bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative burden of arthropathy in mild haemophilia: a register‐based study in Sweden
Authors: Osooli M. , Lövdahl S. , Steen Carlsson K. , Knobe K. , Baghaei F. , Holmström M. , Astermark J. , Berntorp E. 
Published: February 2017

IntroductionMild haemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder affecting males. The burden of arthropathy in mild haemophilia has not been comprehensively described.AimThe aim of this study was to compare the incidence, age at diagnosis and surgery for arthropathy and related hospitalizations between people with mild haemophilia and the general population in Sweden.MethodsThis was a register‐based cohort study. Eligible participants were those with mild haemophilia born between 1941 and 2008 and a randomly selected, birthdate and sex‐matched comparison group from the general population. Follow‐up was from birth (or earliest 1984) until death, emigration or end of the study in 2008. Data on arthropathy were obtained from a national patient register. Negative binomial and competing risk regression and Kaplan–Meier estimate curves were used in the analysis.ResultsOverall, 315 people with haemophilia and 1529 people in the comparison group were included. Participants with haemophilia born between 1984 and 2008 had a ninefold (95% CI: 3.3–27.2) and 16‐fold (95% CI: 6.7–36.5) increased incidence of arthropathy‐related hospital admission and arthropathy diagnosis respectively. None in this cohort underwent surgery. Among participants with haemophilia born prior to 1984, the rates of arthropathy diagnosis and surgery of the index joints (knee, elbow, ankle) were increased twofold (95% CI: 1.0–3.2) and fivefold (95% CI: 1.7–17.8) respectively.ConclusionOur data suggested a higher burden of arthropathy among individuals with mild haemophilia compared to the general population. Further research should investigate the need for targeted joint screening programmes among individuals with mild haemophilia.
Incidence and characteristics of mandibular accessory canals: A radiographic investigation
Authors: Borgonovo Andrea Enrico , Taschieri Silvio , Vavassori Virna , Re Dino , Francetti Luca , Corbella Stefano 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to explore, through tridimensional reconstructions of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, the presence and the characteristics of mandibular accessory canals.MethodsFor each included participant, the presence of accessory canals was recorded. The diameter of the canal, as well as the distance between the canal walls and the walls of the mandibular bone (lingual, buccal, cranial and caudal), were measured and recorded.ResultsMandibular accessory canals could be found in 8.8% of participants. Retromolar canals were the most frequently found accessory mandibular canals.ConclusionsAccessory mandibular canals were found in a relatively high number of participants through the examination of CBCT scans and tridimensional reconstruction. The presence of such structures should be considered cautiously when planning and performing surgical interventions in mandibular area.
Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone protects retinal ganglion cells against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐induced excitotoxicity
Authors: Luo Xiaopeng , Yu Yankun , Xiang Zongqin , Wu Huisu , Ramakrishna Seeram , Wang Yuqiang , So Kwok‐Fai , Zhang Zaijun , Xu Ying 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAdding a free radical‐scavenging nitrone moiety on tetramethylpyrazine, we have previously synthesized a chemical named 2‐[[(1,1‐dimethylethyl)oxidoimino]‐methyl]‐3,5,6‐trimethylpyrazine (tetramethylpyrazine nitrone, or TBN) and proved its neuroprotective effect but with limited understanding of its mechanism. Here we ask if TBN protects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) against excitotoxicity induced by NMDA and explore the underlying mechanism. NMDA was intravitreally injected to induce RGC injury in rats, followed by daily intraperitoneal administrations of TBN. Measurements of TBN concentration at different times after intraperitoneal administration showed that more than 200 μM TBN reached the aqueous humor quickly. Then RGCs’ survival was evaluated by quantifying Brn3‐positive cells, and retinal functions were examined by electroretinogram and visual behaviors. TBN significantly increased the survival of RGCs after NMDA insult, recovered the amplitude of photopic negative responses to flash, and restored the visual behavior. Furthermore, TBN inhibited the apoptotic process, as indicated by the elevated ratios of cleaved caspase‐3/caspase‐3 and of Bax/Bcl‐2, and decreased the level of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, TBN reduced RGC's calcium overload induced by NMDA or by KCl. Whole‐cell patch recording from RGCs further showed that TBN slightly but significantly inhibited L‐type calcium channels, but had little effect on T‐type calcium channel or NMDA‐, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid(AMPA)‐induced current. Thus our data indicate that TBN alleviates NMDA‐elicited injury of rat RGCs both morphologically and functionally, possibly by inhibiting the L‐type calcium channel thus reducing Ca2+ overload and by directly scavenging free radicals. Therefore, TBN may be a novel candidate for treating excitotoxicity‐related visual disorders such as glaucoma.
