bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
End‐of‐life care of oncology inpatients: Are we getting it right?
Authors: Batten Monique , Nguyen Bella , Burke Brandon , Harryanto Hilman , Mitchell Imogen , Davis Alison 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo examine the current patterns of end‐of‐life care of medical oncology patients dying in an Australian tertiary acute hospital setting in order to determine potential areas for improvement.MethodsA retrospective observational study was undertaken of 295 consecutive adult medical oncology inpatients dying between 2010 and 2015. Charts were reviewed for evidence of (1) resuscitation plans, (2) acute interventions in the 48‐h period prior to death, (3) palliative care involvement and (4) recognition of the dying patient and comfort care plans.ResultsAt the time of death, 98% of patients had a resuscitation plan, 71% of which were completed by the medical oncology team. Fifty‐nine percent of medical emergency team reviews occurred in patients without a documented resuscitation plan. Within 48 h of death, active interventions were still being given to 64% of patients in the total patient population. Comfort care plans were documented in 86% of patients; however, 62% of these were only documented within 48 h of death and 20% of patients with a documented comfort care plan still received noncomfort measures.ConclusionThere was a high level of documented resuscitation plans, comfort care plans and recognition of dying. However, active interventions were common within 48 h of death, and comfort care plans and recognition of dying often occurred late. These data indicate a gap between documenting a resuscitation plan and providing timely and appropriate end‐of‐life care. Understanding the gaps in delivering appropriate care provides an opportunity for improving end‐of‐life care.
Role of serum biomarkers to optimise a validated clinical risk prediction tool for gestational diabetes
Authors: Abell Sally K. , Shorakae Soulmaz , Boyle Jacqueline A. , De Courten Barbora , Stepto Nigel K. , Teede Helena J. , Harrison Cheryce L. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundClinical risk prediction tools for gestational diabetes (GDM) may be enhanced by measuring biomarkers in early pregnancy.AimTo evaluate a two‐step GDM risk prediction tool incorporating fasting glucose (FG) and serum biomarkers in early pregnancy.Materials and methodsHigh molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, omentin‐1 and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were measured at 12–15 weeks gestation in women with high risk of GDM from a randomised trial using a clinical risk prediction tool. GDM diagnosis (24–28 weeks) was evaluated using 1998 Australian Diabetes in Pregnancy (ADIPS) criteria and newer International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. Associations between biomarkers and development of GDM were examined using multivariable regression analysis. Area under the receiver‐operator curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated to determine classification ability of each model compared to FG and maternal characteristics.ResultsHMW adiponectin improved prediction of ADIPS GDM (AUC 0.85, sensitivity 50%, specificity 96.2%, P = 0.04), compared to FG and maternal factors (0.78, 35% and, 98.1%, respectively). HMW adiponectin <1.53 μg/mL further improved the model (AUC 0.87, sensitivity 75%, specificity 88.2%, P = 0.01). HMW adiponectin did not improve prediction of IADPSG GDM (AUC 0.84, sensitivity 64%, specificity 97.9%, P = 0.22) compared to FG and maternal factors (0.79, 56%, 93.8%). Omentin‐1 and IL‐6 did not significantly improve classification ability for GDM.ConclusionsA two‐step approach combining FG and HMW adiponectin to a validated clinical risk prediction tool improved sensitivity and predictive ability for ADIPS GDM. Further research is required to enhance GDM prediction using IADPSG criteria for application in clinical practice.
