bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale‐dependent effects of isolation on seasonal patch colonisation by two Neotropical freshwater fishes
Authors: Penha Jerry , Hakamada Karlo Y. P. , Hines James E. , Nichols James D.
Published: October 2018

The metapopulation paradigm has been central to improve the conservation and management of natural populations. However, despite the large number of studies on metapopulation dynamics, the overall support for the relationships on which the paradigm is based has not been strong. Here, we studied the occupancy dynamics of two Neotropical fishes (i.e.,Pimelodella gracilisandLeporinus friderici) to investigate two fundamental premises of the metapopulation paradigm, that is, that isolation and area/habitat quality affect colonisation and extinction probabilities in predictable ways. In order to do this, we used a modification of occupancy models that allows modelling the probability of a site's occupancy as a function of the occupancy of its neighbourhood. We found a weak positive effect of neighbourhood occupancy onP. graciliscolonisation, which is consistent with the propagule rain metapopulation, that is, colonists arriving from outside the studied system. However, we found a strong negative neighbourhood effect on extinction probability, suggesting that declining populations from stream sections are rescued from extinction by neighbouring patches. In contrast, the effect of neighbourhood occupancy on the metapopulation dynamics ofL. fridericiwas in the opposite direction, affecting positively colonisation but not affecting extinction rates, which is consistent with the classical metapopulation model. In addition, the occupancy dynamics of both species were affected by water velocity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to link directly dispersal to local population dynamics in Neotropical fishes, and one of the few studies doing inferences on spatial population dynamics based on direct estimates of neighbourhood occupancy.
How key transitions influence school and labour market careers of descendants of Moroccan and Turkish migrants in the Netherlands
Authors: Crul Maurice
Published: October 2018

Most educational research examines school outcomes at certain stages or at the final stage of the school career. This article looks at the entire school career and the transition to the labour market. It focuses on key transitions to identify the educational institutional arrangements that either help or hinder school and labour market success among the most disadvantaged groups in the Netherlands: young people of Moroccan and Turkish descent. The Dutch educational system is one of the most complicated school systems in Europe. Consequently, parents and children have to make many ‘choices’ when navigating it. Many of these key ‘choice’ moments are selection points, either because they are not real choices but dependent upon a teacher’s recommendation or because parents and pupils need a great deal of information about the school system in order to make a choice. This usually results in inequalities for the most disadvantaged groups. Because selection is disguised as ‘choices’, the structural inequalities of the Dutch school system are not usually perceived as blocking mechanisms for disadvantaged students
Burden of non‐motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients predicts improvement in quality of life during treatment with levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel
Authors: Ray Chaudhuri K. , Antonini A. , Robieson W. Z. , Sanchez‐Soliño O. , Bergmann L. , Poewe W. ,   the GLORIA study co‐investigators
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

GLORIA, a registry conducted with 375 advanced Parkinson's disease patients treated with levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) for 24 months in routine clinical care, demonstrated significant reductions from baseline in ‘off’ time and ‘on’ time with dyskinesia and improvements in the Non‐Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS) total and individual domain scores, and in Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 8 item (PDQ‐8) total score.

Methods

Associations between baseline NMSS burden (NMSB), the multi‐domain NMSS total score and the PDQ‐8 total score were investigated for 233 patients. Baseline NMSB was assigned to five numerical categories defined by the NMSS total cutoff scores (0–20, 21–40, 41–60, 61–80 and >80). Pearson and Spearman correlations were calculated at month 24.

Results

The response of LCIG was assessed using validated criteria after 24 months. The proportion of patients decreasing ≥ 30 NMSS score points was 47% in the most affected NMSB category (NMSS total score > 80). A positive association was noted between baseline NMSB and NMSS total score (0.57, P < 0.0001), as well as between NMSS total score and PDQ‐8 total score (0.46, P < 0.0001). Associations between improvements of the NMSS domain sleep/fatigue and PDQ‐8 total score (0.32, P = 0.0001) as well as between the NMSS domain mood/cognition and PDQ‐8 total score (0.37, P < 0.0001) were also shown.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrated positive associations between NMSS baseline burden and improvements of non‐motor symptoms. Improvements of non‐motor symptoms were associated with improved quality of life in advanced parkinsonian patients during a 2‐year treatment with LCIG and reflect the long‐term non‐motor efficacy of this treatment.
Rapid detection of equine infectious anaemia virus nucleic acid by insulated isothermal RT‐PCR assay to aid diagnosis under field conditions
Authors: Cook R. F. , Barrandeguy M. , Lee P.‐Y. A. , Tsai C.‐F. , Shen Y.‐H. , Tsai Y.‐L. , Chang H.‐F. G. , Wang H.‐T. T. , Balasuriya U. B. R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Control of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) currently depends on serological diagnosis of infected equids. However, recently infected equids may not produce detectable anti‐EIAV antibodies up to 157 days post infection and so present a high transmission risk. Therefore, direct nucleic acid detection methods are urgently needed to improve EIAV surveillance and management programs in counties where the disease is endemic.

