bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Val66Met BDNF Polymorphism and Peripheral Nerve Injury: Enhanced Regeneration in Mouse Met-Carriers Is Not Further Improved With Activity-Dependent Treatment
Authors: McGregor Claire E. , Irwin Allison M. , English Arthur W.
Published: May 2019

Activity-dependent treatments to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration after injury have shown great promise, and clinical trials implementing them have begun. Success of these treatments requires activity-dependent release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the bdnf gene known as Val66Met, which is found in nearly one third of the human population, results in defective activity-dependent BDNF secretion and could impact the effectiveness of these therapies. Here, we used a mouse model of this SNP to test the efficacy of treadmill exercise in enhancing axon regeneration in animals both heterozygous (V/M) and homozygous (M/M) for the SNP. Axon regeneration was studied 4 weeks after complete transection and repair of the sciatic nerve in both male and female animals, using both electrophysiological and histological outcome measures. Regeneration was enhanced significantly without treatment in V/M mice, compared with wild type (V/V) controls. Unlike V/V mice, treatment of both V/M and M/M mice with treadmill exercise did not result in enhanced regeneration. These results were recapitulated in vitro using dissociated neurons containing the light-sensitive cation channel, channelrhodopsin. Three days after plating, neurites of neurons from V/M and M/M mice were longer than those of V/V neurons. In neurons from V/V mice, but not those from V/M or M/M animals, longer neurites were found after optogenetic stimulation. Taken together, Met-carriers possess an intrinsically greater capacity to regenerate axons in peripheral nerves, but this cannot be enhanced further by activity-dependent treatments.
Is Gonococcal Paraurethral Duct Infection a Local Complication of Urethral Gonorrhea in Men?
Authors: Fan Wenge , Zhang Qingsong , Wang Ling , Jiang Tingwang
Published: May 2019

Gonococcal paraurethral duct infection in males has previously been regarded as a local complication of urethral gonorrhea. To verify this, pathogens were investigated in urethral secretions from 81 male patients with gonococcal paraurethral duct infection. In patients with gonococcal infections of both the urethra and the paraurethral duct, the times of onset of the first symptoms associated with urethral gonorrheal and gonococcal paraurethral duct infection were compared. Among 81 male patients with gonococcal paraurethral duct infection, gonococci were detected in the urethras of 76 patients and no pathogens were detected in the urethras of the remaining 5 patients. The first symptom associated with urethral gonorrhea and gonococcal paraurethral duct infection occurred simultaneously in 10 cases. In 7 cases, the first symptom of gonococcal paraurethral duct infection occurred 2–4 days (2.29 ± 0.76 days) earlier than that of urethral gonorrhea and in 59 cases, the first symptom of urethral gonorrhea occurred 1–6 days (3.07 ± 1.19 days) earlier than that of gonococcal paraurethral duct infection. This study shows that gonococcal paraurethral duct infection in males can be caused by primary infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Preventing Alzheimer’s: Our Most Urgent Health Care Priority
Authors: Sherzai Dean , Sherzai Ayesha
Published: May 2019

Dementia is the fastest growing epidemic in the developed nations, and if not curtailed, it will single handedly collapse our health care system. The prevalence of dementia is 1 in 10 individuals older than 65 years and increases to 50% of all individuals older than 85 years. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), the most common form of dementia, has been increasing rapidly and is projected to reach 16 million individuals by the year 2050. Several prevailing myths about the science of dementia are discussed, such as that AD is inevitable and that it is exclusively a genetic disease. The fact is that AD is dependent on a multitude of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that interact with one another. In fact, 4 core drivers represent 90% of what determines disease progression in AD. These are (1) glucose or energy dysregulation, (2) lipid dysregulation, (3) inflammation, and (4) oxidation. Lifestyle change can significantly alter the course of AD. The authors have created an acronym—NEURO—to help lifestyle practitioners and the public remember the most important lifestyle elements in the treatment and prevention of AD based on the evidence. “N” is for Nutrition, “E” for Exercise, “U” for Unwind (stress management), “R” for Restorative Sleep, and “O” for Optimizing mental and social activity. The evidence base for each of the components is reviewed.
NHS Health Check and healthy lifestyle in Leicester, England: analysis of a survey dataset
Authors: Chattopadhyay K , Biswas M , Moore R
Published: May 2019

Aims:

A major component of the National Health Service (NHS) Health Check in England is to provide lifestyle advice to eligible participants. The aims of the study were to explore the variations (in terms of uptake) in the NHS Health Check in Leicester and to determine its association with a healthy lifestyle.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used data from the Leicester Health and Wellbeing Survey (2015).

Results:

The odds of having an NHS Health Check were found to be higher in Black and minority ethnic groups and in people of other religions. The odds were lower in people without a religion, residing in the fourth index of multiple deprivation quintile and in ex-smokers. No associations were found between having an NHS Health Check and describing a healthy lifestyle, following a healthy lifestyle, thinking of making lifestyle changes in the next 6 months, cutting down on/stopping smoking among current smokers, or amount of alcohol current drinkers would like to drink.

