bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Care for Child Development in rural Malawi: a model feasibility and pilot study
Authors: Gladstone Melissa , Phuka John , Thindwa Richard , Chitimbe Fatima , Chidzalo Kate , Chandna Jaya , Gleadow Ware Selena , Maleta Kenneth 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEvidence demonstrates that encouraging stimulation, early communication, and nutrition improves child development. Detailed feasibility studies in real‐world situations in Africa are limited. We piloted Care for Child Development through six health surveillance assistants (HSAs) in group and individual sessions with 60 caregivers and children <2 years and assessed recruitment, frequency, timings, and quality of intervention. We collected baseline/endline anthropometric, child development (MDAT), maternal stress (SRQ), and family care indicators (FCIs) data and determined acceptability through 20 interviews with caregivers and HSAs. HSAs could only provide coverage on 14.2% of eligible children in their areas; 86% of group sessions and a mean of 3.6/12 individual sessions offered to mothers were completed. Pre‐ and post‐assessment of children demonstrated significant changes in MDAT language and social Z‐scores and FCIs. Caregivers perceived sessions as beneficial and HSAs good leaders but that they could be provided through other mechanisms. Integrated Care for Child Development programs for 0–2 years old are readily accepted in Malawi, but they are not feasible to conduct universally through HSAs due to limited coverage; other models need to be considered.
Role of oral examination in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: A safe and simple way to detect light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Leiba Merav , Jarjoura Suha , Abboud Waseem , Nagler Arnon , Yahalom Ran , Duek Adrian , Yarom Noam 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveUp to 30% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients have subclinical amyloid deposits. These patients are under‐recognized and are more susceptible to drug toxicity, bleeding and death. Early diagnosis and adjustment of treatment are crucial. Biopsies of oral mucosa might be a potentially useful diagnostic tool. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics at presentation of oral amyloidosis in a large cohort of MM patients.MethodsThe prevalence and characteristics of oral amyloidosis in a large cohort of MM patients who were referred for oral evaluation before and during bisphosphonate therapy were assessed, retrospectively.ResultsAmong 212 patients analysed, 13 (6%) were diagnosed with concomitant light chain (AL) amyloidosis. In 54% (n = 7), lesions in the oral cavity compatible with amyloid deposition were detected by examination.ConclusionsThe salient feature of this study is the high prevalence of oral manifestations among MM patients with amyloidosis. These results highlight the value of routine oral cavity examination and biopsy as a safe and simple method for detecting light chain amyloidosis.
Extrathoracic subclavian‐axillary vein location and morphological features over the first rib for pacemaker and defibrillator lead implantation
Authors: Vurgun Veysel Kutay , Candemir Basar , Gerede Demet Menekse , Goksuluk Huseyin , Altin Ali Timucin , Akyurek Omer , Erol Cetin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to describe the variations of extrathoracic subclavian‐axillary vein location and its morphology over the first rib by venography in order to facilitate venous puncture using fluoroscopic landmarks without contrast venography, and evaluate the success rate of punctures, which is made with our method.MethodsPatients who had undergone de novo lead implantation with the help of prepuncture venography between 2011 and 2015 were enrolled. For detection of the segmental location of the axillary vein, the zones were defined (Zone 1: Posterior, Zone 2: Lateral, Zone 3: Medial) at the first rib by fluoroscopy. Additionally, patients, who underwent venous puncture with our method after January 2017, were evaluated in terms of puncture success.ResultsFour hundred thirty‐three patients who had prepuncture contrast venography for defibrillator or pacemaker lead implantation in 2011–2015 were analyzed. The most common position of the axillary vein was found to be over zone 2 (91%) while the zone 1 location was 8.5% and the zone 3 was 0.5%. Venous valves were detected on the first rib in 98 patients. After January 2017, venous puncture using fluoroscopic landmarks was performed to 171 patients. The punctures were successfully performed over zone 2 with our method in 90.7% of the patients.ConclusionsThe most common radioanatomic position of the extrathoracic subclavian‐axillary vein was observed at zone 2 according to our method and the probability of presence of venous valve over the first rib is 22%. Additionally, the success rate of puncture using fluoroscopic landmarks over zone 2 was 90.7%.
