bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management algorithms for metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Malone Shawn , Shayegan Bobby , Basappa Naveen S. , Chi Kim , Conter Henry J. , Hamilton Robert J. , Hotte Sebastien J. , Saad Fred , So Alan , Park-Wyllie Laura , Hew Huong , McLeod Deanna , Gotto Geoffrey
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Prostate cancer poses a significant lifetime risk to Canadian men. Treatment for metastatic prostatic cancer (mPCa) is an area of ongoing research with a lack of up-to-date clinical guidance. The multidisciplinary Canadian Genitourinary Research Consortium (GURC) determined that additional guidance focusing on management of mPCa was warranted.

Methods: The most up-to-date guidelines, consensus statements, and emerging phase 3 trials were identified and used to inform development of algorithms by a multidisciplinary genitourinary oncology panel outlining recommendations for the management of mPCa.

Results: A single pan-Canadian guideline and five national and international guidelines or consensus statements published since 2015 were identified, along with two new phase 3 trials and one additional randomized comparison. Iterative GURC discussions led to the development of two mPCa algorithms: the first addressing management of newly diagnosed metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) patients and the second addressing treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). For newly diagnosed mCSPC patients with high-volume/high-risk disease, either docetaxel or abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AAP) added to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is recommended. The addition of radiotherapy to ADT is suggested for those with low-volume disease and/or AAP to ADT for low-volume or low-risk disease. For first-line mCRPC, androgen receptor-axis-targeted (ARAT) therapy is recommended for most patients, while sequencing with docetaxel, radium-223, ARAT therapy, and/or cabazitaxel is recommended for later lines of therapy.

Conclusions: Two treatment algorithms were developed for the management of mPC and can be used by multidisciplinary specialist teams to guide treatment.
Characterization and outcomes of urethroplasty for hypospadias-associated urethral strictures in adults
Authors: Saavedra Alvaro A. , Rourke Keith F.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Urethral stricture is one of the most commonly encountered complications after hypospadias repair but remains poorly described. The aim of this study is to better characterize hypospadias-associated urethral strictures (HAUS) and treatment outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 84 patients who underwent urethroplasty (UP) for HAUS from 2003–2017. Patients were characterized with regard to demographics, stricture length, location, concurrent pathology, previous surgery, type of urethroplasty, 90-day complications, and surgical success defined as the absence of stricture on cystoscopy. Univariate and survival multivariate analysis was performed.

Results: Overall success was 88.1% at a mean followup of 19 months, with a 90-day complication rate of 9.5%, a 21.4% rate of urethrocutaneous fistula requiring a mean of 1.4 surgeries. Patients were categorized into one of four groups based on stricture length, location, and number of previous procedures: group 1 (66.7%) – previous failed hypospadias repair (HR) with stricture involving the entire repair; group 2 (7.1%) – “junctional stricture” at the junction of the “neourethra” and native urethra; group 3 (11.9%) – isolated bulbar stricture outside the repaired urethra; group 4 (14.3%) – urethral stricture in untreated hypospadias. Despite differing by technique (p<0.0001), stricture length (p=0.02), location (p<0.001), and number of previous repairs (p<0.001), groups did not significantly differ by success (p=0.82), complications (p=0.16), or urethrocutaneous fistula (p=0.19), whereas individual techniques did.

Conclusions: UP for HAUS is often successful but patients frequently require more than one operation and have a significant risk of associated complications. Despite a broad spectrum of presentation, patients can often be categorized into one of four groups, which can help direct decision-making and obtain similar outcomes regardless of baseline differences.
Quality Analysis of Different Specification Grades of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Huangqi) from Hunyuan, Shanxi
Authors: Yin Minzhen , Yang Mei , Chu Shanshan , Li Renqing , Zhao Yujiao , Peng Huasheng , Zhan Zhilai , Sun Hai Feng
Published: April 2019

