bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between BDNF rs6265 polymorphisms and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Xie Songhui , Yu Lu , Zhou Mingming , Liu Li , Lei Daoyun , Han Chao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). In present study, we aimed to assess the possible association between POCD and BDNF rs6265 polymorphisms.Methods124 patients aged 60 years or older scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia and 25 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy volunteers were recruited. POCD was identified using a neuropsychological test battery administered preoperatively, 7 days, and 3 months after surgery. Genotyping of rs6265 was performed using polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.Results99 patients and 25 healthy controls were finally enrolled in the analysis. 29(29.3%) and 18(18.2%) of 99 patients had POCD at 7 days and 3 months after surgery, respectively. The patients carrying a G allele at the rs6265 locus showed a lower risk for POCD than an A allele carriers on postoperative 7 days, but not 3 months after surgery (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.47–0.96; p = .017; OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.42–1.13; p = .14, respectively). The risk of POCD at 7 days following surgery was significantly lower in additive model (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.2–0.84; p = .015) and dominant model (OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13–0.96; p = .042).ConclusionWe tentatively demonstrate that BDNF rs6265 polymorphisms might be associated with occurrence of POCD at 7 days after surgery and the A > G mutant at the rs6265 locus be likely a protective factor for early POCD in Chinese Han population.
Network of ictal head version in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Xiu , Sang Lin , Zhang Chao , Zhao Bao‐tian , Mo Jia‐jie , Hu Wen‐han , Shao Xiao‐qiu , Wang Feng , Ai Lin , Zhang Jian‐guo , Zhang Kai 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveIctal head version is a common clinical manifestation of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Nevertheless, the location of the symptomatogenic zone and the network involved in head version remains unclear. We attempt to explain these problems by analyzing interictal 18FDG‐PET imaging and ictal stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) recordings in MTLE patients.MethodsFifty‐eight patients with MTLE were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into version (+) and (−) groups according to the occurrence of versive head movements. The interictal PET data were compared among 18 healthy controls and the (+) and (−) groups. Furthermore, epileptogenicity index (EI) values and correlations with the onset time of head version were analyzed with SEEG.ResultsIntergroup comparisons showed that PET differences were observed in the middle temporal neocortex (MTN), posterior temporal neocortex (PTN), supramarginal gyrus (SMG), and inferior parietal lobe (IPL). The EI values in the SMG, MTN, and PTN were significantly higher in the version (+) group than in the version (−) group. A linear relationship was observed between head version onset and ipsilateral onset time in the SMG, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), MTN, and PTN. A linear relationship was observed between EI, the difference between version onset and temporal neocortex onset, and the y‐axis of the MNI coordinate.ConclusionThe generation of ictal head version contributes to the propagation of ictal discharges to the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) area. The network of version originates from a mesial temporal lobe structure, passes through the MTN, PTN, and SMG, and likely ends at the IPS.
Sustainability strategies by companies in the global coffee sector
Authors: Bager Simon L. , Lambin Eric F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe coffee sector is facing several sustainability challenges. We ask whether addressing these is transforming the entire coffee sector or rather leading to market differentiation. Drawing on stakeholder theory and global value chain analysis, we analyse how the coffee sector approaches sustainability by examining the sustainability efforts of a random sample of 513 companies. We also identify the factors shaping the adoption of sustainability strategies. A third of companies report no commitment to sustainability, whereas another third report vague commitment. The final third of companies report tangible commitments to sustainability. Company characteristics and stakeholders affect the scope and type of sustainability strategy chosen. Large, risk‐aware companies tend to conduct ‘hands‐on’ governance, adopting internal sustainability practices along their value chain. Small, consumer‐facing companies and producers rely on ‘hands‐off’ governance, adopting external voluntary sustainability standards. Several sustainability issues remain underaddressed by most companies, including climate change and deforestation. We found indications of potential greenwashing by some companies. Addressing sustainability is not yet fully mainstreamed in the sector, though ambitious commitments by sustainability leaders and large actors signal increasing importance of sustainability as part of corporate social responsibility efforts. We observe market differentiation through sustainability with progressive companies adopting sustainability strategies that align with their stakeholders, depending on value chain characteristics. Our results indicate a notable reliance on internal sustainability practices. There is a need for common coffee sustainability indicators relevant for all actors along the value chain, which are consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, and a transparent, mandatory reporting framework.