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Sensory neuron regulation of gastrointestinal inflammation and bacterial host defence
Authors: Lai N. Y. , Mills K. , Chiu I. M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSensory neurons in the gastrointestinal tract have multifaceted roles in maintaining homeostasis, detecting danger and initiating protective responses. The gastrointestinal tract is innervated by three types of sensory neurons: dorsal root ganglia, nodose/jugular ganglia and intrinsic primary afferent neurons. Here, we examine how these distinct sensory neurons and their signal transducers participate in regulating gastrointestinal inflammation and host defence. Sensory neurons are equipped with molecular sensors that enable neuronal detection of diverse environmental signals including thermal and mechanical stimuli, inflammatory mediators and tissue damage. Emerging evidence shows that sensory neurons participate in host–microbe interactions. Sensory neurons are able to detect pathogenic and commensal bacteria through specific metabolites, cell‐wall components, and toxins. Here, we review recent work on the mechanisms of bacterial detection by distinct subtypes of gut‐innervating sensory neurons. Upon activation, sensory neurons communicate to the immune system to modulate tissue inflammation through antidromic signalling and efferent neural circuits. We discuss how this neuro‐immune regulation is orchestrated through transient receptor potential ion channels and sensory neuropeptides including substance P, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide. Recent studies also highlight a role for sensory neurons in regulating host defence against enteric bacterial pathogens including Salmonella typhimurium, Citrobacter rodentium and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Understanding how sensory neurons respond to gastrointestinal flora and communicate with immune cells to regulate host defence enhances our knowledge of host physiology and may form the basis for new approaches to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
Patient satisfaction with nurse‐led chronic kidney disease clinics: A multicentre evaluation
Authors: Coleman Sonya , Havas Kathryn , Ersham Susanne , Stone Cassandra , Taylor Berndatte , Graham Anne , Bublitz Lorraine , Purtell Louise , Bonner Ann 
Published: February 2017

SUMMARYBackgroundThere is growing international evidence that nurse‐led chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinics provide a comprehensive approach to achieving clinical targets effective in slowing the progression of CKD. Across Queensland, Australia, these clinics have been established in many renal outpatient departments although patient satisfaction with these clinics is unknown.ObjectivesTo measure patient satisfaction levels with CKD nurse‐led clinics.MethodThis was a cross‐sectional study undertaken at five clinics located in metropolitan, regional and remote hospitals in Queensland. Participants were >18 years of age (no upper age limit) with CKD (non‐dialysis) who attended CKD nurse‐led clinics over a six month period (N = 873). They completed the Nurse Practitioner Patient Satisfaction questionnaire which was modified for CKD.ResultsThe response rate was 64.3 % (n = 561); half of the respondents were male (55.5 %), there was a median age range of 71–80 years (43.5 %) and most respondents were pensioners or retired (84.2 %). While the majority reported that they were highly satisfied with the quality of care provided by the nurse (83.8 %), we detected differences in some aspects of satisfaction between genders, age groups and familiarity with the nurse. Overall, patients’ comments were highly positive with a few improvements to the service being suggested; these related to car‐parking, providing more practical support, and having accessible locations.ConclusionIn an era of person‐centred care, it is important to measure patient satisfaction using appropriate and standardised questionnaires. Our results highlight that, to improve services, communication strategies should be optimised in nurse‐led clinics.
