Δευτέρα 23 Απριλίου 2018
Editorial Board
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
https://ift.tt/2HJouLT
Blimp-1 prolongs allograft survival without regimen via influencing T cell development in favor of regulatory T cells while suppressing Th1
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 99
Author(s): Aline Yen Ling Wang, Charles Yuen Yung Loh, Shyi-Jou Chen, Huang-Kai Kao, Cheng-Hung Lin, Sheng-Hao Chuang, Chin-Ming Lee, Huey-Kang Sytwu, Fu-Chan Wei
BackgroundB lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) transcription factor is expressed in multiple cell lineages and in particular, T cells. However, the role of Blimp-1 in T cell-mediated allograft tolerance is still unknown.MethodsThis study is the first to investigate transplanted skin allograft survival using transgenic (Tg) mice with T cell overexpression of Blimp-1.ResultsWithout any immunosuppression, fully MHC-mismatched skin allografts on Tg(+) mice had a significantly prolonged survival rate and partial tolerance at 90 days. Allograft lymphocytic infiltration was decreased in Tg(+) mice and a dampened donor-stimulated alloimmune response was seen. An absolute cell number ratio of inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells against anti-inflammatory regulatory T (Treg) and IL-10-producing T cells, as well as cytolytic proteins, were significantly decreased in lymphoid organs and allograft. Blimp-1 transgenic T cells displayed an increased Treg differentiation capability and enhanced suppression of T cell proliferation. Overexpression of Blimp-1 in T cells promoted the formation of an anti-inflammatory cell-cytokine composition, both systemically and locally via transcription factor modulation such as T-bet downregulation and FoxP3 upregulation.DiscussionAs such, allograft survival was made possible due to Th1 suppression and Treg amplification with the creation of an 'allograft protective microenvironment'.
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Conductive textile for flexible lithium batteries
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Laurie Winkless
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Black is the new black
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): David Bradley
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3D printing soft tissue scaffolds
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): David Bradley
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EPMA powder metallurgy summer school 2018
Source:Materials Today
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COVER
Source:Materials Today, Volume 21, Issue 3
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Inner cover 1 - A. Scidà et al.
Source:Materials Today, Volume 21, Issue 3
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CONTENTS 1
Source:Materials Today, Volume 21, Issue 3
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CONTENTS 2
Source:Materials Today, Volume 21, Issue 3
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Mortality Differences Associated With Treatment Responses in CANTOS and FOURIER: Insights and Implications.
Author: Ridker, Paul M MD, MPH
Page: 1763-1766
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Dawn of a New Era for Stroke Treatment: Implications of the DAWN Study for Acute Stroke Care and Stroke Systems of Care.
Author: Alberts, Mark J. MD; Ollenschleger, Martin D. MD; Nouh, Amre MD
Page: 1767-1769
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High-Target Versus Low-Target Blood Pressure Management During Cardiopulmonary Bypass to Prevent Cerebral Injury in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Author: Vedel, Anne G. MD; Holmgaard, Frederik BMSc; Rasmussen, Lars S. DMSc, PhD, MD; Langkilde, Annika PhD, MD; Paulson, Olaf B. DMSc, MD; Lange, Theis PhD, MSc; Thomsen, Carsten DMSc, MD; Olsen, Peter Skov DMSc, MD; Ravn, Hanne Berg DMSc, PhD, MD; Nilsson, Jens C. PhD, MD
Page: 1770-1780
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Preventing Brain Injury After Cardiopulmonary Bypass Will Require More Than Just Dialing Up the Pressure.
Author: Cheung, Albert T. MD; Messe, Steven R. MD
Page: 1781-1783
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Association Between Diastolic Blood Pressure During Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Survival.
Author: Berg, Robert A. MD; Sutton, Robert M. MD, MSCE; Reeder, Ron W. PhD; Berger, John T. MD; Newth, Christopher J. MD; Carcillo, Joseph A. MD; McQuillen, Patrick S. MD; Meert, Kathleen L. MD; Yates, Andrew R. MD; Harrison, Rick E. MD; Moler, Frank W. MD; Pollack, Murray M. MD; Carpenter, Todd C. MD; Wessel, David L. MD; Jenkins, Tammara L. MSN, RN; Notterman, Daniel A. MD; Holubkov, Richard PhD; Tamburro, Robert F. MD; Dean, J. Michael MD; Nadkarni, Vinay M. MD, MS; For the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network (CPCCRN) PICqCPR (Pediatric Intensive Care Quality of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) Investigators; Zuppa, Athena F. MD, MSCE; Graham, Katherine BS; Twelves, Carolann RN; Landis, William BSE; DiLiberto, Mary Ann RN; Tomanio, Elyse RN; Kwok, Jeni JD; Bell, Michael J. MD; Abraham, Alan MBA; Sapru, Anil MD; Alkhouli, Mustafa F. BA; Heidemann, Sabrina MD; Pawluszka, Ann RN; Hall, Mark W. MD; Steele, Lisa RN; Shanley, Thomas P. MD; Weber, Monica RN; Dalton, Heidi J. MD; Bell, Aimee La RN; Mourani, Peter M. MD; Malone, Kathryn RN; Telford, Russell MS; Coleman, Whitney RN; Peterson, Alecia MS; Thelen, Julie RN; Doctor, Allan MD; CPCCRN PICqCPR Investigators
Page: 1784-1795
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Global Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Heart Failure and Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction.
Author: Fayyaz, Ahmed U. MD; Edwards, William D. MD; Maleszewski, Joseph J. MD; Konik, Ewa A. MD; DuBrock, Hilary M. MD; Borlaug, Barry A. MD; Frantz, Robert P. MD; Jenkins, Sarah M. MS; Redfield, Margaret M. MD
Page: 1796-1810
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Pulmonary Venous Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension: The Veins Take Center Stage.
Author: Leopold, Jane A. MD
Page: 1811-1813
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Sex and Race Differences in Lifetime Risk of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.
Author: Pandey, Ambarish MD, MSCS; Omar, Wally MD; Ayers, Colby MS; LaMonte, Michael PhD, MPH; Klein, Liviu MD, MS; Allen, Norrina B. PhD; Kuller, Lewis H. MD, DrPH; Greenland, Philip MD; Eaton, Charles B. MD, MS; Gottdiener, John S. MD; Lloyd-Jones, Donald M. MD, SM; Berry, Jarett D. MD, MS
Page: 1814-1823
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miR-22 Is a Novel Mediator of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation and Neointima Formation.
Author: Yang, Feng MD *,,; Chen, Qishan MD, PhD *,; He, Shiping MD; Yang, Mei MD; Maguire, Eithne Margaret MRes; An, Weiwei PhD; Afzal, Tayyab Adeel MSc; Luong, Le Anh PhD; Zhang, Li MD, PhD; Xiao, Qingzhong MD, PhD
Page: 1824-1841
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miR-22 in Smooth Muscle Cells: A Potential Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease.
Author: Huang, Zhan-Peng PhD; Wang, Da-Zhi PhD
Page: 1842-1845
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Insights From the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection: A 20-Year Experience of Collaborative Clinical Research.
Author: Evangelista, Arturo MD; Isselbacher, Eric M. MD; Bossone, Eduardo MD; Gleason, Thomas G. MD; Eusanio, Marco Di MD; Sechtem, Udo MD; Ehrlich, Marek P. MD; Trimarchi, Santi MD; Braverman, Alan C. MD; Myrmel, Truls MD; Harris, Kevin M. MD; Hutchinson, Stuart MD; O'Gara, Patrick MD; Suzuki, Toru MD; Nienaber, Christoph A. MD; Eagle, Kim A. MD; on behalf of the IRAD Investigators
Page: 1846-1860
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Barbershop-Based Care Dramatically Trims Blood Pressure.
Author: Kuehn, Bridget M.
Page: 1861-1862
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Unexplained Cardiac Arrest in an Apparently Healthy Young Woman: What Is the Underlying Substrate of the Arrhythmia?.
Author: Noti, Fabian MD; Asatryan, Babken MD; Seiler, Jens MD; Baldinger, Samuel H. MD; Servatius, Helge MD; de Marchi, Stefano F. MD; Martinelli, Michele Vittorio MD; Hunziker Munsch, Lukas Christoph MD; Lam, Anna MD; Fuhrer, Juerg MD; Tanner, Hildegard MD; Roten, Laurent MD; Medeiros-Domingo, Argelia MD, PhD
Page: 1863-1866
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Impact of the US Food and Drug Administration-Approved Sex-Specific Cutoff Values for High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T to Diagnose Myocardial Infarction.
Author: Rubini Gimenez, Maria MD *,; Badertscher, Patrick MD *,; Twerenbold, Raphael MD; Boeddinghaus, Jasper MD; Nestelberger, Thomas MD; Wussler, Desiree MD; Miro, Oscar MD; Martin-Sanchez, F. Javier MD; Reichlin, Tobias MD; Mueller, Christian MD
Page: 1867-1869
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Letter by Clerkin et al Regarding Article, "Importance of Routine Antihuman/Leukocyte Antibody Monitoring: De Novo Donor Specific Antibodies Are Associated With Rejection and Allograft Vasculopathy After Heart Transplantation".
Author: Clerkin, Kevin J. MD, MSc; Farr, Maryjane A. MD, MSc; Mancini, Donna M. MD
Page: 1870-1871
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Response by Wong et al to Letter Regarding Article, "Importance of Routine Antihuman/Leukocyte Antibody Monitoring: De Novo Donor Specific Antibodies Are Associated With Rejection and Allograft Vasculopathy After Heart Transplantation".
Author: Wong, Ka L. MBBS; Smith, Byron H. PhD; Kremers, Walter K. PhD; Pereira, Naveen L. MD
Page: 1872-1873
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Letter by Jin-shan and Xue-bin Regarding Article, "Platelets Express Activated P2Y12 Receptor in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus".
Author: Jin-shan, He MD; Xue-bin, Li MD
Page: 1874
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Letter by Gong et al Regarding Article, "Platelets Express Activated P2Y12 Receptor in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus".
