bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying the Method of Paired Comparison Technique to Determine the Most Critical Issue Associated with the Livelihood Security of the Tribal Farmers of Meghalaya
Authors: Thangjam Deepa , Chauhan J. K. , Singh R. J. , Singh Ram , Hemochandra L. , Devarani L.
Published: April 2019

Ensuring livelihood security of the tribal farmers of Meghalaya has been the main focus of the policymakers. To accelerate the process, it is necessary to identify the most serious issue encountered by the farmers of the region. This paper presents a list of agricultural issues associated with the livelihood security of the farmers. Using survey data from beneficiary farmers of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) project of College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, Meghalaya and College of Home Science (CoHSc), Tura, Meghalaya, Central Agricultural University, Imphal [CAU(I)], the method of paired comparison is applied to prioritize the list of issues. The data was collected in the year 2018 from 390 beneficiary farmers from Ri-Bhoi district and West Garo Hill of Meghalaya state. The result indicates that crop diseases and pest infestation were the most critical issue. Both present and future policymaker need to intervene according to the need base situation of the farmer to ensure their livelihood security.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Mulch Application on Growth Performance and Pod Yields of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under Irrigated Condition
Authors: Molla Temesgen , Abera Girma , Beyene Sheleme
Published: April 2019

Hot pepper is an important vegetable and spice crop in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of hot pepper is limited by poor soil fertility and lack of proper soil and water conservation measures under irrigated condition. Therefore, hot pepper crop response to nitrogen (N) fertilizer and mulching experiment was conducted at Alage ATVET College. The treatments consisted of three mulch types (no mulch, transparent plastic mulch, and dry banana leaves mulch) and four levels of N (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1) factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. A hot pepper cultivar commonly known as “MarekoFana” was used for the study. Days to 50% flowering, 50% fruit set, maturity and harvest were significantly prolonged in response to increasing N application. The delays were about 7, 19, 23 and 12 days at the N levels of 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1respectively compared to the control. The analysis of variance revealed that plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, dry weight of seeds per pod, total weight of dried pods per plant, weight of individual dry pods and width were significantly (P = .001) increased by the main effect of mulching. Generally, the results revealed that nitrogen application significantly (P = .001) influenced all growth parameters, pod yield, and yield components of the crop. Nitrogen application at 100 kg ha-1 resulted in the highest total dried pod yield (4.5 tha-1), marketable yield (3.76 t ha- 1), pod length (13.3 cm), pod width (3.2 cm), mean dry weight of pod (3.85 g), and seed number per pod (108.4). The interaction of N and mulching also significantly (P = .05) affected marketable and total pod yields. In conclusion, based on agronomic performance and partial budget analyses results we recommend a combined application of dry banana leaves mulch and 100 kg N ha-1 for economically feasible and sustainable hot pepper production in Alage areas of Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia.
Enumeration of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Producing Bacteria from Dairy Sewage Samples
Authors: Yadav K. Shivalkar , Puranik D. B. , Fairoze Mohamed Nadeem , Prabha R.
Published: April 2019

Aims: The synthetic polymer plastics have become an integral part of contemporary life. Excess use of plastics and indiscriminate dumping of it in soil and water is polluting the environment. In order to overcome this problem, the production and applications of eco-friendly biodegradable products from microbes are becoming inevitable from the last decade and also are the good alternatives for synthetic polymers.

Methods and Results: Polyhydroxyalkanoate producing bacterial strains were confirmed by serial dilution of sewage samples from dairies and pour plating using modified nutrient agar medium with 2% glucose and 0.3% sudan black. Commercial dairy sewage sample from III Dairy showed highest count of PHA producers (3.80 log10cfu/ml) followed by II Dairy (3.68 log10cfu/ml) and I Dairy (3.35 log10cfu/ml). On an average, 70 per cent were PHA producers among TBC of sewage samples.

Conclusion: Dairy sewage sample from III Dairy showed highest count of PHA producers (3.80log10cfu/ml)

Signiﬁcance and Impact of the Study: This study provides importance of polyhydroxyalkanoates and their role against synthetic plastic by enumerating the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producing bacteria from Dairy sewage samples that can be effectively utilized for the synthesis of bioplastics.
Production of Bioethanol from Selected Lignocellulosic Agrowastes
Authors: Juwon Olotu Emmanuel , Oluwatoyin Olukunle Folake
Published: April 2019

