bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptions, attitudes, and expectation of baccalaureate nurses toward position of nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Racic Maja , Pavlovic Jelena , Hadzivukovic Natalija , Ivkovic Nedeljka 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIntroductionNumerous challenges and barriers have emerged since changing the minimum requirement for those interested in pursuing employment as a nurse in Europe to a baccalaureate degree. To analyze the perceptions of baccalaureate nurses regarding the current status of their profession and the issues involved in implementing the prerequisite of earning a baccalaureate degree in order to practice as nurses in Bosnia and Herzegovina.MethodsA series of six focus groups were undertaken with 49 baccalaureate nurses employed in primary health care centers and regional hospitals. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collected were analyzed using conventional content analysis approach.ResultsBaccalaureate nurses report dissatisfaction with their level of autonomy and anxiety over their limited career opportunities. They expressed concern over difficult working conditions, inadequate financial compensation, and ongoing resistance by physicians as the primary barriers to implementing advanced nursing education and professional reform. The global image of the nursing profession is negative.ConclusionThe perception is that revising the legal framework regarding nursing qualifications, duties, and standards will result in reform necessary to positively affect the during profession. Progress toward implementing reform of the nursing profession is negligible. Addressing barriers such as work environment, lack of job classification, fair payment, autonomy, and interdisciplinary collaboration toward the competences of baccalaureate nurse is essential if successful reform is to occur.
Upregulation of LASP2 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion through suppressing TGF‐β‐induced EMT
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Jun‐Hui , Yuan Qing‐Gong , Cao Gang , Yang Wen‐Bin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLASP2 (LIM and SH3 protein 2), a member of the LIM‐protein subfamily of the nebulin group, was first identified as a splice variant of the nebulin gene. In the past, investigators mainly focused on the impact of LASP2 on cardiac diseases because of its identification in the myocardium. Recently, several studies have reported that LASP2 is associated with the progression of various cancers. However, there have been no investigations on the expression and function of LASP2 in pancreatic cancer (PC). In this study, we performed the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis to detect the expression of LASP2 in PC tissues and cell lines. PC cells were transfected with LASP2 overexpression plasmid or the negative control in the presence or absence of tumor growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). The transwell assays were used to measure the effects of LASP2 on PC cell migration and invasion. The protein expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was detected using Western blot assay. Our results demonstrated that LASP2 was downregulated in PC tissues and cell lines. In addition, upregulation of LASP2 inhibited the PC cell migration and invasion. We also found that LASP2 upregulation reversed TGF‐β‐induced EMT in PC cells. Taken together, we provided novel evidence supporting the tumor‐suppressor role of LASP2 in PC and suggested it as a potential therapeutic target in PC treatment.
Institutional betrayal following military sexual trauma is associated with more severe depression and specific posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters
Authors: Andresen Felicia J. , Monteith Lindsey L. , Kugler Jordan , Cruz Rick A. , Blais Rebecca K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivePreliminary research suggests that perceptions of institutional betrayal are associated with more severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, as well as suicide attempts in military sexual trauma (MST) survivors. However, results have not been replicated. Additionally, associations of institutional betrayal with specific PTSD symptom clusters or sexual function are understudied.MethodFemale service members/veterans who reported experiencing MST (N = 679) completed self‐report measures of PTSD and depression symptom severity, suicidal ideation, and sexual function. Institutional betrayal was assessed from free‐text descriptions of self‐reported index traumas.ResultsInstitutional betrayal was significantly associated with more severe depression and PTSD symptoms, including avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, re‐experiencing, and dysphoric arousal.ConclusionsTargeting specific PTSD and depressive symptoms through evidence‐based treatment may be important for managing institutional betrayal sequelae. Future research should identify specific strategies to help support survivors in their recovery following institutional betrayal.
