bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning Metabolism by Problem‐Based Learning Through the Analysis of Health or Nutrition Articles from the Web in Biochemistry
Authors: Bruna Carola E. , Valenzuela Nicole A. , Bruna Daniela V. , Lozano‐Rodríguez Armando , Márquez Carolina G. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractProblem‐based learning using authentic material from the web was used to teach metabolism in a biochemistry course. In place of traditional lectures, students’ analyzed health or nutrition articles from newspapers and magazines, which were debatable from a scientific point of view, following the principles of problem‐based learning. A mixed method was used to assess the students’ perception, use of sources of information and web services while performing the task, and changes in self‐directed learning. Students’ perception was particularly positive. The majority stated that the methodology helped them to apply knowledge to real life and that they learned about the topic analyzed by their group. The perception that problem‐based learning promotes the ability to solve problems, critical thinking, and collaborative work is noteworthy. Tutors considered that teams identified the problem and concluded correctly, noticing students’ enthusiasm and motivation. The methodology also promoted scientific reading. More importantly, a significant improvement in self‐directed learning of the 2014 cohort was detected. This intervention suggests that this methodology is a valuable alternative to motive and promote self‐learning; representing an opportunity to shift the focus of instruction from the teacher to the student. The design of the activity and materials are described in detail. Also, limitations and solutions are discussed.
Avian mitochondrial genomes retrieved from museum eggshell
Authors: Grealy Alicia , Bunce Michael , Holleley Clare E 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAvian eggshell is a bio‐ceramic material with exceptional properties for preserving DNA within its crystalline structure, presenting an opportunity to retrieve genomic information from extinct or historical populations of birds. However, intracrystalline DNA has only been recovered from the large, thick eggshell of palaeognaths; members of their more‐diverse sister group (neognaths) lay smaller, thinner eggs that may not exhibit the same propensity for DNA preservation. Here, we use three 40–60‐year‐old museum eggshell specimens of Australian neognath birds to determine the minimum mass of eggshell from which intracrystalline DNA can be retrieved, and to characterize the yield and quality of such DNA. In doing so, we describe the first protocol for successful extraction of intracrystalline DNA from neognath eggshells, with the view to unlocking the potential of vast museum egg collections for genetic research. We were able to retrieve DNA fragments over 200 bp in length from 10 mg of eggshell powder from all three specimens, and demonstrate that expanding the existing blow‐hole can allow sufficient material to be collected for DNA extraction while minimizing damage to the appearance and structural integrity of the egg. Furthermore, we were able to reconstruct near‐complete mitochondrial genomes at a coverage of 40‐83X through shotgun sequencing of these extracts on three NextSeq lanes. Given the current extinction and extirpation rates of many avian species world‐wide, genetic data from eggshell could provide a rapid and cost‐effective approach to examining temporal changes in avian diversity, which is not only becoming crucial for conservation management, but also serve to deepen our understanding of genome‐wide evolutionary processes.
Correlation between EGFR mutation status and F18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography image features in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Lei , Yin Guotao , Chen Wei , Li Xiaofeng , Yu Xiaozhou , Zhu Xiang , Jiang Wei , Jia Chaoyang , Chen Peihe , Zhang Yufan , Lu Di , Yu Lijuan , Li Xubin , Xu Wengui 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate an association between EGFR mutation status and
18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET‐CT) image features in lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsRetrospective analysis of the data of 139 patients with lung adenocarcinoma confirmed by surgical pathology who underwent preoperative 18F‐FDG PET‐CT was conducted. Correlations between EGFR mutation status, clinical characteristics, and PET‐CT parameters, including the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), the mean of the SUV (SUVmean), the peak of the SUV (SUVpeak) of the primary tumor, and the ratio of SUVmax between the primary tumor and the mediastinal blood pool (SUVratio), were statistically analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of EGFR mutation. Receiver operating characteristic curves of statistical quantitative parameters were compared.Results
EGFR mutations were detected in 74 (53.2%) of the 139 lung adenocarcinomas and were more frequent in non‐smoking patients. Univariate analysis showed that the SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, and SUVratio were lower in EGFR‐mutated than in wild‐type tumors. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed no significant differences between their diagnostic efficiencies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being a never smoker was an independent predictor of EGFR mutation.ConclusionQuantitative parameters based on 18F‐FDG PET‐CT have modest power to predict the presence of EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinoma; however, when compared to smoking history, they are not good or significant predictive factors.
