bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Organic and Inorganic Soil Amendments on Soil pH and Macronutrients
Authors: Kago E. K. , Kinyua Z. M. , Maingi J. M. , Okemo P. O.
Published: May 2019

The popularity of using the Inorganic and organic soil amendments is based on the current status of soil degradation that led to  decline in  fertility  of soils, resulting to low yields. The objective of current study was to evalute different  organic and inorganic  soil amendments  and their effects on soil pH and macronutrients. The study was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement for two seasons. The treatments were ChalimTM, Super-hydro-grow polymer + Metham sodium, Metham sodium, Metham sodium & Orange peel, Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissues, ChalimTM + Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissue + Orange peel, Metham sodium + Super-hydro-grow polymer and Control (no amendments).  Soils were sampled from each experimental site, dried and taken to laboratories for determination of soil chemical properties both at initial and at the end of the experiment. The soil physicochemical attributes assessed included: Soil pH, nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. There was an significant increase (P≤0.05) in the concentration and availability of soil physicochemical characteristics after treatment which is an indicator of improved soil structure. Brassicae tissue +super hydrogrow polymer (BT+SHG) amendment was the best as it resulted to highest concentration   and availability of the mineral elements in the soil recording total nitrogen of 0.50 %, organic carbon 5.47 %, phosphorus 19.7 mg/kg, and potassium 1.37 %. The control exhibited the least impact on all the soil chemical properties. We recommend BT+SHG amendment to farmers to promote soil fertility which will consequently produce better yield.
Attachment Research
Authors: Mercer Jean
Published: May 2019

The concept of attachment refers to the tendency of both young and older children to want to be near familiar people when frightened or distressed, and to the emotions and beliefs that accompany that tendency. Behavioral measures such as the Strange Situation Procedure are used to assess qualities of attachment as they vary from secure through insecure to disorganized attachment. Longitudinal research has demonstrated some developmental advantages for individuals with early secure attachment, but early attachment measures do not necessarily predict either good or poor development.
Rites of Passage
Authors: Goldstein Marc B. , Blumenkrantz David G.
Published: May 2019

The social stage of adolescence is examined primarily from a cultural and sociological perspective within a framework of initiations and rites of passage. The first part of the entry focuses on these rites as performed within traditional societies. The rites of passage model is articulated according to the three sequences of separation, transition, and incorporation. The functions and desired impacts of these ceremonies are reviewed. Following that, the entry explores the importance of rites of passage, the societal consequences of their absence, and the challenges to contemporary efforts to create such experiences in the twenty‐first century.
Positive Youth Development
Authors: Lin Li , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: May 2019

The positive youth development (PYD) perspective is proposed as a paradigm for understanding adolescents in terms of their strengths and potential, in contrast to the perspective of understanding adolescents in terms of their deficits and problems. This entry introduces the major theories within the PYD perspective and the approaches commonly used to study PYD. It also summarizes findings that support the common propositions of the PYD perspective. Finally, it reviews the evidence on the effectiveness of PYD programs.
Adaptive neural network control for stochastic constrained block structure nonlinear systems with dynamical uncertainties
Authors: Xia Meizhen , Zhang Tianping
Published: May 2019

Stochastic adaptive dynamic surface control is presented for a class of uncertain multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics and full state constraints in this paper. The controller is constructed by combining the dynamic surface control with radial basis function neural networks for the MIMO stochastic nonlinear systems. The nonlinear mapping is applied to guarantee the state constraints being not violated. The unmodeled dynamics is disposed through introducing an available dynamic signal. It is proved that all signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded in probability and the error signals are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded in mean square or the sense of four‐moment and the state constraints are confirmed in probability. Simulation results are offered to further illustrate the effectiveness of the control scheme.
Ni‐Metalloid (B, Si, P, As, and Te) Alloys as Water Oxidation Electrocatalysts
Authors: Masa Justus , Piontek Stefan , Wilde Patrick , Antoni Hendrik , Eckhard Till , Chen Yen‐Ting , Muhler Martin , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: May 2019

Breakthroughs toward effective water‐splitting electrocatalysts for mass hydrogen production will necessitate material design strategies based on unexplored material chemistries. Herein, Ni‐metalloid (B, Si, P, As, Te) alloys are reported as an emergent class of highly promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and insight is offered into the origin of activity enhancement on the premise of the surface electronic structure, the OER activation energy, influence of the guest metalloid elements on the lattice structure of the host metal (Ni), and surface‐oxidized metalloid oxoanions. The metalloids modify the lattice structure of Ni, causing changes in the nearest Ni–Ni interatomic distance (dNi–Ni). The activation energy Ea scales with dNi–Ni indicating an apparent dependence of the OER activity on lattice properties. During the OER, surface Ni atoms are oxidized to nickel oxyhydroxide, which is the active state of the catalyst, meanwhile, the surface metalloids are oxidized to the corresponding oxoanions that affect the interfacial electrode/electrolyte properties and hence the adsorption/desorption interaction energies of the reacting species.
Thermal Oxidation Rate of Oleic Acid Increased Dramatically at 140 °C Studied using Electron Spin Resonance and GC–MS/MS
Authors: Chen Hongjian , Wang Yong , Cao Peirang , Liu Yuanfa
Published: May 2019

