bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review protocol to map the evidence on interventions to prevent overweight and obesity in children
Authors: Bussiek Peer-Benedikt Vincent , De Poli Chiara , Bevan Gwyn
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Obesity has become one of the biggest public health problems of the 21st century. Prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has increased dramatically worldwide over the last 20 years, and this trend is expected to continue. Obesity in childhood is concerning as it predicts obesity in adulthood, a common risk factor for a wide array of chronic diseases and poor health outcomes. Obesity is preventable and a vast but fragmented body of evidence on preventative interventions is now available. This article outlines the protocol for a scoping review of published literature reviews on interventions to prevent obesity in children. The scoping review addresses the broad research question ‘What is the evidence on interventions to prevent childhood obesity?’. It aims to give an overview of the various interventions available, understand those which are effective and identify barriers and facilitators to their effectiveness.

Methods and analysis

The six-staged Arksey and O’Malley methodology framework is used to guide the scoping review process: following the definition of the research questions (stage 1); the eligibility criteria and search strategy are defined (stage 2); the study selection process based on the eligibility criteria identified will follow (stage 3); a framework developed for this review will then inform the extraction and charting of data from the included reviews (stage 4); results will be aggregated and summarised with criteria relevant for health professionals and policy-makers (stage 5); and the optional consultation (stage 6) exercise is not planned.

Ethics and dissemination

Since the scoping review methodology aims at synthetising information from available publications, this study does not require ethical approval. An article reporting the results of the scoping review will be submitted for publication to a scientific journal, presented at relevant conferences and disseminated as part of future workshops with professionals involved in obesity prevention.
Comparison of Glasgow Admission Prediction Score and Amb Score in predicting need for inpatient care
Authors: Cameron Allan , Jones Dominic , Logan Eilidh , O’Keeffe Colin A , Mason Suzanne M , Lowe David J
Published: February 2018

Aim

We compared the abilities of two established clinical scores to predict emergency department (ED) disposition: the Glasgow Admission Prediction Score (GAPS) and the Ambulatory Score (Ambs).

Methods

The scores were compared in a prospective, multicentre cohort study. We recruited consecutive patients attending ED triage at two UK sites: Northern General Hospital in Sheffield and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, between February and May 2016. Each had a GAPS and Ambs calculated at the time of triage, with the triage nurses and treating clinicians blinded to the scores. Patients were followed up to hospital discharge. The ability of the scores to discriminate discharge from ED and from hospital at 12 and 48 hours after arrival was compared using the area under the curve (AUC) of their receiving-operator characteristics (ROC).

Results

1424 triage attendances were suitable for analysis during the study period, of which 567 (39.8%) were admitted. The AUC for predicting admission was significantly higher for GAPS at 0.807 (95% CI 0.785 to 0.830), compared with 0.743 (95% CI 0.717 to 0.769) for Ambs, P<0.00001. Similar results were seen when comparing ability to predict hospital stay of >12 hour and >48 hour. GAPS was also more accurate as a binary test, correctly predicting 1057 outcomes compared with 1004 for Ambs (74.2vs70.5%, P=0.012).

Conclusion

The GAPS is a significantly better predictor of need for hospital admission than Ambs in an unselected ED population.
Hypoxic Challenge Testing (Fitness to Fly) in children with complex congenital heart disease
Authors: Naqvi Nitha , Doughty Victoria L , Starling Luke , Franklin Rodney C , Ward Simon , Daubeney Piers E F , Balfour-Lynn Ian M
Published: February 2018

Objective

Commercial airplanes fly with an equivalent cabin fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.15, leading to reduced oxygen saturation (SpO2) in passengers. How this affects children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) is unknown. We conducted Hypoxic Challenge Testing (HCT) to assess need for inflight supplemental oxygen.

Methods

Children aged <16 years had a standard HCT. They were grouped as (A) normal versus abnormal baseline SpO2 (≥95% vs <95%) and (B) absence versus presence of an actual/potential right-to-left (R–L) shunt. We measured SpO2, heart rate, QT interval corrected for heart rate and partial pressure of carbon dioxide measured transcutaneously (PtcCO2). A test failed when children with (1) normal baseline SpO2 desaturated to 85%, (2) baseline SpO285%–94% desaturated by 15% of baseline; and (3) baseline SpO275%–84% desaturated to 70%.

Results

There were 68 children, mean age 3.3 years (range 10 weeks–14.5 years). Children with normal (n=36) baseline SpO2 desaturated from median 99% to 91%, P<0.0001, and 3/36 (8%) failed the test. Those with abnormal baseline SpO2 (n=32) desaturated from median 84% to 76%, P<0.0001, and 5/32 (16%) failed (no significant difference between groups). Children with no R–L shunt (n=25) desaturated from median 99% to 93%, P<0.0001, but 0/25 failed. Those with an actual/potential R–L shunt (n=43) desaturated from median 87% to 78%, P<0.0001, and 8/43 (19%) failed (difference between groups P<0.02). PtcCO2, heart rate and QT interval corrected for heart rate were unaffected by the hypoxic state.