Conclusions:

In Leicester, a few variations in having an NHS Health Check were found among different socio-economic, demographic and behavioural groups. No association was found between the NHS Health Check and a healthy lifestyle. Thus, the improvement work should focus on reducing these variations in having the NHS Health Check and bringing its benefits on promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The Treaty of Ghulja reconsidered: Imperial Russian diplomacy toward Qing China in 1851
Authors: Shioya Akifumi
Published: May 2019

This work endeavors to analyze the negotiation process of the Treaty of Ghulja between the Russian Empire and Qing China in the summer of 1851. The treaty’s format and negotiation method largely followed the examples established by the original Kiakhta Treaty and its subsequent revisions. The Imperial Russian government nevertheless tried to extend the rights articulated in the Kiakhta Treaty to the new commercial treaty in Ghulja, embedding within it new rights equal to those acquired by European powers in Qing China’s territories to open free trade in Xinjiang.
Chemical Constituents, Anti-nociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Essential Oil of Phyllanthus muellerianus
Authors: Ogunwande Isiaka A. , Avoseh Opeyemi N. , Igile Daniel O. , Lawal Oladipupo A. , Ascrizzi Roberta , Guido Flamini
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present study was to characterize the chemical composition and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties of the essential oil from the leaves of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell. The essential oil was hydrodistilled and characterized by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analyses. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema while the anti-nociceptive test was based on hot plate analysis. The hydrodistillation afforded 0.09% (dry weight basis) of pale yellow oil. Thirty-eight compounds representing 94.8% were identified in the oil. The major components of the oil were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (11.6%), isocaryophyllene (9.8%), and limonene (9.4%). The oils of P. muellerianus displayed anti-nociceptive effect at a rate independent of reaction time and dose ( P < 0.001). The rate of inhibition increased exponentially as the dose increases with optimum activity at 400 mg/kg. The carrageenan-induced edema model revealed the suppression of inflammatory mediators at a very high significant value ( P < 0.001) for all doses, showing activity comparable to a standard drug at 4 hours after carrageenan injection. Collectively, the essential oils depressed the nociceptors and most likely acted as centrally mediated opioid analgesics while the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the oil might be related to the decrease in the level of iNOS, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 in the edema paw via the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL1-β), NO, and PGE2 production. This study confirms the analgesics and inflammatory activities of P. muellerianus.
The Relation Between Evaluation and Racial Categorization of Emotional Faces
Authors: Axt Jordan R. , Bar-Anan Yoav , Vianello Michelangelo
Published: May 2019

Prior research has found that indirectly measured preference for White people over Black people is positively related to categorizing angry racially ambiguous faces as Black. This past work found no evidence that directly measured racial preferences predict this racial categorization bias (RCB), suggesting that the RCB could be a unique and easily administered tool for investigating automatic evaluation and validating automatic evaluation measures. In two studies (total N > 7,000), using structural equation models that account for error variance, multiple indirect evaluation measures were uniquely related to the RCB, thus bolstering their predictive validity. However, the RCB also correlated with self-reported evaluation, leaving psychologists without a robust, replicable outcome uniquely related to automatic evaluation. The lack of such an outcome hinders theoretical and practical progress in research on implicit social cognition.
The Importance of Role-Based and Collective Authenticity on Well-Being and Withdrawal
Authors: Wessel Jennifer L. , Huth Megan L. , Park Joo Y. , Welle Brian
Published: May 2019

Research on the benefits of authenticity tends to focus on expressing one’s authentic individual aspects of self (e.g., personality traits, values, opinions) and less on other identities, such as the roles one inhabits and the collective groups to which one belongs. Across two studies and samples totaling over 4,500 working individuals, we test the relationships between work-related role and collective authenticity and well-being/withdrawal outcomes, as well as their added explanatory value above and beyond the traditional way of conceptualizing authenticity (individual authenticity). In Study 1, we find that both work-related role authenticity and collective authenticity predict well-being above and beyond individual authenticity, whereas only work-related role authenticity adds explanatory value to both withdrawal outcomes. In Study 2, we find a largely similar pattern of results between types of authenticity and well-being/withdrawal outcomes collected approximately 9 months after. Implications are discussed.
Behavior stages of a physician- and coach-supported cloud-based diabetes prevention program for people with prediabetes
Authors: Srivastava Pallavi , Verma Ashish , Geronimo Christine , Button Terry M
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes Prevention Program recognition requires successful program completion by a cohort of at least five people with prediabetes. Such programs have generally been “in-person” and provided by a qualified coach from a recognized program. A cohort of 10 patients with prediabetes was enrolled in a physician’s office to use the cloud-based Type II Diabetes Prevention Module in an effort to achieve recognition. Module use was supported by the physician and a qualified coach. The purpose of this article is to evaluate Module performance relative to behavior stages associated with long-term behavior modification.

Methods:

The Module employs a web application supporting diabetes prevention education and a mobile application that is an electronic diary and virtual coach. A dashboard allows an efficient review of user performance and the ability to send users notifications of support from the user’s coach or physician. The cohort of 10 patients with prediabetes was offered Module use upon diagnosis of prediabetes.

Results:

All 10 patients with prediabetes offered Module use agreed participation. Six have completed educational sessions, made diary entries, and have met the 5% Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes Prevention Program weight loss target prior to 6 months of Module use. This high success rate (60%) is contrary to behavior stages often associated with long-term behavior modification.

