bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study on the effectiveness of herbal extracts vs 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris
Authors: Lubtikulthum Patrida , Kamanamool Nanticha , Udompataikul Montree 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough there is a standard guideline for the treatment of acne, it is still a common skin disease, and suboptimal medication adherence is a major reason for treatment failure. Herbal extracts are an interesting alternative medicine because they consist of a variety of active ingredients. Moreover, herbal extracts may have improved therapeutic efficacy because of the combination of various herbs.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of herbal extracts for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.MethodsA total of 77 patients were randomized to receive either an herbal extract or 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which were applied for a period of 12 weeks. Acne lesion counts, adherence, porphyrin counts, the Dermatology Life Quality Index, satisfaction and side effects were assessed.ResultAt the 12‐week point, the acne lesion counts decreased, with statistically significant differences from the baseline values in both groups and for all types of acne (P‐value < 0.001). The adherence rate was significantly higher in the patients using the herbal extract than in the patients using 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (P‐value = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of porphyrin counts, spot scores, the Dermatology Life Quality Index or satisfaction with efficacy between the groups; however, satisfaction with drug administration was significantly higher in the patients using the herbal extract (P‐value = 0.001).ConclusionHerbal extracts could be beneficial for anti‐acne pharmaceutical preparations and may be used as an alternative medicine for patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris who do not adhere to benzoyl peroxide treatment.
Nurse practitioner primary care organizational climate questionnaire: Item response theory and differential item functioning
Authors: Poghosyan Lusine , Ghaffari Affan , Shaffer Jonathan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo validate Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire (NP‐PCOCQ) items using item response theory (IRT) models and conduct differential item functioning (DIF) analysis to test the item functioning among nurse practitioners (NPs) practicing in different U.S. states with variable regulations governing NP practice.BackgroundNurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire is the only NP‐specific tool measuring NP work environment and is being used in different U.S. states with variable NP scope of practice regulations and internationally to produce evidence about NP work environments within their organisations.DesignCross‐sectional survey design was used to collect data from 278 primary care NPs in New York (NY) and 314 NPs in Massachusetts (MA).MethodsNPs completed the 29‐item NP‐PCOCQ. Data collection involved an online survey in NY and a mail survey in MA in 2012. We used Samejima's graded response model for IRT and ordinal logistic regression for DIF analysis. A STROBE checklist was completed.ResultsIRT models yielded discrimination parameters ranging from 0.98–4.65 in NY and 1.25–6.94 in MA. Item difficulty parameters were within −3 to +3 range, suggesting a fair range of item difficulties exist in the scale. Only five of the 29 items on NP‐PCOCQ exhibited DIF, suggesting some other state‐related factor besides the measured construct influenced item responses; thus, the items were removed.ConclusionOur findings indicate that a shortened, 24‐item NP‐PCOCQ is capable of measuring organisational climate of NPs practicing in different U.S. states. NP‐PCOCQ can be used in future research to measure NP work environment.Relevance to clinical practiceThe tool can also be used by practice administrators to assess NP work environment and identify deficiencies to address them. This evidence about NP work environment can be used by practice administrators to promote favourable work environments for NPs to deliver high‐quality care.
Gastric‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma with uterine corpus involvement mimicking primary endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Kamiya Akio , Ikura Yoshihiro , Iizuka Noriaki , Yokokawa Toru , Kato Hiroki , Oishi Tetsuya 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDifferentiation of endocervical adenocarcinomas involving the uterine corpus from primary endometrial (EM) carcinomas involving the cervix is, not only clinically but also pathologically, often difficult. We report a case of gastric‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma involving the corpus that could be correctly diagnosed because it was a unique endocervical adenocarcinoma subtype. A 69‐year‐old woman who presented with abnormal genital bleeding was diagnosed as having a uterine adenocarcinoma on pathological examination of EM biopsy. Preoperative imaging findings and a surgical specimen showed that the tumor was mainly located in the corpus and involved the cervix. We considered at first that the tumor was an EM adenocarcinoma invading into the cervix. However, results of an immunohistochemical examination indicated that it was a gastric‐type mucinous adenocarcinoma derived from the endocervix. Our final pathological diagnosis was a gastric‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma spreading to the uterine corpus.
