bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc ameliorates intestinal barrier dysfunctions in shigellosis by reinstating claudin-2 and -4 on the membranes
Authors: Sarkar Paramita , Saha Tultul , Sheikh Irshad Ali , Chakraborty Subhra , Aoun Joydeep , Chakrabarti Manoj Kumar , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi M. , Ameen Nadia A. , Dutta Shanta , Hoque Kazi Mirajul 
Published: November 2018

Whether zinc (Zn2+) regulates barrier functions by modulating tight-junction (TJ) proteins when pathogens such as Shigella alter epithelial permeability is still unresolved. We investigated the potential benefits of Zn2+ in restoring impaired barrier function in vivo in Shigella-infected mouse tissue and in vitro in T84 cell monolayers. Basolateral Shigella infection triggered a time-dependent decrease in transepithelial resistance followed by an increase in paracellular permeability of FITC-labeled dextran and altered ion selectivity. This led to ion and water loss into the intestinal lumen. Immunofluorescence studies revealed redistribution of claudin-2 and -4 to an intracellular location and accumulation of these proteins in the cytoplasm following infection. Zn2+ ameliorated this perturbed barrier by redistribution of claudin-2 and -4 back to the plasma membrane and by modulating the phosphorylation state of TJ proteins t hough extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 dependency. Zn2+ prevents elevation of IL-6 and IL-8. Mice challenged with Shigella showed that oral Zn2+supplementation diminished diverse pathophysiological symptoms of shigellosis. Claudin-2 and -4 were susceptible to Shigella infection, resulting in altered barrier function and increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8. Zn2+ supplementation ameliorated this barrier dysfunction, and the inflammatory response involving ERK-mediated change of phosphorylation status for claudin-2 and -4. Thus, Zn2+ may have potential therapeutic value in inflammatory diarrhea and shigellosis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study addresses whether Zn2+ could be an alternative strategy to reduce Shigella-induced inflammatory response and epithelial barrier dysfunction. We have defined a mechanism in terms of intracellular signaling pathways and tight-junction protein expression by Zn2+. Claudin-2 and -4 are susceptible to Shigella infection, whereas in the presence of Zn2+ they are resistant to infection-related barrier dysfunction involving ERK-mediated change of phosphorylation status of claudins.
A Modified Dual-Wavelength Technique for Ku- and Ka-Band Radar Rain Retrieval
Authors: Liao Liang , Meneghini Robert 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo overcome a deficiency in the standard Ku- and Ka-band dual-wavelength radar technique, a modified version of the method is introduced. The deficiency arises from ambiguities in the estimate of the mass-weighted diameter Dm of the raindrop size distribution (DSD) derived from the differential frequency ratio (DFR), defined as the difference between the radar reflectivity factors (dB) at Ku and Ka band ZKu − ZKa. In particular, for DFR values less than zero, there are two possible solutions of Dm, leading to ambiguities in the retrieved DSD parameters. It is shown that the double solutions to Dm are effectively eliminated if the DFR is modified from ZKu − ZKa to ZKu − γZKa (dB), where γ is a constant with a value less than 0.8. An optimal radar algorithm that uses the modified DFR for the retrieval of rain and Dm profiles is described. The validity and accuracy of the algorithm are tested by applying it to radar profiles that are generated from measured DSD data. Comparisons of the rain rates and Dm estimated from the modified DFR algorithm to the same hydrometeor quantities computed directly from the DSD spectra (or the truth) indicate that the modified DFR-based profiling retrievals perform fairly well and are superior in accuracy and robustness to retrievals using the standard DFR.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a 3-Year, Teacher-Led Healthy Lifestyle Program on Eating Behaviors Among Adolescents Living in Day School Hostels in Malaysia
Authors: Teng Chian Yi , Chin Yit Siew , Taib Mohd Nasir Mohd , Chan Yoke Mun 
Published: November 2018