Thermal oxidation of oleic acid at high temperatures was studied using combination of electron spin resonance (ESR) spin‐trapping technique and solid phase microextraction (SPME)‐Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). Dimethyl pyridine N‐oxide (DMPO) was applied as the spin trap. Alkyl, alkoxyl, and oxidized DMPO adducts were identified in the experimental spectra. At 140 °C, the alkyl radical adduct was the major component, accounting for 63.89% of the total radical adducts. However, the alkoxyl radical adduct was the main radical adduct in the temperature range of 120 to 135 °C. The total amount of spins, a parameter to indicate radical concentrations, detected at 140 °C was nearly three times higher than that at 135 °C. And, the total amount of alkyl radical adducts was higher than that of alkoxyl radical adducts at 140 °C, which indicated a higher alkyl radical formation rate. Besides, a larger amount (10.30%) of oleic acid degraded at 140 °C than that at 135 °C with the detection of GC. More (E)‐2‐Decenal (plastic) and (E)‐2‐undecenal (herbaceous) formed affect the flavor of frying.
Enzymatic Modification of Menhaden Oil to Incorporate Caprylic and/or Stearic Acid
Authors: Willett Sarah A. , Martini Silvana , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: May 2019

Menhaden oil was enzymatically modified with caprylic (8:0) and/or stearic acid (18:0) to produce structured lipids (SL). The goal was to produce SL with high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), a low level of saturation, and a melting point of 25–35 °C. Substrate (menhaden oil to acyl donor) molar ratios were 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 for 8:0, and 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 for 18:0. Enzyme load was 10% of the total weight of substrates. Time course study determined optimal time for maximum acyl donor incorporation. Linear interpolation estimated molar ratios that yielded SL with 20 or 30 mol% incorporation of 8:0 or 18:0. Enzymatic reactions were also conducted with molar ratios of menhaden oil to acyl donors:8:0:18:0 (1:1:3, 1:2:2, and 1:3:1). Lipases from Candida antarctica, Lipozyme® 435, and Rhizomucor miehei, Lipozyme® RM IM (Novozymes North America, Inc., Franklinton, NC, USA), were compared for all reactions. Total and sn‐2 fatty acid compositions, triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, thermal behavior, volatile lipid oxidation products, solid fat contents, and oxidative stability were compared. When 8:0 was the acyl donor, the 1:3.03 and 1:4.58 ratios resulted in incorporation of 20 and 30 mol% 8:0, respectively. With 18:0 as the acyl donor, the 1:1.32 and 1:2.41 ratios led to incorporation of 20 and 30 mol% 18:0, respectively. The 1:3:1 ratio SL had a crystallization onset (C0) of 15.3 °C and a melting completion (Mc) of 33.1 °C. The physicochemical properties of these SL suggest that some may be useful in formulating food products such as margarines and spreads.
A Systematic Review of Disposable Sheath Use During Flexible Endoscopy
Authors: Ofstead Cori L. , Hopkins Krystina M. , Quick Mariah R. , Brooks Karen B. , Eiland John E. , Wetzler Harry P.
Published: May 2019

Flexible endoscopes are exposed to blood, mucus, and other secretions during procedures. Single‐use sheaths are designed to prevent contact between contaminants and reusable endoscope components. This systematic review examined findings from 22 studies that assessed endoscopic sheath use during urologic, gastrointestinal, or respiratory procedures. The evidence showed that sheaths were durable and yielded faster endoscope turnover times because their reusable components did not require high‐level disinfection or sterilization. After a brief learning period, health care providers successfully assembled and maneuvered sheathed endoscopes. Patients generally did not experience greater discomfort during procedures in which sheaths were used. Microbial cultures of sheathed endoscopes were negative or similar to unsheathed endoscopes. More research is needed to evaluate the potential effect of disposable sheaths on infection risks. The evidence suggests that sheaths are a viable option for reliably providing a barrier between endoscopes and patients without affecting the quality of endoscopic procedures.
Experience and Reason: A US Clinician's Perspective of An Approach to Meeting the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Needs of Children Suspected of Being Sexually Abused
Authors: Finkel Martin A.
Published: May 2019

This paper reflects an approach to the medical evaluation of children alleged to have been sexually abused to meet their diagnostic and therapeutic needs. The approach emphasises the importance of the role of the doctor in conducting thorough medical histories to understand a child's suspected experience and integrating that information into the formulation of a balanced and objective opinion.

‘Emphasises the importance of the role of the doctor in conducting thorough medical histories to understand a child's suspected experience’

Key Practitioner Messages

Understand the clinical presentation of child sexual victimisation.

Appreciate the important role of the doctor in meeting the diagnostic, therapeutic and protection needs of child sexual abuse (CSA) victims.