Breeding and selection of Buxus for resistance to Calonectria pseudonaviculata
Authors: Van Laere Katrijn , Heungens Kurt , Gehesquière Bjorn , Leus Leen , Hermans Didier , Van Huylenbroeck Johan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBox blight is a widespread disease of Buxus caused by the pathogen Calonectria pseudonaviculata. It is responsible for significant losses in nurseries, gardens and wild boxwood populations. Our goal was to maximize the efficiency of a breeding programme towards increased disease resistance. The use of artificial inoculation of young F1 seedlings with C. pseudonaviculata spores under greenhouse conditions appeared to be a reliable tool for early selection of interesting prebreeding material. Overall, the four hybrid populations screened showed a segregating behaviour between their parents when determining the percentage of diseased leaves and lesion diameter. Genotypes were also found with an increased tolerance as compared to the parental species. Approximately 50% of the seedlings had the same score for both parameters after artificial inoculation in the greenhouse and in the field. Of the seedlings that showed severe symptoms in the greenhouse, <15% showed no disease symptoms in the field. Therefore, for larger breeding programmes, we propose a two‐step selection procedure: first artificial inoculation at seedling level to eliminate all genotypes with severe symptoms and then evaluation of the remaining seedlings in the field. Using this strategy, we were able to select several genotypes in our four hybrid populations with improved resistance to C. pseudonaviculata.
A storytelling intervention reduces childhood caries risk behaviors among American Indian and Alaska Native mothers in Northern California
Authors: Heaton Brenda , Crawford Andrew J. , Wimsatt Maureen A. , Henshaw Michelle , Riedy Christine A. , Barker Judith C. , Garcia Raul I. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate a storytelling intervention targeting the oral health beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors of AIAN pregnant women and mothers.MethodsFifty‐three adult AIAN women from three tribal communities in Northern California participated. The intervention story delivered oral health messaging using a traditional storytelling format. The effect of the intervention on self‐reported oral health behaviors, dental knowledge, and beliefs was assessed using a pretest‐posttest design, with an additional six‐month follow‐up. Tests of repeated measures using Generalized Linear Models were conducted to assess changes in oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors.ResultsKnowledge and beliefs significantly increased as a result of the intervention and persisted after six months. A consistent, significant increase in positive oral health behaviors from baseline to six‐months was also observed.ConclusionsThe results of this intervention study suggest promise for traditional storytelling to increase oral health‐related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among self‐identified AIAN pregnant women and mothers.
Contrast enhancement ultrasound of renal perfusion in dogs with acute kidney injury
Authors: Mannucci T. , Lippi I. , Rota A. , Citi S. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound to assess changes in renal perfusion in dogs with acute kidney injury.Materials and MethodsThe left kidney of each dog in two groups was examined using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound: Group A consisted of 16 healthy dogs and Group B consisted of 12 dogs with acute kidney injury.ResultsAll dogs in Group A showed the same sequence of wash‐in and wash‐out. In Group B the distribution of contrast media showed a similar cortical phase to healthy dogs, but a faster time to maximal medullary enhancement. Group B showed increased medullary peak intensity and medullary area under the curve compared to Group A. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses showed vascular changes especially in the medulla, with more rapid medullary vascularisation and increased medullary perfusion. These results were interpreted as medullary congestion in dogs with acute kidney injury.Clinical SignificanceContrast‐enhanced ultrasound represents an easy to perform, safe, and non‐invasive method to detect changes in renal perfusion in dogs with acute kidney injury.
Staying young and fit? Ontogenetic and phylogenetic consequences of animal anhydrobiosis
Authors: Kaczmarek Ł. , Roszkowska M. , Fontaneto D. , Jezierska M. , Pietrzak B. , Wieczorek R. , Poprawa I. , Kosicki J. Z. , Karachitos A. , Kmita H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlthough gradual deterioration of life functions with age is not a fundamental rule, it is pervasive among living organisms, regardless of their mode of reproduction and the number of constituent cells. However, deterioration can be temporarily arrested or slowed down due to the process of anhydrobiosis. Two modes of anhydrobiosis can be distinguished for the developmental and adult stages of animals. Developmental resting stages are reported for different animals, including sponges (Porifera), stingers (Cnidaria), flatworms (Platyhelminthes), insects (Insecta), copepods (Copepoda) and branchiopods (Branchiopoda). However, anhydrobiosis occurring at any stage of animal life, including adults, is found only in a few invertebrate phyla, namely roundworms (Nematoda), wheel animals (Rotifera) and water bears (Tardigrada). Notably, in the second group anhydrobiosis has been proposed to eliminate or slow‐down aging symptoms. This, in turn, may correlate with higher fitness and fecundity, and increased offspring longevity. We present available data concerning anhydrobiosis of tardigrades, bdelloid rotifers and nematodes, the only animals known to be capable of anhydrobiosis as adult individuals. The impact of anhydrobiosis on animal aging is illustrated by two models based on experimental data, namely the “Sleeping Beauty” and “Picture of Dorian Grey” models. According to the “Sleeping Beauty” model, anhydrobiotic organisms do not age during anhydrobiosis, whereas the “Picture of Dorian Grey” model predicts that the anhydrobiotic organism ages, at least during the initial stage of anhydrobiosis. Finally, we discuss possible implications of these models for individual longevity and survival as well as phenotypic diversity of taxa and their evolution. A better understanding of life strategies of anhydrobiotic animals both at the ontogenetic and phylogenetic levels can provide answers to many fundamental questions and useful practical outputs in branches of applied sciences.