Background: Independence gained during adolescence may be associated with unhealthy eating behaviors. Although malnutrition among adolescents is evident, studies on eating behaviors among adolescents are scarce. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a teacher-led Healthy Lifestyle Program on eating behaviors among adolescents in Malaysia. Methods: This was a cluster randomized controlled trial (conducted in 2012 to 2014), with 100 schools randomly selected from 721 schools, then assigned to 50 intervention schools and 50 control schools. A Healthy Eating and Be Active among Teens (HEBAT) module was developed for pretrained teachers to deliver a Healthy Lifestyle Program on eating behaviors among adolescents. Eating behaviors of the respondents was determined using Eating Behaviors Questionnaire. Linear Mixed Model analysis and χ2 test were used to determine within- and between-group effects of studied variables. Results: A total of 4277 respondents participated in this study, with 2635 samples involved in the final analysis, comprised of 921 intervention and 1714 control respondents. There were 32.4% (36.4%) males and 67.6% (63.6%) females in the intervention (control) group. Mean age was comparable between the groups (intervention = 12.98 years; control = 12.97 years). Majority of the respondents skipped meals at baseline (intervention = 74.7%; control = 79.5%). After the program, intervention respondents had higher consumption frequency of lunch, dinner, and mid-morning snack but a lower consumption frequency of late-evening snack and meal skipping behaviors than their control counterparts. Conclusion: The teacher-led Healthy Lifestyle Program was effective in reducing meal-skipping behaviors among Malaysian adolescents.
Understanding Parental Ethnotheories and Practices About Healthy Eating: Exploring the Developmental Niche of Preschoolers
Authors: Srivastava Deepa , Torquati Julia , de Guzman Maria Rosario T. , Dev Dipti A. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To understand parental ethnotheories (ie, belief systems) and practices about preschoolers’ healthy eating guided by the developmental niche framework. Design: Qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology. Setting: Home. Participants: Participants were 20 parents of preschool-age children ages 3 to 5 years, recruited from a quantitative investigation. A majority of the participants were white, female, married, well educated, and working full time. Methods: Participants who completed the quantitative survey were asked to provide their contact information if they were willing to be interviewed. From the pool of participants who expressed their willingness to participate in the interviews, 20 participants were selected using a random number generator. In-person semistructured interviews were conducted until data saturation (n = 20). Thematic analysis was performed. Results: Three themes and 6 subthemes emerged: theme 1—parental ethnotheories about healthy eating included subthemes of knowledge about healthy eating, motivations to promote healthy child development through healthy eating, and sources of knowledge about healthy eating (eg, doctors, social media, government guidelines, positive family-of-origin experiences); theme 2—parental ethnotheories that supported organization of children’s physical and social settings included structured mealtime routines and food socialization influences (eg, grandparents, siblings, and childcare programs); and theme 3—parental ethnotheories that supported children’s learning about healthy eating included parent–child engagement, communication, and encouragement in food-related activities (eg, meal preparation, visiting farmer’s market, grocery shopping, gardening, cooking, baking). Conclusion: Findings advance the literature on parental practices about healthy eating. Parental ethnotheories (eg, beliefs, motivations, knowledge, and skills) matter. Developmental niche of preschoolers (ie, physical and social settings, childrearing practices, and parental ethnotheories) constitutes an interactive system in which ethnotheories serve as guides to parental practices. Fostering nutrition education and parent–child engagement, communication, and encouragement in food-related activities are recommended to promote children’s healthy eating in daily routines.
Organisational impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme transition on mental health care providers: the experience in the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Furst Mary Anne , Salinas-Perez Jose A , Salvador-Carulla Luis 
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Concerns raised about the appropriateness of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia for people with mental illness have not been given full weight due to a perceived lack of available evidence. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), one of the pilot sites of the Scheme, mental health care providers across all relevant sectors who were interviewed for a local Atlas of Mental Health Care described the impact of the scheme on their service provision. Methods: All mental health care providers from every sector in the ACT were contacted. The participation rate was 92%. We used the Description and Evaluation of Services and Directories for Long Term Care to assess all service provision at the local level. Results: Around one-third of services interviewed lacked funding stability for longer than 12 months. Nine of the 12 services who commented on the impact of the NDIS expressed deep concern over problems in planning and other issues. Conclusions: The transition to NDIS has had a major impact on ACT service providers. The ACT was a best-case scenario as it was one of the NDIS pilot sites.
Diagnosis of non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR from mesenteric lymph node fine-needle aspirates
Authors: Dunbar Dawn , Kwok Wendy , Graham Elizabeth , Armitage Andy , Irvine Richard , Johnston Pamela , McDonald Michael , Montgomery Dorothy , Nicolson Lesley , Robertson Elise , Weir William , Addie Diane D 
Published: November 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate a feline coronavirus (FCoV) reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) on fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) collected in sterile saline for the purpose of diagnosing non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. Methods First, the ability of the assay to detect viral RNA in MLN FNA preparations compared with MLN biopsy preparations was assessed in matched samples from eight cats. Second, a panel of MLN FNA samples was collected from a series of cats representing non-effusive FIP cases (n = 20), FCoV-seropositive individuals (n = 8) and FCoV-seronegative individuals (n = 18). Disease status of the animals was determined using a combination of gross pathology, histopathology and/or ‘FIP profile’, consisting of serology, clinical pathology and clinical signs. Results Viral RNA was detected in 18/20 non-effusive FIP cases; it was not detected in two cases that presented with neurological FIP. Samples from 18 seronegative non-FIP control cats and 7/8 samples from seropositive non-FIP control cats contained no detectable viral RNA. Thus, as a method for diagnosing non-effusive FIP, MLN FNA RT-qPCR had an overall sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 96.1%. Conclusions and relevance In cases with a high index of suspicion of disease, RT-qPCR targeting FCoV in MLN FNA can provide important information to support the ante-mortem diagnosis of non-effusive FIP. Importantly, viral RNA can be reliably detected in MLN FNA samples in saline submitted via the national mail service. When applied in combination with biochemistry, haematology and serological tests in cases with a high index of suspicion of disease, the results of this assay may be used to support a diagnosis of non-effusive FIP.
Salt and cardiovascular disease in PURE: A large sample size cannot make up for erroneous estimations
Authors: Tan Monique , He Feng J , MacGregor Graham A 
Published: November 2018

