bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro Evaluation of Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel as an Anti-biofilm Agent Against Ventricular Assist Device Driveline Infections
Authors: Qu Yue , McGiffin David , Kure Christina , McLean Janelle , Duncan Courtney , Peleg Anton Y. 
Published: November 2020

Objectives: In adult ventricular assist device (VAD) programs in Australian hospitals, Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel (MAWG) is routinely used at the skin exit-site of VAD drivelines to prevent infections; however, its effectiveness remains unclear. Our aim was to assess antimicrobial activity of Medihoney wound gel, using in vitro models that mimic clinical biofilms grown at the driveline exit-site.Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of MAWG was performed for 24 clinical isolates grown under planktonic conditions, and four representative strains grown as biofilms. Different antimicrobial mechanisms of MAWG were assessed respectively for their relative contribution to its anti-biofilm activity. A colony biofilm assay and a drip-flow biofilm reactor assay mimicking the driveline exit-site environment were used to evaluate the activity of MAWG against biofilm growth at the driveline exit-site.Results: MAWG demonstrated species-specific activity against planktonic cultures [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), 5–20% weight/volume (W/V) for Staphylococcus species, 20–&gt;40% (W/V) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida species]. Higher concentrations [MICs, 30–&gt;80% (W/V)] were able to inhibit biofilm growth, but failed to eradicate pre-established biofilms. The anti-biofilm properties of MAWG were multi-faceted, with the often-advertised “active” ingredient methylglyoxal (MGO) playing a less important role. The colony biofilm assay and the drip-flow biofilm reactor assay suggested that MAWG was unable to kill biofilms pre-established in a driveline exit-site environment, or effectively prevent planktonic cells from forming adherent monolayers and further developing mature biofilms.Conclusion: Our work suggests a suboptimal effectiveness of MAWG in preventing driveline infections due to biofilm development.
Cognitive Profile and Its Evolution in a Cohort of Multiple System Atrophy Patients
Authors: Sambati Luisa , Calandra-Buonaura Giovanna , Giannini Giulia , Cani Ilaria , Provini Federica , Poda Roberto , Oppi Federico , Stanzani Maserati Michelangelo , Cortelli Pietro 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Cognitive decline is not a characteristic feature of multiple system atrophy (MSA), but recent evidence suggests cognitive impairment as an integral part of the disease. We aim to describe the cognitive profile and its progression in a cohort of patients with MSA.Methods: We retrospectively selected patients referred to our department with a clinical diagnosis of MSA who were evaluated at least once a year during the course of the disease and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.Results: At the first evaluation (T0), 37 out of 60 patients (62%) were cognitively impaired, mainly (76%) in attention and executive functioning. Thirteen patients were impaired in one cognitive domain and 24 in more than one cognitive domain. Six out of the 24 had dementia. Twenty patients underwent a follow-up evaluation (T1) after a mean of 16.6 ± 9.3 months from the first evaluation (T0). Eight out of 20 patients were cognitively normal at both T0 and T1. Seven out of 12 patients presented with stable cognitive impairment at T1, while cognitive decline progressed in five patients. Patients with progression in cognitive decline performed significantly worse at T0 than cognitively stable patients. Education was significantly different between patients with and without cognitive impairment. No other differences in demographic and clinical variables and autonomic or sleep disturbances were found. Patients with dementia were older at disease onset and at T0 and had lower education and disease duration at T0 compared to those in other groups.Conclusions: In patients with MSA, we observed three different cognitive profiles: normal cognition, stable selective attention-executive deficits, and progressive cognitive deficits evolving to dementia. The detection of cognitive impairment in patients with suspected MSA suggests the need for comprehensive and longitudinal neuropsychological evaluation.
Factors Associated With Adherence to Self-Managed Aphasia Therapy Practice on a Computer—A Mixed Methods Study Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Harrison Madeleine , Palmer Rebecca , Cooper Cindy 
Published: November 2020