Objectives

To evaluate a field‐deployable, reverse transcription‐insulated isothermal PCR (RT‐iiPCR) assay targeting the conserved 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR)/exon 1 of the tat gene of EIAV.

Study design

The analytical and clinical performance of the newly developed EIAV RT‐iiPCR was evaluated by comparison with a EIAV real‐time RT‐PCR (RT‐qPCR) along with the AGID test.

Methods

Analytical sensitivity was determined using in vitro transcribed RNA containing the target area of the 5′ UTR/tat gene and samples from two EIAV‐positive horses. Specificity was verified using nine common equine viruses. Clinical performance was evaluated by comparison with EIAV RT‐qPCR and AGID using samples derived from 196 inapparent EIAV carrier horses.

Results

EIAV RT‐iiPCR did not react with other commonly encountered equine viruses and had equivalent sensitivity (95% detection limit of eight genome equivalents), with a concordance of 95.41% to conventional EIAV RT‐qPCR. However, the RT‐qPCR and RT‐iiPCR had sensitivities of 43.75 and 50.00%, respectively, when compared to the AGID test.

Main limitations

Low viral loads commonly encountered in inapparent EIAV carriers may limit the diagnostic sensitivity of RT‐PCR‐based tests.

Conclusions

Although EIAV RT‐iiPCR is not sufficiently sensitive to replace the current AGID test, it can augment control efforts by identifying recently exposed or “serologically silent” equids, particularly as the latter often represent a significant transmission risk because of high viral loads. Furthermore, the relatively low cost and field‐deployable design enable utilisation of EIAV RT‐iiPCR even in remote regions.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in commercial feedstuffs for horses
Authors: Rückert C. , Emmerich I. , Hertzsch R. , Vervuert I.
Published: October 2018

Background

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are secondary plant metabolites with hepatotoxic effect in humans and several animal species. In recent studies, foods such as herbal teas and honey have been found to be contaminated with pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify and assess pyrrolizidine alkaloids in compound feeds manufactured for horses and containing either alfalfa or a blend of herbs.

Methods

Forty‐eight feed products for horses were included in the study. The feedstuffs were analysed for 28 selected pyrrolizidine alkaloids by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The concentrations of the individual pyrrolizidine alkaloids were summed to calculate the total pyrrolizidine alkaloid content.

Results

In 7 of 48 samples, pyrrolizidine alkaloid concentrations were below the limit of quantification of 1–5 μg/kg. The median of 41 out of 48 samples was 58 μg/kg, and the 25 and 75th percentiles were 8 and 151 μg/kg. The highest observed pyrrolizidine alkaloid concentrations, 1306 and 1222 μg/kg, were found in two alfalfa‐based feed products, followed by 836 μg/kg in an herb‐containing feed product. Lycopsamine, seneciphylline, seneciphylline‐N‐oxide, senecionine and senecionine‐N‐oxide were the most frequently detected alkaloids.

Main limitations

Risk assessment was based on no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level for pyrrolizidine alkaloids in rats and humans. The specific susceptibility of horses to pyrrolizidine alkaloids remains unknown.

Conclusions

According to our risk assessment, pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination should be limited to <90 μg/kg in equine compound feeds. We showed a high rate of pyrrolizidine alkaloids contamination in feed products for horses. In 43% of the analysed samples, pyrrolizidine alkaloid levels exceeded the calculated maximum tolerable levels. There is a need to introduce measures to reduce pyrrolizidine contamination in equine feedstuffs.

The Summary is available in Portuguese – see Supporting Information
Implementing a fuzzy expert system for ensuring information technology supply chain
Authors: Shokouhyar Sajjad , Seifhashemi Sudabeh , Siadat Hossein , Ahmadi Mohammad Milad
Published: October 2018

In the business environment, information technology (IT) plays an important role for firms' performance. It provides information flow that makes the supply chain more robust and resilient without undermining its efficiency. Smart systems use artificial intelligence methods for solving problems and facilitating decision‐making through rule‐based deduction. Accordingly, these systems can present specialists' skills and simulate their thinking process. The primary goal of expert systems is to implement knowledge acquisition process by converting knowledge to wisdom. This process is vital for critical decision‐making regarding important issues such as determining necessities of a particular contract. Companies use professional liability insurance of the products and services to ensure the purchasers and prevent potential losses. Although this practice is highly prevalent, there is not any particular procedure for measuring necessities of contracts. The main purpose of this paper is to design a fuzzy expert system for measuring the necessities of professional contracts regarding insurance coverage and improve the supply chain management using IT. This system can measure and report these obligations, considering specifications of each project. Taking into perspective variety of professional services/products, we consider software as a type of professional contracts, extract its important indices and give it to the system as the input. After the necessary stages, the system produces a proper response and presents the generated response to the user. The software of this expert system is web based, and there are four operating layers in its architecture. We implemented this program in MS Visual Studio Framework with C#.NET programming language. Moreover, we implemented MS SQL‐Server Database Management.
Estimating time and score uncertainty in generating successful learning paths under time constraints
Authors: Nabizadeh Amir Hossein , Jorge Alípio Mário , Leal José Paulo
Published: October 2018

