bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MT1‐MMP evaluation in neointimal hyperplasia in the late follow‐up after prosthesis implantation
Authors: Bruczko Marta , Gogiel Tomasz , Wolańska Małgorzata , Kowalewski Radosław , Sobolewski Krzysztof , Romanowicz Lech 
Published: May 2019

SummaryVascular surgical interventions are often burdened with late complications, including thrombosis or restenosis. The latter is generally caused by neointimal hyperplasia. Although extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling is an important part of neointima formation, this process is not clearly understood. The aim of the study was to assess the content and activity of membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinase in human neointima in the late stages of its development. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 were also evaluated. The research was performed on neointima samples collected during secondary vascular interventions from patients with chronic limb ischaemia who developed vascular occlusion at 6‐18 months after aorto/ilio‐femoral bypass grafting. The control material consisted of segments of femoral arteries collected from organ donors. Western blot and/or ELISA were used for the determination of MT1‐MMP and TIMP‐2 expression. The activity of MT1‐MMP was measured by fluorometric assay and that of MMP‐2 by zymography. We demonstrated significantly increased MT1‐MMP protein content in neointima when compared to normal arteries. However, the activity of MT1‐MMP was significantly lower in neointima than in control samples. The decreased MT1‐MMP activity was concomitant with reduced activity of MMP‐2. The TIMP‐2 protein levels in neointima and normal arteries were not significantly different. The results of our study suggest that the reduced activity of MT1‐MMP and consequently MMP‐2 in human neointima may play a role in decreased degradation of ECM components and thus promote neointimal overgrowth.
Endovascular clot retrieval for M2 segment middle cerebral artery occlusion: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Findakly Salam , Maingard Julian , Phan Kevin , Barras Christen D. , Jhamb Ashu , Chandra Ronil , Thijs Vincent , Brooks Mark , Asadi Hamed 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundEndovascular clot retrieval (ECR) is the standard of care for acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. However, isolated occlusion of the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was underrepresented in the landmark trials.AimsGiven the potential treatment benefit associated with M2 MCA occlusions, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing ECR for M2 occlusion.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the available literature that included patients with M2 MCA occlusions who underwent ECR. Successful reperfusion was defined as a treatment in cerebral ischaemia score of 2b‐3. Good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2. We also analysed complications such as post‐procedure symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and mortality at 3 months.ResultsFifteen studies including 1105 patients with isolated M2 occlusions were analysed. Successful reperfusion occurred in 75.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 67.7–84.1%) of patients; good outcome was observed in 58.3% (95% CI 51.7–63.8% of patients. The rate of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage was 5.1% (95% CI 4.2–8.3%), and 3‐month mortality rate was 12.2% (95% CI 10.4–16.3%).ConclusionThe outcomes of ECR treatment of M2 occlusions are favourable, with good safety profile. Comparison to medical management from large registries or randomised controlled trials is warranted.
Regional Intergovernmental Organizations as Catalysts for Transnational Policy Diffusion: The Case of UNASUR Health
Authors: Agostinis Giovanni 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWhy do member states of regional intergovernmental organizations (RIOs) voluntarily adapt their policies and institutions to the norms and procedures implemented in other member states? I tackle this puzzle by investigating the domestic effects of health cooperation among South American states within the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). The article shows how the establishment of a regional sector‐based institution like the Health Council of UNASUR triggered the diffusion of similar policies by reducing transaction costs and increasing information exchanges among member states’ health bureaucracies. I argue that RIOs such as UNASUR catalyse transnational diffusion not by enforcing binding regional norms (as in the case of the EU), but by bridging member states’ shared functional needs and asymmetric capacities in specific policy areas. Using the case of UNASUR Health, the article contributes to the study of the logics of transnational diffusion within RIOs in the absence of authority delegated to supranational institutions.
Antibodies against alpha‐synuclein: tools and therapies
