bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent association of serum vitamin D with anti‐Mullerian hormone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wong Ho Yan Queenie , Li Hang Wun Raymond , Lam Karen Siu Ling , Tam Sidney , Shek Chi Chung , Lee Chi Yan Vivian , Yeung William Shu Biu , Ho Pak Chung , Ng Ernest Hung Yu 
Published: July 2018

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed at investigating the association of serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) and anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well as non‐PCOS healthy ovulatory women and the possible confounding effects of adiposity and androgen.MethodThis was a cross‐sectional study conducted on serum samples collected from 451 women diagnosed with PCOS as well as 244 age‐matched healthy ovulatory women in a tertiary gynaecology out‐patient clinic and a family planning clinic.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in women recruited during summer and autumn than those recruited in winter and spring. Both serum 25(OH)D and AMH levels peaked during summer in women with PCOS. In ovulatory women, only serum 25(OH)D but not AMH level showed such seasonal variation. Serum 25(OH)D level in women with PCOS significantly correlated positively with AMH, AMH/antral follicle count (AFC) ratio, serum total testosterone, sex‐hormone‐binding globulin and quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index and inversely with body mass index (BMI), insulin, triglycerides and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. After controlling for BMI, 25(OH)D level remained significantly correlated positively with serum AMH, AMH/AFC and total testosterone, and inversely with triglycerides. 25(OH)D level was an independent predictor of serum AMH level after controlling for age, BMI and free androgen index in women with PCOS.ConclusionSerum 25(OH)D level is an independent factor significantly associated with AMH level in women with PCOS but not in ovulatory women.
Interleukin‐8 produced by T cells is under the control of dopamine signaling
Authors: Matsuyama Toshiyuki , Kawano Masaaki , Takagi Rie , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Chikamatsu Kazuaki , Matsushita Sho 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveInterleukin (IL)‐17 produced by T helper (Th)17 cells is considered to be accepted by the IL‐17 receptor expressed by the airway epithelium, thereby influencing the migration of neutrophils by inducing the production of IL‐8, a neutrophil migration chemokine. However, it was recently reported that Th17 cells show marked production of IL‐8. Our previous studies showed that Th17 cell differentiation is governed by dopamine signals. We therefore analyzed the role of dopamine signals in IL‐8 production.MethodsWe cocultured dopamine D2‐like receptor agonists and an antagonist with peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy human volunteers, as well as cloned Th cells established from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We then determined the levels of IL‐8.ResultsCloned Th1 and Th17 cells, but not Th2 cells, showed marked production of IL‐8. Interferon‐γ and IL‐17 levels, but not those of IL‐5, showed a positive correlation with IL‐8 levels. The IL‐8 production of activated T cells was augmented by a dopamine D2‐like receptor antagonist and suppressed by dopamine D2‐like receptor agonists.ConclusionsThe dopamine signal is not only a differentiation induction factor of Th17, but is also involved in IL‐8 production from activated T cells. It is suppressed by dopamine D2‐like receptor agonists, which are known to ameliorate Parkinson's disease.
Auditory motion does not modulate spiking activity in the middle temporal and medial superior temporal visual areas
Authors: Chaplin Tristan A. , Allitt Benjamin J. , Hagan Maureen A. , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Rajan Ramesh , Lui Leo L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe integration of multiple sensory modalities is a key aspect of brain function, allowing animals to take advantage of concurrent sources of information to make more accurate perceptual judgments. For many years, multisensory integration in the cerebral cortex was deemed to occur only in high‐level “polysensory” association areas. However, more recent studies have suggested that cross‐modal stimulation can also influence neural activity in areas traditionally considered to be unimodal. In particular, several human neuroimaging studies have reported that extrastriate areas involved in visual motion perception are also activated by auditory motion, and may integrate audiovisual motion cues. However, the exact nature and extent of the effects of auditory motion on the visual cortex have not been studied at the single neuron level. We recorded the spiking activity of neurons in the middle temporal (MT) and medial superior temporal (MST) areas of anesthetized marmoset monkeys upon presentation of unimodal stimuli (moving auditory or visual patterns), as well as bimodal stimuli (concurrent audiovisual motion). Despite robust, direction selective responses to visual motion, none of the sampled neurons responded to auditory motion stimuli. Moreover, concurrent moving auditory stimuli had no significant effect on the ability of single MT and MST neurons, or populations of simultaneously recorded neurons, to discriminate the direction of motion of visual stimuli (moving random dot patterns with varying levels of motion noise). Our findings do not support the hypothesis that direct interactions between MT, MST and areas low in the hierarchy of auditory areas underlie audiovisual motion integration.
