bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of herbal extract Eurycoma longifolia (Physta®) on female reproductive hormones and bone biochemical markers: an ovariectomised rat model study
Authors: M. Chinnappan Sasikala , George Annie , Ashok Godavarthi , Choudhary Yogendra Kumar 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundEach year 1.5 million women experience menopause when menstrual cycles cease resulting from the loss of ovarian function and oestrogen deprivation, a hormone that helps prevent bone loss. This study investigated the effects ofPhysta®, a standardized herbal extract ofEurycoma longifoliaJack (PEL), on hormonal balance and parameters associated with hormonal imbalance, namely body and uterus weight and bone biochemical markers relevant in menopausal symptoms.MethodsForty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups of eight rats each: (A) Sham operated; control (B) Untreated (ovariectomised (OVX) with vehicle), (C) PEL 100 (OVX + 100 mg/kg body weight (bw)), (D) PEL 300 (OVX + 300 mg/kg bw), (E) PEL 500 (OVX + 500 mg/kg bw) and (F) Positive control, testosterone undecanoate (TU) (OVX+ 10 mg/kg bw). Group A and B received daily oral administrations of the vehicle, Group C-E received daily oral administration of PEL and Group F received testosterone undecanoate intramuscularly weekly. At the end of 8 weeks, serum calcium, phosphate, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone were measured, then the animals were sacrificed and uterus was isolated, while weight was recorded in all experimental groups.ResultsTreatment of OVX rats with PEL at a dose of 500 mg/kg showed decreased serum FSH (P < 0.001, 4.25 ± 0.22 mIU/ml) and LH (NS, 4.07 ± 0.12 mIU/ml), while there was a significant increase in progesterone (P < 0.05, 2.48 ± 0.08 ng/ml) and oestrogen (P < 0.05, 11.02 ± 0.13 pg/ml) levels when compared to untreated group. PEL treatment at doses of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg showed a non-significant but increasing trend in serum calcium, phosphate, bone alkaline phosphate and testosterone levels. Ovariectomy resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.001, 238.81 ± 5.39 mg) in uterus weight in the ovariectomised rats, which was alleviated in all PEL treated ovariectomised rats with an increasing trend of uterine weight.ConclusionThe results suggest that PEL could be protective and beneficial for the management of reproductive hormone and bone markers. Therefore, it could be used to address hormonal imbalances and symptoms associated with menopause.
The effect of education around ethical principles on nurses’ perception to patient safety culture in an Iranian mental health inpatient unit: a pilot study
Authors: Razzani Behzad , Atashzadeh-Shoorideh Foroozan , Jamshidi Tayebeh , Barkhordari-Sharifabad Maasoumeh , Lotfi Zahra , Skerrett Victoria 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background & objectives
Patient safety is a crucial factor in the provision of quality healthcare and is therefore a global health concern. It is an area in which ethical concerns and high-quality clinical practice are inextricably linked. This study investigates the effect of education around ethical principles on nurses’ perception of patient safety in a psychiatric unit.

Materials & methods
This pre- and post-test descriptive study was conducted in a mental health inpatient unit in a hospital in Tehran, capital of Iran, in 2018. A total of 33 nurses, selected by census sampling, participated in the study. Data was collected using a demographics questionnaire and Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC), and was analyzed with SPSS21.

Results
The mean score of patient safety was 116.85 ± 9.98 before the educational intervention, 143.58 ± 7.21 immediately after intervention, and 153.12 ± 9.47 1 month after intervention. The rate of error report by most participants over the past 12 months was 3–5 and 6–10 events before intervention, and 6–10 events immediately after and 1 month after intervention. Also, 42.4% of the participants assessed patient safety after intervention as very good and 36.4% assessed it as acceptable and very good 1 month after intervention whereas most of the participants (45.5%) assessed patient safety as acceptable before intervention.

Conclusion
Education on ethical principles exerts a positive effect on nurses’ perception of patient safety culture. Thus, it is recommended as an effective method of promoting nurses’ perception of this variable. In this way, healthcare quality and enhanced patient safety can be achieved.
Dissonances and disconnects: the life and times of community-based accountability in the National Rural Health Mission in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Gaitonde Rakhal , San Sebastian Miguel , Hurtig Anna-Karin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
There are increasing calls for developing robust processes of community-based accountability as key components of health system strengthening. However, implementation of these processes have shown mixed results over time and geography. The Community Action for Health (CAH) project was introduced as part of India’s National Rural Health Mission (now National Health Mission) to strengthen community-based accountability through community monitoring and planning. In this study we trace the implementation process of this project from its piloting, implementation and abrupt termination in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Methods
We framed CAH as an innovation introduced into the health system. We use the framework on integration of innovations in complex systems developed by Atun and others. We used qualitative approaches to study the implementation. We conducted interviews among a range of individuals who were directly involved in the implementation, focusing on the policy making organizational level.