Background: Huangqi is a famous Chinese medicinal material whose Dao-di producing area is Hunyuan, Shanxi. Huangqi produced in Hunyuan, Shanxi, were divided into several different specifications and grades according to the diameters and different positions of root system. Objective: This article investigates the quantitative characteristics of chemical compositions in different specifications and grades of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus roots, aiming to elucidate the correlation between specifications and/or grades and chemical compositions in Huangqi. Methods: Based on the field investigation, samples of Huangqi collected from Hunyuan, Shanxi, were divided into different specifications and grades. The content of seven flavonoids and five saponins in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus roots of different specifications and grades were determined simultaneously by HPLC–diode–array detection–evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC–DAD–ELSD). Results: Huangqi was processed by traditional methods, and its commercial specification was classified by different parts of the root system, such as ge-da-tou, hong-lan-qi, zheng-bai-qi, fu-bai-qi, mao-wei-zi, and qi-jian. The total content of seven flavonoids and five saponins in ge-da-tou, qi-jian were lower. The total content of seven flavonoids in hong-lan-qi was much higher, while that of five saponins was much lower. The total content of seven flavonoids in lateral roots or fibrous roots were higher, and that of five saponins was lower, such as zheng-bai-qi, fu-bai-qi, and mao-wei-zi. According to the root diameters, Huangqi was classified to special grade, grade I, grade II, grade III, grade IV, or grade V. Among six grades of Huangqi, the total content of seven flavonoids in grade III, grade IV, and grade V were lower, while the total content of five saponins in them were much higher. Conclusions: There is an obvious difference on the distribution pattern of contents of seven flavonoids and five saponins in Huangqi of different specifications and grades, which provide a certain scientific basis for the quality evaluation of Huangqi. Highlights: The content of seven flavonoids and five saponins in Huangqi were determined by HPLC-DAD-ELSD. The relationship between the commercial specification grades and chemical components of Dao-di herbs Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Huangqi ) from Hunyuan, Shanxi were revealed, which provided a chemical basis for the classification of commercial specification grades of dao-herbs Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Huangqi ) from Hunyuan, Shanxi.
Comparison of X-Ray Duration and Contrast Agent Amount in Coronary Angiography Using Radial and Femoral Access in Bandar Abbas Angiography Center in 2017
Authors: Farshidi Hossein , Abdi Ahmadnoor , Khezri Mehrdad , Asgari Seyyed Mohammad Bagher
Published: April 2019

Background: In recent years, radial access has emerged as an alternative for femoral access in coronary arteries angiography. The former has the privilege of shorter hospitalization and fewer side effects, as compared to the latter. Objectives: The present survey aimed to compare the X-ray duration and contrast agent use between radial and femoral access sites. Methods: The present descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of 400 patients in 2017 in Bandar Abbas. The sample size was the same in the radial and femoral groups. Information such as age, sex, weight, angiography type and method, X-ray duration and amount of contrast agent was recorded. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS-23. Results: The mean volume of the contrast agent was 44.74 ± 26.31 cc in the radial group and 28.77 ± 20.91 cc in the femoral group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean duration of X-ray was 383.66 ± 329.42 seconds in the radial group and 248.83 ± 225.72 seconds in the femoral group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, the duration of X-ray and amount of contrast agent used in patients undergoing coronary angiography was higher in radial than in femoral access. This was more evident among patients who had only diagnostic angiography than those who undergone angiography and PCI at the same time.
Impact of Salinity Stress on Germination of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd Hafiz , Abas Nur Azira , Zahra Syeda Massoma
Published: April 2019

Aims: Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress that negatively affects plant growth in germination and early seedling stages. Salinity has becoming a serious problem as most of the parts of worldwide lands were affected by high salt concentration. Therefore, the effects of salinity ranging from 0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM and 75 mM Sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations on germination and early seedling growth of water spinach and their salt tolerance mechanism.

Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science in University Putra Malaysia (UPM) from June to August, 2018.

Methodology: In order to study the effects of salinity on water spinach, several parameters have been taken into account for measurement which include water uptake percentage, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, relative injury rate, seed vigor, seedling height reduction, hypocotyl and radicle length, seedling biomass, salt tolerance, total phenolic content and total flavonoids contents.

Results: The results obtained showed that salinity adversely reduced water uptake efficiency, seed vigor, hypocotyl and radicle length, total phenolic content and total flavonoids content of water spinach. The seedling height reduction of water spinach increased significantly in relative to increasing salinity. However, seeds treated in mild salt concentration at 25 mM of NaCl showed an increment of germination percentage and germination index.

Conclusion: Salt tolerance of water spinach increased as the response towards increasing salinity.
A Biogenerated Polymetallic Catalyst from Society's Wastes
Authors: Piccolo Oreste , Paganelli Stefano , Zanatta Pietro , Tieuli Sebastiano , Sperni Laura , Baldi Franco , Gallo Michele , Arčon Iztok , Vogel-Mikuš Katarina
Published: April 2019

Aims: Preparation of the new metals-polymeric composite, Metx-EPS (I), to be used as a green catalyst in water or in two-phase aqueous conditions.

Study Design:  Recovery and valorization of polymetallic wastes to obtain directly new catalysts using a microorganism to explore their application in removal of difficult and dangerous chemical pollutants present in aqueous environment.

Place and Duration of Study: Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Venezia Mestre, Italy; University of Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia, Institut Jozef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia and Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia, between February 2018 and January 2019.

Methodology: For the preparation of Metx-EPS (I), the metals source was an exhausted catalytic converter that was grinded and treated with an acidic solution at 20-25°C. After filtration, the solution was concentrated, neutralized and added to a broth of Klebsiella oxytoca DSM 29614 to produce (I) where metals are embedded in a peculiar polysaccharide structure. The composite was easily recovered from the fermentation broth and purified. The process protocol was verified many times and was shown to be reproducible satisfactorily. The % recovery of metals, originally present in the converter, was good as determined by atomic absorption. The morphology and the chemical state of main metals in (I) were investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy methods (XANES and EXAFS).  No metallic alloy seems to be evident.