Bioconversion of ferulic acid into aroma compounds by newly isolated yeast strains of the Latin American biodiversity
Authors: Bettio Giulia , Zardo Luíza Caroline , Rosa Carlos Augusto , Záchia Ayub Marco Antônio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNine yeast strains isolated from Latin American biodiversity were screened for ferulic acid (FA) consumption and conversion into aroma compounds such as vanillin, vanillic acid (VA), and 4‐vinylguaiacol (VG). Selected strains (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa UFMG‐CM‐Y3647, UFMG‐CM‐Y2190, UFMG‐CM‐Y665) were evaluated in flask experiments to investigate the influence of the pH media on bioconversion and a two‐step process was conducted to maximize the metabolites production. The effect of pH was found to be significantly important for FA bioconversion, as acidic conditions (pH < 6.0) improved VA accumulation, with highest production of 1.14 ± 0.02 and 1.25 ± 0.03 g/L shown by UFMG‐CM‐Y3647 and UFMG‐CM‐Y2190, respectively. The two‐step process favored 4‐VG production for most strains, being UFMG‐CM‐Y2190 the best producer, its cultures reaching 1.63 ± 0.09 g/L after 55 hr, showing a productivity of 29.59 ± 1.55 mg/(L·hr), as glucose affected the metabolites pool and redirected yeast metabolism. R mucilaginosa UFMG‐CM‐Y3647 was selected for scaled‐up cultivations in a 2‐L bioreactor, where pH‐controlled pH 5.5 and aeration of 2.5 vvm was found to be the best condition to improve VA productivity, attaining final concentrations of 1.20 ± 0.02 g/L−1 (78% molar yield) and a productivity of 40.82 ± 0.57 mg/(L·hr).
Is critical thinking happening? Testing content analysis schemes applied to MOOC discussion forums
Authors: O'Riordan Tim , Millard David E. , Schulz John 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLearners’ progress within computer‐supported collaborative learning environments is typically measured via analysis and interpretation of quantitative web interaction measures. However, the usefulness of these “proxies for learning” is questioned as they do not necessarily reflect critical thinking—an essential component of collaborative learning. Research indicates that pedagogical content analysis schemes have value in measuring critical discourse in small scale, formal, online learning environments, but research using these methods on high volume, informal, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) forums is less common. The challenge in this setting is to develop valid and reliable indicators that operate successfully at scale. In this study, we test two established coding schemes used for the pedagogical content analysis of online discussions in a large‐scale review of MOOC comment data. Pedagogical Scores are derived from manual ratings applied to comments by raters and correlated with automatically derived linguistic and interaction indicators. Results show that the content analysis methods are reliable, and are very strongly correlated with each other, suggesting that their specific format is not significant in this setting. In addition, the methods are strongly associated with the relevant linguistic indicators of higher levels of learning and have weaker correlations with other linguistic and interaction metrics. This suggests promise for further research using Machine Learning techniques, with the goal of providing realistic feedback to instructors, learners, and learning designers.
Education in times of crisis: Rapid transition to distance learning
Authors: Bojović Živko , Bojović Petar D. , Vujošević Dušan , Šuh Jelena 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe COVID‐19 crisis is having a significant impact on the quality of life and future of young people; it can also lead to disruption in education. A disruption would pose a severe threat to the entire society in the postcrisis period. Therefore, educational institutions must respond quickly and ensure the continuity of the educational processes. Our research goal has been to develop and implement a model enabling a rapid transition from the traditional to the distance learning model in a state of emergency. Our focus has been on conceiving technical, organizational, and pedagogical changes that educational organizations need to implement to enable different interaction methods, ensure continuity, and provide high‐quality education. We have defined and implemented a model, which is described in detail in this paper, thus giving guidelines for a rapid transition to distance learning, which is not restricted to the crisis times only. We have evaluated our approach by monitoring the IT solutions and surveying students and teachers at the School of Computing, Union University of Belgrade. The results indicate the high satisfaction of these participants in the educational processes. They imply the acceptability of prolonged distance learning, if needed, and embrace the hybrid education model for the next generation of students.
