bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of NRG1 and AUTS2 genetic polymorphisms with Hirschsprung disease in a South Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xie Xiaoli , Zeng Jixiao , Wu Qiang , Zhang Ruizhong , Zhu Deli , Xia Huimin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia. There are more than 15 genes identified as contributed to HSCR by family‐based or population‐based approaches. However, these findings were not fulfilled to explain the heritability of most sporadic cases. In this study, using 1470 HSCR and 1473 control subjects in South Chinese population, we replicated two variants in NRG1 (rs16879552, P = 1.05E‐04 and rs7835688, P = 1.19E‐07), and further clarified the two replicated SNPs were more essential for patients with short‐segment aganglionosis (SHSCR) (P = 2.37E‐05). We also tried to replicate the most prominent signal (rs7785360) in AUTS2, which was a potential susceptibility gene with HSCR. In our results, in terms of individual association, marginal effect was observed to affect the HSCR patients following recessive model (P = 0.089). Noteworthy, significant intergenic synergistic effect between rs16879552 (NRG1) and rs7785360 (AUTS2) was identified through cross‐validation by logistic regression (P = 2.45E‐03, OR = 1.53) and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR, P < 0.0001, OR = 1.77). Significant correlation was observed between expression of these two genes in the normal segments of the colons (P = 0.018), together with differential expression of these genes between aganglionic colonic segments and normal colonic segments of the HSCR patients (P value for AUTS2 <0.0001, P value for NRG1 = 0.0243). Although functional evaluation is required, we supply new evidence for the NRG1 to HSCR and raised up a new susceptibility gene AUTS2 to a specific symptom for the disease.
Maternal diabetes up‐regulates NOX2 and enhances myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury in adult offspring
Authors: Zhang Lili , Wang Xiaoyan , Wu Yan , Lu Xiangru , Chidiac Peter , Wang Guoping , Feng Qingping 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOffspring of diabetic mothers are at risk of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. We hypothesize that prenatal exposure to maternal diabetes up‐regulates myocardial NOX2 expression and enhances ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the adult offspring. Maternal diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 mice by streptozotocin. Glucose‐tolerant adult offspring of diabetic mothers and normal controls were subjected to myocardial I/R injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, ROS generation, myocardial apoptosis and infarct size were assessed. The VEGF‐Akt (protein kinase B)‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐NOX2 signalling pathway was also studied in cultured cardiomyocytes in response to high glucose level. In the hearts of adult offspring from diabetic mothers, increases were observed in VEGF expression, NOX2 protein levels and both Akt and mTOR phosphorylation levels as compared to the offspring of control mothers. After I/R, ROS generation, myocardial apoptosis and infarct size were all significantly higher in the offspring of diabetic mothers relative to offspring of control mothers, and these differences were diminished by in vivo treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. In cultured cardiomyocytes, high glucose increased mTOR phosphorylation, which was inhibited by the PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002. Notably, high glucose‐induced NOX2 protein expression and ROS production were inhibited by rapamycin. In conclusion, maternal diabetes promotes VEGF‐Akt‐mTOR‐NOX2 signalling and enhances myocardial I/R injury in the adult offspring. Increased ROS production from NOX2 is a possible molecular mechanism responsible for developmental origins of cardiovascular disease in offspring of diabetic mothers.
Clinical relevance of integrin alpha 4 in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Pulkka Olli‐Pekka , Mpindi John‐Patrick , Tynninen Olli , Nilsson Bengt , Kallioniemi Olli , Sihto Harri , Joensuu Heikki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms for the dissemination and metastasis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are incompletely understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical relevance of integrin alpha 4 (ITGA4) expression in GIST. GIST transcriptomes were first compared with transcriptomes of other types of cancer and histologically normal gastrointestinal tract tissue in the MediSapiens in silico database. ITGA4 was identified as an unusually highly expressed gene in GIST. Therefore, the effects of ITGA4 knock‐down and selective integrin alpha 4 beta 1 (VLA‐4) inhibitors on tumour cell proliferation and invasion were investigated in three GIST cell lines. In addition, the prognostic role of ITGA4 expression in cancer cells was investigated in a series of 147 GIST patients with immunohistochemistry. Inhibition of ITGA4‐related signalling decreased GIST cell invasion in all investigated GIST cell lines. ITGA4 protein was expressed in 62 (42.2%) of the 147 GISTs examined, and expression was significantly associated with distant metastases during the course of the disease and several adverse prognostic features. Patients whose GIST expressed strongly ITGA4 had unfavourable GIST‐specific survival and overall survival compared to patients with low or no ITGA4 expression. Taken together, ITGA4 is an important integrin in the molecular pathogenesis of GIST and may influence their clinical behaviour.
