bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in IRF4 expression modulates growth characteristics, tyrosinase expression and interferon‐gamma response in melanocytic cells
Authors: Chhabra Yash , Yong Hilary X.L. , Fane Mitchell E. , Soogrim Arish , Lim Wen , Mahiuddin Dayana Nur , Kim Reuben S.Q. , Ashcroft Melinda , Beatson Scott A. , Ainger Stephen A. , Smit Darren J. , Jagirdar Kasturee , Walker Graeme J. , Sturm Richard A. , Smith Aaron G. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryA SNP within intron4 of the interferon regulatory factor4 (IRF4) gene, rs12203592*C/T, has been independently associated with pigmentation and age‐specific effects on naevus count in European‐derived populations. We have characterized the cis‐regulatory activity of this intronic region and using human foreskin‐derived melanoblast strains, we have explored the correlation between IRF4 rs12203592 homozygous C/C and T/T genotypes with TYR enzyme activity, supporting its association with pigmentation traits. Further, higher IRF4 protein levels directed by the rs12203592*C allele were associated with increased basal proliferation but decreased cell viability following UVR, an etiological factor in melanoma development. Since UVR, and accompanying IFNγ‐mediated inflammatory response, is associated with melanomagenesis, we evaluated its effects in the context of IRF4 status. Manipulation of IRF4 levels followed by IFNγ treatment revealed a subset of chemokines and immuno‐evasive molecules that are sensitive to IRF4 expression level and genotype including CTLA4 and PD‐L1.
Association between the scores of the Japanese version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and whole‐brain structure in patients with chronic schizophrenia: A voxel‐based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Hidese Shinsuke , Ota Miho , Matsuo Junko , Ishida Ikki , Hiraishi Moeko , Teraishi Toshiya , Hattori Kotaro , Kunugi Hiroshi 
Published: July 2017

AimThe Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) is a concise tool designed to evaluate cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. We examined the possible association between BACS scores and whole‐brain structure, as observed using magnetic resonance imaging with a relatively large sample.MethodsThe study sample comprised 116 patients with schizophrenia (mean age, 39.3 ± 11.1 years; 66 men) and 118 healthy controls (HC; mean age, 40.0 ± 13.6 years; 58 men) who completed the Japanese version of the BACS (BACS‐J). All participants were of Japanese ethnicity. The magnetic resonance imaging volume and diffusion tensor imaging data were processed with voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics, respectively.ResultsThere were significant reductions in the regional gray matter volumes and white matter fractional anisotropy values in patients with schizophrenia compared to HC. For the gray matter areas, the working memory score had a significant positive correlation with the anterior cingulate and medial frontal cortices volumes in the patients. For the white matter areas, the motor speed score had a significant positive correlation with fractional anisotropy values in the corpus callosum, internal capsule, superior corona radiata, and superior longitudinal fasciculus in the patients. However, there was no significant correlation among either the gray or white matter areas in the HC.ConclusionOur results suggest that among the BACS‐J measures, the working memory and motor speed scores are associated with several structural alterations in the brains of patients with schizophrenia.
Comorbid anxiety moderates the relationship between depression history and prefrontal EEG asymmetry
Authors: Nusslock Robin , Shackman Alexander J. , McMenamin Brenton W. , Greischar Lawrence L. , Davidson Richard J. , Kovacs Maria 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe internalizing spectrum of psychiatric disorders—depression and anxiety—are common, highly comorbid, and challenging to treat. Individuals with childhood onset depression have a particularly poor prognosis. There is compelling evidence that individuals with depression display reduced resting‐state EEG activity at sensors overlying the left prefrontal cortex, even during periods of remission, but it remains unknown whether this asymmetry is evident among individuals with a comorbid anxiety disorder. Here, we demonstrate that women with a history of childhood onset depression and no anxiety disorder (n = 37) show reduced left lateral frontal activity compared to psychiatrically healthy controls (n = 69). In contrast, women with a history of childhood onset depression and pathological levels of anxious apprehension (n = 18)—as indexed by a current generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or separation anxiety disorder diagnosis—were statistically indistinguishable from healthy controls. Collectively, these observations suggest that anxious apprehension can mask the relationship between prefrontal EEG asymmetry and depression. These findings have implications for understanding (a) prefrontal EEG asymmetry as a neurophysiological marker of depression, (b) the comorbidity of depression and anxiety, and (c) failures to replicate the relationship between prefrontal EEG asymmetry and depression. More broadly, they set the stage for developing refined interventions for internalizing psychopathology.
