bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of a defecation care algorithm based on ultrasonographic bowel observation in Japanese home‐care settings: a single‐case, multiple‐baseline study
Authors: Matsumoto Masaru , Yoshida Mikako , Yabunaka Koichi , Nakagami Gojiro , Miura Yuka , Fujimaki Shun , Okawa Yohei , Sugama Junko , Okada Shingo , Ohta Hideki , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: January 2020

AimTo verify the efficacy of defecation care based on handheld ultrasonographic observations for functional constipation by visiting nurses skilled in bowel ultrasonography.MethodsHome‐care patients with suspected functional constipation receiving nursing visits were recruited in this multiple‐baseline, single‐case experiment with intervention points shifted by 1 week. A total of 15 older adults were categorized into 3‐, 4‐, 5‐ or 6‐week intervention phases. Ultrasonographic observations of fecal retention in the colorectum and defecation care based on observations during the ordinal physical assessment were reviewed. Tau‐U was used for confirming the efficacy of the intervention by measuring the number of non‐artificial and artificial defecations, as well as hard stools per week, and the amount of non‐stimulant and stimulant laxatives, enemas and suppositories per week. For evaluating safety, adverse events, such as bowel obstruction and incontinence‐associated dermatitis, were confirmed.ResultsNo adverse events were observed. Statistical analysis showed that hard stools and artificial defecation reduced, and that their effect sizes were significant (Tau = −0.48, P < 0.01; Tau = −0.53, P < 0.01). Even the amounts of stimulant laxative and glycerin enema reduced, and their effect sizes were significant (Tau = −0.56, P < 0.01; Tau = −0.34, P = 0.04).ConclusionsThus, defecation care based on ultrasonographic assessment by nurses in home‐care settings is safe and effective for improving constipation symptoms and reducing laxative use. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α promotes interleukin 1β and tumour necrosis factor α expression in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated human dental pulp cells
Authors: Fujii M. , Kawashima N. , Tazawa K. , Hashimoto K. , Nara K. , Noda S. , Nagai S. , Okiji T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimTo elucidate the role of HIF1α in pro‐inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).MethodologymRNA expression of interleukin (IL) 1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α in LPS‐stimulated hDPCs was determined by quantitative RT‐PCR. Expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) p65 and phospho‐NFκB p65 was analysed by Western blotting. Activation of NFκB signalling was measured by luciferase assay using a reporter vector containing an NFκB response element. Enforced expression of HIF1α was induced by transfection of expression vectors with native or constitutively active forms of HIF1α. Expression of HIF1α protein in hDPCs was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. One‐way analysis of variance and the Tukey–Kramer test were performed to determine a significant difference (P < 0.05).ResultsmRNA expression of IL1β and TNFα, protein expression of phospho‐NFκB p65 and LPS‐induced NFκB signalling activity were promoted in low oxygen conditions (1% O2; P < 0.05). These findings were replicated following enforced expression and stabilization of HIF1α in hDPCs. Dimethyloxalylglycine, an inhibitor of prolyl hydroxylase (a HIF1α degrading enzyme), promoted IL1β and TNFα mRNA expression and NFκB signalling in LPS‐stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). HIF1α expression was detected in hDPCs cultured in low oxygen conditions (1% O2). LPS stimulation further enhanced HIF1α expression in hDPCs, especially within their nuclei.ConclusionHIF1α promoted mRNA expression of IL1β and TNFα via NFκB signalling in LPS‐stimulated hDPCs, suggesting that HIF1α is involved in the progress of inflammation in dental pulp.
