bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 is required to maintain intercalated disk integrity
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zou Yan , Li Yang , Chen Zhidan , Yin Chao , Wang Ying , Zhang Lei , Wu Jian , Yang Chunjie , Zhang Guoping , Zou Yunzeng , Gong Hui 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe intercalated disk (ID), a highly organized adhesion structure connecting neighboring cardiomyocytes, fulfills mechanical and electrical signaling communication to ensure normal heart function. Lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 (LRP6) is a co‐receptor inducing canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. It was recently reported that LRP6 deficiency in cardiomyocytes predisposes to arrhythmia independent of Wnt signaling. However, whether LRP6 directly regulates the structure of IDs requires further investigation. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of LRP6 in IDs and the potential underlying mechanisms by inducible cardiac‐specific LRP6 knockout mice. The results revealed that LRP6 was predominately expressed in the cell membrane, including the IDs of cardiomyocytes. Tamoxifen‐inducible cardiac‐specific LRP6 knockout mice displayed overt cardiac dysfunction and disruption of ID structure. Further analysis revealed that cardiac LRP6 deficiency induced the imbalance of ID component proteins, characterized by the sharply decreased expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the significantly increased expression of N‐cadherin, desmoplakin and γ‐catenin in tissue lysates or membrane fraction from the left ventricle. STRING database analysis indicated that β‐catenin, but no other ID‐associated proteins, interacted with LRP6. Our immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that LRP6 strongly interacted with Cx43, N‐cadherin and γ‐catenin, and weakly interacted with β‐catenin, whereas there was no association with desmoplakin. In response to LRP6 deficiency, the recruitment of β‐ or γ‐catenin to N‐cadherin was increased, but they displayed little interaction with Cx43. In conclusion, LRP6 is required to maintain the integrity of ID structure and the balance of ID proteins, and the interaction between LRP6 and Cx43, N‐cadherin and γ‐catenin may be involved in this process.
“Providing a complete episode of care”: A survey of registered nurse and registered midwife prescribing behaviours and practices
Authors: Casey Mary , Rohde Daniela , Higgins Agnes , Buckley Tom , Cashin Andrew , Fong Jacqueline , Hughes Mary , McHugh Aine 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo describe the prescribing behaviours and practices of registered nurse and midwife prescribers and to explore experiences of enablers and barriers to prescribing practices.BackgroundThe extension of prescriptive authority to nurses and midwives internationally has created new opportunities for them to expand their scope of practice and is of significant benefit to effective and efficient health service provision.DesignCross‐sectional national survey of registered nurse and midwife prescribers.MethodsData were collected through an online survey between April–July 2018. A total of 84 nurse and midwife prescribers participated. The STROBE checklist was applied as the reporting guideline for this study.ResultsRespondents estimated that two‐fifths of their consultations involved an episode of prescribing. Nurse and midwife prescribers engaged in similar prescribing behaviours spanning the range of activities from initiating new medications to ceasing medicines. The most frequently selected criterion for prescribing was clinical effectiveness. Prescribing was viewed as essential to respondents' clinical practice, allowing them to provide a complete episode of care and leading to a reduction in medication errors and reduced delays and waiting times for patients. Enablers of prescribing included knowledge, experience, education and access to continuous professional development, as well as support from colleagues and organisations.ConclusionLittle is known about the prescribing behaviours and practices of registered nurse and midwife prescribers. While prescribing authority enables nurse and midwife practitioners to deliver holistic care, there remain significant barriers and challenges including increased workloads, lack of continuous professional development, lack of support and overly restrictive rules and policies governing prescribing.Relevance to clinical practiceAddressing the barriers identified in this study could enable more nurse and midwife prescribers to work to their full scope of practice, enabling populations to fully capitalise on the contributions of registered nurse and midwife prescribing services.
Antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole tablet and oral suspension in patients with haematologic malignancy: Therapeutic drug monitoring, efficacy and risk factors for the suboptimal level
Authors: Oh Jihyu , Kang Cheol‐In , Kim Si‐Ho , Huh Kyungmin , Cho Sun Young , Chung Doo Ryeon , Lee Soo‐Youn , Jung Chul Won , Peck Kyong Ran 
Published: October 2019

SummaryBackgroundPosaconazole is used to prevent invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with haematologic malignancy. In this study, we compared plasma posaconazole concentrations (PPCs) and the incidence of breakthrough IFIs between patients with haematologic malignancy receiving posaconazole oral suspension vs tablet.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data on adult patients with haematologic malignancies who received posaconazole prophylaxis during chemotherapy from April 2014 through May 2018. A total of 242 cases with PPCs, 88 in the oral suspension group and 154 in the tablet group, were included in this study.ResultsPatients receiving tablets achieved a significantly higher mean PPC than did those on oral suspension (1.631 ± 0.878 μg/mL in the tablet group vs. 0.879 ± 0.585 μg/mL in the oral suspension group). One hundred and thirty‐seven of 154 patients (89.0%) receiving tablets had PPCs of 0.7 μg/mL or more, while only 41 of 88 patients (46.6%) receiving oral suspension attained an optimal level (P < .001). The incidence of breakthrough IFIs was significantly higher in the oral suspension group compared with in the tablet group (14.8% of oral suspension vs. 4.5% of tablet; P = .005). In the analysis including patients receiving posaconazole tablets, hypoalbuminemia (< 3.5 g/dL) was found to be a risk factor associated with suboptimal levels (odds ratio: 8.872; 95% confidence interval: 3.011 ‐ 26.141; P < .001).ConclusionsSuboptimal PPCs in the tablet group were less common than those in the oral suspension group. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be still necessary even in patients receiving posaconazole tablets, especially in those with hypoalbuminemia.
Dental anomalies in craniofacial microsomia: A systematic review
Authors: Elsten Eline E. C. M. , Caron Cornelia J. J. M. , Dunaway David J. , Padwa Bonnie L. , Forrest Chris , Koudstaal Maarten J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjective: To provide an overview on the prevalence and types of dental anomalies in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). Eligibility criteria: Inclusion criteria were CFM and dental anomalies. The following data were extracted: number of patients, methodology, mean age, sex, affected side, severity of mandibular hypoplasia, dentition stage and dental anomalies. Information sources: Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL EBSCOhost and Google Scholar, searched until the 30 August 2019. Risk of bias: The quality was examined with the OCEBM Levels of Evidence. Included studies: In total, 13 papers were included: four retrospective cohort studies, four prospective cohort studies, four case‐control studies and one case series. Synthesis of results: The studies reported information on dental agenesis, delayed dental development, tooth size anomalies, tooth morphology and other dental anomalies. Description of the effect: Dental anomalies are more often diagnosed in patients with CFM than in healthy controls and occur more often on the affected than on the non‐affected side. Strengths and limitations of evidence: This is the first systematic review study on dental anomalies in CFM. However, most articles were of low quality. Interpretation: Dental anomalies are common in CFM, which might be linked to the development of CFM. The pathophysiology of CFM is not entirely clear, and further research is needed.
Feasibility of early outplanting of sexually propagated Acropora verweyi for coral reef restoration demonstrated in the Philippines
Authors: Ligson Charlon A. , Tabalanza Tracy D. , Villanueva Ronald D. , Cabaitan Patrick C. 
