bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutual trust in infant care: the nurses and mothers experiences
Authors: Hassankhani Hadi , Negarandeh Reza , Abbaszadeh Mohammad , Craig Jenene W. , Jabraeili Mahnaz
Published: October 2019

The relationship between healthcare providers and parents of infants in neonatal intensive care unit is based on trust and constitutes a core measure of family‐centred care and health. The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore mothers and nurses experiences of trust in one another around the caregiving of the hospitalised infant in intensive neonatal care unit. Focused ethnographic research study conducted through observations and in‐depth interviews with 20 mothers and 16 nurses in NICU of Tabriz (Iran) in 2017. Two main themes of ‘gradual and fragile trust of mother‐to‐nurse’ (subthemes: Primary trust‐mistrust, mother's trust to responsible nurse, mother trust Increase with skilful nurse performance, and vulnerability to trust) and ‘gradual and fragile trust of nurse‐to‐mother’ (subthemes: Nurse's initial assessment of trust to mother's readiness to participate, Development of trust to mother, and vulnerability of nurse's trust to mother) were obtained. The present study revealed that mutual trust between the nurse and the mother in the care of the infant was a gradual and progressive process that was achieved over time. Complexities around the care of a hospitalised infant influenced how fragile or vulnerable the trust became between nurse and mother. Findings from this research can be used in supporting increased maternal participation in infant care and improvement of family‐centred care in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Nursing knowledge of the principles of self‐care of heart failure in primary care: a multicentre study
Authors: Dalfó‐Pibernat Artur , Duran Xavier , Garin Olatz , Enjuanes Cristina , Calero Molina Esther , Hidalgo Quirós Encarnación , Cladellas Capdevila Mercè , Rebagliato Nadal Oriol , Dalfó Baqué Antoni , Comin-Colet Josep
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Nurses play an important part in the education of patients with HF. To prepare patients with HF for self‐care maintenance behaviours, nurses must have knowledge of basic self‐care maintenance principles.

Aim study

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of knowledge of primary care (PC) nurses on the principles of self‐management of HF and variables associated with this.

Methodology

This is an observational, cross‐sectional descriptive study, carried out in 2014, in the city of Barcelona (Catalonia). Nurses’ Knowledge of Heart Failure Education Principles questionnaire (NKHFEP) was used to assess the principles of HF self‐care education. Instrument items assess knowledge of nurses on 5 themes: diet, liquids/weight, worsening signs or symptoms, medication and exercise. Factors related to adequate knowledge were evaluated.

Results

Of 216 PC nurses, who completed the questionnaire, the average score was 15.6 (SD: 2.2). Only 36 (16.7%) obtained an adequate level of knowledge and defined as a score ≥ 18 points. In multivariate logistic regression, nurse factors associated with an adequate knowledge of principles of self‐care of HF were having achieved a PhD degree (OR: 36.4, 95% CI: 2.8–468.2, p = 0.006) and previous specific training in HF (OR: 19.8, 95% CI: 1.4–279.3, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

The degree of knowledge of PC nurses in the principles of self‐care in HF was higher among nurses who had completed the doctorate and in nurses who had received specific training in HF.
The relation between self‐efficacy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and caregiver burden
Authors: Kar Semiha , Zengin Neriman
Published: October 2019

Aim

The study was conducted to examine the relation between self‐efficacy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and caregiver burden.

Material and methods

This descriptive, cross‐sectional study included 200 patients with stage II and III COPD presenting to hospital between June and November in 2017 and their caregivers. Data were gathered with a questionnaire, COPD Assessment Test and COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale from the patients. A questionnaire and Caregiver Burden Scale was used to collect data from the caregivers. Obtained data were analysed with the descriptive statistics numbers, percentages, mean, median and standard deviation. Spearman’s correlation analysis was utilised to examine the relation between paired groups.

Results

The mean age of the patients with COPD was 63.53 years and 51.1% of the patients were female. The mean age of the caregivers was 48.88 ± 14.09 years. 54.4% of the caregivers were aged 40–60 years, and 59.9% of the caregivers were female. The mean score was 26.97 ± 5.25 for COPD Assessment Test and 2.32 ± 0.43 for COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale. Of all the caregivers, 64.8% had mild caregiving burden and 18.1% had moderate caregiving burden. The mean score for Caregiver Burden Scale had a significant, moderate relation with the mean score for the subscale physical effort in COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale (r = −0.42; p < 0.01) and had a significant, weak, negative relation with the mean total score for COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale and the mean scores for its subscales. There was a significant, moderate, positive relation between the mean scores for Caregiver Burden and COPD Assessment Test (r = 0.51; p < 0.001) and a significant, negative relation between the scores for COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale and its subscales and the scores for CAT (r = −0.26 ‐ r = −0.52; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

