bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient‐reported health‐related quality of life outcomes in supportive‐care interventions for adults with brain tumors: A systematic review
Authors: Pan‐Weisz Tonya M. , Kryza‐Lacombe Maria , Burkeen Jeffrey , Hattangadi‐Gluth Jona , Malcarne Vanessa L. , McDonald Carrie R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this systematic review were to (a) identify supportive‐care (psychosocial/behavioral, pharmacological, complementary, or alternative) interventions that have been evaluated via randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve patient‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults with brain tumors, (b) evaluate the quality of the intervention studies, and (c) evaluate if developed interventions have been efficacious at improving HRQoL, as compared with control conditions in RCTs.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four databases were searched for RCTs of supportive‐care interventions for adults with brain tumors, primary or metastatic, that included a patient‐reported HRQoL outcome. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.ResultsTen RCTs involving 640 patients with either a primary or metastatic brain tumor investigating supportive‐care interventions with a HRQoL outcome were identified. In terms of quality, three of the studies received a “strong” rating, three received a “moderate” rating, and four of the studies received a “weak” rating. Only two of the interventions (ie, a home‐based psychosocial intervention and individualized acupuncture with standard rehabilitation) demonstrated improvements in HRQoL over control conditions.ConclusionsHRQoL is of the utmost importance when treating patients with brain tumors. Yet there is a notable paucity of research to inform clinical decisions and evidence‐based practice. More high‐quality studies of interventions aimed at improving HRQoL are needed.
A novel genomic approach to herbicide and herbicide mode of action discovery
Authors: Duke Stephen O , Stidham Mark A , Dayan Franck E 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA herbicide with a new mode of action has not been commercialized for more than 30 years. A recent paper describes a novel genomic approach to herbicide and herbicide mode of action discovery. Analysis of a microbial gene cluster revealed that it encodes genes for both the biosynthetic pathway for production of the sesquiterpene aspterric acid and an aspterric acid‐resistant form of dihydroxy acid dehydratase (DHAD), its target enzyme. Aspterric acid is weak compared with commercial synthetic herbicides, and whether DHAD is a good herbicide target is unclear from this study. Nevertheless, this genomic approach provides a novel strategy for the discovery of herbicides with new modes action. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Oligonol, a low‐molecular‐weight polyphenol derived from lychee peel, attenuates diabetes‐induced pancreatic damage by inhibiting inflammatory responses via oxidative stress‐dependent mitogen‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Park Kyeong Hun , Hong Seung Gil , Lee Jae Su , Baek Jeong Hyun , Lee Gong In , Heo Jeong Wook , Yokozawa Takako 
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the effects of oligonol, a low‐molecular‐polyphenol derived from lychee peel, against diabetes‐induced pancreatic damage via oxidative stress‐induced inflammation. Oligonol was orally administered at 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 days to streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, and the rats were compared with nondiabetic and diabetic control rats. The diabetic rats showed loss of body weight and increased pancreatic weight, and the oral administration of oligonol attenuated these parameters. Moreover, the administration of oligonol caused a significant decrease in the serum glucose level and a significant increase in the serum and pancreatic insulin and C‐peptide levels in the diabetic rats. Oligonol also significantly reduced the enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, which are oxidative stress biomarkers, in the serum and pancreas. Oligonol treatment reduced the overexpression of phospho‐p38, phospho‐ERK1/2, phospho‐inhibitor of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), NF‐κBp65, and NF‐κBp65‐induced inflammatory protein such as cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6. Furthermore, oligonol treatment led to significantly attenuated histological damage in the pancreas. On the basis of these results, we conclude that a plausible mechanism of oligonol's antidiabetic action may be its antioxidative stress‐related anti‐inflammatory action.
The Cost of War: Attachment and MMO Gamers' Online and Offline Relationships
Authors: Limke-McLean Alicia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study examined attachment styles, online behaviours, offline relationships, and sexuality of individuals engaged in a popular massive multiplayer online (MMO) game (Game of War: Fire Age). 178 players currently involved in romantic relationships completed surveys for in-game currency. Time spent gaming predicted less time with others, less relationship satisfaction, more relationship uncertainty, more sexual anxiety, and more external sexual control. However, attachment avoidance partially mediated the relationship between time spent online gaming and time spent with immediate family and friends; relationship satisfaction; self-partner, and relationship uncertainty; sexual anxiety; and external sexual control.
