bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis Comparativo de la Participación Escolar y Bienestar Subjetivo en Estudiantes con y sin Discapacidad en Chile
Authors:   Universidad de Concepción, Galarce Muñoz María Ignacia , Pérez-Salas Claudia Paz ,   Universidad de Concepción, Sirlopú David ,   Universidad del Desarrollo
Published: June 2020

La participación escolar es importante, ya que impacta en el bienestar de todos los estudiantes. En el caso de los estudiantes en situación de discapacidad, el apoyo y la inclusión de docentes y compañeros en las clases regulares se asocian con niveles más altos de bienestar subjetivo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue comparar los niveles de participación escolar y de bienestar subjetivo de una muestra por conveniencia de colegios particulares-subvencionados y municipales de 5 comunas en 2 regiones de Chile que contaban con un Programa de Integración Escolar. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 120 escolares (50 con alguna discapacidad motora, visual o auditiva y 70 de ellos sin discapacidad) entre 14 y 19 años (M = 16,25, DE = 1,65 años). Los escolares fueron evaluados con las escalas de participación escolar (John-Akinola & Nic-Gabhainn, 2014); satisfacción vital multidimensional para estudiantes (Huebner, 2001) y afecto positivo y negativo para niños y adolescentes (Watson, Clark & Tellegen, 1988). Se presentan estadísticas descriptivas, correlaciones y comparación de medias entre los distintos grupos según situación de discapacidad. Los resultados indican una relación directa entre la participación escolar y el bienestar subjetivo de todos los estudiantes evaluados. No se detectaron diferencias en la participación escolar de estudiantes con y sin discapacidades, pero sí en el bienestar subjetivo, específicamente menores niveles de satisfacción con el sí mismo, con la familia y con los amigos en los estudiantes con discapacidad y mayor afectividad negativa en los estudiantes con trastorno motor versus discapacidad visual y auditiva
Effect of Potassium Humate and Micronic Sulfur on the Chemical Properties of Some Soils of Toshka, Egypt
Authors: Sweed Atef A. A. , Awad Ahmed A. M.
Published: June 2020

Low soil organic matter, low nutrient availability and the higher soil pH (more than 8) are the major problem of agricultural practices in region of Toshka. An incubation trial at October 2019 was conducted to investigate the effect of potassium humate (KH) and micronic sulfur (MS) on some chemical properties of different soils (sandy clay soils, loamy sand and sandy soils). The used amendments (KH and MS) were added to the studied soil at 4 levels of each amendment i.e. 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0%. A two way randomized completely block design and provided with three replications. Studied parameters were included soil pH, EC, exchange Na and the content of available - P and K. Results showed that, the MS application at 1% level caused a significant decrease in soil pH values compared with the KH application and control treatment. These reductions were more pronounced in case of soil B (loamy sand). Also, KH application gave an increase on exchange Na and available-K. While MS application was cause an increased in soil EC and available-P in the three soils under study. Moreover, the increases in the percentage of available – K with added of KH were higher than added of MS for soils under study. While the percentages of available-P with added of KH were higher than with added of MS for studied soils. It may be recommended to add KH and MS at a rate of 1% to improve the soil chemical properties. But the effect of application from MS has greater than KH to increase dissolved sodium salts on the form of sodium sulfate, which facilitates disposal during soil drainage.
Integrated Analysis of Geophysical Data for Road Networks Sub Base Lithology Integrity Assessment Case Study in Crystalline Basement Complex, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo I. A. , Akinlalu A. A. , Mogaji K. A. , Odumosu O. O.
Published: June 2020

Magnetics and Electrical resistivity methods were used in the evaluation of the subsurface integrity of a 2500 m segment of Ipinsa road off the Ilesha-Akure expressway adjacent to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria in order to provide guidelines for the authority whenever the road is to be constructed. The road was investigated using geophysical prospecting methods involving Magnetics profiling and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique. The magnetic data were analysed first by taking care of diurnal variation and the results were presented as relative magnetic. The VES results were presented as geoelectric sections. The results from the two methods were stacked for easy correlation. The results from the Magnetics method study shows the presence of near-surface linear geologic structures and of varying length, depth, and altitude at different distances (350, 550, 650, 840, 870, 900, 1080 and 1160 m) and depths (5, 12, 13, 15, 15.5, 16, 17 and 19 m) respectively, which suggest the probable fracture zones that are inimical to the foundation of the road subgrade. The vertical electrical sounding survey were conducted at points of anomaly and non-anomalous zones based on the magnetic survey results. This is done to further delineate the fracture zones and correlate the results to get enough information of the subsurface. The corresponding geoelectric results delineated weathered/fractured bedrock with resistivity range of 222 - 412 Ωm at distances 650, 800 - 900 and 1080 - 1160 m along Traverses A and B. Likewise at distances 1380 - 1600 m, 2040 m, 2240 m, 2260 m and 2540 m along traverses’ C and D. The integrity assessment of the Ipinsa road network sub base lithology was successfully assessed using the geophysical modeled results and possible fractured bedrock and saturated/clayey sub soil material zones that are inimical to road stability were delineated. The research findings are valuable for precise decision in road infrastructural design.
Knockdown of genes involved in axonal transport enhances the toxicity of human neuromuscular disease‐linked MATR3 mutations in Drosophila
Authors: Zhao Melody , Kao Ching Serena , Arndt Claudia , Tran David Duc , Cho Woo In , Maksimovic Katarina , Chen Xiao Xiao Lily , Khan Mashiat , Zhu Hongxian , Qiao Julia , Peng Kailong , Hong Jingyao , Xu Jialu , Kim Deanna , Kim Jihye Rachel , Lee Jooyun , van Bruggen Rebekah , Yoon Wan Hee , Park Jeehye
Published: June 2020

