bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What makes the α1A‐adrenoceptor gene product assume an α1L‐adrenoceptor phenotype?
Authors: White Carl W. , da Silva Junior Edilson Dantas , Lim Linzi , Ventura Sabatino 
Published: February 2019

The α1A‐adrenoceptor is abundantly expressed in the lower urinary tract and is the principal therapeutic target for the symptomatic treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Prazosin has a lower affinity for the lower urinary tract α1A‐adrenoceptor than α1A‐adrenoceptors found in other parts of the body. This has led to the lower urinary tract α1A‐adrenoceptor being subclassified as an α1L‐adrenoceptor. It was demonstrated that this pharmacologically distinct α1L‐adrenoceptor is a product of the α1A‐adrenoceptor gene, but the mechanism by which this altered phenotype is achieved remains a mystery. Hypotheses for this altered pharmacology include the presence of an interacting protein such as cysteine‐rich with EGF‐like domain (CRELD) 1 or other GPCRs such as the CXCR2 chemokine or 5‐HT1B receptor. Alternatively, the influence of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) efflux transporters on the pharmacology of α1A‐adrenoceptors has also been investigated. These and other hypotheses will be described and discussed in this review.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
Growth hormone therapy and short stature‐related distress: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Shemesh‐Iron Moran , Lazar Liora , Lebenthal Yael , Nagelberg Nessia , Tenenbaum Ariel , Ezra Revital , Leffler Nir , Yackobovitch‐Gavan Michal , Schoenberg‐Taz Michal , Phillip Moshe 
Published: February 2019

SummaryContextGrowth hormone (GH) treatment of short healthy children is based on the belief that short stature is associated with psychosocial problems and a diminished quality of life.ObjectiveTo determine the impact of GH therapy on psychosocial well‐being and the ability of psychological metrics to define short stature‐related distress.MethodsSixty prepubertal boys with idiopathic short stature (age: 10.0 ± 1.4 years, height‐SDS: −2.38 ± 0.3) were enrolled in this 4‐year intervention study (1‐year double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled [GH/placebo‐2:1] and 3‐year open‐labelled GH therapy). Explicit (conscious/voluntary) psychological metrics (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL], Silhouette Apperception Test [SAT], Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale [RSES], Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]) and implicit (unconscious/involuntary) psychological metrics (Single‐Category Implicit Association Test for height [SC‐IAT‐H], Height Perception Picture Test [HPPT]). Psychosocial evaluations were performed at study entry, after 1 and 4 years.ResultsAt study entry, PedsQL of boys with idiopathic short stature was lower than Israeli norms (P = 0.001). After 1‐year blinded intervention, only the GH‐treated boys improved their actual and anticipated adult height perception (SAT, P < 0.001 and P = 0.022) with reduced short stature‐related distress (SC‐IAT‐H, P < 0.001). At study end, RSES and SC‐IAT‐H improved significantly (P < 0.001), with no change in PedsQL and CBCL.ConclusionsOur finding of improved psychosocial functioning only in the GH‐treated boys after 1‐year blinded intervention suggests that it was the GH therapy, rather than being enrolled in a clinical trial, which contributed to the outcome. Long‐term open‐labelled GH treatment significantly improved height perception and self‐esteem. Future studies are needed to fully assess the relevance of complementing the routinely used explicit self‐report measures with the implicit measures.
Modeling vanishing white matter disease with patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells reveals astrocytic dysfunction
Authors: Zhou Ling , Li Peng , Chen Na , Dai Li‐Fang , Gao Kai , Liu Yi‐Nan , Shen Li , Wang Jing‐Min , Jiang Yu‐Wu , Wu Ye 
Published: February 2019

