bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of selected psychological variables on quality of life of chronically dialysed patients
Authors: Jankowska‐Polańska Beata , Duczak Agnieszka , Świątoniowska Natalia , Karniej Piotr , Seń Mariola , Rosińczuk Joanna 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThe impact of illness acceptance in assessment of health‐related quality (HRQoL) between chronic diseases remains unclear. Depression and anxiety reduce HRQoL and worsen prognosis. We describe the relationship between illness acceptance, anxiety and depression, and HRQoL in chronic dialysis patients.MaterialThe study included 105 patients with chronic kidney disease (mean age 65.8 years), treated with chronic dialysis. Three validated instruments were used, including the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). For statistical analysis, Student's t‐test and Pearson's r correlation coefficient were carried out.ResultsSpearman's rho correlation analyses were carried out on the patients’ quality of life (PCS and MCS), and their anxiety, depression and illness acceptance scores. The results showed acceptance of illness to be positively correlated with quality of life in terms of PCS (rho = 0.43) and MCS (rho = 0.36), and depression and anxiety to be negatively correlated with quality of life in both domains (PCS: rho = −0.39 and rho = −0.56, respectively; MCS: rho = −0.56 and rho = −0.78, respectively). The multiple‐factor analysis for anxiety, depression and acceptance of illness showed acceptance of illness to be a significant independent determinant of higher quality of life in the PCS (β = 1.580; p < 0.000) and MCS (β = 1.980; p < 0.000) domains. The analysis also showed anxiety to be a significant independent determinant of lower quality of life in the MCS domain (β = −0.432; p = 0.041), while depression was found to be a significant independent determinant of lower scores in both the PCS (β = −3.557; p < 0.00) and the MCS (β = −1.257; p < 0.00) domains.ConclusionAcceptance of illness significantly affects HRQoL in dialysis patients – higher acceptance scores result in higher quality‐of‐life scores. Symptoms of depression and anxiety also significantly affect HRQoL in dialysis patients – a higher intensity of symptoms lead to lower quality‐of‐life scores.
Parallels between natural selection in the cold‐adapted crop‐wild relative Tripsacum dactyloides and artificial selection in temperate adapted maize
Authors: Yan Lang , Kenchanmane Raju Sunil K. , Lai Xianjun , Zhang Yang , Dai Xiuru , Rodriguez Oscar , Mahboub Samira , Roston Rebecca L. , Schnable James C. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryArtificial selection has produced varieties of domesticated maize that thrive in temperate climates around the world. However, the direct progenitor of maize, teosinte, is indigenous only to a relatively small range of tropical and subtropical latitudes and grows poorly or not at all outside of this region. Tripsacum, a sister genus to maize and teosinte, is naturally endemic to the majority of areas in the western hemisphere where maize is cultivated. A full‐length reference transcriptome for Tripsacum dactyloides generated using long‐read Iso‐Seq data was used to characterize independent adaptation to temperate climates in this clade. Genes related to phospholipid biosynthesis, a critical component of cold acclimation in other cold‐adapted plant lineages, were enriched among those genes experiencing more rapid rates of protein sequence evolution in T. dactyloides. In contrast with previous studies of parallel selection, we find that there is a significant overlap between the genes that were targets of artificial selection during the adaptation of maize to temperate climates and those that were targets of natural selection in temperate‐adapted T. dactyloides. Genes related to growth, development, response to stimulus, signaling, and organelles were enriched in the set of genes identified as both targets of natural and artificial selection.
No evidence for widespread Babesia microti transmission in Australia
Authors: Faddy Helen M. , Rooks Kelly M. , Irwin Peter J. , Viennet Elvina , Paparini Andrea , Seed Clive R. , Stramer Susan L. , Harley Robert J. , Chan Hiu‐Tat , Dennington Peta M. , Flower Robert L.P. 