As self‐efficacy in COPD patients increases, their health and daily lives are affected less by COPD and caregiver burden decreases.
Estimating the Monetary Policy Measures of Japan in Shadow/ZLB Term Structure Model
Authors: WANG Rui
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we follow the estimation methodology proposed by Krippner (2015) and use Japanese government bond yield curve data to estimate a shadow/ZLB term structure model. This model provides three estimated monetary policy measures, SSR, ETZ and EMS, which can be used to gauge the stance of monetary in a consistent way in both ZLB and non-ZLB environment. Japan has experienced a long period of the ZLB since 1999. The policy rate has already lost its function as an appropriate quantitative measure of monetary policy. The SSR estimated from the shadow/ZLB term structure model can evolve to negative level in the ZLB environment and provide consistent view of the stance of monetary policy as the positive short policy interest rate dose in the normal non-ZLB environment. The ETZ answers the question that how long the short interest rate will be expected to be restricted by the ZLB, which can be useful for the central bank as a reference for exit strategy of unconventional monetary easing or forward guidance on public expectation formation. The EMS measures the stance of monetary policy, relatively tight or relatively loose, in a consistent and comparable way under both ZLB and non-ZLB environment. The analysis shows that all three measures exhibit very good traceability of monetary policy in Japan, which can also be used as the proxy variables for the stance of monetary policy in other econometric procedures for policy evaluation.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: October 2019

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 6Andrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelAyoub Taha Sidahmed, SIU, SudanIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKIgor Matyushenko, , School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineMagdalena Radulescu, University of Pitesti, RomaniaMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandMamdouh Abdelmoula M. Abdelsalam, Minufiya University, EgyptMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyNuno Crespo, ISCTE-IUL, PortugalOlena Sokolovska, Research Institute of Fiscal Policy, State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, UkrainePayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USARomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaSajid Mohy Ul Din, Universiti Utara Malaysia, MalaysiaSherry Jensen, Florida Institute of Technology, USASteven V. Cates, Purdue University-Global, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Moldova
Foster Carers’ Perspectives about Contact in Portugal and Spain
Authors: Delgado Paulo , Bernedo Isabel M. Bernedo , Carvalho João M. S. , Martínez María D. Salas , García-Marín Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2019

This study aims at comparing the nature and processes of contact between children in foster care and their birth families; the relationship between the existence and quality of contact and foster carers’ burden; and the relationship between the existence or not of contact and the existence of reunification plans. Following a quantitative approach, data have been collected in Portugal and Spain from foster carers and professionals using questionnaires and Zarit's Carer scale. The results show that the existence of contact is not related to carers’ burden or stress, but there is an association between contact and reunification plans. As a consequence, several implications to practice are presented.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: October 2019

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 6António Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalBassam Yousef Ibrahim Banat, Al-Quds University, PalestineEnzo Loner, University of Trento, ItalyHao Liu, Beijing Normal University , ChinaHenry Poduthas, West Texas A&M University, USAJesster Pasule Eduardo, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, PhilippinesJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAK.O. Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaKatja Eman, Univerza v Mariboru, SloveniaLaura Diaconu Maxim, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza University" of Iasi, RomaniaLing Wei, China Foreign Affairs University, ChinaMałgorzata Haładewicz, Opole University of Technology, PolandMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanRonaldo R. Larioque, NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PhilippinesShariq aziz butt, Superior University Lahore, PakistanUğur DEMİRCİ, Turkish National Police, TurkeyYanzhe Zhang, Jilin University, China , China/Australia
A 1.25 Ga depositional age for the “Paleoproterozoic” Mapedi red beds, Kalahari manganese field, South Africa: New constraints on the timing of oxidative weathering and hematite mineralization
Authors: Rasmussen Birger , Muhling Janet R. , Zi Jian-Wei , Tsikos Harilaos , Fischer Woodward W.
Published: October 2019

The Great Oxidation Event (GOE) is marked by the loss of readily oxidizable detrital minerals and the onset of oxidative weathering. One of the oldest post-GOE weathering surfaces, which extends for almost 350 km along strike, occurs in Griqualand West, South Africa. It is best preserved east of the Blackridge thrust, where oxidized paleoweathering profiles are developed below the unconformity at the base of Mapedi-Gamagara red beds. In the Maremane Dome, the red beds preserve pisolitic hematite laterites, which indicate a highly oxygenated atmosphere and suggest hot and humid climatic conditions. The Mapedi and Gamagara Formations are undated east of the Blackridge thrust but were thought to be lithological correlatives of the ≥1.91 Ga Mapedi red bed sequence to the west. Here, we report a U-Pb zircon age of 1.25 Ga for a felsic tuff in red beds of the Mapedi Formation in the Kalahari manganese field. The new tuff age shows that the Mapedi red beds east of the thrust were deposited >650 m.y. after the Mapedi Formation to the west, and therefore they are part of a distinct Mesoproterozoic sequence. Based on lithologic and sedimentological similarities, the Mapedi-east and Gamagara formations are likely to be correlatives that were deposited on an ancient weathering surface at ca. 1.25 Ga. Our findings suggest that key evidence for a highly oxygenated atmosphere during the early Paleoproterozoic actually formed at ca. 1.25 Ga during a major episode of Mesoproterozoic oxidative weathering.
Statistical analysis of crystal populations and links to volcano deformation for more robust estimates of magma replenishment volumes
Authors: Cheng Lilu , Costa Fidel
Published: October 2019