Author: Gong, Liying PhD; Li, Jingle MD; Yang, Guoping PhD
Page: 1875-1876
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Response by Hu et al to Letters Regarding Article, "Platelets Express Activated P2Y12 Receptor in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus".
Author: Hu, Liang PhD; Qi, Zhiyong MD; Zhang, Si MD, PhD; Luo, Xinping MD, PhD; Kunapuli, Satya P. PhD; Ye, Hongying MD, PhD; Ding, Zhongren MD, PhD
Page: 1877-1878
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Letter by Thornton Regarding Article, "Wine and Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review".
Author: Thornton, Simon N. PhD
Page: 1879
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The first step of patient-specific design calvarial implant: A quantitative analysis of fresh parietal bones
Abstract
Background
Accurate knowledge of the fracture of cranial bone can provide insight into the prevention of skull fracture injuries and help aid the design of energy-absorbing head protection systems and safety helmets. When cranial bone needs to be removed or is lost, subsequent reconstruction of the defect is necessary to protect the underlying brain, or correct esthetic deformities, or both. Ideal reconstruction of defected bone is possible utilizing a biocompatible implant with a bone-like design individualized for the specific patient. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anatomical and mechanical characteristics of fresh frozen human parietal bones and determine compliance of polylactic acid-based personalized three-dimensional implants in terms of mechanical properties in order to replace such defective bones.
Methods
Parietal bone specimens were extracted from 19 fresh frozen cadavers. Morphological parameters of individual bone specimens were measured using Image J software. Three-point bend tests were performed to extract Young's modulus and tensile strength of the specimens from the measured force and displacement data by modeling the bone specimens as curved linear elastic beams. Also, three-point bend tests were performed to polylactic acid-based three-dimensional replicas mimicking geometry of the bone specimens in order to determine whether the material's Young's modulus and tensile strength properties comply with parietal bones.
Results
Entire fresh parietal specimens were observed to be comprised of a three-layered structure: external layers consisting of compact, high-density cortical bone and the central layer consisting of low-density, irregularly porous bone structure. Mean thickness of three-layered structure was 6.25 ± 1.46 mm. Mean Young's modulus and tensile strength of the specimens were 1.40 ± 1.34 GPa and 44.56 ± 21.94 MPa, respectively where no statistically significant differences among genders were detected (p > 0.05). Mean Young's modulus and tensile strength of the polylactic acid-based three-dimensional implants mimicking geometry of the bone specimens were 1.8 ± 0.7 GPa and 72.8 ± 2.5 MPa, respectively.
Conclusions
Polylactic acid-based three-dimensional implants can be considered as acceptable candidates for temporary replacement of parietal defects in terms of mechanical properties.
Level of Evidence: Not ratable.
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Is single-stage implant-based breast reconstruction (SSBR) with an acellular matrix safe?
Abstract
Background
Acellular matrices (AM) might enable a direct single-stage breast reconstruction procedure resulting in an improved efficacy of the reconstruction phase for patients. Safety concerns are an important issue due to a recent study which shows that single-stage breast reconstruction with Strattice™ resulted in more complications versus a two-stage reconstruction. Therefore, the goal of this study is to compare the short- and long-term complications of a single-stage breast reconstruction with the use of two types of AM (Strattice™ and Meso Biomatrix®) versus two-stage breast reconstruction without the use of an AM.
Methods
Cohort study with single-stage breast reconstruction with Strattice™ (n = 28) or Meso BioMatrix® (n = 20) or two-stage breast reconstruction without an AM (n = 36) at the Maastricht Academic Hospital, the Netherlands. All complications, in particular major complications with the need for re-admission to the hospital, re-exploration, and implant explantation, were the primary outcome measures. A 1-year follow-up was achieved for all patients.
Results
Baseline characteristics of all 52 patients were similar between groups. There was a significantly higher complication rate in the single-stage AM groups with loss of the implant in 40.0% of the breasts from the Meso BioMatrix® group and in 10.7% of the Strattice™ group compared to no implant loss in the control group.
Conclusions
This cohort study clearly suggests that the use of a single-stage breast reconstruction is not safe with the use of these AMs. Well-designed prospective studies that guarantee the safety of those matrices should be published before these AMs are used in implant-based surgery.
Level of Evidence: Level III, risk / prognostic study.
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Strategies of molecular imprinting-based fluorescence sensors for chemical and biological analysis
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Qian Yang, Jinhua Li, Xiaoyan Wang, Hailong Peng, Hua Xiong, Lingxin Chen
One pressing concern today is to construct sensors that can withstand various disturbances for highly selective and sensitive detecting trace analytes in complicated samples. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with tailor-made binding sites are preferred to be recognition elements in sensors for effective targets detection, and fluorescence measurement assists in highly sensitive detection and user-friendly control. Accordingly, molecular imprinting-based fluorescence sensors (MI-FL sensors) have attracted great research interest in many fields such as chemical and biological analysis. Herein, we comprehensively review the recent advances in MI-FL sensors construction and applications, giving insights on sensing principles and signal transduction mechanisms, focusing on general construction strategies for intrinsically fluorescent or nonfluorescent analytes and improvement strategies in sensing performance, particularly in sensitivity. Construction strategies are well overviewed, mainly including the traditional indirect methods of competitive binding against pre-bound fluorescent indicators, employment of fluorescent functional monomers and embedding of fluorescence substances, and novel rational designs of hierarchical architecture (core-shell/hollow and mesoporous structures), post-imprinting modification, and ratiometric fluorescence detection. Furthermore, MI-FL sensor based microdevices are discussed, involving micromotors, test strips and microfluidics, which are more portable for rapid point-of-care detection and in-field diagnosing. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of MI-FL sensors are proposed.
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Monitoring of bacteria biofilms forming process by in-situ impedimetric biosensor chip
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Lulu Liu, Yi Xu, Feiyun Cui, Ye Xia, Li Chen, Xiaojing Mou, Junjiang Lv
A biosensor chip integrated interdigital microelectrodes was proposed and applied to monitor the formation process of Salmonella and E. coli biofilms in this paper. The biosensor chip was composed of a glass substrate with interdigital microelectrodes and PDMS layer with micro cavities. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of Salmonella and E. coli biofilms was measured by the biosensor chip using alternating voltage of 100 mv in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz for 48 h. It was illustrated that the changes of impedance spectroscopy of biofilms occurred with culture time. Furthermore, impedance spectroscopy of biofilms was fitted by an equivalent circuit model including the biofilms capacitance (Cb) and the biofilms resistance (Rb) parameters. The results indicated that the Cb presented a tendency to decrease first and then rise with culture time, while the Rb was in the opposite direction. These changing trends were consistent with the formation process of biofilms that bacteria adhered to electrodes surface, and then formed mature biofilms, finally escaped from biofilms. In addition, it was also demonstrated that the changing trends of Cb and Rb with culture time were quite different between Salmonella and E. coli. The results obtained by impedance detection were in accordance with the results of using crystal violet staining to analyze biofilms formation process, under the same conditions for bacterial culture. The biosensor chip provided a promising platform for further study of biofilms owing to its unique advantages of real time, continuity, and non-invasion for bacteria biofilms detection and in-situ monitoring.
https://ift.tt/2HpCo2c
Rapid, highly sensitive detection of Gram-negative bacteria with lipopolysaccharide based disposable aptasensor
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Jian Zhang, Rania Oueslati, Cheng Cheng, Ling Zhao, Jiangang Chen, Raul Almeida, Jayne Wu
Gram-negative bacteria are one of the most common microorganisms in the environment. Their differential detection and recognition from Gram-positive bacteria has been attracting much attention over the years. Using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a model, we demonstrated on-site detection of Gram-negative bacteria by an AC electrokinetics-based capacitive sensing method using commercial microelectrodes functionalized with an aptamer specific to lipopolysaccharides. Dielectrophoresis effect was utilized to enrich viable bacteria to the microelectrodes rapidly, achieving a detection limit of 102 cells/mL within a 30 s′ response time. The sensor showed a negligible response to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a Gram-positive species. The developed sensor showed significant advantages in sensitivity, selectivity, cost, operation simplicity, and response time. Therefore, this sensing method has shown great application potential for environmental monitoring, food safety, and real-time diagnosis.
https://ift.tt/2HKF4uU
Red blood cells aggregability measurement of coagulating blood in extracorporeal circulation system with multiple-frequency electrical impedance spectroscopy
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Jianping Li, Achyut Sapkota, Daisuke Kikuchi, Daisuke Sakota, Osamu Maruyama, Masahiro Takei
Red blood cells (RBCs) aggregability AG of coagulating blood in extracorporeal circulation system has been investigated under the condition of pulsatile flow. Relaxation frequency fc from the multiple-frequency electrical impedance spectroscopy is utilized to obtain RBCs aggregability AG. Compared with other methods, the proposed multiple-frequency electrical impedance method is much easier to obtain non-invasive measurement with high speed and good penetrability performance in biology tissues. Experimental results show that, RBCs aggregability AG in coagulating blood falls down with the thrombus formation while that in non-coagulation blood almost keeps the same value, which has a great agreement with the activated clotting time (ACT) fibrinogen concertation (Fbg) tests. Modified Hanai formula is proposed to quantitatively analyze the influence of RBCs aggregation on multiple-frequency electrical impedance measurement. The reduction of RBCs aggregability AG is associated with blood coagulation reaction, which indicates the feasibility of the high speed, compact and cheap on-line thrombus measurement biosensors in extracorporeal circulation systems.