Published: October 2019

Over the last 20 years, coral sexual propagation techniques for reef restoration have been steadily developed and improved. However, these techniques involve considerable time and costs to grow coral propagules. There is a need to examine the optimal size of juvenile corals for outplantation. Here, we outplanted sexually propagated small (3–5 mm diameter) and large (10–15 mm diameter) Acropora verweyi corals at 4 months after fertilization at two sites in northwestern Philippines, and compared their survival and radial growth rate after a year. A. verweyi coral juveniles (n = 240) exhibited an overall mean survival of 29.5% and growth rate of 11.12 ± 6.2 mm/year (mean ± SD). Large colonies had a significantly higher growth rate than smaller colonies. Although survivorship of large juveniles was significantly better than that of the smaller ones at one site, it did not differ significantly at the other. Each 4‐month‐old coral cost US$1.52 to produce, while the cost of each of the outplanted juveniles (n = 240) was about US$2.67, whereas the cost of each survivor about a year after outplantation was US$11.47. Results suggest that A. verweyi reared in ex situ nurseries for only 4 months can survive reasonably well when outplanted onto coral reefs.
Migratory effects of arsenic as a hydrogeological pollutant on the quality of wastewater treatment sludge
Authors: Gligor Gellért , Cvijanović Gorica , Miščević Branislav , Hojka Zdravko , Kezić Vjekoslav , Bošković Jelena , Žuža Milena 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe results of ICP‐OES analysis with (EPA 200.7) method serve as a proof of the negative influence of inorganic (As) from the processing of drinking water on the quality of anaerobic digested sludge. Detection of these proportions has for the first time confirmed the migratory flow of arsenic from the source point technological wastewater at Water intake 1 through the city sewage network to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Subotica. Arsenic (As) with low concentration at the input of the WWTP has ranged from 0.029 to 0.05 mg/L, but after anaerobic digestion, arsenic concentration in the sludge still showed a limiting character, which has caused a decrease in its quality and the possibility of wider utilisation. In order to preserve the quality of the potential biological product at WWTP, the impact of migratory arsenic must be prevented, and inertness of waste has to be achieved by the introduction of stabilisation/solidification technologies.
Data-Driven Modeling of the Modal Properties of a Six-Degrees-of-Freedom Industrial Robot and Its Application to Robotic Milling
Authors: Nguyen Vinh , Cvitanic Toni , Melkote Shreyes 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a Gaussian process regression (GPR)-based approach to model the dynamic properties of a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) industrial robot within its workspace. Discretely sampled modal parameters (modal frequency, modal stiffness, modal damping coefficient) of the robot structure determined through experimental modal analysis are used to develop the GPR model, which is then evaluated for its ability to accurately predict the modal parameters at different points in the workspace. The validation results show that the model captures the significant trends in the modal parameters within the sampling space but exhibits greater errors in regions further from the robot base. The results of the GPR model are also compared with those derived from an analytical model of the robot tool tip dynamics. The analytical model is found to overestimate the robot’s stiffness, especially in extended arm configurations, and to underestimate the natural frequency. The average peak-to-valley vibrations predicted by the GPR model during robotic end milling are compared with experimental results. The model-predicted peak-to-valley vibrations follow the measured values with a maximum error of 0.028 mm in the wall and floor surface directions. The results show that the GPR model presented in this paper can serve as a useful tool for understanding and optimizing the tool tip vibrations produced in robotic milling.
Identification of Cavitation Instabilities on a Three-Bladed Inducer by Means of Strain Gages
Authors: Hadavandi Ruzbeh , Pace Giovanni , Valentini Dario , Pasini Angelo , d'Agostino Luca 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This paper reports the experimental characterization of the cavitation-induced flow instabilities of a high head three-bladed inducer at design condition detected simultaneously by means of piezoelectric pressure transducers located at different axial and azimuthal stations on the casing of the pump and strain gages mounted on the pressure side of each blade. The simultaneous analysis performed in the stationary and rotating frames, supported by high-speed movies, suggests that the mechanism of formation of the detected subsynchronous rotating cavitation resembles that of modal stall in compressors, being the cavitation region the source of compliance. In fact, at decreasing cavitation number, a strong attached cavitation, developed preferentially on one blade and capable of completely surrounding and unloading the following blade, starts to be destabilized as consequence of the progressive intensification of a modal oscillation. The developed complex instability, consisting in a strong oscillation of the attached cavitation, is detected in both the frames as the simultaneous presence of a subsynchronous rotating cavitation and a cavitation surge.