Nutritional status and survival of 8247 cancer patients with or without diabetes mellitus—results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cong Minghua , Zhu Wenjie , Wang Chang , Fu Zhenming , Song Chunhua , Dai Zhong , Yao Keqing , Guo Zengqing , Lin Yuan , Shi Yingying , Hu Wen , Ba Yi , Li Suyi , Li Zengning , Wang Kunhua , Wu Jing , He Ying , Yang Jiajun , Xie Conghua , Song Xinxia , Chen Gongyan , Ma Wenjun , Luo Suxia , Chen Zihua , Ma Hu , Zhou Chunling , Wang Wei , Luo Qi , Shi Yongmei , Qi Yumei , Jiang Haiping , Guan Wenxian , Chen Junqiang , Chen Jiaxin , Fang Yu , Zhou Lan , Feng Yongdong , Tan Rongshao , Li Tao , Ou Junwen , Zhao Qingchuan , Wu Jianxiong , Deng Li , Lin Xin , Yang Liuqing , Xu Hongxia , Li Wei , Yu Lei , Shi Hanping ,   Investigation on Nutrition Status, Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers (INSCOC) Group
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe number of cancer patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is steadily rising. Little is known about the nutritional status of this population. This study characterized the nutritional status and survival of cancer patients with diabetes compared with those without diabetes.MethodsA total of 8247 cancer patients were prospectively enrolled from 72 hospitals in China and followed until August 2019. A global estimation of the nutritional status was performed for each participant using standardized tools. The outcomes were cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsThe incidence of diabetes was 7.6% in the whole population. In comparison with the non‐DM group, the DM group had greater body weight, but a similar fat‐free mass, a lower handgrip strength and a decreased Karnofsky performance score. A higher proportion of patients with diabetes were overweight/obese as indicated by BMI. The percentage of patients who were at risk of malnutrition (evaluated by PG‐SGA) was higher in the DM group (score ≥ 4, 56.7% vs 52.9%). Patients with DM showed a worse CSS (4‐year CSS, 62% vs 73%) and OS (4‐year OS 39% vs 52%). Diabetes was associated with an increased risk of both cancer‐specific (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.282, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.070‐1.536) and overall (HR = 1.206, 95% CI 1.040‐1.399) mortality.ConclusionsCancer patients with diabetes had a larger body mass but lower muscle strength, poorer performance status and higher incidence of malnourishment. Diabetes was associated with compromised survival. Tailored nutritional intervention is necessary for this subpopulation of patients.
The COVID‐19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Children in Domestic Violence Refuges
Authors: Øverlien Carolina 
Published: August 2020

Key Practitioner Messages

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in negative consequences for children exposed to violence and abuse.
Domestic violence refuge staff were greatly concerned about children both living outside and inside refuges.
Domestic violence refuges have played a pivotal role during the COVID‐19 pandemic and should receive wider acknowledgement and greater support for their work.
Prepare to continue leading staff, student‐athletes in rapidly changing environment rife with challenges
Authors: McCarthy Claudine 
Published: August 2020

As Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator of Sport Management at Eastern Michigan University, who also supervises student internships, Erica J. Zonder, J.D., M.S., usually spends the spring and summer talking to dozens of organizations that have internship pipelines and sending multiple emails per week to current and former students about opportunities. But, of course, circumstances have been far from typical for Zonder and everyone else involved with college athletics.