Improving the quality of systematic reviews of neurological conditions: an assessment of current practice and the development and validation of six new search strategies
Authors: Bui K.‐T. A. , Abdaem J. , Muccilli A. , Gore G. C. , Keezer M. R. 
Published: July 2018

Background and purposeOur aim was to study the quality of the literature search strategies used in recent systematic reviews and to develop and assess the diagnostic accuracy of six new search strategies (i.e. hedges).MethodsSix neurological conditions were studied: migraine, stroke, dementia, epileptic seizures, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the search strategies used in systematic reviews published in 2015–2016. Complex hedges pertaining to the six conditions for use in Ovid MEDLINE were developed. Their diagnostic accuracy was compared to simple, single‐term keyword searches.ResultsAlmost 60% of quality criteria for the overall literature search strategy used in 182 systematic reviews were not respected. Over 30% of search strategies relied on a single keyword to identify the neurological condition. The sensitivities of our complex hedges amongst 10 311 articles were between 83% and 95%, significantly higher than the simple keyword searches (as low as 48%). The specificities were greater than 97%.ConclusionsThere is great room for improvement in the search strategies used in systematic reviews of neurological conditions. Complex hedges were developed and validated to improve the accuracy of such searches. It is expected that this will lead to higher quality systematic reviews and meta‐analyses.
Board structure and role of outside directors in private firms
Authors: Gao Huasheng , He Zhongda 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe examine the board composition and the role of outside directors in US private firms. We find that compared with public firms, private firms have a higher proportion of outside directors on the boards and select their outside directors in a more responsive way to their advisory and monitoring needs. We also find that private firms’ CEO turnover–performance sensitivity, earnings quality, going‐public likelihood, and IPO value increase with the proportion of outside directors. These results are consistent with the view that lack of external governance in private firms leads to a greater demand for board monitoring for private firms.
Murine type VII collagen distorts outcome in human skin graft mouse model for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Bremer Jeroen , Kramer Duco , Eichhorn Daryll S. , Gostyński Antoni , Diercks Gilles F. H. , Jonkman Marcel F. , van den Akker Peter C. , Pasmooij Anna M. G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHuman skin graft mouse models are widely used to investigate and develop therapeutic strategies for the severe generalized form of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), which is caused by biallelic null mutations in COL7A1 and the complete absence of type VII collagen (C7). Most therapeutic approaches are focused on reintroducing C7. Therefore, C7 and anchoring fibrils are widely used as readouts in therapeutic research with skin graft models. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of human and murine C7 in a grafting model, in which human skin is reconstituted out of in vitro cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The model revealed that murine C7 was deposited in both human healthy control and RDEB skin grafts. Moreover, we found that murine C7 is able to form anchoring fibrils in human grafts. Therefore, we advocate the use of human‐specific antibodies when assessing the reintroduction of C7 using RDEB skin graft mouse models.
