bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurse and midwifery prescribing in Ireland: A scope‐of‐practice development for worldwide consideration
Authors: Wilson Donna M. , Murphy Jill , Nam Mavis A. , Fahy Anne , Tella Susanna 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFor 10 years, select Irish nurses and midwives who pass a rigorous 6 month theory and practical program can prescribe medications and other medicinal products. Given the need for timely, accessible, and affordable health‐care services in all countries, this nursing/midwifery education and practice development is worthy of examination. Irish nurse/midwife prescribing occurred following long‐term deliberative nursing profession advocacy, nursing education planning, nursing administration and practice planning, interdisciplinary health‐care team support and complementary efforts, and government action. A review of documents, research, and other articles was undertaken to examine this development process and report evaluative information for consideration by other countries seeking to improve their health‐care systems. Nurse/midwife prescribing was accomplished successfully in Ireland, with the steps taken there to initiate and establish nurse/midwife prescribing of value internationally.
Patterns of diversity, endemism and specialization in the root symbiont communities of alder species on the island of Corsica
Authors: Pozzi Adrien C. , Roy Mélanie , Nagati Mélissande , Schwob Guillaume , Manzi Sophie , Gardes Monique , Moreau Pierre‐Arthur , Fernandez Maria P. 
Published: January 2018

Summary

We investigated whether the diversity, endemicity and specificity of alder symbionts could be changed by isolation in a Mediterranean glacial refugium. We studied both ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi and nitrogen‐fixing actinobacteria associated with alders, and compared their communities in Corsica and on the European continent.

Nodules and root tips were sampled on the three alder species present in Corsica and continental France and Italy. Phylogenies based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and a multilocus sequence analysis approach were used to characterize fungal and Frankia species, respectively. Patterns of diversity, endemism and specialization were compared between hosts and regions for each symbiont community.

In Corsica, communities were not generally richer than on the mainland. The species richness per site depended mainly on host identity: Alnus glutinosa and Alnus cordata hosted richer Frankia and EM communities, respectively. Half of the Frankia species were endemic to Corsica against only 4% of EM species.

Corsica is not a hotspot of diversity for all alder symbionts but sustains an increased frequency of poor‐dispersers such as hypogeous fungi. Generalist EM fungi and host‐dependent profusely sporulating (Sp+) Frankia were abundantly associated with Corsican A. cordata, a pattern related to a more thermophilic and xerophylic climate and to the co‐occurrence with other host trees.
A novel HD‐ZIP IV/MIXTA complex promotes glandular trichome initiation and cuticle development in Artemisia annua
Authors: Yan Tingxiang , Li Ling , Xie Lihui , Chen Minghui , Shen Qian , Pan Qifang , Fu Xueqing , Shi Pu , Tang Yueli , Huang Huayi , Huang Yiwen , Huang Youran , Tang Kexuan 
Published: January 2018

Summary

Glandular trichomes and cuticles are both specialized structures that cover the epidermis of aerial plant organs. The former are commonly regarded as ‘biofactories’ for producing valuable natural products. The latter are generally considered as natural barriers for defending plants against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the regulatory network for their formation and relationship remains largely elusive.

Here we identify a homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP) IV transcription factor, AaHD8, directly promoting the expression of AaHD1 for glandular trichome initiation in Artemisia annua.

We found that AaHD8 positively regulated leaf cuticle development in A. annua via controlling the expression of cuticle‐related enzyme genes. Furthermore, AaHD8 interacted with a MIXTA‐like protein AaMIXTA1, a positive regulator of trichome initiation and cuticle development, forming a regulatory complex and leading to enhanced transcriptional activity in regulating the expression of AaHD1 and cuticle development genes.