Increased ABCC2 expression predicts cisplatin resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Yun , Zhou Hongying , Yang Sifu , Su Dan 
Published: August 2020

Long‐term use of platinum‐based drugs can cause non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to develop extremely strong drug resistance. Increasing the drug dosage does not have better treatment effects and could lead to serious complications. High levels of drug resistance are considered to be characteristic of human tumours and are usually mediated by genes related to multidrug resistance. Multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (ABCC2), an ATP‐binding cassette multidrug resistance transporter, was found to be overexpressed in various human cancers. In this study, we found that ABCC2 was also upregulated in cisplatin (DDP)‐resistant A549 cells (A549/DDP). Functional studies demonstrated that ABCC2 knockdown reversed DDP resistance and promoted G1 phase arrest in A549/DDP cells, and PARP and caspase‐3 were activated in A549/DDP cells following ABCC2 knockdown. In vivo, ABCC2 knockdown enhanced the cytotoxicity of DDP to subcutaneous A549 tumours. Together, these results suggest that ABCC2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for overcoming DDP resistance in NSCLC patients.Significance of the studyIn this study, we investigated the role of ABCC2 in cisplatin resistance of NSCLC cells. Our data show that ABCC2 expression was associated with resistance to cisplatin and that knockdown ABCC2 could reverse cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells. Taken together, our study suggests that reducing the expression of ABCC2 could become an important strategy for enhancing the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin.
Exploring Epigenetic Marks by Analysis of Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Millan Judith , Lesarri Alberto , Fernández José A. , Martínez Rodrigo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEpigenetic marks are modest chemical modifications on DNA and histone proteins that regulate the activation or silencing of genes through modulation of the intermolecular interactions between the DNA strands and the protein machinery. The process is complex and not always well understood. One of the systems studied in greater detail is the epigenetic mark on H3K9: lysine 9 of histone 3. The degree of methylation or acetylation of this histone is linked to silencing or activation of the corresponding gene, but it is not clear which effect each mark has in gene expression. We shed light on this particular methylation process by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. First, we built a model consisting of a DNA double strand containing three base pairs and a sequence of three amino acids of the histone's tail. Then, we computed the modulation introduced into the intermolecular interactions by each epigenetic modification: from mono‐ to trimethylation and acetylation. The calculations show that whereas acetylation and trimethylation result in a reduction of the DNA‐peptide interaction; non‐, mono‐, and dimethylation increase the intermolecular interactions. Such observations compare well with the findings reported in the literature, and highlight the correlation between the balance of intermolecular forces and biological properties, simultaneously advancing quantum‐mechanical studies of large biochemical systems at molecular level through the use of DFT methods.
Tryptophan Analogues with Fixed Side‐Chain Orientation: Expanding the Scope
Authors: Nicke Lennart , Horx Philip , Müller Ronny , Els‐Heindl Sylvia , Geyer Armin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA generalized synthetic strategy is proposed here for the synthesis of asymmetric β‐indoylated amino acids by 8‐aminoquinoline (8AQ)‐directed C(sp3)‐H functionalization of suitably protected precursors. Peptides containing one of the four stereoisomers of (indol‐3‐yl)‐3‐phenylalanine at position 2 of the parent peptide KwFwLL‐NH2 (w=d‐Trp) cover a wide range of activities as ghrelin receptor inverse agonists, among them the most active described until now. This application exemplarily shows how β‐indoylated amino acids can be used for the systematic variation of the position of an indole group in a bioactive peptide.
One‐by‐one immediate dental implants: A papillae preservation concept for adjacent implants in a compromised periodontal case
Authors: Khoury Georges , Chamieh Frédéric , Fromentin Olivier 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn an immediate implant placement and provisionalization strategy, the esthetic results of multiple adjacent implants can be obtained even with compromised periodontium by implementing the “one‐by‐one” protocol. Staged extractions of multiple adjacent teeth to maintain soft tissue architecture are a key feature of the technique described.
Congenital goiter in North of Iran: A case report
Authors: Mehrpisheh Shahrokh , Zamanfar Daniel , Ghaffari Zahra , Memarian Azadeh , Nikkhah Farahnaz 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCongenital goiter (CG) is one of the rarest disorders observed in a newborn at birth diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Considering the simultaneity of pregnancy and baby's hypothyroidism at birth, the goiter can be caused by diabetes during pregnancy and hypothyroidism emergence in the baby.