Appreciate the importance of the collective insights of numerous professionals when responding to allegations of CSA.

Develop comfort in providing anticipatory guidance regarding personal space and safety as a part of routine medical care.
Resonance Assignments of Lowly Populated and Unstable Enzyme Intermediate Complex under Real‐Time Conditions
Authors: Chen Jia‐Liang , Wang Xiao , Xiao Yu‐Hao , Su Xun‐Cheng
Published: May 2019

Unstable and low‐abundance protein complexes represent a large family of transient protein complexes that are difficult to characterize, even by means of high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy. A method to assign the NMR signals of these unstable complexes through a combination of selective isotope labeling of amino acids in a protein and site‐specific labeling the protein with a paramagnetic tag is presented herein. By using this method, the resonances of unstable thioester intermediate complex (lifetime <5 h and highest concentration ≈20 μm) generated by Staphylococcus aureus sortase A and its peptide substrate under a real‐time reaction have been assigned.
An optical and non‐invasive method to detect the accumulation of ubiquitin chains
Authors: Imai Jun , Koganezawa Yuuta , Tuzuki Haruka , Ishikawa Ikumi , Sakai Takahiro
Published: May 2019

The accumulations of excess amounts of polyubiquitinated proteins are cytotoxic and frequently observed in pathologic tissue from patients of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, optical and non‐invasive methods to detect the increase of the amounts of polyubiquitinated proteins in living cells is a promising strategy to find out symptoms and environmental cause of neurodegenerative diseases, also for identifying compounds that could inhibit gathering of polyubiquitinated proteins. Therefore, we generated a pair of fluorescent protein [Azamigreen (Azg) and Kusabiraorange (Kuo)] tagged ubiquitin on its N‐terminus (Azg‐Ub and Kuo‐Ub) and developed an Azg/Kuo‐based Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assay to estimate the amount of polyubiquitin chains in vitro and in vivo. The FRET intensity was attenuated in the presence of ubiquitin‐activating enzyme inhibitor, PYR‐41, indicating that both fluorescent ubiquitin is incorporated into ubiquitin chains likewise normal ubiquitin. The FRET intensity was enhanced by the addition of the proteasome inhibitor, MG‐132, and was reduced in the presence of the autophagy activator Rapamycin, designating that ubiquitin chains with fluorescent ubiquitin act as the degradation signal equally with normal ubiquitin chains. In summary, the above optical methods provide powerful research tools to estimate the amounts of polyubiquitin chains in vitro and in vivo, especially non‐invasively in living cells.
Purulent bacterial pericarditis from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kaye Adam , Peters Gregory A. , Joseph Joshua W. , Wong Matthew L.
Published: May 2019

Purulent pericarditis is a rare condition in the modern antibiotic era. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with pericardial effusions and radiographic and laboratory investigations consistent with infection. Pericardial fluid culture is the gold standard. Early source control, in addition to antibiotics, is a cornerstone of treatment.
Colour‐naming behavior among bilingual Malayalam‐English speakers: Evidence from English narrative discourse
Authors: Nambiar Rinu
Published: May 2019

Through an unconstrained colour‐naming task, researchers have found that bilinguals possess greater colour vocabulary knowledge than monolinguals. In the current study, we explore the colour‐naming behavior of bilinguals in spontaneous speech scenarios. The native language of these bilinguals holds complex colour labels for most of the colours, for which the second language holds only basic colour terms. For this purpose, a story narration task was developed where eight stories were designed with elementary and mixed colour conditions. Two groups of participants took part in the study: (a) 44 monolingual speakers and (b) 32 Malayalam‐English bilinguals. Qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed that there were clear colour label differences between the basic colour terms in English and Malayalam and those labeled by bilingual speakers. Bilingual speakers use translation equivalents of Malayalam colour terms for English colours.
Attractors for Two‐Dimensional Waves with Homogeneous Hamiltonians of Degree 0
Authors: de Verdière Yves Colin , Saint‐Raymond Laure
Published: May 2019

In domains with topography, inertial and internal waves exhibit interesting features. In particular, numerical and lab experiments show that, in two dimensions, for generic forcing frequencies, these waves concentrate on attractors. The goal of this paper is to analyze mathematically this behavior, using tools from spectral theory and microlocal analysis.© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in haemodynamically stabilised heart failure patients in hospital or early after discharge: primary results of the randomised TRANSITION study
Authors: Wachter Rolf , Senni Michele , Belohlavek Jan , Straburzynska‐Migaj Ewa , Witte Klaus K. , Kobalava Zhanna , Fonseca Candida , Goncalvesova Eva , Cavusoglu Yuksel , Fernandez Alberto , Chaaban Said , Bøhmer Ellen , Pouleur Anne‐Catherine , Mueller Christian , Tribouilloy Christophe , Lonn Eva , A.L. Buraiki Jehad , Gniot Jacek , Mozheiko Maria , Lelonek Malgorzata , Noè Adele , Schwende Heike , Bao Weibin , Butylin Dmytro , Pascual‐Figal Domingo ,   on behalf of the TRANSITION Investigators
Published: May 2019