Conclusion:

The strength of the physician–patient relationship appears to allow patients with prediabetes to skip or advance rapidly through behavioral stages in the process of lifestyle modification.
Trends in the diffusion of misinformation on social media
Authors: Allcott Hunt , Gentzkow Matthew , Yu Chuan
Published: May 2019

In recent years, there has been widespread concern that misinformation on social media is damaging societies and democratic institutions. In response, social media platforms have announced actions to limit the spread of false content. We measure trends in the diffusion of content from 569 fake news websites and 9540 fake news stories on Facebook and Twitter between January 2015 and July 2018. User interactions with false content rose steadily on both Facebook and Twitter through the end of 2016. Since then, however, interactions with false content have fallen sharply on Facebook while continuing to rise on Twitter, with the ratio of Facebook engagements to Twitter shares decreasing by 60%. In comparison, interactions with other news, business, or culture sites have followed similar trends on both platforms. Our results suggest that the relative magnitude of the misinformation problem on Facebook has declined since its peak.
Gentiopicroside attenuates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and NF-κB activation in rat model
Authors: Zhang Xian , Shi En , Yang Lan , Fu Weina , Hu Feng , Zhou Xisong
Published: May 2019

Diabetic retinopathy, an inflammatory condition, is one of the devastating complication associated with diabetes that can lead to irreversible blindness. Gentiopicroside (GP), a secoiridoid glycoside, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The investigation was carried out to explore whether GP could attenuate diabetic retinopathy in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) intraperitoneally in 8-weeks-old male rats (200–240 g). The treatment group received GP (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) orally for a duration of 10 weeks in diabetic rats (n = 10), and the diabetic group animals received phosphate buffer solution (n = 20). Effect of GP on cell viability study was performed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, and angiogenic factors were quantified in the retinal tissues of diabetic animals. All data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P < 0.05. Cytoprotective effect of GP was observed in MTT assay. GP effectively downregulated inflammatory cytokine, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1), and upregulated antioxidant markers glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the retina of diabetic rats. GP equilibrated the disturbed angiogenic factors in the diabetic retinal tissues. Results clearly indicated defensive role of GP in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy by inhibition of NF-κB and oxidative stress.
LGBTQ+ Latino/a Young People’s Interpretations of Stigma and Mental Health: An Intersectional Minority Stress Perspective
Authors: Schmitz Rachel M. , Robinson Brandon Andrew , Tabler Jennifer , Welch Brett , Rafaqut Sidra
Published: May 2019

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) young people of color encounter interlocking systems of social prejudice and discrimination. However, little is understood about how subjective meanings of perceived structural stigma associated with multiple marginalized social statuses influence mental health. We document how perceived stigma can shape mental health inequalities among multiply marginalized individuals if they also encounter stigmatizing societal frameworks. Data come from in-depth interviews with 41 LGBTQ+ Latino/a young adults in the Rio Grande Valley collected from 2016 to 2017. Utilizing an intersectional minority stress framework, we qualitatively examine how young people conceptualize structural stigma, their multiple social locations (e.g., sexuality, gender, race/ethnicity, age), and their mental health. Findings highlight how LGBTQ+ Latino/a young adults experience structural racism, gender policing, and anti-LGBTQ+ religious messages in relation to their mental health. This study showcases the importance of an intersectional minority stress framework for documenting processes that can shape mental health inequalities.
Repair integrity and functional outcomes of arthroscopic repair for intratendinous partial-thickness rotator cuff tears
Authors: Kim Kyung Cheon , Lee Woo-Yong , Shin Hyun Dae , Joo Yong-Bum , Han Sun-Cheol , Chung Hyung-Jin
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic repair of intratendinous partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of intratendinous partial-thickness rotator cuff tears from January 2010 to January 2015 in a single institute. Five outcome measures were used: a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the shoulder rating scale of the University of California at Los Angeles, the Constant–Murley score, and range of motion (ROM). Pain was recorded using the VAS. Active ROM was measured goniometrically. Rotator cuff repair integrity was determined via magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography at least 6 months after arthroscopic repair.

Results:

Of the 30 patients, 29 (96.6%) returned for functional follow-up evaluation no earlier than 2 years after the operation. All functional scores exhibited significant improvements (all p = 0.000). The VAS improved from a mean of 5.8 ± 1.6 to 2.5 ± 2.6 ( p = 0.000). The mean active ROM of forward flexion changed from 149.8 ± 33.8° preoperatively to 172.4 ± 9.1° ( p = 0.001) at the last follow-up; abduction changed from 115.6 ± 50.3° to 171.3 ± 15.9° ( p = 0.000). Postoperative radiological evaluation revealed retearing in three patients (3/28, 10.7%), including two with articular-side partial-thickness retears and one with a bursal-side partial-thickness retear.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic repair of intratendinous partial-thickness rotator cuff tears was associated with a retearing rate of 10.7% on radiological follow-up and afforded significant clinical and functional improvements.
Antibiotics self-medication among undergraduate pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Khalid Garba Mohammed , Jatau Abubakar Ibrahim , Ibrahim Umar Idris , Dungus Fatima Mustapha , Shitu Zayyanu , Sha’aban Abubakar , Burji Sa’idu Lawal
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The burden of antibiotic self-medication (ASM) is increasing and becoming a global health threat due to antibiotics resistance. However, little is known about ASM among undergraduate pharmacy students who are the future custodians of medicines including antibiotics. Therefore, this study aims to develop, validate and utilize an online survey tool to investigate the prevalence of ASM among undergraduate pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria.

