bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Destabilization of β‐amyloid aggregates by thrombin derived peptide: plausible role of thrombin in neuroprotection
Authors: De Debashree , Bhattacharjee Payel , Das Hrishita , Kumar Karri Suresh , Biswas Subhas Chandra , Bhattacharyya Debasish 
Published: November 2019

β‐amyloid (Aβ) aggregates involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are resistant to proteases but could be destabilized by small peptides designed to target specific hydrophobic regions of Aβ that take part in aggregate assembly. Since thrombin and AD are intricately connected, and elastase modulates thrombin activity, elastase‐digested thrombin peptides were verified for intervention in the Aβ–aggregation pathway. Intact or elastase‐digested thrombin destabilized Aβ fibril, as demonstrated by thioflavin T assay. Peptides were synthesized employing thrombin as a template, of which, a hexapeptide (T3) showed maximum destabilization at 1 µm. ExPASy peptide cutter software coupled with mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the generation of T3 peptide from elastase‐digested thrombin. TEM micrographs revealed that 30‐day incubation of preformed Aβ fibrils or monomers with T3 resulted in destabilization or inhibition, respectively, leading mostly to particles of 1.74 ± 0.17 nm, which roughly corresponded to Aβ monomer. Surface plasmon resonance employing CM5 chip coupled with Aβ40 mouse monoclonal antibody showed a drop in response when T3 was incubated with Aβ fibrils between 2 and 8 h. 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and confocal microscopy demonstrated the ability of T3 to rescue neuroblastoma cells from Aβ oligomer‐induced cytotoxic damage. Although no [Aβ‐T3] adduct could be detected by mass spectrometry, an initial interaction appeared to facilitate the process of destabilization/inhibition of aggregation. T3 was comparable to standard β‐sheet breaker peptides, LPFFD and KLVFF in terms of Aβ aggregate destabilization. High hydrophobicity values coupled with recognition and breaking elements make T3 a potential candidate for future therapeutic applications.
Research priorities for natural ecosystems in a changing global climate
Authors: Williams Stephen E. , Hobday Alistair J. , Falconi Lorena , Hero Jean‐Marc , Holbrook Neil J. , Capon Samantha , Bond Nick R. , Ling Scott D. , Hughes Lesley 
Published: November 2019

AbstractClimate change poses significant emerging risks to biodiversity, ecosystem function and associated socioecological systems. Adaptation responses must be initiated in parallel with mitigation efforts, but resources are limited. As climate risks are not distributed equally across taxa, ecosystems and processes, strategic prioritization of research that addresses stakeholder‐relevant knowledge gaps will accelerate effective uptake into adaptation policy and management action. After a decade of climate change adaptation research within the Australian National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, we synthesize the National Adaptation Research Plans for marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. We identify the key, globally relevant priorities for ongoing research relevant to informing adaptation policy and environmental management aimed at maximizing the resilience of natural ecosystems to climate change. Informed by both global literature and an extensive stakeholder consultation across all ecosystems, sectors and regions in Australia, involving thousands of participants, we suggest 18 priority research topics based on their significance, urgency, technical and economic feasibility, existing knowledge gaps and potential for cobenefits across multiple sectors. These research priorities provide a unified guide for policymakers, funding organizations and researchers to strategically direct resources, maximize stakeholder uptake of resulting knowledge and minimize the impacts of climate change on natural ecosystems. Given the pace of climate change, it is imperative that we inform and accelerate adaptation progress in all regions around the world.