Mutations in the nuclear matrix protein Matrin 3 (MATR3) have been identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myopathy. To investigate the mechanisms underlying MATR3 mutations in neuromuscular diseases and efficiently screen for modifiers of MATR3 toxicity, we generated transgenic MATR3 flies. Our findings indicate that expression of wild‐type or mutant MATR3 in motor neurons reduces climbing ability and lifespan of flies, while their expression in indirect flight muscles (IFM) results in abnormal wing positioning and muscle degeneration. In both motor neurons and IFM, mutant MATR3 expression results in more severe phenotypes than wild‐type MATR3, demonstrating that the disease‐linked mutations confer pathogenicity. We conducted a targeted candidate screen for modifiers of the MATR3 abnormal wing phenotype and identified multiple enhancers involved in axonal transport. Knockdown of these genes enhanced protein levels and insolubility of mutant MATR3. These results suggest that accumulation of mutant MATR3 contributes to toxicity and implicate axonal transport dysfunction in disease pathogenesis.
The CSF Levels of Neutrophil‐Related Chemokines in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Liu Zhuhe , Chen Jinyu , Wang Zhanhang , Wang Yao , Zheng Dong , Wang Honghao , Peng Yu
Published: June 2020

Pathologic findings showed that neutrophils played an important role in the pathogenesis of NMO. This study aims to investigate the CSF levels of neutrophil‐related chemokines in NMO. CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL7 were measured in 95 patients with NMO, 15 patients with MS, 18 patients with GFAP astrocytopathy, and 16 controls. The CSF level of CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL7 was significantly elevated in the NMO group but not correlated with the patient clinical severity. Besides, the CSF CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL7 could act as biomarkers to distinguish NMO from MS with good reliability, especially the CXCL7.
Improved ALS clinical trials through frequent at‐home self‐assessment: a proof of concept study
Authors: Rutkove Seward B. , Narayanaswami Pushpa , Berisha Visar , Liss Julie , Hahn Shira , Shelton Kerisa , Qi Kristin , Pandeya Sarbesh , Shefner Jeremy M.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine the potential for improving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials by having patients or caregivers perform frequent self‐assessments at home.

Methods and Participants

We enrolled ALS patients into a nonblinded, longitudinal 9‐month study in which patients and caregivers obtained daily data using several different instruments, including a slow‐vital capacity device, a hand grip dynamometer, an electrical impedance myography‐based fitness device, an activity tracker, a speech app, and the ALS functional rating scale‐revised. Questions as to acceptability were asked at two time points.

Results

A total of 113 individuals enrolled, with 61 (43 men, 18 women, mean age 60.1 ± 9.9 years) collecting a minimum of 7 days data and being included in the analysis. Daily measurements resulted in more accurate assessments of the slope of progression of the disease, resulting in smaller sample size estimates for a hypothetical clinical trial. For example, by performing daily slow‐vital capacity measurements, calculated sample size was reduced to 182 subjects/study arm from 882/arm for monthly measurements. Similarly, performing the ALS functional rating scale weekly rather than monthly led to a calculated sample size of 73/arm as compared to 274/arm. Participants generally found the procedures acceptable and, for many, improved their sense of control of their disease.

Interpretation

Frequent at‐home measurements using standard tools holds the prospect of tracking progression and reducing sample size requirements for clinical trials in ALS while also being acceptable to the patients. Future studies in this and other neurological disorders should consider adopting this approach to data collection.
A novel fault classification‐based fault‐tolerant control for two degree of freedom helicopter systems
Authors: Singh Rupam , Bhushan Bharat
Published: June 2020

Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) plays an essential role in identifying and isolating various faults in a system. In general, fault detection is attained by monitoring the extent of matching between the actual operating condition and an analytical model prediction. This process aids in achieving enhanced performance, and for operating the system within the acceptable bounds. In this article, a neural network‐based classification method and fuzzy‐based control strategy are adapted to perform FDD on a two degree of freedom (2DoF) helicopter system. The operating voltage, pitch, and yaw outputs of the 2DoF helicopter system were considered for developing the algorithm. The signal processing properties of the discrete wavelet transform and pattern recognition properties of a multilayer perceptron neural network are adapted to design the classification algorithm. The developed algorithm improves training and testing efficiency. In order to reinstate the normal operation of the system, the classifier output is integrated with a hybrid fuzzy‐proportional integral derivative controller. This control technique enhances the 2DoF helicopter response as the time taken by the pitch and yaw angle to settle trajectory is reduced. The results depicted validate the efficiency of the projected approach.
Smectic Defect Engineering Enabled by Programmable Photoalignment
Authors: Wu Sai‐Bo , Ma Ling‐Ling , Chen Peng , Cao Hui‐Min , Ge Shi‐Jun , Yuan Rui , Hu Wei , Lu Yan‐Qing
Published: June 2020