SummaryAimsVanishing white matter disease (VWM) is an inherited leukoencephalopathy in children attributed to mutations in EIF2B1–5, encoding five subunits of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B). Although the defects are in the housekeeping genes, glial cells are selectively involved in VWM. Several studies have suggested that astrocytes are central in the pathogenesis of VWM. However, the exact pathomechanism remains unknown, and no model for VWM induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has been established.MethodsFibroblasts from two VWM children were reprogrammed into iPSCs by using a virus‐free nonintegrating episomal vector system. Control and VWM iPSCs were sequentially differentiated into neural stem cells (NSCs) and then into neural cells, including neurons, oligodendrocytes (OLs), and astrocytes.ResultsVanishing white matter disease iPSC‐derived NSCs can normally differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes precursor cells (OPCs), and oligodendrocytes in vitro. By contrast, VWM astrocytes were dysmorphic and characterized by shorter processes. Moreover, δ‐GFAP and αB‐Crystalline were significantly increased in addition to increased early and total apoptosis.ConclusionThe results provided further evidence supporting the central role of astrocytic dysfunction. The establishment of VWM‐specific iPSC models provides a platform for exploring the pathogenesis of VWM and future drug screening.
Functional Evaluation of Eating Difficulties Scale to predict oral motor skills in infants with neurodevelopmental disorders: a longitudinal study
Authors: Cavallini Anna , Provenzi Livio , Scotto Di Minico Giunia , Sacchi Daniela , Gavazzi Lidia , Amorelli Valeria , Borgatti Renato 
Published: February 2019

AimTo assess the predictive validity of the Functional Evaluation of Eating Difficulties Scale (FEEDS) on long‐term eating developmental outcomes in infants with neurodevelopmental disorders.MethodIn total, 144 infants (69 females, 75 males) aged 0 to 12 months (mean [SD] 5.34mo [3.42]) with neurodevelopmental disorders and requiring enteral nutrition support, hospitalized between January 2004 and December 2017, were included. The FEEDS was administered at the onset of hospitalization. Follow‐up evaluations of feeding modalities occurred at discharge and at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after discharge. FEEDS score was tested as a predictor of infants’ feeding modality (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, nasogastric tube, mixed, oral feeding) and time to autonomous oral feeding. Percentages of false‐positive and negative cases were checked.ResultsLower FEEDS scores significantly predicted infants’ feeding modality (0.40≤R2≤0.61). A 1‐point increase in FEEDS score was associated with increased risk (6%–14%; p<0.05) of being non‐autonomous feeders at the different follow‐up points in infants who had a FEEDS score above the clinical cut‐off.InterpretationThe FEEDS appears to be a clinically valid assessment to predict the presence of eating difficulties in infants with neurodevelopmental disabilities.What this paper adds

Functional Evaluation of Eating Difficulties Scale (FEEDS) significantly predicted eating difficulties in infants with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Lower FEEDS score is significantly associated with autonomous feeding at the 24‐month follow‐up.

FEEDS cut‐off identified infants at low‐risk and high‐risk for eating disorder.
Hand Assessment for Infants: normative reference values
Authors: Ek Linda , Eliasson Ann‐Christin , Sicola Elisa , Sjöstrand Lena , Guzzetta Andrea , Sgandurra Giuseppina , Cioni Giovanni , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena 
Published: February 2019

AimTo create normative reference values for unilateral and bilateral use of the hands, using the Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI), a newly developed criterion‐referenced assessment measuring hand use in infants aged 3 months to 12 months at risk of cerebral palsy (CP).MethodIn total, 489 HAI assessments of typically developing infants (243 females, 246 males), aged 3 months to 10 months (mean 6mo 14d [SD 2mo 5d]), were collected in Italy and Sweden. Normative growth curves based on mean and SDs were created, as well as skill acquisition curves for each test item. Correlation to age and differences between groups based on sex and nationality, as well as differences between the right and the left hand, were investigated.ResultsThe growth curves showed a steady increase in mean value and a decrease in SD over age. There were no differences between groups based on sex or nationality. There was a negligible mean difference (0.1 raw score) between the right and left hands.InterpretationHAI normative reference values are now available, which can assist in identifying deviating hand use for each month of age, as well as a side difference between hands in infants at risk of CP.What this paper adds

A Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI) result greater than 2SD below the mean indicates atypical hand use.

Skill acquisition curves describe the age at which typically developing infants master the HAI items.