In vivo affinity and target engagement in skin and blood in a first‐time‐in‐human study of an anti‐oncostatin M monoclonal antibody
Authors: Reid Juliet , Zamuner Stefano , Edwards Ken , Rumley Sally‐Anne , Nevin Katherine , Feeney Maria , Zecchin Chiara , Fernando Disala , Wisniacki Nicolas 
Published: June 2018

AimsThe oncostatin M (OSM) pathway drives fibrosis, inflammation and vasculopathy, and is a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. The aim of this first‐time‐in‐human experimental medicine study was to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and target engagement of single subcutaneous doses of GSK2330811, an anti‐OSM monoclonal antibody, in healthy subjects.MethodsThis was a phase I, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐dose escalation, first‐time‐in‐human study of subcutaneously administered GSK2330811 in healthy adults (NCT02386436). Safety and tolerability, GSK2330811 pharmacokinetic profile, OSM levels in blood and skin, and the potential for antidrug antibody formation were assessed. The in vivo affinity of GSK2330811 for OSM and target engagement in serum and skin blister fluid (obtained via a skin suction blister model) were estimated using target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) models in combination with compartmental and physiology‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models.ResultsThirty subjects were randomized to receive GSK2330811 and 10 to placebo in this completed study. GSK2330811 demonstrated a favourable safety profile in healthy subjects; no adverse events were serious or led to withdrawal. There were no clinically relevant trends in change from baseline in laboratory values, with the exception of a reversible dose‐dependent reduction in platelet count. GSK2330811 exhibited linear pharmacokinetics over the dose range 0.1–6 mg kg–1. The estimated in vivo affinity (nM) of GSK2330811 for OSM was 0.568 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.455, 0.710] in the compartmental with TMDD model and 0.629 (95% CI 0.494, 0.802) using the minimal PBPK with TMDD model.ConclusionsSingle subcutaneous doses of GSK2330811 were well tolerated in healthy subjects. GSK2330811 demonstrated sufficient affinity to achieve target engagement in systemic circulation and target skin tissue, supporting the progression of GSK2330811 clinical development.
NLRP3 inflammasome: A likely target for the treatment of allergic diseases
Authors: Xiao Yichen , Xu Wenna , Su Wenru 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAllergic diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and anaphylaxis, have recently become a global public health concern. According to previous studies, the NLRP3 inflammasome is a multi‐protein complex known to be associated with many inflammatory conditions. In response to allergens or allergen/damage‐associated molecular signals, NLRP3 changes its conformation to allow the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex and activates caspase‐1, which is an evolutionarily conserved enzyme that proteolytically cleaves other proteins, such as the precursors of the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18. Subsequently, active caspase‐1 cleaves pro‐IL‐1 and pro‐IL‐18. Recently, accumulating human and mouse experimental evidence has demonstrated that the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 are critically involved in the development of allergic diseases. Furthermore, the application of specific NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors has been demonstrated in animal models. Therefore, these inhibitors may represent potential therapeutic methods for the management of clinical allergic disorders. This review summarizes findings related to the NLRP3 inflammasome and its related factors and concludes that specific NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors may be potential therapeutic agents for allergic diseases.
Exploring what motivates and sustains support group engagement amongst young people with allergies: A qualitative study
Authors: Jones C. J. , Sommereux L. A. , Smith H. E. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBackgroundPositive self‐care behaviours are more likely in young people who engage with allergy support groups, but reasons for this association are not well understood.ObjectivesThis study explored how and why young people engage with allergy support groups to identify what activities and resources are beneficial.MethodsIn‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with young people aged 12‐21 years who reported engaging with allergy support groups (in person or online). Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsThe 21 participants had a range of allergies; initially, most joined support groups on suggestion of their parent/carer although older participants sought groups independently. Feeling included and sharing experiences with people with similar problems/challenges were highly valued. Through membership, young people reported improved self‐esteem and confidence in both managing their allergies and lives generally. Information, such as allergy alerts and hard‐hitting video campaigns, were reported to positively influence adherence to self‐care behaviours such as carrying medication. Participants wanted greater availability of allergy support groups, and higher profiles in health care and educational settings, as well as through social media.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceParticipants valued the psychological and practical support of networking with others with allergies, and described how membership improved their confidence. This study also provides insight into the ways support groups improve young people's adherence to medical advice and positive self‐care behaviours; participants responded well to hard‐hitting video campaigns which appeared to emphasize the severity and susceptibility of anaphylaxis. Participants identified the need for more active promotion of support groups amongst young people and their clinicians, as well as making them available in more localities.