Topological defects are vital for tailoring soft matter properties and inspiring remarkable applications. Arbitrary guiding and dynamic tuning of director distributions are highly pursued in defect engineering of liquid crystals. Till now, the orientation control of smectic defect walls remains a challenge. Here, photoalignment is adopted to preset the surface anchoring in order to guide smectic oily streaks. Flexible defect engineering such as deflecting, bending, and splaying is demonstrated. Based on their combination, more complicated defect arrays are realized in a predictable manner. After electric stimuli involved, new functions of tunability and rotatability are unlocked. This work brings new insights to soft matter architectures, and will upgrade the existing micromachines, nanoparticle manipulations and advanced photonic applications.
Amplified Spontaneous Emission and Random Lasing in MAPbBr3 Halide Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Murzin Aleksei O. , Stroganov Boris V. , Günnemann Carsten , Hammouda Samia Ben , Shurukhina Anna V. , Lozhkin Maxim S. , Emeline Alexei V. , Kapitonov Yury V.
Published: June 2020

Halide perovskites are a promising optical gain medium with high tunability and simple solution synthesis. In this study, two gain regimes, namely, amplified spontaneous emission and random lasing, are demonstrated in the same MAPbBr3 halide perovskite single crystal. For this, photoluminescence is measured at a temperature of 4 K with pulsed femtosecond pumping by UV light with an 80 MHz repetition rate. Random lasing is observed in areas of the sample where a random resonator is formed due to cracks and crystal imperfections. In more homogeneous regions of the sample, the dominant regime is amplified spontaneous emission. These two regimes are reliably distinguished by the line width, the mode structure, the growth of the intensity after the threshold, and the degree of polarization of the radiation. The spectral localization of the stimulated emission well below the bound exciton resonance raises a question concerning the origin of the emission in halide perovskite lasers.
pH‐Responsive STING‐Activating DNA Nanovaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shen Tingting , Zhou Shurong , Wang Weinan , Lin Shuibin , Zhu Guizhi
Published: June 2020

Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), such as c‐di‐GMP (CDG), are agonists for stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and are promising for cancer immunotherapy. Yet, the therapeutic efficacy of CDNs has been limited by poor delivery and biostability. Here, STING‐activating DNA nanovaccines (STING‐NVs) are developed, which biostabilize, deliver, and conditionally release CDG in the endosome of immune cells, elicit potent antitumor immune responses in murine and human immune cells, ameliorate immunosuppression in vitro and in the tumor microenvironment, and mediate potent cancer immunotherapy in a murine melanoma model. STING‐NVs have PLA‐b‐PEG in the core and cytosine (C)‐rich i‐motif DNA on the surface. i‐Motif DNA undergoes characteristic pH‐responsive conformational switch, allowing efficient CDG loading via C:G base pairing at physiological pH, and CDG release in sensitive response to acidic environment such as cell endosome. STING‐NVs protect CDG from enzymatic degradation. STING‐NVs facilitate cell delivery. Remarkably, STING‐NVs promote the endosome escape of CDG by ninefold, and potentiate antitumor immunity. STING‐NVs repolarize immunosuppressive M2‐like macrophages into antitumor M1‐like macrophages in vitro and in the tumor microenvironment of melanoma. In a poorly immunogenic murine melanoma model, intralesional STING‐NVs outperform liposomal CDG and fluoride‐CDG for melanoma immunotherapy. These results suggest the great potential of STING‐NVs for cancer immunotherapy.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Autophagy Intervention Agents Suppress Hepatoma Growth by Enhancing Tumoricidal Autophagy
Authors: Xie Yuexia , Jiang Jiana , Tang Qianyun , Zou Hanbing , Zhao Xue , Liu Hongmei , Ma Ding , Cai Chenlei , Zhou Yan , Chen Xiaojing , Pu Jun , Liu Peifeng
Published: June 2020

The combined treatment with nanoparticles and autophagy inhibitors, such as chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), is extensively explored for cancer therapy. However, the toxicity of autophagy inhibitors and their unselective for tumoricidal autophagy have seriously hindered the application of the combined treatment. In this study, a carboxy‐functional iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe2O3@DMSA) is designed and identified to significantly exert an antitumor effect without adding CQ or HCQ. Further investigation indicates that the effective inhibition effect of Fe2O3@DMSA alone on hepatoma growth is triggered by inhibiting the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes to enhance tumoricidal autophagy, which is induced by intracellular iron‐retention‐induced sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, in two hepatoma‐bearing mouse models, Fe2O3@DMSA alone effectively suppresses the growth of tumors without obvious toxic side effects. These studies offer a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Isocyanate induced allergic contact dermatitis in a university undergraduate student: An occupational dermatitis case report, review of laboratory safety regulations, and implications for campus research
Authors: Cook‐Shimanek Margaret , McGrath Alison , Pacheco Karin A.
Published: June 2020

