bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preferring to manage by myself: A qualitative study of the perspectives of hardly reached people with type 2 diabetes on social support for diabetes management
Authors: Bech Laura K. , Borch Jacobsen Camilla , Mathiesen Anne Sophie , Thomsen Thordis 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore the perspectives of hardly reached people with type 2 diabetes on social support for diabetes management from their formal and informal networks.BackgroundPeople with low socioeconomic status and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes may be categorised as hardly reached. Social support is increasingly perceived to be a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes. Few studies have, however, explored social support for diabetes management from the perspective of hardly reached people.MethodsA qualitative design with individual semi‐structured interviews captured the unique perspectives of hardly reached people. Data from 14 participants were analysed using conventional content analysis. The article adheres to the COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative research.ResultsParticipants preferred not to involve family and friends (the informal network) in diabetes management due to dysfunctional or lacking networks, existing norms and not wanting to burden vulnerable relationships. Others simply did not perceive themselves as sick and therefore saw no need for support. Opposed to this, participants wished for continuity and a personalised relationship with health professionals (the formal network). This entailed consultations that facilitated discussion of issues of importance to the participants.ConclusionsHardly reached people with type 2 diabetes preferred to spare their informal networks from diabetes management. Instead, they wished for more presence and individualised support from health professionals.Relevance to Clinical practiceIt appears timely to rethink the current “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach for people with type 2 diabetes in order to allocate resources to those most in need. It is important that health professionals elicit perceptions of support needs and potential sources of support in hardly reached people with type 2 diabetes both from the formal and from informal networks in regard to managing their diabetes. To better reach hardly reached people with type 2 diabetes, specialised education of health professionals may be necessary to capture the complex underlying dynamics influencing disease management.
Assessment of Interleukin‐18 gene polymorphism and serum levels in oral lichen planus in an Indian population
Authors: Negi Deepika , Urs Aadithya B. , Kumar Priya , Mahajan Bhawna , Singh Hanspal , Polipalli Sunil K. , Kapoor Seema 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, inflammatory disease with uncertain etiology. The aim of this study was to assess Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) gene polymorphism and serum levels in OLP cases of Indian origin and to compare them with a control population of similar background.MethodsThe assessment of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL‐18 gene at promoter regions −137(G/C) and −607(C/A) was done in 70 OLP cases and 70 healthy controls using sequence‐specific primer‐polymerase chain reaction (SSP‐PCR). In a subset of this cohort, comprising of 41 OLP cases and 41 controls, serum IL‐18 levels were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsMean serum levels of IL‐18 among OLP cases were significantly higher when compared to controls. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of IL‐18 at position −137(G/C) showed that GG genotype and allele G was significantly higher in OLP cases, whereas, GC genotype and C allele was high in the control group. Polymorphism of IL‐18 at position −607(C/A) showed no significant differences.ConclusionsGene polymorphism at −137GG genotype and allele G seems to be associated with genetic susceptibility to OLP whereas −137GC and allele C may have a protective role against its development. However, our study lacks clear statistical correlation, the differences observed could be caused by sampling problems and the results could not be fully representative of Indian patients with OLP. Further studies are warranted to explore the role of IL‐18 genetic polymorphisms in OLP development.
Factors Affecting the Health of Caregivers of Children Who Have an Intellectual/Developmental Disability
Authors: Marquis Sandra , Hayes Michael V. , McGrail Kimberlyn 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThere are a growing number of children with an ID/developmental disability. As well, there is evidence of poor health in the caregivers of these children. This article describes a narrative review of the literature regarding the mental and physical health of caregivers of children with ID/developmental disability. The review examined 162 papers. Twenty‐three different factors were identified that may have an effect on the health of these caregivers. Social determinants, individual caregiver variables, characteristics of the child with the disability, family characteristics, and support factors can all affect caregiver health. These variables are inter‐related and illustrate the need to account for complexity when studying the health of caregivers of children with ID/developmental disability.
What and Who Works: Strategies for Facilitating Work Experience Opportunities for Students Enrolled in Postsecondary Education Programs
Authors: Scheef Andrew R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWhen compared to the general population, employment rates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are poor. This discrepancy is concerning, especially when considering the multitude of benefits associated with employment. To improve employment outcomes for this population, many postsecondary education (PSE) programs provide career development services for students with IDDs. As engagement in paid work experience is a predictor of improved postschool outcomes for individuals with disabilities, this is a common career development program component. A study was conducted to better understand strategies utilized by PSE programs to facilitate paid work experiences for their students. To identify these strategies, information from PSE program personnel was sought. The study involved two phases, including a nationwide survey and subsequent follow‐up interviews. Strategies most frequently identified by respondents included: (1) soliciting employer feedback, (2) relationship building with employers, (3) aligning placements with student interests, (4) job customization, (5) providing training and support at the job site, (6) developing natural supports, and (7) aligning curricular activities with job site needs. The findings from this research will support practitioners who are tasked with supporting employment goals for young adults with IDDs. By understanding effective strategies, more students may be able to engage in paid work experience to increase likelihood of employment.
Fragmentary myoclonus in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder
Authors: Nepozitek Jiri , Dostalova Simona , Kemlink David , Friedrich Latica , Prihodova Iva , Ibarburu Lorenzo y Losada Veronika , Dusek Petr , Bezdicek Ondrej , Nikolai Tomas , Perinova Pavla , Dall'Antonia Irene , Dusek Pavel , Ruml Martin , Ruzicka Evzen , Sonka Karel 
Published: January 2019