Knockdown of cadherin genes decreases susceptibility of Chilo suppressalis larvae to Bacillus thuringiensis produced Crystal toxins
Authors: Zhou H. , Hu W. , Huang Q. , Abouzaid M. , Jin H. , Sun Y. , Qiu L. , Zhang W. , Lin Y. , Ma W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker, is one of the most destructive rice pests in Asia. Insecticidal crystal proteins (Cry toxins) produced by Bacillus thuringiensis are widely used as biopesticides or in developing transgenic crops for pest management. In this study, we tested the involvement of two newly cloned C. suppressalis cadherins (CsCAD3 and CsCAD4) in the toxicity of Cry1Ab/Ac, Cry2Aa and Cry1Ca. Our results showed that CsCAD4 was expressed highest in the midgut, whereas CsCAD3 was expressed highest in the epidermis. The feeding of double‐stranded RNA specific to CsCAD3 and CsCAD4 respectively significantly suppressed the expressions of target gene. The knockdown of CsCAD3 significantly reduced the mortality of larvae to Cry1Ab/Ac, whereas knockdown of CsCAD4 significantly decreased the larval susceptibility to Cry2Aa. In contrast, reduced expressions of CsCAD3 or CsCAD4 were not interacted with larval susceptibility to Cry1Ca. Our results suggest that CsCAD3 and CsCAD4 function in Cry toxin toxicity and these findings will help us to better understand the action mechanism of Cry toxins in C. suppressalis.
Does infection prolong the QT interval?
Authors: Wolf Frieda , Homiedi Mohammad , Elias Mazen , Freedberg Nahum , Goldstein Lee H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe corrected QT (QTc) interval is a strong predictor of ischaemic heart disease and cardiovascular mortality. It may trigger lethal arrhythmias and sudden death. Risk factors include electrolyte disorders, medications, prior cardiovascular disease and genetic predisposition. We previously demonstrated that QTc intervals are prolonged in patients hospitalised with pneumonia, regardless which antibiotics were given. It is unclear whether QTc prolongation is associated with pneumonia itself or whether it occurs with other infections.AimsTo investigate any association between hospitalisation for infection and QTc prolongation.MethodsWe enrolled 169 patients, 160 of whom were used for analysis. QTc was measured in seconds by routine electrocardiogram (ECG) on admission. Subsequently, daily ECG were performed for 3 days, or until discharge (whichever occurred sooner). When clinically significant QTc prolongation was detected, possible causes were investigated.ResultsClinically significant prolongation was not observed in any patient. The QTc was slightly longer in patients hospitalised for pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infections on admission. It was also prolonged in men, in patients with ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, history of cerebrovascular accident or cancer. A very slight trend for prolongation was observed between the first and second day of monitoring, however it later returned to baseline levels. Nearly 54% of study participants had positive systemic inflammatory response syndrome scores, however no association was detected between their score and baseline QTc, or any subsequent prolongation.ConclusionsWe found no association between hospitalisation due to infection and prolongation of the QTc interval.
Pill testing at music festivals: is it evidence‐based harm reduction?
Authors: Scott Ian A. , Scott Russ J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecent pill‐related deaths of young people at music festivals in Australia have led to a concerted push for on‐site pill testing as a means for preventing such events. However, whether pill testing (also termed ‘safety checking’) is an effective harm reduction strategy remains uncertain. This narrative review concludes that pill testing currently lacks evidence of efficacy sufficient to justify publicly funded national roll‐out of on‐site pill‐testing programmes. Australian governments, addiction specialists and public health experts should collaborate in conducting properly designed field studies aimed at confirming clear benefits from such programmes in reducing pill‐related harm.
Monitoring skin temperature at the wrist in hospitalised patients may assist in the detection of infection
Authors: Holt Stephen G. , Yo Jennifer H. , Karschimkus Connie , Volpato Frank , Christov Steve , Smith Edward R. , Hewitson Tim D. , Worth Leon J. , Champion De Crespigny Paul 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMeasuring temperature has always been a key observation in the diagnosis of infection. No studies have examined the usefulness of measuring temperature at the wrist to detect infection.AimWe sought to determine whether a watch measuring wrist temperature could accurately identify patients who are infected.MethodsProspective cross‐sectional pilot study of temperature monitoring in an unselected patients in a tertiary referral adult nephrology unit.ResultsOne hundred and four data recording sessions revealed 88 useful data sets, with recording failures in the others. Patients were retrospectively classified as having no infection (Group A, n = 60), clinically diagnosed infection with less than 24 h of treatment with antibiotics (Group B, n = 5), and clinically diagnosed infection with greater than 24 h on antibiotics (Group C, n = 23). There was a significantly higher average maximum temperature in Group B (mean (SEM)) 38°C (0.6) compared with Groups A (36.1°C (0.1)) and C (36.3°C (0.3)). Based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) a cut‐off temperature of ≥37.5°C gave sensitivity 80% and specificity 98%. Mean electrodermal activity was significantly higher in Groups B and C.ConclusionsROC of peripheral skin temperature measurements suggest that such a device may identify many patients requiring treatment for infection. This proof of principle study showed value in using a wearable device in the detection of infection and its potential as an early warning or monitoring device.
