bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mouse Models of Overexpression Reveal Distinct Oncogenic Roles for Different Type I Protein Arginine Methyltransferases
Authors: Bao Jianqiang , Di Lorenzo Alessandra , Lin Kevin , Lu Yue , Zhong Yi , Sebastian Manu M. , Muller William J. , Yang Yanzhong , Bedford Mark T. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) are generally not mutated in diseased states, but they are overexpressed in a number of cancers, including breast cancer. To address the possible roles of PRMT overexpression in mammary gland tumorigenesis, we generated Cre-activated PRMT1, CARM1, and PRMT6 overexpression mouse models. These three enzymes are the primary type I PRMTs and are responsible for the majority of the asymmetric arginine methylation deposited in the cells. Using either a keratin 5-Cre recombinase (K5-Cre) cross or an MMTV-NIC mouse, we investigated the impact of PRMT overexpression alone or in the context of a HER2-driven model of breast cancer, respectively. The overexpression of all three PRMTs induced hyper-branching of the mammary glands and increased Ki-67 staining. When combined with the MMTV-NIC model, these in vivo experiments provided the first genetic evidence implicating elevated levels of these three PRMTs in mammary gland tumorigenesis, albeit with variable degrees of tumor promotion and latency. In addition, these mouse models provided valuable tools for exploring the biological roles and molecular mechanisms of PRMT overexpression in the mammary gland. For example, transcriptome analysis of purified mammary epithelial cells isolated from bigenic NIC-PRMT1Tg and NIC-PRMT6Tg mice revealed a deregulated PI3K–AKT pathway. In the future, these PRMTTg lines can be leveraged to investigate the roles of arginine methylation in other tissues and tumor model systems using different tissue-specific Cre crosses, and they can also be used for testing the in vivo efficacy of small molecule inhibitors that target these PRMT.

Significance:
These findings establish Cre-activated mouse models of three different arginine methyltransferases, PRMT1, CARM1, and PRMT6, which are overexpressed in human cancers, providing a valuable tool for the study of PRMT function in tumorigenesis.
See related commentary by Watson and Bitler, p. 3
Improved Therapeutic Window in BRCA-mutant Tumors with Antibody-linked Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Dimers with and without PARP Inhibition
Authors: Zhong Haihong , Chen Cui , Tammali Ravinder , Breen Shannon , Zhang Jing , Fazenbaker Christine , Kennedy Maureen , Conway James , Higgs Brandon W. , Holoweckyj Nicholas , Raja Rajiv , Harper Jay , Pierce Andrew J. , Herbst Ronald , Tice David A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers (PBD) form cross-links within the minor groove of DNA causing double-strand breaks (DSB). DNA repair genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 play important roles in homologous recombination repair of DSB. We hypothesized that PBD-based antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) will have enhanced killing of cells in which homologous recombination processes are defective by inactivation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. To support this hypothesis, we found 5T4–PBD, a PBD-dimer conjugated to anti-5T4 antibody, elicited more potent antitumor activity in tumor xenografts that carry defects in DNA repair due to BRCA mutations compared with BRCA wild-type xenografts. To delineate the role of BRCA1/2 mutations in determining sensitivity to PBD, we used siRNA knockdown and isogenic BRCA1/2 knockout models to demonstrate that BRCA deficiency markedly increased cell sensitivity to PBD-based ADCs. To understand the translational potential of treating patients with BRCA deficiency using PBD-based ADCs, we conducted a “mouse clinical trial” on 23 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models bearing mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Of these PDX models, 61% to 74% had tumor stasis or regression when treated with a single dose of 0.3 mg/kg or three fractionated doses of 0.1 mg/kg of a PBD-based ADC. Furthermore, a suboptimal dose of PBD-based ADC in combination with olaparib resulted in significantly improved antitumor effects, was not associated with myelotoxicity, and was well tolerated. In conclusion, PBD-based ADC alone or in combination with a PARP inhibitor may have improved therapeutic window in patients with cancer carrying BRCA mutations.