Authors: Vaikath Nishant N. , Hmila Issam , Gupta Vijay , Erskine Daniel , Ingelsson Martin , El‐Agnaf Omar M. A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSynucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy are characterized by the abnormal accumulation and propagation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) pathology in the central and peripheral nervous system as Lewy bodies or glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Several antibodies against α‐syn have been developed since it was first detected as the major component of Lewy bodies and glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Over the years, researchers have generated specific antibodies that alleviate the accumulation of intracellular aggregated α‐syn and associated pathology in cellular and preclinical models of synucleinopathies. So far, antibodies have been the first choice as tools for research and diagnosis and currently, a wide variety of antibody fragments have been developed as an alternative to full‐length antibodies for increasing its therapeutic usefulness. Recently, conformation specific antibody‐based approaches have been found to be promising as therapeutic strategies, both to block α‐syn aggregation and ameliorate the resultant cytotoxicity, and as diagnostic tools. In this review, we summarize different α‐syn specific antibodies and provide their usefulness in tackling synucleinopathies.imageThis article is part of the Special Issue “Synuclein”.
Satisfaction of a new telephone consultation service for prenatal and postnatal health care
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Sado Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsIn October 2017, the ‘Prenatal and Postnatal Health Care Service in Nara (PPHSN)’ has piloted the introduction of a new telephone consultation service to support prenatal and postnatal health care and childcare. This study aimed to document the feasibility, acceptability and satisfaction with the service provided by a trained nurse specialist who can access to clinician support when necessary.MethodsThe pilot study was conducted between November 2017 and February 2018. Japanese women who are undergoing a health checkup at the Nara Medical University hospital for delivery and post‐partum women who had recently (<1 year) given birth at this hospital (they are raising a child) were invited to participate in the study. They called a free mobile phone number, and spoke to a trained nurse to consult maternal and newborn care practices. The PPHSN project also provided information for supporting raising a child. The postal survey of the PPHSN service was conducted in March 2018.ResultsA total of 26 participants were enrolled. The questionnaire was answered by 23 (88.5%) participants, of which over half (52.2–95.7%) of participants declared they were ‘strongly agree’ plus ‘agree’ regarding ‘patient‐centered care’, ‘communication and information’, ‘technical quality’, ‘efficiency’, ‘access and convenience (feasibility)’, and ‘willing to use the service again (acceptability)’. The majority (95.7%) of respondents reported being willing to use the service again for a similar health problem.ConclusionThis study provided the first evidence of satisfaction with telephone or social networking consultation service by nurse specialists in Japan.
The dispersal of Austronesian languages in Island South East Asia: Current findings and debates
Authors: Klamer Marian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper reviews the “standard” view of the Austronesian language family tree in connection with the archeological “farming/language dispersal” hypothesis of Neolithic populations moving into Island South East Asia (ISEA) and beyond. It focuses on what is currently known about the dispersal history of the ~650 languages spoken in ISEA (Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor‐Leste) that belong to the Malayo‐Polynesian branch of Austronesian and points out where the topology of the MP branch is agreed upon and where it is contested. The conclusion is that historical linguistics is currently not in the position to provide information about higher order temporal and spatial relations between speaker groups within ISEA, unlike that which the language/farming dispersal hypothesis suggests. It also reviews some claims that can be heard in support of this hypothesis and concludes (i) that the expansion of MP languages into ISEA was less monolithic than often suggested, but rather that their lexical and structural diversity suggests multiple migrations of different groups, in many different directions, at different points in time; (ii) that the history of MP languages very likely involved long‐term, intense contact in multilingual communities where newcomers and autochthonous people lived together for centuries if not millennia; (iii) that the original populations of Island SE Asia were not (only) hunter–gatherers but had sea‐faring groups and agriculturalists among them; and (iv) that the histories reflected in languages, archeological findings and human genetics do not always converge. Simple macro‐level models like the standard Austronesian tree and the farming/language dispersal hypotheses are unable to catch the linguistic history of ISEA, with its complex geography, human networks, and migrations. To deepen our understanding of this history, the focus is currently shifting from macro‐level hypotheses to more detailed bottom‐up investigations of regional MP language groups and their speakers.
Does seed ingestion by bats enhance germination? A new meta‐analysis 15 years later
Authors: Saldaña‐Vázquez Romeo A. , Castaño John Harold , Baldwin Justin , Pérez‐Torres Jairo 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