Background: Aphasia is a communication disorder often acquired after a stroke. Independent use of specialist aphasia software on a home computer is a form of asynchronous tele-rehabilitation that can provide increased opportunity for practice of rehabilitation exercises. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with adherence to self-managed aphasia computer therapy practice.Method: A mixed methods exploration of adherence was conducted alongside the Big CACTUS randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN: 68798818]. The trial evaluated the clinical effectiveness of self-managed aphasia computer therapy. This study reports secondary analysis of data from participants randomized to the computer therapy group to investigate whether any demographic, clinical or intervention variables were associated with adherence to therapy practice. A sub-sample of the same participants took part in qualitative interviews exploring the factors perceived to influence the amount of aphasia computer therapy practice undertaken. Interviews were analyzed thematically. A convergence-coding matrix was used to triangulate the two sets of findings.Results: Data from 85 participants randomized to the computer therapy group were included in the quantitative analyses. At a clinical level, a greater length of time post-stroke was associated with higher adherence to self-managed aphasia therapy practice on a computer. At an intervention level, length of computer therapy access and therapist time supporting the participant were associated with greater adherence to computer therapy practice. Interviews with 11 patients and 12 informal carers identified a multitude of factors perceived to influence engagement with tele-rehabilitation by people with aphasia. The factors grouped around three themes: capability to use the computer therapy, having the opportunity to practice (external influences and technological issues) and motivation (beliefs, goals and intentions vs. personality, emotions, habit and reinforcement). Triangulation demonstrated convergence for the finding that participants' practiced computer-based therapy exercises more when they received increased support from a speech and language therapist.Conclusion: Clinicians delivering asynchronous tele-rehabilitation involving self-management of aphasia therapy practice on a computer should consider the factors found to be associated with engagement when deciding which patients may be suited to this option, as well as how they can be supported to optimize the amount of practice they engage in.
Alexander's Law During High-Speed, Yaw-Axis Rotation: Adaptation or Saturation?
Authors: Lädrach Claudia , Zee David S. , Wyss Thomas , Wimmer Wilhelm , Korda Athanasia , Salmina Cinzia , Caversaccio Marco D. , Mantokoudis Georgios 
Published: November 2020

Objective: Alexander's law (AL) states the intensity of nystagmus increases when gaze is toward the direction of the quick phase. What might be its cause? A gaze-holding neural integrator (NI) that becomes imperfect as the result of an adaptive process, or saturation in the discharge of neurons in the vestibular nuclei?Methods: We induced nystagmus in normal subjects using a rapid chair acceleration around the yaw (vertical) axis to a constant velocity of 200°/second [s] and then, 90 s later, a sudden stop to induce post-rotatory nystagmus (PRN). Subjects alternated gaze every 2 s between flashing LEDs (right/left or up/down). We calculated the change in slow-phase velocity (ΔSPV) between right and left gaze when the lateral semicircular canals (SCC) were primarily stimulated (head upright) or, with the head tilted to the side, stimulating the vertical and lateral SCC together.Results: During PRN AL occurred for horizontal eye movements with the head upright and for both horizontal and vertical components of eye movements with the head tilted. AL was apparent within just a few seconds of the chair stopping when peak SPV of PRN was reached. When slow-phase velocity of PRN faded into the range of 6–18°/s AL could no longer be demonstrated.Conclusions: Our results support the idea that AL is produced by asymmetrical responses within the vestibular nuclei impairing the NI, and not by an adaptive response that develops over time. AL was related to the predicted plane of eye rotations in the orbit based on the pattern of SCC activation.
Survey of Spinal Cord Stimulation Hardware Currently Available for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in the United States
Authors: Clingan Josephine A. , Patel Ashish , Maher Dermot P. 
Published: November 2020