Birth choices for women in a ‘Positive Birth after Caesarean' clinic: Randomised trial of alternative shared decision support strategies
Authors: Wise Michelle R. , Sadler Lynn , Shorten Brett , van der Westhuizen Kelly , Shorten Allison 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundSystematic approaches to information giving and decision support for women with previous caesarean sections are needed.AimTo evaluate decision support within a ‘real‐world' shared decision‐making model.MethodsA pragmatic comparative effectiveness randomised trial in the Positive Birth After Caesarean Clinic. Women with one previous caesarean and singleton pregnancy <25 weeks were randomly allocated to standard Positive Birth After Caesarean care, or standard Positive Birth After Caesarean care plus a decision aid booklet. Main outcome measure was mode of birth, with secondary measures of knowledge, decisional conflict, birth choice, adherence to birth choice, perception of decision support, and satisfaction.ResultsOf 297 participants, rate of attempted vaginal birth after caesarean increased and was similar for both groups (61% vs 57%, P = 0.5). Knowledge scores increased more for women in the additional decision aid group (2.0 vs 1.6 points, P = 0.2). Decisional conflict score reduction was similar between groups (P = 0.5). Women initially unsure of their birth preference who received the additional decision aid had greater reduction in decisional conflict score (P = 0.04) and were more likely to plan vaginal birth after caesarean (49% vs 33%, P = 0.2). Adherence to birth choice and birth satisfaction was similar between groups. Women in the additional decision aid group rated their decision support tool higher (P < 0.01).ConclusionsIn a ‘real world' shared decision‐making model, an additional decision aid conferred some benefits in factors associated with preparation for shared decision‐making. Decision aids may provide particular benefit for women who are initially unsure and need assistance in the deliberation phase.
Variation in anti‐microbial prescription and complications post emergency appendicectomy in Australia: do we follow recommended guidelines?
Authors: Thong Da Wei , Kim Jason , Dobson Benjamin , Cheung Henry , Arthur Thomas ,   QUEST Collaboration
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThis study aims to establish compliance levels to prescription guidelines among Australian surgeons in the use of antibiotics in the surgical management of appendicitis. The secondary outcomes are predictors of post‐operative infective complications; surgical site infection (SSI) and intra‐abdominal abscess (IAA) at 30 days.MethodsA multi‐centre, prospective, observational study was conducted over a period of 2 months with a 30‐day follow‐up. Patients were eligible for recruitment if they underwent appendicectomy for suspected appendicitis. Antibiotics prescription practices were recorded and compared to national guidelines.ResultsA total of 1189 patients were recruited across 27 centres; 1081 (92.1%) patients were given prophylactic antibiotics at the time of appendicectomy. Patients with gangrenous appendicitis were more likely to receive prophylactic antibiotics (98.9%); lower rates of use were seen in the non‐appendicitis group (85.7%). A total of 619 (53.3%) patients received antibiotics in the post‐operative period. Despite recommendations, 300 (44.3%) patients with simple appendicitis received post‐operative antibiotics. Only six (2.9%) patients with complicated appendicitis did not receive antibiotics. Overall, SSI and IAA rates were 1.9% and 2.7%, respectively. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (P = 0.02) and patients with converted operations (P = 0.001) were more likely to have a SSI. Patients with complicated appendicitis and those operated on by a consultant were more likely to increase the odds of IAA (odds ratio 3.8 and 5.1, respectively).ConclusionThis broad‐based study shows mixed compliance with antibiotic guidelines in the surgical management of appendicitis in Australia. The use of post‐operative antibiotics in patients with simple appendicitis should be a target for antimicrobial stewardship programmes to prevent antibiotic over‐utilization.