Our results reveal a molecular mechanism by which a novel HD‐ZIP IV/MIXTA complex plays a significant role in regulating epidermal development, including glandular trichome initiation and cuticle formation.
Clinical trials for myasthenia gravis: a historical perspective
Authors: Kaminski Henry J. , Alnosair Eman , Algahtani Rami M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSymposia dedicated to myasthenia gravis and related disorders date back to 1947 and serve as markers of the progress for the field. We provide a brief historical review of therapy development through the lens of the publications that arose from the close to quinquennial meetings that have been supported nearly since their inception by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and the New York Academy of Sciences. One can appreciate great advances, false starts, and dead ends that are found in all fields of medicine. We tally up the score card for MG and find points scored, but the win is not yet close.
Piecing together the puzzle of pancreatic islet adaptation in pregnancy
Authors: Banerjee Ronadip R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPregnancy places acute demands on maternal physiology, including profound changes in glucose homeostasis. Gestation is characterized by an increase in insulin resistance, counterbalanced by an adaptive increase in pancreatic β cell production of insulin. Failure of normal adaptive responses of the islet to increased maternal and fetal demands manifests as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The gestational changes and rapid reversal of islet adaptations following parturition are at least partly driven by an anticipatory program rather than post‐factum compensatory adaptations. Here, I provide a comprehensive review of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal islet adaptation during pregnancy and how dysregulation may lead to GDM. Emerging areas of interest and understudied areas worthy of closer examination in the future are highlighted.
Pathophysiological mechanisms of autoimmunity
Authors: Sudres Muriel , Verdier Julien , Truffault Frédérique , Le Panse Rozen , Berrih‐Aknin Sonia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAutoimmune diseases (AIDs) are chronic disorders characterized by inflammatory reactions against self‐antigens that can be either systemic or organ specific. AIDs can differ in their epidemiologic features and clinical presentations, yet all share a remarkable complexity. AIDs result from an interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors with environmental components that are associated with imbalances in the immune system. Many of the pathogenic mechanisms of AIDs are also implicated in myasthenia gravis (MG), an AID in which inflammation of the thymus leads to a neuromuscular disorder. Our goal here is to highlight the similarities and differences between MG and other AIDs by reviewing the common transcriptome signatures and the development of germinal centers and by discussing some unresolved questions about autoimmune mechanisms. This review will propose hypotheses to explain the origin of regulatory T (Treg) cell defects and the causes of chronicity and specificity of AIDs.
Distinct patterns of gene expression in human cardiac fibroblasts exposed to rapamycin treatment or methionine restriction
Authors: Azar Ashley , Lawrence Ibiyonu , Jofre Sebastian , Mell Joshua , Sell Christian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBoth methionine restriction and rapamycin treatment are robust longevity‐enhancing regimens for which the mechanisms remain unclear. Cellular senescence is a major contributor to the aging process, and we find that both the methionine and rapamycin regimens delay or prevent activation of the senescence program in human cells. Using a transcriptome‐wide analysis, we examined the impact of methionine restriction and rapamycin treatment on senescence‐associated gene expression in human cardiac fibroblasts. Our findings have been integrated into gene expression data sets from human lung and skin fibroblasts during senescence. The data demonstrate both common and tissue‐specific aspects to the senescent phenotype in these cell types. For example, cardiac fibroblasts express brain naturetic peptide, a clinically relevant marker for cardiac failure, whereas senescent cells from all three tissues express at least one of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐binding proteins. The IGF‐binding proteins are tissue‐specific mediators of IGF‐1, a growth factor required for proliferation of all tissues. These data suggest that senescent cells serve tissue‐specific roles. Moreover, the prolongevity regimens produce distinct patterns of gene expression.
Update on management of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Everett Estelle , Mathioudakis Nestoras 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Mortality rates associated with the development of a DFU are estimated to be 5% in the first 12 months, and 5‐year morality rates have been estimated at 42%. The standard practices in DFU management include surgical debridement, dressings to facilitate a moist wound environment and exudate control, wound off‐loading, vascular assessment, and infection and glycemic control. These practices are best coordinated by a multidisciplinary diabetic foot wound clinic. Even with this comprehensive approach, there is still room for improvement in DFU outcomes. Several adjuvant therapies have been studied to reduce DFU healing times and amputation rates. We reviewed the rationale and guidelines for current standard of care practices and reviewed the evidence for the efficacy of adjuvant agents. The adjuvant therapies reviewed include the following categories: nonsurgical debridement agents, dressings and topical agents, oxygen therapies, negative pressure wound therapy, acellular bioproducts, human growth factors, energy‐based therapies, and systemic therapies. Many of these agents have been found to be beneficial in improving wound healing rates, although a large proportion of the data are small, randomized controlled trials with high risks of bias.
A presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome attributed to a homozygous sequence variant in LAMA5
Authors: Maselli Ricardo A. , Arredondo Juan , Vázquez Jessica , Chong Jessica X. , Bamshad Michael J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Lara Marian , Ng Fiona , Lo Victoria Lee , Pytel Peter , McDonald Craig M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report a severe defect of neuromuscular transmission in a consanguineous patient with a homozygous variant in the laminin α5 subunit gene (LAMA5). The variant c.8046C > T (p.Arg2659Trp) is rare and has a predicted deleterious effect. The affected individual, who also carries a rare homozygous sequence variant in LAMA1, had normal cognitive function, but magnetic resonance brain imaging showed mild volume loss and periventricular T2 prolongation. Repetitive nerve stimulation at 2 Hz showed 50% decrement of compound muscle action potential amplitudes but 250% facilitation immediately after exercise, similar to that seen in Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Endplate studies demonstrated a profound reduction of the endplate potential quantal content but normal amplitudes of miniature endplate potentials. Electron microscopy showed endplates with increased postsynaptic folding that were denuded or only partially occupied by small nerve terminals. Expression studies revealed that p.Arg2659Trp caused decreased binding of laminin α5 to SV2A and impaired laminin‐521 cell adhesion and cell projection support in primary neuronal cultures. In summary, this report describing severe neuromuscular transmission failure in a patient with a LAMA5 mutation expands the list of phenotypes associated with defects in genes encoding α‐laminins.
