bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital divide in quantitative methods: The effects of computer‐assisted instruction and students' attitudes on knowledge acquisition
Authors: Kolpashnikova Kamila , Bartolic Silvia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractComputer‐assisted instruction can change the way introductory statistics and quantitative methods courses are taught. Using a two‐group pretest–posttest design, we conducted an experiment using an undergraduate social science student sample to investigate whether the introduction of statistical software to teaching quantitative methods would improve knowledge acquisition and attitudes toward quantitative methods courses. Our project confirmed that implementing computer‐assisted instructional methods increased knowledge acquisition in quantitative methods courses compared with students' academic performance in other courses, measured by grade point average. We also found that student attitudes have weak and mostly nonsignificant influence on quantitative methods knowledge tests. Additionally, the paper suggests a curriculum‐level approach to teaching quantitative methods to undergraduate students.
Targeting c‐met receptor tyrosine kinase by the DNA aptamer SL1 as a potential novel therapeutic option for myeloma
Authors: Zhang Yibin , Gao Hongmei , Zhou Weihua , Sun Sunming , Zeng Yayue , Zhang Hui , Liang Long , Xiao Xiaojuan , Song Jianhui , Ye Mao , Yang Yujia , Zhao Jingfeng , Wang Zi , Liu Jing 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c‐met pathway activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM), and blocking this pathway has been considered a rational therapeutic strategy for treating MM. Aptamers are single‐stranded nucleic acid molecules that fold into complex 3D structures and bind to a variety of targets. Recently, it was reported that DNA aptamer SL1 exhibited high specificity and affinity for c‐met and inhibited HGF/c‐met signaling in SNU‐5 cells. However, as the first c‐met‐targeted DNA aptamer to be identified, application of SL1 to myeloma treatment requires further investigation. Here, we explore the potential application of SL1 in MM. Our results indicated that c‐met expression is gradually increased in MM patients and contributes to poor outcomes. SL1 selectively bound to c‐met‐positive MM cells but not to normal B cells and suppressed the growth, migration and adhesion of MM cells in vitro in a co‐culture model performed with HS5 cells, wherein SL1 inhibited HGF‐induced activation of c‐met signaling. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging showed that SL1 accumulated in the c‐met positive tumour areas. In addition, SL1 was active against CD138+ primary MM cells and displayed a synergistic inhibition effect with bortezomib. Collectively, our data suggested that SL1 could be beneficial as a c‐met targeted antagonist in MM.
The red wine component ellagic acid induces autophagy and exhibits anti‐lung cancer activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Duan Jing , Zhan Ji‐Cheng , Wang Gui‐Zhen , Zhao Xin‐Chun , Huang Wei‐Dong , Zhou Guang‐Biao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRed wine consists of a large amount of compounds such as resveratrol, which exhibits chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several types of cancers by targeting cancer driver molecules. In this study, we tested the anti‐lung cancer activity of 11 red wine components and reported that a natural polyphenol compound ellagic acid (EA) inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation at an efficacy approximately equal to that of resveratrol. EA markedly increased the expression of the autophagosomal marker LC3‐II as well as inactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling pathway. EA elevated autophagy‐associated cell death by down‐regulating the expression of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A), and CIP2A overexpression attenuated EA‐induced autophagy of lung cancer cells. Treating tumour‐bearing mice with EA resulted in significant inhibition of tumour growth with suppression of CIP2A levels and increased autophagy. In addition, EA potentiated the inhibitory effects of the natural compound celastrol on lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by enhancing autophagy and down‐regulating CIP2A. These findings indicate that EA may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for lung cancer, and that the combination of EA and celastrol may have applicability for the treatment of this disease.
Melatonin protects vertebral endplate chondrocytes against apoptosis and calcification via the Sirt1‐autophagy pathway
Authors: Zhang Zengjie , Lin Jialiang , Tian Naifeng , Wu Yaosen , Zhou Yifei , Wang Chenggui , Wang Qingqing , Jin Haiming , Chen Tingting , Nisar Majid , Zheng Gang , Xu Tianzhen , Gao Weiyang , Zhang Xiaolei , Wang Xiangyang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMelatonin is reportedly associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Endplate cartilage is vitally important to intervertebral discs in physiological and pathological conditions. However, the effects and mechanism of melatonin on endplate chondrocytes (EPCs) are still unclear. Herein, we studied the effects of melatonin on EPC apoptosis and calcification and elucidated the underlying mechanism. Our study revealed that melatonin treatment decreases the incidence of apoptosis and inhibits EPC calcification in a dose‐dependent manner. We also found that melatonin upregulates Sirt1 expression and activity and promotes autophagy in EPCs. Autophagy inhibition by 3‐methyladenine reversed the protective effect of melatonin on apoptosis and calcification, while the Sirt1 inhibitor EX‐527 suppressed melatonin‐induced autophagy and the protective effects of melatonin against apoptosis and calcification, indicating that the beneficial effects of melatonin in EPCs are mediated through the Sirt1‐autophagy pathway. Furthermore, melatonin may ameliorate IDD in vivo in rats. Collectively, this study revealed that melatonin reduces EPC apoptosis and calcification and that the underlying mechanism may be related to Sirt1‐autophagy pathway regulation, which may help us better understand the association between melatonin and IDD.
