bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Modifications of
Plasmodium yoelii
ApiAP2 Genes Reveal Functional Insights into Parasite Development
Authors: Zhang Cui , Li Zhenkui , Cui Huiting , Jiang Yuanyuan , Yang Zhenke , Wang Xu , Gao Han , Liu Cong , Zhang Shujia , Su Xin-zhuan , Yuan Jing 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

Malaria parasites have a complex life cycle with multiple developmental stages in mosquito and vertebrate hosts, and different developmental stages express unique sets of genes. Unexpectedly, many transcription factors (TFs) commonly found in eukaryotic organisms are absent in malaria parasites; instead, a family of genes encoding proteins similar to the plant Apetala2 (ApiAP2) transcription factors is expanded in the parasites. Several malaria ApiAP2 genes have been shown to play a critical role in parasite development; however, the functions of the majority of the ApiAP2 genes remain to be elucidated. In particular, no study on the
Plasmodium yoelii
ApiAP2 (PyApiAP2) gene family has been reported so far. This study systematically investigated the functional roles of PyApiAP2 genes in parasite development. Twenty-four of the 26 PyApiAP2 genes were selected for disruption, and 12 were successfully knocked out using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) method. The effects of gene knockout (KO) on parasite development in mouse and mosquito stages were evaluated. Ten of 12 successfully disrupted genes, including two genes that have not been functionally characterized in any
Plasmodium
species previously, were shown to be critical for
P. yoelii
development of sexual and mosquito stages. Additionally, seven of the genes were labeled for protein expression analysis, revealing important information supporting their functions. This study represents the first systematic functional characterization of the
P. yoelii
ApiAP2 gene family and discovers important insights on the roles of the ApiAP2 genes in parasite development.

IMPORTANCE
Malaria is a parasitic disease that infects hundreds of millions of people, leading to an estimated 0.35 million deaths in 2015. A better understanding of the mechanism of gene expression regulation during parasite development may provide important clues for disease control and prevention. In this study, systematic gene disruption experiments were performed to study the functional roles of members of the
Plasmodium yoelii
ApiAP2 (PyApiAP2) gene family in parasite development. Genes that are critical for the development of male and female gametocytes, oocysts, and sporozoites were characterized. The protein expression profiles for seven of the PyApiAP2 gene products were also analyzed, revealing important information on their functions. This study provides expression and functional information for many PyApiAP2 genes, which can be explored for disease management.
Evidence-based recommendations on care for breast cancer survivors for primary care providers: a review of evidence-based breast cancer guidelines
Authors: Spronk Inge , Korevaar Joke C , Schellevis Francois G , Albreht Tit , Burgers Jako S 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo review evidence-based (EB) recommendations on survivorship care for primary care providers (PCPs) in EB breast cancer guidelines.Design and settingGuidelines were collected via experts and via literature database, guideline database and cancer agency websites searches.MethodEB guidelines in any language published between 2012 and 2017 were collected. EB recommendations on survivorship care relevant for PCPs were extracted and grouped into three categories (recurrence detection, long-term effects and recurrence prevention). The content of the recommendations was analysed and summarised in the number and type of clinical topics addressed. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the guidelines.ResultsSix guidelines, of which two were of acceptable methodological quality, were included. One was specifically made for general practitioners. Fifteen clinical topics were identified. Guidelines differed in the clinical topics addressed and for some identical topics in the content of the recommendations. Many recommendations were based on low-quality evidence. Recurrence detection received most attention, physical examination and mammography were often highlighted. Potential complications largely varied in number and type. Intimacy concerns, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, fatigue, menopausal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy and lymphedema were reported in more than one guideline. Recurrence prevention was mentioned in four guidelines; all recommended physical activity.ConclusionThe number of EB recommendations in guidelines is limited. Moreover, recommendations differ between guidelines and most are based on low-quality evidence. More high-quality research is needed to develop and adapt guidelines to support PCPs in providing optimal breast cancer survivorship care.
Candian: o último caipira
Authors: Cordova Vitor Sartori , Victal Jane 
Published: December 2017