This paper addresses the problem of course (path) generation when a learner's available time is not enough to follow the complete course. We propose a method to recommend successful paths regarding a learner's available time and his/her knowledge background. Our recommender is an instance of long term goal recommender systems (LTRS). This method, after locating a target learner in a course graph, applies a depth‐first search algorithm to find all paths for the learner given a time limitation. In addition, our method estimates learning time and score for all paths. It also indicates the probability of error for the estimated time and score for each path. Finally, our method recommends a path that satisfies the learner's time restriction while maximizing expected learning score. In order to evaluate our proposals for time and score estimation, we used the mean absolute error and average MAE. We have evaluated time and score estimation methods, including one proposed in the literature, on two E‐learning datasets.
Long‐term changes in the impacts of global warming on leaf phenology of four temperate tree species
Authors: Chen Lei , Huang Jian‐Guo , Ma Qianqian , Hänninen Heikki , Tremblay Francine , Bergeron Yves
Published: October 2018

Contrary to the generally advanced spring leaf unfolding under global warming, the effects of the climate warming on autumn leaf senescence are highly variable with advanced, delayed, and unchanged patterns being all reported. Using one million records of leaf phenology from four dominant temperate species in Europe, we investigated the temperature sensitivities of spring leaf unfolding and autumn leaf senescence (ST, advanced or delayed days per degree Celsius). The ST of spring phenology in all of the four examined species showed an increase and decrease during 1951–1980 and 1981–2013, respectively. The decrease in the ST during 1981–2013 appears to be caused by reduced accumulation of chilling units. As with spring phenology, the ST of leaf senescence of early successional and exotic species started to decline since 1980. In contrast, for late successional species, the ST of autumn senescence showed an increase for the entire study period from 1951 to 2013. Moreover, the impacts of rising temperature associated with global warming on spring leaf unfolding were stronger than those on autumn leaf senescence. The timing of leaf senescence was positively correlated with the timing of leaf unfolding during 1951–1980. However, as climate warming continued, the differences in the responses between spring and autumn phenology gradually increased, so that the correlation was no more significant during 1981–2013. Our results further suggest that since 2000, due to the decreased temperature sensitivity of leaf unfolding the length of the growing season has not increased any more. These finding needs to be addressed in vegetation models used for assessing the effects of climate change.
Oral administration of antibiotics results in fecal occult bleeding due to metabolic disorders and defective proliferation of the gut epithelial cell in mice
Authors: Sonoda Akira , Kamiyama Naganori , Ozaka Sotaro , Gendo Yoshiko , Ozaki Takashi , Hirose Haruna , Noguchi Kaori , Saechue Benjawan , Sachi Nozomi , Sakai Kumiko , Mizukami Kazuhiro , Hidano Shinya , Murakami Kazunari , Kobayashi Takashi
Published: October 2018

Antibiotics sometimes exert adverse effects on the pathogenesis of colitis due to the dysbiosis resulting from the disruption of gut homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying colitogenic effects of antibiotic‐induced colitis are largely unknown. Here, we show a novel murine fecal occult bleeding model induced by the combinatorial treatment of ampicillin and vancomycin, which is accompanied by an enlarged cecum, upregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐12, a reduction in Ki‐67‐positive epithelial cell number and an increase in the apoptotic cell number in the colon. Moreover, gas chromatography–tandem mass analysis showed that various kinds of metabolites, including glutamic acid and butyric acid, were significantly decreased in the cecal contents. In addition, abundance of butyric acid producer Clostridiales was dramatically reduced in the enlarged cecum. Interestingly, supplementation of monosodium glutamate or its precursor glutamine suppressed colonic IL‐6 and IL‐12, protected from cell apoptosis and prevented fecal occult blood indicating that the reduced level of glutamic acid is a possible mechanism of antibiotic‐induced fecal occult bleeding. Our data showed a novel mechanism of antibiotic‐induced fecal occult bleeding providing a new insight into the clinical application of glutamic acid for the treatment of antibiotic‐induced colitis.
Reflections on Human and Divine Authority: History, Christology, Omnipotence
Authors: Hay Andrew
Published: October 2018

There have been several recent attempts to suggest that Christian doctrine and ethics are afflicted by a notion of authority rather alien to the Christian gospel. The history of this infection is often located in the official recognition of the church by the Roman Empire under Constantine in the fourth century—one effect of which was a widespread nominal Hellenisation of Christianity, especially in its understanding of political authority. While such suggestions are somewhat convincing—often born of a keen understanding of the critical function of Christology to notions of authority—this essay nevertheless argues that these proposals are misguided in their understanding of divine omnipotence, in their inattention to historical particulars, and in their overemphasis of a ‘kenotic ethic’. It will be the task of this article to highlight such errors methodologically––errors, that is, made in contemporary reflections on the Christian understanding of human and divine authority.
The diagnostic use of ADVIA 2120i Siemens and an “APL criteria” can help to reduce the rate of early death in the APL
Authors: Rocco Vincenzo , Castelli Christian , Fumi Maurizio , Mancini Francesca , Pancione Ylenia , Prisciandaro Michele , Sale Silvia , Tanca Donatella , Vagnoni Davide
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a life‐threatening coagulopathy. Once it is suspected, ATRA should be started. Appreciation of APL details is critical, but an experienced hematopathologist may not be available. We developed an algorithm, based on the parameters generated by automated blood cell counter ADVIA 2120i Siemens that can aid the diagnosis of APL.

