bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β2-Adrenergic receptor agonists activate CFTR in intestinal organoids and subjects with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Vijftigschild Lodewijk A.W. , Berkers Gitte , Dekkers Johanna F. , Zomer-van Ommen Domenique D. , Matthes Elizabeth , Kruisselbrink Evelien , Vonk Annelotte , Hensen Chantal E. , Heida-Michel Sabine , Geerdink Margot , Janssens Hettie M. , van de Graaf Eduard A. , Bronsveld Inez , de Winter-de Groot Karin M. , Majoor Christof J. , Heijerman Harry G.M. , de Jonge Hugo R. , Hanrahan John W. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Beekman Jeffrey M. 
Published: July 2016

We hypothesized that people with cystic fibrosis (CF) who expressCFTR(cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene mutations associated with residual function may benefit from G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-targeting drugs that can activate and enhance CFTR function.We used intestinal organoids to screen a GPCR-modulating compound library and identified β2-adrenergic receptor agonists as the most potent inducers of CFTR function.β2-Agonist-induced organoid swelling correlated with theCFTRgenotype, and could be induced in homozygous CFTR-F508del organoids and highly differentiated primary CF airway epithelial cells after rescue of CFTR trafficking by small molecules. Thein vivoresponse to treatment with an oral or inhaled β2-agonist (salbutamol) in CF patients with residual CFTR function was evaluated in a pilot study. 10 subjects with a R117H or A455E mutation were included and showed changes in the nasal potential difference measurement after treatment with oral salbutamol, including a significant improvement of the baseline potential difference of the nasal mucosa (+6.35 mV, p<0.05), suggesting that this treatment might be effectivein vivo. Furthermore, plasma that was collected after oral salbutamol treatment induced CFTR activation when administeredex vivoto organoids.This proof-of-concept study suggests that organoids can be used to identify drugs that activate CFTR functionin vivoand to select route of administration.
Improving rural and remote practitioners' knowledge of the diabetic foot: findings from an educational intervention
Authors: Schoen Deborah E. , Gausia Kaniz , Glance David G. , Thompson Sandra C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine knowledge of national guidelines for diabetic foot assessment and risk stratification by rural and remote healthcare professionals in Western Australia and their implementation in practice. Assessment of diabetic foot knowledge, availability of equipment and delivery of foot care education in a primary healthcare setting at baseline enabled evaluation of the effectiveness of a diabetic foot education and training program for generalist healthcare professionals.MethodsThis study employed a quasi‐experimental pre‐test/post‐test study design. Healthcare practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and practice of diabetic foot assessment, diabetic foot risks, risk stratification, and use of the 2011 National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines were investigated with an electronic pre‐test survey. Healthcare professionals then undertook a 3‐h education and training workshop before completing the electronic post‐test knowledge, attitudes and practice survey. Comparison of pre‐test/post‐test survey findings was used to assess the change in knowledge, attitudes and intended practice due to the workshops.ResultsTwo hundred and forty‐six healthcare professionals from two rural and remote health regions of Western Australia participated in training workshops. Monofilaments and diabetes foot care education brochures, particularly brochures for Aboriginal people, were reported as not readily available in rural and remote health services. For most participants (58 %), their post‐test knowledge score increased significantly from the pre‐test score. Use of the Guidelines in clinical settings was low (19 %). The healthcare professionals' baseline diabetic foot knowledge was adequate to correctly identify the high risk category. However, stratification of the intermediate risk category was poor, even after training.ConclusionThis study reports the first assessment of Western Australia's rural and remote health professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the diabetic foot. It shows that without training, generalists' levels of knowledge concerning the diabetic foot was low and they were unlikely to assess foot risk. The findings from this study in a rural and remote setting cast doubt on the ability of generalist healthcare professionals to stratify risk appropriately, especially for those at intermediate risk, without clinical decision support tools.
On the role of evangelism in consensus formation: a simulation approach
Authors: Sharma Ishank , Chourasia Bishwaraj , Bhatia Abhishek , Goyal Rinkaj 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Purpose
Opinions continuously evolve in society. While conservative ideas may get replaced by a new one, some views remain immutable. Opinion formation and innovation diffusion have witnessed lots of attention in the last decade due to its widespread applicability in the diverse domain of science and technology. We analyse these scenarios in which interactions at the micro level results in the changes in opinions at the macro level in a population of predefined ideological groups.