Results: As first application of (I) as catalyst, the hydrodechlorination treatment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was studied in water/methanol.  A significant removal of higher chlorinated congeners was observed working at 1MPA of hydrogen and 60°C. This result improves significantly and surprisingly the methodology, previously studied by us using mono- or bi-metals embedded in the same polysaccharide moiety, indicating that positive synergies among the different metals were operating.

Conclusion: The preparation of this new polymetallic species embedded in a polysaccharide moiety starting from spent catalytic converters represents an alternative valorisation of metallic wastes. Moreover, a synergic effect was exerted by the different metals when the catalyst Metx-EPS (I) was used in the hydrodechlorination treatment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water/methanol. Finally, a promising preliminary proof of concept for the removal of polychlorinated aromatic pollutants even in contaminated aqueous sites was carried out.
Micro Propagation of Pterocarpus santalinoides Using Three Different Growth Media
Authors: Ameh S. J. , Aguoru C. U. , Iheukwumere C. C. , Olasan O. J. , Alfred U. J.
Published: April 2019

Aims: Micro propagation of P. santalinoides was carried out in order to ascertain the most appropriate culture media for its micro propagation.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in different growth media in the laboratory.

Place and Duration of Study: The micro propagation of Pterocarpus santalinoides was carried out at the Tissue culture laboratory of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and lasted between July and October 2018.

Methodology: Seeds from fresh and healthy ripe fruit which was cut open mechanically with the help of secateurs were gotten from Ai-kwu, Otukpa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The seeds were air dried and used as explant. The explants were surface sterilized using NaOCl solution for 10 mins, rinsed with distilled water and then the soft seed coat were removed and the seeds were cultured under aseptic conditions on MS medium and other growth medium. Seeds of Pterocarpus santalinoides were inoculated on six different growth media with varying compositions. The media are MS, B5 and white’s without growth hormones (MSoo, B5oo, and WHoo), and each of them was supplemented with 3.0 mgl-1 BAP and 0.5 mgl-1 NAA (MSBN, B5BN, WHBN).

Results: Seed germination improved in all the media studied. However, MS combinations gave the best result (90-93%). The maximum number of leaves and roots recorded was in MSBN (3.8 for leaves and 2 for roots) followed by MSoo (2.6) and WHBN (2.6). The leaf area was best for the MS combination (0.232 cm2) followed by the White’s combinations (0.154 cm2) and least for the B5 combinations (0.026 cm2) while shoot and root length was maximum in MSBN (4.28 cm for the shoot and 1.18 cm for the root) followed by WHBN (1.90 cm). The result for t-test revealed that there was a significant difference between the parameters studied for growth media with growth hormones and those without growth hormones. The recorded percentage germination rate for MS medium without growth hormone was 90.75±0.97 while MS medium supplemented with growth hormone was 93.25±0.25. B5 medium without growth medium was 60.25±0.50 and when supplemented with growth hormone, the value was 66.50±0.57. White medium without growth hormone had a value of 75.25±1.70 and when supplemented with growth hormone the value was 78.0±0.81.

Conclusion: The growth rates of Pterocarpus santalinoides, in MS medium among other basal media (B5 and White) offers a compromise between all the growth parameters which indicates that variation of the basal medium composition could lead to enhanced Pterocarpus santalinoides regeneration efficiency.
Methods of Bilateral Approximations for Nonlinear Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Podlevskyi Bohdan
Published: April 2019

In this article, the research proposed by the author, the approach to the construction of methods and algorithms of bilateral approximations to the eigenvalues of nonlinear spectral problems, is continued. On the basis of Newton's method, some new algorithms of the bilateral approximations to their eigenvalues are constructed and substantiated.
Time Series Modeling and Forecasting of Consumer Price Index in Ghana
Authors: Boniface Aabeyir , Martin Anokye
Published: April 2019

The knowledge of economic and financial indicators is the basis of making right decisions and sound judgment with respect to investment and allocation scare of resources. Such important indicators include the consumer price index, which measures the change in the prices paid by households for goods and services consumed. A trigger in the consumer price in Ghana causes inflation which affects the purchasing power of its citizens. Knowledge of the trend of the CPI is crucial in economic planning. The study therefore sought to construct the appropriate time series model for the CPI and then use the model to predict the next nine months CPI. The study further sought to determine the type of trend model that characterizes the CPI. The Box-Jenkins methodology was adopted. The results of analysis showed SARIMA(2, 1, 1)(1, 0, 0)12 as most fitted time series model and was used to predict the consumer price index for the next nine months. The S-model was also found to be the appropriate trend model for the CPI. The SARIMA (2, 1, 1)(1, 0, 0)12 is recommended for forecasting consumer price index in Ghana.
An Investigation of the Use of Eigen Values in Human Face Modeling for Recognition Tasks
Authors: Khalaf Emad F.
Published: April 2019

