bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiologically based cord clamping improves cardiopulmonary haemodynamics in lambs with a diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Kashyap Aidan J , Hodges Ryan J , Thio Marta , Rodgers Karyn A , Amberg Ben J , McGillick Erin V , Hooper Stuart B , Crossley Kelly J , DeKoninck Philip L J
Published: May 2019

Objective

Lung hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) results in respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary hypertension after birth. We have investigated whether aerating the lung before removing placental support (physiologically based cord clamping (PBCC)), improves the cardiopulmonary transition in lambs with a CDH.

Methods

At ≈138 days of gestational age, 17 lambs with surgically induced left-sided diaphragmatic hernia (≈d80) were delivered via caesarean section. The umbilical cord was clamped either immediately prior to ventilation onset (immediate cord clamping (ICC); n=6) or after achieving a target tidal volume of 4 mL/kg, with a maximum delay of 10 min (PBCC; n=11). Lambs were ventilated for 120 min and physiological changes recorded.

Results

Pulmonary blood flow (PBF) increased following ventilation onset in both groups, but was 19-fold greater in PBCC compared with ICC lambs at cord clamping (19±6.3 vs 1.0±0.5 mL/min/kg, p<0.001). Cerebral tissue oxygenation was higher in PBCC than ICC lambs during the first 10 min after cord clamping (59%±4% vs 30%±5%, p<0.001). PBF was threefold higher (23±4 vs 8±2 mL/min/kg, p=0.01) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was threefold lower (0.6±0.1 vs 2.2±0.6 mm Hg/(mL/min), p<0.001) in PBCC lambs compared with ICC lambs at 120 min after ventilation onset.

Conclusions

Compared with ICC, PBCC prevented the severe asphyxia immediately after birth and resulted in a higher PBF due to a lower PVR, which persisted for at least 120 min after birth in CDH lambs.
Rare case of congenital chylothorax and challenges in its management
Authors: Ball Philippa Lauren , Nethercott Sarah , Beardsall Kathryn
Published: May 2019

This case describes the difficulties faced in treating recurrent pleural effusions and diagnosing chylothorax in a preterm neonate. The mother of this case was one of the first neonates to undergo in utero pleural shunting for bilateral pleural effusions 30 years ago. She then presented with an antenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrops at 31+1 weeks gestation in her own pregnancy and her baby was delivered 3 days later due to concerns about fetal distress. The baby was clinically unstable with recurrent bilateral effusions which were extensively investigated and shown to be the result of congenital chylothorax of possible genetic origin. This case demonstrates the challenges of managing chylothorax in the newborn.
Public provision of emergency obstetric care: a case study in two districts of Pakistan
Authors: Brückmann Peter , Hashmi Ashfa , Kuch Marina , Kuhnt Jana , Monfared Ida , Vollmer Sebastian
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Pakistan is one out of five countries where together half of the global neonatal deaths occur. As the provision of services and facilities is one of the key elements vital to reducing this rate as well as the maternal mortality rate, this study investigates the status of the delivery of essential obstetric care provided by the public health sector in two districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2015 aiming to highlight areas where critical improvements are needed.

Setting

We analysed data from a survey of 22 primary and secondary healthcare facilities as well as 85 community midwives (CMWs) in Haripur and Nowshera districts.

Participants

Using a structured questionnaire we evaluated the performance of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) signal functions and patient statistics in public health facilities. Also, 102 CMWs were interviewed about working hours, basic and specialised delivery service provision, referral system and patient statistics.

Primary outcome measures

We investigate the public provision of emergency obstetric care using seven key medical services identified by the United Nations (UN).

Results

Deliveries by public health cadres account for about 30% of the total number of births in these districts. According to the UN benchmark, only a small fraction of basic EmOC (2/18) and half of the comprehensive EmOC (2/4) facilities of the recommended minimum number were available to the population in both districts. Only a minority of health facilities and CMWs carry out several signal functions. Only 8% of the total births in one of the study districts are performed in public EmOC health facilities.

Conclusions

Both districts show a significant shortage of available public EmOC service provisions. Development priorities need to be realigned to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of EmOC service provisions by the public health sector alongside with existing activities to increase institutional births.
Patterns of amenable child mortality over time in 34 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): evidence from a 15-year time trend analysis (2001–2015)
Authors: Gianino Maria Michela , Lenzi Jacopo , Bonaudo Marco , Fantini Maria Pia , Siliquini Roberta , Ricciardi Walter , Damiani Gianfranco
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To analyse the trends of amenable mortality rates (AMRs) in children over the period 2001–2015.

Design

Time trend analysis.

Setting

Thirty-four member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Participants

Midyear estimates of the resident population aged ≤14 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Using data from the WHO Mortality Database and Nolte and McKee’s list, AMRs were calculated as the annual number of deaths over the population/100 000 inhabitants. The rates were stratified by age groups (<1, 1–4, 5–9 and 10–14 years). All data were summarised by presenting the average rates for the years 2001/2005, 2006/2010 and 2011/2015.

