bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtually Enhanced Fluid Laboratories for Teaching Meteorology
Authors: Illari Lodovica , Marshall John , McKenna W. D.
Published: March 2017

The “Weather in a Tank” project offers instructors a repertoire of rotating tank experiments and a curriculum in fluid dynamics to better assist students in learning how to move between phenomena in the real world and basic principles of rotating fluid dynamics that play a central role in determining the climate of the planet. Despite the increasing use of laboratory experiments in teaching meteorology, many teachers and students do not have access to suitable apparatuses and so cannot benefit from them. This article describes a “virtually enhanced” laboratory that could be very effective in getting across a flavor of the experiments and bring them to a wider audience. In the pedagogical spirit of Weather in a Tank, the focus is on how simple underlying principles, illustrated through laboratory experiments, shape the observed structure of the large-scale atmospheric circulation.
Sea Ice Summer Camp: Bringing Together Sea Ice Modelers and Observers to Advance Polar Science
Authors: Holland Marika M. , Perovich Donald
Published: March 2017

Arctic sea ice has undergone significant change with large reductions in thickness and areal extent over the historical record. Numerical models project sea ice loss to continue for the foreseeable future, with the possibility of September ice-free conditions later this century. Understanding the mechanisms behind ice loss and its consequences for the larger Arctic and global systems is important if we are to anticipate and plan for the future. Meeting this challenge requires the collective and collaborative insights of scientists investigating the system from numerous perspectives. One impediment to progress has been a disconnect between the observational and modeling research communities. Advancing the science requires enhanced integration between these communities and more collaborative approaches to understanding Arctic sea ice loss. This paper discusses a successful effort to further these aims: a weeklong sea ice summer camp held in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik), in May 2016. The camp brought together 25 participants who were a heterogeneous mix of observers and modelers from 13 different institutions at career stages from graduate students to senior researchers. The summer camp provided an accelerated program on sea ice observations and models and also fostered future collaborative interdisciplinary activities. A dialogue with Barrow community members was initiated in order to further understand the local consequences of Arctic sea ice loss. The discussion herein describes lessons learned from this activity and paths forward to advance the understanding and prediction of Arctic climate change.
Artifact Correction in Temperature-Dependent Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared (ATR-IR) Spectra
Authors: Sobieski Brian , Chase Bruce , Noda Isao , Rabolt John
Published: March 2017

A spectral processing method was developed and tested for analyzing temperature-dependent attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectra of aliphatic polyesters. Spectra of a bio-based, biodegradable polymer, 3.9 mol% 3HHx poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate- co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] (PHBHx), were analyzed and corrected prior to analysis using two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). Removal of the temperature variation of diamond absorbance, correction of the baseline, ATR correction, and appropriate normalization were key to generating more reliable data. Both the processing steps and order were important. A comparison to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated that the normalization method should be chosen with caution to avoid unintentional trends and distortions of the crystalline sensitive bands.
Land Acquisition in Contemporary India: The Growth Agenda, Legislation and Resistance
Authors: Mukerji Siddhartha
Published: March 2017

Land acquisition legislation in India has been a subject of public debate since Independence. Guided by the socialist pattern of economy, the government initiated land reforms in India but could only partially achieve this objective due to political stronghold of landed class in rural areas. Land was, however, acquired for building dams, mines and infrastructure. Such developmental initiatives were justified as steps being taken to achieve rapid economic development necessary for public welfare in the longer run. Also, there was little resistance to land acquisition as the level of political consciousness was low and there were few unorganised political organisations to channel the voices. In the post-liberalisation period, land acquisition legislations resulted from the thrust for commercialisation and fast track industrial investments. The new model of growth based on relentless competition implicit in a market economy created immense opportunities for the expansion of private business. Pro-business governments found it imperative to make prominent changes in the existing laws to smoothen the process of land acquisition. But, such measures have faced challenges on public platforms. Resistance to land acquisition is far more organised and powerful than what it was in the past. The article studies the politics of land acquisition in the light of recent steps taken by the pro-business governments to amend land laws and the resistance faced at both institutional and societal levels.
Effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube and nanosilica on tensile properties of woven carbon fabric-reinforced epoxy composites fabricated using VARIM
Authors: Ayatollahi MR , Barbaz Isfahani R , Moghimi Monfared R
Published: March 2017

The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanosilica on tensile behavior of woven carbon fabric-reinforced epoxy composites have been studied. Multi-scale composites with epoxy matrices modified with different MWCNT and nanosilica contents (0.1, 0.5 and 0.9 wt.%) have been fabricated by vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM). The dispersion of the nanoparticles in the epoxy resin has been made using an ultrasound and high-speed shearing method. Incorporation of nanoparticles improved tensile behavior and this effect was more evident in the case of composites reinforced with 0.5 wt.% of MWNCT and nanosilica. Incorporating either of the tow nanoparticles at 0.9 wt.% leads to a decrease in the trend of tensile properties. Examination of fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that by incorporating 0.9 wt.% of each nanoparticle, there are local MWCNT and nanosilica agglomerations within the composites. These nanoparticle-agglomerates reduced their potential strengthening effect in multi-scale composites containing 0.9 wt.% of nanoparticles. Also, SEM images showed that the MWCNTs and nanosilica enhanced the fiber–matrix interfacial strength and then by toughening the surrounding matrix, improved the strength and stiffness of multi-scale composites.
A simulation model of electrical resistance applied in designing conductive woven fabrics – Part II: fast estimated model
Authors: Zhao Yuanfang , Li Li
Published: March 2017

