bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triple‐negative apocrine carcinoma: A rare pathologic subtype with a better prognosis than other triple‐negative breast cancers
Authors: Arciero Cletus A. , Diehl Albert H. , Liu Yuan , Sun Qin , Gillespie Theresa , Li Xiaoxian , Subhedar Preeti 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and MethodsApocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare subtype of breast cancer. We sought to compare the characteristics and survival of patients diagnosed with triple‐negative apocrine adenocarcinoma to those of patients diagnosed with triple‐negative invasive ductal carcinoma. Utilizing data from the National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2013, 70 524 eligible female patients with triple‐negative breast cancer were identified including 566 patients with apocrine adenocarcinomas and 69 958 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma. Descriptive statistics for each variable were reported. A comparison of each covariate between the study cohorts was assessed in univariate and multivariate analysis. Cox proportional models were used to calculate hazard ratios. Additionally, the propensity score matching method was implemented to reduce treatment selection bias.ResultsPatients with triple‐negative apocrine tumors were more likely to be older, Caucasian, and have smaller, moderately to well‐differentiated tumors. Multivariable analysis noted a significantly improved survival for patients with triple‐negative apocrine carcinoma (TNAC) vs triple‐negative invasive ductal carcinoma (TNBC) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65 [95% confidence interval [CI] [0.53‐0.81], P = 0 < .001). Propensity score matching analysis confirmed a significant difference in overall survival for patients with TNAC in comparison to TNBC (HR 0.79 [95% CI [0.63‐1.00], P = .05).DiscussionTriple‐negative apocrine adenocarcinomas have a modestly improved long‐term survival when compared with triple‐negative invasive ductal cancers.
Upregulated METTL3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma enhances the motility of cancer cells
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Feng , Yang Jing , Wei Shu‐Pei , Luo Xing‐Gu , Jiang Qing‐Shan , Chen Tao , Gong Yong‐Qian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe roles of RNA m6A modification in carcinogenesis have attracted much interest recently. However, the dysregulation of RNA m6A regulators (writers, readers, and erasers) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has never been reported. In this study, we showed that METTL3, one of the writers, was upregulated in NPC. Functional studies revealed that METTL3 promoted the migration and invasion of NPC cells. However, METTL3 knockdown reversed this effect and inhibited the migration, invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. METTL3 activated the luciferase activity of TOPflash (a reporter for beta‐catenin/TCF signaling), and downregulation of METTL3 inhibited the expression of beta‐catenin/TCF target genes vimentin and N‐cadherin, which are two regulators of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Moreover, dominant negative beta‐catenin blocked the migration and invasion of NPC cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that METTL3 silencing decreased the m6A methylation and total mRNA levels of Tankyrase, a negative regulator of axin. Moreover, Tankyrase overexpression abrogated the repressive effects of METTL3 silencing on the migration of NPC cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates the oncogenic roles of METTL3 in NPC, and suggests that METTL3 might be a therapeutic target for NPC.
Two hyperspectral indices for detecting cadmium and lead contamination from arice canopy spectrum
Authors: Zhang Shuangyin , Fei Teng , You Xiang , Wan Yinkang , Wang Yunjiang , Bian Meng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNeither Cadmium (Cd) nor lead (Pb) is necessary for crop growth, and they both cause severe soil pollution in many countries. A cross‐stress experiment was designed to investigate the feasibility of diagnosing the type and the level of Cd–Pb cross‐stress by observing rice canopy hyperspectral images. Two‐way analysis of variance and random forest algorithm were employed to select the sensitive indices for Cd–Pb cross‐stress diagnosing. Following the exploration of bandwidth expansion from 1 to 20 nm, the final sensitive indices were proposed. We proposed two indices for distinguishing the two heavy metals named: the cadmium stress vegetation index (CSVI) and the lead stress vegetation index (LSVI). The diagnostic accuracies of CSVI distinguishing the four different Cd‐stressed levels (0, 2, 5, 8 mg L−1) reached 0.85, 0.92, 0.96, and 0.92, respectively, while the precision for four Pb‐stressed levels (0, 50, 100, 500 mg L−1) based on the LSVI were 0.92, 0.94, 0.96, and 0.96, respectively. The two indices are CSVI = [(R772 + R773 + R774 + … + R789) ‐ ( R754 + R755 + R756 + … + R771)]/18, LSVI = [(R711 + R712 + R713 + … + R718) – (R703 + R704 + R705 + … + R710)]/8, located in near‐infrared ranges with 18 and 8 nm bandwidth, respectively. Therefore, it was feasible to diagnose the type and the level of Cd–Pb cross‐stress by examining the hyperspectral dataset of the rice canopy. Finally, the experiment compared the diagnostic ability of the proposed indices with the typical spectral indices for the physiological characterization of rice. The results showed that the proposed indices had state‐of‐the‐art distinguishing accuracies.
