bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas
Authors: Lin J-P , Zhao Y-J , He Q-L , Hao H-K , Tian Y-T , Zou B-B , Jiang L-X , Lin W , Zhou Y B , Li Z , Xu Y-C , Zhao G , Xue F-Q , Li S-L , Fu W-H , Li Y-X , Zhou X-J , Li Y , Zhu Z-G , Chen J-P , Xu Z-K , Cai L-H , Li E , Li H-L , Xie J-W , Huang C-M , Li P , Lin J-X , Zheng C-H
Published: April 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival in patients with resectable gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas (G-NECs) or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (G-MANECs).

Methods

The study included patients with G-NECs or G-MANECs who underwent surgery in one of 21 centres in China between 2004 and 2016. Propensity score matching analysis was used to reduce selection bias, and overall survival (OS) in different treatment groups was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

In total, 804 patients with resectable G-NECs or G-MANECs were included, of whom 490 (60·9 per cent) received adjuvant chemotherapy. After propensity score matching, OS in the chemotherapy group was similar to that in the no-chemotherapy group. Among patients with G-NECs, survival in the fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy group and the non-5-FU-based chemotherapy group was similar to that in the no-chemotherapy group. Similarly, etoposide plus cisplatin or irinotecan plus cisplatin was not associated with better OS in patients with G-NECs. Among patients with G-MANECs, OS in the non-5-FU-based chemotherapy group was worse than that in the no-chemotherapy group. Patients with G-MANECs did not have better OS when platinum-based chemotherapy was used.

Conclusion

There was no survival benefit in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy for G-NECs or G-MANECs.
Recommendations for general surgery activities in a pandemic scenario (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Di Marzo F , Sartelli M , Cennamo R , Toccafondi G , Coccolini F , La Torre G , Tulli G , Lombardi M , Cardi M
Published: April 2020

Challenging times
Recent wave of 403(b) litigation offers insight for educational institutions and fiduciaries
Authors: Gutierrez Iván Resendiz
Published: April 2020

Colleges and universities have seen a wave of class‐action lawsuits concerning IRS Code Section 403(b) plans. Between 2016 and 2019, a well‐known retirement‐plan litigator sued about 20 universities — including Johns Hopkins University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, and the University of Pennsylvania — and their fiduciaries under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The lawsuits share similar allegations about the acts and omissions of fiduciaries and target retirement‐plan features common among universities. For example, the lawsuits allege the universities breached their fiduciary duties by (1) imprudently managing the selection of record‐keeping vendors, resulting in excessively high fees; (2) offering too many investment options, allegedly confusing employees; (3) failing to monitor the performance of and to timely remove expensive, underperforming investments; and (4) failing to avoid conflicts of interest between plans and record‐keepers. These lawsuits highlight the importance of educating plan sponsors and their fiduciaries about their responsibilities and litigation risks.
Apply involuntary withdrawal procedures for students who pose a direct threat
Authors: Masinter Michael
Published: April 2020

A recent court decision, R.W. v. Columbia Basin College, No. 4:18‐CV‐5089‐RMP (E.D. Wash. 10/04/19), demonstrates the importance of enacting and applying involuntary withdrawal policies for students whose words or actions pose a direct threat to the safety of others without regard to whether they violated conduct codes.
Exploration of a Novel Preventative Policing Approach in the United Kingdom to Adverse Childhood Experiences
Authors: Chandan Joht Singh , Hughes Nathan , Thomas Tom , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Taylor Julie
Published: April 2020

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with negative mental and physical health consequences. Neighbourhood police officers (NPOs) are thought to be well placed to identify and support children experiencing ACEs. Within this paper, we describe a qualitative exploration of an initiative deployed by a large UK police force which aimed to aid early identification of young people with ACEs using police data and provide subsequent support given by NPOs. A thematic analysis was conducted using transcripts from three focus groups of NPOs, supplemented by questionnaires. Key themes identified in both sets of data offer reflections for policing and other public service provision seeking to target on the basis of ACEs, including: limitations in the usefulness of police data to identify childhood adversity; challenges using the ACEs framework as a means to target such ‘early intervention’; and debates regarding the appropriate role of the police in supporting young people in adversity. Prior to replication of this intervention elsewhere, there are several points to consider: whether police data alone are sufficient in identifying ACEs; ensuring clarity regarding the role of the public sector agencies in such intervention; and determining an apt measure of success for the scheme.