Results

There was a significant decline in children’s AMRs in the <1 year group in all 34 OECD countries from 2001/2005 to 2006/2010 (332.78 to 295.17/100 000; %Δ −11.30%; 95% CI −18.75% to −3.85%) and from 2006/2010 to 2011/2015 (295.17 to 240.22/100 000; %Δ −18.62%; 95% CI −26.53% to −10.70%) and a slow decline in the other age classes. The only cause of death that was significantly reduced was conditions originating in the early neonatal period for the <1 year group. The age-specific distribution of causes of death did not vary significantly over the study period.

Conclusions

The low decline in amenable mortality rates for children aged ≥1 year, the large variation in amenable mortality rates across countries and the insufficient success in reducing mortality from all causes suggest that the heath system should increase its efforts to enhance child survival. Promoting models of comanagement between primary care and subspecialty services, encouraging high-quality healthcare and knowledge, financing universal access to healthcare and adopting best practice guidelines might help reduce amenable child mortality.
Establishing a core outcome set for treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis in children: study protocol for an international Delphi survey
Authors: Knaapen Max , Hall Nigel J , van der Lee Johanna H , Butcher Nancy J , Offringa Martin , Van Heurn Ernst W E , Bakx Roel , Gorter Ramon R
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Appendicitis is a global disease affecting roughly 1 in every 12 people in the world, with the highest incidence between ages 10 and 19 years. To date, a wide variety of health outcomes have been reported in randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses evaluating treatments for appendicitis. This is especially the case in studies comparing non-operative treatment with operative treatment. A set of standard outcomes, to be reported in all future trials, is needed to allow for adequate comparison and interpretation of clinical trial results and to make data pooling possible. This protocol describes the development of such a global core outcome set (COS) to allow unified reporting of treatment interventions in children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis.

Methods and analysis

We use current international standard methodology for the development and reporting of this COS. Its development consists of three phases: (1) an update of the most recent systematic review on outcomes reported in uncomplicated paediatric appendicitis research to identify additional outcomes, (2) a three-step global Delphi study to identify a set of core outcomes for which there is consensus between parents and (paediatric) surgeons and (3) an expert meeting to finalise the COS and its definitions. Children and young people will be involved through their parents during phase 2 and will be engaged directly using a customised face-to-face approach.

Ethics and dissemination

The medical research ethics committee of the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam has approved the study. Each participating country/research group will ascertain ethics board approval. Electronic informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results will be presented in peer-reviewed academic journals and at (international) conferences.

Trial registration number

COMET registration: 1119
Do sensorimotor cortex activity, an individual’s capacity for neuroplasticity, and psychological features during an episode of acute low back pain predict outcome at 6 months: a protocol for an Australian, multisite prospective, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Jenkins Luke C , Chang Wei-Ju , Buscemi Valentina , Liston Matthew , Toson Barbara , Nicholas Michael , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Ridding Michael , Hodges Paul W , McAuley James H , Schabrun Siobhan M
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with prevalence doubling in the past 14 years. To date, prognostic screening tools display poor discrimination and offer no net benefit of screening over and above a ‘treat all’ approach. Characteristics of the primary sensory (S1) and motor (M1) cortices may predict the development of chronic LBP, yet the prognostic potential of these variables remains unknown. The Understanding persistent Pain Where it ResiDes (UPWaRD) study aims to determine whether sensorimotor cortex activity, an individual’s capacity for plasticity and psychosocial factors in the acute stage of pain, predict LBP outcome at 6 months. This paper describes the methods and analysis plan for the development of the prediction model.

Methods and analysis

The study uses a multicentre prospective longitudinal cohort design with 6-month follow-up. 120 participants, aged 18 years or older, experiencing an acute episode of LBP (less than 6 weeks duration) will be included. Primary outcomes are pain and disability.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (H10465) and from Neuroscience Research Australia (SSA: 16/002). Dissemination will occur through presentations at national and international conferences and publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619000002189; Pre-results.
Acute management of pancreatitis: the key to best outcomes
Authors: Olson Erik , Perelman Alexander , Birk John W
Published: May 2019

Acute pancreatitis (AP) accounts for over 230 000 US and 28 000 UK hospital admissions annually. Abdominal pain is the most common presenting symptom in AP but may not reflect severity. The clinical challenge is identifying the 20% of patients in whom AP will be severe. We summarise the common aetiologies, the risk stratification strategies including the simplified Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis, acute management approaches in the initial presentation setting, conditions for using advance imaging and opinions on antibiotic use. Some warning signs of impending complications are also discussed.
DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOLUTION TO RURAL POVERTY: THEORY, PRACTICE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Authors: HE XIAOHONG
Published: May 2019

