bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of simulated microgravity on rice (MR219) growth and yield
Authors: Zulkifli Nur Athirah , Chuang Teoh Chin , Khim Ong Keat , Abdul Rauf Ummul Fahri , Abu Bakar Norliza , Wan Yunus Wan Md Zin 
Published: June 2018

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food in many Asian countries with an ever increasing demand. However, the production of high quality rice seeds is insufficient to meet this demand. Research on plant growth in space related to the exposure of a microgravity environment are rare, costly and time-limited. Similar experiments can be conducted on the ground to simulate the microgravity condition using a 2-D clinostat which compensates for the unilateral influence of gravity. This study was conducted to establish a simple and cost effective technique to enhance the quality of the Malaysian rice seed variety MR 219 by using a 2-D clinostat and to determine the effects of simulated microgravity on the growth and yield of the rice seeds. The experiments were performed at different rotation speeds (2 rpm and 10 rpm) for 10 days at room temperature. The rice growth and yield parameters were measured every 2 weeks and at harvest time (day 110), respectively. The data were analysed using the MINITAB statistical software package. The mean value estimates of the parameters obtained under different conditions were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Tukey test for multiple comparisons using a 0.05 significance level. Significant differences in the number of tiller, stem width , chlorophyll content , weight of grains and panicles and total grain weight per plant were identified at rotation speed 10 rpm when compared to rotation speed 2 rpm and control. The highest means were mainly obtained under 10 rpm clinorotated rice seeds. In general, plants grown from 10 rpm clinorotated seeds are also more resistant to rice diseases (rice blast disease, rice tungro disease and hopper burn). These results suggest that simulated microgravity using a 2-D clinostat affected several rice (MR219) growth and yield parameters significantly.
Mitochondrial regulation in skeletal muscle: A role for non‐coding RNAs?
Authors: Silver Jessica , Wadley Glenn , Lamon Séverine 
Published: June 2018

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
This article draws evidence from the current literature to support the hypothesis that non‐coding RNA‐mediated gene regulation takes place in the mitochondria. An emphasis is put on skeletal muscle.

What advances does it highlight?
This review highlights the potential role of microRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs in mitochondrial gene regulation. The discovery of a new level of skeletal muscle mitochondria‐controlled gene regulation presents exciting perspectives for our understanding of skeletal muscle physiology in health and disease.

AbstractSkeletal muscle is a highly metabolic tissue characterized by high mitochondrial abundance. As such, skeletal muscle homeostasis relies on the tight control of mitochondrial gene expression to ensure efficient mitochondrial function. Mitochondria retain a conserved genome from prokaryotic ancestors, and mitochondrial gene regulation relies on communication between mitochondrial‐ and nuclear‐encoded transcripts. Small and long non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have regulatory roles in the modulation of gene expression. Emerging evidence demonstrates that regulatory ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), localize within the mitochondria in diverse physiological and pathological states. These molecules present intriguing possibilities for the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression. Current research suggests that all known miRNAs are encoded by the nuclear genome but can target mitochondrial genes. Initial investigations demonstrate direct interactions between the muscle‐enriched miR‐1 and miR‐181c and mitochondrial transcripts, suggesting advanced roles of miRNAs in mitochondrial gene regulation. This review draws evidence from the current literature to discuss the hypothesis that a level of ncRNA‐mediated gene regulation, in particular miRNA‐mediated gene regulation, takes place in the mitochondria. Although ncRNA‐mediated regulation of the mitochondrial genome is a relatively unexplored field, it presents exciting possibilities to further our understanding of mitochondrial metabolism and human muscle physiology.
Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis features on magnetic resonance imaging in asymptomatic uninjured adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Culvenor Adam G , Øiestad Britt Elin , Hart Harvi F , Stefanik Joshua J , Guermazi Ali , Crossley Kay M 
Published: June 2018

Background
Knee MRI is increasingly used to inform clinical management. Features associated with osteoarthritis are often present in asymptomatic uninjured knees; however, the estimated prevalence varies substantially between studies. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to provide summary estimates of the prevalence of MRI features of osteoarthritis in asymptomatic uninjured knees.

Methods
We searched six electronic databases for studies reporting MRI osteoarthritis feature prevalence (ie, cartilage defects, meniscal tears, bone marrow lesions and osteophytes) in asymptomatic uninjured knees. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis (and stratified by mean age: <40 vs ≥40 years). Meta-regression explored heterogeneity.

Results
We included 63 studies (5397 knees of 4751 adults). The overall pooled prevalence of cartilage defects was 24% (95% CI 15% to 34%) and meniscal tears was 10% (7% to 13%), with significantly higher prevalence with age: cartilage defect <40 years 11% (6%to 17%) and ≥40 years 43% (29% to 57%); meniscal tear <40 years 4% (2% to 7%) and ≥40 years 19% (13% to 26%). The overall pooled estimate of bone marrow lesions and osteophytes was 18% (12% to 24%) and 25% (14% to 38%), respectively, with prevalence of osteophytes (but not bone marrow lesions) increasing with age. Significant associations were found between prevalence estimates and MRI sequences used, physical activity, radiographic osteoarthritis and risk of bias.