Tonic noradrenergic activity modulates explorative behavior and attentional set shifting: Evidence from pupillometry and gaze pattern analysis
Authors: Pajkossy Péter , Szőllősi Ágnes , Demeter Gyula , Racsmány Mihály 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA constant task for every living organism is to decide whether to exploit rewards associated with current behavior or to explore the environment for more rewarding options. Current empirical evidence indicates that exploitation is related to phasic whereas exploration is related to tonic firing mode of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus. In humans, this exploration‐exploitation trade‐off is subserved by the ability to flexibly switch attention between task‐related and task‐irrelevant information. Here, we investigated whether this function, called attentional set shifting, is related to exploration and tonic noradrenergic discharge. We measured pretrial baseline pupil dilation, proved to be strongly correlated with the activity of the locus coeruleus, while human participants took part in well‐known tasks of attentional set shifting. Study 1 used the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, whereas in Study 2, the Intra/Extradimensional Set Shifting Task was used. Both tasks require participants to choose between different compound stimuli based on feedback provided for their previous decisions. During the task, stimulus‐reward contingencies change periodically, thus participants are repeatedly required to reassess which stimulus features are relevant (i.e., they shift their attentional set). Our results showed that baseline pupil diameter steadily decreased when the stimulus‐reward contingencies were stable, whereas they suddenly increased when these contingencies changed. Analysis of looking patterns also confirmed the presence of exploratory behavior during attentional set shifting. Thus, our results suggest that tonic firing mode of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus is implicated in attentional set shifting, as it regulates the amount of exploration.
Cytobrush: A tool for sequential evaluation of gene expression in bovine endometrium
Authors: Cardoso B , Oliveira ML , Pugliesi G , Batista EOS , Binelli M 
Published: July 2017

ContentsAims were to (i) compare specific transcript abundance between endometrial samples collected by transcervical biopsy and cytobrush and (ii) measure the abundance of endometrial transcripts involved in PGF2α synthesis in samples collected by cytobrush. In Experiment 1, endometrial samples were taken transcervically by cytobrush and biopsy 10 days after ovulation. Compared to biopsy samples, abundance of transcripts for MSTN, AKR1C4 and PGR was similar, VIM, FLT1 and PTGES was lower (p < .05) and KRT18 and CD3D was greater in cytobrush samples (p < .05). Thus, there was an enrichment of epithelial and immune cells in the cytobrush samples. In Experiment 2, endometrial samples were collected by cytobrush on days 10, 13, 16 and 19 after ovulation. Abundance of PGR2 mRNA was maximum on day 10 then decreased (p < .05). Abundance of ESR1 decreased gradually from day 10 to day 16 then increased again on day 19. The greatest abundance of OXTR was noted on day 19. The sequential alterations in abundance of these transcripts are consistent with the release of PGF2α associated with luteolysis. In summary, cytobrush sampling provides representative, physiologically relevant samples of the luminal epithelium in cattle.
Identification and characterization of the phosphatidic acid‐binding A. thaliana phosphoprotein PLDrp1 that is regulated by PLDα1 in a stress‐dependent manner
Authors: Ufer Guido , Gertzmann Anke , Gasulla Francisco , Röhrig Horst , Bartels Dorothea 
Published: July 2017

SummaryPhospholipase D (PLD) and its cleavage product phosphatidic acid (PA) are crucial in plant stress‐signalling. Although some targets of PLD and PA have been identified, the signalling pathway is still enigmatic. This study demonstrates that the phosphoprotein At5g39570, now called PLD‐regulated protein1 (PLDrp1), from Arabidopsis thaliana is directly regulated by PLDα1. The protein PLDrp1 can be divided into two regions with distinct properties. The conserved N‐terminal region specifically binds PA, while the repeat‐rich C‐terminal domain suggests interactions with RNAs. The expression of PLDrp1 depends on PLDα1 and the plant water status. Water stress triggers a pldα1‐like phenotype in PLDrp1 mutants and induces the expression of PLDrp1 in pldα1 mutants. The regulation of PLDrp1 by PLDα1 and environmental stressors contributes to the understanding of the complex PLD regulatory network and presents a new member of the PA‐signalling chain in plants.