Limited researches have been proposed regarding the theoretical model of conductive woven fabric. In a previous study, one type of simulation model was derived to compute the resistance of conductive woven fabric. This paper proposed another fast estimated method to obtain the electrical resistance of conductive thermal woven fabrics (CTWFs) based on the previous model but design oriented. This new model has a similar predicted effect, for which the maximum deviation is less than 1.2% compared to the previous one. The cover factor was a major factor in this model, which assists designers to comprehend and manage the method rapidly. The results revealed that the proposed fast estimated model was well fitted ( P-value < 0.05) and could well simulate the electrical resistance of CTWFs within a certain error variation. According to this model, designers can independently estimate the electrical resistance and design customized products of CTWFs, which will be produced effectively by reducing extra waste of energy and cost.
Determination of the effect of fabric properties on the coupled heat and moisture transport of underwear–shirt fabric combinations
Authors: Atasağun Hande G , Okur Ayşe , Psikuta Agnes , Rossi René M , Annaheim Simon
Published: March 2017

In this study, the heat transfer and moisture management properties of fabric combinations for office wear consisting of underwear and shirt fabrics, including three different fiber types and three kinds of weave types, were investigated. A sweating torso methodology was applied in order to characterize fabric combinations in terms of thermophysiological comfort for office occupants. This study showed that the cooling effect due to perspiration, accumulated moisture, and drying time of the combinations with cotton underwear were unaffected by both weave type and fiber type of shirt layer. However, initial cooling and drying time values of the combinations with underwear consisting of hydrophobic fibers were affected statistically significant by the fiber of the shirt layer. The percentage of moisture accumulation in the fabric layers was directly related to the fiber type of the underwear fabrics. Based on an extended data analysis, it was concluded that the combination of polyester underwear and cotton polyester twill shirt fabrics was the most recommendable of all the combinations used in this study with regard to the thermophysiological comfort of office occupants.
Improving school outcomes for children affected by parental HIV/AIDS: Evaluation of the ChildCARE Intervention at 6-, 12-, and 18-months
Authors: Harrison Sayward E. , Li Xiaoming , Zhang JiaJia , Chi Peilian , Zhao Junfeng , Zhao Guoxiang
Published: March 2017

Children affected by parental HIV/AIDS are at-risk for poor school outcomes including reduced attendance, lower grades, and lower school satisfaction compared to unaffected peers. Resilience-based interventions offer promise to improve functioning across a number of domains. A four-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 790 children affected by parental HIV/AIDS in rural, central China to examine the effects of a multi-level, resilience-based intervention (i.e., ChildCARE) on school outcomes. Child and caregiver dyads were randomized to a control group, child-only intervention, child + caregiver intervention, or child + caregiver + community intervention. School outcomes at 6-, 12-, and 18-months suggest that participation in the ChildCARE program yielded improvements in academic performance, school satisfaction, and school interest. Opportunities for school psychologists to engage in psychosocial and educational intervention for children impacted by HIV/AIDS are discussed.
Inflammatory Cell Findings in the Female Rabbit Heart and Stress-associated Exacerbation with Handling and Procedures Used in Nonclinical Studies
Authors: Sellers Rani S. , Pardo Ingrid , Hu George , Khan K. Nasir , Perry Richard , Markiewicz Victoria , Rohde Cynthia , Colangelo Jennifer , Reagan William , Clarke David
Published: March 2017

Despite the use of rabbits in biomedical research, including regulatory toxicology and cardiovascular studies, little data exist on heart findings in this species. This study was designed to document myocardial findings in female rabbits and the impact of study-related procedures typical for vaccine toxicology studies. One hundred and forty 6- to 8-month-old female New Zealand White rabbits were divided equally into 2 groups, high and low study procedure groups (group 1 and group 2, respectively). All animals received intramuscular (IM) injections of sterile saline every 2 weeks for 5 times and were necropsied 2 days after the final IM injection. Clinical chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis were evaluated. Blood for stress biomarkers (norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, and corticosterone), C-reactive protein, cardiac troponin I, and creatine kinase were collected at time 0 (just before dose administration) and then at 4, 24, and 48 hr after dose administration in group 1 only. Hearts were assessed histologically. Focal to multifocal minimal inflammatory cell infiltrates were common (∼80%), particularly in the left ventricle and interventricular septum, and were similar to the types of infiltrates identified in other laboratory animal species. Additionally, study-related procedures elevated serum stress biomarkers and exacerbated the frequency and severity of myocardial inflammatory cell infiltrates.
Murder and the long-term impact on co-victims
Authors: van Wijk Anton , Leiden Ilse van , Ferwerda Henk
Published: March 2017