Conclusions
Summary estimates of MRI osteoarthritis feature prevalence among asymptomatic uninjured knees were 4%–14% in adults aged <40 years to 19%–43% in adults ≥40 years. These imaging findings should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentations and considered in clinical decision-making.
Associations between anthropometric indices, blood pressure and physical fitness performance in young Swiss men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Staub Kaspar , Floris Joël , Koepke Nikola , Trapp Adrian , Nacht Andreas , Schärli Maurer Susanna , Rühli Frank J , Bender Nicole 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the benefit of waist circumference (WC) measurements during routine conscription medical examination in two military conscription centres in Switzerland. We compared the prevalence of overweight and obesity assessed by body mass index (BMI) with the prevalence of elevated disease risks assessed by WC and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We investigated how these measures were associated with systolic blood pressure, physical fitness performance and socioeconomic determinants.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingTwo Swiss conscription centres in 2016.Participants1548 Swiss male conscripts, 18–22 years old.Main outcomePrevalences of elevated WC, WHtR and BMI values according to WHO categories. Secondary outcomes include systolic blood pressure, physical fitness performance and endurance performance.ResultsUsing BMI cut-points, 25.0% of all conscripts were overweight or obese. When applying WC cut-points, 9.2% had an increased disease risk, while 14.8% of the conscripts were at risk using WHtR cut-points. In the BMI range of 25.0–27.4 kg/m2, 3.6% showed an increased disease risk when using WC and 24.6% when using WHtR cut-points. Of the conscripts with a BMI of 27.5–29.9 kg/m2, 72.4% had an increased disease risk using WHtR, and 42.5% when using WC cut-points. Determinants of elevated BMI, WC and WHtR were low occupational status, rural residential area, older age and location in central and Northwest Switzerland. Systolic blood pressure increased with increasing BMI, WC and WHtR. Physical fitness and endurance test performances decreased with increasing BMI, WC and WHtR.ConclusionIn addition to BMI, WC and WHtR add relevant information to the health assessment of young men. However, the prevalence of overweight/increased health risk differed when using BMI, WC or WHtR. Further studies should include measures of body composition to test whether these differences arise from muscular young men within the overweight BMI range, who had a normal WC.
Workplace violence, job satisfaction, burnout, perceived organisational support and their effects on turnover intention among Chinese nurses in tertiary hospitals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Zhao Shihong , Shi Lei , Zhang Zhong , Liu Xinyan , Li Li , Duan Xiaojian , Li Guoqiang , Lou Fengge , Jia Xiaoli , Fan Lihua , Sun Tao , Ni Xin 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesOur aims were to assess the relationship between workplace violence, job satisfaction, burnout, organisational support and turnover intention, and to explore factors associated with turnover intention among nurses in Chinese tertiary hospitals.MethodsThe purposive sampling method was used to collect data from August 2016 through January 2017. A total of 1761 nurses from 9 public tertiary hospitals in 4 provinces (municipalities) located in eastern (Beijing), central (Heilongjiang, Anhui) and western (Shaanxi) regions of China completed the questionnaires (effective response rate=85.20%). A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Workplace Violence Scale, Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire Revised Short Version, Perceived Organizational Support-Simplified Version Scale and Turnover Intention Scale.ResultsA total of 1216 of 1706 (69.1%) participants had high turnover intention. During the previous 12 months, the prevalence of physical violence and psychological violence towards nurses was 9.60% and 59.64%, respectively. As expected, the level of turnover intention was negatively correlated with participants’ scores on job satisfaction (r=−0.367, p<0.001) and perceived organisational support (r=−0.379, p<0.001), respectively. Burnout was positively associated with turnover intention (r=0.444, p<0.001). Workplace violence was positively associated with turnover intention (β=0.035, p<0.001) in linear regression analysis. The total effect (β=0.53) of workplace violence on turnover intention comprised its direct effect (β=0.36) and its indirect effect (β=0.17).ConclusionsPerceived organisational support served as a mediator between workplace violence, job satisfaction, burnout and turnover intention, and it had a significantly negative impact on turnover intention. Therefore, nursing managers should understand the importance of the organisation’s support and establish a reasonable incentive system to decrease turnover intention.
Educational inequalities in subjective health in Germany from 1994 to 2014: a trend analysis using the German Socio-Economic Panel study (GSOEP)
