bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors
Authors: Stavinoha Peter L. , Askins Martha A. , Powell Stephanie K. , Pillay Smiley Natasha , Robert Rhonda S.
Published: September 2018

The late neurocognitive and psychosocial effects of treatment for pediatric brain tumor (PBT) represent important areas of clinical focus and ongoing research. Neurocognitive sequelae and associated problems with learning and socioemotional development negatively impact PBT survivors’ overall health-related quality of life, educational attainment and employment rates. Multiple factors including tumor features and associated complications, treatment methods, individual protective and vulnerability factors and accessibility of environmental supports contribute to the neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes in PBT survivors. Declines in overall measured intelligence are common and may persist years after treatment. Core deficits in attention, processing speed and working memory are postulated to underlie problems with overall intellectual development, academic achievement and career attainment. Additionally, psychological problems after PBT can include depression, anxiety and psychosocial adjustment issues. Several intervention paradigms are briefly described, though to date research on innovative, specific and effective interventions for neurocognitive late effects is still in its early stages. This article reviews the existing research for understanding PBT late effects and highlights the need for innovative research to enhance neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes in PBT survivors.
Aflibercept Nanoformulation Inhibits VEGF Expression in Ocular In Vitro Model: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Kelly Shannon J. , Hirani Anjali , Shahidadpury Vishal , Solanki Aum , Halasz Kathleen , Varghese Gupta Sheeba , Madow Brian , Sutariya Vijaykumar
Published: September 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, affecting approximately 11 million patients. AMD is caused primarily by an upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In recent years, aflibercept injections have been used to combat VEGF. However, this treatment requires frequent intravitreal injections, leading to low patient compliance and several adverse side effects including scarring, increased intraocular pressure, and retinal detachment. Polymeric nanoparticles have demonstrated the ability to deliver a sustained release of drug, thereby reducing the necessary injection frequency. Aflibercept (AFL) was encapsulated in poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) via double emulsion diffusion. Scanning electron microscopy showed the NPs were spherical and dynamic light scattering demonstrated that they were uniformly distributed (PDI < 1). The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were 75.76% and 7.76% respectively. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release of drug; 75% of drug was released by the NPs in seven days compared to the full payload released in 24 h by the AFL solution. Future ocular in vivo studies are needed to confirm the biological effects of the NPs. Preliminary studies of the proposed aflibercept NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, a sustained drug release profile, and ideal physical characteristics for AMD treatment. This drug delivery system is an excellent candidate for further characterization using an ocular neovascularization in vivo model.
CAR-T Cells Based on Novel BCMA Monoclonal Antibody Block Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth
Authors: Berahovich Robert , Zhou Hua , Xu Shirley , Wei Yuehua , Guan Jasper , Guan Jian , Harto Hizkia , Fu Shuxiang , Yang Kaihuai , Zhu Shuying , Li Le , Wu Lijun , Golubovskaya Vita
Published: September 2018

The cell-surface protein B cell maturation antigen (BCMA, CD269) has emerged as a promising target for CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma. In order to create a novel BCMA CAR, we generated a new BCMA monoclonal antibody, clone 4C8A. This antibody exhibited strong and selective binding to human BCMA. BCMA CAR-T cells containing the 4C8A scFv were readily detected with recombinant BCMA protein by flow cytometry. The cells were cytolytic for RPMI8226, H929, and MM1S multiple myeloma cells and secreted high levels of IFN-γ in vitro. BCMA-dependent cytotoxicity and IFN-γ secretion were also observed in response to CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary)-BCMA cells but not to parental CHO cells. In a mouse subcutaneous tumor model, BCMA CAR-T cells significantly blocked RPMI8226 tumor formation. When BCMA CAR-T cells were given to mice with established RPMI8226 tumors, the tumors experienced significant shrinkage due to CAR-T cell activity and tumor cell apoptosis. The same effect was observed with 3 humanized BCMA-CAR-T cells in vivo. These data indicate that novel CAR-T cells utilizing the BCMA 4C8A scFv are effective against multiple myeloma and warrant future clinical development.
Bio-Glycidol Conversion to Solketal over Acid Heterogeneous Catalysts: Synthesis and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Ricciardi Maria , Falivene Laura , Tabanelli Tommaso , Proto Antonio , Cucciniello Raffaele , Cavani Fabrizio
Published: September 2018