Key practitioner messages

Modelling using only police data can provide insight into the population of children who may have suffered from ACEs but may not provide significant opportunities for early intervention

There is a clear need for defining the role of UK police forces in the delivery of early intervention

It is evident that multi‐agency working/data sharing is crucial to preventing the duplication of referrals and interventions conducted with young people who have experienced ACEs

‘There is a clear need for defining the role of UK police forces in the delivery of early intervention’
Inheritance of a paternal ABCC8 variant and maternal loss of heterozygosity at 11p15 retrospectively unmasks the etiology in a case of Congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Joyce Caroline M. , Houghton Jayne A. , O’Halloran Domhnall J. , O’Shea Paula M. , O’Connell Susan M.
Published: April 2020

Advances in genomics and 18F‐DOPA PET‐CT imaging have transformed the management of infants with Congenital Hyperinsulinism. Preoperative diagnosis of focal hyperinsulinism permits limited pancreatectomy with improved clinical outcomes while knowledge of the molecular etiology informs genetic counseling and provides a more accurate recurrence risk to families.
Computational and Experimental Investigation of an Industrial Biomass Furnace
Authors: Pfeiffelmann Björn , Diederich Michael , Gül Fethi , Benim Ali Cemal , Heese Markus , Hamberger Andreas
Published: April 2020

An industrial biomass boiler of 200 kW thermal power is analyzed by computational and experimental methods. Gas composition and temperature within the furnace and in the downstream heat exchanger are measured. Combustion, flow and heat transfer processes within the furnace, exhaust tract as well as the forced convection on the water side of the heat exchanger are computationally investigated by the finite volume method‐based computational fluid dynamics procedures. The predictions are compared with the experiments. A satisfactory overall agreement between the predicted and measured temperatures is observed with an average deviation about 5 %. For oxygen mole fractions a fair agreement is found that shows deviations within the range of 10–20 %. For carbon monoxide, calculations exhibit a stronger underprediction.
Rationale and design of a smartphone‐enabled, home‐based exercise program in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease: The smart step randomized trial
Authors: Harzand Arash , Vakili Alexander A. , Alrohaibani Alaaeddin , Abdelhamid Smah M. , Gordon Neil F. , Thiel John , Benarroch‐Gampel Jaime , Teodorescu Victoria J. , Minton Keri , Wenger Nanette K. , Rajani Ravi R. , Shah Amit J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Supervised exercise therapy (SET) is recommended in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as first‐line therapy, although patient adoption remains low. Home‐based exercise therapy (HBET) delivered through smartphones may expand access. The feasibility of such programs, especially in low‐resource settings, remains unknown.

Methods

Smart Step is a pilot randomized trial of smartphone‐enabled HBET vs walking advice in patients with symptomatic PAD in an inner‐city hospital. Participants receive a smartphone app with daily exercise reminders and educational content. A trained coach performs weekly phone‐based coaching sessions. All participants receive a Fitbit Charge HR 2 to measure physical activity. The primary outcome changes in 6‐minute walking test (6MWT) distance at 12 weeks over baseline. Secondary outcomes are the degree of engagement with the smartphone app and changes in health behaviors and quality of life scores after 12 weeks and 1 year.

Results

A total of 15 patients are randomized as of December 15, 2019 with a mean (SD) age of 66.1 (5.8) years. The majority are female (60%) and black (87%). At baseline, the mean (SD) ABI and 6MWT were 0.86 (0.29) and 363.5 m, respectively. Enrollment is expected to continue until December 2020 to achieve a target size of 50 participants.

Conclusions

The potential significance of this trial will be to provide preliminary evidence of a home‐based, “mobile‐first” approach for delivering a structured exercise rehabilitation program. Smartphone‐enabled HBET can be potentially more accessible than center‐based programs, and if proven effective, may have a potential widespread public health benefit.
Hemodynamic effects of blood clots trapped by an inferior vena cava filter
Authors: López Josep M. , Fortuny Gerard , Puigjaner Dolors , Herrero Joan , Marimon Francesc
Published: April 2020

The alteration of blood flow around an OPTEASE inferior vena cava filter with one or two blood clots attached was investigated by means of computational fluid dynamics. We used a patient‐specific vein wall geometry, and we generated different clot models with shapes adapted to the filter and vein wall geometries. A total of eight geometries, with one or two clots and a total clot volume of 0.5 or 1 cm3, were considered. A non‐Newtonian model for blood viscosity was adopted and the possible development of turbulence was accounted for by means of a three‐equation model. Two blood flow rates were considered for each case, representative for rest and exercise conditions. In exercise conditions, flow unsteadiness and even turbulence was detected in some cases. Pressure and wall shear stress (WSS) distributions were modified in all cases. Clots attached to the filter downstream basket considerably increased averaged WSS values by up to almost 50%. In all the cases a flow recirculation region appeared downstream of the clot. The degree of flow stagnation in these regions, an indicator of propensity to thrombogenesis, was estimated in terms of mean residence times and mean blood viscosity. High levels of flow stagnation were detected in rest conditions in the wake of those clots that were placed upstream from the filter. Our results suggest that one downstream placed big clot, showing a higher tendency to induce flow instabilities and turbulence, might be more harmful than two small clots placed in tandem.
Telecommunication customer satisfaction using self‐organized network‐based heuristic algorithm
Authors: Lema Gebrehiwet Gebrekrstos
Published: April 2020