Aims

To assess tolerability and optimal time point for initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in patients stabilised after acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods and results

TRANSITION was a randomised, multicentre, open‐label study comparing two treatment initiation modalities of sacubitril/valsartan. Patients aged ≥ 18 years, hospitalised for AHF were stratified according to pre‐admission use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors and randomised (n = 1002) after stabilisation to initiate sacubitril/valsartan either ≥ 12‐h pre‐discharge or between Days 1–14 post‐discharge. Starting dose (as per label) was 24/26 mg or 49/51 mg bid with up‐ or down‐titration based on tolerability. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients attaining 97/103 mg bid target dose after 10 weeks. Median time of first dose of sacubitril/valsartan from

the day of discharge was Day –1 and Day +1 in the pre‐discharge group and the post‐discharge group, respectively. Comparable proportions of patients in the pre‐ and post‐discharge initiation groups met the primary endpoint [45.4% vs. 50.7%; risk ratio (RR) 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–1.02]. The proportion of patients who achieved and maintained for ≥ 2 weeks leading to Week 10, either 49/51 or 97/103 mg bid was 62.1% vs. 68.5% (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.83–0.99); or any dose was 86.0% vs. 89.6% (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.92–1.01). Discontinuation due to adverse events occurred in 7.3% vs. 4.9% of patients (RR 1.49; 95% CI 0.90–2.46).

Conclusions

Initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in a wide range of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients stabilised after an AHF event, either in hospital or shortly after discharge, is feasible with about half of the patients achieving target dose within 10 weeks.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02661217
A mesh‐free radial basis function–based semi‐Lagrangian lattice Boltzmann method for incompressible flows
Authors: Lin Xingjian , Wu Jie , Zhang Tongwei
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a local radial basis function–based semi‐Lagrangian lattice Boltzmann method (RBF‐SL‐LBM) is proposed. This is a mesh‐free method that can be used for the simulation of incompressible flows. In this method, the collision step is performed locally, which is the same as in the standard LBM. In the meanwhile, the steaming step is solved in a semi‐Lagrangian framework. The distribution functions at the departure points, which may be not the grid points in general, are computed by the local radial basis function interpolation. Several numerical tests are conducted to validate the present method, including the lid‐driven cavity flow, the steady and unsteady flow past a circular cylinder, and the flow past an NACA0012 airfoil. The present results are in good agreement with those published in the previous literature, which demonstrates the capability of RBF‐SL‐LBM for the simulation of incompressible flows.
Information presentation and consumer choice: Evidence from Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Success Rate Reports
Authors: Wu Bingxiao
Published: May 2019

How does the presentation of multidimensional quality information in public reporting affect consumer responsiveness? This paper addresses this question exploiting an exogenous change of reporting format in the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Compared with the first version of the ART report, the second version highlights the “singleton‐birth rate” measure, which is complementary to the “multiple‐birth rate” measure reported in the first version. We find that consumers are more likely to choose clinics with a lower multiple‐birth rate after the format change, indicating more sensitivity to the highlighted measure. This finding implies that information presentation plays an important role in affecting the effectiveness of public reporting.
Attachment and social support mediate associations between Polyvictimization and psychological distress in early adolescence
Authors: Zerach Gadi , Elklit Ask
Published: May 2019

The current study assesses associations between multiple experience of traumatic events (polyvictimization), PTSD symptoms (PTSS) and psychiatric symptoms in early adolescence, and explores the mediating roles of attachment orientations and perceived social support in the associations between polyvictimization, PTSS and psychiatric symptoms. In 2001, a representative national sample of 390 Danish eighth‐graders (M = 13.95, SD = .37) completed validated self‐report questionnaires. Polyvictimization was related to higher PTSS and psychiatric symptoms. Importantly, polyvictimization was significantly linked to high attachment anxiety, which was linked with low perceived social support, which in turn was linked with high PTSS levels and psychiatric symptoms. Polyvictimization might have dire consequences in early adolescence. An individual's high attachment anxiety might be connected with lack of perceived social support, which should be seen as a possible psychological distress mechanism subsequent to exposure to a number of potentially traumatic events.
Self‐regulation foci and mood affect healthy and unhealthy eating behaviours differently in successful weight‐loss treatment participants
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: May 2019

An increased understanding of how self‐regulation and mood affects both healthy and unhealthy eating behaviours is required to improve weight‐loss intervention architectures. Women with obesity (N = 54, MBMI = 34.80 kg/m2), who obtained ≥5% weight loss over 12 months (M = −9.01 kg) within a community‐based behavioural weight‐loss treatment, were assessed. Improvements in exercise‐ and eating‐focused self‐regulation (over 3 and 6 months), and the consumption of fruits/vegetables and sweets (over 6 and 12 months), were each significant. Multiple regression analyses indicated that changes in (a) aggregated (exercise‐focused + eating‐focused) self‐regulation, (b) eating‐focused self‐regulation alone and (c) eating self‐regulation that carried over from exercise‐focused self‐regulation, each significantly predicted fruit/vegetable consumption changes (R2 = .15–.28). Entry of overall mood did not significantly increase those models' predictive strength. Conversely, mood was the most salient predictor of change in sweets intake. There were significant inverse relationships between changes in fruits/vegetables and sweets consumption. Implications for self‐regulation theory and treatment improvements were suggested.
Groove‐patterned surfaces induce morphological changes in cells of neuronal origin
Authors: Litowczenko Jagoda , Maciejewska Barbara M. , Wychowaniec Jacek K. , Kościński Mikołaj , Jurga Stefan , Warowicka Alicja
Published: May 2019