Co-victims – surviving relatives of murder and homicide victims – experience practical, emotional, psychological and legal problems as a result of the murder of their loved ones. Available findings are often based on cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal research is necessary to gain an understanding of the problems co-victims face. A total of 28 co-victims have been monitored for more than five years (63 months on average). The outcome shows that problems generally decrease over the course of time. Emotional and psychological problems may grow worse, however, during criminal proceedings and at the time of sentencing. Long-term care and support for this group is desirable.
Efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac/menthol gel for ankle sprain: A randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trial
Authors: Lai Pamela M. , Collaku Agron , Reed Kenneth
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study was performed to evaluate topical 1% diclofenac/3% menthol gel in treating ankle sprain.

Design

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adolescents and adults with acute ankle sprain (N = 385) applied 4 g of gel containing 1% diclofenac/3% menthol (n = 117), 1% diclofenac (n = 112), 3% menthol (n = 77), or placebo (n = 75) four times daily. The primary outcome was the area under the curve of pain intensity (PI) on movement [0 (no pain) to 10 (extreme pain)] from 24 to 72 hours post-application (AUC1–3 days). Secondary outcomes included pain relief (PR); PI; time to onset of PR, meaningful PR, cooling, and complete recovery; PI difference; sum of PI difference; total PR; reduction in ankle swelling; and the patient’s global assessment of response to treatment.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in AUC1–3 between 1% diclofenac/3% menthol and placebo, diclofenac, or menthol gels and no meaningful advantages of 1% diclofenac/3% menthol for any secondary outcome. There was a higher incidence of skin and application-site events with 1% diclofenac/3% menthol than with placebo or 1% diclofenac.

Conclusion

No significant improvement was observed with topical 1% diclofenac/3% menthol gel compared with placebo, 1% diclofenac, or 3% menthol gel in treating pain from ankle sprain. ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT02100670
Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Enhance Clot Formation and Delay Lysis
Authors: Jeffery Unity , LeVine Dana N.
Published: March 2017

Autoimmune diseases increase the risk of thrombosis. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are webs of DNA and protein that may mediate thrombosis in autoimmune diseases. Human and murine studies show NET-releasing neutrophils within a thrombus promote its growth, but it is unclear to what extent NET fragments released into circulation during inflammation are prothrombotic. This study hypothesized that canine NETs promote clot formation and impair lysis even in the absence of neutrophils. NETs were prepared from PMA-stimulated neutrophils and added to fibrinogen and thrombin or to recalcified pooled canine platelet-poor plasma, tissue factor, and tissue plasminogen activator. Clot formation and lysis were measured spectrophotometrically. NETs did not alter fibrin clot formation, but NETs increased maximum clot formation velocity ( P = .001) and delayed lysis ( P = .009) of plasma clots compared with supernatants from nonstimulated neutrophils. DNase digestion of NETs reduced their effect on clot lysis but not maximum clot formation velocity. This suggested impaired lysis was principally mediated by DNA within NETs but that NET proteins were principally responsible for increased speed of clot formation. Previous reports suggested elastase or histones might be responsible for the effect of NETs on clot formation. Elastase activity was greatly reduced by plasma, and addition of histones to plasma did not increase formation velocity, suggesting these proteins were not responsible for increasing maximum formation velocity. This study showed that NETs enhanced clot formation and impaired clot lysis in canine platelet-poor plasma. These in vitro findings suggest both NET proteins and DNA may contribute to thrombosis in inflammatory disease.
A Case of Anagrelide-Induced Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With Essential Thrombocythemia
Authors: Singh Pritpal
Published: March 2017

Background:

Anagrelide is an established treatment option for essential thrombocythemia (ET). Cardiovascular adverse events can occur with its use including heart failure and cardiomyopathy.

Case Report:

A 52-year-old African American male with ET presented with chest pain, shortness of breath, and dyspnea on exertion. His ET was managed with hydroxyurea 1500 mg by mouth twice a day and anagrelide 1 mg by mouth 3 times a day. The patient was receiving anagrelide for approximately 2 years prior to presentation. The patient’s platelet count was 2.07 × 105 cells/mm3. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed decreased left systolic dysfunction. Also, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed an increased left ventricle cavity size with severely depressed systolic dysfunction and an ejection fraction (EF) of 18%. Anagrelide therapy was discontinued and the patient was maintained on hydroxyurea for ET. Three months later, following treatment by a heart failure clinic, the patient’s EF was 55%. Five months after discontinuation, the patient improved from New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II to NYHA class I.