A 19‐year‐old female college undergraduate developed an intensely swollen, erythematous and pruritic rash on the face and hands while working in an optical fabrication lab producing photosensitive polymers. She had no respiratory symptoms. The rash was consistent with contact dermatitis and there was no clinical evidence of respiratory involvement with normal spirometry. A review of the safety data sheets of chemicals used in the laboratory revealed several known sensitizers, including 6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), dibutyl phthalate, and 2,4,6‐tribromophenyl acrylate. Patch testing confirmed the patient's sensitization to HDI. A subsequent worksite visit identified several hazardous chemicals that were used without appropriate hazard communication, training, standard operating procedures, or personal protective equipment. Simple exposure controls were recommended and instituted, and the patient was able to return to work in the laboratory without the recurrence of symptoms. This case demonstrates the importance of hazard identification, communication, and safety training in academic laboratories, for students and workers. A medical evaluation can identify hazards as well as lead to improvements in exposure controls and safe return to research.
Sex chromosome aneuploidy alters the relationship between neuroanatomy and cognition
Authors: Warling Allysa , Liu Siyuan , Wilson Kathleen , Whitman Ethan , Lalonde François M. , Clasen Liv S. , Blumenthal Jonathan D. , Raznahan Armin
Published: June 2020

Sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) increases the risk for cognitive deficits, and confers changes in regional cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA). Neuroanatomical correlates of inter‐individual variation in cognitive ability have been described in health, but are not well‐characterized in SCA. Here, we modeled relationships between general cognitive ability (estimated using full‐scale IQ [FSIQ] from Wechsler scales) and regional estimates of SA and CT (from structural MRI scans) in both aneuploid (28 XXX, 55 XXY, 22 XYY, 19 XXYY) and typically‐developing euploid (79 XX, 85 XY) individuals. Results indicated widespread decoupling of normative anatomical–cognitive relationships in SCA: we found five regions where SCA significantly altered SA–FSIQ relationships, and five regions where SCA significantly altered CT–FSIQ relationships. The majority of areas were characterized by the presence of positive anatomy‐IQ relationships in health, but no or slightly negative anatomy‐IQ relationships in SCA. Disrupted anatomical–cognitive relationships generalized from the full cohort to karyotypically defined subcohorts (i.e., XX‐XXX; XY‐XYY; XY‐XXY), demonstrating continuity across multiple supernumerary SCA conditions. As the first direct evidence of altered regional neuroanatomical–cognitive relationships in supernumerary SCA, our findings shed light on potential genetic and structural correlates of the cognitive phenotype in SCA, and may have implications for other neurogenetic disorders.
Formation and Structure of Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters at Interfacial Binding Sites Facilitating Oligomerization of DNA Hairpins
Authors: Geczy Reka , Christensen Niels Johan , Rasmussen Kim K. , Kálomista Ildikó , Tiwari Manish K. , Shah Pratik , Yang Seong Wook , Bjerrum Morten J. , Thulstrup Peter W.
Published: June 2020

Fluorescent, DNA‐stabilized silver nanoclusters (DNA‐AgNCs) are applied in a range of applications within nanoscience and nanotechnology. However, their diverse optical properties, mechanism of formation, and aspects of their composition remain unexplored, making the rational design of nanocluster probes challenging. Herein, a synthetic procedure is described for obtaining a high yield of emissive DNA‐AgNCs with a C‐loop hairpin DNA sequence, with subsequent purification by size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Through a combination of optical spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) in conjunction with the systematic study of various DNA sequences, the low‐resolution structure and mechanism of the formation of AgNCs were investigated. Data indicate that fluorescent DNA‐AgNCs self‐assemble by a head‐to‐head binding of two DNA hairpins, bridged by a silver nanocluster, resulting in the modelling of a dimeric structure harboring an Ag12 cluster.
Intra‐abdominal nasogastric tube placement following inadvertent nasopharyngeal perforation
Authors: Walmsley C. J. , Comben E. J.
Published: June 2020

We report the case of a patient who had a nasogastric tube inserted following cardiac surgery that was determined to be appropriately sited on chest X‐ray. Following initiation of nasogastric feeding, however, the patient became acutely unwell. Subsequent computed tomography imaging demonstrated that the nasogastric tube had perforated through the posterior nasopharynx and passed through the mediastinum into the abdominal cavity. A laparotomy and washout was required, and following a prolonged intensive care stay with multiple further interventions, the patient ultimately survived to discharge. Pharyngeal wall perforation is a rare but serious complication of attempted nasogastric tube insertion. Risk factors include the need for repeated attempts and patients with an altered mental state. The appropriate steps in confirming the position of nasogastric tubes both clinically and radiologically are reviewed in the context of this rare and serious complication.
Accrual of Atherosclerotic Vascular Events in a Multicenter Inception Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cohort
Authors: Urowitz Murray B. , Gladman Dafna D. , Farewell Vernon , Su Jiandong , Romero-Diaz Juanita , Bae Sang-Cheol , Fortin Paul R. , Sanchez‐Guerrero Jorge , Clarke Ann Elaine , Bernatsky Sasha , Gordon Caroline , Hanly John G. , Wallace Daniel J. , Isenberg David A. , Rahman Anisur , Merrill Joan T. , Ginzler Ellen , Alarcón Graciela S. , Chatham W. Winn , Petri Michelle A. , Bruce Ian N. , Khamashta Munther A. , Aranow Cynthia , Dooley Mary Anne , Manzi Susan , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Nived Ola , Jönsen Andreas , Steinsson Kristján , Zoma Asad A. , Ruiz-Irastorza Guillermo , Lim S. Sam , Kalunian Kenneth C. , Ỉnanç Murat , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Ramos‐Casals Manuel , Kamen Diane L. , Jacobsen Soren , Peschken Christine A. , Askanase Anca , Stoll Thomas
Published: June 2020

Objective

In previous studies, atherosclerotic vascular events (AVEs) were shown to occur in ~10% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We undertook this study to investigate the annual occurrence and potential risk factors for AVEs in a multinational, multiethnic inception cohort of patients with SLE.