This study evaluated the ability of cassava peels, banana peels, orange peels and corn cobs hydrolysates to produce bioethanol. Fibre fractions analysis was carried out using standard methods. The samples were pre-treated with acid and base, followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) for bioethanol production. During fermentation, pH, total titratable acidity, reducing sugar, microbial load and bioethanol yield were determined. The reducing sugar yield for Aspergillus niger and Bacillus cereus were 30.28 g and 13.35 g for corn cobs. The pH was observed to decrease during fermentation period with orange peels having the lowest pH of 2.6 after 240 hours of fermentation using A. Niger and S. cerevisiae, when B. cereus and S. Cerevisiae were used the pH was observed to be 4.10.  Total titratable acidity showed increase in all the substrates, with corn cobs having the highest when B. cereus and S. cerevisiae were used (1.62), followed by cassava peels when A. niger and S. cerevisiae were used (1.52). Highest ethanol yield following simultaneous saccharification and fermentation with A. niger and S. cerevisiae was obtained in corn cobs with 17.43 g/100 g, while orange peels gave the lowest with 8.02 g/100 g, the ethanol yield from each substrates as well as the combined substrates were significantly different at p≤ 0.05. The combined substrates (1:1:1:1) gave the highest ethanol yield of 12.44 g/100 g using A. niger and S. cerevisiae.  This study therefore revealed that A. niger had the highest bioethanol yield using corn cobs as the carbon source, therefore it could be used for mass bioethanol production.
Bis(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridylseleno)zinc 3,3’-dicyanide, A Potent Antifungal Agent
Authors: Shah V. H. , Zohri A. A. , Talpara P. K. , Sangala P. A. , Abdelazim M. A.
Published: April 2019

A novel zinc chelate of 3-cyano-4,6-dimethyl-2(1H)-selenone pyridine was synthesized and its structure was confirmed on the basis IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectral analyses and TOF mass spectrometry. Biological screening against Candida glabrata reveals a greater antifungal activity of the zinc chelate as compared to the fluconazole reference drug.
Hypofractionation in Breast Cancer - A Retrospective Study in a Tribal Population Based Medical College in West Bengal, India
Authors: Acharyya Santanu , Ghosh Bidisha , Biswas Satadru
Published: April 2019

Introduction: In a tribal population based area in West Bengal, India though carcinoma cervix is the commonest malignancy in female patients, yet apart from that carcinoma breast is also increasing in number in the recent years. Breast cancer accounts for approximately 26.6% of female malignancy in the radiation oncology out-patient-department of our teaching hospital.

Aims and Objectives: To compare conventional RT regimen (50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks) with one hypofractionated regimen (40Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks) in stage II & stage III breast cancer patients as adjuvant radiation therapy in terms of local control, survival and adverse reactions.

Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study which has been conducted in the department of Radiotherapy in BSMC (Bankura Sammilani Medical College) spanning from May 2012 to April 2017. A total number of patients included in this study was 302, out of which thirty six patients failed to follow up. So total of 266 patients included in the study were all histologically proved carcinoma breast treated surgically (97.74% by MRM & rest by BCS) with curative intent following which RT was used as adjuvant therapy. In one group (consisting of 133 patients) conventional regimen (50Gy in 25 fractions) was used. In another group (consisting the other 133 patients) dose-schedule used was a hypofractionated one i.e. 40Gy in 15 fractions. Dose per fraction in the 1st group was 2 Gy whereas in 2nd group it was 2.66 Gy. In all patients, RT was given in 5 days a week. Systemic therapy was administered as and when indicated.

Results: 4-year disease-free-survival (DFS) in conventional group was 78.94% and in hypofractionated group was 82.70%, (p value >0.05). 4-year overall survival (OS) in conventional group was 81.20% & in hypofractionated group was 85.70%, (p value >0.05). While adverse reactions in terms of both acute & chronic radiation toxicities were considered, there was no significant difference in between the two groups.

Conclusion: There is no significant difference between the conventional regimen and this hypofractionated regimen in terms of OS DFS & adverse reactions in this tribal-based Indian population. Hence, in our institution, we usually prefer Hypofractionated radiotherapy (40Gy/15 fractions) in adjuvant settings for breast cancer patients.
Selection of Models for Above-Ground Biomass in a Eucalyptus urograndis Stand
Authors: Carvalho Renata Reis de , Momolli Dione Richer , Schumacher Mauro Valdir
Published: April 2019

The quantification of biomass is an important tool that helps the forest manager to define the course of the enterprise and the best management techniques. In view of this situation, the objective of the present study was to perform the modeling of above - ground biomass in the different components in Eucalyptus urograndis stands at 4.5 years of age. The stand is located in the south of Brazil, municipality of São Gabriel. Four plots of 577.5 m² were installed and all DBH and heights of 20% of the trees were measured. Four diameter classes were defined, with 3 trees being felled in each of them. All the biomass was weighed in leaves, branches, bark and wood and through samples the moisture content in each component was determined. The modeling showed reliability of 96% for wood estimation and biomass total. The total biomass was 65 Mg ha-1, of these, 72% of wood. The modeling with stepwise procedure presented good distribution of the residues. Through the easily obtained variables such as DBH and height it is possible to determine the volume of biomass accurately.
Effect of Fertilizer on Palisadegrass Seeds Pathogens
Authors: Avelino Anne Caroline Dallabrida , De Faria Dayana Aparecida , Pallaoro Dryelle Sifuentes , Arieira Giovani Oliveira de , Neto Arthur Behling , Abreu Joadil Gonçalves de , Camili Elisangela Clarete , Kobayasti Leimi , Cabral Carlos Eduardo Avelino
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the contact of Brachiaria seeds with the fertilizer 05-25-15 on the sanitary quality of the seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a (2x5) factorial design, with four replications. The treatments consisted of five contact times (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours) of the fertilizer with seeds of ruziziensis grass and marandu grass. After the contact times of the Brachiaria seeds with the fertilizer, the seeds from each species were separated and the following analyses were performed: water content, germination, seed health ("Blotter Test"), and accelerated aging, with later germination test and sanitary analysis of seeds. Data were analysed for variance and regression analysis at the significance level of 5% and descriptive analysis was used for the results of the sanitary analysis. The contact time reduces the incidence of pathogens in the seeds of ruziziensis grass and marandu grass treated with the fertilizer due to the salinity and acid pH of the fertilizer. The fungi related to the reduction in germination were Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. The disinfestation process increased the incidence of Fusarium sp., under high internal infestation of this fungus in palisadegrass seeds.
A Study of the Mediating Effects of Safety and Health of Food between Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Image and Reputation in Fast-Food Restaurants Industry in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Anthony Tik-tsuen , Cheng Tim , Tong Canon
Published: April 2019

