bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PKA‐binding domain of AKAP8 is essential for direct interaction with DPY30 protein
Authors: Bieluszewska Anna , Weglewska Martyna , Bieluszewski Tomasz , Lesniewicz Krzysztof , Poreba Elzbieta 
Published: December 2017

The main function of the A kinase‐anchoring proteins (AKAPs) is to target the cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) to its cellular substrates through the interaction with its regulatory subunits. Besides anchoring of PKA, AKAP8 participates in regulating the histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) histone methyltransferase (HMT) complexes. It is also involved in DNA replication, apoptosis, transcriptional silencing of rRNA genes, alternative splicing, and chromatin condensation during mitosis. In this study, we focused on the interaction between AKAP8 and the core subunit of all known H3K4 HMT complexes—DPY30 protein. Here, we demonstrate that the PKA‐binding domain of AKAP8 and the C‐terminal domain of DPY30, also called Dpy‐30 motif, are crucial for the interaction between these proteins. We show that a single amino acid substitution in DPY30 L69D affects its dimerization and completely abolishes its interaction with AKAP8 and another DPY30‐binding partner brefeldin A‐inhibited guanine nucleotide‐exchange protein 1 (BIG1), which is also AKAP domain‐containing protein. We further demonstrate that AKAP8 interacts with DPY30 and the RII alpha regulatory subunit of PKA both in the interphase and in mitotic cells, and we show evidences that AKAP8L, a homologue of AKAP8, interacts with core subunits of the H3K4 HMT complexes, which suggests its role as a potential regulator of these complexes. The results presented here reinforce the analogy between AKAP8–RII alpha and AKAP8–DPY30 interactions, postulated before, and improve our understanding of the complexity of the cellular functions of the AKAP8 protein.
Nest monitoring does not affect nesting success of Whinchats Saxicola rubetra
Authors: Border Jennifer A. , Atkinson Lydia R. , Henderson Ian G. , Hartley Ian R. 
Published: December 2017

It is important to assess the effect that research activities may have on animals in the wild, especially when key parameters, such as breeding success, could potentially be influenced by observer activity. For birds, some studies have suggested that nest monitoring can increase the chances of nest failure due to predation, whereas others suggest that human nest visits may actually deter mammalian predators. Nest monitoring visits can also influence breeding success more indirectly by altering parental provisioning behaviour. Here, the influence of monitoring activities on nest success was examined in a ground‐nesting grassland bird, the Whinchat Saxicola rubetra. During the egg phase, a sample of nests were not visited between the initial finding event and the estimated hatching date; instead, the nest status was assessed at a distance. Daily survival rates (DSR) for these nests were compared with that of nests visited every 2 days. During the nestling phase, the effects of observer nest visits on parental provisioning behaviour were determined. Nest visits were found not to affect egg DSR significantly, and parental provisioning was disrupted for a maximum of 20 min (0.52% of the nestling period) following an observer visit. Given the variation in response to nest visits across species, we suggest that consideration should be given to observer impact in all studies where predation risk is high. Here, we illustrate a method for researchers to assess the impact of their nest visits to ensure they are not biasing estimates of breeding success.
The impact of dental caries and its treatment by conventional or biological approaches on the oral health‐related quality of life of children and carers
Authors: BaniHani Alaa , Deery Chris , Toumba Jack , Munyombwe Theresa , Duggal Monty 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe effect of untreated dental caries and the approaches taken to its treatment have not been extensively elucidated in children.AimTo investigate the impact of untreated dental caries on children aged 4–9 years and whether its treatment with either a conventional or a biological approach influenced the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of the children and their carers.DesignChildren (n = 110) and their carers attending two specialist centres for treatment of carious primary teeth completed the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale and the Self‐reported Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5‐year‐old Children at baseline prior to dental treatment and at 3–6 months following completion of dental care. Dental treatment was provided using either a conventional or a biological approach.ResultsDental caries showed a negative impact on the child and family's OHRQoL (P = 0.001). Children reported difficulty eating (55.5%), sleeping (40%), and avoiding smiling because of how the teeth looked (27.3%). More than half of the parents reported their child had toothache. Parents perceived difficulty eating (40.9%), being irritable (38.2%), and difficulty drinking (30.9%) as being impacts of caries on their child's OHRQoL. In addition, approximately half the parents reported feeling a sense of guilt because of their child's dental disease. Following dental treatment, participants reported significant improvement in their overall health status (P = 0.001). Children's age, gender, or the treatment approach were not statistically significantly associated with changes in OHRQoL of the child or carer. Children and parents who initially reported greater impacts of untreated dental caries demonstrated greater improvements in their overall oral health status (P < 0.0001).ConclusionDental caries was associated with negative impacts on children and parents' quality of life. Treatment of caries improved the quality of life of children and families significantly, irrespective of whether the treatment was provided by a conventional or a biological approach.
