bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted next‐generation sequencing using a multigene panel in myeloid neoplasms: Implementation in clinical diagnostics
Authors: Maes B. , Willemse J. , Broekmans A. , Smets R. , Cruys B. , Put N. , Madoe V. , Janssen M. , Soepenberg O. , Bries G. , Vrelust I. , Achten R. , Van Pelt K. , Buvé K. , Theunissen K. , Peeters V. , Froyen G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionDetection of mutations in patients with myeloid neoplasms (MNs) has shown great potential for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is currently implemented for the diagnostic profiling of the four major MN subgroups.MethodsFirst, we validated the targeted NGS approach using the TruSight Myeloid panel. Next, we screened 287 patients with a clinical suspicion of MN and 61 follow‐up patients with documented MN.ResultsValidation of the NGS workflow resulted in maximal precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for gene variants with an allele frequency of at least 5% and a minimal read depth of 300. In our diagnostic screen, we identified at least one somatic mutation in 89% of patients with proven MN. Of the 155 newly diagnosed MN cases, 126 (81%) showed at least one mutation, confirming clonality. Moreover, the co‐occurrence of mutated genes in the different MN subentities facilitates their classification and justifies the diagnostic use of a pan‐myeloid panel. Furthermore, several of these mutations provide additional prognostic information independently of traditional prognostic scoring systems.ConclusionPan‐myeloid targeted NGS fits elegantly in the routine diagnostic approach of MNs allowing for an improved diagnosis, subclassification, and prognosis.
Migration, Small Farming and Food Security in the Caribbean: Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Authors: Thomas‐Hope Elizabeth 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLong‐term and short‐term (seasonal) migrations from Caribbean countries have been strategies for enhancing the livelihoods and assets of individuals and families for many decades. The greatest challenges to food security are felt by the populations below the poverty level, most of whom are rural dwellers. Taking two Caribbean countries – Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, this article assesses whether in rural, characteristically small‐farming areas, the financial and social remittances resulting from migration are used to improve food security, through either supporting agricultural production or providing money to purchase food. The findings show the contrast between Jamaica and St. Vincent. Whereas migration generally benefits small‐scale farming and domestic food production, increasing food accessibility in Jamaica, migration has been variously used by the rural poor in St. Vincent to replace farming. Food security in St. Vincent is heavily dependent on purchasing food and, in this regard, migrant remittances play an important role.
Residential Remittances and Food Security in the Upper West Region of Ghana
Authors: Atuoye Kilian N. , Kuuire Vincent Z. , Kangmennaang Joseph , Antabe Roger , Luginaah Isaac 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn recent years, out migration from the Upper West Region to the southern belt of Ghana for farming has become commonplace. The natural question that has arisen is: what is the potential impact of remittances from this migration pattern on food security in the region? Using multivariate ordered logistic regression this study assesses the linkage between remittances and household food security (derived using the HFIAS) among urban and rural households (n=1,438) in the region. The findings show that urban remittance‐receiving households and rural remittance and non‐remittance receiving households were more likely (OR=2.44, p<0.05; OR=2.46, p<0.001; and OR=1.49, p<0.1, respectively) to report being more severely food‐insecure than urban non‐remittance receiving households. The findings demonstrate that household strategies such as migration and remittances on their own are not sufficient to ameliorate the precarious food insecurity situation of the region. The study calls for development of alternative livelihoods in the region.
Towards relational recovery: Nurses’ practices with consumers and families with dependent children in mental health inpatient units
Authors: Foster Kim , Isobel Sophie 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFacilitating parent–child and family connections during parental hospitalization provides important opportunities for mental health services to support individual and family recovery. Nurses are often the primary point of contact for families in the inpatient context. They play an integral role in the care provision of consumers and families and in supporting consumers’ recovery. The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore nurses’ practice with families in inpatient mental health settings in the context of designated family rooms. Three themes were derived from the thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 20 nurses from four mental health inpatient units. Nurses experienced tensions within their roles in balancing safety and risk, a lack of confidence in family‐focused practices in relation to role expectations, and challenges in juggling nursing care ideals with the contemporary realities of inpatient practice. A family‐centred relational recovery approach is recommended for mental health services, which is underpinned by family‐focused policies and processes, and supported at an organizational, managerial, and local‐unit level. At an individual level, nurses need professional development on the models of care they practice in, explicit role clarity on their practice with families, and education on evidence‐based brief family interventions.