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUNDA fatal case of autochthonous Babesia microti infection was reported in Australia in 2012. This has implications for Australian public health and, given that babesiosis is transfusion transmissible, has possible implications for Australian blood transfusion recipients. We investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies to B. microti in Australian blood donors and in patients with clinically suspected babesiosis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPlasma samples (n = 7,000) from donors donating in at‐risk areas and clinical specimens from patients with clinically suspected babesiosis (n = 29) were tested for B. microti IgG by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). IFA initially reactive samples were tested for B. microti IgG and IgM by immunoblot and B. microti DNA by polymerase chain reaction.RESULTSAlthough five donors were initially reactive for B. microti IgG by IFA, none was confirmed for B. microti IgG (zero estimate; 95% confidence interval, 0%–0.05%) and all were negative for B. microti DNA. None of the patient samples had B. microti IgG, IgM, or DNA.CONCLUSIONSThis study does not provide evidence for widespread exposure to B. microti in Australian blood donors at local theoretical risk, nor does it provide evidence of B. microti infection in Australian patients with clinically suspected babesiosis. Given that confirmed evidence of previous exposure to B. microti was not seen, these data suggest that transmission of this pathogen is currently uncommon in Australia and unlikely to pose a risk to transfusion safety at present.
How to improve antibiotic awareness campaigns: findings of a WHO global survey
Authors: Huttner Benedikt , Saam Mirko , Moja Lorenzo , Mah Karen , Sprenger Marc , Harbarth Stephan , Magrini Nicola 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionWe aimed to examine the characteristics of antibiotic awareness campaigns (AAC) conducted on a national or regional level since 2010.MethodsIn October 2016, the WHO invited stakeholders involved in the planning or conduct of AACs to answer a web questionnaire. We solicited general information about the characteristics of the AAC, with a particular focus on key messages supporting optimal use of antibiotics.ResultsStakeholders in 93 countries were contacted and 55 countries responded. Overall, 60 AACs from 16 low/middle-income countries (LMIC) and 31 high-income countries were identified. Forty-five campaigns (75%) were conducted on a national level and most of them (47/60; 78%) were organised by public health authorities and publicly funded. There were no major differences between LMICs and high-income countries in the types of key messages. The scientifically questionable ‘Finish your prescription’ slogan was used by 31 AACs (52%). A One Health approach was mentioned in 13/60 AACs (22%). Most messages were universally applicable; adaptation to locally prevalent public misconceptions was not systematic. The evaluation of the impact of campaigns was still incomplete, as only 18 AACs (30%) assessed their impact on antibiotic use.ConclusionFor future AACs, it seems essential to base messages more rigorously on scientific evidence, context specificities and behavioural change theory. A new generation of messages that encourage first-choice use of narrow spectrum antibiotics is needed, reflecting international efforts to preserve broad spectrum antibiotic classes. Evaluation of the impact of AACs remains suboptimal.
Using an extended theory of planned behaviour to predict smoking cessation counsellors’ intentions to offer smoking cessation support in the Taiwanese military: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chiu Yu-Lung , Chou Yu-Ching , Chang Yaw-Wen , Chu Chi-Ming , Lin Fu-Gong , Lai Ching-Huang , Hwang Shu-Ling , Fang Wen-Hui , Kao Senyeong 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo use the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict smoking cessation counsellors’ intentions to offer smoking cessation support.DesignCross-sectional studySettingTaiwanese militaryParticipantsA survey of 432 smoking cessation counsellors was conducted in 2017.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAll participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that solicited information concerning demographics, smoking behaviour, self-rated suitability for being a counsellor, the knowledge and skills learnt from training courses and the TPB construct.ResultsThe factors of perceived behavioural control (β=0.590, p<0.001), self-rated suitability for being a counsellor (acceptable vs not suitable, β=0.436, p=0.001; suitable vs not suitable, β=0.510, p<0.001), knowledge (β=0.298, p=0.020) and professional specialty (military doctor vs non-military doctor, β=0.198, p=0.034) were found to be correlated with intention. However, attitude, subjective norms and descriptive norms were determined to be non-significant correlates. The model explained 59.7% of the variance for the intention to offer smoking cessation support (F[12,343]=44.864, p<0.001).ConclusionsTo encourage smoking cessation counsellors to offer cessation support to smokers, policies should aim to increase their perceived behavioural control, knowledge and self-rated suitability for being a counsellor.