The latest Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study claims that salt reduction should be confined to settings where its intake exceeds 12.7 g/day and that eating less than 11.1 g/day of salt could increase cardiovascular risk. More specifically, Mente et al. suggested that (a) salt intake was positively associated with stroke only when it exceeded 12.7 g/day, (b) salt intake was inversely associated with myocardial infarction and total mortality, and (c) these associations were largely independent of blood pressure. These provocative findings challenge the robust evidence on the role of salt reduction in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and call into question the World Health Organization’s global recommendation to reduce salt intake to less than 5 g/day. However, Mente et al.’s re-analysis of the PURE data has several severe methodological problems, including erroneous estimations of salt intake from a single spot urine using the problematic Kawasaki formula. As such, these implausible results cannot be used to refute the strong evidence supporting the benefits of salt reduction for the general population worldwide.
The relationship between plasma renin activity and serum lipid profiles in patients with primary arterial hypertension
Authors: Pizoń Tomasz , Rajzer Marek , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Wach-Pizoń Małgorzata , Drożdż Tomasz , Wróbel Katarzyna , Gruszka Krystian , Rojek Marta , Kameczura Tomasz , Jurczyszyn Artur , Kąkol Janusz , Czarnecka Danuta 
Published: November 2018

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and biochemical differences between patients with low-renin and high-renin primary arterial hypertension (AH), mainly in reference to serum lipids, and to identify factors determining lipid concentrations. Materials and methods: In untreated patients with AH stage 1 we measured plasma renin activity (PRA) and subdivided the group into low-renin (PRA < 0.65 ng/mL/h) and high-renin (PRA ⩾ 0.65 ng/mL/h) AH. We compared office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, serum aldosterone, lipids and selected biochemical parameters between subgroups. Factors determining lipid concentration in both subgroups were assessed in regression analysis. Results: Patients with high-renin hypertension ( N = 58) were characterized by higher heart rate ( p = 0.04), lower serum sodium ( p < 0.01) and aldosterone-to-renin ratio ( p < 0.01), and significantly higher serum aldosterone ( p = 0.03), albumin ( p < 0.01), total protein ( p < 0.01), total cholesterol ( p = 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ( p = 0.04) than low-renin subjects ( N = 39). In univariate linear regression, only PRA in the low-renin group was in a positive relationship with LDL-C ( R2 = 0.15, β = 1.53 and p = 0.013); this association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and serum albumin and aldosterone concentrations. Conclusions: Higher serum levels of total and LDL-C characterized high-renin subjects, but the association between LDL-C level and PRA existed only in low-renin primary AH.
Real-Time Tumor-Tracking Radiotherapy and General Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Adrenal Metastasis in Patients With Oligometastasis
Authors: Katoh Norio , Onishi Hiroshi , Uchinami Yusuke , Inoue Tetsuya , Kuriyama Kengo , Nishioka Kentaro , Shimizu Shinichi , Komiyama Takafumi , Miyamoto Naoki , Shirato Hiroki 
Published: November 2018

Background: Precise local radiotherapy for adrenal metastasis can prolong the useful life of patients with oligometastasis. The aim of this retrospective, 2-center study was to establish the safety and effectiveness of real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy and general stereotactic body radiotherapy in treating patients with adrenal metastatic tumors. Materials and Methods: Thirteen lesions in 12 patients were treated with real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy (48 Gy in 8 fractions over 2 weeks) and 8 lesions in 8 patients were treated with general stereotactic body radiotherapy (40-50 Gy in 5-8 fractions over 2 weeks or 60-70 Gy in 10 fractions over 2 weeks). Overall survival rates, local control rates, and adverse effects were analyzed. Results: The actuarial overall survival rates for all patients at 1 and 2 years were 78.5% and 45.8%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 17.5 months, and the actuarial local control rates for all tumors at 1 and 2 years were 91.7% and 53.0%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 9 months. A complete local tumor response was obtained in 3 tumors treated by real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy (lung adenocarcinomas with diameters of 35, 40, and 60 mm). There was a statistically significant difference in the local control between the groups treated by real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy (100% at 1 year) and general stereotactic body radiotherapy (50% at 1 year; P < .001). No late adverse reactions at Grade 2 or higher were reported for either treatment group. Conclusions: This study showed that although both treatments are safe and effective, the real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy is more effective than general stereotactic body radiotherapy in local control for adrenal metastasis.
To assess the stethoscope cleaning practices, microbial load and efficacy of cleaning stethoscopes with alcohol-based disinfectant in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Bansal Agam , R S Sarath , Bhan Bhavna Dhingra , Gupta Kajal , Purwar Shashank 
Published: November 2018