The present work deals with the novel use of heterogeneous catalysts for the preparation of solketal from bio-glycidol. Sustainable feedstocks and mild reaction conditions are considered to enhance the greenness of the proposed process. Nafion NR50 promotes the quantitative and selective acetalization of glycidol with acetone. DFT calculations demonstrate that the favored mechanism consists in the nucleophilic attack of acetone to glycidol concerted with the ring opening assisted by the acidic groups on the catalyst and in the following closure of the five member ring of the solketal.
Integration of miRNA and mRNA Co-Expression Reveals Potential Regulatory Roles of miRNAs in Developmental and Immunological Processes in Calf Ileum during Early Growth
Authors: Do Duy N. , Dudemaine Pier-Luc , Fomenky Bridget E. , Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline M.
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to investigate the potential regulatory roles of miRNAs in calf ileum developmental transition from the pre- to the post-weaning period. For this purpose, ileum tissues were collected from eight calves at the pre-weaning period and another eight calves at the post-weaning period and miRNA expression characterized by miRNA sequencing, followed by functional analyses. A total of 388 miRNAs, including 81 novel miRNAs, were identified. A total of 220 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) between the two periods. The potential functions of DE miRNAs in ileum development were supported by significant enrichment of their target genes in gene ontology terms related to metabolic processes and transcription factor activities or pathways related to metabolism (peroxisomes), vitamin digestion and absorption, lipid and protein metabolism, as well as intracellular signaling. Integration of DE miRNAs and DE mRNAs revealed several DE miRNA-mRNA pairs with crucial roles in ileum development (bta-miR-374a—FBXO18, bta-miR-374a—GTPBP3, bta-miR-374a—GNB2) and immune function (bta-miR-15b—IKBKB). This is the first integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis exploring the potential roles of miRNAs in calf ileum growth and development during early life.
Safety Assessment of Nano-Hydroxyapatite as an Oral Care Ingredient according to the EU Cosmetics Regulation
Authors: Ramis Joana M. , Coelho Catarina C. , Córdoba Alba , Quadros Paulo A. , Monjo Marta
Published: September 2018

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP-NP) are incorporated in oral care products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes to treat dental sensitivity or to promote enamel remineralisation. Despite the good performance of HAP-NP in this application, it is important to ensure its safety for consumers. For that reason, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) evaluated the safety of HAP-NP as an oral care ingredient, but the issued opinion was not completely conclusive and the SCCS recommended that additional tests should be performed. Here, we used a commercially available human gingival epithelium (HGE) as a non-animal alternative and MTT cell viability, LDH activity, and IL-1alpha production were evaluated after 3.1% HAP-NP treatment for 10 min, 1 h, and 3 h. Moreover, the absorption of HAP-NP in the gingival tissue was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Finally, the dissolution behaviour of HAP-NP in simulated gastric fluid was also investigated. No deleterious effect was observed for HGE tissues incubated with HAP-NP for all time-points and parameters evaluated. Moreover, a complete dissolution of 3.1% HAP-NP in simulated gastric fluid was observed after 7.5 min at 37 °C. In conclusion, our results evidence the safety of HAP-NP for oral care products with the use of an in vitro replacement alternative for human gingival epithelium and a simulated gastric fluid assay.
A Brief Questionnaire to Assess Post-Exertional Malaise
Authors: Cotler Joseph , Holtzman Carly , Dudun Catherine , Jason Leonard A.
Published: September 2018

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a key symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Currently, five PEM-items from the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) were recommended as a first step in measuring this symptom for patients with ME and CFS by the National Institutes of Health/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NIH/CDC) Common Data Elements’ (CDE) working group. The second step in this process, as recommended by the NIH/CDC CDE working group, involves assembling information from various sources to confirm the presence of PEM. There have not been any efforts, to date, to standardize this second-step process in the assessment of PEM. The current study examined whether five supplementary items on the DSQ could be used to operationalize the second step of the recommendations made by the NIH/CDC CDE working group. The five supplementary DSQ PEM duration items correctly categorized patients with ME or CFS 81.7% of the time, while incorrectly categorizing multiple sclerosis (MS) and post-polio syndrome (PPS) as ME or CFS only 16.6% of the time. The findings suggested that a PEM second-step process could be operationalized using supplementary DSQ items.
The Behavior of VLF/LF Variations Associated with Geomagnetic Activity, Earthquakes, and the Quiet Condition Using a Neural Network Approach
Authors: Popova Irina , Rozhnoi Alexandr , Solovieva Maria , Chebrov Danila , Hayakawa Masashi
Published: September 2018

The neural network approach is proposed for studying very-low- and low-frequency (VLF and LF) subionospheric radio wave variations in the time vicinities of magnetic storms and earthquakes, with the purpose of recognizing anomalies of different types. We also examined the days with quiet geomagnetic conditions in the absence of seismic activity, in order to distinguish between the disturbed signals and the quiet ones. To this end, we trained the neural network (NN) on the examples of the representative database. The database included both the VLF/LF data that was measured during four-year monitoring at the station in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the parameters of seismicity in the Kuril-Kamchatka and Japan regions. It was shown that the neural network can distinguish between the disturbed and undisturbed signals. Furthermore, the prognostic behavior of the VLF/LF variations indicative of magnetic and seismic activity has a different appearance in the time vicinity of the earthquakes and magnetic storms.
Optimization of Thurston’s Core Entropy Algorithm for Polynomials with a Critical Point of Maximal Order
Authors: Blé Gamaliel , González Domingo
Published: September 2018