The transmission dynamics and diversity of human metapneumovirus in Peru
Authors: Pollett Simon , Trovão Nidia S. , Tan Yi , Eden John‐Sebastian , Halpin Rebecca A. , Bera Jayati , Das Suman R. , Wentworth David , Ocaña Victor , Mendocilla Silvia M. , Álvarez Carlos , Calisto Maria E. , Garcia Josefina , Halsey Eric , Ampuero Julia S. , Nelson Martha I. , Leguia Mariana 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe transmission dynamics of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in tropical countries remain unclear. Further understanding of the genetic diversity of the virus could aid in HMPV vaccine design and improve our understanding of respiratory virus transmission dynamics in low‐ and middle‐income countries.Materials & MethodsWe examined the evolution of HMPV in Peru through phylogenetic analysis of 61 full genome HMPV sequences collected in three ecologically diverse regions of Peru (Lima, Piura, and Iquitos) during 2008‐2012, comprising the largest data set of HMPV whole genomes sequenced from any tropical country to date.ResultsWe revealed extensive genetic diversity generated by frequent viral introductions, with little evidence of local persistence. While considerable viral traffic between non‐Peruvian countries and Peru was observed, HMPV epidemics in Peruvian locales were more frequently epidemiologically linked with other sites within Peru. We showed that Iquitos experienced greater HMPV traffic than the similar sized city of Piura by both Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods.ConclusionsThere is extensive HMPV genetic diversity even within smaller and relatively less connected cities of Peru and this virus is spatially fluid. Greater diversity of HMPV in Iquitos compared to Piura may relate to higher volumes of human movement, including air traffic to this location.
Enhanced early warning system impact on nursing practice: A phenomenological study
Authors: Burns Kathleen A. , Reber Tracey , Theodore Karen , Welch Brenda , Roy Debra , Siedlecki Sandra L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimTo determine how an enhanced early warning system has an impact on nursing practice.BackgroundEarly warning systems score physiologic measures and alert nurses to subtle changes in patient condition. Critics of early warning systems have expressed concern that nurses would rely on a score rather than assessment skills and critical thinking to determine the need for intervention. Enhancing early warning systems with innovative technology is still in its infancy, so the impact of an enhanced early warning system on nursing behaviours or practice has not yet been studied.DesignPhenomenological design.MethodsScripted, semistructured interviews were conducted in September 2015 with 25 medical/surgical nurses who used the enhanced early warning system. Data were analysed using thematic analysis techniques (coding and bracketing). Emerging themes were examined for relationships and a model describing the enhanced early warning system experience was developed.FindingsNurses identified awareness leading to investigation and ease of prioritization as the enhanced early warning system's most important impact on their nursing practice. There was also an impact on organizational culture, with nurses reporting improved communication, increased collaboration, increased accountability and proactive responses to early changes in patient condition.ConclusionsRather than hinder critical thinking, as many early warning systems’ critics claim, nurses in this study found that the enhanced early warning system increased their awareness of changes in a patient's condition, resulting in earlier response and reassessment times. It also had an impact on the organization by improving communication and collaboration and supporting a culture of proactive rather than reactive response to early signs of deterioration.
Effectiveness of executive function training on mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition in healthy older adults: A double‐blind randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chiu Huei‐Ling , Chan Pi‐Tuan , Kao Ching‐Chiu , Chu Hsin , Chang Pi‐Chen , Hsiao Shu‐Tai Sheen , Liu Doresses , Chang Wen‐Chi , Chou Kuei‐Ru 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of executive function training on mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition for healthy older adults.BackgroundExecutive functions control and guide individuals' behaviours through a top‐down cognitive model and have been regarded as the exhibition and integration of various high‐level cognitive functions. However, prior studies have rarely focused on the subcomponent indicators of executive function, such as mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition in healthy older adults.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsA total of 62 participants were recruited between January 2015 ‐ March 2017, with both groups attending a 30‐min training session three times per week for 8 weeks. Executive function training group received the training content that focused on the mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition. Active control group engaged in passive information activities. The primary outcome was mental set shifting, measured by the Wisconsin card sort test. The secondary outcomes were working memory measured by digit span and inhibition measured by the Stroop color word test.ResultsThe executive function training group had statistically significant higher scores of mental set shifting and working memory at immediate follow‐up and that its effect on mental set shifting could be maintained for 3–6 months. However, this training did not have any statistically significant results on inhibition.ConclusionThe executive function training may be an effective preventive intervention for healthy older adults. Future studies are recommended to include a broader range of participants with different levels of cognitive function.