Background: The objectives of our study were to study the stethoscope cleaning practices of medical personnel and to assess the microbial load on stethoscopes and efficacy of cleaning stethoscopes with alcohol-based disinfectant. Methodology: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical personnel at a tertiary care hospital in India to assess their knowledge and cleaning practices regarding stethoscope disinfection. Samples from the stethoscopes were collected before and after cleaning with alcohol-based disinfectant. Results: Out of 62 participants, 53.22% individuals had never cleaned their stethoscope. All the initial swab samples showed bacterial growth. There was mixed growth in the samples taken from 35 stethoscope bells and 31 diaphragms. Bacteria included coagulase negative staphylococci, bacillus species, diptheroids, S. aureus, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella pneumoniae. After cleaning with an alcohol-based disinfectant, there was a significant decrease in the average number of bacterial colony-forming units. Conclusions: Regular cleaning practices should be followed to prevent growth and transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms.
Survival after refractory cardiogenic shock is comparable in patients with Impella and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation when adjusted for SAVE score
Authors: Schiller Petter , Hellgren Laila , Vikholm Per 
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Survival after different short-term mechanical circulatory support is difficult to compare because various systems are used and patient disease severity is most often not adjusted for. This study compares the outcome after the use of Impella and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in refractory cardiogenic shock, adjusted for disease severity through the survival after the VA-ECMO (SAVE) score. Methods: Patients with refractory shock treated with either VA-ECMO or Impella between January 2003 and August 2015 were included. Data were analysed to assess short and long-term survival and complications. The SAVE score was calculated for the two groups and outcome was compared adjusted for the SAVE score. Results: There was no difference between VA-ECMO patients ( n=46) and Impella patients ( n=48) in mean age or renal failure. ECMO patients were more often intubated and had lower diastolic blood pressure at device implantation. ECMO patients had a lower SAVE score (–0.4 (6.5)) compared to Impella patients (4.1 (5.4)). There was no difference in intensive care unit survival between ECMO patients 65% (52–80) or Impella patients 63% (55–79), or long-term survival between groups. When stratified into worse (III–IV) or better SAVE class (I–II) there was no difference in survival between the groups. Conclusions: Short and long-term survival is not measurably different among patients treated with Impella or VA-ECMO due to refractory cardiogenic shock, after adjustment for disease severity through the SAVE score.
Gender differences in patient and system delay for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: current trends in a Swiss ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction population
Authors: Meyer Matthias R , Bernheim Alain M , Kurz David J , O’Sullivan Crochan J , Tüller David , Zbinden Rainer , Rosemann Thomas , Eberli Franz R 
Published: November 2018

Background: Women with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) experience greater delays for percutaneous coronary intervention-facilitated reperfusion than men. Whether women and men benefit equally from current strategies to reduce ischaemic time and whether there are gender differences in factors determining delays is unclear. Methods: Patient delay (symptom onset to first medical contact) and system delay (first medical contact to percutaneous coronary intervention-facilitated reperfusion) were compared between women ( n=967) and men ( n=3393) in a Swiss STEMI treatment network. Trends from 2000 to 2016 were analysed, with additional comparisons between three time periods (2000–2005, 2006–2011 and 2012–2016). Factors predicting delays and hospital mortality were determined by multivariate regression modelling. Results: Female gender was independently associated with greater patient delay ( P=0.02 vs. men), accounting for a 12% greater total ischaemic time among women in 2012–2016 (median 215 vs. 192 minutes, P<0.001 vs. men). From 2000–2005 to 2012–2016, median system delay was reduced by 18 and 25 minutes in women and men, respectively ( P<0.0001 for trend, P=n.s. for gender difference). Total occlusion of the culprit artery, stent thrombosis, a Killip class of 3 or greater, and presentation during off-hours predicted delays in men, but not in women. A Killip class of 3 or greater and age, but not gender or delays, were independently associated with hospital mortality. Conclusions: STEMI-related ischaemic time in women remains greater than in men due to persistently greater patient delays. In contrast to men, clinical signs of ongoing chest discomfort do not predict delays in women, suggesting that female STEMI patients are less likely to attribute symptoms to a condition requiring urgent treatment.