The intracellular nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptor (SlNRC4a) enhances immune signalling elicited by extracellular perception
Authors: Leibman‐Markus Meirav , Pizarro Lorena , Schuster Silvia , Lin Z.J. Daniel , Gershony Ofir , Bar Maya , Coaker Gitta , Avni Adi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPlant recognition and defence against pathogens employs a two‐tiered perception system. Surface‐localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) act to recognize microbial features, whereas intracellular nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptors (NLRs) directly or indirectly recognize pathogen effectors inside host cells. Employing the tomato PRR LeEIX2/EIX model system, we explored the molecular mechanism of signalling pathways. We identified an NLR that can associate with LeEIX2, termed SlNRC4a (NB‐LRR required for hypersensitive response‐associated cell death‐4). Co‐immunoprecipitation demonstrates that SlNRC4a is able to associate with different PRRs. Physiological assays with specific elicitors revealed that SlNRC4a generally alters PRR‐mediated responses. SlNRC4a overexpression enhances defence responses, whereas silencing SlNRC4 reduces plant immunity. Moreover, the coiled‐coil domain of SlNRC4a is able to associate with LeEIX2 and is sufficient to enhance responses upon EIX perception. On the basis of these findings, we propose that SlNRC4a acts as a noncanonical positive regulator of immunity mediated by diverse PRRs. Thus, SlNRC4a could link both intracellular and extracellular immune perceptions.
Eosinophilic annular erythema treated with dupilumab
Authors: Gordon Samantha C. , Robinson Sarah N. , Abudu Minawaer , Her Michelle , Deverapalli Sandyha , Levin Adrianne , Schmidt Birgitta A. R. , Gellis Stephen E. , Rosmarin David 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEosinophilic annular erythema is a rare, benign, recurrent condition characterized by annular skin lesions, tissue eosinophilia, and resistance to a variety of treatments. There are fewer than 30 cases reported in the English literature, 7 of which are in children. We present a case of recurrent eosinophilic annular erythema in an adolescent that was successfully treated with dupilumab, an interleukin‐4 receptor alpha antagonist.
Global Lung Initiative 2012 spirometry reference values in a large Asian cohort of Malay, Chinese and Indian ancestry
Authors: Abdullah Noraidatulakma , Borhanuddin Boekhtiar , Shah Shamsul A. , Hassan Tidi , Jamal Rahman 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveAlthough the multi‐ethnic European Respiratory Society/Global Lung Initiative (ERS/GLI) 2012 reference values have been developed, the Taskforce has called for further validation specifically on subpopulations that were under represented such as the Malays, Chinese and Indians, in which the two latter ethnic groups represent about one‐third of the world population. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate the appropriateness of the ERS/GLI 2012 reference values in a healthy adult Malaysian population and to construct a local lung function reference for the Malaysia population specific to the three major ethnic groups.MethodsAcceptable spirometry data were obtained from 30 281 healthy subjects aged 35–70 years comprising Malays, Chinese and Indians from the Malaysian Cohort. Local reference values were calculated using regression analysis and evaluated using ERS/GLI reference values to obtain GLI Z‐scores.ResultsThe mean (SD) of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for males were 2.67 (0.46), 2.89 (0.48) and 2.60 (0.46) and females were 1.91 (0.36), 2.13 (0.37) and 1.86 (0.35) for Malays, Chinese and Indians, respectively. For forced vital capacity (FVC), the mean (SD) for males were 3.03 (0.53), 3.28 (0.58) and 2.92 (0.53) and females were 2.15 (0.40), 2.38 (0.43) and 2.07 (0.41) for Malays, Chinese and Indians, respectively. The mean GLI Z‐scores were less than −0.5 for FEV1 and FVC and more than 0.5 for FEV1/FVC. A large percentage of subjects in all the three ethnic groups were defined lower than the lower limit of normal.ConclusionThis present and large multi‐ethnic Asian‐based study demonstrates clinically significant deviation from ERS/GLI 2012 equations for spirometry. It highlights the importance of validating predicted equations for spirometry in local populations.