Methods
We use the Bass model, otherwise well known for understanding innovation diffusion phenomena, to compute adoption probabilities of three opinion states-zealot, extremists and moderates. Thereafter, we employ cellular automata to explore the emergence of opinions through local and overlapped interactions between agents (people). NetLogo environment has been used to develop an agent-based model, simulating different ideological scenarios.

Results
Simulation results validate a critical proportion of committed individuals as a plausible basis for ideological shifts in societies. The analysis elucidates upon the role of moderates in the population and emergence of varying opinions. The results further delineate the role of evangelism through social and non-social methods in propagating views.

Conclusion
The results obtained from these simulations endorse the conclusions reported in previous studies regarding the role of a critical zealot population, and the preponderance of non-social influence. We, however, use two-phase opinion model with different experimental settings. Additionally, we examine global observable, such as entropy of the system to reveal common patterns of adoption in the views and evenness of population after reaching a consensus.
The Right of Resistance to Oppression
Authors: Alpaugh Micah 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Perhaps the least self-evident right of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was that of “resistance to oppression.” Emerging from the Anglo-American rights tradition as a check on corrupt power, the term was adapted by the marquis de Lafayette for French politics in his Declaration of Rights proposed on July 11, 1789. Following the Bastille's fall and the contestations of the early to mid-Revolution, resistance to oppression would come to suggest a general right to protest against measures violating human rights. Indeed, the revised 1793 Declaration of Rights enshrined insurrection as “the most sacred of duties” (le plus saint des devoirs). Yet in the Constitution of the Year III, the right of resistance would be eliminated entirely. Based upon a broad reading of debates in the National Assemblies and printed public sphere, this article examines how revolutionaries attempted to grapple with both the possibilities and limitations of protest as they attempted to construct a democratic regime.
Autophagy- An emerging target for melanoma therapy
Authors: Ndoye Abibatou , Weeraratna Ashani T. 
Published: July 2016

Melanoma accounts for only 5% of all cancers but is the leading cause of skin cancer death due to its high metastatic potential. Patients with metastatic melanoma have a 10-year survival rate of less than 10%. While the clinical landscape for melanoma is evolving rapidly, lack of response to therapies, as well as resistance to therapy remain critical obstacles for treatment of this disease. In recent years, a myriad of therapy resistance mechanisms have been unravelled, one of which is autophagy, the focus of this review. In advanced stages of malignancy, melanoma cells hijack the autophagy machinery in order to alleviate drug-induced and metabolic stress in the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting resistance to multiple therapies, tumor cell survival, and progression. Autophagy is an essential cellular process that maintains cellular homeostasis through the recycling of intracellular constituents. Early studies on the role of autophagy in cancer generated controversy as to whether autophagy was pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Currently, there is a consensus that autophagy is tumor-suppressive in the early stages of cancer and tumor-promoting in established tumors. This review aims to highlight current understandings on the role of autophagy in melanoma malignancy, and specifically therapy resistance; as well as to evaluate recent strategies for therapeutic autophagy modulation.
Restricted interpolation by meromorphic inner functions
Authors: Poltoratski Alexei , Rupam Rishika 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMeromorphic Inner Functions (MIFs) on the upper half plane play an important role in applications to spectral problems for differential operators. In this paper, we survey some recent results concerning function theoretic properties of MIFs and show their connections with spectral problems for the Schrödinger operator.
Impact of Encapsulated Lactobacillus casei 01 Along with Pasteurized Purple-Rice Drinks on Modulating Colon Microbiome using a Digestive Model
Authors: Chaikham Pittaya , Apichartsrangkoon Arunee , Worametrachanon Srivilai , Van de Wiele Tom 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The prospect of Lactobacillus casei 01 and pasteurized purple-rice drinks on modulating colon microbiome by using a simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem was investigated. Accordingly, L. casei 01 alone and with pasteurized purple-rice drink were administered into the proximal and distal colons. In consequence, some colon bacteria and their metabolic activities were examined. The results showed that upon modulating the colon microbiota by L. casei 01 alone with pasteurized germinated-purple-rice drink in the distal colon, acetate and propionate (short-chain fatty acids) were equivalently elevated but other treatments performed differently. Based on the profile of colon microbiota, most treatments stimulated the highest number of lactobacilli followed by bifidobacteria, while other undesirable bacteria were moderately diminished. In overall, larger gelatinized starch in the rice drinks enabled by pasteurization triggered off better modulating impact than by pressurization.
The prevalence of and risk factors for healthcare-associated infections in Slovenia: results of the second national survey
Authors: Klavs Irena , Kolman Jana , Lejko Zupanc Tatjana , Kotnik Kevorkijan Božena , Korošec Aleš , Serdt Mojca 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Introduction
In the second Slovenian national healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) prevalence survey, conducted within the European point prevalence survey of HAIs and antimicrobial use in acute-care hospitals, we estimated the prevalence of all types of HAIs and identified risk factors.