Most typically developing infants do not demonstrate asymmetry in hand use.
Maternal thyroid autoimmunity associated with acute‐onset neuropsychiatric disorders and global regression in offspring
Authors: Jones Hannah F , Ho Alvin C C , Sharma Suvasini , Mohammad Shekeeb S , Kothur Kavitha , Patel Shrujna , Brilot Fabienne , Guastella Adam J , Dale Russell C ,   Immune‐Neurodevelopment (Imm‐Nd) Study Group
Published: February 2019

Epidemiological studies, animal models, and case–control studies indicate maternal immune activation may be an important factor involved in disease expression of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Tourette syndrome, and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). We report eight children (mean age 6y 6mo [range 4–15y]; six males and two females) referred over a 2‐year period with at least one of these neurodevelopmental disorders plus a maternal history of thyroid autoimmunity. Seven of eight children presented with an abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms (OCD [n=6], tics [n=5], and/or psychosis [n=1]), associated with an autistic or global regression. Four children had a pre‐existing diagnosis of ASD. Six presentations were preceded by infection, and symptoms followed a relapsing‐remitting course in seven children. All children responded to immunomodulatory treatment as indicated by a reduction in psychiatric symptoms, and seven children were also managed with conventional treatment with additional improvement. We propose that maternal autoimmunity can activate fetal microglia or alter transcription of neurodevelopmental vulnerability and/or immune genes in utero, and is an environmental factor that increases the expression and severity of neurodevelopmental problems, and susceptibility to deteriorations after infectious or stress stimuli.What this paper adds

Maternal thyroid autoimmunity may represent a risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring.

