bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ageing affects the proliferation and mineralization of rat dental pulp stem cells under inflammatory conditions
Authors: Ning T. , Shao J. , Zhang X. , Luo X. , Huang X. , Wu H. , Xu S. , Wu B. , Ma D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimTo comparatively evaluate changes in the proliferation and mineralization abilities of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from juvenile and adult rats in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory microenvironment to provide a theoretical basis for the age‐related differences observed in DPSCs during repair of inflammatory injuries.MethodologyDPSCs were isolated from juvenile (JDPSCs) and adult rats (ADPSCs), and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining was used to compare senescence between JDPSCs and ADPSCs. Effects of LPS on JDPSCs and ADPSCs proliferation were investigated by cell counting kit‐8 assays and flow cytometry. Alizarin red staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay were used to examine the effects of LPS on mineralization‐related genes and proteins in JDPSCs and ADPSCs. Immunohistochemistry was used to compare interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and osteocalcin (OCN) expression in the pulpitis model. Unpaired Student's t‐tests and one‐way anova were used for statistical analysis.ResultsDPSCs were isolated from juvenile and adult rat dental pulp tissues. At low concentrations (0.1–1 μg mL−1), LPS significantly promoted the proliferation of JDPSCs (P < 0.01) and ADPSCs (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), with the effect being stronger in JDPSCs than in ADPSCs. In addition, mineralized nodules and the expression of mineralization‐related genes (OCN, DSPP, ALP, BSP) increased significantly after stimulation with LPS (0.5 μg mL−1) in JDPSCs and ADPSCs (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and JDPSCs displayed a more obvious increase than ADPSCs. Western blots revealed OCN and ALP expression levels in JDPSCs treated with LPS were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05); meanwhile, ALP expression in ADPSCs increased slightly but significantly (P < 0.05), and OCN expression was not affected. Finally, IL‐1β expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and OCN expression was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the inflamed dental pulp of adult rats than in juvenile rats.ConclusionsA certain degree of inflammatory stimulation promoted the proliferation and mineralization of DPSCs; however, this effect declined with age. The DPSCs of adult donors in an inflammatory microenvironment have a weaker repair ability than that of juvenile donors, who are better candidates for tissues damage repair.
Higher vitamin D levels in Nigerian albinos compared with pigmented controls
Authors: Enechukwu Nkechi , Cockburn Myles , Ogun Gabriel , Ezejiofor Ogochukwu I. , George Adekunle , Ogunbiyi Adebola 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have suggested that the lower vitamin D levels in blacks is attributable to the effect of increased pigmentation in blocking cutaneous ultraviolet (UV)‐mediated production of vitamin D. Albinos are devoid of melanin and should invariably have higher vitamin D levels when compared with their pigmented counterparts. However, strict photoprotection required in their medical management has been shown to reduce UV‐dependent vitamin D production. Associations between low vitamin D and several diseases suggest that the pattern of vitamin D in the black African albino be investigated.ObjectiveTo compare the vitamin D levels between albinos and normal pigmented controls in Anambra State, Nigeria, and thus highlight the impact of skin pigmentation and sun protection practices on vitamin D levels.MethodologyThis was a cross‐sectional study of a consecutive series of albinos from the Albino Foundation, Anambra State. The vitamin D levels of 61 albinos and 58 matched pigmented controls were analyzed. The sun exposures of the participants were calculated using validated sun exposure questionnaires.ResultsThe albinos had significantly higher vitamin D levels (median 95.9 [50.1–177.4] ng/ml) than the controls (78.2 [12.1–250] ng/ml). None of the albinos had low vitamin D levels. None of the sun protection practices had significant effects on vitamin D levels.ConclusionThis study contests the claim that black Africans including albinos have low vitamin D levels. Albinos living in South East Nigeria have significantly higher vitamin D levels than their pigmented counterparts.
Nurses' experience of providing home‐based palliative care in the country setting: An integrated literature review
Authors: Rabbetts Lyn , Harrington Ann , Breaden Katrina 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimsThe aim of the study is to explore the experiences of nurses providing home‐based palliative care for patients who live in country settings.MethodsThis study is an integrated literature review. Electronic databases, specific journals of interest, and reference lists were searched using key words and Boolean operators. Descriptive thematic analysis was undertaken to identify main themes and subthemes. Critical appraisal of the articles was conducted using the qualitative Critical Appraisal Skills Program guidelines. Primary research articles published in English, in peer‐reviewed journals from 1990 to 2017, were included.ResultsTwelve articles were included in this review. Two main themes emerged including the nature of nursing in country communities and nurses' emotional responses. The first main theme had the subthemes of community connections, geographical distance and isolation, organizational deficits, lack of education, and resources. The second main theme consisted on five subthemes including feeling rewarded, autonomy and professional isolation, hope and hopelessness, frustration, and fear.ConclusionLiterature is sparse reporting the lived experience of nurses providing palliative care in country areas for patients wanting to die at home. An increase in demand for a home‐based palliative nursing service will require additional funding globally to meet this increase in the future.