Conclusion:

A 52-year-old man with ET presented with an EF of 18% after 2 years of anagrelide therapy. His EF increased from 18% to 55% 3 months after discontinuation of anagrelide.
A Pilot Study for Antimicrobial Stewardship Post-Discharge: Avoiding Pitfalls at the Transitions of Care
Authors: Jones Justin M. , Leedahl Nathan D. , Losing Ashley , Carson Paul J. , Leedahl David D.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

Lack of patient follow-up is a major concern during care transitions, and the role of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) in assessing antimicrobial regimens after hospital discharge is not well described. We implemented an expanded ASP to include patients recently discharged from the hospital and measured its impact on inappropriate antimicrobial therapy 72 hours after inpatient culture data were finalized.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted at a 583-bed tertiary care center in the Upper Midwest of America. All patients discharged from our facility on antimicrobial therapy with pending culture results between February 3, 2016, and March 2, 2016, were included for review. If a pathogen nonsusceptible to all prescribed antimicrobials was identified post-discharge, a recommendation for therapy modification was communicated to the prescriber.

Results:

Thirty-eight patients discharged from our hospital on antimicrobial therapy with pending culture results were evaluated for intervention. When final culture susceptibilities were considered, 5 of 38 patients had been prescribed an inappropriate antimicrobial agent. An ASP pharmacist intervened on 4 of 5 patients, resulting in 3 of 5 patients transitioning to appropriate antimicrobial therapy. When compared to a historical cohort, our transitions-of-care ASP yielded a 3.6-fold increase in antimicrobial-related interventions among discharged patients while reducing inappropriate outpatient antimicrobial therapy by 39%.

Conclusion:

We believe this is the first pharmacist-driven ASP represented in the medical literature which evaluated all available inpatient culture data to serve patients discharged from the hospital. Antimicrobial stewardship for patients in care transitions may provide an opportunity to increase ASP interventions and reduce inappropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Preparation of collagen/polyurethane/knitted silk as a composite scaffold for tendon tissue engineering
Authors: Sharifi-Aghdam Maryam , Faridi-Majidi Reza , Derakhshan Mohammad Ali , Chegeni Arash , Azami Mahmoud
Published: March 2017

The main objective of this study was to prepare a hybrid three-dimensional scaffold that mimics natural tendon tissues. It has been found that a knitted silk shows good mechanical strength; however, cell growth on the bare silk is not desirable. Hence, electrospun collagen/polyurethane combination was used to cover knitted silk. A series of collagen and polyurethane solutions (4%–7% w/v) in aqueous acetic acid were prepared and electrospun. According to obtained scanning electron microscopy images from pure collagen and polyurethane nanofibers, concentration was set constant at 5% (w/v) for blend solutions of collagen/polyurethane. Afterward, blend solutions with the weight ratios of 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75 were electrospun. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated the smooth and uniform morphology for the optimized nanofibers. The least fibers diameter among three weight ratios was found for collagen/polyurethane (25/75) which was 100.86 ± 40 nm and therefore was selected to be electrospun on the knitted silk. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the chemical composition of obtained electrospun nanofibers on the knitted silk. Tensile test of the specimens including blend nanofiber, knitted silk and commercial tendon substitute examined and indicated that collagen/polyurethane-coated knitted silk has appropriate mechanical properties as a scaffold for tendon tissue engineering. Then, Alamar Blue assay of the L929 fibroblast cell line seeded on the prepared scaffolds demonstrated appropriate viability of the cells with a significant proliferation on the scaffold containing more collagen content. The results illustrate that the designed structure would be promising for being used as a temporary substitute for tendon repair.
Ethos: The heart of ethics and health
Authors: Östman Lillemor , Näsman Yvonne , Eriksson Katie , Nyström Lisbet
Published: March 2017

Background:

Ethics in nursing care are traditionally discussed in terms of moral norms or principles. When taking an ontological approach to ethics, ethics is about ethos. Ethos involves both an internal and an external side of ethics. Considering ethics and health from an ontological perspective can provide a different understanding of ethics and health in caring and nursing.

Aim and research question:

The aim of this study is to deepen the ontological understanding of ethics and health in caring and nursing. The research question is as follows: What is the ontology of health and ethics in caring and nursing?

Research design:

The study follows a hermeneutical design inspired by Gadamer. Participants and research context: essays about ethics and health were gathered from PhD students in nursing and caring sciences.

Ethical considerations:

The research follows Responsible conduct of research guidelines provided by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.

Findings:

An ethos with the values of freedom and responsibility seem to ontologically be important for ethics and health. These values allow a movement between the internal and the external sides of ethics that is important for health.

Discussion:

The ethos of freedom and responsibility that is essential for ethics and health can provide the current ethical debate a new starting point that previous research asks for.