Is it worth door-knocking? Evidence from a United Kingdom-based Get Out The Vote (GOTV) field experiment on the effect of party leaflets and canvass visits on voter turnout
Authors: Townsley Joshua 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWhat impact do party leaflets and canvass visits have on voter turnout? Get Out The Vote (GOTV) experiments consistently find that campaigning needs to be personal in order to be effective. However, the imbalance between United States and European-based studies has led to recent calls for further European GOTV experiments. There are also comparatively few partisan experiments. I report the findings of a United Kingdom-based field experiment conducted with the Liberal Democrats in 2017. Results show that party leaflets boost turnout by 4.3 percentage points, while canvassing has a small additional effect (0.6 percentage points). The study also represents the first individual level experiment to compare GOTV effects between postal voters and in-person voters outside the United States.
A randomized controlled trial of working memory and processing speed training in schizophrenia
Authors: Cassetta B.D. , Tomfohr-Madsen L.M. , Goghari V.M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough prior research has shown that cognitive training may improve cognition for schizophrenia patients, it is currently unclear which domains of cognition should be targeted in training. One suggestion is to target low- or mid-level cognitive processes. In particular, working memory (WM) and processing speed (PS) have been named as two key areas of impairment in schizophrenia, and two domains of cognition that are linked to higher-order cognition and daily functioning. This study aimed to investigate the near-transfer (transfer of gains to related contexts), far-transfer (transfer of gains to unrelated contexts), and real-world gains associated with WM and PS training in schizophrenia.MethodsEighty-three participants with schizophrenia were recruited and randomly assigned to computerized WM training, PS training, or a no-training control group. Outcome measures included WM, PS, fluid intelligence, executive functioning, social cognition, and daily functioning and symptoms.ResultsPS training led to significant gains in untrained PS tasks, as well as gains in far-transfer tasks that required speed of processing. WM training did not lead to gains in untrained WM tasks and showed inconsistent effects on some far-transfer tasks.ConclusionsThese results suggest some benefit of domain-specific cognitive training, specifically PS training, in schizophrenia. Far-transfer of gains to other cognitive domains and to real-world functioning may not occur after targeted WM or PS training, though non-specific effects (e.g. through behavioral activation, increased motivation) may lead to improvements in some tasks. Future studies should continue to investigate the mechanisms by which cognitive training may enhance cognition and functioning in schizophrenia.
The Pragmatics of English as a Lingua Franca: Research and Pedagogy in the Era of Globalization
Authors: Taguchi Naoko , Ishihara Noriko 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIn step with advancing globalization, applied linguists are compelled to reconsider established assumptions about language use and learning (Kramsch, 2014). Focusing on English as a lingua franca (ELF), this article illustrates how realities of globalization have challenged our conventional ways of researching and teaching second language (L2) pragmatics. In the context of ELF where English is used as a medium of communication among nonnative speakers as well as between native and nonnative speakers, researchers need to examine pragmatic competence based on how L2 learners can navigate communicative demands by using communication strategies skillfully while negotiating their identities. At the same time, it is tenable for teachers to move away from the sole dependence on idealized native-speaker models of appropriateness, politeness, and formality in their pedagogical practice and instead incorporate a nonessentialist viewpoint into formal instruction. This article discusses these recent trends in researching and teaching pragmatics under the lingua franca framework.
East African Transnational Adolescents and Cross-Border Education: An Argument for Local International Learning
Authors: King Kendall A. , Bigelow Martha 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThis contribution outlines the current research on many of the positive benefits of cross-border education as well as some of what we know about student experiences. The authors also highlight some of the limitations of the study-abroad research to date (too White, too American, too European), and suggest that it is time to consider different sorts of “international” experiences; these potentially include crossing into local multilingual and multicultural communities as well as examining a fuller range of experiences for members of diaspora communities. By challenging common ideologies about international education, they suggest that it might be pedagogically better, more practical, and more ethical to find local international sites for all, and for future educators in particular.
Anxiety: Stress, Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety, and Enjoyment During Study Abroad in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Dewey Dan P. , Belnap R. Kirk , Steffen Patrick 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTAnxiety is among the most frequently studied emotions in second language acquisition (SLA). Study abroad (SA) researchers have examined its effects on SLA in that setting in a number of studies. The current study goes beyond previous SA research by examining how anxiety develops and connects with language proficiency development over SA. Specifically, it uses anxiety-related measures of foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA), foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and a physiological manifestation of anxiety (hair cortisol). As far as the classroom is concerned, learners grew more comfortable, experiencing less anxiety and more enjoyment over the period of SA. However, learners showed physiological signs of overall elevated anxiety despite these increasing classroom comfort levels. Two key factors that may have influenced their anxiety levels abroad were tendency toward anxiety prior to SA and language proficiency upon departure for SA. The latter provides support for having students more proficient prior to SA, since doing so may lead to less anxiety during SA.
