bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Trends in WRN Gene Mutation Patterns in Individuals with Werner Syndrome
Authors: Yamaga Masaya , Takemoto Minoru , Takada‐Watanabe Aki , Koizumi Naoko , Kitamoto Takumi , Sakamoto Kenichi , Ishikawa Takahiro , Koshizaka Masaya , Maezawa Yoshiro , Yokote Koutaro 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo determine recent trends in mutation patterns in the WRN gene, which cause Werner syndrome (WS), a rare, inheritable progeroid syndrome in Japan.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingLongitudinal survey of WS and literature search for case reports.ParticipantsIndividuals whose genetic testing their facilities had requested between 2009 and October 2016 (N = 67).MeasurementsA nationwide epidemiological study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 to improve understanding of the pathology of WS and develop therapeutic guidelines. Since 2009, Chiba University Hospital consecutively evaluated the WRN gene in 67 individuals throughout Japan who had requested genetic testing. A literature search was also conducted for case reports on Japanese WS reported since 1997.ResultsA definitive diagnosis of WS was confirmed genetically in 50 of 67 participants. Through the literature search, 16 individuals diagnosed genetically with WS were identified. Of these 66 individuals with WS, 42 were homozygous for a WRN mutation, and 21 were compound heterozygotes. One novel mutant allele was identified in an individual with the compound heterozygous genotype. The proportion of compound heterozygotes (31.8%) was significantly greater than reported previously (14.2%), indicating that the incidence of consanguineous marriage of parents has decreased.ConclusionThe increased frequency of individuals with WS with the compound heterozygous genotype is a recent trend in Japan. A long‐term follow‐up study on WRN homozygotes and compound heterozygotes will allow the relationship between WRN genotype and clinical severity of WS to be evaluated in the future.
Development of an improved Kelvin probe force microscope for accurate local potential measurements on biased electronic devices
Authors: BERCU N.B. , GIRAUDET L. , SIMONETTI O. , MOLINARI M. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAn improved setup for accurate near‐field surface potential measurements and characterisation of biased electronic devices using the Kelvin Probe method has been developed. Using an external voltage source synchronised with the raster‐scan of the KPFM‐AM, this setup allows to avoid potential measurement errors of the conventional Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy in the case ofin situmeasurements on biased electronic devices. This improved KPFM‐AM setup has been tested on silicon‐based devices and organic semiconductor‐based devices such as organic field effect transistors (OFETs), showing differences up to 25% compared to the standard KPFM‐AM lift‐mode measurement method.
Patient perspectives on the optimal start of renal replacement therapy
Authors: Henry Shayna L. , Munoz‐Plaza Corrine , Garcia Delgadillo Jazmine , Mihara Nichole K. , Rutkowski Mark P. 
Published: April 2017

SUMMARYBackgroundHealthcare systems and providers are encouraged to prepare their patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) for a planned start to renal replacement therapies (RRT). Less well understood are the socioemotional experiences surrounding the optimal start of RRT versus suboptimal haemodialysis (HD) starts with a central catheter.ObjectivesTo characterise the experiences of patients beginning RRT.DesignQualitative, semi‐structured phone interviews.ParticipantsA total of 168 patients with stage 5 CKD initiating RRT in an integrated, capitated learning healthcare system.ApproachQualitative data from patients were collected as part of a quality improvement initiative to better understand patient‐reported themes concerning preparation for RRT, patients’ perceptions of their transition to dialysis and why sub‐optimal starts for RRT occur within our healthcare system. Dual review and verification was used to identify key phrases and themes within and across each domain, using both deductive a priori codes generated by the interview guide and grounded discovery of emergent themes.ResultsFrom the patient perspective, preparing for RRT is an experience rooted in deep feelings of fear. In addition, a number of key factors contributed to patients’ preparation (or failure to prepare) for RRT. While the education provided by our system was viewed as adequate overall, patients often felt that their emotional and psychosocial needs went unmet, regardless of whether or not, they experienced an optimal dialysis start.ConclusionsFuture efforts should incorporate additional strategies for helping patients with advanced CKD achieve emotional and psychological safety while preparing for RRT.