Protein kinase D exerts neuroprotective functions during oxidative stress via nuclear factor kappa B‐independent signaling pathways
Authors: Liliom Hanna , Tárnok Krisztián , Ábrahám Zsófia , Rácz Bence , Hausser Angelika , Schlett Katalin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMembers of the protein kinase D (PKD) family of serine/threonine kinases are known to exert diverse roles in neuronal stress responses. Here, we show the transient activation and nuclear translocation of endogenous PKD upon oxidative stress induced by H2O2 treatment in primary neuronal cultures. Using pharmacological inhibition, we show that PKD activity protects neurons from oxidative stress‐induced cell death. Although members of the canonical nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF kappaB) pathway were phosphorylated upon H2O2 treatment, it was found that the neuronal response to oxidative stress is not executed through the nuclear translocation and activity of RelA. On the other hand, we demonstrate for the first time in neuronal cells, the association of green fluorescent protein‐tagged kinase inactive PKD1 with mitochondrial membranes in vivo and the presence of PKD activity in the close vicinity of mitochondria in vitro. Our findings thus support the notion that the neuroprotective role of PKD is exerted independently from NF kappaB signaling and suggest a potential mitochondrial function for PKD in cultured neurons.
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Potential emerging treatment in vitiligo using Er:YAG in combination with 5FU and clobetasol
Authors: Mokhtari Fatemeh , Bostakian Anis , Shahmoradi Zabihollah , Jafari‐Koshki Tohid , Iraji Fariba , Faghihi Gita , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen , Bafandeh Behzad 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundVitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of skin affecting at least 1% of the world population of all races in both sexes. Its importance is mainly due to subsequent social and psychological problems rather than clinical complications. Various treatment choices are available for vitiligo; however, laser‐based courses have shown to give more acceptable results.ObjectiveThe aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Er:YAG laser as a supplementary medicine to topical 5FU and clobetasol in vitiligo patients.MethodsTwo comparable vitiligo patches from 38 eligible patients were randomized to receive topical 5FU and clobetasol in control group and additional Er:YAG laser in intervention group. Major outcomes of interest were the size of patch and pigmentation score at randomization and 2 and 4 months after therapy.ResultsFinal sample included 18 (47%) male patients and age of 35.66±8.04. The performance Er:YAG group was superior in all sites. Reduction in the size of patches was greater in Er:YAG group (p‐value=.004). Also, this group showed a higher pigmentation scores in the trial period than control group (p‐value<.001).ConclusionsGreater reduction in the size and increase in pigmentation score was seen in Er:YAG group especially for short periods after therapy and repeating laser sessions may help improving final outcomes. Er:AYG could help in reducing complications of long‐term topical treatments, achieving faster response, and improving patient adherence.
Patients' and their family members' experiences of participation in care following an acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A phenomenological‐hermeneutic study
Authors: Andersen Ingrid Charlotte , Thomsen Thora Grothe , Bruun Poul , Bødtger Uffe , Hounsgaard Lise 
Published: July 2017

Aim and objectivesTo explore the experiences of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their family members relating both to participation in care during hospitalisation for an acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and to the subsequent day‐to‐day care at home.BackgroundWhen recovering from an exacerbation, the challenges associated with an unpredictable health condition dominate everyday life for patients and can involve their family members. Proper patient and family participation in care during discharge and follow‐up can help patients to improve self‐management. However, knowledge of the significance of patient and family participation for recovery and subsequent everyday life is still limited.DesignThis study adopted a longitudinal design informed by ethnographic fieldwork principles.MethodsParticipant observations and interviews with 15 patients and 12 family members were conducted on a Danish hospital ward and twice at the participants' homes. A phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach inspired by Ricoeur's theory of interpretation guided the data analysis.ResultsParticipation in care was perceived as valuable, but could be associated with tensions and increased uncertainty. While patients mostly demonstrated a reactive approach to care, family members strived to be more proactive. In hospital, preparing for discharge included an effort to find a balance between powerlessness and influence during interactions with healthcare professionals. At home, managing further recovery and self‐management were characterised by navigating between mutual pressure and consideration within the family.ConclusionFamily members play an important role in ensuring that patients are seen, heard and understood, but want to be acknowledged more by healthcare professionals. Appropriate interactions with healthcare professionals are crucial in order to support discharge and daily self‐management.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge of the challenges that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their family members face in participating in care activities could inform future development of family‐centred care approaches tailored to individual needs.