This paper discusses some properties of the topological entropy systems generated by polynomials of degree d in their Hubbard tree. An optimization of Thurston’s core entropy algorithm is developed for a family of polynomials of degree d.
Early Childhood Science and Engineering: Engaging Platforms for Fostering Domain-General Learning Skills
Authors: Bustamante Andres S. , Greenfield Daryl B. , Nayfeld Irena
Published: September 2018

Early childhood science and engineering education offer a prime context to foster approaches-to-learning (ATL) and executive functioning (EF) by eliciting children’s natural curiosity about the world, providing a unique opportunity to engage children in hands-on learning experiences that promote critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, persistence, and other adaptive domain-general learning skills. Indeed, in any science experiment or engineering problem, children make observations, engage in collaborative conversations with teachers and peers, and think flexibly to come up with predictions or potential solutions to their problem. Inherent to science and engineering is the idea that one learns from initial failures within an iterative trial-and-error process where children practice risk-taking, persistence, tolerance for frustration, and sustaining focus. Unfortunately, science and engineering instruction is typically absent from early childhood classrooms, and particularly so in programs that serve children from low-income families. However, our early science and engineering intervention research shows teachers how to build science and engineering instruction into activities that are already happening in their classrooms, which boosts their confidence and removes some of the stigma around science and engineering. In this paper, we discuss the promise of research that uses early childhood science and engineering experiences as engaging, hands-on, interactive platforms to instill ATL and EF in young children living below the poverty line. We propose that early childhood science and engineering offer a central theme that captures children’s attention and allows for integrated instruction across domain-general (ATL, EF, and social–emotional) and domain-specific (e.g., language, literacy, mathematics, and science) content, allowing for contextualized experiences that make learning more meaningful and captivating for children.
The Representation of Religion in Religion Education: Notes from the South African Periphery
Authors: Tayob Abdulkader
Published: September 2018

Scholars of Religion Education (RE) have promoted a non-confessional approach to the teaching of religions that explores and examines the religious history of humankind, with due attention paid to its complexity and plurality. In this promotion, the public representation of religion and its impact on RE has not received sufficient attention. An often hegemonic representation of religion constitutes an important part of religion in public life. Moreover, this article argues that this representation is a phenomenon shared by secular, secularizing, and deeply religious societies. It shows that a Western understanding of secularization has guided dominant RE visions and practices, informed by a particular mode of representation. As an illustration of how education in and representation of religion merges in RE, the article analyses the South African policy document for religion education. While the policy promotes RE as an educational practice, it also makes room for a representation of religion. This article urges that various forms of the representation of religion should be more carefully examined in other contexts, particularly by those who want to promote a non-confessional and pluralistic approach to RE.
Human Limb Motion Detection with Novel Flexible Capacitive Angle Sensor Based on Conductive Textile
Authors: Wu Jian-Feng , Qiu Chao , Wang Yu , Zhao Rui , Cai Zhi-Peng , Zhao Xin-Gang , He Shang-Shang , Wang Feng , Wang Qi , Li Jian-Qing
Published: September 2018

In recent years, many sensors made of hard materials have been designed to detect human body movements in physical exercises. However, hard materials usually cause extra dyskinesia for body movements. To detect human limb motion with less dyskinesia in physical exercise, a novel flexible capacitive angle sensor (NFCAS) based on a conductive textile was designed in this paper. The NFCAS has two non-parallel plates, namely, an exciting plate and a sensing plate, which can be fixed onto the inner forearm and the inner upper arm. Thus, the angle between the two plates of the NFCAS can be used to represent the angle of medial elbow, and its variation can lead to changes in the sensor’s capacitance at the same time. A push-ups experiment and pull-ups experiment were conducted to evaluate the designed NFCAS’s performance. Experimental results showed that the NFCAS could detect the main processes of push-ups and pull-ups. Besides high measurement precision, the NFCAS is also soft, thin, lightweight, and easily made. Therefore, it can be widely applied for detecting human limb motion with less dyskinesia in physical exercises.
Empirical Analysis of the Communication in Industrial Environment Based on G3-Power Line Communication and Influences from Electrical Grid
Authors: Da Rocha Farias Luiz , Monteiro Lucas Felipe , Leme Murilo Oliveira , Stevan Sergio Luiz
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a performance analysis based on a practical approach of narrowband communication through power lines (Power Line Communication—PLC) to the last-mile industrial environment. A kit for developing PLC based applications, in accordance with the G3-PLC standard, was used for the analysis. Experimental tests and results are presented for different scenarios of noise to represent a last-mile industrial environment. The influence of noise insertion in the PLC channel is presented turned on and off a set of inverters and motors, in order to verify the influence of these elements on the performance of the evaluated communication. As a comparative basis, the maximum standard transmission distance of the AS-Interface industrial network standard was used. This standard is widely used in industrial environments for communication between factory floor sensors and actuators. The propose for last-mile to Industry 4.0 can be considered with the results in applications with a large number of sensors. Recommendations regarding the modulation technique and data packet size are presented. Based in this analysis, it can be concluded that the G3-PLC communication standard and its ROBO modulation technique meet the requirements of being used mainly in the last-mile industrial communication, mainly for industrial supervision or control applications where response time is not critical. The last point empirically analyzed concluded that the insertion of the inductive impedance can severely affect the transmission is inserted into the side of the PLC modem transmitter.
Investigations on the Developed Full Frequency- Dependent Cable Model for Calculations of Fast Transients
Authors: Hoshmeh Abdullah , Schmidt Uwe , Gürlek Akif
Published: September 2018