Conclusions

This is the first evidence to help guide which children with CHD need a preflight HCT. We suggest all children with an actual or potential R–L shunt should be tested.
Systematic review of caregiver burden in spouses and partners providing informal care to wounded, injured or sick (WIS) military personnel
Authors: Thandi Gursimran , Harden L , Cole L , Greenberg N , Fear N T
Published: February 2018

Introduction

For the purposes of this review, caregivers are individuals who provide care that is typically unpaid and usually takes place at home. This systematic review aims to identify burden among spouses/partners caring for wounded, injured or sick military personnel and the factors associated with caregiver burden.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines. Five electronic databases and relevant websites were searched. Two reviewers appraised the quality of the studies and carried out data extraction.

Results

Ten original papers were identified, of which eight were quantitative studies and two were qualitative. These papers highlighted the potential negative impact caregiving can have on spouses/partners and also some of the positive aspects of caring that can strengthen intimate relationships.

Conclusions

Caring for an injured or ill military spouse or partner is a difficult task, compounded by the complexity of dealing with potentially both their physical and mental health problems. However, research has also identified some positive aspects of caring that can strengthen intimate relationships.
Organisational commitment as a moderating role in the relationship between power distance perception and outcome variables
Authors: Rafiei Sima , Abdollahzade Sina
Published: February 2018

Background

Healthcare organisations have mainly emphasised on significant role of human resources in improving organisational performance and obtaining competitive advantage. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perception of justice among hospital employees and outcome variables such as organisational commitment, job satisfaction and readiness to accept job responsibilities. It further examined the impact of job commitment on the relationship between perception of power distance, job satisfaction and readiness to accept responsibilities.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive design study was conducted among hospital employees affiliated by Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. A standard questionnaire taken from Francesco and Chen study was applied to gather data. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient, linear regression and moderated multiple regression were used to analyse study data using SPSS V.20.

Results

Study findings showed that the level of power distance perceived by employees had a significant relationship with job satisfaction, employee participation, organisational commitment and readiness to accept job responsibilities (P<0.05). Moderated multiple regression results supported the hypothesis that job commitment had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between perception of justice, job satisfaction and readiness to work (β1=0.7, β2=0.4, P<0.05).

Conclusion

Applying strengthening strategies to improve employee commitment to their work and job responsibilities help organisations maintain more satisfied workforce who have positive perception towards justice in the workplace.
Detection of QTL underlying seed quality components in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: Akond Masum , Yuan Jiazheng , Liu Shiming , Kantartzi Stella K. , Meksem Khalid , Bellaloui Nacer , Lightfoot David A. , Kassem My Abdelmajid
Published: February 2018

Improving seed composition and quality, including protein, oil, fatty acid, and amino acid contents, is an important goal of soybean farmers and breeders. The aim of this study was to map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying the contents of protein, oil, fatty acids, and amino acids with 1510 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers using the ‘Hamilton’ × ‘Spencer’ recombinant inbred line population (H × S; n = 93). A total of 13 QTL for the traits studied have been mapped on 3 chromosomes (Chr.) of the soybean genome. Three major QTL have been mapped to a 7–13 cM region on Chr. 6. One major QTL for oil content (qOIL001) explained approximately 76% of the total phenotypic variation in this population; the second major QTL for amino acid alanine (Ala; qALA001) explained approximately 74% of the total variation in Ala content; moreover, two major QTL for palmitic acid (qPAL001 and qPAL002) were identified on Chr. 6 and explained approximately 21% of the phenotypic variation in this population. The SNP markers flanking the QTL identified here will be very useful for soybean breeders to develop and select soybean lines with higher seed composition qualities using marker-assisted selection.
Tank mixture of glyphosate with 2,4-D accentuates 2,4-D injury in glyphosate-resistant corn
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: February 2018

Six field trials were conducted at Ridgetown, ON, over a 2-yr period (2015 and 2016) to determine the tolerance of two corn hybrids to 2,4-D (560 and 1120 g a.i. ha−1) and glyphosate (1800 g a.e. ha−1) applied alone or in combination at stage V1, V3, or V5. In DeKalb DKC52-61 corn, 2,4-D caused as much as 24%, 16%, 11%, and 11% visible injury at 1 wk after each postemergence herbicide application (WAT), 2 WAT, 4 wk after the last postemergence herbicide application (WA-C), and 8 WA-C, respectively. Plant stand was not affected, but plant height decreased by 5 cm at 560 g a.i. ha−1 and 7% at 1120 g a.i. ha−1. As the application timing was delayed from stage V1 to V5, there was a trend to increased injury at both 2,4-D rates. Corn yield decreased 8% with 2,4-D applied at 560 g a.i. ha−1 and 12% at 1120 g a.i. ha−1. In Pioneer P0094AM corn, 2,4-D caused as much as 16%, 9%, 7%, and 7% visible injury at 1 WAT, 2 WAT, 4 WA-C, and 8 WA-C, respectively. Plant height was not affected, but goosenecking and brace root malformation were increased as the rate of 2,4-D was increased. There was generally no difference between glyphosate rates (1800 vs 0 g a.e. ha−1) at the V1 corn stage but visible injury, goosenecking, and brace root malformation at other application timings was as much as 15%, 3%, and 19% greater when 2,4-D was applied in a tank mixture with glyphosate, respectively. Yield was reduced by 12% when 2,4-D (1120 g a.i. ha−1) was applied with glyphosate in the tank mixture.
Using Dictionary Pair Learning for Seizure Detection
Authors: Ma Xin , Yu Nana , Zhou Weidong
Published: February 2018

