bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined neat model for the prognosis of postoperative stage III‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhai Yirui , Hui Zhouguang , Men Yu , Luo Yang , Gao Yushun , Kang Jingjing , Sun Xin , Wang Jianyang 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundLung cancer serum tumor markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21‐1), and carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125) as prognostic predictors is controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between these markers and the survival of patients with postoperative stage III‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsWe enrolled 1011 patients with pathologically confirmed stage III‐N2 NSCLC who underwent resection and whose pretreatment serum tumor marker levels were available. Patients were categorized according to their serum levels into low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), local regional relapse‐free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were calculated from the date of resection. Their association with each serum tumor marker was assessed using the log‐rank test.ResultsAbnormal CEA levels were associated with worse five‐year OS, PFS and DMFS; abnormal CYFRA21‐1 levels were associated with worse five‐year OS and LRFS; and abnormal CA125 levels were associated with worse five‐year OS, PFS, LRFS and DMFS. Among the risk groups, there were significant differences in five‐year OS, PFS, LRFS and DMFS (P = 0.000). In propensity score matching analysis, the model also achieved prognostic significance for all four survival classifications (P = 0.001–0.004) among the three risk groups.ConclusionsThe combined model achieved prognostic significance for all survival outcome types. The serum tumor markers tested are useful prognostic predictors for postoperative NSCLC patients but not for all survival outcomes. The combination of the three indices is more reliable in predicting all four of the survival outcomes.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studySerum CEA, CYFRA21‐1, and CA125 levels can be used as prognostic factors of postoperative N2 non‐small cell lung cancer patients but not for all survival outcomes, suggesting that combinative detection of all three indices would be more reliable.What this study addsOur model utilizes available technology, with conventional cutoff values, inexpensive costs, and simple mathematics methods and, thus, can be feasibly employed by clinicians or oncologists.
Slow associative learning in alcohol dependence and the alcohol cue exposure treatment paradox
Authors: Buckfield Carl , Sinclair Julia M. A. , Glautier Steven 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsTo examine two explanations for the observation that cue–exposure treatment has not been clearly effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence: do alcohol‐dependent individuals have either (1) slower extinction and/or (2) greater contextual specificity of extinction than non‐dependent individuals?DesignIn two exploratory laboratory experiments we used mixed factorial designs with two‐group between‐subjects factors and within‐subjects factors corresponding to performance in different parts of a computer‐based learning task.SettingUniversity of Southampton psychology research laboratories and two addiction treatment services in the city of Southampton, UK.ParticipantsExperiment 1: 74 (54 female) undergraduates from the University of Southampton (age mean = 20.4 years). Experiment 2: 102 (40 female) participants from the University of Southampton, the local community, and from two Southampton alcohol treatment services (age mean = 41.3 years).MeasurementsThe Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a 1‐week time‐line follow‐back alcohol consumption questionnaire, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (11th edn), and a computerized learning task. Experiment 2 additionally used the 44‐item Big Five Inventory, a drug use history checklist, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.FindingsExperiment 1: light and heavy drinkers did not differ significantly in extinction [extinction block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.761,
, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0,0.028)] or on contextual control of extinction [recovery block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.514,
, 95% CI =(0, 0.084)]. Experiment 2: slower extinction in abstinent alcohol‐dependent participants compared with light drinkers [extinction block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.023,
, 95% CI = 0, 0.069)] but no significant difference on contextual control of extinction [recovery block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.069,
, 95% CI = (0, 0.125)].ConclusionAbstinent alcohol‐dependent people may have slower extinction learning for alcohol‐related cues than non‐dependent light drinkers.
Frequent planned fire can prevent succession to woody plant dominance in montane temperate grasslands
Authors: Kirkpatrick James , Gilfedder Louise , Duncan Fred , Wapstra Mark 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNatural temperate grasslands are endangered throughout their range, largely because of their almost complete conversion to agriculture, and by changes in fire and grazing regimes. Woody encroachment by shrubs is a global threat to the structure, function and composition of grasslands. We wished to determine the characteristics of fire regimes that prevent or reverse woody plant encroachment, maintain native species richness and minimise exotic plant invasion in temperate grassland at the Surrey Hills Tasmania, where a fire management plan with variable prescriptions had been implemented for two decades. We collected floristic, fire regime and environmental data from 105 quadrats (1 × 10 m) in 2016/2017, and compared the data from 2016/2017 to that from a 1994 survey using the same methods. A high frequency and cover of native shrubs characterised areas unburned for at least 20 years before 2017, but not those unburned in the 20 years before 1994. Shrub cover began to strongly increase after a decade without fire and was greater on larger plains. Native species richness declined with an increasing minimum interval between fires and increased with elevation. It began to decline at the quadrat scale when shrub cover attained 40%. In the data set as a whole, 17 of the 67 most abundant taxa were absent from all quadrats unburned for 20 years before 2017, indicating a high potential for loss of species at a landscape scale in the absence of fire. Exotic species cover was randomly distributed in relation to fire regimes and environment. The current fire management regime has largely been at a sufficient frequency and minimum interval (approximately a decade between fires) to maintain the grassiness and native species richness of treated plains, which is fortunate given that recent land‐use change appears to have resulted in increased frequency of shrubs independent of their cover.
