bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme on adults with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Xin‐Jun , Jiang Hua , Lu Yan‐Hui , Liu Shu‐Ling , Wang Jing‐Pin , Tang Rong‐Song , Li Ming‐Zi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme on outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without insulin therapy.BackgroundStructured education regarding metabolic control in T2DM adults without insulin therapy has not always been effective, and this lack of effectiveness might be due to overlooking self‐efficacy. Whether a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme could improve metabolic and psychosocial outcomes for T2DM adults more effectively remains unknown.DesignA multicentre parallel randomised controlled concealed label trial.MethodsThe study conducted in outpatients of four hospitals in China. A total of 265 T2DM adults without insulin therapy were randomly assigned to an intervention group of a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme (n = 133), or to a control group of routine education (n = 132). The differences in metabolic and psychosocial outcomes were investigated at baseline, three‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.ResultsThe primary outcome of A1C and the secondary outcomes of weight, body mass index, waist circumference, diastolic pressure, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours and knowledge improved significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group at 6‐month follow‐up. The differences in A1C between groups for patients with a low educational background at 6‐month follow‐up were significant. No significant differences were found in other secondary outcomes of systolic pressure, the blood lipid profile and diabetes distress between groups at 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsThis programme can improve glycaemic control, weight control, diastolic pressure, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours and diabetes knowledge for T2DM adults.Relevance to clinical practiceThis self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme is effective and can be incorporated into regular clinical care and led by trained staff (e.g. nurses), and it can be implemented in patients with low educational backgrounds.
Maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India: Role of key influential demand and supply factors
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hong , Kachwaha Shivani , Avula Rasmi , Young Melissa , Tran Lan Mai , Ghosh Sebanti , Agrawal Rajeev , Escobar‐Alegria Jessica , Patil Sumeet , Menon Purnima 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDespite strong policy and program commitment, essential maternal nutrition services are not reaching enough women in many countries. This paper examined multifactorial determinants (personal, family, community, and health services) associated with maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India. Data were from a household survey of pregnant (n = 667) and recently delivered women (n = 1,835). Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine the determinants of four outcomes: consumption of diverse diets, consumption of iron folic acid (IFA) and calcium tablets, and weight monitoring during pregnancy. Population attributable risk analysis was used to estimate how much the outcomes can be improved under optimal program implementation. During pregnancy, women consumed 28 IFA and 8 calcium tablets, 18% consumed diverse diet, and 17% were weighed ≥3 times. Nutrition knowledge was associated with consumption of diverse diet (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2 times), IFA (2.3 times), calcium (11.7 times), and weight monitoring (1.3 times). Beliefs and self‐efficacy were associated with IFA (OR = 2.0) and calcium consumption (OR = 4.6). Family support and adequate health services were also associated with better nutrition practices. Under optimal program implementation, we estimate that 51% of women would have adequate diet diversity, an average consumption of 98 IFA, and 106 calcium tablets, and women would be weighed 4.9 times during pregnancy. Strengthening existing program operations and increasing demand for services has the potential to result in large improvements in maternal nutrition practices from current baseline levels but may not be sufficient to meet World Health Organization‐recommended levels without creating an enabling environment including improvements in education and income levels to support behaviour change.
The pericyte microenvironment during vascular development
Authors: Payne Laura B. , Zhao Huaning , James Carissa C. , Darden Jordan , McGuire David , Taylor Sarah , Smyth James W. , Chappell John C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVascular pericytes provide critical contributions to the formation and integrity of the blood vessel wall within the microcirculation. Pericytes maintain vascular stability and homeostasis by promoting endothelial cell junctions and depositing extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the vascular basement membrane, among other vital functions. As their importance in sustaining microvessel health within various tissues and organs continues to emerge, so does their role in a number of pathological conditions including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and neurological disorders. Here, we review vascular pericyte contributions to the development and remodeling of the microcirculation, with a focus on the local microenvironment during these processes. We discuss observations of their earliest involvement in vascular development and essential cues for their recruitment to the remodeling endothelium. Pericyte involvement in the angiogenic sprouting context is also considered with specific attention to crosstalk with endothelial cells such as through signaling regulation and ECM deposition. We also address specific aspects of the collective cell migration and dynamic interactions between pericytes and endothelial cells during angiogenic sprouting. Lastly, we discuss pericyte contributions to mechanisms underlying the transition from active vessel remodeling to the maturation and quiescence phase of vascular development.
Early retinal microvascular abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yeung Ling , Wu I‐Wen , Sun Chi‐Chin , Liu Chun‐Fu , Chen Shin‐Yi , Tseng Chung‐Hsin , Lee Hsin‐Chin , Lee Chin‐Chan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate early retinal microvascular abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) via optical coherence tomography angiography.MethodsA cross‐sectional study. Two hundred patients with CKD stage ≧3 were enrolled in the CKD group, and 50 age‐matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the control group. Main outcome measures were the differences in parafoveal vessel densities in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) between the CKD and control groups.ResultsThe mean ages were 62.7 ± 10.1 in the CKD group and 61.9 ± 9.7 (P = 0.622) in the control group. The CKD group had reduced parafoveal vessel densities in SVP (46.7 ± 4.3 vs 49.7 ± 2.9, P < 0.001) and DVP (50.1 ± 4.1 vs 52. 6 ± 2.9, P < 0.001) when compared to those of the control group. In multiple linear regression models, age, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and use of anti‐hypertensive drugs were factors associated with vessel density in SVP, whereas age, diabetes, and smoking were factors associated with vessel density in DVP.ConclusionPatients with CKD had reduced vessel densities in parafoveal SVP and DVP, as compared to that of control subjects. Microvasculature in the different retinal layers may be affected by different systemic factors.
Baseline predictors influencing the prognosis of invasive aspergillosis in adults
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Salmanton‐García Jon , Gräfe Stefanie K. , Koehler Felix C. , Mellinghoff Sibylle C. , Seidel Danila , Steinbach Angela , Cornely Oliver A. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryInvasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious hazard to haematological and critical care patients. Impactful risk factors for developing IA have been characterised; however, systematic analysis of baseline prognostic factors for treatment course of IA is missing. To understand prognostic variables, we analysed original articles identifying baseline factors that predict treatment outcome in patients with IA. PubMed database was searched for publications since database inception until May 2018. Inclusion criteria were published baseline prognostic factors present at the diagnosis of IA. In total, 58 studies from 267 centres reported 7320 patients with IA and 40 different predictors. Unfavourable predictors in medical history were kidney (7.4%, 10/136) and liver failure (3.7%, 5/136), ICU admission (3.7%, 5/136) and uncontrolled underlying disease (3.7%, 5/136). Regarding state of immunosuppression, negative outcome predictors were prolonged neutropenia (12.5%, 17/136), corticosteroid treatment (8.1%, 11/136) and graft‐vs‐host disease (3.7%, 5/136). On the pathogen side, relevant predictors were galactomannan positivity (8.1%, 11/136), Aspergillus terreus infection (2.2%, 3/136) and lack of amphotericin B susceptibility (1.5%, 2/136). IA‐specific predictors were disseminated disease (5.1%, 7/136) and CNS involvement (2.9%, 4/136). Imaging results associated with negative outcome were multiple consolidations (2.9%, 4/136), bipulmonary lesions (2.2%, 3/136) and pleural effusion (2.2%, 3/136). At diagnosis of IA, most frequently identified predictors of outcome were neutropenia, corticosteroid use, elevated galactomannan, renal failure and disseminated disease. The predictors may be used to identify patients at high risk for treatment failure and to stratify neglected patient groups for clinical trials.
Von Economo neurons are part of a larger neuronal population that are selectively vulnerable in C9orf72 frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Gami‐Patel P. , van Dijken I. , van Swieten J. C. , Pijnenburg Y. A. L. ,   Netherlands Brain Bank, Rozemuller A. J. M. , Hoozemans J. J. M. , Dijkstra A. A. 
Published: May 2019