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Molecularly imprinted polymers-based electrochemical DNA biosensor for the determination of BRCA-1 amplified by SiO2@Ag
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Min You, Shuai Yang, Wanxin Tang, Fan Zhang, Pingang He
A novel electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) biosensing strategy was designed and used for the detection of breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA-1). The biosensor was based on gold nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs-GO) modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) covered with the layer of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) synthesized with rhodamine B (RhB) as template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as the monomer, and Nafion as additive. The signal amplification tracing tag SiO2@Ag NPs were prepared by covering AgNPs on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles in situ, and then DNA probes were modified on AgNPs by Ag-S bond, forming the composites SiO2@Ag/DNA. In presence of target DNA (T-DNA), homogeneous hybridization was performed with SiO2@Ag/DNA and RhB labeled DNA, and the resulting SiO2@Ag/dsDNA/RhB was specifically recognized by MIPs via the interaction between imprinting cavities and RhB. Under optimal conditions, the proposed biosensor exhibited wide linear range from 10 fM to 100 nM, low detection limit of 2.53 fM (S/N = 3), excellent selectivity, reproducibility, stability, and feasibility in serum analysis. Overall, these findings suggest the promising prospects of the proposed biosensing strategy in clinical diagnostics.
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EMR-based medical knowledge representation and inference via Markov random fields and distributed representation learning
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Chao Zhao, Jingchi Jiang, Yi Guan, Xitong Guo, Bin He
ObjectiveElectronic medical records (EMRs) contain medical knowledge that can be used for clinical decision support (CDS). Our objective is to develop a general system that can extract and represent knowledge contained in EMRs to support three CDS tasks—test recommendation, initial diagnosis, and treatment plan recommendation—given the condition of a patient.MethodsWe extracted four kinds of medical entities from records and constructed an EMR-based medical knowledge network (EMKN), in which nodes are entities and edges reflect their co-occurrence in a record. Three bipartite subgraphs (bigraphs) were extracted from the EMKN, one to support each task. One part of the bigraph was the given condition (e.g., symptoms), and the other was the condition to be inferred (e.g., diseases). Each bigraph was regarded as a Markov random field (MRF) to support the inference. We proposed three graph-based energy functions and three likelihood-based energy functions. Two of these functions are based on knowledge representation learning and can provide distributed representations of medical entities. Two EMR datasets and three metrics were utilized to evaluate the performance.ResultsAs a whole, the evaluation results indicate that the proposed system outperformed the baseline methods. The distributed representation of medical entities does reflect similarity relationships with respect to knowledge level.ConclusionCombining EMKN and MRF is an effective approach for general medical knowledge representation and inference. Different tasks, however, require individually designed energy functions.
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Thyroid® High-Impact Articles
FREE ACCESS through May 7, 2018.
Read now:
Latest Impact Factor: 5.515
The Official Journal of: American Thyroid Association®
Seasonal Changes in Serum Thyrotropin Concentrations Observed from Big Data Obtained During Six Consecutive Years from 2010 to 2015 at a Single Hospital in Japan
Ai Yoshihara, Jaeduk Yoshimura Noh, Natsuko Watanabe, Kenji Iwaku, Yo Kunii, Hidemi Ohye, Miho Suzuki, Masako Matsumoto, Nami Suzuki, Kiminori Sugino, Linda M. Thienpont, Akira Hishinuma, Koichi Ito
Hypothyroidism During Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy Is Associated with Longer Survival in Patients with Advanced Nonthyroidal Cancers
Melissa G. Lechner, Chirag M. Vyas, Ole-Petter R. Hamnvik, Erik K. Alexander, P. Reed Larsen, Toni K. Choueiri, Trevor E. Angell
Quantitative Analysis of the Benefits and Risk of Thyroid Nodule Evaluation in Patients ≥70 Years Old
Zhihong Wang, Chirag M. Vyas, Olivia Van Benschoten, Matt A. Nehs, Francis D. Moore, Jr., Ellen Marqusee, Jeffrey F. Krane, Matthew I. Kim, Howard T. Heller, Atul A. Gawande, Mary C. Frates, Peter M. Doubilet, Gerard M. Doherty, Nancy L. Cho, Edmund S. Cibas, Carol B. Benson, Justine A. Barletta, Ann Marie Zavacki, P. Reed Larsen, Erik K. Alexander, Trevor E. Angell
Occurrence of Endocrine and Thyroid Cancers Among Alaska Native People, 1969-2013
Sarah H. Nash, Anne P. Lanier, Molly B. Southworth
Subclassification of Bethesda Atypical and Follicular Neoplasm Categories According to Nuclear and Architectural Atypia Improves Discrimination of Thyroid Malignancy Risk
Joel Xue Yi Lim, Min En Nga, Dedrick Kok Hong Chan, Wee Boon Tan,Rajeev Parameswaran, Kee Yuan Ngiam
The post <i>Thyroid<sup>®</sup></i> High-Impact Articles appeared first on American Thyroid Association.
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Moderators of angiogenesis in muscle flaps: a non-randomised animal study
A muscle flap can survive a pedicle injury under favourable conditions. In the reconstruction of compound limb injuries, the wound milieu is variable and may affect the rate and manner of neovascularisation. Our aim is to determine the effect of some key clinical variables on neovascularisation in muscle flaps in an animal model.
https://ift.tt/2JgfCdN
The Impact of Hormonal Contraceptives on Breast Cancer Pathology
Abstract
This retrospective case series study, using data obtained through questionnaires and histopathological diagnoses from 656 patients enrolled in the Department of Defense (DoD) Clinical Breast Care Project (CBCP), evaluated associations between hormonal contraceptive use and breast cancer pathology including benign breast pathologies. Three combination hormonal contraceptive agents (COCs) Lo Ovral (LO), Ortho Novum (ON), and Ortho Tri-Cyclen (OTC) were evaluated as they represented the most commonly used hormonal contraceptives in our cohort. The results of this study suggest that the ever use of LO + ON + OTC does not influence the overall incidence of benign breast condition or malignant disease compared to other COCs; however, patients that have used OTC had an association with a diagnosis of benign or luminal A pathologies whereas ON was associated with a diagnosis of benign and DCIS; LO showed no association with any diagnosis—benign or malignant. Patients that have used LO or ON were more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at age ≥ 40 years whereas patients that had ever used OTC were likely to be diagnosed before the age of 40. Caucasians were less likely to have used OTC and more likely to have used ON; however, use of either hormonal agent positively correlated with premenopausal status at diagnosis and having a benign condition. Age at diagnosis, ethnicity, BMI, family history, menstruation status, and duration of use were all independent predictors of different histopathological subtypes. We conclude that patient-specific variables should be considered when deciding on which type of hormonal contraceptive to use to minimize the risk of developing breast cancer or a breast-related pathology.
https://ift.tt/2HWYpXy
In vivo methods for acute modulation of gene expression in the central nervous system
Publication date: Available online 22 April 2018
Source:Progress in Neurobiology
Author(s): Andrzej W. Cwetsch, Bruno Pinto, Annalisa Savardi, Laura Cancedda
Accurate and timely expression of specific genes guarantees the healthy development and function of the brain. Indeed, variations in the correct amount or timing of gene expression lead to improper development and/or pathological conditions. Almost forty years after the first successful gene transfection in in vitro cell cultures, it is currently possible to regulate gene expression in an area-specific manner at any step of central nervous system development and in adulthood in experimental animals in vivo, even overcoming the very poor accessibility of the brain. Here, we will review the diverse approaches for acute gene transfer in vivo, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages with respect to the efficiency and specificity of transfection as well as to brain accessibility. In particular, we will present well-established chemical, physical and virus-based approaches suitable for different animal models, pointing out their current and future possible applications in basic and translational research as well as in gene therapy.
https://ift.tt/2vE7e5Z
Non-imaged based method for matching brains in a common anatomical space for cellular imagery
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Maëllie Midroit, Marc Thevenet, Arnaud Fournel, Joelle Sacquet, Moustafa Bensafi, Marine Breton, Laura Chalençon, Matthias Cavelius, Anne Didier, Nathalie Mandairon
BackgroundCellular imagery using histology sections is one of the most common techniques used in Neuroscience. However, this inescapable technique has severe limitations due to the need to delineate regions of interest on each brain, which is time consuming and variable across experimenters.New MethodWe developed algorithms based on a vectors field elastic registration allowing fast, automatic realignment of experimental brain sections and associated labeling in a brain atlas with high accuracy and in a streamlined way. Thereby, brain areas of interest can be finely identified without outlining them and different experimental groups can be easily analyzed using conventional tools. This method directly readjusts labeling in the brain atlas without any intermediate manipulation of images.ResultsWe mapped the expression of cFos, in the mouse brain (C57Bl/6J) after olfactory stimulation or a non-stimulated control condition and found an increased density of cFos-positive cells in the primary olfactory cortex but not in non-olfactory areas of the odor-stimulated animals compared to the controls.Comparison with Existing Method(s)Existing methods of matching are based on image registration which often requires expensive material (two-photon tomography mapping or imaging with iDISCO) or are less accurate since they are based on mutual information contained in the images. Our new method is non-imaged based and relies only on the positions of detected labeling and the external contours of sections.ConclusionsWe thus provide a new method that permits automated matching of histology sections of experimental brains with a brain reference atlas.
https://ift.tt/2vEpDj1
An integrated system for synchronous detection of neuron spikes and dopamine activities in the striatum of Parkinson monkey brain
Publication date: Available online 23 April 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Shengwei Xu, Yu Zhang, Song Zhang, Guihua Xiao, Mixia Wang, Yilin Song, Fei Gao, Ziyue Li, Ping Zhuang, Piu Chan, Guoxian Tao, Feng Yue, Xinxia Cai
BackgroundSynchronous detecting neuron spikes and dopamine (DA) activities in the non-human primate brain play an important role in understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD). At present, most experiments are carried out by combing of electrodes and commercial instruments, which are inconvenient, time-consuming and inefficient.New methodHerein, this study describes a novel integrated system for monitoring neuron spikes and DA activities in non-human primate brain synchronously. This system integrates an implantable sensor, a dual-function head-stage and a low noise detection instrument.MethodsThe system was developed efficiently by using the key technologies of noise reduction, interference protection and differential amplification. To demonstrate the utility of this system, synchronous recordings of electrophysiological signals and DA were in vivo performed in a monkey before and after treated as a Parkinson model monkey.ResultsThe system typically exhibited input-referred noise levels of only ∼ 3 μVRMS, input impedance levels of up to 5.1 GΩ, and a sensitivity of 14.075 pA/μM for DA and could detect electrophysiological signals and DA without mutual interference. In monkey experiments, lower DA concentrations in the striatum and more intensive spikes of the Parkinson model monkey than the normal one were synchronously recorded efficiently.Comparison with existing methodsThis integrated system will not only significantly simplify the experimental operation and improve the experimental efficiency, but also improve the signal quality and synchronization performance.ConclusionsThis integrated system, which is practical, efficient and convenient, can be widely used for the study of PD and other neurological disorders.