Licensing and innovation with imperfect contract enforcement
Authors: Gilbert Richard , Kristiansen Eirik Gaard 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLicensing promotes technology transfer and innovation, but enforcement of licensing contracts is often imperfect. We model contract enforcement as a game with perfect information but probabilistic enforcement and explore the implications of weak enforcement on the design of licensing contracts, the conduct of firms, and market performance. An upstream firm develops a technology that it can license to downstream firms using a fixed fee and a per‐unit royalty. Strictly positive per‐unit royalties maximize the licensor's profit if competition among licensees limits joint profits. With imperfect enforcement, the licensor lowers variable royalties to avoid cheating. Although imperfect contract enforcement reduces the profits of the licensor, weak enforcement lowers prices, increases downstream innovation, and in some circumstances can increase total economic welfare.
The Five Attributes of a Supportive Midwifery Practice Climate: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Thumm E. Brie , Flynn Linda 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionA supportive work climate is associated with decreased burnout and attrition, and increased job satisfaction and employee health. A review of the literature was conducted in order to determine the unique attributes of a supportive practice climate for midwives.MethodsThe midwifery literature was reviewed and synthesized using concept analysis technique guided by literature from related professions. The search was conducted primarily in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Articles were included if they were conducted between 2006 and 2016 and addressed perceptions of the midwifery practice climate as it related to patient, provider, and organizational outcomes.ResultsThe literature identified 5 attributes consistent with a supportive midwifery practice climate: effective leadership, adequate resources, collaboration, control of one's work, and support of the midwifery model of care. Effective leadership styles include situational and transformational, and 9 traits of effective leaders are specified. Resources consist of time, personnel, supplies, and equipment. Collaboration encompasses relationships with all members of the health care team, including midwives inside and outside of one's practice. Additionally, the patients are considered collaborating members of the team. Characteristics of effective collaboration include a shared vision, role clarity, and respectful communication. Support for the midwifery model of care includes value congruence, developing relationships with women, and providing high‐quality care.DiscussionThe attributes of a supportive midwifery practice climate are generally consistent with theoretical models of supportive practice climates of advanced practice nurses and physicians, with the exception of a more inclusive definition of collaboration and support of the midwifery model of care. The proposed Midwifery Practice Climate Model can guide instrument development, determining relationships between the attributes of the practice climate and outcomes, and creating interventions to improve the practice climate, workforce stability, and patient outcomes.
Assessment of a training programme on detection of temporomandibular joint osseous changes applying pre‐defined 2D multiplane cone beam computed tomography reconstructions
Authors: Iskanderani D. , Alstergren P. , Hellén‐Halme K. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectivesOsseous changes in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are common indications for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The number of such cases is increasing while a number of qualified oral radiologists is limited. This study investigated the usefulness of a training programme for general dental practitioners (GDPs) regarding temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osseous changes detection in CBCT images.MethodsWe selected CBCT images of 35 TMD cases and chose 5 of them to use in training 7 GDPs on detecting osseous changes in the TMJ. In evaluation directly following training, GDPs assessed the 30 remaining cases. Three qualified radiologists served as reference standard. A 2‐month follow‐up of training comprising evaluation of the same cases. The cases are assessed according to Ahmad et al (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 107, 2009, 844) protocol of TMJ osseous changes in CBCT images.ResultsSensitivity and specificity of the CBCT protocol were high, except for some criteria that did not appear in the cases. Average observer sensitivity was 65% while specificity was 87%. Average correct individual response rate was 84%. Mean agreement among the GDPs was 73%. Observer performance had improved at the 2‐month follow‐up.ConclusionThe present educational programme could be a helpful material on recognising possible osseous changes of TMJ and it can be used as a part of a training programme for GDP and for specialist candidates.