Recent years have witnessed various changes in the business world regarding technology and ecological degradation, which has seen corporate social responsibility (CSR) increasingly used as a competitive tool in all industries. It has become especially popular in the fiercely competitive service retailing industry where implementation of CSR practices has grown in line with the industry's importance to the economy. Accordingly, this research was undertaken to study the mediating effect of safety and health of food of fast-food restaurants in Hong Kong between corporate social responsibility and image and reputation of corporate. Quantitative method was used and empirical evidence was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire survey of randomly selected customers leaving randomly selected fast-food restaurants in Hong Kong. The 350 completed questionnaires were statistically analyzed, verified for validity and reliability. The analyzed results reveal safety and health of food acts as a significant mediating role in the relationships between corporate social responsibility and corporate image. Management of retailing industry is encouraged to pay high level of attention and their investment into the safety and health of the foods they provided which is significantly important to customers and their own reputation.
BRAND EXPERIENCE, BRAND COMMITMENT, DAN BRAND LOYALTY PENGGUNA APPLE IPHONE DI SURABAYA
Authors: Semuel Hatane , Putra Reynaldi Susanto
Published: April 2019

The development of technology in the era of globalization more rapidly, that causing high competition between companies. Smartphone companies generally strive to maintain survival, gain optimal profit and strengthen the brand in the minds of consumers. To achieve these objectives then the products produced company must be useful, quality and innovative. This research objective to analyze the impact of brand experience – commitment to brand loyalty to Apple IPhone users in Surabaya. This study was carried out by distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents on Apple IPhone users in Surabaya. This type of research uses descriptive causal using data management from SPSS and SmartPLS. The results of this study indicate that the direct influence of brand experience on brand loyalty has no significant effect, while indirect influence on brand experience on brand loyalty through affective commitment has a significant influence
NAATP releases draft guidebook for residential treatment providers
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) has released a draft guidebook for comment by its members. The guidebook, when finalized, will be the document treatment centers can use to determine if they are in compliance with the best practices of the organization.
AUD medications and postsurgery opioids: The latest
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

Topiramate's use as a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is not a new idea, Bankole Johnson, M.D. (now of ondansetron fame; see ADAW, March 25, April 1), reviewed it many times (see ADAW, Oct. 15, 2007; Feb. 11, 2008; June 16, 2008; Nov. 3, 2008; June 7, 2010; Jan. 31, 2011; Feb. 24, 2014). But a comprehensive review published recently in the Journal of Addiction Medicine is concise. While not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for AUD, topiramate can be prescribed off‐label, and should be considered as a treatment for the condition, according to Ajay Manhapra, M.D., and colleagues in the article, “Topiramate Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder and Other Addictions: A Narrative Review.” Like ondansetron and other possible AUD medications, including those that are approved (like acamprosate and naltrexone), topiramate doesn't work for everyone. But pharmacogenetic testing may help identify those who are likely to respond, according to the review. In addition, there are early studies indicating it could be used to treat cocaine and nicotine use disorder, as well as behavioral addictions.
Systematic Online Academic Resource (SOAR) Review: Renal and Genitourinary
Authors: Grock Andrew , Bhalerao Anuja , Chan Teresa M. , Thoma Brent , Wescott Annie B. , Trueger N. Seth
Published: April 2019

Background

Online resources for emergency medicine (EM) trainees and physicians have variable quality and inconsistent coverage of core topics. In this first entry of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Systematic Online Academic Resource (SOAR) series, we describe the application of a systematic methodology to comprehensively identify, collate, and curate online content for topic‐specific modules.

Methods

A list of module topics and related terms was generated from the American Board of Emergency Medicine's Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine. The authors selected “renal and genitourinary” for the first module, which contained 35 terms; all MeSH headers and colloquial synonyms related to the topic and related terms were searched both within the 100 most impactful online educational websites per the Social Media Index and the FOAMsearch.net search engine. Duplicate entries, journal articles, images, and archives were excluded. The quality of each article was rated using the revised METRIQ (rMETRIQ) score.