Mistletoe litter accelerates the decomposition of recalcitrant host litter in a semi‐arid savanna, south‐west Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndagurwa Hilton G. T. , Maponga Tsitsi S. , Muvengwi Justice 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLitter mixing plays an important role in enhancing carbon and nutrient cycling, but little is known about the effects of nutrient‐rich mistletoe litter on the decomposition of slow‐decaying litter in nutrient‐poor environments. We investigated the effects of mistletoe litter on the decomposition and nutrient release of hostVachellia karroolitter in semi‐arid savanna, south‐west Zimbabwe. Mass loss and nutrient release was quantified in litter of each single species, two‐species, three‐species and four‐species mixtures of mistletoe,Erianthemum ngamicum,Plicosepalus kalachariensisandViscum verrucosum, and the hostV. karrooin 30 × 30 cm nylon‐mesh litterbags under field conditions at 2‐month intervals for one year. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to test the effects of litter type, incubation time and their interaction on mass loss and nutrient release. The effects of initial litter quality, incubation time and litter mixture on decomposition rate were also tested. Litter mixtures of mistletoes andV. karroodecomposed three times faster thanV. karroodecomposing alone, and decomposition of litter mixtures was influenced by initial litter quality and incubation time. Further, non‐additive effects are reported, with synergistic interactions being greater after 12 months and common regarding mass loss, phosphorus and carbon, whereas antagonistic interactions were common in nitrogen release. These effects varied both in magnitude and direction between litter‐mixing treatments and with incubation time (P < 0.05). Our findings show that mistletoe litter enhance the decomposition of recalcitrant host litter consistent with findings in other ecosystems that contain hemiparasites, suggesting that hemiparasite litter plays an important role in carbon and nutrient flux in this system. Further, by enhancing the decomposition and nutrient release rate of recalcitrant host litter, mistletoes increase nutrient availability to other organisms within the ecosystem lending support to the premise that parasitic plants function as keystone species in environments where they occur.
Contraception usage and the desired number of offspring of Indigenous women from the Gomeroi lands
Authors: Schumacher Tracy L. , Frawley Julia , Pringle Kirsty G. , Keogh Lyniece , Sutherland Kathryn , Herden Jodie , Knox Paris , Loxton Deborah , Rae Kym M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the current contraception usage patterns from a cohort of Australian Indigenous women, including their ideal family size and spacing between children.DesignCross‐sectional analysis of data (2012‐2019).SettingData are from a longitudinal study, the Gomeroi gaaynggal (babies from Gomeroi lands) program, based in rural and remote Gomeroi lands in New South Wales.ParticipantsWomen carrying an Indigenous baby who enrolled during pregnancy were eligible for the study. The mother and child are then followed for up to 10 years.Main outcome measuresContraception usage in the postnatal period was recorded, as well as whether they were sexually active, whether they wanted more children and their preferred spacing between children. Medical, social and demographic information was also collected. These measures were self‐reported via an online tool (Survey Monkey®) at their first visit to the study following the birth of their child.ResultsNinety‐nine women were included in the analysis. Most women reported that they were sexually active at the time they were questioned about their contraceptive usage. The most popular contraception choices were condoms, the oral contraceptive pill and implant rods. Those answering that they did not want more children had a median of three children already. Those who wanted more children had a median of one child. The majority of the women stated that 2‐3 years between babies was ideal.ConclusionThe sampled women had clear beliefs about their ideal family size, in which contraceptive usage played an important part.
Flows and function of the Infant Flow neonatal continuous positive airway pressure device investigated with computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Drevhammar Thomas , Berg Niclas , Nilsson Kjell , Jonsson Baldvin , Prahl Wittberg Lisa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimThe first dedicated neonatal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device using variable flow was the Infant Flow. The system was pressure stable with a low resistance to breathing. The aim of this study was to describe the flow and function of the Infant Flow geometry using simulated breathing and computational fluid dynamics.MethodThe original Infant Flow geometry was used with simulated term infant breathing at three levels of CPAP. The large eddy simulation methodology was applied in combination with the WALE sub‐grid scale model.ResultsThe simulation fully resolved the flow phenomena in the Infant Flow geometry. The main flow feature during inspiration was support by gas entrainment and mixing. During expiration, the jet deflected towards the outlet with unstable impingement of the jet at the opposing edge.ConclusionThe proposed mechanism has previously been based on theoretical reasoning, and our results present the first detailed description of the Infant Flow. The pressure stability was based on a jet supporting inspiration by gas entrainment and then being deflected during exhalation. This confirmed previously assumed principles of function and flows within the geometry and provided a base for further developments.