Automatic seizure detection is extremely important in the monitoring and diagnosis of epilepsy. The paper presents a novel method based on dictionary pair learning (DPL) for seizure detection in the long-term intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. First, for the EEG data, wavelet filtering and differential filtering are applied, and the kernel function is performed to make the signal linearly separable. In DPL, the synthesis dictionary and analysis dictionary are learned jointly from original training samples with alternating minimization method, and sparse coefficients are obtained by using of linear projection instead of costly [Formula: see text]-norm or [Formula: see text]-norm optimization. At last, the reconstructed residuals associated with seizure and nonseizure sub-dictionary pairs are calculated as the decision values, and the postprocessing is performed for improving the recognition rate and reducing the false detection rate of the system. A total of 530[Formula: see text]h from 20 patients with 81 seizures were used to evaluate the system. Our proposed method has achieved an average segment-based sensitivity of 93.39%, specificity of 98.51%, and event-based sensitivity of 96.36% with false detection rate of 0.236/h.
Design of Quantum Cost, Garbage Output and Delay Optimized BCD to Excess-3 and 2’s Complement Code Converter
Authors: Maity Heranmoy , Barik Arijit Kumar , Biswas Arindam , Bhattacharjee Anup Kumar , Pal Anita
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we have proposed a new reversible logic gate (NG) and also the quantum cost (QC), garbage outputs, delay optimized reversible combinational logic circuits such as four bit 2’s complement code converter circuit, BCD to Excess-3 code converter using reversible logic gate. The proposed NG is used to design a four bit 2’s complement code converter circuit, BCD to Excess-3 code converter and realization of different logic functions such as NOT, AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR, NXOR. The proposed (new reversible logic) gate is represented by quantum implementation. The proposed work is verified by Xilinx-ISE simulator software and others logic circuits are also verified. The QC of proposed gate is 5. The QC of four bit 2’s complement code converter and BCD to Excess-3 code converter are 11 and 14 which are better with respect to previous reported results.
Nonpolynomial Lagrangian approach to regular black holes
Authors: Colléaux Aimeric , Chinaglia Stefano , Zerbini Sergio
Published: February 2018

We present a review on Lagrangian models admitting spherically symmetric regular black holes (RBHs), and cosmological bounce solutions. Nonlinear electrodynamics, nonpolynomial gravity, and fluid approaches are explained in details. They consist respectively in a gauge invariant generalization of the Maxwell–Lagrangian, in modifications of the Einstein–Hilbert action via nonpolynomial curvature invariants, and finally in the reconstruction of density profiles able to cure the central singularity of black holes. The nonpolynomial gravity curvature invariants have the special property to be second-order and polynomial in the metric field, in spherically symmetric spacetimes. Along the way, other models and results are discussed, and some general properties that RBHs should satisfy are mentioned. A covariant Sakharov criterion for the absence of singularities in dynamical spherically symmetric spacetimes is also proposed and checked for some examples of such regular metric fields.
SKEWED LÉVY MODELS AND IMPLIED VOLATILITY SKEW
Authors: DE OLIVERA FEDERICO , FAJARDO JOSÉ , MORDECKI ERNESTO
Published: February 2018

We introduce skewed Lévy models, characterized by a symmetric jump measure multiplied by a damping exponential factor. These models exhibit a clear implied volatility pattern, where the damping parameter controls the implied volatility curve’s skew, resulting in a measure of the model’s skewness. We show that the variation of this parameter produces the typical smirk observed in implied volatility curves. Some theoretical facts supporting these findings are proved.
Mimetic compact stars
Authors: Momeni D. , Moraes P. H. R. S. , Gholizade H. , Myrzakulov R.
Published: February 2018

Modified gravity models have been constantly proposed with the purpose of evading some standard gravity shortcomings. Recently proposed by Chamseddine and Mukhanov, the Mimetic Gravity arises as an optimistic alternative. Our purpose in this work is to derive Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equations and solutions for such a gravity theory. We solve them numerically for quark star and neutron star cases. The results are carefully discussed.
Global invariants of paths and curves for the group of all linear similarities in the two-dimensional Euclidean space
Authors: Khadjiev Djavvat , Ören İdri̇s , Pekşen Ömer
Published: February 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Euclidean space, [Formula: see text] be the group of all linear similarities of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the group of all orientation-preserving linear similarities of [Formula: see text]. The present paper is devoted to solutions of problems of global [Formula: see text]-equivalence of paths and curves in [Formula: see text] for the groups [Formula: see text]. Complete systems of global [Formula: see text]-invariants of a path and a curve in [Formula: see text] are obtained. Existence and uniqueness theorems are given. Evident forms of a path and a curve with the given global invariants are obtained.
Thermo-Mechanical Buckling Analysis of Functionally Graded Skew Laminated Plates with Initial Geometric Imperfections
Authors: Tomar Sanjay Singh , Talha Mohammad
Published: February 2018