Results

The search yielded 13,058 online resources. After 12,717 items were excluded, 341 underwent quality assessment. All renal/genitourinary topics were covered by at least one resource. The median rMETRIQ score was 11 of 21 (interquartile range = 8–14). Calculus of urinary tract was most prominently featured with 60 posts. Thirty‐four posts (10% of full‐text screened FOAM articles) covering 12 core topics were identified as high quality (rMETRIQ ≥ 16).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility of systematically identifying and curating FOAM resources for a specific EM topic and identified an overrepresentation of some subtopics. This curated list of resources may guide trainees, teacher recommendations, and resource producers. Further entries in the series will address other topics relevant to EM.
Liquid holdup and wetting efficiency in a rotating trickle‐bed reactor
Authors: Liu Ya‐Zhao , Luo Yong , Chu Guang‐Wen , Liu Wei , Shao Lei , Chen Jian‐Feng
Published: April 2019

A rotating trickle‐bed reactor (RTBR), having the advantage of mass transfer enhancement of 1–3 orders of magnitude higher than a packed column reactor, can intensify the apparent reaction rate of gas–liquid–solid catalytic reactions. However, studies of hydrodynamics like liquid holdup and wetting efficiency, which are essential for the RTBR design, are scarce. In this work, we have systematically, for the first time, investigated the liquid holdup and wetting efficiency in a RTBR packed with alumina spheres. The quantitative results revealed that the rotation reduced the static liquid holdup by about 80% at rotational speed from 0 to 2,400 r/min. The average wetting efficiency can reach 100% at rotational speed of 1,600 r/min and liquid superficial mass velocity of 3 kg/(m2·s). Correlations to predict the liquid holdup and wetting efficiency in the RTBR were developed, and deviations between experimental and calculated values were within ±15 and ±10%, respectively. The findings of the current work provided basic data for the potential catalytic reactions limited by mass transfer in the RTBR.
Glass microparticle‐ versus microsphere‐filled experimental dental adhesives
Authors: Abou Neel Ensanya A. , Kiani Azadeh , Valappil Sabeel P. , Mordan Nicky M. , Baek Song‐Yi , Zakir Hossain Kazi M. , Felfel Reda M. , Ahmed Ifty , Divakarl Kamini , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Knowles Jonathan C.
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to formulate antibacterial dental adhesives. Phosphate‐substituted methacrylate adhesives were modified with 0–20 wt % copper‐doped glass microparticles. Two shapes of microparticles were used: regular shaped (microspheres) and irregular shaped (microparticles). The morphology/composition, roughness, monomer conversion (DC%), thermogravimetric analysis, and antibacterial action against S. mutans and P. aeruginosa and ion release were investigated. The results showed that microspheres produced adhesives with a relatively smoother surface than microparticles did. The DC% of adhesives increased with increasing glass filler content. Filled adhesives showed polymer decomposition at ~315 °C and glass melting at 600–1000 °C. The weight loss percent of adhesives decreased with increasing weight percent of fillers. Glass microparticles at 0–20 wt % significantly increased the antibacterial action of adhesives against both bacteria. Glass microspheres at 0–5 wt % significantly increased the antibacterial action of adhesives against both bacteria. Only 20 wt % microparticle‐filled adhesive showed an inhibition zone similar to tobramycin (positive control). Microparticle‐filled adhesives (with >5 wt % filler) significantly reduced S. mutans more than their microsphere counterparts. Microsphere‐filled adhesives (with ≤5 wt % filler) significantly reduced P. aeruginosa more than their microparticle counterparts. Microsphere‐filled adhesives showed higher Cu release than their microparticle counterparts. Accordingly, phosphate‐substituted methacrylate filled with glass could be used as an antibacterial adhesive. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47832.
Facile preparation of attapulgite‐based aerogels with excellent flame retardancy and better thermal insulation properties
Authors: Liang Weidong , Wang Ran , Wang Chengjun , Jia Juan , Sun Hanxue , Zhang Jianli , Yang Yueyue , Zhu Zhaoqi , Li An
Published: April 2019

A novel and environmentally friendly attapulgite‐based aerogel with a three‐dimensional fibrillary network structure was prepared by incorporation of nanometer‐sized natural clay crystals, in this case attapulgite (ATP), into degradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), cotton cellulose nanowhisker, and melamine using only a simple blending method and subsequently a freeze‐drying process. The ATP‐based aerogel exhibits an abundant porosity with an average mesopore size of 8.0 nm in diameter. Compared to fragile and rigid inorganic aerogels, the as‐prepared aerogel shows good flexibility and mechanical strength with a compressive strength of 9.65 × 104 Pa and 10.19 × 104 Pa at 20% and 40% of compressive strain, respectively. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical flame tests show that the resulting aerogel possesses excellent flame retardancy, with an LOI of 59.5%. Microcalorimetry test results show that the total heat release of the aerogel is as low as 5.1 KJ/g. Also, the sample shows a better thermal insulation property, with a thermal conductivity of about 0.045 W m−1 K−1 in air. Taking advantage of a simple and environmentally friendly fabrication, abundant natural clay resources, easy scalability, nearly no pollution emission in the process, and cost‐efficient production, the ATP‐based aerogel has great potential as ideal flame retardant and thermal insulation materials for many applications such as modern building construction or energy‐efficient coatings. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47849.
A Graph Combination With Edge Pruning‐Based Approach for Author Name Disambiguation
Authors: KM Pooja , Mondal Samrat , Chandra Joydeep
Published: April 2019