Methods

All parameters in the algorithm were selected on the bases of the pathophysiology of the APL and the analyzer's technology. We used c1 cutoff: PLT < 150 × 103; % Mono<10; % LUC<4; % hyperchromic cells > 2; %saturated cells ≥ 1; % blasts > 4. Satisfying at least five of six cutoffs, we obtained an “APL criteria”. It was tested on 247.209 raw‐data from routine and emergency samples and on 124 raw‐data from APL. We performed a multiparametric analyses and obtained definitive cutoffs (c2). It was validated on a new group of 51.002 raw‐data from routine and emergency. Finally, it was tested on AML and ALL, MDS, MPN, oncologic samples, and hemolytic and megaloblastic anemia.

Results

The algorithm provided a high sensitivity (86.30%) and high specificity (99.83%) in APL with high or normal number of WBC and satisfactory results in APL with cytopenia (80%). The specificity was very high also in groups of hematological and nonhematological diseases. It can be used as an “APL criteria” to alert pathologists of the possible presence of APL. It together with instrumental and classical morphology may allow to reduce the time of diagnosis with further reduction in early death.
Perceived job stress among community nurses: A multi‐center cross‐sectional study
Authors: Guo Hongxia , Ni Chunping , Liu Changqing , Li Jiping , Liu Suzhen
Published: October 2018

Aim

China is reforming its health care system, which aimed to strengthen primary health care through building community health centers (stations) and assigning a “gate‐keeper” role to primary care providers. Community nurses play a key role in the reform. Little is known about the level of job stress among community nurses. Thus, this study aims to explore the level of perceived job stress and its influencing factors among community nurses.

Method

A cross‐sectional design was used to conduct a survey with 1015 nurses from 56 community health centers in Sichuan province. Job stress was measured by the Community Nurses Stress Scale. Data were collected between March and November 2015.

Results

Community health nurses in China perceived high levels of job stress. The job stress was related to nurses' individual characteristics and work environments. Permanently employed nurses, shift workers, and those older than 45 years age and with less training related to community nursing and involvement in childcare were more likely to experience high levels of stress.

Conclusion

Reform is required of the community nursing personnel system, and development of continuing education programs and stress‐alleviating measures to reduce community nurses' job stress. The results of this study favour future advanced practice community health nursing practice and education.
An interpretive phenomenological study of recovering from mental illness: Teenage girls' portrayals of resilience
Authors: Shalanski Leah , Ewashen Carol
Published: October 2018

In this interpretive phenomenological study, understandings of resilience from the perspective of teenage girls recovering from mental illness were explored. The primary research question was as follows: How is resilience portrayed through teen girls' experiences of health and mental illness? Benner's interpretive phenomenology informed by Gadamerian concepts of conversation, prejudices, and fusion of horizons guided the research design. The interpretive description process involved close reading of how the world experienced by participants was understood while listening for relational, gendered and cultural nuances. Resilience for teenage girls recovering from mental illness was portrayed as very challenging yet a rewarding life path with complex lines of movement towards strength and wellness. The life path involved critical junctures and personal growth while withstanding multiple traumas and acting to overcome adversities. Findings from this study underscore for nurses the relevance of actively advocating for trauma‐informed and gender‐sensitive approaches to promote teenage girls' (mental) health and well‐being and to enhance resilience and recovery from mental illness in the face of what may seem insurmountable adversities.
Preparation of optical media with NIR luminescent Bi+ impurity centers by ion exchange
Authors: Romanov Alexey N. , Haula Elena V. , Kouznetsov Mikhail S. , Lisitsky Igor S. , Pimkin Nikita A. , Boldyrev Kirill N. , Sereda Andrei E. , Shashkin Dmitry P. , Korchak Vladimir N.
Published: October 2018

Single crystal of TlCl was doped with NIR photoluminescent univalent bismuth cations by prolonged immersion in liquid bismuth metal. The ion exchange Tl+ + Bi0 ↔ Tl0 + Bi+ at the crystal surface with subsequent Bi+ migration to the bulk are expected to drive the doping process. Contrary with Bi‐doped TlCl crystals, grown by Bridgman method, the ion exchange does not produce the additional nonluminescent bismuth‐containing centers. The investigation of photoluminescence emission and excitation spectra lead to the conclusion, that Bi+ is the main NIR emissive center in Bi‐doped TlCl.
A review of the frequency and nature of adaptations to cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Surley Laura , Dagnan Dave
Published: October 2018

Background

There is increasing evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective for people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this review was to report the nature and frequency of adaptations reported in studies ofCBTfor people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

This review updated and extended a previous review by (Whitehouse et al. 2006, J Appl Res Intellect Disabil, 19, 55), which used a framework of adaptations developed by (Hurley et al., 1998, J Dev Phys Disabil, 10, 365). Adaptations included simplification, language, activities, developmental level, use of directive style, flexible methods, involve caregivers, transference/countertransference and disability/rehabilitation approaches. A search identified peer‐reviewed papers that reported individualCBTinformed psychological interventions for people with an Intellectual Disability.