High‐performance variants of plant diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 generated by directed evolution provide insights into structure function
Authors: Chen Guanqun , Xu Yang , Siloto Rodrigo M. P. , Caldo Kristian Mark P. , Vanhercke Thomas , Tahchy Anna El , Niesner Nathalie , Chen Yongyan , Mietkiewska Elzbieta , Weselake Randall J. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryDiacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) catalyzes the acyl‐CoA‐dependent biosynthesis of triacylglycerol, the predominant component of seed oil. In some oil crops, including Brassica napus, the level of DGAT1 activity can have a substantial effect on triacylglycerol production. Structure–function insights into DGAT1, however, remain limited because of the lack of a three‐dimensional detailed structure for this membrane‐bound enzyme. In this study, the amino acid residues governing B. napus DGAT1 (BnaDGAT1) activity were investigated via directed evolution, targeted mutagenesis, in vitro enzymatic assay, topological analysis, and transient expression of cDNA encoding selected enzyme variants in Nicotiana benthamiana. Directed evolution revealed that numerous amino acid residues were associated with increased BnaDGAT1 activity, and 67% of these residues were conserved among plant DGAT1s. The identified amino acid residue substitution sites occur throughout the BnaDGAT1 polypeptide, with 89% of the substitutions located outside the putative substrate binding or active sites. In addition, cDNAs encoding variants I447F or L441P were transiently overexpressed in N. benthamiana leaves, resulting in 33.2 or 70.5% higher triacylglycerol content, respectively, compared with native BnaDGAT1. Overall, the results provide novel insights into amino acid residues underlying plant DGAT1 function and performance‐enhanced BnaDGAT1 variants for increasing vegetable oil production.
NOS1AP genetic variation is associated with impaired healing of diabetic foot ulcers and diminished response to healing of circulating stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Margolis David J. , Hampton Michelle , Hoffstad Ole , Mala D. Scot , Mirza Ziad , Woltereck Diana , Shannon Steven , Troiano Michael A. , Mitra Nandita , Yang Ming , Bhopale Veena M. , Thom Stephen R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIt is unclear why many with diabetes develop foot ulcers (DFU) and why some do not heal. It could be associated with genetic variation. We have previously shown that NOS1AP variation is associated with lower extremity amputation in those with diabetes and that circulating stem progenitor cell concentration (SPC) is associated with impaired foot ulcer healing in those with diabetes. The goal of this study was to determine if NOS1AP variation is associated with impaired wound healing and with SPC mobilization in those with DFU. In longitudinal cohort study we demonstrate that NOS1AP variants rs16849113 and rs19649113 are associated with impaired wound healing and with SPC mobilization in those with DFU. We believe that further study of NOS1AP is merited and that it NOS1AP might be associated with a functional impairment.