Focused on rural poor, this paper seeks answers to three questions. In the age of digital entrepreneurship and IT globalization, what are structure barriers, exclusionary mechanisms and immutable conditions facing persistent rural poverty? What potential can a digital ecosystem bring to minimize rural entrepreneurs’ risk-return trade-off, change rural outputs’ term of trade with urban dwellers and increase rural marginal returns? What differences do local government policies make in this process? To fill the literature gap, this research offers a conceptual framework to link rural digital entrepreneurship and poverty deduction. To enrich this framework, this paper uses case method that involves “what,” “why” and “how” questions to connect ideas of global importance from local practice. In the end, the paper discusses a quadrilemma of market, technology, businesses and local government in the context of developing economies as well as policy implications.
Computer Science Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors: Yadav Aman , Berges Marc
Published: May 2019

Computer science education efforts are expanding across the globe to equip students with the necessary computing skills for today’s digital world. However, preparing students to become literate in computing activities requires the training of tens of thousands of teachers in computer science. The discrepancy between student needs and teacher preparation in computer science has raised questions of quality teachers, particularly for teachers who do not possess adequate content or pedagogical knowledge to teach computer science efficiently. To address this issue, we designed an instrument to measure knowledge needed to teach computer science (i.e., computer science pedagogical content knowledge). Results exhibited that our instrument measured aspects of teachers’ computer science pedagogical content knowledge; however, teachers’ prior background in teaching did not influence their performance. We discuss implications for future research and practice.
Democratizing the Network Edge
Authors: Peterson Larry , Anderson Tom , Katti Sachin , McKeown Nick , Parulkar Guru , Rexford Jennifer , Satyanarayanan Mahadev , Sunay Oguz , Vahdat Amin
Published: May 2019

The cloud and telecommunications industry is in the midst of a transition towards the edge. There is a tremendous opportunity for the research community to influence this transformation, but doing so requires understanding industry momentum, and making a concerted effort to align with that momentum. We believe there are three keys to doing this: (1) focus on the intersection of the cloud and access networks, (2) contribute to the relevant open source projects, and (3) address the challenge of operationalizing the results. The paper puts forward a concrete proposal for all three, and discusses the opportunity to influence how the Internet evolves at the edge and enable innovative edge applications.
Contact Modeling and Performance Evaluation of a Radial Standing Wave Ultrasonic Motor
Authors: Jiang Chunrong , Dong Xiaoxiao , Jin Long , Lu Danhong
Published: May 2019

The focus of this paper is to propose a contact model of a radial standing wave ultrasonic motor in order to evaluate the motor performance accurately. The contact behavior between the stator and rotor is characterized by test and a continuous contact on the contact interface is confirmed. A contact model describing the continuous contact is then developed with analytical method. The stator vibration, the force transmission between the stator and rotor, and the output of the motor are analyzed. The impacts of different vibration amplitudes and structural parameters on the performances of the motor are evaluated based on the proposed model. Finally, a test platform for measuring the performance of the motor is built and torque‐speed curves of the motor under different voltages are measured. The accuracy of the contact model is verified by comparison between measurement and calculation results. The proposed model not only can be used for design and optimization of the radial standing wave ultrasonic motor but also offers insight into the contact mechanics of standing wave ultrasonic motors.
Use of Autologous Platelets for Lamellar Macular Hole Repair
Authors: Gonzalez Andres , Amin Sarina , Iqbal Omar , Potter Stephen Myles , Khurshid Syed Gibran
Published: May 2019

The consensus of lamellar macular hole repair generally entails vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane with/without epiretinal membrane peeling with gas tamponade, although the risk of a full thickness macular hole remains. In this case report, we investigate the role of the regenerative properties of autologous platelets in the repair of a lamellar macular hole with pars plana vitrectomy, an autologous platelet plug, and 12% C3F8 without prone posturing. All three patients in this case report experienced visual improvement along with anatomic closure of the lamellar macular hole. Further randomized studies with larger sample sizes will contribute to the existing data regarding this procedure and its outcomes.
Liraglutide Attenuates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Adjusting Lipid Metabolism via SHP1/AMPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yu Peng , Xu Xi , Zhang Jing , Xia Xuan , Xu Fen , Weng Jianping , Lai Xiaoyang , Shen Yunfeng
Published: May 2019

A glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide (LR) had been experimentally and clinically shown to ameliorate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of LR on NAFLD in vivo and in vitro and its underlying molecular mechanism. The effects of LR were examined on the high-fat diet-induced in vivo model in mice and in vitro model of NAFLD in human HepG2 cells. Liver tissues and HepG2 cells were procured for measuring lipid metabolism, histological examination, and western blot analysis. LR administration significantly lowered the serum lipid profile and lipid disposition in vitro and in vivo because of the altered expression of enzymes on hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism. Moreover, LR significantly decreased Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP1) and then increased the expression of phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK). However, the overexpression of SHP1 mediated by lentivirus vector reversed LR-induced improvement in lipid deposition. Moreover, SHP1 silencing could further increase the expression of p-AMPK to ameliorate lipid metabolism and relative lipogenic gene induced by LR. In addition, abrogation of AMPK by Compound C eliminated the protective effects of LR on lipid metabolism without changing the expression of SHP1. LR markedly prevented NAFLD through adjusting lipid metabolism via SHP1/AMPK signaling pathway.
Pancreatic Ductal Organoids React Kras Dependent to the Removal of Tumor Suppressive Roadblocks
Authors: Perkhofer Lukas , Engler Melanie , Gout Johann , Arnold Frank , Morawe Mareen , Breunig Markus , Seufferlein Thomas , Kleger Alexander , Frappart Pierre-Olivier
Published: May 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still the Achilles heel in modern oncology, with an increasing incidence accompanied by a persisting high mortality. The developmental process of PDAC is thought to be stepwise via precursor lesions and sequential accumulation of mutations. Thereby, current sequencing studies recapitulate this genetic heterogeneity in PDAC and show besides a handful of driver mutations (KRAS, TP53) a plethora of passenger mutations that allow to define subtypes. However, modeling the mutations of interest and their effects is still challenging. Interestingly, organoids have the potential to recapitulate in vitro, the in vivo characteristics of the tissue they originate from. Here, we could establish and develop tools allowing us to isolate, culture, and genetically modify ductal mouse organoids. Transferred to known effectors in the IPMN-PDAC sequence, we could reveal significantly increased proliferative and self-renewal capacities for PTEN and RNF43 deficiency in the context of oncogenic KRASG12D in mouse pancreatic organoids. Overall, we were able to obtain promising data centering ductal organoids in the focus of future PDAC research.
Rupture History of the 13th November 2017 Mw 7.3 Iran‐Iraq Border Region Earthquake Based on Teleseismic Data
Authors: Yin Deyu , Liu Qifang , She Yuexin , Dong Yun
Published: May 2019

We have examined the temporal and spatial slip distribution of the 2017 Mw 7.3 Iran‐Iraq border region earthquake, utilizing 49 broadband teleseismic P‐wave records. Based on the nonnegative least square method and multi‐time window, a finite fault model was used to parameterize the rupture process. According to the L‐curve, the optimal inversion result was detected. The inversion results showed that the earthquake was a shallow‐dip thrusting event. Rupture duration was 20 s, and the total seismic moment was 0.9 × 1020 N·m. There was only one asperity in the fault plane, which indicated the rupture process was simple. The slip was mainly distributed around the initial rupture point, dominated by thrust motion with a small amount of right‐lateral strike slip, and the maximum slip was 5.2 m, located on a subfault of the initial rupture. The entire rupture lasted 20 s, and 75% of the energy was released in the first 10 s. The rupture area was 825 km2, and the estimated static stress drop was 6.1 MPa.
Factors Affecting the Survival of Patients with Oligometastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Yu , Yang Jianxin , Yao Ninghua , Shao Minghai , Ding Wenxiu , Jiang Wanrong , Sun Xinchen
Published: May 2019

Background. The aim was to investigate the potential factors related with overall survival of oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods. A literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library up to March 2017. The hazard radio (HR) as well as the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and all the statistics analysis was performed by the R 3.12. Heterogeneity was analyzed using I-squared and Cochran Q tests. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of results. Results. In total, 6 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Nodal status was significantly correlated with the overall survival rate of NSCLC oligometastatic patients (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.23–2.32, Z=3.20, P=0.001). No significant relationship was found between overall survival rate of NSCLC oligometastatic patients and the indicators including sex, stage, smoker, age, and histology. Notably, sensitivity analysis on data evaluating relationship between patients survival and the stage and histology showed that results were reversed after removing one of the studies. Conclusions. Nodal status might be associated with the overall survival of oligometastatic NSCLC patients.
Revisiting Anonymous Two-Factor Authentication Schemes for IoT-Enabled Devices in Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Bin , Shi Hongjin , Shen Yaosheng , Wang Ding
Published: May 2019

Investigating the security pitfalls of cryptographic protocols is crucial to understand how to improve security. At ICCCS’17, Wu and Xu proposed an efficient smart-card-based password authentication scheme for cloud computing environments to cope with the vulnerabilities in Jiang et al.’s scheme. However, we reveal that Wu-Xu’s scheme actually is subject to various security flaws, such as offline password guessing attack and replay attack. Besides security, user friendly is also another great concern. In 2017, Roy et al. found that in most previous two-factor schemes a user has to manage different credentials for different services and further suggested a user-friendly scheme which is claimed to be suitable for multiserver architecture and robust against various attacks. In this work, we show that Roy et al.’s scheme fails to achieve truly two-factor security and shows poor scalability. At FGCS’18, Amin et al. pointed out that most of existing two-factor schemes are either insecure or inefficient for mobile devices due to the use of public-key techniques and thus suggested an improved protocol by using only light-weight symmetric key techniques. Almost at the same time, Wei et al. also observed this issue and proposed a new scheme based on symmetric key techniques with formal security proofs in the random oracle model. Nevertheless, we point out that both Amin et al.’s and Wei et al.’s schemes cannot achieve the claimed security goals (including the most crucial goal of “truly two-factor security”). Our results invalidate any use of the scrutinized schemes for cloud computing environments.
Sigmoid Diverticulitis and Perforation Secondary to Biliary Stent Migration
Authors: Riccardi Margaret , Deters Kaitlin , Jabbar Furrukh
Published: May 2019