Effect of Chinese herbal medicine on kinetics of plasma phenylalanine, tyrosine and whole body protein synthesis in sheep
Authors: Liang Xi , Bi Xue , Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Sano Hiroaki 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding decoction of a traditional nourishing Chinese herbal medicine formula on rates of plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine turnover and whole body protein synthesis in sheep. Ruminal fermentation characteristics and blood metabolites were also determined. Six sheep were subjected to either mixed hay (MH‐diet, as control) or MH‐diet supplemented with 2% of Chinese herbal medicine (mixture of Astragalus root, Angelica root, and Atractylodes rhizome; CHM‐diet) in a crossover design for each of 3‐week period. The isotope dilution of [2H5]phenylalanine and [2H2]tyrosine was performed as a primed‐continuous infusion to measure plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine kinetics. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acid, acetate, and propionate in the rumen tended to be higher (p < 0.10), and the pH value was lower (p = 0.04) for the CHM‐diet than the MH‐diet. Turnover rates of plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine tended to be higher (p < 0.10) for the CHM‐diet than the MH‐diet. Furthermore, whole body protein synthesis was greater (p = 0.04) for the CHM‐diet compared with the MH‐diet. The Chinese herbal medicine improved rumen fermentation and enhanced protein metabolism in sheep. Hence, it is suggested that the decoction of Chinese herbal medicine formula could be considered as a potential feed additive for ruminant production.
Avian mycobacteriosis in captive brolgas (Antigone rubicunda)
Authors: Hodge PJ , Sandy JR , Noormohammadi AH 
Published: February 2019

Case seriesAvian mycobacteriosis is a significant disease of a wide range of bird species worldwide. The most common causative agent, Mycobacterium avium, is reported to also infect a range of mammals, including humans. Of 11 brolgas (Antigone rubicunda) submitted to the University of Melbourne for postmortem examination over a 10‐year period, 7 were diagnosed with mycobacteriosis. All were from a wildlife park and kept in permanent enclosures as part of a breeding program. Most of the brolgas with mycobacteriosis were in poor body condition and had widely disseminated granulomas throughout the body, especially within the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract. Respiratory tract involvement was common, with all disseminated cases having pulmonary or air sac granulomas. Rare to moderate numbers of acid‐fast organisms were detected in granulomas by histological examination. Where examined by appropriate bacteriological examinations, M. avium complex was isolated from affected tissues.ConclusionThis case series is the first known report of mycobacteriosis in brolgas and highlights the pathological changes seen. The complications in maintaining an avian mycobacteriosis‐free breeding program and in eradication of the disease from an enclosed wildlife environment are discussed.
Fragmentation of the dorsal distal aspect of the talus on weanling survey and pre‐sale radiographs of juvenile Thoroughbreds: prevalence and 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds racing performance
Authors: Steel CM , Devery S , Hance SR , Adkins AR , Hitchens PL 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundFragmentation of the dorsal aspect of the distal talus (FDDT), at the dorsolateral articular margin of the proximal intertarsal joint (PITJ) on pre‐sale radiographs of yearling Thoroughbreds has not been previously described and data to support decisions made by veterinarians to predict future racing potential of horses with these lesions are lacking.MethodsIn this retrospective case–control study we aimed to determine the prevalence of FDDT in juvenile Thoroughbreds and to report their race records. From a database of survey and repository radiographic examinations of 5709 horses, 36 with FDDT were identified.ResultsThe prevalence of FDDT was 0.63% (36/5709; 95%CI 0.44, 0.87), compared with 5.01% (286/5709; 95%CI 4.46, 5.61) for osteochondrosis of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia in the same population. In most cases, a single oval‐shaped fragment 1–12 mm in diameter was present. When comparing cases with matched controls, there were no significant differences in mean sale price, whether horses started in a trial or race and mean number of starts, wins, places and prize money when 2‐ and 3‐years old.ConclusionFDDT did not appear to affect racing performance, although a larger‐scale study is warranted to confirm this finding.