Effect of porcine glucagon‐like peptides‐2 on tight junction in GLP‐2R + IPEC‐J2 cell through the PI3k/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway
Authors: Qi K. K. , Sun Y. Q. , Wan J. , Deng B. , Men X. M. , Wu J. , Xu Z. W. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBecause of rare glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) receptor (+) cells within the gut mucosa, the molecular mechanisms transducing the diverse actions of GLP‐2 remain largely obscure. This research identified the naturally occurring intestinal cell lines that endogenously express GLP‐2R and determined the molecular mechanisms of the protective effects of GLP‐2‐mediated tight junctions (TJ) in GLP‐2R (+) cell line. (i) Immunohistochemistry results showed that GLP‐2R is localised to the epithelia, laminae propriae and muscle layers of the small and large bowels of newborn piglets. (ii) GLP‐2R expression was apparent in the cytoplasm of endocrine cells in IPEC‐J2 cell lines. (iii) The protein expressions of ZO‐1, claudin‐1, occludin, p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, p‐mTOR and p‐p70S6K significantly (p < 0.05) increased in GLP‐2‐treated IPEC‐J2 cells, and all of them significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when LY‐294002 or rapamycin was added. GLP‐2 improves intestinal TJ expression of GLP‐2R (+) cells through the PI3k/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway.
Evaluation of Prolonged QT Interval: Structural Heart Disease Mimicking Long QT Syndrome
Authors: WEISSLER‐SNIR ADAYA , GOLLOB MICHAEL H. , CHAUHAN VIJAY , CARE MELANIE , SPEARS DANNA A. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundIn about 20–25% of patients with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) a causative pathogenic mutation is not found. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of alternative cardiac diagnoses among patients exhibiting prolongation of QT interval with negative genetic testing for LQTS genes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 239 consecutive patients who were evaluated in the inherited arrhythmia clinic at the Toronto General Hospital between July 2013 and December 2015 for possible LQTS. A detailed review of the patients’ charts, electrocardiograms, and imaging was carried out.ResultsThe analysis included 56 gene‐negative patients and 61 gene‐positive patients. Of the gene‐negative group, 25% had structural heart disease compared to only 1.6% of gene‐positive patients (P < 0.001). Structural heart disease was more likely if only one abnormal QTc parameter was found in the course of the evaluation (35.2% vs 9.1%, P = 0.01). The most common structural cardiac pathology was bileaflet mitral valve prolapse (8.9%). No gene‐positive patient had episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, compared to seven of the gene‐negative patients (0% vs 12.5%, P = 0.005).ConclusionsStructural pathology was detected in a quarter of gene‐negative patients evaluated for possible LQTS. Hence, cardiac imaging and Holter monitoring should be strongly encouraged to rule out structural heart disease in this population.
The Quality of Work in a Changing Labour Market
Authors: Gallie Duncan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThere have been sharply contrasting scenarios of the long‐term pattern of change in the quality of work and employment in the advanced societies. Three broad perspectives have dominated enquiry in the last three decades: an optimistic tradition emphasizing progressive improvement in skills and the quality of work; a pessimistic tradition underlining emerging threats to employment and job quality; and, lastly, an institutional tradition pointing to long‐term structural differences between societies. We start by briefly outlining some of the key contrasts between these scenarios and then review the current state of empirical research with respect to three key aspects of the quality of work and employment: the structure of skills; the intrinsic quality of work in terms of job control and work intensity; and, lastly, job insecurity.
Inclusive Unions in a Dualized Labour Market? The Challenge of Organizing Labour Market Policy and Social Protection for Labour Market Outsiders
Authors: Durazzi Niccolo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDynamics of labour market dualization have affected most Western European countries over the last two decades, and trade unions have often been seen as conservative actors protecting the interests of their core constituencies and as such contributing to labour market dualization. However, empirical evidence from Italy shows that unions' stance towards atypical workers has been more inclusive than the literature expected, despite the conditions for pro‐insider policies being firmly in place. By analyzing unions' strategies towards temporary agency workers in Italy, the article aims to reconcile the empirical observations that conflict with the theoretical expectations. It is argued that unions have indeed put in place inclusive, yet selective, policies towards atypical workers, and that unions' identity is a central explanatory variable to understand unions' selective inclusiveness.
Labour Market Policy under Conditions of Permanent Austerity: Any Sign of Social Investment?