Predatory purchasing practices in global apparel supply chains and the employment relations squeeze in the Indian garment export industry
Authors: ANNER Mark 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWhile the literature has long acknowledged worker rights abuses in global apparel supply chains, less attention has been paid to the recent worsening of certain decent work deficits and its causes, which this article links to predatory purchasing practices arising from growing power asymmetries. These practices, illustrated here by the garment export industry in India, exert downward pressure on wages and incite non‐standard forms of employment and greater verbal and physical abuse as productivity demands rise. They can be addressed through pricing mechanisms that cover the cost of decent work, appropriate State regulation and worker involvement.
Supporting choice: an innovative model of integrated palliative care funded by a private health insurer
Authors: Cross Jessica , Fischer Amanda , Shotton Donna , Pollicino Christine , May Annabelle , Vora Rohan , Dubrowin Natalie B. , Good Phillip 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe number of Australians dying each year is predicted to double in the next 25 years and there is an urgent need to establish sustainable models for providing high quality end‐of‐life care. An innovative community care model (Bupa Palliative Care Choices Program or BPCCP) was developed and piloted with the purpose of supporting patients in achieving their choices surrounding end‐of‐life care.AimsThis study evaluates whether BPCCP patients were more likely to die in their place of choice compared with patients receiving standard care. Additional aims were evaluating patient and carer satisfaction and insurer cost.MethodsThis prospective, comparative cohort study comprises a clinical chart audit and survey of patient and carer experience.ResultsMore BPCCP participants preferred to die at home (53% vs 31%). A lower proportion of BPCCP patients died in acute hospitals (10% vs 19%) and more of this cohort died at home (46% vs 26%). In both cohorts, nearly 90% of patients were able to die in their preferred location. Patient and carer satisfaction with the programme was very high in the small cohort who responded to the survey. There was a decrease in average claims spend per patient enrolled in the programme during the first 12‐month period of implementation compared with historical claims spend for inpatients only.ConclusionsThis evaluation of an innovative community palliative care intervention indicates that the extra services available to patients support the choice of dying at home and the ability to do so while generating claims cost efficiencies.
Conceptualizing and determining core clinical competencies in nursing students: a qualitative study
Authors: Moradi Y. , Ahmadi F. , Sadeghi A. , Oshvandi K. 
Published: August 2019

AimThis study aimed to conceptualize and explain the core clinical competencies of nursing students in Iran.Background/IntroductionDespite the national and international efforts to modify nursing curricula such that the students’ clinical competencies are improved, there is still a widespread concern about this issue, perhaps due to the impact of factors other than the curriculum itself, such as the lack of a clear definition for the concept of clinical competency and its main components in nursing students.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis. The participants were selected through purposive sampling and included 14 senior students of bachelor of nursing, four nurses working in teaching hospitals and six clinical instructors. Individual semi‐structured interviews were used for data collection. After recording and transcribing the interviews, content analysis was used to extract the concepts.FindingsThe main theme of the study was ‘multidimensionality of the concept of clinical competency,’ which had six main categories, namely ‘adoption of and adaptation with the nursing practice,’ ‘nursing knowledge,’ ‘self‐direction in clinical learning,’ ‘patient care skills,’ ‘professional ethics’ and ‘the development of professional behaviours.’Discussion/ConclusionClinical competency and its dimensions among students comprise a multidimensional concept. Having a clear and comprehensive understanding of this concept and focusing on its core axes may be the most important step in improving students’ clinical competency.Implications for nursing, health and education policyPolicymakers and nursing education authorities can identify the problems existing in the students’ clinical competency and provide them with practical solutions for a standard professional education through a clear understanding of the concept of clinical competency and its dimensions.