Results

The search identified 23 studies which met the inclusion criteria for review. Studies reported the majority of the categories of adaptation described by (Hurley et al., 1998, J Dev Phys Disabil, 10, 365).

Conclusions

The results suggest that the framework of adaptations needs further development to increase sensitivity in identifying and categorizing adaptations ofCBT. Increased, systematic reporting of adaptations to studies ofCBTwith people with intellectual disabilities is recommended.
Health problems of people with intellectual disabilities in Dutch out‐of‐hours primary care
Authors: Heutmekers Marloes , Naaldenberg Jenneken , Verheggen Sabine A. , Assendelft Willem J. J. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk Henny M. J. , Tobi Hilde , Leusink Geraline L.
Published: October 2018

Background

Little is known about the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities who access out‐of‐hours primary care services, raising concerns about accessibility and quality of care for this group. This study aims to identify commonly presented health problems of people with intellectual disabilities in this specific setting compared with the general population.

Method

Cross‐sectional study with routine data at two out‐of‐hours cooperatives with a total of 41,166 persons aged 20–65 requesting outof‐hours primary care in 2014, of which 315 persons were identified as having an intellectual disability.

Results

Having an intellectual disability was associated with a higher probability of presenting with epilepsy (OR 45.65) and concerns about, and adverse effects of, medical treatment (OR 23.37, and 8.41, respectively).

Conclusions

Given the high rates of epilepsy and medication‐related concerns of people with intellectual disabilities, this study suggests that these issues require special attention to improve the accessibility and quality of out‐of‐hours primary care.
Digital divide in quantitative methods: The effects of computer‐assisted instruction and students' attitudes on knowledge acquisition
Authors: Kolpashnikova Kamila , Bartolic Silvia
Published: October 2018

Computer‐assisted instruction can change the way introductory statistics and quantitative methods courses are taught. Using a two‐group pretest–posttest design, we conducted an experiment using an undergraduate social science student sample to investigate whether the introduction of statistical software to teaching quantitative methods would improve knowledge acquisition and attitudes toward quantitative methods courses. Our project confirmed that implementing computer‐assisted instructional methods increased knowledge acquisition in quantitative methods courses compared with students' academic performance in other courses, measured by grade point average. We also found that student attitudes have weak and mostly nonsignificant influence on quantitative methods knowledge tests. Additionally, the paper suggests a curriculum‐level approach to teaching quantitative methods to undergraduate students.
Targeting c‐met receptor tyrosine kinase by the DNA aptamer SL1 as a potential novel therapeutic option for myeloma
Authors: Zhang Yibin , Gao Hongmei , Zhou Weihua , Sun Sunming , Zeng Yayue , Zhang Hui , Liang Long , Xiao Xiaojuan , Song Jianhui , Ye Mao , Yang Yujia , Zhao Jingfeng , Wang Zi , Liu Jing
Published: October 2018

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c‐met pathway activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM), and blocking this pathway has been considered a rational therapeutic strategy for treating MM. Aptamers are single‐stranded nucleic acid molecules that fold into complex 3D structures and bind to a variety of targets. Recently, it was reported that DNA aptamer SL1 exhibited high specificity and affinity for c‐met and inhibited HGF/c‐met signaling in SNU‐5 cells. However, as the first c‐met‐targeted DNA aptamer to be identified, application of SL1 to myeloma treatment requires further investigation. Here, we explore the potential application of SL1 in MM. Our results indicated that c‐met expression is gradually increased in MM patients and contributes to poor outcomes. SL1 selectively bound to c‐met‐positive MM cells but not to normal B cells and suppressed the growth, migration and adhesion of MM cells in vitro in a co‐culture model performed with HS5 cells, wherein SL1 inhibited HGF‐induced activation of c‐met signaling. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging showed that SL1 accumulated in the c‐met positive tumour areas. In addition, SL1 was active against CD138+ primary MM cells and displayed a synergistic inhibition effect with bortezomib. Collectively, our data suggested that SL1 could be beneficial as a c‐met targeted antagonist in MM.
The red wine component ellagic acid induces autophagy and exhibits anti‐lung cancer activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Duan Jing , Zhan Ji‐Cheng , Wang Gui‐Zhen , Zhao Xin‐Chun , Huang Wei‐Dong , Zhou Guang‐Biao
Published: October 2018