Yaʿqūb al-Qirqisānī on Human Intellect, Legal Inference, and the Meaning of the Aristotelian Syllogism
Authors: Ravitsky Aviram 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In the fourth treatise of his legal-theological work Kitāb al-Anwār wa-al-Marāqib, Yaʿqūb al-Qirqisānī analyzes a criticism of the Aristotelian syllogism and its epistemological foundations. Qirqisānī defends Aristotelian logic by quoting a passage from an unknown commentary on Aristotle in which the Aristotelian theory of syllogism is explicated. This paper focuses on the historical, theological, and philosophical meanings of the criticism of the syllogism in Qirqisānī’s discussion and analyzes his interpretation of the syllogism as a source of knowledge that should be applied in the realm of legal reasoning and in the interpretation of biblical law.
Processes Controlling Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Predictability in the Community Earth System Model
Authors: Ordoñez Ana C. , Bitz Cecilia M. , Blanchard-Wrigglesworth Edward 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSea ice predictability is a rapidly growing area of research, with most studies focusing on the Arctic. This study offers new insights by comparing predictability between the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice anomalies, focusing on the effects of regional differences in ice thickness and ocean dynamics. Predictability in simulated regional sea ice area and volume is investigated in long control runs of an Earth system model. Sea ice area predictability in the Arctic agrees with results from other studies, with features of decaying initial persistence and reemergence because of ocean mixed layer processes and memory in thick ice. In pan-Arctic averages, sea ice volume and the area covered by thick ice are the best predictors of September area for lead times greater than 2 months. In the Antarctic, area is generally the best predictor of future area for all times of year. Predictability of area in summer differs between the hemispheres because of unique aspects of the coupling between area and volume. Generally, ice volume only adds to the predictability of summer sea ice area in the Arctic. Predictability patterns vary greatly among different regions of the Arctic but share similar seasonality among regions of the Antarctic. Interactive ocean dynamics influence anomaly reemergence differently in the Antarctic than the Arctic, both for the total and regional area. In the Antarctic, ocean dynamics generally decrease the persistence of area anomalies, reducing predictability. In the Arctic, the presence of ocean dynamics improves ice area predictability, mainly through mixed layer depth variability.
Improving the Quality of Life of Patients With Severe Dysphagia by Surgically Closing the Larynx
Authors: Kimura Yurika , Kishimoto Seiji , Sumi Takuro , Uchiyama Mio , Ohno Keiko , Kobayashi Hitome , Kano Makoto 
Published: October 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to elucidate the utility of the Kano method with surgical closure of the larynx by cricoid cartilage removal in improving quality of life in patients with severe dysphagia and their caregivers. Methods: Nine patients with severe dysphagia who underwent the Kano method were evaluated for oral intake and activities of daily living using the functional oral intake scale and the Barthel index, respectively, as indices of quality of life. Additionally, nutritional status, inflammation, and postoperative complications were assessed. Furthermore, 7 family caregivers were queried regarding frequency of sputum suction, mood of family caregivers, and postoperative satisfaction. Results: Functional oral intake scale and Barthel index scores as well as inflammation improved significantly after surgery ( P < .05). There were no severe complications or other complications requiring surgical intervention. The frequency of sputum suction was reduced postoperatively ( P < .05). The mood of family caregivers was significantly improved and satisfaction level was high postoperatively. Conclusions: Surgical closure of the larynx is an appropriate choice for patients with irreversible severe dysphagia and impaired articulation or vocal function because quality of life is improved for both patients and family caregivers and the satisfaction of family caregivers is sufficient.