Measuring the outcomes of nursing practice: A Delphi study
Authors: Sim Jenny , Crookes Patrick , Walsh Kenneth , Halcomb Elizabeth 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectiveTo develop nursing‐sensitive patient indicators to measure the outcomes of nursing practice.BackgroundNurses play an important role in the healthcare system, yet there is no consensus on how the impact of nursing work should be evaluated. Limited research has previously examined the views of clinical nurses on the important concepts for measuring nursing practice.DesignA four‐round modified Delphi survey sought opinions from patients and nurses about the relevant concepts and their relative priority as indicators of quality nursing practice.MethodRound 1 comprised semi‐structured interviews with patients and nurses to identify key concepts. Nurses were then asked to participate in three rounds of Delphi survey to identify and rate key concepts from which indicators were developed. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.ResultsBy the end of Round 4, the process had generated 103 concepts and participants had agreed on eight overarching constructs, namely care and caring; communication; coordination and collaboration; safety; patient characteristics; workload; Nurses work environment; and organisational characteristics.ConclusionsConsensus was achieved between nurses on the most important concepts, which can provide the basis for measuring the quality and safety of nursing practice in a comprehensive and holistic way.Relevance to clinical practiceThe identification of concepts that patients and nurses consider important for measuring nursing practice will guide the development of methods for evaluating nursing in the future. Ensuring that nursing practice is rigorously evaluated has the potential to identify opportunities to improve nursing quality, patient safety and improve health outcomes.
The Gibraltar Sign: An Anatomic Landmark for Predicting Transverse Sinus Dominance Laterality on Conventional MRI
Authors: Pettersson David R. , McLouth Joel D. , Addicott Benjamin , Pollock Jeffrey M. , Barajas Ramon F. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPhysiologic asymmetry of transverse sinus (TS) caliber is common and can lead to misinterpretation of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) studies of the brain. This retrospective study assesses the ability of multiple anatomic features on axial noncontrast T1‐weighted images (T1WIs) of the brain to predict congenital TS dominance.METHODSOne hundred consecutively acquired combined MRI‐MRV studies of the brain were reviewed. On noncontrast axial T1WI, each reviewer measured (1) inclination of the groove for the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), (2) angulation of the posterior falx, (3) laterality of the SSS flow void, and (4) laterality of the inferior‐most occipital lobe. TS cross‐sectional area was measured on noncontrast sagittal 2‐dimensional time‐of‐flight MRV images and served as the reference standard.RESULTSThe bony groove for the SSS sloped down to the right in 65 of 100 patients and correctly predicted right TS dominance in 63 of 65 cases (97% positive predictive value [PPV]). The groove sloped down to the left in 24 of 100 patients and correctly predicted left TS dominance in 22 of 24 cases (92% PPV). Laterality of the SSS flow void, laterality of the inferior‐most occipital lobe, and angulation of the posterior falx had 91% PPV, 82% PPV, and 74% PPV for predicting TS dominance, respectively.CONCLUSIONSMultiple anatomic features seen on conventional axial T1WI can be used to predict the laterality of congenital TS dominance and can help inform the interpretation of MRV studies of the brain.
Sympathetic introspection as method and practice: Cooley's contributions to critical qualitative inquiry and the theory of mind debate
Authors: Gunderson Ryan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn the work of Charles H. Cooley, sympathy is (1) a central subject matter of sociology and social psychology (as the faculty humans use to acquire knowledge of other humans), (2) a descriptive and explanatory method similar to “interpretive understanding,” and (3) an evaluative method used for social critique and arguments for social reforms (as the basis for making moral judgments). The latter feature of the value‐orienting qualitative method of sympathetic introspection is pertinent in light of discussions regarding the development of a critical qualitative methodology. The uniqueness of Cooley's method, when compared to value‐neutral approaches in the interpretive tradition, is its theoretically‐ and methodologically‐grounded license for social scientific thinking to cultivate concern for the people it studies, with the following practical implication: arguments for social reforms rooted in a form of knowledge that embeds individuals in the social whole. Further, Cooley's notion of sympathy contributes to the theory of mind debate by theorizing both a philosophical‐anthropological and sociological foundation for attributing mental states to others in order to participate in social action.
Comparative analysis of storage conditions and homogenization methods for tick and flea species for identification by MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: NEBBAK A. , EL HAMZAOUI B. , BERENGER J.‐M. , BITAM I. , RAOULT D. , ALMERAS L. , PAROLA P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTicks and fleas are vectors for numerous human and animal pathogens. Controlling them, which is important in combating such diseases, requires accurate identification, to distinguish between vector and non‐vector species. Recently, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) was applied to the rapid identification of arthropods. The growth of this promising tool, however, requires guidelines to be established. To this end, standardization protocols were applied to species of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Latreille and Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) Bouché, including the automation of sample homogenization using two homogenizer devices, and varied sample preservation modes for a period of 1–6 months. The MS spectra were then compared with those obtained from manual pestle grinding, the standard homogenization method. Both automated methods generated intense, reproducible MS spectra from fresh specimens. Frozen storage methods appeared to represent the best preservation mode, for up to 6 months, while storage in ethanol is also possible, with some caveats for tick specimens. Carnoy's buffer, however, was shown to be less compatible with MS analysis for the purpose of identifying ticks or fleas. These standard protocols for MALDI‐TOF MS arthropod identification should be complemented by additional MS spectrum quality controls, to generalize their use in monitoring arthropods of medical interest.