https://ift.tt/2HFqNj0
Geometry Processing of Conventionally Produced Mouse Brain Slice Images
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Nitin Agarwal, Xiangmin Xu, M. Gopi
Background:Brain mapping research in most neuroanatomical laboratories relies on conventional processing techniques, which often introduce histological artifacts such as tissue tears and tissue loss.New Method:In this paper we present techniques and algorithms for automatic registration and 3D reconstruction of conventionally produced mouse brain slices in a standardized atlas space. This is achieved first by constructing a virtual 3D mouse brain model from annotated slices of Allen Reference Atlas (ARA). Virtual re-slicing of the reconstructed model generates ARA-based slice images corresponding to the microscopic images of histological brain sections. These image pairs are aligned using a geometric approach through contour images. Histological artifacts in the microscopic images are detected and removed using Constrained Delaunay Triangulation before performing global alignment. Finally, non-linear registration is performed by solving Laplace's equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions.Results:Our methods provide significant improvements over previously reported registration techniques for the tested slices in 3D space, especially on slices with significant histological artifacts. Further, as one of the application we count the number of neurons in various anatomical regions using a dataset of 51 microscopic slices from a single mouse brain.Comparison with Existing Method(s):To the best of our knowledge the presented work is the first that automatically registers both clean as well as highly damaged high-resolutions histological slices of mouse brain to a 3D annotated reference atlas space.Conclusions:This work represents a significant contribution to this subfield of neuroscience as it provides tools to neuroanatomist for analyzing and processing histological data.
https://ift.tt/2vBjGDC
Customizable Cap Implants for Neurophysiological Experimentation
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Jackson D. Blonde, Megan Roussy, Rogelio Luna, Borna Mahmoudian, Roberto A. Gulli, Kevin C. Barker, Jonathan C. Lau, Julio C. Martinez-Trujillo
BackgroundSeveral primate neurophysiology laboratories have adopted acrylic-free, custom-fit cranial implants. These implants are often comprised of titanium or plastic polymers, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Titanium is favored for its mechanical strength and osseointegrative properties whereas PEEK is notable for its lightweight, machinability, and MRI compatibility. Recent titanium/PEEK implants have proven to be effective in minimizing infection and implant failure, thereby prolonging experiments and optimizing the scientific contribution of a single primate.New MethodWe created novel, customizable PEEK 'cap' implants that contour to the primate's skull. The implants were created using MRI and/or CT data, SolidWorks software and CNC-machining.ResultsThree rhesus macaques were implanted with a PEEK cap implant. Head fixation and chronic recordings were successfully performed. Improvements in design and surgical technique solved issues of granulation tissue formation and headpost screw breakage.Comparison with existingmethods Primate cranial implants have traditionally been fastened to the skull using acrylic and anchor screws. This technique is prone to skin recession, infection, and implant failure. More recent methods have used imaging data to create custom-fit titanium/PEEK implants with radially extending feet or vertical columns. Compared to our design, these implants are more surgically invasive over time, have less force distribution, and/or do not optimize the utilizable surface area of the skull.ConclusionsOur PEEK cap implants served as effective and affordable means to perform electrophysiological experimentation while reducing surgical invasiveness, providing increased strength, and optimizing useful surface area.
https://ift.tt/2qSUKmh
Silencing the insular-striatal circuit decreases alcohol self-administration and increases sensitivity to alcohol
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 348
Author(s): Anel A. Jaramillo, Kalynn Van Voorhies, Patrick A. Randall, Joyce Besheer
Internal drug states/cues can impact drug taking, as pretreatment with a moderate to high alcohol dose (i.e., loading dose) can decrease subsequent alcohol self-administration, alcohol-seeking, and relapse-like drinking. The insular cortex (IC) is implicated in processing information about internal states and findings show that silencing the IC and its projections to the nucleus accumbens core (AcbC) enhance sensitivity to the interoceptive effects of alcohol. Therefore, the goal of the present work was to determine the functional role of IC-AcbC projections in modulating the effects of alcohol pretreatment on operant alcohol self-administration. Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer a sweetened alcohol solution (15% alcohol (v/v) + 2% sucrose (w/v)) and on test sessions received pretreatment with an alcohol loading dose. A chemogenetic strategy (i.e., hM4D Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs [DREADDs]) was implemented to silence the IC-AcbC projections and test the functional role of the insular-striatal circuitry in regulating self-administration following the alcohol loading doses. Alcohol self-administration decreased following pre-session treatment with alcohol, confirming titration of alcohol drinking following a loading dose of alcohol. Chemogenetic silencing of IC-AcbC projections decreased alcohol self-administration under baseline conditions (i.e., water loading dose) and the reduction in self-administration of an alcohol loading dose, implicating a role for this circuit in the maintenance of alcohol self-administration and suggesting increased sensitivity to the alcohol loading dose. These findings provide evidence for the critical nature of insular-striatal circuitry in ongoing alcohol self-administration, and specifically in relation to interoceptive/internal cues that can impact alcohol drinking.
https://ift.tt/2Kaqpre
1-Year Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients With Severe Mitral Annular Calcification
AbstractBackground
The risk of surgical mitral valve replacement in patients with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) is high. Several patients worldwide with severe MAC have been treated successfully with transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) using balloon-expandable aortic transcatheter valves. The TMVR in MAC Global Registry is a multicenter registry that collects data on outcomes of these procedures.
ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to evaluate 1-year outcomes in this registry.
MethodsThis study was a multicenter retrospective review of clinical outcomes.
ResultsA total of 116 extreme surgical risk patients with severe MAC underwent TMVR; 106 had a procedure date >1 year before data-lock and were included in the analysis. Their mean age was 73 ± 12 years, and 68% were female. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 15.3 ± 11.6%, and 90% were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. Thirty-day and 1-year all-cause mortality was 25% and 53.7%, respectively. Most patients who survived 30 days were alive at 1 year (49 of 77 [63.6%]), and the majority (71.8%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II. Echocardiography data at 1 year were available in 34 patients. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 58.6 ± 11.2%, mean mitral valve area was 1.9 ± 0.5 cm2, mean mitral gradient was 5.8 ± 2.2 mm Hg, and 75% had zero or trace mitral regurgitation.
ConclusionsTMVR with balloon-expandable aortic valves in extreme surgical risk patients with severe MAC is feasible but associated with high 30-day and 1-year mortality. Most patients who survive the 30-day post-procedural period are alive at 1 year and have sustained improvement of symptoms and transcatheter valve performance. The role of TMVR in patients with MAC requires further evaluation in clinical trials.
https://ift.tt/2qSyU2d
Cerebrovascular Events After Cardiovascular Procedures: Risk Factors, Recognition, and Prevention Strategies
Abstract
Stroke has long been a devastating complication of any cardiovascular procedure that unfavorably affects survival and quality of life. Over time, strategies have been developed to substantially reduce the incidence of stroke after traditional cardiovascular procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, isolated valve surgery, and carotid endarterectomy. Subsequently, with the advent of minimally invasive technologies including percutaneous coronary intervention, carotid artery stenting, and transcatheter valve therapies, operators were faced with a new host of procedural risk factors, and efforts again turned toward identifying novel ways to reduce the risk of stroke. Fortunately, by understanding the procedural factors unique to these new techniques and applying many of the lessons learned from prior experiences, we are seeing significant improvements in the safety of these new technologies. In this review, the authors: 1) carefully analyze data from different cardiac procedural experiences ranging from traditional open heart surgery to percutaneous coronary intervention and transcatheter valve therapies; 2) explore the unique risk factors for stroke in each of these areas; and 3) describe how these risks can be mitigated with improved patient selection, adjuvant pharmacotherapy, procedural improvements, and novel technological advancements.
https://ift.tt/2qSObzQ
Metabolically Healthy Obesity, Transition to Metabolic Syndrome, and Cardiovascular Risk
AbstractBackground
Debate over the cardiometabolic risk associated with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) continues. Many studies have investigated this relationship by examining MHO at baseline with longitudinal follow-up, with inconsistent results.
ObjectivesThe authors hypothesized that MHO at baseline is transient and that transition to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and duration of MetS explains heterogeneity in incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality.
MethodsAmong 6,809 participants of the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) the authors used Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models to investigate the joint association of obesity (≥30 kg/m2) and MetS (International Diabetes Federation consensus definition) with CVD and mortality across a median of 12.2 years. We tested for interaction and conducted sensitivity analyses for a number of conditions.
ResultsCompared with metabolically healthy normal weight, baseline MHO was not significantly associated with incident CVD; however, almost one-half of those participants developed MetS during follow-up (unstable MHO). Those who had unstable MHO had increased odds of CVD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14 to 2.25), compared with those with stable MHO or healthy normal weight. Dose response for duration of MetS was significantly and linearly associated with CVD (1 visit with MetS OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.07; 2 visits, OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.48 to 2.49; 3+ visits, OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.89 to 2.87; p value for trend <0.001) and MetS mediated approximately 62% (44% to 100%) of the relationship between obesity at any point during follow-up and CVD.
ConclusionsMetabolically healthy obesity is not a stable or reliable indicator of future risk for CVD. Weight loss and lifestyle management for CVD risk factors should be recommended to all individuals with obesity.
https://ift.tt/2qT7E3A
Pharmacogenomic Approach to Selecting Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes: The PHARMCLO Trial
AbstractBackground
Although clopidogrel is still frequently used in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), its efficacy is hampered by interpatient response variability caused by genetic polymorphisms associated with clopidogrel's metabolism.
ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to evaluate whether selecting antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) on the basis of a patient's genetic and clinical characteristics leads to better clinical outcomes compared with the standard of care, which bases the selection on clinical characteristics alone.
MethodsPatients hospitalized for ACS were randomly assigned to standard of care or the pharmacogenomic arm, which included the genotyping of ABCB1, CYP2C19*2, and CYP2C19*17 using an ST Q3 system that provides data within 70 min at each patient's bedside. The patients were followed up for 12 ± 1 month for the primary composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and the first occurrence of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and major bleeding defined according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 criteria.
ResultsAfter enrolling 888 patients, the study was prematurely stopped. Clopidogrel was used more frequently in the standard-of-care arm (50.7% vs. 43.3%), ticagrelor in the pharmacogenomic arm (42.6% vs. 32.7%; p = 0.02), and prasugrel was equally used in both arms. The primary endpoint occurred in 71 patients (15.9%) in the pharmacogenomic arm and in 114 (25.9%) in the standard-of-care arm (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 0.78; p < 0.001).
ConclusionsA personalized approach to selecting antiplatelet therapy for patients with ACS may reduce ischemic and bleeding events. (Pharmacogenetics of Clopidogrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes [PHARMCLO]; NCT03347435)
https://ift.tt/2qSsNLk
Domain Management Approach to Heart Failure in the Geriatric Patient: Present and Future
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a quintessential geriatric cardiovascular condition, with more than 50% of hospitalizations occurring in adults age 75 years or older. In older patients, HF is closely linked to processes inherent to aging, which include cellular and structural changes to the myocardium, vasculature, and skeletal muscle. In addition, HF cannot be considered in isolation of physical functioning, or without the social, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of illness. The role of frailty, depression, cognitive impairment, nutrition, and goals of care are each uniquely relevant to the implementation and success of medical therapy. In this paper, we discuss a model of caring for older adults with HF through a 4-domain framework that can address the unique multidimensional needs and vulnerabilities of this population. We believe that clinicians who embrace this approach can improve health outcomes for older adults with HF.
https://ift.tt/2Hmqqq1
Neoatherosclerosis 5 Years After Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Implantation
AbstractBackground
Data regarding neoatherosclerosis after everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) (ABSORB BVS Rev. 1.1, Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California) implantation are limited.
ObjectivesThis study investigated the findings of neoatherosclerosis at 5 years after BVS 1.1 implantation by using multi-imaging modalities, including optical coherence tomography (OCT).
MethodsPatients included in the ABSORB EXTEND (ABSORB EXTEND Clinical Investigation) trial at Shonan Kamakura General Hospital underwent OCT at baseline after the index procedure and at 1 and 5 years. Intimal plaque distributions in the in-scaffold and out-scaffold segments were analyzed.
ResultsTwenty patients (22 lesions) with stable angina pectoris were enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 67 months (interquartile range: 65 to 69 months), and the mean age was 69 ± 8 years. Patients with diabetes mellitus (25%) were included. Based on the baseline angiogram, 10 (46%) lesions were type B2/C lesions. At 1 and 5 years of follow-up, significant differences in the prevalence of in-scaffold lipid-laden neointima (17% vs. 61%; p = 0.04), calcification (28% vs. 94%; p < 0.01), neovascularization (6% vs. 78%; p < 0.01), and thin-cap fibroatheroma (0% vs. 22%; p = 0.02) were found. In the out-scaffold segments, no significant difference in the plaque prevalence between 1 and 5 years was noted.
ConclusionsThe occurrence and progression of in-scaffold neoatherosclerosis with luminal narrowing was observed at 5 years after BVS 1.1 implantation. The small size of the current study warrants confirmation in larger study. (ABSORB EXTEND Clinical Investigation [ABSORB EXTEND]; NCT01023789)
https://ift.tt/2qS1joX
Propranolol Versus Metoprolol for Treatment of Electrical Storm in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
AbstractBackground
Electrical storm (ES), characterized by unrelenting recurrences of ventricular arrhythmias, is observed in approximately 30% of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and is associated with high mortality rates.
ObjectivesSympathetic blockade with β-blockers, usually in combination with intravenous (IV) amiodarone, have proved highly effective in the suppression of ES. In this study, we compared the efficacy of a nonselective β-blocker (propranolol) versus a β1-selective blocker (metoprolol) in the management of ES.
MethodsBetween 2011 and 2016, 60 ICD patients (45 men, mean age 65.0 ± 8.5 years) with ES developed within 24 h from admission were randomly assigned to therapy with either propranolol (160 mg/24 h, Group A) or metoprolol (200 mg/24 h, Group B), combined with IV amiodarone for 48 h.
ResultsPatients under propranolol therapy in comparison with metoprolol-treated individuals presented a 2.67 times decreased incidence rate (incidence rate ratio: 0.375; 95% confidence interval: 0.207 to 0.678; p = 0.001) of ventricular arrhythmic events (tachycardia or fibrillation) and a 2.34 times decreased rate of ICD discharges (incidence rate ratio: 0.428; 95% CI: 0.227 to 0.892; p = 0.004) during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, after adjusting for age, sex, ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class, heart failure type, arrhythmia type, and arrhythmic events before ICU admission. At the end of the first 24-h treatment period, 27 of 30 (90.0%) patients in group A, while only 16 of 30 (53.3%) patients in group B were free of arrhythmic events (p = 0.03). The termination of arrhythmic events was 77.5% less likely in Group B compared with Group A (hazard ratio: 0.225; 95% CI: 0.112 to 0.453; p < 0.001). Time to arrhythmia termination and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the propranolol group (p < 0.05 for both).
ConclusionsThe combination of IV amiodarone and oral propranolol is safe, effective, and superior to the combination of IV amiodarone and oral metoprolol in the management of ES in ICD patients.
https://ift.tt/2HMGaGF
Ethnobotany of dioecious species: Traditional knowledge on dioecious plants in India
Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 221
Author(s): Gopalakrishnan Saroja Seethapathy, Kaliamoorthy Ravikumar, Berit Smestad Paulsen, Hugo J. de Boer, Helle Wangensteen
Ethnopharmacological relevanceMore than 15,000 angiosperm species are dioecious, i.e., having distinct male and female individual plants. The allocation of resources between male and female plants is different, and also variation in secondary metabolites and sex-biased herbivory is reported among dioecious plants. However, little is known about the ethnobotany of dioecious species and whether preferences exist for a specific gender, e.g., in food, medicine or timber.Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was: 1) to study whether Indian folk healers have preference for plant genders, and to document their knowledge and use of dioecious species; 2) to understand the concept of plant gender in Indian systems of medicine and folk medicine, and whether Ayurvedic literature includes any references to gender preference.Materials and methodsLists of dioecious plants used in Indian systems of medicine and folk medicine were compiled. Ethnobotanical data was collected on perceptions and awareness of dioecious plants, and preferences of use for specific genders of dioecious species using semi-structured interviews with folk healers in Tamil Nadu, India. In addition, twenty Ayurvedic doctors were interviewed to gain insight into the concept of plant gender in Ayurveda.ResultsIndian systems of medicine contain 5–7% dioecious species, and this estimate is congruent with the number of dioecious species in flowering plants in general. Informants recognized the phenomenon of dioecy in 31 out of 40 species, and reported gender preferences for 13 species with respect to uses as timber, food and medicine. Among informants different plant traits such as plant size, fruit size, and visibility of fruits determines the perception of a plant being a male or female. Ayurvedic classical literature provides no straightforward evidence on gender preferences in preparation of medicines or treatment of illness, however it contains details about reproductive morphology and sexual differentiation of plants.ConclusionsA knowledge gap exists in ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological literature on traditional knowledge of dioecious plants. From this explorative study it is evident that people have traditional knowledge on plant gender and preferential usages towards one gender. Based on this, we propose that researchers conducting ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies should consider documenting traditional knowledge on sexual systems of plants, and test the existence of gender specific usages in their conceptual framework and hypothesis testing. Incorporating such concepts could provide new dimensions of scientific knowledge with potential implications to conservation biology, chemical ecology, ethnoecology and drug discovery.