Authors: Bengtsson Mattias , de la Porte Caroline , Jacobsson Kerstin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSocial investment (SI) is part of a strategy to modernize the European welfare states by focusing on human resource development throughout the life‐course, while ensuring financial sustainability. Recognizing that this strategy was only partially implemented by the EU member states prior to the financial and Eurozone crises, this article investigates whether reforms and expenditure patterns in labour market policy (LMP) have moved more towards or away from SI following the 2008 financial crisis. We use quantitative and qualitative data to investigate the degree to which there have been shifts in the SI aspects of LMPs in eight countries across four welfare state regimes. We also investigate which aspects of LMPs have been strengthened and which have been weakened, enabling us to make a nuanced assessment of labour market SIs across the EU in a period of permanent austerity. We find that although the eight countries under examination have different starting points, there is little evidence of increased SI‐orientation of LMPs. Upskilling, which is at the heart of SI, did not increase from 2004–08 to 2009–13, while incentive reinforcement and employment assistance – more about labour market entry and marketing of skills – grew in importance. If this trend continues across Europe, there is a risk that SI will become lost in translation and end up as a clearer neo‐liberal version of workfarism.
Comparative transcriptome analysis between resistant and susceptible tomato allows the identification of lncRNA16397 conferring resistance to Phytophthora infestans by co‐expressing glutaredoxin
Authors: Cui Jun , Luan Yushi , Jiang Ning , Bao Hang , Meng Jun 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe rapid development of omics sequencing technology has facilitated the identification of thousands of long non‐coding (lnc)RNAs in plant species, but the role of lncRNAs in plant–pathogen interactions remains largely unexplored. We used comparative transcriptome analysis of Phytophthora infestans‐resistant and ‐susceptible tomatoes to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DELs), and examine lncRNA‐mRNA networks. A total of 1037 DEGs and 688 DELs were identified between P. infestans‐resistant and ‐susceptible tomatoes. The co‐localization networks, including 128 DEGs and 127 DELs, were performed. We found that lncRNA16397 acted as an antisense transcript of SlGRX22 to regulate its expression, and also induced SlGRX21 expression when lncRNA16397 was overexpressed. In addition, disease symptoms and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in tomatoes overexpressing lncRNA16397 and SpGRX were fewer and lower than those in wild‐type after P. infestans infection. This result suggests that tomato lncRNA16397 induces SlGRX expression to reduce ROS accumulation and alleviate cell membrane injury, resulting in enhanced resistance to P. infestans. Our results provide insight into lncRNAs involved in the response of tomato to P. infestans infection, demonstrate that the lncRNA16397‐GRXs network is an important component of the P. infestans network in tomato, and provide candidates for breeding to enhance biotic stress‐resistance in tomato.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Sapporo Virus GV.2 Variant from a 2016 Outbreak of Gastroenteritis in Sweden
Authors: Hallström Björn , Lagerqvist Nina , Lind-Karlberg Maria , Helgesson Sofia , Follin Per , Hergens Maria-Pia , Nederby-Öhd Joanna , Tolfvenstam Thomas , Alm Erik 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
During an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in Sweden when laboratory routine diagnostics failed to detect a causative agent, Sapporo virus was detected in stool specimens using electron microscopy (M.-P. Hergens, J. Nederby Öhd, E. Alm, H. Hervius Askling, S. Helgesson, M. Insulander, N. Lagerkvist, B. Svennungsson, M. Tihane, T. Tolfvenstam, P. Follin, unpublished data). Whole-genome sequencing revealed a Sapporo virus variant clustering with genogroup V.
Genome Sequences of Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar kurstaki Strain BP865 and B. thuringiensis Serovar aizawai Strain HD-133
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Choi Soo-Keun , Park Seung-Hwan 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequences of two insecticidal strains against lepidopteran pests,
Bacillus thuringiensis
serovar kurstaki strain BP865, an isolate from the South Korean phylloplane, and strain HD-133, a reference strain of
B. thuringiensis
serovar aizawai.
