bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles do not contribute to higher circulating levels of soluble LRP1 in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Roura Santiago , Gálvez‐Montón Carolina , de Gonzalo‐Calvo David , Valero Ana Gámez , Gastelurrutia Paloma , Revuelta‐López Elena , Prat‐Vidal Cristina , Soler‐Botija Carolina , Llucià‐Valldeperas Aida , Perea‐Gil Isaac , Iborra‐Egea Oriol , Borràs Francesc E. , Lupón Josep , Llorente‐Cortés Vicenta , Bayes‐Genis Antoni 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIdiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) is a frequent cause of heart transplantation. Potentially valuable blood markers are being sought, and low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1) has been linked to the underlying molecular basis of the disease. This study compared circulating levels of soluble LRP1 (sLRP1) in IDCM patients and healthy controls and elucidated whether sLRP1 is exported out of the myocardium through extracellular vesicles (EVs) to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. LRP1 α chain expression was analysed in samples collected from the left ventricles of explanted hearts using immunohistochemistry. sLRP1 concentrations were determined in platelet‐free plasma by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma‐derived EVs were extracted by size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and cryo‐transmission electron microscopy. The distributions of vesicular (CD9, CD81) and myocardial (caveolin‐3) proteins and LRP1 α chain were assessed in SEC fractions by flow cytometry. LRP1 α chain was preferably localized to blood vessels in IDCM compared to control myocardium. Circulating sLRP1 was increased in IDCM patients. CD9‐ and CD81‐positive fractions enriched with membrane vesicles with the expected size and morphology were isolated from both groups. The LRP1 α chain was not present in these SEC fractions, which were also positive for caveolin‐3. The increase in circulating sLRP1 in IDCM patients may be clinically valuable. Although EVs do not contribute to higher sLRP1 levels in IDCM, a comprehensive analysis of EV content would provide further insights into the search for novel blood markers.
PTEN inhibits replicative senescence‐induced MMP‐1 expression by regulating NOX4‐mediated ROS in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Noh Eun‐Mi , Kim Jeong‐Mi , Hong On‐Yu , Song Hyun‐Kyung , Kim Jong‐Suk , Kwon Kang‐Beom , Lee Young‐Rae 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe biological function of NADPH oxidase (NOX) is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS, primarily arising from oxidative cell metabolism, play a major role in both chronological ageing and photoageing. ROS in extrinsic and intrinsic skin ageing may be assumed to induce the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. NADPH oxidase is closely linked with phosphatidylinositol 3‐OH kinase (PI3K) signalling. Protein kinase C (PKC), a downstream molecule of PI3K, is essential for superoxide generation by NADPH oxidase. However, the effect of PTEN and NOX4 in replicative‐aged MMPs expression has not been determined. In this study, we confirmed that inhibition of the PI3K signalling pathway by PTEN gene transfer abolished the NOX‐4 and MMP‐1 expression. Also, NOX‐4 down‐expression of replicative‐aged skin cells abolished the MMP‐1 expression and ROS generation. These results suggest that increase of MMP‐1 expression by replicative‐induced ROS is related to the change in the PTEN and NOX expression.
Neutral processes forming large clones during colonization of new areas
Authors: Rafajlović M. , Kleinhans D. , Gulliksson C. , Fries J. , Johansson D. , Ardehed A. , Sundqvist L. , Pereyra R. T. , Mehlig B. , Jonsson P. R. , Johannesson K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn species reproducing both sexually and asexually clones are often more common in recently established populations. Earlier studies have suggested that this pattern arises due to natural selection favouring generally or locally successful genotypes in new environments. Alternatively, as we show here, this pattern may result from neutral processes during species’ range expansions. We model a dioecious species expanding into a new area in which all individuals are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction, and all individuals have equal survival rates and dispersal distances. Even under conditions that favour sexual recruitment in the long run, colonization starts with an asexual wave. After colonization is completed, a sexual wave erodes clonal dominance. If individuals reproduce more than one season, and with only local dispersal, a few large clones typically dominate for thousands of reproductive seasons. Adding occasional long‐distance dispersal, more dominant clones emerge, but they persist for a shorter period of time. The general mechanism involved is simple: edge effects at the expansion front favour asexual (uniparental) recruitment where potential mates are rare. Specifically, our model shows that neutral processes (with respect to genotype fitness) during the population expansion, such as random dispersal and demographic stochasticity, produce genotype patterns that differ from the patterns arising in a selection model. The comparison with empirical data from a post‐glacially established seaweed species (Fucus radicans) shows that in this case, a neutral mechanism is strongly supported.