The potential utility of melatonin in the treatment of childhood cancer
Authors: Chao Yu‐Hua , Wu Kang‐Hsi , Yeh Chia‐Ming , Su Shih‐Chi , Reiter Russel J. , Yang Shun‐Fa 
Published: April 2019

AbstractChildhood cancer management has improved considerably, with the overall objective of preventing early‐life cancers completely. However, cancer remains a major cause of death in children, with the survivors developing anticancer treatment‐specific health problems. Therefore, the anticancer treatment needs further improvement. Melatonin is a effective antioxidant and circadian pacemaker. Through multiple mechanisms, melatonin has significant positive effects on multitude adult cancers by increasing survival and treatment response rates, and slowing disease progression. In addition, melatonin appears to be safe for children. As an appealing therapeutic agent, we herein address several key concerns regarding melatonin's potential for treating children with cancer.
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B inhibition restores regulatory T cell's function in pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Zhang Bin , Dai Qianqian , Jin Xuguang , Liang Dongmei , Li Xiaojie , Lu Haiyan , Liu Yu , Ding Jingjing , Gao Qian , Wen Yanting 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease associated with Th1/ regulatory T cells (Treg) paradigm. PI3K/Akt signaling, critical for maintaining Treg's homeostasis, is aberrantly activated in sarcoidosis patients. Here we tested the role of the PI3K inhibitors, LY294002 and BKM120, in immune modulation in experimental pulmonary sarcoidosis, concerning Th1/Th17/Treg immune profile detected by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis or quantitative polymerase chain reaction, as well as the effect on Treg's suppressive functions. Our investigation showed abnormal activation of PI3K/Akt signaling both in lung and Treg in pulmonary sarcoidosis, along with decreased frequency and damaged function of Treg. Blockage of PI3K suppressed this signaling in Treg, rebalanced Th1/Treg, inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced Treg's function. These results demonstrate the key role of the PI3K/Akt signaling in regulating Th1/Th2 rebalances and indicates that PI3K/Akt signaling is critical for the optimal Treg responses in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Thus, PI3K inhibitors have potential for therapeutic translation, and can be candidate for add‐on drugs to treat pulmonary sarcoidosis.
G Protein γ subunit 7 loss contributes to progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Shan , Zhang Haibao , Liu Tianjie , Chen Yule , He Dalin , Li Lei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urinary neoplasm, looking for useful candidates to establish scientific foundation for the therapy of ccRCC is urgent. We downloaded genomic profiles of GSE781, GSE6244, GSE53757, and GSE66271 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to analyze the derivative genes, while hub genes were screened by protein‐protein interactions and cytoscape. Further, overall survival, gene methylation, gene mutation, and gene expression were all analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Colony formation and cell‐cycle assay were used to detect the biological function of GNG7 in vitro. We found that GNG7 was downregulated in ccRCC tissues and negatively associated with overall survival in ccRCC patients. We also found that promoter methylation and frequent gene mutation were responsible for GNG7 gene suppression. GNG7 low expression was related to upregulation of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and downregulation of disabled homolog 2‐interacting protein. Further, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results showed that mTOR1, E2F, G2M, and MYC pathways were all significantly altered in response to GNG7 low expression. In vitro, A498 and 786‐O cells in which GNG7 expression was silenced, exhibited a lower G1 phase when compared to the negative control cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that
GNG7 is a tumor suppressor gene in ccRCC progression and represents a novel candidate for ccRCC treatment.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children with intestinal failure on home parenteral nutrition
Authors: McGrath Kathleen H , Pitt James , Bines Julie E 
Published: April 2019

Background and AimChildren with intestinal failure (IF) have abnormal intestinal anatomy, secretion, or motility, which impairs homeostatic mechanisms and can lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). We sought to describe clinical features at the time of clinically suspected SIBO by experienced clinicians in children with IF on home parenteral nutrition (PN), review specific challenges of diagnostic testing in this population, and describe potential new diagnostic surrogate markers.MethodsA descriptive single‐center retrospective chart review was performed during all episodes of clinically suspected SIBO over 33 months. Information was recorded on clinical symptoms, and diagnostic tests performed.ResultsOf all patients on home PN, 71% (12/17) had at least one episode of clinically suspected SIBO (mean 1 episode/year, range 1–7); 50% of patients had short bowel syndrome (SBS), and 50% had non‐SBS IF. The average reported symptoms per episode were 1.9 (range 1–5). Children with SBS reported fewer symptoms per episode (1.5) than children with non‐SBS IF (2.3). Diarrhea was the most commonly reported symptom, particularly in children with SBS.ConclusionsChildren with IF on home PN are a high‐risk group for SIBO. Clinical features of SIBO vary depending on the cause of IF and may mimic symptoms of the underlying condition. Diagnostic tests have innate challenges in this group, and a strong index of clinical suspicion is paramount. Further research is recommended into potential new surrogate markers (urinary metabolite screen, gastric aspirate) for this diagnostically challenging population.