On‐Bill Financing Programs to Support Low‐Carbon Energy Technologies: An Agent‐Oriented Assessment
Authors: Mundaca Luis , Kloke Sarah 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOn‐bill financing (OBF) schemes have been welcomed as innovative mechanisms for encouraging the adoption of low‐carbon energy technologies. Yet while the potential effects of these schemes have received growing attention, less is known about their actual performance. Departing from New Institutional Economics and insights from Behavioral Economics, this theory‐driven assessment examines the How$mart® program in Kansas (United States) and the Green Deal in the United Kingdom. The study identifies the mechanisms designed to trigger behavioral change and technology adoption. We focus on market agents, and related market failures and behavioral anomalies that often prevent energy efficiency improvements. The paper adds to our theoretical and empirical understanding of public and utility‐driven OBF programs applied to the residential sector. Our findings suggest that simple, carefully designed on‐bill programs, where the financing of efficient technologies takes the form of a service rather than a loan, are more effective for the diffusion of low‐carbon energy technology and the reduction of transaction costs. At the same time, on bill‐financing schemes challenge the core business of utilities, and given the complexities and dynamics of energy efficiency markets and energy use, other policy interventions are needed.
The significance of spectrophotometric image analysis for diagnosis of the melanocytic skin tumours in association with their thickness
Authors: Sakalauskienė K. , Valiukevičienė S. , Raišutis R. , Linkevičiūtė G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous melanoma is a melanocytic skin tumour, which has very poor prognosis while it is highly resistant to treatment and tends to metastasize. Thickness of melanoma is one of the most important biomarker for stage of disease, prognosis and surgery planning. In this study, we hypothesized that the analysis of spectrophotometric (SIAscope) images can provide the information about skin tumour thickness.MethodsThe intensity of blood displacement, “erythematous blush”, collagen holes, intensity of collagen, dermal and epidermal melanin were estimated in SIAgraphs. Tumour thicknesses were evaluated non‐invasively in ultrasound images before excision. The diagnosis and Breslow index of each tumour were evaluated during routine histological examination.ResultsThe logistic regression analysis of two thicknesses groups of melanocytic tumours (≤1 mm, n = 72 and >1 mm, n = 30), using six SIAscopic features lead to achieve the areas under the ROC curves of 0.9 and 0.96 respectively. Overall the sensitivity and specificity of SIAscopy observed in this study is 81.4% and 86.4% respectively.ConclusionThe features of SIAgraphs individually are not enough specific for melanoma diagnosis with different thickness. Promising results were observed for differentiation of melanocytic skin tumour, using all 6 SIAscopic features, which correspond to the distribution, location and concentration of skin chromophores.
Anesthesia effects on the low frequency blood flow oscillations in mouse skin
Authors: Astashev M. E. , Serov D. A. , Tankanag A. V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundWhen laboratory animals are used one needs to anesthetize them before recording. However, the influence of anesthesia on animal blood flow oscillations has not been studied. The effects of two ways of anesthesia, zoletil‐xylazine, and zoletil‐nitrous oxide mixtures, on mouse skin perfusion using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) technique were studied.MethodsBALB/c mice were used. LDF probe was placed on the ventral surface of the left hind paw. Spectral analysis of LDF signals was performed with continuous adaptive wavelet transform to identify and describe peripheral blood flow oscillations in mouse skin.ResultsLow‐frequency oscillation interval boundaries (myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial) for mice were shown to coincide with the boundaries determined for human and rats, that demonstrate their independence from the body size. Zoletil‐xylazine anesthesia significantly decreased neurogenic and endothelial oscillation amplitudes by 29% and 50% respectively and increased the amplitude of cardiac oscillations by 23% compared to zoletyl‐nitrous oxide anesthesia. There were no significant changes of the amplitudes of myogenic and respiratory oscillations with zoletil‐nitrous oxide anesthesia compared to the zoletil‐xylazine mixture.ConclusionWe suggest that the different influence of anesthesia modes on the amplitudes of skin blood flow oscillations is associated with sympathetic activity suppressed by zoletil‐xylazine anesthesia.