The face image modeling by eigenvalues is not a new track in the literature. However, a much complete study is required to achieve a comprehensive investigation of the topic. In this research paper, an experimental methodology is conducted for studying the different alternatives of utilizing the eigenvalues for human face recognition. For a better universal investigation, three popular databases are tested; Orl_faces, extended Yale face_A, and extended Yale face_B datasets. The main objective of the study is to find the best choice of using eigenvalues (EV) in face recognition. The technique of the moving average filter (MAF) is combined with that of eigenvalues to enhance the results. Probabilistic neural network (PNN) is used for classification. Three methods of this concept were developed as follows: EV, EV with MAF, and MAF alone. The elapsed time was tested, where for moving average filter was distinctly smaller than the other two methods. For the Yaleface_B database, the eigenvalues method was superior for each of the three training/testing systems. The results were enhanced after using different filters instead of a direct moving average filter to make the proposed method the superior again. The study proved the possibility of using eigenvalues in conjunction with a suitable filter to get acceptable results for all types of image limitations. The concluded ideas elicited from the study spot the light on the usefulness of utilization of eigenvalues in the face recognition tasks.
Immune Status of Cohort of Children Vaccinated against Hepatitis B Virus in Ekiti State over Ten Years after Incorporation into National Program on Immunization
Authors: Ajayi A. O. , Emmanuel E. E. , Oluwayemi I. O. , Olu-Taiwo A. , Odimayo M. S.
Published: April 2019

Background: Hepatitis B vaccine has been introduced in Nigeria for over a decade now, yet, data on sero-conversion status of the immunized cohort in the population are scarce. Such data are important for objective evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of the HBV vaccination program. This study therefore aims at determining the sero-conversion status and the prevalence of HBV infection among immunized cohort of children in Ekiti state, Nigeria.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted across the three senatorial districts of Ekiti state, between October and December, 2017. A total of 441 children consisting of 226 males and 215 females (Male to female ratio= 1.1:1). Immunization was confirmed by immunization cards. Multistage sampling technique was used. Questionaire were administered after caregiver’s consent and assent from subjects, 2 to 5 mls of blood samples were then collected and tested for the various hepatitis B viral markers (HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, HBsAb and HBsAg) using Hepatitis B combo kit manufactured by Innovita Biological Technology. Very low levels antibody titres which may not be detectable by qualitative detection method used is a limitation to this study.

Results: Subjects were between 5 to 10 years. All subjects had 3 full doses of hepatitis B vaccination before the age of 1 year and all subjects were negative for HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAB and HBcAb. However, only 47 (10.7%) had detectable HBsAb. Among HBsAb positive patients 22 were males while 25 were females. Our findings showed zero prevalence of hepatitis B but minimal seroconversion rate among vaccinated children in Ekiti state, Nigeria.

Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination protects children against HBV in the study population. However, seroconversion rate showed that majority of the children may be at risk of HBV infection at a later age. We recommend a booster dose of HBV vaccination.
Biomass Production and Nutritional Characterization of Eucalyptus benthamii in the Pampa Biome, Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Claudiney Do Couto , Momolli Dione Richer , Souza Huan Pablo de , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Ludvichak Aline Aparecida , Malheiros Angélica Costa
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass production and to characterize a 7-year-old Eucalyptus benthamii stands in the Pampa-RS Biome. Initially, a sample inventory was performed for the dendrometric characterization of the stand. For the determination of biomass, nine trees were felled and fractionated in wood, bark, branch and leaves. Soil samples and plant tissues were collected and analyzed for nutritional characterization and determination of biological utilization coefficient (BUC). The average annual increment (AAI) with bark was 49.87 m3 ha-1. The biomass production was 192 Mg ha-1, distributed in wood (81.2%)> branches (11%)> bark (6,5%)> leaves (1,3%). The leaves component presented the highest nutrient concentration and the wood the highest amounts of nutrients allocated in the biomass, except for Ca and Mg, observed in the bark. The highest BUC was observed in the wood. Mg was the nutrient that provided the best efficiency with a yield of 6,014 kg of wood per kg of Mg used, followed by S, P, Ca, K and N.
Application of Hydro-ethanol Extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) in the Treatment of Experimental Murine Oral Candidiasis
Authors: David Oluwole Moses , Alese Margaret Olutayo , Oyewole Tobi , Alese Oluwole Ojo , Adegbuyi Adekunle , Afolayan Anthony Jide
Published: April 2019

Background: Oral infection caused by Candida spp. is a major healthcare problem in dental and oral care. Treatment failure has been reported in cases of oral candidiasis as a result of resistance to common antifungals.

Aim and Objective: In this study, the in vitro and in vivo activities of extract of Tithonia diversifolia against virulence factor-borne and antifungal resistant-Candida albicans were investigated. Candida albicans was isolated from the saliva of patients attending a tertiary hospital in Ekiti State.

Methodology: Standard methods were used to determine the presence of virulence factors in the isolates. In vitro and in vivo anti-candidal activities of the hydro-ethanolic extract of T. diversifolia were also tested on the test fungus.

Results: The virulence factors have varying percentage of occurrence in all the isolates with catalase having the highest. Itraconazole and nystatin were not effective against the isolates. Out of the six isolates selected (based on antifungal resistance) only three produced strong biofilm. The reduction in the population of the test organisms by the extract was time and concentration dependent. At the end of candidal challenge and treatment assays, extract of T. diversifolia has lower anti-candidal property compared to nystatin.