Author name disambiguation (AND) is a challenging problem due to several issues such as missing key identifiers, same name corresponding to multiple authors, along with inconsistent representation. Several techniques have been proposed but maintaining consistent accuracy levels over all data sets is still a major challenge. We identify two major issues associated with the AND problem. First, the namesake problem in which two or more authors with the same name publishes in a similar domain. Second, the diverse topic problem in which one author publishes in diverse topical domains with a different set of coauthors. In this work, we initially propose a method named ATGEP for AND that addresses the namesake issue. We evaluate the performance of ATGEP using various ambiguous name references collected from the Arnetminer Citation (AC) and Web of Science (WoS) data set. We empirically show that the two aforementioned problems are crucial to address the AND problem that are difficult to handle using state‐of‐the‐art techniques. To handle the diverse topic issue, we extend ATGEP to a new variant named ATGEP‐web that considers external web information of the authors. Experiments show that with enough information available from external web sources ATGEP‐web can significantly improve the results further compared with ATGEP.
One Modification, Two Functions: Single Ni‐modified Light‐Driven ZnO Microrockets with Both Efficient Propulsion and Steerable Motion
Authors: Wang Chun , Dong Renfeng , Wang Qinglong , Zhang Chi , She Xueling , Wang Jiajia , Cai Yuepeng
Published: April 2019

Efficient propulsion and effective direction control are essential for self‐propelled micro/nanomotors. Here, a new “two‐in‐one” strategy for making attractive light‐driven micro/nanomotors is demonstrated. We make use of the metallic and magnetic properties of low‐cost Ni and incorporate just a single Ni layer into ZnO‐based microrockets, so that the resulting ZnO‐Ni microrockets can be both efficiently propelled by low energy (low light intensities and fuel concentrations) and effectively steered by a magnetic field. This successful demonstration of ZnO‐Ni microrockets is significant for the development of highly efficient synthetic micro/nanomotors, which have strong delivery ability and efficient direction control for future applications across the micro/nanoscale field.
Peptoid microsphere coatings: The effects of helicity, temperature, pH, and ionic strength
Authors: Perez Bakovic German R. , Roberts Jesse L. , Colford Bryce , Joyce Myles , Servoss Shannon L.
Published: April 2019

Peptoids are peptidomimetic oligomers that predominantly harness similarities to peptides for biomimetic functionality. They have potential for use in biomedical applications and biosensors due to resistance to proteolytic degradation and low immunogenicity. The incorporation of chiral, aromatic side chains in the peptoid sequence allows for the formation of distinct secondary structures and self‐assembly into supramolecular assemblies, including microspheres. Peptoid microspheres can be coated onto substrates for potential use in biosensor technologies, tissue engineering platforms, and drug‐delivery systems. In order to be useful for these applications, the peptoid coatings must be robust under physiological conditions. In this study, we report the effects of various conditions on the peptoid microsphere coatings, including (i) helicity, (ii) temperature, (iii) pH, and (iv) ionic strength. These studies show that microsphere size decreases with increasing peptoid helicity and the positively charged side chains are positioned on the outside of the microspheres. The peptoid microsphere coatings are robust under physiological conditions but degrade in acidic conditions (pH < 7) and at low ionic strengths (<150 μM).
Identification of a six‐miRNA panel in serum benefiting pancreatic cancer diagnosis
Authors: Zou Xuan , Wei Jishu , Huang Zebo , Zhou Xin , Lu Zipeng , Zhu Wei , Miao Yi
Published: April 2019

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has posed a great health threat to a growing number of people all over the world. Detection of serum miRNAs, being sensitive, noninvasive, and easy to obtain, has a great potential of being a novel screening method for PC patients. In this study, we investigated miRNA expression levels in serum by qRT‐PCR. The study was divided into four phases: the screening, training, testing, and external validation stage. We firstly chose candidate miRNAs using Exiqon panels in the screening phase. Then, a total of 129 PC serum samples and 107 normal controls (NCs) were further analyzed in the following training and testing phases to identify differently expressed miRNAs. A cohort of 30 PC serum samples vs 30 NCs was used to confirm the diagnostic value of the identified miRNAs in the external validation phase. Moreover, miRNA expressions in additional 44 PC tumor tissue samples and the matched adjacent normal tissue samples as well as 32 pairs of serum‐derived exosomes samples were also further explored. As a result, we identified six significantly upregulated miRNAs in the serum of PC: let‐7b‐5p, miR‐192‐5p, miR‐19a‐3p, miR‐19b‐3p, miR‐223‐3p, and miR‐25‐3p. A six‐miRNA panel in serum was then established. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for the panel was 0.910 for the combined training and testing phases, which showed higher diagnostic value than the individual miRNA. Prognostic value prediction using Cox's proportional hazards model and Kaplan‐Meier curves showed that increased serum miR‐19a‐3p was closely related to worse overall survival (OS). In addition, significant upregulation of miR‐192‐5p, miR‐19a‐3p, and miR‐19b‐3p was observed in both PC tissue and serum‐derived exosomes samples. In conclusion, we identified a six‐miRNA (let‐7b‐5p, miR‐192‐5p, miR‐19a‐3p, miR‐19b‐3p, miR‐223‐3p, and miR‐25‐3p) panel in the serum for PC early and noninvasive diagnosis.
Educational attainment of childhood cancer survivors: A systematic review
Authors: Molcho Michal , D'Eath Maureen , Alforque Thomas Audrey , Sharp Linda
Published: April 2019