It is already known that cells respond strongly to topography and chemistry of 2D surfaces. In this work we study cell–material interactions; in particular, we investigated the attachment and alignment of SH‐SY5Y cells of neuronal origin on grooved‐patterns made from Silicon (Si) and Gold (Au). The Au–Si groove‐pattern stimulated 93% of SH‐SY5Y cells to differentiate into neuroblast‐like type (N‐type) in 2 days and outgrown neurites exhibited strong anisotropy along the grooves with 90% of cells having one or two neurites. In comparison, random distribution of morphology type, neurite number, and alignment were observed on control flat surfaces (Si and Au). We further show that designed Au–Si groove‐patterns can be used to form reversed groove patterns on polycarolactone surface via soft lithography approach. Sixty‐nine percentage of SH‐SY5Y cells aligned along the obtained reversed groove patterns of the same dimensional characteristics to Si–Au grooves. In particular, this work demonstrated that the Au–Si grooves pattern stimulates neurite polarity, elongation, and morphological differentiation of neuroblastoma cells without any exogenous supply of growth factors or stimulants in just 2 days, which can lead to selective procedure of obtaining homologous population of neuron‐like cells for future nerve regeneration therapies.
Despite Genetic Iron Overload, Hfe‐Hemochromatosis Mice Do Not Show Bone Loss
Authors: Wagner Alessa , Alan Betül , Yilmaz Dilay , Ahmad Mubashir , Liu Peng , Tangudu Naveen Kumar , Tuckermann Jan P , Vujic Spasic Maja
Published: May 2019

One of the most prevalent genetic iron overload disorders in Caucasians is caused by mutations in the HFE gene. Both HFE patients and Hfe‐mouse models develop a progressive accumulation of iron in the parenchymal cells of various tissues, eventually resulting in liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiomyopathies, hypogonadism, and other pathologies. Clinical data and preclinical models have brought considerable attention to the correlation between iron overload and the development of osteoporosis in HFE/Hfe hemochromatosis. Our study critically challenges this concept. We show that systemic iron overload, at the degree present in Hfe−/− mice, does not associate with the microarchitecture impairment of long bones, thus excluding a negative effect of iron overload on bone integrity. We further reveal that Hfe actions in osteoblasts and osteoclasts are dispensable for the maintenance of bone and iron homeostasis in mice under steady‐state conditions. We conclude that, despite systemic iron overload, Hfe−/− mice present normal physiological bone homeostasis. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus in published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification of functional lncRNAs in gastric cancer by integrative analysis of GEO and TCGA data
Authors: Zhang Xianqin , Zhang Wanfeng , Jiang Yuyou , Liu Kun , Ran Longke , Song Fangzhou
Published: May 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignant cancer of digestive system, identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for GC is urgently demanded. The aim of this study was to determine potential long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of GC. Raw noncoding RNA microarray data (GSE53137, GSE70880, and GSE99417) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes between GC and adjacent normal gastric tissue samples were screened by an integrated analysis of multiple gene expression profile after gene reannotation and batch normalization. Differentially expressed genes were further confirmed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, Gene Ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, survival analysis were extensively applied to identify hub lncRNAs and discover potential biomarkers related to diagnosis and prognosis of GC. In total of 246 integrated differential genes including 15 lncRNAs and 241 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were obtained after intersections of differential genes between GEO and TCGA database. ceRNA network comprised of three lncRNAs (UCA1, HOTTIP, and HMGA1P4), 26 microRNAs (miRNAs) and 72 mRNAs. Functional analysis revealed that three lncRNAs were mainly dominated in cell cycle and cellular senescence. Survival analysis showed that HMGA1P4 was statistically related to the overall survival rate. For the first time, we identified that HMGA1P4, a target of miR‐301b/miR‐508, is involved in cell cycle and senescence process by regulating CCNA2 in GC. Finally, the expression levels of three lncRNAs were validated to be upregulated in GC tissues. Thus, three lncRNAs including UCA1, HOTTIP, and HMGA1P4 may contribute to GC development and their potential functions might be associated with the prognosis of GC.
Emerging role of zinc finger protein A20 as a suppressor of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yi Peng Sheng , Shu Yan , Bi Wang Xiu , Zheng Xiao Bo , Feng Wan Jing , He Lin Ye , Li Jian Shui
Published: May 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer‐associated mortality worldwide, is a major public health problem. Zinc finger protein A20 (A20), an acute phase response gene, is a potent inhibitor of NF‐κB signaling. A20 serves a critical role in liver protection, including limiting inflammation following hepatic injury, stimulating hepatocyte growth, and preventing hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury. A20 is also involved in different processes, including tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis through multiple mechanisms. Accumulated studies have reported the clinical implications and biological relevance of A20 in the development and progression of HCC. The underlying mechanisms of A20 in HCC include inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, protein tyrosine kinase 2 activation and Rac family GTPase 1 activity. Combining liver protection with tumor inhibition is a unique advantage of A20, which has the potential to be a novel treatment for promoting liver regeneration following liver resection in patients with HCC with liver cirrhosis. This review discusses the hepato‐protective effect of A20 on hepatocytes and its potential role in cancer development, particularly its suppressor effect on HCC.
Propofol suppresses proliferation, invasion, and migration of human melanoma cells via regulating microRNA‐137 and fibroblast growth factor 9
Authors: Yu Hong , Ma Meina , Wang Xupeng , Zhou Zhenzhen , Li Rui , Guo Qingduo
Published: May 2019

