bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beta‐2 receptor agonist exposure in the uterus associated with subsequent risk of childhood asthma
Authors: Ogawa Kohei , Tanaka Satomi , Limin Yang , Arata Naoko , Sago Haruhiko , Yamamoto‐Hanada Kiwako , Narita Masami , Ohya Yukihiro 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the beta‐2 receptor agonist (B2RA) is occasionally prescribed in the prenatal period for women with preterm labor, few studies have referred to the long‐term effects of intrauterine exposure to B2RA on fetus. We examined the association between intrauterine exposure to B2RA and asthma in the offspring.MethodsWe obtained data from a hospital‐based birth cohort study conducted in Tokyo, Japan. The outcomes of interest were three indicators, consisting of current wheeze, current asthma, and ever asthma at 5 years of age, based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between intrauterine B2RA exposure and outcomes. To evaluate dose‐dependent risk, we categorized children into three groups according to both the cumulative dose and duration (days) and conducted trend analysis.ResultsOf 1158 children, 94 (8.1%) were exposed to B2RA in utero, and 191 (16.5%), 111 (9.6%), and 168 (14.5%) children experienced current wheeze, current asthma, and ever asthma, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, we found an increased risk of current asthma caused by B2RA exposure with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.04 (95% confidence interval: 1.02‐4.05). Trend analysis showed that B2RA exposure in utero was associated with a dose‐dependent increased risk of current asthma in terms of both cumulative dose and duration (P values for trend were .015 and .017, respectively). These results were similar to those for other outcome measures.ConclusionExposure to B2RA in utero could be a risk for childhood asthma.
Identification of a candidate gene for Re, the factor determining the red leaf phenotype in ornamental kale using fine mapping and transcriptome analysis
Authors: Ren Jie , Fu Wei , Du Jiangtao , Hou Ailin , Liu Zhiyong , Feng Hui 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe red inner leaf phenotype of ornamental kale is due to anthocyanin accumulation and is an important agronomic trait. This phenotype is controlled by a single dominant nuclear gene, Re. An F2 mapping population from a cross between red leaf and white leaf lines was developed, and Re was found to be located between BYIn3 and C09‐In51 on chromosome nine (C09) at a distance of 0.003 and 1.8 cM, respectively. Twenty‐six genes were identified in this region, but none were related to the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. On the basis of information from Ensembl Plants, transcriptome analysis of the mapping parents and identification of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in Brassica oleracea, we predicted that Bol035269, which encodes dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase, is a candidate gene for Re, and is located on Scaffold000035_P2. Sequencing of the mapping parents revealed a 2,400‐bp insertion and a 124‐bp deletion in the white leaf line. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that Bol035269 in the red leaf line was expressed at an approximately 1,045‐fold higher level than in the white leaf line.
Early menarche is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in adulthood
Authors: Yi Kyung Hee , Hwang Jin Soon , Lim Se Won , Lee Jun Ah , Kim Dong Ho , Lim Jung Sub 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the association between early menarche (<12 years) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in premenopausal women and to explore whether it is mediated by adult obesity and insulin resistance.MethodsWe analyzed data of premenopausal women, aged ≥15 years, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2009). We divided the women into three groups: early menarche, reference (12.00–15.99 years), and late menarche. The presence of NAFLD was determined using hepatic steatosis index >36.0.ResultsOf the 4,387 women evaluated, 673 (15.4%) met the criteria for NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in both women with early and late menarche compared with the reference (early, 23.4%; reference, 14.0%; late, 19.9%, P < 0.001). After adjustment of confounders including age, the OR for NAFLD in early menarche compared with the reference was 3.04 (95%CI: 1.99–4.65). Further adjustment of mediators, such as central obesity or insulin resistance, attenuated the association to 1.91–2.17. There was no association, however, between late menarche and NAFLD after adjustment of confounders.ConclusionsEarly menarche was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in young and middle‐aged premenopausal Korean women.
Evaluation of longitudinal and radial left ventricular functions on 2‐D and 3‐D echocardiography before and after intravenous immunoglobulin in acute Kawasaki disease
Authors: Hashimoto Ikuo , Saitou Yu , Sakata Nao , Shibata Ko 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between left ventricular (LV) function and longitudinal or radial contraction has not yet been elucidated in acute Kawasaki disease (KD), especially before and after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).MethodsWe studied 28 KD patients without coronary aneurysms (average age, 3.2 years). The LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), end‐systolic volume (LVESV), stroke volume (LVSV), and ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed on 3‐D echocardiography before IVIG, after IVIG, and in the convalescent phase. LV fractional shortening (LVFS) and the mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) z‐score were measured as surrogates for radial and longitudinal LV wall motions, respectively. Serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was also assessed as a heart failure indicator in acute KD patients.ResultsIn all KD patients, LVEDV decreased in the acute phase with preservation of LVESV. Both LVSV and MAPSE z‐score were lowest before IVIG and increased after IVIG. MAPSE z‐score was highly correlated with LVEF before and after IVIG treatment. Although there was a good correlation between logBNP and LVEF before IVIG, it was lost after IVIG.ConclusionsLVEDV decreased longitudinally during the acute phase of KD with preservation of LVESV, reducing both LVSV and LVEF. Serum BNP is a useful marker for evaluating LV function only prior to IVIG treatment.
Identification of wheat blue dwarf phytoplasma effectors targeting plant proliferation and defence responses
Authors: Wang N. , Li Y. , Chen W. , Yang H. Z. , Zhang P. H. , Wu Y. F. 
Published: September 2017