Methods

A large 33‐center cohort of SLE patients was followed up yearly between 1999 and 2017. AVEs were attributed to atherosclerosis based on SLE being inactive at the time of the AVE as well as typical atherosclerotic changes observed on imaging or pathology reports and/or evidence of atherosclerosis elsewhere. Analyses included descriptive statistics, rate of AVEs per 1,000 patient‐years, and univariable and multivariable relative risk regression models.

Results

Of the 1,848 patients enrolled in the cohort, 1,710 had ≥1 follow‐up visit after enrollment, for a total of 13,666 patient‐years. Of these 1,710 patients, 3.6% had ≥1 AVEs attributed to atherosclerosis, for an event rate of 4.6 per 1,000 patient‐years. In multivariable analyses, lower AVE rates were associated with antimalarial treatment (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.32–0.91]), while higher AVE rates were associated with any prior vascular event (HR 4.00 [95% CI 1.55–10.30]) and a body mass index of >40 kg/m2 (HR 2.74 [95% CI 1.04–7.18]). A prior AVE increased the risk of subsequent AVEs (HR 5.42 [95% CI 3.17–9.27], P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of AVEs and the rate of AVE accrual demonstrated in the present study is much lower than that seen in previously published data. This may be related to better control of both the disease activity and classic risk factors.
Examining the Short‐, Medium‐, and Long‐Term Success of an Embodied Learning Activity in the Study of Hand Anatomy for Clinical Application
Authors: Smyth Lillian , Carter James , Valter Krisztina , Webb Alexandra L.
Published: June 2020

A student's own body provides an often disregarded site of knowledge production and corporeal wisdom. Learning via cognitive processes anchored in physical movement and body awareness, known as embodied learning, may aid students to visualize structures and understand their functions and clinical relevance. Working from an embodied learning perspective, the current article evaluates the use of an offline physical learning tool (Anatomical Glove Learning System; AGLS) for teaching hand anatomy for clinical application in medical students. Two student samples (N1 = 105; N2 = 94) used the AGLS in two different ways. In the first sample, the AGLS was compared to a traditional approach using hand bones, models and prosected specimens. Secondly, the AGLS and traditional approach were combined. The evaluation consisted of three outcomes: short‐term learning (post‐test), medium‐term applications (mock‐objective structured clinical examination, MOSCE), and longer‐term assessment (objective structured clinical examination, OSCE). Findings from the first sample indicated no significant differences between the AGLS and traditional laboratory groups on short‐ (F(1,78) = 0.036, P = 0.849), medium‐ (F(1,50) = 0.743, P = 0.393), or longer‐term (F(1,82) = 0.997, P = 0.321) outcomes. In the second sample using the AGLS in combination with a traditional approach was associated with significantly better short‐term post‐test scores (F(2,174) = 5.98, P = 0.003) than using the AGLS alone, but demonstrated no effect for long‐term OSCE scores. These results suggest an embodied learning experience alone does not appear to be advantageous to student learning, but when combined with other methods for studying anatomy there are learning gains.
Review of the use of prophylactic drain tubes post‐robotic radical prostatectomy: Dogma or decent practice?
Authors: Nzenza Tatenda C. , Ngweso Simeon , Eapen Renu , Rajarubendra Nieroshan , Bolton Damien , Murphy Declan , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess the necessity of routine prophylactic drain tube use following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Method

We performed a literature review using the Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with no restriction of language from January 1900 to January 2020. The following terms we used in the literature search: prostatectomy, radical prostatectomy, robot assisted, drainage, and drain tube.

Results

We identified six studies that examined the use of routine prophylactic drain tubes following RARP. One of these studies was a randomized study that included 189 patients, with 97 in the pelvic drain (PD) arm and 92 in the no pelvic drain (ND) arm. This non‐inferiority showed an early (90‐day) complication rate of 17.4% in the ND arm versus 26.8% in the PD arm (P < .001). Another non‐inferiority randomized control trial (RCT) showed a complication rate of 28.9% in the PD group versus 20.4% in the ND group (P = .254). Similarly, the other studies found no benefit of routine use of prophylactic drain tube after RARP.

Conclusion

Drain tubes play a role during robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy, however, following a review of the current available literature, they can be safely omitted and we suggest that clinicians may be selective in their use.
Repurposing a bacterial prolidase for organophosphorus hydrolysis: Reshaped catalytic cavity switches substrate selectivity
Authors: Yang Jian , Xiao Yun‐Zhu , Li Ru , Liu Yu , Long Li‐Juan
Published: June 2020

Enzyme promiscuity is critical to the acquisition of evolutionary plasticity in cells and can be recruited for high‐value chemical synthesis or xenobiotic degradation. The molecular determinants of substrate ambiguity are essential to this activity; however, these details remain unknown. Here, we performed the directed evolution of a prolidase to enhance its initially weak paraoxonase activity. The in vitro evolution led to an unexpected 1,000,000‐fold switch in substrate selectivity, with a 30‐fold increase in paraoxon hydrolysis and 40,000‐fold decrease in peptide hydrolysis. Structural and in silico analyses revealed enlarged catalytic cavities and substrate repositioning as responsible for rapid catalytic transitions between distinct chemical reactions.
Scharfe Waffen für den Meerretticherdfloh
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: June 2020