Red wine consists of a large amount of compounds such as resveratrol, which exhibits chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several types of cancers by targeting cancer driver molecules. In this study, we tested the anti‐lung cancer activity of 11 red wine components and reported that a natural polyphenol compound ellagic acid (EA) inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation at an efficacy approximately equal to that of resveratrol. EA markedly increased the expression of the autophagosomal marker LC3‐II as well as inactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling pathway. EA elevated autophagy‐associated cell death by down‐regulating the expression of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A), and CIP2A overexpression attenuated EA‐induced autophagy of lung cancer cells. Treating tumour‐bearing mice with EA resulted in significant inhibition of tumour growth with suppression of CIP2A levels and increased autophagy. In addition, EA potentiated the inhibitory effects of the natural compound celastrol on lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by enhancing autophagy and down‐regulating CIP2A. These findings indicate that EA may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for lung cancer, and that the combination of EA and celastrol may have applicability for the treatment of this disease.
Melatonin protects vertebral endplate chondrocytes against apoptosis and calcification via the Sirt1‐autophagy pathway
Authors: Zhang Zengjie , Lin Jialiang , Tian Naifeng , Wu Yaosen , Zhou Yifei , Wang Chenggui , Wang Qingqing , Jin Haiming , Chen Tingting , Nisar Majid , Zheng Gang , Xu Tianzhen , Gao Weiyang , Zhang Xiaolei , Wang Xiangyang
Published: October 2018

Melatonin is reportedly associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Endplate cartilage is vitally important to intervertebral discs in physiological and pathological conditions. However, the effects and mechanism of melatonin on endplate chondrocytes (EPCs) are still unclear. Herein, we studied the effects of melatonin on EPC apoptosis and calcification and elucidated the underlying mechanism. Our study revealed that melatonin treatment decreases the incidence of apoptosis and inhibits EPC calcification in a dose‐dependent manner. We also found that melatonin upregulates Sirt1 expression and activity and promotes autophagy in EPCs. Autophagy inhibition by 3‐methyladenine reversed the protective effect of melatonin on apoptosis and calcification, while the Sirt1 inhibitor EX‐527 suppressed melatonin‐induced autophagy and the protective effects of melatonin against apoptosis and calcification, indicating that the beneficial effects of melatonin in EPCs are mediated through the Sirt1‐autophagy pathway. Furthermore, melatonin may ameliorate IDD in vivo in rats. Collectively, this study revealed that melatonin reduces EPC apoptosis and calcification and that the underlying mechanism may be related to Sirt1‐autophagy pathway regulation, which may help us better understand the association between melatonin and IDD.
Rapid detection of low‐level HeLa cell contamination in cell culture using nested PCR
Authors: Lin Jun , Chen Lin , Jiang Wenqian , Zhang Huilian , Shi Yang , Cai Weiwen
Published: October 2018

HeLa cells are a commonly used cell line in many biological research areas. They are not picky for culture medium and proliferate rapidly. HeLa cells are a notorious source of cell cross‐contamination and have been found to be able to contaminate a wide range of cell lines in cell culture. In this study, we reported a simple and efficient method for detecting the presence of HeLa cell contamination in cell culture. HPV‐18 was used as a biomarker. The cell culture supernatant was used directly as the template for nested PCR without extracting nucleic acid. By PCR amplification of the cell culture supernatant with the designed primers, we were able to detect the presence of HeLa cells in the culture. The sensitivity of this method can reach 1%, which is 10‐fold higher than Short tandem repeat sequence (STR) profiling. This simple, rapid, and “noninvasive” quality checking method should find applications in routine cell culture practice.
Intranasal immunization with Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3615c induces sustained adaptive CD4+ T‐cell and antibody responses in the respiratory tract
Authors: Li Jiangping , Zhao Jun , Shen Juan , Wu Changyou , Liu Jie
Published: October 2018

Sustained adaptive immunity to pathogens provides effective protection against infections, and effector cells located at the site of infection ensure rapid response to the challenge. Both are essential for the success of vaccine development. To explore new vaccination approach against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection, we have shown that Rv3615c, identified as ESX‐1 substrate protein C of M.tb but not expressed in BCG, induced a dominant Th1‐type response of CD4+ T cells from patients with tuberculosis pleurisy, which suggests a potential candidate for vaccine development. But subcutaneous immunization with Rv3615c induced modest T‐cell responses systemically, and showed suboptimal protection against virulent M.tb challenge at the site of infection. Here, we use a mouse model to demonstrate that intranasal immunization with Rv3615c induces sustained capability of adaptive CD4+ T‐ and B‐cell responses in lung parenchyma and airway. Rv3615c contains a dominant epitope of mouse CD4+ T cells, Rv3615c41‐50, and elicits CD4+ T‐cell response with an effector–memory phenotype and multi‐Th1‐type cytokine coexpressions. Since T cells resident at mucosal tissue are potent at control of infection at early stage, our data show that intranasal immunization with Rv3615c promotes a sustained regional immunity to M.tb, and suggests a potency in control of M.tb infection. Our study warranties a further investigation of Rv3615c as a candidate for development of effective vaccination against M.tb infection.
Liraglutide protects against glucolipotoxicity‐induced RIN‐m5F β‐cell apoptosis through restoration of PDX1 expression
Authors: Kornelius Edy , Li Hsin‐Hua , Peng Chiung‐Huei , Yang Yi‐Sun , Chen Wei‐Jen , Chang Yan‐Zin , Bai Yi‐Chiao , Liu Stanley , Huang Chien‐Ning , Lin Chih‐Li
Published: October 2018