Conclusion: This study has shown that C. albicans associated with the mouth carries virulence factors and are resistant to common antifungals. In this work, we noticed antifungal effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of T. diversifolia on C. albicans associated with oral infections.
The Knowledge of Nurses about Evidence-based Guideline in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yeganeh Mohammad Reza , Bagheri Zahra Farhang , Mohammadi Tahereh Khaleghdoost , Roshan Zahra Atrkar , Pouralizadeh Moluk
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease and the third most common cause of disability in the world. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of nurses in emergency departments based on evidence-based care guidelines in the acute phase of ischemic stroke.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 129 nurses working in emergency departments of 16 hospitals of Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2017. Samples were selected randomly. The study tool was a questionnaire with 10 multiple choice questions about the care of acute phase of ischemic stroke patients. Data were analyzed by SPSS software ver. 21 using descriptive tests, ANOVA, T-test, Chi-square.

Results: The mean of the participants’ knowledge about acute phase of ischemic stroke care was 40.07 ± 16.46. The highest response rate was related to the symptoms of stroke (85.27%). There was a significant relationship between the number of beds in the hospitals and the nurses' knowledge about beginning treatment of Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) (P<0.005), optimal level of blood pressure prior to administering intravenous tPA (P<0.001), and recommended dosage of tPA (P<0.001) .Also, a significant relationship was reported between the number of beds in the emergency departments and the nurses' knowledge about optimal level of blood pressure prior to administering intravenous tPA (P<0.001), and recommended dosage of tPA (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The nurses' knowledge was not satisfactory about the guideline of the acute stage of ischemic stroke. Therefore, provision of evidence-based continuing education courses and mandatory attendance of emergency nurses in these courses is recommended.
Antimalarial Drug Resistance: An Existential Burden for the Developing World
Authors: Amadi A. T. , Ezeonu I. M. , Akoma O. N.
Published: April 2019

Malaria has been a major epidemic that has ravaged millions predominantly in the developing countries of the world with variability in symptoms, causative agents and use of chemotherapy or vector control as preventive measures. Malaria transmission occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions in the sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America. Currently, malaria diagnosis rests mainly on the microscopic detection of parasites in blood samples or rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Preventing drug resistance involves orientation programmes, identification of new treatment modalities, artemisinin (ACT) etc. Treatment failures has been reported for these ACTs leading to an urgency in the need for further novel discoveries and advances in the fight against this menance (antimalarial drug resistance) in developing countries of the world. Understanding the mechanism of action of the antimalarial drugs and most significantly, monitoring the drug resistance to the available antimalarial drugs via regular molecular investigations of resistant markers would definitely aid implementation of effective drug policy.
Lymph‐circulating tumor cells show distinct properties to blood‐circulating tumor cells and are efficient metastatic precursors
Authors: Mohammed Sulma I. , Torres‐Luquis Odalys , Walls Elwood , Lloyd Frank
Published: April 2019

The leading cause of breast cancer‐associated death is metastasis. In 80% of solid tumors, metastasis via the lymphatic system precedes metastasis via the vascular system. However, the molecular properties of tumor cells as they exit the primary tumor into the afferent lymphatics en route to the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are not yet known. Here, we developed an innovative technique that enables the collection of lymph and lymph‐circulating tumor cells (LCTCs) en route to the SLN in an immunocompetent animal model of breast cancer metastasis. We found that the gene and protein expression profiles of LCTCs and blood‐circulating tumor cells (BCTCs) as they exit the primary tumor are similar, but distinct from those of primary tumors and lymph node metastases (LNMs). LCTCs, but not BCTCs, exist in clusters, display a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype and cancer stem cell‐like properties, and are efficient metastatic precursors. These results demonstrate that tumor cells that metastasize through the lymphatic system are different from those spread by blood circulation. Understanding the relative contribution of these cells to overall peripheral blood‐circulating tumor cells is important for cancer therapy. Whether these two types of cell occur in cancer patients remains to be determined.
NARR: Sober homes can accept residents on medication
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2019

Seeking to ease sober home operators' resistance to support residents using agonist medications for opioid dependence while addressing some of their legitimate concerns around integrating medication‐assisted recovery (MAR) into their operations, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) has issued a brief offering strategies for success.
NIH HEAL awards go to four sites
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded four sites in its HEALing Communities Study about $80 million each in three‐year grants this month. The study, announced a year ago (see ADAW, April 9, 2018, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.31916), has as its aim reducing opioid overdose deaths by 40 percent over three years in selected communities. Particular prevention and treatment interventions will be used, such as naloxone distribution and linking individuals in the criminal justice system with treatment. More than $350 million will go to the study under a cooperative agreement supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Interactive Skin Display with Epidermal Stimuli Electrode
Authors: Kim Eui Hyuk , Han Hyowon , Yu Seunggun , Park Chanho , Kim Gwangmook , Jeong Beomjin , Lee Seung Won , Kim Jong Sung , Lee Seokyeong , Kim Joohee , Park Jang‐Ung , Shim Wooyoung , Park Cheolmin
Published: April 2019