Erdflöhe sind winzige Käfer, die sich wie die echten Flöhe durch einen kraftvollen Sprung vor Angreifern in Sicherheit bringen. Ihre Larven aber, die noch keine muskulösen Sprungbeine besitzen, wehren sich auf besondere Art: Sie beziehen aus ihrer Futterpflanze neben der Nahrung auch eine Abwehrsubstanz, mit der Pflanzen normalerweise hungrige Insekten abschrecken. Anders als die meisten Pflanzenschädlinge können die Erdflöhe diese Substanz entgiften, speichern und bei Bedarf für die Abwehr von räuberischen Insekten reaktivieren.
Effectiveness of Natural Frequency Technology® on cognition, sleep, and mood of adults with high perceived stress: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Hausenblas Heather A. , Hooper Stephanie , Knight Ashlyn , Hooper David
Published: June 2020

Introduction

NexQuest Natural Frequency Technology® (NFT®), intended to enhance biological function using naturally occurring frequencies, may be a nonpharmacological intervention to improve stress and health. The study purpose was to determine the effectiveness of NFT® for improving stress, sleep quality, mood, and cognition in adults.

Methods

Using a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover design, participants with high perceived stress (N = 42, M age = 43.8) were assessed at baseline (BL) and assigned to either the Placebo Watch (PW) or Wellness Watch (WW) condition for 2 weeks, and then 2 weeks in the alternate condition. Participants completed the following self‐report surveys of Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Food Craving Questionnaire, and Profile of Mood States, as well as the CNS Vital Signs neurocognitive test at BL and following each condition.

Results

The WW condition had significant improvements in sleep duration and Complex Attention compared to the PW group. Compared to BL, both conditions had significant improvements for perceived stress, food cravings, mood, sleep quality, and several cognitive tests, p's < .05.

Conclusion

Despite the placebo effect, NFT® may be a natural alterative for improving stress and health. Research is needed examining the efficacy of NFT® in a variety of populations and environments.
Flipped learning and threshold concepts in the Turbomachinery section of Fluid Engineering course
Authors: Gamez‐Montero Pedro J. , Peña Marta , Olmedo‐Torre Noelia
Published: June 2020

This paper outlines a practical intervention aiming to collect the effects of introducing flexible learning in engineering higher education. The work discusses the implementation of the flipped classroom method and the threshold concepts in the Turbomachinery section of Fluid Engineering course in the third year of Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's degree) at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Fluid Engineering is traditionally one of the hardest courses involving a complex interaction between understanding concepts and using those concepts in the solution of cases, which also require the development of a set of skills. This case study is centred on two student cohorts, and the research spans over two consecutive Fall semesters. The study is based on sound pedagogy of educational technologies, in practice, frequent student‐to‐instructor interaction, academic results, and statistical and survey analyses. A principal conclusion is that overall class performance is much higher than that of the previous courses. The results indicate that learners gained understanding from semester to semester and no statistical significance was observed between group and exam format. Students were satisfied with the level of suitability and the degree of compliance of the new implementation and found it constructive in their learning process, an important educational benefit. This positive experience, in terms of benefit‐cost and outcomes, encourages the intervention without sacrificing any curriculum syllabus, but taking advantage and bringing the benefits of interactivity distance learning technologies and traditional face‐to‐face lectures. This scholarly research aims to contribute to this area, by abandoning traditional lecturing in favour of active learning.
Real‐time visual and physical cutting of a meshless model deformed on a background grid
Authors: Magnoux Vincent , Ozell Benoît
Published: June 2020

Soft body deformation models are commonly used in surgery simulations. However, cutting those models can have a severe impact on computation times and affects the interactivity of the simulation. We propose a novel method for modeling topology and introducing cuts in a meshless soft body simulated on a background grid, as well a way to progressively update the visual aspect of the object by adding a small number of triangles to the surface mesh to cover the cut area. We determine that the accuracy of the deformation is preserved after cutting by comparing our method to a finite element method. Tests show that this new method achieves interactive simulation rates with more than 10,000 elements while cutting the model and reconstructing the mesh. Our separation of the visual and physical aspects of the simulation allows for more flexibility when tuning the performance of the simulation. Topology modifications have little impact on computation times for either physical or visual changes.
Hexokinase II Inhibitory Effect of Secondary Metabolites Derived from a Streptomyces sp. Associated with Mud Dauber Wasp
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Mei , Peng Ai‐Hong , Xie Wei‐Dong , Wang Mei , Zheng Dan , Feng Ming‐Kuan
Published: June 2020