Assessment, teacher education and the emergence of professional expertise
Authors: Ellis Sue , Smith Vivienne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper describes a new assessment tool that situates school literacy as a specific cognitive, cultural, social and emotional. It reports evidence of the extent to which this tool seems to have helped student teachers to broker and balance different kinds of data and knowledge flows. The study shows that the tool was helpful in encouraging student teachers to deepen their understanding of individual knowledge domains and to orchestrate across them to determine pathways to impact, learning priorities and actions. Its theoretical contribution is to suggest that there are benefits in recasting assessment and the professional knowledge that underpins it as a problem of how to align evidence from different theoretical and practice knowledge communities. Its contribution to the policy debate is to suggest that this could create a climate for more productive conversations between researchers, policy makers and practitioner communities.
Mergers Along the Global Supply Chain: Information Technologies and Routine Tasks
Authors: Basco Sergi , Mestieri Martí 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper empirically analyses how the adoption of Information Technologies (IT) has changed the organization of global supply chains. We focus on international mergers, which are a growing and important component of foreign direct investment. We use data on North–South mergers and acquisitions (M&As). We show that the effect of IT adoption on the number of vertical M&As is decreasing with the routine intensity of the industry. Our interpretation is that the IT revolution enabled new monitoring mechanisms. This allowed Northern headquarters to better monitor suppliers, especially those in less routine‐intensive industries –which were harder to monitor before.
Current use of factor concentrates in pediatric cardiac anesthesia
Authors: Guzzetta Nina A. , Williams Glyn D. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryExcessive bleeding following pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, both from the effects of hemorrhage and the therapies employed to achieve hemostasis. Neonates and infants are especially at risk because their coagulation systems are immature, surgeries are often complex, and cardiopulmonary bypass technologies are inappropriately matched to patient size and physiology. Consequently, these young children receive substantial amounts of adult‐derived blood products to restore adequate hemostasis. Adult and pediatric data demonstrate associations between blood product transfusions and adverse patient outcomes. Thus, efforts to limit bleeding after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass and minimize allogeneic blood product exposure are warranted. The off‐label use of factor concentrates, such as fibrinogen concentrate, recombinant activated factor VII, and prothrombin complex concentrates, is increasing as these hemostatic agents appear to offer several advantages over conventional blood products. However, recognizing that these agents have the potential for both benefit and harm, well‐designed studies are needed to enhance our knowledge and to determine the optimal use of these agents. In this review, our primary objective was to examine the evidence regarding the use of factor concentrates to treat bleeding after pediatric CPB and identify where further research is required. PubMed, MEDLINE/OVID, The Cochrane Library and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were systematically searched to identify existing studies.
Sonography of Arteriovenous Fistulas and Grafts
Authors: Pietryga Jason A. , Little Mark D. , Robbin Michelle L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractArteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are the vascular accesses of choice for long‐term hemodialysis. Strategies to establish and maintain functioning AVFs and AVGs are essential. In addition to clinical evaluation, ultrasound plays a critical role in the evaluation and maintenance of AVFs and AVGs. AVFs have a high rate of failure to mature which can be reliably diagnosed with ultrasound. Treatable etiologies of the failure to mature can often be diagnosed with ultrasound. Causes of secondary AVG failure can also be diagnosed with ultrasound and treated. AVGs have a relatively short functional life expectancy due to a high rate of AVG thrombosis. Ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive way to diagnose vascular stenosis in both AVFs and AVGs prior to thrombosis, potentially saving the access. Routine surveillance ultrasound of asymptomatic AVFs and AVGs is controversial with conflicting studies on its benefit. Routine surveillance ultrasound of AVFs and AVGs is not common practice.