The emerging network including long‐term evolution‐advanced (LTE‐A) aims at enhancing the telecommunication customer satisfaction in numerous aspects including system capacity, network coverage, handover management, and quality of service (QoS). Effective handover (HO) management reduces HO failure and hence enhances the data rate and supports user mobility. There are numerous challenges that increase the call drop rate. Among the main challenges that increase the call drop rate, the variable user speeds and variable traffic loads are the major ones. Hence, the time to trigger (TTT), HO margin (HOM), and HO offset (HOO) are used to evaluate the HO management using self‐organized network‐based heuristic algorithm under variable user speeds and variable traffic loads. In recent researches, different HO management techniques were applied to manage the HO decision including fuzzy‐logic tactics and Q‐learning. However, they did not apply intelligent optimization techniques that adapt the variable user speeds and dynamic traffic loads. This paper aims at increasing the telecom customer satisfaction by decreasing the call drop rate using particle swarm optimization (PSO), which adaptively manages the handover control parameters according to the user speed and traffic loads. The simulation results have shown that the proposed optimization tool results in significant call drop rate reduction compared to the ordinary HO management.
Enhancing pollination is more effective than increased conventional agriculture inputs for improving watermelon yields
Authors: Sawe Thomas , Eldegard Katrine , Totland Ørjan , Macrice Samora , Nielsen Anders
Published: April 2020

Agricultural practices to improve yields in small‐scale farms in Africa usually focus on improving growing conditions for the crops by applying fertilizers, irrigation, and/or pesticides. This may, however, have limited effect on yield if the availability of effective pollinators is too low. In this study, we established an experiment to test whether soil fertility, soil moisture, and/or pollination was limiting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) yields in Northern Tanzania. We subjected the experimental field to common farming practices while we treated selected plants with extrafertilizer applications, increased irrigation and/or extra pollination in a three‐way factorial experiment. One week before harvest, we assessed yield from each plant, quantified as the number of mature fruits and their weights. We also assessed fruit shape since this may affect the market price. For the first fruit ripening on each plant, we also assessed sugar content (brix) and flesh color as measures of fruit quality for human consumption. Extra pollination significantly increased the probability of a plant producing a second fruit of a size the farmer could sell at the market, and also the fruit sugar content, whereas additional fertilizer applications or increased irrigation did not improve yields. In addition, we did not find significant effects of increased fertilizer or watering on fruit sugar, weight, or color. We concluded that, insufficient pollination is limiting watermelon yields in our experiment and we suggest that this may be a common situation in sub‐Saharan Africa. It is therefore critically important that small‐scale farmers understand the role of pollinators and understand their importance for agricultural production. Agricultural policies to improve yields in developing countries should therefore also include measures to improve pollination services by giving education and advisory services to farmers on how to develop pollinator‐friendly habitats in agricultural landscapes.
Tenofovir Versus Entecavir on Recurrence of Hepatitis B Virus–Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Surgical Resection
Authors: Choi Jonggi , Jo Chanyoung , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Studies have suggested that tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment is associated with a significantly lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence when compared with entecavir (ETV) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. We aimed to compare HCC recurrence and survival of patients treated with TDF or ETV after surgical resection for hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related HCC.

Approach and Results

This historical cohort study included 1,695 consecutive patients treated with ETV (n = 813) or TDF (n = 882) after curative‐intent hepatectomy for HBV‐related HCC of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0 or A in Korea between 2010 and 2018. HCC recurrence and overall survival of patients were compared between ETV and TDF groups by propensity score–matched and multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression analyses from the date of hepatectomy for HCC. The mean age of the study patients was 54.8 years, and 1,294 patients (76.3%) were male. During the median follow‐up duration of 37.6 months with continued ETV or TDF therapy, 561 (33.1%) patients developed HCC recurrence, 144 (8.4%) died, and 22 (1.3%) received liver transplant. Compared with ETV, TDF therapy was associated with significantly higher recurrence‐free (P = 0.02) and overall survival (P = 0.03) rates by propensity score–matched analysis. By multivariable‐adjusted analysis, the TDF group was associated with significantly lower rates of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.68‐0.98; P = 0.03), and death or transplantation (HR, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.44‐0.88; P = 0.01). TDF therapy was an independent protective factor for both early (<2 years; HR, 0.79; P = 0.03) and late (≥2 years; HR, 0.68; P = 0.03) postoperative HCC recurrence.

Conclusions

Among patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HBV‐related HCC, TDF therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of HCC recurrence and better overall patient survival compared with ETV therapy.
Fine for non‐attendance in public hospitals in Denmark: A survey of non‐attenders' reasons and attitudes
Authors: Vaeggemose Ulla , Blæhr Emely Ek , Thomsen Anne Marie L. , Burau Viola , Ankersen Pia Vedel , Lou Stina
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate non‐attending patients' reasons for non‐attendance and their general and specific attitudes towards a non‐attendance fine.

Data sources

Non‐attenders at two hospital departments participating in a trial of fine for non‐attendance from May 2015 to January 2017.

Design

A quantitative questionnaire study was conducted among non‐attenders.

Data collection

Non‐attending patients in the intervention group were invited to complete the questionnaire. The response rate was 39% and the total number of respondents was 71 individuals.

Principal findings

The main reason for non‐attendance was technical challenges with the digital appointment and with cancelation. The main part of the respondents was generally positive towards a fine for non‐attendance. However, approximately the half had a negative attitude towards the actual fine issued.

