bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health‐related quality of life in older people with hypertension
Authors: Park Nam Hee , Song Mi Sook , Shin So Young , Jeong Ji‐hye , Lee Hyo Young 
Published: April 2018

Aim and objectiveThis study investigated the effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health‐related quality of life in vulnerable older people with hypertension.BackgroundHealth literacy is particularly critical for providing accurate information regarding correct medication intake to improve medication adherence. Additionally, health‐related quality of life is directly related to impairment from chronic disease.DesignA descriptive, cross‐sectional study design was used. The participants were 160 low‐income older people with hypertension registered in 16 public health centres in Busan, South Korea. They had received “visiting nursing services” for at least 6 months until the latest date and had belonged to the priority group of visiting nursing services.MethodsThe Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the Newest Vital Signs and EuroQol‐5 Dimensions were used to assess medication adherence, health literacy and health‐related quality of life, respectively.ResultsMedication adherence and health literacy were significantly associated with health‐related quality of life in vulnerable older people with hypertension, although exercise and subjective health were more significant factors affecting health‐related quality of life than medical adherence and health literacy. Level of education, monthly income and employment status were not associated with health‐related quality of life.ConclusionsTo effectively promote health‐related quality of life in this population, medication adherence and health literacy of patients should be considered when developing health interventions, including subjective health and exercise.Implications for practiceTo effectively promote health‐related quality of life in vulnerable older people, medication adherence and health literacy of patients should be assessed, and patient‐centred intervention strategies that consider their individual differences should be developed
Genomics, genetics and breeding of tropical legumes for better livelihoods of smallholder farmers
Authors: Ojiewo Chris , Monyo Emmanuel , Desmae Haile , Boukar Ousmane , Mukankusi‐Mugisha Clare , Thudi Mahendar , Pandey Manish K. , Saxena Rachit K. , Gaur Pooran M. , Chaturvedi Sushil K. , Fikre Asnake , Ganga Rao NPVR , SameerKumar CV , Okori Patrick , Janila Pasupuleti , Rubyogo Jean Claude , Godfree Chigeza , Akpo Essegbemon , Omoigui Lucky , Nkalubo Stanley , Fenta Berhanu , Binagwa Papias , Kilango Michael , Williams Magdalena , Mponda Omari , Okello David , Chichaybelu Mekasha , Miningou Amos , Bationo Joseph , Sako Dramane , Diallo Sory , Echekwu Candidus , Umar Muhammad Lawan , Oteng‐Frimpong Richard , Mohammed Haruna , Varshney Rajeev K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLegumes are important components of sustainable agricultural production, food, nutrition and income systems of developing countries. In spite of their importance, legume crop production is challenged by a number of biotic (diseases and pests) and abiotic stresses (heat, frost, drought and salinity), edaphic factors (associated with soil nutrient deficits) and policy issues (where less emphasis is put on legumes compared to priority starchy staples). Significant research and development work have been done in the past decade on important grain legumes through collaborative bilateral and multilateral projects as well as the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes (CRP‐GL). Through these initiatives, genomic resources and genomic tools such as draft genome sequence, resequencing data, large‐scale genomewide markers, dense genetic maps, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and diagnostic markers have been developed for further use in multiple genetic and breeding applications. Also, these mega‐initiatives facilitated release of a number of new varieties and also dissemination of on‐the‐shelf varieties to the farmers. More efforts are needed to enhance genetic gains by reducing the time required in cultivar development through integration of genomics‐assisted breeding approaches and rapid generation advancement.
Traditional and Modern Contraceptive Method Use in the Philippines: Trends and Determinants 2003–2013
Authors: Marquez Maria Paz , Kabamalan Maria Midea , Laguna Elma 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study examines recent levels, patterns, and determinants of traditional contraceptive method use, based on pooled data from the 2003, 2008, and 2013 Philippines Demographic and Health Surveys. Most contraceptive users in the Philippines rely on modern methods, but over the past ten years traditional method use has continued to account for about a third of all contraceptive use. Results show women in 2003 and 2008 were more likely to use periodic abstinence (rhythm) over modern methods compared with women in 2013, while withdrawal rather than modern methods was preferred more by women in 2013 than in 2003. The characteristics of women who use traditional methods have changed little over the past decade. Knowing the characteristics of traditional contraceptive method users can help establish policies and programs that promote more effective contraceptive use, including encouraging users of traditional contraceptive methods to switch to the more effective modern methods.