Association of genetic variants at CETP, AGER, and CYP4F2 locus with the risk of atrophic age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Liutkeviciene Rasa , Vilkeviciute Alvita , Kriauciuniene Loresa , Banevicius Mantas , Budiene Brigita , Stanislovaitiene Daiva , Zemaitiene Reda , Deltuva Vytenis P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly individuals. The etiology of AMD includes environmental and genetic factors.MethodsWe aimed to determine the association between CETP (rs5882; rs708272; rs3764261; rs1800775; rs2303790), AGER (rs1800624; rs1800625), and CYP4F2 (rs1558139) gene polymorphisms and development of atrophic AMD. About 52 patients with atrophic AMD and 800 healthy control subjects were evaluated. The genotyping of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in CETP, AGER, and CYP4F2 was carried out using the real‐time‐PCR method.ResultsGenetic risk models in the analysis of CETP rs5882 revealed statistically significant variables with increased risk of atrophic AMD in the codominant (p < .001), dominant (p < .001), recessive (p < .001), and additive (p < .001) models with the highest 25.4‐fold increased risk of atrophic AMD in the codominant model (p < .001). The AGER rs1800625 was associated with a highly increased risk of atrophic AMD in the codominant (p < .001), recessive (p < .001), and additive (p < .001) genetic models.ConclusionWe identified two polymorphisms with a higher risk of atrophic AMD (CETP rs5882 and AGER rs1800625).
Promoting engagement in physical activity in early rheumatoid arthritis: A proof‐of‐concept intervention study
Authors: Cramp Fiona , Thomas Rachel , Haase Anne M. , Domaille Melissa , Manns Sarah , Swales Caroline , Hurfurt Judy , Walsh Nicola E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjective(s)The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of promoting engagement in physical activity in early rheumatoid arthritis (PEPA‐RA) to inform a future trial.DesignA ‘proof of concept’ study was carried out.SettingThis study was conducted in community hospitals delivered by musculoskeletal primary care physiotherapists.ParticipantsParticipants were 12 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed 6–24 months previously (nine females, three males; mean age 58 years, range 23–79).InterventionThe intervention consisted of five sessions, that is, four group sessions and one individual session facilitated by a physiotherapist over 12 weeks including patient education and support for behaviour change as well as supervised practical exercise.Main outcomesThe main outcomes were attendance, completion of outcome measures, adverse events, and participant and physiotherapist feedback views relating to the intervention.ResultsOverall attendance was 85%, with sessions missed due to illness or RA flare. Outcome measure completion ranged from 83% to 100%. There were no clinically meaningful changes in pain or function at 12 weeks, but mean 6‐min walk distance improved from 394 to 440 m. No serious adverse events were reported, and participants were generally positive about the intervention. Suggested minor modifications for the group sessions included venue accessibility and ensuring that physical activity time was protected. Several participants indicated that they would have liked to receive the intervention earlier following diagnosis.ConclusionsPEPA‐RA and the outcomes appear feasible and acceptable. Overall, small beneficial effects were noted at 12 weeks for most outcomes. Challenges to recruitment resulted in a smaller than anticipated sample size, and the majority of participants were active at baseline indicating that future recruitment needs to target less active individuals.
In vitro stem cell modelling demonstrates a proof‐of‐concept for excess functional mutant TIMP3 as the cause of Sorsby fundus dystrophy
Authors: Hongisto Heidi , Dewing Jennifer M , Christensen David RG , Scott Jennifer , Cree Angela J , Nättinen Janika , Määttä Juha , Jylhä Antti , Aapola Ulla , Uusitalo Hannu , Kaarniranta Kai , Ratnayaka J Arjuna , Skottman Heli , Lotery Andrew J 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease of the macula that leads to bilateral loss of central vision and is caused by mutations in the TIMP3 gene. However, the mechanisms by which TIMP3 mutations cause SFD are poorly understood. Here, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived retinal pigmented epithelial (hiPSC‐RPE) cells from three SFD patients carrying TIMP3 p.(Ser204Cys) and three non‐affected controls to study disease‐related structural and functional differences in the RPE. SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE exhibited characteristic RPE structure and physiology but showed significantly reduced transepithelial electrical resistance associated with enriched expression of cytoskeletal remodelling proteins. SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE exhibited basolateral accumulation of TIMP3 monomers, despite no change in TIMP3 gene expression. TIMP3 dimers were observed in both SFD and control hiPSC‐RPE, suggesting that mutant TIMP3 dimerisation does not drive SFD pathology. Furthermore, mutant TIMP3 retained matrix metalloproteinase activity. Proteomic profiling showed increased expression of ECM proteins, endothelial cell interactions and angiogenesis‐related pathways in SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE. By contrast, there were no changes in VEGF secretion. However, SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE secreted higher levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, PDGF and angiogenin. Our findings provide a proof‐of‐concept that SFD patient‐derived hiPSC‐RPE mimic mature RPE cells and support the hypothesis that excess accumulation of mutant TIMP3, rather than an absence or deficiency of functional TIMP3, drives ECM and angiogenesis‐related changes in SFD. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of Withaferin A nanoparticles extracted from Withania somnifera by the expansion of supercritical fluid solution