Forecasting the timing and size of volcanic eruptions requires a proper interpretation of multiparametric monitoring signals. Studies of the erupted rocks can provide critical information on the processes and volcano plumbing system that is needed to decode the monitoring signals. Here we present the results of a petrological study of plagioclase phenocrysts using a new statistical approach that allows us to estimate the amount of intruded magma before eruption. Our crystal population analysis of the 2006 and 2010 CE Merapi volcano (Indonesia) eruptions shows that ∼60 ± 20 vol% of the 2010 magma was left over from the 2006 magma, and thus ∼40 ± 20 vol% was newly intruded magma. Using the published values of the 2010 erupted magma volume, this corresponds to >8 to 20 (±7) × 106 m3 of new magma. This is a minimum estimate and is similar to the inferred pre-eruptive deformation volume (18 ×106 m3), although given the uncertainties, several million cubic meters of magma intruded in 2010 could still be in the Merapi plumbing system. Our approach could be used at other volcanoes to quantify the volume of intruded magma and thus help in better understanding the unrest signals that anticipate eruptions.
Defining modifiable barriers to uptake of dietary recommendations in Chinese immigrants with type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: Deng Feiyue , Chan Catherine B.
Published: October 2019

The objective is to support development of a nutritional intervention for Chinese immigrants with diabetes by defining current deficiencies and identifying modifiable factors and mechanisms of change. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 13 ethnic Chinese with type 2 diabetes identified modifiable problems related to culturally relevant diabetes resources and low cultural acceptability of recommended diets. These factors could be addressed through creation of resources developed in partnership with Chinese-speaking health care professionals and persons with diabetes.
Legionnaires’ Disease: State of the Art Knowledge of Pathogenesis Mechanisms of Legionella
Authors: Mondino Sonia , Schmidt Silke , Rolando Monica , Escoll Pedro , Gomez-Valero Laura , Buchrieser Carmen
Published: October 2019

Legionella species are environmental gram-negative bacteria able to cause a severe form of pneumonia in humans known as Legionnaires’ disease. Since the identification of Legionella pneumophila in 1977, four decades of research on Legionella biology and Legionnaires’ disease have brought important insights into the biology of the bacteria and the molecular mechanisms that these intracellular pathogens use to cause disease in humans. Nowadays, Legionella species constitute a remarkable model of bacterial adaptation, with a genus genome shaped by their close coevolution with amoebae and an ability to exploit many hosts and signaling pathways through the secretion of a myriad of effector proteins, many of which have a eukaryotic origin. This review aims to discuss current knowledge of Legionella infection mechanisms and future research directions to be taken that might answer the many remaining open questions. This research will without a doubt be a terrific scientific journey worth taking.
Milk Fat Intake and Telomere Length in U.S. Women and Men: The Role of the Milk Fat Fraction
Authors: Tucker Larry A.
Published: October 2019

The associations between milk intake frequency and milk fat consumption and telomere length, an index of biological aging, were studied using an NHANES sample of 5,834 U.S. adults and a cross-sectional design. The milk consumption variables were assessed with the NHANES Diet Behavior and Nutrition questionnaire. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to measure leukocyte telomere length. Results showed that milk consumption frequency was not related to telomere length; however, there was a strong association between milk fat intake and telomere length. With the sample delimited to milk drinkers only, milk fat intake was linearly and inversely related to telomere length, after adjusting for the covariates (F=8.6, P=0.0066). For each 1 percentage point increase in milk fat consumed (e.g., 1% to 2%), adults had more than 4 years of additional biological aging. With milk fat intake divided into 5 categories (i.e., milk abstainers, nonfat, 1%, 2%, and full-fat milk), mean telomere lengths differed across the categories (F=4.1, P=0.0093). The mean telomere difference between the extremes of milk fat intake (nonfat vs. full-fat) was 145 base pairs, representing years of additional biological aging for full-fat milk consumers. Effect modification testing indicated that the milk fat and cellular aging association may be partly due to saturated fat intake differences across the milk fat groups. When the sample was delimited to adults reporting only high total saturated fat intake (tertile 3), the milk fat and telomere relationship was strong. However, when the sample was restricted to adults reporting only low saturated fat consumption (tertile 1), there was no relationship between milk fat intake and telomere length. Overall, the findings highlight an association of increased biological aging in U.S. adults who consumed high-fat milk. The results support the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2015–2020), which recommend consumption of low-fat milk, but not high-fat milk, as part of a healthy diet.
Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticle Production Using Aspen Plus
Authors: Hachhach Mouad , Akram Hanane , Hanafi Mounir , Achak Ouafae , Chafik Tarik
Published: October 2019

The sensitivity analysis of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles synthesis process is studied using Aspen Plus with the aim of investigating the effect of reactants’ amounts on the production of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles. The adopted approach consists in simulating the synthesis process based on experimental data, obtained at laboratory scale followed by sensitivity analysis with respect to the following precursors: ammonium heptamolybdate, elemental sulfur, and hydrazine used as a reducing agent. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the precursors have more significant impact on the obtained amount of molybdenum disulfide compared to hydrazine. The obtained result showed that the approach adopted in the study might be of interest for further investigation of the process design and scaling-up.
Natural Sesquiterpene Lactones Enhance Chemosensitivity of Tumor Cells through Redox Regulation of STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Butturini Elena , Carcereri de Prati Alessandra , Boriero Diana , Mariotto Sofia
Published: October 2019