Intraluminal prucalopride increases propulsive motor activities via luminal 5‐HT4 receptors in the rabbit colon
Authors: Shokrollahi Mitra , Chen Ji‐Hong , Huizinga Jan D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundActivating luminal 5‐HT4 receptors results in the release of 5‐HT from enterochromaffin cells into the lamina propria to modulate colonic motility. Our aim was to evaluate characteristics of colonic motor patterns involved in the prokinetic effects of intraluminal prucalopride in the rabbit colon.MethodsColonic motor patterns were studied ex vivo using simultaneous spatiotemporal diameter mapping and pressure sensing.Key ResultsIntraluminal prucalopride and intraluminal exogenous 5‐HT strongly evoked or enhanced the colonic motor complex at all levels of excitation beginning with generation of clusters of fast propagating contractions (FPCs), then development of long‐distance contractions (LDCs) within the clusters, and finally forceful LDCs as the highest level of excitation. Intraluminal prucalopride and intraluminal exogenous 5‐HT stimulated propulsive motor activity in a dose‐dependent and antagonist‐sensitive manner by increasing the contraction amplitude, intraluminal pressure, frequency, velocity, and degree of propagation of the colonic motor complex.Conclusions and InferencesActivating mucosal 5‐HT4 receptors via intraluminal prucalopride or 5‐HT increases propulsive motor activity in a graded manner; that is, depending on starting conditions, amplitudes or frequencies of an activity may increase or a new pattern may be initiated. Our data support further studies into delivering 5‐HT4 receptor agonists via colon‐targeted drug delivery systems and studies into the role of luminal 5‐HT as an essential requirement for normal colon motor pattern generation.
Airway management of congenital pulmonary airway malformation resection in neonates and infants: A case cohort study
Authors: Narayanasamy Suryakumar , Adler Elena , Mahmoud Mohamed , Burkley Meghan , Lim Foong‐Yen , Subramanyam Rajeev 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundAnesthestic management of congenital pulmonary airway malformation has not been well described in the literature. It is not clear whether one‐lung ventialtion is indicated during thoracoscopic lobectomy and if so, what is the best technique achieve it.AimsWe describe the variables with the two commonly performed surgical techniques, thoracoscopic lobectomy and open thoracotomy, from our institutional database to assess the role of lung isolation and the preferable method of lung isolation technique for congenital pulmonary airway malformation resections.MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, fetal center records were reviewed retrospectively from January 2010 to July 2016 for patients who underwent congenital pulmonary airway malformation resection. The primary goal was to describe the anesthesia induction‐airway management techniques with emphasis on one‐lung ventilation techniques.ResultsAmong the 65 resections, one‐lung ventilation was performed in 30 resections (46%) and was primarily achieved by endobronchial intubation in most cases (80%). One‐lung ventilation was performed in a greater number of resections with thoracoscopic lobectomy (96%) compared to open thoracotomies.ConclusionFrom our institution cohort, one‐lung ventilation was more commonly used during thoracoscopic resections and was most commonly achieved with endobronchial intubation. Most patients were induced with inhalational anesthesia (sevoflurane), nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker, and gentle positive pressure ventilation for intubation.
Use of genetic risks in pediatric organ transplantation listing decisions: A national survey
Authors: Graf Madeline , Char Danton , Hanson‐Kahn Andrea , Magnus David 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThere is a limited supply of organs for all those who need them for survival. Thus, careful decisions must be made about who is listed for transplant. Studies show that manifesting genetic disease can impact listing eligibility. What has not yet been studied is the impact genetic risks for future disease have on a patient's chance to be listed. Surveys were emailed to 163 pediatric liver, heart, and kidney transplant programs across the United States to elicit views and experiences of key clinicians regarding each program's use of genetic risks (ie, predispositions, positive predictive testing) in listing decisions. Response rate was 42%. Sixty‐four percent of programs have required genetic testing for specific indications prior to listing decisions. Sixteen percent have required it without specific indications, suggesting that genetic testing may be used to screen candidates. Six percent have chosen not to list patients with secondary findings or family histories of genetic conditions. In hypothetical scenarios, programs consider cancer predispositions and adult‐onset neurological conditions to be relative contraindications to listing (61%, 17%, and 8% depending on scenario), and some consider them absolute contraindications (5% and 3% depending on scenario). Only 3% of programs have formal policies for these scenarios, but all consult genetic specialists at least “sometimes” for results interpretation. Our study reveals that pediatric transplant programs are using future onset genetic risks in listing decisions. As genetic testing is increasingly adopted into pediatric medicine, further study is needed to prevent possible inappropriate use of genetic information from impacting listing eligibility.