Gut microbiota of obese subjects with Prader-Willi syndrome is linked to metabolic health
Authors: Olsson Lisa M , Poitou Christine , Tremaroli Valentina , Coupaye Muriel , Aron-Wisnewsky Judith , Bäckhed Fredrik , Clément Karine , Caesar Robert 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveThe gut microbiota has been implicated in the aetiology of obesity and associated comorbidities. Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are obese but partly protected against insulin resistance. We hypothesised that the gut microbiota of PWS patients differs from that of non-genetically obese controls and correlate to metabolic health. Therefore, here we used PWS as a model to study the role of gut microbiota in the prevention of metabolic complications linked to obesity.DesignWe conducted a case-control study with 17 adult PWS patients and 17 obese subjects matched for body fat mass index, gender and age. The subjects were metabolically characterised and faecal microbiota was profiled by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The patients’ parents were used as a non-obese control group. Stool samples from two PWS patients and two obese controls were used for faecal microbiota transplantations in germ-free mice to examine the impact of the microbiota on glucose metabolism.ResultsThe composition of the faecal microbiota in patients with PWS differed from that of obese controls, and was characterised by higher phylogenetic diversity and increased abundance of several taxa such asAkkermansia,Desulfovibrioand Archaea, and decreased abundance ofDorea. Microbial taxa prevalent in the PWS microbiota were associated with markers of insulin sensitivity. Improved insulin resistance of PWS was partly transmitted by faecal microbiota transplantations into germ-free mice.ConclusionThe gut microbiota of PWS patients is similar to that of their non-obese parents and might play a role for the protection of PWS patients from metabolic complications.
Scientific frontiers in faecal microbiota transplantation: joint document of Asia-Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and Asia-Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE)
Authors: Ng Siew C , Kamm Michael A , Yeoh Yun Kit , Chan Paul K S , Zuo Tao , Tang Whitney , Sood Ajit , Andoh Akira , Ohmiya Naoki , Zhou Yongjian , Ooi Choon Jin , Mahachai Varocha , Wu Chun-Ying , Zhang Faming , Sugano Kentaro , Chan Francis K L 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveThe underlying microbial basis, predictors of therapeutic outcome and active constituent(s) of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) mediating benefit remain unknown. An international panel of experts presented key elements that will shape forthcoming FMT research and practice.DesignSystematic search was performed, FMT literature was critically appraised and a 1-day round-table discussion was conducted to derive expert consensus on key issues in FMT research.Results16 experts convened and discussed five questions regarding (1) the role of donor and recipient microbial (bacteria, viruses, fungi) parameters in FMT; (2) methods to assess microbiota alterations; (3) concept of keystone species and microbial predictors of FMT, (4) influence of recipient profile and antibiotics pretreatment on FMT engraftment and maintenance and (5) new developments in FMT formulations and delivery. The panel considered that variable outcomes of FMT relate to compositional and functional differences in recipient’s microbiota, and likely donor-associated and recipient-associated physiological and genetic factors. Taxonomic composition of donor intestinal microbiota may influence the efficacy of FMT in recurrentClostridioides difficileinfections and UC. FMT not only alters bacteria composition but also establishes trans-kingdom equilibrium between gut fungi, viruses and bacteria to promote the recovery of microbial homeostasis. FMT is not a one size fits all and studies are required to identify microbial components that have specific effects in patients with different diseases.ConclusionFMT requires optimisation before their therapeutic promise can be evaluated for different diseases. This summary will guide future directions and priorities in advancement of the science and practice of FMT.