Insect‐microbial symbioses have vast biochemical diversity, which is beneficial to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, chemical examination of a Streptomyces sp. associated with a mud dauber wasp led to the isolation of fourteen compounds. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods and comparison with literature data. Among the isolates, compounds 1,2,3‐benzotriazin‐4(1H)‐one and 4‐(2‐aminoethyl)phenyl acetate were first reported from this species. Bioactivities of the isolated compounds were assayed for the first time against hexokinase II. 4‐(2‐Aminoethyl)phenyl acetate, germicidin B, phenylacetic acid, isogermicidin A and germicidin C displayed significant inhibitory activity against hexokinase II, with the IC50 values of 5.11, 7.11, 7.15, 8.45 and 8.78 μM, respectively.
Zum Tessiner Radiolarit – eine Zeitreise in die Vergangenheit
Authors: Sicker Dieter
Published: June 2020

Reisen Sie gern? Oft hat man dabei unerwartete Erlebnisse, die irgendwie mit Chemie zu tun haben und chemisches Lehrbuchwissen wird ungeahnt erweitert. Es verknüpft sich mit Geschichte und Geschichten, unbekannten Anwendungen, praktischen Handgriffen und dem realen Leben anderer Menschen. Man staunt über etwas, in dem man gar nichts Staunenswertes vermutete. Über solche kleinen Wunder soll diese Serie berichten. Mehr als sonst wollen wir dazu Fotos benutzen.
Die Schlafkrankheit ist heilbar
Authors: Offermanns Heribert
Published: June 2020

Schon in einem frühen arabischen Werk von 1406 wird „illat elnom“, die Schlafkrankheit (Humane Afrikanische Trypanosomiasis, HAT) als Todesursache eines arabischen Fürsten erwähnt. Die Schlafkrankheit ist im zentralen Afrika – hauptsächlich in der Demokratischen Republik Kongo (Abbildung 1) – sehr weit verbreitet. Etwa 70 Millionen Menschen sind infektionsgefährdet, knapp eine Million Menschen sind infiziert, die Sterbequote liegt, falls nicht therapiert wird, bei 100 %. Zu größeren Epidemien kam es zum Beispiel zwischen 1898 und 1906 in Uganda, wo fast 200.000 Menschen der Krankheit zum Opfer fielen.
Visible Light‐Induced Copper‐Catalyzed C—H Arylation of Benzoxazoles†
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Zhang Guozhu
Published: June 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A general method for visible light‐induced copper‐catalyzed arylation of sp2 C—H bonds of azoles has been developed. The method employs aryl halide as the coupling partner, lithium alkoxide as base. A variety of azoles including benzooxazole and benzothiazole can be arylated. Furthermore, electron‐poor heterocycles such as thiophene possessing one electron‐withdrawing group can also be arylated.
Synthesis of π‐Extended Carbazoles via One‐Pot C—C Coupling and Chlorination Promoted by FeCl3
Authors: Qian Yang , Shang Jia , Lyu Zhen‐Hua , Huang Xin , Guan Ai‐jiao , Xu Li‐Jin , Gong Han‐Yuan
Published: June 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A facile synthesis, functionalization, and emission property of N‐doped carbon‐rich halogenated compound 3,6,12,15‐tetrachloro‐9‐phenyl‐9H‐tetrabenzo[a,c,g,i]carbazole (ClCbz) was reported. Cost‐effective FeCl3 catalyst serves to break eight C—H bonds of 1,2,3,4,5‐pentaphenylpyrrole (1) and subsequently construct two C—C and four C—Cl bonds in one pot with a high yield of up to 75%.
Construction of Metallacycle‐Linked Heteroarm Star Polymers via Orthogonal Post‐Assembly Polymerization and Their Intriguing Self‐Assembly into Large‐Area and Regular Nanocubes†
Authors: Jiang Shu‐Ting , Zheng Wei , Yang Guang , Zhu Yu , Chen Li‐Jun , Zhou Qi‐Feng , Wang Yu‐Xuan , Li Zhen , Yin Guang‐Qiang , Li Xiaopeng , Ding Hong‐Ming , Chen Guosong , Yang Hai‐Bo
Published: June 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

In recent years, synthesis of hybrid heteroarm star polymer with precisely defined arms has evolved to be one of the most attractive topics within polymer chemistry. In this study, we present the successful synthesis of metallacycle‐linked heteroarm star polymers (HASPs) composed of crystalline poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polyacrylate (poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) segments via combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled radical polymerization. Firstly, a hexagonal metallacycle containing three hydroxy groups and three chain transfer agent moieties at the alternative vertexes was designed and synthesized based on the general principle of coordination‐driven self‐assembly. Subsequently, upon combination of two orthogonal post‐assembly polymerizations, a new family of HASPs containing a well‐defined hexagonal metallacycle with precisely controlled position of polymer arms was facilely prepared. Interestingly, the obtained HASPs could spontaneously self‐assemble into large‐area and regular cubic nanoparticles in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/methanol (MeOH) mixed solvents under specific conditions as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This study provides a simple route to the controllable preparation of HASPs, and opens up a new way for further study on self‐assembly of different HASPs systems.
Fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status for breast cancer cases in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Kok Jessica Pei Chii , Haji Abdul Hamid Mas Rina Wati , Patnaik Ravi Sekhar , Kok Kenneth Yuh Yen
Published: June 2020

Background

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers among females of Brunei Darussalam. There are four subtypes of breast cancer, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER‐2) positive breast cancer, which is known to be more aggressive and have a poor prognosis.

Aim

This study aims to assess the proportion of HER‐2 positive cases and the association of HER‐2 positivity with patients' epidemiological and clinicopathological factors in Brunei Darussalam.