Characterization of organic matter fractions in the top layer of soils under different land uses in Central‐Eastern Europe
Authors: Ukalska‐Jaruga Aleksandra , Klimkowicz‐Pawlas Agnieszka , Smreczak Bożena 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate differences in organic matter fractions, such as dissolved organic carbon and humic substances, in soils under different land uses. Soil samples were collected from the upper layer of arable lands and grasslands. Humic substances (HS) were chemically fractionated into fulvic acids (FA), humic acids (HA) and humins (HUM), and based on the separated fractions, the humification index (HI) and the degree of HS transformation (DT) were calculated. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was determined by cold (CWE) and hot water (HWE) extractions. Regardless of land use, the results indicated significant differences in soil organic carbon (SOC) and HS composition, with HA and HUM as the dominant fractions. Total SOC was higher in grassland (median = 17.51 g kg−1) than arable soils (median = 9.98 g kg−1); the HI and DT indices did not differ significantly between land uses (HI = 0.3–10.3 and DT = 0.2–6.2 for grasslands, p > 0.05; HI = 0.3–3.9 and DT = 0.2–20.1 for arable lands, p > 0.05). This indicates the relatively high stability of organic carbon and efficient humification processes in both land uses. Additionally, in arable soils lower CWE‐C (0.75 g kg−1) and higher HWE‐C (2.59 g kg−1) than in grasslands (CWE‐C = 1.13 g kg−1, HWE‐C = 1.60 g kg−1) can be related to farming practice and application of soil amendments. The results showed that both labile and humified organic matter are better protected in grassland soils and are consequently less vulnerable to mineralization.
Simprovisation: A model for student‐led simulation
Authors: Babla Kunal , Lipton Joseph , Williams Sophie , Chopra Preeti , Thenabadu Sam 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundSimulation is well established in medical education, with scenarios designed by faculty members to elicit specific learning outcomes. We describe and evaluate a learner‐led style of simulation‐based education that puts learners in control of the day. Simprovisation harnesses the principles of socially constructed learning and andragogy, encouraging learners to address their own learning requirements. Participants are divided into two groups. They are asked to consider their learning needs and are provided with resources and faculty member support to write two simulation scenarios. Faculty members remain available to guide scenario writing and offer ‘micro‐teaching’ on required topics. The groups then swap and participate in the scenarios written for them by the opposite group. Each scenario is followed by a structured debriefing, providing opportunities for participants to share their learning from the scenarios.Simprovisation harnesses the principles of socially constructed learning and andragogy, encouraging learners to address their own learning requirementsMethodsWe delivered Simprovisation to 62 participants ranging from fourth‐year medical students to junior doctors. We conducted pre‐ and post‐course questionnaire surveys and invited participants to focus groups to discuss their experiences.ResultsOur feedback questionnaire shows 100% of 58 respondents found Simprovisation useful, and 95% were able to meet at least two out of three self‐determined learning outcomes. Thematic analysis of focus group transcriptions showed that participants valued group‐based work and setting their own learning objectives. They found writing simulation scenarios to be challenging, but a valuable source of learning, and reported being more engaged compared with previous simulation study days.ConclusionsSimprovisation is an innovative style of simulation‐based education that allows learners to effectively define and address their own learning needs.
Akapwa‐infused paradigm in teaching Catholic theology/catechesis in a multireligious classroom in the Philippines
Authors: Macaraan Willard Enrique R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe increasing religious diversity in educational space has raised a legitimate question on how Catholic theology/catechesis must be taught in Philippine Catholic universities given the institutional mandate to educate students “into the faith of the Church through teaching of Christian doctrine in an organic and systematic way” (Wuerl,, 1). On this note, the paper makes reference to “centered pluralism” (CP), a positional posture espoused by Georgetown University in dealing with this predicament. In an attempt to (re)appropriate CP into local context, there is a need to explore the Filipino conception of self/others as enveloped within the indigenous concept ofkapwa. Hereon, the paper finds that CP is not just feasibly suitable in local context but withkapwa'smore inclusive description of the relationship of self and others, a CP‐based teaching paradigm in theology/catechesis is a promising project in the educational scene of the Philippines.