Results
We uncover what we have termed “dissonances” and “disconnects” at the state level among individuals with key responsibility of implementation. By dissonances we refer to the diversity of perspective on the concept of community-based accountability and its perceived role. By disconnects we refer to the lack of spaces and processes for “sense-making” in a largely hierarchically functioning system. These constructs we believe contributes significantly to making sense of the initial uptake and the subsequent abrupt termination of the project.

Conclusions
This study contributes to the overall field of policy implementation, especially the phase between the emergence on the policy agenda and its incorporation into the day to day functioning of a system. It focuses on the implementation of contested interventions like community-based accountability, in Low- and Middle-income country settings undergoing transitions in governance. It highlights the importance of “problematization” a dimension not included in most currently popular frameworks to study the uptake and spread of innovations in the health system. It points not only to the importance of diverse perspectives present among individuals at different positions in the organization, but equally importantly the need for spaces and process of collective sense-making to ensure that a contested policy intervention is integrated into a complex system.
Understanding beneficial self-management support and the meaning of user involvement in lifestyle interventions: a qualitative study from the perspective of healthcare professionals
Authors: Salemonsen Elin , Førland Georg , Hansen Britt Sætre , Holm Anne Lise 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn light of the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults and the subsequent stigmatization and health consequences, there is a need to develop effective interventions to support lifestyle change. The literature supports the key role of healthcare professionals (HPs) in facilitating self-management through lifestyle interventions for those with chronic conditions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how HPs practice self-management support (SMS) and user involvement for persons afflicted by overweight or obesity in lifestyle interventions in primary care Healthy Life Centres (HLC). The aim of this study was to explore how HPs provide SMS and what user involvement implies for HPs in HLCs.MethodsAn interpretative exploratory design, using qualitative thematic analysis of data from two focus group interviews with ten HPs from eight different HLCs, was conducted.ResultsThe analysis resulted in one overall theme; A partnership based on ethical awareness, non-judgemental attitude, dialogue and shared responsibility, comprising four interrelated themes: 1) Supporting self-efficacy, self-worth and dignity through an attitude of respect, acknowledgement and generosity, 2) Promoting self-belief and self-perceived health, 3) Collaborating and sharing responsibility, and 4) Being flexible, adjusting and sharing time.ConclusionHPs in HLCs see service users as equal partners in a collaboration based on shared responsibility, acknowledgement and generosity. In order to help, their practice involves a heightened level of ethical awareness, including a non-judgemental attitude and dialogue. HPs in HLCs have something to teach us about ethical acting and helping persons who are struggling with overweight or obesity to change their lifestyle and regain dignity. They seem to see the service users’ existential needs and have learned the art of meeting the other in her/his most vulnerable situation i.e., seeking help for a “wrong lifestyle”. It may be time to highlight the need for SMS and user involvement to focus on shared responsibility in partnership rather than personal responsibility. More research is required to explore the conditions for such practice.
Surface components and metabolites of probiotics for regulation of intestinal epithelial barrier
Authors: Liu Qing , Yu Zhiming , Tian Fengwei , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Zhai Qixiao , Chen Wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe gut microbiota can significantly affect the function of the intestinal barrier. Some intestinal probiotics (such asLactobacillus,Bifidobacteria, a fewEscherichia colistrains, and a new generation of probiotics includingBacteroides thetaiotaomicronandAkkermansia muciniphila) can maintain intestinal epithelial homeostasis and promote health. This review first summarizes probiotics’ regulation of the intestinal epithelium via their surface compounds. Surface layer proteins, flagella, pili and capsular polysaccharides constitute microbial-associated molecular patterns and specifically bind to pattern recognition receptors, which can regulate signaling pathways to produce cytokines or inhibit apoptosis, thereby attenuating inflammation and enhancing the function of the gut epithelium. The review also explains the effects of metabolites (such as secreted proteins, organic acids, indole, extracellular vesicles and bacteriocins) of probiotics on host receptors and the mechanisms by which these metabolites regulate gut epithelial barrier function. Previous reviews summarized the role of the surface macromolecules or metabolites of gut microbes (including both probiotics and pathogens) in human health. However, these reviews were mostly focused on the interactions between these substances and the intestinal mucosal immune system. In the current review, we only focused on probiotics and discussed the molecular interaction between these bacteria and the gut epithelial barrier.
Preconditioning rats with three lipid emulsions prior to acute lung injury affects cytokine production and cell apoptosis in the lung and liver
Authors: Huang Li-Mi , Hu Qingqing , Huang Xiaoxia , Qian Yan , Lai Xin-He 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Critically ill patients are at higher risk having acute lung injury (ALI) and more often in need of parenteral nutrition. We sought to study whether preconditioning with representative of lipid emulsions for one week could benefit rats from ALI.