MRI characteristics of supraclavicular brown adipose tissue in relation to cold‐induced thermogenesis in healthy human adults
Authors: Gashi Gani , Madoerin Philipp , Maushart Claudia I. , Michel Regina , Senn Jaël‐Rut , Bieri Oliver , Betz Matthias J. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundBrown adipose tissue (BAT) has been proposed as a target to treat obesity and metabolic disease. Currently, 18F‐Fluordeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is the standard for BAT‐imaging. MRI might be a promising alternative, as it is not associated with ionizing radiation, offers a high resolution, and allows to discriminate different types of soft tissue.PurposeWe sought to evaluate whether supraclavicular BAT (scBAT) volume, fat‐fraction (FF), and relaxation rate (R2*) determined by MRI can predict its metabolic activity, which was assessed by measurement of cold‐induced thermogenesis (CIT).Study TypeProspective cohort study.SubjectsTwenty healthy volunteers (9 female, 11 male), aged 18–47 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 18–30 kg/m2.Field Strength/SequenceMultiecho gradient MRI for water–fat separation was used on a 3T device to measure the FF and T2* of BAT.AssessmentPrior to imaging, CIT was determined by measuring the difference in energy expenditure (EE) during warm conditions and after cold exposure. Volume, FF, and R2* of scBAT was assessed and compared with CIT. In 11 participants, two MRI sessions with and without cold exposure were performed and the dynamic changes in FF and R2* assessed.Statistical TestsLinear regression was used to evaluate the relation of MRI measurements and CIT. P‐values below 0.05 were considered significant; data are given as mean ± SD.ResultsR2* correlated positively with CIT (r = 0.64, R2 = 0.41 P = 0.0041). Volume and FF did not correlate significantly with CIT. After mild cold exposure EE increased significantly (P = 0.0002), with a mean CIT of 147 kcal/day. The mean volume of scBAT was 72.4 ± 38.4 ml, mean FF was 74.3 ± 5.8%, and the mean R2* (1/T2*) was 33.5 ± 12.7 s‐1.Data ConclusionR2* of human scBAT can be used to estimate CIT. FF of scBAT was not associated with CIT.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1160–1168.
Deep convolutional neural networks with multiplane consensus labeling for lung function quantification using UTE proton MRI
Authors: Zha Wei , Fain Sean B. , Schiebler Mark L. , Evans Michael D. , Nagle Scott K. , Liu Fang 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundUltrashort echo time (UTE) proton MRI has gained popularity for assessing lung structure and function in pulmonary imaging; however, the development of rapid biomarker extraction and regional quantification has lagged behind due to labor‐intensive lung segmentation.PurposeTo evaluate a deep learning (DL) approach for automated lung segmentation to extract image‐based biomarkers from functional lung imaging using 3D radial UTE oxygen‐enhanced (OE) MRI.Study TypeRetrospective study aimed to evaluate a technical development.PopulationForty‐five human subjects, including 16 healthy volunteers, 5 asthma, and 24 patients with cystic fibrosis.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T MRI, 3D radial UTE (TE = 0.08 msec) sequence.AssessmentTwo 3D radial UTE volumes were acquired sequentially under normoxic (21% O2) and hyperoxic (100% O2) conditions. Automated segmentation of the lungs using 2D convolutional encoder‐decoder based DL method, and the subsequent functional quantification via adaptive K‐means were compared with the results obtained from the reference method, supervised region growing.Statistical TestsRelative to the reference method, the performance of DL on volumetric quantification was assessed using Dice coefficient with 95% confidence interval (CI) for accuracy, two‐sided Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for computation time, and Bland–Altman analysis on the functional measure derived from the OE images.ResultsThe DL method produced strong agreement with supervised region growing for the right (Dice: 0.97; 95% CI = [0.96, 0.97]; P < 0.001) and left lungs (Dice: 0.96; 95% CI = [0.96, 0.97]; P < 0.001). The DL method averaged 46 seconds to generate the automatic segmentations in contrast to 1.93 hours using the reference method (P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed nonsignificant intermethod differences of volumetric (P ≥ 0.12) and functional measurements (P ≥ 0.34) in the left and right lungs.Data ConclusionDL provides rapid, automated, and robust lung segmentation for quantification of regional lung function using UTE proton MRI.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1169–1181.
