bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methylation and expression analysis of mismatch repair genes in extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Kang Z. , Zhu Y. , Zhang Q.‐A. , Dong L. , Xu F. , Zhang X. , Guan M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundExtramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare skin cancer with relative high frequencies of germline and somatic mismatch repair (MMR) genes mutations. However, the methylation and expression of these genes have not been validated in EMPD.ObjectiveThis study aims to confirm the methylation and expression of MMR genes in EMPD.MethodsImmunohistochemical (IHC) staining detection and Methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) were used to analyse MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 proteins’ expression and promoters’ methylation in 57 EMMD samples, and pyro‐sequence was used to find highly methylated CpG sites in MSH2 promoter.ResultsImmunohistochemical detection displayed reduced expression of MSH2 in 38.6% EMPD cases but normal expression of MLH1, MSH6 and PMS2 in all tumour tissues. Hypermethylation also was found in the promoter of MSH2 but not in other MMR genes. Pyrosequencing of MSH2 promoter showed CpG6 (‐87) and CpG3 (‐98) were the most common two methylated CpG dinucleotides. There is a significant correlation between reduced MSH2 expression and MSH2 methylation.ConclusionReduced MSH2 expression and hypermethylation in this gene promoter were common genetic changes in EMPD, which expands our understanding of the role of MMR function in this skin cancer.
Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and risk of all‐cause mortality: a dose–response meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Li Q. , Liu Y. , Sun X. , Yin Z. , Li H. , Cheng C. , Liu L. , Zhang R. , Liu F. , Zhou Q. , Wang C. , Li L. , Wang B. , Zhao Y. , Zhang M. , Hu D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrevious meta‐analysis showed an inverse association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality. However, the relationship between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality is inconsistent. We aimed to identify and review the published evidence updating the association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality and, furthermore, to investigate the association of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for studies published up to 9 November 2017. Cohort studies in which authors reported relative risks (RRs) of all‐cause mortality for at least three levels of coffee consumption were eligible. Random‐effects models were used to estimate the pooled RR of all‐cause mortality with coffee consumption. Restricted cubic splines were used to model the dose–response association.ResultsWe included 21 cohort study articles (10 103 115 study participants and 240 303 deaths). We found a nonlinear association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality (Pnonlinearity < 0.001). Compared with no or rare coffee consumption, with a consumption of 3 cups day–1, the risk of all‐cause mortality might reduce 13% (RR = 0.87; 95% confidence interval = 0.84–0.89).ConclusionsThe findings of the present study provide quantitative data suggesting that coffee consumption plays a role in reducing the risk of all‐cause mortality. Similar inverse associations are found for caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee.
Relationship between the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Saleem M. , Beail N. , Roache S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundDiagnoses of intellectual disability (ID) are based on three criteria: significant impairments in intellectual functioning, concurrent deficits in adaptive behaviour, and both being acquired in the developmental period. Adaptive behaviour was formally incorporated into the diagnosis in 1959; the rationale being that IQ and adaptive behaviour were different constructs that independently contribute to the diagnosis. However, there are limited data on the relationship between IQ and adaptive behaviour and especially so for adults who have ID. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship on two widely used assessment tools: the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – fourth edition (WAIS‐IV) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS).MethodData were extracted from the case files of 147 adults who had a formal diagnosis of ID based on the WAIS‐IV and VABS. Internal consistency was computed and compared to general population data. Correlations between the WAIS‐IV and the VABS were computed.ResultsInternal consistencies for the tests when used with adults who have ID were generally good. The correlations between the WAIS‐IV and VABS composite and subdomain scores were all low and similar to those reported for the general population.ConclusionThese results suggest that the WAIS‐IV and VABS are measuring different constructs that contribute to the diagnosis of ID. Unfortunately, by the time such data have been collected, tests are being revised. The Vineland has now been revised and is in its third edition, but no data on the relationship between IQ and the VABS were collected during test development. The WAIS‐V is now in development, and so it is recommended that such work be incorporated into this process or shortly thereafter to ensure that the tools continue to access independent constructs.
