bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Domains Function Complementation by NTNG Gene Paralogs
Authors: Prosselkov Pavel , Polygalov Denis , Zhang Qi , McHugh Thomas J. , Itohara Shigeyoshi 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTGene duplication was proposed by S.Ohno (1) as a key mechanism of a novel gene function evolution. A pair of gene paralogs, NTNG1 and NTNG2, sharing identical gene and protein structures and encoding similar proteins, forms a functional complement subfunctionalising (SF) within cognitive domains and forming cognitive endophenotypes, as detected by Intellectual Quotient (IQ) tests (2). Both NTNG paralogs are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), with unique nonoverlapping segregation among the other 15 cognitive disorders (CD), emphasizing an evolutionary gain-dependent link between advanced cognitive functions and concomitant neurocognitive pathologies. Complementary expression and human brain transcriptome composition of the paralogs explains the observed phenomena of their functional complementarity. The lowest identity among NTNGs is found in a middle of encoded by them proteins designated as uknown (Ukd) domain. NTNG1 contains anthropoid-specific constrained regions, and both genes contain non-coding conserved sequences underwent accelerated evolution in human. NTNG paralogs SF perturbates “structure drives function” concept at protein and gene levels. The paralogs function diversification forms a so-called “Cognitive Complement (CC)”, a product of gene duplication and subsequent cognitive subfunction bifurcation among the NTNG gene duplicates.
Adapting to the changing needs of managing innovative projects
Authors: Rekonen Satu , Björklund Tua A. 
Published: December 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the changes in managerial activities and challenges at different phases of innovative projects.Design/methodology/approach– Six NPD project managers were interviewed in three different project phases in a qualitative, longitudinal design. The resulting 18 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were content analyzed and categorized according to thematic similarity.Findings– Altogether 19 categories describing managerial concerns in managing innovative projects were recognized. Task-oriented, rather than people-oriented, approaches were dominant throughout the projects, although the reported concerns clearly varied at each phase. The early development phase emerged as a transition point, where managers had to transform their roles, reported activities decreased, and reported challenges increased.Research limitations/implications– Although based on a small number of participants in a single setting, the results highlight the need for longitudinal studies and differentiating between the various phases of the innovation process, as there was great variance in the concerns of each phase. Furthermore, domain expertise seemed to have a large impact on how the managers reformulated their role in transitioning from the front-end to the development phases.Practical implications– The present study emphasizes the need to support managers in transitioning between different innovation phases and to recognize the need to adjust managerial roles. Further, it seemed crucial to establish the practices supporting successful teamwork in the front-end phase before the first phase transition.Originality/value– The study is a rare example of a longitudinal research design examining the implications and transition between different phases of the innovation process within the same projects for project managers.
The utility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment as a mental capacity assessment tool for patients with a learning disability
Authors: Edge Daniel , Oyefeso Adenekan , Evans Carys , Evans Amber 
Published: December 2015

Accessible summary

Accurate assessment of a patient's mental capacity is important, yet out of the clinical assessments currently available, there does not appear to be sufficient accessible tools suitable for people with a learning disability.

Incorrect assumptions are often made regarding the capacity of patients who have learning disabilities to make decisions about important aspects of their life.

This preliminary study investigated whether or not it was possible to adapt a well‐known assessment of cognitive impairment (The Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and use this as a tool to determine capacity in patients with a learning disability.