Psychosis and longitudinal outcomes in Huntington disease: the COHORT Study
Authors: Connors Michael H , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Loy Clement T 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveHuntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease involving motor disturbances, cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms. Psychotic symptoms occur in a significant proportion of patients. We sought to characterise the clinical outcomes of this group of patients.MethodsData were drawn from the Cooperative Huntington Observational Research Trial, a prospective, multi-centre observational study. 1082 patients with HD were recruited. Measures of cognition, function, behavioural disturbance and motor function were completed annually over 5 years.ResultsOverall, 190 patients (17.6%) displayed psychotic symptoms. These patients demonstrated worse cognition, function and behavioural disturbances than patients without psychosis over time. Patients with psychosis also demonstrated lower levels of chorea than patients without psychosis, despite adjusting for concurrent antipsychotic and tetrabenazine use.ConclusionsPsychosis in HD is associated with poorer outcomes in cognition, function and behavioural symptoms. Patients with psychotic symptoms may also have less chorea. Altogether, the findings suggest patients with psychosis have a distinct clinical course.
Dimethyl fumarate decreases neurofilament light chain in CSF and blood of treatment naïve relapsing MS patients
Authors: Sejbaek Tobias , Nielsen Helle Hvilsted , Penner Natasha , Plavina Tatiana , Mendoza Jason P , Martin Nellie Anne , Elkjaer Maria Louise , Ravnborg Mads Henrik , Illes Zsolt 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesIn a prospective phase IV trial of the first-line oral treatment dimethyl fumarate (DMF), we examined dynamics of neurofilament light (NFL) chain in serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected over 12 months from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. NFL changes were related to disease activity.MethodsWe examined NFL levels by single-molecule array in 88 CSF, 348 plasma and 131 sera from treatment-naïve RRMS patients (n=52), healthy controls (n=23) and a placebo group matched by age, sex and NFL (n=52). Plasma/sera were collected at baseline, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after DMF. CSF samples were collected at baseline and 12 months after DMF.ResultsNFL concentration in CSF, plasma and serum correlated highly (p<0.0001 for all), but plasma levels were only 76.9% of paired serum concentration. After 12 months of DMF treatment, NFL concentration decreased by 73%, 69% and 55% in the CSF, serum and plasma (p<0.0001, respectively). Significant reduction in blood was observed after 6 and 12 months treatment compared with baseline (p<0.01 and p<0.0001, respectively) and to placebo (p<0.0001). Patients with NFL above the 807.5 pg/mL cut-off in CSF had 5.0-times relative risk of disease activity (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis study provides Class II evidence that first-line DMF reduces NFL in both blood and CSF after 6 months and normalises CSF levels in 73% of patients. High NFL concentration in CSF after a year reflected disease activity. NFL levels were higher in serum than in plasma, which should be considered when NFL is used as a biomarker.
Is baseline routine renal ultrasound indicated for all MS patients?
Authors: Títoff Igor B , Titoff Victoria , Scott Thomas F 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop multiple urological complaints due to hyperactive or hypoactive bladder, and may have detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Routine renal ultrasound (RUS) screening has been recommended for both symptomatic and asymptomatic MS patients; however, there is little data to support this practice.MethodsProspectively screened consecutive MS clinic patients in 2016–2017 with functional systems scores (FSS) indicating moderate to severe neurogenic bladder symptoms (FSS bladder ≥2) were sent for RUS. We also screened for history of urinary tract infections.Results872 patients were screened between 3 September 2016 and 13 April 2017. 58 patients met inclusion criteria for RUS. 6 were excluded due to non-compliance with testing or unavailability of results; 52 patients were imaged. Only 3/52 patients were found to have renal pathology requiring follow-up. Of those three, one had known symptomatic nephrolithiasis, and one had subsequently normal findings, leaving one patient newly found to have valid abnormal upper urinary tract (UUT) findings. Multiple incidental findings were also discovered.ConclusionThe minimal yield for significant UUT pathology found in this enriched group of symptomatic MS patients indicates that RUS screening for asymptomatic MS patients without clear risk factors is not indicated. Red flags for high risk of UUT complications should be used as triggers for baseline RUS screening in MS patients.