Methods:

A cross-sectional online survey form was developed, validated by face validity, content validity, and pilot study. The hyperlink to the online survey form was shared with undergraduate pharmacy students in northern Nigeria via WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. Data were collected from eligible participants and analyzed using descriptive statistic.

Results:

A total of 217 students responded to the online survey, with a completion rate of 100%. Of the total number of respondents, 200 (92.2%) reported practicing ASM at least once in their lifetime. The major reasons for ASM were previous knowledge (40.4%) and having no time to see a doctor or pharmacist (27.5%). Amoxicillin (32.6%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (32.1%), Ampicillin/Cloxacillin (21.7%) and Ciprofloxacin (22.6%) were the most commonly implicated antibiotics in ASM. Cough, diarrhea, typhoid, and wound were the most frequently involved conditions. Patent medicine vendors (75.4%) and community pharmacies (29.4%) were the common source of antibiotics subjected to ASM.

Conclusion:

A research tool to assess ASM among undergraduate pharmacy students has been developed, validated and utilized. The prevalence of ASM is high among undergraduate pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria. Interventions to improve knowledge and awareness on ASM are needed among undergraduate pharmacy students to ensure antibiotic stewardship.
Targeted Aspergillus Prophylaxis With Voriconazole in Heart Transplant Patients: A Focus on the Interaction With Tacrolimus
Authors: Chheda Jason J. , Tarleton Andrew , Eidem Jay H.
Published: May 2019

Background: Voriconazole is a commonly used agent for the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in heart transplant recipients. Complicating its use with this population is its significant interaction with the calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and cyclosporine. Most primary literature pertaining to this interaction focuses on use of voriconazole in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients. There is little information pertaining to the efficacy of voriconazole for IA prophylaxis or its effects on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in heart transplant patients. Objective: Evaluate the use of voriconazole for invasive Aspergillus (IA) targeted prophylaxis in heart transplant recipients with a focus on the drug-drug interaction between voriconazole and tacrolimus and its impact on tacrolimus dose after discontinuation of voriconazole. Methods: This single-center, nonrandomized, retrospective, sequential study reviewed the use of targeted prophylaxis protocol in heart transplant recipients at Abbott Northwestern Hospital from January 2015 through May 2017. Results: Patients screened for targeted prophylaxis protocol from 2015 through 2017 had a 0% incidence of IA. This was in comparison to a 7% incidence of IA for a historical group of recipients from 2010 to 2014 prior to the use of the protocol. Additionally, patients on voriconazole needed on average a 67% reduction in tacrolimus dose (mg/kg/day) while on voriconazole compared with similar patients not on voriconazole to stay within the tacrolimus trough level protocol range. On discontinuation of voriconazole, a preemptive 100% tacrolimus dose increase resulted in 55% of tacrolimus trough levels within protocol range on first check. Overall, after 1-month post-voriconazole discontinuation, a 215% average increased tacrolimus dose was needed to maintain a level within the protocol trough range. Conclusion and Relevance: This study corroborates that targeted IA prophylaxis with oral voriconazole for up to 90 days is associated with a reduction in the incidence of IA in new heart transplant recipients. The pharmacokinetic analysis was able to provide more details on the effects of the interaction between voriconazole and tacrolimus in heart transplant recipients. Application of these data will better aid transplant centers to handle the effects of voriconazole discontinuation on patients on tacrolimus.
Phthalides serve as potent modulators to boost fetal hemoglobin induction therapy for β-hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Chen Wei-Ren , Chou Chia-Cheng , Wang Chia C.
Published: May 2019

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction therapy has become the most promising strategy for treating β-hemoglobinopathies, including sickle-cell diseases and β-thalassemia. However, subtle but critical structural difference exists between HbF and normal adult hemoglobin (HbA), which inevitably leads to reduced binding of the endogenous modulator 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) to HbF and thus increased oxygen affinity and decreased oxygen transport efficiency of HbF. We combined the oxygen equilibrium experiments, resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy, and molecular docking modeling, and we discuss 2 phthalides, z-butylidenephthalide and z-ligustilide, that can effectively lower the oxygen affinity of HbF. They adjust it to a level closer to that of HbA and make it a more satisfactory oxygen carrier for adults. From the oxygen equilibrium curve measurements, we show that the 2 phthalides are more effective than 2,3-BPG for modulating HbF. The RR spectra show that phthalides allosterically stabilize the oxygenated HbF in the low oxygen affinity conformation, and the molecular docking modeling reveals that the 2 chosen phthalides interact with HbF via the cleft around the γ1/γ2 interface with a binding strength ∼1.6 times stronger than that of 2,3-BPG. We discuss the implications of z-butylidenephthalide and z-ligustilide in boosting the efficacy of HbF induction therapy to mitigate the clinical severities of β-hemoglobinopathies.
An atypical pulmonary fibrosis is associated with co-inheritance of mutations in the calcium binding protein genesS100A3andS100A13
Authors: Al-Mutairy Eid A. , Imtiaz Faiga Ahmad , Khalid Mohammed , Al Qattan Somaya , Saleh Soad , Mahmoud Linah Mahmood , Al-Saif Maher Mohammed , Al-Haj Latifa , Al-Enazi Azizah , AlJebreen Abdullah M. , Mohammed Shamayel Faheem , Mobeireek Abdullah Fahad , Alkattan Khalid , Chisti Muzamil Amin , Luzina Irina G. , Al-Owain Mohammed , Weheba Ihab , Abdelsayed Abeer Mohamed , Ramzan Khushnooda , Janssen Luke J. , Conca Walter , Alaiya Ayodele , Collison Kate S. , Meyer Brian F. , Atamas Sergei P. , Khabar Khalid S. , Hasday Jeffrey D. , Al-Mohanna Futwan
Published: May 2019

Background

Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the leading indications for lung transplantation. The disease, which is of unknown aetiology, can be progressive, resulting in distortion of the extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation, fibrosis and eventual death.

