureus
,
M. abscessus
subsp.
bolletii
,
M. abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
, and
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
, respectively.
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
(outbreak strain) was significantly more resistant than the other tested strains to PI and CHX. By both methods, the mean LR achieved by PI was higher than for CHX for all mycobacterial strains, but under dirty conditions, neither antiseptic was effectively mycobactericidal (LR < 5). These preliminary findings caution against the universal replacement of PI with CHX as the first-line skin antiseptic, since all
M. abscessus
isolates were resistant to CHX. More studies are needed to establish the best practice for skin antisepsis if mycobacterial infections are also to be prevented.
Molecular Mechanisms of Intrinsic Streptomycin Resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Dal Molin Michael , Gut Myriam , Rominski Anna , Haldimann Klara , Becker Katja , Sander Peter 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Streptomycin, the first drug used for the treatment of tuberculosis, shows limited activity against the highly resistant pathogen
Mycobacterium abscessus
. We recently identified two aminoglycoside-acetylating genes [
aac(2′)
and
eis2
] which, however, do not affect susceptibility to streptomycin. This suggests the existence of a discrete mechanism of streptomycin resistance.
M. abscessus
BLASTP analysis identified MAB_2385 as a close homologue of the 3″-
O
-phosphotransferase [APH(3″)] from the opportunistic pathogen
Mycobacterium fortuitum
as a putative streptomycin resistance determinant. Heterologous expression of
MAB_2385
in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
increased the streptomycin MIC, while the gene deletion mutant
M. abscessus
ΔMAB_2385 showed increased streptomycin susceptibility. The MICs of other aminoglycosides were not altered in
M. abscessus
ΔMAB_2385. This demonstrates that
MAB_2385
encodes a specific and prime innate streptomycin resistance determinant in
M. abscessus
. We further explored the feasibility of applying
rpsL
-based streptomycin counterselection to generate gene deletion mutants in
M. abscessus
. Spontaneous streptomycin-resistant mutants of
M. abscessus
ΔMAB_2385 were selected, and we demonstrated that the wild-type
rpsL
is dominant over the mutated

rpsL
K43R

in merodiploid strains. In a proof of concept study, we exploited this phenotype for construction of a targeted deletion mutant, thereby establishing an
rpsL
-based counterselection method in
M. abscessus
.
Combinations of Respiratory Chain Inhibitors Have Enhanced Bactericidal Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Berube Bryan J. , Parish Tanya 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

As an obligate aerobe,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
uses its electron transport chain (ETC) to produce energy via oxidative phosphorylation. This pathway has recently garnered a lot of attention and is a target for several new antimycobacterials. We tested the respiratory adaptation of
M. tuberculosis
to phenoxyalkylbenzimidazoles (PABs), compounds proposed to target QcrB, a component of the cytochrome
bc
1
complex. We show that
M. tuberculosis
is able to reroute its ETC to provide temporary resistance to PABs. However, combination treatment of PAB with agents targeting other components of the electron transport chain overcomes this respiratory flexibility. PAB in combination with clofazimine resulted in synergistic killing of
M. tuberculosis
under both replicating and nonreplicating conditions. PABs in combination with bedaquiline demonstrated antagonism at early time points, particularly under nonreplicating conditions. However, this antagonistic effect disappeared within 3 weeks, when PAB-BDQ combinations became highly bactericidal; in some cases, they were better than either drug alone. This study highlights the potential for combination treatment targeting the ETC and supports the development of PABs as part of a novel drug regimen against
M. tuberculosis
.