CSR politics of non‐recognition: Justification fallacies marginalising criticism, society, and environment
Authors: Norberg Peter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBusiness is frequently criticized for not taking social and environmental responsibility. Large companies respond with CSR activities and some also with formulating justifications for their actions. This could indicate that business opens up to the criticism. I do, however, not observe such openness in the current study, but how companies use “CSR justifications” to fend off criticism. While companies use justifications as tool for creating legitimacy, I distinguish five justification fallacies. These failures in dealing with criticism cause a marginalisation of criticism, society, and environment. The fallacies found are neglecting criticism, shareholder primacy, organisation‐centricity, conflict avoidance, and progressivism. I contribute to the use of Habermasian ethics in the business ethics literature by showing how CSR justifications could play a part in a rational discourse. The concept justification fallacy, and the five fallacies can provide a framework for analysing corporate rhetoric more generally. Managers have fundamental difficulties in handling ethics and do not reflect on their reasons for working with CSR. They should be more careful when formulating justifications. In our situation of increasing affective polarisation, business needs to be more constructive than merely to marginalise criticism.
A novel apoA‐I mimetic peptide suppresses atherosclerosis by promoting physiological HDL function in apoE−/− mice
Authors: Gou Sanhu , Wang Li , Zhong Chao , Chen Xinyue , Ouyang Xu , Li Beibei , Bao Guangjun , Liu Hui , Zhang Yun , Ni Jingman 
Published: July 2020

Background and PurposeApolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) mimetic peptides (AAMPs) are short peptides that can mimic the physiological effects of apoA‐I, including the suppression of atherosclerosis by reversely transporting peripheral cholesterol to the liver. As the hydrophobicity of apoA‐I is considered important for its lipid transport, novel AAMPs were designed and synthesized in this study by gradually increasing the hydrophobicity of the parent peptide, and their anti‐atherosclerotic effects were tested.Experimental ApproachSeventeen new AAMPs (P1–P17) with incrementally increased hydrophobicity were designed and synthesized by replacing the amino acids 221–240 of apoA‐I (VLESFKVSFLSALEEYTKKL). Their effects on cholesterol efflux were evaluated. Their cytotoxicity and haemolytic activity were also measured. The in vitro mechanism of the action of the new peptides was explored. Adult apolipoprotein E−/− mice were used to evaluate the anti‐atherosclerotic activity of the best candidate, and the mechanistic basis of its anti‐atherosclerotic effects was explored.Key ResultsSeventeen new AAMPs (P1–P17) were synthesized, and their cholesterol efflux activity and cytotoxicity were closely related to their hydrophobicity. P12 (FLEKLKELLEHLKELLTKLL) was the best candidate and most strongly promoted cholesterol efflux among the non‐toxic peptides (P1–P12). With its phospholipid affinity, P12 facilitated cholesterol transport through the ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1. In vivo, P12 exhibited prominent anti‐atherosclerotic activity via coupling with HDL.Conclusion and ImplicationsP12 featured adequate hydrophobicity, which ensured its efficient binding with cytomembrane phospholipids, cholesterol and HDL, and provided a basis for its ability to reversely transport cholesterol and treat atherosclerosis.