Reducing complexity of patient decision aids for community-based older adults with dementia and their caregivers: multiple case study of Decision Boxes
Authors: Bilodeau Gabriel , Witteman Holly , Légaré France , Lafontaine-Bruneau Juliette , Voyer Philippe , Kröger Edeltraut , Tremblay Marie-Claude , Giguere Anik M C 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo identify patient decision aids’ features to limit their complexity for older adults with dementia and their family caregivers.DesignMixed method, multiple case study within a user-centred design (UCD) approach.SettingCommunity-based healthcare in the province of Quebec in Canada.Participants23 older persons (aged 65+ years) with dementia and their 27 family caregivers.ResultsDuring three UCD evaluation-modification rounds, participants identified strengths and weaknesses of the patient decision aids’ content and visual design that influenced their complexity. Weaknesses of content included a lack of understanding of the decision aids’ purpose and target audience, missing information, irrelevant content and issues with terminology and sentence structure. Weaknesses of visual design included critics about the decision aids’ general layout (density, length, navigation) and their lack of pictures. In response, the design team implemented a series of practical features and design strategies, comprising: a clear expression of the patient decision aids' purpose through simple text, picture and personal stories; systematic and frequent use of pictograms illustrating key points and helping structure patient decision aids' general layout; a glossary; removal of scientific references from the main document; personal stories to clarify more difficult concepts; a contact section to facilitate implementation of the selected option; GRADE ratings to convey the quality of the evidence; a values clarification exercise formatted as a checklist and presented at the beginning of the document to streamline navigation; involvement of a panel of patient/caregiver partners to guide expression of patient priorities; editing of the text to a sixth grade reading level; UCD process to optimise comprehensiveness and relevance of content and training of patients/caregivers in shared decision-making.ConclusionsThe revised template for patient decision aids is designed to meet the needs of adults living with dementia and their caregivers better, which may translate into fewer evaluation-modification rounds.
Effect of deposition temperature and F2 flow rate on the characteristics of F-doped ZnO films
Authors: Du Youn , Chen Chih-Cheng , Wang Fang-Hsing , Lin Chun-Chi , Yang Cheng-Fu 
Published: May 2019

In this study, we would investigate the fluorine (F)-doped ZnO films (FZO) using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method at room temperature (RT) and [Formula: see text]. At first, ZnO powder was used to form the ZnO ceramic target. The F2 flow rate [Formula: see text] was changed in the range of 0–0.25%, and the F2 ratio was controlled using the mixing gases of (F2(5%) + 95% Ar) and pure Ar. FZO films were deposited on the EagleXG glass (Corning) and the films’ thickness was about 330 nm by controlling the deposition time. After the FZO films were deposited, their crystalline structure and optical and electrical characteristics were well investigated as a function of deposition temperature and F2 flow rate. We would prove that the characteristics of the [Formula: see text]-deposited FZO films were better than those of the RT-deposited FZO films.
Water deprivation does not augment sympathetic or pressor responses to sciatic afferent nerve stimulation in rats or to static exercise in humans
Authors: Watso Joseph C. , Babcock Matthew C. , Robinson Austin T. , Migdal Kamila U. , Wenner Megan M. , Stocker Sean D. , Farquhar William B. 