Three‐dimensional pixel configurations for optical outcoupling of OLED displays—optical simulation
Authors: Lee Wei‐Kai , Chen Yi‐Ting , Wen Sheng‐Wen , Liao Po‐Hsiang , Lee Min‐Chia , Hsu Ting‐Sheng , Chen Yi‐Jiun , Su Guo‐Dong , Lin Hoang Yan , Chen Chung‐Chia , Lin Wan‐Yu , Xu Lisong , Yu Gang , Kwak B. Leo , Visser Robert Jan , Wu Chung‐Chih 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBecause of considerations on image quality and fabrication/integration compatibility, current active‐matrix OLED displays (AMOLEDs) hardly adopt any effective light outcoupling techniques/structures, and it remains an unsolved critical technical issue. Recently, through optical simulation, we proposed a three‐dimensional (3D) pixel configuration as a potential and promising way to boost light outcoupling of OLED display pixels. By extending the bottom reflective electrode to bank slope of the pixel definition layer (PDL) and selectively filling the bank opening (concave area) with high‐index filler to form the optically reflective concave structure, it is possible to give several‐fold light extraction enhancement. In this paper, we further extend the simulation work by evaluating effects of more realistic graded bank slopes vs straight bank slope, less challenging nonpatterned (blanket) high‐index filler vs patterned filler, and real OLED layer stacks and properties. The optical simulation clearly reveals that light extraction enhancement can be mostly kept with more realistic graded bank profiles and even less ideal (but also less challenging) nonpatterned filler can provide substantial extraction enhancement. The graded bank structure also provides beneficial effects on viewing characteristics.
Microextraction by packed sorbent followed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography for the fast extraction and determination of six antidepressants in urine
Authors: Fuentes Ana María Ares , Fernández Purificación , Fernández Ana Maria , Carro Antonia M , Lorenzo Rosa Antonia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe growing use of antidepressants in recent years has led to their increasing presence in forensic analyses. In this work, microextraction by packed sorbent followed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection provided a fast method for determining the antidepressants mirtazapine, venlafaxine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline in human urine. The microextraction conditions (viz., type of sorbent, number of draw–eject extraction cycles or strokes, sample volume and pH, and type and volume of washing solution and eluent) were optimized by using an experimental design. The ensuing analytical method was validated in terms of linearity (25–1000 ng/mL urine), limit of detection (lower than 7.1 ng/mL), limit of quantification (25 ng/mL), precision (4.7–15.1% as relative standard deviation), and accuracy (80.4–126.1% as mean recovery for four replicate determinations). The proposed method allowed the six target antidepressants to be determined at concentrations from therapeutic to toxic levels. The application to small volumes (300 μL) of urine afforded fast extraction of the analytes and provided results on a par with those of existing clinical and forensic alternatives.