The seed dispersal cycle forms the basis of vegetation establishment and population dynamics. Evidence shows varied results for the role of frugivorous bats, where ingestion and gut passage enhance seed germination for some plant species, but not for others.

Using meta‐analysis techniques with a novel data base spanning 31 years of study, we answered the following questions: (1) does seed passage through bat digestive tracts result in higher probability of seed germination than seed pulp removal by humans? (2) Are there effects of seed origin, germination conditions, bat species, and plant species on the probability of seed germination? (3) Is there an effect of fruit bat dietary preferences on the probability of ingested seed germination? And (4) does seed ingestion by bats result in shorter germination time than seed pulp removal by humans?

In general, seed passage through bat digestive tracts neither significantly increased the probability of germination nor reduced seed germination time. However, seed germination varied mainly with plant species and bat species, and fewer than 25% of plant species responded to bat gut passage in a positive or negative way. Plant species that were preferred by a species of bat were more likely to germinate after ingestion than non‐preferred plant species, in line with the core plant taxa hypothesis.

These results suggest that: (1) the principal role of frugivorous bats in seed dispersal is to transport seeds away from parent plants, (2) handling of fruit by bats does not enhance or hinder seed germination, and (3) germination of the seeds of fruits consumed by bats is idiosyncratic to the bat and plant species in question.
Parallel evolution of an alpine type ecomorph in a scorpionfly: Independent adaptation to high‐altitude environments in multiple mountain locations
Authors: Suzuki Tomoya , Suzuki Nobuo , Tojo Koji 
Published: May 2019

AbstractElucidation of the diversification process of organisms is one of the important tasks of biology. From the viewpoint of species diversity, insects are the most successful group among the diverse organisms on earth and evolutionary adaptation is one of the important factors driving this pattern. Evolutionary adaptation is one of the important factors in the diversification of insects. One of the representative examples of environmental adaptation in insects is the shortening and loss of wings in subalpine and alpine zones. In this study, we focused on the Japanese scorpionfly, Panorpodes paradoxus. In this species, individuals that inhabit mountainous regions and subalpine zones have long wings (the “general type”), and individuals that inhabit higher altitudinal ranges have short wings (the “alpine type”). We collected samples of all Japanese Panorpodes species and one Korean Panorpodes species, and conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA COI (610 bp), COII (688 bp), and 16S rRNA (888 bp) and nuDNA EF1‐α (658 bp) and 28S rRNA (524 bp) regions in order to reveal the evolutionary history of the alpine type of P. paradoxus. As a result of molecular phylogenetic analyses, it was revealed that the alpine type of P. paradoxus was polyphyletic, and had evolved to become the alpine type at least twice independently at separate mountain locations. In addition, the result of divergence time estimation suggested that the alpine type is an “ecomorph”, having recently adapted to low temperature habitats following mountain uplift within the Japanese Archipelago and subsequent glacial‐interglacial cycles.
HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and acute kidney injury: A secondary analysis of renal study outcomes
Authors: Wang Amanda Y , Trongtrakul Konlawij , Bellomo Rinaldo , Li Qiang , Cass Alan , Gallagher Martin ,   for the RENAL Study Investigators and the ANZICS Clinical Trials Group
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundMortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains high. Previous studies have explored the role of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) with variable findings.MethodsThe Randomized Evaluation of Normal versus Augmented Level Replacement Therapy (RENAL) Study recruited 1508 participants requiring dialysis in ICU between 2006 and 2009. Statin use was recorded at study baseline. Multivariate Cox modelling was used to assess associations of such statin use and all‐cause mortality. Propensity score analysis was performed for sensitivity analysis. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at 90 days.ResultsOf the 1462 participants with the available data on statin usage, 187 (12.8%) received statin therapy at baseline. Participants who receiving statins were older (P < 0.001), less likely to have sepsis or require mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed statin use did not have significant associations with mortality at both day 28 (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.053, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.784–1.415, P = 0.730) and day 90 (HR = 1.091, 95% CI = 0.836–1.424, P = 0.520). Propensity score analysis confirmed the lack of association between statin use and mortality at day 90 (HR = 1.042, 95% CI = 0.734–1.479, P = 0.819). However, in septic patients, multivariable analysis suggested statin therapy was associated with a trend to higher mortality at day 90 (HR = 1.688, 95% CI = 1.132–2.519, P = 0.010) and continuation of statins was associated with higher mortality (HR = 2.160, 95% CI = 1.296–3.599, P = 0.003), compared with statin withdrawal.ConclusionIn the RENAL study cohort, baseline statin use was not associated with mortality. Our findings do not support a protective role of statins in ICU patients with severe AKI.Clinical Trials registration number for the RENAL study: NCT00221013, the date of registration: September 14, 2005.
Endosymbiotic Sinorhizobium meliloti modulate Medicago root susceptibility to secondary infection via ethylene
Authors: Sorroche Fernando , Walch Mathilda , Zou Lan , Rengel David , Maillet Fabienne , Gibelin‐Viala Chrystel , Poinsot Véréna , Chervin Christian , Masson‐Boivin Catherine , Gough Clare , Batut Jacques , Garnerone Anne‐Marie 
Published: May 2019

Summary

A complex network of pathways coordinates nodulation and epidermal root hair infection in the symbiotic interaction between rhizobia and legume plants. Whereas nodule formation was known to be autoregulated, it was so far unclear whether a similar control is exerted on the infection process.

We assessed the capacity of Medicago plants nodulated by Sinorhizobium meliloti to modulate root susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection or to purified Nod factors in split‐root and volatile assays using bacterial and plant mutant combinations. Ethylene implication in this process emerged from gas production measurements, use of a chemical inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis and of a Medicago mutant affected in ethylene signal transduction.

We identified a feedback mechanism that we named AOI (for Autoregulation Of Infection) by which endosymbiotic bacteria control secondary infection thread formation by their rhizospheric peers. AOI involves activation of a cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) cascade in endosymbiotic bacteria, which decreases both root infectiveness and root susceptibility to bacterial Nod factors. These latter two effects are mediated by ethylene.