Methods
Patients from acute-care hospitals were enrolled into a one-day cross-sectional study in October 2011. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe the characteristics of patients, their exposure to invasive procedures and the prevalence of different types of HAIs. Univariate and multivariate analyses of association of having at least one HAI with possible risk factors were performed to identify risk factors.

Results
Among 5628 patients, 3.8% had at least one HAI and additional 2.6% were still being treated for HAIs on the day of the survey; the prevalence of HAIs was 6.4%. The prevalence of urinary tract infections was the highest (1.4%), followed by pneumoniae (1.3%) and surgical site infections (1.2%). In intensive care units (ICUs), the prevalence of patients with at least one HAI was 35.7%. Risk factors for HAIs included central vascular catheter (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.0; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.9-5.7), peripheral vascular catheter (aOR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.5-2.6), intubation (aOR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4-3.5) and rapidly fatal underlying condition (aOR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4-3.3).

Conclusions
The prevalence of HAIs in Slovenian acute-care hospitals in 2011 was substantial, especially in ICUs. HAIs prevention and control is an important public health priority. National surveillance of HAIs in ICUs should be developed to support evidence-based prevention and control.
A methodological approach to the analysis of egocentric social networks in public health research: a practical example
Authors: Djomba Janet Klara , Zaletel-Kragelj Lijana 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Introduction
Research on social networks in public health focuses on how social structures and relationships influence health and health-related behaviour. While the sociocentric approach is used to study complete social networks, the egocentric approach is gaining popularity because of its focus on individuals, groups and communities.

Methods
One of the participants of the healthy lifestyle health education workshop ‘I’m moving’, included in the study of social support for exercise was randomly selected. The participant was denoted as the ego and members of her/his social network as the alteri. Data were collected by personal interviews using a self-made questionnaire. Numerical methods and computer programmes for the analysis of social networks were used for the demonstration of analysis.

Results
The size, composition and structure of the egocentric social network were obtained by a numerical analysis. The analysis of composition included homophily and homogeneity. Moreover, the analysis of the structure included the degree of the egocentric network, the strength of the ego-alter ties and the average strength of ties. Visualisation of the network was performed by three freely available computer programmes, namely: Egonet.QF, E-net and Pajek. The computer programmes were described and compared by their usefulness.