The aim of the present study is to investigate thermo-mechanical buckling response of skew functionally graded laminated plates (FGLP) with initial geometric imperfections. The formulation has been performed using Reddy’s higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) with the [Formula: see text] continuous displacement field. A nine-noded isoparametric element has been employed to discretize the domain of the plate. Variational principle has been used to derive the governing differential equation of the problem. Several examples with various comparison and parametric studies have been shown to prove the efficiency and effectiveness of the present formulation. The numerical results have been highlighted with different system parameters and boundary conditions.
Dynamic Analysis of Uncertain Structures Using an Interval-Wave Approach
Authors: Ma Xiao-Fei , Li Tuan-Jie
Published: February 2018

Due to the uncertainties of material, geometrical and load parameters, dynamic responses of actual engineering structures are uncertain. The paper investigates dynamic responses of uncertain frameworks by combining the interval method with the traveling wave method. The uncertainties of material, physical dimension and loads are firstly characterized by interval parameters. The waveguide and transmission equations of uncertain framework structures with interval parameters are then proposed based on the traveling wave method. The uncertain junction scattering equation is extracted from the force equilibrium conditions and displacement compatibility conditions and the interval form of dynamic responses are developed using interval arithmetic rules. Finally, the numerical examples including a single beam and a planar frame structure have been presented to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
Study on brain glucose metabolic networks in Parkinson’s disease patients with visual spatial dysfunction by 18F-FDG PET imaging
Authors: Tan Haibo , Li Xiuming , Wei Kai , Guan Yihui
Published: February 2018

Aim: To assess the changes of brain glucose metabolism and abnormal intracerebral loop in early Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with visual spatial dysfunction by [Formula: see text]F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([Formula: see text]F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Materials and Methods: This study includes three groups: early PD patients with visual spatial dysfunction ([Formula: see text]), early PD patients without visual spatial dysfunction ([Formula: see text]) and healthy controls ([Formula: see text]). Resting-state [Formula: see text]F-FDG PET was performed to obtain the imaging of brain glucose metabolism. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was used for data analyses to compare the brain glucose metabolic changes among different groups.

Results: Compared with the healthy controls, early PD patients (with/without visual spatial dysfunction) showed hypermetabolism in putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus, pons, cerebellum and primary motor cortex, and hypometabolism in part of the occipital and temporal lobes. Compared with early PD patients without visual spatial dysfunction, those with visual spatial dysfunction further showed hypometabolism in visual regions including bilateral lateral prefrontal cortices and posterior parietal lobules, besides occipital and temporal lobes.

Conclusion: The occurrence of abnormal glucose metabolism in the brain visual processing areas was closely associated with visual spatial dysfunction in PD patients.
Body mass index interaction with SCN10A effects on cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy risk in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wang Guo-Zhuo , Liu Zhi-Jun , Xia Kai , Zhang Ke-Qin , Tang Zi-Hui
Published: February 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the extent to which the interaction between SCN10A (rs7375096) and body mass index (BMI) affects susceptibility to cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (AN) in a Chinese Han sample.

Method: We conducted a large-scale, population-based study including 791 overweight patients and 1186 controls to analyze the interaction between SCN10A and BMI with regard to CAN. All participants were genotyped for the presence of SCN10A (rs7375036) polymorphisms. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to detect these relationships. The interaction between rs7375036 and BMI with regard to CAN susceptibility on an additive scale was estimated by using the relative excess risk due to interaction, the proportion attributable to interaction, and the synergy index.

Results: Univariate analyses found no significant association between rs7375036 single nucleotide polymorphism and CAN. After controlling for potential confounding factors, the multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant association between BMI and CAN ([Formula: see text], OR = 1.121). In addition, a significant positive interaction effect of BMI and rs7375036 on CAN was detected ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that BMI and SCN10A (rs7375036) have interaction effects that influence the CAN.
Highly conserved motifs within the large Sec7 ARF guanine nucleotide exchange factor GBF1 target it to the Golgi and are critical for GBF1 activity
Authors: Pocognoni Cristian A. , Viktorova Ekaterina G. , Wright John , Meissner Justyna M. , Sager Garrett , Lee Eunjoo , Belov George A. , Sztul Elizabeth
Published: February 2018