Atypical neuropsychiatric features in these children may be due to maternal immune activation in utero.
The Istanbul programme of action for the least developed countries: What does it add?
Authors: Diallo Oumar , Diarra Cheick S. , Katjomuise Kavazeua U. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMotivationEvery ten years, the member states of the United Nations agree on a decennial Programme of Action (PoA) intended to advance the development agenda of the least developed countries (LDCs). As this PoA is expected to expand on its predecessor, the question is whether this additionality holds for Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA), which covers the period 2011–2020.PurposeThe purpose of the article is to review the Istanbul Programme of Action and to contrast it with its predecessor: the Brussels Programme of Action.Approach and methodsIn comparing these two PoAs, we use qualitative and quantitative approaches and draw on recent literature pertaining to international development co‐operation.FindingsUsing these methodologies, we identify several novelties in the IPoA, including the focus on previously neglected issues that are important for LDCs' long‐term. We show, however, that the IPoA retains some of the shortcomings of its predecessors, while its structure and options of setting goals and targets create a wedge between development aspirations and the means of implementation.Policy implicationsAdvancing the development agenda of LDCs requires re‐committing to achieving some of the new features in the IPoA and addressing its shortcomings in the 2021–2030 Programme of Action, which will be adopted at the 2021 Fifth United Nations Conference on LDCs.
Association of cardiorespiratory fitness on interhemispheric hippocampal and parahippocampal functional connectivity
Authors: Ikuta Toshikazu , Loprinzi Paul D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInterhemispheric functional connectivity is associated with cognitive functioning. Although previous work has evaluated the association of cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive function, there has been a limited investigation of the association of cardiorespiratory fitness on the functional connectivity of memory‐related brain structures. As such, the objective of this study was to examine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and parahippocampal and hippocampal interhemispheric functional connectivity. Data from the Nathan Kline Institute‐Rockland Sample (NKI‐RS) were utilized. Our analysis consisted of 284 participants (Mage = 43 years; 62% female). Cardiorespiratory fitness was objectively measured using a cycle ergometer protocol. Parahippocampal and hippocampal interhemispheric functional connectivity were assessed from fMRI. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with greater parahippocampal (β = 0.004; CI, 0.00009 to 0.008, p = 0.04), but not hippocampal (β = 0.001; CI, −0.002 to 0.005, p = 0.44) interhemispheric functional connectivity. In conclusion, enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness may facilitate parahippocampal interhemispheric functional connectivity.
Calcium supplementation in CVVH using regional citrate anticoagulation
Authors: Zheng Yin , Xu Zhongye , Fan Qichen , Zhu Qiuyu , Ma Shuai , Lu Jianxin , Zhuang Feng , Hao Guihua , Lu Wei , Ding Feng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Calcium supplementation is one of the most important factors in maintaining the safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The aims of this study were to assess the determinants of calcium requirements in RCA‐CVVH and to simplify the calcium supplementation approach.Methods: Our study consisted of two parts. The first part was a discovery phase to determine the key factors of calcium supplementation. Twenty critically ill patients who required RCA‐CVVH were enrolled in this part. Systemic citrate, total calcium, protein‐bound calcium, and ionized calcium concentrations were serially measured using the traditional RCA protocol. A two‐phase calcium supplementation protocol was then proposed, and algorithms were developed for calcium supplementation. The second part of the study was the validation phase. Another 97 critically ill patients were enrolled and were treated with RCA‐CVVH using the new version of the calcium supplementation protocol.Findings:The loss of calcium flux in the extracorporeal circuit and the increase in citrate‐calcium complexes in vivo were the main determinants of the required calcium supplementation. In the CVVH mode, the rate of calcium infusion had to be reduced after systemic citrate level reached a steady state. With the aid of mathematical models, systemic calcium levels could be stably maintained in the normal range, and the frequencies of calcium monitoring were reduced.Discussion:Calcium supplementation during RCA‐CVVH undergoes two phases. We propose mathematical models to quantify the need for calcium supplementation, which enable individualization of the RCA prescription and simplify the management of RCA in the CVVH mode.
Inflammatory potential of monospecies biofilm matrix components
Authors: Ramirez T. , Shrestha A. , Kishen A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the inflammatory potential of biofilm matrix constituents of Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa monospecies biofilms on macrophages.MethodologyIn vitro biofilms of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa were grown (7 days) in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The biofilm matrix components: exopolysaccharides (EPS) and extracellular DNA (eDNA) were extracted and quantified. The inflammatory potential of EPS and eDNA was assessed on macrophage cell lines (RAW 267.4) using nitric oxide (NO), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expressions. LPS from P. aeruginosa and planktonic bacteria were positive controls. One‐way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsExtracted EPS from both biofilm strains was associated with higher levels than eDNA in both growth conditions (P < 0.05). The biofilm components had less inflammatory potential compared to planktonic bacteria and LPS. EPS produced higher levels of inflammatory response compared to eDNA for both strains (P < 0.05). IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and NO expression showed no difference for E. faecalis EPS (P ≥ 0.05). In contrast, P. aeruginosa EPS and eDNA had significant levels of IL‐6 compared to TNF‐α and NO (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMonospecies biofilm matrix EPS and eDNA from the bacterial strains tested had the ability to induce a low‐grade inflammatory response when compared to planktonic bacteria and LPS. This study highlights the potential of biofilm matrix/components, devoid of bacteria to induce low‐grade chronic inflammation.
Thermal shock behavior of porous Si3N4 ceramics with Nd2O3 as sintering additive
Authors: Liang Hanqin , Yin Jinwei , Zuo Kaihui , Xia Yongfeng , Yao Dongxu , Zeng Yuping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe thermal shock behavior of porous Si3N4 ceramics with Nd2O3 as sintering additive was investigated by the water quenching method in the temperature difference range from 200 to 1500°C. The porosity and residual flexural strength of the specimens after single water quenching were measured to reveal the influence of thermal shock on porous Si3N4 ceramics. It was found that the critical temperature was 780°C, which was almost 230°C higher than its dense counterpart reported by other researchers. Scanning electron microscope was used to examine the microstructure evolution of the external surface and interior after water quenching. Surface oxidation and cracks formation were found to be the primary cause of the strength degradation of porous Si3N4 ceramics. The phase composition variation in the surface was also characterized by X‐ray diffraction.
Immigration, Bureaucracies and Policy Formulation: The Case of Quebec
Authors: Paquet Mireille 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBased on an ethnography of one illuminating case – the formulation of new immigration policy statement entitled “Together, we are Quebec” between 2014 and 2016 – this article argues that policy formulation is an important site of power and influence over immigration‐related policies for bureaucrats. In dialogue with concepts and theories from public administration, it demonstrates that a broad mandate of reform and modernization, coupled with political tensions surrounding diversity, created opportunities for the bureaucracy to influence Quebec's immigration policy following its interests, relations, expertise and experience. In this case, the bureaucracy's influence operated through two pathways: problem definition and consensus building. While this influence is partially contingent on political and institutional characteristics of the Quebec context, this case shows that scholarship on immigration policy and politics should embrace a much broader reading of the influence of bureaucrats on the content and development of immigration‐related policies.
Changing ethnic and clinical trends and factors associated with successful home haemodialysis at Auckland District Health Board
Authors: Beig Junaid Y. , Semple David J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe health and diversity of the population in New Zealand (NZ) is changing under the influence of many socio‐economic factors. This may have shifted the landscape of home haemodialysis (HHD).AimsTo examine the demographic and clinical changes, determinants of HHD training and technique outcome and mortality between 2008 and 2015 at Auckland District Health Board, NZ.MethodsWe compared three incident cohorts of HHD patients between 2008 and 2015. Relevant factors, including demographic and clinical characteristics, training failure, technique failure and mortality were recorded. Factors associated with training and technique failure were examined by multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOf 152 patients, 133 completed training, 13 (10%) experienced technique failure and 15 (11%) died. Significant changes in ethnicity (increased: Māori 1.7‐fold, Asian 1.7‐fold and Pasifika 1.4‐fold; decreased: NZ European 2.7‐fold, P = 0.001), and major comorbidities, ≥2 major comorbidities (1.8‐fold increase, P = 0.03), diabetes (2.1‐fold increase, P = 0.013) and heart failure (P = 0.04) were seen. HHD as first renal replacement therapy modality increased 15‐fold (P = 0.0001) and training time increased by 4.5 weeks (P = 0.004). Death and technique failure were unchanged over time. Shorter training time, employment and lower C‐reactive protein were associated with ‘Successful HHD’. ‘Unsuccessful HHD’ patient characteristics differed by ethnicity.ConclusionsThe HHD population has become more representative of the NZ population, but significantly more comorbid over time. Patient training time has increased, but mortality and technique failure remain stable. ‘Successful HHD’ is predicted by social and clinical factors, and ‘unsuccessful HHD’ may have different mechanisms in different patient groups.
Race and sex differences in asleep blood pressure: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study
Authors: Booth John N. , Anstey D. Edmund , Bello Natalie A. , Jaeger Byron C. , Pugliese Daniel N. , Thomas Stephen Justin , Deng Luqin , Shikany James M. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald , Schwartz Joseph E. , Lewis Cora E. , Shimbo Daichi , Muntner Paul 
Published: February 2019