Published: May 2019

Excess dietary salt intake excites central sympathetic networks, which may be related to plasma hypernatremia. Plasma hypernatremia also occurs following water deprivation (WD). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that WD induces hypernatremia and consequently augments sympathetic and pressor responses to sympathoexcitatory stimuli in rats and humans. Sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) responses to sciatic afferent nerve stimulation (2–20 Hz) and chemical stimulation of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) were assessed in rats after 48 h of WD and compared with normally hydrated control rats (CON). In a parallel randomized-crossover human experiment ( n = 13 healthy young adults), sympathetic (microneurography) and pressor (photoplethysmography) responses to static exercise were compared between 16-h WD and CON conditions. In rats, plasma [Na+] was significantly higher in WD versus CON [136 ± 2 vs. 144 ± 2 (SD) mM, P < 0.01], but sciatic afferent nerve stimulation produced similar increases in renal SNA [5 Hz, 174 ± 34 vs. 169 ± 49% (SD), n = 6–8] and mean ABP [5 Hz, 21 ± 6 vs. 18 ± 7 (SD mmHg, n = 6–8]. RVLM injection of l-glutamate also produced similar increases in SNA and ABP in WD versus CON rats. In humans, WD increased serum [Na+] [140.6 ± 2.1 vs. 142.1 ± 1.9 mM (SD), P = 0.02] but did not augment sympathetic [muscle SNA: change from baseline (Δ) 6 ± 7 vs. 5 ± 7 (SD) bursts/min, P = 0.83] or mean ABP [Δ 12 ± 5 vs. 11 ± 8 (SD) mmHg, P = 0.73; WD vs. CON for all results] responses during the final minute of exercise. These findings suggest that despite eliciting relative hypernatremia, WD does not augment sympathetic or pressor responses to sciatic afferent stimulation in rats or to static exercise in humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Excess dietary salt intake excites central sympathetic networks, which may be related to plasma hypernatremia. Plasma hypernatremia also occurs following water deprivation (WD). We sought to determine whether plasma hypernatremia/hyperosmolality induced by WD augments sympathetic and pressor responses to sympathoexcitatory stimuli. Our findings suggest that WD does not augment sympathetic or pressor responses to sciatic afferent nerve stimulation in rats or to static exercise in humans.
The Promoter-Associated Noncoding RNA pncCCND1_B Assembles a Protein–RNA Complex to Regulate Cyclin D1 Transcription in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Palombo Ramona , Frisone Paola , Fidaleo Marco , Mercatelli Neri , Sette Claudio , Paronetto Maria Paola 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Most Ewing sarcomas are characterized by the in-frame chromosomal translocation t(11;22) generating the EWS–FLI1 oncogene. EWS–FLI1 protein interacts with the RNA helicase DHX9 and affects transcription and processing of genes involved in neoplastic transformation, including CCND1 (the cyclin D1 gene), which contributes to cell-cycle dysregulation in cancer. In this study, we found that CCND1 expression is significantly higher in patients with Ewing sarcoma compared with other sarcomas and that the pncCCND1_B RNA, a previously uncharacterized CCND1 promoter-associated noncoding (pnc) transcript, is expressed in Ewing sarcoma cells. PncCCND1_B interacted with the RNA-binding protein Sam68 and repressed CCND1 expression. Notably, knockdown of Sam68 affected pncCCND1_B subcellular localization and cyclin D1 expression. Pharmacologic impairment of DHX9/EWS–FLI1 interaction promoted RNA-dependent association of Sam68 with DHX9 and recruitment of Sam68 to the CCND1 promoter, thus repressing it. Conversely, mitogenic stimulation of Ewing sarcoma cells with IGF1 impaired Sam68/DHX9 interaction and positively regulated CCND1 expression. These studies uncover a fine-tuned modulation of the proto-oncogene CCND1 in Ewing sarcoma cells via alternative complexes formed by DHX9 with either EWS–FLI1 or pncCCND1_B-Sam68.

Significance:
A pncRNA-based mechanism represses expression of CCND1 through the formation of a protein–RNA complex and provides new therapeutic opportunities for patients with Ewing sarcoma.