A randomized controlled trial of a nursing psychotherapeutic intervention for anxiety in adult psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Sampaio Francisco Miguel Correia , Araújo Odete , Sequeira Carlos , Lluch Canut María Teresa , Martins Teresa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the short‐term efficacy of a psychotherapeutic intervention in nursing on Portuguese adult psychiatric outpatients with the nursing diagnosis “anxiety.”BackgroundSeveral efficacious forms of treatment for anxiety are available, including different forms of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. However, literature tends to favour findings from studies on the efficacy of psychotherapies and therapies provided by nurses to the detriment of those arising from studies on the efficacy of nursing psychotherapeutic interventions (interventions which are classified, for instance, on Nursing Interventions Classification).DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsThe study was performed, between November 2016 ‐ April 2017, at a psychiatry outpatient ward. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group (N = 29) or a treatment‐as‐usual control group (N = 31). Patients in the intervention group received psychopharmacotherapy with interventions integrated in the Nursing Interventions Classification for the nursing diagnosis “anxiety.” A treatment‐as‐usual control group received only psychopharmacotherapy (if applicable). Anxiety level and anxiety self‐control were the primary outcomes.ResultsPatients from both groups had reduced anxiety levels, between the pre‐test and the posttest assessment; however, according to analysis of means, patients in the intervention group displayed significantly better results than those of the control group. Furthermore, only patients in the intervention group presented significant improvements in anxiety self‐control.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the short‐term efficacy of this psychotherapeutic intervention model in nursing in the decrease of anxiety level and improvement of anxiety self‐control in a group of psychiatric outpatients with pathological anxiety.Trial Registration Number: NCT02930473.
Cell therapy with allogenic canine periodontal ligament‐derived cells in periodontal regeneration of critical size defects
Authors: Nuñez Javier , Sanchez Nerea , Vignoletti Fabio , Sanz‐Martin Ignacio , Caffesse Raul , Santamaria Silvia , Garcia‐Sanz Jose A. , Sanz Mariano 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimThe objective of this in vivo experimental study to evaluate the regenerative potential of a cell therapy combining allogenic periodontal ligament‐derived cells within a xenogeneic bone substitute in a similar experimental model.MethodsIn nine beagle dogs, critical size 6‐mm supra‐alveolar periodontal defects were created around the PIII and PIV. The resulting supra‐alveolar defects were randomly treated with either 1.4 × 106 allogenic canine periodontal ligament‐derived cells seeded on de‐proteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBM‐C) (test group) or DBBM‐C without cells (control group). Specimens were obtained at 3 months, and histological outcomes were studied.ResultsThe histological analysis showed that total furcation closure occurred very seldom in both groups, being the extent of periodontal regeneration located in the apical third of the defect. The calculated amount of periodontal regeneration at the furcation area was comparable in both the test and control groups (1.93 ± 1.14 mm (17%) versus 2.35 ± 1.74 mm (22%), respectively (p = .37). Similarly, there were no significant differences in the amount of new cementum formation 4.49 ± 1.56 mm (41%) versus 4.97 ± 1.05 mm (47%), respectively (p = .45).ConclusionsThis experimental study was unable to demonstrate the added value of allogenic cell therapy in supra‐crestal periodontal regeneration.
Early second trimester maternal serum markers in the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhao Baihui , Han Xiujun , Meng Qing , Luo Qiong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo determine whether maternal serum markers in the early second trimester are useful for prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Materials and methodsA total of 876 singleton pregnancies were recruited in the present study. Blood samples were collected during 16–20 gestational weeks. GDM women were diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test during 24–28 gestational weeks. A total of 56 women with GDM and 73 healthy pregnant women were selected. Maternal serum concentrations of placental protein 13 (PP13), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1), myostatin and follistatin (FST) were detected at 16–20 weeks’ gestation. All of these markers concentrations were expressed as multiples of the medians. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for comparison of the multiples of the medians of different concentrations of these five serum markers between the GDM group and the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to assess the sensitivity and specificity of significant serum markers from a Mann–Whitney U‐test comparison.ResultsCompared with healthy pregnancies, the serum levels of PP13, PTX3, sFlt‐1, myostatin and FST in the early second trimester were significantly increased in patients who had developed GDM late. In screening for GDM by PP13, PTX3, sFlt‐1, myostatin and FST, the detection rates were 92.3, 94.9, 94.9, 92.5 and 92.3%, respectively at 80% specificity. PTX3 and sFlt‐1 were the most sensitive markers.ConclusionsMaternal serum markers including PP13, PTX3, sFlt‐1, myostatin and FST increase in the early second trimester of women with GDM. These five markers, especially PTX3 and sFlt‐1, could have the value of prediction for those patients who would develop GDM in the late second trimester.