Conclusion:

Ontologically, an ethos of freedom and responsibility is essential for ethics and health in nursing and caring.
Participatory Methods for Entertainment–Education: Analysis of Best Practices
Authors: Riley Amy Henderson , Sood Suruchi , Robichaud Meagan
Published: March 2017

Entertainment-education (EE) projects combine entertainment and education to increase knowledge, shift attitudes and promote social change using a range of communication platforms including theatre, radio, television, games, social media and others. Theoretical understanding regarding the underlying mechanisms of this creative communication approach developed alongside evidence and best practices for designing, implementing and evaluating interventions using techniques that reflect the current state of the field. Recent best practices often utilize participatory methods, a bottom-up approach wherein researchers work with stakeholders to identify culturally relevant indicators of change and gather information about the assets and needs of affected communities. Despite calls in the literature for reporting on participatory processes for health communication, a synthesis of such methods specific to EE has yet to emerge in the published literature. This comprehensive search reviews participatory best practices specifically used for the development and implementation of EE interventions with a wide range of behaviour and social change objectives. Findings suggest utilizing participatory research methods provide unique opportunities for inquiry aligned with current theory and evidence for both EE interventions and across other creative communication strategies. Implications include programmes produced by and with an audience as opposed to for an audience.
Clinical value of miR-145-5p in NSCLC and potential molecular mechanism exploration: A retrospective study based on GEO, qRT-PCR, and TCGA data
Authors: Gan Ting-qing , Xie Zu-cheng , Tang Rui-xue , Zhang Tong-tong , Li Dong-yao , Li Zu-yun , Chen Gang
Published: March 2017

MicroRNAs have been reported to be involved in various biological processes. Here, we performed a systematic analysis to explore the clinical value and potential molecular mechanism of miR-145-5p in non-small cell lung cancer. First, a meta-analysis was performed with eligible literature, followed by microRNA microarrays in the Gene Expression Omnibus database, to verify the diagnostic and prognostic values of miR-145-5p. A cohort of 125 clinical paired non-small cell lung cancer samples was next used to detect the level of miR-145-5p and to explore the relationship of miR-145-5p with clinicopathological parameters. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was additionally applied to investigate the role of miR-145-5p in non-small cell lung cancer. The potential targets of miR-145-5p were predicted using 12 online prediction databases to explore the prospective molecular mechanism of miR-145-5p in non-small cell lung cancer. The expression of miR-145-5p in non-small cell lung cancer was significantly lower than that in healthy tissues. And miR-145-5p tended to show better diagnostic performance in lung squamous cell carcinoma than in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, the expression of miR-145-5p was closely associated with lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer. Gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the target genes were mainly enriched with enzyme-linked receptor protein signaling pathways, SH3 domain binding, cell leading edge, and adherens junction. The protein–protein interaction network showed that eight hub genes (SMAD4, SMAD2, IRS1, FOXO1, ERBB4, NRAS, ACTB, and ACTG1) might be the key target genes of miR-145-5p in non-small cell lung cancer. The information we obtained might offer new perspectives for clinical diagnosis and treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.
Expression of RNA-binding motif 10 is associated with advanced tumor stage and malignant behaviors of lung adenocarcinoma cancer cells
Authors: Guan Guofang , Li Ranwei , Tang Wenfang , Liu Tiecheng , Su Zhenzhong , Wang Yan , Tan Jingjin , Jiang Shan , Wang Ke
Published: March 2017

This study assessed RNA-binding motif 10 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and examined the role and mechanism of RNA-binding motif 10 in the regulation of lung adenocarcinoma malignancy. Lung adenocarcinoma and corresponding adjacent non-tumor lung tissues from 41 patients were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assessment to detect RNA-binding motif 10 expression. Recombinant lentivirus carrying RNA-binding motif 10 complementary DNA was used to infect lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, A549 and H1299 cells. Complementary DNA microarray was used to profile RNA-binding motif 10–regulated genes. Levels of RNA-binding motif 10 messenger RNA and protein were significantly lower in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than those in paired non-tumor tissues (p < 0.001). Reduced RNA-binding motif 10 expression was found to be associated with an advanced tumor stage. RNA-binding motif 10 overexpression inhibited viability and colony formation capacity of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and induced cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in A549 cells and at S phase in H1299 cells. Complementary DNA microarray analysis identified 304 upregulated and 386 downregulated genes induced by RNA-binding motif 10 overexpression, which may be involved in cancer, focal adhesion, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor–regulated gene pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, complement and coagulation cascades, platelet amyloid precursor protein pathway, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, and small cell lung cancer–related genes. Expression of FGF2, EGFR, WNT5A, NF-κB, and RAP1A was downregulated, whereas expression of AKT2, BIRC3, and JUN was upregulated. RNA-binding motif 10 messenger RNA and protein were reduced in lung adenocarcinoma tissues, and RNA-binding motif 10 overexpression inhibited lung adenocarcinoma cancer cell malignant behavior in vitro. Molecularly, RNA-binding motif 10 regulates many gene pathways involving in the tumor development or progression.
Cell division cycle 20 overexpression predicts poor prognosis for patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shi Run , Sun Qi , Sun Jing , Wang Xin , Xia Wenjie , Dong Gaochao , Wang Anpeng , Jiang Feng , Xu Lin
Published: March 2017