Nocturnal hypertension and non‐dipping blood pressure are each associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We determined differences in nocturnal hypertension and non‐dipping systolic/diastolic blood pressure among black and white men and women who underwent 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study Year 30 Exam in 2015‐2016. Asleep and awake periods were determined from actigraphy complemented by sleep diaries. Nocturnal hypertension was defined as mean asleep systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 120/70 mm Hg. Non‐dipping systolic and diastolic blood pressure, separately, were defined as a decline in awake‐to‐asleep blood pressure < 10%. Among 767 participants, the prevalence of nocturnal hypertension was 18.4% and 44.4% in white and black women, respectively, and 36.4% and 59.9% in white and black men, respectively. After multivariable adjustment and compared with white women, the prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) for nocturnal hypertension was 1.65 (1.18‐2.32) for black women, 1.63 (1.14‐2.33) for white men, and 2.01 (1.43‐2.82) for black men. The prevalence of non‐dipping systolic blood pressure was 21.5% and 41.0% in white and black women, respectively, and 20.2% and 37.9% in white and black men, respectively. Compared with white women, the multivariable‐adjusted prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) for non‐dipping systolic blood pressure was 1.66 (1.18‐2.32), 0.91 (0.58‐1.42) and 1.66 (1.15‐2.39) among black women, white men, and black men, respectively. Non‐dipping diastolic blood pressure did not differ by race‐sex groups following multivariable adjustment. In conclusion, black women and men have a high prevalence of nocturnal hypertension and non‐dipping systolic blood pressure.