The Effect of Foreign Entry Regulation on Downstream Productivity: Microeconomic Evidence from China*
Authors: Ding Sai , Sun Puyang , Jiang Wei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe examine the cross‐industry influence of foreign entry regulation (based on a novel measure) on the productivity outcomes of downstream firms through input–output linkages in China. In contrast to the significant liberalization of the manufacturing sector, restrictions on the service sector remained stringent over the period 1997–2007. We find a powerful depressant effect of foreign entry barriers imposed on the upstream manufacturing and service industries on the productivity of downstream manufacturers, and this effect depends on a number of industry‐ and firm‐specific features. Our research calls for further investment liberalization (particularly in the service sector) in China.
Social Comparisons and Optimal Taxation in a Small Open Economy
Authors: Aronsson Thomas , Johansson‐Stenman Olof , Sjögren Tomas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze how international capital mobility affects the optimal labor and capital income tax policy in a small open economy when consumers care about relative consumption. The main results crucially depend on whether the government can tax returns on savings abroad. If the government can use flexible residence‐based capital income taxes, then the optimal policy rules from a closed economy largely carry over to the case of a small open economy. If it cannot, then capital income taxes become completely ineffective. The labor income taxes must then indirectly also reflect the corrective purpose that the absent capital income tax would have had.
Cell‐free nucleic acids are present in blood products and regulate genes of innate immune response
Authors: Waldvogel Abramowski Sophie , Tirefort Diderik , Lau Pierre , Guichebaron Arthur , Taleb Sofiane , Modoux Christine , Lemoine Chaduc Coralie , Bruyere Cerdan Pascale , Roux Lombard Pascale , Lecompte Thomas , Preynat‐Seauve Olivier 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUNDExtracellular nucleic acids circulate in plasma. They are expected to be present in manufactured blood products eligible for transfusion, but little is known about their biological activity on human cells. The aim of this study is to investigate whether cell‐free nucleic acids (CFNAs) are present and biologically active in red blood cell units (RBCUs), fresh frozen plasmas, and platelet concentrates.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSCFNAs were extracted from RBCUs, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet concentrates. Their nature and structure were analyzed by regular methods of nucleic acid detection/quantification. A normalized polymerase chain reaction combining amplification of a CFNA marker (Alu 115) and amplification of an internal nonhuman DNA control spiked in all samples (phiX 174) was developed to study CFNA release after RBCU storage. The impact of CFNAs on gene regulation was tested by microarray after coculture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and macrophages.RESULTSExtracellular double‐stranded DNA was present in all blood products, with higher amounts found in cellular suspensions (RBCUs and platelet concentrates). Storage up to 40 days did not influence release from RBCUs, and CFNA amount varied considerably from one unit to another. Microarray experiments showed that exposition of macrophages to CFNA increased the expression of genes involved in the innate immune response including chemokines, chemokine receptors, and receptors of the innate response.CONCLUSIONCFNAs are present in blood products. Immunoregulatory properties of CFNA are shown in vitro, providing new insights on biologically active components of blood products besides those for intended therapeutic use.