The cell division cycle 20, a key component of spindle assembly checkpoint, is an essential activator of the anaphase-promoting complex. Aberrant expression of cell division cycle 20 has been detected in various human cancers. However, its clinical significance has never been deeply investigated in non-small-cell lung cancer. By analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas database and using some certain online databases, we validated overexpression of cell division cycle 20 in both messenger RNA and protein levels, explored its clinical significance, and evaluated the prognostic role of cell division cycle 20 in non-small-cell lung cancer. Cell division cycle 20 expression was significantly correlated with sex (p = 0.003), histological classification (p < 0.0001), and tumor size (p = 0.0116) in non-small-cell lung cancer patients. In lung adenocarcinoma patients, overexpression of cell division cycle 20 was significantly associated with bigger primary tumor size (p = 0.0023), higher MKI67 level (r = 0.7618, p < 0.0001), higher DNA ploidy level (p < 0.0001), and poor prognosis (hazard ratio = 2.39, confidence interval: 1.87–3.05, p < 0.0001). However, in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients, no significant association of cell division cycle 20 expression was observed with any clinical parameter or prognosis. Overexpression of cell division cycle 20 is associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients, and its overexpression can also be used to identify high-risk groups. In conclusion, cell division cycle 20 might serve as a potential biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma patients.
The role of estradiol metabolism in urogenital schistosomiasis-induced bladder cancer
Authors: Vale Nuno , Gouveia Maria J , Rinaldi Gabriel , Santos Júlio , Santos Lúcio Lara , Brindley Paul J , da Costa José M Correia
Published: March 2017

Urogenital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that can lead to bladder cancer. How urogenital schistosomiasis induces carcinogenesis remains unclear, although there is evidence that the human blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium, the infectious agent of urogenital schistosomiasis, releases estradiol-like metabolites. These kind of compounds have been implicated in other cancers. Aiming for enhanced understanding of the pathogenesis of the urogenital schistosomiasis-induced bladder cancer, here we review, interpret, and discuss findings of estradiol-like metabolites detected in both the parasite and in the human urine during urogenital schistosomiasis. Moreover, we predict pathways and enzymes that are involved in the production of these metabolites emphasizing their potential effects on the dysregulation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 expression during urogenital schistosomiasis. Enhanced understanding of these potential carcinogens may not only shed light on urogenital schistosomiasis-induced neoplasia of the bladder, but would also facilitate development of interventions and biomarkers for this and other infection-associated cancers at large.
The critical role and potential target of the autotaxin/lysophosphatidate axis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Quan Ming , Cui Jiu-jie , Feng Xiao , Huang Qian
Published: March 2017

Autotaxin, an ecto-lysophospholipase D encoded by the human ENNP2 gene, is expressed in multiple tissues, and participates in numerous critical physiologic and pathologic processes including inflammation, pain, obesity, embryo development, and cancer via the generation of the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidate. Overwhelming evidences indicate that the autotaxin/lysophosphatidate signaling axis serves key roles in the numerous processes central to tumorigenesis and progression, including proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, metastasis, cancer stem cell, tumor microenvironment, and treatment resistance by interacting with a series of at least six G-protein-coupled receptors (LPAR1–6). This review provides an overview of the autotaxin/lysophosphatidate axis and collates current knowledge regarding its specific role in pancreatic cancer. With a deeper understanding of the critical role of the autotaxin/lysophosphatidate axis in pancreatic cancer, targeting autotaxin or lysophosphatidate receptor may be a potential and promising strategy for cancer therapy.
HR+HER2− breast cancers with growth factor receptor–mediated EMT have a poor prognosis and lapatinib downregulates EMT in MCF-7 cells
Authors: Desai Krisha , Aiyappa Radhika , Prabhu Jyothi S , Nair Madhumathy G , Lawrence Patrick Varun , Korlimarla Aruna , CE Anupama , Alexander Annie , Kaluve Rohini S , Manjunath Suraj , Correa Marjorrie , Srinath BS , Patil Shekhar , Kalamdani Anjali , Prasad MSN , Sridhar TS
Published: March 2017

