bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene polymorphism linked to increased asthma and IBD risk alters gasdermin-B structure, a sulfatide and phosphoinositide binding protein
Authors: Chao Kinlin L. , Kulakova Liudmila , Herzberg Osnat 
Published: February 2017

Significance
The exact function of gasdermin-B, a protein involved in epithelial cell development, is unknown. We provide insights into gasdermin-B function and how it may contribute to cancer progression and genetic susceptibility to asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In contrast to other gasdermins, which bind phosphoinositides and cardiolipin only upon cleavage between their N- and C-terminal domains, intact gasdermin-B binds phosphoinositides and, uniquely, sulfatide, a component of the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Polymorphism residues in the C-terminal domain, associated with asthma and IBD, induce structural changes that may affect protein activity. Components of the apical plasma membrane maintain the cell barrier integrity; thus, aberrant sulfatide levels due to changes in the cellular gasdermin-B concentration or activity could affect disease risk.
Genetic Changes Associated with the Evolution of Adaptedness in Cultivated Plants and Their Wild Progenitors
Authors: Allard R. W. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The results of long-term studies of changes in adaptedness in a number of experimental populations of annual plants are summarized. Measurements made of quantitative traits showed that cumulative increases in reproductive capacity continued in these experimental populations for more than 50 generations. Highly significant allelic frequency changes also occurred for marker loci governing morphological variants, disease resistance, allozymes, and rDNA restriction fragments. Individual effects of the marker loci on quantitative traits were determined by extensive progeny testing of selfed families descended from single plants isolated from various generations of the experimental populations. Comparisons between homozygotes and heterozygotes of marker loci for quantitative trait expression revealed that all the marker loci studied had statistically significant additive effects on several to many quantitative traits; thus, each Mendelian locus, in addition to being a locus for its discrete descriptive effect, was also a locus for several quantitative traits. Consistent associations were found between superior reproductive capacity (e.g., larger numbers of kernels per plant) and the alleles of marker loci that Increased in frequency over generations; no other quantitative traits measured were clearly and consistently associated with alleles that increased in frequency. Multilocus analyses based on canonical correlation, log linear, and cluster analysis procedures showed that highly significant associations developed in early generations among alleles of different loci in all the predominantly selfing populations studied. Dynamic changes featuring amalgamations of alleles into fewer clusters involving larger numbers of loci continued into the late generations. Patterns of ecogenetic differentiation that developed under predominant selling were found to be fine-scaled overlays of environmental heterogeneity. The picture of evolutionary change that emerges is one in which the incorporation of Increasing numbers of favorably interacting alleles into large synergistic complexes was accompanied in inbreeding populations by increases in adaptedness to the local environment and also by striking ecogenetic differentiation among local populations that occupy unlike habitats, including differentiation between cultivated plants and their wild progenitors. Selfing appears to promote the development and maintenance of adaptedness within populations and at the same time to facilitate the development of spatial differentiation by retarding gene flow between populations. Patterns of adaptive change in outbreeding populations, although similar to those of inbreeders in most particulars, featured less distinct multilocus structural organization within, as well as much less distinct ecogeographical differentiation among, populations.
Radiation Dosimetry by Photo-Acoustic Spectrometry
Authors: Biró T. , Diószeghy T. , Kelemen A. , Lörincz A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Photo-acoustics, or, in general, particle acoustics (PA) offers new potentials in various fields of radiation dosimetry. As a spectrometric method it can be used to obtain new information on material properties for a wide range of dosimetric materials including opaque and powdered samples, and to measure dose by absorption spectrometry. On the other hand, as a calorimetric method, it can be used as a direct means of measuring the absorbed dose rate of pulsed or chopped radiation beams of any kind of energetic particles. The PA spectroscopy (PAS) response of powdered LiF (TLD-100) that had been exposed to 60Co gamma rays was investigated and it was found that the absorption peaks at 380 and 444 nm provided a means for measuring absorbed dose in the 0.003-1 MGy range. PA signals generated by 4 to 5 MeV electrons from a linac were detected and the energy deposition profiles in Al, Cu and Fe were measured.
Varicella zoster virus meningitis under ustekinumab because of plaque psoriasis
Authors: Stöllberger Claudia , Finsterer Josef 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUstekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the shared p40 subunit of interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐23, is approved in the USA and Europe for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. There are concerns that biologic treatments like ustekinumab may lead to an increased rate of infections. We report a 77‐year‐old woman who developed varicella zoster virus meningitis 8 weeks after initiation of ustekinumab therapy because of plaque psoriasis. She presented clinically with sudden onset of fatigue, vertigo, nausea and epileptic seizures. Investigations of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed 522/3 cells, lactate 2.9 mmol/L, protein 232 mg/dL and 2.4 × 103 varicella zoster virus. After 3 weeks of therapy with acyclovir she recovered. We conclude that infection by varicella zoster virus has to be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with newly developing neurological or psychiatric abnormalities under immunosuppressive therapy.