Duration of storage influences the hemoglobin rising effect of red blood cells in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery
Authors: Hunsicker Oliver , Hessler Katarina , Krannich Alexander , Boemke Willehad , Braicu Ioana , Sehouli Jalid , Meyer Oliver , Pruß Axel , Spies Claudia , Feldheiser Aarne 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUNDAfter transfusion of senescent red blood cells (RBCs) a considerable fraction is rapidly cleared from the recipients’ circulation. Thus, transfusion of senescent RBCs may be less effective in terms of increasing hemoglobin concentration (cHb) after transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSData were retrospectively obtained in patients who underwent major abdominal surgery between 2006 and 2012. Patients were eligible if they received RBCs during surgery and had at least two arterial blood gas analyses performed. The primary endpoint was the increase of recipients’ cHb related to the transfusion of 1 unit of RBCs with respect to different storage periods. Four storage periods were defined according to the distribution of RBC storage of the study population. General estimating equation was used for calculation of the primary endpoint and to adjust for confounding variables.RESULTSA total of 598 arterial blood gas samples from 120 patients, receiving 429 RBC units, were analyzed. Mean (±SD) RBC storage was 21 (±9) days. RBC storage duration and the increase in recipients’ cHb were inversely and gradually related; that is, the older the RBCs, the lower the increase in the recipients’ cHb after transfusion (storage < 12 days, ΔcHb per unit RBCs +0.82 [95% confidence interval, 0.42‐1.21] g/dL, p < 0.01; storage 12‐20 days, +0.66 [0.46‐0.86] g/dL, p < 0.01; storage 21‐29 days, +0.56 [0.33‐0.79] g/dL, p < 0.01; storage ≥30 days, +0.39 [0.07 to 0.71] g/dL, p = 0.02).CONCLUSIONTransfusion of senescent RBCs increased cHb less effectively than transfusion of fresher RBCs.
Extended leaf phenology presents an opportunity for herbicidal control of invasive forest shrubs
Authors: Caplan J S , Whitehead R D , Gover A E , Grabosky J C 
Published: April 2018

SummaryFor many of the shrub species invading temperate deciduous forests, extended leaf phenology contributes substantially to annual carbon gains, helping to make possible rapid growth and spread. We carried out a pair of proof‐of‐concept studies to evaluate the susceptibility of such shrubs to foliar herbicide treatment during the period of delayed senescence, i.e. well after it is typically attempted. We first evaluated leaf‐level physiology in four species that lose leaves late in autumn; photosynthetic rates were comparable (80–111%) to those reported for the same species in summer. While preliminary, this finding provides a strong indication that diverse shrub taxa remain susceptible to control into late autumn. In addition, we conducted a field trial involving one of these species (Lonicera maackii) to directly evaluate the effectiveness of foliar treatment in November; applications included glyphosate and two concentrations of aminocyclopyrachlor plus metsulfuron methyl. Treatments killed (72%) or severely injured (14%) target plants, inducing greater cambial damage in plants that retained greater fractions of their canopy or had smaller canopy widths; there were no statistically significant differences among application types. This study demonstrated that late autumn can be a viable period in which to treat weedy species that delay senescence strongly, such as the many invasive Lonicera species in North America. Given that climate change and urbanisation are further delaying senescence in invasive plant populations, our study serves as a call for further investigation into what promises to be an increasingly viable opportunity for weed control in deciduous forests.
The negotiated equilibrium model of spinal cord function
Authors: Wolpaw Jonathan R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe belief that the spinal cord is hardwired is no longer tenable. Like the rest of the CNS, the spinal cord changes during growth and ageing, when new motor behaviours are acquired, and in response to trauma and disease. This paper describes a new model of spinal cord function that reconciles its recently appreciated plasticity with its long‐recognized reliability as the final common pathway for behaviour. According to this model, the substrate of each motor behaviour comprises brain and spinal plasticity: the plasticity in the brain induces and maintains the plasticity in the spinal cord. Each time a behaviour occurs, the spinal cord provides the brain with performance information that guides changes in the substrate of the behaviour. All the behaviours in the repertoire undergo this process concurrently; each repeatedly induces plasticity to preserve its key features despite the plasticity induced by other behaviours. The aggregate process is a negotiation among the behaviours: they negotiate the properties of the spinal neurons and synapses that they all use. The ongoing negotiation maintains the spinal cord in an equilibrium – a negotiated equilibrium – that serves all the behaviours. This new model of spinal cord function is supported by laboratory and clinical data, makes predictions borne out by experiment, and underlies a new approach to restoring function to people with neuromuscular disorders. Further studies are needed to test its generality, to determine whether it may apply to other CNS areas such as the cerebral cortex, and to develop its therapeutic implications.