Background: The number of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) units sold in the United States (US) for the treatment of chronic pain has increased with a corresponding expansion in the number of different SCS platforms available. Each marketed stimulator has several unique features, indications, and limitations, which distinguish one from the other and makes the selection of appropriate hardware possible for optimal patient care. There are an even greater number of similar and overlapping features between SCS.Measures: We used market analysis techniques to survey the currently available SCS technology. We then reviewed published device specifications and manuals for comparison of features.Outcomes: As of 2020, there are nine commonly used SCS platforms made by four manufacturers including four SCS units from Abbott, three from Boston Scientific, and one each from Medtronic and Nevro.Conclusions: A working understanding of each SCS product's nuances is needed for selecting the most appropriate device with which to manage chronic pain patients. Here we present a brief survey of currently available SCS hardware in the US and the features that make each product unique.
miR-433 Inhibits Neuronal Growth and Promotes Autophagy in Mouse Hippocampal HT-22 Cell Line
Authors: Xu Chunli , Bai Qingke , Wang Chen , Meng Qiuyu , Gu Yuming , Wang Qiwei , Xu Wenjie , Han Ying , Qin Yong , Jia Song , Zhang Junfang , Xu Jie , Li Jiao , Chen Miao , Wang Feng 
Published: November 2020

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have an increasing functional role in some neurodegenerative diseases. Autophagy, the degradation of bulk protein in the cytoplasm, is the quality control function of protein and has a protective role in the survival of neural cells. miR-433 may play a regulatory role in neurodegenerative diseases. Many aspects underlying the mechanism of miR-433 in neural development and neurodegeneration are not clear.Methods: In this study, we established stable cell lines expressing miR-433 by infecting mouse hippocampal neural cell line (HT-22) cells with rLV-miR-433 and the control rLV-miR. Pre-miR-433 expression was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mature miR-433 expression was measured using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The effect of miR-433 overexpression on cell proliferation was determined using a CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. RNA interference was used to analyze the function of Cdk12 in mediating the effect of miR-433 on cell proliferation. The effect of miR-433 overexpression on cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Autophagy-related genes Atg4a, LC3B, and Beclin-1 were determined using qPCR, Western blot, or immunofluorescence. In addition, RNA interference was used to analyze the effect of Atg4a on the induction of autophagy. TargetScan 7.2 was used to predict the target genes of miR-433, and Smad9 was determined using qPCR.Results: Our results indicated that miR-433 increased the expression of Atg4a and induced autophagy by increasing the expression of LC3B-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 in an Atg4a-dependent manner. In addition, miR-433 upregulated the expression of Cdk12 and inhibited cell proliferation in a Cdk12-dependent manner and promoted apoptosis in HT-22 cells under the treatment of 10-hydroxycamptothecin.Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that miR-433 may regulate neuronal growth by promoting autophagy and attenuating cell proliferation. This might be a potential therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.
The Underlying Mechanism of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. in Parkinson’s Disease Based on a Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Du Wanqing , Liang Xiao , Wang Shanze , Lee Philip , Zhang Yunling 
Published: November 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, yet as of currently, there is no disease-modifying therapy that could delay its progression. Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is the most frequently used herb in formulas for PD in Traditional Chinese Medicine and also a potential neuroprotective agent for neurodegenerative diseases, while its mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aim to explore the underlying mechanism of P. lactiflora in treating PD utilizing a network pharmacology approach.Methods: The protein targets of P. lactiflora ingredients and PD were first obtained from several databases. To clarify the key targets, a Protein-Protein-Interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed on the String database, and then enrichment analysis was performed by the Metascape platform to determine the main Gene Ontology biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Finally, the Ingredient-Target-Pathway (I-T-P) network was constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape software.Results: Six active ingredients of P. lactiflora (kaempferol, ß-sitosterol, betulinic acid, palbinone, paeoniflorin and (+)-catechin) as well as six core targets strongly related to PD treatment [AKT1, interleukin-6, CAT, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CASP3, and PTGS2] were identified. The main pathways were shown to involve neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Calcium signaling pathway, PI3-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and apoptosis signaling pathway. The main biological process included the regulation of neurotransmitter levels.Conclusion:P. lactiflora may retard neurodegeneration by reducing neuroinflammation, inhibiting intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, and may improve motor and non-motor symptoms by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters. Our study has revealed the mechanism of P. lactiflora in the treatment of PD and may contribute to novel drug development for PD.
The Effect of Stress, Anxiety and Burnout Levels of Healthcare Professionals Caring for COVID-19 Patients on Their Quality of Life
Authors: Çelmeçe Nuriye , Menekay Mustafa 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe healthcare system is among the institutions operating under the most challenging conditions during the period of outbreaks like pandemic which affects the whole world and leads to deaths. During pandemics that affect the society in terms of socioeconomic and mental aspects, the mental health of healthcare teams, who undertake a heavy social and work load, is affected by this situation.AimThis research was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of stress, anxiety, and burnout levels of healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants) caring for COVID-19 patients on their quality of life.MethodThe sample of the study consisted of a total of 240 healthcare professionals, determined by random sampling method among the healthcare professionals working in pandemic hospitals in Tokat city center, Turkey. Perceived Stress Scale, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory and Quality of Life Scale were used in the study conducted in the relational screening model.FindingsWhile the stress, trait anxiety, and quality of life mean scores of healthcare professionals who were female, married and had children were higher than the other groups, high, moderate, negative, and positive correlations were found among all variables.ConclusionThe research concluded that the stress, anxiety, and burnout of healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients affected their quality of life.
A MEG Study of Visual Repetition Priming in Schizophrenia: Evidence for Impaired High-Frequency Oscillations and Event-Related Fields in Thalamo-Occipital Cortices
Authors: Sauer Andreas , Grent-'t-Jong Tineke , Wibral Michael , Grube Michael , Singer Wolf , Uhlhaas Peter J. 
Published: November 2020