Increased filaggrin‐metabolizing enzyme activity in atopic skin: a pilot study using a canine model of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Fanton Natalia , Santoro Domenico , Cornegliani Luisa , Marsella Rosanna 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundFilaggrin (FLG) and its metabolites are essential for skin barrier function and hydration of the stratum corneum. Alteration of the FLG metabolism could be the basis for an abnormal skin barrier in allergic dogs.ObjectivesTo investigate the expression and distribution of calpain‐1, caspase‐14, furin and matriptase, four enzymes involved in FLG metabolism, in the skin of atopic and healthy beagles.MethodsSkin biopsies were collected from four healthy and four atopic beagles before and after allergen exposure. The dogs were challenged for three consecutive days to mimic an acute exposure, or once weekly to mimic a chronic exposure to allergens. Skin biopsies were taken on days 0 (nonlesional), 3 and 10 in the “acute” model and on days 0 (nonlesional), 14 and 28 in the “chronic” model. Four healthy dogs were used as controls. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to analyse the distribution and the expression of FLG enzymes in a semi‐quantitative manner. Five consecutive pictures/section were taken and the intensity analysed tracing the epidermis and using ImageJ on the traced areas. The enzymes’ expression was compared between healthy and atopic nonlesional skin (Day 0) and over time in each group.ResultsAll enzymes were expressed in all layers of the epidermis. A significantly higher expression of calpain‐1 (P = 0.028), caspase 14 (P = 0.028) and matriptase (P = 0.028) was evident in atopic compared to control dogs on Day 0. No differences over time were seen for any enzyme analysed.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis preliminary study suggests an abnormal catabolism of FLG in canine atopic skin.
Patients’ Perceptions of a Pressure Ulcer Prevention Care Bundle in Hospital: A Qualitative Descriptive Study to Guide Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Roberts Shelley , Wallis Marianne , McInnes Elizabeth , Bucknall Tracey , Banks Merrilyn , Ball Lauren , Chaboyer Wendy 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundPressure ulcers place a significant burden on patients and hospitals. Our team developed and tested a pressure ulcer prevention care bundle (PUPCB) in a cluster randomized trial. As part of the process evaluation conducted alongside the trial, we explored patients’ perceptions of the intervention.AimsTo identify patients’ perceptions and experiences of a PUPCB in hospital.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of a subset of patients who participated in a trial testing the PUPCB across four intervention hospitals. A trained interviewer conducted semistructured interviews, which were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsNineteen patients were interviewed across the four hospitals. Three main themes emerged: (a) importance of personal contact in PUPCB delivery; (b) understanding pressure ulcer prevention (PUP) enhances participation; and (c) individual factors impact patients’ engagement in PUP.DiscussionThe extent to which patients adopted the intervention appeared to be influenced by the complexity of education materials, compatibility with patients’ existing knowledge and beliefs, and perceived advantage of the intervention; ability for human interaction; and patient‐related facilitators and barriers to participating in PUP care.Linking Evidence to ActionThis study found patients accepted a PUPCB that encouraged participation in care, particularly as it involved personal and positive interactions with nurses and provision of information that was easy to understand and resonated with patients.
Questioning the uncritical acceptance of neuroscience in child and family policy and practice: A review of challenges to the current doxa
Authors: Beddoe Liz , Joy Eileen 
Published: April 2017

INTRODUCTION: Recent directions in child and family policy in many Anglophone countries, including Aotearoa New Zealand, are underpinned by the adoption of prevention science which is used to justify state interventions into the lives of families deemed vulnerable or troubled.METHODS: We conducted an examination of trends, firstly examining recent child welfare and protection policy. We discuss the science that underpins significant changes in policy and explore how this use of the available science dovetails with the dogma of the Western neoliberal agenda. FINDINGS: The invocation of science in the struggle to reduce child maltreatment may be reassuring to politicians, policy developers and practitioners alike but a critical analysis is largely missing in the discourse in Aotearoa New Zealand.CONCLUSIONS: Neuroscience is adopted largely uncritically in social policy in relation to child welfare and child protection. It can contribute to policy but other knowledge from social science findings about contextual factors in child maltreatment such as poverty, racism and class-based assumptions about parenting norms must not be ignored in social work practice.