Rapid detection of low‐level HeLa cell contamination in cell culture using nested PCR
Authors: Lin Jun , Chen Lin , Jiang Wenqian , Zhang Huilian , Shi Yang , Cai Weiwen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHeLa cells are a commonly used cell line in many biological research areas. They are not picky for culture medium and proliferate rapidly. HeLa cells are a notorious source of cell cross‐contamination and have been found to be able to contaminate a wide range of cell lines in cell culture. In this study, we reported a simple and efficient method for detecting the presence of HeLa cell contamination in cell culture. HPV‐18 was used as a biomarker. The cell culture supernatant was used directly as the template for nested PCR without extracting nucleic acid. By PCR amplification of the cell culture supernatant with the designed primers, we were able to detect the presence of HeLa cells in the culture. The sensitivity of this method can reach 1%, which is 10‐fold higher than Short tandem repeat sequence (STR) profiling. This simple, rapid, and “noninvasive” quality checking method should find applications in routine cell culture practice.
Intranasal immunization with Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3615c induces sustained adaptive CD4+ T‐cell and antibody responses in the respiratory tract
Authors: Li Jiangping , Zhao Jun , Shen Juan , Wu Changyou , Liu Jie 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSustained adaptive immunity to pathogens provides effective protection against infections, and effector cells located at the site of infection ensure rapid response to the challenge. Both are essential for the success of vaccine development. To explore new vaccination approach against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection, we have shown that Rv3615c, identified as ESX‐1 substrate protein C of M.tb but not expressed in BCG, induced a dominant Th1‐type response of CD4+ T cells from patients with tuberculosis pleurisy, which suggests a potential candidate for vaccine development. But subcutaneous immunization with Rv3615c induced modest T‐cell responses systemically, and showed suboptimal protection against virulent M.tb challenge at the site of infection. Here, we use a mouse model to demonstrate that intranasal immunization with Rv3615c induces sustained capability of adaptive CD4+ T‐ and B‐cell responses in lung parenchyma and airway. Rv3615c contains a dominant epitope of mouse CD4+ T cells, Rv3615c41‐50, and elicits CD4+ T‐cell response with an effector–memory phenotype and multi‐Th1‐type cytokine coexpressions. Since T cells resident at mucosal tissue are potent at control of infection at early stage, our data show that intranasal immunization with Rv3615c promotes a sustained regional immunity to M.tb, and suggests a potency in control of M.tb infection. Our study warranties a further investigation of Rv3615c as a candidate for development of effective vaccination against M.tb infection.
Liraglutide protects against glucolipotoxicity‐induced RIN‐m5F β‐cell apoptosis through restoration of PDX1 expression
Authors: Kornelius Edy , Li Hsin‐Hua , Peng Chiung‐Huei , Yang Yi‐Sun , Chen Wei‐Jen , Chang Yan‐Zin , Bai Yi‐Chiao , Liu Stanley , Huang Chien‐Ning , Lin Chih‐Li 
Published: October 2018

AbstractProlonged exposure to high levels of glucose and fatty acid (FFA) can induce tissue damage commonly referred to as glucolipotoxicity and is particularly harmful to pancreatic β‐cells. Glucolipotoxicity‐mediated β‐cell failure is a critical causal factor in the late stages of diabetes, which suggests that mechanisms that prevent or reverse β‐cell death may play a critical role in the treatment of the disease. Transcription factor PDX1 was recently reported to play a key role in maintaining β‐cell function and survival, and glucolipotoxicity can activate mammalian sterile 20‐like kinase 1 (Mst1), which, in turn, stimulates PDX1 degradation and causes dysfunction and apoptosis of β‐cells. Interestingly, previous research has demonstrated that increased glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) signalling effectively protects β cells from glucolipotoxicity‐induced apoptosis. Unfortunately, few studies have examined the related mechanism in detail, especially the role in Mst1 and PDX1 regulation. In the present study, we investigate the toxic effect of high glucose and FFA levels on rat pancreatic RINm5F β‐cells and demonstrate that the GLP‐1 analogue liraglutide restores the expression of PDX1 by inactivating Mst1, thus ameliorating β‐cell impairments. In addition, liraglutide also upregulates mitophagy, which may help restore mitochondrial function and protect β‐cells from oxidative stress damage. Our study suggests that liraglutide may serve as a potential agent for developing new therapies to reduce glucolipotoxicity.