The identification of effectors from pathogenic microbes is one of the most important subjects for elucidating infection mechanisms. Wheat blue dwarf (WBD) phytoplasma causes dwarfism, witches' broom, and yellow leaf tips in wheat plants, resulting in severe yield loss in northwestern China. In this study, 37 candidate effector proteins were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Plants expressing the SAP11‐like protein SWP1 exhibited typical witches' broom. Interestingly, another protein, SWP11, induced both cell death and defence responses, including H2O2 accumulation and callose deposition. Analysis by qRT‐PCR was used to show that a marker gene of the hypersensitive response, HIN1, and three pathogenesis‐related genes, PR1, PR2 and PR3, were significantly up‐regulated in leaves of N. benthamiana expressing SWP11. In addition, SWP12 and SWP21 (TENGU‐like) were shown to suppress SWP11‐, BAX‐, and/or INF1‐induced cell death. These results indicated that SWP21 has a distinct role in virulence compared with TENGU and that WBD phytoplasma possesses effectors that target plant proliferation and defence responses. The ability of these effectors to trigger or suppress plant immunity provides new insights into the phytoplasma–plant interaction.
Blending Problem Based Learning and History of Science Approaches to Enhance Views about Scientific Inquiry: New Wine in an Old Bottle
Authors: Dogan Nihal 
Published: September 2017

In 2016, the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) showed that approximately 44.4% of students in Turkey obtained very low grades when their scientific knowledge was evaluated. In addition, the vast majority of students were shown to have no knowledge of basic scientific terms or concepts. Science teachers play a significant role in facilitating students’ understanding of science, conceptions of scientific inquiry (SI) and the nature of science (NOS), and the transfer of those conceptions into classroom practice. Therefore, in this paper, I present my experiences of blending problem-based learning (PBL) and the history of science (HOS) with technological approaches. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of this innovative approach in improving pre-service science teachers’ SI views. The Views about Scientific Inquiry (VASI) questionnaire was used as a data collection tool (Lederman et al., 2014). The findings showed that most of the views of pre-service science teachers improved for all SI items except “Consistent with data collected.” The results also indicated that the teachers that used these approaches were able to overcome initial barriers in preparing lesson plans for teaching science and SI.
Assessment and management of burn pain at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Bayuo Jonathan , Munn Zachary , Campbell Jared 
Published: September 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYBackgroundPain management is a significant issue in health facilities in Ghana. For burn patients, this is even more challenging as burn pain has varied facets. Despite the existence of pharmacological agents for pain management, complaints of pain still persist.ObjectivesThe aim of this project was to identify pain management practices in the burns units of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, compare these approaches to best practice, and implement strategies to enhance compliance to standards.MethodsTen evidence-based audit criteria were developed from evidence summaries. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence Software (PACES), a baseline audit was undertaken on a convenience sample of ten patients from the day of admission to the seventh day. Thereafter, the Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) component of PACES was used to identify barriers, strategies, resources and outcomes. After implementation of the strategies, a follow-up audit was undertaken using the same sample size and audit criteria.ResultsThe baseline results showed poor adherence to best practice. However, following implementation of strategies, including ongoing professional education and provision of assessment tools and protocols, compliance rates improved significantly. Atlhough the success of this project was almost disrupted by an industrial action, collaboration with external bodies enabled the successful completion of the project.ConclusionPain management practices in the burns unit improved at the end of the project which reflects the importance of an audit process, education, providing feedback, group efforts and effective collaboration.
Experiences of adults with intellectual disability who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex or asexual: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ramasamy Vemel , Rillotta Fiona , Alexander June 
Published: September 2017

Review objective/question:The purpose of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the best available qualitative evidence on the lived experiences of adults with intellectual disability who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex or asexual in mainstream society.
Integration of Current Clinical Knowledge with a Data Driven Approach: An Innovative Perspective
Authors: Mendes D. , Paredes S. , Rocha T. , Carvalho P. , Henriques J. , Morais J. 
Published: September 2017

