bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Family Demographics, Parental Stress, and Family Quality of Life
Authors: Hsiao Yun‐Ju 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground: Families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are confronted with ongoing challenges that can influence various aspects of family life. To assist these families in overcoming the impact of ASD and promote more positive family and child outcomes, research for a better understanding of variables associated with quality of life in families of children with ASD is needed. Specific Aim: This article examined the impact of family demographic characteristics and parental stress on the quality of life in families of children with ASD. Method: The sample was recruited from four autism service providers in a southwestern state in the United States and consisted of 236 parents of children with ASD. Data were collected using the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale and the Parental Stress Scale. Findings: Findings showed that parent's gender, marital status, education, family income, or perceived parental stress was a predictor of quality of life in families of children with ASD and that family income and parental stress were two significant predictors when considering these variables together. Discussion: The current findings indicate further evidence for the importance of intervention and support to reduce parental stress and income barriers, and tailor to the unique needs of each individual family so as to promote the quality of life of families of children with ASD.
The pharmacokinetics and analgesic effects of extended‐release buprenorphine administered subcutaneously in healthy dogs
Authors: Barletta M. , Ostenkamp S. M. , Taylor A. C. , Quandt J. , Lascelles B. D. X. , Messenger K. M. 
Published: March 2018

Buprenorphine is a partial μ agonist opioid used for analgesia in dogs. An extended‐release formulation (ER‐buprenorphine) has been shown to provide effective analgesia for 72 hr in rats and mice. Six healthy mongrel dogs were enrolled in a randomized, blinded crossover design to describe and compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ER‐buprenorphine administered subcutaneous at 0.2 mg/kg (ER‐B) and commercially available buprenorphine for injection intravenously at 0.02 mg/kg (IV‐B). After drug administration, serial blood samples were collected to measure plasma buprenorphine concentrations using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry detection. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, sedation score, and thermal threshold latency were recorded throughout the study. Median (range) terminal half‐life, time to maximum concentration, and maximum plasma concentration of ER‐buprenorphine were 12.74 hr (10.43–18.84 hr), 8 hr (4–36 hr), and 5.00 ng/ml (4.29–10.98 ng/ml), respectively. Mild bradycardia, hypothermia, and inappetence were noted in both groups. Thermal threshold latency was significantly prolonged compared to baseline up to 12 hr and up to 72 hr in IV‐B and ER‐B, respectively. These results showed that ER‐buprenorphine administered at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg resulted in prolonged and sustained plasma concentrations and antinociceptive effects up to 72 hr after drug administration.
Cell Phones ≠ Self and Other Problems with Big Data Detection and Containment during Epidemics
Authors: Erikson Susan L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractEvidence from Sierra Leone reveals the significant limitations of big data in disease detection and containment efforts. Early in the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, media heralded HealthMap's ability to detect the outbreak from newsfeeds. Later, big data—specifically, call detail record data collected from millions of cell phones—was hyped as useful for stopping the disease by tracking contagious people. It did not work. In this article, I trace the causes of big data's containment failures. During epidemics, big data experiments can have opportunity costs: namely, forestalling urgent response. Finally, what counts as data during epidemics must include that coming from anthropological technologies because they are so useful for detection and containment.
Tip‐localized Ca2+‐permeable channels control pollen tube growth via kinase‐dependent R‐ and S‐type anion channel regulation
Authors: Gutermuth Timo , Herbell Sarah , Lassig Roman , Brosché Mikael , Romeis Tina , Feijó José Alberto , Hedrich Rainer , Konrad Kai Robert 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Pollen tubes (PTs) are characterized by having tip‐focused cytosolic calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) gradients, which are believed to control PT growth. However, the mechanisms by which the apical [Ca2+]cyt orchestrates PT growth are not well understood.

Here, we aimed to identify these mechanisms by combining reverse genetics, cell biology, electrophysiology, and live‐cell Ca2+ and anion imaging. We triggered Ca2+‐channel activation by applying hyperpolarizing voltage pulses and observed that the evoked [Ca2+]cyt increases were paralleled by high anion channel activity and a decrease in the cytosolic anion concentration at the PT tip.

We confirmed a functional correlation between these patterns by showing that inhibition of Ca2+‐permeable channels eliminated the [Ca2+]cyt increase, resulting in the abrogation of anion channel activity via Ca2+‐dependent protein kinases (CPKs). Functional characterization of CPK and anion‐channel mutants revealed a CPK2/20/6‐dependent activation of SLAH3 and ALMT12/13/14 anion channels.