Summary
Fragmentary myoclonus is a result of muscle activity consisting of brief potentials in surface electromyography during polysomnography. Excessive fragmentary myoclonus is defined by increased intensity of the potentials. A few studies report excessive fragmentary myoclonus occurrence in neurodegenerative diseases. Because idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder is considered as an early stage of neurodegeneration with involvement of the brainstem, we charted the prevalence and quantified the intensity of excessive fragmentary myoclonus in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder. Twenty‐nine patients (one woman, 28 men, mean age 68 years, SD 6.2) and 29 controls (two women, 27 men, mean age 65.6 years, SD 8.6) underwent polysomnography. Fragmentary myoclonus potentials were identified and counted according to internationally used criteria. Fragmentary myoclonus intensity was quantified by the fragmentary myoclonus index. Excessive fragmentary myoclonus was diagnosed in 75.9% (22 subjects) in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, while in 34.5% (10 subjects) among the controls (p = 0.003). Quantitative analysis showed a wide‐range fragmentary myoclonus index in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (4.0–632.4; median 60.7) and in the controls (0.8–938.1; median 34.3). The overall difference in fragmentary myoclonus index was not significant between the groups; however, patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder showed trends for higher fragmentary myoclonus index scores in wakefulness (p = 0.027), N1 (p = 0.032), N3 (p = 0.046) and R (p = 0.007). Fragmentary myoclonus index does not correlate with age, idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder duration or R stage atonia deficiency. The prevalence of excessive fragmentary myoclonus is higher in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder compared with the controls, so fragmentary myoclonus should be taken into account in future research of rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder and motor control in sleep.
The Agrobacterium VirD5 protein hyperactivates the mitotic Aurora kinase in host cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Hooykaas Paul J. J. 
Published: January 2019

Summary

Aided by translocated virulence proteins, Agrobacterium tumefaciens transforms plant cells with oncogenic T‐DNA. In the host cells the virulence protein VirD5 moves to the nucleus, where it becomes localized at the kinetochores, and disturbs faithful chromosome segregation, but the molecular mechanism underlying this remains unknown.

To gain more insight, we screened amongst the kinetochore proteins for VirD5 interactors using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, and tested chromosome segregation in yeast cells.

We found that VirD5 interacts with the conserved mitotic Aurora kinase Ipl1 in yeast and likewise with plant Aurora kinases. In vitro VirD5 was found to stimulate the activity of Ipl1. Phosphorylation of substrates by Ipl1 in vivo is known to result in the detachment between kinetochore and spindle microtubule. This is necessary for error correction, but increased Ipl1/Aurora kinase activity is known to cause spindle instability, explaining enhanced chromosome mis‐segregation seen in the presence of VirD5. That activation of the Ipl1/Aurora kinase at least partially underlies the toxicity of VirD5 became apparent by artificial boosting the activity of the specific counteracting phosphatase Glc7 in vivo, which relieved the toxicity.

These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which a pathogenic bacterium manipulates host cells.
Harnessed viruses in the age of metagenomics and synthetic biology: an update on infectious clone assembly and biotechnologies of plant viruses
Authors: Pasin Fabio , Menzel Wulf , Daròs José‐Antonio 
Published: January 2019

