bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contributions of paraecologists and parataxonomists to research, conservation, and social development
Authors: Schmiedel Ute , Araya Yoseph , Bortolotto Maria Ieda , Boeckenhoff Linda , Hallwachs Winnie , Janzen Daniel , Kolipaka Shekhar S. , Novotny Vojtech , Palm Matilda , Parfondry Marc , Smanis Athanasios , Toko Pagi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCitizen science has been gaining momentum in the United States and Europe, where citizens are literate and often interested in science. However, in developing countries, which have a dire need for environmental data, such programs are slow to emerge, despite the large and untapped human resources in close proximity to areas of high biodiversity and poorly known floras and faunas. Thus, we propose that the parataxonomist and paraecologist approach, which originates from citizen‐based science, is well suited to rural areas in developing countries. Being a paraecologist or a parataxonomist is a vocation and entails full‐time employment underpinned by extensive training, whereas citizen science involves the temporary engagement of volunteers. Both approaches have their merits depending on the context and objectives of the research. We examined 4 ongoing paraecologist or parataxonomist programs in Costa Rica, India, Papua New Guinea, and southern Africa and compared their origins, long‐term objectives, implementation strategies, activities, key challenges, achievements, and implications for resident communities. The programs supported ongoing research on biodiversity assessment, monitoring, and management, and participants engaged in non‐academic capacity development in these fields. The programs in Southern Africa related to specific projects, whereas the programs in Costa Rica, India, and Papua New Guinea were designed for the long term, provided sufficient funding was available. The main focus of the paraecologists’ and parataxonomists’ activities ranged from collection and processing of specimens (Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea) or of socioeconomic and natural science data (India and Southern Africa) to communication between scientists and residents (India and Southern Africa). As members of both the local land user and research communities, paraecologists and parataxonomists can greatly improve the flow of biodiversity information to all users, from local stakeholders to international academia.
Initial experience of restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis by transanal total mesorectal rectal excision and single‐incision abdominal laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Leo C. A. , Samaranayake S. , Perry‐Woodford Z. L. , Vitone L. , Faiz O. , Hodgkinson J. D. , Shaikh I. , Warusavitarne J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimLaparoscopic surgery is well established for colon cancer, with defined benefits. Use of laparoscopy for the performance of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileoanal anastomosis is more controversial. Technical aspects include difficult dissection of the distal rectum and a potentially increased risk of anastomotic leakage through multiple firings of the stapler. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties we have used the technique of transanal rectal excision to perform the proctectomy. This paper describes the technique, which is combined with an abdominal approach using a single‐incision platform (SIP).MethodData were collected prospectively for consecutive operations between May 2013 and October 2015, including all cases of restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch anastomosis performed laparoscopically. Only patients having a transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) assisted by SIP were included. The indication for RPC was ulcerative colitis (UC) refractory to medical treatment.ResultsThe procedure was performed on 16 patients with a median age of 46 (26–70) years. The male:female ratio was 5:3 and the median hospital stay was 6 (3–20) days. The median operation time was 247 (185–470) min and the overall conversion rate to open surgery was 18.7%. The 30‐day surgical complication rate was 37.5% (Clavien–Dindo 1 in four patients, 2 in one patient and 3 in one patient). One patient developed anastomotic leakage 2 weeks postoperatively.ConclusionThis initial study has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of TaTME combined with SIP when performing RPC with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis for UC.
Primary care referral practice, variability and socio‐economic deprivation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Borowski D. W. , Cawkwell S. , Zaidi S. M. A. , Toward M. , Maguire N. , Gill T. S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe reasons for pre‐hospital delay of the diagnosis of cancer are multifactorial, but include a physician‐related component. Urgent cancer pathways and direct‐to‐test approaches have been implemented, but the emergency presentation of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains little changed over recent years. We examined the variability between primary care providers in referral patterns and its effect on outcome.MethodA retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively maintained database for 2009–2014 in aUKdistrict hospital providing bowel cancer screening and tertiary rectal cancer services.ResultsOf 1145CRCpatients, 937 (81.8%) were diagnosed with a symptomatic cancer; 229/937 (24.4%) initially presented as an emergency. Between 44 primary care providers, emergency presentation varied between 8.3% and 57.1%. Patients of providers with high levels of emergency presentations (HV) had more advanced cancers than those of providers with medium (MV) or low levels (LV) [103/253 (40.7%), 154/461 (33.4%), 65/223 (29.1%);P = 0.025] and a lower 3‐year overall survival (50.2%, 57.8%, 65.6%;P = 0.013), but with no difference in case‐mix or deprivation levels. In adjusted analysis, this difference remained significant (advanced disease,OR1.663,P = 0.011; 3‐year hazard ratio 1.479,P = 0.010; comparingHVwithLV). Conversely, elective suspected cancer referrals were less often used amongst diagnosed cancers [LV136/223 (61.0%),MV228/461 (49.5%),HV114/253 (45.1%),P < 0.001] with limited evidence for a more selective approach in the use of the 2‐week rule amongst all 2‐week rule referrals [LV136/2508 (5.4%);MV228/4239 (5.4%);HV115/1526 (7.8%); positive cancer diagnosis,P = 0.005].ConclusionSignificant variability in emergency presentation ofCRCrequires local audit and examination of the reasons for delay in diagnosis and targeted measures to improve performance in non‐emergency referral pathways.