CD8α− conventional dendritic cells control Vβ T‐cell immunity in response to Staphylococcus aureus infection in mice
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Li , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jianqing , Jin Jun‐O 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are potent immune cells that control innate and adaptive immune responses. Previous studies have shown that the DCs are required for protection against Staphylococcus aureus infection. However, the role of conventional DC (cDC) subsets during S. aureus infection in vivo has not been well investigated. In this study, we examined the function of spleen DC subsets in the activation of immunity against S. aureus infection. C57BL/6 mice were infected intravenously with S. aureus and DC and T‐cell activation were analyzed in vivo. We found that the spleen CD8α− cDCs phagocytosed S. aureus more efficiently than type‐1 conventional DCs (cDC1s) did. Moreover, the CD8α− cDCs contributed to the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in response to S. aureus infection, whereas the cDC1s did not. In addition, infection with S. aureus promoted an increase in the number of Vβ T cells. The CD4+ and CD8+ Vβ T cells up‐regulated the production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) in response to S. aureus infection. Importantly, the induction of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production in CD4+ and CD8+ Vβ T cells was mediated by S. aureus‐stimulated CD8α− cDCs, whereas cDC1s failed to promote IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production in the cells. Therefore, these data suggested that the spleen CD8α− cDCs are the main DC subsets for induction of S. aureus superantigen‐specific immunity.
Identification of new QTL for salt tolerance from rice variety Pokkali
Authors: Chen Tianxiao , Zhu Yajun , Chen Kai , Shen Congcong , Zhao Xiuqin , Shabala Sergey , Shabala Lana , Meinke Holger , Venkataraman Gayatri , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Xu Jianglong , Zhou Meixue 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSalt stress is an ever‐present threat to rice production worldwide. Rice salinity tolerance is complex, both genetically and physiologically. The success and effectiveness in selecting salt‐tolerant rice variety require the identification of QTL for the tolerance and closely linked molecular markers. In the present study, a RIL population consisting of 148 lines, derived from a cross between IR29 (salt‐sensitive) and Pokkali (salt‐tolerant), was used to identify new QTL for salt tolerance and investigate the relationships between salt stress caused injury and the changes in different physiological and morphological traits at the seedling stage. 14,470 high‐quality SNP markers generated by the Rice 56K SNP array were converted to 1,467 bin markers for linkage mapping. A high‐density genetic linkage map covering 1,680.9 cM was constructed, with the physical to genetic distance ratio being 222 Kb/cM. In total, 23 QTL for different salt tolerance indices were identified, including the previously reported Saltol which is currently used in breeding programmes. Three QTL for salt injury score (SIS) were located on chromosomes 1, 4 and 12, all being closely related to the long‐distant Na+ transport from roots to shoots. These QTL showed additive effects, thus can be effectively used in breeding programme to pyramid various tolerance genes.