The impaired growth phenotypes of anion channel and CPK mutants support the physiological significance of a kinase‐ and Ca2+‐dependent pathway to control PT growth via anion channel activation. Other than unveiling this functional link, our membrane hyperpolarization method allows for unprecedented manipulation of the [Ca2+]cyt gradient or oscillations in the PT tips and opens an array of opportunities for channel screenings.
A Vitis vinifera basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor enhances plant cell size, vegetative biomass and reproductive yield
Authors: Lim Sung Don , Yim Won Choel , Liu Degao , Hu Rongbin , Yang Xiaohan , Cushman John C. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryStrategies for improving plant size are critical targets for plant biotechnology to increase vegetative biomass or reproductive yield. To improve biomass production, a codon‐optimized helix–loop–helix transcription factor (VvCEB1opt) from wine grape was overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana resulting in significantly increased leaf number, leaf and rosette area, fresh weight and dry weight. Cell size, but typically not cell number, was increased in all tissues resulting in increased vegetative biomass and reproductive organ size, number and seed yield. Ionomic analysis of leaves revealed the VvCEB1opt‐overexpressing plants had significantly elevated, K, S and Mo contents relative to control lines. Increased K content likely drives increased osmotic potential within cells leading to greater cellular growth and expansion. To understand the mechanistic basis of VvCEB1opt action, one transgenic line was genotyped using RNA‐Seq mRNA expression profiling and revealed a novel transcriptional reprogramming network with significant changes in mRNA abundance for genes with functions in delayed flowering, pathogen–defence responses, iron homeostasis, vesicle‐mediated cell wall formation and auxin‐mediated signalling and responses. Direct testing of VvCEB1opt‐overexpressing plants showed that they had significantly elevated auxin content and a significantly increased number of lateral leaf primordia within meristems relative to controls, confirming that cell expansion and organ number proliferation were likely an auxin‐mediated process. VvCEB1opt overexpression in Nicotiana sylvestris also showed larger cells, organ size and biomass demonstrating the potential applicability of this innovative strategy for improving plant biomass and reproductive yield in crops.
Genome‐wide signatures of flowering adaptation to climate temperature: Regional analyses in a highly diverse native range of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tabas‐Madrid Daniel , Méndez‐Vigo Belén , Arteaga Noelia , Marcer Arnald , Pascual‐Montano Alberto , Weigel Detlef , Xavier Picó F. , Alonso‐Blanco Carlos 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCurrent global change is fueling an interest to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms of plant adaptation to climate. In particular, altered flowering time is a common strategy for escape from unfavourable climate temperature. In order to determine the genomic bases underlying flowering time adaptation to this climatic factor, we have systematically analysed a collection of 174 highly diverse Arabidopsis thaliana accessions from the Iberian Peninsula. Analyses of 1.88 million single nucleotide polymorphisms provide evidence for a spatially heterogeneous contribution of demographic and adaptive processes to geographic patterns of genetic variation. Mountains appear to be allele dispersal barriers, whereas the relationship between flowering time and temperature depended on the precise temperature range. Environmental genome‐wide associations supported an overall genome adaptation to temperature, with 9.4% of the genes showing significant associations. Furthermore, phenotypic genome‐wide associations provided a catalogue of candidate genes underlying flowering time variation. Finally, comparison of environmental and phenotypic genome‐wide associations identified known (Twin Sister of FT, FRIGIDA‐like 1, and Casein Kinase II Beta chain 1) and new (Epithiospecifer Modifier 1 and Voltage‐Dependent Anion Channel 5) genes as candidates for adaptation to climate temperature by altered flowering time. Thus, this regional collection provides an excellent resource to address the spatial complexity of climate adaptation in annual plants.
Corporate debt maturity in developing countries: Sources of long and short‐termism
Authors: Cortina Juan J. , Didier Tatiana , Schmukler Sergio L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis paper documents to what extent firms from developing countries borrow short versus long term, using data on corporate bond and syndicated loan markets. Contrary to claims in the literature based on firm balance sheets, firms from developing countries borrow through bonds and syndicated loans at maturities similar to those obtained by developed country firms. There are relevant differences across the debt markets composing this aggregate pattern. Firms from developing countries borrow shorter term in domestic bond markets. But the differences in international issuances (accounting for most of the proceeds) are significantly smaller. Moreover, developing country firms borrow longer term in syndicated loan markets. However, only large firms from developing countries (similar in size to those from developed ones) issue bonds and syndicated loans. The short‐termism in developing countries is partly explained by a lower proportion of firms using these markets, with more firms relying on other shorter‐term instruments.