Conclusions

Technical challenges with appointments and cancelation should get special attention when addressing non‐attendance. Danish non‐attending patients are primarily positive towards the general principle of issuing a fine for non‐attendance. However, a significant proportion of the generally positive, reported a negative specific attitude to the specific fine issued to them. This, however, did not affect their general attitude.
Thermal performance analysis of gas turbine engines based on different compressor configurations
Authors: Almutairi Abdulrahman , Zedan Mohamed , Alhajeri Hamad M. , Alenezi Abdulrahman
Published: April 2020

In this study, the performance of several gas turbine engines has been investigated using computational modelling based on the actual manufacturer's data. Further, the study focuses on evaluating the impact of varying the configuration of the compressor on overall engine performance based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The results confirm that the main source of irreversibilities occurs in the combustion chamber in all cases. The exergetic efficiency of the gas turbine engine significantly varies with compressor configurations, type of compressors, load variation, climatic condition, and isentropic efficiency. The engine capacity and high‐pressure turbine inlet temperature govern the gas turbine performance, and higher values are more favourable. The gas turbine exergetic efficiency drops off when the power setting adjusted at part‐load and at high ambient temperature. The most optimal gas turbine performance is located at the single axial compressor case, followed by the axial‐centrifugal compressor and then the centrifugal–centrifugal compressor.
The onset of Darcy‐Brinkman convection in a porous medium layer with vertical throughflow and variable gravity field effects
Authors: Yadav Dhananjay
Published: April 2020

In this study, the influence of constant throughflow and varying downward gravity field on the onset of Darcy‐Brinkman convection in a porous medium layer is examined numerically. We considered two cases of gravity field variations: (a) linear and (b) parabolic. A higher‐order Galerkin‐weighted residual technique and QZ procedure are used to get the numerical solution for the entire Darcy numbers amid (Horton‐Rogers‐Lapwood convection) and (Rayleigh Bénard Convection). It is obtained that the throughflow, the downward gravity field and the Darcy number are to holdup the beginning of convection. It is also obtained that the system is more stable for linear variation of gravity field in comparison to the parabolic variation.
Continuities across continents: Assessing African American cultural themes among Black and Coloured South Africans
Authors: Hurley Eric A. , Hurley Shelva Paulse
Published: April 2020

Much of the scholarship concerning African American culture is premised on the notion that it is a legacy of African origins but there has been essentially no attempt to document that relationship empirically. This paper briefly reviews existing evidence for cultural continuity in the Diaspora and then compares the responses of Black and Coloured South African and African Americans on measures of culture emic to African American populations. The observed patterns of psychometric performance, participants' responses, and the predictive utility of the measures employed were consistent with the thesis that despite inevitable variation, these three groups of the African Diaspora share similar orientations on the cultural themes assessed. This research hopes to initiate empirical work on the continuity thesis as it applies to connecting African American culture with a legacy of Africa and as related more broadly to the study of global Diasporas.
Modification of decellularized vascular xenografts with 8‐arm polyethylene glycol suppresses macrophage infiltration but maintains graft degradability
Authors: Mahara Atsushi , Kitai Marina , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Hikima Takaaki , Ohya Yuichi , Sasaki Sono , Sakurai Shinichi , Yamaoka Tetsuji
Published: April 2020

Because acellular vascular xenografts induce an immunological reaction through macrophage infiltration, they are conventionally crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA). However, the GA crosslinking reaction inhibits not only the host immune reaction around the graft but also the graft's enzymatic degradability, which is one of the key characteristics of acellular grafts that allow them to be replaced by host tissue. In this study, we used an 8‐arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) to successfully suppress macrophage infiltration, without eliminating graft degradation. Decellularized ostrich carotid arteries were modified with GA or N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐activated 8‐arm PEG (8‐arm PEG‐NHS), which has a molecular weight of 17 kDa. To evaluate the enzymatic degradation in vitro, the graft was immersed in a collagenase solution for 12 hr. The 8‐arm PEG‐modified graft was degraded to the same extent as the unmodified graft, but the GA‐modified graft was not degraded. The graft was transplanted into rat subcutaneous tissue for up to 8 weeks. Although CD68‐positive cells accumulated in the unmodified graft, they did not infiltrate into either modified graft. However, the GA‐modified grafts calcified, but the 8‐arm PEG‐modified graft did not calcify after transplantation. These data suggested that 8‐arm PEG‐NHS is a promising modification agent for biodegradable vascular xenografts, to suppress acute macrophage infiltration only.
Preparation and characterization of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide films and studies on their antibiofilm formation activity
Authors: Ying Ye , Wu Yunbo , Huang Jianying
Published: April 2020

Biocomposite films containing graphene oxide (GO), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and chitosan (CS) were prepared using the casting/evaporation technique. These as‐prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that these three component films could be well mixed in certain conditions and the GO sheets were well dispersed. The better performances such as the water resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties have been improved. Meanwhile, good antibacterial activity and antibiofilm formation activity of the prepared CS/PVA/GO films were exhibited against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. The resulting biocomposite films with combination of CS, PVA, and GO advantages have desirable properties and should be suitable for food and medical packaging applications.
Enhanced chondrogenesis of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in a gelatin honeycomb scaffold
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsun , Wu Kun‐Chi , Wang Chen‐Chie , Ding Dah‐Ching
Published: April 2020