Background

Advances in treatment mean that most children diagnosed with cancer during childhood survive. Therefore, it is increasingly important to examine the long‐term consequences of childhood cancer, including educational attainment. This systematic review investigated whether the educational attainment of childhood cancer survivors differ from the cancer‐free population.

Design/methods

We searched seven databases for articles published from January 2005 to August 2018. We identified full papers in English, reporting primary data on academic attainment of adult survivors of childhood cancer, compared to a control group. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.

Results

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine papers included patients with various types of cancers, four focused on a single type of cancer, and one on patients who underwent stem cell transplantation.

Of the 14 papers, 2 studies were considered good quality, 10 were considered adequate quality, and 2 were considered poor quality. Four studies reported more favorable educational attainment among survivors while six did not report significant differences. Less favorable attainment was consistently reported for CNS survivors in four studies.

Conclusion

The literature does not provide a clear pattern of the long‐term consequences of childhood cancer on education attainment. While this may suggest that there is no consistent difference between the education attainment of cancer survivors and controls, it may also be the result of limitations in the existing research. To better assess the education attainment of survivors, there is a need for high‐quality studies, with appropriate comparators, and standardized measures of education attainment across countries.
A comparison of risk factors for metastasis at diagnosis in humans and dogs with osteosarcoma
Authors: Diessner Brandon J. , Marko Tracy A. , Scott Ruth M. , Eckert Andrea L. , Stuebner Kathleen M. , Hohenhaus Ann E. , Selting Kim A. , Largaespada David A. , Modiano Jaime F. , Spector Logan G.
Published: April 2019

Background

Canine osteosarcoma (OS) is a relevant spontaneous model for humanOS. Identifying similarities in clinical characteristics associated with metastasis at diagnosis in both species may substantiate research aimed at using canineOSas a model for identifying mechanisms driving distant spread in the human disease.

Methods

This retrospective study included dogOScases from three academic veterinary hospitals and humanOScases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Associations between clinical factors and metastasis at diagnosis were estimated using logistic regression models.

Results

In humans, those with trunk tumors had higher odds of metastasis at diagnosis compared to those with lower limb tumors (OR = 2.38, 95%CI: 1.51, 3.69). A similar observation was seen in dogs with trunk tumors compared to dogs with forelimb tumors (OR = 3.28, 95%CI1.36, 7.50). Other associations were observed in humans but not in dogs. Humans aged 20‐29 years had lower odds of metastasis at diagnosis compared to those aged 10‐14 years (OR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.47, 0.96); every 1‐cm increase in tumor size was associated with a 6% increase in the odds of metastasis at diagnosis (95%CI: 1.04, 1.08); compared to those with a white, non‐Hispanic race, higher odds were observed among those with a black, non‐Hispanic race (OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.04, 2.16), and those with a Hispanic origin (OR1.35, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.81).

Conclusion

A common mechanism may be driving trunk tumors to progress to detectable metastasis prior to diagnosis in both species.
Necessity of concurrent chemotherapy in N2‐3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of ≥3 cycles followed by intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Chang Hui , Peng Liang , Tao Ya‐Lan , Chen Chen , Xiao Wei‐Wei , Hu Yong‐Hong , Gao Yuan‐Hong
Published: April 2019

Concurrent chemotherapy (CCT) is used in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) for improved local control, which could also be achieved by intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). And for N2‐3 NPC, distant metastasis is the more important cause of death. This study aims to evaluate the value of CCT in N2‐3 NPC when neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) of sufficient cycles is performed to eradicate distant metastasis. It enrolled 959 patients diagnosed with TxN2‐3M0 NPC from July 2011 to December 2015 and treated with NACT of 3‐4 cycles and IMRT. A propensity score matching (PSM) was made between patients treated with and without CCT (called the CCT and non‐CCT groups, respectively), using a series of clinical characteristics (age, gender, T stage, N stage, NACT regimen, and EBV DNA) as covariates. After PSM, the two groups of patients were compared on survivals and acute toxicities. The results indicated that no difference was seen in the overall, disease‐free, recurrence‐free or metastasis‐free survivals between the two groups. But compared with the CCT group, the non‐CCT group had a lower patient proportion of myelosuppression, nausea/vomiting, oral mucositis, cervical dermatitis, xerostomia, and grade 3/4 myelosuppression and oral mucositis (all P values were <0.001). Hence, CCT appeared to bring more acute toxicities, instead of survival benefit, to N2‐3 NPC patients treated with NACT of ≥3 cycles and IMRT. It should be used with cautions in these patients.
Fhod1, an actin‐organizing formin family protein, is dispensable for cardiac development and function in mice
Authors: Sanematsu Fumiyuki , Kanai Ami , Ushijima Tomoki , Shiraishi Aki , Abe Takaya , Kage Yohko , Sumimoto Hideki , Takeya Ryu
Published: April 2019