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic widely used in clinical surgeries, such as tumor resection. Propofol affects the growth of many cancers, though its effect on melanoma is unknown. Our study aimed to explore how propofol affects melanoma cells. Melanoma cells A2058 and WM793B were cultured with propofol for 24 hr. Propofol significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of A2058 and WM793B cells. Lower miR‐137 level was observed in A2058 and WM793B cells, compared with normal human epidermal melanocyte HEMa‐LP cells. Propofol‐induced miR‐137 upregulation and decreased proliferation, invasive ability, and migrated ability of A2058 and WM793B cells. Transfection with the miR‐137 inhibitor reversed these effects. Additionally, miR‐137 was verified to target and negatively regulate fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) expression. Propofol efficiently downregulated FGF9 protein expression by upregulating miR‐137. Furthermore, FGF9 overexpression abrogated propofol's repressive effects on the malignant potential of A2058 and WM793B cells. These findings indicate that propofol suppressed melanoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by regulating miR‐137 and FGF9.
A two‐buffer method used for both polymerase chain reaction product purification and DNA gel extraction
Authors: Wu Zihui , Zhao Houliang , Zhang Cheng , Wang Juan , Zhao Shasha , Shi Kaituo , Deng Wensheng
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) purification kits and DNA gel extraction kits have been widely used for DNA purification in laboratories worldwide. However, the uses of these kits are costly and produce laboratory wastes that have negative impacts on the environment; it is important to develop a novel method to overcome these drawbacks.

RESULTS

Here we demonstrate that a saturated sodium iodide solution and a laboratory‐made washing buffer can replace the buffers in PCR purification and gel extraction kits for DNA purification and do not affect DNA purification capacity. These two buffers can be utilized to purify DNA along with the columns recycled from PCR purification and DNA gel extraction kits and can maintain DNA purification capacity that is comparable to that of commercial kits. For small‐sized DNA fragments, the buffers developed in this study are even more efficient compared to commercially available buffers from PCR purification and DNA gel extraction kits. The quality of DNA purified with these two buffers can meet the requirements of gene cloning.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a two‐buffer method that is used for both PCR product purification and DNA gel extraction. This method is simple, of low cost and beneficial to numerous laboratories worldwide. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Novel Bis(pyrido[2,1‐a]isoquinolines) Linked to Aliphatic or Aromatic Core via Ether Linkage
Authors: Saleh Fatma M. , Hassaneen Hamdi M. , Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: May 2019

A synthesis of novel bis(pyrido[2,1‐a]isoquinoline‐1,3‐dicarbonitriles) by the multicomponent reaction of 2‐(6,7‐dimethoxy‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1‐yl)acetonitrile with the corresponding bis(aldehydes) and malononitrile in the presence of basic catalysts was reported.
A systematic study of device structure on DC and small‐signal characteristics of millimeter‐wave AlGaN/GaN HEMT
Authors: Mi Minhan , Ma Xiaohua , Yang Ling , Zhang Meng , Wu Sheng , Hao Yue
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the relationship between the gate structure, passivation structure, short‐channel effect, source‐drain distance, DC, and the small‐signal characteristic of a device is studied through simulations. By studying the gate structure and passivation layer, it is concluded that the operating frequency of a device increases as the gate length decreases. However, as the gate length decreases, the gate resistance becomes the main factor restricting the small‐signal performance. In order to solve the contradiction between the gate resistance and gate length, a T‐shaped gate structure is studied, in which the gate height, gate cap, and passivation layer thickness are optimized. It is found that when the gate height and gate cap are 120 and 500 nm, respectively, the parasitic capacitance introduced by the gate cap can be minimized. Meanwhile, the influence of gate resistance on the small‐signal gain can also be reduced. Besides, the short‐channel effect is analyzed, and the scheme for improving the short‐channel effect is proposed. By analyzing the source‐drain distance, and considering the influence of parasitic capacitance and resistance on the small‐signal characteristic, the gate‐source spacing is determined to be 0.9 μm. The design of a gate‐drain spacing is mainly based on the influence of a breakdown voltage; therefore, the gate‐drain spacing should be 1.5 to 2 μm.
STRONG INADEQUATE, an experiment for detection of small J(C,C) couplings in symmetrical molecules
Authors: Blechta Vratislav , Sýkora Jan
Published: May 2019