Graphical abstract
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Neuropharmacological effects of essential oil from the leaves of Croton conduplicatus Kunth and possible mechanisms of action involved
Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 221
Author(s): Raimundo Gonçalves de Oliveira Júnior, Christiane Adrielly Alves Ferraz, Juliane Cabral Silva, Roxana Braga de Andrade Teles, Mariana Gama Silva, Tâmara Coimbra Diniz, Uiliane Soares dos Santos, Ana Valéria Vieira de Souza, Carlos Eduardo Pereira Nunes, Marcos José Salvador, Vitor Prates Lorenzo, Lucindo José Quintans Júnior, Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva Almeida
Ethnopharmacological relevanceCroton conduplicatus Kunth (Euphorbiaceae) is a Brazilian aromatic medicinal plant, widely known as "quebra-faca". In folk medicine, its leaves and stem-barks are used as a natural analgesic for the treatment of headaches.Aim of the studyIn this study, we describe for the first time the neuropharmacological potential of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Croton conduplicatus (EO) in experimental models of pain, anxiety and insomnia. The mechanisms of action involved in these activities were also investigated.Material and methodsDifferent experimental models were used to evaluate the antinociceptive (acetic acid, formalin-induced nociception and hot plate tests), anxiolytic (elevated plus maze and hole board tests) and sedative (thiopental-induced sleeping time) effects of EO in mice. EO was evaluated in three different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) and compared with positive and negative controls in all experimental protocols. When appropriate, animals were pretreated with pharmacological antagonists (naloxone, atropine and flumazenil) in order to evaluate the mechanisms of action involved. A docking study also was performed to identify possible targets involved.ResultsEO (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) demonstrated a significant antinociceptive activity in all experimental models. Pretreatment with naloxone or atropine reversed the antinociceptive response (p < 0.05), suggesting the involvement of opioid and muscarinic receptors, respectively. A docking study was performed with the major components identified in EO (1,8 cineole − 21.42%, spathulenol – 15.47%, p-cymene – 12.41% and caryophyllene oxide – 12.15%), demonstrating favorable interaction profile with different subtypes of muscarinic (M2, M3 and M4) and opioids (delta and mu) receptors. EO also showed anxiolytic (mainly at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and sedative (only at the dose of 100 mg/kg, i.p.) effects in mice. These pharmacological responses were reversed by flumazenil (p < 0.05), indicating possible involvement of GABAA receptors.ConclusionOur findings support the traditional use of this plant as a natural analgesic and suggest that EO is a multi-target natural product, presenting not only antinociceptive effect but also anxiolytic and sedative activities depending on the dose used.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2vIXW8Q
Widespread associations between trait conscientiousness and thickness of brain cortical regions
Publication date: 1 August 2018
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 176
Author(s): Gary J. Lewis, David Alexander Dickie, Simon R. Cox, Sherif Karama, Alan C. Evans, John M. Starr, Mark E. Bastin, Joanna M. Wardlaw, Ian J. Deary
The neural correlates of human personality have been of longstanding interest; however, most studies in the field have relied on modest sample sizes and few replicable results have been reported to date. We investigated relationships between personality and brain gray matter in a sample of generally healthy, older (mean age 73 years) adults from Scotland drawn from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. Participants (N = 578) completed a brain MRI scan and self-reported Big Five personality trait measures. Conscientiousness trait scores were positively related to brain cortical thickness in a range of regions, including bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral fusiform gyrus, left cingulate gyrus, right medial orbitofrontal cortex, and left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. These associations – most notably in frontal regions – were modestly-to-moderately attenuated by the inclusion of biomarker variables assessing allostatic load and smoking status. None of the other personality traits showed robust associations with brain cortical thickness, nor did we observe any personality trait associations with cortical surface area and gray matter volume. These findings indicate that brain cortical thickness is associated with conscientiousness, perhaps partly accounted for by allostatic load and smoking status.
https://ift.tt/2HLpaAr
Facile fabrication of paper-based silver nanostructure electrodes for flexible printed energy storage system
Publication date: 5 August 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 151
Author(s): Sunho Kim, Tae Gwang Yun, Chiwon Kang, Min-Jung Son, Jun-Gu Kang, Il-Hwan Kim, Hoo-Jeong Lee, Chee-Hong An, Byungil Hwang
In this study, we explored the facile and quick dry transfer method to fabricate a paper-based electrode for flexible printed energy storage system. The conventional Ag nanoparticle suspension with high solid contents above ~50 wt% was confirmed to be deposited on a super hydrophobic polyethylene terephthalate (SHP-PET) substrate without a special ink formulation or surface treatment of substrate. The silver nanoparticle (AgNP) layer on the SHP-PET was able to be transferred only onto the toner-printed region of the paper substrate during a simple lamination process, thereby realizing the patterned AgNP conductive lines on the paper substrates. The AgNP/toner/paper electrodes were highly robust, showing no deterioration in conductivity after taping for 100 times. Moreover, the AgNP/toner/paper electrodes successfully functioned as flexible electrodes; thus, light emitting diodes connected to the AgNP/paper electrodes could be operated under folding deformation without significant loss of brightness. As a potential application in flexible energy storage systems, a flexible supercapacitor based on the AgNP/toner/paper electrodes as the current collector was also demonstrated; it showed an excellent power density of 10.79–16.64 kW/kg and energy density of 1.85–4.65 Wh/kg.
Graphical abstract
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Hollow TiO2 flake prepared from TiO2 coated glass flake for solar heat protection and their thermal performance
Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 150
Author(s): Hee Jung Kim, Hyun Jin Lee, Dae-Sung Kim
Hollow TiO2 flake (HTFs) for use as a solar protection material were prepared using TiO2 coated glass flake (TGF), followed by the etching of their core. Rutile TiO2, with high refractive index applied for solar heat protection, was densely and completely coated onto the glass flake (GF) surface using a titration method and a final shell thickness of 200–400 nm was achieved. The solar reflectance of the TGF improved to 89% with increasing CIE lightness (L*). Furthermore, HTF with a hollowed out size of approximately 1–2 × 20 μm were also obtained by etching their core GF with HF solution, resulting in a reduced thermal conductivity. The UV–Vis-NIR spectra, optical properties, and thermal conductivity of the hollow TiO2 flake was investigated to determine their solar heat protection capabilities. The HTF exhibits a higher solar reflectance (90%) and lower thermal conductivity (80 mW/m·k) than solid GF and TGF. Hence, HTF is a suitable candidate for developing solar heat protection materials with a dual function.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2qSiMxJ
Evoked potentials predict psychomotor development in neonates with normal MRI after hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 129, Issue 6
Author(s): Elisa Cainelli, Daniele Trevisanuto, Francesco Cavallin, Renzo Manara, Agnese Suppiej
ObjectivesTo assess the prognostic role of evoked potentials (EP) in neonates with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).MethodsThirty-five neonates recruited for TH because of HIE, having normal neonatal MRI, performed neonatal somatosensory (SEP), visual (VEP) evoked potentials and electroencephalogram (EEG). The effect of SEP, VEP or EEG abnormalities on Griffith's developmental scales at 12 and 24 months was measured; positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive value, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated.ResultsAt 24 months, 28% had global psychomotor impairment and 57% had isolated impairments. VEP abnormality was associated with impaired hearing-language score (p = 0.002) and performance score (p < 0.0001). VEP achieved best PPV (0.91, 95% C.I. 0.62–0.99) and specificity (0.93, 95% C.I. 0.70–0.99). The combination of neurophysiological tests achieved the best NPV (0.85, 95% C.I. 0.58–0.96), sensitivity (0.90, 95% C.I. 0.70–0.97), overall accuracy (0.83, 95% C.I. 0.67–0.92).ConclusionsPsychomotor sequelae may occur in survivors of neonatal HIE with normal MRI. VEP is the single best neurophysiological prognostic marker but the combination of neurophysiological tests has a better value.SignificanceWhen facing the challenge of neurodevelopmental prognosis in infants with normal MRI after TH, EPs are useful prognostic tools, complementary to EEG.
https://ift.tt/2JkeTZf
Socio-sexual processing in cortical circuits
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Michael Brecht, Constanze Lenschow, Rajnish P Rao
How does social and sexual information processing map onto cortical circuits? Addressing this question has been difficult, because of a lack of circuit-oriented social neuroscience and an absence of measurements from interacting brains. Recent work showed social information is already differentially processed in the primary sensory cortices. Converging evidence suggests that prefrontal areas contribute to social interaction processing and determining social hierarchies. In social interactions, we identify gender in split seconds, but after centuries of anatomy we are still unable to distinguish male and female cortices. Novel data reinforce the idea of a bisexual layout of cortical anatomy. Physiological analysis, however, provided evidence for sex differences in cortical processing. Unlike other cortical circuits, sexual processing circuits undergo major rewiring and expansion during puberty and show lasting damage from childhood abuse.
https://ift.tt/2K9oZNI
Vestibular signals in primate cortex for self-motion perception
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Yong Gu
The vestibular peripheral organs in our inner ears detect transient motion of the head in everyday life. This information is sent to the central nervous system for automatic processes such as vestibulo-ocular reflexes, balance and postural control, and higher cognitive functions including perception of self-motion and spatial orientation. Recent neurophysiological studies have discovered a prominent vestibular network in the primate cerebral cortex. Many of the areas involved are multisensory: their neurons are modulated by both vestibular signals and visual optic flow, potentially facilitating more robust heading estimation through cue integration. Combining psychophysics, computation, physiological recording and causal manipulation techniques, recent work has addressed both the encoding and decoding of vestibular signals for self-motion perception.
https://ift.tt/2F7xTHO
Behavioral readout of spatio-temporal codes in olfaction
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Edmund Chong, Dmitry Rinberg
Neural recordings performed at an increasing scale and resolution have revealed complex, spatio-temporally precise patterns of activity in the olfactory system. Multiple models may explain the functional consequences of the spatio-temporal olfactory code, but the link to behavior remains unclear. Recent evidence in the field suggests a behavioral sensitivity to both fine spatial and temporal features in the code. How these features and combinations of features give rise to olfactory behavior is the subject of active research in the field. Modern genetic and optogenetic methods show great promise in testing the link between olfactory codes and behavior.
https://ift.tt/2KaIfds
Transcription factor mechanisms guiding motor neuron differentiation and diversification
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 53
Author(s): Clinton Cave, Shanthini Sockanathan
The embryonic generation of motor neurons is a complex process involving progenitor patterning, fate specification, differentiation, and maturation. Throughout this progression, the differential expression of transcription factors has served as our road map for the eventual cell fate of nascent motor neurons. Recent findings from in vivo and in vitro models of motor neuron development have expanded our understanding of how transcription factors govern motor neuron identity and their individual regulatory mechanisms. With the advent of next generation sequencing approaches, researchers now have unprecedented access to the gene regulatory dynamics involved in motor neuron development and are uncovering new connections linking neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disease.