Impact of Managers’ Coaching Conversations on Staff Knowledge Use and Performance in Long‐Term Care Settings
Authors: Cummings Greta G. , Hewko Sarah J. , Wang Mengzhe , Wong Carol A. , Laschinger Heather K. Spence , Estabrooks Carole A. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundExtended lifespans and complex resident care needs have amplified resource demands on nursing homes. Nurse managers play an important role in staff job satisfaction, research use, and resident outcomes. Coaching skills, developed through leadership skill‐building, have been shown to be of value in nursing.AimsTo test a theoretical model of nursing home staff perceptions of their work context, their managers’ use of coaching conversations, and their use of instrumental, conceptual and persuasive research.MethodsUsing a two‐group crossover design, 33 managers employed in seven Canadian nursing homes were invited to attend a 2‐day coaching development workshop. Survey data were collected from managers and staff at three time points; we analyzed staff data (n = 333), collected after managers had completed the workshop. We used structural equation modeling to test our theoretical model of contextual characteristics as causal variables, managers’ characteristics, and coaching behaviors as mediating variables and staff use of research, job satisfaction, and burnout as outcome variables.ResultsThe theoretical model fit the data well (χ2 = 58, df = 43, p = .06) indicating no significant differences between data and model‐implied matrices. Resonant leadership (a relational approach to influencing change) had the strongest significant relationship with manager support, which in turn influenced frequency of coaching conversations. Coaching conversations had a positive, non‐significant relationship with staff persuasive use of research, which in turn significantly increased instrumental research use. Importantly, coaching conversations were significantly, negatively related to job satisfaction.Linking Evidence to ActionOur findings add to growing research exploring the role of context and leadership in influencing job satisfaction and use of research by healthcare practitioners. One‐on‐one coaching conversations may be difficult for staff not used to participating in such conversations. Resonant leadership, as expected, has a significant impact on manager support and job satisfaction among nursing home staff.
A Comparison of the Incidence of Post‐Dural Puncture Headache and Backache After Spinal Anesthesia: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Choi Jeong Sil , Chang Sun Ju 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough bed rest is recommended after spinal anesthesia to prevent the occurrence of post‐dural puncture headache, current literature suggests that periods of bed rest did not prevent headache as well as increase the risk of other complications such as backache. However, information is scarce regarding an appropriate period of bed rest following a dural puncture.AimThe aim of this study was to compare the incidence of post‐dural puncture headache and backache after different periods of bed rest following spinal anesthesia.MethodsThis study was a pragmatic, parallel‐group, blinded, and randomized controlled trial (trial registration number KCT0001797). A total of 119 patients who underwent surgery under spinal anesthesia participated in this study from December 2013 to June 2014. The participants were randomly allocated to three groups: the immediate mobilization group (n = 45), 4‐hour bed rest group (n = 40), and 6‐hour bed rest group (n = 34). The severity of headache and backache was measured using the Dittmann scale and a visual analogue scale, respectively. Data were collected for 5 consecutive days postoperatively by one researcher blind to the group allocation.ResultsNo significant difference in the incidence of headache among the three groups was detected. However, the incidence of backache in the 6‐hour bed rest group was higher and was significantly more severe than the other groups.Linking Evidence to ActionBed rest after spinal anesthesia did not prevent the occurrence of headache and increased the incidence of patients experiencing a backache and, therefore, is not recommended. The findings provide information for establishing evidence‐based nursing practices for patients after a dural puncture.
Systematic Review of Psychosocial Interventions for People With Spinal Cord Injury During Inpatient Rehabilitation: Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Li Yan , Bressington Daniel , Chien Wai Tong 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe bio‐psychosocial model of spinal cord injury (SCI) highlights that psychosocial care is of equal importance as physical rehabilitation, and should be offered in the earlier stages of inpatient rehabilitation.AimThis systematic review aimed to identify interventional research regarding psychosocial care for people with SCI during inpatient rehabilitation and synthesize the evidence of the effects and characteristics of these studies.MethodsA systematic search of relevant literature published between 1985 to July 2016 was conducted with six databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Science Citation Index Expanded, PsycINFO, and the China Academic Journal Full‐text Database). Reference lists of the identified articles were reviewed to find additional relevant articles.ResultsA total of four randomized controlled trials and seven non‐randomized controlled trials were included in this review. The interventions focused on specialized types of SCI population with relatively high levels of psychological distress, pain or pressure ulcers. Studies reported some varied or inconsistent improvements in participants’ cognitive appraisal, psychosocial adaptation or mental health but there were no significant effects on their coping ability. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, findings were synthesized narratively without conducting meta‐analysis.Linking Evidence to ActionThis review found promising evidence that approaches to psychosocial care for people with SCI can improve their cognitive appraisal and psychosocial adaptation. Significant methodological limitations weakened study findings. Additionally, because studies were conducted in only a few developed countries with subgroups of patients having specific illness characteristics or severity, their generalizability to the wider SCI population is uncertain. Therefore, future research should adopt more robust study designs to test psychosocial interventions for SCI patients with different socio‐cultural backgrounds and psychological adjustment conditions in the early stages of rehabilitation.