STAT3 is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates genes involved in cell cycle, cell survival, and immune response. Although STAT3 activation drives cells to physiological response, its deregulation is often associated with the development and progression of many solid and hematological tumors as well as with drug resistance. STAT3 is a redox-sensitive protein, and its activation state is related to intracellular GSH levels. Under oxidative conditions, STAT3 activity is regulated by S-glutathionylation, a reversible posttranslational modification of cysteine residues. Compounds able to suppress STAT3 activation and, on the other hand, to modulate intracellular redox homeostasis may potentially improve cancer treatment outcome. Nowadays, about 35% of commercial drugs are natural compounds that derive from plant extracts used in phytotherapy and traditional medicine. Sesquiterpene lactones are an interesting chemical group of plant-derived compounds often employed in traditional medicine against inflammation and cancer. This review focuses on sesquiterpene lactones able to downmodulate STAT3 signaling leading to an antitumor effect and correlates the anti-STAT3 activity with their ability to decrease GSH levels in cancer cells. These properties make them lead compounds for the development of a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Time-Dependence of Mechanical Property Alterations on Anthracite Coals Treated by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Li Wei , Pang Bin , Su Er-lei , Yang Quanlin , Liu Qingquan , Cheng Yuanping
Published: October 2019

The injection of supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO2) into coal seams remarkably changes the physical-chemical structures of coal mass and thereby improves coal mechanical properties. In this study, a series of unconfined and triaxial compressive strength tests were performed on anthracite coal samples under the pressure of 8 MPa at the temperature of 35°C for 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Besides, experiments with longer Sc-CO2 treatment time were carried out on coal mass without stress constraint to observe the damage mode of coal. The results show that Sc-CO2 treatment obviously alters time-dependent mechanical properties of anthracite coal. The coal samples treated with Sc-CO2 for 240 h and 960 h show different damage modes from limited fractures to a complicated fracture network. The time-dependence of the mechanical weakening model on Sc-CO2-treated coal was proposed to explain the link between CO2 flow and mechanical weakening effect by means of physical-chemical effects on time scales.
Ashy Dermatosis and Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: The Histopathological Differences
Authors: Rutnin Suthinee , Udompanich Siriorn , Pratumchart Nathathai , Harnchoowong Sarawin , Vachiramon Vasanop
Published: October 2019

Background. Ashy dermatosis (AD) and lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) are both acquired macular pigmentation of uncertain aetiology. Despite the controversy surrounding their entities, recent global consensus has concluded that they are 2 different diseases with distinct clinical presentations. Nevertheless, there are limited data on their histopathological comparisons. Objective. To evaluate the differences in histopathological findings between AD and LPP. Methods. Electronic records and photographs of patients with the diagnosis of AD or LPP from January 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed by a dermatologist. Patients were then classified into groups with AD and LPP, based on the clinical descriptions from the recent consensus. Those with history/clinical presentations suggestive of other causes of macular pigmentation were excluded. The histopathological diagnosis of AD and LPP was then reevaluated by a blinded dermatopathologist. Results. One hundred and twenty-four patients with acquired macular pigmentation were identified; 24 were excluded due to clinical history or photographs being inconsistent with AD or LPP. Of the remaining 100 patients, 71 had clinical findings consistent with LPP while 29 had AD. The prevalence of epidermal hyperkeratosis was significantly higher in LPP when compared to AD (33.8% vs. 0%, p<0.001), as well as epidermal hypergranulosis (35.2% vs. 0%, p<0.001), lichenoid dermatitis (49.3% vs. 7.1%, p<0.001), perifollicular infiltration (47.9% vs.10.3%, p<0.001), and perifollicular fibrosis (35.2% vs. 10.3%, p=0.01). In addition, the degree of pigmentary incontinence was more severe in LPP (21.1% vs. 3.5%, p=0.015). For AD, vacuolization of the epidermal basal cell layer was more common (96.4% vs. 77.5%, p=0.02). Conclusions. Although most cases of AD and LPP can be diagnosed clinically, in doubtful cases, histopathological findings of lichenoid dermatitis, epidermal hyperkeratosis/hypergranulosis, and moderate to severe pigmentary incontinence can help distinguish LPP from AD.
Sonographic Differential Diagnosis in Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: The Bowel
Authors: Scioscia Marco , Orlandi Simone , Trivella Giamberto , Portuese Antonella , Bettocchi Stefano , Pontrelli Giovanni , Bocus Paolo , Anna Virgilio Bruna
Published: October 2019