Management of Herbicide-Resistant Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) under Different Tillage Systems Does Not Change the Frequency of Resistant Plants
Authors: Torra Joel , Royo-Esnal Aritz , Rey-Caballero Jordi , Recasens Jordi , Salas Marisa 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCorn poppy (Papaver rhoeasL.) is the most widespread broadleaf weed species infesting winter cereals in Europe. Biotypes that are resistant to both 2,4-D and tribenuron-methyl, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, have evolved in recent decades, thus narrowing the options for effective chemical control. Though the effectiveness of several integrated weed management (IWM) strategies have been confirmed, none of these strategies have been tested to manage multiple herbicide–resistantP. rhoeasunder no-till planting. With the expansion of no-till systems, it is important to prove the effectiveness of such strategies. In this study, a field experiment over three consecutive seasons was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of different weed management strategies, under either direct drilling (i.e., no-till) or intensive tillage, on a multiple herbicide–resistantP. rhoeaspopulation. Moreover, evaluations were carried out as to whether the proportions of ALS inhibitor–resistant individuals were affected by the tillage systems for each IWM strategy at the end of the 3-yr period. The IWM strategies tested in this research included crop rotation, delayed sowing, and different herbicide programs such as PRE plus POST or POST. All IWM strategies greatly reduced the initial density ofP. rhoeaseach season (≥ 95%) under either direct drilling or intensive tillage. After 3 yr, the IWM strategies were very effective in both tillage systems, though the effects were stronger under direct drilling (~95%) compared with intensive tillage (~86%). At the end of the study, the proportion of ALS inhibitor–resistant plants was not different between the IWM strategies in both tillage systems (94% on average). Therefore, crop rotation (with sunflower [Helianthus annuusL.]), delayed sowing, or a variation in the herbicide application timing are effective under direct drilling to manage herbicide-resistantP. rhoeas. Adoption of IWM strategies is necessary to mitigate the evolution of resistance in both conventional and no-till systems.
Basal and starvation-induced autophagy mediates parasite survival during intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Joy Shiny , Thirunavukkarasu Lavanya , Agrawal Palak , Singh Archana , Sagar B. K. Chandrasekhar , Manjithaya Ravi , Surolia Namita 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe precise role of autophagy in P. falciparum remains largely unknown. Although a limited number of autophagy genes have been identified in this apicomplexan, only PfAtg8 has been characterized to a certain extent. On the basis of the expression levels of PfAtg8 and the putative PfAtg5, we report that the basal autophagy in this parasite is quite robust and mediates not only the intraerythrocytic development but also fresh invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) in the subsequent cycles. We demonstrate that the basal autophagy responds to both inducers and inhibitors of autophagy. In addition, the parasite survival upon starvation is temporally governed by the autophagy status. Brief periods of starvation, which induces autophagy, help survival while prolonged starvation decreases autophagy leading to stalled parasite growth and reduced invasion. Thus, starvation-induced autophagy is context dependent. Importantly, we report characterization of another autophagy marker in this parasite, the putative PfAtg5 (Pf3D7_1430400). PfAtg5 is expressed in all the intraerythrocytic stages and partially colocalizes with ER, mitochondria, apicoplast and PfAtg8. It is also present on the double membrane bound vesicles. Altogether, these studies pave way for the detailed dissection of P. falciparum autophagy machinery and insights into molecular and functional characterization of its players for developing new therapeutics as antimalarials.
Stabilizing black phosphorus nanosheets via edge-selective bonding of sacrificial C60 molecules
Authors: Zhu Xianjun , Zhang Taiming , Jiang Daochuan , Duan Hengli , Sun Zijun , Zhang Mengmeng , Jin Hongchang , Guan Runnan , Liu Yajuan , Chen Muqing , Ji Hengxing , Du Pingwu , Yan Wensheng , Wei Shiqiang , Lu Yalin , Yang Shangfeng 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFew-layer black phosphorus (BP) with an anisotropic two-dimensional (2D)-layered structure shows potential applications in photoelectric conversion and photocatalysis, but is easily oxidized under ambient condition preferentially at its edge sites. Improving the ambient stability of BP nanosheets has been fulfilled by chemical functionalization, however this functionalization is typically non-selective. Here we show that edge-selective functionalization of BP nanosheets by covalently bonding stable C60 molecules leads to its significant stability improvement. Owing to the high stability of the hydrophobic C60 molecule, C60 functions as a sacrificial shield and effectively protects BP nanosheets from oxidation under ambient condition. C60 bonding leads to a rapid photoinduced electron transfer from BP to C60, affording enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities. The selective passivation of the reactive edge sites of BP nanosheets by sacrificial C60 molecules paves the way toward ambient processing and applications of BP.