A component‐by‐component characterisation of high‐risk atherosclerotic plaques by multiphoton microscopic imaging
Authors: JAIN M. , WU B. , PISAPIA D. , SALVATORE S. , MUKHERJEE S. , NARULA N. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAims: Atherosclerotic plaques vulnerable to rupture are almost always inflamed, and carry a large lipid core covered by a thin fibrous cap. The other components may include neovascularisation, intraplaque haemorrhage and spotty calcification. In contrast, stable plaques are characterised by a predominance of smooth muscle cells and collagen, and lipid core is usually deep seated or absent. This study is a proof of principle experiment to evaluate the feasibility of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to identify aforementioned plaque components.Methods and Results: MPM is a nonlinear optical technique that allows imaging based on intrinsic tissue signals including autofluorescence and higher‐order scattering. In our study, MPM imaging was performed on morphologically diverse aortic and coronary artery plaques obtained during autopsy. Various histologically verified plaque components including macrophages, cholesterol crystals, haemorrhage, collagen and calcification were recognised by MPM.Conclusions: Recognition of the distinct signatures of various plaque components suggests that MPM has the potential to offer next‐generation characterisation of atherosclerotic plaques. The higher lateral resolution (comparable to histology) images generated by MPM for identifying plaque components might complement larger field of view and greater imaging depth currently available with optical coherence tomography imaging. As the next step MPM would need to be evaluated for intact vessel imaging ex vivo and in vivo.
Perceptually accurate display of two greyscale images as a single colour image
Authors: TAYLOR A.B. , IOANNOU M.S. , WATANABE T. , HAHN K. , CHEW T.‐L. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryLife scientists often desire to display the signal from two different molecular probes as a single colour image, so as to convey information about the probes’ relative concentrations as well as their spatial corelationship. Traditionally, such colour images are created through a merge display, where each greyscale signal is assigned to different channels of an RGB colour image. However, human perception of colour and greyscale intensity is not equivalent. Thus, a merged image display conveys to the typical viewer only a subset of the absolute and relative intensity information present in and between two greyscale images. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* colour space (CIELAB) has been designed to specify colours according to the perceptually defined quantities of hue (perceived colour) and luminosity (perceived brightness). Here, we use the CIELAB colour space to encode two dimensions of information about two greyscale images within these two perceptual dimensions of a single colour image. We term our method a Perceptually Uniform Projection display and show using biological image examples how these displays convey more information about two greyscale signals than comparable RGB colour space‐based techniques.
The elusive ettringite under the high‐vacuum SEM – a reflection based on natural samples, the use of Monte Carlo modelling of EDS analyses and an extension to the ettringite group minerals
Authors: THIÉRY VINCENT , TRINCAL VINCENT , DAVY CATHERINE A. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryEttringite, Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12.26H2O, or C6A3H32 as it is known in cement chemistry notation, is a major phase of interest in cement science as an hydration product and in polluted soil treatment since its structure can accommodate with many hazardous cations. Beyond those anthropogenic features, ettringite is first of all a naturally occurring mineral (although rare). An example of its behaviour under the scanning electron microscope and during energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) qualitative analysis is presented, based on the study of natural ettringite crystals from the N'Chwaning mine in South Africa. Monte Carlo modelling of the electron‐matter interaction zone at various voltages is presented and confronted with actual, observed beam damage on crystals, which burst at the analysis spot. Finally, theoretical energy dispersive spectroscopy spectra for all the ettringite group minerals have been computed as well as Monte Carlo modelling of the electron‐matter interaction zone. The knowledge of the estimation of the size of this zone may thus be helpful for the understanding of energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis in cement pastes or ettringite‐remediated soils.
Dealing with end of life—New graduated nurse experiences
Authors: Croxon Lyn , Deravin Linda , Anderson Judith 
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectivesThis article explores the perceptions of new graduate nurses around their readiness for practice when faced with death and dying within the workplace, particularly in rural hospital and community nursing settings.BackgroundAn essential consideration for nurses in the care of people with life‐limiting illness is the extent of their preparation for this area of practice. Nurses need to be aware of a multitude of compounding factors that will influence how and where the person is cared for. Despite significant literature about how to provide end of life education to undergraduate nurses there is little in the literature that explores the experiences of new graduate nurses.DesignThis paper reports on a qualitative interpretative study with data collected in seven semi‐structured interviews.MethodParticipants were invited to be interviewed with an online mail‐out to Alumni who had graduated between 1–2 years earlier. A thematic analysis of the interviews was then conducted.ResultsFour themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the interviews. These were; the role of the new graduate in palliative care, preparation for palliative care in undergraduate nursing curricula, readiness for dealing with death and dying, and gaps in educational preparation.ConclusionsWhile palliative care is viewed as an important aspect of undergraduate nursing education, it is recognised as an area of practice that undergraduate nurses feel they are not adequately prepared for. This study identifies the need to incorporate skills such as having conversations and communicating effectively with patients and families experiencing end of life issues.Relevance to clinical practiceGraduate nurses feel they are not adequately prepared for end of life care which demonstrates the need for quality end of life care education in undergraduate nursing curricula.