Insulin deficiency with and without glucagon: A comparative study between total pancreatectomy and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Niwano Fumimaru , Hiromine Yoshihisa , Noso Shinsuke , Babaya Naru , Ito Hiroyuki , Yasutake Sara , Matsumoto Ippei , Takeyama Yoshifumi , Kawabata Yumiko , Ikegami Hiroshi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionPatients with a total pancreatectomy and type 1 diabetes are similar in regard to absolute insulin deficiency, but different in regard to glucagon, providing a unique opportunity to study the contribution of glucagon to glucose metabolism in an insulin‐dependent state. The aim of the present study was to investigate the contribution of glucagon to glucose homeostasis in complete insulin deficiency in vivo.MethodsA total of 38 individuals with a complete lack of endogenous insulin (fasting C‐peptide <0.0066 nmol/L) and whose glycemic control was optimized with an insulin pump during hospitalization were retrospectively studied. The basal insulin requirement, time‐to‐time adjustment of the basal insulin infusion rate, prandial insulin requirement and fasting plasma glucagon were compared between patients with a total pancreatectomy (n = 10) and those with type 1 diabetes (n = 28) after achievement of optimal glycemic control.ResultsTotal daily insulin (P = 0.03) and basal insulin (P = 0.000006), but not prandial insulin requirements, were significantly lower in total pancreatectomy patients than in type 1 diabetes patients. The basal percentage (basal insulin/total daily insulin) was also significantly lower in total pancreatectomy patients than in type 1 diabetes patients (15.8 ± 7.8 vs 32.9 ± 10.1%, P = 0.00003). An increase in the insulin infusion rate early in the morning was not necessary in most patients with a pancreatectomy. The fasting plasma glucagon concentration was significantly lower in total pancreatectomy patients than in type 1 diabetes patients (P = 0.00007), and was positively correlated with the basal insulin requirement (P = 0.038).ConclusionsThe difference in insulin requirements between total pancreatectomy and type 1 diabetes patients suggests a contribution of glucagon to the basal insulin requirement and dawn phenomenon.
Can Ebola virus evolve to be less virulent in humans?
Authors: Sofonea M. T. , Aldakak L. , Boullosa L. F. V .V. , Alizon S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUnderstanding Ebola virus (EBOV) virulence evolution not only is timely but also raises specific questions because it causes one of the most virulent human infections and it is capable of transmission after the death of its host. Using a compartmental epidemiological model that captures three transmission routes (by regular contact, via dead bodies and by sexual contact), we infer the evolutionary dynamics of case fatality ratio on the scale of an outbreak and in the long term. Our major finding is that the virus's specific life cycle imposes selection for high levels of virulence and that this pattern is robust to parameter variations in biological ranges. In addition to shedding a new light on the ultimate causes of EBOV's high virulence, these results generate testable predictions and contribute to informing public health policies. In particular, burial management stands out as the most appropriate intervention since it decreases the of the epidemics, while imposing selection for less virulent strains.
Interactions between host sex and age of exposure modify the virulence–transmission trade‐off
Authors: Gipson S. A. Y. , Hall M. D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe patterns of immunity conferred by host sex or age represent two sources of host heterogeneity that can potentially shape the evolutionary trajectory of disease. With each host sex or age encountered, a pathogen's optimal exploitative strategy may change, leading to considerable variation in expression of pathogen transmission and virulence. To date, these host characteristics have been studied in the context of host fitness alone, overlooking the effects of host sex and age on the fundamental virulence–transmission trade‐off faced by pathogens. Here, we explicitly address the interaction of these characteristics and find that host sex and age at exposure to a pathogen affect age‐specific patterns of mortality and the balance between pathogen transmission and virulence. When infecting age‐structured male and female Daphnia magna with different genotypes of Pasteuria ramosa, we found that infection increased mortality rates across all age classes for females, whereas mortality only increased in the earliest age class for males. Female hosts allowed a variety of trade‐offs between transmission and virulence to arise with each age and pathogen genotype. In contrast, this variation was dampened in males, with pathogens exhibiting declines in both virulence and transmission with increasing host age. Our results suggest that differences in exploitation potential of males and females to a pathogen can interact with host age to allow different virulence strategies to coexist, and illustrate the potential for these widespread sources of host heterogeneity to direct the evolution of disease in natural populations.