Measurement of birth outcomes in analyses of the impact of maternal influenza vaccination
Authors: Rolfes Melissa A. , Vonglokham Phouvanh , Khanthamaly Viengphone , Chitry Bounlap , Pholsena Vathsana , Chitranondh Visith , Mirza Sara A. , Moen Ann , Bresee Joseph S. , Xeuatvongsa Anonh , Olsen Sonja J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe estimated association of maternal influenza vaccination and birth outcomes may be sensitive to methods used to define preterm birth or small‐for‐gestational age (SGA).MethodsIn a cohort of pregnant women in Lao People's Democratic Republic, we estimated gestational age from: (a) date of last menstrual period (LMP), (b) any prenatal ultrasound, (c) first trimester ultrasound, (d) Ballard Score at delivery, and (e) an algorithm combining LMP and ultrasound. Infants were classified as SGA at birth using a Canadian, global, and equation‐based growth reference. We estimated the association of maternal influenza vaccination and birth outcomes, by influenza activity, using multivariable log‐binomial regression and Cox proportional hazards regression with vaccination as a time‐varying exposure.ResultsThe frequency of preterm birth in the cohort varied by method to estimate gestational age, from 5% using Ballard Score to 15% using any ultrasound. Using LMP, any ultrasound, or the algorithm, we found statistically significant reductions in preterm birth among vaccinated women during periods of high influenza activity and statistically significant increases in SGA, using a Canadian growth reference. We did not find statistically significant associations with SGA when using global or equation‐based growth references.ConclusionsThe association of maternal influenza vaccination and birth outcomes was most affected by the choice of a growth reference used to define SGA at birth. The association with pre‐term birth was present and consistent across multiple statistical approaches. Future studies of birth outcomes, specifically SGA, should carefully consider the potential for bias introduced by measurement choice.
Outcome predictors for wound healing in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Mohammad Zadeh Maryam , Lingsma Hester , van Neck Johan W. , Vasilic Dalibor , van Dishoeck Anne‐Margreet 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients at risk for the development of a hard‐to‐heal wound. This is a post‐hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study including a total of 208 patients with a DFU. The primary endpoints were time to healing and the development of a hard‐to‐heal‐wound. Univariable and multivariable logistic and Cox regression analysis were used to study the associations of patient characteristics with the primary endpoints. The number of previous DFUs [odds ratio (OR): 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01‐1.99, P = .04], University of Texas (UT) classification grade 2 (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.27‐6.72, P = .01), UT classification grade 3 (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.17‐6.71, P = .02), and a diagnosis of foot stand deformation (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.77‐3.08, P = .05) were significantly associated with the development of a hard‐to‐heal wound. Only UT classification grade 3 (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41‐0.90, P = .01) was associated with time to healing. The number of previous DFUs, UT classification grade, and a diagnosis of foot deformation are significantly associated with development of a hard‐to‐heal wound in patients with a DFU. The only predictor significantly associated with time to healing was UT classification grade 3. These patient characteristics can be used to identify patients at risk for the development of hard‐to‐heal wounds, who might need an early intervention to prevent wound problems.
Adolescent childbirth, miscarriage, and abortion: associations with changes in alcohol, marijuana, and cigarette use
Authors: Tung Irene , Beardslee Jordan , Pardini Dustin , Chung Tammy , Keenan Kate , Hipwell Alison E. 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundAdolescent girls who become pregnant demonstrate greater risk for substance use than same‐aged peers. However, it remains unclear how risk relates to normative changes in adolescence. Few studies have examined adolescent substance use changes before, during, and after pregnancy and considered how pregnancy outcomes (childbirth, miscarriage, abortion) differentially influence substance use changes. The present study examined associations between different adolescent pregnancy outcomes and within‐person changes in substance use from prepregnancy to postpregnancy.MethodsParticipants included 2,450 girls (52% Black) oversampled from low‐income urban neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA. Participants self‐reported pregnancy outcomes and substance use frequency (alcohol, cigarette, marijuana) annually from ages 11–20. Fixed effects regressions focused on first births, first miscarriages, and first abortions occurring from ages 12–19 to test the associations between pregnancy outcomes and within‐individual changes in substance use from prepregnancy to postpregnancy. By design, models controlled for all potential time‐stable confounds, and models included age and subsequent pregnancies as time‐varying covariates.ResultsConsistent with prior studies, girls who became pregnant (20%) reported greater early risk for substance use problems than never‐pregnant adolescents, including earlier age of onset and more regular marijuana and cigarette use. Childbirth predicted a 26%–51% within‐individual reduction in alcohol, marijuana, and cigarette use that remained significantly lower than prepregnancy levels after childbirth. Alcohol and marijuana use decreased (32%–47%) after miscarriage. Abortion was not associated with long‐term changes in substance use; however, marijuana and cigarette use gradually increased (44%–46%) in the years leading up to the year of and after abortion, respectively, before returning to prepregnancy levels.ConclusionsFindings highlight important differences in adolescent substance use patterns based on pregnancy outcome. For pregnant adolescents with heightened pre‐existing risk for substance use, pregnancy may be a window of opportunity for substance use screening and behavioral intervention.