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The development of models to support clinical decision is of great importance in the management of these diseases. This work aims to improve the performance exhibited by risk assessment scores that are applied in the clinical practice. This methodology has three main phases: (i) representation of scores as a decision tree; (ii) optimization of the decision tree thresholds using data from recent clinical datasets; (iii) transformation of the optimized decision tree into a new score. This approach was validated in a cardiovascular disease secondary prevention context, supported by a dataset provided by the Portuguese Society of Cardiology ([Formula: see text]). The respective performance was assessed using statistical metrics and was compared with GRACE score, the reference in Portuguese clinical practice. The new model originated a better balance between the sensitivity and specificity when compared with the GRACE, originating an accuracy improvement of approximately 22%.
Robust Indoor Localization across Smartphone Models with Ellipsoid Features from Multiple RSSIs
Authors: Sugasaki Masato , Shimosaka Masamichi 
Published: September 2017

Localization for mobile devices has become important as the basis technology for various ubiquitous computing applications. While GPS is leveraged as the de-facto standard technology in outdoor localization, its accuracy is poor indoors. For twenty years, researchers have tried to investigate indoor localization technology using fingerprinting from received signal strength indicators (RSSIs). With the widespread use of smartphones in the last decade, device dependency (e.g. antenna characteristics) must be considered to avoid performance degradation, while most of the recent localization approaches assume that all the smartphone models have the same device characteristics.
In this paper, we propose a novel feature representation based on multiple RSSIs for compensating performance degradation against smartphone models changes. In contrast to the previous feature representation based on a single RSSI, our new feature representation, which we call Ellipsoid features, employs tuples of pair of RSSIs to eliminate device dependence in the path loss model for wave propagation. In contrast to recent advances in machine learning methods such as domain adaptation, multi-task learning, and semi-supervised learning, our approach requires no additional dataset nor retraining for the new target models. This simplicity would promote ubiquity of indoor localization in the era of smartphones. Moreover, our feature representation works well compared to the state-of-the-arts in feature representations based on multiple RSSIs even when only a small number of access points (APs) are available. Experimental result using smartphone devices including Android Nexus5, Nexus5X, Nexus6P, and Xperia X Performance shows that our approach achieves superior performance over the state-of-the-art indoor localization models as well as robust performance against device changes.
The Informal Economy and Social Programs in Mexico: A Critique
Authors: Wilson Tamar Diana 
Published: September 2017

In the wake of neoliberal reforms that devastated the country, Mexico and the World Bank converged on providing at least two social programs in the guise of “humanitarian” capitalism. Progresa, also known as Oportunidades and more recently Prospera, involves a workfare-based cash transfer program aimed at enhancing the human capital of future generations. The program has been criticized for its exploitation of the work of mothers. Seguro Popular involves extending basic health care to those employed in the informal economy. Both, with all their weaknesses and exploitative aspects, serve the function of providing skills and enhanced health status to the subproletariat in the hope that a competitive formal economy will expand and employ them; they are also intended to mute social protest. A raíz de las reformas neoliberales que devastaron el país, México y el Banco Mundial acordaron la creación de por lo menos dos programas sociales disfrazados como capitalismo “humanitario.” Progresa, también conocido como Oportunidades y más recientemente Prospera, es un programa de asistencia de transferencia de efectivo dirigido a mejorar el capital humano de futuras generaciones, y ha sido criticado por explotar el trabajo materno. El Seguro Popular extiende servicios de atención de salud básica a los empleados en la economía informal. Ambos, con todas sus debilidades y características explotadoras, tienen por objeto mejorar las habilidades y estado de salud del sub-proletariado, con la esperanza de que se amplíe una economía competitiva formal que los emplee. También buscan silenciar las protestas sociales.
Single-Stage Cartilage Repair Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin Scaffolds With Autologous Cartilaginous Grafts
Authors: Wong Chin-Chean , Chen Chih-Hwa , Chan Wing P. , Chiu Li-Hsuan , Ho Wei-Pin , Hsieh Fon-Jou , Chen You-Tzung , Yang Tsung-Lin 
Published: September 2017