Developmental Disabilities and Socioeconomic Outcomes in Young Adulthood
Authors: Queirós Fernanda C. , Wehby George L. , Halpern Carolyn T. 
Published: April 2017

Objective. We assessed the associations between developmental disabilities and indicators of socioeconomic outcomes (i.e., educational attainment, employment status, occupation type, subjective perception of socioeconomic status [SES], income, and wage rate) among young U.S. adults aged 24–33 years. Methods. We used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( n=13,040), a nationally representative study of U.S. adolescents in grades 7–12 during the 1994–1995 school year. Young adult outcomes (i.e., educational attainment, employment status, income, occupation, and subjective SES) were measured in Wave IV (2008 for those aged 24–33 years). Multivariate methods controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and other relevant variables. Results. Nearly 12% of this sample presented with a physical or cognitive disability. Respondents with physical disabilities had lower educational attainment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57, 0.85) and ranked themselves in lower positions on the subjective SES ladder (OR=0.71, 95% CI 0.57, 0.87) than those without a physical disability. Compared with individuals without disabilities, young adults with a cognitive disability also had lower educational attainment (OR=0.41, 95% CI 0.33, 0.52) and, when employed, were less likely to have a professional/managerial occupation (OR=0.50, 95% CI 0.39, 0.64). Young adults with disabilities also earned less annually (–$10,419.05, 95% CI –$4,954.79, –$5,883.37) and hourly (–$5.38, 95% CI –$7.64, –$3.12) than their non-disabled counterparts. Conclusion. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple developmental experiences that may contribute to learning and work achievements through the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
Using Smartphone Apps in STD Interviews to Find Sexual Partners
Authors: Pennise Melissa , Inscho Roxana , Herpin Kate , Owens John , Bedard Brenden A. , Weimer Anita C. , Kennedy Byron S. , Younge Mary 
Published: April 2017

Objectives. Smartphone applications (apps) are increasingly used to facilitate casual sexual relationships, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In STD investigations, traditional contact elicitation methods can be enhanced with smartphone technology during field interviews. Methods. In 2013, the Monroe County Department of Public Health conducted a large, multi-infection STD investigation among men who have sex with men (MSM) using both index case and cluster interviews. When patients indicated meeting sexual partners online, disease intervention specialists (DISs) had access to smartphone apps and were able to elicit partners through access to inboxes and profiles where traditional contact information was lacking. Social network mapping was used to display the extent of the investigation and the impact of access to smartphones on the investigation. Results. A total of 14 index patient interviews and two cluster interviews were conducted; 97 individuals were identified among 117 sexual dyads. On average, eight partners were elicited per interview (range: 1–31). The seven individuals who used apps to find partners had an average of three Internet partners (range: 1–5). Thirty-six individuals either had a new STD ( n=7) or were previously known to be HIV-positive ( n=29). Of the 117 sexual dyads, 21 (18%) originated either online ( n=8) or with a smartphone app ( n=13). Of those originating online or with a smartphone app, six (29%) partners were located using the smartphone and two (10%) were notified of their exposure via a website. Three of the new STD/HIV cases were among partners who met online. Conclusion. Smartphone technology used by DISs in the field improved contact elicitation and resulted in successful partner notification and case finding.
Comparative Mortality among People Diagnosed with HIV Infection or AIDS in the U.S., 2001–2010
Authors: Karch Debra L. , Hall H. Irene , Tang Tian , Hu Xiaohong , Mermin Jonathan 
Published: April 2017

Objective. The comparative mortality figure (CMF) is the expected number of deaths in the standard population compared with those observed. We assessed state-based CMFs for people with HIV infection to allow standardized assessment of mortality in all states. Methods. We used National HIV Surveillance System data to compute CMFs for people diagnosed with HIV and AIDS from 2001 to 2010 who met the CDC HIV case definition; were alive on December 31, 2009; and died during 2010. Results. In 33 U.S. states with name-based HIV reporting since 2001, the 2010 CMF for people with an HIV diagnosis was 2.8 compared with 4.5 for those with an AIDS diagnosis. CMFs for males were higher than for females (3.4 vs. 3.1) and black people had higher CMFs than white people for HIV (3.2 vs. 2.2) and AIDS (4.7 vs. 4.3). CMFs by state ranged from 0.9 to 4.2 for HIV and 1.9 to 9.7 for AIDS. In 50 states and the District of Columbia with AIDS reporting, CMFs for males and females were similar (4.5 and 4.6, respectively), CMFs for black people remained higher than for white people (5.0 and 3.9, respectively), and the range for states remained broad (1.2–9.4). Conclusion. State mortality figures varied based on population composition and disease stage at diagnosis, possibly indicating a need for state-specific testing, linkage to care, and viral suppression strategies to reduce mortality.