Raising overlapping litters: Differential activation of rat maternal neural circuitry after interacting with newborn or juvenile pups
Authors: Pose Sabrina , Zuluaga María José , Ferreño Marcela , Agrati Daniella , Bedó Gabriela , Uriarte Natalia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe maternal behaviour of a rat dynamically changes during the postpartum period, adjusting to the characteristics and physiological needs of the pups. This adaptation has been attributed to functional modifications in the maternal circuitry. Maternal behaviour can also flexibly adapt according to different litter compositions. Thus, mothers with two overlapping litters can concurrently take care of neonate and juvenile pups, mostly directing their attention to the newborns. We hypothesised that the maternal circuitry of these mothers would show a differential activation pattern after interacting with pups depending on the developmental stage of their offspring. Thus, we evaluated the activation of several areas of the maternal circuitry in mothers of overlapping litters, using c‐Fos immunoreactivity as a marker of neuronal activation, after interacting with newborns or juveniles. The results showed that mothers with overlapping litters display different behavioural responses towards their newborn and their juvenile pups. Interestingly, these behavioural displays co‐occurred with specific patterns of activation of the maternal neural circuitry. Thus, a similar expression of c‐Fos was observed in some key brain areas of mothers that interacted with newborns or juveniles, such as the medial preoptic area and the nucleus accumbens, whereas a differential activation was quantified in the ventral region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the infralimbic and prelimbic subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex and the basolateral and medial nuclei of the amygdala. We posit that the specific profile of activation of the neural circuitry controlling maternal behaviour in mothers with overlapping litters enables dams to respond adequately to the newborn and the juvenile pups.
Factors affecting the first‐attempt success rate of intravenous cannulation in older people
Authors: Yalçınlı Sercan , Akarca Funda Karbek , Can Özge , Şener Alper , Akbinar Cemile 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo determine the factors affecting the first‐attempt success of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement in older emergency department patients.BackgroundIn older patients who require intravenous treatment, establishing a PIVC as fast as possible is clinically important.DesignThis is a prospective, observational, descriptive study.MethodsUsing a data collection form, researchers questioned both the patient and the nurse performing the procedure in terms of patient‐ and operator‐related factors. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines (See Supporting Information Appendix ).ResultsA total of 472 patients were included in the final analyses. According to the logistic regression analysis, independent factors which affected first‐attempt failure were found to be: choosing a nonupper extremity site for PIVC (OR: 4.72, 95% CI: 1.35–16.45, p‐value: 0.015), history of difficult intravenous access (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.72–5.29, p‐value: <0.001), nurse having less than 2 years of professional experience (OR: 3.45, 95% CI: 2.00–5.97, p‐value: <0.001), nonpalpable veins observed after the application of tourniquet (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.10–4.41, p‐value: 0.025), a moderate degree of difficulty anticipated by the nurse prior to the procedure (OR: 4.32, 95% CI: 2.31–8.08, p‐value: <0.001) and a high degree of difficulty anticipated by the nurse prior to the procedure (OR: 8.41, 95% CI: 4.10–17.24, p‐value: <0.001).ConclusionFactors affecting first‐attempt success rates in peripheral intravenous catheter placement in older emergency department patients may be listed as follows: the anticipated difficulty of the procedure rated by the nurse, previous history of a difficult intravenous cannulation, choosing a nonupper extremity site for cannulation, the level of experience of the nurse and the palpability of the vein.Relevance to clinical practiceHealthcare providers should consider alternative methods in the presence of factors affecting first‐attempt success in older emergency department patients.
Adherence assessment practices in haemodialysis settings: A qualitative exploration of nurses and pharmacists' perspectives
Authors: Ghimire Saurav , Lee Kenneth , Jose Matthew D. , Castelino Ronald L. , Zaidi Syed Tabish R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore clinician assessment of patient adherence and identify strategies to improve adherence assessment practices in haemodialysis settings.BackgroundPatients with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis are typically prescribed complex regimens; as such, they are at high risk of medication nonadherence. Current clinical practices focus on prescribing medications; however, little attention is paid to measuring and ensuring patient adherence to their prescribed treatments.DesignA qualitative study.MethodsSemi‐structured individual interviews were conducted in November and December 2016, with 12 nurses and 6 pharmacists, working in Australian haemodialysis settings. The study was conducted and reported in accordance with COREQ guidelines.ResultsParticipants were 25–60 years old and had 1–27 years of experience in dialysis. Seven themes related to assessing adherence were identified: prioritisation of resources, interplay between workload and available time, awareness of formalised adherence measures and training deficits, concerns about practicality/suitability of adherence measures, communication of assessment services, patient participation and trust. Three themes related to strategies for improving adherence assessment practices were identified: formalisation of adherence assessment process, integration of assessment processes and tools into routine, and use of multidisciplinary support to assess and promote adherence.ConclusionsCurrent adherence assessment practices could be improved through formalisation and integration of the assessment process into dialysis unit policy/procedures. Additionally, as barriers to assessing adherence were identified at organisational, professional and patient levels, there is a need to address barriers from each level in order to improve adherence assessment practices in haemodialysis settings.Relevance to clinical practiceThis qualitative study highlights the challenges and practical ways by which adherence assessment practices could be improved in haemodialysis settings. This would encourage renal clinicians to actively participate in adherence assessment and promotion activities to ensure patients benefit from their therapies.