Rapid multiple immunofluorescent staining for the simultaneous detection of cytokeratin and vimentin in the cytology of canine tumors
Authors: Sawa Mariko , Yabuki Akira , Kohyama Moeko , Miyoshi Noriaki , Yamato Osamu 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundImmunocytochemistry (ICC) is utilized as an advanced technique in veterinary cytology. In tumor diagnosis, cytokeratin and vimentin are markers used to distinguish the origin of tumor cells. Standard enzyme‐based ICC has limitations in clinical use; and therefore, more convenient and reliable methods are needed.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop a rapid multiple immunofluorescent (RMIF) detection method for dual cytokeratin and vimentin staining on cytology slides in dogs.MethodsAir‐dried smear samples from solid tumors and sediments of pleural effusions were prepared from dogs (n = 14) that were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Kagoshima University, Japan. Mouse monoclonal anti‐human cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and rabbit monoclonal anti‐human vimentin (SP20) antibodies were used as primary antibodies, followed by staining with Alexa Fluor‐conjugated secondary antibodies. Staining using the RMIF method was compared with enzyme‐based ICC staining.ResultsRapid multiple immunofluorescent immunostaining was clear and specific in the evaluated smears, whereas the enzyme‐based ICC showed nonspecific signals. By using the RMIF staining method, epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, and mesothelial cells could be classified on a single smear of a pleural effusion. In smears of lymph nodes with epithelial tumor metastases, the RMIF method successfully detected metastatic epithelial tumor cells.ConclusionsThe RMIF method might be a useful tool for diagnostic cytology in veterinary medicine.
Insights into the Evolution of Host Association through the Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Human Periodontal Pathobiont,Desulfobulbus oralis
Authors: Cross Karissa L. , Chirania Payal , Xiong Weili , Beall Clifford J. , Elkins James G. , Giannone Richard J. , Griffen Ann L. , Guss Adam M. , Hettich Robert L. , Joshi Snehal S. , Mokrzan Elaine M. , Martin Roman K. , Zhulin Igor B. , Leys Eugene J. , Podar Mircea 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe human oral microbiota encompasses representatives of many bacterial lineages that have not yet been cultured. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of previously unculturedDesulfobulbus oralis, the first human-associated representative of its genus. As mammalian-associated microbes rarely have free-living close relatives,D. oralisprovides opportunities to study how bacteria adapt and evolve within a host. This sulfate-reducing deltaproteobacterium has adapted to the human oral subgingival niche by curtailing its physiological repertoire, losing some biosynthetic abilities and metabolic independence, and by dramatically reducing environmental sensing and signaling capabilities. The genes that enable free-livingDesulfobulbusto synthesize the potent neurotoxin methylmercury were also lost byD. oralis, a notably positive outcome of host association. However, horizontal gene acquisitions from other members of the microbiota provided novel mechanisms of interaction with the human host, including toxins like leukotoxin and hemolysins. Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis revealed that most of those factors are actively expressed, including in the subgingival environment, and some are secreted. Similar to other known oral pathobionts,D. oraliscan trigger a proinflammatory response in oral epithelial cells, suggesting a direct role in the development of periodontal disease.IMPORTANCEAnimal-associated microbiota likely assembled as a result of numerous independent colonization events by free-living microbes followed by coevolution with their host and other microbes. Through specific adaptation to various body sites and physiological niches, microbes have a wide range of contributions, from beneficial to disease causing.Desulfobulbus oralisprovides insights into genomic and physiological transformations associated with transition from an open environment to a host-dependent lifestyle and the emergence of pathogenicity. Through a multifaceted mechanism triggering a proinflammatory response,D. oralisis a novel periodontal pathobiont. Even though culture-independent approaches can provide insights into the potential role of the human microbiome “dark matter,” cultivation and experimental characterization remain important to studying the roles of individual organisms in health and disease.