Conclusion
Both numerical analysis and visualisation have their benefits. The decision what approach to use is depending on the purpose of the social network analysis. While the numerical analysis can be used in large-scale population-based studies, visualisation of personal networks can help health professionals at creating, performing and evaluation of preventive programmes, especially if focused on behaviour change.
Dynamics of a Novel Highly Repetitive CACTA Family in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Gao Dongying , Zhao Dongyan , Abernathy Brian , Iwata-Otsubo Aiko , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , Jiang Ning , Jackson Scott A 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Transposons are ubiquitous genomic components that play pivotal roles in plant gene and genome evolution. We analyzed two genome sequences of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and identified a new CACTA transposon family named pvCACTA1. The family is extremely abundant, as more than 12,000 pvCACTA1 elements were found. To our knowledge, this is the most abundant CACTA family reported thus far. The computational and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses indicated that the pvCACTA1 elements were concentrated in terminal regions of chromosomes and frequently generated AT-rich 3 bp target site duplications (TSD, WWW, W is A or T). Comparative analysis of the common bean genomes from two domesticated genetic pools revealed that new insertions or excisions of pvCACTA1 elements occurred after the divergence of the two common beans, and some of the polymorphic elements likely resulted in variation in gene sequences. pvCACTA1 elements were detected in related species but not outside the Phaseolus genus. We calculated the molecular evolutionary rate of pvCACTA1 transposons using orthologous elements that indicated that most transposition events likely occurred before the divergence of the two gene pools. These results reveal unique features and evolution of this new transposon family in the common bean genome.
Altered Function of the DnaJ Family Cochaperone DNJ-17 Modulates Locomotor Circuit Activity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Seizure Model
Authors: Takayanagi-Kiya Seika , Jin Yishi 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The highly conserved cochaperone DnaJ/Hsp40 family proteins are known to interact with molecular chaperone Hsp70, and can regulate many cellular processes including protein folding, translocation, and degradation. In studies of Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion mutants, we identified a gain-of-function (gf) mutation in dnj-17 closely linked to the widely used e156 null allele of C. elegans GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) unc-25. dnj-17 encodes a DnaJ protein orthologous to human DNAJA5. In C. elegansDNJ-17 is a cytosolic protein and is broadly expressed in many tissues. dnj-17(gf) causes a single amino acid substitution in a conserved domain, and behaves as a hypermorphic mutation. The effect of this dnj-17(gf) is most prominent in mutants lacking GABA synaptic transmission. In a seizure model caused by a mutation in the ionotropic acetylcholine receptor acr-2(gf), dnj-17(gf) exacerbates the convulsion phenotype in conjunction with absence of GABA. Null mutants of dnj-17 show mild resistance to aldicarb, while dnj-17(gf) is hypersensitive. These results highlight the importance of DnaJ proteins in regulation of C. elegans locomotor circuit, and provide insights into the in vivo roles of DnaJ proteins in humans.
mCAL: A New Approach for Versatile Multiplex Action of Cas9 Using One sgRNA and Loci Flanked by a Programmed Target Sequence
Authors: Finnigan Gregory C , Thorner Jeremy 
Published: August 2016