O artigo reúne algumas peculiaridades de um ser humano identificado na antropologia como caipira. Em seu âmago existencial, reúnem-se particularidades como a relaçãocom o bairro rural, o mutirão e os cânticos do cururu. Dessa forma, partindo dos documentos iconográficos do historiador e intelectual Ernani Silva Bruno disponíveis no Instituto de Estudos Brasileiros da Universidade de São Paulo (IEB/USP) e dos estudos do sociólogo e literato Antonio Candido, o presente trabalho intenta demonstrar as ações e relações sociais dessa cultura na cidade de Iracemápolis por meio dos hábitos cotidianos do senhor Candian, membro responsável pela transmissão do modo de vida tradicional do campo na zona urbana.
Is There a Path to Peaceful Resolution in the Dokdo/Takeshima Dispute?
Authors: Huth Paul , Kim Sunwoong 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Japan and South Korea have been locked in a territorial dispute over the islands of Dokdo/Takeshima since the end of wwii. In this essay, we analyze the reasons why the issue has been a thorny issue for such a long time in their bilateral relationship. The calculus of domestic and international benefits and costs of the top decision makers in both countries reveal that neither party is likely to change their current position in the absence of a clear legal focal point, because both will have to come up with a substantial concession in order to achieve a peaceful resolution.
A systematic review of exercise and psychosocial rehabilitation interventions to improve health-related outcomes in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Rammant Elke , Decaestecker Karel , Bultijnck Renée , Sundahl Nora , Ost Piet , Pauwels Nele S , Deforche Benedicte , Pieters Ronny , Fonteyne Valérie 
Published: December 2017

Objective: Summarizing the evidence on the effects of pre- and postoperative exercise and psychosocial rehabilitation interventions on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and physical fitness in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Data sources: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched independently by two authors from inception until 10 November 2017. Cited references of the studies and citing references retrieved via Web of Science were also checked. Review methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies assessing effects of exercise and psychosocial interventions in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy were eligible. Primary outcome measures were PROs and physical fitness. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Five RCTs (three exercise and two psychosocial studies) and one non-randomized psychosocial study comprising 317 bladder cancer patients were included. Timing of the intervention was preoperative ( n = 2), postoperative ( n = 2) or both pre- and postoperative ( n = 2). Positive effects of exercise were found for physical fitness ( n = 3), some health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) domains ( n = 2), personal activities in daily living ( n = 1) and muscle strength ( n = 1). Psychosocial interventions showed positive effects on anxiety ( n = 1), fatigue ( n = 1), depression ( n = 1), HRQoL ( n = 1) and posttraumatic growth ( n = 1). Quality assessment showed most shortcomings with sample sizes and strong heterogeneity was observed between studies. Conclusion: The evidence relating to the effects of exercise in bladder cancer is very limited and is even less for psychosocial interventions.
A self-care, problem-solving and mindfulness intervention for informal caregivers of people with motor neurone disease: A pilot study
Authors: Ugalde Anna , Mathers Susan , Hennessy Anderson Nicole , Hudson Peter , Orellana Liliana , Gluyas Cathy 
Published: December 2017

Background: Informal caregivers of people with motor neurone disease (MND) take on an extensive role. Caregivers are at increased risk of experiencing psychological distress and burden, yet, there is a lack of intervention programmes to support them. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a therapeutic group intervention promoting self-care, problem-solving and mindfulness to informal caregivers of people with MND. Design: Pilot study that utilised a one-arm pre- and post-design. Acceptability of the intervention was assessed 2 weeks post intervention with a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. Feasibility was assessed with consent, adherence and reasons for non-participation, refusal and attrition. Participants completed baseline and follow-up (6-week post intervention) questionnaires for psychological morbidity, burden, problem-solving, mindfulness and preparedness. Settings/participants: Caregivers of people with a diagnosis of MND within the past 12 months who were 18 years or older; who could speak, read and write in English and who were attending a progressive neurological diseases clinic were eligible. Results: A total of 13 caregivers participated in one of three group intervention sessions which were focused on self-care, problem-solving and mindfulness. The intervention appeared to be feasible and acceptable. All participants stated that they would recommend the intervention to others. The group format appeared to be highly valued. There was no significant change in measures between pre-intervention and 6 weeks post intervention. Conclusion: This pilot serves as an initial step for examining interventions for MND caregivers, with the hope of identifying effective, efficient and sustainable strategies to best support this group.
Public Expenditures for Mental Health Services in Canadian Provinces
Authors: Wang Jian , Jacobs Philip , Ohinmaa Arto , Dezetter Anne , Lesage Alain 
Published: December 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study is to measure provincial spending for mental health services in fiscal year (FY) 2013 and to compare these cost estimates to those of FY 2003. Methods: This study estimated the costs of publicly funded provincial mental health services in FY 2013 and compared them to the estimates for FY 2003 from a previously published report. Our data were obtained from publicly accessible databases. The cross-year cost comparisons for provincial mental health services were restricted to general and psychiatric hospital inpatients, clinical payments to physicians and psychologists, and prescribed psychotropic medications. Total public expenditures were inflation adjusted and expressed per capita and as a percentage of the total provincial health spending. Results: Total public spending for mental health and addiction programs/services was estimated to be $6.75 billion for FY 2013. The largest component of the expenditures was hospital inpatient services ($4.02 billion, 59.6%), followed by clinical payments to physicians or psychologists ($1.69 billion, 25%), and then publicly funded prescribed psychotherapeutic medications ($1.04 billion, 15.4%). Nationally, the portion of total public spending on health that was spent on mental health decreased from FY 2003 to FY 2013 from 5.4% to 4.9%. Conclusion: Our results reveal that mental health spending, as a proportion of public health care expenditures, decreased in the decade from FY 2003 to FY 2013. Due to large differences in how the provinces report community mental health services, we still lack a comprehensive picture of the mental health system.
Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Driven Aldosterone Antagonist Stewardship Program in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Sparks Eric R. , Beavers Janna C. 
Published: December 2017