Small molecule‐driven SIRT3‐autophagy‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition ameliorates inflammatory crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes
Authors: Zhang Tian , Fang Zhujun , Linghu Ke‐Gang , Liu Jingxin , Gan Lishe , Lin Ligen 
Published: July 2020

Background and PurposeIL‐1β produced by macrophages via the NOD‐, LRR‐ and pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, mediates the inflammatory crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes. In our previous study, (16S,20S,24R)‐12β‐acetoxy‐16,23‐epoxy‐24,25‐dihydroxy‐3β‐(β‐D‐xylopyranosyloxy)‐9,19‐cyclolanost‐22(23)‐ene (AEDC), a cycloartane triterpenoid isolated from Actaea vaginata (Ranunculaceae), was found to possess anti‐inflammatory effect on LPS‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages. This study was designed to investigate whether AEDC modulates macrophage–adipocyte crosstalk to alleviate adipose tissue inflammation.Experimental ApproachThe anti‐inflammatory effect of AEDC was evaluated on LPS plus ATP‐induced THP‐1 macrophages and C57BL/6J mice. The expression of autophagy‐related and NLRP3 inflammasome complex proteins was analysed by western blots, immunofluorescence staining and co‐immunoprecipitation. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines levels were determined by ELISA kits. The adipose tissue inflammation was evaluated by histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining.Key ResultsAEDC (5 and 10 μM) activated autophagy, which in turn suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL‐1β secretion in THP‐1 macrophages. AEDC increased the expression of SIRT3 deacetylase and enhanced its deacetylating activity to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction and activate AMP‐activated protein kinase, which together induced autophagy. Moreover, AEDC (10 μM) attenuated macrophage conditioned medium‐induced inflammatory responses in adipocytes and blocked THP‐1 macrophages migration towards 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In inflammation mice, AEDC (5 and 20 mg·kg−1) treatment reduced the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in serum and epididymal adipose tissue and reduced macrophage infiltration to alleviate adipose tissue inflammation.Conclusion and ImplicationsAEDC attenuated the inflammatory crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes through SIRT3‐autophagy‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, which might used for the treatment of adipose tissue inflammation‐related metabolic disorders.
Ribosomes as a nexus between translation and cancer progression: Focus on ribosomal Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) in breast cancer
Authors: Buoso Erica , Masi Mirco , Long Aideen , Chiappini Camilla , Travelli Cristina , Govoni Stefano , Racchi Marco 
Published: July 2020

Ribosomes coordinate spatiotemporal control of gene expression, contributing to the acquisition and maintenance of cancer phenotype. The link between ribosomes and cancer is found in the roles of individual ribosomal proteins in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, including the ribosomal protein, receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1). RACK1 regulates cancer cell invasion and is localized in spreading initiation centres, structural adhesion complexes containing RNA binding proteins and poly‐adenylated mRNAs that suggest a local translation process. As RACK1 is a ribosomal protein directly involved in translation and in breast cancer progression, we propose a new molecular mechanism for breast cancer cell migration and invasion, which considers the molecular differences between epithelial and mesenchymal cell profiles in order to characterize and provide novel targets for therapeutic strategies. Hence, we provide an analysis on how ribosomes translate cancer progression with a final focus on the ribosomal protein RACK1 in breast cancer.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on New avenues in cancer prevention and treatment (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.12/issuetoc
Innovations in Practice: A randomised controlled feasibility trial of Behavioural Activation as a treatment for young people with depression
Authors: Kitchen Charlotte E. W. , Tiffin Paul A. , Lewis Sue , Gega Lina , Ekers David 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundBehavioural Activation (BA) treatment effectively reduces symptoms of depression in adults and is more cost‐effective than more complex therapies. Two recent systematic reviews of BA for depression in young people highlighted the need for more studies in this area.MethodsIn order to evaluate the acceptability of BA treatment for adolescents with depression and the feasibility of conducting a trial of this intervention in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), 22 patients from across three sites were randomised to BA or usual CAMHS care. Existing CAMHS staff were trained to deliver the manualised intervention via a brief course. Following treatment, young people and their parents/carers were asked to complete a feedback survey. Symptoms and functioning were assessed at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. The trial was registered with the ISRCTN Registry (ref: ISRCTN52147450; https://www.isrctn.com/).ResultsRecruitment targets were achieved through screening large numbers of CAMHS service users. Intervention adherence by the participating adolescents was high (median number of completed BA sessions was seven out of a total of eight). There were tentative suggestions of improvements following treatment; a large change in a positive direction for the BA group, but not for usual care, was observed by visual comparisons of mean scores on measures of depression, self‐esteem and functioning. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that BA in this setting is acceptable and warrants evaluation via a fully powered randomised controlled trial.
Intelligent forecasting of time series based on evolving distributed Neuro‐Fuzzy network
Authors: Rodrigues Júnior Selmo Eduardo , de Oliveira Serra Ginalber Luiz 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAn evolving methodology based on Neuro‐Fuzzy Takagi‐Sugeno network (NF‐TS) for distributed forecasting of univariate time series, is proposed. First, the unobservable components, or hidden patterns, are extracted from experimental data of the time series. Then, a distributed forecasting is performed separately for each component, considering an evolving NF‐TS associated with each extracted pattern. The evolving NF‐TS uses components data to adapt and adjust its structure, as the number of fuzzy rules increases or decreases according the behavior of the unobservable components. A recursive version of singular spectral analysis (SSA) technique is formulated, as one of the main contributions of this article, and it is applied to extract the components. The efficiency of proposed methodology is illustrated from results of comparison to others state‐of‐the‐art techniques for forecasting of various univariate time series.