Direct activation of tachykinin receptors within baroreflex afferent pathway and neurocontrol of blood pressure regulation
Authors: Yuan Mei , Ma Mei‐Na , Wang Ting‐Yu , Feng Yan , Chen Pei , He Chao , Liu Sijie , Guo Yun‐Xia , Wang Yue , Fan Yao , Wang Lu‐Qi , E Xiao‐Qiang , Qiao Guo‐Fen , Li Bai‐Yan 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAimSubstance P (SP) causes vasodilation and blood pressure (BP) reduction. However, the involvement of tachykinin receptors (NKRs) within baroreflex afferent pathway in SP‐mediated BP regulation is largely unknown.MethodsUnder control and hypertensive condition, NKRs’ expressions were evaluated in nodose (NG) and nucleus of tractus solitary (NTS) of male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) rats; BP was recorded after microinjection of SP and NKRs agonists into NG; Baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) was tested as well.ResultsImmunostaining and immunoblotting data showed that NK1R and NK2R were estrogen‐dependently expressed on myelinated and unmyelinated afferents in NG. A functional study showed that BP was reduced dose‐dependently by SP microinjection, which was more dramatic in males and can be mimicked by NK1R and NK2R agonists. Notably, further BP elevation and BRS dysfunction were confirmed in desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt model in OVX compared with DOCA‐salt model in intact female rats. Additionally, similar changes in NKRs’ expression in NG were also detected using DOCA‐salt and SHR. Compared with NG, inversed expression profiles of NKRs were also found in NTS with either gender.ConclusionThe estrogen‐dependent NKRs’ expression in baroreflex afferent pathway participates at least partially in sexual‐dimorphic and SP‐mediated BP regulation under physiological and hypertensive conditions.
How the Abstract Becomes Concrete: Irrational Numbers Are Understood Relative to Natural Numbers and Perfect Squares
Authors: Patel Purav , Varma Sashank 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMathematical cognition research has largely emphasized concepts that can be directly perceived or grounded in visuospatial referents. These include concrete number systems like natural numbers, integers, and rational numbers. Here, we investigate how a more abstract number system, the irrationals denoted by radical expressions like , is understood across three tasks. Performance on a magnitude comparison task suggests that people interpret irrational numbers (specifically, the radicands of radical expressions) as natural numbers. Strategy self‐reports during a number line estimation task reveal that the spatial locations of irrationals are determined by referencing neighboring perfect squares. Finally, perfect squares facilitate the evaluation of arithmetic expressions. These converging results align with a constellation of related phenomena spanning tasks and number systems of varying complexity. Accordingly, we propose that the task‐specific recruitment of more concrete representations to make sense of more abstract concepts (referential processing) is an important mechanism for teaching and learning mathematics.
Probing Representations of Gymnastics Movements: A Visual Priming Study
Authors: Calmels Claire , Elipot Marc , Naccache Lionel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this study, we designed a visual short‐term priming paradigm to investigate the mechanisms underlying the priming of movements and to probe movement representations in motor experts and matched controls. We employed static visual stimuli that implied or not human whole‐body movements, that is, gymnastics movements and static positions. Twelve elite female gymnasts and twelve matched controls performed a speeded two‐choice response time task. The participants were presented with congruent and incongruent prime‐target pairs and had to decide whether the target stimulus represented a gymnastics movement or a static position. First, a visual priming effect was observed in the two groups. Second, a stimulus–response rote association could not easily account for our results. Novel primes never presented as targets could also prime the targets. Third, by manipulating three levels of prime‐target relations in moving congruent pairs, we demonstrated that the more similar prime‐target pairs, the greater the facilitation in target. Lastly, gymnastics motor expertise impacted on priming effects.