Methods

13 patients born to consanguineous parents from two unrelated families presenting with interstitial lung disease were clinically investigated. Nine patients developed respiratory failure and subsequently died. Molecular genetic investigations were performed on patients' whole blood or archived tissues, and cell biological investigations were performed on patient-derived fibroblasts.

Results

The combination of a unique pattern of early-onset lung fibrosis (at 12–15 years old) with distinctive radiological findings, including 1) traction bronchiectasis, 2) intralobular septal thickening, 3) shrinkage of the secondary pulmonary lobules mainly around the bronchovascular bundles and 4) early type 2 respiratory failure (elevated blood carbon dioxide levels), represents a novel clinical subtype of familial pulmonary fibrosis. Molecular genetic investigation of families revealed a hypomorphic variant inS100A3and a novel truncating mutation inS100A13, both segregating with the disease in an autosomal recessive manner. Family members that were either heterozygous carriers or wild-type normal for both variants were unaffected. Analysis of patient-derived fibroblasts demonstrated significantly reduced S100A3 and S100A13 expression. Further analysis demonstrated aberrant intracellular calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial dysregulation and differential expression of ECM components.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that digenic inheritance of mutations inS100A3andS100A13underlie the pathophysiology of pulmonary fibrosis associated with a significant reduction of both proteins, which suggests a calcium-dependent therapeutic approach for management of the disease.
Prison healthcare services: the need for political courage
Authors: Piper Mary , Forrester Andrew , Shaw Jenny
Published: May 2019

Prisons in England and Wales have reached a low point in service delivery. Despite initial improvements after National Health Service transfer in 2006, it has deteriorated since 2010, with numerous reports giving cause for concern. Improvements are now urgently required, and political courage and a revised national programme of expenditure are necessary.

Declaration of interest

None.
Improvement of Care in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: Influence of the Introduction of Standardized Structured Reporting for Pathology
Authors: Sluijter Caro E. , van Workum Frans , Wiggers Theo , van de Water Carlijn , Visser Otto , van Slooten Henk-Jan , Overbeek Lucy I.H. , Nagtegaal Iris D.
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE

The use of standardized structured reporting (SSR) can improve communication between cancer specialists, which might improve clinical care; however, there are no reliable data on whether the introduction of SSR is associated with improvements in clinical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands, including all patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) from 2009 to 2014. As a reference, cohorts of 2007 and 2008 were included. Data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry were used and combined with data from the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) and the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. We tested the preformulated hypothesis that use of SSR improves the care of patients with CRC by improving the completeness of the pathology reports, the quality of the pathology evaluation, and patient outcomes with respect to treatment and survival.

RESULTS

We included 72,859 patients with CRC (23.8% reference, 32.9% SSR, and 43.3% narrative reports). Use of SSR increased over time, which resulted in more complete pathology reports (95.8% v 89.8%; P < .001). Risk assessment in stage II colon cancer was more adequate and resulted in an increased delivery of adjuvant therapy in patients with SSR (19.6% v 15.1%; P = .001). Risk of death for patients in the SSR group was significantly lowered (corrected hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI 0.90 to 0.97).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that use of SSR improved patient care in those with CRC by providing more complete reports of higher quality, which had significant effects on the delivery of adjuvant therapy and patient outcomes.
Prospective Survey of Financial Toxicity Measured by the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity in Japanese Patients With Cancer
Authors: Honda Kazunori , Gyawali Bishal , Ando Masashi , Kumanishi Ryosuke , Kato Kyoko , Sugiyama Keiji , Mitani Seiichiro , Masuishi Toshiki , Narita Yukiya , Bando Hideaki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Kadowaki Shigenori , Ura Takashi , Muro Kei
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE

We previously reported on the pilot study assessing the feasibility of using the Japanese translation of the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) tool to measure financial toxicity (FT) among Japanese patients with cancer. In this study, we report the results of the prospective survey assessing FT in Japanese patients with cancer using the same tool.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were receiving chemotherapy for a solid tumor for at least 2 months. In addition to the COST survey, socioeconomic characteristics were collected by using a questionnaire and medical records.