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-driven initiative to optimize aldosterone antagonist use in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) at a large community hospital. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study compared patients with heart failure before and after the implementation of the initiative. Data for pre- and postinitiative patients were retrospectively collected to assess patient characteristics and aldosterone antagonist use. The primary outcome was a composite of eligible patients with heart failure discharged on aldosterone antagonist therapy or with a documented reason for ineligibility before and after commencement of pharmacist-driven aldosterone antagonist initiative. Results: The preinitiative cohort included 96 patients and the postinitiative cohort contained 92 patients. When the 3 month pre- and postinitiative groups were assessed, the primary outcome was noted in 60 (63%) of 96 patients in the preinitiative group and 87 (95%) of 92 patients in the postinitiative group ( P < .0001). Conclusion: In patients with HFrEF, a pharmacist-driven aldosterone antagonist optimization initiative significantly increased appropriate prescribing and documentation for aldosterone antagonist therapy.
Safe Surgery: Reducing the Risk of Retained Items
Authors: Woodhead Kate 
Published: December 2017

Research from the United States which explores events related to the surgical count has identified that there are opportunities to review our practice in order to reduce risks to surgical patients. The Safe Surgery Saves Lives Campaign highlights this aspect of perioperative patient safety, ensuring that poor processes and poor communication, often the reasons for retained surgical items, become part of the team ‘sign-out’ at the end of every operation. ‘People working in health care are among the most educated and dedicated workforce in any industry. The problem is not bad people; the problem is that the system needs to be made safer.’ (Kohn at al 1999 p49)
Low Documentation of Postoperative Adhesions on Consent Forms for Laparotomy
Authors: Solomon Livingstone , Dhandapani Ramya , Brown Robin 
Published: December 2017

Aim To assess the documentation of postoperative adhesions as a potential complication of laparotomy on consent forms. Method Retrospective study of hospital notes of 102 adult patients that underwent laparotomy over a two year period. Results Intraperitoneal adhesions were documented as a postoperative risk on 10 consent forms (9.8%) only. Conclusion The results imply that most patients were not informed of this common postoperative complication and this may have medicolegal and risk management implications.
Debridement: Development of the Concept
Authors: Huntley James S 
Published: December 2017

Debridement - the surgical excision of dead and contaminated tissue - is an important component of the management of open wounds and fractures. Key components in the evolution of modern technique of wound management were: • wound extension to relieve pressure (akin to a modern day fasciotomy) (Pare, Desault, Larrey) • antiseptic technique (Lister) and • wound and contaminant excision (Pare, Desault, Larrey, Reyher). There has been confusion over the meaning and derivation of the term debridement.
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Workshop: Effect on Attitudes of the Perioperative Care Team
Authors: Kahokehr Arman A. , Thompson Lisa , Thompson Megan , Soop Mattias , Hill Andrew G. 
Published: December 2017

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) or ‘fast track’ surgery is heavily based on a multidisciplinary focused perioperative care model with all players being equally important for successful implementation. Several institutions run an ERAS course but few data are available on their effect on attitudes and perceptions to perioperative care principles. Methods A ten item survey was designed for perioperative care clinicians attending an annual ERAS workshop. The survey was administered one week before and three weeks after the workshop. Results Seventy seven eligible participants were identified. Forty four (57%) responded to the questionnaire prior to the course. On repeat administration of the survey three weeks after the course there were 28 (36%) responses. The results of the survey indicate that the majority of perioperative care staff were already aware of the evidence behind some of the principles applied in colectomy, with a high pre-course level of understanding shown. However the course significantly changed opinion regarding some other aspects of care to align opinion with evidence amongst the responders. Conclusion There appears to be a high rate of evidence agreement with some interventions but not others amongst perioperative staff. Attending a multidisciplinary ERAS workshop seems to align opinion with evidence.
Anaesthesia: Airway Management
Authors: Griffiths Rachelle V 
Published: December 2017