A new version of the two‐dimensional INADEQUATE experiment was designed for detection of small couplings between equivalent carbon atoms separated in the molecule by several bonds, where other techniques fail due to rich line splitting and mutual peak cancellation in many molecules. As the proposed method is suitable for detection of couplings in strongly coupled systems in general, we propose the name STRONG INADEQUATE in the paper. Similar to other methods for detection of couplings between equivalent carbons, the STRONG INADEQUATE experiment utilizes one‐bond carbon–proton coupling for creation of the effective chemical shift differences. The STRONG INADEQUATE experiment works superbly for nJCC, where n ≥ 3. Then the F1 pattern is reduced to a simple antiphase doublet with nJCC separation, and this pattern is also preserved when a symmetrical HC···C′H′ system is coupled to other protons. Even in the measurement of 2JCC couplings, the STRONG INADEQUATE experiment generates a much simpler pattern than the original pulse sequences for measurement of couplings between equivalent carbons.
Growth Performance of Atlantic Salmon Smolts Fed Diets Containing Heterotrophic Algal Biomass as Replacement of Fish Oil
Authors: Peterson B C , Burr G S , Barrows F T , Block Stephanie , Bowzer John , Buentello A
Published: May 2019

One of the most widely cultured finfish in the world is the Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar, with over 2 million metric tons produced per year. Atlantic Salmon fillets are widely accepted by consumers as a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). As feed producers shift from using marine ingredients to more terrestrial ingredients, producers need to monitor the fatty acid profiles of the fillets. Juvenile Atlantic Salmon (~280 g) were fed one of four diets during a 16-week feeding trial. The four diets were formulated with increasing amounts (0, 5, 10, and 15%) of a DHA-rich, whole dried algae (DHA = 20.3%) to reduce fish oil (12.7, 7.85, 3.00, and 0%, respectively). There were no significant differences in weight gain, feed efficiency, or the thermal growth coefficient. The proximate composition of the whole fish also did not vary due to dietary treatment. The amount of DHA in the fillets increased with increasing inclusion of the DHA-rich algal biomass. The organoleptic properties (basic and aromatic tastes) also did not vary due to diet. The apparent digestibility coefficient was about 66%. Overall, including a heterotrophic algal biomass in the diets of Atlantic Salmon while reducing fish oil supported equivalent growth while maintaining levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in the fillets.
Self‐Completion of the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form Is Feasible and Is Associated With Increased Awareness on Malnutrition Risk in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Jager‐Wittenaar Harriët , de Bats Hester F. , Welink‐Lamberts Bertine J. , Gort‐van Dijk Dorienke , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , Ottery Faith D. , Roodenburg Jan L. N.
Published: May 2019

Background

We aimed to assess feasibility of self‐completion of the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG‐SGA SF) by head and neck cancer patients, and to assess self‐reported increased awareness regarding malnutrition risk after self‐completion.

Methods

Participants were randomized to complete the PG‐SGA SF by paper or app. Feasibility was assessed by time needed to complete the PG‐SGA SF, perceived difficulty, and help needed during completion. Participants were asked if they knew what malnutrition was (yes/no) and if they could define “malnutrition.” They were also asked 9 questions on whether they perceived increased awareness of malnutrition risk after having completed the PG‐SGA SF and 2 on their intention to change lifestyle habits.

Results

Of all participants (n = 59; 65.9 ± 12.6 years; 73% male), 55% completed the PG‐SGA SF paper version and 46% the Pt‐Global app. Median time needed for self‐completion of the PG‐SGA SF was 2 minutes 41 seconds (interquartile range: 1 minute 49 seconds–3 minutes 50 seconds). Forty‐eight percent needed help with completion, indicating acceptable feasibility. Participants who completed the Pt‐Global app needed help significantly more often (66%; 21/32) than those who completed the PG‐SGA SF paper version (26%; 7/27) (P = 0.005). All difficulty scores were excellent. For 7/9 questions on malnutrition risk awareness, >50% of the participants answered positively.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that self‐completion of the PG‐SGA SF by head and neck cancer patients is feasible and that awareness regarding malnutrition risk may increase after completing the PG‐SGA SF.
Screening of oral potentially malignant disorders with iodine vital staining for outpatients
Authors: Kikuchi Takayoshi , Suzuki Taiki , Sugiura Takanori , Yuusuke Oomura , Sato Kazumichi , Nomura Takeshi
Published: May 2019