The knowledge about the behavior of cables is substantial in cases of transients or in cases of faults. However, there are only a few models that are tailored to the current requirements for calculations of transient phenomena in three-phase cable systems. These models are based on complex structures. PI-section cable models with simple structures were previously qualified only for calculations in the frequency domain. A new full frequency-dependent cable model to simulate transient phenomena is introduced and validated. The model is based on lumped parameters with cascaded frequency-dependent PI-sections. For the implementation and the integration in simulation tools, it is important to investigate the impact of the PI-section parameters to the accuracy, the stability and the mathematical robustness. In this work, the impact of the frequency dependence of cable parameters, the length distribution and the number of PI-sections on the results of the developed three-phase cable model have been discussed. For simulations in the time domain, two algorithms have been presented to optimize the number of PI-sections based on a specified accuracy.
Load Profile Extraction by Mean-Shift Clustering with Sample Pearson Correlation Coefficient Distance
Authors: Kim Nakyoung , Park Sangdon , Lee Joohyung , Choi Jun Kyun
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a clustering method with proposed distance measurement to extract base load profiles from arbitrary data sets is studied. Recently, smart energy load metering devices are broadly deployed, and an immense volume of data is now collected. However, as this large amount of data has been explosively generated over such a short period of time, the collected data is hardly organized to be employed for study, applications, services, and systems. This paper provides a foundation method to extract base load profiles that can be utilized by power engineers, energy system operators, and researchers for deeper analysis and more advanced technologies. The base load profiles allow them to understand the patterns residing in the load data to discover the greater value. Up to this day, experts with domain knowledge often have done the base load profile realization manually. However, the volume of the data is growing too fast to handle it with the conventional approach. Accordingly, an automated yet precise method to recognize and extract the base power load profiles is studied in this paper. For base load profile extraction, this paper proposes Sample Pearson Correlation Coefficient (SPCC) distance measurement and applies it to Mean-Shift algorithm based nonparametric mode-seeking clustering. The superiority of SPCC distance over traditional Euclidean distance is validated by mathematical and numerical analysis.
Post-AGB Discs from Common-Envelope Evolution
Authors: Izzard Robert G. , Jermyn Adam S.
Published: September 2018

Post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) stars with discs are all binaries. Many of these binaries have orbital periods between 100 and 1000 days so cannot have avoided mass transfer between the AGB star and its companion, likely through a common-envelope type interaction. We report on preliminary results of our project to model circumbinary discs around post-AGB stars using our binary population synthesis code binary_c. We combine a simple analytic thin-disc model with binary stellar evolution to estimate the impact of the disc on the binary, and vice versa, fast enough that we can model stellar population and hence explore the rather uncertain parameter space involved with disc formation. We find that, provided the discs form with sufficient mass and angular momentum, and have an inner edge that is relatively close to the binary, they can both prolong the life of their parent post-AGB star and pump the eccentricity of orbits of their inner binaries.
Cryostructuring of Polymeric Systems. 50.† Cryogels and Cryotropic Gel-Formation: Terms and Definitions
Authors: Lozinsky Vladimir I.
Published: September 2018

A variety of cryogenically-structured polymeric materials are of significant scientific and applied interest in various areas. However, in spite of considerable attention to these materials and intensive elaboration of their new examples, as well as the impressive growth in the number of the publications and patents on this topic over the past two decades, a marked variability of the used terminology and definitions is frequently met with in the papers, reviews, theses, patents, conference presentations, advertising materials and so forth. Therefore, the aim of this brief communication is to specify the basic terms and definitions in the particular field of macromolecular science.
Waste Concrete Valorization; Aggregates and Mineral Carbonation Feedstock Production
Authors: Pasquier Louis-César , Kemache Nassima , Mocellin Julien , Blais Jean-François , Mercier Guy
Published: September 2018