Results of an Integrative Analysis: A Call for Contextualizing HIV and AIDS Clinical Practice Guidelines to Support Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Edwards Nancy , Kahwa Eulalia , Hoogeveen Katie 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundPractice guidelines aim to improve the standard of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Successfully implementing guidelines requires tailoring them to populations served and to social and organizational influences on care.AimsTo examine dimensions of context, which nurses and midwives described as having a significant impact on their care of patients living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Jamaica and to determine whether HIV/AIDS guidelines include adaptations congruent with these dimensions of context.MethodsTwo sets of data were used. The first came from a qualitative study. In‐depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected nurses, midwives, and nurse managers from 21 districts in four study countries. A coding framework was iteratively developed and themes inductively identified. Context dimensions were derived from these themes. A second data set of published guidelines for HIV/AIDS care was then assembled. Guidelines were identified through Google and PubMed searches. Using a deductive integrative analysis approach, text related to context dimensions was extracted from guidelines and categorized into problem and strategy statements.ResultsNinety‐six individuals participated in qualitative interviews. Four discrete dimensions of context were identified: health workforce adequacy, workplace exposure risk, workplace consequences for nurses living with HIV/AIDS, and the intersection of work and family life. Guidelines most often acknowledged health human resource constraints and presented mitigation strategies to offset them, and least often discussed workplace consequences and the intersections of family and work life.Linking Evidence to ActionGuidelines should more consistently acknowledge diverse implementation contexts, propose how recommendations can be adapted to these realities, and suggest what role frontline healthcare providers have in realizing the structural changes necessary for healthier work environments and better patient care. Guideline recommendations should include more explicit advice on adapting their recommendations to different care conditions.
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of dietary fibre from distillers grains on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli detection from the rectoanal mucosa and hides of feedlot steers
Authors: Schneider L. G. , Klopfenstein T. J. , Stromberg Z. R. , Lewis G. L. , Erickson G. E. , Moxley R. A. , Smith D. R. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryFeeding high levels (≥40% dry matter) of distillers grains may increase the risk for cattle to carry enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157. The mechanism for the increased risk is not known nor whether non‐O157 EHEC are similarly affected. Our objective was to test whether the fibre content or other components of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) affects the probability for cattle to carry EHEC serogroups of public health importance. A 2 × 2 plus 1 factorial treatment arrangement within a randomized block design was utilized. Within each of four blocks, 25 feedlot pens (n = 8 steers/pen) were assigned randomly to (i) corn‐based control diet; (ii) 20% dry matter (DM) MDGS; (iii) 40% DM MDGS; (iv) corn bran added to corn‐based diet to match fibre of 20% MDGS or (v) 40% MDGS. Rectoanal mucosa swabs (RAMS) were collected on day (d)0, d35, d70 and d105; hide swabs were collected on the last feeding day. Samples were tested for EHEC by a molecular screening assay. The effects of fibre source and fibre level on EHEC carriage were tested using multilevel logistic regression (generalized linear mixed models; α = 0.05). EHEC O45 RAMS detection was associated with fibre level, source and sampling day. EHEC O103 RAMS detection increased by feeding 40% MDGS but not the corresponding corn bran diet. Hide contamination by EHEC O45 or O103 was less likely in cattle fed MDGS compared to corn bran diets. EHEC O111 RAMS detection decreased by feeding 40% MDGS but not by feeding the corresponding corn bran diet. Detection of EHEC O157 or O145 was not associated with dietary factors. Feeding 40% MDGS increased the probability for carriage of some EHEC serogroups but decreased probability of others, which indicated that EHEC serogroups have different risk factors associated with feeding MDGS and little association with dietary fibre.