Despite an overall good prognosis, a significant proportion of patients with hormone receptor positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative breast cancers develop distant metastases. The metastatic potential of epithelial cells is known to be regulated by tumor–stromal interaction and mediated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Hormone receptor positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative tumors were used to estimate markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the luminal breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was used to examine the interactions between integrins and growth factor receptors in causation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. A total of 140 primary tumors were sub-divided into groups enriched for the markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (snail family transcriptional repressor 2 and integrin β6) versus those with low levels. Within the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition+ tumors, there was a positive correlation between the transcripts of integrin β6 and growth factor receptors—human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and epidermal growth factor receptor. In tumors enriched for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, patients with tumors with the highest quartile of growth factor receptor transcripts had a shorter disease-free survival compared to patients with low growth factor receptor expression by Kaplan–Meier analysis (log rank, p = 0.03). Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was induced in MCF-7 cells by treatment with transforming growth factor beta 1 and confirmed by upregulation of SNAI1 and SNAI2 transcripts, increase of vimentin and integrin β6 protein, and repression of E-cadherin. Treatment of these cells with the dual-specificity tyrosine-kinase inhibitor lapatinib led to downregulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as indicated by lower levels of SNAI1 and SNAI2 transcripts, integrin αvβ6, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 protein. The results suggest that synergistic interactions between growth factor receptors and integrin β6 could mediate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration in a subset of luminal breast cancers and lapatinib might be effective in disrupting this interaction.
Evaluation of sorafenib in Chinese unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients with prior surgery and portal vein tumor thrombosis: A subset analysis of GIDEON study data
Authors: Ye Sheng-Long , Chen Xiaoping , Yang Jiamei , Bie Ping , Zhang Shuijun , Liu Fengyong , Liu Luming , Zhou Jie , Dou Kefeng , Yip Christina SM , Yang Xiaolei
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of sorafenib in Chinese patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Data of 338 Chinese patients from the Global Investigation of therapeutic DEcisions in hepatocellular carcinoma and Of its treatment with sorafeNib study database were included. Patients were divided into those who received and did not receive sorafenib prior to surgical resection and those with and without portal vein tumor thrombosis. In the non-surgery group, the median survival was 302 days (95% confidence interval: 244–371), and the median time from diagnosis to death was 428 days (95% confidence interval: 352–556); in the surgery group, half of the patients survived for 345 days and the median time from diagnosis to death was 1000 days (95% confidence interval: 750–2816). Median progression-free survival and median time to progression were not different between the two groups. Median overall survival was 360 days (95% confidence interval: 309–435) in the non–portal vein tumor thrombosis group and 240 days (95% confidence interval: 181–296) in the portal vein tumor thrombosis group; median time between hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and death was 750 days (95% confidence interval: 472–1000) and 420 days (95% confidence interval: 252–567), respectively, in the two groups. Median progression-free survival was 209 days (95% confidence interval: 166–264) for patients without portal vein tumor thrombosis and 154 days (95% confidence interval: 112–202) for patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis; median time to progression was 295 days (95% confidence interval: 209–463) and 221 days, respectively. Adverse events were generally comparable regardless of prior surgery and portal vein tumor thrombosis status. We thus conclude that earlier administration of sorafenib may result in improved outcomes in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombosis.
l-Glutamine supplementation promotes an improved energetic balance in Walker-256 tumor–bearing rats
Authors: Martins Heber Amilcar , Bazotte Roberto Barbosa , Vicentini Geraldo Emilio , Lima Mariana Machado , Guarnier Flavia Alessandra , Hermes-Uliana Catchia , Frez Flavia Cristina Vieira , Bossolani Gleison Daion Piovezana , Fracaro Luciane , Fávaro Larissa dos Santos , Manzano Mariana Inocêncio , Zanoni Jacqueline Nelisis
Published: March 2017

We evaluated the effects of supplementation with oral l-glutamine in Walker-256 tumor–bearing rats. A total of 32 male Wistar rats aged 54 days were randomly divided into four groups: rats without Walker-256 tumor, that is, control rats (C group); control rats supplemented with l-glutamine (CG group); Walker-256 tumor rats without l-glutamine supplementation (WT group); and WT rats supplemented with l-glutamine (WTG group). l-Glutamine was incorporated into standard food at a proportion of 2 g/100 g (2%). After 10 days of the experimental period, the jejunum and duodenum were removed and processed. Protein expression levels of key enzymes of gluconeogenesis, that is, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase, were analyzed by western blot and immunohistochemical techniques. In addition, plasma corticosterone, glucose, insulin, and urea levels were evaluated. The WTG group showed significantly increased plasma glucose and insulin levels ( p < 0.05); however, plasma corticosterone and urea remained unchanged. Moreover, the WTG group showed increased immunoreactive staining for jejunal phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and increased expression of duodenal glucose-6-phosphatase. Furthermore, the WTG group presented with less intense cancer cachexia and slower tumor growth. These results could be attributed, at least partly, to increased intestinal gluconeogenesis and insulinemia, and better glycemia maintenance during fasting in Walker-256 tumor rats on a diet supplemented with l-glutamine.
Efficient killing of radioresistant breast cancer cells by cytokine-induced killer cells
Authors: Guo Qingming , Zhu Danni , Bu Xiaocui , Wei Xiaofang , Li Changyou , Gao Daiqing , Wei Xiaoqiang , Ma Xuezhen , Zhao Peng
Published: March 2017