Prospective clinical trial evaluating vulnerability and chemotherapy risk using geriatric assessment tools in older patients with lung cancer
Authors: Tsubata Yukari , Shiratsuki Yohei , Okuno Takae , Tanino Akari , Nakao Mika , Amano Yoshihiro , Hotta Takamasa , Hamaguchi Megumi , Okimoto Tamio , Hamaguchi Shunichi , Kurimoto Noriaki , Nishiyama Yumi , Kimura Tomohiro , Iwata Haruko , Tsumoto Shusaku , Isobe Takeshi 
Published: November 2019

AimIn Japan, the number of older patients with cancer has been increasing. Assessment of performance status, cognitive function and social background is necessary for the treatment of older patients. The aims of the present study were: (i) to establish an evaluation system using electronic medical records; and (ii) to distinguish older patients as fit versus vulnerable or frail according to a geriatric assessment (GA) system score.MethodsWe incorporated GA tools in our electronic medical records system and carried out comprehensive assessments for patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer aged ≥65 years. The decision about primary treatment followed consultation with the clinical team and was not guided by GA scores. Subsequent treatment and outcomes were recorded.ResultsA total of 100 patients had completed GA. The average age was 75 years (range 65–94 years). Regarding GA results, 63% were positive on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment 7, 39% on the Vulnerable Elderly Survey‐13 and 84% on the Geriatric 8. The percentage of vulnerable patients (positive on all three GA) was significantly higher in the non‐standard therapy group (n = 19) than in the standard therapy group (n = 81; 78.9% vs 21.0%, P < 0.001). Among vulnerable patients who received standard therapy, 47% discontinued chemotherapy as a result of toxicity. Even if a patient was considered vulnerable based on GA scores, chemotherapy is possibly safe for those with EGFR mutations.ConclusionsWe confirmed the feasibility of this system. During decision‐making for older patients with cancer, a combination of GA helps prevent undertreatment or overtreatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1108–1111.
Effects of different feeding regimens on milk fatty acid composition and milk flavor from the perspective of regional resource utilization
Authors: Yayota Masato , Tsukamoto Mana , Kato Rie , Ohtani Shigeru 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFeed is a primary factor affecting different milk components and creating a specific milk flavor. Dairy farms in different regions often depend on different feed resources and feeding regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of completely different feeding regimens on the milk fatty acid (FA) profile and milk flavor. Eight lactating Holstein cows were assigned to one of two distinct feeding regimens, one grass silage‐based diet (GS) and one by‐product‐based diet (BP), using a switchback design with three periods of 28 days each. A sensory test of the pasteurized milk was conducted using the paired preference method. Dry matter, crude protein and total digestible energy intake were similar between the groups. There was also no difference in daily milk yields, milk fat, protein, lactose and solids‐not‐fat contents between the groups. Milk FA content with chain lengths C12–C14:1, C16and C16:1cisand the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content were significantly higher in the GS group than in the BP group. In contrast, the milk FA content with chain lengths C18and C18:1cis–C18:2and the unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content, including mono‐UFA (MUFA) and poly‐UFA (PUFA), were significantly higher in the BP group than in the GS group. The different feeding regimens did not affect milk sensory properties, including aroma, palatability, aftertaste, texture, body and sweetness. Using food by‐products that contain relatively high levels of PUFAs resulted in PUFA‐rich milk. However, even if using a distinct feeding regimen based on conserved or by‐product feeds, it may be difficult to create characteristic milk with an original flavor that is clearly identified by consumers.
Perceptions of people with respiratory problems on physician performance evaluation—A qualitative study
Authors: Sehlbach Carolin , Govaerts Marjan J. B. , Mitchell Sharon , Teunissen Truus G. J. , Smeenk Frank W. J. M. , Driessen Erik W. , Rohde Gernot G. U. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite increasing calls for patient and public involvement in health‐care quality improvement, the question of how patient evaluations can contribute to physician learning and performance assessment has received scant attention.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore, amid calls for patient involvement in quality assurance, patients' perspectives on their role in the evaluation of physician performance and to support physicians’ learning and decision making on professional competence.DesignA qualitative study based on semi‐structured interviews.Setting and ParticipantsThe study took place in a secondary care setting in the Netherlands. The authors selected 25 patients from two Dutch hospitals and through the Dutch Lung Foundation, using purposive sampling.MethodsData were analysed according to the principles of template analysis, based on an a priori coding framework developed from the literature about patient empowerment, feedback and performance assessment.ResultsThe analysis unearthed three predominant patient perspectives: the proactive perspective, the restrained perspective and the outsider perspective. These perspectives differed in terms of perceived power dynamics within the doctor‐patient relationship, patients' perceived ability, and willingness to provide feedback and evaluate their physician's performance. Patients' perspectives thus affected the role patients envisaged for themselves in evaluating physician performance.Discussion and conclusionAlthough not all patients are equally suitable or willing to be involved, patients can play a role in evaluating physician performance and continuing training through formative approaches. To involve patients successfully, it is imperative to distinguish between different patient perspectives and empower patients by ensuring a safe environment for feedback.