Methods and results

A total of 146 breast cancer cases that were sent for fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016 were obtained from The Brunei Cancer Centre, Brunei Darussalam. Data analysis was done with regards to age at diagnosis, ethnicity, stage at diagnosis and HER‐2 results by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and FISH.

Majority of the study population were diagnosed before the age of 50 years and the median age was 52.0 years. 58.2% (n = 85) cases were reported as IHC 3+, followed by 23.3% (n = 34) IHC 2+ cases and 18.5% (n = 27) negative cases. The proportion of true HER‐2 positive cases in total by FISH analysis was 34.9% (n = 51). Majority of Stage IV HER‐2 positive cases had metastases to the liver or bones.

Conclusions

Age at diagnosis is significant in determining HER‐2 status of tumours by FISH (P = .045). Tumour size (P < .001) and lymph node (P = .006) are significant in metastases of tumours. The proportion of HER‐2 positive cases is consistent with findings from the Asian region but higher than that of Western countries. Determining false‐positive and false‐negative results by IHC test is important to ensure adequate treatment for patients with breast cancer.
Compassion‐focused therapy for body weight shame: A mixed methods pilot trial
Authors: Carter Alicia , Gilbert Paul , Kirby James N.
Published: June 2020

Individuals with bigger bodies (body mass index greater than 30) often experience body weight shame and are at increased risk for mental health vulnerabilities such as depression and anxiety. To date, there have been no studies specifically designed and pilot tested to help with body weight shame for individuals with bigger bodies that do not have a diagnosed clinical condition. The aim of current study is to investigate the initial feasibility of compassion‐focused therapy (CFT) as a 12‐session group intervention for the reduction in body weight shame for individuals with bigger bodies. The study used a mixed method repeated measure design, with both quantitative and qualitative measures, to assess the initial feasibility of the CFT group‐based intervention. Participants (N= 5) attended a 12‐session/2‐h group CFT programme aimed to directly target body weight shame by cultivating compassion. Measurements were conducted at three time points (pre‐, post‐ and 3‐month follow‐up intervention). Results indicated that CFT had a positive impact on reducing body weight shame, increasing compassion and improving health‐engaging behaviours. Qualitative feedback indicated the importance of the group dynamics to help with the de‐shaming of body appearance for individuals. Results from this feasibility trial are promising, and future research using randomized controlled trial methodologies should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CFT as a treatment option for body weight shame for individuals with bigger bodies.
CRISPR/Cas9‐Based Genome Editing Using Rice Zygotes
Authors: Toda Erika , Okamoto Takashi
Published: June 2020

Genome‐editing technology involving the targeted mutagenesis of plants using programmable nucleases has been developing rapidly and has enormous potential in next‐generation plant breeding. Its application has been hindered in many cases, however, due to technical hurdles, such as the low rate of macromolecule delivery into plant cells and tissues or difficulties in plant transformation and regeneration. Here, a protocol for CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome editing using rice zygotes is described. The genome‐editing system is constructed via polyethylene glycol/calcium‐mediated transfection with CRISPR/Cas9 components in rice zygotes, which are produced by in vitro fertilization of isolated rice gametes. Plasmid DNA harboring a CRISPR/Cas9 expression cassette or preassembled Cas9 protein–guide RNA ribonucleoproteins is transfected into zygotes, resulting in the regeneration of plants with a high frequency of the targeted mutation, which is either mono‐allelic or bi‐allelic, in the range of about 4% to 64%. Application of the present method has the potential to advance the molecular breeding of other crop species as well as rice. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Synovial fluid CD69+CD8+ T cells with tissue‐resident phenotype mediate perforin‐dependent citrullination in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jung Jae Hyung , Lee Jung Sun , Kim Yong‐Gil , Lee Chang‐Keun , Yoo Bin , Shin Eui‐Cheol , Hong Seokchan
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Although the importance of tissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells in organ‐specific chronic inflammation has been recognised, little is known about their role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we examined the characteristics of synovial fluid CD8+ T cells that express canonical TRM markers CD69 and CD103, and their role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Methods

Synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) were obtained from patients with RA. Flow cytometric analysis of surface markers and cytotoxic molecules of CD8+ T cells was performed. TCR repertoire of CD8+ T cells was analysed by TCRVβ CDR3 sequencing. Citrullination with the formation of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining.

Results

The frequency of CD8+ T cells was increased in SFMCs, and these CD8+ T cells were primarily comprised of CD45RA‐ memory T cells expressing CD69 and/or CD103. CD69+CD8+ T cells exhibited TRM phenotypes, including upregulation of CXCR6, CD49a and CD101, and downregulation of S1PR1 and KLF2. TCR repertoire analysis showed that these cells were an oligoclonally expanded population with increased expression of cytotoxic molecules. The treatment of neutrophils with supernatant from IL‐15‐stimulated CD69+CD8+ T cells induced perforin‐mediated histone citrullination and NET formation irrespective of their CD103 expression. The frequency of perforin‐expressing cells among CD69+CD8+ T cells in SFMCs was significantly higher in patients with anti‐citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) than in those without ACPA.

Conclusion

CD69+CD8+ T cells in the SFMCs of RA patients exhibit TRM‐like features. These cells may participate in the pathogenesis of RA via perforin‐mediated citrullination.