Smoke‐induced neuromuscular junction degeneration precedes the fibre type shift and atrophy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kapchinsky Sophia , Vuda Madhusudanarao , Miguez Kayla , Elkrief Daren , de Souza Angela R. , Baglole Carolyn J. , Aare Sudhakar , MacMillan Norah J. , Baril Jacinthe , Rozakis Paul , Sonjak Vita , Pion Charlotte , Aubertin‐Leheudre Mylène , Morais Jose A. , Jagoe R. Thomas , Bourbeau Jean , Taivassalo Tanja , Hepple Russell T. 
Published: April 2018

Key points
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is largely caused by smoking, and patient limb muscle exhibits a fast fibre shift and atrophy.
We show that this fast fibre shift is associated with type grouping, suggesting recurring cycles of denervation–reinnervation underlie the type shift.
Compared to patients with normal fat‐free mass index (FFMI), patients with low FFMI exhibited an exacerbated fibre type shift, marked accumulation of very small persistently denervated muscle fibres, and a blunted denervation‐responsive transcript profile, suggesting failed denervation precipitates muscle atrophy in patients with low FFMI.
Sixteen weeks of passive tobacco smoke exposure in mice caused neuromuscular junction degeneration, consistent with a key role for smoke exposure in initiating denervation in COPD.
AbstractA neurological basis for the fast fibre shift and atrophy seen in limb muscle of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been considered previously. The objective of our study was: (1) to determine if denervation contributes to fast fibre shift and muscle atrophy in COPD; and (2) to assess using a preclinical smoking mouse model whether chronic tobacco smoke (TS) exposure could initiate denervation by causing neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained from severe COPD patients [n = 10 with low fat‐free mass index (FFMI), 65 years; n = 15 normal FFMI, 65 years) and healthy age‐ and activity‐matched non‐smoker control subjects (CON; n = 11, 67 years), to evaluate morphological and transcriptional markers of denervation. To evaluate the potential for chronic TS exposure to initiate these changes, we examined NMJ morphology in male adult mice following 16 weeks of passive TS exposure. We observed a high proportion of grouped fast fibres and a denervation transcript profile in COPD patients, suggesting that motor unit remodelling drives the fast fibre type shift in COPD patient limb muscle. A further exacerbation of fast fibre grouping in patients with low FFMI, coupled with blunted reinnervation signals, accumulation of very small non‐specific esterase hyperactive fibres and neural cell adhesion molecule‐positive type I and type II fibres, suggests denervation‐induced exhaustion of reinnervation contributes to muscle atrophy in COPD. Evidence from a smoking mouse model showed significant NMJ degeneration, suggesting that recurring denervation in COPD is probably caused by decades of chronic TS exposure.
Role of Neuraminidase-Producing Bacteria in Exposing Cryptic Carbohydrate Receptors for Streptococcus gordonii Adherence
Authors: Wong Alex , Grau Margaret A. , Singh Anirudh K. , Woodiga Shireen A. , King Samantha J. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus gordonii
is an early colonizer of the oral cavity. Although a variety of
S. gordonii
adherence mechanisms have been described, current dogma is that the major receptor for
S. gordonii
is sialic acid. However, as many bacterial species in the oral cavity produce neuraminidase that can cleave terminal sialic acid, it is unclear whether
S. gordonii
relies on sialic acid for adherence to oral surfaces or if this species has developed alternative binding strategies. Previous studies have examined adherence to immobilized glycoconjugates and identified binding to additional glycans, but no prior studies have defined the contribution of these different glycan structures in adherence to oral epithelial cells. We determined that the majority of
S. gordonii
strains tested did not rely on sialic acid for efficient adherence. In fact, adherence of some strains was significantly increased following neuraminidase treatment. Further investigation of representative strains that do not rely on sialic acid for adherence revealed binding not only to sialic acid via the serine-rich repeat protein GspB but also to β-1,4-linked galactose. Adherence to this carbohydrate occurs via an unknown adhesin distinct from those utilized by
Streptococcus oralis
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. Demonstrating the potential biological relevance of binding to this cryptic receptor, we established that
S. oralis
increases
S. gordonii
adherence in a neuraminidase-dependent manner. These data suggest that
S. gordonii
has evolved to simultaneously utilize both terminal and cryptic receptors in response to the production of neuraminidase by other species in the oral environment.