Immunosuppression Impact on Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review with Meta‐analysis
Authors: Elghouche Alhasan N. , Pflum Zachary E. , Schmalbach Cecelia E. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThe primary objective was to define and quantify the relationship between immunosuppression and prognosis in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.Data SourcesOvid/Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception through June 5, 2017, with cross‐referenced subject headings of squamous cell carcinoma, skin neoplasms, head and neck neoplasms, and prognosis. Additional gray literature was queried.Review MethodsAll prospective, retrospective, and cohort studies in the English literature investigating prognosis in patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma were eligible for inclusion. Meta‐analysis data were pooled using the fixed‐effects model. The main outcome measures were hazard ratios detailing subgroup analysis between immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients.ResultsSeventeen studies were eligible for inclusion; 317 of the 2886 patients were immunosuppressed. Meta‐analysis with pooled hazard ratios was performed for all outcome variables with at least 3 reported hazard ratios. Immunosuppression portended a worse prognosis across all outcome variables of interest: locoregional recurrence (2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45‐3.36), disease‐free survival (2.69; 95% CI, 1.60‐4.51), disease‐specific survival (3.61; 95% CI, 2.63‐4.95), and overall survival (2.09; 95% CI, 1.64‐2.67).ConclusionThis is the largest investigation into the impact of immunosuppression on head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Immunosuppressed patients experience worse recurrence and survival outcomes compared to immunocompetent counterparts. The data support formal inclusion of immunosuppression in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma staging systems.
Severity and frequency of moral distress among midwives working in birth centers
Authors: Zolala Shahrzad , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Akrami Forouzan 
Published: October 2018

Background: When individuals are aware of the appropriate ethical practice, but lack the ability to do it, they will suffer from moral distress. Moral distress is a frequent phenomenon in clinical practice which can have different effects on the performance of physicians, nurses, and midwives, and therefore patients and health care systems. Research objective: The present study aimed to determine the severity and frequency of moral distress in midwives working in birth centers. Research design: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional research. Researcher-made questionnaire was used to gather data. Participants and research context: A total of 180 midwives working in the labor ward of the public birth centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were included to the study by census. Ethical considerations: Official permission for data collecting was obtained from the directors of the birth centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Then, after explaining the objectives of the study and assuring the confidentially of information, verbal consent of the participants was obtained. Findings: The total mean ± standard deviation of the severity and frequency of moral distress were 3.85 ± 0.75 and 3.03 ± 0.48, respectively. The highest severity and the lowest frequency of moral distress were obtained for the assistance for abortion and the lowest severity of moral distress was related to the organizational domain. However, the highest frequency of moral distress was related to futile care field. The mean of moral distress severity in the midwives with associate degree was significantly lower than other levels of education. Also, there was a significant relationship between age and moral distress frequency (p = 0.010). Discussion: The midwives’ moral distress was relatively high as expected. This finding is consistent with the results of similar studies in intensive care unit nurses. Conclusion: After identifying the level and most important factors of moral distress among midwives, the next step is empower them to prevent moral distress, in particular efforts to change structures.
Diet quality and risk of multiple sclerosis in two cohorts of US women
Authors: Rotstein Dalia L , Cortese Marianna , Fung Teresa T , Chitnis Tanuja , Ascherio Alberto , Munger Kassandra L 
Published: October 2018

Objective: To determine the association between measures of overall diet quality (dietary indices/patterns) and risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Over 185,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) completed semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. There were 480 MS incident cases. Diet quality was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) index, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) index. Principal component analysis was used to determine major dietary patterns. We calculated the hazard ratio (HR) of MS with Cox multivariate models adjusted for age, latitude of residence at age 15, body mass index at age 18, supplemental vitamin D intake, and cigarette smoking. Results: None of the dietary indices, AHEI-2010, aMED, or DASH, at baseline was statistically significantly related to the risk of MS. The principal component analysis identified “Western” and “prudent” dietary patterns, neither of which was associated with MS risk (HR, top vs bottom quintile: Western, 0.81 ( p = 0.31) and prudent, 0.96 ( p = 0.94)). When the analysis was repeated using cumulative average dietary pattern scores, the results were unchanged. Conclusion: There was no evidence of an association between overall diet quality and risk of developing MS among women.