Authors: Karimi Mehrnaz , Raofie Farhad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionWithania somnifera (L.) Dunal. is a plant with several important medicinal properties that have long been used in traditional therapy to treat some diseases.ObjectiveMicronisation reduces the particle size, which increases the bioavailability. In this study, due to the great potential of Withaferin A in the treatment of diseases, the nanoparticle formation of Withaferin A extracted from Withania somnifera, was considered.MethodologyIn the first step, the experimental parameters of supercritical fluid extraction of W. somnifera were optimised by central composite design (CCD). Then, the herbal extract was micronised using a new, repeatable, and robust method in terms of the expansion of carbon dioxide supercritical solvent. Also, the parameters of the experiment were optimised with the Draper‐Lin small composite designs. Moreover, we identified Withaferin A nanoparticle in the extracted samples by utilising liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and the obtained precipitates were characterised using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).ResultsThe optimal conditions of the experiment were as follows: pressure drop 254 atm, at the temperature of 53°C, equilibrium time 23 min, and collection time 57 min. Based on the observed results, the optimum points for the size and number of Withaferin A nanoparticles were predicted as 5 and 5842 nm, respectively.ConclusionThe nanoparticle production was accomplished through the expansion of supercritical solution, while the speed of expansion was much lower compared to the ordinary rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) methods. Also, the nanonisation conditions, especially the pressure drop, significantly affected the formation of nanoparticles.
Attitudes towards being assessed in group work: The effects of self‐efficacy and collective efficacy moderated by a short educational intervention
Authors: Rosander Michael , Forslund Frykedal Karin , Hammar Chiriac Eva 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBeing assessed in group work is a balance between cooperation and competition. Self‐efficacy and collective efficacy are important concepts in understanding how group work progresses and what attitudes assessment evokes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a short educational intervention on the association between efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards being assessed in group work. In a randomized, controlled study of 22 pupil work groups, half of them got a short educational intervention. The work groups were formed for this study. The pupils answered a questionnaire before the intervention and after doing group work for 3 to 6 weeks with a study‐specific task. A moderated mediation analysis showed that attitudes towards being assessed in group work significantly are related to self‐efficacy mediated through perceived collective efficacy and that this relationship is stronger in the intervention group. In the context of work group assessment, we have shown that self‐efficacy and collective efficacy are two separate, but related concepts that are dependent on each other when it comes to pupil attitudes towards group work assessment, and that a relatively short educational intervention to teachers and pupils had an effect on the attitude. However, the older girls' attitude towards group work assessment was the least positive of all, which may indicate that the intervention depends on gender and age.
Insights Into the Hematopoietic Regulatory Activities of Osteoblast by Secretomics
Authors: Hovey Owen , Pasha Roya , Lehmann Zoe , Pineault Nicolas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOsteoblasts are a key component of the endosteal hematopoietic stem cell niche and are recognized with strong hematopoietic supporting activity. Similarly, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC)‐derived osteoblast (M‐OST) conditioned media (OCM) enhance the growth of hematopoietic progenitors in culture and modulate their engraftment activity. This article aims to characterize the hematopoietic supporting activity of OCM by comparing the secretome of M‐OST to that of their precursor. Over 300 proteins are quantified by mass spectroscopy in media conditioned with MSC or M‐OST, with 47 being differentially expressed. Growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, and proteins from the complement pathways are included. The functional contribution of selected proteins on the growth and differentiation of cord blood (CB) progenitors is tested. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine and Galectin 3 (Gal3) have little impact on the growth of CB cells in serum‐free medium (SFM). In contrast, inhibition of the complement 3A receptor (C3a‐R) present on CB progenitors significantly reduces the growth of CD34+ cells in OCM cultures but not in SFM. These results provide new insights into changes in factors released by MSC undergoing osteoblast differentiation, and on paracrine factors that are partially responsible for the hematopoietic supporting activity of osteoblasts.