Price Adjustment in Currency Unions: Another Dimension to the Endogeneity of the Optimum Currency Area Criteria?
Authors: Bleaney Michael , Yin Lin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn a rational expectations model, wages and prices should respond more to shocks in currency unions than under adjustable pegs because of the absence of exchange rate adjustment. This is an aspect of the endogeneity of the optimum currency area criteria that has been largely ignored. Empirical evidence from three currency unions tends to suggest some degree of endogeneity of price flexibility, but the rate of adjustment is slow. Self‐selection into currency unions by countries with naturally greater price flexibility does not appear to be a significant factor.
Obesity class does not further stratify outcome in overweight and obese pediatric patients after heart transplantation
Authors: Ryan Thomas D. , Zafar Farhan , Siegel Robert M. , Villa Chet R. , Bryant Roosevelt , Chin Clifford 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe effect of obesity stratification on pediatric heart transplant outcomes is unknown. The UNOS database was queried for patients ≥2‐<18 years listed for heart transplant and stratified by BMI: normal (BMI>5%‐≤85 percentile), overweight (BMI=86%‐95 percentile), class 1 (BMI=100%‐120% of 95 percentile), class 2 (BMI=121%‐140% of 95 percentile), and class 3 obesity (BMI>140% of 95 percentile). A total of 5056 individuals were listed for transplant, with 71% normal, 13% overweight, 10% class 1, 4% class 2, and 2% class 3 obesity. Waitlist survival was not different between groups. Post‐transplant survival was decreased in overweight and combined obese groups vs normal, with no further difference between overweight and obese classes. Overweight and obese patients had higher listing status and were more likely to have ventilator, inotrope, and mechanical circulatory support at listing. After transplant, there was an association of overweight‐obese patients with diabetes and rejection requiring hospitalization. Stricter definition of normal weight reveals overweight‐obese status was an independent risk factor for poorer post‐transplant survival, without further effect by stratification of weight class. However, because there is no difference in waitlist survival, this study does not allow the selection of absolute weight‐based criteria regarding transplant listing and suggests the need to look further for modifiable risk factors post‐transplant.
Why do older people refuse resuscitation? A qualitative study examining retirement village residents’ resuscitation decisions
Authors: Ramages Meagan , Cheung Gary 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThere is a dearth of qualitative research on resuscitation preferences of older New Zealanders. The aim of this study was to investigate the resuscitation preferences of older New Zealanders in a retirement village or residential care setting, as well as the reasons for these preferences.MethodsThis study had 37 participants from two retirement villages in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were interviewed about a hypothetical case vignette about cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and then they completed a semi‐structured interview. Interviews were subsequently transcribed and analyzed by two independent researchers using thematic qualitative methodology.ResultsThe majority of the participants (n = 25, 67.6%) decided against resuscitation, 10 (27.0%) wanted resuscitation, and 2 (5.4%) were ambivalent about their resuscitation preferences. Three main themes emerged during the data analysis regarding participants’ reasons for deciding against resuscitation: (i) the wish for a natural death; (ii) advanced age; and (iii) a realistic awareness about the consequences of resuscitation. Responses related to the third these had three subthemes: (i) reduced quality of life; (ii) loss of personal integrity and sense of existence; and (iii) concern that resuscitation could result in unnecessary costs or a burden on others. Among participants who preferred resuscitation, two main themes emerged regarding their reasons for wanting resuscitation: (i) the wish to prolong a good quality of life; and (ii) unrealistic expectations of resuscitation.ConclusionsOlder people in this study were able to make reasoned decisions about resuscitation based on balancing their subjective estimations of quality of life and the presumed consequences of resuscitation. It is important therefore to educate older adults about the potential outcomes of resuscitation and explore (and document) their reasoning when discussing resuscitation preferences so their wishes can be respected.
A Comprehensive Risk Analysis of Transportation Networks Affected by Rainfall‐Induced Multihazards
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Ming , Cao Yinxue , Zhu Weihua , Wu Jinshan , Yan Xiaoyong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractClimate change and its projected natural hazards have an adverse impact on the functionality and operation of transportation infrastructure systems. This study presents a comprehensive framework to analyze the risk to transportation infrastructure networks that are affected by natural hazards. The proposed risk analysis method considers both the failure probability of infrastructure components and the expected infrastructure network efficiency and capacity loss due to component failure. This comprehensive approach facilitates the identification of high‐risk network links in terms of not only their susceptibility to natural hazards but also their overall impact on the network. The Chinese national rail system and its exposure to rainfall‐related multihazards are used as a case study. The importance of various links is comprehensively assessed from the perspectives of topological, efficiency, and capacity criticality. Risk maps of the national railway system are generated, which can guide decisive action regarding investments in preventative and adaptive measures to reduce risk.
Parental incarceration and child outcomes: Those at risk, evidence of impacts, methodological insights, and areas of future work
Authors: Haskins Anna R. , Amorim Mariana , Mingo Meaghan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe past 15 years of sociological scholarship assessing the intergenerational consequences of parental incarceration has produced a large body of work suggesting, on the aggregate, detrimental impacts on behavioral, educational, and health outcomes for American children. In this review, we briefly outline who is most at risk for experiencing parental incarceration, before providing an overview of recent multidisciplinary research on the impacts of parental incarceration for American children, ages 0–17. While our review centers on research within the discipline of sociology, we also highlight the interdisciplinary nature and methodological range of work in this subfield in order to provide a more holistic picture of the breadth and variation in impacts of this uniquely American phenomenon. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the gaps in current literature and areas ripe for further development. In particular, we note future sociological work aimed at exploring mechanisms, addressing heterogeneity in effects, and highlighting pathways for resilience in children of the incarcerated is much needed in order to further develop our understanding of the broader intergenerational consequences of America's experiment in mass incarceration.
Spontaneous preterm birth prevention in multiple pregnancy
Authors: Murray Sarah R , Stock Sarah J , Cowan Shona , Cooper Elizabeth Sarah , Norman Jane E 
Published: January 2018