Cellular life requires the activation of the ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) by Golgi brefeldin A-resistant factor 1 (GBF1), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) with a highly conserved catalytic Sec7 domain (Sec7d). In addition to the Sec7d, GBF1 contains other conserved domains whose functions remain unclear. Here, we focus on HDS2 (homology downstream of Sec7d 2) domain because the L1246R substitution within the HDS2 α-helix 5 of the zebrafish GBF1 ortholog causes vascular hemorrhaging and embryonic lethality (13). To dissect the structure/function relationships within HDS2, we generated six variants, in which the most conserved residues within α-helices 1, 2, 4, and 6 were mutated to alanines. Each HDS2 mutant was assessed in a cell-based “replacement” assay for its ability to support cellular functions normally supported by GBF1, such as maintaining Golgi homeostasis, facilitating COPI recruitment, supporting secretion, and sustaining cellular viability. We show that cells treated with the pharmacological GBF1 inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA) and expressing a BFA-resistant GBF1 variant with alanine substitutions of RDR1168 or LF1266 are compromised in Golgi homeostasis, impaired in ARF activation, unable to sustain secretion, and defective in maintaining cellular viability. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of this dysfunction, we assessed the ability of each GBF1 mutant to target to Golgi membranes and found that mutations in RDR1168 and LF1266 significantly decrease targeting efficiency. Thus, these residues within α-helix 2 and α-helix 6 of the HDS2 domain in GBF1 are novel regulatory determinants that support GBF1 cellular function by impacting the Golgi-specific membrane association of GBF1.
Remodeling of Wall Mechanics and the Myogenic Mechanism of Rat Intramural Coronary Arterioles in Response to a Short-Term Daily Exercise Program: Role of Endothelial Factors
Authors: Szekeres Mária , Nádasy György L. , Dörnyei Gabriella , Szénási Annamária , Koller Akos
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Exercise elicits early adaptation of coronary vessels enabling the coronary circulation to respond adequately to higher flow demands. We hypothesized that short-term daily exercise induces biomechanical and functional remodeling of the coronary resistance arteries related to pressure. Methods: Male rats were subjected to a progressively increasing 4-week treadmill exercise program (over 60 min/day, 1 mph in the final step). In vitro pressure-diameter measurements were performed on coronary segments (119 ± 5 μm in diameter at 50 mm Hg) with microarteriography. The magnitude of the myogenic response and contribution of endogenous nitric oxide and prostanoid production to the wall mechanics and pressure-diameter relationship were assessed. Results: Arterioles isolated from exercised ani mals – compared to the sedentary group – had thicker walls, increased distensibility, and a decreased elastic modulus as a result of reduced wall stress in the low pressure range. The arterioles of exercised rats exhibited a more powerful myogenic response and less endogenous vasoconstrictor prostanoid modulation at higher pressures, while vasodilator nitric oxide modulation of diameter was augmented at low pressures (< 60 mm Hg). Conclusions: A short-term daily exercise program induces remodeling of rat intramural coronary arterioles, likely resulting in a greater range of coronary autoregulatory function (constrictor and dilator reserves) and more effective protection against great changes in intraluminal pressure, contributing thereby to the optimization of coronary blood flow during exercise.
Acetyl-CoA Synthetase 2 Promotes Cell Migration and Invasion of Renal Cell Carcinoma by Upregulating Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1 Expression
Authors: Yao Lv , Guo Xiaoqiang , Gui Yaoting
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Reprogramming energy metabolism is an emerging hallmark of many cancers, and this alteration is especially evident in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). However, few studies have been conducted on lipid metabolism. This study investigated the function and mechanism of lipid metabolism-related acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) in RCC development, cell migration and invasion. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of ACSS2 in cancer tissue and adjacent tissue. The inhibition of ACSS2 expression was achieved by RNA interference, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by a CCK8 assay and a flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were determined by the scratch and transwell assays. Following the knockdown of ACSS2 expression, the expression of the autophagy-related factor LAMP1 was measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: Compared to adjacent tissues, ACSS2 expression was upregulated in RCC cancer tissues and positively correlated with metastasis. Inhibition of ACSS2 had no effect on RCC cell proliferation or apoptosis. However, decreased ACSS2 expression was found to inhibit RCC cell migration and invasion. ACSS2 was determined to promote the expression of LAMP1, which can also promote cell migration. This pathway may be considered a potential mechanism through which ACSS2 participates in RCC development. Conclusion: These data suggest that ACSS2 is an important factor for promoting RCC development and is essential for cell migration and invasion, which it promotes by increasing the expression of LAMP1. Taken together, these findings reveal a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of RCC.
The SNP Rs915014 in MTHFR Regulated by MiRNA Associates with Atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Xinye , Wang Lingxu , Chi Hao , Wang Jin , Zheng Qian , Li Jingye , Li Yong , Yang Dongwei
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The association between the genetic polymorphisms located in either the exon or untranslated region of MTHFR and the risk of human atherosclerosis has been well-documented. This study analyzed MTHFR polymorphisms at the 3’-untranslated region for association with risk and outcome of atherosclerosis in a Chinese Han population. Methods: The hospital based case-control study was conducted with 500 patients and 600 healthy volunteers as control enrolled. The genotyping was conducted by using Taqman probe. The potential interaction was predicted by multiple bioinformatics analysis. The relative expression of MTHFR was detected by qRT-PCR. Further confirmation was determined by dual-luciferase assay. The plasma homocysteine levels were assayed by ELISA. Results: Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension and low levels of serum high-density lipoprotein-C were associated with an increased risk of developing ischemic stroke. MTHFR rs915014 AG and GG genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of rs915014 compared with the GG genotype. The qRT-PCR confirmed that MTHFR rs915014 AG or GG genotypes could facilitate miR-2861 binding leading to decreased MTHFR levels in cells. In addition, patients carrying the MTHFR rs915014 AG or GG genotypes were associated with accumulation of circulating tHcy volume and a poor atherosclerosis consequence. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the MTHFR rs915014 is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and might be a shot term outcome biomarker for atherosclerosis patients.
Skewed sex ratio in a forest salamander: artefact of the different capture probabilities between sexes or actual ecological trait?
Authors: Romano Antonio , Basile Marco , Costa Andrea
Published: February 2018