Alcohol industry involvement in science: A systematic review of the perspectives of the alcohol research community
Authors: McCambridge Jim , Mialon Melissa 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIssuesAlcohol companies have recently invested large sums of money in answering research questions to which they have clear vested interests in the outcomes. There have been extensive concerns about corporate influence on public health sciences, following the experience with the tobacco industry.ApproachThis systematic review aims to investigate the perspectives of researchers on the activities of alcohol industry actors in relation to science, in order to guide future research. All data published in peer‐reviewed journals (including commentaries, opinion pieces, editorials and letters as well as research reports) were eligible for inclusion. This analysis focuses on the manifest rather than latent content of the articulated views, and accordingly adopts a thematic analysis using an inductive approach to the generation of themes.Key FindingsThere are serious concerns identified in three main areas, principally defined by where the impacts of industry scientific activities occur; on evidence informed policy making (instrumental uses of research by industry actors), on the content of the scientific evidence base itself (industry funding as a source of bias); and on the processes of undertaking research (transgressions of basic scientific norms). There are also opposing views which provide a useful critique. The evidence‐base on the validity of all concerns has been slow to develop.ImplicationsThe concerns are extensive, longstanding and unresolved and high quality investigations are needed.ConclusionThis study informs the detailed content of the research needed to address the concerns identified here.
Distribution shifts of marine taxa in the Pacific Arctic under contemporary climate changes
Authors: Alabia Irene D. , García Molinos Jorge , Saitoh Sei‐Ichi , Hirawake Toru , Hirata Takafumi , Mueter Franz J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate the species‐specific exposure and distributional responses of marine fish and invertebrate taxa to rapidly shifting climate in the Pacific Arctic, characterized by warming and cooling episodes, over the last 24 years.LocationPacific Arctic region, eastern Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea.MethodsWe examined the variations in the summer (June–July) habitat patterns of 21 marine fish and invertebrate taxa in the eastern Bering Sea using multimodel ensemble predictions of species distribution between 1993 and 2016. Using ensemble model outputs, we examined the rates of predicted (biotic velocities) and expected (bioclimatic velocities) distribution shifts across taxa under four consecutive time periods of distinct climatic regimes. We then compared these species‐specific velocity metrics to the rates of local climatic shifts (climatic velocities) and quantified the potential lags in distributional responses relative to changes in climate across taxa and transitions.ResultsOur analyses showed that individual taxa responded to climatic fluctuations at different paces and generally exhibited lags in their predicted distributional responses. Subarctic species revealed higher habitat sensitivity and exposure to climatic changes than Arctic taxa, as they expand their habitat ranges into suitable regions emerging in the north under warmer conditions. Importantly, the actual rates of climate shifts (climatic velocities) were poorly correlated with both the expected and observed shifts in species distributions across taxa.Main conclusionsOur findings underpin the importance of incorporating species‐specific climatic sensitivity and exposure to changes in climatic conditions when predicting range shift responses and evaluating species vulnerability. These insights are critical for conservation and management of fisheries resources in the region.
Role of MEKK1 in the anterior‐posterior patterning during planarian regeneration
Authors: Hosoda Kazutaka , Motoishi Minako , Kunimoto Takuya , Nishimura Osamu , Hwang Byulnim , Kobayashi Sumire , Yazawa Shigenobu , Mochii Makoto , Agata Kiyokazu , Umesono Yoshihiko 
Published: June 2018

Planarians have established a unique body pattern along the anterior‐posterior (AP) axis, which consists of at least four distinct body regions arranged in an anterior to posterior sequence: head, prepharyngeal, pharyngeal (containing a pharynx), and tail regions, and possess high regenerative ability. How they reconstruct the regional continuity in a head‐to‐tail sequence after amputation still remains unknown. We use as a model planarian Dugesia japonica head regeneration from tail fragments, which involves dynamic rearrangement of the body regionality of preexisting tail tissues along the AP axis, and show here that RNA interference of the gene D. japonica mek kinase 1 (Djmekk1) caused a significant anterior shift in the position of pharynx regeneration at the expense of the prepharyngeal region, while keeping the head region relatively constant in size, and accordingly led to development of a relatively longer tail region. Our data suggest that DjMEKK1 regulates anterior extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and posterior β‐catenin signaling pathways in a positive and negative manner, respectively, to establish a proper balance resulting in the regeneration of planarian's scale‐invariant trunk‐to‐tail patterns across individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DjMEKK1 negatively modulates planarian β‐catenin activity via its serine/threonine kinase domain, but not its PHD/RING finger domain, by testing secondary axis formation in Xenopus embryos. The data suggest that Djmekk1 plays an instructive role in the coordination between the establishment of the prepharyngeal region and posteriorizing of pharynx formation by balancing the two opposing morphogenetic signals along the AP axis during planarian regeneration.