Race, Bundled Payment Policy, and Discharge Destination After TKA: The Experience of an Urban Academic Hospital
Authors: Fang Michele , Hume Eric , Ibrahim Said 
Published: October 2018

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides good clinical outcomes for the treatment of end-stage osteoarthritis; however, discharge destination after TKA has major implications on postoperative adverse outcomes and readmissions. With the initiation of Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI), it is unclear how racial disparities in discharge destination after TKA will be affected by the new bundled payment for TKA. Methods: Bundled Payments for Care Improvement was implemented in July 01, 2014, at the University of Pennsylvania. We compared differences during early implementation (July 1, 2014, to, March 30, 2016) and during late policy implementation (April 1, 2016, to February 28, 2017) in patient characteristics (including race: African American [AA], white, and other race), discharge destination (skilled nursing facility [SNF], inpatient rehabilitation facility, home, home with home health, or other), and outcomes. Results: We identified 2276 patients who underwent TKA (43.8% AA, 48.2% white, and 8.0% other race). African American patients were more likely to be discharged to SNF as opposed to home than white patients both during the early BPCI (AA: 53.0%, n = 320; white: 32.4%, n = 210, P < .05) and late BPCI implementation (AA: 44.4%, n = 169, white: 26.9%, n = 120, P < .05), though all races showed trends to decreasing SNF use during the late BPCI implementation. Discussion: There were no significant differences in readmissions, length of stay, mortality, or intensive care unit days during early and late implementation of BPCI or when AA patients were compared to white patients. Conclusion: We found no significant changes in racial variations in discharge destination and outcomes after elective TKA. Bundled Payments for Care Improvement has encouraged better preoperative preparation of patients and discharge planning; however, payment reforms alone might not be sufficient to address variation in post-op management following elective surgery.
Features of the waterpipe tobacco industry: A qualitative study of the third International Hookah Fair
Authors: Singh Neil , Jawad Mohammed , Darzi Andrea , Lotfi Tamara , Nakkash Rima , Hawkins Benjamin , Akl Elie A. 
Published: October 2018

Background: Little research has been done to uncover the features of the waterpipe tobacco industry, which makes designing effective interventions and policies to counter this growing trend challenging. The objective of this study is to describe the features of the waterpipe industry. Methods: In 2015, we randomly sampled and conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 representatives of waterpipe companies participating in a trade exhibition in Germany. We used an inductive approach to identify emerging themes. Results: We interviewed representatives and four themes emerged: industry globalisation, cross-industry overlap, customer-product relationship, and attitude towards policy. The industry was described as transnational, generally decentralized, non-cartelized, with ad hoc relationships between suppliers, distributors and retailers. Ties with the cigarette industry were apparent. The waterpipe industry appeared to be in an early growth phase, encroaching on new markets, and comprising of mainly small family-run businesses. Customer loyalty appears stronger towards the waterpipe apparatus than tobacco. There was a notable absence of trade unionism and evidence of deliberate breaches of tobacco control laws. Conclusion: The waterpipe industry appears fragmented but is slowly growing into a mature, globalized, and customer-focused industry with ties to the cigarette industry. Now is an ideal window of opportunity to strengthen public health policy towards the waterpipe industry, which should include a specific legislative waterpipe framework.