Key content

Twin pregnancies are associated with a three‐fold greater perinatal mortality than singleton pregnancies. Prematurity is a main contributor, with 50% of twin pregnancies delivering before 37 weeks and 10% delivering before 32 weeks of gestation.

The aetiology of preterm delivery in twin pregnancies is likely multifactorial and different from that of singletons.

Cervical cerclage reduces preterm birth rates in singletons but has mixed results in twins with some studies showing harm.

The use of progesterone to prevent preterm birth in singletons has conflicting results and has not been proven to prevent preterm birth in twins. Studies continue to determine whether the cervical pessary is effective in preventing preterm birth in multiple pregnancies.

There is a paucity of data available on the prevention of preterm birth in triplets/higher order multiples but similar principles to twin pregnancy apply.

Learning objectives

To review the burden of preterm birth in multiple pregnancy.

To understand the methods available for preventing preterm birth in multiple pregnancies and the evidence surrounding the use of each one.

To be aware of the use of the Arabin pessary.
Preanalytical validation of an in‐house radioimmunoassay for measuring calprotectin in feline specimens
Authors: Heilmann Romy M. , Grützner Niels , Handl Stefanie , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundCalprotectin is a marker of inflammatory disorders in people, and serum and fecal calprotectin were shown to be increased in dogs with gastrointestinal inflammation. Biomarkers of gastrointestinal inflammation are currently lacking in cats.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to analytically validate the canine calprotectin radioimmunoassay for quantification of calprotectin in feline specimens.MethodsThe immunoassay was analytically validated by determining assay working range, dilutional parallelism, spiking recovery, and intra‐ and inter‐assay variability. Reference intervals for fecal calprotectin were established from healthy cats, and the influence of age, sex, and housing condition on fecal calprotectin was determined.ResultsThe working range of the assay was 1.5–346.2 μg/g of feces and 11.2–8654.4 μg/L of serum. Observed‐to‐expected ratios (O/E) for serial dilutions of fecal extracts ranged from 77.3% to 112.0% (mean: 99.2%) and from 95.7% to 161.4% (mean: 118.5%) for spiking recovery. Intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation for fecal samples were ≤ 11.0% and ≤ 12.8%, respectively. Fecal calprotectin concentrations ranged 1.5–66.5 μg/g (3‐day sample mean) and 1.5–126.1 μg/g (3‐day sample maximum). Housing conditions, sex, or age did not affect fecal calprotectin (all P > .05). For serial dilutions of serum samples, O/E ranged from 96.0% to 152.0% (mean: 115.7%). Serum calprotectin concentrations in healthy cats ranged from 108.8 to 255.3 μg/L (median: 158.2 μg/L).ConclusionsThe canine radioimmunoassay for the measurement of calprotectin is analytically sensitive, linear, reproducible, accurate, and sufficiently precise (CVA ≤ 43.2%) for use with feline feces (with a loss of accuracy at high calprotectin concentrations). The RIs for feline fecal calprotectin are comparable to those established for dogs. Independence of fecal calprotectin from age and sex agrees with findings in dogs.