Transplantation of chondrogenic stem cells is a promising strategy for cartilage repair, but requires improvements in cell sourcing, maintenance, and chondrogenic differentiation efficiency. We examined whether gelatin honeycomb scaffolds can enhance the proliferation, viability, and chondrogenic capability of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) compared to standard plate cultures. In addition, the survival and phenotypic stability of HUCMSC‐derived chondrocytes in a scaffold were evaluated in mice over 6 weeks post‐transplantation. Survival and proliferation rates of HUCMSCs were comparable between scaffold and plate culture. Scaffold culture in a chondrogenic differentiation medium induced more stable expression of the key hyaline cartilage genes COL2A1 and ACAN and the production of the respective proteins Type II collagen and aggrecan as well as glycosaminoglycan. These HUCMSC‐differentiated chondrocytes also stably expressed cartilage genes and proteins in the scaffold 6 weeks after transplantation into nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. These findings indicate that honeycomb‐like gelatin scaffolds can promote the survival and chondrogenic differentiation of HUCMSCs to form hyaline‐like cartilage.
DAPT inhibits titanium particle‐induced osteolysis by suppressing the RANKL/Notch2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Xiang , Fan Baoting , Chen Xuzhuo , Cheng Yutian , Zhang Aobo , Yu Shiqi , Zhang Shanyong , Zhao Huaqiang
Published: April 2020

Artificial prosthesis is wildly used in clinical medicine for degenerative disease such as osteoclast‐related diseases. However, the material wear particles released from the surface of prostheses cause prosthetic loosening as a result of aseptic osteolysis in long‐term use. Therefore, it is important to find an agent that inhibits the formation and function of osteoclast for therapeutic use. Notch signaling pathway plays a lot of roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, the role of Notch signaling pathway in osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of γ‐secretase inhibitor DAPT on osteoclastogenesis via Notch signaling pathway in vitro and titanium particle‐induced osteolysis in vivo. In animal experiments, the inhibitory effect of DAPT on titanium particle‐induced osteolysis in a mouse calvaria model was demonstrated. Interestingly, few resorption pits were observed following administration of DAPT and almost no osteoclasts formed at high concentration of DAPT. in vitro experiments revealed the mechanism of the effects of DAPT on osteoclastogenesis. DAPT inhibited the formation and function of osteoclast by blocking RANKL‐induced Notch2‐NF‐κB complex signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results indicated that DAPT could prevent and cure titanium particle‐induced prosthetic loosening and other osteoclast‐related diseases.
Acylation and deacylation mechanism and kinetics of penicillin G reaction with StreptomycesR61 DD‐peptidase
Authors: Cheng Qianyi , DeYonker Nathan J.
Published: April 2020

Two quantum mechanical (QM)‐cluster models are built for studying the acylation and deacylation mechanism and kinetics of Streptomyces R61 DD‐peptidase with the penicillin G at atomic level detail. DD‐peptidases are bacterial enzymes involved in the cross‐linking of peptidoglycan to form the cell wall, necessary for bacterial survival. The cross‐linking can be inhibited by antibiotic beta‐lactam derivatives through acylation, preventing the acyl‐enzyme complex from undergoing further deacylation. The deacylation step was predicted to be rate‐limiting. Transition state and intermediate structures are found using density functional theory in this study, and thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the proposed mechanism are evaluated. The acyl‐enzyme complex is found lying in a deep thermodynamic sink, and deacylation is indeed the severely rate‐limiting step, leading to suicide inhibition of the peptidoglycan cross‐linking. The usage of QM‐cluster models is a promising technique to understand, improve, and design antibiotics to disrupt function of the Streptomyces R61 DD‐peptidase.
LINC02535 co‐functions with PCBP2 to regulate DNA damage repair in cervical cancer by stabilizing RRM1 mRNA
Authors: Wen Danxia , Huang Zhong , Li Zhouyu , Tang Xi , Wen Xiaomin , Liu Jinquan , Li Mingyi
Published: April 2020