Macromolecular Antioxidants and Dietary Fiber in Edible Seaweeds
Authors: Sanz‐Pintos Nerea , Pérez‐Jiménez Jara , Buschmann Alejandro H. , Vergara‐Salinas José Rodrigo , Pérez‐Correa José Ricardo , Saura‐Calixto Fulgencio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSeaweeds are rich in different bioactive compounds with potential uses in drugs, cosmetics and the food industry. The objective of this study was to analyze macromolecular antioxidants or nonextractable polyphenols, in several edible seaweed species collected in Chile (Gracilaria chilensis, Callophyllis concepcionensis, Macrocystis pyrifera, Scytosyphon lomentaria, Ulva sp. and Enteromorpha compressa), including their 1st HPLC characterization. Macromolecular antioxidants are commonly ignored in studies of bioactive compounds. They are associated with insoluble dietary fiber and exhibit significant biological activity, with specific features that are different from those of both dietary fiber and extractable polyphenols. We also evaluated extractable polyphenols and dietary fiber, given their relationship with macromolecular antioxidants. Our results show that macromolecular antioxidants are a major polyphenol fraction (averaging 42% to total polyphenol content), with hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols being the main constituents. This fraction also showed remarkable antioxidant capacity, as determined by 2 complementary assays. The dietary fiber content was over 50% of dry weight, with some samples exhibiting the target proportionality between soluble and insoluble dietary fiber for adequate nutrition. Overall, our data show that seaweed could be an important source of commonly ignored macromolecular antioxidants.
Does apical negative pressure prevent the apical extrusion of debris and irrigant compared with conventional irrigation? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Romualdo Priscilla Coutinho , de Oliveira Katharina Morant Holanda , Nemezio Mariana Alencar , Küchler Erika Calvano , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , Silva Lea Assed Bezerra 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate if apical negative pressure (ANP) irrigation prevents the apical extrusion of debris and irrigant compared with conventional needle irrigation through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A computer search of dental literature was performed using four different databases. A combination of the terms ‘apical negative pressure’, ‘endovac’, ‘apical extrusion’, ‘extrusion’ and ‘endodontics’ was used. Studies that used extracted human teeth with a mature apex and that evaluated the apical extrusion of debris and/or irrigating solution were included. After an evaluation of the full studies according to the eligibility criteria, eight studies were critically analysed and subjected to quality assessment and risk of bias. Only four studies that evaluated extrusion of irrigant were considered as having high methodological quality and were subjected to a meta‐analysis. Studies evaluating extrusion of debris did not have sufficient methodological quality to be subjected to the meta‐analysis. The forest plot indicated that ANP irrigation prevents the risk of irrigant extrusion compared with conventional irrigation (OR 0.07 [95%CI 0.02–0.20]; P < 0.00001). This systematic review and meta‐analysis showed that ANP prevents the apical extrusion of irrigant. There is no evidence if this type of irrigation prevents the extrusion of debris.
Lipopolysaccharide induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation: A new potential therapeutic target for proliferative vascular diseases
Authors: Jiang Dehua , Yang Yu , Li Dongye 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation is involved in vascular atherosclerosis and restenosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promotes VSMCs proliferation, but the signalling pathways which are involved are not completely understood. The purpose of this review was to summarize the existing knowledge of the role and molecular mechanisms involved in controlling VSMCs proliferation stimulated by LPS and mediated by toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathways. Moreover, the potential inhibitors of TLR4 signalling for VSMCs proliferation in proliferative vascular diseases are discussed.
Light public–private partnerships in the water supply sector: Malawi and other case studies from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Marson Marta , Maggi Elena 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe article analyzes light forms of Public–Private Partnership (PPP), namely management and service contracts, in the water supply sector of sub‐Saharan Africa, based on original research in Malawi and on a review of five additional case studies. We refer to information asymmetries and contract theory to explain the observed performances of the PPPs. The article considers the incentives to engage in the partnership and to commit effort, together with the challenges which can prevent effort from translating into actual results. The study concludes that some problems encountered by light PPP experiences are intrinsic to their incentive structure and discusses the policy implications of light PPPs promotion in the context of the Aid Effectiveness debate.