In this month's Back to Basics series, Rachelle Griffiths provides the first article pertaining to anaesthetic practice. The topic is airway management, which is a fundamental aspect of preserving life. The anaesthetic practitioner must ensure that all the necessary equipment for airway management is available. Reading this article will not only provide this knowledge but it will also identify some of the observational factors that are present when difficulties are occurring. The six articles of the previous Back to Basics series, which was much appreciated, were written by Claire Campbell and Marion Taylor. Claire Campbell is Senior Clinical Nurse at the Operating Department, Royal Lancaster Infirmary in Lancaster; Marion Taylor is Practice Development Nurse at the Operating Department, Royal Free Hospital, London. Dina Plowes, series editor.
The accuracy of plain radiographs in diagnosing degenerate rotator cuff disease
Authors: Chin Kuen , Chowdhury Alex , Leivadiotou Dimitra , Marmery Helen , Ahrens Philip Michael 
Published: December 2017

Background A number of radiographic signs have been previously demonstrated to be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears. An ability to predict the presence of a tear by radiography would permit the early commencement of appropriate treatment and the avoidance of unnecessary invasive investigations. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of using radiographic signs to predict the presence of a cuff tear on arthroscopy. Methods Fifty consecutive patients who had undergone shoulder arthroscopy and had pre-operative plain radiographs were included. Pre-operative radiographs were reviewed by a consultant shoulder surgeon, a consultant radiologist and a senior clinical fellow for the following signs: acromial spur; subjective reduction of subacromial space; sourcil sign; acromial acetabularization; os acromiale; greater tuberosity cortical irregularity; greater tuberosity sclerosis; humeral head rounding; cyst; and reduction in acromiohumeral head distance. Results The presence of tuberosity sclerosis ( p < 0.0001), tuberosity irregularities ( p < 0.0001), tuberosity cyst ( p = 0.004) and sourcil sign ( p = 0.019) was associated with the presence of a rotator cuff tear. The combined sensitivity of prediction of tear by the observers following radiographic review was 91.7%, with a combined negative predictive value of 80%. Conclusions The assessment of radiographs by senior clinicians is a useful tool for confirming the absence of a rotator cuff tear.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty with a New Convertible Short Stem: Preliminary 2- to 4-year Follow-up Results
Authors: Ascione Francesco , Bugelli Giulia , Domos Peter , Neyton Lionel , Godeneche Arnaud , Bercik Michael J , Walch Gilles 
Published: December 2017

Background The Grammont-style reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has demonstrated complications intrinsic to its design such as tuberosity fracture and scapular notching. A new short-stem press-fit humeral component with an onlay tray has been devised to avert these issues. We hypothesize that the clinical outcomes and rates of humeral complications of this new stem will be comparable to those of the traditional Grammont design and the lateralization obtained from the stem’s lower neck-shaft angle will decrease the rate of notching without creating instability. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients who underwent RSA with an onlay short-stem humeral component with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcomes as well as standard radiological examinations were documented pre- and postoperatively. Several correlations were analyzed. Results At mean 32.6-month follow-up, the cohort demonstrated a significant improvement in several outcomes: Constant score increased from 25.5 to 69.7 points, mean anterior elevation increased from 82.1° to 141.9°, external rotation from 5.6° to 25.1°, and internal rotation from sacrum to the L3 vertebral level. There was a 30% rate of stem malalignment and 37% rate of scapular notching, not associated with any adverse clinical outcomes. The overall rate of complications was 15%, of which scapular fractures were most common (5%). Conclusion Our short-term results suggest that the clinical outcomes and rates of humeral complications are similar to those reported for the Grammont RSA, demonstrating less scapular notching, but increased scapular stress fractures and potential subsidence of the prosthesis due to the metaphyseal press-fit require further investigations.
Properties and characterization of a clay raw material from Miličinica (Serbia) for use in the ceramic industry
Authors: Milošević Maja , Logar Mihovil 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe present study focused on the assessment and possible applications of the clay from the Miličinica deposit, western Serbia. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) and High Temperature Microscopy (HTM) were used to characterize the clay in question. The physical properties determined were colour, plasticity, specific surface area, particle-size distribution and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Clay minerals are the main phases in the samples studied, with illite being the predominant phase and kaolinite being present in variable amounts. Quartz, feldspars, carbonates and iron-bearing minerals were also detected. Varied technological behaviours were expected because of the mineralogy (illite and iron contents), average grain size (0.6–0.7 µm), specific surface area (≈60 m2/g) and plasticity index (≈13%). The classification of the clays studied, based on the main characteristics and using appropriate diagrams, suggests that they are easily adaptable for ceramic processes.