Ca2+‐induced orientation of tandem collagen binding domains from clostridial collagenase ColG permits two opposing functions of collagen fibril formation and retardation
Authors: Caviness Perry , Bauer Ryan , Tanaka Keisuke , Janowska Katarzyna , Roeser Jeffrey Randall , Harter Dawn , Sanders Jes , Ruth Christopher , Matsushita Osamu , Sakon Joshua 
Published: July 2018

To penetrate host tissues, histotoxic clostridia secrete virulence factors including enzymes to hydrolyze extracellular matrix.Clostridium histolyticum, recently renamed asHathewaya histolytica, produces two classes of collagenase (ColG and ColH). The high‐speedAFMstudy showed that ColG collagenase moves unidirectionally to plane collagen fibril and rebundles fibril when stalled. The structural explanation of the roles for the tandem collagen‐binding segment (CBDs) is illuminated by its calcium‐bound crystal structure at 1.9 Å resolution (Rwork= 15.0%;Rfree= 19.6%). Activation may involve calcium‐dependent domain rearrangement supported by both small‐angle X‐ray scattering and size exclusion chromatography. AtpCa ≥ 5 (pCa = −log[Ca2+]), the tandemCBDadopts an extended conformation that may facilitate secretion from the bacterium. AtpCa ≤ 4, the compact structure seen in the crystal structure is adopted. This arrangement positions the two binding surfaces ~ 55 Å apart, and possibly ushers ColG along tropocollagen molecules that allow for unidirectional movement. A sequential binding mode where tighter bindingCBD2 binds first could aid in processivity as well. Switch from processive collagenolysis to fibril rearrangement could be concentration dependent. Collagen fibril formation is retarded at 1 : 1 molar ratio of tandemCBDto collagen. TandemCBDmay help isolate a tropocollagen molecule from a fibril at this ratio. At 0.1 : 1 to 0.5 : 1 molar ratios fibril self‐assembly was accelerated. Gain of function as a result of gene duplication ofCBDfor the M9B enzymes is speculated. The binding and activation modes described here will aid in drug delivery design.Accession codesThe full atomic coordinates of the tandemCBDand its corresponding structure factor amplitudes have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDBaccession code5IKU). Small‐angle X‐ray scattering data and correspondingab initiomodels have been submitted to the Small Angle Scattering Biological Data Bank (SASBDB). Accession codesCL2, collagenase module 2,CN2,CP2 are assigned to envelopes for tandemCBDat −log[Ca2+] (pCa) 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Accession codeDC64 was assigned to the complex of polycystic kidney disease‐CBD1‐CBD2 with mini‐collagen.
Value addition of red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) by‐products: Emulsion formation and stability
Authors: Ralla Theo , Salminen Hanna , Wolfangel Timo , Edelmann Matthias , Dawid Corinna , Hofmann Thomas , Weiss Jochen 
Published: July 2018

SummaryReplacement of synthetically derived food additives and increase of sustainability are two major trends within the food industry, and usage of by‐products may represent a potential solution. We characterised an extract obtained from red beet that could also be obtained from red beet peels, that are typical industrial by‐products, and examined its interfacial and emulsion forming properties. Results showed that red beet extract contained considerable amounts of surface‐active saponins. The smallest negatively charged droplets (~1.36 μm, −40 mV) were obtained at low emulsifier‐to‐oil ratio and were fairly stable over a wide range of environmental stresses such as a wide pH range and temperature (<50 °C) despite some oiling‐off. Emulsions showed flocculation at low pH, as well as coalescence at high temperature (≥50 °C) and phase separation after a freeze–thaw cycle. Overall, our results indicate red beet extract may be employed as new naturally derived emulsifier for food and beverage products.
Nontechnical skills of the operating theatre circulating nurse: An ethnographic study
Authors: Redaelli Ilaria 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimThis paper aims to uncover circulating nurses’ nontechnical skills—namely, the cognitive and social skills that floor nurses need to deliver patient care in the operating room.BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that nontechnical skills play a key role in the safe execution of high‐risk health practices, such as anaesthesia, resuscitation, and surgery. Regarding the surgical team, research has thus far focused on the nontechnical skills of anaesthesiologists, surgeons, and scrub nurses, leaving unexplained the cognitive and social skills that circulating nurses need to acquire and use.DesignEthnographic study.MethodsEmpirical materials were collected in the operating department of a hospital located in northern Italy, drawing on direct observation, document analysis and informal interviews with the circulating nurses. Data collection lasted 3 months, from May ‐ July 2017.ResultsNontechnical skills of circulating nurses can be described using five categories: leadership, situation awareness, task management, communication, and teamwork.ConclusionThis paper explicitly addresses circulating nontechnical skills needed to support the design of educational and training pathways for nurses.