AimsThe behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia with a C9orf72 expansion (C9‐bvFTD) is characterised by early changes in social‐emotional cognition that are linked to the loss of von Economo neurons (VENs). Together with a subset of neighbouring pyramidal neurons, VENs express the GABA receptor subunit theta (GABRQ). It is not known if the selective vulnerability of VENs in C9‐bvFTD also includes this GABRQ‐expressing population.MethodsWe quantified VENs and GABRQ immunopositive neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in C9‐bvFTD (n = 16), controls (n = 12) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 7). Second, we assessed VENs and GABRQ‐expressing populations in relation to the clinicopathological profiles.ResultsWe found the number of VENs and GABRQ‐expressing neurons and their ratio over the total layer 5 neuronal population was lower in C9‐bvFTD compared to control and AD. C9‐bvFTD donors with underlying TDP43 type A pathology in the ACC showed the highest loss of GABRQ‐expressing neurons. C9‐bvFTD donors that did not present with motor neuron disease (MND) symptoms in the first half of their disease course showed a prominent loss of GABRQ‐expressing neurons compared to controls. C9‐bvFTD donors with no symptoms of psychosis showed a higher loss compared to controls. Across all donors, the number of VENs correlated strongly with the number of GABRQ‐expressing neurons.ConclusionWe show that VENs, together with GABRQ‐expressing neurons, are selectively vulnerable in C9‐bvFTD but are both spared in AD. This suggests they are related and that this GABRQ‐expressing population of VENs and pyramidal neurons, is a key modulator of social‐emotional functioning.
High marker density GWAS provides novel insights into the genomic architecture of terpene oil yield in Eucalyptus
Authors: Kainer David , Padovan Amanda , Degenhardt Joerg , Krause Sandra , Mondal Prodyut , Foley William J. , Külheim Carsten 
Published: May 2019