Methods
Using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rat model and techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining.

Results
PGE2 production in the serum was highest in the LPS group, followed with Intralipid group, and the PGE2 level of these two groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the rest. Intralipid conditioning caused significantly less production of LTB4 than the LPS, Clinoleic, or Omegaven group. In contrast to Intralipid, rats pretreated with Clinoleic or Omegaven significantly decreased their production of inflammatory mediators (IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNF-α), had less apoptosis in the lung tissues, and Omegaven greatly improved liver function upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.

Conclusions
In an ALI setting, preconditioning with Omegaven or Clinoleic was better than Intralipid in decreasing the intensity of the cytokine storm and apoptosis caused by LPS challenge, and Omegaven in addition had the potential to improve liver function. The results from the present study set a basis for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of ALI, including the up- and downstream pathways of proinflammatory factor production, in search of (small) molecules intervening with the pathogenesis of ALI in order to translate relevant research findings into clinical benefit for patients with ALI. The use of Omegaven or Clinoleic, particularly in patients with ALI, is still characterized by uncertainty due to a lack of relevant studies. Future investigations must specifically focus on the route of administration and mode of application (enteral vs. parenteral/bolus vs. continuous), determining an optimal dose of Omegaven or Clinoleic, and the defining the best timepoint(s) for administration. Critically ill patients are at higher risk having acute lung injury (ALI) and more often in need of parenteral nutrition. The effect of lipid emulsion via parenteral nutrition on liver function was first time evaluated in rats in an ALI setting. The comparison of three forms of lipid emulsion in a rat model of acute lung injury was first time studied. The fish oil-based lipid emulsion decrease in PGE 2 and increase in LTB 4 was first time reported.
Local delivery of minocycline-loaded PLGA nanoparticles from gelatin-coated neural implants attenuates acute brain tissue responses in mice
Authors: Holmkvist Alexander Dontsios , Agorelius Johan , Forni Matilde , Nilsson Ulf J. , Linsmeier Cecilia Eriksson , Schouenborg Jens 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Neural interfaces often elicit inflammatory responses and neuronal loss in the surrounding tissue which adversely affect the function and longevity of the implanted device. Minocycline, an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutics with neuroprotective properties, may be used for reducing the acute brain tissue responses after implantation. However, conventional administration routes require high doses which can cause adverse systemic side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new drug-delivery-system for local and sustained administration of minocycline in the brain.

Methods
Stainless steel needles insulated with Parylene-C were dip-coated with non-crosslinked gelatin and minocycline-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (MC-NPs) were incorporated into the gelatin-coatings by an absorption method and subsequently trapped by drying the gelatin. Parylene-C insulated needles coated only with gelatin were used as controls. The expression of markers for activated microglia (CD68), all microglia (CX3CR1-GFP), reactive astrocytes (GFAP), neurons (NeuN) and all cell nuclei (DAPI) surrounding the implantation sites were quantified at 3 and 7 days after implantation in mice.

Results
MC-NPs were successfully incorporated into gelatin-coatings of neural implants by an absorption method suitable for thermosensitive drug-loads. Immunohistochemical analysis of the in vivo brain tissue responses, showed that MC-NPs significantly attenuate the activation of microglial cells without effecting the overall population of microglial cells around the implantation sites. A delayed but significant reduction of the astrocytic response was also found in comparison to control implants. No effect on neurons or total cell count was found which may suggest that the MC-NPs are non-toxic to the central nervous system.

Conclusions
A novel drug-nanoparticle-delivery-system was developed for neural interfaces and thermosensitive drug-loads. The local delivery of MC-NPs was shown to attenuate the acute brain tissue responses nearby an implant and therefore may be useful for improving biocompatibility of implanted neuro-electronic interfaces. The developed drug-delivery-system may potentially also be used for other pharmaceutics to provide highly localized and therefore more specific effects as compared to systemic administration.
Effects of physical activity programs on sleep outcomes in older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Vanderlinden J. , Boen F. , van Uffelen J. G. Z. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
One in two older adults report sleep problems, which not only cause fatigue, but also negatively affect general functioning, activities of daily living, and physical and mental health. Although it is known that physical activity is positively associated with sleep in older adults, the effects of physical activity programs on sleep in older adults has not been reviewed. The aim of this systematic review was to systematically review the effects of physical activity programs on sleep in generally healthy older adults aged 60+ years.

Methods
Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and CINAHL. The methodological quality of the included studies was rated using the ‘Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies’. Only studies of moderate and strong quality were included. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018094007).