Supporting young researchers in food texture studies
Authors: Kohyama Kaoru 
Published: January 2018

AbstractI learned about food texture by reading many articles in the Journal of Texture Studies (JTS) and Prof. Bourne's textbook Food Texture and Viscosity, Concept and Measurement. I present here his great contributions as both the Editor‐in‐Chief of JTS and as the author of a superior textbook in the cultivation of future food texture researchers. Prof. Bourne has provided significant guidance to those in the industry using his textbook to suggest appropriate approaches to measure, evaluate, and alter the textures of agro‐products and processed foods. I began my career in food rheology, learned the physiological techniques necessary for measuring mastication, and developed relationships with good sensory scientists along the way. I am happy to offer advice to agriculture and food scientists, researchers, and engineers in the food industry regarding food texture. I would like to be a follower of Prof. Bourne and support young food texture scientists in the 21st century.Practical applicationsFood texture studies conducted during the last century are beginning to evolve. Based on previous publications in the Journal of Texture Studies, I believe that several areas can be further examined in this century. First, methods to evaluate the textures of heterogeneous materials, such as fruits and vegetables, require improvements. Second, the monitoring of rapid changes in food texture during oral processing should be considered during the design of food products. Third, a new instrumental method that mimics the movement and breakdown of soft foods by the tongue is being developed. The optimization of food processing to reduce the loss of agro‐products and production of high‐quality foods both require more attention according to the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
Efficacy of Oral Administration of Sodium Iodide to Prevent Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex
Authors: Shoemake B.M. , Vander Ley B.L. , Newcomer B.W. , Heller M.C. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe prevention of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) in beef cattle is important to maintaining health and productivity of calves in feeding operations.ObjectiveDetermine whether BRD bacterial and viral pathogens are susceptible to the lactoperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide/iodide (LPO/H2O2/I−) system in vitro and to determine whether the oral administration of sodium iodide (NaI) could achieve sufficient concentrations of iodine (I) in the respiratory secretions of weaned beef calves to inactivate these pathogens in vivo.AnimalsSixteen weaned, apparently healthy, commercial beef calves from the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine teaching herd.MethodsIn vitro viral and bacterial assays were performed to determine susceptibility to the LPO/H2O2/I− system at varying concentrations of NaI. Sixteen randomly selected, healthy crossbred beef weanlings were administered 70 mg/kg NaI, or water, orally in a blinded, placebo‐controlled trial. Blood and nasal secretions were collected for 72 hours and analyzed for I− concentration.ResultsBovine herpesvirus‐1, parainfluenza‐3, Mannheimia haemolytica and Bibersteinia trehalosi were all inactivated or inhibited in vitro by the LPO/H2O2/I− reaction. Oral administration of NaI caused a marked increase in nasal fluid I concentration with a Cmax = 181 (1,420 μM I), T12, a sufficient concentration to inactivate these pathogens in vitro.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn vitro, the LPO/H2O2/I− system inactivates and inhibits common pathogens associated with BRD. The administration of oral NaI significantly increases the I concentration of nasal fluid indicating that this system might be useful in preventing bovine respiratory infections.
Rapid Diagnosis of Babesia gibsoni by Point‐of‐Need Testing by Insulated Isothermal PCR in Dogs at High Risk of Infection
Authors: Cooke K.L. , Frenzer P. , Tucker S.J. , Crawford P.C. , Kirk S.K. , Levy J.K. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundDogs seized by law enforcement agencies during dogfighting investigations are at increased risk of Babesia gibsoni infection. A rapid and cost‐effective diagnostic test would increase the feasibility of mass screening of dogs for infection and monitoring treatment efficacy in B. gibsoni‐infected dogs.ObjectiveTo determine the performance of a point‐of‐need insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) test for diagnosis of B. gibsoni in dogs rescued in dogfighting investigations.AnimalsTwo hundred and thirty‐three dogs seized in dogfighting investigations.MethodsCross‐sectional study. Whole blood samples were tested for B. gibsoni and Babesia spp. by iiPCR. Results were compared to a reference standard comprised of concordant results from real‐time PCR in a commercial diagnostic laboratory and antibody titers.ResultsThe iiPCR system was quick to learn, portable, and had a short processing time of <2 hours. Sensitivity and specificity of the iiPCR assay for B. gibsoni were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81–95%) and 99% (CI, 95–100%), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the iiPCR assay for Babesia spp. were 87% (CI, 78–93%) and 98% (CI, 0.94–99%), respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe iiPCR system produced few false‐positive results, indicating that positive results are likely to represent true infections when used in high‐risk animals. The iiPCR system can fail to identify 10–15% of truly infected dogs. However, the portability, speed, and economy of the iiPCR system compared to testing through a reference laboratory can allow rescue groups to screen and identify infection in more dogs.
Gallbladder Agenesis in 17 Dogs: 2006–2016
Authors: Sato K. , Sakai M. , Hayakawa S. , Sakamoto Y. , Kagawa Y. , Kutara K. , Teshima K. , Asano K. , Watari T. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundGallbladder agenesis (GBA) is extremely rare in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe the history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of dogs with GBA.AnimalsSeventeen client‐owned dogs with GBA.MethodsMedical records from 2006 through 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included when GBA was suspected on abdominal ultrasonography and confirmed by gross evaluation. Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, treatment, and outcome were recorded.ResultsDogs were of 6 different breeds, and Chihuahuas (10 of 17) were most common. Median age at presentation was 1.9 (range, 0.7–7.4) years. Clinical signs included vomiting (5 of 17), anorexia (2 of 17), ascites (2 of 17), diarrhea (1 of 17), lethargy (1 of 17), and seizures (1 of 17). All dogs had increased serum activity of at least 1 liver enzyme, most commonly alanine aminotransferase (15 of 17). Fifteen dogs underwent computed tomography (CT) cholangiography; common bile duct (CBD) dilatation was confirmed in 12, without evidence of bile duct obstruction. Gross evaluation confirmed malformation of the liver lobes in 14 of 17 dogs and acquired portosystemic collaterals in 5 of 17. Ductal plate malformation was confirmed histologically in 16 of 17 dogs. During follow‐up (range, 4–3,379 days), 16 of 17 dogs remained alive.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDogs with GBA exhibit clinicopathological signs of hepatobiliary injury and hepatic histopathological changes consistent with a ductal plate abnormality. Computed tomography cholangiography was superior to ultrasound examination in identifying accompanying nonobstructive CBD distention. Computed tomography cholangiography combined with laparoscopic liver biopsy is the preferable approach to characterize the full disease spectrum accompanying GBA in dogs.