Prolonged exposure to high levels of glucose and fatty acid (FFA) can induce tissue damage commonly referred to as glucolipotoxicity and is particularly harmful to pancreatic β‐cells. Glucolipotoxicity‐mediated β‐cell failure is a critical causal factor in the late stages of diabetes, which suggests that mechanisms that prevent or reverse β‐cell death may play a critical role in the treatment of the disease. Transcription factor PDX1 was recently reported to play a key role in maintaining β‐cell function and survival, and glucolipotoxicity can activate mammalian sterile 20‐like kinase 1 (Mst1), which, in turn, stimulates PDX1 degradation and causes dysfunction and apoptosis of β‐cells. Interestingly, previous research has demonstrated that increased glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) signalling effectively protects β cells from glucolipotoxicity‐induced apoptosis. Unfortunately, few studies have examined the related mechanism in detail, especially the role in Mst1 and PDX1 regulation. In the present study, we investigate the toxic effect of high glucose and FFA levels on rat pancreatic RINm5F β‐cells and demonstrate that the GLP‐1 analogue liraglutide restores the expression of PDX1 by inactivating Mst1, thus ameliorating β‐cell impairments. In addition, liraglutide also upregulates mitophagy, which may help restore mitochondrial function and protect β‐cells from oxidative stress damage. Our study suggests that liraglutide may serve as a potential agent for developing new therapies to reduce glucolipotoxicity.
Anxiety disorder symptoms at age 10 predict eating disorder symptoms and diagnoses in adolescence
Authors: Schaumberg Katherine , Zerwas Stephanie , Goodman Erica , Yilmaz Zeynep , Bulik Cynthia M. , Micali Nadia
Published: October 2018

Background

Cross‐sectional associations between anxiety disorders and eating disorders (EDs) have been well documented; however, limited research has examined whether symptoms of anxiety disorders are prospectively associated with EDs. Identifying these longitudinal associations can aid in discerning relationships among eating and anxiety disorders and point toward a mechanistic understanding of developmental psychopathology. This study investigated the prospective associations between parent‐reported anxiety in mid‐childhood (age 10) and child‐reported ED behaviors and disorders in adolescence (at ages 14 and 16 years) in a population‐based sample.

Methods

Participants were individuals enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population‐based, prospective study of women and their children; 7,767 children whose parents provided data at age 10 were included in current analyses. An exploratory factor analysis identified latent anxiety factors at age 10, followed by a path analysis that evaluated associations between these factors and eating disorder symptoms and cognitions at age 14.

Results

Parent‐reported anxiety symptoms at age 10 yielded 5 factors: obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms related to symmetry and checking (Factor 1); OCD symptoms associated with aversion to dirt and germs (Factor 2); physical anxiety symptoms (Factor 3); worries (Factor 4); and social phobia symptoms (Factor 5). Factors 3 and 4 showed the most consistent, positive associations with a range of ED symptoms at age 14. Factor 3 predicted diagnosis of bulimia nervosa by age 16 (OR = 1.11, p = .007), whereas Factor 4 predicted diagnoses of anorexia nervosa (OR = 1.10, p = .01) and disordered eating by age 16 (OR = 1.08, p = .001).

Conclusions

Results indicate that symptoms of generalized anxiety in middle childhood may predict adolescent‐onset ED symptoms and ED diagnoses.
Low‐intensity laser for harvesting palatal graft for the treatment of gingival recession: A systematic review
Authors: Al‐Shibani Nouf
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of low‐intensity laser therapy (LILT) for harvesting palatal connective tissue graft (PCTG) in the treatment of gingival recession. Databases were searched up to May 2018. The addressed focused question was: Is adjunctive LILT effective in the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG? Screening of the initially identified studies resulted in four clinical studies. All studies showed that LILT was effective in improving clinical outcomes, such as tissue thickness, postoperative discomfort, remaining wound area, and visual analog score at follow up. Upon comparison with the control group, two studies showed significantly greater improvements in the clinical parameters and patient‐centered outcomes for LILT than control groups at follow up. Due to the low number of included clinical studies, it remains debatable whether LILT improves clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of PCTG procedures. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the outcomes of LILT on the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG
Predicting nurses’ organizational and professional turnover intentions
Authors: Arslan Yürümezoğlu Havva , Kocaman Gülseren , Mert Haydarİ Semra
Published: October 2018

Aim

Nursing shortages remain one of the most important problems in health care around the world. Existing nurses’ turnover intention further exacerbates this problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of nurses’ organizational and professional turnover intentions.