RESULTS

Of the 191 patients approached, 156 (82%) responded to the questionnaire. Primary tumor sites were colorectal (n = 77; 49%), gastric (n = 39; 25%), esophageal (n = 16; 10%), thyroid (n = 9; 6%), head and neck (n = 4; 3%), and other (n = 11; 7%). Median COST score was 21 (range, 0 to 41; mean ± standard deviation, 12.1 ± 8.45), with lower COST scores indicating more severe FT. On multivariable analyses using linear regression, older age (β, 0.15 per year; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.28; P = .02) and higher household savings (β, 8.24 per ¥15 million; 95% CI, 4.06 to 12.42; P < .001) were positively associated with COST score; nonregular employment (β, −5.37; 95% CI, −10.16 to −0.57; P = .03), retirement because of cancer (β, −5.42; 95% CI, −8.62 to −1.37; P = .009), and use of strategies to cope with the cost of cancer care (β, −5.09; 95% CI, −7.87 to −2.30; P < .001) were negatively associated with COST score.

CONCLUSION

Using the Japanese version of the COST tool, we identified various factors associated with FT in Japanese patients with cancer. These findings will have important implications for cancer policy planning in Japan.
Effects of community-based health insurance on modern family planning utilization in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Girma , Tefera Bekele
Published: May 2019

Background: Community-based health insurance (CBHI) has been established in a number of developing countries to expand access to modern health care service. However, few studies have focused on health care utilization of CBHI members in Ethiopia. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of CBHI on modern family planning (FP) utilization as part of its routine outcome monitoring activities.

Methods: The USAID Transform: Primary Health Care project, conducted a continuous monitoring follow up visit using a multistage sampling technique in its four major targeted regions. A total of 3433 households were selected and 3313 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) were interviewed. The questionnaire captured the CBHI status of each household and FP use data from randomly selected women. Microsoft Access database was used to enter the data, which was then transferred to SPSS Version 20 for further analysis. 

Results: In total 50.8% of married women (aged 15-49 years) were found to be enrolled in CBHI. Current modern FP use is 47.5% among married women in project-supported areas. Modern FP use is 50.9% among married women who are exposed to CBHI schemes, versus 44.1% among women who are not exposed to CBHI which is statistically significant. 

Conclusions: Modern FP utilization among insured women was higher compared with uninsured women. While FP methods are provided for free, CBHI enrolment improves FP use among women of child-bearing age. Women who have access to CBHI may frequently visit health facilities seeking services for themselves and their families, during which they may be introduced to FP services. This in turn may improve their awareness and attitude towards FP. The results will increase awareness for program implementers of the benefits of CBHI schemes in FP programming, particularly in rural settings, and provide an opportunity to increase lifelong returns in Ethiopia.
Comparative Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Commercially Available Windrow Compost Sample and Privately prepared Invessel Compost samples
Authors: Amber Fatima Syeda , Nawaz Chaudhary Mohammad , Adila Batool Syeda
Published: May 2019

In developing countries like Pakistan the organic waste production is comparatively high. Composting is a good option to overcome problems related to management of organic waste. Compost produced from solid waste should be according to the standards set for soil to ensure beneficial results in plants. The objectives of the study were to determine the quality of compost used in agricultural lands in different areas of country.In the study area the commercially available compost is prepared by windrow composting method. Some home gardeners prepare compost by invessel method. But the sale of commercial compost decreased with the passage of time. One of the reasons behind this includes low quality compost and less desired results in terms of soil fertility. Comparative analysis of windrow compost sample and in-vessel compost samples were carried out to identify the fate of these composts in terms of international standards. Analysis results revealed that some parameters were lower than standard values i.e. moisture content was less than 45% in all samples, carbon nitrogen (C:N) ratio was less than 25 which should be >25, available carbon was < 35% in all samples and burned carbon was also <35% in all samples. Compost is used as a soil conditioner and low level fertilizer however if its nutritional value is not according to the standard it maybe no longer beneficial for plants. Substandard compost can also cause microbial degradation in soil and can make it anaerobic as well.
Suicide prevention and patient safety
Authors: Tingle John
Published: May 2019

Suicide is a major national and global problem. John Tingle discusses several recent reports on suicide prevention and addresses some litigation and patient safety issues
Living with ureteric stents: a phenomenological study
Authors: Kelly Therese , Kelly Marcella Horrigan
Published: May 2019

Background:

patients with ureteric stents (JJ stents) have reported symptoms such as voiding dysfunction, incontinence, depression and sexual dysfunction, which have impacted on their quality of life, since the procedure was first described by Zimskind in 1967.

Aim:

the aim of this study was to enhance understanding of the lived experience of having a ureteric stent.

Method:

the research design used was hermeneutic interpretive phenomenology, underpinned by Heidegger's interpretive phenomenology.

Findings:

this phenomenological study found that ureteric stents have an impact on patients' quality of life. The five themes that emerged were: disruption to activities of daily life, burden on my physical body, burden on my mind, influence of time and influence of others.