Background: Cognitive dysfunctions represent a core feature of schizophrenia and a predictor for clinical outcomes. One possible mechanism for cognitive impairments could involve an impairment in the experience-dependent modifications of cortical networks.Methods: To address this issue, we employed magnetoencephalography (MEG) during a visual priming paradigm in a sample of chronic patients with schizophrenia (n = 14), and in a group of healthy controls (n = 14). We obtained MEG-recordings during the presentation of visual stimuli that were presented three times either consecutively or with intervening stimuli. MEG-data were analyzed for event-related fields as well as spectral power in the 1–200 Hz range to examine repetition suppression and repetition enhancement. We defined regions of interest in occipital and thalamic regions and obtained virtual-channel data.Results: Behavioral priming did not differ between groups. However, patients with schizophrenia showed prominently reduced oscillatory response to novel stimuli in the gamma-frequency band as well as significantly reduced repetition suppression of gamma-band activity and reduced repetition enhancement of beta-band power in occipital cortex to both consecutive repetitions as well as repetitions with intervening stimuli. Moreover, schizophrenia patients were characterized by a significant deficit in suppression of the C1m component in occipital cortex and thalamus as well as of the late positive component (LPC) in occipital cortex.Conclusions: These data provide novel evidence for impaired repetition suppression in cortical and subcortical circuits in schizophrenia. Although behavioral priming was preserved, patients with schizophrenia showed deficits in repetition suppression as well as repetition enhancement in thalamic and occipital regions, suggesting that experience-dependent modification of neural circuits is impaired in the disorder.
Effectiveness of a Drinking and Driving Campaign on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Among Drivers in Addis Ababa
Authors: Negi Nalin Singh , Schmidt Karen , Morozova Irina , Addis Tigist , Kidane Solomon , Nigus Asmeret , Kumar Namrata , Mullin Sandra , Murukutla Nandita 
Published: November 2020