Methods

This study was conducted as a secondary analysis of existing data from the original cross‐sectional study, which was conducted in three public hospitals between February, 2013 and May, 2013. Of the 1389 nurses who were working in these hospitals, 791 returned usable surveys. The data were collected by using a demographic and organizational characteristics form, an organizational and professional turnover intentions questionnaire, Organizational Commitment Scale, and Professional Commitment Scale. The data were analyzed with a stepwise logistic regression analysis.

Results

The common variables that predicted the organizational and professional turnover intentions were marital status, work shift, organizational affective and normative commitment, and professional affective commitment.

Conclusion

The relationship between the commitment and the turnover intention of the nurses was not completely consistent with the collectivist characteristics of Turkish society. The findings showed that the organizational affective and normative commitment and professional affective commitment play a significant role in influencing nurses’ organizational and professional turnover intentions. It is important for organizations to recognize the significance of these variables, not only to retain their nursing workforce but also to attract new nurses.
Tectonometamorphic evolution of the tip of the Himalayan metamorphic core in the Jajarkot klippe, west Nepal
Authors: Soucy La Roche Renaud , Godin Laurent , Cottle John M. , Kellett Dawn A.
Published: October 2018

New phase equilibrium modelling, combined with U–Th/Pb petrochronology on monazite and xenotime, and40Ar/39Ar geochronology on white mica, reveal the style of deformation and metamorphism near the southern tip of the extruded Himalayan metamorphic core (HMC). In the Jajarkot klippe, west Nepal foreland, greenschist to lower amphibolite facies metamorphism is entirely constrained to the Cenozoic Himalayan orogeny, in contrast with findings from other foreland klippen in the central Himalaya. HMC rocks exposed in the Jajarkot klippe yield short‐lived, hairpin pressure–temperature–time–deformation paths that peaked at 550–600°C and 750–1,200 MPa at 25 Ma. The Main Central thrust (MCT) and the South Tibetan detachment (STD) bound the base and the top of the HMC, respectively, and were active simultaneously for at least part of their deformation history. The STD was active atc. 27–26 Ma and possibly as late asc. 19 Ma, while the MCT may have been active as early as 27 Ma and was still active atc. 22 Ma. The tectonometamorphic conditions in the Jajarkot klippe are characteristic of crustal thickening and footwall accretion of new material at the tip of the extruding metamorphic orogenic core. Our new results reveal that collisional processes active in the middle to late Miocene at the base of the HMC now exposed in the hinterland were also active earlier, during the Oligocene, at the tip of the southward‐extruding middle crust.
Relationship between the anisotropy tensor calculated through global and object measurements in high‐resolution X‐ray tomography on cellular and composite materials
Authors: DE PASCALIS F. , NACUCCHI M.
Published: October 2018

Structural anisotropy of two‐phase materials can be evaluated through global measurements, as volume orientation or mean‐intercept length methods do, or through statistics performed on a set of individual measurements. This last procedure is encouraged by recent improvements in the spatial resolution of conventional X‐ray tomography. In this paper, the above‐described approaches were compared in three case studies: a foam subjected to an in situ compression test, a second foam with a completely different cell morphology and a plastic material reinforced with short fibres. The approach based on the subdivision into distinguishable objects of the considered material phase has proved to be more sensitive in highlighting small deformations in the structure or small irregularities in an otherwise isotropic structure. On the other hand, the other approach is more general and is always usable. The two methods for calculating the fabric tensor tend to converge as the average anisotropy of individual objects in the statistical population increases. The use of Lambert's cylindrical equal‐area projection of cell/fibre directions or local volume orientations is suggested, because the density of points is preserved from the sphere to the plane surface. Finally, a quick vector method to evaluate the anisotropy of the directions distribution has been presented, by defining a coherence index of the average direction.
Internet Search for Midwifery Fellowship Programs
Authors: Niles P. Mimi , Hunt Ronald
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to identify existing US midwifery fellowships and their key attributes.

Methods

The study team adapted an internet‐search methodology that was recently used to identify nurse practitioner fellowships and residencies and identified 1) search terms likely to locate websites describing or promoting midwifery fellowship or residency programs and 2) program attributes likely to be outlined in the websites. Two investigators conducted full, independent Google searches and then reconciled minor differences in terminology and findings via teleconference and simultaneous reviews of websites.

Results

Eight programs were identified that had sufficient information on a website to clearly establish them as midwifery fellowship programs. No programs used the term residency. The fellowship programs tended to be located in the western United States and predominantly focused on newly graduated certified nurse‐midwives. Four programs were operated by university units, with the clinical experience located in the hospital. Four programs were operated by birth centers, with the clinical experience obtained in a combination of birth center, home, and/or hospital setting. Typical program lengths varied but were reported to be about 12 months.

Discussion

This study offers baseline information on the current midwifery fellowship offerings available via public internet search. This study also identifies key attributes of fellowships that may be helpful to stakeholders as they consider the role of fellowships for midwifery graduates and any need for accountability, such as accreditation review, among the programs.