Estimating Pesticide Attenuation From Water Dating and the Ratio of Metabolite to Parent Compound
Authors: Farlin Julien , Bayerle Michael , Pittois Denis , Gallé Tom 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAlthough pesticides are primarily degraded in the topsoil, significant attenuation can be expected in groundwater systems where the transit time of pesticides usually are orders of magnitude longer than in the soil. Because degradation and transport processes in the subsurface take place at time scales of months to years or even decades, direct measurements of natural attenuation are hampered by practical and logistical limitations (for instance the limited duration of sampling or a correct estimation of the pesticide flux into groundwater). Indirect methods such as measuring the changes in the ratio of degradation product to parent compound as a function of transit time in the aquifer, along a flow line provide a possible alternative. This paper presents a simple mathematical formulation of the relationship between transit time in the subsurface and changes in that ratio, and allows estimating the transformation rate of both parent compound and degradation product. The applicability of the method is illustrated in a case study investigating atrazine attenuation in a fractured sandstone aquifer.
Regaining ownership and restoring belongingness: impact of family group conferences in coercive psychiatry
Authors: Meijer Ellen , Schout Gert , de Jong Gideon , Abma Tineke 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimThis study examined the impact of family group conferences on coercive treatment in adult psychiatry.BackgroundCoercive treatment in psychiatry infringes the fundamental rights of clients, including the right to control their lives. A promising intervention is the family group conferences, which has the potential to prevent crises through the integration of the expertise of informal and professional networks.DesignA responsive evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative methods, was deployed to study the process leading up to the FGC, the proceedings and the impact of the conference.MethodFrom 2013–2015, 41 family group conferences were studied in three regions in the Netherlands. The impact of every conference was examined with scales (ranging from 0–10) during interviews with attendees (clients, family members, friends, mental health professionals and family group conferences coordinators) who reflected on three outcome measures: belongingness, ownership and coercion.ResultsAfter the family group conferences, respondents indicated a slight reduction in their experience of coercive treatment. They also mentioned an increase in ownership and belongingness.ConclusionFamily group conferences seems a promising intervention to reduce coercion in psychiatry. It helps to regain ownership and restores belongingness. If mental health professionals take a more active role in the pursuit of a family group conferences and reinforce the plans with their expertise, they can strengthen the impact even further.
Diversification in arid mountains: biogeography and cryptic diversity of Pristurus rupestris rupestris in Arabia
Authors: Garcia‐Porta Joan , Simó‐Riudalbas Marc , Robinson Michael , Carranza Salvador 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimTo understand the patterns of genetic, geographical and morphological diversification in the Arabian gecko subspecies Pristurus rupestris rupestris, and to discuss the various processes that generate and shape diversity in arid mountain ranges.LocationHajar Mountains, south‐eastern Arabian Peninsula.MethodsWe sampled 466 individuals across the entire range of P. r. rupestris in the Hajar Mountains and sequenced one mitochondrial gene for all the samples, and one extra mitochondrial and four nuclear genes for a subset of 75 specimens. A total of 155 individuals were characterized morphologically. Multilocus coalescent‐based methods were used for species delimitation, for phylogenetic inference of species trees and to investigate the diversification dynamics. Multivariate statistics were used to analyse morphological data.ResultsOur molecular methods revealed 14 candidate species hidden within the subspecies P. r. rupestris. Diversification started c. 15 Ma, but most of the lineages have evolved in the last 7 Ma of the mountains’ orogeny, producing a mosaic of allopatric taxa. Secondary interchange has occurred between high and low elevation lineages, and along the mountain chain between unrelated lineages formerly separated by mountain blocks. Morphological variation between the 14 candidate species is slight, but a high elevation robust morphotype is identified.Main conclusionsOur results support the notion that mountain ranges constitute important centres of diversification in arid regions, and also act as ‘species pumps’ into surrounding areas. We also demonstrate that arid mountains may constitute important reservoirs of cryptic diversity, even in common and widespread species. This, and previous evidence, suggest that the Hajar Mountains are a biological hotspot and an important reservoir of diversity. We therefore suggest that these mountains should be a priority focal point for conservation in Arabia.