Increased Isoprenoid Quinone Concentration Modulates Membrane Fluidity in Listeria monocytogenes at Low Growth Temperatures
Authors: Seel Waldemar , Flegler Alexander , Zunabovic-Pichler Marija , Lipski André 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes
is a food pathogen capable of growing at a broad temperature range from 50°C to refrigerator temperatures. A key requirement for bacterial activity and growth at low temperatures is the ability to adjust the membrane lipid composition to maintain cytoplasmic membrane fluidity. In this study, we confirmed earlier findings that the extents of fatty acid profile adaptation differed between
L. monocytogenes
strains. We were able to demonstrate for isolates from food that growth rates at low temperatures and resistance to freeze-thaw stress were not impaired by a lower adaptive response of the fatty acid composition. This indicated the presence of a second adaptation mechanism besides temperature-regulated fatty acid synthesis. For strains that showed weaker adaptive responses in their fatty acid profiles to low growth temperature, we could demonstrate a significantly higher concentration of isoprenoid quinones. Three strains even showed a higher quinone concentration after growth at 6°C than at 37°C, which is contradictory to the reduced respiratory activity at lower growth temperatures. Analyses of the membrane fluidity
in vivo
by measuring generalized polarization and anisotropy revealed modulation of the transition phase. Strains with increased quinone concentrations showed an expanded membrane transition phase in contrast to strains with pronounced adaptations of fatty acid profiles. The correlation between quinone concentration and membrane transition phase expansion was confirmed by suppression of quinone synthesis. A reduced quinone concentration resulted in a narrower transition phase. Expansion of the phase transition zone by increasing the concentration of non-fatty acid membrane lipids is discussed as an additional mechanism improving adaptation to temperature shifts for
L. monocytogenes
strains.

IMPORTANCE
Listeria monocytogenes
is a foodborne pathogen with an outstanding temperature range for growth. The ability for growth at temperatures close to the freezing point constitutes a serious contamination potential for cold stored food. The only known mechanism of the species for adaptation of membrane fluidity is modification of the membrane fatty acid composition. We were able to demonstrate that, at least for some strains, this adaptation mechanism is supported by regulation of the menaquinone concentration. The increase of this neutral membrane lipid is correlated with fluidization of the membrane under low-temperature conditions and therefore represents a fatty acid-independent mechanism for adaptation to low temperatures.
Nutritional role of amniotic fluid: clues from infants with congenital obstruction of the digestive tract
Authors: Hall Nigel J , Drewett Melanie , Burge David 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo investigate the role played by amniotic fluid in late fetal nutrition by analysis of infants born with digestive tract atresia.MethodsBirth weight (BW), gestational age and gender of infants born with oesophageal (OA), duodenal (DA), jejunal (JA) and ileal atresia (IA) were recorded and BW Z-scores compared. Infants with incomplete obstruction (stenosis), chromosomal or syndromic conditions and multiple congenital malformations were excluded. Term infants admitted with suspected postnatal intestinal obstruction in whom no congenital malformation was found were used as a control group.ResultsA total of 584 infants were identified comprising 148 OA, 60 DA, 26 JA and 57 IA with 293 in the control group. Infants with OA and DA had statistically significantly lower BW Z-score than controls. However, BW Z-score for infants with more distal atresia (JA and IA) was similar to controls. When compared with infants with OA, BW Z-score for infants with more distal atresia was higher than that for OA. BW Z-score in infants with OA was significantly lower in those born at term compared with those born preterm (mean±SD −0.92±1.0 vs −0.48±0.87; p=0.01) with a significant negative correlation between BW Z-score and increasing gestational age (R2=0.12; p<0.0001). This effect of gestational age was not seen in other atresias.ConclusionThese observations support the concept that reduced enteral absorption of amniotic fluid due to high digestive tract obstruction in utero reduces fetal growth. The effect is greater when the obstruction is more proximal and with advancing gestation.