Food Insecurity and Health: Data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Emily A. , McGinnis Kathleen A. , Goulet Joseph , Bryant Kendall , Gibert Cynthia , Leaf David A. , Mattocks Kristin , Fiellin Lynn E. , Vogenthaler Nicholas , Justice Amy C. , Fiellin David A. ,   for the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Project Team
Published: April 2017

Objective. Food insecurity may be a modifiable and independent risk factor for worse control of medical conditions, but it has not been explored among veterans. We determined the prevalence of, and factors independently associated with, food insecurity among veterans in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS). Methods. Using data from VACS from 2002–2008, we determined the prevalence of food insecurity among veterans who have accessed health care in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) as defined by “concern about having enough food for you or your family in the past month.” We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors independently associated with food insecurity and tests of trend to measure the association between food insecurity and control of hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and depression. Results. Of the 6,709 veterans enrolled in VACS, 1,624 (24%) reported being food insecure. Food insecurity was independently associated with being African American, earning <$25,000/year, recent homelessness, marijuana use, and depression. Being food insecure was also associated with worse control of hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and depression ( p<0.001). Conclusion. Food insecurity is prevalent and associated with worse control of medical conditions among veterans who have accessed care in the VA.
The Descriptive Epidemiology of Yersiniosis: A Multistate Study, 2005–2011
Authors: Chakraborty Apurba , Komatsu Kenneth , Roberts Matthew , Collins Jim , Beggs Jennifer , Turabelidze George , Safranek Tom , Maillard Jean-Marie , Bell Linda J. , Young David , Marsden-Haug Nicola , Klos Rachel F. , Dworkin Mark S. 
Published: April 2017

Objectives. Yersiniosis, a foodborne infection of zoonotic origin caused by the bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, is a reportable disease in 38 states. Both sporadic and foodborne outbreaks of yersiniosis have been reported in the U.S., with annual occurrence of an estimated 98,000 episodes of illness, 533 hospitalizations, and 29 deaths. We analyzed surveillance data from nine non-FoodNet-participating U.S. states during the period 2005–2011 to describe the epidemiology of this disease. Methods. As part of a passive surveillance system, laboratory-confirmed cases of yersiniosis were reported to state health departments in Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin. We calculated overall, age-, and race-specific annual incidence rates per 100,000 population using 2010 Census data as the denominator. We used Poisson regression to examine seasonal variation and annual incidence trends by race, age group, and overall. Results. The average annual incidence of yersiniosis was 0.16 cases per 100,000 population during 2005–2011. We observed a statistically significant decreasing annual trend of yersiniosis incidence among African Americans <5 years of age ( p<0.01), whereas white people aged 19–64 years ( p=0.08) and Hispanic people ( p=0.05) had an overall increasing annual incidence of yersiniosis. We observed higher incidence during October–December ( p<0.01) and January–March ( p=0.03) quarters among African Americans, whereas white people had a higher incidence during April–June ( p=0.05). Conclusion. This multistate analysis revealed differences in the epidemiology of yersiniosis by race/ethnicity that may be useful for future research and prevention efforts. While this study was consistent with the FoodNet report in recognizing the high and declining incidence among African American children and winter seasonality among African Americans, our study also identified April–June seasonality among the white population.