Development and validation of the Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey instrument
Authors: Awosoga Olu , Pijl Em M. , Hagen Brad , Hall Barry , Sajobi Tolulope , Spenceley Shannon 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimsTo report on the development and validation of the Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey instrument.BackgroundDespite growing awareness of moral distress among nurses, little is known about the moral distress experiences of nursing staff in dementia care settings. To address this gap, our research team developed a tool for measuring the frequency, severity and effects of moral distress in nursing staff working in dementia care.DesignThe research team employed an exploratory sequential mixed method design to generate items for the moral distress questionnaire. Data were collected between January 2013 – June 2014. In this paper, we report on the development and validation of the Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey instrument.MethodsThe Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey instrument was piloted with a portion of the target population prior to a broader implementation. Appropriate statistical analyses and psychometric testing were completed.ResultsThe team collected 389 completed surveys from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and healthcare aides, representing a 43.6% response rate across 23 sites. The Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey emerged as a reliable and valid instrument to measure the frequency, severity and effects of moral distress for nursing staff in dementia care settings. The relative value of the Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey as a measurement instrument was superseded by its clinical relevance for dementia care staff.ConclusionThe Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey is a potentially useful tool for estimating the frequency, severity and effects of moral distress in nursing staff working in dementia care settings and for the evaluation of measures taken to mitigate moral distress.
Interacting grassland species under threat of multiple global change drivers
Authors: De Kort Hanne , Prunier Jerome G. , Tessier Marc , Turlure Camille , Baguette Michel , Stevens Virginie M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimsMultiple environmental changes simultaneously altering the biotic and abiotic context of species are threatening communities and ecosystems worldwide. Exploration and mitigation of the eco‐evolutionary impacts of global change threats correspondingly are major components of conservation research, yet joint global change impacts remain poorly studied. Moreover, changes in the biotic context of species are rarely considered when assessing global change‐induced range shifts. We aim to unravel the contributions of habitat fragmentation, climate warming, genetic variation and biotic interactions to the past, current and future distribution of a rare grassland butterfly.LocationFrench Pyrenees.TaxonPhengaris (Maculinea) alcon, Gentiana pneumonanthe.MethodsWe examined the combined effects of habitat fragmentation and climate warming on the expected distribution of a specialized grassland butterfly and its host plant species using ecological niche modelling and genetic analysis. More specifically, circuit theory and maximum entropy modelling were used to assess changes in connectivity and habitat suitability under various land use and climate warming scenarios. Complementary, we used pooled RAD sequencing to assess relations between genetic diversity on the one hand, and connectivity, habitat suitability and altitude on the other hand.ResultsWe show that both habitat fragmentation and climate warming reduce the amount of suitable and reachable habitat. Complete abandonment of mild grazing practices would drastically reshuffle the distribution of suitable habitat and would render most of the remaining suitable patches poorly reachable. Moreover, serial genetic founder effects observed in high‐altitudinal populations of both species suggest that their dispersal rates lag behind environmental change.Main conclusionsTogether, these findings corroborate the notion that habitat fragmentation, through abandonment of mild grazing practices and agricultural intensification, is the most eminent threat to the highly biodiverse semi‐natural grassland ecosystems across Europe. Fighting habitat fragmentation would increase the genetic and ecological resilience of communities towards other global environmental threats.