Sex ratio is an essential demographic parameter and distortions from a balanced sex ratio may have contrasting effects on the population dynamics. However, observation of distorted sex ratio using counts or captures may reflect an actual ecological trait of the studied population but may also be an artefact due to different capture probabilities of males and females. We compared results obtained from Counts and Capture-Marking-Recapture (CMR) on both sexes in a population of a forest dwelling salamander, Salamandrina perspicillata, and we investigated if males and females had different capture probabilities. We surveyed available literature to compare information on sex ratio from other populations of S. perspicillata. The sex ratio from our counts was 0.65 and was significantly male-biased as reported in other studies. The estimated sex ratio from CMR data was 0.57. Although males showed higher recapture rates than females in every capture session, these differences were not statistically significant. Therefore, the skewed sex ratio towards males is not only an artefact due to different capture probabilities between males and females but reflects an actual demographic trait, although the magnitude of the skeweness was overestimated by counts.
The No-Proposition View of Vagueness
Authors: Sweeney Paula
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes a novel method of identifying the nature of vague sentences and a novel solution to the sorites paradox. The theory is motivated by patterns of use that language users display when using vague predicates. Identifying a coherent cause of this behaviour provides us with a theory of vague sentences that is behaviour- rather than paradox-led. The theory also provides a solution to the sorites paradox and is therefore more explanatory than other available theories of vagueness.
Synopsis of Pseudacroclita Oku from China, with descriptions of two new species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: ZHANG AIHUAN
Published: February 2018

Six species of Pseudacroclita Oku are reported from China, two of which are described as new: P. damingshana, sp. nov., and P. mastoidea, sp. nov. Photographs of the adults and genitalia of the two new species are provided. Two keys to Chinese species of Pseudacroclita are given, one based on male genitalia and the other on female genitalia. Non-deciduous spiculate cornuti in the phallus are reported for the first time in Pseudacroclita. All specimens examined are deposited in the Insect collection, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded Phase III Study Comparing Dexamethasone on Day 1 With Dexamethasone on Days 1 to 3 With Combined Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist and Palonosetron in High-Emetogenic Chemotherapy
Authors: Ito Yuka , Tsuda Takashi , Minatogawa Hiroko , Kano Sayaka , Sakamaki Kentaro , Ando Masahiko , Tsugawa Koichiro , Kojima Yasuyuki , Furuya Naoki , Matsuzaki Kunihiro , Fukuda Mamoru , Sugae Sadatoshi , Ohta Ichiro , Arioka Hitoshi , Tokuda Yutaka , Narui Kazutaka , Tsuboya Ayako , Suda Takashi , Morita Satoshi , Boku Narikazu , Yamanaka Takeharu , Nakajima Takako Eguchi
Published: February 2018

Purpose

We evaluated the noninferiority of dexamethasone (DEX) on day 1, with sparing on days 2 and 3, combined with neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (NK1-RA) and palonosetron (Palo) compared with the 3-day use of DEX in highly-emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC).

Patients and Methods

Patients who were scheduled to receive HEC (cisplatin ≥ 50 mg/m2 or anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide) were randomly assigned to receive either DEX on days 1 to 3 (Arm D3) or DEX on day 1 and placebo on days 2 and 3 (Arm D1) combined with NK1-RA and Palo. The primary end point was complete response (CR), defined as no emesis and no rescue medications during the overall (0 to 120 h) phase. The noninferiority margin was set at −15.0% (Arm D1 − Arm D3).

Results

A total of 396 patients—196 and 200 patients in Arms D3 and D1, respectively—were evaluated. CR rates during the overall period were 46.9% for Arm D3 and 44.0% for Arm D1 (95% CI, −12.6% to 6.8%; P = .007). CR rates during the acute (0 to 24 h) phase were 63.3% and 64.5% for Arms D3 and D1, respectively (95% CI, −8.1% to 10.6%; P < .001), and they were 56.6% and 51.5%, respectively, during the delayed (24 to 120 h) phase (95% CI, −14.8% to 4.6%; P = .023). Hot flushes and tremors were observed more frequently as DEX-related adverse events on days 4 and 5 in Arm D3, whereas anorexia, depression, and fatigue were observed more frequently on days 2 and 3 in Arm D1. As an indication of quality of life, global health status was similar in both arms.

Conclusion

Antiemetic DEX administration on days 2 and 3 can be spared when combined with NK1-RA and Palo in HEC.
A CONTRIBUTION OF PROFESSOR A.A. ZIGANSHIN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF WINTER RYE CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Исмагилов Рафаэль , Ismagilov Rafael' , Нурлыгаянов Разит , Nurlygayanov Razit
Published: February 2018

The article gives a brief overview of the researches of well-known scientist, plant breeder, Professor A.A. Ziganshin about the winter rye. The main content of his scientific research on winter rye cultivation technology is described. His contribution to the development of scientific research on the development of cultivation technology and to the training of scientists on winter rye is shown.
PRODUCTIVITY OF OVERGROUND SPRING RAPE BIOMASS IN DIFFERENT RECEIVES OF PRE-SOWING SOIL TREATMENT
Authors: Фатыхов Ильдус , Fatykhov Ildus , Медведев Владимир , Medvedev Vladimir , Вафина Эльмира , Vafina El'mira
Published: February 2018

The presowing tillage methods was studied in 2016-2017 years. The highest yield of dry matter was obtained in the following samples: harrowing by BZTS-1, cultivation by KPS-4 + BZSS-1, rolling down by 3KKSH-6A; harrowing by BZTS-1, cultivation by KPS-4 + BZSS-1, cultivation by KMN-4.2 by increasing the mass of one plant.
DRILL CUTTINGS AND INCREASE OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS YIELD
Authors: Ахметзянова Раиля , Akhmetzyanova Railya , Халиуллина Зульфия , Haliullina Zul'fiya , Петров Андрей , Petrov Andrey , Синяшин Кирилл , Sinyashin Kirill
Published: February 2018