Concrete is a major constituent of our world. Its contributes to building society but is also an important contributor to the global CO2 emissions. The combination of waste concrete recycling and greenhouse gas abatement is obviously an interesting approach. Mineral carbonation is the methodology that allows the use of calcium oxide within the concrete and transform it into carbonates with the CO2. Following previous results, carbonation experiments were performed using concrete paste extracted from a waste concrete sample after aggregate separation. The latter was performed after crushing and attrition followed by sieving to obtain three fractions. The coarser one composed of aggregates, the second of sand and the last, a fine powder of waste concrete paste (MCF). The MCF is then used in carbonation experiments in an 18.7 L stirred reactor with a diluted source of CO2 following previously optimized conditions. Different S/L ratios were experimented. The results show that 110 kg of CO2 can be stored per ton of MCF obtained after separation. Using the mass balance obtained from the experiments, an economic evaluation was performed on both aggregate separation and carbonation. While the first step can be profitable, using the MCF as a material for industrial flue gas abatement is less evident, both on the applicability and the feasibility.
Assessment of Specific Yield in Karstified Fractured Rock through the Water-Budget Method
Authors: Delle Rose Marco , Fidelibus Corrado , Martano Paolo
Published: September 2018

In this note, the Water Budget Method (WBM) is applied to estimate local values of the specific yield of the deep karst aquifer of Salento peninsula. A selection in a period of two years of relevant short precipitation events has been considered and the related localized recharges have been compared to the water table fluctuations measured at two selected wells. The recharge amounts have been corrected by using data of evapotranspiration and soil water storage available from a micrometeorological base. The results are very similar for both the wells and more consistent when the corrections are applied. A discussion involving frequency and apertures of the fractures in the rock mass of the aquifer suggests the effect of the karst dissolution to be dominant in determining these values of the specific yield.
Pecan Propagation: Seed Mass as a Reliable Tool for Seed Selection
Authors: Poletto Tales , Stefenon Valdir Marcos , Poletto Igor , Muniz Marlove Fátima Brião
Published: September 2018

Pecan is one of the most important horticultural nut crops in the world. It is a deciduous species native to the temperate zones of North America, introduced into the subtropical regions of Brazil during the 1870s. High quality seedlings are essential to establishing healthy and productive orchards, and selection of seeds is an important factor in this issue. In this study we evaluated the correlation between seed mass, emergence rate and morphometric traits of seedlings in the pecan cultivar Importada. A significant positive correlation (r > 0.81) between seed mass and plantlet height, stem diameter, emergence rate and number of leaves was observed. Our results suggest that seed mass can be used as a direct method for seed selection towards production of vigorous pecan seedlings. However, since an increase in seed mass is usually associated with a decrease in the number of seeds that a plant can produce per unit canopy, long-duration studies are recommended in order to evaluate the influence of seed selection on a plantation’s production.
The Effects of a Health Promotion Program Using Urban Forests and Nursing Student Mentors on the Perceived and Psychological Health of Elementary School Children in Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Bang Kyung-Sook , Kim Sungjae , Song Min Kyung , Kang Kyung Im , Jeong Yeaseul
Published: September 2018

As problems relating to children’s health increase, forest therapy has been proposed as an alternative. This study examined the effects of a combined health promotion program, using urban forests and nursing student mentors, on the perceived and psychosocial health of upper-grade elementary students. The quasi-experimental study ran from June to August 2017, with 52 upper-grade elementary students from five community after-school centers. With a purposive sampling, they were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 24), who received a 10-session health promotion program, or to a control group (n = 28). Seven undergraduate nursing students participated as mentors. Running over 10 weeks, each weekly session consisted of 30 min of health education and 60 min of urban forest activities. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, paired t-test, or Wilcoxon signed rank test. General characteristics and outcome variables of both groups were homogeneous. The experimental group showed significant improvement in self-esteem (p = 0.030) and a significant decrease in depressive symptoms (p = 0.020) after the intervention, compared to the control group. These results suggest that forest healing programs may contribute to the spread of health promotion programs that make use of nature.
Correlates of Non-Medical Prescription Drug Misuse Among a Treatment-Seeking Population: A Comparison with Illicit Drug Users
Authors: PV Asharani , Abdin Edimansyah , Jun Wen Tan , Subramaniam Mythily , Cheok Christopher , Song Guo
Published: September 2018