AbstractObjective: To determine the psychometric properties of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in patients with a learning disability and examine it's utility for conducting mental capacity assessment.Method: This study was a cross‐sectional, instrument validation study in an inpatient hospital setting, located in the East of England. The sample consisted of two groups: (i) 31 consecutively admitted hospital patients and (ii) 10 multidisciplinary team members who served as a comparison group. The MoCA, a 12‐item screen for mild cognitive impairment and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), were used in this study. Item analysis was conducted by comparing item endorsement for all participants that had a learning disability utilising Difficulty and Discrimination Indices for each item on the MoCA. We examined the internal consistency of a revised scale derived from item analysis and used a one‐way ANOVA to determine concurrent validity by comparing scores between two patient subgroups and the comparison group.Results: A 7‐item scale, ‘MoCA‐LD’ (alpha coefficient = 0.82) emerged from item analysis. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between MoCA‐LD and DEX (Pearson correlation = −0.66, P < 0.01). As expected, participants in the borderline category scored higher on MoCA‐LD than those with mild learning disability, as did those with no learning disability (P < 0.001).Conclusion: The MoCA‐LD has the potential to be a useful tool for mental capacity assessment in patients with a learning disability.
Peripheral loss of CD8+CD161++TCRVα7·2+ mucosal‐associated invariant T cells in chronic hepatitis C virus‐infected patients
Authors: Barathan Muttiah , Mohamed Rosmawati , Vadivelu Jamuna , Chang Li Y. , Saeidi Alireza , Yong Yean K. , Ravishankar Ram M. , Gopal Kaliappan , Velu Vijayakumar , Larsson Marie , Shankar Esaki M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundMucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play an important role in innate host defence. MAIT cells appear to undergo exhaustion and are functionally weakened in chronic viral infections. However, their role in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear.Materials and methodsWe investigated the frequency of CD8+CD161++TCR Vα7.2+ MAIT cells in a cross‐sectional cohort of chronic HCV‐infected patients (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 25). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were investigated for circulating MAIT cell frequency, liver‐homing (CCR5 and CD103), biomarkers of immune exhaustion (PD‐1, TIM‐3 and CTLA‐4), chronic immune activation (CD38 and HLA‐DR), and immunosenescence (CD57) by flow cytometry.ResultsThe frequency of MAIT cells was significantly decreased, and increased signs of immune exhaustion and chronic immune activation were clearly evident on MAIT cells of HCV‐infected patients. Decrease of CCR5 on circulating MAIT cells is suggestive of their peripheral loss in chronic HCV‐infected patients. MAIT cells also showed significantly increased levels of HLA‐DR, CD38, PD‐1, TIM‐3 and CTLA‐4, besides CD57 in chronic HCV disease.ConclusionsImmune exhaustion and senescence of CD8+CD161++TCR Vα7.2+ MAIT cells could contribute to diminished innate defence attributes likely facilitating viral persistence and HCV disease progression.
Plasma protein thiols: an early marker of oxidative stress in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Fois Alessandro Giuseppe , Sotgia Salvatore , Zinellu Elisabetta , Bifulco Fabiana , Pintus Gianfranco , Mangoni Arduino A. , Carru Ciriaco , Pirina Pietro 
Published: December 2015

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are both characterized by heterogeneous chronic airway inflammation and obstruction as well as oxidative stress (OS). However, it is unknown whether OS occurs in early disease and how to best assess its presence. Plasma OS markers (TBARS, PSH, taurine, GSH, ergothioneine and paraoxonase 1 activity) and lung function tests were measured in patients with mild stable asthma (n = 24) and mild stable COPD (n = 29) and in age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was associated with age both in patients and control groups. By contrast, FEV1 was positively correlated with PSH only in COPD (ρ = 0·49, P = 0·007). In multiple logistic regression analysis, lower PSH was the only OS marker independently associated with increased odds of both asthma (OR = 0·32, 95% CI 0·13–0·78, P = 0·01) and COPD (OR = 0·50, 95% CI 0·26–0·95, P = 0·03). These findings suggest that proteins ‐SH are a sensitive OS marker in early COPD and asthma.