https://ift.tt/2Fa4CfE
The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of Stage II endometrial cancer: A large database study
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Andrzej P. Wojcieszynski, Craig R. Hullett, Erin E. Medlin, Neil K. Taunk, Jacob E. Shabason, Jeffrey V. Brower, Shuai Chen, Justin E. Bekelman, Lisa M. Barroilhet, Kristin A. Bradley
PurposeThe optimum adjuvant treatment for Stage II endometrial cancer patients is unknown. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is often considered the standard of care; however, retrospective series suggest that brachytherapy (BT) alone may be sufficient for selected patients. As randomized data are lacking, we used a large database to explore this question.Methods and MaterialsThe National Cancer Data Base was queried for patients with pathologic International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage II disease. Demographic, clinic-pathologic, and treatment details were compared between patients. Multivariable analysis was used to determine factors associated with receiving radiation therapy (RT). To account for imbalances between groups, a matched-pair analysis was completed.ResultsEight thousand one hundred forty patients were included. RT was associated with overall survival (OS), with EBRT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64), BT (HR 0.47), and combination (HR 0.54) showing increased OS on univariate analysis. Facility, urban location, diagnosis year, hysterectomy type, and chemotherapy did not reach significance. On multivariate analysis, RT was associated with OS, with EBRT (HR 0.69), BT (HR 0.60), and combination (HR 0.54) showing benefit. Using propensity-score matching, RT continued to show improved OS regardless of type: BT (82% vs. 73% 5-year OS) and EBRT (77% vs. 71%). BT as compared to EBRT had equivalent survival (81% vs. 79%, not statistically significant).ConclusionThis study of over 8,000 patients demonstrates that adjuvant RT confers a survival benefit in Stage II endometrial cancer and supports the continued use of RT in these patients. BT alone may be reasonable in carefully selected patients.
https://ift.tt/2qQnAn8
Bacterial endophytes modulates the withanolide biosynthetic pathway and physiological performance in Withania somnifera under biotic stress
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Aradhana Mishra, Satyendra Pratap Singh, Sahil Mahfooz, Arpita Bhattacharya, Nishtha Mishra, Pramod Arvind Shirke, C.S. Nautiyal
Despite the vast exploration of endophytic microbes for growth enhancement in various crops, knowledge about their impact on the production of therapeutically important secondary metabolites is scarce. In the current investigation, chitinolytic bacterial endophytes were isolated from selected medicinal plants and assessed for their mycolytic as well as plant growth promoting potentials. Among them the two most efficient bacterial endophytes namely Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (MPE20) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (MPE115) individually as well as in combination were able to modulate withanolide biosynthetic pathway and tolerance against Alternaria alternata in Withania somnifera. Interestingly, the expression level of withanolide biosynthetic pathway genes (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductase, farnesyl di-phosphate synthase, squalene synthase, cytochrome p450, sterol desaturase, sterol Δ-7 reductase and sterol glycosyl transferases) were upregulated in plants treated with the microbial consortium under A. alternata stress. In addition, application of microbes not only augmented withaferin A, withanolide A and withanolide B content (1.52-1.96, 3.32-5.96 and 12.49-21.47 fold, respectively) during A. alternata pathogenicity but also strengthened host resistance via improvement in the photochemical efficiency, normalizing the oxidized and non-oxidized fraction, accelerating photochemical and non-photochemical quantum yield, and electron transport rate. Moreover, reduction in the passively dissipated energy of PSI and PSII in microbial combination treated plants corroborate well with the above findings. Altogether, the above finding highlights novel insights into the underlying mechanisms in application of endophytes and emphasizes their capability to accelerate biosynthesis of withanolides in W. somnifera under biotic stress caused by A. alternata.
https://ift.tt/2HUdFEs
Lenvatinib and Iodine Therapy in Treating Patients With Radioactive Iodine-Sensitive Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Conditions: Differentiated Thyroid Gland Carcinoma; Thyroid Gland Follicular Carcinoma; Thyroid Gland Papillary Carcinoma
Intervention: Drug: Lenvatinib
Sponsors: Emory University; Eisai Inc.
Not yet recruiting
https://ift.tt/2HVUFFK
Intervention: Drug: Lenvatinib
Sponsors: Emory University; Eisai Inc.
Not yet recruiting
https://ift.tt/2HVUFFK
Data article on disposition towards enhancing SMEs’ performance through entrepreneurial orientations: Perspectives from a developing economy
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Ayodotun Stephen Ibidunni, Oyebisi Mary Ibidunni, Maxwell Ayodele Olokundun, Hezekiah Olubusayo Falola, Odunayo Paul Salau, Taiye Tairat Borishade
This article present data on the disposition of SME operators towards enhancing SMEs Performance through entrepreneurial orientations. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 102 SME owners/managers. Using descriptive and standard multiple regression statistical analysis, the data described how proactiveness, risk-taking and autonomy orientations significantly influenced SMEs' profitability, sales growth, customer satisfaction and new product success.
https://ift.tt/2qQEtxT
Household survey data of adoption of improved varieties and management practices in rice production, Ecuador
Publication date: June 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Diego Marin, Mayra Orrego-Varon, Fernando Yanez, Luis Mendoza, Maria Alejandra Garcia, Jennifer Twyman, Robert Andrade, Ricardo Labarta
This article provides a description of an agricultural household survey data of rice growers collected in Ecuador between October 2014 and March 2015. The household survey was implemented using a structured questionnaire administered among 1028 households in the main rice production areas of Ecuador (i.e. Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, and El Oro provinces). Information collected was provided by household heads (male or female) and included household and plot level data. The survey information includes household socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. age, education, gender, main economic activity, etc.), farm characteristics (e.g. farm land size, assets ownership, other crops planted, etc.), rice management practices (e.g. variety and input use, production costs, etc.), and rice production and utilization (e.g. yields, prices, sales, etc.). Additional socio-economic context variables were also recorded such as government subsidies to rice production, participation in rural organizations, and food security related questions. The dataset contains a total of 6288 variables among numeric, categorical and string variables. The dataset is shared publicly on the Harvard dataverse site and provide access to questionnaires, the complete data and a brief report.
https://ift.tt/2HGaWAO
A comprehensive metabolomic data set of date palm fruit
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Nisha Stephan, Anna Halama, Sweety Mathew, Shahina Hayat, Aditya Bhagwat, Lisa Sara Mathew, Ilham Diboun, Joel Malek, Karsten Suhre
This article provides detailed information on the phenotypes and the metabolic profiles of 196 date fruits from 123 unique date fruit varieties. These date fruits are extensively diverse in their country of origin, variety and post harvesting conditions. We used a non-targeted mass-spectrometry based metabolomics approach to metabolically characterize date fruits, and measured 427 metabolites from a wide range of metabolic pathways.The metabolomics data for all the date fruit samples are available at the NIH Common Fund's Data Repository and Coordinating Center (supported by NIH grant, U01-DK097430) website, https://ift.tt/1PlzmNj), under Metabolomics Workbench StudyID: ST000867. The data are directly accessible at https://ift.tt/2qRLZsC.
https://ift.tt/2HkX2k6
Two-dimensional NMR data of a series of methylcellulose with different degrees of substitution
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Hiroyuki Kono
This article contains two-dimensional (2D) NMR experimental data for a series of methylcellulose (MC) with different substitution degrees (DS), obtained by the Bruker BioSpin 500 MHz NMR spectrometer (Germany). The data facilitated the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of eight anhydroglucose units (AGUs) comprising MC chains–unsubstituted, 2-mono-, 3-mono-, 6-mono-, 2,3-di-, 2,6-di-, 3,6-di-, and 2,3,6-tri-substituted AGUs. Data include analyzed the 2D NMR spectra of the MC samples, which are related to the subject of an article in Carbohydrate Polymers, entitled "NMR characterization of methylcellulose: Chemical shift assignment and mole fraction of monomers in the polymer chains" (Kon et al., 2017) [1]. These data can be very helpful to assign the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of the other cellulose derivatives, especially cellulose ethers.
https://ift.tt/2HM4pVd
Data on customer perceptions on the role of celebrity endorsement on brand preference
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Ayodotun Stephen Ibidunni, Maxwell Ayodele Olokundun, Oyebisi Mary Ibidunni, Taiye Tairat Borishade, Hezekiah Olubusayo Falola, Odunayo Paul Salau, Augusta Bosede Amaihian, Peter Fred
This research presents data on the effect of celebrity endorsement on consumers' brand preference. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 384 customers of telecommunication industry. Using descriptive, correlation and regression statistical analysis, the data revealed that celebrity image has an effect on consumer brand loyalty, celebrity trustworthiness has an influence on consumer brand association. More so, the relationship between celebrity expertise and perceived quality of the product was established.
https://ift.tt/2JkIPV9
Data on the role of leadership in developing expertise in teaching in developing country
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Sayabek Ziyadin, Natalya Shash, Dina Kenzhebekova, Gulmira Yessenova, Ulan Tlemissov
This article has researched role of leaders in developing expertise in teaching and their influence on teachers in secondary school in Kazakhstan. Also, how principles can affect to educators developing to meet needs and challenges of today's trends of teaching and learning. The following research report has been precisely written to evaluate the exact role of leadership practices in the development of expertise in teaching and in what manner the expert teachers or the principals help to develop expertise across various departments of the schools.
https://ift.tt/2qRhcvR
Contribution of small and medium enterprises to economic development: Evidence from a transiting economy
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): James Obi, Ayodotun Stephen Ibidunni, Atolagbe Tolulope, Maxwell Ayodele Olokundun, Augusta Bosede Amaihian, Taiye Tairat Borishade, Peter Fred
The focus of this research was to present a data article on the contribution of SMEs to economic development in a transiting economy. Descriptive research design was adopted in this study. Data were obtained from 600 respondents in 60 small-scale enterprises located in different parts of the country (20 small-scale enterprises located in Lagos State, 20 in Anambra State and 20 in Kano State of Nigeria respectively). Data analysis was carried out using tables and percentages and the null hypotheses of the study was tested using chi-square (X2) inferential statistical model at 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between the operation of small and medium-scale enterprises and economic growth in developing nations.
https://ift.tt/2Jht2pN
Data for exploring the effect of parameters on decomposition of gas hydrate structure I
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Mohammad Fani Kheshty, Farshad Varaminian, Nafiseh Farhadian
This article describes initial and final configurations of methane hydrate structure I as PDB file at various cage occupancies and different temperatures. Cage occupancies from full occupancy to 75% at three temperatures of 290 K, 300 K and 310 K are presented. Dissociation behavior of gas hydrate structure I at the temperature of 300 K is shown in changing the potential energy and radial distribution function.