Introduction. Biliary stent migration occurs in 5-10% of patients. Generally, this is a benign process and stents pass or are retrieved endoscopically. In rare instances, intestinal perforation has occurred. Presentation of Case. A 79-year-old female presented with a one-day history of abdominal pain. She had undergone an ERCP four weeks previously for primary choledocholithiasis during which time a sphincterotomy and sphincteroplasty were performed, and stents were placed in the common bile duct. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a biliary stent that had migrated into the sigmoid colon, appearing to perforate the colon with free air throughout the abdomen. Patient was taken for diagnostic laparoscopy and noted to have biliary stent perforating the sigmoid colon. Procedure was converted to open, and Hartmann’s procedure was performed with end colostomy. Conclusion. Generally, biliary stent migration is a benign process, but in rare instances, intestinal perforation has occurred. Sites of perforation include the duodenum, distal small bowel, and colon. Perforation is more common with an additional pathology present such as hernias or diverticular disease. Migration and perforation also appear more common with straight biliary stents. In patients with known diverticular disease and straight biliary stents, considerations should be made for early stent removal.
Late Onset Graft Plasmacytoma-Like PTLD Presenting as Acute Hyperglycemia in a Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Recipient
Authors: Ventura-Aguiar P. , Cibeira M. T. , Martinez A. , Cuatrecasas M. , Aymerich M. , Ferrer J. , Blade J. , Diekmann F. , Ricart M. J.
Published: May 2019

Allograft infiltration has been described in up to 20% of all patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), most representing EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas. Plasma cells are often observed in humoral rejection biopsies, but graft infiltration by plasmacytoma-like PTLD is rare. We report the case of a 54-year-old simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipient (immunosuppression: OKT3, methylprednisolone, cyclosporine, and azathioprine), diagnosed with an IgG-kappa monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance eighteen years after transplant. Nine months later, pancreas allograft biopsy performed due to new-onset hyperglycemia (HgA1C 8.6%, C-peptide 6.15ng/mL and anti-GAD 0.9UI/mL) revealed a monotypic plasma cell infiltrate, CD19, CD79a, CD138 positive, with IgG-kappa light chain restriction, and EBV negative. PET-scan FDG uptake was limited to pancreas allograft. Tumor origin could not be established (using DNA microsatellite analysis). Despite treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone, patient eventually died one month later. This is the first report of a late onset extramedullary plasmacytoma involving a pancreas allograft.
Pharmacological Transdifferentiation of Human Nasal Olfactory Stem Cells into Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Chabrat Audrey , Lacassagne Emmanuelle , Billiras Rodolphe , Landron Sophie , Pontisso-Mahout Amélie , Darville Hélène , Dupront Alain , Coge Francis , Schenker Esther , Piwnica David , Nivet Emmanuel , Féron François , Mannoury la Cour Clotilde
Published: May 2019

The discovery of novel drugs for neurodegenerative diseases has been a real challenge over the last decades. The development of patient- and/or disease-specificin vitromodels represents a powerful strategy for the development and validation of lead candidates in preclinical settings. The implementation of a reliable platform modeling dopaminergic neurons will be an asset in the study of dopamine-associated pathologies such as Parkinson’s disease. Disease models based on cell reprogramming strategies, using either human-induced pluripotent stem cells or transcription factor-mediated transdifferentiation, are among the most investigated strategies. However, multipotent adult stem cells remain of high interest to devise direct conversion protocols and establishin vitromodels that could bypass certain limitations associated with reprogramming strategies. Here, we report the development of a six-step chemically defined protocol that drives the transdifferentiation of human nasal olfactory stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. Morphological changes were progressively accompanied by modifications matching transcript and protein dopaminergic signatures such as LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha (LMX1A), LMX1B, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, within 42 days of differentiation. Phenotypic changes were confirmed by the production of dopamine from differentiated neurons. This new strategy paves the way to develop more disease-relevant models by establishing reprogramming-free patient-specific dopaminergic cell models for drug screening and/or target validation for neurodegenerative diseases.
Identification of Hispanic English Language Learners in Special Education
Authors: Becker Gail I. , Deris Aaron R.
Published: May 2019