AbstractGenome editing exploiting CRISPR/Cas9 has been adopted widely in academia and in the biotechnology industry to manipulate DNA sequences in diverse organisms. Molecular engineering of Cas9 itself and its guide RNA, and the strategies for using them, have increased efficiency, optimized specificity, reduced inappropriate off-target effects, and introduced modifications for performing other functions (transcriptional regulation, high-resolution imaging, protein recruitment, and high-throughput screening). Moreover, Cas9 has the ability to multiplex, i.e., to act at different genomic targets within the same nucleus. Currently, however, introducing concurrent changes at multiple loci involves: (i) identification of appropriate genomic sites, especially the availability of suitable PAM sequences; (ii) the design, construction, and expression of multiple sgRNA directed against those sites; (iii) potential difficulties in altering essential genes; and (iv) lingering concerns about “off-target” effects. We have devised a new approach that circumvents these drawbacks, as we demonstrate here using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. First, any gene(s) of interest are flanked upstream and downstream with a single unique target sequence that does not normally exist in the genome. Thereafter, expression of one sgRNA and cotransformation with appropriate PCR fragments permits concomitant Cas9-mediated alteration of multiple genes (both essential and nonessential). The system we developed also allows for maintenance of the integrated, inducible Cas9-expression cassette or its simultaneous scarless excision. Our scheme—dubbed mCAL for “Multiplexing of Cas9 at Artificial Loci”—can be applied to any organism in which the CRISPR/Cas9 methodology is currently being utilized. In principle, it can be applied to install synthetic sequences into the genome, to generate genomic libraries, and to program strains or cell lines so that they can be conveniently (and repeatedly) manipulated at multiple loci with extremely high efficiency.
The Drosophila melanogaster Muc68E Mucin Gene Influences Adult Size, Starvation Tolerance, and Cold Recovery
Authors: Reis Micael , Silva Ana C , Vieira Cristina P , Vieira Jorge 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Mucins have been implicated in many different biological processes, such as protection from mechanical damage, microorganisms, and toxic molecules, as well as providing a luminal scaffold during development. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that mucins have the potential to modulate food absorption as well, and thus contribute to the definition of several important phenotypic traits. Here we show that the Drosophila melanogaster Muc68E gene is 40- to 60-million-yr old, and is present in Drosophila species of the subgenus Sophophora only. The central repeat region of this gene is fast evolving, and shows evidence for repeated expansions/contractions. This and/or frequent gene conversion events lead to the homogenization of its repeats. The amino acid pattern P[ED][ED][ST][ST][ST] is found in the repeat region of Muc68E proteins from all Drosophila species studied, and can occur multiple times within a single conserved repeat block, and thus may have functional significance. Muc68E is a nonessential gene under laboratory conditions, but Muc68E mutant flies are smaller and lighter than controls at birth. However, at 4 d of age, Muc68E mutants are heavier, recover faster from chill-coma, and are more resistant to starvation than control flies, although they have the same percentage of lipids as controls. Mutant flies have enlarged abdominal size 1 d after chill-coma recovery, which is associated with higher lipid content. These results suggest that Muc68E has a role in metabolism modulation, food absorption, and/or feeding patterns in larvae and adults, and under normal and stress conditions. Such biological function is novel for mucin genes.
Linear Growth and Child Development in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Malawi
Authors: Prado Elizabeth L. , Abbeddou Souheila , Adu-Afarwuah Seth , Arimond Mary , Ashorn Per , Ashorn Ulla , Brown Kenneth H. , Hess Sonja Y. , Lartey Anna , Maleta Kenneth , Ocansey Eugenia , Ouédraogo Jean-Bosco , Phuka John , Somé Jérôme W. , Vosti Steve A. , Yakes Jimenez Elizabeth , Dewey Kathryn G. 
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES:
We aimed to produce quantitative estimates of the associations between 4 domains of child development and linear growth during 3 periods: before birth, early infancy, and later infancy. We also aimed to determine whether several factors attenuated these associations.

METHODS:
In 3700 children in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Malawi, growth was measured several times from birth to age 18 months. At 18 months, language, motor, socioemotional, and executive function development were assessed. In Burkina Faso (n = 1111), personal-social development was assessed rather than the latter 2 domains.

RESULTS:
Linear growth was significantly associated with language, motor, and personal-social development but not socioemotional development or executive function. For language, the pooled adjusted estimate of the association with length-for-age z score (LAZ) at 6 months was 0.13 ± 0.02 SD, and with ΔLAZ from 6 to 18 months it was 0.11 ± 0.03 SD. For motor, these estimates were 0.16 ± 0.02 SD and 0.22 ± 0.03 SD, respectively. In 1412 children measured at birth, estimates of the association with LAZ at birth were similar (0.07–0.16 SD for language and 0.09–0.18 SD for motor development). These associations were weaker or absent in certain subsets of children with high levels of developmental stimulation or mothers who received nutritional supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS:
Growth faltering during any period from before birth to 18 months is associated with poor development of language and motor skills. Interventions to provide developmental stimulation or maternal supplementation may protect children who are faltering in growth from poor language and motor development.