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the commonest malignant cancers among women with high morbidity and mortality. Despite encouraging advances had been found in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, effective therapeutic strategy and further exploration of the mechanism underlying in CC is still needed. We searched The Cancer Genome Atlas database and found that long noncoding RNA LINC02535 was highly expressed in CC. LINC02535 has not been studied in CC, and its molecular regulation mechanism remains unknown. Based on starBase database, LINC02535 could potentially bind poly (rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2). In the present study, we discovered a significant increase of the LINC02535 and PCBP2 expression in CC tissues and cells as compared with the adjacent normal tissues and normal cervical epithelial cells. LINC02535 and PCBP2 can bind with each other and were colocated in cytoplasm. LINC02535 and PCBP2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and suppressed apoptosis in CC. LINC02535 and PCBP2 facilitated the repair of DNA damage to promote CC progression. LINC02535 cooperated with PCBP2 to enhance the stability of RRM1 messenger RNA (mRNA). RRM1 promoted the repair of DNA damage and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in CC cells. LINC02535 regulated tumorigenesis in vivo. In conclusion, LINC02535 cooperated with PCBP2, regulated stability of RRM1 mRNA to promote cell proliferation and EMT process in CC cells by facilitating the repair of DNA damage, providing a potential biomarker for CC.
Incidence and risk factors of osteoporotic status in outpatients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Yokota Keiichiro , Iwabu Jun , Munekage Masaya , Uemura Sunao , Tsujii Shigehiro , Maeda Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Karashima Takashi , Kumon Masamitsu , Inoue Keiji , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Disorders in bone metabolism have long been recognized as typical sequelae of gastrectomy; however, the pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, resulting in a variation of reported incidence. This study aimed to evaluate current bone health by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) in patients treated by gastrectomy for gastric cancer, with a focus on incidence and risk factors of osteoporosis.

Methods

The study enrolled 81 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Kochi Medical School. BMD of the lumbar spine was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray mineral absorptiometry, with the results expressed as a percentage of the young adult mean (YAM). Clinical data were also obtained to investigate associations with BMD.

Results

Of the 81 study patients, 12 (14.8%) were deemed to have osteoporosis, defined by a percentage of YAM <70, with a dominance of females over males (66.7% vs 17.4%; P < 0.001). The median body weight, hemoglobin concentration, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level of the patients with osteoporosis was significantly lower than in those with a percentage of YAM ≥70 group (39.6 kg vs 53.1 kg, P < 0.001; 10.9 mg/dL vs 12.5 mg/dL, P = 0.010; 210 U/L vs 251 U/L, P = 0.002). Further analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between body weight and percentage of YAM (r = 0.441, P < 0.001). Despite the administration of bisphosphonates in these patients during this study, one acquired a bone fracture.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis was found in 14.8% of postoperative gastric cancer patients, with female gender, low body weight, and low ALP proposed as risk factors for osteoporosis and thus future bone fracture.
Are Aid Agencies Changing their Practices?
Authors: Palagashvili Liya , Williamson Claudia R.
Published: April 2020

Using data from 2004 to 2008−2012, we provide the first multi‐year agency monitoring of Development Assistance Committee (DAC), multilateral and United Nations (UN) agencies. Our results suggest that, on average, DAC donor performance has declined while multilateral and UN agency performance has increased. Specifically, multilateral and UN agencies are more transparent and specialized while DAC donors are less specialized and failed to improve in other categories. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frontline Science: Dynamic cellular and subcellular features of migrating leukocytes revealed by in vivo lattice lightsheet microscopy
Authors: Manley Harriet R , Potter David L , Heddleston John M , Chew Teng-Leong , Keightley M Cristina , Lieschke Graham J
Published: April 2020

Neutrophil and macrophage (Mϕ) migration underpin the inflammatory response. However, the fast velocity, multidirectional instantaneous movement, and plastic, ever-changing shape of phagocytes confound high-resolution intravital imaging. Lattice lightsheet microscopy (LLSM) captures highly dynamic cell morphology at exceptional spatiotemporal resolution. We demonstrate the first extensive application of LLSM to leukocytes in vivo, utilizing optically transparent zebrafish, leukocyte-specific reporter lines that highlighted subcellular structure, and a wounding assay for leukocyte migration. LLSM revealed details of migrating leukocyte morphology, and permitted intricate, volumetric interrogation of highly dynamic activities within their native physiological setting. Very thin, recurrent uropod extensions must now be considered a characteristic feature of migrating neutrophils. LLSM resolved trailing uropod extensions, demonstrating their surprising length, and permitting quantitative assessment of cytoskeletal contributions to their evanescent form. Imaging leukocytes in blood vessel microenvironments at LLSM’s spatiotemporal resolution displayed blood-flow-induced neutrophil dynamics and demonstrated unexpected leukocyte-endothelial interactions such as leukocyte-induced endothelial deformation against the intravascular pressure. LLSM of phagocytosis and cell death provided subcellular insights and uncovered novel behaviors. Collectively, we provide high-resolution LLSM examples of leukocyte structures (filopodia lamellipodia, uropod extensions, vesicles), and activities (interstitial and intravascular migration, leukocyte rolling, phagocytosis, cell death, and cytoplasmic ballooning). Application of LLSM to intravital leukocyte imaging sets the stage for transformative studies into the cellular and subcellular complexities of phagocyte biology.
Influenza A virus PB1-F2 protein: An ambivalent innate immune modulator and virulence factor
Authors: Cheung Pak-Hin Hinson , Lee Tak-Wang Terence , Chan Chi-Ping , Jin Dong-Yan
Published: April 2020