Prescription drugs (PD) undoubtedly help people with various physical or psychiatric ailments. Nevertheless, they are often diverted and misused (use without prescription or for purposes/in ways not intended by the prescriber). This study compared the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of those who misused PDs, used illegal drugs and co-ingested both, to identify those who were at a high risk of misusing these drugs. Retrospective analysis of the treatment outcome monitoring (TOM) data for the period of 2013–2017 identified 1369 subjects for the study; 295 patients presented with PD use disorder (PDUD alone), 811 with illegal drug use disorder (IDUD alone), and 263 had both PDUD and IDUD. The study sample included treatment seeking population (Singaporeans and permanent residents). TOM data included data collected through direct interviews (addiction severity, quality of life) and from the clinical case notes (diagnosis, co-morbidities, socio demographic information, etc.). The most commonly misused prescription and illegal drugs were benzodiazepines (63.1%) and heroin (63.4%), respectively. Those who co-ingested both PD and illegal drugs (PDUD+IDUD) had a significantly higher addiction severity score, lower quality of life and higher psychiatric co-morbidities than that of IDUD alone at baseline. When compared to Chinese patients, Malay and Indian patients had lower odds (p < 0.05) of PDUD alone and PDUD+IDUD than Chinese patients; divorcees had higher odds of PDUD+IDUD than those who were married. Those with primary and secondary qualifications had higher odds (2.1 and 2.9 times, respectively) of PDUD+IDUD than those with tertiary qualification and those in managerial or professional roles had higher odds of PDUD alone than those who were unemployed. Gender, ethnicity, marital status, education and occupational classes were associated with PDUD and IDUD. These characteristics can be helpful to identify those who are at the risk of PDUD and incorporate strict prescription monitoring to their care.
Impact of the Regional Network for AMI in the Management of STEMI on Care Processes, Outcomes and Health Inequities in the Veneto Region, Italy
Authors: Saia Mario , Mantoan Domenico , Fonzo Marco , Bertoncello Chiara , Soattin Marta , Sperotto Milena , Baldovin Tatjana , Furlan Patrizia , Scapellato Maria Luisa , Viel Guido , Baldo Vincenzo , Cocchio Silvia , Buja Alessandra
Published: September 2018

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in Europe. Outcomes in terms of mortality and health equity in the management of patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) are influenced by health care service organization. The main aim of the present study was to examine the impact of the new organizational model of the Veneto Region’s network for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) to facilitate primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on STEMI, and its efficacy in reducing health inequities. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on HDRs in the Veneto Region for the period 2007–2016, analyzing 65,261 hospitalizations for AMI. The proportion of patients with STEMI treated with PCI within 24 h increased significantly for men and women, and was statistically much higher for patients over 75 years of age (APC, 75–84: 9.8; >85: 12.5) than for younger patients (APC, <45: 3.3; 45–64: 4.9), with no difference relating to citizenship. The reduction in in-hospital, STEMI-related mortality was only statistically significant for patients aged 75–84 (APC: −3.0 [−4.5;−1.6]), and for Italians (APC: −1.9 [−3.2;−0.6]). Multivariate analyses confirmed a reduction in the disparities between socio-demographic categories. Although the new network improved the care process and reduced health care disparities in all subgroups, these efforts did not result in the expected survival benefit in all patient subgroups.
The Presence of Cu Facilitates Adsorption of Tetracycline (TC) onto Water Hyacinth Roots
Authors: Lu Xin , Tang Beibei , Zhang Qi , Liu Lizhu , Fan Ruqin , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: September 2018

Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the adsorption characteristics of tetracycline (TC), and the interactive effects of copper (Cu) on the adsorption of TC onto water hyacinth roots. TC removal efficiency by water hyacinth roots was ranging from 58.9% to 84.6%, for virgin TC, 1:1 TC-Cu and 1:2 TC-Cu. The Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted the adsorption data well. Thermodynamics parameters ΔG0 for TC were more negative in the TC plus Cu than the TC-only treatments, indicating the spontaneity of TC adsorption increased with increasing of Cu concentrations. An elevated temperature was associated with increasing adsorption of TC by water hyacinth roots. The additions of Cu(II) significantly increased TC adsorption onto water hyacinth roots within the pH range 4 to 6, because copper formed a strong metal bridge between root surface and TC molecule, facilitating the adsorption of TC by roots. However, Cu(II) hindered TC adsorption onto water hyacinth roots on the whole at pH range from 6–10, since the stronger electrostatic repulsion and formation of CuOH+ and Cu(OH)2. Therefore, the interaction between Cu(II) and TC under different environmental conditions should be taken into account to understand the environmental behavior, fate, and ecotoxicity of TC.
Multi-Index Evaluation for Flood Disaster from Sustainable Perspective: A Case Study of Xinjiang in China
Authors: Dou Yudan , Xue Xiaolong , Zhao Zebin , Luo Xiaowei , Ji Ankang , Luo Ting
Published: September 2018

The floods have undermined the sustainable construction of cities because of their sudden and destruction. To reduce the losses caused by floods, it is necessary to make a reasonable evaluation for historical floods and provide scientific guidance for future precaution. Previous research mainly used subjective/objective weights or barely made static analysis without considering the uncertainty and ambiguity of floods. Therefore, this study proposed a variable fuzzy recognition model, based on combined weights, to evaluate floods, including the determination of index weights and the choice of evaluation model. To make the index weights reflect both subjective experience and objective data, the combined weights were proposed and calculated based on the principle of minimum identification information. Then, the relative membership degree matrix and evaluation results can be worked out by the variable fuzzy recognition model. Conclusions indicated that the combined weights were more convincing than simply subjective or objective weights. Moreover, the variable fuzzy recognition model, by changing model parameters, got stable evaluation results of the sample data. Therefore, the model can improve the credibility of evaluation and the conclusions can provide reasonable suggestions for management departments.
The Value Effect of Financial Reform on U.K. Banks and Insurance Companies
Authors: Parise Teresa Valeria , Shenai Vijay
Published: September 2018