Overrepresentation of English language learners (ELLs) in special education is a current problem. Urban school professionals indicated that inappropriate placement is linked to a multiplicity of factors. Scarce data exist regarding the relationship between school professional efficacy beliefs, the availability of bilingual programs and personnel for ELLs, and successful academic outcomes. School employees are still confused about the proper placement of English language learners (ELLs). What is enough time to acquire a second language and learn with success? Without other substantial program choices, children are referred to special education. Furthermore, many students in need of special education may be overlooked and remain in ESL programs for their entire school career. The aim of this study was to identify the role staff member’s efficacy plays in the proper determination of an ELL with a language difference or disability. Child study team (CST) members (n=14) working with a large Hispanic ELL population participated in semistructured interviews to determine the role their efficacy beliefs exert during assessment of linguistically diverse students. Overwhelmingly, staff members noted that they did not feel competent when making decisions regarding ELLs. Therefore, staff members placed the children into special education each time. The practice implications come from the prominent themes that include significant in-district professional development on second language acquisition, facilitation of second language through use of first language through bilingual staff, and committed bilingual programs to meet ELL needs. Additionally, universities must provide coursework that furthers second language acquisition theories and strategies for all teacher candidate programs.
Anticancer Effects of Emodin on HepG2 Cell: Evidence from Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Zhou Rui-sheng , Wang Xiong-Wen , Sun Qin-feng , Ye Zeng Jie , Liu Jian-wei , Zhou Dai-Han , Tang Ying
Published: May 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary cause of cancer-related death in the world. Despite the fact that there are many methods to treat HCC, the 5-year survival rate of HCC is still at a low level. Emodin can inhibit the growth of HCC cells invitroand invivo. However, the gene regulation of emodin in HCC has not been well studied. In our research, RNA sequencing technology was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HepG2 cells induced by emodin. A total of 859 DEGs were identified, including 712 downregulated genes and 147 upregulated genes in HepG2 cells treated with emodin. We used DAVID for function and pathway enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING, and Cytoscape was used for module analysis. The enriched functions and pathways of the DEGs include positive regulation of apoptotic process, structural molecule activity and lipopolysaccharide binding, protein digestion and absorption, ECM-receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, and MAPK signaling pathway. 25 hub genes were identified and pathway analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in neuropeptide signaling pathway, inflammatory response, and positive regulation of cytosolic calcium ion concentration. Survival analysis showed that LPAR6, C5, SSTR5, GPR68, and P2RY4 may be involved in the molecular mechanisms of emodin therapy for HCC. A quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay showed that the mRNA levels of LPAR6, C5, SSTR5, GPR68, and P2RY4 were significantly decreased in HepG2 cells treated with emodin. In conclusion, the identified DEGs and hub genes in the present study provide new clues for further researches on the molecular mechanisms of emodin.
Assessing the Performance Degradation of Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using an Approach Based on Fusion of Multiple Feature Parameters
Authors: Wang Anchen , Zhang Ying , Zuo Hongfu
Published: May 2019

A method based on fusion of multiple features is proposed to assess and accurately describe the performance degradation of lithium‐ion batteries in this paper. First, the discharge voltage signal of lithium‐ion batteries under real‐time monitoring is analyzed from the perspective of time domain and complexity to obtain the values of multiple features. Then, the multi‐feature parameters undergo a spectral regression process to reduce the number of dimensions and to eliminate redundancy, and on the basis of this regression, a Gaussian mixture model is established to model the health state of batteries. Thus, the degree of lithium‐ion battery performance degradation can be quantitatively assessed using the Bayesian inference‐based distance metric. A case calculation experiment is carried out to verify the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared with other assessment methods, the performance degradation assessment method proposed in this paper can be used to monitor the degradation process of lithium‐ion batteries more effectively and to improve the accuracy of condition monitoring of batteries, thereby providing powerful support for making maintenance decisions.
Time-Series Displacement of Land Subsidence in Fuzhou Downtown, Monitored by SBAS-InSAR Technique
Authors: Hu Bo , Yang Bin , Zhang Xingfu , Chen Xiongle , Wu Yang
Published: May 2019

The land subsidence in response to the construction of underground engineering, e.g., subway, has caused many geological hazards and impeded the sustainable development of urbanization, in particular of China. Analysis of land subsidence with high temporal-spatial resolution is necessary and can help to assess the risk of geohazards. In this study, we apply the SBAS-InSAR technique to monitor the land subsidence in Fuzhou downtown after the program of metro construction. 24 scenes of X-band TerraSAR data from July 2013 to August 2015 and 32 scenes of C-band Sentinel-1 data from July 2015 to February 2018 were used in this experiment. Our results show a maximum subsidence rate of -12mm/yr, and eight subsidence funnels have been found during the observed period. After analyzing the subsidence of these regions in a long time span, it can be concluded that there are three regions which have a relatively stable disastrous subsidence effect, and there is a possibility of further intensified subsidence.
Transition Metal Complexes of Mixed Bioligands: Synthesis, Characterization, DFT Modeling, and Applications
Authors: Abdel-Mottaleb Mohamed S. A. , Ismail Eman H.
Published: May 2019