Influenza A virus (IAV) causes not only seasonal respiratory illness, but also outbreaks of more severe disease and pandemics when novel strains emerge as a result of reassortment or interspecies transmission. PB1-F2 is an IAV protein expressed from the second open reading frame of PB1 gene. Small as it is, PB1-F2 is a critical virulence factor. Multiple key amino acid residues and motifs of PB1-F2 have been shown to influence the virulence of IAV in a strain- and host-specific manner, plausibly through the induction of apoptotic cell death, modulation of type I IFN response, activation of inflammasome, and facilitation of secondary bacterial infection. However, the exact role of PB1-F2 in IAV pathogenesis remains unexplained. Through reanalysis of the current literature, we redefine PB1-F2 as an ambivalent innate immune modulator that determines IAV infection outcome through induction of immune cell death, differential modulation of early- and late-type I IFN response, and promotion of pathogenic inflammation. PB1-F2 functions both intracellularly and extracellularly. Further investigations of the mechanistic details of PB1-F2 action will shed new light on immunopathogenesis of IAV infection.
Cholesterotropic and cuprotropic chemicals
Authors: Klevay Leslie M
Published: April 2020

A dozen or so chemicals modify both cholesterol and copper metabolism. Ascorbic acid and cadmium, etc., inhibit copper metabolism and raise cholesterol. Calcium and clofibrate, etc., enhance copper and lower cholesterol. Perhaps the doses of dietary cholesterol and fructose in this experiment were too severe to permit fenofibrate to lower cholesterol in a manner similar to clofibrate. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of relative humidity on the corrosion behavior of Sn–0.7Cu solder under polyvinyl chloride fire smoke atmosphere
Authors: Li Qian , Lin Jin , Li Changhai , Lu Shouxiang , Chen Xiao
Published: April 2020

The effect of environment relative humidity (RH) on the corrosion behavior of Sn–0.7Cu solder was investigated by the weight loss method and surface characterization techniques. In this study, RH ranging from 50% to 98% was researched. The results show that the corrosion degree is getting worse from 50% RH to 90% RH. However, the corrosion rate at 98% RH is lower than that at 90% RH, which may be ascribed to the degree of oxygen diffusion in electrolyte layers of different thicknesses. The microstructure characterization proved that the corrosion products exhibit a superimposed growth and present the same corrosion degree variation trend as the corrosion kinetics. The compositions of corrosion products are examined, and Sn21Cl16(OH)14O6, SnO, and SnO2 are the main corrosion products.
Topological‐based comparison and computer‐based analysis of TUC4[m,n], TUZC6[m,n], and TUAC6[m,n] nanotubes
Authors: Liu Shulong , Gao Chao , Yan Ping , Ahmed Rizwan , Javaid Nasir , Rafaqat Muhammad
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present the M‐polynomials and degree‐dependent topological indices (TIs) of TUC4[m,n] nanotubes. The TIs are real numbers attached with the graph of nanotube and help us to understand properties of understudy nanotube. The M‐polynomial is important because it contains information about degree‐dependent TIs, and almost all degree‐dependent TIs can be obtained from this simple algebraic polynomial. The computer‐based comparison of our results with existing results of two nanotubes TUZC6[m,n] and TUAC6[m,n] is presented.
Barriers to home‐based palliative care in people with cancer: A qualitative study of the perspective of caregivers
Authors: Hassankhani Hadi , Rahmani Azad , Best Amy , Taleghani Fariba , Sanaat Zohreh , Dehghannezhad Javad
Published: April 2020

Aim

To investigate the barriers to home‐based palliative care for cancer patients from professional caregivers' experiences.

Design

A qualitative study.

Method

This is a descriptive‐qualitative study carried out in the community‐based care. Twenty‐three participants took part in this study. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews.

Results

Data analysis led to the identification of three category of barriers including the lack of instructions (the lack of clinical practice guidelines, the ambiguity of tariffs and the lack of insurance coverage), family desperation (family views of prognosis, distrust and poverty) and lack of professionalism (limited knowledge, the use of amateur nurses and siloed care). Developing a care protocol and providing resources support contribute to the development of home‐based palliative care. Moreover, the education of families and training courses for nurses must be fostered.
Higher plasma asparaginase activity after intramuscular than intravenous Erwinia asparaginase
Authors: Panetta John C. , Liu Yiwei , Swanson Hope D. , Karol Seth E. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Inaba Hiroto , Jeha Sima , Relling Mary V.
Published: April 2020

It is unclear if dosing intervals for Erwinase can be extended with intramuscular (i.m.) versus intravenous (i.v.) dosing. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia received Erwinase at 30 000‐42 000 IU/m2 i.v. or i.m. I.m. Erwinase (n = 22) achieved activity above 0.1 IU/mL for longer than i.v. Erwinase (n = 33) (3.4 vs 2.9 days, P = 0.0007). With 30 000 IU/m2 Monday, Wednesday, Friday, more patients achieved adequate concentrations over the weekend with i.m. vs i.v. dosing (P = 5 × 10−36). A schedule with i.v. doses on Monday and Wednesday and i.m. doses on Friday of 30 000 IU/m2 maintained activity > 0.1 IU/mL over the weekend in 80% of patients.
Nationwide study of pediatric B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with chromosome 8q24/MYC rearrangement in Japan
Authors: Sakaguchi Kimiyoshi , Imamura Toshihiko , Ishimaru Sae , Imai Chihaya , Shimonodan Hidemi , Fujita Naoto , Okada Keiko , Taketani Takeshi , Kanai Rie , Tauchi Hisamichi , Kato Motohiro , Kojima Yasuko , Watanabe Arata , Deguchi Takao , Hashii Yoshiko , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Taki Tomohiko , Saito Akiko M. , Horibe Keizo , Manabe Atsushi , Sato Atsushi , Koh Katsuyoshi
Published: April 2020

Background

Rearrangements of chromosome 8q24/MYC (8q24/MYC‐r), resulting from t(8;14)(q24;q32), t(2;8)(p11;q24), or t(8;22)(q24;q11), are mainly associated with Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia (BL) and rarely observed in patients with B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL). The characteristics of BCP‐ALL with 8q24/MYC‐r are poorly understood.