Modeling the autistic cell: iPSCs recapitulate developmental principles of syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD
Authors: Ben‐Reuven Lihi , Reiner Orly 
Published: April 2016

The opportunity to model autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through generation of patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is currently an emerging topic. Wide‐scale research of altered brain circuits in syndromic ASD, including Rett Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman's Syndrome and sporadic Schizophrenia, was made possible through animal models. However, possibly due to species differences, and to the possible contribution of epigenetics in the pathophysiology of these diseases, animal models fail to recapitulate many aspects of ASD. With the advent of iPSCs technology, 3D cultures of patient‐derived cells are being used to study complex neuronal phenotypes, including both syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. Here, we review recent advances in using iPSCs to study various aspects of the ASD neuropathology, with emphasis on the efforts to create in vitro model systems for syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. We summarize the main cellular activity phenotypes and aberrant genetic interaction networks that were found in iPSC‐derived neurons of syndromic and nonsyndromic autistic patients.
Becoming an expert carer: the process of family carers learning to manage technical health procedures at home
Authors: McDonald Janet , McKinlay Eileen , Keeling Sally , Levack William 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimsTo describe the learning process of family carers who manage technical health procedures (such as enteral tube feeding, intravenous therapy, dialysis or tracheostomy care) at home.BackgroundIncreasingly, complex procedures are being undertaken at home but little attention has been paid to the experiences of family carers who manage such procedures.DesignGrounded theory, following Charmaz's constructivist approach.MethodsInterviews with 26 family carers who managed technical health procedures and 15 health professionals who taught carers such procedures. Data collection took place in New Zealand over 19 months during 2011–2013. Grounded theory procedures of iterative data collection, coding and analysis were followed, with the gradual development of theoretical ideas.FindingsThe learning journey comprised three phases: (1) an initial, concentrated period of training; (2) novice carers taking responsibility for day‐to‐day care of procedures while continuing their learning; and (3) with time, experience and ongoing self‐directed learning, the development of expertise. Teaching and support by health professionals (predominantly nurses) was focussed on the initial phase, but carers’ learning continued throughout, developed through their own experience and using additional sources of information (notably the Internet and other carers).ConclusionFurther work is needed to determine the best educational process for carers, including where to locate training, who should teach them, optimal teaching methods and how structured or individualized teaching should be. Supporting carers well also benefits patient care.
Potentials of single‐cell biology in identification and validation of disease biomarkers
Authors: Niu Furong , Wang Diane C. , Lu Jiapei , Wu Wei , Wang Xiangdong 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSingle‐cell biology is considered a new approach to identify and validate disease‐specific biomarkers. However, the concern raised by clinicians is how to apply single‐cell measurements for clinical practice, translate the message of single‐cell systems biology into clinical phenotype or explain alterations of single‐cell gene sequencing and function in patient response to therapies. This study is to address the importance and necessity of single‐cell gene sequencing in the identification and development of disease‐specific biomarkers, the definition and significance of single‐cell biology and single‐cell systems biology in the understanding of single‐cell full picture, the development and establishment of whole‐cell models in the validation of targeted biological function and the figure and meaning of single‐molecule imaging in single cell to trace intra‐single‐cell molecule expression, signal, interaction and location. We headline the important role of single‐cell biology in the discovery and development of disease‐specific biomarkers with a special emphasis on understanding single‐cell biological functions, e.g. mechanical phenotypes, single‐cell biology, heterogeneity and organization of genome function. We have reason to believe that such multi‐dimensional, multi‐layer, multi‐crossing and stereoscopic single‐cell biology definitely benefits the discovery and development of disease‐specific biomarkers.