Tracing research trends of 21st‐century learning skills
Authors: Silber‐Varod Vered , Eshet‐Alkalai Yoram , Geri Nitza 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRecently, learning technologies have become a pivotal constituent of teaching–learning processes. Contemporary studies indicate that in order to effectively utilize these technologies, instructors and learners alike must master a range of cognitive and socio‐emotional competencies, commonly termed “digital literacy competencies” or “21st century skills.” This study employs a content analysis methodology to trace trends of change in the research of core digital literacy competencies as reflected in the educational academic literature of the past 37 years (1980–2016). Based on well‐established frameworks of digital literacy competencies, this research examined seven skills: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Problem‐solving and Socio‐emotional skills. Data were collected through advanced search queries of peer‐reviewed publications in the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Findings reveal that among the examined terms, Communication is the most prominent digital literacy skill, followed by Problem Solving and Collaboration. Furthermore, within the context of Skills, the most prominent terms are Information Literacy and Critical thinking; Technology and Collaboration are least mentioned. Our findings suggest that awareness of digital learning competencies in educational research literature is marginal, implying that educational research seems to lag behind the need to understand the ever‐changing digital competencies that instructors and learners need.
Seismic stratigraphical record of Lake Levinson‐Lessing, Taymyr Peninsula: evidence for ice‐sheet dynamics and lake‐level fluctuations since the Early Weichselian
Authors: Lebas Elodie , Krastel Sebastian , Wagner Bernd , Gromig Raphael , Fedorov Grigory , Baumer Marlene , Kostromina Natalia , Haflidason Haflidi 
Published: February 2019

A multi‐channel, high‐resolution seismic reflection survey using a Micro‐GI airgun was carried out in the framework of the Russian‐German project PLOT (Paleolimnological Transect) on Lake Levinson‐Lessing, Taymyr Peninsula, in 2016. In total, ~70 km of seismic reflection profiles revealed in unprecedented detail the glacial and postglacial sedimentary infill of the lake basin. Five main seismic units have been recognized and interpreted as glacial (Unit V), subglacial and proglacial (Unit IV), marine (Unit III), fluvial‐lacustrine (Unit II) and lacustrine (Unit I) sediments. Of particular significance are imbricated, south‐orientated structures present in the southernmost part of the lake basin within Unit V and a large topographic ridge recognized in front of those structures. We interpret these structures as push moraines and an end moraine, respectively, left by the glacier after its retreat. The depositional pattern of the units above the moraines documents past lake‐level fluctuations. We interpret Unit IV, Unit III and Unit I as highstand deposits, and Unit II as lowstand deposits. Gas‐charged sediments dominate the northern part of the lake basin, whilst they occur only sporadically and in limited spatial extent in the central and southern parts of the lake. In the latter areas, the seismic and echo‐sounder data suggest recent tectonic activity. Our study contributes to the reconstruction of environmental conditions in the Taymyr Peninsula directly following the Early Weichselian deglaciation and shows that deep tectonic lake basins affected by several glaciations can preserve important palaeoenvironmental records, which contributes significantly to our understanding of palaeoenvironmental changes in the Taymyr Peninsula and the central Russian Arctic.