Results
Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria (six randomised controlled trials and eight pretest-posttest studies). Of these studies, five were moderate and nine were strong quality studies. Mean age of study samples ranged from 64 to 76 years. Exercise programs included various activities aimed at improving mobility, endurance and strength. Intervention duration ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months. Eleven studies used subjective measures of sleep, two used objective measures and one used both. Sixteen different sleep outcomes were reported. All but one study, found at least one significant improvement on sleep outcomes. No significantly detrimental effects were reported. Effect sizes, calculated in ten studies, ranged from 0,34–1,55 and were substantial (≥0,8) in four studies.

Conclusions
This systematic review suggests that exercise programs positively affect various aspects of sleep in generally healthy older adults. More specifically, moderate intensity exercise programs, with a frequency of three times per week and a duration of 12 weeks up to 6 months, showed the highest number of significant improvements in different sleep outcomes in older adults. Furthermore, programs that offered single exercise types, such as Baduanjin, Tai chi and the silver yoga program, or a combination of exercises showed the highest proportion of significant versus reported effects on sleep outcomes.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2
(PAI-2) overexpression supports
bladder cancer development
in PAI-1 knockout mice in N-butyl-N-
(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine- induced bladder
cancer mouse model
Authors: Furuya Hideki , Hayashi Kazukuni , Shimizu Yoshiko , Kim Nari , Tsukikawa Yutaro , Chen Runpu , Sun Yijun , Chan Owen T. M. , Pagano Ian , Peres Rafael , Hokutan Kanani , Igari Fumie , Chan Keith S. , Rosser Charles J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence suggests that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) plays an important role in bladder tumorigenesis by regulating cell cycle. However, it remains unclear whether and how inhibition of PAI-1 suppresses bladder tumorigenesis.

Methods
To elucidate the therapeutic effect of PAI-1 inhibition, we tested its tumorigenicity in PAI-1 knockout (KO) mice exposed to a known bladder carcinogen.

Results
PAI-1 deficiency did not inhibit carcinogen-induced bladder cancer in mice although carcinogen-exposed wild type mice significantly increased PAI-1 levels in bladder tissue, plasma and urine. We found that PAI-1 KO mice exposed to carcinogen tended to upregulate protein C inhibitor (PAI-3), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue-type PA (tPA), and significantly increased PAI-2, suggesting a potential compensatory function of these molecules when PAI-1 is abrogated. Subsequent studies employing gene expression microarray using mouse bladder tissues followed by post hoc bioinformatics analysis and validation experiments by qPCR and IHC demonstrated that SERPING1 is further downregulated in PAI-1 KO mice exposed to BBN, suggesting that SERPING1 as a potential missing factor that regulate PAI-2 overexpression (compensation pathway).

Conclusions
These results indicate that serpin compensation pathway, specifically PAI-2 overexpression in this model, supports bladder cancer development when oncoprotein PAI-1 is deleted. Further investigations into PAI-1 are necessary in order to identify true potential targets for bladder cancer therapy.
Paroxetine suppresses reactive microglia-mediated but not lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in primary astrocytes
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Zhu Lan-Bing , He Jia-Hui , Zhang Hong-Qiu , Ji Shu-Ya , Zhang Chao-Nan , Hou Na-Na , Huang Chen-Ping , Zhu Jian-Hong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in a brain that mediate inflammatory responses and provide trophic support for neurons. We have previously disclosed that paroxetine, a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, ameliorates LPS-induced microglia activation. However, it remains elusive for the role of paroxetine in astrocytic responses.

Methods
Isolated primary astrocytes were pretreated with paroxetine and stimulated with different stimuli, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or microglia conditioned medium pre-activated with LPS (M/Lps). Inflammatory and neurotrophic responses, underlying mechanisms and the impact on neuronal survival were assessed.

Results
Paroxetine had no impact on LPS-stimulated iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression, but inhibited M/Lps-induced TNF-α and IL-1β expression in primary astrocytes. Paroxetine suppressed M/Lps- but not LPS-induced activation of NF-κB and had no impact on the activation of MAPKs and STAT3. Incubation with the resulted astrocyte conditioned media caused no change in the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. BDNF and MANF mRNA expressions were upregulated by M/Lps and paroxetine, respectively. However, M/Lps- or LPS-induced extracellular releases of NO, TNF-α, and/or BDNF in astrocytes were in minor amount compared to those by microglia.

Conclusions
Paroxetine ameliorates the reactive microglia-mediated inflammatory responses in astrocytes partially via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway but has no impact on LPS-stimulated astrocyte activation. While the effects of paroxetine on secondary astrocytic responses are not robust compared to its effect on the innate immune responses of microglia, the results together may implicate a therapeutic potential of paroxetine against neuroinflammation-associated neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.