Patient‐centred care in the context of pharmacy consultations: A qualitative study with patients and pharmacists in Malaysia
Authors: Ng Yew Keong , Shah Noraida Mohamed , Loong Ly Sia , Pee Lay Ting , Chong Wei Wen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesPatient‐centred care (PCC) has been increasingly recognized as the standard in current health care, especially when it comes to health communication between patients and health care professionals. The evidence suggests that PCC could potentially improve medication‐related outcomes such as medication adherence, disease self‐management, and patient‐provider relationships. Pharmacists are strategically positioned in the health care system to provide medication management to patients. However, there is a paucity of research regarding PCC in pharmacist‐patient consultations. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of pharmacists and patients on the important aspects of a PCC consultation.MethodsA semistructured interview study was conducted among 17 patients and 18 pharmacists in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Themes were developed using a constant comparison approach and thematic analysis.ResultsFive main themes emerged from the data, namely, achieving mutual understanding, recognizing individuality, communication style, information giving, and medication decision making. For both pharmacists and patients, a PCC consultation should promote mutual understanding and non‐judgmental discussions. Communication was an important element to bridge the gap between patients' and pharmacists' expectations. Patients emphasized the importance of emotional aspects of the consultation, while pharmacists emphasized the importance of evidence‐based information to support patient engagement and information needs.ConclusionsComparison of pharmacists' and patients' views provided insight towards important aspects of PCC in pharmacist‐patient consultations. It was suggested that PCC is not a one‐sided approach but rather a patient‐provider collaboration to optimize the consultation. Further research can be done to improve the integration of PCC in the local health care context, including pharmacist consultations.
Effect of agitation speed on freezing process of ice cream using a batch freezer
Authors: Masuda Hayato , Sawano Momoko , Ishihara Kana , Shimoyamada Makoto 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of agitation speed on the freezing process of ice cream using a batch freezer. The temporal change in apparent viscosity during freezing is measured by the Metzner–Otto method. It was found that the apparent viscosity of ice cream after freezing decreased with an increase in the agitation speed. In addition, the number of bubbles incorporated into the ice cream also increased with the increase in the agitation speed. The bubbles were broken down into smaller bubbles by the higher shear force, that is, the higher agitation speed. Furthermore, a narrower distribution of the bubble size was obtained at higher agitation speeds. This indicated that the rheological properties and the microstructure of ice cream can be controlled by the agitation operation.Practical applicationsThis study clarified the effect of agitation speed on ice cream properties such as the apparent viscosity, the overrun and the size distribution of contained bubbles. Especially, the apparent viscosity is important for both industries and consumers. The Metzner–Otto method was used to directly measure the temporal change in the apparent viscosity during freezing. This temporal change has not been investigated so far. It was found that the apparent viscosity decreased with the increase in the agitation speed. In other words, the rheological properties can be controlled by the agitation operation. In industries, the continuous freezer is more preferable than the batch freezer used in this study. Nevertheless, the knowledge would be quite useful for the development of industrial processes of ice cream.
Simple proxies for detection of clinically significant serrated polyps and data for their benchmarks
Authors: Park Soo‐Kyung , Park Sang Hyun , Yang Hyo‐Joon , Jung Yoon Suk , Park Jung Ho , Sohn Chong Il , Park Dong Il 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsSerrated polyp detection rate (SDR) is a potential quality indicator for preventing colorectal cancer associated with the serrated pathway. Using clinically significant SDR (CSSDR) has been suggested based on clinically significant serrated polyp's ability to be colorectal cancer precursors. Correlations between CSSDR and simpler SDRs, other than proximal SDR, have not yet been studied. We aimed to investigate which simpler SDR indicator is most relevant to CSSDR or adenoma detection rate (ADR) and provide benchmark data.MethodsWe analyzed 26 627 colonoscopies performed by 30 endoscopists. Clinically significant serrated polyps were defined as any sessile serrated adenoma/polyp or traditional serrated adenoma, hyperplastic polyps ≥ 5 mm in the proximal colon, or hyperplastic polyps ≥ 10 mm anywhere in the colon. Correlation of CSSDR and ADR with other simple SDRs, SDR‐pathology (sessile serrated adenoma/polyp or traditional serrated adenoma), SDR‐size (≥ 10 mm), and SDR‐location (proximal location) was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test and Steiger's z‐test.ResultsThe CSSDR was 1.7% to 13.2% (mean = 6.1%). The correlation coefficient of CSSDR/SDR‐size was 0.91 (P < 0.01), which was higher than that of CSSDR/SDR‐location (0.64, P < 0.01) (0.91 vs 0.61, P < 0.01). The correlation coefficient of ADR/CSSDR and ADR/SDR‐location was 0.41 (P < 0.01) and 0.81 (P < 0.01), respectively. For ADR ≥ 25%, endoscopists' median screening CSSDR was 5.4%, while SDR‐location and SDR‐size were 10.9% and 2.2%, respectively.ConclusionLarge SDR could be a simple proxy for CSSDR, in addition to proximal SDR. Large SDR and proximal SDR benchmarks of 2.2% and 10.9% may guide adequate serrated polyp detection with uniform definitions and simpler calculations.