A windshields surface characterization damaged by sandblasting
Authors: Benterki Smail , Faci Abdelaziz , Bouaouadja Nourredine 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe present work is part of a study of windshield glass erosion subjected to the Saharan sand particles projection. The objective is to highlight the effect of the sand grains size Ps on the degradation process of the ordinary glasses surface (damage rate Dr) and to search the visibility limit of vehicles' drivers. Various erosion tests are carried out and have led to different surface states by varying the sand mass Mp and the particles size Ps. The effect of the surface damage on root mean square roughness Rq, damage rate Dr, and optical transmission To are presented. A clear dependence between these three parameters and the particles size has been highlighted. The results show that Rq increases linearly with Ps increasing, whereas the Dr variation in function of Ps obeys a Gaussian function. In addition, a good correlation between the optical transmission loss and the damage rate is found. In terms of the driver's good vision, the damage of the windshield surface depends essentially on the parameter Dr. Therefore, the visibility limit is determined with regard to this parameter which is dependent on the sand particles size.
Characterization of a large cohort of patients with unclassified bleeding disorder; clinical features, management of haemostatic challenges and use of global haemostatic assessment with proposed recommendations for diagnosis and treatment
Authors: MacDonald Stephen , Wright Alfie , Beuche Frederik , Downes Kate , Besser Martin , Symington Emily , Kelly Anne , Thomas Will 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionThere is an unmet need to characterize the diagnosis and management of patients with an unclassified bleeding disorder (UBD).MethodsRetrospective review of registered patients with UBD at our centre. Assessment including rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thrombin generation (TG) were used.ResultsA total of 124 patients were identified; 91% female. Mean age of presentation was 38.3 years. Mean bleeding score was 8.8 (standard deviation [SD] 3.8); 6.6 in men (SD 1.4) and 9.7 in women (SD 3.3), which was significantly different (P < .05). In women, after deduction of scores for menorrhagia and postpartum haemorrhage, the mean score was 6.4 which was not significantly different to the male score (P = .11). Twenty‐three percent of patients have been transfused, 61% women had treatment for menorrhagia and 17% for epistaxis. TxA and desmopressin were effective at preventing bleeding in 69 procedures and 13 deliveries. TG revealed 26% patients with a long lag time and 19% with a decreased endogenous thrombin potential but no diagnostic pattern was seen. ROTEM (NATEM) was unable to characterize patients; 9% had a prolonged clot time or maximum lysis. ThromboGenomics was normal in 45 tested patients.ConclusionsWe provide data which shows the bleeding score is biased towards gynaecological bleeding but which remains elevated even when the bleeding score is deducted. Tranexamic acid and desmopressin are effective as haemostatic prophylaxis but there is an urgent need for clinical trials. In conclusion, we describe the use of the bleeding score in these patients and phenotype, diagnosis (including ThromboGenomic testing) and management with practice recommendations.
Stocking and over-the-counter sale of misoprostol for medical abortion in Ghana’s community pharmacies: comparison of questionnaire and mystery client survey
Authors: Ganle John Kuumuori , Busia Nana Tiwaa , Baatiema Leonard 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objectives
In many sub-Saharan African countries with restricted safe abortion services, community pharmacies are important sources of abortifacients. However, data on stocking and over-the-counter sale of abortifacients in community pharmacies are often limited. The main objective of this study was to compare stocking and over-the-counter sale of misoprostol at community pharmacies using questionnaire and mystery client surveys in Ghana.

Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey, complemented with a mystery client survey, was conducted at 165 randomly selected community pharmacies in Accra, Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to pharmacists/pharmacy workers. A mystery client survey to each of these pharmacies was also undertaken. Descriptive statistical techniques (frequencies and proportions) were used to estimate and compare stocking and over-the-counter sale of misoprostol at community pharmacies from the two data collection methods.

Key findings
Some 50.3% (83) of community pharmacists/pharmacy workers reported stocking misoprostol and selling it over-the-counter for medical abortion in the questionnaire-based survey. However, in the mystery client survey, 122 (74%) pharmacists/pharmacy workers reported stocking misoprostol and actually selling it over-the-counter to the mystery clients. Thus approximately 39 (24%) more pharmacies stocked misoprostol and sold it over-the-counter even though they originally denied stocking the drug in the questionnaire survey. Also, the drug was often sold without a prescription, and many did so without asking for a confirmatory pregnancy test or gestational age.

Conclusions
In contexts where access to safe abortion services is restricted, mystery client surveys, rather than conventional questionnaire-based survey techniques, may better illuminate stocking and over-the-counter sale of abortifacients at community pharmacies.
The relationship between emotional labour and job satisfaction in nursing
Authors: Gulsen Mehmet , Ozmen Dilek 
Published: November 2019

AimTo investigate the relationship between emotional labour strategies and job satisfaction among nurses in Turkey.BackgroundNursing is one of the professions in which emotional labour is heavily used. The relationship between emotional labour strategies and job satisfaction has many different consequences in nursing.IntroductionAlthough studies have focused on the relationship between emotional labour and job satisfaction among nurses abroad, no studies on the subject have been found in Turkey.MethodsA cross‐sectional descriptive design was employed. The study was conducted with 281 nurses working in a university hospital and three public hospitals in Manisa, Turkey. Research data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Emotional Labour Scale and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used in data evaluation.ResultsAnalyses showed that the type of emotional labour strategy most frequently exhibited by nurses was surface acting. In surface acting, behaviours do not reflect employees’ true feelings. Job satisfaction of nurses was higher than the medium level. A negative correlation was found between deep acting and job satisfaction. In deep acting, employees try to feel the emotions appropriate to the behaviour expected of them.DiscussionNurses’ emotional labour may cause some undesirable consequences.ConclusionNurses’ emotional labour strategies are related to their job satisfaction levels.Implications for nursing policyManagers should be aware of the emotional labour of nurses and its possible negative consequences. Management strategies that target the negative consequences of emotional labour are important not only for the well‐being of nurses but also for the quality of patient care.
G9α‐dependent histone H3K9me3 hypomethylation promotes overexpression of cardiomyogenesis‐related genes in foetal mice
Authors: Peng Bohui , Han Xiao , Peng Chang , Luo Xiaomei , Deng Ling , Huang Lixin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause foetal alcohol syndrome and congenital heart disease. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism of alcohol‐induced cardiac dysplasia remains unknown. We previously reported that alcohol exposure during pregnancy can cause abnormal expression of cardiomyogenesis‐related genes, and histone H3K9me3 hypomethylation was observed in alcohol‐treated foetal mouse heart. Hence, an imbalance in histone methylation may be involved in alcohol‐induced cardiac dysplasia. In this study, we investigated the involvement of G9α histone methyltransferase in alcohol‐induced cardiac dysplasia in vivo and in vitro using heart tissues of foetal mice and primary cardiomyocytes of neonatal mice. Western blotting revealed that alcohol caused histone H3K9me3 hypomethylation by altering G9α histone methyltransferase expression in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, overexpression of cardiomyogenesis‐related genes (MEF2C, Cx43, ANP and β‐MHC) was observed in alcohol‐exposed foetal mouse heart. Additionally, we demonstrated that G9α histone methyltransferase directly interacted with histone H3K9me3 and altered its methylation. Notably, alcohol did not down‐regulate H3K9me3 methylation after G9α suppression by short hairpin RNA in primary mouse cardiomyocytes, preventing MEF2C, Cx43, ANP and β‐MHC overexpression. These findings suggest that G9α histone methyltransferase‐mediated imbalance in histone H3K9me3 methylation plays a critical role in alcohol‐induced abnormal expression cardiomyogenesis‐related genes during pregnancy. Therefore, G9α histone methyltransferase may be an intervention target for congenital heart disease.