Background:To avoid complicated procedures requiring in vitro chondrocyte expansion for cartilage repair, the development of a culture-free, 1-stage approach combining platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and autologous cartilage grafts may be the solution.Purpose:To develop a feasible 1-step procedure to combine PRF and autologous cartilage grafts for articular chondral defects.Study Design:Controlled laboratory studyMethods:The chemotactic effects of PRF on chondrocytes harvested from the primary culture of rabbit cartilage were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. The rabbit chondrocytes were cultured with different concentrations of PRF media and evaluated for their cell proliferation, chondrogenic gene expression, cell viability, and extracellular matrix synthesis abilities. For the in vivo study, the chondral defects were created on established animal models of rabbits. The gross anatomy, histology, and objective scores were evaluated to validate the treatment results.Results:PRF improved the chemotaxis, proliferation, and viability of the cultured chondrocytes. The gene expression of the chondrogenic markers, including type II collagen and aggrecan, revealed that PRF induced the chondrogenic differentiation of cultured chondrocytes. PRF increased the formation and deposition of the cartilaginous matrix produced by cultured chondrocytes. The efficacy of PRF on cell viability was comparable with that of fetal bovine serum. In animal disease models, morphologic, histological, and objectively quantitative evaluation demonstrated that PRF combined with cartilage granules was feasible in facilitating chondral repair.Conclusion:PRF enhances the migration, proliferation, viability, and differentiation of chondrocytes, thus showing an appealing capacity for cartilage repair. The data altogether provide evidence to confirm the feasibility of 1-stage, culture-free method of combining PRF and autologous cartilage graft for repairing articular chondral defects.Clinical Relevance:The single-stage, culture-free method of combining PRF and autologous cartilage is useful for repairing articular chondral defects. These advantages benefit clinical translation by simplifying and potentiating the efficacy of autologous cartilage transplantation.
Improving Ambulatory Care Resident Training: Preparing for Opportunities to Treat Mental Illness in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Farhat Nada M. , Bostwick Jolene R. , Rockafellow Stuart D. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose: The development of an outpatient psychiatry clinical practice learning experience for PGY2 ambulatory care pharmacy residents in preparation for the treatment of psychiatric disorders in the primary care setting is described. Summary: With the increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, significant mortality, and limited access to care, integration of mental health treatment into the primary care setting is necessary to improve patient outcomes. Given the majority of mental health treatment occurs in the primary care setting, pharmacists in patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) are in a unique position with direct access to patients to effectively manage these illnesses. However, the increased need for pharmacist education and training in psychiatry has prompted a large, Midwestern academic health system to develop an outpatient psychiatry learning experience for PGY2 (Postgraduate Year 2) ambulatory care pharmacy residents in 2015. The goal of this learning experience is to introduce the PGY2 ambulatory care residents to the role and impact of psychiatric clinical pharmacists and to orient the residents to the basics of psychiatric pharmacotherapy to be applied to their future practice in the primary care setting. Conclusion: The development of an outpatient psychiatry learning experience for PGY2 ambulatory care pharmacy residents will allow for more integrated and comprehensive care for patients with psychiatric conditions, many of whom are treated and managed in the PCMH setting.
Repeat treatment with rifaximin improves irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life: a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Cash Brooks D. , Pimentel Mark , Rao Satish S. C. , Weinstock Leonard , Chang Lin , Heimanson Zeev , Lembo Anthony 
Published: September 2017

Background: Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) impairs patient quality of life (QOL). Rifaximin is an oral, nonsystemic antibiotic indicated for IBS-D. The objective of this secondary analysis was to evaluate rifaximin retreatment on IBS-related QOL in patients with IBS-D. Methods: Patients received open-label rifaximin 550 mg three times daily for 2 weeks. Clinical responders [simultaneously meeting weekly response criteria for abdominal pain (⩾30% improvement from baseline in mean weekly pain score) and stool consistency (⩾50% decrease from baseline in number of days/week with Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) type 6 or 7 stools) during ⩾2 of first 4 weeks posttreatment] who relapsed during an up to 18-week treatment-free observation phase were randomly assigned to receive two 2-week courses of double-blind rifaximin or placebo, separated by 10 weeks. A validated 34-item IBS-QOL questionnaire examined patient responses in 8 domains. Results: The 2579 patients receiving open-label rifaximin experienced a mean improvement from baseline in IBS-QOL overall score of 54.9%. Responders to open-label rifaximin ( n = 1074 of 2438 evaluable; 44.1%) had significantly greater improvement from baseline in IBS-QOL overall and all eight subdomain scores, including dysphoria, food avoidance, interference with activity, body image, and sexual function versus nonresponders at 4 weeks posttreatment ( n = 1364; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). A significantly greater percentage of responders to open-label rifaximin achieved the minimally clinically important difference (MCID; ⩾14-point improvement from baseline) in the overall IBS-QOL score versus nonresponders [ n = 561 (52.2%) versus n = 287 (21.0%); p < 0.0001]. Among 636 patients with IBS-D relapse, the MCID in the overall IBS-QOL score was achieved by a significantly greater percentage of patients receiving double-blind rifaximin versus placebo (38.6% versus 29.6%, respectively; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Open-label and blinded retreatment with a short course (2 weeks) of rifaximin improved IBS-QOL in patients with IBS-D [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01543178].