Down‐regulation of microRNAs of the miR‐200 family and up‐regulation of Snail and Slug in inflammatory bowel diseases — hallmark of epithelial−mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zidar Nina , Boštjančič Emanuela , Jerala Miha , Kojc Nika , Drobne David , Štabuc Borut , Glavač Damjan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFibrosis is an important feature of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly Crohn's disease (CD), but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. To determine the postulated involvement of epithelial−mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the development of fibrosis in IBD, we analysed the expression profiles of the miR‐200 family which has been shown to induce EMT in experimental models and various human diseases. We also analysed the expression of Snail and Slug, postulated targets of the investigated microRNAs. Ten patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 10 patients with CD who underwent colon resection were included. From each, two tissue samples were chosen (one with the most severely and one with the least affected or normal mucosa) for analysis of microRNAs expression using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Snail and Slug expression using immunohistochemistry. We found significant down‐regulation of all investigated microRNAs in CD, and of three investigated microRNAs in UC, in comparison to the normal or the least affected mucosa. Comparing UC and CD, four microRNAs were significantly more down‐regulated in CD than in UC. Snail and Slug were expressed in the injured epithelium and occasionally in mesothelial cells and submesothelial fibroblasts. Our finding of down‐regulation of the miR‐200 family and up‐regulation of transcription repressors Snail and Slug supports the postulated role of EMT in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in IBD. The described expression patterns are consistent with the notion that fibrosis does not occur only in CD but also in UC, being much more severe in CD.
Glycemic control and adherence to basal insulin therapy in Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chien Ming‐Nan , Chen Yen‐Ling , Hung Yi‐Jen , Wang Shu‐Yi , Lu Wen‐Tsung , Chen Chih‐Hung , Lin Ching‐Ling , Huang Tze‐Pao , Tsai Ming‐Han , Tseng Wei‐Kung , Wu Ta‐Jen , Ho Cheng , Lin Wen‐Yu , Chen Bill , Chuang Lee‐Ming 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to assess the glycemic control, adherence and treatment satisfaction in a real‐world setting with basal insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes patients in Taiwan.Materials and MethodsThis was a multicenter, prospective, observational registry. A total of 836 patients with type 2 diabetes taking oral antidiabetic drugs with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >7% entered the study. Basal insulin was given for 24 weeks. All treatment choices and medical instructions were at the physician's discretion to reflect real‐life practice.ResultsAfter 24‐week treatment, 11.7% of patients reached set HbA1c goals without severe hypoglycemia (primary effectiveness end‐point). HbA1c and fasting blood glucose were significantly decreased from (mean ± SD) 10.1 ± 1.9% to 8.7 ± 1.7% (−1.4 ± 2.1%, P < 0.0001) and from 230.6 ± 68.8 mg/dL to 159.1 ± 55.6 mg/dL (−67.4 ± 72.3 mg/dL, P < 0.0001), respectively. Patients received insulin therapy at a frequency of nearly one shot per day on average, whereas self‐monitoring of blood glucose was carried out approximately four times a week. Hypoglycemia was reported by 11.4% of patients, and only 0.7% of patients experienced severe hypoglycemia. Slight changes in weight (0.7 ± 2.4 kg) and a low incidence of adverse drug reactions (0.4%) were also noted. The score of 7‐point treatment satisfaction rated by patients was significantly improved by 1.9 ± 1.7 (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsBasal insulin therapy was associated with a decrease in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose, and an improved treatment satisfaction. Most patients complied with physicians' instructions. The treatment was generally well tolerated by patients with type 2 diabetes, but findings pointed out the need to reinforce the early and appropriate uptitration to achieve treatment targets.
Clinical predictive factors in diabetic kidney disease progression
Authors: Radcliffe Nicholas J , Seah Jas‐mine , Clarke Michele , MacIsaac Richard J , Jerums George , Ekinci Elif I 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents a major component of the health burden associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent advances have produced an explosion of ‘novel’ assay‐based risk markers for DKD, though clinical use remains restricted. Although many patients with progressive DKD follow a classical albuminuria‐based pathway, non‐albuminuric DKD progression is now well recognized. In general, the following clinical and biochemical characteristics have been associated with progressive DKD in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes: increased hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, albuminuria grade, early glomerular filtration rate decline, duration of diabetes, age (including pubertal onset) and serum uric acid; the presence of concomitant microvascular complications; and positive family history. The same is true in type 2 diabetes for male sex category, in patients following an albuminuric pathway to DKD, and also true for the presence of increased pulse wave velocity. The following baseline clinical characteristics have been proposed as risk factors for DKD progression, but with further research required to assess the nature of any relationship: dyslipidemia (including low‐density lipoprotein, total and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol); elevated body mass index; smoking status; hyperfiltration; decreases in vitamin D, hemoglobin and uric acid excretion (all known consequences of advanced DKD); and patient test result visit‐to‐visit variability (hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol). The development of multifactorial ‘renal risk equations’ for type 2 diabetes has the potential to simplify the task of DKD prognostication; however, there are currently none for type 1 diabetes‐specific populations. Significant progress has been made in the prediction of DKD progression using readily available clinical data, though further work is required to elicit the role of several variables, and to consolidate data to facilitate clinical implementation.