Authors: Moor Irene , Günther Sebastian , Knöchelmann Anja , Hoebel Jens , Pförtner Timo-Kolja , Lampert Thomas , Richter Matthias 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionAs trend studies have shown, health inequalities by income and occupation have widened or remained stable. However, research on time trends in educational inequalities in health in Germany is scarce. The aim of this study is to analyse how educational inequalities in health evolved over a period of 21 years in the middle-aged population in Germany, and whether the trends differ by gender.MethodsData were obtained from the German Socio-Economic Panel covering the period from 1994 to 2014. In total, n=16 339 participants (106 221 person years) aged 30–49 years were included in the study sample. Educational level was measured based on the ‘Comparative Analysis of Social Mobility in Industrial Nations’ (CASMIN) classification. Health outcomes were self-rated health (SRH) as well as (mental and physical) health-related quality of life (HRQOL, SF-12v2). Absolute Index of Inequality (Slope Index of Inequality (SII)) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were calculated using linear and logarithmic regression analyses with robust SEs.ResultsSignificant educational inequalities in SRH and physical HRQOL were found for almost every survey year from 1994 to 2014. Relative inequalities in SRH ranged from 1.50 to 2.10 in men and 1.25 to 1.87 in women (RII). Regarding physical HRQOL, the lowest educational group yielded 4.5 to 6.6 points (men) and 3.3 to 6.1 points (women) lower scores (SII). Although educational level increased over time, absolute and relative health inequalities remained largely stable over the last 21 years. For mental HRQOL, only few educational inequalities were found.DiscussionThis study found persistent educational inequalities in SRH and physical HRQOL among adults in Germany from 1994 to 2014. Our findings highlight the need to intensify efforts in social and health policies to tackle these persistent inequalities.
Which patients receive surgery in for-profit and non-profit hospitals in a universal health system? An explorative register-based study in Norway
Authors: Holom Geir Hiller , Alexandersen Nina , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D , Hagen Terje P 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo compare the socioeconomic status (SES) and case-mix among day surgical patients treated at private for-profit hospitals (PFPs) and non-profit hospitals (NPs) in Norway, and to explore whether the use of PFPs in a universal health system has compromised the principle of equal access regardless of SES.DesignA retrospective, exploratory study comparing hospital types using the Norwegian Patient Register linked with socioeconomic data from Statistics Norway by using Norwegian citizens’ personal identification numbers.SettingThe Norwegian healthcare system.PopulationAll publicly financed patients in five Norwegian metropolitan areas having day surgery for meniscus (34 100 patients), carpal tunnel syndrome (15 010), benign breast hypertrophy (6297) or hallux valgus (2135) from 2009 to 2014.Primary outcome measureHaving surgery at a PFP or NP.ResultsAcross four unique procedures, the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for using PFPs were generally lower for the lowest educational level (0.77–0.87) and the lowest income level (0.68–0.89), though aORs were not always significant. Likewise, comorbidity and previous hospitalisation had lower aORs (0.62–0.95; 0.44–0.97, respectively) for having surgery at PFPs across procedures, though again aORs were not always significant. No clear patterns emerged with respect to age, gender or higher levels of income and education.ConclusionsThe evidence from our study of four procedures suggests that equal access to PFPs compared with NPs for those patients at the lowest education and income levels may be compromised, though further investigations are needed to generalise these findings across more procedures and probe causal mechanisms and appropriate policy remedies. The finding that comorbidity and previous hospitalisation had lower odds of treatment at PFPs indicates that NPs play an essential role for more complex patients, but raises questions about patient preference and cream skimming.
Ultrasound-guided versus landmark approach for peripheral intravenous access by critical care nurses: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Bridey Céline , Thilly Nathalie , Lefevre Thomas , Maire-Richard Adeline , Morel Maxime , Levy Bruno , Girerd Nicolas , Kimmoun Antoine 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveEstablishing a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) after a long intensive care unit (ICU) stay can be a challenge for nurses, as these patients may present vascular access issues. The aim of this study was to compare an ultrasound-guided method (UGM) versus the landmark method (LM) for the placement of a PIVC in ICU patients who no longer require a central intravenous catheter (CIVC).DesignRandomised, controlled, prospective, open-label, single-centre study.SettingTertiary teaching hospital.Participants114 awake patients hospitalised in ICU fulfilling the following criteria: (1) with a central venous catheter that was no longer required, (2) needing a PIVC to replace the central venous catheter and (3) with no apparent or palpable veins on upper limbs after tourniquet placement.InterventionPlacement of a PIVC using an UGM.Primary outcomeNumber of attempts for the establishment of a PIVC in the upper limbs.Results57 patients were respectively included in both the UGM group and LM group. Stasis oedema in the upper limbs was the main cause of poor venous access identified in 80% of patients. Both the number of attempts (2 (1–4), p=0.911) and catheter lifespan ((3 (1–3) days and 3 (2–3) days, p=0.719) were similar between the two groups. Catheters in the UGM group tended to be larger (p=0.059) and be associated with increased extravasation (p=0.094).ConclusionIn ICU patients who no longer require a CIVC, use of an UGM for the establishment of a PIVC is not associated with a reduction in the number of attempts compared with LM.Trial registration numberNCT02285712; Results.
Who attends out-of-hours general practice appointments? Analysis of a patient cohort accessing new out-of-hours units