Summary

Terpenoid‐based essential oils are economically important commodities, yet beyond their biosynthetic pathways, little is known about the genetic architecture of terpene oil yield from plants. Transport, storage, evaporative loss, transcriptional regulation and precursor competition may be important contributors to this complex trait.

Here, we associate 2.39 million single nucleotide polymorphisms derived from shallow whole‐genome sequencing of 468 Eucalyptus polybractea individuals with 12 traits related to the overall terpene yield, eight direct measures of terpene concentration and four biomass‐related traits.

Our results show that in addition to terpene biosynthesis, development of secretory cavities, where terpenes are both synthesized and stored, and transport of terpenes were important components of terpene yield. For sesquiterpene concentrations, the availability of precursors in the cytosol was important. Candidate terpene synthase genes for the production of 1,8‐cineole and α‐pinene, and β‐pinene (which comprised > 80% of the total terpenes) were functionally characterized as a 1,8‐cineole synthase and a β/α‐pinene synthase.

Our results provide novel insights into the genomic architecture of terpene yield and we provide candidate genes for breeding or engineering of crops for biofuels or the production of industrially valuable terpenes.
Nitric oxide and phytoglobin PHYTOGB1 are regulatory elements in the Solanum lycopersicum–Rhizophagus irregularis mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Martínez‐Medina Ainhoa , Pescador Leyre , Fernández Iván , Rodríguez‐Serrano María , García Juan M. , Romero‐Puertas María C. , Pozo María J. 
Published: May 2019

Summary

The regulatory role of nitric oxide (NO) and phytoglobins in plant response to pathogenic and mutualistic microbes has been evidenced. However, little is known about their function in the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. We investigated whether NO and phytoglobin PHYTOGB1 are regulatory components in the AM symbiosis.

Rhizophagus irregularis in vitro‐grown cultures and tomato plants were used to monitor AM‐associated NO‐related root responses as compared to responses triggered by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. A genetic approach was conducted to understand the role of PHYTOGB1 on NO signaling during both interactions.

After a common early peak in NO levels in response to both fungi, a specific NO accumulation pattern was triggered in tomato roots during the onset of the AM interaction. PHYTOGB1 was upregulated by the AM interaction. By contrast, the pathogen triggered a continuous NO accumulation and a strong downregulation of PHYTOGB1. Manipulation of PHYTOGB1 levels in overexpressing and silenced roots led to a deregulation of NO levels and altered mycorrhization and pathogen infection.