The TyG index may predict the development of cardiovascular events
Authors: Sánchez‐Íñigo Laura , Navarro‐González David , Fernández‐Montero Alejandro , Pastrana‐Delgado Juan , Martínez Jose Alfredo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the worldwide leading cause of morbidity and mortality. An early risk detection of apparently healthy people before CVD onset has clinical relevance in the prevention of cardiovascular events. We evaluated the association between the product of fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides (TyG index) and CVD.Material and methodsA total of 5014 patients of the Vascular Metabolic CUN cohort (VMCUN cohort) were followed up during a median period of 10 years. We used a Cox proportional‐hazard ratio with repeated measures to estimate the risk of incidence of CVD across quintiles of the TyG index, calculated as ln[fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg(dL)/2], and plotted a receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve to compare a prediction model fitted on the variables used in the Framingham risk score, a new model containing the Framingham variables with the TyG index, and the risk of coronary heart disease.ResultsA higher level of TyG index was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing CVD independent of confounding factors with a value of 2·32 (95% CI: 1·65–3·26) for those in the highest quintile and 1·52 (95% CI: 1·07–2·16) for those in the fourth quintile. The areas under the curve (AUC) of the ROC plots were 0·708 (0·68–0·73) for the Framingham model and 0·719 (0·70–0·74) for the Framingham + TyG index model (P = 0·014).ConclusionsThe TyG index, a simple measure reflecting insulin resistance, might be useful to early identify individuals at a high risk of developing a cardiovascular event.
Correlation of somatic mutations with outcome after FLAMSA‐busulfan sequential conditioning and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Christopeit Maximilian , Badbaran Anita , Alawi Malik , Zabelina Tatjana , Zeck Gaby , Wolschke Christine , Ayuk Francis , Kröger Nicolaus 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is a curative treatment option for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Little is known about the prognostic impact of mutations, for example, inTP53specifically after allo‐HSCT. We here describe the prognostic impact of mutations in a panel of 19 genes analyzed by amplicon‐based next‐generation‐sequencing in a uniformly treated patient cohort. Sixty‐two patients with a median age of 61 yr suffered fromMDSwith 0–20% bone marrow blasts. International Prognostic Score was intermediate 1 (15%) and higher (79%). Conditioning uniformly was performed using a sequential approach in whichFLAMSAchemotherapy was followed by Busulfan‐based conditioning. Patients mostly were transplanted from an unrelated donor (77%), and 36% of patients received a graft from a mismatched donor. Median number of mutations was 2 (range 0–6).RUNX1,GATA2,TET2, andCEBPAwere the genes most frequently found mutated.TP53, a factor previously reported to confer adverse prognostic impact after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, was mutated in samples from eight patients, one of which showed a silent mutation. With an estimated 5‐yr overall/disease‐free survival of 48 ± 7%/41 ± 7%, none of the mutations analyzed showed a prognostic impact in this analysis of the largest uniformly treated cohort thus far. This especially holds true for patients with a mutation inTP53.
Community‐wide changes in intertaxonomic temporal co‐occurrence resulting from phenological shifts
Authors: Hua Fangyuan , Hu Junhua , Liu Yang , Giam Xingli , Lee Tien Ming , Luo Hao , Wu Jia , Liang Qiaoyi , Zhao Jian , Long Xiaoyan , Pang Hong , Wang Biao , Liang Wei , Zhang Zhengwang , Gao Xuejie , Zhu Jiang 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGlobal climate change is known to affect the assembly of ecological communities by altering species' spatial distribution patterns, but little is known about how climate change may affect community assembly by changing species' temporal co‐occurrence patterns, which is highly likely given the widely observed phenological shifts associated with climate change. Here, we analyzed a 29‐year phenological data set comprising community‐level information on the timing and span of temporal occurrence in 11 seasonally occurring animal taxon groups from 329 local meteorological observatories across China. We show that widespread shifts in phenology have resulted in community‐wide changes in the temporal overlap between taxa that are dominated by extensions, and that these changes are largely due to taxa's altered span of temporal occurrence rather than the degree of synchrony in phenological shifts. Importantly, our findings also suggest that climate change may have led to less phenological mismatch than generally presumed, and that the context under which to discuss the ecological consequences of phenological shifts should be expanded beyond asynchronous shifts.