Divalent transition metal complexes [MGlu-Arg (H2O)]H2O and [MGlu-Arg (H2O)]H2O, where M = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, Glu = glutamic acid, and Arg = L-arginine, are prepared and characterized using different techniques. DFT and TD-DFT modelling validated and interpreted some experimental results. Weight loss technique reveals efficient corrosion inhibition action of these complexes towards aluminum metal at different temperatures. Our results point to corrosion inhibition through chemical adsorption on the aluminum surface. Additionally, a facile calcination of Co and Cu complexes at 550°C yields nanosized oxides of Co3O4, CoO, and CuO crystalline phases. The complexes show remarkable biological activities towards pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Moreover, in vitro anticancer activity evaluation of these complexes is achieved against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2). The results are correlated with molecular descriptors such as chemical potential and hardness obtained from the frontier orbitals.
Early Discharge from the Emergency Department Based on Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) Levels: A TRIAGE III Substudy
Authors: Schultz Martin , Rasmussen Line J. H. , Høi-Hansen Thomas , Kjøller Erik , Jensen Birgitte N. , Lind Morten N. , Ravn Lisbet , Kallemose Thomas , Lange Theis , Køber Lars , Rasmussen Lars S. , Eugen-Olsen Jesper , Iversen Kasper K.
Published: May 2019

Objective. Using biomarkers for early and accurate identification of patients at low risk of serious illness may improve the flow in the emergency department (ED) by classifying these patients as nonurgent or even suitable for discharge. A potential biomarker for this purpose is soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). We hypothesized that availability of suPAR might lead to a higher proportion of early discharges. Design. A substudy of the interventional TRIAGE III trial, comparing patients with a valid suPAR measurement at admission to those without. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients discharged alive from the ED within 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, readmissions, and mortality within 30 days. Setting. EDs at two university hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark. Participants. 16,801 acutely admitted patients were included. Measurements and Main Results. The suPAR level was available in 7,905 patients (suPAR group), but not in 8,896 (control group). The proportion of patients who were discharged within 24 hours of admittance was significantly higher in the suPAR group compared to the control group (50.2% (3,966 patients) vs. 48.6% (4,317 patients), P=0.04). Furthermore, the mean length of hospital stay in the suPAR group was significantly shorter compared to that in the control group (4.3 days (SD 7.4) vs. 4.6 days (SD 9.4), P=0.04). In contrast, the readmission rate within 30 days was significantly higher in the suPAR group (10.6% (839 patients) vs. 8.8% (785 patients), P<0.001). Among patients discharged within 24 hours, there was no significant difference in the readmission rate or mortality within 30 days. Readmission occurred in 8.5% (336 patients) vs. 7.7% (331 patients) (P=0.18) and mortality in 1.3% (52 patients) vs. 1.8% (77 patients) (P=0.08) for the suPAR group and control group, respectively. Conclusion. These post hoc analyses demonstrate that the availability of the prognostic biomarker suPAR was associated with a higher proportion of discharge within 24 hours and reduced length of stay, but more readmissions. In patients discharged within 24 hours, there was no difference in readmission or mortality. Trial Registration of the Main Trial. This trial is registered with NCT02643459.
A New Challenging Strategy in the Prevention and Management of Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Patients with Chemo-Sensitive Hematological Malignancies
Authors: ELJack Ammar , El Abdallah Mohamad , Al-Banaa Kadhim , Chaudhry Kashif , Musa Faisal
Published: May 2019

Introduction. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a metabolic derangement that results from rapid destruction of cells. It happens frequently in cancers receiving chemotherapy, particularly hematological malignancies. It can lead to death in severe cases. Tumor lysis syndrome that leads to acute renal failure requiring dialysis and/or ICU admission can be associated with a higher rate of complications and mortality. Case Report. We present a 24-year-old male patient with Burkitt’s lymphoma. After receiving one cycle therapy, he developed severe kidney injury from TLS. We initiated renal replacement therapy soon after his admission to the ICU, with marked response to therapy. This led to early discharge from the ICU. Conclusion. Early initiation of renal replacement therapy after TLS-AKI can improve the severity of AKI and hasten recovery and prevent complications. This can lead to earlier discharge from the hospital and better outcomes.
Hyposmia as a Predictive Marker of Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sui Xin , Zhou Changli , Li Jinwei , Chen Lei , Yang Xige , Li Feng
Published: May 2019