Assessment of Dentally Related Function in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment: The Dental Activities Test
Authors: Chen Xi , Zimmerman Sheryl , Potter Guy G. , Sloane Philip D. , Cohen Lauren W. , Reed David 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo develop and validate the Dental Activities Test (DAT), a clinical tool for measuring dentally related function in cognitively impaired older adults.DesignCross‐sectional study design.SettingThree assisted living residences in North Carolina.ParticipantsAssisted living residents with normal to impaired cognition aged 50 and older; not blind, deaf, or severely physically disabled; and English speaking (N = 90).MeasurementsItems for the DAT were developed based on focus group discussions, literature review, and clinical relevance. Cronbach alpha, interrater reliability, and test–retest reliability were examined, and construct validity was assessed in relation to correlations with cognitive and functional assessments. Correlations between the DAT and oral health measures were also analyzed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the DAT.ResultsThe DAT has excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach alpha 0.90), test‐retest reliability (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.84), and interrater reliability (r = 0.90). In terms of construct validity, higher DAT scores were significantly associated with better cognitive function, as well as better activity of daily living and instrumental activity of daily living function. Finally, the DAT was significantly associated with oral hygiene and gingival health.ConclusionThe DAT is a reliable and valid instrument to measure dentally‐related function in older adults with cognitive impairment.
Participation in paediatric perioperative care: ‘what it means for parents’
Authors: Sjöberg Carina , Svedberg Petra , Nygren Jens M , Carlsson Ing‐Marie 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore what it means for parents to participate in their children's paediatric perioperative care.BackgroundAllowing parents to participate in paediatric perioperative care can make a major difference for children in terms of their well‐being, a decreased need for painkillers, fewer sleeping disorders and a more positive experience for both parties. The nurse anaesthetist should have a holistic view and develop a shared vision for the child, the parents and for themselves to perform successful paediatric perioperative care.DesignDescriptive qualitative study.MethodsThe study was conducted in 2014. Data were collected in 20 narrative interviews with 15 mothers and five fathers who had experience of participating in their child's paediatric perioperative day surgery. The analysis was carried out with qualitative content analysis to describe the variations, differences and similarities in the experiences.ResultsThe analysis revealed a main category that describes that parental participation in the context of paediatric perioperative care in day surgery meant ‘having strength to participate despite an increased vulnerability’. Three generic categories with additional subcategories explained what was essential for the parents to be able to preserve this strength and participate in their child's care despite their increased vulnerability. The generic categories were named, ‘gaining information about what will happen’, ‘being seen as a resource’ and ‘gaining access to the environment’.ConclusionEfforts should be made to improve parents’ roles and opportunities to participate in paediatric perioperative care.Relevance to clinical practiceNurse anaesthetists have a crucial role in enabling parents’ participation and need knowledge to develop strategies and nursing interventions that meet parents’ needs.
Nursing actions that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Emsfors Åsa , Christensson Lennart , Elgán Carina 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo identify and describe nursing actions performed by nurses that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration.BackgroundPeople who suffer from wet age‐related macular degeneration risk central vision loss. Treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor is the only available option at present that preserves vision and no definitive cure currently exists. Patients feel that they are compelled to accept this treatment because they might otherwise become blind.DesignAn explorative and descriptive design based on the critical incident technique was used.MethodInterviews with 16 Swedish patients who all had received intravitreal treatment for wet age‐related macular degeneration.ResultsTwo main areas of good nursing care were identified: ‘Being perceived as an individual’ and ‘Being empowered’. The first area was divided into two categories: being respectful and being engaged. Being respectful was observed when nurses had a benevolent attitude towards their patients and answered questions kindly and politely. Patients saw themselves as individuals when nurses were available for conversation and focused on them. The second area was divided into two categories: encouraging participation and creating confidence. Encouraging participation refers to when nurses provided information continuously. Nurses instilled confidence and trust in their patients by keeping promises and by being honest.ConclusionsA respectful interaction between patients and caregivers is necessary for patients to obtain beneficial health care.Relevance to clinical practicePatient interviews revealed important information about nursing actions that created a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration. Nurses acknowledged people as individuals and created trust by building partnerships and sharing decision‐making. To address each patient's concerns, nurses need to prioritise each patient's narrative and participation by documenting agreements in their medical record.
Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor limbic encephalitis associated with mature cystic teratoma of the fallopian tube
Authors: Hattori Yukio , Yamashita Yoriko , Mizuno Masayuki , Katano Kinue , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Matsukawa Noriyuki 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAnti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) limbic encephalitis is the most common form of paraneoplastic encephalitis that is associated with teratomas. Because tumor removal leads to better clinical outcomes, it is essential to reveal the location of the teratomas. This is the first reported case of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis associated with teratoma of the fallopian tube. Salpingo‐oophorectomy improved neurological symptoms and immunohistochemical examinations indicated the expression of NMDAR on neuroglial cells within the fallopian tube teratoma. Teratomas of the fallopian tube cause anti‐NMDAR encephalitis; the imaging analysis and exploratory laparoscopies of the fallopian tube as well as of the ovary should be considered. Surgical removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries with a normal appearance should be considered for patients in whom immunotherapy is not effective.