Influence of Morphine and Naloxone on Pain Modulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia, and Controls: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Cross‐Over Study
Authors: Hermans Linda , Nijs Jo , Calders Patrick , De Clerck Luc , Moorkens Greta , Hans Guy , Grosemans Sofie , Roman De Mettelinge Tine , Tuynman Joanna , Meeus Mira 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundImpaired pain inhibitory and enhanced pain facilitatory mechanisms are repeatedly reported in patients with central sensitization pain. However, the exact effects of frequently prescribed opioids on central pain modulation are still unknown.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial was carried out. Ten chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/fibromyalgia (FM) patients, 11 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 20 controls were randomly allocated to the experimental (10 mg morphine or 0.2 mg/mL Naloxone) and placebo (2 mL Aqua) group. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and temporal summation at the Trapezius and Quadriceps were assessed by algometry. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) efficacy and deep tissue pain pressure were assessed by adding ischemic occlusion at the opposite upper arm.ResultsDeep tissue pain pressure was lower and temporal summation higher in CFS/FM (P = 0.002 respectively P = 0.010) and RA patients (P = 0.011 respectively P = 0.047) compared to controls at baseline. Morphine had only a positive effect on PPTs in both patient groups (P time = 0.034). Accordingly, PPTs increased after placebo (P time = 0.015), and no effects on the other pain parameters were objectified. There were no significant effects of naloxone nor nocebo on PPT, deep tissue pain, temporal summation or CPM in the control group.ConclusionsThis study revealed anti‐hyperalgesia effects of morphine in CFS/FM and RA patients. Nevertheless, these effects were comparable to placebo. Besides, neither morphine nor naloxone influenced deep tissue pain, temporal summation or CPM. Therefore, these results suggest that the opioid system is not dominant in (enhanced) bottom‐up sensitization (temporal summation) or (impaired) endogenous pain inhibition (CPM) in patients with CFS/FM or RA.
Specialized stomatal humidity responses underpin ecological diversity in C3 bromeliads
Authors: Males Jamie , Griffiths Howard 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe Neotropical Bromeliaceae display an extraordinary level of ecological variety, with species differing widely in habit, photosynthetic pathway and growth form. Divergences in stomatal structure and function, hitherto understudied in treatments of bromeliad evolutionary physiology, could have been critical to the generation of variety in ecophysiological strategies among the bromeliads. Because humidity is a key factor in bromeliad niches, we focussed on stomatal responses to vapour pressure deficit (VPD). We measured the sensitivity of stomatal conductance and assimilation rate to VPD in eight C3 bromeliad species of contrasting growth forms and ecophysiological strategies and parameterised the kinetics of stomatal responses to a step change in VPD. Notably, three tank‐epiphyte species displayed low conductance, high sensitivity and fast kinetics relative to the lithophytes, while three xeromorphic terrestrial species showed high conductance and sensitivity but slow stomatal kinetics. An apparent feedforward response of transpiration to VPD occurred in the tank epiphytes, while water‐use efficiency was differentially impacted by stomatal closure depending on photosynthetic responses. Differences in stomatal responses to VPD between species of different ecophysiological strategies are closely linked to modifications of stomatal morphology, which we argue has been a pivotal component of the evolution of high diversity in this important plant family.
Transcriptional profiling of mechanically and genetically sink‐limited soybeans
Authors: Brown Anne V. , Hudson Karen A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe absence of a reproductive sink causes physiological and morphological changes in soybean plants. These include increased accumulation of nitrogen and starch in the leaves and delayed leaf senescence. To identify transcriptional changes that occur in leaves of these sink‐limited plants, we used RNAseq to compare gene expression levels in trifoliate leaves from depodded and ms6 male‐sterile soybean plants and control plants. In both sink‐limited tissues, we observed a deferral of the expression of senescence‐associated genes and a continued expression of genes associated with leaf maturity. Gene Ontology‐terms (GO‐terms) associated with growth and development and storage proteins were over‐represented in genes that were differentially expressed in sink‐limited tissues. We also identified basic helix‐loop‐helix, auxin response factor, and squamosa binding protein transcription factors expressed in sink‐limited tissues, and the senescing control leaves expressed WRKY and NAC transcription factors. We identified genes that were not expressed during normal leaf development but that were highly expressed in sink‐limited plants, including the SGR3b “non‐yellowing” gene. These differences highlighted several metabolic pathways that were involved in distinct modes of resource partitioning of leaves with the “stay green” phenotype.