In response to the financial crisis, a number of reforms to bank regulation have been introduced. Many of these reforms seek to improve the resilience of banks through making changes to their structure. In the U.K., the Banking Reform Act 2013 was enacted. This study attempts to examine the market’s reaction to this important financial reform, on the stock price of banks and insurance companies and contributes to the current regulatory debate. As reform proposals take time to get converted into Law, this paper focuses on three legislative events extracted from the Parliament website; the third reading at the House of Commons, the third reading at the House of Lords, and the Royal Assent, effectively the stages from which reform proposals convert to Law. This study employs an event study methodology, based on a sample consisting of 24 major banks and insurance companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) for which data are available from 30/11/2012 to 18/12/2013 covering all three events. The findings are that banks’ shares reacted positively, whereas insurance companies’ shares reacted negatively to the passage of the Banking Reform Act 2013 in the House of Commons (first event); insurance companies experienced negative returns, whereas banks’ returns did not react significantly in relation to the passage of the Act in the House of Lords (second event); and finally, banks’ shares reacted positively while insurance companies’ shares reacted negatively when the Act received the Royal Assent (third event). One of the main intentions of the Banking Reform Act 2013, was to contain the risk taken by banks. Market reaction on banks’ shares shows that the market accepted this; on the other hand, the negative effect on the shares of insurance companies would imply that insurance companies are perceived to have taken on some additional risk as a consequence of the Act.
Challenges in Fabrication of Tissue-Engineered Cartilage with Correct Cellular Colonization and Extracellular Matrix Assembly
Authors: Lammi Mikko J. , Piltti Juha , Prittinen Juha , Qu Chengjuan
Published: September 2018

A correct articular cartilage ultrastructure regarding its structural components and cellularity is important for appropriate performance of tissue-engineered articular cartilage. Various scaffold-based, as well as scaffold-free, culture models have been under development to manufacture functional cartilage tissue. Even decellularized tissues have been considered as a potential choice for cellular seeding and tissue fabrication. Pore size, interconnectivity, and functionalization of the scaffold architecture can be varied. Increased mechanical function requires a dense scaffold, which also easily restricts cellular access within the scaffold at seeding. High pore size enhances nutrient transport, while small pore size improves cellular interactions and scaffold resorption. In scaffold-free cultures, the cells assemble the tissue completely by themselves; in optimized cultures, they should be able to fabricate native-like tissue. Decellularized cartilage has a native ultrastructure, although it is a challenge to obtain proper cellular colonization during cell seeding. Bioprinting can, in principle, provide the tissue with correct cellularity and extracellular matrix content, although it is still an open question as to how the correct molecular interaction and structure of extracellular matrix could be achieved. These are challenges facing the ongoing efforts to manufacture optimal articular cartilage.
Can Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Be Safe for Parental Use? A Safety Study in the Canine Model
Authors: Damiá Elena , Chicharro Deborah , Rubio Mónica , Carrillo José María , Sopena Joaquín , Cuervo Belén , López Sergio , Vilar José Manuel
Published: September 2018

Low invasiveness is the main goal of modern surgery. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known to be effective in a variety of applications, such as oral, maxillofacial, orthopedic, dermatologic and cosmetic surgeries. However, a potential ergogenic and carcinogenic effect of PRP derivatives by means of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway has been suggested. Because of this notion, the purpose of this study is to assess the effect of a commercially available PRP-derivative intramuscular injection in the lumbar muscular tissue (local effect) and to determine the IGF-1 blood concentration (systemic effect) on healthy beagle dogs. Local effect was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scan and echography, and systemic effect was calculated by blood testing on days 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56. No statistically significant changes were observed; thus, PRGF could be considered safe when using therapeutic doses.
Characterization and Functional Analysis of FaHsfC1b from Festuca arundinacea Conferring Heat Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhuang Lili , Cao Wei , Wang Jian , Yu Jingjin , Yang Zhimin , Huang Bingru
Published: September 2018

Heat transcription factors (Hsfs) belong to a large gene family classified into A, B, and C groups, with classes A and B Hsfs being well-characterized and known for their roles in plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. The functions and roles of Class C Hsfs are not well-documented. The objectives of this study were to characterize a class C Hsf gene (FaHsfC1b) cloned from tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), a perennial grass species, and to determine the physiological functions of FaHsfC1b in regulating heat tolerance by overexpressing FaHsfC1b in Arabidopsis thaliana. Full length cDNA of FaHsfC1b was cloned and the sequence alignment showed that it had high similarity to OsHsfC1b with typical DNA binding domain, hydrophobic oligomerization domain, and a nucleus localization signal. Transient expression with FaHsfC1b-eGFP in protoplasts of Arabidopsis leaves indicated its nucleus localization. qRT-PCR analysis showed that FaHsfC1b responded to heat, osmotic, salt, and cold stress in leaves and roots during 48-h treatment. Physiological analysis showed that FaHsfC1b overexpression enhanced plant survival rate, chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency, while it resulted in decreases in electrolyte leakage, H2O2 and O2− content under heat stress. qRT-PCR showed that endogenous HsfC1 was induced in transgenic plants and the expression levels of heat protection protein genes, including several HSPs, AtGalSyn1, AtRof1, and AtHSA32, as well as ABA-synthesizing gene (NCED3) were significantly upregulated in transgenic plants overexpressing FaHsfC1b under heat stress. Our results first demonstrate that HsfC1b plays positive roles in plant tolerance to heat stress in association with the induction and upregulation of heat-protective genes. HsfC1b may be used as a candidate gene for genetic modification of cool-season plant species for improving heat tolerance.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases as Potential Regulators of STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Kim Mihwa , Morales Liza D. , Jang Ik-Soon , Cho Yong-Yeon , Kim Dae Joon
Published: September 2018