We demonstrate that the onset of the AM symbiosis is associated with a specific NO‐related signature in the host root. We propose that NO regulation by PHYTOGB1 is a regulatory component of the AM symbiosis.
Is there an association between drugs and burning mouth syndrome? A case–control study
Authors: Azzi Lorenzo , Veronesi Giovanni , Tagliabue Angelo , Croveri Fabio , Maurino Vittorio , Reguzzoni Marcella , Tettamanti Lucia , Protasoni Marina , Spadari Francesco 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this case–control study was to compare the pharmacological anamnesis collected from a group of 150 burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients with that of a control group of 150 patients matched for age and sex.Materials and MethodsThe patients' medical histories were reviewed, and data on drug therapy were collected. Drugs were classified on the basis of pharmacological effects; the classes were antihypertensives (i.e., ACE inhibitors/ARBs, calcium antagonists, diuretics and beta‐blockers), antiaggregants, anticoagulants, antidiabetics, vitamin D integrators, bisphosphonates, psychotropics (i.e., anxiolytics and antidepressants), gastroprotectors, statins, thyroid hormone substitutes, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.ResultsThe BMS patients and the controls were matched for age (mean age: 69 years) and sex (128 females and 22 males). Antihypertensives, especially ACE inhibitors/ARBs (OR = 0.37, CI: 0.22–0.63, p = 0.0002) and beta‐blockers (OR = 0.36, CI: 0.19–0.68 p = 002), revealed an inverse association with the presence of BMS, whereas anxiolytics (OR = 3.78, CI: 2.12–6.75 p < 0.0001), but neither antidepressants nor antipsychotics, were significantly associated with BMS. There were no correlations with other drug classes.ConclusionOur study highlighted that ACE inhibitors, ARBs and beta‐blockers were in inverse relation to BMS and found that anxiolytics, but neither antidepressants nor antipsychotics, were linked to the presence of the syndrome.
Electrospun Mesoporous InVO4/TiO2 Nanobelts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Yao Linbing , Guo Enyan , Wei Mingzhi , Wang Qinyu , Lu Qifang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the present paper, mesoporous InVO4/TiO2 nanobelts with diameter about 400 nm have been synthesized by elaborately designed electrospinning process. The microstructures of InVO4/TiO2 nanobelts are characterized in detail, and their photoelectrocatalytic properties are comprehensively investigated by the photocatalytic degradation tests with tetracycline (TTC) and rhodamine B (RhB) waste water. Furthermore, the energy bandgap and density of states of orthorhombic InVO4 and anatase TiO2 are modeled and analyzed by density functional theory. Compared with single InVO4 nanobelts and TiO2 nanofibers, mesoporous InVO4/TiO2 nanobelts possess the extraordinary photocatalytic efficiencies and exceptional cycle performances, which may be ascribed to the successful construction of heterostructures between InVO4 and TiO2 and unique one‐dimensional belt structures.
Improving field success of biocrust rehabilitation materials: hardening the organisms or softening the environment?
Authors: Bowker Matthew A. , Antoninka Anita J. , Chuckran Peter F. 
Published: May 2019