Simultaneous detection of four different neuraminidase types of avian influenza A H5 viruses by multiplex reverse transcription PCR using a GeXP analyser
Authors: Li Meng , Xie Zhixun , Xie Zhiqin , Liu Jiabo , Xie Liji , Deng Xianwen , Luo Sisi , Fan Qing , Huang Li , Huang Jiaoling , Zhang Yanfang , Zeng Tingting , Feng Jiaxun 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesIn order to develop a multiplex RT‐PCR assay using the GeXP analyser for the simultaneous detection of four different NA serotypes of H5‐subtype AIVs, effective to control and reduce H5 subtype of avian influenza outbreak.DesignSix pairs of primers were designed using conserved and specific sequences of the AIV subtypes H5, N1, N2, N6 and N8 in GenBank. Each gene‐specific primer was fused at the 5′ end to a universal sequence to generate six pairs of chimeric primers, and one pair of universal primers was used for RT‐PCR, and PCR product separation and detection were performed by capillary electrophoresis using the GenomeLab GeXP genetic analysis system.SettingSingle and mixed avian pathogen cDNA/DNA templates were employed to evaluate the specificity of a multiplex assay with a GeXP analyser. Corresponding specific DNA products were amplified for each gene, revealing amplification peaks for M, H5, N1, N2, N6 and N8 genes from four different NA subtypes of influenza A H5 virus.SampleA total of 180 cloacal swabs were collected from poultry at live bird markets.Main outcome measuresThe multiplex PCR assay demonstrated excellent specificity, with each pair of specific primers generating only products corresponding to the target genes and without cross‐amplification with other NA‐subtype influenza viruses or other avian pathogens. Using various premixed ssRNAs containing known AIV target genes, the detection limit for the multiplex assay was determined to be 102 copies/μl. The GeXP assay was further evaluated using 180 clinical specimens and compared with RRT‐PCR (real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR) and virus isolation.ConclusionsThis GeXP analyser‐based multiplex assay for four different NA subtypes of H5 HPAI viruses is both highly specific and sensitive and can be used as a rapid and direct diagnostic assay for testing clinical samples.
Serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen as a treatment predictor of pegylated interferon in patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chuaypen Natthaya , Posuwan Nawarat , Payungporn Sunchai , Tanaka Yasuhito , Shinkai Noboru , Poovorawan Yong , Tangkijvanich Pisit 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsThe role of quantitative serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) is unclear. This study was aimed at comparing its usefulness with quantitative HBsAg in patients with HBeAg‐positive CHB receiving PEG‐IFN therapy.MethodsA total 46 patients treated with PEG‐IFN for 48 weeks were retrospectively analysed. Intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from paired liver biopsies and serial serum HBsAg and HBcrAg during therapy were assessed.ResultsVirological response (VR), defined as HBeAg clearance and HBV DNA <2000 IU/ml at 24 weeks post treatment, was achieved in 15 (32.6%) patients. Responders had significantly higher cccDNA decline from baseline compared with non‐responders. Baseline HBsAg and HBcrAg were correlated with cccDNA (r = 0.424, P = 0.020 and r = 0.564, P = 0.001, respectively), and changes in the corresponding markers during therapy were correlated with cccDNA reduction (r = 0.579, P = 0.001 and r = 0.503, P = 0.005, respectively). Responders showed more rapid decline of both markers during therapy compared with non‐responders. In multivariate analysis, serum HBcrAg at week 12 was identified as a predictor of VR. The optimal cut‐off value for HBcrAg (log10 8.0 U/ml) provided negative predictive value (NPV) of achieving VR at weeks 12 and 24 of 94.4 and 100%, respectively, while using HBsAg > 20 000 IU/ml provided NPV of 80 and 100% respectively.ConclusionsThe convenient quantitative HBcrAg represented a reliable marker of intrahepatic cccDNA. Monitoring HBcrAg levels during PEG‐IFN therapy may help identify patients with a very low probability of response comparable to, if not better than, quantitative HBsAg.