SummaryRecent metagenomic studies have provided an unprecedented wealth of data, which are revolutionizing our understanding of virus diversity. A redrawn landscape highlights viruses as active players in the phytobiome, and surveys have uncovered their positive roles in environmental stress tolerance of plants. Viral infectious clones are key tools for functional characterization of known and newly identified viruses. Knowledge of viruses and their components has been instrumental for the development of modern plant molecular biology and biotechnology. In this review, we provide extensive guidelines built on current synthetic biology advances that streamline infectious clone assembly, thus lessening a major technical constraint of plant virology. The focus is on generation of infectious clones in binary T‐DNA vectors, which are delivered efficiently to plants by Agrobacterium. We then summarize recent applications of plant viruses and explore emerging trends in microbiology, bacterial and human virology that, once translated to plant virology, could lead to the development of virus‐based gene therapies for ad hoc engineering of plant traits. The systematic characterization of plant virus roles in the phytobiome and next‐generation virus‐based tools will be indispensable landmarks in the synthetic biology roadmap to better crops.
Economic conditions during pregnancy and preterm birth: A maternal fixed‐effects analysis
Authors: Margerison Claire E. , Luo Zhehui , Li Yu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundMaking causal inference regarding impacts of macrolevel economic conditions during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes is hampered by the presence of unmeasured variables that may influence women's probability of giving birth under certain economic conditions (ie, exposure) as well as her pregnancy outcomes. Maternal fixed‐effects (FE) analyses, in which the association between exposure and outcomes is estimated within mothers who had discordant outcomes, can control for such unmeasured variables when they are invariant across pregnancies.MethodsWe utilised a maternally linked data set of all singleton births in Michigan from 1990 to 2012 (n = 2 657 272 for full sample; n = 269 943 for FE analytic sample) to examine the relationship between state‐level unemployment rates during pregnancy and preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks’ gestation). Measured maternal characteristics that change across pregnancies, for example, age, marital status, education, parity, and infant sex, were included as covariates in the model.ResultsUsing an FE approach, we found that each one percentage point increase in state unemployment in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with a modest 3% increase in odds of PTB. Our results were consistent with previously published results in a national sample and held across random‐ versus fixed‐effect models, analytic samples, and outcome measures.ConclusionsOur findings provide further evidence that economic downturn during early pregnancy may be associated with modest increases in PTB.
Towards a unified perinatal theory: Reconciling the births‐based and fetus‐at‐risk models of perinatal mortality
Authors: Joseph K.S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need to reconcile the opposing perspectives of the births‐based and fetuses‐at‐risk models of perinatal mortality and to formulate a coherent and unified perinatal theory.MethodsInformation on births in the United States from 2004 to 2015 was used to calculate gestational age‐specific perinatal death rates for low‐ and high‐risk cohorts. Cubic splines were fitted to the fetuses‐at‐risk birth and perinatal death rates, and first and second derivatives were estimated. Births‐based perinatal death rates, and fetuses‐at‐risk birth and perinatal death rates and their derivatives, were examined to identify potential inter‐relationships.ResultsThe rate of change in the birth rate dictated the pattern of births‐based perinatal death rates in a triphasic manner: increases in the first derivative of the birth rate at early gestation corresponded with exponential declines in perinatal death rates, the peak in the first derivative presaged the nadir in perinatal death rates, and late gestation declines in the first derivative coincided with an upturn in perinatal death rates. Late gestation increases in the first derivative of the fetuses‐at‐risk perinatal death rate matched the upturn in births‐based perinatal death rates. Differences in birth rate acceleration/deceleration among low‐ and high‐risk cohorts resulted in intersecting perinatal mortality curves.ConclusionThe first derivative of the birth rate links a cohort's fetuses‐at‐risk perinatal death rate to its births‐based perinatal death rate, and cohort‐specific differences in birth rate acceleration/deceleration are responsible for the intersecting perinatal mortality curves paradox. This mechanistic explanation unifies extant models of perinatal mortality and provides diverse insights.
Factors influencing hospital admission among patients with autopsy‐confirmed dementia
Authors: Matsuoka Tamami , Manabe Toshie , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Hashizume Yoshio , Yamamoto Sakon , Ogawa Norihiro , Kanesaka Takeshi , Taniguchi Chie , Yamamoto Takayuki , Mizukami Katsuyoshi 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe symptoms of geriatric syndromes and the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), in addition to clinical conditions, are associated with hospital admission among dementia patients. However, the principal factors that necessitate hospital admission among dementia patients have not been fully elucidated.