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein is a major transcription factor involved in many cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell death or cell apoptosis. It is activated in response to a variety of extracellular stimuli including cytokines and growth factors. The aberrant activation of STAT3 contributes to several human diseases, particularly cancer. Consequently, STAT3-mediated signaling continues to be extensively studied in order to identify potential targets for the development of new and more effective clinical therapeutics. STAT3 activation can be regulated, either positively or negatively, by different posttranslational mechanisms including serine or tyrosine phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, acetylation, or demethylation. One of the major mechanisms that negatively regulates STAT3 activation is dephosphorylation of the tyrosine residue essential for its activation by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). There are seven PTPs that have been shown to dephosphorylate STAT3 and, thereby, regulate STAT3 signaling: PTP receptor-type D (PTPRD), PTP receptor-type T (PTPRT), PTP receptor-type K (PTPRK), Src homology region 2 (SH-2) domain-containing phosphatase 1(SHP1), SH-2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2), MEG2/PTP non-receptor type 9 (PTPN9), and T-cell PTP (TC-PTP)/PTP non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2). These regulators have great potential as targets for the development of more effective therapies against human disease, including cancer.
Long Non-Coding RNAs as New Master Regulators of Resistance to Systemic Treatments in Breast Cancer
Authors: Campos-Parra Alma D. , López-Urrutia Eduardo , Orozco Moreno Luz Tonantzin , López-Camarillo César , Meza-Menchaca Thuluz , Figueroa González Gabriela , Bustamante Montes Lilia P. , Pérez-Plasencia Carlos
Published: September 2018

Predicting response to systemic treatments in breast cancer (BC) patients is an urgent, yet still unattained health aim. Easily detectable molecules such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the ideal biomarkers when they act as master regulators of many resistance mechanisms, or of mechanisms that are common to more than one treatment. These kinds of markers are pivotal in quasi-personalized treatment selection, and consequently, in improvement of outcome prediction. In order to provide a better approach to understanding development of disease and resistance to treatments, we reviewed current literature searching for lncRNA-associated systemic BC treatments including endocrine therapies, aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), trastuzumab, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), anthracyclines, and cisplatin. We found that the engagement of lncRNAs in resistance is well described, and that lncRNAs such as urotelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) and regulator of reprogramming (ROR) are indeed involved in multiple resistance mechanisms, which offers tantalizing perspectives for wide usage of lncRNAs as treatment resistance biomarkers. Thus, we propose this work as the foundation for a wide landscape of functions and mechanisms that link more lncRNAs to resistance to current and new treatments in years of research to come.
Extract of the Blood Circulation-Promoting Recipe-84 Can Protect Rat Retinas by Inhibiting the β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Qin Qiu-Fang , Liu Min , Tian Gui-Hua , Chen Jian , Li Yu-Sang
Published: September 2018

Extract of the Blood Circulation-Promoting Recipe (EBR-84) from the Chinese Herbal medicine “Blood Circulation Promoting Recipe” could retard retinopathy development. This study investigated whether EBR-84 protects retinas by inhibiting the β-catenin pathway using a rat model of retinopathy and a retinal ganglion cell 5 (RGC-5) cell death model. RGC death was induced by either N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) or TWS119 (an activator of the β-catenin pathway). After the corresponding treatment with EBR-84, RGC death and the protein expression levels of β-catenin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rat retinas were examined. β-Catenin accumulated in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) of NMDA-treated rats. EBR-84 (3.9, 7.8, and 15.6 g/kg) significantly attenuated the NMDA-induced RGC loss accompanying the reduction of β-catenin expression. Moreover, the expression levels of COX-2 and VEGF were decreased by EBR-84 in a dose-dependent manner. For the TWS119-treated rats, EBR-84 also ameliorated RGC loss and lowered the expression levels of β-catenin, COX-2, and VEGF. In vitro, EBR-84 increased the viability of NMDA-treated RGC-5 while decreased β-catenin expression. In conclusion, EBR-84 retarded ratretinopathy, and the β-catenin signaling pathway played an important role during this protective process.