The association between secondhand smoke and childhood asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: He Zonglin , Wu Huailiang , Zhang Siyu , Lin Yuchen , Li Rui , Xie Lijie , Li Zibo , Sun Weiwei , Huang Xinyu , Zhang Casper J. P. , Ming Wai‐kit 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundSecondhand smoke (SHS) exposure can trigger asthma exacerbations in children. Different studies have linked increased asthma symptoms and even deaths in children with SHS, but the risk has not been quantified uniformly across studies. We aimed to investigate the role of SHS exposure as a risk factor of asthma among children.MethodsWe performed a systematic review in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from June 1975 to 10 March 2020. We included cohort, case‐control, and cross‐sectional studies reporting odds ratio (OR) or relative risk estimates and confidence intervals of all types of SHS exposure and childhood asthma.ResultsOf the 26 970 studies identified, we included 93 eligible studies (42 cross‐sectional, 41 cohort, and 10 case‐control) in the meta‐analysis. There were significantly positive associations between SHS exposure and doctor‐diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20‐1.28), wheezing (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.23‐1.32) and asthma‐like syndrome (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.34‐1.64). The funnel plots of all three outcomes skewed to the right, indicating that the studies generally favor a positive association of the disease with tobacco exposure. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that younger children tended to suffer more from developing doctor‐diagnosed asthma, but older children (adolescents) suffered more from wheezing. There was no evidence of significant publication or small study bias using Egger's and Begg's tests.ConclusionThe results show a positive association between prenatal and postnatal secondhand smoking exposure and the occurrence of childhood asthma, asthma‐like syndrome, and wheezing. These results lend support to continued efforts to reduce childhood exposure to secondhand smoke.
The efficacy of steroids in reducing morbidity and mortality from extreme hyperthermia and heatstroke—A systematic review
Authors: Walter Edward , Gibson Oliver R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSevere hyperthermia from classical or exertional heatstroke, or from drug ingestion or other noninfective pyrogens, is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. A systemic pro‐inflammatory response occurs during heatstroke, characterized by elevated cytokines with endotoxemia from elevated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Corticosteroids reduce LPS and cytokine levels, suggesting that they may improve outcome. A systematic review searching Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed from the earliest date available until September 2019 was conducted, according to the PRISMA guidelines, with five papers identified. In four studies, systemic steroids administered before or at the onset of heat stress improved mortality or reduced organ dysfunction. Survival time was greatest when steroid administration preceded heat stress. In one study, a nonsignificant increase in mortality was seen. A dose response was observed, with higher doses extending survival time. Animal studies suggest that steroids improve mortality and/or organ dysfunction after an episode of heat stress or extreme hyperthermia.
Zonotopic reachable set estimation for linear discrete‐time systems with time delay
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Wang Zhenhua , Tang Wentao , Feng Zhiguang , Shen Yi 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThis article studies reachable set estimation for linear discrete‐time systems with time delay, which are influenced by unknown but bounded disturbances. We propose a novel reachable set estimation method based on zonotopes for the considered systems. The proposed method can estimate real‐time reachable set under nonzero initial conditions. In order to increase estimation accuracy, we propose an iterative method to reduce the conservatism caused by the couplings between reachable sets at different instants. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by three numerical simulations.
Adaptive finite‐time neural backstepping control for multi‐input and multi‐output state‐constrained nonlinear systems using tangent‐type nonlinear mapping
Authors: Wei Yan , Zhou Pingfang , Liang Yinzheng , Wang Yueying , Duan Dengping 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThis article focuses on the problem of adaptive finite‐time neural backstepping control for multi‐input and multi‐output nonlinear systems with time‐varying full‐state constraints and uncertainties. A tan‐type nonlinear mapping function is first proposed to convert the strict‐feedback system into a new pure‐feedback one without constraints. Neural networks are utilized to cope with unknown functions. To improve learning performance, a composite adaptive law is designed using tracking error and approximate error. A finite‐time convergent differentiator is adopted to avoid the problem of “explosion of complexity.” By theoretical analysis, all the signals of system are proved to be bounded, the outputs can track the desired signals in a finite time, and full‐state constraints are not transgressed. Finally, comparative simulations are offered to confirm the validity of the proposed control scheme.
Finding the place of argumentation in science education: Epistemics and Whole Science
Authors: Allchin Douglas , Zemplén Gábor Á. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractArgumentation constitutes an important element in nature of science education. However, its virtues and scope can be overstated. Here, we survey in detail the place of argumentation in science education. Our benchmark is the range of epistemic processes relevant to citizens and consumers as they assess the reliability of scientific claims in personal and public decision making. We consider multiple epistemic stages in the development (or ontogeny) of such claims: (a) observation and material investigation; (b) the crafting of concepts through individual cognition; (c) the checks and balances of the scientific community; (d) the challenges of credibility and expertise in a cultural context; and (e) the interpretation of “science in the wild,” where authentic scientific claims mingle with imitators and misinformation on the Internet and social media and in public discourse. We conclude that many conventional rationalist assumptions haunt current approaches to argumentation and limit its effectiveness, especially in the implicit goal of achieving intellectual independence for students as autonomous scientific agents. A more fruitful approach, from the perspective of functional scientific literacy, is a Whole Science perspective, which gives full expression to the spectrum of epistemic processes in science and science communication.