In addition to the demand for stimuli‐responsive sensors that can detect various vital signals in epidermal skin, the development of electronic skin displays that quantitatively detect and visualize various epidermal stimuli such as the temperature, sweat gland activity, and conductance simultaneously are of significant interest for emerging human‐interactive electronics used in health monitoring. Herein, a novel interactive skin display with epidermal stimuli electrode (ISDEE) allowing for the simultaneous sensing and display of multiple epidermal stimuli on a single device is presented. It is based on a simple two‐layer architecture on a topographically patterned elastomeric polymer composite with light‐emitting inorganic phosphors, upon which two electrodes are placed with a certain parallel gap. The ISDEE is directly mounted on human skin, which by itself serves as a field‐responsive floating electrode of the display operating under an alternating current (AC). The AC field exerted on the epidermal skin layer depends on the conductance of the skin, which can be modulated based on a variety of physiological skin factors, such as the temperature, sweat gland activity, and pressure. Conductance‐dependent field‐induced electroluminescence is achieved, giving rise to an on‐hand sensing display platform where a variety of human information can be directly sensed and visualized.
Direct In Situ Growth of Centimeter‐Scale Multi‐Heterojunction MoS2/WS2/WSe2 Thin‐Film Catalyst for Photo‐Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Seo Sehun , Kim Seungkyu , Choi Hojoong , Lee Jongmin , Yoon Hongji , Piao Guangxia , Park Jun‐Cheol , Jung Yoonsung , Song Jaesun , Jeong Sang Yun , Park Hyunwoong , Lee Sanghan
Published: April 2019

To date, the in situ fabrication of the large‐scale van der Waals multi‐heterojunction transition metal dichalcogenides (multi‐TMDs) is significantly challenging using conventional deposition methods. In this study, vertically stacked centimeter‐scale multi‐TMD (MoS2/WS2/WSe2 and MoS2/WSe2) thin films are successfully fabricated via sequential pulsed laser deposition (PLD), which is an in situ growth process. The fabricated MoS2/WS2/WSe2 thin film on p‐type silicon (p‐Si) substrate is designed to form multistaggered gaps (type‐II band structure) with p‐Si, and this film exhibits excellent spatial and thickness uniformity, which is verified by Raman spectroscopy. Among various application fields, MoS2/WS2/WSe2 is applied to the thin‐film catalyst of a p‐Si photocathode, to effectively transfer the photogenerated electrons from p‐Si to the electrolyte in the photo‐electrochemical (PEC) hydrogen evolution. From a comparison between the PEC performances of the homostructure TMDs (homo‐TMDs)/p‐Si and multi‐TMDs/p‐Si, it is demonstrated that the multistaggered gap of multi‐TMDs/p‐Si improves the PEC performance significantly more than the homo‐TMDs/p‐Si and bare p‐Si by effective charge transfer. The new in situ growth process for the fabrication of multi‐TMD thin films offers a novel and innovative method for the application of multi‐TMD thin films to various fields.
Unusual Length Dependence of the Conductance in Cumulene Molecular Wires
Authors: Xu Wenjun , Leary Edmund , Hou Songjun , Sangtarash Sara , González M. Teresa , Rubio‐Bollinger Gabino , Wu Qingqing , Sadeghi Hatef , Tejerina Lara , Christensen Kirsten E. , Agraït Nicolás , Higgins Simon J. , Lambert Colin J. , Nichols Richard J. , Anderson Harry L.
Published: April 2019

Cumulenes are sometimes described as “metallic” because an infinitely long cumulene would have the band structure of a metal. Herein, we report the single‐molecule conductance of a series of cumulenes and cumulene analogues, where the number of consecutive C=C bonds in the core is n=1, 2, 3, and 5. The [n]cumulenes with n=3 and 5 have almost the same conductance, and they are both more conductive than the alkene (n=1). This is remarkable because molecular conductance normally falls exponentially with length. The conductance of the allene (n=2) is much lower, because of its twisted geometry. Computational simulations predict a similar trend to the experimental results and indicate that the low conductance of the allene is a general feature of [n]cumulenes where n is even. The lack of length dependence in the conductance of [3] and [5]cumulenes is attributed to the strong decrease in the HOMO–LUMO gap with increasing length.
A user sensitive subject protection approach for book search service
Authors: Wu Zongda , Li Renchao , Zhou Zhifeng , Guo Junfang , Jiang Jionghui , Su Xinning
Published: April 2019