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data in the medical and autopsy reports of patients who had been treated at a hospital in Toyohashi, Japan. Each patient had been hospitalized sometime between 2012 and 2016 and underwent a brain autopsy. Dementia and the subtypes of dementia were diagnosed neuropathologically. Information about patients’ general backgrounds, clinical conditions at the time of admission, and the geriatric syndrome symptoms and BPSD before admission was collected; comparisons were then made between patients with and without dementia and among those with the different major subtypes of dementia. Then, the factors relating to hospital admission of dementia patients were comprehensively evaluated by using principle component analysis.ResultsOf the 128 eligible patients, 100 (78.1%) had dementia. In the comparison of patients with and without dementia, patients without dementia were younger at both admission (P = 0.034) and death (P = 0.003). Among the patients with dementia with Lewy bodies, delusions had a significantly high prevalence (P = 0.014). Principal component analysis identified nine components (disinhibition, irritability/lability, agitation/aggression, anxiety, delusions, sleep/night‐time behaviour disorders, hallucinations, aberrant motor behaviour, and speech impairment) as the principal factors related to hospital admission among dementia patients. Thus, BPSD were identified as principal factors.ConclusionsCompared to other factors, BPSD are more likely to cause dementia patients to be admitted to hospital. The present results indicate that measures should be taken to ameliorate the difficulties associated with caring for patients with BPSD at home.
Evaluating efficacy of environmental education programming
Authors: Brandl Rayelynn , Alvarado Arlene , Peltomaa Abigail 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Clark Fork Watershed Education Program (CFWEP) goals are: (a) increasing students’ understanding of the nature of ecological impacts within their watershed as related to historic mining damage; and (b) increasing students’ sense of stewardship of newly restored landscapes. Data from 2012 to 2016 were evaluated for student knowledge gains (46 trials representing 2,395 student pre‐surveys; 2,409 student post‐surveys). Data from 2013 to 2016 were evaluated for students’ attitudes toward science and disposition toward caring for the environment (38 trials representing 1,479 pre‐surveys; 1,460 post‐surveys). The results of this study support that the program’s goals are being achieved. Students achieved statistically significant gains on knowledge surveys with a 33.4% overall gain pre‐ to posttest (p < 0.0001). Students also moved toward greater positive responses in both attitudes toward science and disposition toward caring for the environment with Cohen’s d effect sizes of “medium effect” for caring toward the environment (d = 0.52) and “small effect” of positive disposition toward science (d = 0.24).
Proactive maintenance therapy of canine atopic dermatitis with the anti‐IL‐31 lokivetmab. Can a monoclonal antibody blocking a single cytokine prevent allergy flares?
Authors: Tamamoto‐Mochizuki Chie , Paps Judy S. , Olivry Thierry 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundOnce the signs of canine atopic dermatitis (AD) are controlled, the proactive application of topical glucocorticoids can delay disease flares.ObjectivesWe wished to determine if the proactive administration of the anti‐IL‐31 lokivetmab would prevent or delay flares of canine AD.AnimalsWe tested this strategy in four Maltese‐beagle atopic dogs before enrolling 21 dogs with spontaneous AD.Methods and materialsIn our acute AD model, house dust mite (HDM)‐sensitized dogs were injected once with lokivetmab. After seven days, an HDM suspension was applied epicutaneously, and both skin lesions and pruritus manifestations were quantified for 24 h. In a second study, 21 dogs with spontaneous AD controlled with anti‐allergic drugs were treated with lokivetmab per manufacturer's recommendations; all anti‐allergic drugs were discontinued within four weeks after the first injection. All dogs were followed prospectively for at least one year and the time‐to‐flare (TTF) of AD after the last day of anti‐allergic treatment was determined.ResultsIn the experimental study, one injection of lokivetmab prevented nearly all expected allergen‐induced pruritus manifestations but not skin lesion development. In dogs with spontaneous AD, the median TTF after lokivetmab proactive therapy was 63 days. One‐fourth of dogs did not exhibit a flare for at least one year while receiving lokivetmab monotherapy.ConclusionsAlthough lokivetmab seems more effective to prevent pruritus than skin lesions in dogs with experimental AD' it also can delay disease flares in some dogs with the spontaneous disease. Studies are needed to identify those patients most likely to respond to such a proactive regimen.
Use of a temporalis fascia transposition flap for ventral orbital stabilization after ventral orbitectomy in a dog
Authors: Dent Brian , Wavreille Vincent A. , Selmic Laura E. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a novel surgical technique for ventral orbital reconstruction after ventral orbitectomy by using a temporalis fascia transposition flap.Study designCase report.MethodsA 7‐year‐old, spayed female Boston terrier was treated for multilobular osteochondrosarcoma arising from the cranial aspect of the left zygomatic arch, causing asymmetry of the face and mild exophthalmos of the left eye. A ventral orbitectomy with a wide surgical excision (including the cranial aspect of the zygomatic bone, the medial aspect of the lacrimal bone, and the dorsal aspect of the maxilla) was performed with preservation of the left eye. To support and maintain the left eye in a normal position, a temporalis fascia transposition flap was elevated and used. No complications occurred during the procedure.ResultsThirteen days after surgery, the referring veterinarian reported no complications. Complete excision was confirmed on histopathology. Eighty‐three days after surgery, the dog remained asymptomatic with only mild epiphora of the left eye. Follow‐up information from the owner 11 months after surgery indicated that the dog was asymptomatic with minimal ventral globe deviation.ConclusionAdditional ventral support of the globe after ventral orbitectomy via a temporalis fascia transposition flap resulted in an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome.Clinical significanceA temporalis fascia transposition flap can be used to reconstruct the ventral aspect of the orbit in dogs.