Bed bath with soap and water or disposable wet wipes: Patients’ experiences and preferences
Authors: Veje Pia L. , Chen Ming , Jensen Christian S. , Sørensen Jan , Primdahl Jette 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo gain an in‐depth understanding of patients’ preferences regarding two bed bath methods: soap and water and disposable wet wipes.BackgroundBed baths allow hospitalised, bedridden patients to stay clean and fresh. They serve a number of purposes: health promotion, social propriety and pure pleasure. Traditionally, soap and water have been used for personal hygiene, but in recent years soap and water have increasingly been replaced by the use of disposable wet wipes.DesignA qualitative study with a hermeneutical‐phenomenological approach was chosen to explore and understand patients’ experiences of bed bath methods.MethodsSemi‐structured, individual, in‐depth interviews with 16 bedridden patients from three wards were conducted. The software program nvivo was used to structure the transcribed interviews and assist in the initial data analysis. The data were analysed and interpreted within a phenomenological‐hermeneutical framework. COREQ guidelines were used in the preparation of this paper (See Supporting information Appendix ).ResultsFour overall themes were identified: “Creating a sense of cleanliness,” “Preferences and concerns in different situations,” “Cleanliness of hands and face” and “Clinical decision‐making about bed bath method.”ConclusionsOverall, patients’ bed bath preference was for soap and water, but disposable wet wipes were considered a convenient alternative and preferred in certain circumstances, for example, when a patient had pain or diarrhoea. Shared decision‐making regarding bed bath method is recommended. Hands and face had specific requirements.Relevance to clinical practiceNursing staff should be aware that bedridden patients have varying preferences, and it is important to incorporate the patients’ preferences in the development of standards, health policies and clinical guidelines for bed bath practices.
Brokers versus Retail Investors: Conflicting Interests and Dominated Products
Authors: EGAN MARK 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTI study how brokers distort household investment decisions. Using a novel convertible bond data set, I find that consumers often purchase dominated bonds—cheap and expensive otherwise‐identical bonds coexist in the market. Brokers are incentivized to sell the dominated bonds, typically earning two times greater fees for selling them. I develop and estimate a broker‐intermediated search model that rationalizes this behavior. The estimates indicate that costly search is a key friction in financial markets, but the effects of search costs are compounded when brokers are incentivized to direct the search of consumers toward high‐fee inferior products.
Changes of water state and gel characteristics of Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) surimi during thermal processing
Authors: Ding Hao‐Chen , Li Xue‐Peng , Li Rui‐Zhi , Yi Shu‐Min , Xu Yong‐Xia , Mi Hong‐Bo , Li Jian‐Rong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study examined the changes of water state and gel characteristics of Hairtail surimi during thermal processing including two steps. The results showed that there were four content of water in Hairtail surimi gels. Water‐holding capacity (WHC) and T23 relaxation time of water and gel strength increased from 47.01 to 78.97% and from 64.23 to 51.52 ms, respectively, and whiteness decreased from 63.87 to 55.22 during the entire thermal processing. Meanwhile, the texture properties including hardness, gumminess, and chewiness declined from 402.42 to 130.41 g, from 294.39 to103.70 g, and from 233.68 to 43.60 g, respectively, during the first step, and then increased markedly during the second step from 130.41 to 2,301.87 g, from 103.70 to 1,250.99 g, and from 43.60 to 978.51 g, respectively. Furthermore, the WHC and textural profile had positive correlation, and changes in protein secondary structure were interesting, with the α‐helices decreasing significantly from 26.40 to 14.12%, while the β‐sheet and the random coil structure increasing significantly from 36.28 to 44.03%, and from 10.89 to 14.31%, respectively, and β‐turn structure increasing form 26.44 to 27.98% during the first step and then declining markedly during the second step, moreover β‐sheet had a fine positive correlation with WHC hardness and chewiness. Overall, dense, porous and compact three‐dimensional network gel structure gradually formed. In a word, during thermal processing. WHC of Hairtail surimi increased, and protein secondary structure of protein became orderly, and a fine, dense gel formed during thermal processing. Water is considered as the highest and most important chemical constituent in surimi products. During surimi gelation, water molecules exist as bulk water and motionally restricted water on the protein surface. In order to gain more insights into the surimi heating‐induced gelation processing, and improve the surimi gel properties, and give same advice to manufacturing enterprise, this work was conducted to study the structural changes of protein and water state during surimi gelation processing and performed along with the monitoring of the texture, WHC and other physical characteristics of surimi gel, as well as the microstructure of surimi gel.