Ascending aorta in tetralogy of Fallot: Beyond echocardiographic dimensions
Authors: Cruz Cristina , Pinho Teresa , Sousa Carla , Dias Cláudia Camila , Silva Cardoso José , Maciel Maria Júlia 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundLate after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair some patients exhibit aortic dilatation and stiffness. Noninvasive assessment of aortic stiffness could contribute to understand this aortopathy and may be important in risk stratification for major aortic event.MethodsWe included prospectively 82 adults after TOF repair and 41 age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls. Aortic diameters were measured by two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and the aortic z‐score was estimated. Aortic deformation was assessed by M‐mode strain and global peak circumferential ascending aortic strain (CAAS), derived from two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE). Corrected CAAS was calculated as CAAS/pulse pressure. Ascending aorta (AAo) distensibility and stiffness index were calculated.ResultsTOF patients (age 29.7 ± 8.4 years; follow‐up since TOF repair 23.0 ± 6.8 years) had smaller body surface area but a larger aorta compared to controls. TOF patients had lower AAo distensibility (2.2 [0.0–21.0] vs 5.6 [0.0–12.5] cm2dyne−110−6, P < .01), higher aortic stiffness index (9.5 [2.7–98.4] vs 7.1 [2.3–20.4], P = .02) and lower CAAS (6.0 ± 3.9 vs 8.1 ± 4.4%, P = .01) compared to controls. CAAS showed a better correlation with AAo z‐score (r = −.25, P = .03) compared to M‐mode strain. Systemic arterial compliance, arterial stiffness and corrected CAAS (β = −0.23, P = .02) were independently associated with AAo diameter.ConclusionsTOF patients have a larger and stiffer AAo compared to controls. CAAS derived from 2D‐STE allows a routine noninvasive method for assessing AAo stiffness, with advantages over M‐mode strain, and may be used as predictor of major aortic or cardiovascular events.
Come to the dark side: habitat selection of larval odonates depends on background visual patterns
Authors: Tavares Rafael I. S. , Pestana Gabrielle C. , Rocha Alana D. , Schiavone Daniele C. , Guillermo‐Ferreira Rhainer 
Published: June 2018

1. Determining which environmental traits enable animals to inhabit and choose preferred habitats is key to understanding ecological processes. Habitat complexity and background colour patterns can act as selective pressures on animal behaviour, and ultimately affect habitat choice.2. To investigate the role of environmental features on habitat selection, this study looked at whether dragonfly and damselfly larvae show a preference between dark/light or complex environments. Last‐instar larvae of Micrathyria didyma (Odonata: Libellulidae) and Acanthagrion lancea (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) were collected in the Neotropical savanna, and five experiments in laboratory conditions were subsequently carried out. The first experiment tested the preference of larvae for leaves in contrast to a white background. The second experiment compared a preference for white and black backgrounds. As both experiments showed a significant preference for darker backgrounds, a predator was included in the black background in the third experiment, and a macrophyte was included in the white background in the fourth experiment. In this way, favourable and unfavourable conditions were included in the habitat of choice. The fifth experiment tested the influence of environmental complexity on habitat choice.3. The results of these experiments showed that larvae choose darker backgrounds independently of predation risk, and that macrophytes are as attractive as a dark background. They also suggest that the coenagrionid, but not the libellulid, prefer more complex environments.4. Overall, these findings suggest that larvae exhibit behavioural preferences for background colour and complexity, which may ultimately drive habitat occupation.