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of itch in epidemic‐like scenario of dermatophytoses in India: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Verma S. , Vasani R. , Reszke R. , Matusiak Ł. , Szepietowski J.C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundItch is an integral part of clinical picture of superficial dermatophytoses which constitute a common and growing problem in India.ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, intensity and clinical characteristics of itch in superficial dermatophytosis.MethodsThe data concerning disease history and clinical type of dermatophytosis were obtained. The presence and various characteristics of itch were documented. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was utilized to assess the worst intensity of itch during the last 3 days and during the course of the disease. 4‐Item Itch Questionnaire was utilized to assess itch extent, intensity, frequency and associated sleep impairment, while quality of life (QoL) impairment was assessed via Dermatology Life Quality Index.ResultsNinety‐nine patients with direct microscopic confirmation of dermatophytosis were included in the study. In 46.5% of subjects, the coexistence of tinea corporis and tinea cruris was noted, followed by tinea cruris (25.2%) and tinea corporis (13.1%). The majority of patients reported itch in the last 3 days (99%) and complained of itch limited to skin lesions (89.9%). According toNRS, the mean intensity of worst itch in the last 3 days was 6.8 ± 1.8 points. Severe and very severe itch was reported by 74.7% of patients. Itch was an isolated sensation in 34.3% of subjects, while 46.9% reported associated burning sensation. Itch was frequently exacerbated by sweating, hot temperature and wearing tight clothes. Difficulties in falling asleep and sleep awakenings were reported by 34.3% and 54.6% of subjects, respectively. Itch negatively influenced the well‐being of patients and its intensity correlated with QoL impairment.ConclusionsItch is an important symptom in superficial dermatophytoses and is associated with negative impact on sleep and carries a significant psychosocial burden. Acknowledging its presence is necessary in a holistic approach to these patients.
Different host plant species modifies the susceptibility of Bactericera cockerelli to the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Ocampo‐Hernández Jaime A. , Tamayo‐Mejía Fernando , Tamez‐Guerra Patricia , Gao Yulin , Guzmán‐Franco Ariel W. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBactericera cockerelli (Sulc.) is a serious pest of solanaceous crops and a vector of the plant pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous. Entomopathogenic fungi are the most important biological control alternatives for this pest. Host plant species, however, can modify the outcomes of insect–pathogen interactions. We conducted laboratory experiments to quantify the virulence of two isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals. [Vuill.]), BB40 and BB42, against third instar B. cockerelli nymphs maintained on chilli pepper plants. Owing to the lack of difference in virulence against B. cockerelli nymphs on chilli pepper between the two B. bassiana isolates, only BB42 was used to: compare virulence against nymphs maintained on either chilli pepper, potato or tomato; and in vivo conidia production from nymphs maintained on different host plants. Virulence of the two B. bassiana isolates against B. cockerelli nymphs was similar. Bactericera cockerelli nymphs maintained on tomato were more susceptible to B. bassiana than nymphs maintained on potato or chilli peppers. Infected nymphs maintained on chilli peppers produced the greatest number of conidia followed by infected nymphs maintained on tomato and potato. Host plant affected the susceptibility of B. cockerelli to B. bassiana isolate BB42 and subsequent conidia production. The implications of our results for microbial control of B. cockerelli by B. bassiana are discussed.
Effects of sugar composition on shelf life of hard candy: Optimization study using D‐optimal mixture design of experiments
Authors: Spanemberg Flavio E. M. , Korzenowski André L. , Sellitto Miguel A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the sugar formulation that maximizes the shelf life and critical moisture content of hard candy and to verify the relationship between the response variables. The method used was the mixture design of experiments. Experimental points were determined using a D‐optimal mixture design. Industrial‐scale tests were conducted using three commercial sugars commonly found in hard candies. The models were fitted to the experimental results and evaluated via an analysis of variance. There was a maximum point (58.17 d) for the accelerated shelf life model, which was 0.600, 0.200, and 0.200 for the mass fractions of sucrose, 40 DE corn syrup, and 20 DE high‐maltose corn syrup, respectively; the maximum critical moisture content (3.88%) was 0.593, 0.228, and 0.179, respectively. The optimum formulation resulted in a product whose estimated shelf life extended 7 months beyond the expiration date usually used in the industry.Practical ApplicationsThe results have implications for increasing the shelf life and agility in the development of new products. A practical and low‐cost method for determining the critical moisture content using accelerated tests in the confectionery industry is proposed. This study is a direct application of the mixture design of experiments on an industrial scale and provides significant results not found in the literature.