Procedure

A retrospective nationwide study of data from patients with pediatric BCP‐ALL with 8q24/MYC‐r in Japan was conducted to clarify the clinical and biological characteristics associated with 8q24/MYC‐r BCP‐ALL.

Results

Ten patients with BCP‐ALL with 8q24/MYC‐r, including three with double‐hit leukemia (DHL) (two with t(8;14)(q24;q32) and t(14;18)(q32;q21) and one with t(8;14) and t(3;22)(q27;q11)), were identified. Patients with BCP‐ALL with 8q24/MYC‐r had higher median age and uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase levels, than those without 8q24/MYC‐r. All patients were initially treated with ALL‐type chemotherapy; however, four, including one with DHL, were switched to BL‐type chemotherapy, based on cytogenetic findings. One patient relapsed after standard‐risk ALL‐type chemotherapy, and two patients with DHL did not attain complete remission with chemotherapy; all three died within 11 months. The other seven patients treated with BL‐type or high‐risk ALL‐type chemotherapy are alive without disease.

Conclusions

The clinical and laboratory features of BL with IG‐MYC rearrangement, displaying a BCP immunophenotype (Wagener et al. and Herbrueggen et al. termed it as pre‐BLL), are similar to those of BCP‐ALL with 8q24/MYC‐r. Low‐risk ALL‐type chemotherapy may not be appropriate for them, and further studies are required to establish an adequate therapeutic strategy. Further studies of DHL to identify new treatment strategies are also needed.
Modeling electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites with aggregated filler
Authors: Drozdov Aleksey D. , de Claville Christiansen Jesper
Published: April 2020

A mean‐field model is developed for the electrical conductivity of microcomposites and nanocomposites with polymer matrices. The model accounts for aggregation of filler into clusters (involving both conducting and nonconducting particles) and rearrangement of these clusters with the growth of volume fraction of filler (which leads to a reduction in tunneling resistivity and an increase in the number of bridging contacts between conducting particles). The governing equations involve five material constants with transparent physical meaning: the depolarization factor of clusters, volume fraction of polymer in clusters of filler, effective conductivity of an individual filler particle, and two coefficients characterizing an increase in the effective electrical conductivity of filler driven by the growth of bridging contacts between neighboring particles in clusters. Good agreement is demonstrated between results of simulation and experimental data on the electrical conductivity of epoxy resin reinforced with carbon black and graphite particles, poly(vinyl chloride) reinforced with copper and nickel particles, polypropylene loaded with spherical and spheroidal tin particles, poly(butylene terephthalate) reinforced with graphene nanosheets, and polypropylene loaded with multiwalled carbon nanotubes.
Patterns and covariates of benefit finding in young Black breast cancer survivors: A longitudinal, observational study
Authors: Conley Claire C. , Small Brent J. , Christie Juliette , Hoogland Aasha I. , Augusto Bianca M. , Garcia Jennifer D. , Pal Tuya , Vadaparampil Susan T.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To examine the patterns and covariates of benefit finding over time among young Black breast cancer (BC) survivors.

Methods

Black women (N = 305) with invasive BC diagnosed ≤50 years were recruited an average of 1.9 years post‐BC diagnosis. Participants completed self‐report questionnaires of benefit finding, social support, and illness intrusions at three time points (M time since BC diagnosis: T2 = 3.1 years, T3 = 4.0 years). Relationships between posttraumatic growth constructs (social support, illness intrusions) and benefit finding over time were examined using mixed models. Models controlled for cultural variables (religiosity, time orientation, and collectivism), receipt of chemotherapy, general health status, and partner status.

Results

Participants reported high levels of benefit finding (M = 2.99, SE = 0.04 on a 0‐4 scale). When accounting for covariates, benefit finding did not change over time since BC diagnosis (P = .21). Benefit finding scores at BC diagnosis were associated with more illness intrusions, greater religiosity, and having received chemotherapy (all Ps < .04). Social support was associated with change in benefit finding scores over time, such that a 1‐point increase in social support was associated with a 0.05 increase in benefit finding per year (P = .02).

Conclusions

This study addresses key gaps in knowledge regarding benefit finding among Black cancer survivors. Consistent with findings from majority White samples, social support and illness intrusions appear to play a key role in benefit finding in Black BC survivors. Cultural constructs—including religiosity—must also be considered in future studies of benefit finding among minority populations.