Liver stiffness measurement in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Two is better than one
Authors: Chuah Kee‐Huat , Lai Lee‐Lee , Vethakkan Shireene Ratna , Nik Mustapha Nik Raihan , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Chan Wah‐Kheong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and AimRepeating liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was recently reported to improve accuracy to diagnose fibrosis stage in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are to date no other studies confirming this finding. This aims to evaluate the accuracy of repeating LSM for the diagnosis of fibrosis stage in NAFLD patients.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on adult NAFLD patients who had two FibroScan examination within 6 months prior to liver biopsy. F3–F4 fibrosis was excluded using LSM cut‐off of 7.9 kPa.ResultsA total of 136 patients were recruited. Eighty‐five percent (115/136) of patients had high baseline LSM (≥ 7.9 kPa). Among them, 25% (29/115) had low repeat LSM (< 7.9 kPa), with only two patients having F3 fibrosis. Forty‐eight percent (41/86) of patients with high baseline and repeat LSMs had greater than or equal to F3–F4 fibrosis. All 21 patients with low baseline LSM had F0–F2 fibrosis, except one patient with high repeat LSM who had F3 fibrosis. A strategy of repeating LSM, where only patients with high LSM on both baseline and repeat scans are considered for liver biopsy, will be able to reduce the number of patients being considered for liver biopsy from 85% to 63%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value based on only the baseline scan was 98%, 22%, 37%, and 95%, respectively, while based on the strategy of repeating LSM was 93%, 51%, 48%, and 94%, respectively.ConclusionFalse positive diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients can be reduced, and unnecessary liver biopsy can be avoided by repeating LSM.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Connectomics Reveals Preoperative Neural Connectivity Changes in Children with Postsurgical Posterior Fossa Syndrome
Authors: Meoded Avner , Jacobson Lisa , Liu Ann , Bauza Colleen , Huisman Thierry A. G. M. , Goldenberg Neil , Weiner Howard , Jallo George , Jackson Eric 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPosterior fossa syndrome (PFS), characterized by loss of language and other neurological impairments within the immediate postoperative period, occurs in approximately 25% of children who undergo surgical resection of posterior fossa tumors. Diffusion tensor imaging connectomics offer promise for elucidation of pathway‐level disruption in neural connectivity of patients with this disorder. We aim to determine differences in pre‐ and postoperative connectomics between children with PFS and children with mild or no language deficit after surgery.METHODSPre‐ and postoperative diffusion tensor imaging connectomics were applied and compared among patients with PFS, mild deficits, and intact language.RESULTSA total of 35 patients were included in the study. Twenty‐three patients with preoperative data and 24 patients with postoperative data were included in the analysis. Mean ages: PFS—8.5 years, mild–3.1 years, intact language—9.4 years (P = .02). Diagnoses included medulloblastoma (44.1%), pilocytic astrocytoma (28.6%), ependymoma (8.6%), other (11.4%), and unknown (8.6%). Five (21.7%) patients had PFS, 4 (17.4%) had mild deficits, and 14 (60.9%) had intact language. The assortativity coefficient was significantly higher in patients with PFS when compared to patients with mild deficits (P = .023). In the connectometry analyses, decreased connectivity was found involving the corpus callosum, right corticothalamic pathway, and right corticostriatal pathway in patients with PFS when compared to patients with intact language.CONCLUSIONSOur findings revealed significant differences in preoperative neural connectivity involving the corticothalamic and other pathways among children who did, versus who did not, develop PFS postoperatively. Diffusion tensor imaging connectomics offers a unique opportunity to study the effect of the posterior fossa tumors on cerebello‐cerebral networks and provide new insights into the mechanism of the structural plasticity/reorganization after surgery.