The formin family proteins have the ability to regulate actin filament assembly, thereby functioning in diverse cytoskeletal processes. Fhod3, a cardiac member of the family, plays a crucial role in development and functional maintenance of the heart. Although Fhod1, a protein closely‐related to Fhod3, has been reported to be expressed in cardiomyocytes, the role of Fhod1 in the heart has still remained elusive. To know the physiological role of Fhod1 in the heart, we disrupted the Fhod1 gene in mice by replacement of exon 1 with a lacZ reporter gene. Histological lacZ staining unexpectedly revealed no detectable expression of Fhod1 in the heart, in contrast to intensive staining in the lung, a Fhod1‐containing organ. Consistent with this, expression level of the Fhod1 protein in the heart was below the lower limit of detection of the present immunoblot analysis with three independent anti‐Fhod1 antibodies. Homozygous Fhod1‐null mice did not show any defects in gross and histological appearance of the heart or upregulate fetal cardiac genes that are induced under stress conditions. Furthermore, Fhod1 ablation did not elicit compensatory increase in expression of other formins. Thus, Fhod1 appears to be dispensable for normal development and function of the mouse heart, even if a marginal amount of Fhod1 is expressed in the heart.
Ultrastructural localization of cannabinoid CB1 and mGluR5 receptors in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala
Authors: Fitzgerald Megan L. , Mackie Ken , Pickel Virginia M.
Published: April 2019

Stimulation of the postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR5 triggers retrograde signaling of endocannabinoids that activate presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors on juxtaposing axon terminals. To better understand the synaptic structure that supports mGluR5 mediation of CB1 activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA), we examined electron microscopic dual immunolabeling of these receptors in the prelimbic PFC (prPFC) and BLA of adult male rats. CB1 immunoreactivity was detected in axon terminals that were typically large, complex, and contained dense‐core and clear synaptic vesicles. Of terminals forming discernible synaptic specializations, 95% were symmetric inhibitory‐type in the prPFC and 90% were inhibitory in the BLA. CB1‐immunoreactive terminals frequently contacted dendrites containing mGluR5 adjacent to unlabeled terminals forming excitatory‐type synapses. Because most CB1‐containing terminals form inhibitory‐type synapses, the unlabeled axon terminals forming asymmetric synapses are the likely source of the mGluR5 ligand glutamate. In the prPFC, serial section analysis revealed that GABAergic CB1‐containing axon terminals targeted dendrites adjacent to glutamatergic axon terminals, often near dendritic bifurcations. These observations provide ultrastructural evidence that cortical CB1 receptors are strategically positioned for integration of synaptic signaling in response to stimulation of postsynaptic mGluR5 receptors and facilitation of heterosynaptic communication between multiple neurons.
Treatment‐triggered onset and diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome in a multiple myeloma patient
Authors: Bing Xia , Peifang Liu
Published: April 2019

Background

Sheehan syndrome refers to a series of clinical symptoms resulting from avascular necrosis of anterior pituitary due to various reasons.

Case

We report a case of multiple myeloma patient after one cycle of chemotherapy consisting of bortezomib and dexamethasone diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome with obstinate diarrhea, low blood glucose, and coma symptom, especially, the fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the manifestations in the saddle area were in accordance with empty sella syndrome. A single administration with lenalidomide was given for both consolidative and maintenance treatment, and satisfactory efficacy was achieved. With the patient now remaining in satisfactory medical condition, the success of this therapy has been shown.

Conclusions

This is the first report showing a patient with combined multiple myeloma and rarely seen Sheehan syndrome, in which lenalidomide was given for treatment, and satisfactory efficacy was achieved.
Tuning the Optical Properties of Sulfonylaniline Derivatives: Degeneracy Breaking of Benzene Orbitals and Linkage through Nodal Planes
Authors: Kudo Shoh , Hoshino Nanami , Beppu Teruo , Katagiri Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