Drama to promote non‐verbal communication skills
Authors: Kelly Martina , Nixon Lara , Broadfoot Kirsten , Hofmeister Marianna , Dornan Tim 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundNon‐verbal communication skills (NVCS) help physicians to deliver relationship‐centred care, and the effective use of NVCS is associated with improved patient satisfaction, better use of health services and high‐quality clinical care. In contrast to verbal communication skills, NVCS training is under developed in communication curricula for the health care professions. One of the challenges teaching NVCS is their tacit nature. In this study, we evaluated drama exercises to raise awareness of NVCS by making familiar activities ‘strange’.MethodsWorkshops based on drama exercises were designed to heighten an awareness of sight, hearing, touch and proxemics in non‐verbal communication. These were conducted at eight medical education conferences, held between 2014 and 2016, and were open to all conference participants. Workshops were evaluated by recording narrative data generated during the workshops and an open‐ended questionnaire following the workshop. Data were analysed qualitatively, using thematic analysis.Non‐verbal communication skills help doctors to deliver relationship‐centred careResultsOne hundred and twelve participants attended workshops, 73 (65%) of whom completed an evaluation form: 56 physicians, nine medical students and eight non‐physician faculty staff. Two themes were described: an increased awareness of NVCS and the importance of NVCS in relationship building. Drama exercises enabled participants to experience NVCS, such as sight, sound, proxemics and touch, in novel ways. Participants reflected on how NCVS contribute to developing trust and building relationships in clinical practice.DiscussionDrama‐based exercises elucidate the tacit nature of NVCS and require further evaluation in formal educational settings.
Purinergic receptor stimulation induces calcium oscillations and smooth muscle contraction in small pulmonary veins
Authors: Henriquez Mauricio , Fonseca Marcelo , Perez‐Zoghbi Jose F. 
Published: May 2018

Key points
We investigated the excitation–contraction coupling mechanisms in small pulmonary veins (SPVs) in rat precision‐cut lung slices.
We found that SPVs contract strongly and reversibly in response to extracellular ATP and other vasoconstrictors, including angiotensin‐II and endothelin‐1.
ATP‐induced vasoconstriction in SPVs was associated with the stimulation of purinergic P2Y2 receptors in vascular smooth muscle cell, activation of phospholipase C‐β and the generation of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations mediated by cyclic Ca2+ release events via the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor.
Active constriction of SPVs may play an important role in the development of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary oedema.
AbstractThe small pulmonary veins (SPVs) may play a role in the development of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary oedema via active changes in SPV diameter, mediated by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contraction. However, the excitation–contraction coupling mechanisms during vasoconstrictor stimulation remain poorly understood in these veins. We used rat precision‐cut lung slices and phase‐contrast and confocal microscopy to investigate dynamic changes in SPV cross‐sectional luminal area and intracellular Ca2+ signalling in their VSMCs. We found that the SPV (∼150 μm in diameter) contract strongly in response to extracellular ATP and other vasoconstrictors, including angiotensin‐II and endothelin‐1. ATP‐induced SPV contraction was fast, concentration‐dependent, completely reversible upon ATP washout, and inhibited by purinergic receptor antagonists suramin and AR‐C118925 but not by MRS2179. Immunofluorescence showed purinergic P2Y2 receptors expressed in SPV VSMCs. ATP‐induced SPV contraction was inhibited by phospholipase Cβ inhibitor U73122 and accompanied by intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in the VSMCs. These Ca2+ oscillations and SPV contraction were inhibited by the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor inhibitor 2‐APB but not by ryanodine. The results of the present study suggest that ATP‐induced vasoconstriction in SPVs is associated with the activation of purinergic P2Y2 receptors in VSMCs and the generation of Ca2+ oscillations.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis PEBA20, a Strain with a Plant Growth-Promoting Effect and Biocontrol Potential
Authors: Kong Wei-Jian , Yan Yong-Cai , Li Xiang-Ying , Liu Zhen-Yu 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Bacillus velezensis
PEBA20 is a poplar endophyte with biocontrol activities and plant growth-promoting effects. The genome of
B. velezensis
PEBA20 was sequenced and the draft genome assembled, with a length of 4,249,176 bp and 4,487 genes.