Reduction of intrapancreatic neural density in cancer tissue predicts poorer outcome in pancreatic ductal carcinoma
Authors: Iwasaki Toshimitsu , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Ino Yoshinori , Nakajima Kosei , Kishi Yoji , Nara Satoshi , Esaki Minoru , Shimada Kazuaki , Katai Hitoshi 
Published: February 2019

Neural invasion is one of the malignant features contributing to locally advanced and/or metastatic disease progression in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Few studies exist on the distribution and state of nerve fibers in PDAC tissue and their clinicopathological impacts. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value of intrapancreatic neural alterations in patients with PDAC. We retrospectively analyzed 256 patients with PDAC who underwent macroscopic curative surgery. Nerve fibers, immunolabeled with a specific neural marker GAP‐43, were digitally counted and compared among PDAC, chronic pancreatitis (CP) and normal pancreatic tissues. Interlobular nerve fibers were apparently hypertrophic in both CP and PDAC, although intrapancreatic neural density and nerve number decreased characteristically in PDAC. They tended to decrease toward the center of the tumor. Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses revealed a statistically significant correlation between low neural density and shorter overall survival (OS) (P = 0.014), and between high neural invasion and shorter OS (P = 0.017). Neural density (P = 0.04; HR = 1.496; 95% CI 1.018‐2.199) and neural invasion ratio (P = 0.064; HR = 1.439; 95% CI .980‐2.114) were prognostic factors of shorter OS in the multivariate analysis. These findings suggest low intrapancreatic neural density in patients with PDAC as an independent prognosticator, which may represent aggressive tumor behavior. Furthermore, we propose a simple, practical and reproducible method (to measure neural density and the neural invasion ratio during conventional histopathological diagnosis of PDAC), which has been validated using another cohort (n = 81).
Molecular design of sequence‐minimized, structure‐optimized, and hydrocarbon‐stapled helix–helix interactions in the trimer‐of‐hairpins motif of pediatric pneumonia RSV‐F protein
Authors: Wang Jihong , Zhang Jingxiu , Sun Xiangguo , Liu Chengjun , Li Xingli , Chen Lei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe respiratory syncytial virus fusion (RSV‐F) protein is a primary target for vaccine and drug development against respiratory infection and pediatric pneumonia. The RSV‐F core forms a trimer‐of‐hairpins (TOH) motif in postfusion conformation, which is characterized by a six‐helix bundle (6HB) where the three N‐terminal HRn helices define a central coiled‐coil, while three C‐terminal HRc helices pack on the coiled‐coil surface in an antiparallel manner. Here, one tightly packed HRn–HRc helix–helix interaction is stripped from the 6HB, which represents the minimum unit of RSV‐F TOH motif. The helix–helix interaction sequence can be truncated to derive a core binding region (CBR) that covers intense nonbonded interactions across the interaction interface. Dynamics simulation and energetics analysis reveal that the CBR HRc peptide has a large flexibility and intrinsic disorder in unbound free state, which would incur a considerable entropy penalty upon its binding to CBR NRn peptide. Two strategies are described to constrain the HRc peptide conformation. First, the four non‐interfacial residues of HRc peptide are artificially substituted with new amino acid combinations of high helical propensity and, second, the helical conformation of wild‐type and mutant HRc peptides is stabilized by adding an all‐hydrocarbon bridge across two spatially vicinal, non‐interfacial residues 503 (i) and 507 (i + 4). Free energy calculation and fluorescence‐based assay confirm that the substitution and stapling can effectively improve the binding affinity of CBR HRn–HRc interaction.
Design, synthesis, anti‐mycobacterial and cytotoxic evaluation of C‐4 functionalized 1,8‐naphthalimide‐heterocyclic hydrazide conjugates
Authors: Shalini  , Johansen Matt D. , Kremer Laurent , Kumar Vipan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis manuscript discloses the design and synthesis of a series of C‐4 functionalized 1,8‐naphthalimide‐heterocyclic hydrazide conjugates along with their anti‐mycobacterial and cytotoxic evaluation. The present work assumes significance as it describes the first report on the amalgamation of C‐4 substituted naphthalimides with various heterocyclic hydrazides. However, contrary to the rationale behind the synthesis of the conjugates, none of them inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the tested concentrations though these were non‐cytotoxic towards the Vero kidney epithelial cell line.
Front Cover
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Xin , Li Hai‐Yu , He Wen‐Bin , Tu Chaofeng , Du Juan , Li Wen , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Lin Ge , Yang Yongjia , Tan Yue‐Qiu 
Published: February 2019

The cover image is based on the Letter to the Editor XRCC2 mutation causes premature ovarian insuffi ciency as well as non-obstructive azoospermia in humans, by Ya‐Xin Zhang et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13475.
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