Up to one-third of fertile-age women with severe endometriosis suffer from colonic involvement. Transvaginal ultrasonography has become a first-line diagnostic tool for the study of the pelvis and more specifically for the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis. Accuracy of pelvic ultrasound for deep endometriosis increases with operator experience, but the difficulties in the differential diagnosis with diseases that can afflict the bowel tract remain a challenge. We reviewed noteworthy cases referred for secondary level diagnosis suspected of bowel endometriosis in which the subsequent ultrasound led to an alternative diagnosis. This case series aims to highlight awareness for both experts and less-experienced operators the possible differential diagnoses of bowel lesions that initially resemble endometriosis.
Different Analysis of β-Cell Dysfunction as Fasting Glucose Progresses in Obese and Nonobese Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Duan Yan , Sun Xiaomeng , Liu Jia , Fu Jing , Wang Guang
Published: October 2019

Aims/Introduction. This study is aimed at (1) investigating the change of β-cell dysfunction as baseline fasting glucose progresses in newly diagnosed patients with T2DM and (2) finding whether body mass index (BMI) has different degrees of impact on insulin secretion as baseline fasting glucose progresses. Materials and Methods. 661 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM were enrolled in the present study. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was used to calculate HOMA-β, HOMA-IR, early-phase insulin secretion index (EISI, calculated as ΔI30/ΔG30), and area under the insulin releasing curve (AUCI0-180). Patients were divided into low, medium, and high FBG groups. Each group was further divided into lean, overweight, and obese subgroups according to BMI. Results. A decrease of EISI and HOMA-β and an increase of HOMA-IR were shown among different FBG groups significantly. In the medium FBG group, AUCI0-180, EISI, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR in obese patients were higher than those in lean and overweight patients. In the low and high FBG groups, AUCI0-180, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR in obese patients were higher than those in other subgroups. BMI was positively associated with high EISI in the medium FBG group but failed to yield a significant association with EISI in the low and high FBG groups. Conclusions. During the progression of baseline FBG, β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance worsened. As FBG increased, increased BMI had a positive influence on β-cell dysfunction in all FBG groups. The independent factors that correlated to EISI differed with the increasing of baseline FBG.
rBMSC/Cav-1F92A Mediates Oxidative Stress in PAH Rat by Regulating SelW/14-3-3η and CA1/Kininogen Signal Transduction
Authors: Yu Wan-cheng , Chen Hai-ying , Yang Hong-li , Xia Peng , Zou Cheng-wei , Sun Tong-wen , Wang Le-xin
Published: October 2019

Background/Objectives. Carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1)/kininogen and selenoprotein W (SelW)/14-3-3η signal transduction orchestrate oxidative stress, which can also be regulated by nitric oxide (NO). The mutated caveolin-1 (Cav-1F92A) gene may enhance NO production. This study explored the effect of Cav-1F92A-modified rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSC/Cav-1F92A) on oxidative stress regulation through CA1/kininogen and SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction in a rat model of monocrotaline- (MCT-) induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Method. PAH was induced in rats through the subcutaneous injection of MCT. Next, rBMSC/Vector (negative control), rBMSC/Cav-1, rBMSC/Cav-1F92A, or rBMSC/Cav-1F92A+L-NAME were administered to the rats. Changes in pulmonary hemodynamic and vascular morphometry and oxidative stress levels were evaluated. CA1/kininogen and SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dimerization, and eNOS/NO/sGC/cGMP pathway changes were determined through real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, or immunohistochemical analyses. Results. In MCT-induced PAH rats, rBMSC/Cav-1F92A treatment reduced right ventricular systolic pressure, vascular stenosis, and oxidative stress; downregulated CA1/kininogen signal transduction; upregulated SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction; and reactivated the NO pathway. Conclusions. In a rat model of MCT-induced PAH, rBMSC/Cav-1F92A reduced oxidative stress by regulating CA1/kininogen and SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction.
Quercetin and Quercitrin Attenuates the Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Cells: In Vitro Assessment and a Theoretical Model
Authors: Tang Jie , Diao Ping , Shu Xiaohong , Li Li , Xiong Lidan
Published: October 2019

Background. Nowadays, atmospheric pollutants, ultraviolet rays, and other factors cause the imbalance of cell redox, resulting in skin oxidative damage. There is an interaction between inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which often involve networks of reactions and serve to amplify each other. Quercetin and quercitrin, with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were widely applied in cardiovascular disease, osteoporsis, pulmonary disease, etc. However, the regulation mechanism of quercetin and quercitrin on various inflammatory skin diseases is still not clear. Purpose. In this study, quercetin and quercitrin were used to investigate whether they had anti-inflammatory and anti-ROS effects. Besides, theoretical calculation method was also adopted to preliminarily explore the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of these two substances. Methods. CCK-8 assay was employed to investigate the cytotoxicity. The concentration of NO measured by Griess Reaction System. Moreover, the inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were reduced in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were tested by ELISA kits. The trend of ROS changes was detected by DCFH-DA method. Finally, the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of these two substances was carried out by DMol3 package in Materials Studio. Results. CCK-8 assay results guided that the safe concentration of quercetin and quercitrin was lower than 15.0 μg/mL and 22.4 μg/mL, respectively. Also, the concentration of NO could significantly be inhibited by quercetin and quercitrin. Besides, the ELISA results showed that TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were reduced in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells after interfering with quercetin and quercitrin. The trend of ROS changes was similar to that of inflammatory factors. Finally, the theoretical calculation illustrated that the oxygen atom on B rings may be the main site of electron cloud density changes, which may suggest a possible mechanism for the anti-inflammatory and ROS scavenging effects of quercetin and quercitrin. Conclusions. This experiment shows that LPS can induce the overactivating of macrophages and the activated macrophages can subsequently induce inflammatory storms and oxidative stress. Both quercetin and quercitrin can inhibit LPS-induced macrophage inflammation and oxidative stress by experiment and theoretical calculations.
The Effects of Exenatide Once Weekly (EXQW) and Exenatide Twice a Day (EXBID) on Beta-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jie , Jin Xinye , An Ping , Yu Songyan , Mu Yiming
Published: October 2019