Soft tissue metastasis revealing a case of acinar cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin
Authors: Ines Werda , Imtinene Belaid , Sarra Mestiri , Ahlem Bedioui , Faten Ezzaairi , Imene Chabchoub , Nouha Ammar , Makrem Hochlaf , Leila Ben Fatma , Moncef Mokni , Slim Ben Ahmed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAcinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm. It can be fatal in some cases and conventional chemotherapy may not be effective. To our knowledge, we report here the first case of ACC metastatic to soft tissues, from unknown origin.
Air Distributor Pressure Drop Analysis in a Circulating Fluidized‐Bed Boiler for Non‐reference Operating Conditions
Authors: Mirek Paweł 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe air distributor plays a key role in circulating fluidized‐bed (CFB) boilers providing an even gas distribution in the cross section of the furnace. In most cases, this task under real conditions is very difficult to implement due to the destruction of the tuyeres. For this reason, the air distributors of many CFB boilers operate under conditions deviating from the design recommendations, which has a direct impact on the hydrodynamics of the fluidized bed and heat transfer conditions. This work reports studies on the performance of a tuyere‐type air distributor utilized in a CFB boiler and working under non‐reference operating conditions. Based on the results of simulation calculations, practical equations for a distributor pressure drop calculation have been derived taking into account a different degree of tuyere destruction.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polycarbonate/TiO2 Ultrafiltration Membranes: Critical Flux Determination
Authors: Etemadi Habib , Amirjangi Atefeh , Ghasemian Naser , Shokri Elham 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA novel polycarbonate (PC) membrane was modified with titanium dioxide via nonsolvent‐induced phase separation method to improve its hydrophilicity and antifouling properties in a submerged membrane system for the removal of humic acid (HA) both with and without polyaluminum chloride (PAC) coagulant. The effect of TiO2 additive on the morphology and performance of the nanocomposite membranes was studied by atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, mechanical properties, water contact angle, porosity, pure water flux, rejection tests, and antifouling parameters. The obtained results revealed that a higher critical flux was achieved by the PC/TiO2 nanocomposite membrane. The flux recovery ratio of the neat PC membrane increased with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles and without PAC coagulant. HA removal for the PC nanocomposite membrane was higher than that of the neat PC membrane with and without PAC coagulant.
Control of Nuttall's thistle in perennial grass pastures
Authors: Dias José Luiz C. S. , Sellers Brent A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNuttall's thistle (Cirsium nuttalliDC) is a biennial species that deters grazing during dry seasons in Florida when forage is limited. Although management of other thistle species has been extensively studied, information on Nuttall's thistle control is limited. Field studies were conducted to compare the effectiveness of aminopyralid, dicamba, and 2,4‐D for Nuttall's thistle control applied at two different timings (rosette vs. bolting). A second experiment was conducted to determine the most effective aminopyralid rate through field dose–response studies. Although control of bolting plants was initially greater than control of rosette thistle at 15 d after treatment (DAT), no differences were detected between growth stages at 30 and 60 DAT. Excellent control (>90%) was achieved at 60 DAT with both rates of dicamba + 2,4‐D [4.0 + 11.4 and 6.0 + 17.2 oz acid equivalent (ae) acre−1] and aminopyralid at 0.77 oz acre−1, whereas aminopyralid at 0.26 oz ae acre−1and both rates of 2,4‐D (7.0 and 14.0 oz ae acre−1) provided 82, 80, and 78% control, respectively. The dose–response field experiment indicated that the aminopyralid effective dose required for 90% control (ED90) was 0.34 and 0.94 oz ae acre−1for rosette and bolting thistle at 30 DAT, respectively. No difference between timings was detected at 60 DAT and the aminopyralid ED90value was 0.27 oz acre−1. These data indicate that dicamba + 2,4‐D (6.0 + 17.2 oz ae acre−1) effectively controlled Nuttall's thistle; similar performance can be obtained with low aminopyralid rates (0.27 oz ae acre−1).