AOI is a novel component of the complex regulatory network controlling the interaction between Sinorhizobium meliloti and its host plants that emphasizes the implication of endosymbiotic bacteria in fine‐tuning the interaction.
Genetic and phenotypic analyses indicate that resistance to flooding stress is uncoupled from performance in cultivated sunflower
Authors: Gao Lexuan , Lee Joon Seon , Hübner Sariel , Hulke Brent S. , Qu Yan , Rieseberg Loren H. 
Published: May 2019

Summary

Given the rising risk of extreme weather caused by climate change, enhancement of abiotic stress resistance in crops is increasingly urgent. But will the development of stress‐resistant cultivars come at the cost of yield under ideal conditions? We hypothesize that this need not be inevitable, because resistance alleles with minimal pleiotropic costs may evade artificial selection and be retained in crop germplasm.

Genome‐wide association (GWA) analyses for variation in plant performance and flooding response were conducted in cultivated sunflower, a globally important oilseed.

We observed broad variation in flooding responses among genotypes. Flooding resistance was not strongly correlated with performance in control conditions, suggesting no inherent trade‐offs. Consistent with this finding, we identified a subset of loci conferring flooding resistance, but lacking antagonistic effects on growth. Genetic diversity loss at candidate genes underlying these loci was significantly less than for other resistance genes during cultivated sunflower evolution.

Despite bottlenecks associated with domestication and improvement, low‐cost resistance alleles remain within the cultivated sunflower gene pool. Thus, development of cultivars that are both flooding‐tolerant and highly productive should be straightforward. Results further indicate that estimates of pleiotropic costs from GWA analyses explain, in part, patterns of diversity loss in crop genomes.
Predictors of quality of life for families of children and adolescents with severe physical illnesses who are receiving hospital‐based care
Authors: Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrun , Tryggvadottir Gudny Bergthora 
Published: May 2019

AimThere is strong evidence regarding the impact of medical treatments on hospitalised children and their families after being diagnosed with a serious illness. Even though survival rates have increased for children and adolescents with illnesses such as cancer, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal diseases, lengthy medical procedures and symptom management may have an impact on the well‐being and quality of life for families. Little is known, however, about promoting family quality of life in hospital‐based paediatric settings. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors of quality of life (QOL) across physical health conditions among families of children and adolescents with cancer, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal diseases. Further, to evaluate the difference in perception on QOL among families of children with cancer compared to families of children with kidney, liver and gastrointestinal diseases.MethodThe study design was cross‐sectional. Thirty‐eight families of children with cancer, kidney, liver or gastrointestinal diseases participated at a University Hospital. Data were collected using valid and reliable instruments to measure the study variables from March 2015 to May 2016.FindingsThe main result from the stepwise regression analysis indicated perceived family support and illness beliefs, significantly predicted quality of life of the family; approximately 41% of the variance in the families’ perception of their quality of life was explained by the model.ConclusionsThe findings emphasise the importance of supporting and maintaining quality of life for families of children with physical illnesses.Relevance to clinical practiceFamily level interventions within the healthcare system are needed for families of children with severe physical illnesses, since that can result in better outcomes for the child or adolescent and their family. Such an intervention would need to emphasise therapeutic conversations within a relational context, highlighting illness management, illness beliefs, and cognitive and emotional family support.
Experience of care through patients, family members and health professionals in an intensive care unit: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Rodriguez‐Almagro Julian , Quero Palomino María Azucena , Aznar Sepulveda Elena , Fernandez‐Espartero Rodriguez‐Barbero María Del Mar , Ortiz Fernandez Francisca , Soto Barrera Virginia , Hernandez‐Martinez Antonio 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundA patient's stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) can lead to psychological and social alterations in patients and their nearest family circle. Healthcare staff and patients’ family members strongly influence patients’ stays in ICU.AimsTo explore the perceptions about the experiences of patients in the ICU, their family members and nurses who attend them.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological design was used to guide the research. A purposive sample of 27 male and female participated. Nine hospitalised patients, nine nurses and nine family members were interviewed in 2016 using a semi‐structured, face to face interview. Steps of Giorgi phenomenological method were used to analyse the qualitative data.FindingsAmong the three categorised groups, there is a common point that is the constant of humanization in care and it is very clear on the part of the patient, the patient's family and the nurses whom they attend. In addition, both in the group of patients and in the group of families allude to the fear and anguish that responds to patients, this problem does not appear in the speeches of nurses, who are torn between excessive technology and the performance of their work correctly for better patient welfare.ConclusionsA stay in an ICU implies emotional expense for both patients and their families, which leads to a series of changes in their affective and social sphere, manifested by a set of requirements that must be responded by the multidisciplinary team that attends to patients. It would be fundamental to inform the health authorities about these requirements in order to modify the usual conduct habits displayed in ICU, which would help improve all levels for patients, their families and nurses.