Background. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and poor glycemic control receiving metformin (MET), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are recommended as the adjunctive therapy. However, there are only a few studies involving the comparative effects of exenatide twice a day (EXBID) and exenatide once weekly (EXQW) on HOMA-β. This meta assessed the comparative effects of EXQW and EXBID on HOMA-βamong T2DM patients.Materials and Methods. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Network meta-analysis was performed, and network diagrams were constructed to evaluate the effects. The primary outcome is HOMA-β, and the secondary outcomes are fasting blood glycose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and weight loss.Results. A total of 8 studies with 3506 subjects were included. Compared with other antidiabetic agents, EXQW has a greater improvement in HOMA-βthan EXBID (weight mean difference WMD=‐0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.64, -0.28],P=0.001). The effect of EXQW on HbA1c is superior to that of sitagliptin (SITA) (WMD=0.51, 95% CI [0.03, 0.99],P=0.037). The significant reduction of weight was detected for EXBID in comparison with EXQW (WMD=‐0.73, 95% CI [-1.13, -0.33],P=0.001), and no significant difference was found between EXQW and MET.Conclusions. EXQW shows a greater improvement in HOMA-βthan EXBID. Moreover, the efficacy of EXQW on glycemic control is similar to other antidiabetic agents including EXBID. It is an advisable treatment for diabetic patients to improve HOMA-βand has an advantage of fewer number of injections compared with EXBID, to increase patients’ adherence and quality of life.
Cytogenetic, Molecular, and Phenotypic Characterization of a Patient with de novo Derivative Chromosome 18 and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gökpınar İli Ezgi , Altıner Şule , Karabulut Halil G.
Published: October 2019

We present a patient with a de novo derivative chromosome 18 which includes a terminal deletion of 18p and a terminal duplication of 18q accompanied by a cryptic duplication of 18p. The girl had mild dysmorphic features such as micro-retrognathia, upslanted palpebral fissures, bilateral epicanthus, high palate, low-set ears, short neck, and full cheeks. She also had an H-type tracheoesophageal fistula which required surgery. Her cognitive and motor skills were delayed. Karyotype analysis showed an additional segment on the short arm of chromosome 18. Chromosomal microarray revealed a 7.3-Mb terminal loss from 18p11.32 to 18p11.23, a 22.2-Mb terminal gain from 18q21.31 to 18q23, and a 3.9-Mb interstitial gain from 18p11.22 to 18p11.21. We hypothesize that the mother has gonadal mosaicism for normal chromosome 18, der(18)dup(p11.22p11.21), and der(18)dup(p11. 22p11.21)inv(18)(p11.22q21.31), or both the terminal del/dup and the interstitial duplication occurred simultaneously.
Cerebral Blood Flow Response to Simulated Hypovolemia in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Neumann Sandra , Burchell Amy E. , Rodrigues Jonathan C.L. , Lawton Christopher B. , Burden Daniel , Underhill Melissa , Kobetić Matthew D. , Adams Zoe H. , Brooks Jonathan C.W. , Nightingale Angus K. , Paton Julian F. R. , Hamilton Mark C.K. , Hart Emma C.
Published: October 2019