Conclusion:

urological nurses can enhance the patient's experience of living with a ureteric stent by educating patients regarding stent symptoms and management, giving psychological support and advocating for the patient with adverse stent-related symptoms.
The early gestation period and long returns to oestrus in cattle
Authors: Whitfield Lisa
Published: May 2019

The fertility of dairy cattle has declined over the last 30 years. As a push for higher milk production has taken place, consideration of the negative impact on fertility has not been sufficiently addressed. As a result, it has become even more important for veterinarians to have a good understanding of normal reproduction processes in cattle, so that every cow has the best opportunity to reproduce successfully. This article aims to explore the early gestation period in dairy cattle, and some of the mechanisms of prolonged returns to oestrus when pregnancy is not established.
Digital dermatitis control in the dairy herd: incorporating the ‘blitz’ treatment approach
Authors: Pedersen Sara
Published: May 2019

In August 2016 a digital dermatitis (DD) control programme, incorporating ‘blitz’ treatment, was initiated on a commercial herd of approximately 150 Holsten Friesian cows on a farm in South Wales. The herd had been endemically infected with DD for several years with repeated outbreaks, despite the targeted treatment of individually affected cows and regular footbathing of the milking herd. An initial assessment identified that 38% of the herd had at least one hind foot with a DD lesion (active, healing, dormant or recurring). The majority of lesions found were active, supporting the farmer's report of a current outbreak. A control programme was implemented with reviews undertaken to monitor progress over a 14-month period.
The future of controlling and eradicating TB from infected cattle herds
Authors: Sibley R J
Published: May 2019

Bovine tuberculosis is a major economic problem for the cattle farmers of the UK, particularly the endemically infected are as of the south and west. Attempts at eradication have failed to effectively control the disease: of farms that suffer a breakdown and are then deemed clear of disease, more than half will suffer recurrence of the disease within 3 years, while a significant number of farms remain chronically infected. These herds provide a major reservoir of infection and robust, farm specific, disease control strategies are required to manage the disease from them, economically and sustainably. Novel technologies in surveillance, resilience and risk management are required to effectively control bovine tuberculosis in these endemically infected herds.
Ewe Caesarean section: reviewing the evidence base and sharing cross-country experiences part two
Authors: Phythian Clare J , Angell Joseph W , Crilly James Patrick , Martin Adam D
Published: May 2019

This article aims to review the current literature base, and share findings of clinical experience from British and Norwegian first opinion and referral work in ovine Caesarean sections. It is not intended to replace existing excellent medicine and surgery texts describing Caesarean surgery (such as Scott, 2015 or Hendriksen and Baird, 2013) but to supplement these with additional information and to provide an updated review. We hope this article is particularly useful for those approaching their first Caesarean section in practice, and may stimulate further interest in capturing and sharing data held in first opinion practice. Part one looked at case selection, analgesia and surgery, while part two looks at the postoperative period and highlights the value of undertaking clinical audits of ovine medicines use and surgical procedures.
HUBUNGAN BERAT BADAN BAYI BARU LAHIR DENGAN KEJADIAN RUPTUR PERINEUM PERSALINAN NORMAL PADA IBU PRIMIGRAVIDA
Authors: Wijayanti Heny Noor
Published: May 2019

Latar Belakang : Menurut Survei Demografi Kesehatan Indonesia ( SDKI ) tahun 2012 Angka Kematian Ibu meningkat kembali menjadi sebesar 359 per 100.000 kelahiran hidup. Robekan jalan lahir merupakan penyebab kedua perdarahan setelah atonia uteri. Dari data Profil Kesehatan Kabupaten Kendal (2015), Angka kematian ibu melahirkan di Kab. Kendal tergolong tinggi, nomor delapan tertinggi di Jateng. Sesuai data dari Dinas Kesehatan Kab Kendal, jumlah kematian ibu melahirkan di tahun 2013 sebanyak 21 orang. Tahun 2014 turun menjadi 19 orang, namun di tahun 2015 naik menjadi 23 orang.

Tujuan : untuk mengetahui hubungan berat badan bayi baru lahir dengan kejadian ruptur perineum persalinan normal pada ibu pimigravida di Puskesmas Gemuh 01 Kecamatan Gemuh Kabupaten Kendal.

Metode : penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode cross sectional. Populasi adalah seluruh ibu bersalin primigravida di Puskesmas Gemuh 01. Sampel diambil dengan teknik accidental sampling yang berjumlah 34 ibu bersalin primigravida. Analisis data menggunakan uji chi-square.

Hasil penelitian : Hasil uji statistik menunjukkan hubungan yang bermakna antara berat badan bayi baru lahir dengan kejadian ruptur perineum persalinan normal pada ibu primigravida dengan nilai p 0,021 < 0,05.

Kesimpulan : ada hubungan yang signifikan antara berat badan bayi baru lahir dengan kejadian ruptur perineum persalinan normal pada ibu primigravida di Puskesmas Gemuh 01 Kecamatan Gemuh Kabupaten Kendal. Dalam hal ini perlu ditingkatkan pengetahuan dan pengalaman bidan dalam memberikan asuhan kebidanan kepada ibu bersalin sehingga dapat mengenali tanda – tanda perineum yang kaku di saat persalinan berlangsung serta dapat menilai dan mengambil tindakan yang tepat untuk menghindari terjadinya rupture perineum.
PENGARUH KONSELING TERHADAP TINGKAT KECEMASAN IBU PRIMIGRAVIDA DALAM MENGHADAPI PERSALINAN DI BPM Hj. SRI LUMINTU
Authors: Rahmadani Latifah Nur , Anggarini Sri , Mulyani Sri
Published: May 2019

Latar Belakang: Perubahan ibu hamil tidak hanya perubahan fisik, tetapi juga psikososial, salah satunyakecemasan dan apabila tidak ditangani dengan baik dapat memberikan dampak buruk baik bagi ibu maupun janin. Konseling merupakan salah satu cara menurunkan tingkat kecemasan ibu hamil trimester III dalam menghadapi persalinan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh konseling terhadap tingkat kecemasan ibu primigravida dalam menghadapi persalinan di BPM Hj. Sri Lumintu.