Research Review: Effectiveness of universal eating disorder prevention interventions in improving body image among children: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chua Joelle Yan Xin , Tam Wilson , Shorey Shefaly 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundIncreasingly, children are at risk of developing eating disorders. A systematic review and a meta‐analysis were conducted to examine the effectiveness of universal eating disorder prevention interventions in improving body image, internalization of appearance ideals, and self‐esteem among children aged 5–17 years old.MethodsNine electronic databases were systematically searched from each database’s point of inception to March 2019. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool assessed each study’s risk of bias, while the GRADE approach judged the overall evidence for each review outcome. A meta‐analysis was conducted using the random‐effect model to obtain standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals under the inverse variance method. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q chi‐squared test. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots.ResultsA total of 24 studies (22 trials) were included in this review. Universal interventions were found to be effective in improving children’s body esteem, self‐esteem, and internalization of appearance ideals at postintervention and at follow‐up timepoints. Subgroup analyses found that girls benefited more from these interventions than boys. Multisessional interventions with an optimal duration of approximately one month were found to be more effective.ConclusionsThe findings encourage the incorporation of universal preventive interventions into school curricula to benefit most children. Laypeople such as teachers can deliver these interventions, but content experts should address topics on body dissatisfaction. Due to the low quality of evidence, as accorded by the GRADE approach, current findings should be validated by future research.
Accelerometer‐Measured Hospital Physical Activity and Hospital‐Acquired Disability in Older Adults
Authors: Pavon Juliessa M. , Sloane Richard J. , Pieper Carl F. , Colón‐Emeric Cathleen S. , Cohen Harvey J. , Gallagher David , Hall Katherine S. , Morey Miriam C. , McCarty Midori , Hastings Susan N. 
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUNDHospital‐acquired disability (HAD) is common and often related to low physical activity while in the hospital.OBJECTIVETo examine whether wearable hospital activity trackers can be used to predict HAD.DESIGNA prospective observational study between January 2016 and March 2017.SETTINGAn academic medical center.PARTICIPANTSCommunity‐dwelling older adults, aged 60 years or older, enrolled within 24 hours of admission to general medicine (n = 46).MAIN MEASURESPrimary outcome was HAD, defined as having one or more new activity of daily living deficits, decline of four or greater on the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument (calculated between baseline and discharge), or discharge to a skilled nursing facility. Hospital activity (mean active time, mean sedentary time, and mean step counts per day) was measured using ankle‐mounted accelerometers. The association of the literature‐based threshold of 900 steps/day with HAD was also evaluated.RESULTSMean age was 73.2 years (SD = 9.5 years), 48% were male, and 76% were white. Median length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.0‐6.0 days); 61% (n = 28) reported being able to walk without assistance of another person or walking aid at baseline. Median daily activity time and step counts were 1.1 h/d (IQR = 0.7‐1.7 h/d) and 1455.7 steps/day (IQR = 908.5‐2643 steps/day), respectively. Those with HAD (41%; n = 19) had lower activity time (0.8 vs 1.4 h/d; P = .04) and fewer step counts (1186 vs 1808 steps/day; P = .04), but no difference in sedentary time, compared to those without HAD. The 900 steps/day threshold had poor sensitivity (40%) and high specificity (85%) for detecting HAD.CONCLUSIONSLow hospital physical activity, as measured by wearable accelerometers, is associated with HAD. Clinicians can utilize wearable technology data to refer patients to physical/occupational therapy services or other mobility interventions, like walking programs. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:261–265, 2020