In a digital library, book search is one of the most important information services. However, with the rapid development of network technologies such as cloud computing, the server‐side of a digital library is becoming more and more untrusted; thus, how to prevent the disclosure of users' book query privacy is causing people's increasingly extensive concern. In this article, we propose to construct a group of plausible fake queries for each user book query to cover up the sensitive subjects behind users' queries. First, we propose a basic framework for the privacy protection in book search, which requires no change to the book search algorithm running on the server‐side, and no compromise to the accuracy of book search. Second, we present a privacy protection model for book search to formulate the constraints that ideal fake queries should satisfy, that is, (i) the feature similarity, which measures the confusion effect of fake queries on users' queries, and (ii) the privacy exposure, which measures the cover‐up effect of fake queries on users' sensitive subjects. Third, we discuss the algorithm implementation for the privacy model. Finally, the effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated by theoretical analysis and experimental evaluation.
Translational Control under Stress: Reshaping the Translatome
Authors: Advani Vivek M. , Ivanov Pavel
Published: April 2019

Adequate reprogramming of cellular metabolism in response to stresses or suboptimal growth conditions involves a myriad of coordinated changes that serve to promote cell survival. As protein synthesis is an energetically expensive process, its regulation under stress is of critical importance. Reprogramming of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation involves well‐understood stress‐activated kinases that target components of translation initiation machinery, resulting in the robust inhibition of general translation and promotion of the translation of stress‐responsive proteins. Translational arrest of mRNAs also results in the accumulation of transcripts in cytoplasmic foci called stress granules. Recent studies focus on the key roles of transfer RNA (tRNA) in stress‐induced translational reprogramming. These include stress‐specific regulation of tRNA pools, codon‐biased translation influenced by tRNA modifications, tRNA miscoding, and tRNA cleavage. In combination, signal transduction pathways and tRNA metabolism changes regulate translation during stress, resulting in adaptation and cell survival. This review examines molecular mechanisms that regulate protein synthesis in response to stress.
One lump or two? One butt but two buttocks
Authors: Neumann Paul E.
Published: April 2019

Future revisions of anatomical terminologies will have to give more consideration to the relationships between terms and referents, and the relationships between referents, because computer applications require greater precision. Median anatomical entities and paired entities that closely flank the median plane present common problems in nomenclature, semantics, and ontology. Some of these problems represent vestiges of usage in classical Latin. For example, the use of plural words for polite names of some body parts, and singular words for euphemisms for naughty words. Clin. Anat. 32:22–24, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide inhibits the activation of murine fibroblasts and expression of interleukin 17 receptor C
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Feng , Zhang Jun , Sun Chen‐Chen , Tang Chun‐Yan , Sun Guo‐Ying , Luo Wan‐Jun , Zhou Yong , Guan Cha‐Xiang
Published: April 2019

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute, severe, and refractory pulmonary inflammation with high morbidity and mortality. Excessive activation of fibroblast during the fibroproliferative phase plays a pivotal role in the prognosis of ARDS. Our previous study demonstrated that the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is mediated by lentivirus attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ARDS in a murine model, and VIP inhibits the release of interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) from activation macrophages. However, the effects of VIP on the activation of murine fibroblast and expression of IL‐17 receptor (IL‐17R) in ARDS remain unclear. Here, a mouse model of ARDS was established by an intratracheal injection of LPS. We found that the gene expression of col3a1 and hydroxyproline contents in the lungs were significantly increased 24 h after LPS injection. IL‐17RC rather than IL‐17RA was increased in the lungs of mice with ARDS. In vitro, LPS activated NIH3T3 cells, which was suppressed by VIP in a dose‐dependent manner. In detail, VIP reduced the hydroxyproline content and col3a1 messenger RNA induced by LPS in NIH3T3 cells, as well as the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin. Furthermore, we found that VIP inhibited the expression of IL‐17R in the lungs of mice with ARDS and NIH3T3 cells stimulated with LPS, which was partly inhibited by antagonists of protein kinase A and protein kinase C. Taken together, our results demonstrated that VIP inhibited the activation of fibroblast via downregulation of IL‐17RC, which may contribute to the protective effects of VIP against ARDS in mice.
Oxidized Biochar as a Simple, Renewable Catalyst for the Production of Cyclic Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides
Authors: Vidal Juliana L. , Andrea Vincent P. , MacQuarrie Stephanie L. , Kerton Francesca M.
Published: April 2019

Hard‐ and softwood residues (from birch and pine respectively) of forestry, pulp, and paper industries (e. g. sawdust, branches) were used to prepare biochar, which was then oxidized using nitric acid to produce catalytic carboxylic acid functionalized biochar. This oxidized biochar, ox–bc, in the presence of a co‐catalyst, showed excellent catalytic activity towards the cycloaddition reaction between CO2 and epoxides using mild conditions (CO2 pressure, 10 bar). No differences in catalytic activity were seen between the two types of oxidized biochar despite the hardwood ox–bc having a significantly higher surface area. The catalysts function through activation of the epoxide reagent via hydrogen‐bonding with carboxylic acid groups on the surface. The number of surface acid groups was reduced by reaction with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and the resulting material was inactive in the reactions studied. The ox–bc catalysts are sustainable, economic, and renewable alternatives for currently used heterogeneous systems and are also the first carbon‐based materials derived from biomass to exhibit good recyclability (over five runs) with a broad substrate scope for the production of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2.
Fast detection and DOA estimation of the unknown wideband signal sources
Authors: Bilgehan Bülent , Abdelbari Amr
Published: April 2019