Authors: Kelly Shona, J. , Piercy Hilary , Ibbotson Rachel , Fowler Davis Sally V. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesThis report describes the patients who used additional out-of-hours (OOH) appointments offered through a UK scheme intended to increase patient access to primary care by extending OOH provision.DesignCohort study and survey data.SettingOOH appointments offered in four units in one region in England (October 2015 to November 2016).MethodsUnidentifiable data on all patients were abstracted from a bespoke appointment system and the responses to a patient opinion questionnaire about this service. Descriptive analysis of the appointment data was conducted. Multivariate analysis of the opinion survey data examined the characteristics of the patients who would have gone to the emergency department (ED) had the OOH appointments not been available.ResultsThere were 24 448 appointments for 19 701 different patients resulting in 29 629 service outcomes. Women dominated the uptake and patients from the poorest fifth of the population used nearly 40% of appointments. The patient survey found OOH appointments were extremely popular—93% selecting ‘extremely likely’ or ‘likely’ to recommend the service. Multivariate analysis of patient opinion survey data on whether ED would have been an alternative to the OOH service found that men, young children, people of Asian heritage and the most deprived were more likely to have gone to ED without this service.ConclusionsThe users of the OOH service were substantially different from in-hours service users with a large proportion of children under age 5, and the poor, which support the idea that there may be unmet need as the poor have the least flexible working conditions. These results demonstrate the need for equality impact assessment in planning service improvements associated with policy implementation. It suggests that OOH need to take account of patients expectations about convenience of appointments and how patients use services for urgent care needs.
Work-related injuries resulting in death in Chile: a cross-sectional study on 2014 and 2015 registries
Authors: Bachelet Vivienne C 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo characterise work-related fatal events that occurred in Chile in 2014 and 2015 in workers covered by the Occupational Accidents and Professional Disease No 16.744 Act.DesignCross-sectional on registries of the Chilean Worker’s Health and Safety National Information System, specifically focusing on the Fatal Work Accidents Registry of the Social Security Superintendence.Study populationSecondary data analysis on all 815 cases of occupational injury-related deaths registered in 2014 and 2015 in Chile and that were accredited by the Social Security Superintendence up to March 2016.Outcome measuresVariables relating to employer, workers and the events were analysed.ResultsThe overall mortality rate for all injuries, both at work and during commuting, per 100 000 workers affiliated to the occupational social security system, was 7.2 for 2014 and 7.3 for 2015. For 2014, the highest mortality rates occurred in the transport and communications sectors (20.15) and the mining sector (18.17), while for 2015 the highest rates were found in the fishing industry (11.3) and in mining (12.1). Seventy-two per cent of cases occurred in small and medium-sized enterprises. Half of the companies that had work-related fatal injuries did not have a risk prevention department. Twenty-two per cent (121) of the companies had previous labour law infractions. The four activities most affected by workers’ deaths in the two study years were freight land transport, engineering works under construction, minor works under construction and construction of complete buildings or parts of buildings. Half of all fatal injuries occurred in workers who had been employed for less than a year in their company.ConclusionsThis descriptive study provides valuable insight into the current national registry on occupational deaths in Chile. While containing valuable information, the registry was not designed for epidemiological surveillance. Further efforts are needed to achieve a proper epidemiological integration of surveillance data.
Effectiveness of amoxicillin alone in the treatment of uncomplicated acute otitis media: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Choffor-Nchinda Emmanuel , Atanga Leonel Christophe , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Djomou François 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionAmoxicillin is the first-line antibiotic recommended by most scientific societies for the treatment of uncomplicated acute otitis media (AOM) in children and adults. In low-income and middle-income countries however, absence of setting-specific recommendations and antibiotic resistance, promoted by higher population density and over-the-counter antibiotic availability, could hamper the effectiveness of amoxicillin. We aim to provide updated information to enable evidence-based decisions for first-line therapy of uncomplicated AOM in our setting.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review of all randomised controlled trials on the clinical effectiveness of amoxicillin for the treatment of uncomplicated AOM in children above 6 months and adults. The search will include studies published from the generation of the included databases to 31 December 2017. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and study quality will be assessed by the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool from the Cochrane Handbook for randomised trials. A meta-analysis will be conducted for homogeneous studies, eventually, using the fixed-effect model. Subgroup analysis will include age groups, amoxicillin dosage, treatment duration, effectiveness criteria, time of trial realisation, study quality and region of the world involved.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethical approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and presented at scientific meetings.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017080029.