Concept Analysis of Maternal Autonomy in the Context of Breastfeeding
Authors: Hirani Shela Akbar Ali , Olson Joanne 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyze the concept of maternal autonomy in the context of breastfeeding and propose a clearer definition of the concept.MethodsA concept analysis was undertaken using Walker and Avant's eight‐stage approach.FindingsThe concept analysis suggests that maternal autonomy in the context of breastfeeding refers to a mother's ability to make autonomous decisions using her control, agency, independence, and ethical reasoning. The antecedents are maternal competence, availability of support, nature of the setting, and available alternatives with respect to breastfeeding. The consequences are improvement in child health, maternal–child bonding, breastfeeding decisions, and maternal healthcare‐seeking behavior.ConclusionsA clearer understanding of maternal autonomy in the context of breastfeeding will guide the development of a conceptual framework and expand nursing knowledge development.Clinical RelevanceA clearer definition of the concept of maternal autonomy in the context of breastfeeding will guide clinicians, researchers, and policy makers in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding globally towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 2015–2030.
The fundus photo has met its match: optical coherence tomography and adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy are here to stay
Authors: Morgan Jessica I. W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeOver the past 25 years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and adaptive optics (AO) ophthalmoscopy have revolutionised our ability to non‐invasively observe the living retina. The purpose of this review is to highlight the techniques and human clinical applications of recent advances in OCT and adaptive optics scanning laser/light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) ophthalmic imaging.Recent findingsOptical coherence tomography retinal and optic nerve head (ONH) imaging technology allows high resolution in the axial direction resulting in cross‐sectional visualisation of retinal and ONH lamination. Complementary AO ophthalmoscopy gives high resolution in the transverse direction resulting in en face visualisation of retinal cell mosaics. Innovative detection schemes applied to OCT and AOSLO technologies (such as spectral domain OCT, OCT angiography, confocal and non‐confocal AOSLO, fluorescence, and AO‐OCT) have enabled high contrast between retinal and ONH structures in three dimensions and have allowed in vivo retinal imaging to approach that of histological quality. In addition, both OCT and AOSLO have shown the capability to detect retinal reflectance changes in response to visual stimuli, paving the way for future studies to investigate objective biomarkers of visual function at the cellular level. Increasingly, these imaging techniques are being applied to clinical studies of the normal and diseased visual system.SummaryOptical coherence tomography and AOSLO technologies are capable of elucidating the structure and function of the retina and ONH noninvasively with unprecedented resolution and contrast. The techniques have proven their worth in both basic science and clinical applications and each will continue to be utilised in future studies for many years to come.
Bilateral population receptive fields in congenital hemihydranencephaly
Authors: Fracasso Alessio , Koenraads Yvonne , Porro Giorgio L. , Dumoulin Serge O. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeCongenital hemihydranencephaly (HH) is a very rare disorder characterised by prenatal near‐complete unilateral loss of the cerebral cortex. We investigated a patient affected by congenital right HH whose visual field extended significantly into the both visual hemifields, suggesting a reorganisation of the remaining left visual hemisphere. We examined the early visual cortex reorganisation using functional MRI (7T) and population receptive field (pRF) modelling.MethodsData were acquired by means of a 7T MRI while the patient affected by HH viewed conventional population receptive field mapping stimuli. Two possible pRF reorganisation schemes were evaluated: where every cortical location processed information from either (i) a single region of the visual field or (ii) from two bilateral regions of the visual field.ResultsIn the patient affected by HH, bilateral pRFs in single cortical locations of the remaining hemisphere were found. In addition, using this specific pRF reorganisation scheme, the biologically known relationship between pRF size and eccentricity was found.ConclusionsBilateral pRFs were found in the remaining left hemisphere of the patient affected by HH, indicating reorganisation of intra‐cortical wiring of the early visual cortex and confirming brain plasticity and reorganisation after an early cerebral damage in humans.