https://ift.tt/2qRh4fR
Workforce diversity among public healthcare workers in Nigeria: Implications on job satisfaction and organisational commitment
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Ayodotun Stephen Ibidunni, Hezekiah Olubusayo Falola, Oyebisi Mary Ibidunni, Odunayo Paul Salau, Maxwell Ayodele Olokundun, Taiye Tairat Borishade, Augusta Bosede Amaihian, Fred Peter
The aim of this research was to present a data article that identify the relationship between workforce diversity, job satisfaction and employee commitment among public healthcare workers in Nigeria. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 133 public healthcare workers from the Lagos state ministry of health in Nigeria. Using descriptive and structural equation modelling statistical analysis, the data revealed the relationship between workforce diversity and job satisfaction, workforce diversity and organisational commitment, and the role of job satisfaction on organisational commitment was also established.
https://ift.tt/2Hl2dk8
Data survey on the effect of product features on competitive advantage of selected firms in Nigeria
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Maxwell Olokundun, Oladele Iyiola, Stephen ibidunni, Hezekiah Falola, Odunayo Salau, Augusta Amaihian, Fred Peter, Taiye Borishade
The main objective of this study was to present a data article that investigates the effect product features on firm's competitive advantage. Few studies have examined how the features of a product could help in driving the competitive advantage of a firm. Descriptive research method was used. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22) was engaged for analysis of one hundred and fifty (150) valid questionnaire which were completed by small business owners registered under small and medium scale enterprises development of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed; reliability and validity procedures were also confirmed. The field data set is made publicly available to enable critical or extended analysis.
https://ift.tt/2qQEtOp
Data on acetic acid–methanol–methyl acetate–water mixture analysised by dual packed column Gas Chromatography
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Mallaiah Mekala, Venkat Reddy Goli
The composition of multicomponent determination by colorimetric titration is difficult. This complexity is easily overcome by using Gas Chromatography technique instead of wet method for multi-component mixture analysis. In Gas Chromatography, first the standard chart is prepared by using the known amount sample concentration as the reference. Once calibration chart is prepared the unknown sample concentration easily measured by using the standard chart. In the present study a standard calibration chart developed for the four component system of acetic acid–methanol–methyl acetate–water. The samples were taken at various concentrations of all components and different chromatograms obtained under various concentrations respectively. The method of optimization was first carried out to get the sharp peaks of individual components and binary pairs also. By using those conditions, the multi components concentrations were estimated. From the present results, the area under gas chromatogram is linearly varying with mole% of the components compared to mass%.
https://ift.tt/2HlFQuJ
Lipase catalyzed synthesis of antimicrobial andrographolide derivatives
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Harshal S. Patil, Dipesh D. Jadhav, Ajay Paul, Fayaj A. Mulani, Shrikant J. Karegaonkar, Hirekodathakallu V. Thulasiram
In this data article we describe screening of various lipases for the regioselective acylation of Andrographolide. Each lipase was screened with seven acyl donors. Amano lipase AK from Pseudomonas fluorescens was used for the synthesis of two new acylated andrographolide derivatives. Two new compounds, andrographolide-14-propionate and andrographolide-14-caproate were characterized by various spectral studies. These two derivatives showed more antimicrobial activity than andrographolide.
https://ift.tt/2JkU93x
Data on the relationships between financing strategies, entrepreneurial competencies and business growth of technology-based SMEs in Nigeria
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Ayodotun Stephen Ibidunni, Oladele Joseph Kehinde, Oyebisi Mary Ibidunni, Maxwell Ayodele Olokundun, Falola Hezekiah Olubusayo, Odunayo Paul Salau, Taiye Tairat Borishade, Peter Fred
The article presents data on the relationship between financing strategies, entrepreneurial competencies and business growth of technology-based SMEs in Nigeria. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 233 SME owners and financial managers. Using descriptive and standard multiple regression statistical analysis, the data revealed that venture capital and business donations significantly influences profit growth of technology-based SMEs. Moreover, the data revealed that technology-`based firms can enhance their access to financing through capacity building in entrepreneurial competencies, such as acquiring the right skills and attitude.
https://ift.tt/2qMYd5J
Sustainable aggregate production planning in the chemical process industry - A benchmark problem and dataset
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Marcus Brandenburg, Gerd J. Hahn
Process industries typically involve complex manufacturing operations and thus require adequate decision support for aggregate production planning (APP). The need for powerful and efficient approaches to solve complex APP problems persists. Problem-specific solution approaches are advantageous compared to standardized approaches that are designed to provide basic decision support for a broad range of planning problems but inadequate to optimize under consideration of specific settings. This in turn calls for methods to compare different approaches regarding their computational performance and solution quality. In this paper, we present a benchmarking problem for APP in the chemical process industry. The presented problem focuses on (i) sustainable operations planning involving multiple alternative production modes/routings with specific production-related carbon emission and the social dimension of varying operating rates and (ii) integrated campaign planning with production mix/volume on the operational level. The mutual trade-offs between economic, environmental and social factors can be considered as externalized factors (production-related carbon emission and overtime working hours) as well as internalized ones (resulting costs). We provide data for all problem parameters in addition to a detailed verbal problem statement. We refer to Hahn and Brandenburg [1] for a first numerical analysis based on and for future research perspectives arising from this benchmarking problem.
https://ift.tt/2HmzqeU
Description of the datasets for the experiments in the paper “solving the multi-vehicle multi-covering tour problem”
Publication date: June 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Tuan Anh Pham, Minh Hoàng Hà, Xuan Hoai Nguyen
This data article contains data related to the research article entitled, "Solving the multi-vehicle multi-covering tour problem" (Pham et al., 2017) [4]. All data of this article was generated from instances kroA100, kroB100, kroC100, kroD100, kroA200, and kroB200 from TSPLIB. It can be downloaded from public repository. This data can be used as benchmarks for the covering tour problem (CTP) variants, such as m-CTP-p, m-CTP, mm-CTP-p, mm-CTP, mm-CTP-o, mm-CTP-wo. We tested our algorithm on these data and results are shown in Pham et al. (2017) [4].
https://ift.tt/2qRosYJ
GC-based chemoprofile of lipophilic compounds in Altaian Ganoderma lucidum sample
Publication date: June 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Oleg B. Shevelev, Alisa A. Seryapina, Evgenii L. Zavjalov, Lyudmila A. Gerlinskaya, Tatiana N. Goryachkovskaya, Nikolay M. Slynko, Leonid V. Kuibida, Sergey E. Peltek, Arcady L. Markel, Mikhail P. Moshkin
The presented data contains information about component composition of lipophilic compounds in Ganoderma lucidum fungal body sample obtained using gas chromatography and subsequent mass spectrometry.
https://ift.tt/2vAmxN6
Metabolomics data of Mitragyna speciosa leaf using LC-ESI-TOF-MS
Publication date: June 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Rubashiny Veeramohan, Kamalrul Azlan Azizan, Wan Mohd Aizat, Hoe-Han Goh, Sharif Mahsufi Mansor, Nur Sabrina Mohd Yusof, Syarul Nataqain Baharum, Chyan Leong Ng
Mitragyna speciosa is a psychoactive plant known as "ketum" in Malaysia and "kratom" in Thailand. This plant is distinctly known to produce two important alkaloids, namely mitragynine (MG) and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-MG) that can bind to opioid receptors [1]. MG was reported to exhibit antidepressant properties in animal studies [2]. These compounds were also proposed to have the potential to replace opioid analgesics with much lower risks of side effects [3]. To date, there are only over 40 metabolites identified in M. speciosa [4,5]. To obtain a more complete profile of secondary metabolites in ketum, we performed metabolomics study using mature leaves of the green M. speciosa variety. The leaf samples were extracted using methanol prior to liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-TOF-MS) analysis. This data can be useful to for the identification of unknown metabolites that are associated with alkaloid biosynthesis pathway in M. speciosa.
https://ift.tt/2HEomNN
Data on ecological associations and stand structure of chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D. Don) in Afghanistan
Publication date: June 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Mohammad Nasir Shalizi, John W. Groninger, Safiullah Khurram, Charles M. Ruffner, Owen T. Burney
Reported here are original data related to the article "Indigenous knowledge and stand characteristics of a threatened tree species in a highly insecure area: Chilgoza pine in Afghanistan" (Shalizi et al., 2018) [1]. A dendrochronological summary of all known chilgoza pine tree growth increment cores collected in Afghanistan is presented in this data in brief article. Chilgoza pine trees and regeneration density profiles are reported for four provinces of eastern Afghanistan. In addition, images depicting chilgoza pine forest structure, stand conditions, and utilization impacts are presented.
https://ift.tt/2vAmn8s
Characterization, kinetic, thermodynamic and isotherm data for diclofenac removal from aqueous solution by activated carbon derived from pine tree
Publication date: June 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 18
Author(s): Dariush Naghipour, Loghman Hoseinzadeh, Kamran Taghavi, Jalil Jaafari
The usage of low cost material as adsorbent would be admirable from environmental point of view. Thus, herein, this data set present a simple method for providing an adsorbent from activated carbon derived from pine tree. The prepared adsorbent was applied to remove diclofenac from aqueous solution. The characterization data of the adsorbent was analyzed using FTIR method. The FTIR test results showed that adsorbent has a functional group that is useful in adsorption process. It was conducted in laboratory scale and the adsorption technique was batch technique. The information regarding isotherms of diclofenac adsorption were listed. The Langmuir isotherm was suitable for correlation of equilibrium data with correlation coefficient value of 0.999. Adsorption of diclofenac by adsorbent from activated carbon follows pseudo second order model with correlation coefficient value (R2) of 0.9997. The data implied that the maximum adsorption capacity of adsorbent to uptake diclofenac from aqueous solution was obtained 54.67 mg/g. The acquired data indicated that the adsorption of diclofenac by the adsorbent prepared from activated carbon derived from pine tree is a promising technique for treating diclofenac bearing wastewaters.
https://ift.tt/2HNF39k
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Summary Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an un...
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