The school environment and adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a mixed‐studies systematic review
Authors: Morton K. L. , Atkin A. J. , Corder K. , Suhrcke M. , van Sluijs E. M. F. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThere is increasing academic and policy interest in interventions aiming to promote young people's health by ensuring that the school environment supports healthy behaviours. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current evidence on school‐based policy, physical and social‐environmental influences on adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that (1) involved healthy adolescents (11–18 years old), (2) investigated school‐environmental influences and (3) reported a physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour outcome or theme. Findings were synthesized using a non‐quantitative synthesis and thematic analysis. Ninety‐three papers of mixed methodological quality were included. A range of school‐based policy (e.g. break time length), physical (e.g. facilities) and social‐environmental (e.g. teacher behaviours) factors were associated with adolescent physical activity, with limited research on sedentary behaviour. The mixed‐studies synthesis revealed the importance of specific activity settings (type and location) and intramural sport opportunities for all students. Important physical education‐related factors were a mastery‐oriented motivational climate and autonomy supportive teaching behaviours. Qualitative evidence highlighted the influence of the wider school climate and shed light on complexities of the associations observed in the quantitative literature. This review identifies future research needs and discusses potential intervention approaches to be considered.
A national quality registers as a tool to audit items of the fundamentals of care to older patients with hip fractures
Authors: Hommel Ami , Bååth Carina 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThe Swedish healthcare system has a unique resource in the national quality registers. A national quality registry contains individualised data concerning patient problems, medical interventions and outcomes after treatment, within all healthcare settings. Many healthcare settings face challenges related to the way they deliver the fundamentals of care, therefore, it is important to audit the outcome. It is estimated that the number of people aged 80 years or older will have almost quadrupled between 2000 and 2050. Hip fracture has been recognised as the most serious consequence of osteoporosis because of the risk of its complications, which include pain, acute confusional state, pressure ulcers, infections, disability, diminished quality of life and mortality.The aim of this study was therefore to explore if and how a national quality register can be used as an audit tool for the fundamentals of care when it concerns older patients suffering from a hip fracture.MethodFor this study we retrospectively selected and audited variables retrieved from the national quality hip fracture register. The audit included 1083 patients 80 years and older, consecutively admitted to a university hospital in the south of Sweden, in 2011–2013.ResultsNearly half of the patients were admitted from their own homes and were living alone. Almost half of the patients could walk outdoors before the fracture occurred. After 4 months, 28.5% of the patients walked outdoors. Additionally, after 4 months about 30% of the patients were still suffering from pain after hip fracture surgery and still using analgesics. There was a reduction in length of stay between 2011 and 2013. As a part of the national quality register the questions from EQ5D were used before surgery and after 4 months. Before discharge from hospital there were less registered complications in 2012 and 2013 compared with 2011.ConclusionsThe national hip fracture quality register allows healthcare staff to analyse nursing outcomes and to highlight some fundamental aspects of care.Implications for practiceGreater awareness, among hospital staff, of risk factors for complications in hip fracture patients may lead to improved patient care. Through registration in a quality register and working with the results we as Registered Nurses can ensure quality health care for older adults.
Diagnosis and clinical presentation of hemoglobin Kirksey
Authors: Hitaka Daisuke , Arai Junichi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMore than 1000 hemoglobin (Hb) variants have been identified. Hb Kirksey, a rare Hb variant involving mutation at codon 94 of α2‐globin, is associated with low oxygen affinity. To our knowledge, there is no case report on Hb Kirksey in the literature, and, accordingly, the clinical features of patients with Hb Kirksey are currently unknown. We report here the case of a neonate who presented with asymptomatic low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry (SpO2) just after birth, together with clinical analysis of the sister and cousin. Based on the presentations, Hb Kirksey does not seem to be associated with clinical abnormalities. Discrepancy between SpO2 and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) detected on arterial blood gas analysis provided a clue to the diagnosis. Hb variants should be suspected and arterial blood gases should be measured in pediatric cases of unexplained low SpO2.