Drylands are a widely degraded biome characterized by low productivity and high abiotic stress. Biological soil crust (biocrust) inoculants hold promise as a rehabilitation material in drylands, useful for boosting ecosystem functions including stabilization of eroding soil surfaces. However, biocrust materials cultivated ex situ by humans inconsistently establish under field conditions. We tested two approaches aimed at improving field establishment of biocrust inoculum: exposing the organisms within the inoculum to abiotic stress in an attempt to harden them, and applying habitat ameliorations intended to reduce the stressfulness of the environment. We hypothesized that both approaches in concert would lead to the most consistent field establishment of biocrusts. Overall, addition of biocrust inoculum did enhance biocrust establishment over the 1.5‐year duration of the study but did not result in full recovery. Generally, hardened biocrust inoculum performed no better than inoculum that was not hardened, although one indicator (chlorophyll a) was enhanced by addition of hardened inoculum in some circumstances. Temporary irrigation was initially an effective habitat amelioration but had no effect on biocrust establishment by 1.5 years. In contrast, application of jute net to the soil surface promoted biocrust establishment both in synergy with and in the absence of inoculum addition. We hypothesize that jute net stabilizes the soil surface, reduces abiotic stress, and enhances resource availability, overcoming barriers to establishment of biocrusts. Currently, there is broad support for the efficacy of habitat amelioration approaches in biocrust rehabilitation, but effective hardening techniques remain elusive.
Capital account flows, consumption ratios and the middle‐income trap
Authors: Zhao Daping , Anwar Sajid , Alexander W. Robert J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe existing literature suggests that it is important to understand the factors that may slow the transition of an economy from middle to high income. Many factors have been suggested as promoting or retarding economic growth, but little attention has been paid to the roles of the capital account and consumption ratio. Using panel regressions involving 48 countries over the 1950–2013 period as well as employing extreme bounds analysis, we find that foreign investment outflows are associated with a mature economy and that there is an optimal consumption ratio that must be surpassed to break out of middle‐income status. These findings are robust to an extreme bounds analysis incorporating a wide range of variables potentially related to growth performance.
Compartment syndrome of the muscles of mastication in a working dog following a traumatic training incident
Authors: Brida Amy L. , O’ Toole Therese E. , Sutherland‐Smith James , Pirie Christopher , Kowaleski Michael P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo describe acute compartment syndrome (CS) of the muscles of mastication in a working dog associated with a traumatic training event.Case SummaryA 2.5‐year‐old male Belgian Malinois was evaluated for acute blindness, severe diffuse swelling of the head, and inability to close the jaw following a traumatic incident during a bite training drill. During the exercise, the maxillary canine teeth were locked on a bite sleeve. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and ocular system identified diffuse muscle swelling and hyperintensity, most severe in the muscles of mastication. Ocular abnormalities were not identified. Rhabdomyolysis, CS, and indirect optic nerve injury were supported by measurement of increased intramuscular pressure. Bilateral decompressive fasciotomies over the masseter and temporalis muscles resulted in immediate and marked resolution of the swelling and jaw movement. Blindness, however, did not resolve.New or Unique Information ProvidedCS involving the muscles of mastication may occur as a complication of bite training and may result in irreversible and even life‐threatening complications. Emergent decompressive fasciotomy is indicated to reverse swelling; however, visual deficits may not resolve.
Evaluation of species boundaries in sympatric and parapatric populations of Mesoamerican toads
Authors: Firneno Thomas J. , Townsend Josiah H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractApproaches that integrate multiple independent, yet complimentary, lines of evidence have been effectively utilized to identify and evaluate species diversity. Integrative approaches are especially useful in taxa that exhibit cryptic diversity and are highly morphologically conserved, as well as organisms whose distributions may be sympatric or parapatric. The Incilius coccifer complex in Honduras is comprised of three putative taxa: I. coccifer, I. ibarrai and I. porteri. The taxonomy of the I. coccifer complex has been a source of debate among specialists, with some recognizing three species, while others choose to recognize one widespread taxon. To assess species boundaries and evaluate the taxonomic structure for the I. coccifer complex, we utilized a combination of comprehensive field sampling, molecular phylogenetics and macroecological modelling. Using 58 samples representing all three putative taxa, we generated sequence data from the mitochondrial loci 16S and COI in order to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships, and tested putative species boundaries using General Mixed Yule‐Coalescent models. To evaluate macroecological differences in the distribution of putative taxa, we utilized maximum entropy modelling and identified areas of suitable and non‐suitable habitat, as well as identifying potential areas of overlap between species habitats. We recovered three clades that broadly correspond to the three named taxa that, while being monophyletic, are separated by relatively small genetic distances. Species distribution models revealed that I. coccifer is macroecologically different than the other two taxa, but that I. ibarrai and I. porteri are highly similar. We uncovered cases of sympatry between pairs of species in at least three localities in Honduras, suggesting the potential for hybridization in these closely related lineages.