Hypertension is associated with raised cerebral vascular resistance and cerebrovascular remodeling. It is currently unclear whether the cerebral circulation can maintain cerebral blood flow (CBF) during reductions in cardiac output (CO) in hypertensive patients thereby avoiding hypoperfusion of the brain. We hypothesized that hypertension would impair the ability to effectively regulate CBF during simulated hypovolemia. In the present study, 39 participants (13 normotensive, 13 controlled, and 13 uncontrolled hypertensives; mean age±SD, 55±10 years) underwent lower body negative pressure (LBNP) at −20, −40, and −50 mmHg to decrease central blood volume. Phase-contrast MR angiography was used to measure flow in the basilar and internal carotid arteries, as well as the ascending aorta. CBF and CO decreased during LBNP (
P
<0.0001). Heart rate increased during LBNP, reaching significance at −50 mmHg (
P
<0.0001). There was no change in mean arterial pressure during LBNP (
P
=0.3). All participants showed similar reductions in CBF (
P
=0.3, between groups) and CO (
P
=0.7, between groups) during LBNP. There was no difference in resting CBF between the groups (
P
=0.36). In summary, during reductions in CO induced by hypovolemic stress, mean arterial pressure is maintained but CBF declines indicating that CBF is dependent on CO in middle-aged normotensive and hypertensive volunteers. Hypertension is not associated with impairments in the CBF response to reduced CO.
Thrombocytopenia and Mortality Risk in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: An Analysis From the START Registry
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Antonucci Emilia , Violi Francesco , Palareti Gualtiero , Pignatelli Pasquale , Testa Sophie , Paoletti Oriana , Cosmi Benilde , Guazzaloca Giuliana , Migliaccio Ludovica , Poli Daniela , Marcucci Rossella , Maggini Niccolò , Pengo Vittorio , Falanga Anna , Lerede Teresa , Ruocco Lucia , Martini Giuliana , Pedrini Simona , Bertola Federica , Masciocco Lucilla , Saracino Pasquale , Benvenuto Angelo , Vasselli Claudio , Violi Francesco , Pignatelli Pasquale , Pastori Daniele , Grandone Elvira , Colaizzo Donatella , Marzolo Marco , Pinelli Mauro , Ageno Walter , Colombo Giovanna , Bucherini Eugenio , Serra Domizio , Toma Andrea , Barbera Pietro , Paparo Carmelo , Insana Antonio , Rupoli Serena , Malcangi Giuseppe , Zighetti Maddalena Loredana , Mangione Catello , Lione Domenico , Casasco Paola , Nante Giovanni , Tosetto Alberto , Oriana Vincenzo , Liberato Nicola Lucio
Published: October 2019

Background

Thrombocytopenia is associated with increased mortality in the general population, but few data exist in patients with atrial fibrillation (
AF
) taking oral anticoagulants. We investigated factor determinants of thrombocytopenia in a large cohort of patients affected by
AF
and its association with total mortality.

Methods and Results

Multicenter prospective cohort study, including 5215 patients with AF from the
START
(Survey on Anticoagulated Patients Register) registry, 3877 (74.3%) and 1338 (25.7%) on vitamin K or non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants, respectively. Thrombocytopenia was defined by a platelet count <150×10
9
/L. Determinants of thrombocytopenia were investigated, and all‐cause mortality was the primary survival end point of the study. Thrombocytopenia was present in 592 patients (11.4%). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [
OR],
1.257;
P
=0.030), active cancer (
OR,
2.065;
P
=0.001), liver cirrhosis (
OR,
7.635;
P
<0.001), and the use of diuretics (
OR,
1.234;
P
=0.046) were positively associated with thrombocytopenia, whereas female sex (
OR,
0.387;
P
<0.001) and the use of calcium channel blockers (
OR,
0.787;
P
=0.032) were negatively associated. During a median follow‐up of 19.2 months (9942 patient‐years), 391 deaths occurred (rate, 3.93%/year). Mortality rate increased from 3.8%/year to 9.9%/year in patients with normal platelet count and in those with moderate‐severe thrombocytopenia, respectively (log‐rank test,
P
=0.009). The association between moderate‐severe thrombocytopenia and mortality persisted after adjustment for
CHA
2
DS
2
VAS
c score (hazard ratio, 2.431; 95% CI, 1.254–4.713;
P
=0.009), but not in the fully adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis model.

Conclusions

Thrombocytopenia is common in patients with
AF
. Despite an increased incidence of mortality, thrombocytopenia was not associated with mortality at multivariable analysis. Thrombocytopenia may reflect the presence of comorbidities associated with poor survival in
AF
.
Is a Hypertension Diagnosis Associated With Improved Dietary Outcomes Within 2 to 4 Years? A Fixed‐Effects Analysis From the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Aburto Tania C. , Gordon‐Larsen Penny , Poti Jennifer M. , Howard Annie G. , Adair Linda S. , Avery Christy L. , Popkin Barry M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Evidence shows that dietary factors play an important role in blood pressure. However, there is no clear understanding of whether hypertension diagnosis is associated with dietary modifications. The aim of this study is to estimate the longitudinal association between hypertension diagnosis and subsequent changes (within 2–4 years) in dietary sodium, potassium, and sodium‐potassium (Na/K) ratio.

Methods and Results

We included adults (18–75 years, n=16 264) from up to 9 waves (1991–2015) of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Diet data were collected using three 24‐hour dietary recalls and a household food inventory. We used fixed‐effects models to estimate the association between newly self‐reported diagnosed hypertension and subsequent within‐individual changes in sodium, potassium, and Na/K ratio. We also examined changes among couples and at the household level. Results suggest that on average, men who were diagnosed with hypertension decreased their sodium intake by 251 mg/d and their Na/K ratio by 0.19 within 2 to 4 years after diagnosis (
P
<0.005). Among spouse pairs, sodium intake and Na/K ratio of women decreased when their husbands were diagnosed (
P
<0.05). Household average sodium density and Na/K ratio decreased, and household average potassium density increased after a man was diagnosed. In contrast, changes were not statistically significant when women were diagnosed.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that hypertension diagnosis for a man may result in modest dietary improvements for him, his wife, and other household members. Yet, diagnosis for a woman does not seem to result in dietary changes for her or her household members.
Neonatal Risk in Children of Women With Congenital Heart Disease: A Cohort Study With Focus on Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Kloster Stine , Tolstrup Janne S. , Olsen Morten Smærup , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Søndergaard Lars , Nielsen Dorte Guldbrand , Ersbøll Annette Kjær
Published: October 2019

Background

We hypothesized that women with congenital heart disease (
CHD
) are at increased risk of giving birth preterm, including very and moderately preterm and giving birth to infants small for gestational age (
SGA
). We aimed to investigate this in a nation‐wide study with focus on the potential modifying effect of socioeconomic status.