Characterization of Nigerian breast cancer reveals prevalent homologous recombination deficiency and aggressive molecular features
Authors: Pitt Jason J. , Riester Markus , Zheng Yonglan , Yoshimatsu Toshio F. , Sanni Ayodele , Oluwasola Olayiwola , Veloso Artur , Labrot Emma , Wang Shengfeng , Odetunde Abayomi , Ademola Adeyinka , Okedere Babajide , Mahan Scott , Leary Rebecca , Macomber Maura , Ajani Mustapha , Johnson Ryan S. , Fitzgerald Dominic , Grundstad A. Jason , Tuteja Jigyasa H. , Khramtsova Galina , Zhang Jing , Sveen Elisabeth , Hwang Bryce , Clayton Wendy , Nkwodimmah Chibuzor , Famooto Bisola , Obasi Esther , Aderoju Victor , Oludara Mobolaji , Omodele Folusho , Akinyele Odunayo , Adeoye Adewunmi , Ogundiran Temidayo , Babalola Chinedum , MacIsaac Kenzie , Popoola Abiodun , Morrissey Michael P. , Chen Lin S. , Wang Jiebiao , Olopade Christopher O. , Falusi Adeyinka G. , Winckler Wendy , Haase Kerstin , Van Loo Peter , Obafunwa John , Papoutsakis Dimitris , Ojengbede Oladosu , Weber Barbara , Ibrahim Nasiru , White Kevin P. , Huo Dezheng , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Barretina Jordi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRacial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer mortality continue to widen but genomic studies rarely interrogate breast cancer in diverse populations. Through genome, exome, and RNA sequencing, we examined the molecular features of breast cancers using 194 patients from Nigeria and 1037 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Relative to Black and White cohorts in TCGA, Nigerian HR + /HER2 − tumors are characterized by increased homologous recombination deficiency signature, pervasiveTP53mutations, and greater structural variation—indicating aggressive biology.GATA3mutations are also more frequent in Nigerians regardless of subtype. Higher proportions of APOBEC-mediated substitutions strongly associate withPIK3CAandCDH1mutations, which are underrepresented in Nigerians and Blacks.PLK2,KDM6A, andB2Mare also identified as previously unreported significantly mutated genes in breast cancer. This dataset provides novel insights into potential molecular mechanisms underlying outcome disparities and lay a foundation for deployment of precision therapeutics in underserved populations.
Microglia innately develop within cerebral organoids
Authors: Ormel Paul R. , Vieira de Sá Renata , van Bodegraven Emma J. , Karst Henk , Harschnitz Oliver , Sneeboer Marjolein A. M. , Johansen Lill Eva , van Dijk Roland E. , Scheefhals Nicky , Berdenis van Berlekom Amber , Ribes Martínez Eduardo , Kling Sandra , MacGillavry Harold D. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Kahn René S. , Hol Elly M. , de Witte Lot D. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCerebral organoids are 3D stem cell-derived models that can be utilized to study the human brain. The current consensus is that cerebral organoids consist of cells derived from the neuroectodermal lineage. This limits their value and applicability, as mesodermal-derived microglia are important players in neural development and disease. Remarkably, here we show that microglia can innately develop within a cerebral organoid model and display their characteristic ramified morphology. The transcriptome and response to inflammatory stimulation of these organoid-grown microglia closely mimic the transcriptome and response of adult microglia acutely isolated from post mortem human brain tissue. In addition, organoid-grown microglia mediate phagocytosis and synaptic material is detected inside them. In all, our study characterizes a microglia-containing organoid model that represents a valuable tool for studying the interplay between microglia, macroglia, and neurons in human brain development and disease.
Primary care cohort study in the sequence of diagnosing chronic respiratory diseases and prescribing inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Geraets Ilja , Schermer Tjard , Kocks Janwillem W. H. , Akkermans Reinier , Bischoff Erik , van den Bemt Lisette 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo prevent unnecessary use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), ICS treatment should only be started when the diagnostic process of asthma and COPD is completed. Little is known about the chronological order between these diagnoses and the start of ICS. We performed a retrospective cohort study, based on electronic medical records of 178 Dutch general practices, to explore the temporal relations between starting continuous use of ICS and receiving a diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD. The database included information of patients who were registered with a diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD in one of the practices during January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Two or more successive prescriptions of ICS within 6 months were considered as continuous ICS treatment. The chronological order of events based on available dates were analysed using descriptive analyses. For 8507 patients with asthma, 4024 patients with COPD, and 801 patients with asthma–COPD overlap (ACO), the order of events could be analysed. In total, 1857 (14.4%) patients started ICS prior to their diagnosis, 11.5, 20.8, and 10.0% of patients with asthma, COPD, and ACO, respectively. In 53.4% of the patients, the first prescription of ICS was a combination inhaler with a long-acting bronchodilator. In this real-life primary care cohort, one in seven patients started ICS treatment prior to their diagnosis and approximately half of the patients started with a combination inhaler. Our findings suggest that there is relevant room for improvement in the pharmaceutical management of patients with these chronic respiratory diseases.