Why measuring outcomes is important in health care
Authors: Pantaleon Lucas 
Published: February 2019

A new strategy has been introduced in human health care, namely, achieving the best outcomes for the lowest cost and thus maximizing value for patients. In value‐based care, the only true measures of quality are the outcomes that matter to patients. When outcomes are measured and reported, it fosters improvement and adoption of best practices, thus further improving outcomes. Understanding outcomes is central in providing value and represents an opportunity for redefining veterinary patient care.Value is created by improving the outcomes of patients with a particular clinical condition over the full cycle of care, which normally involves multiple specialties and care sites. To be successful, a key aspect of value based care is working as teams (integrated practice units) centered around the patient's clinical condition. As veterinary medicine has become more specialized and more complex, multidisciplinary communication and trust among the care team are paramount in providing value to patients (and clients).Use of patient‐reported outcomes is an essential aspect for improving clinical care, because it enhances the connections among doctors and with patients. Designing and implementing owner‐reported outcomes in veterinary clinical practice will lead to an understanding of the effects of treatments on outcomes and quality of life (QOL) of our patients from the owner's perspective, a key way to assess a veterinary patient's QOL.
Optimization of reinforcement layout of scissor‐type bridge using differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Chikahiro Yuki , Ario Ichiro , Pawlowski Piotr , Graczykowski Cezary , Holnicki‐Szulc Jan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractScissors mechanisms are commonly used in safety engineering during the construction of temporary structures, owing to their inherent advantages of foldability, transformability, and reusability. We effectively utilized these scissors mechanism features to develop a lightweight, deployable emergency Mobile Bridge (MB) based on optimization, and control of the folding structure. Here, we discuss the problems of optimal reinforcement layout for the MB by formulating and solving three optimization problems, namely: (a) the load capacity maximization problem, (b) the weight minimization problem, and (c) coupling the load capacity maximization problem and the weight minimization problem. The potential benefits resulting from the application of reinforcement were evaluated using a combination of finite element analysis and an optimization algorithm based on the differential evolution method. The results demonstrate the significant positive influence of the additional reinforcing members. In particular, the limit load was increased by over 10 times, while the weight was decreased to approximately half. The proposed methodology enabled the development of a substantially improved version of the MB characterized by a higher load capacity and lower weight in comparison to the initial bridge design.
In vitro activity of diphenyl diselenide and ebselen alone and in combination with antifungal agents against Trichosporon asahii
Authors: Felli Kubiça Thaís , Bedin Denardi Laura , Silva de Loreto Érico , Zeni Gilson , Weiblen Carla , Oliveira Vanessa , Morais Santurio Janio , Hartz Alves Sydney 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThis study evaluated the in vitro susceptibility of Trichosporon asahii strains to diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) and ebselen (EBS) alone and in combination with amphotericin B (AMB), fluconazole (FCZ), itraconazole (ITZ) and caspofungin (CAS) using the microdilution method. EBS showed in vitro activity against T asahii strains with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 0.25 to 8.0 μg/mL. For DPDS, the MIC ranged from 8.0 to 64 μg/mL. The combinations demonstrating the greatest synergism rate against fluconazole‐resistant T asahii strains were the following: CAS + DPDS (96.67%), AMB + DPDS (93.33%), FCZ + DPDS (86.67%) and ITZ + DPDS (83.33%). The combinations AMB + DPDS and AMB + EBS exhibited the highest synergism rate against the fluconazole‐susceptible (FS) T asahii strains (90%). Antagonism was observed in the following combinations: FCZ + EBS (80%) and FCZ + DPDS (13.33%) against the FS strains, and ITZ + EBS (20%) against the FR strains. Our findings suggest that the antimicrobial activity of DPDS and EBS against T. asahii and its use as an adjuvant therapy with antifungal agents warrant in vivo experimental investigation.
Supporting individuals’ healthy eating requires genuine engagement with communities
Authors: Hancock C. , Clarke S. K. , Stevens D. E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractC3 Collaborating for Health (C3) aims to counter the non‐communicable disease (NCD) epidemic by focusing on the three big risk factors: tobacco use, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Community Health Engagement Survey Solutions (CHESS™) is an innovative strategy to shift decision‐making around prevention and health interventions to local communities, while also reducing inequalities in the broader determinants of health. Emerging from research in India, China, Mexico and the US, C3 has implemented CHESS™ in the UK in eight London boroughs, Halifax and Girvan. A recently completed project in England and Scotland engaged 5000 people (approximately one‐third of the local populations). CHESS™ facilitates communities to act as ‘citizen scientists’ in data‐driven investigations about health and the built environment. Through a mobile tool, communities collect and interpret quantitative and qualitative data on local assets and barriers conducive to good health (or not). These results inform evidence‐based action plans, guided by public health expertise, for interventions that make it easier for all to be healthy. The community enacts the changes they can make themselves and presents recommendations to decision‐makers in a compelling argument for change. Thanks to CHESS™ evidence, communities have received over £2 million to implement health interventions in their neighbourhoods. The Healthy Communities project, completed in September 2017, led to physical activity and healthy eating initiatives, including cooking lessons, gardening, breakfast and tea clubs, and healthy lunches for schoolchildren. Learnings from the project have informed recommendations for those wanting to improve community health, particularly in relation to diet.