Lesions in the oral cavity are easily accessible. The most useful tool in screening of oral cancer is visual inspection and palpation by specialists; however, sometimes it is possible to overlook very small transformations of superficial oral lesions. Thus, oral surgeons have attempted to develop a screening method to detect malignant transformations of oral mucosal lesions. Iodine vital staining is not only the sole screening method for epithelial dysplasia surrounding oral cancers but can also be used to establish the surgical margin during removal of oral cancers. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a clinical presentation that may indicate the presence of oral cancer, whether in a clinically definable precursor lesion or in clinically normal oral mucosa. OPMDs were updated in the criteria of the World Health Organization in 2017. Notably, it is important to detect malignant transformations that may indicate the presence of superficial precancerous lesions at the early stage (mild to moderate) of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of iodine vital staining for screening of oral superficial mucosal lesions. We found that the sensitivity of 1% iodine vital staining for detecting OED was only 37.7%; however, combined with oral cytodiagnosis, the sensitivity was 45.5%.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and role of harakiri in the pathogenesis of myositis
Authors: Boehler Jessica F , Horn Adam , Novak James S , Li Ning , Ghimbovschi Svetlana , Lundberg Ingrid E , Alexanderson Helene , Alemo Munters Li , Jaiswal Jyoti K , Nagaraju Kanneboyina
Published: May 2019

The etiology of myositis is unknown. Although attempts to identify viruses in myositis skeletal muscle have failed, several studies have identified the presence of a viral signature in myositis patients. Here we postulate that in individuals with susceptible genetic backgrounds, viral infection alters the epigenome to activate the pathological pathways leading to disease onset. To identify epigenetic changes, methylation profiling of Coxsackie B infected human myotubes and muscle biopsies from polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) patients were compared to changes in global transcript expression induced by in vitro Coxsackie B infection. Gene and protein expression analysis and live cell imaging were performed to examine the mechanisms. Analysis of methylation and gene expression changes identified that a mitochondria‐localized activator of apoptosis – harakiri (HRK) – is upregulated in myositis skeletal muscle cells. Muscle cells with higher HRK expression have reduced mitochondrial potential and poor ability to repair from injury as compared to controls. In cells from myositis patient toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) activates and sustains high HRK expression. Forced over expression of HRK in healthy muscle cells is sufficient to compromise their membrane repair ability. Endurance exercise that is associated with improved muscle and mitochondrial function in PM and DM patients decreased TLR7 and HRK expression identifying these as therapeutic targets. Increased HRK and TLR7 expression causes mitochondrial damage leading to poor myofiber repair, myofiber death and muscle weakness in myositis patients and exercise induced reduction of HRK and TLR7 expression in patients is associated with disease amelioration. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived benefits and risks of participation in a clinical trial for Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Carman Aubri S. , Sautter Casey , Anyanwu Juliana N. , Ssemata Andrew S. , Opoka Robert O. , Ware Russell E. , Rujumba Joseph , John Chandy C.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Understanding factors that affect the decisions of caregivers of African children to enroll their children in clinical trials would lead to more fully informed consent.

Methods

During the NOHARM study (NCT 01976416), a placebo‐controlled clinical trial of hydroxyurea for Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), 206 caregivers were given a semistructured questionnaire about factors that influenced participation in the study and their perceptions of study benefits and risks. Factors were further assessed with focus group discussions.

Results

Caregivers identified education provided during the recruitment process (44%), the child's current poor state of health (35%), and the possibility of improvement in the child's health (16%) as their primary initial reasons for deciding to participate in the NOHARM trial. Concerns regarding the drug or participation in a research study, including the stated concern of death by several caregivers, were outweighed by the possibility of improvement in the child's health. During the study, 72% of caregivers cited improved health as an advantage of study participation, while disadvantages cited included the potential side effects of hydroxyurea, most of which did not occur during the trial.

Discussion

Our study findings highlight the generally poor state of health of Ugandan children with SCA, the desperation by caregivers for anything that could improve the child's health, and the inevitable improvements in care that result from strict adherence to a study protocol, even a protocol based on local guidelines. Studies in this vulnerable population must be careful not to portray improved care as a primary incentive for participation.
Parents' emotion socialization beliefs moderate relations between parent and patient coping, but not sibling coping, with pediatric cancer
Authors: Faith Melissa A. , El‐Behadli Ana F. , Frazee Laura A. , Pratt Chelsea D. , Stromberg Sarah
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study evaluated (a) differences in parents' emotion socialization (ES) beliefs for patients/siblings, (b) whether parents' ES beliefs predict patient/sibling coping, and (c) whether parents' ES beliefs moderate links between parent and patient/sibling coping with pediatric cancer.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study of 134 pediatric cancer patients, their caregiver, and their nearest‐age sibling. Participants could complete measures themselves via paper‐and‐pencil or telephone, or researchers could read questions aloud.

Results

Parents' ES beliefs differed for patients/siblings. ES beliefs did not directly predict patient/sibling coping but did moderate relations between parent and patient coping.

Conclusions

Despite extent literature promoting universal emotion coaching ES, our study indicates that ES beliefs might have a complex relation with parent coping in predicting patient coping.