Anxiety disorder symptoms at age 10 predict eating disorder symptoms and diagnoses in adolescence
Authors: Schaumberg Katherine , Zerwas Stephanie , Goodman Erica , Yilmaz Zeynep , Bulik Cynthia M. , Micali Nadia 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundCross‐sectional associations between anxiety disorders and eating disorders (EDs) have been well documented; however, limited research has examined whether symptoms of anxiety disorders are prospectively associated with EDs. Identifying these longitudinal associations can aid in discerning relationships among eating and anxiety disorders and point toward a mechanistic understanding of developmental psychopathology. This study investigated the prospective associations between parent‐reported anxiety in mid‐childhood (age 10) and child‐reported ED behaviors and disorders in adolescence (at ages 14 and 16 years) in a population‐based sample.MethodsParticipants were individuals enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population‐based, prospective study of women and their children; 7,767 children whose parents provided data at age 10 were included in current analyses. An exploratory factor analysis identified latent anxiety factors at age 10, followed by a path analysis that evaluated associations between these factors and eating disorder symptoms and cognitions at age 14.ResultsParent‐reported anxiety symptoms at age 10 yielded 5 factors: obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms related to symmetry and checking (Factor 1); OCD symptoms associated with aversion to dirt and germs (Factor 2); physical anxiety symptoms (Factor 3); worries (Factor 4); and social phobia symptoms (Factor 5). Factors 3 and 4 showed the most consistent, positive associations with a range of ED symptoms at age 14. Factor 3 predicted diagnosis of bulimia nervosa by age 16 (OR = 1.11, p = .007), whereas Factor 4 predicted diagnoses of anorexia nervosa (OR = 1.10, p = .01) and disordered eating by age 16 (OR = 1.08, p = .001).ConclusionsResults indicate that symptoms of generalized anxiety in middle childhood may predict adolescent‐onset ED symptoms and ED diagnoses.
Low‐intensity laser for harvesting palatal graft for the treatment of gingival recession: A systematic review
Authors: Al‐Shibani Nouf 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of low‐intensity laser therapy (LILT) for harvesting palatal connective tissue graft (PCTG) in the treatment of gingival recession. Databases were searched up to May 2018. The addressed focused question was: Is adjunctive LILT effective in the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG? Screening of the initially identified studies resulted in four clinical studies. All studies showed that LILT was effective in improving clinical outcomes, such as tissue thickness, postoperative discomfort, remaining wound area, and visual analog score at follow up. Upon comparison with the control group, two studies showed significantly greater improvements in the clinical parameters and patient‐centered outcomes for LILT than control groups at follow up. Due to the low number of included clinical studies, it remains debatable whether LILT improves clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of PCTG procedures. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the outcomes of LILT on the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG
Predicting nurses’ organizational and professional turnover intentions
Authors: Arslan Yürümezoğlu Havva , Kocaman Gülseren , Mert Haydarİ Semra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimNursing shortages remain one of the most important problems in health care around the world. Existing nurses’ turnover intention further exacerbates this problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of nurses’ organizational and professional turnover intentions.MethodsThis study was conducted as a secondary analysis of existing data from the original cross‐sectional study, which was conducted in three public hospitals between February, 2013 and May, 2013. Of the 1389 nurses who were working in these hospitals, 791 returned usable surveys. The data were collected by using a demographic and organizational characteristics form, an organizational and professional turnover intentions questionnaire, Organizational Commitment Scale, and Professional Commitment Scale. The data were analyzed with a stepwise logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe common variables that predicted the organizational and professional turnover intentions were marital status, work shift, organizational affective and normative commitment, and professional affective commitment.ConclusionThe relationship between the commitment and the turnover intention of the nurses was not completely consistent with the collectivist characteristics of Turkish society. The findings showed that the organizational affective and normative commitment and professional affective commitment play a significant role in influencing nurses’ organizational and professional turnover intentions. It is important for organizations to recognize the significance of these variables, not only to retain their nursing workforce but also to attract new nurses.