Methods and Results

We performed a cohort study using Danish nation‐wide registers between 1997 and 2014. The exposure, maternal
CHD
, was subdivided into simple, moderate and complex based on severity of defects. Outcomes were preterm birth and
SGA
. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (
HR
). A total of 933 149 births including 3745 births among women with
CHD
were studied. The risk of giving birth preterm and
SGA
were higher among women with
CHD
as compared with women without
CHD
; for example, adjusted hazard ratios of preterm birth according to severity: simple 1.33 (95%
CI
, 1.11–1.59), moderate 1.45 (95%
CI
, 1.14–1.83) and complex 3.26 (95%
CI
, 2.41–4.40). Same pattern was seen for very and moderately preterm births and
SGA
. Education was a strong predictor of both preterm birth and
SGA
but did not modify the association between maternal congenital heart disease and preterm birth (
P
=0.38) or
SGA
(
P
=0.99).

Conclusions

Women with
CHD
were at increased risk of preterm birth both, moderately and very preterm, as well as giving birth to infants
SGA
. Education was a strong predictor of both preterm birth and
SGA
but the association between
CHD
and risk of preterm birth and
SGA
was independent of educational level.
Changes in QRS Area and QRS Duration After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Predict Cardiac Mortality, Heart Failure Hospitalizations, and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Okafor Osita , Zegard Abbasin , van Dam Peter , Stegemann Berthold , Qiu Tian , Marshall Howard , Leyva Francisco
Published: October 2019

Background

Predicting clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy (
CRT
) and its optimization remain a challenge. We sought to determine whether pre‐ and postimplantation
QRS
area (
QRS
area
) predict clinical outcomes after
CRT
.

Methods and Results

In this retrospective study,
QRS
area
, derived from pre‐ and postimplantation vectorcardiography, were assessed in relation to the primary end point of cardiac mortality after
CRT
with or without defibrillation. Other end points included total mortality, total mortality or heart failure (
HF
) hospitalization, total mortality or major adverse cardiac events, and the arrhythmic end point of sudden cardiac death or ventricular arrhythmias with or without a shock. In patients (n=380, age 72.0±12.4 years, 68.7% male) undergoing
CRT
over 7.7 years (median follow‐up: 3.8 years [interquartile range 2.3–5.3]), preimplantation
QRS
area
≥102 μVs predicted cardiac mortality (
HR
: 0.36;
P
<0.001), independent of
QRS
duration (
QRS
d) and morphology (
P
<0.001). A
QRS
area
reduction ≥45 μVs after
CRT
predicted cardiac mortality (
HR
: 0.19), total mortality (
HR
: 0.50), total mortality or heart failure hospitalization (
HR
: 0.44), total mortality or major adverse cardiac events (
HR
: 0.43) (all
P
<0.001) and the arrhythmic end point (
HR
: 0.26;
P
<0.001). A concomitant reduction in
QRS
area
and
QRS
d was associated with the lowest risk of cardiac mortality and the arrhythmic end point (both
HR
: 0.12,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Pre‐implantation
QRS
area
, derived from vectorcardiography, was superior to
QRS
d and
QRS
morphology in predicting cardiac mortality after
CRT
. A postimplant reduction in both
QRS
area
and
QRS
d was associated with the best outcomes, including the arrhythmic end point.
The Domestic Politics of Nuclear Choices—A Review Essay
Authors: Saunders Elizabeth N.
Published: October 2019

When and how do domestic politics influence a state's nuclear choices? Recent scholarship on nuclear security develops many domestic-political explanations for different nuclear decisions. These explanations are partly the result of two welcome trends: first, scholars have expanded the nuclear timeline, examining state behavior before and after nuclear proliferation; and second, scholars have moved beyond blunt distinctions between democracies and autocracies to more fine-grained understandings of domestic constraints. But without linkages between them, new domestic-political findings could be dismissed as a laundry list of factors that do not explain significant variation in nuclear decisions. This review essay assesses recent research on domestic politics and nuclear security, and develops a framework that illuminates when and how domestic-political mechanisms are likely to affect nuclear choices. In contrast to most previous domestic arguments, many of the newer domestic-political mechanisms posited in the literature are in some way top-down; that is, they show leaders deliberately maintaining or loosening control over nuclear choices. Two dimensions govern the extent and nature of domestic-political influence on nuclear choices: the degree of threat uncertainty and the costs and benefits to leaders of expanding the circle of domestic actors involved in a nuclear decision. The framework developed in this review essay helps make sense of several cases explored in the recent nuclear security literature. It also has implications for understanding when and how domestic-political arguments might diverge from the predictions of security-based analyses.