Background. Hyposmia is one of the most common and best-characterized conditions that is also one of the first nonmotor features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The association of hyposmia with PD is widely accepted; however the likelihood of developing PD is unclear. Our meta-analysis aimed to investigate the risk of PD in individuals with hyposmia.Methods. Prospective studies on humans published before December4th, 2018, were searched for in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Two independent reviewers screened studies for inclusion and extracted data. We assessed the quality of studies using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and pooled data for analysis using random-effects models.Results. Of the 1774 studies retrieved, seven met the inclusion criteria for this review. A total of 3272 hyposmia and 176 PD events were reported over follow-up periods ranging from 3 to 17 years. Hyposmia was associated with a 3.84-fold risk of developing PD (pooled relative risk: 3.84, 95% CI 2.12−6.95). Subgroup analyses identified few differences between different hyposmia assessment methodologies and follow-up periods.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that deficiencies in olfaction are associated with an increased risk of developing PD. Future studies are needed to investigate whether hyposmia is a promising and feasible biomarker for the early diagnosis of PD.
Efficacy and Safety of Xiao Ai Ping Injection Combined with Chemotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Kerui , Zhu Zehao , He Yaxing , Huang Lanlin , Yan Xia , Wang Dawei
Published: May 2019

Xiao Ai Ping injection (XAPI), extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Marsdenia tenacissima, is widely used in the adjuvant treatment of tumors in China. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XAPI combined with chemotherapy for treating patients with advanced gastric cancer. Seven databases were searched for relevant studies published up to October 1, 2018, and Review Manager 5.3 software and Stata 12.0 software were used for meta-analysis. Fourteen studies, representing 1097 enrolled patients, were included in our analysis. Compared with chemotherapy alone, combination treatment with XAPI and the XELOX regimen (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) was found to improve the objective response rate (ORR) [RR=1.36; 95%CI (1.10, 1.70); P=0.006], disease control rate (DCR) [RR=1.15; 95% CI (1.04, 1.28); P=0.010], and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) improvement rate [RR=1.51; 95%CI (1.14, 2.00); P=0.004] and to reduce the incidence of leukopenia [RR=0.68; 95%CI (0.55,0.84); P=0.0005], liver damage [RR=0.59; 95% CI (0.37, 0.92); P=0.02], renal impairment [RR=0.39; 95% CI (0.18, 0.85); P=0.02], and hand-foot syndrome [RR=0.56; 95%CI (0.35,0.90); P=0.02]. However, median progression-free survival (PFS), 1-year survival rate, and median overall survival (OS) were not extended by XAPI plus XELOX. Combination treatment with XAPI and the SOX regimen (tegafur plus oxaliplatin) did not improve ORR or DCR, but it did enhance the KPS improvement rate [RR=1.73; 95%CI (1.23,2.43); P=0.002] and reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting [RR=0.66; 95% CI (0.50, 0.88); P=0.004]. XAPI in combination with the FOLFOX regimen (fluorouracil/calcium folinate/oxaliplatin) enhanced only the KPS improvement rate [RR=1.68; 95%CI (1.18,2.39); P=0.004] and had no significant effect on ORR or DCR or the incidence of adverse events. A single study reported that XAPI combined with the CPT-11 regimen (irinotecan) was superior to chemotherapy alone with respect to DCR and also reduced the incidence of leukopenia, liver damage, and hand-foot syndrome during chemotherapy, while prolonging PFS. Finally, one study reported that XAPI combined with the TP regimen (palitaxel plus cisplatin) improved ORR and KPS improvement rate to a greater extent than TP alone. Although the present review has some limitations, the findings suggest that XAPI combined with chemotherapy may represent a beneficial treatment strategy, particularly the combination of XAPI and XELOX.
An Oncogenic Role for Four-Jointed Box 1 (FJX1) in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Chai San Jiun , Ahmad Zabidi Muhammad Mamduh , Gan Siew Pey , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Lim Paul Vey Hong , Ng Ching Ching , Yap Lee Fah , Teo Soo Hwang , Lim Kue Peng , Patel Vyomesh , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: May 2019

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly metastatic cancer prevalent in Southern China and Southeast Asia. The current knowledge on the molecular pathogenesis of NPC is still inadequate to improve disease management. Using gene expression microarrays, we have identified thefour-jointed box 1(FJX1) gene to be upregulated in primary NPC tissues relative to nonmalignant tissues. An orthologue of humanFJX1, thefour-jointed (fj)gene in Drosophila andFjx1in mouse, has reported to be associated with cancer progression pathways. However, the exact function of FJX1 in human is not well characterized. The overexpression of FJX1 mRNA was validated in primary NPC tissue samples, and the level of FJX1 protein was significantly higher in a subset of NPC tissues (42%) compared to the normal epithelium, where no expression of FJX1 was observed (p=0.01). FJX1 is also found to be overexpressed in microarray datasets and TCGA datasets of other cancers including head and neck cancer, colorectal, and ovarian cancer. Both siRNA knockdown and overexpression experiments in NPC cell lines showed that FJX1 promotes cell proliferation, anchorage-dependent growth, and cellular invasion. Cyclin D1 and E1 mRNA levels were increased following FJX1 expression indicating that FJX1 enhances proliferation by regulating key proteins governing the cell cycle. Our data suggest that the overexpression of FJX1 contributes to a more aggressive phenotype of NPC cells and further investigations into FJX1 as a potential therapeutic target for NPC are warranted. The evaluation of FJX1 as an immunotherapy target for NPC and other cancers is currently ongoing.