Abstract CN08-04: Novel topoisomerase I inhibitors in development
Authors: Pommier Yves G. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Camptothecins are effective against previously resistant tumors. Because camptothecins are presently the only class of topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors approved for cancer treatment, and because camptothecins have limitations including dose-limiting toxicity, chemical instability, and are susceptible to drug efflux transporter, we developed the indenoisoquinolines. Like camptothecins, the indenoisoquinolines selectively trap Top1-DNA cleavage complexes and have been co-crystallized with the Top1-DNA cleavage complexes. Indenoisoquinolines show antitumor activity in animal models. They have several advantages over the camptothecins: 1) They are synthetic and chemically stable (unlike camptothecins); 2) The Top1 cleavage sites trapped by the indenoisoquinolines have different genomic locations than camptothecins, implying differential targeting of cancer cell genomes; 3) The Top1 cleavage complexes trapped by indenoisoquinolines are more stable than for camptothecins, indicative of prolonged drug action; and 4) They are less or not substrates for the multidrug resistance efflux pumps (ABCG2 and MDR-1). Among the more than 400 indenoisoquinolines synthesized and evaluated, three have been retained as leads for clinical development by the NCI: NSC 706744, NSC 725776 (Indimitecan) and NSC 724998 (Indotecan). The trapping of Top1 cleavage complexes by indenoisoquinolines in cells results in the rapid and sustained phosphorylation of histone H2AX (referred to as -H2AX). We will also discuss the other class of non-camptothecin Top1 inhibitors GENZ644283 (see abstract by D. Sooryakumar) and the use of -H2AX as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for the clinical development of the non-camptothecin Top1 inhibitors.
Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):CN08-04.
Abstract ED01-04: Beyond IHC: Quantitative measurement of protein analytes on tissue slides
Authors: Rimm David L. , Welsh Allison , Anagnostou Valsamo , Bai Yalai 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The large number and elusive nature of analytical and pre-analytic variables associated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) have relegated the technique to a semi-quantitative or qualitative status. However, as companion diagnostics become more critical to patient management, there is new motivation to move IHC to a fully quantitative assay. Toward this goal, we have developed the AQUA® method of quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) to measure critical analytes in breast tissue. Using a series of cell lines which are standardized to recombinant protein quantified on western blot, we have measured estrogen receptor in three separate cohorts of breast cancer cases. The quantitative approach reveals a cutpoint of 50pg/ug total protein and suggests that conventional IHC may have a misclassification rate of around 15%. Furthermore, when comparing the misclassified cases, it appears that QIF classification predicts outcome more accurately than the conventional methods. As accurate as QIF is, it does not address preanalytical variables, most significantly including cold ischemic time, or the time between surgical removal of the tissue sample and fixation. A series of QIF methods for antibody validation may allow neutralization of this variable in assessment of tumor tissue. In summary, measurement of protein on a pathology slide can now be achieved with accuracy and reproducibility of nucleic acid assays or ELISA assays. Combining QIF with rigorous methods of standardization and antibody validation allows companion diagnostic tests to be done on very small tissue fragments.
Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):ED01-04.
Abstract PL05-01: Translational pharmacogenomics
Authors: Mousses Spyro 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Neoplasia appears to develop stochastically through a series of variable genetic events that drive multiple cycles of cellular adaptation and selection. This pathological cellular evolution produces variable cancer genomes that are characterized with structural complexity and clonal heterogeneity. Most importantly for drug discovery and development, common recurrent genetic events appear to be only the ‘tip of the iceberg’, and the next generation of genomic technologies are now revealing that most functionally relevant genetic aberrations are in fact not common or recurrent. Given this challenge of cellular and molecular heterogeneity, we have begun to explore new paradigms for translating genomic information into pharmacologically relevant insights to guide drug discovery and development. This presentation will introduce new technologies and integrated strategies to generate the necessary type of information from cancer genomes, and introduce a new ‘biointelligence’ based strategy for interpreting individual cancer genomes to gain insights into contextual dependencies and pharmacologically relevant vulnerabilities. In support of this new approach to genomics, emerging evidence is suggesting that the highly variable genetic events do converge on higher level concepts that represent shared pharmacologically tractable contexts of vulnerability. Finally, a scientific vision will be presented for practically applying these integrated pharmacogenomic strategies; a) in research to accelerate cancer drug discovery and development, and b) directly into clinical practice to support more precise medical genomics.
Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):PL05-01.