The laboratory vegetative chronic experiments, on the example of spring wheat, showed that reclaimed drill cuttings can be used for deoxidizing (liming) acidic soils, increasing the biomass yield in growing agricultural crops. Doses of drill cuttings providing long-term maintenance of optimum acidity of investigated soils are defined.
EFFICIENCY OF BROILER-CHICKENS CULTIVATION AT INCLUSION OF “BISFENOL-5” ANTIOXIDANT IN THE RATION
Authors: Шилов Валентин , Shilov Valentin , Хакимова Гузалия , Hakimova Guzaliya , Семина Ольга , Semina Ol'ga , Ахмадуллина Альфия , Ahmadullina Al'fiya
Published: February 2018

The main task in meat poultry production is to obtain products in a short period of fattening with the minimum feed costs. In economic terms, fodders occupy the largest share in the cost structure of poultry meat. The feed in its composition and properties should satisfy the physiological needs of the chicken, as much as possible, and this, in turn, directly depends on its usefulness and quality. In this regard, the actual issue of feeding is the use of antioxidants to improve the conservation of feed and optimize metabolism in the body of the bird. The inclusion of “Bisfenol-5” antioxidant in full-feed mixed doses in doses of 0.002-0.015% of the feed weight positively affected the growth rate of broiler chickens and feed conversion. The highest effect was obtained with the addition of “Bisfenol-5” in the amount of 0.008% to the compound feed. The use of antioxidant-enriched mixed fodder for growing chicken broilers allowed to increase meat production to 17.5%, to increase feed conversion to 12.1%, to reduce the cost of 1 kg of live weight gain to 6.99 rubles and to improve the efficiency index to 0.2 points.
Externalidades en el desempeño académico de la provisión de incentivos: evidencia del programa Ser Pilo Paga
Authors: Arango Sergio
Published: February 2018

En octubre de 2014 el Gobierno colombiano anunció la provisión de 10 000 becas a estudiantes de bajos recursos para estudiar en instituciones de educación superior. En este trabajo, se estima el efecto ser elegible por el programa en colegios con y sin beneficiarios de este luego de la primera ola de incentivos, sobre los resultados del examen Saber 11 de los estudiantes que presentaron la prueba en el 2015. Usando un modelo de diferencias endiferencias se encuentra que los estudiantes elegibles en colegios con beneficiarios aumentaron su puntaje global del examen y su puntaje en lectura en 0,03 desviaciones estándar, mientras que en matemáticas el aumento fue de 0,02 desviaciones estándar. En colegios sin beneficiarios, ser elegible representó un aumento de 0,09 desviaciones estándar en el puntaje global del examen y en matemáticas, mientras que en lectura el aumento fue de 0,08 desviaciones estándar. Estos resultados sugieren la existencia de externalidades en los estudiantes de colegios que no obtuvieron beneficiarios del programa en la primera entrega de incentivos.
Elasticidades de la demanda mundial de lácteos argentinos y su posicionamiento competitivo
Authors: García Arancibia Rodrigo
Published: February 2018

El objetivo del presente trabajo es obtener funciones de demanda internacional de los principales lácteos exportados por la Argentina vis a vis con sus competidores. Con base en el enfoque teórico de Armington, se presenta un modelo para estudiar la demanda de los principales países importadores de leche en polvo y quesos argentinos en función del preciorelativo. Se asume, en primer lugar, las preferencias homotéticas, y se propone, luego, una extensión no homotética. Para su implementación empírica, se propone una especificación econométrica para datos de panel. El modelo es estimado utilizando modelos de efectos fijos (filtrado) y efectos aleatorios, con una estructura ar(1) para los errores. De los parámetrosestimados se obtiene la elasticidad de sustitución, la elasticidad -precio propia y cruzada en los mercados mundiales relevantes para la Argentina. Tales medidas constituyen una información valiosa para el conocimiento de la respuesta de los compradores mundiales ante diferentes medidas de política o shocks exógenos que pudieran alterar los precios relativos pagados por los importadores, como así también para analizar el posicionamiento de la Argentina en los mercados internacionales.
Five a Day, all fun and fresh…
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: February 2018

Crisp and healthy, you simply cannot beat fresh fruit and vegetables. In this article, we suggest a range of activities that will make nutritious eating look fun and attractive.
Latest developments
Authors: Fetherbe Alison , Martland Rebecca , Tanuku Purnima
Published: February 2018

Send your letters, news stories or latest developments to: The Editor, Child Care, St Jude's Church, Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, London, SE24 0PB email: childcare@markallengroup.com
I have heard Ofsted say…
Authors: Webb Penny
Published: February 2018

How many times have you heard someone say, or have you told yourself, that Ofsted wants things done a certain way, to justify your practice. But how true is this view?
Five ways to improve wellbeing
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: February 2018

How do you introduce the concept of ‘looking after yourself’ to young children? How do you define the concept and make it relevant to their lives? Here we provide some ideas.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: February 2018