Background: In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, road traffic crashes represent a major public health challenge. Driving under the influence of alcohol (drink driving) is a risk factor for road traffic crashes. Mass media campaigns can reduce the prevalence of drink driving. Few studies to date have evaluated the influence of anti-drink-driving campaigns on changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in low-income countries such as Ethiopia.Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of an anti-drink-driving campaign on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors around drinking and driving in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: The “Never Drink and Drive” campaign ran on media outlets in Addis Ababa and consisted of evidence-informed messages on the consequences of drink driving. Data for this study comes from two representative household surveys conducted among a sample of adult drivers aged 18–55 years in Addis Ababa pre-campaign (n = 721) and post-campaign (n = 721). Multivariate logistic regression is used to estimate the effects of the campaign on knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to drink driving.Results: After the campaign, participants were significantly more likely to have improved knowledge and attitudes about drink driving: post-campaign participants were significantly more likely to report feeling unsafe about drink driving (OR = 1.51, p &lt; 0.05). Social norms showed a positive shift: post-campaign participants were over six and a half times more likely to report that someone talked to them about drink driving (OR = 6.52, p &lt; 0.05). After the campaign, participants demonstrated improved knowledge and attitudes around drink driving laws and enforcement, including that they were significantly more likely to agree that they would be caught by police for drink driving (OR = 12.66, p &lt; 0.1). Behavior also improved—post-campaign participants reported significantly lower rates of driving soon after drinking alcohol, compared with pre-campaign participants (31 vs. 42%).Conclusion: The anti-drink-driving campaign achieved gains in knowledge, improved attitudes, and reduced drinking and driving, which could help to curb road traffic crashes in Addis Ababa. This study offers some of the first evidence that an anti-drink-driving campaign, combined with enhanced enforcement of road safety laws, can be effective in changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors around drink driving in low-income countries.
Aleitamento materno: o desafio da mãe trabalhadora que amamenta em uma sociedade capitalista
Authors: Petry Fausto Vitorino Jozadake 
Published: November 2020

O artigo discorre sobre os desafios e enfrentamentos impostos í mulher trabalhadora, mãe, que deseja amamentar seu bebê em uma Sociedade Capitalista. O método de pesquisa realizado foi o estudo bibliográfico de aporte qualitativo, no perí­odo de julho e agosto de 2020. A busca do material utilizado para fundamentar ao estudo foi através da base de dados do SciELO, Rev. Saúde Pública e em marcos normativos sobre o tema "Amamentação" publicados em português entre os anos de 1997 a 2017. Os resultados apontam que os empregadores que respeitam as Leis que beneficiam as mães trabalhadoras, oferecem a elas local apropriado para a guarda de seus bebês e facilitam a amamentação de seus filhos no local de trabalho, contam com funcionárias que apresentam menor número de faltas, demonstram maior interesse em desenvolver suas atividades e apresentam como resultado, maior í­ndice de produtividade, pois não precisam se preocupar com seus bebês doentes.
Violência doméstica: refletindo conceitos e ressignificando práticas na atenção primária í saúde
Authors: De Castro Morais Kamila , Araujo da Silva Kadson , Calixto Gomes Samara , Almeida Neves de Oliveira Camila , Xavier Silva João Paulo , De Souza Leite John Carlos 
Published: November 2020

Objetivos: Compreender a violência doméstica contra a mulher diante de seus conceitos e da resignificação das práticas de cuidar utilizadas no âmbito da Atenção Primária í Saúde (APS). Método: Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura realizada a partir da busca na base de dados Scielo por meio dos descritores em ciências da saúde, resultando nos achados de estudos nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. As buscas foram realizadas entre agosto e setembro de 2020. Resultados: Foram selecionados 10 artigos para compor a pesquisa. Assim, observa-se que o contexto da violência doméstica contra a mulher é repleto de marcos importantes para a garantia de direitos e assistência a essa população, gerando a resignificação dessas práticas. Conclusão: Acredita-se na necessidade da educação continuada e permanente dos profissionais envolvidos na assistência a saúde, como também associação destes a movimentos sociais, favorecendo a reorientação nas capacitações e na qualidade do cuidado em saúde.