Tectonometamorphic evolution of the tip of the Himalayan metamorphic core in the Jajarkot klippe, west Nepal
Authors: Soucy La Roche Renaud , Godin Laurent , Cottle John M. , Kellett Dawn A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNew phase equilibrium modelling, combined with U–Th/Pb petrochronology on monazite and xenotime, and40Ar/39Ar geochronology on white mica, reveal the style of deformation and metamorphism near the southern tip of the extruded Himalayan metamorphic core (HMC). In the Jajarkot klippe, west Nepal foreland, greenschist to lower amphibolite facies metamorphism is entirely constrained to the Cenozoic Himalayan orogeny, in contrast with findings from other foreland klippen in the central Himalaya. HMC rocks exposed in the Jajarkot klippe yield short‐lived, hairpin pressure–temperature–time–deformation paths that peaked at 550–600°C and 750–1,200 MPa at 25 Ma. The Main Central thrust (MCT) and the South Tibetan detachment (STD) bound the base and the top of the HMC, respectively, and were active simultaneously for at least part of their deformation history. The STD was active atc. 27–26 Ma and possibly as late asc. 19 Ma, while the MCT may have been active as early as 27 Ma and was still active atc. 22 Ma. The tectonometamorphic conditions in the Jajarkot klippe are characteristic of crustal thickening and footwall accretion of new material at the tip of the extruding metamorphic orogenic core. Our new results reveal that collisional processes active in the middle to late Miocene at the base of the HMC now exposed in the hinterland were also active earlier, during the Oligocene, at the tip of the southward‐extruding middle crust.
Relationship between the anisotropy tensor calculated through global and object measurements in high‐resolution X‐ray tomography on cellular and composite materials
Authors: DE PASCALIS F. , NACUCCHI M. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryStructural anisotropy of two‐phase materials can be evaluated through global measurements, as volume orientation or mean‐intercept length methods do, or through statistics performed on a set of individual measurements. This last procedure is encouraged by recent improvements in the spatial resolution of conventional X‐ray tomography. In this paper, the above‐described approaches were compared in three case studies: a foam subjected to an in situ compression test, a second foam with a completely different cell morphology and a plastic material reinforced with short fibres. The approach based on the subdivision into distinguishable objects of the considered material phase has proved to be more sensitive in highlighting small deformations in the structure or small irregularities in an otherwise isotropic structure. On the other hand, the other approach is more general and is always usable. The two methods for calculating the fabric tensor tend to converge as the average anisotropy of individual objects in the statistical population increases. The use of Lambert's cylindrical equal‐area projection of cell/fibre directions or local volume orientations is suggested, because the density of points is preserved from the sphere to the plane surface. Finally, a quick vector method to evaluate the anisotropy of the directions distribution has been presented, by defining a coherence index of the average direction.
Internet Search for Midwifery Fellowship Programs
Authors: Niles P. Mimi , Hunt Ronald 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to identify existing US midwifery fellowships and their key attributes.MethodsThe study team adapted an internet‐search methodology that was recently used to identify nurse practitioner fellowships and residencies and identified 1) search terms likely to locate websites describing or promoting midwifery fellowship or residency programs and 2) program attributes likely to be outlined in the websites. Two investigators conducted full, independent Google searches and then reconciled minor differences in terminology and findings via teleconference and simultaneous reviews of websites.ResultsEight programs were identified that had sufficient information on a website to clearly establish them as midwifery fellowship programs. No programs used the term residency. The fellowship programs tended to be located in the western United States and predominantly focused on newly graduated certified nurse‐midwives. Four programs were operated by university units, with the clinical experience located in the hospital. Four programs were operated by birth centers, with the clinical experience obtained in a combination of birth center, home, and/or hospital setting. Typical program lengths varied but were reported to be about 12 months.DiscussionThis study offers baseline information on the current midwifery fellowship offerings available via public internet search. This study also identifies key attributes of fellowships that may be helpful to stakeholders as they consider the role of fellowships for midwifery graduates and any need for accountability, such as accreditation review, among the programs.
The Role of the Nurse Scientist as a Knowledge Broker
Authors: Thompson Marcella Remer , Schwartz Barcott Donna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeThis article introduces the importance and nature of the role of the nurse scientist as a knowledge broker.DesignA systematic literature review was completed using a modified version of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) appraisal tool to trace the emergence and characteristics of the knowledge broker role across disciplines internationally and in the United States.MethodsSalient publications were identified using PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Sociological Abstracts, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, as well as hand searches and searches of the grey literature. Authors used these resources to define the knowledge broker role and with their role‐related experiences developed the Thompson Knowledge Brokering Model.FindingsA knowledge broker is one who connects science and society by building networks and facilitating opportunities among knowledge producers and knowledge users. The knowledge broker role includes three components: forming and sustaining partnerships; facilitating knowledge application; and creating new knowledge. There are five major strategies central to each role component: establish, engage, educate, empower, and evaluate.ConclusionsThe knowledge broker role has been increasingly recognized worldwide as key to translating science into practice and policy. The nurse scientist is ideally suited for this role and should be promoted worldwide. The Thompson Knowledge Brokering Model can be used as a guide for nurse scientists.Clinical RelevanceThe role of the knowledge broker is to facilitate translation of useful research to practice and policy by connecting stakeholders through meaningful engagement.