Metode: Jenis penelitian quasy experimen dengan pendekatannon randomized control group pretest posttest design. Penelitian ini dilakukan di BPM Hj. Sri Lumintu. Sampel sejumlah34 ibu primigravidatrimester III, yaitu 17 ibu kelompok kontrol dan 17 ibu kelompok eksperimen dengan teknikpurposive sampling. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuesioner HRS-Ayang telah dimodifikasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan Wilcoxon dan Chi Square dengan program SPSS 16.0.

Hasil: Hasil uji Wilcoxon tingkat kecemasan kelompok kontrol pada saat pretest maupun posttest diperoleh nilai signifikansi 1,000sedangkan pada tingkat kecemasankelompok eksperimen nilai signifikansi sebelum dan sesudah diberi konseling 0,000. Berdasarkan uji Chi Square, nilai signifikansi kelompok kontrol dan eksperimen sesudah intervensi adalah 0,037.

Simpulan: Terdapat pengaruh konseling terhadap tingkat kecemasan ibu primigravida dalam menghadapi persalinan di BPM Hj. Sri Lumintu.

Kata kunci: Konseling, Kecemasan, Ibu Primigravida Trimester III
HUBUNGAN ANTARA TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN IBU DENGAN STATUS GIZI BALITA DI KELURAHAN WONOREJO KABUPATEN KARANGANYAR
Authors: Nurma Yuneta Agus Eka , Hardiningsih Hardiningsih , Yunita Fresthy Astrika
Published: May 2019

Latar belakang: Angka kematian balita (AKBA) merupakan indikator utama derajat kesehatan masyarakat. Balita yang mengalami gizi kurang pada dua tahun pertama kehidupannya, akan terjadi keterlambatan pertumbuhan fisik dan mental. Berdasarkan data dinas kesehatan tahun 2015 triwulan ketiga di Jawa Tengah angka kematian balita sebanyak 4.258 kasus, tahun 2014 sebanyak 6.486 kasus (11,54 per1.000 Kelahiran hidup). Persentase balita dengan gizi kurang ada 2,73%, gizi buruk ada 0,38%. Tujuan penelitian adalah menganalisis hubungan antara tingkat pengetahuan ibu dan status gizi balita di Kelurahan Wonorejo Karanganyar.

Subjek dan Metode: Desain penelitian adalah cross sectional. Penelitian dilakukan di posyandu kelurahan Wonorejo Kabupaten Karanganyar. Populasi penelitian ini adalah ibu yang mempunyai balita usia 1-5 tahun dan semua balita di posyandu kelurahan Wonorejo. Teknik pencuplikan sampel menggunakan cluster random sampling. Alat ukur dalam penelitian ini adalah kuesioner untuk mengukur tingkat pengetahuan ibu, untuk mengukur status gizi balita dengan mengukur berat badan menggunakan dacin atau timbangan injak.

Hasil: Hasil analisis data menggunakan Kendall’s tau didapatkan nilai p sebesar 0,000 (p < 0,05) yang menyatakan terdapat korelasi yang bermakna dan nilai korelasi pada penelitian ini adalah sebesar 0,482 yang menyatakan kekuatan korelasi sedang dengan arah yang positif.

Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara tingkat pengetahuan ibu dan status gizi balita di Kelurahan Wonorejo.

 
Kata kunci: Tingkat pengetahuan, status gizi, balita.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA INDEKS MASSA TUBUH KORBAN DENGAN KASUS KEMATIAN MENDADAK YANG DIPERIKSA DI INSTALASI KEDOKTERAN FORENSIK RSUP Dr. SARDJITO YOGYAKARTA TAHUN 2011 - 2015
Authors: Suwandono Adji , Widagdo Hendro , Suhartini Suhartini
Published: May 2019

Latar Belakang: Kurangnya olahraga dan banyaknya asupan makanan berlemak dapat menyebabkan obesitas dimana memberikan kontribusi pada penyebab kematian mendadak yang tak terduga dan berhubungan dengan indeks massa tubuh. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui hubungan antara indeks massa tubuh dengan kasus kematian mendadak yang ditangani di RSUP Dr. Sardjito tahun 2011 – 2015 dengan cara menghitung seluruh data panjang badan dan berat badan pada kasus kematian mendadak yang ditangani di RSUP Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta tahun 2011 – 2015.

Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasi analitik dengan pengambilan data secara cross sectional karena sampel dan semua variabel diambil dalam satu periode waktu. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder, khususnya dari visum et. Repertum Instalasi Kedokteran Forensik RSUP Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta.

Hasil: Penelitian ini menunjukkan indeks massa tubuh dengan berat badan lebih sangat mendominasi jumlah kasus kematian mendadak sebanyak 82.25% dibandingkan berat badan normal ataupun berat badan kurang. Orang dengan berat badan lebih memiliki risiko 13.05 kali lebih besar untuk mengalami serangan penyakit kardiovaskuler yang merupakan penyebab utama kematian mendadak.

Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan antara indeks massa tubuh korban dengan kasus kematian mendadak yang diperiksa di Instalasi Kedokteran Forensik RSUP Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta Tahun 2011 – 2015.