A strategy for screening trypsin inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicine based on a monolithic capillary immobilized enzyme reactor coupled with offline liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Lin Hang , Zhang Changfa , Lin Yuanjing , Chang Yiqun , Crommen Jacques , Wang Qiqin , Jiang Zhengjin , Guo Jialiang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA novel strategy was successfully developed for screening trypsin inhibitors in traditional Chinese medicines based on monolithic capillary immobilized enzyme reactors combined with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Organic polymer based monolithic enzyme reactors were firstly prepared by covalently bonding trypsin to a poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate) monolith by the ring‐opening reaction of epoxy groups. The activity and kinetic parameters of the obtained monolithic trypsin reactors were systematically evaluated using micro‐liquid chromatography. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were also used to characterize the monolithic trypsin reactors. The resulting functional and denatured monolithic trypsin reactors were applied as affinity solid‐phase extraction columns, and offline coupled with a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry system to construct a binding affinity screening platform. Subsequently, the proposed platform was applied for screening trypsin binders in a Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract. Three compounds, namely scutellarin, baicalin, and wogonoside were identified, and their inhibitory activities were further confirmed via an in vitro enzymatic inhibition assay. Additionally, molecular docking was also performed to study the interactions between trypsin and these three compounds.
Rate constants of the reactions of O(3P) atoms with Br2 and NO2 over the temperature range 220‐950 K
Authors: Bedjanian Yuri , Kalyan Chaitanya 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe kinetics of the reactions of Br2 and NO2 with ground state oxygen atoms have been studied over a wide temperature range, T = 220‐950 K, using a low‐pressure flow tube reactor coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer: O + NO2 → NO + O2 (1) and O + Br2 → Br + BrO (2). The rate constant of reaction (1) was determined under pseudo–first‐order conditions, either monitoring the kinetics of O‐atom or NO2 consumption in excess of NO2 or of the oxygen atoms, respectively: k1 = (6.1 ± 0.4) × 10−12 exp((155 ± 18)/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (where the uncertainties represent precision at the 2σ level, the estimated total uncertainty on k1 being 15% at all temperatures). The temperature dependence of k1, found to be in excellent agreement with multiple previous low‐temperature data, was extended to 950 K. The rate constant of reaction (2) determined under pseudo–first‐order conditions, monitoring the kinetics of Br2 consumption in excess of O‐atoms, showed upward curvature at low and high temperatures of the study and was fitted with the following three‐parameter expression: k2 = 9.85 × 10−16 T1.41 exp(543/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at T = (220‐950) K, which is recommended from the present study with an independent of temperature conservative uncertainty of 15% on k2.
A promising methyl ester of pectic acid polysaccharide in biomedicine and pharmaceutics applications: Oxidation of methyl ester of pectic acid by alkaline hexacyanoferrate(III). A kinetic and mechanistic orientation
Authors: Hassan Refat , Ibrahim Samia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe oxidation of methyl ester of pectic acid (pectin) (PEC) by a hexacyanoferrate(III) ion at a constant ionic strength of 0.1 mol dm−3 has been investigated spectrophotometrically. The oxidation rates were found to increase with increasing the alkali concentration, indicating that the nature of reaction was base catalyzed. The agreement of [pectin] dependence of the rate constants to the Michaelis‐Menten kinetics proves the formation of 1:1 intermediate complex prior to the rate‐determining step. The deviation of the pseudo–first‐order curves from linearity after 65‐70% of reaction completion indicates the interference of some oxidation products during the reaction progression. The oxidation process was proceeding via a free‐radical intervention mechanism. The activation parameters have been evaluated, and a suitable reaction mechanism is suggested and discussed.
Effect of pressure and impurities on oxidation in supercritical CO2
Authors: Pint Bruce A. , Lehmusto Juho , Lance Michael J. , Keiser James R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBoth indirect‐ and direct‐fired supercritical CO2 cycles for high‐efficiency power generation are expected to have impurities that may greatly alter the compatibility of Fe‐ and Ni‐based structural alloys in these environments. Recent work has attempted to quantify reaction rates at 750°C in simulated laboratory environments with controlled impurity levels at ambient pressure, as well as under supercritical conditions (30 MPa). With low impurity levels in research and industrial‐grade CO
2, pressure appeared to have only a limited effect on oxide thickness and internal oxidation and reaction products were similar to those formed in laboratory air. However, a direct‐fired simulation at 750°C/30 MPa in CO
2 + 1%O
2 + 0.25%H
2O has found an increased mass gain and characterization after 2,500‐hr exposures have found thicker reaction products, especially for Fe‐based alloys. At these impurity levels, pressure may have a significant effect on the role of impurities.