Response of Preterm Infants of Mothers Who Are Chronic Carriers of Both HBsAg and HBeAg to Pre-52 Containing Hepatitis 8 Vaccine (TGP 943) - A Preliminary Report
Authors: Sutohardjo Abdul Hamid 
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to examine the immunogenccity and protective efficacy of a pre-S2 containing hepatitis B vaccine (TGP 943, Takada, Japan) in 9 preterrn infants. A control group of preterm infants were given plasma derived hepatitis B vaccine (Korean Green Cross, Korea). All these preterm infants were born to both HBsAG and HBeAg posistive mothers and born in central General Hospital Sanglah Denpasar from January 3, 1992 to October 30, 1992. The gestational ages were 35-37 weeks and birth weights were 2000-2500 grams. The difference of the anti pre-S2 antibody between two groups of preterm infants was evident at month 6. Anti-HBs antibody response was almost same in the two groups of preterm infants. None in preterm infants in this study became positive for HBsAg during follow-up for at least 6 months. 2 of 8 preterm infants in control group become positive for HBsAg during follow up for a t least 6 months. Our study demonstrated a better anti pre-S2 antibody response and also comparable anti-Hbs antibody response in preterms infants vaccinated with a pre-S2 containing hepatitis B vaccine, compared with those with conventional plasma-derived vaccine.
Use of Chest X-Ray Examination as a Diagnostic Aid for Detection of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Albar Husein , Tanra Azis , Daud Dasril , Farid M. 
Published: October 2018

The advantage of a chest X-ray in the RLD position in 15 children with DHF hospitalized at the paediatric ward of the Ternate General Hospital within the period of May-June-July 1990 and June-July 1991 were evaluated. Besides clinical and laboratory assessment to establish the diagnosis of DHF according to the WHO guidelines (1975), child and a haemaglutination-inhibition test was also done to confirm the diagnosis.
Chest X-rays in the RLD position found a pleural effusion in 11 out of 15 patients with DHF especially in those with dengue shock syndrome. A positive serological test was always associated with the presence of PE (100%), while this could be shown in only 2 patients with negative test results. It may be concluded that the WHO criteria for the clinical diagnosis of DHF may be confirmed not only by the serological test but also by the presence of PE on chest film in the RLD position and therefore this examination may play an important role in establishing a diagnosis of DHF in a regency hospital.
Concepts and Methods of Mathematic Modelling of Plant Growth and Development. Plant Germination -Part I
Authors: Kocira Sławomir 
Published: October 2018

AbstractContemporary agricultural engineering searches for “safe” methods of raising crop yields, using a combination of knowledge from a number of sciences. Thus, computer modelling of plant growth and development fits this range, because it has become an area of interdisciplinary research. Presentation of knowledge in the form of mathematical computer models is one of paradigms of agricultural production systems based on the scientific and practical knowledge and information. In the scientific activity concerning agricultural engineering research tasks related to mathematical modelling of agrobiological processes have been carried out for many years. Additionally, the use of modern forecasting techniques in agriculture may bring real financial advantages with regard to the fact that based on crop yield prediction estimation of their cultivation profitability is possible. Dynamic and continuous progress of computer and informative technologies creates new opportunities showing thus growth directions of agricultural engineering. Taking this into consideration, it should be emphasised that mathematical modelling constitutes a support for decision processes which take place in agricultural production. This article discusses mathematical models, where the analysed system is described with the use of mathematical formulas. The objective of the paper was to present the current state of knowledge on mathematical methods in describing and predicting seeds germination. Possibilities of their use and new challenges which occur in the description of seeds germination were presented.
The Application of Computer Image Analysis Based on Textural Features for the Identification of Barley Kernels Infected with Fungi of the Genus Fusarium
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop discrimination models based on textural features for the identification of barley kernels infected with fungi of the genus Fusarium and healthy kernels. Infected barley kernels with altered shape and discoloration and healthy barley kernels were scanned. Textures were computed using MaZda software. The kernels were classified as infected and healthy with the use of the WEKA application. In the case of RGB, Lab and XYZ color models, the classification accuracies based on 10 selected textures with the highest discriminative power ranged from 95 to 100%. The lowest result (95%) was noted in XYZ color model and Multi Class Classifier for the textures selected using the Ranker method and the OneR attribute evaluator. Selected classifiers were characterized by 100% accuracy in the case of all color models and selection methods. The highest number of 100% results was obtained for the Lab color model with Naive Bayes, LDA, IBk, Multi Class Classifier and J48 classifiers in the Best First selection method with the CFS subset evaluator.