The orbital degeneracy of benzene rings is resolved by an asymmetric push‐pull system in 2,6‐bis(methylsulfonyl)aniline (BMeSA), in which the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) is located at the 4‐position, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is located at a different position and has a nodal plane through the carbon atoms at the 1‐ and 4‐positions. Therefore, the π‐extension of BMeSA at the 4‐position reveals a strong overlap in the HOMO and a minimal overlap in the LUMO. Consequently, π‐extended BMeSA derivatives exhibit longer absorbance and emission wavelengths in the order of the electron‐donating abilities of their substituents at the 4‐position, which is based on a decrease in an absolute HOMO‐level‐dependent HOMO‐LUMO gap in accordance with the nodal arrangement. Positive fluorescent solvatochromism with polarity‐dependent decrease in fluorescent intensity was also observed. The biaryls exhibited more planar geometries in the excited state than in the ground state. The charge transfer mechanism, which can be described as node‐induced intramolecular charge transfer (NICT), differs from the planar intramolecular charge transfer (PICT) and twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT).
Does board diversity affect quality of corporate social responsibility disclosure? Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Ismail , Khan Imran , Saeed Bilal bin
Published: April 2019

The study proposed that the effect of board diversity on quality of corporate social responsibility (QCSR) disclosure in Pakistan should be patterned differently from existing literature of other nations. The study has focused seven different dimensions of board diversity such as age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, educational level, educational background, and tenure across 86 firms listed in Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2017. The results of panel regression supported resource‐based view theory and indicated that gender, nation, and tenure diversity are resources improving QCSR disclosure. However, educational background has a negative impact on QCSR disclosure. Further analysis across alternative measurement and estimation techniques produces robust results. The results revealed that there is no universal law of CSR supportive board diversity, due to the unique characteristic of various institutional contexts. This study suggests policy makers to focus on gender,nation, tenure and relevant educational background diversity while setting board diversity framework in Pakistan.
Influence of dynamic screening on the conductivity of hydrogen plasma including electron–electron collisions
Authors: Shalenov Erik O. , Dzhumagulova Karlygash N. , Ramazanov Tlekkabul S. , Reinholz Heidi , Röpke Gerd
Published: April 2019

We investigate the dynamical conductivity of dense hydrogen plasmas on the basis of the effective interaction potential (taking into account static or dynamic screening and diffraction effects). We apply a generalized Drude–Lorentz formula related to the dynamical conductivity with collision frequency. The influence of electron–ion collisions as well as the influence of both electron–ion and electron–electron collisions were taken into account via a renormalization factor. All calculations were performed on the basis of the effective potential with static or dynamic screening.
Machine Learning with Optical Phase Signatures for Phenotypic Profiling of Cell Lines
Authors: Lam Van K. , Nguyen Thanh , Phan Thuc , Chung Byung‐Min , Nehmetallah George , Raub Christopher B.
Published: April 2019

Robust and reproducible profiling of cell lines is essential for phenotypic screening assays. The goals of this study were to determine robust and reproducible optical phase signatures of cell lines for classification with machine learning and to correlate optical phase parameters to motile behavior. Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) reconstructed phase maps of cells from two pairs of cancer and non‐cancer cell lines. Seventeen image parameters were extracted from each cell's phase map, used for linear support vector machine learning, and correlated to scratch wound closure and Boyden chamber chemotaxis. The classification accuracy was between 90% and 100% for the six pairwise cell line comparisons. Several phase parameters correlated with wound closure rate and chemotaxis across the four cell lines. The level of cell confluence in culture affected phase parameters in all cell lines tested. Results indicate that optical phase features of cell lines are a robust set of quantitative data of potential utility for phenotypic screening and prediction of motile behavior. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Liquid‐based cytology of pigmented phaeohyphomycotic lesion of the palm masquerading as a metastatic tumor
Authors: Keloth Thara , Gochhait Debasis , Sivaranjani S , Siddaraju Neelaiah
Published: April 2019

Phaeohyphomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous fungal infection caused by dematiaceous fungi, commonly involving the extremities, which present as single or multiple lesions mimicking a benign tumor. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an easy method for the diagnosis of the lesion. Morphology of the fungus is characteristic with no difficulty for cytopathologist for identification; with a close differential diagnosis of Candida and Aspergillosis. The special stains like periodic acid schiff (PAS) highlights the fungus and the Masson Fontana confirm the melanin pigment and dematiaceous nature of the fungi. Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) preparation of the aspirated material was attempted, which is not usually performed on day to day basis. However, in our case the conventional smears were better for appreciating the fungal morphology.
Deficits in statistical leaning of auditory sequences among adults with dyslexia
Authors: Kahta Shani , Schiff Rachel
Published: April 2019

Recently, it has been suggested that developmental dyslexia (DD) is related to deficits in general mechanisms of statistical learning (SL). The aim of the current study was to explore these relations using a nonlinguistic auditory artificial grammar learning (A‐AGL) task. Most studies using AGL to explore the role of SL among readers with dyslexia used visual stimuli. The current study explored SL abilities among adults with DD using a nonlinguistic auditory task, because evidence suggests that SL is affected by the modality of stimuli. Forty‐eight (21 DD and 27 typically developed [TD]) adults participated in two A‐AGL tasks: implicit and explicit. The results showed a significant difference between the groups, as TD readers outperformed adults with DD. This difference in performance supports the SL deficit hypothesis among adults with dyslexia, although the causal relations between auditory SL and reading still require further examination. In addition, no difference was found between the implicit and explicit tasks, suggesting that unlike the visual AGL, participants with DD do not benefit from elevating attentional resources during A‐AGL.