Metabolic Perspectives on Persistence
Authors: Hartman Travis E. , Wang Zhe , Jansen Robert S. , Gardete Susana , Rhee Kyu Y. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Accumulating evidence has left little doubt about the importance of persistence or metabolism in the biology and chemotherapy of tuberculosis. However, knowledge of the intersection between these two factors has only recently begun to emerge. Here, we provide a focused review of metabolic characteristics associated with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
persistence. We focus on metabolism because it is the biochemical foundation of all physiologic processes and a distinguishing hallmark of
M. tuberculosis
physiology and pathogenicity. In addition, it serves as the chemical interface between host and pathogen. Existing knowledge, however, derives largely from physiologic contexts in which replication is the primary biochemical objective. The goal of this review is to reframe current knowledge of
M. tuberculosis
metabolism in the context of persistence, where quiescence is often a key distinguishing characteristic. Such a perspective may help ongoing efforts to develop more efficient cures and inform on novel strategies to break the cycle of transmission sustaining the pandemic.
Physical activity on prescription schemes (PARS): do programme characteristics influence effectiveness? Results of a systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Arsenijevic Jelena , Groot Wim 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundPhysical activity on prescription schemes (PARS) are health promotion programmes that have been implemented in various countries. The aim of this study was to outline the differences in the design of PARS in different countries. This study also explored the differences in the adherence rate to PARS and the self-reported level of physical activity between PARS users in different countries.MethodA systematic literature review and meta-analyses were conducted. We searched PubMed and EBASCO in July 2015 and updated our search in September 2015. Studies that reported adherence to the programme and self-reported level of physical activity, published in the English language in a peer-reviewed journal since 2000, were included. The difference in the pooled adherence rate after finishing the PARS programme and the adherence rate before or during the PARS programme was 17% (95% CI 9% to 24%). The difference in the pooled physical activity was 0.93 unit score (95 CI −3.57 to 1.71). For the adherence rate, a meta-regression was conducted.ResultsIn total, 37 studies conducted in 11 different countries met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 31 reported the adherence rate, while the level of physical activity was reported in 17 studies. Results from meta-analyses show that PARS had an effect on the adherence rate of physical activity, while the results from the meta-regressions show that programme characteristics such as type of chronic disease and the follow-up period influenced the adherence rate.ConclusionsThe effects of PARS on adherence and self-reported physical activity were influenced by programme characteristics and also by the design of the study. Future studies on the effectiveness of PARS should use a prospective longitudinal design and combine quantitative and qualitative data. Furthermore, future evaluation studies should distinguish between evaluating the adherence rate and the self-reported physical activity among participants with different chronic diseases.
QMC-PCRx: a novel method for rapid mutation detection
Authors: Ebili Henry O , Hassall James , Asiri Abutaleb , Ham-Karim Hersh , Fadhil Wakkas , Agboola Ayodeji Johnson , Ilyas Mohammad 
Published: February 2017

AimsWe previously described the quick multiplex consensus PCR (QMC-PCR) as a method for rapid mutation screening in low-quality template. QMC-PCR has two-stages: a prediagnostic multiplex (PDM) reaction followed by a single specific diagnostic reaction with high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. We aimed to develop QMC-PCRx in which second stage was multiplexed to allow testing of multiple targets.MethodsThe PDM reaction was retained without change. For the second stage,in silicodesign was used to identify targets amenable to a multiplex specific diagnostic reaction and multiplex HRM (mHRM) analysis. Following optimisation, 17 colorectal cancers were tested for mutation in five hotspots. For QMC-PCR, each target was tested individually. For QMC-PCRx, the targets were tested in the following combinations (i)KRASexon 3/PIK3CAexon 20/PTENexon 3 in triplex and (ii)PTENexon 7/NRASexon 2 in duplex. The degree of agreement between the novel QMC-PCRx and the standard QMC-PCR was tested by the percentage concordance.ResultsOptimisation of mHRM showed that peaks needed to be separated (without overlap) and the optimal number was three targets per test. Our experimental design produced distinct and widely separated peaks for the individual targets although one of the primers needed a GC-tail. A total of 85 individual targets were tested; this required 85 second-stage PCR/HRM tests by QMC-PCR versus 34 second-stage tests by QMC-PCRx. The percentage concordance between the singleplex and multiplex methodologies was 100%.ConclusionsA multiplexed analysis using HRM is possible without loss of diagnostic accuracy. The novel QMC-PCRx protocol can significantly reduce workload and costs of mutation screening.