Genome Sequence of JangDynasty, a Newly Isolated Mycobacteriophage
Authors: Jang Casey , Kalaj Nancy , Hwang Brian , Hughes Lorelei , Yang Connie , Pak Thomas , Kim John , Han Dong Yoon , Tedjakusnadi Jason , Fernandez Nicholas , Dean Natasha , Muthiah Arun , Sutter Nathaniel B. , Diaz Arturo 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

JangDynasty is a bacteriophage that infects
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. It has a genome length of 70,883 bp, with 124 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), 42 of which have known functions. JangDynasty belongs to cluster O, and like other cluster O phages, it is a siphovirus with a prolate capsid.
Complete Genome Sequencing of the Mouse Intestinal Isolate Escherichia coli Mt1B1
Authors: Garzetti Debora , Eberl Claudia , Stecher Bärbel 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
Mt1B1, a mouse isolate, is a facultative anaerobic bacterium which was shown to counteract
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium infection in a mouse model. In the present study, we describe the complete genome sequence of
E. coli
Mt1B1, composed of a 5.1-Mb chromosome and a 62.6-kb plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequence of Two Marine Plantactinospora spp. from the Gulf of California
Authors: Contreras-Castro Luis , Maldonado Luis A. , Quintana Erika T. , Raggi Luciana , Sánchez-Flores Alejandro 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Plantactinospora
sp. strains BB1 and BC1 were isolated in 2009 from sediment samples of the Gulf of California from among almost 300 actinobacteria. Genome mining of their ∼8.5-Mb sequences showed the bioprospecting potential of these rare actinomycetes, providing an insight to their ecological and biotechnological importance.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium montefiorense Isolated from Japanese Black Salamander (Hynobius nigrescens)
Authors: Fukano Hanako , Yoshida Mitsunori , Shimizu Akane , Iwao Hajime , Katayama Yukie , Omatsu Tsutomu , Mizutani Tetsuya , Kurata Osamu , Wada Shinpei , Hoshino Yoshihiko 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium montefiorense
is a member of the
Mycobacterium simiae
complex, the largest group of nontuberculous mycobacteria. Here, we report the genome sequence of
M. montefiorense
isolate BS, isolated from diseased Japanese black salamander (
Hynobius nigrescens
) reared in an aquarium in Japan. This is the first reported case of an
M. montefiorense
infection in an amphibian.
Draft Genomic Sequencing of Six Potential Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Chicken Meat
Authors: Xu Aixia , Johnson James R. , Sheen Shiowshuh , Needleman David S. , Sommers Christopher 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Potential extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains DP254, WH333, WH398, F356, FEX675, and FEX725 were isolated from retail chicken meat products. Here, we report the draft genome sequences for these six
E. coli
isolates, which are currently being used in food safety research.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four Novel Human Coronavirus OC43 Isolates Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection
Authors: Dinwiddie Darrell L. , Hardin Olga , Denson Jesse L. , Kincaid John C. , Schwalm Kurt C. , Stoner Ashley N. , Abramo Thomas J. , Thompson Tonya M. , Putt Claire M. , Young Stephen A. , Dehority Walter N. , Kennedy Joshua L. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete genome sequences of four human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43 isolates generated using targeted viral nucleic acid capture and next-generation sequencing; the isolates were collected in New Mexico and Arkansas, USA, in February (HCoV-OC43/USA/TCNP_0070/2016) and March (HCoV-OC43/USA/ACRI_0052/2016) 2016 and January 2017 (HCoV-OC43/USA/TCNP_00204/2017 and HCoV-OC43/USA/TCNP_00212/2017).
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Sphaerisporangium cinnabarinum ATCC 31213
Authors: Christensen Line Friis Bakmann , Otzen Daniel , Dueholm Morten Simonsen 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

A high-quality draft genome sequence of
Sphaerisporangium cinnabarinum
ATCC 31213 is presented here. This bacterium produces several important bioactive compounds and may also produce functional amyloids. This is the first sequenced genome from the genus
Sphaerisporangium
, and it will be essential in determining the nature of the potential amyloid protein.