Recurrence of breast cancer after radiotherapy may be partly explained by the presence of radioresistant cells. Thus, it would be desirable to develop an effective therapy against radioresistant cells. In this study, we demonstrated the intense antitumor activity of cytokine-induced killer cells against MCF-7 and radioresistant MCF-7 cells, as revealed by cytokine-induced killer–mediated cytotoxicity, tumor cell proliferation, and tumor invasion. Radioresistant MCF-7 cells were more susceptible to cytokine-induced killer cell killing. The stronger cytotoxicity of cytokine-induced killer cells against radioresistant MCF-7 cells was dependent on the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide–related sequence A/B on radioresistant MCF-7 cells after exposure of cytokine-induced killer cells to sensitized targets. In addition, we demonstrated that cytokine-induced killer cell treatment sensitized breast cancer cells to chemotherapy via the downregulation of TK1, TYMS, and MDR1. These results indicate that cytokine-induced killer cell treatment in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may induce synergistic antitumor activities and represent a novel strategy for breast cancer.
Here and Now Aboriginal Assessment (HANAA): a follow-up survey of users
Authors: Janca Aleksandar , Lyons Zaza , Gaspar Jane
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

To explore users’ views of, and experience with, the Here and Now Aboriginal Assessment (HANAA), an instrument developed for screening social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) in Aboriginal adults. Over the last few years the HANAA has been widely disseminated across Australia.

Methods:

All those on our database who had requested the HANAA package were contacted by email and invited to participate in the evaluation by completing an online survey.

Results:

A total of 38 responses were received; the response rate was 36%. All 10 HANAA domains were highly rated by respondents; the overall mean score was 8.3/10. Each domain was assessed using a dichotomous scale of ‘problem’ or ‘no problem’ which respondents rated as being very useful; the mean score was 8.4/10. The mean score for the ‘recommendation’ section at the end of the HANAA was 7.2/10.

Conclusions:

Respondents reported a high level of utility and cultural applicability of the HANAA’s assessment domains, semi-structured narrative style of administration and simple rating system. The HANAA is making a useful and practical contribution to the assessment of Aboriginal SEWB at a community level. Recommendations for future work on the HANAA include consideration of addition of a personality domain and development of a child and adolescent version.
Analysis of Restraint and Seclusion Legislation and Policy Across States: Adherence to Recommended Principles
Authors: Marx Teri A. , Baker Joshua N.
Published: March 2017

This review examines each state’s educational legislation and policies on restraint and seclusion in relationship to their alignment with the U.S. Department of Education’s (U.S. DOE) Restraint and Seclusion: Resource Document. Although the Resource Document is not a federal mandate, it provides the U.S. DOE’s recommendations for policy and legislation to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion in schools and create safe learning environments for all students. State educational legislation and policies on restraint and seclusion were coded and compared with the U.S. DOE Resource Document’s 15 guiding principles. Results were variable and found that some states’ policies adhered more to the guiding principles than their legislation. In addition, some states recognize the document in their legislation and policy. A summary of the descriptive data and current state statuses are reported.
Responsibilising the next generation: Fostering the enterprising self through de-mobilising gender
Authors: Berglund Karin , Lindgren Monica , Packendorff Johann
Published: March 2017

In this article, our interest is in what subjectivities are fostered among schoolchildren through the recent introduction of entrepreneurship initiatives in primary and secondary school. The educational terrain is but one example where entrepreneurship has been discursively transformed during recent decades from the notion of starting businesses into a general approach to life itself in the advancement of neoliberal societies. The inherently elitist and excluding position of the entrepreneurial subject is now offered to all and sundry. While entrepreneurship pedagogy is explicitly intended to be gender neutral and inclusive of all such identities traditionally suppressed in the entrepreneurship discourse, we ask what kind of enterprising selves are mobilised and de-mobilised here. Second, in what way are these seemingly ‘gender-neutral’ enterprising selves gendered? Our analysis of three recent and dominating entrepreneurial initiatives in the Swedish school system emphasises the need for activation, performativity and responsibility. The analysis also shows that gender is indeed silenced in these initiatives but is at the same time productive through being subtly present in the promotion of a ‘neo-masculine’, active, technology-oriented and responsible subject. Entrepreneurship is presented as being equally available for all and something everyone should aspire to, yet the initiatives still sustain the suppression and marginalisation of women and femininities. The initiatives specifically promote a responsible and adaptive masculine subject position while notions of rebellious entrepreneurship and non-entrepreneurial domestic positions are mobilised out of the picture.
How protest voters choose
Authors: Birch Sarah , Dennison James
Published: March 2017

Political scientists have identified protest voting – voting for an anti-establishment party as a protest against mainstream politics – as a consequence of dissatisfaction with traditional political options. Yet we know little about what motivates people to cast a protest vote or why voters select one such protest option over another. Taking as its empirical referent the 2015 General Election in Great Britain, this article assesses the ‘protest choice’ in parliamentary democracies. We test three possible theoretical explanations for protest voting: ideology, mistrust of political elites and campaign effects. We find that the most important factors affecting protest choice are issue positions and campaign effects. The findings suggest that protest voting is a complex phenomenon that cannot be reduced to knee-jerk anti-politics reactions.