Patterns and drivers of species diversity in the Indo‐Pacific red seaweed Portieria
Authors: Leliaert Frederik , Payo Dioli Ann , Gurgel Carlos Frederico D. , Schils Tom , Draisma Stefano G. A. , Saunders Gary W. , Kamiya Mitsunobu , Sherwood Alison R. , Lin Showe‐Mei , Huisman John M. , Le Gall Line , Anderson Robert J. , Bolton John J. , Mattio Lydiane , Zubia Mayalen , Spokes Tracey , Vieira Christophe , Payri Claude E. , Coppejans Eric , D'hondt Sofie , Verbruggen Heroen , De Clerck Olivier 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimBiogeographical processes underlying Indo‐Pacific biodiversity patterns have been relatively well studied in marine shallow water invertebrates and fishes, but have been explored much less extensively in seaweeds, despite these organisms often displaying markedly different patterns. Using the marine red alga Portieria as a model, we aim to gain understanding of the evolutionary processes generating seaweed biogeographical patterns. Our results will be evaluated and compared with known patterns and processes in animals.LocationIndo‐Pacific marine region.MethodsSpecies diversity estimates were inferred using DNA‐based species delimitation methods. Historical biogeographical patterns were inferred based on a six‐gene time‐calibrated phylogeny, distribution data of 802 specimens, and probabilistic modelling of geographical range evolution. The importance of geographical isolation for speciation was further evaluated by population genetic analyses at the intraspecific level.ResultsWe delimited 92 candidate species, most with restricted distributions, suggesting low dispersal capacity. Highest species diversity was found in the Indo‐Malay Archipelago (IMA). Our phylogeny indicates that Portieria originated during the late Cretaceous in the area that is now the Central Indo‐Pacific. The biogeographical history of Portieria includes repeated dispersal events to peripheral regions, followed by long‐term persistence and diversification of lineages within those regions, and limited dispersal back to the IMA.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that the long geological history of the IMA played an important role in shaping Portieria diversity. High species richness in the IMA resulted from a combination of speciation at small spatial scales, possibly as a result of increased regional habitat diversity from the Eocene onwards, and species accumulation via dispersal and/or island integration through tectonic movement. Our results are consistent with the biodiversity feedback model, in which biodiversity hotspots act as both “centres of origin” and “centres of accumulation,” and corroborate previous findings for invertebrates and fish that there is no single unifying model explaining the biological diversity within the IMA.
Who's challenging who training for staff empathy towards adults with challenging behaviour: cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hastings R. P. , Gillespie D. , Flynn S. , McNamara R. , Taylor Z. , Knight R. , Randell E. , Richards L. , Moody G. , Mitchell A. , Przybylak P. , Williams B. , Hunt P. H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundOne in five adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) known to services display challenging behaviours (CBs), and these individuals are at risk for restrictive practices and poor care. Staff attitudes may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of CBs. We investigated the effectiveness of co‐produced Who's Challenging Who? training delivered by people with ID to staff.MethodThis study involved a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Who's Challenging Who? training with follow‐up at six and 20 weeks post‐randomisation. Participants: two staff from each of 118 residential care settings for adults with ID at least one of whom displayed aggressive CB. Primary outcome: Self‐reported Staff Empathy for people with Challenging Behaviour Questionnaire. Analysis: intention to treat of all randomised settings. ISCRTN registration: ISRCTN53763600.Results118 residential settings (including 236 staff) were randomised to either receive training (59 settings) or to receive training after a delay (59 settings). The primary analysis included data from 121 staff in 76 settings (51% of staff, 64% of settings). The adjusted mean difference on the transformed (cubed) Staff Empathy for people with Challenging Behaviour Questionnaire score at the primary end point was 1073.2 (95% CI: ‐938.1 to 3084.5, P = 0.296) in favour of the intervention group (effect size Cohen's d = .19).ConclusionsThis is the first large‐scale RCT of a co‐produced training course delivered by people with ID. Findings indicated a small positive (but statistically non‐significant) effect on increased staff empathy at 20 weeks, and small to moderate effects for staff reported secondary outcomes in favour of the intervention group.