Evaluation of Serum Symmetric Dimethylarginine Concentration as a Marker for Masked Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats With Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Peterson M.E. , Varela F.V. , Rishniw M. , Polzin D.J. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundHyperthyroidism can complicate (mask) the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) because it increases glomerular filtration rate and decreases body muscle mass, both of which can lower serum creatinine concentrations. Currently, there is no clinical test that can reliably predict which hyperthyroid cats have concurrent azotemicCKDthat will become apparent after treatment of the hyperthyroidism.ObjectivesTo investigate serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentration as a potential marker of masked azotemia in untreated hyperthyroid cats.AnimalsTwo hundred and sixty‐two hyperthyroid cats and 206 aged‐matched, clinically normal cats.MethodsProspective study. We measured creatinine, urea nitrogen,SDMA, T4, andTSHconcentrations before and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment with radioiodine (131I) and classified131I‐treated cats as azotemic or nonazotemic based on persistent, post‐treatment creatinine concentrations >2.1 mg/dL. Groups were compared via nonparametric tests, and diagnostic accuracy was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis and logistic regression.ResultsNo hyperthyroid cats were azotemic before treatment, but 42 (16%) became azotemic when rechecked at 4–8 months (median, 6 months) after131I treatment; of these, 14 had highSDMAconcentrations before treatment. As a diagnostic test for pre‐azotemic (masked)CKDin untreated hyperthyroid cats,SDMAshowed a sensitivity of 33.3% and specificity of 97.7%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFinding a high serumSDMAconcentration in a hyperthyroid cat can help predict development of azotemia after treatment. The test has high diagnostic test specificity (few false‐positive results) but relatively low sensitivity (fails to predict azotemia in most hyperthyroid cats).
Re‐Os isotope systematics and fractionation of siderophile elements in metal phases from CBa chondrites
Authors: Nakanishi Nao , Yokoyama Tetsuya , Okabayashi Satoki , Usui Tomohiro , Iwamori Hikaru 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report Os isotope compositions of metal grains in two CBa chondrites (Bencubbin and Gujba) determined using a micromilling sampling coupled with thermal ionization mass spectrometry, together with the abundances of major and trace siderophile elements obtained by electron probe microanalysis and femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The CBa metal grains presented 187Os/188Os ratios akin to carbonaceous chondrites with limited variations (0.1257–0.1270). Most of the CBa metal grains were scattered along a 187Re‐187Os reference isochron of IIIAB iron meteorites, indicating that the CBa metals experienced limited Re‐Os fractionation at the time of their formation. The Re/Os ratios of sampling spots for the CBa metals, recast from the observed 187Os/188Os ratios, had a positive correlation with their Os/Ir ratios. In addition, the metal grains showed a positive correlation in a Pd/Fe versus Ni/Fe diagram. These correlations suggest that the CBa metal grains have formed via equilibrium condensation or evaporation from a gaseous reservoir at ~10−4 bar with enhanced metal abundances. Compared to the Bencubbin metals, the Gujba metals are characterized by having systematically lower Pd/Fe and Ni/Fe ratios that span subchondritic values. Such a difference was most likely induced by the compositionally heterogeneous impact plume from which the metals were condensed.
Nurses’ competence in genetics: An integrative review
Authors: Wright Helen , Zhao Lin , Birks Melanie , Mills Jane 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe aim of this integrative review was to update a mixed method systematic review by Skirton, O'Connor, and Humphreys (2012) that reported on nurses’ levels of competence in using genetics in clinical practice. Three electronic databases were searched using selected key words. Research studies published in English between January 2011 and September 2017 reporting levels of nurse competence in genetics or genomics were eligible for inclusion. The selected studies were subjected to thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified: (i) genomic knowledge and utilization, (ii) perceived relevance to practice, and (iii) genomic education. While the reviewed papers produced varied findings, many nurses were shown to have poor genomic knowledge and/or competency, and yet there was a consensus that most nurses believe genomics is important to their practice. The present review indicated that in the past 5 years nurses have made minimal progress toward achieving the core genomic competencies appropriate for clinical practice.