The direction of arrival (DOA) estimation analysis requires prior knowledge of frequency‐related information of the incident wideband signals, eg, center frequency and bandwidth, which are not available in many cases. This research is based on applications where DOA estimation of the wideband signal source is unknown, eg, in astronomy and unauthorized transmissions. Therefore, this paper has two major contributions. The first contribution is to identify the frequency spectrum of the wideband signals transmitted from an unknown source. The method use edge detection prestage to identify the frequency spectrum of the received signal. The second contribution is to estimate the DOA of the wideband signal at higher accuracy while keeping a minimum computational cost. The estimation of the DOAs was analyzed by measuring the orthogonal relationship between the signal and the noise subspaces of multiple frequency components of the sources. The introduced method utilizes subband as a reference frequency based on the extracted frequency‐related information rather than examining the complete incoming signal spectrum and exploits the spatial information of a few subbands. The introduced algorithm is implemented based on the well‐known method, test of orthogonality of projected subspaces (TOPS). Tests are conducted on a range of wideband signals with extreme values of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Considerable performance improvement is obtained.
Building a Plan for Comprehensive Climate Action in the US Congress
Authors: Tonko Congressman Paul
Published: April 2019

The stark realities of climate change present a serious and mounting challenge for the United States. For decades, scientists have warned that rising greenhouse gas emissions will carry profound implications for our ecosystems and human life. Scientific evidence of this reality is definitive and clear. Last year marked the fourth‐highest average global temperature in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 139‐year record, exceeded only by the three previous years. The consequences of systemic warming are evident in the increasing frequency of extreme weather and climate events, which are already extracting substantial tolls from the US economy, human health, and safety. The US Department of Defense has determined that climate change presents a national security threat, with a significant number of US military installations surveyed facing climate risks. Without substantial action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement adaptation and mitigation measures, climate change will disrupt nearly every sector of American society and economy, including energy and transportation systems, agricultural productivity, and vital water resources.
QKI, a miR‐200 target gene, suppresses epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and tumor growth
Authors: Kim Eun Ju , Kim Jeong Seon , Lee Sieun , Lee Heejin , Yoon Jung‐Sook , Hong Ji Hyung , Chun Sang Hoon , Sun Der Sheng , Won Hye Sung , Hong Soon Auck , Kang Keunsoo , Jo Jeong Yeon , Choi Minyoung , Shin Dong Hoon , Ahn Young‐Ho , Ko Yoon Ho
Published: April 2019

The microRNA‐200 (miR‐200) family plays a major role in specifying epithelial phenotype by preventing expression of the transcription repressors ZEB1 and ZEB2, which are well‐known regulators of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial tumors including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, we elucidated whether miR‐200 family members control RNA‐binding protein quaking (QKI), a newly identified tumor suppressor that is regulated during EMT. We predicted that miR‐200a and miR‐200b could recognize QKI 3′‐UTR by analyzing TargetScan and The Cancer Genome Atlas head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) dataset. Forced expression of miR‐200b/a/429 inhibited expression of ZEB1/2 and decreased cell migration in OSCC cell lines CAL27 and HSC3. QKI expression was also suppressed by miR‐200 overexpression, and the 3′‐UTR of QKI mRNA was directly targeted by miR‐200 in luciferase reporter assays. Interestingly, shRNA‐mediated knockdown of QKI led to pronounced EMT and protumor effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies of OSCC. Furthermore, high expression of QKI protein is associated with favorable prognosis in surgically resected HNSCC and lung adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, QKI increases during EMT and is targeted by miR‐200; while, it suppresses EMT and tumorigenesis. We suggest that QKI and miR‐200 form a negative feedback loop to maintain homeostatic responses to EMT‐inducing signals.
Maternity waiting homes as a cost‐effective intervention in rural Liberia
Authors: Buser Julie M. , Munro‐Kramer Michelle L. , Carney Monica , Kofa Alphonso , Cole G. Gorma , Lori Jody R.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To analyze the cost‐effectiveness of maternity waiting homes (MWHs) in rural Liberia by examining the cost per life saved and economic effect of MWHs on maternal mortality.

Methods

A cost‐effectiveness analysis was used to evaluate costs and economic effect of MWHs on maternal mortality in rural Liberia to guide future resource allocation. A secondary data analysis was performed based on a prior quasi‐experimental cohort study of 10 rural primary healthcare facilities, five with a MWH and five without a MWH, that took place from October 30, 2010 to February 28, 2015.

Results

Calculations signified a low cost per year of life saved at MWHs in a rural district in Liberia. Total population‐adjusted number of women's lives saved over 3 years was 6.25.

Conclusion

While initial costs were considerable, over a period of 10 or more years MWHs could be a cost‐effective and affordable strategy to reduce maternal mortality rates in Liberia. Discussion of the scaling up of MWH interventions for improving maternal outcomes in Liberia and other low‐ and middle‐income countries is justified. Findings can be used to advocate for policy changes to increase the apportionment of resources for building more MWHs in low resource settings.