Using action research to develop midwives’ skills to support women with perinatal mental health needs
Authors: Madden Deirdre , Sliney Annmarie , O'Friel Aoife , McMackin Barbara , O'Callaghan Bernie , Casey Kate , Courtney Lisa , Fleming Valerie , Brady Vivienne 
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectivesThe aim of the research was to identify and develop midwives’ skills to support women with mental health needs during pregnancy, using an action research approach.BackgroundA review of perinatal mental health services in a large Dublin maternity unit revealed a high number of referred women who ‘did not attend’ the perinatal mental health service with few guidelines in place to support midwives in identifying and referring women for specialist help.DesignAction research using cooperative inquiry involved a mental health nurse specialist and a team of midwives, who were drawn to each other in mutual concern about an area of practice.MethodsData were gathered from three Cooperative Inquiry meetings, which incorporated one main Action Research Cycle of constructing, planning, taking and evaluating action. Data were analysed using a thematic content analysis framework.ResultsParticipants experienced varying levels of uncertainty about how to support women with perinatal mental health needs. Cooperative inquiry supported participants in making sense of how they understood perinatal mental health and how they managed challenges experienced when caring for women with perinatal mental health issues. Participants developed a referral pathway, highlighted the significance of education to support women with perinatal mental health issues and identified the value of using open questions to promote conversation with pregnant women about mental health.ConclusionsMidwives value education and support to identify and refer women at risk of perinatal mental health issues. Cooperative inquiry, with a focus on action and shared reflection, facilitated the drawing together of two professional groups with diverse knowledge bases to work together to develop practice in an area of mutual concern.Relevance to clinical practicePerinatal mental health is a significant public health issue and midwives need support to make psychosocial assessments and to negotiate access to specialist services where available and when required.
When people with dementia are perceived as witches. Consequences for patients and nurse education in South Africa
Authors: Mkhonto Flora , Hanssen Ingrid 
Published: May 2017

Aims and ObjectivesTo explore and describe the link between culture and dementia care with the focus on the influence of the belief in dementia as witchcraft and people with dementia as witches.BackgroundIn South Africa, especially in townships and rural areas, dementia is often perceived as connected to witchcraft rather than to disease. Persons labelled as witches—mostly older women—may be bullied, ostracised, beaten, stoned, burned, even killed.MethodOne strand of findings from a larger international study is presented with in‐depth qualitative interviews of one close family member and seven nurses caring for patients with severe dementia in nursing homes in Tshwane in South Africa. A hermeneutic analytic approach was used.ResultsTwo main themes are found, namely “Belief in witchcraft causing fear of persons with dementia” and “Need of knowledge and education.” Fear of and violence towards people with dementia are based on the belief that they are witches. Some of the nurses had also held this belief until they started working with patients with dementia. There is a great need for education both among healthcare workers and the populace.DiscussionThe “witch” belief prevents seeking professional help. As nursing homes tend to be private and expensive, professional dementia care is virtually unattainable for the poor. Dementia needs a more prominent place in nursing curricula. Nurses as educators need to know the local culture and language to be accepted in the various communities. They need to visit families affected by dementia, give awareness talks in churches, schools and clinics and facilitate support groups for carers of people with dementia in the local language.ConclusionImproved nurses’ education in gerontology and geriatric care is needed. Trained specialist nurses may work as mediators and help eradicate the witchcraft beliefs connected to severe dementia.
MIGRATION AND INSTITUTIONS: EXIT AND VOICE (FROM ABROAD)?
Authors: Baudassé Thierry , Bazillier Rémi , Issifou Ismaël 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA rapidly growing body of research examines the relationship between migration and institutions. Three strands of studies can be distinguished. Some studies focused on the role of domestic and foreign institutions in the decision to migrate. Others were interested by the impact of migration on institutional reforms in migrants' countries of origin. Recent studies focus on how migrants affect social and informal institutions in the destination countries. This survey puts together these three strands of literature with three purposes. First, we offer a short definition and synthetic typology of institutions, which provide a guide to understand several studies we have critically reviewed. Second, our analysis is presented following the analytic framework exit, voice, and loyalty of Hirschman in order to highlight the brain gain phenomenon for developing countries, from an institutional point of view. Third, we review the limited existing work on the very timely topic, whether migrants are harmful or not to institutions in the host countries.