Mark Greener presents key studies published in healthcare journals
Teenage pregnancy: do nurses know how to respond?
Authors: Nichols Joanna
Published: February 2018

Nurses are the ‘first port of call’ in such cases, writes Joanna Nichols. But do you know what to do when asked?
Rabies: How can we protect travellers?
Authors: Bramham Lynda
Published: February 2018

UK travellers often visit rabies-endemic countries. Lynda Bramham discusses how pre-travel advice, pre-exposure vaccines and prompt medical attention after a potential exposure can protect travellers against the disease
How to cut down your GPs' workload
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: February 2018

If you have trouble recruiting GPs, can you reduce the demands on the ones you have? Dave Hancock seeks answers
NHS pensions: Forecasting is key
Authors: Walker Kevin
Published: February 2018

It is more important than ever to find out exactly what information you need to make sure that your pension is correct and avoid receiving an unexpected tax bill, says Kevin Walker
Signing a new lease: Read the small print
Authors: Ellis Tessa
Published: February 2018

Tessa Ellis advises caution when signing up to a new lease, even if it is with NHS Property Services Limited, which owns many of the NHS primary care properties in England
Safeguarding practice nursing
Authors: Moffat Polly
Published: February 2018

It was announced last year that more nurses are leaving the profession than joining. What will be the impact on the general practice nursing workforce?
Reducing toxicity in the workplace
Authors: Amies Valerie
Published: February 2018

Valerie Amies seeks to explore how the solutions to better service improvement, engagement and outcomes lie in looking at organisational factors in the practice that can increase the risk of burnout among clinical and non-clinical staff
Antioxidant Activity Test of 2,6-bis-(2’-furilidyn)-Cyclohexanone, ; 2,5-bis-(2’-furilidyn)-Cyclopentanone; 1,5-Difuryl-1,4-pentadien-3-one
Authors: Rahmawati Ismi , Rejeki Endang Sri , Sardjiman Sardjiman
Published: February 2018

Antioxidant is an essential compound to keep man’s health due to its function as radical scavenging. Curcumin analog compounds can function as antioxidant (Sardjiman, 2000). The aim of the experiment was to find out the antioxidant activity of 2,.6-bis-(2’-furilidin)-cyclohexanone, 2,.5-bis-(2’furilidin)-cyclopentanone, and 1,.5-difuril-1.4-pentadien-3-one compounds, and the antioxidant activity of each compound against DPPH  radical with IC50 parameter as well as the correlation of compounds structure’s activities against antioxidant. The antioxidant activity of curcumin analog compounds wereas tested against DPPH free radical. The test was conducted in 5 series of concentrations by adding 4.0 ml test solutions with 1.0 ml DPPH. The antioxidant activity against free radical was measured usingwith spectrophotometer at 517 nm wavelength and determined for the IC50 value. The experiment employed rutin as positive control. The result of the experiment showed that curcumin analog compounds have antioxidant activity with IC50 of rutin, 2,.6-bis-(2’-furilidin)-cyclohexanone, 2,.5-bis-(2’furilidin)-cyclopentanone, and 1,.5-difuril-1.4-pentadien-3-one as follows: 4.93 ppm, 22.73 ppm, 20.67 ppm, and 18.80 ppm  respectively. The highest antioxidant activity belonged to 1,.5-difuril-1.4-pentadien-3-one compound which is 18.80 ppm . Correlation of activity structure of the 3 compounds can be seen from the log p parameter and energy space of HOMO-LUMO.Key words: Antioxidant, DPPH, Analog Curcumin
Fatty Acids Composition of Red and Purple Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) Seed Oil
Authors: Soetjipto Hartati , Pradipta Murda , Timotius KH
Published: February 2018

The aim of this investigation was to determine the content and composition of fatty acid in seed oil of red and purple pomegranate (Punica granatum L). The extraction process was performed by Soxhlet extractor with petroleum ether as solvent. The separation and identification of pomegranate seed oil was done by using GCMS. The total oil content of red and purple  pomegranate  were 128 g/kg d.w  and 103 g/kg d.w respectively. Both showed the same major fatty acids  as palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and  punisic acid. Oleic acid (19-21%) and linoleic acid (20-21%) were found as the most  dominant fatty acids in red pomegranate, whereas purple pomegranate seed oil was dominated by oleic acid (41-43%) and punicic acid  (0-25%). Neutral lipid  fraction of  red and purple pomegranate seed oils was more dominant than glycolipid and phospholipid. Neutral  lipid fraction  of red and purple pomegranate seed oil were  89 % and 91% respectively.  Glycolipid fraction  of red and purple pomegranate seed oil were 8 % and 5 %, whereas phosholipid fraction of red and purple pomegranate seed oil were 3 % and 4 %. The punicic acid content of  total lipid of  purple pomegranate seed oil (PPSO) (0-25%) was higher than red pomegranate (RPSO) (9-16%). On the contrary neutral lipid of red pomegranate showed higher punicic acid content (54-75%) than the purple pomegranate (14-55%). Glycolipid of red pomegranate contained  punicic acid  (0-42%). The punicic acid content  of the phospholipid fraction of  red pomegranate was higher (0-22 %) than the one of purple pomegranate (0-2%).Key words : fatty acid, pomegranate, Punica granatum, punicic acid, seed oil