Drug-Associated Risk Tool: development and validation of a self-assessment questionnaire to screen for hospitalised patients at risk for drug-related problems
Authors: Kaufmann Carole P , Stämpfli Dominik , Mory Nadine , Hersberger Kurt E , Lampert Markus L 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionIdentifying patients with a high risk for drug-related problems (DRPs) might optimise the allocation of targeted pharmaceutical care during the hospital stay and on discharge.ObjectiveTo develop a self-assessment screening tool to identify patients at risk for DRPs and validate the tool regarding feasibility, acceptability and the reliability of the patients’ answers.DesignProspective validation study.SettingTwo mid-sized hospitals (300–400 beds).Participants195 patients, exclusion criteria: under 18 years old, patients with a health status not allowing a meaningful communication (eg, delirium, acute psychosis, advanced dementia, aphasia, clouded consciousness state), palliative or terminally ill patients.MethodsTwenty-seven risk factors for the development of DRPs, identified in a previous study, provided the basis of the self-assessment questionnaire, the Drug-Associated Risk Tool (DART). Consenting patients filled in DART, and we compared their answers with objective patient data from medical records and laboratory data.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-four patients filled in DART V.1.0 in an average time of 7 min. After a first validation, we identified statements with a low sensitivity and revised the wording of the questions related to heart insufficiency, renal impairment or liver impairment. The revised DART (V.2.0) was validated in 31 patients presenting heart insufficiency, renal impairment or liver impairment as comorbidity and reached an average specificity of 88% (range 27–100) and an average sensitivity of 67% (range 21–100).ConclusionsDART showed a satisfying feasibility and reliability. The specificity of the statements was mostly high. The sensitivity varied and was higher in statements concerning diseases that require regular disease control and attention to self-care and drug management. Asking patients about their conditions, medications and related problems can facilitate getting a first, broad picture of the risk for DRPs and possible pharmaceutical needs.
Effects of family group conferences among high-risk patients of chronic disability and their significant others: study protocol for a multicentre controlled trial
Authors: Hillebregt Chantal F , Scholten Eline W M , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Post Marcel W M , Visser-Meily Johanna M A 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionMany patients and family members experience a large gap between the protected environment during inpatient medical rehabilitation and life in the community after discharge. They feel insufficiently prepared to cope with the consequences of their disability in daily life. This study protocol describes the design measuring the effectiveness and implementation of family group conferences on the empowerment of patients with a high risk of chronic disability and their significant others.Methods and analysisA multicentre controlled trial will be carried out in 12 rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands. A total of 328 clinically admitted patients will participate (≥18 years, diagnosed with acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury or leg amputation), and their significant others will be included. During three family group conferences, supported by the social worker, the patient, significant other and their social network will be stimulated in collaboration, to set up participation goals, determine the needed help and make a concrete action plan. Self-reported questionnaires will be collected at baseline, clinical discharge, and 3 months and 6 months following clinical discharge. Empowerment as the primary outcome is operationalised as self-efficacy and participation. Secondary outcome measures are psychological (eg, coping, neuroticism) and environmental (eg, family functioning, social support) factors. This is the first controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of family group conferences in rehabilitation medicine among adult patients and their significant others, providing us with knowledge in improving rehabilitation care.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the University Medical Center Utrecht (number 15–617/C). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in local, national and international conferences.Trial registration numberNTR5742; Pre-results.
Feasibility of real-time capture of routine clinical data in the electronic health record: a hospital-based, observational service-evaluation study
Authors: Bodagh Neil , Archbold R Andrew , Weerackody Roshan , Hawking Meredith K D , Barnes Michael R , Lee Aaron M , Janjuha Surjeet , Gutteridge Charles , Robson John , Timmis Adam 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesThe electronic health record (EHR) is underused in the hospital setting. The aim of this service evaluation study was to respond to National Health Service (NHS) Digital’s ambition for a paperless NHS by capturing routinely collected cardiac outpatient data in the EHR to populate summary patient reports and provide a resource for audit and research.DesignA PowerForm template was developed within the Cerner EHR, for real-time entry of routine clinical data by clinicians attending a cardiac outpatient clinic. Data captured within the PowerForm automatically populated a SmartTemplate to generate a view-only report that was immediately available for the patient and for electronic transmission to the referring general practitioner (GP).ResultsDuring the first 8 months, the PowerForm template was used in 61% (360/594) of consecutive outpatient referrals increasing from 42% to 77% during the course of the study. Structured patient reports were available for immediate sharing with the referring GP using Cerner Health Information Exchange technology while electronic transmission was successfully developed in a substudy of 64 cases, with direct delivery by the NHS Data Transfer Service in 29 cases and NHS mail in the remainder. In feedback, the report’s immediate availability was considered very or extremely important by >80% of the patients and GPs who were surveyed. Both groups reported preference of the patient report to the conventional typed letter. Deidentified template data for all 360 patients were successfully captured within the Trust system, confirming availability of these routinely collected outpatient data for audit and research.ConclusionElectronic template development tailored to the requirements of a specialist outpatient clinic facilitates capture of routinely collected data within the Cerner EHR. These data can be made available for audit and research. They can also be used to enhance communication by populating structured reports for immediate delivery to patients and GPs.