Clinical feasibility of pre‐operative neurodevelopmental assessment of infants undergoing open heart surgery
Authors: Campbell Miranda , Rabbidge Bridgette , Ziviani Jenny , Sakzewski Leanne 
Published: May 2017

AimAssessing the neurodevelopmental status of infants with congenital heart disease before surgery provides a means of identifying those at heightened risk of developmental delay. This study aimed to investigate factors impacting clinical feasibility of pre‐operative neurodevelopmental assessment of infants undergoing early open heart surgery.MethodsInfants who underwent open heart surgery prior to 4 months of age participated in this cross‐sectional study. The Test of Infant Motor Performance and Prechtl's Assessment of General Movements were undertaken on infants pre‐operatively. When assessments could not be undertaken, reasons were ascribed to either infant or environmental circumstances. Demographic data and Aristotle scores were compared between groups of infants who did or did not undergo assessment. Binary logistic regression was used to explore associations.ResultsA total of 60 infants participated in the study. Median gestational age was 38.78 weeks (interquartile range: 36.93–39.72). Of these infants, 37 (62%) were unable to undergo pre‐operative assessment. Twenty‐four (40%) could not complete assessment due to infant‐related factors and 13 (22%) due to environmental‐related factors. For every point increase in the Aristotle Patient‐Adjusted Complexity score, the infants likelihood of being unable to undergo assessment increased by 35% (odds ratio: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.77, P = 0.03).ConclusionOver half of the infants undergoing open heart surgery were unable to complete pre‐operative neurodevelopmental assessment. The primary reason for this was infant‐related medical instability. Findings suggest further research is warranted to investigate whether the Aristotle Patient‐Adjusted Complexity score might serve as an indicator to inform developmental surveillance with this medically fragile cohort.
The big, the bad, and the beautiful: Biology of the world's largest flowers
Authors: Nikolov Lachezar A. , Davis Charles C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRafflesiaceae, crowned “the greatest prodigy of the vegetable world”, produce the largest flowers in angiosperms. They are also holoparasites residing inside their vine hosts, and emerge only during flowering. The floral gigantism and obligate parasitism of Rafflesiaceae have rendered their structure unrecognizable to most plant biologists. The vegetative body is composed of highly reduced strands of cells embedded in the host tissue, and does not differentiate into leaves, stems, or roots. The flowers look and smell like decaying animal flesh and exhibit numerous features unknown in the vast majority of flowering plants. This unusual combination of characters, alongside their generally elevated rates of molecular evolution among commonly used phylogenetic markers and propensity for host‐to‐parasite horizontal gene transfer, has obscured the phylogenetic affinities of Rafflesiaceae since their discovery two centuries ago. Here, we review the phylogenetic placement of Rafflesiaceae and how it has informed a deeper understanding of the pattern and magnitude of horizontal gene transfer in parasitic plants. We also examine the vegetative and reproductive morphology of Rafflesiaceae to provide insight into how these unusual plants are constructed, and offer clues on their evolution from tiny flowered ancestors to floral giants.
Prevalence of Vector‐Borne Pathogens in Southern California Dogs With Clinical and Laboratory Abnormalities Consistent With Immune‐Mediated Disease
Authors: Kidd L. , Qurollo B. , Lappin M. , Richter K. , Hart J.R. , Hill S. , Osmond C. , Breitschwerdt E.B. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundStudies investigating the prevalence of vector‐borne pathogens in southern California dogs are limited. Occult infections might be misdiagnosed as idiopathic immune‐mediated disease.Hypothesis/Objectives(1) To determine the prevalence of vector‐borne pathogens in southern California dogs with compatible clinical findings using PCR and serologic panels and (2) to determine whether testing convalescent samples and repeating PCR on acute samples using the same and different gene targets enhance detection.AnimalsForty‐two client‐owned dogs with clinical signs of vector‐borne disease presenting to specialty practices in San Diego County.MethodsCombined prospective and retrospective observational study. Forty‐two acute and 27 convalescent samples were collected. Acute samples were prospectively tested for antibodies toRickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Babesia, Borrelia, and Anaplasma species. PCR targetingEhrlichia,Babesia,Anaplasma, hemotropicMycoplasma,andBartonellaspecies was also performed. Retrospectively, convalescent samples were tested for the same organisms using serology, and forEhrlichia,Babesia,Anaplasma, andBartonellaspecies using PCR. Acute samples were retested using PCR targetingEhrlichiaandBabesiaspecies.ResultsEvidence of exposure to or infection with a vector‐borne pathogen was detected in 33% (14/42) of dogs.EhrlichiaandBabesiaspecies were most common; each was identified in 5 dogs. Convalescent serologic testing, repeating PCR, and using novel PCR gene targets increased detection by 30%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceRepeated testing using serology and PCR enhances detection of infection by vector‐borne pathogens in dogs with clinical signs of immune‐mediated disease. Larger prevalence studies of emerging vector‐borne pathogens in southern California dogs are warranted.