bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment response to omalizumab in patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Syrigos Nikolaos , Grapsa Dimitra , Zande Maria , Tziotou Marianna , Syrigou Ekaterini 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrevious clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) not responding to antihistamine treatment. The primary aim of our study was to describe the response patterns of patients with refractory CSU treated with omalizumab in a real‐world clinical setting.MethodsA retrospective analysis of medical records of 20 patients with refractory CSU was performed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were retrieved and analyzed in correlation with treatment data.ResultsMean age of our patient population was 54.5 years, while the majority were females (15/20 cases, 75%). Mean disease duration prior to omalizumab administration was 21.8 months. All patients had a history of chronic urticaria, refractory to high antihistamine and corticosteroid treatment, and responded favorably to omalizumab after administration of 1–5 doses of omalizumab; complete response was observed in 17/20 patients (85%) and well‐controlled disease in the remaining 3/20 patients (15%). In a subset of cases (6/20, 30%), best response to omalizumab was achieved after interval administration of a 9‐day course of methylprednisolone (total dose of 188 mg). Late response to omalizumab (after three‐month treatment) was significantly correlated (P = 0.026) with shorter disease duration before initiation of omalizumab.ConclusionIn the present series, omalizumab, either alone or in combination with a short‐term course of corticosteroids, was highly effective in resolution of refractory CSU. Furthermore, disease duration prior to omalizumab had a significant effect on timing of response.
Effects of Ocimum basilicum and Ruta chalepensis hydrosols on Aphis gossypii and Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Traka Ch. K. , Petrakis E. A. , Kimbaris A. C. , Polissiou M. G. , Perdikis D. Ch. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHydrosols are by‐products derived during the extraction of essential oils and are produced in a high amount and at very low cost. Their effects on crop pests have been little studied, although recent studies have shown their insecticidal properties. In this work, the effects of hydrosols derived from Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) and Ruta chalepensis (rue) were investigated on the serious crop pests Aphis gossypii and Tetranychus urticae. The main compounds of basil hydrosol were linalool (66.5%), eugenol (18.9%) and eucalyptol (7.1%), while rue's were 2‐nonanone and 2‐undecanone at 77.0% and 8.9%, respectively. The mortality and fecundity of A. gossypii and T. urticae were recorded for 7 days after application of hydrosols. Apterous adult aphids and female mites were sprayed on cucumber leaves in special structures. Both hydrosols caused significant mortality rates, which fluctuated between 46.0% and 64.0%. The negative control (deionized water) caused no mortality, while for the positive controls (synthetic pesticides) was 100%. The fecundity of A. gossypii and T. urticae was significantly reduced after the application of the hydrosols (17.1 nymphs of A. gossypii and 22.8 eggs for T. urticae had been produced per female after treated with the hydrosol of R. chalepensis and O. basilicum, in comparison with 41.6 and 49.5 in the negative controls, respectively). In conclusion, the hydrosols from both plants presented an important effect on the mortality and fecundity of both pests.
Re‐embodying eating after surgery for oesophageal cancer: Patients' lived experiences of participating in an education and counselling nutritional intervention
Authors: Missel Malene , Hansen Mette , Jackson Rie , Siemsen Mette , Schønau Mai Nanna 
Published: February 2018

Aims and objectivesTo provide in‐depth insight into patients' lived experiences of participating in an education and counselling nutritional intervention after curative surgery for oesophageal cancer.BackgroundSurgery for oesophageal cancer carries a risk of malnutrition. The consequences of nutritional problems may lead to increased morbidity and mortality postoperatively and have consequences for convalescence, rehabilitation and quality of life.DesignQualitative study based on a phenomenological approach. The theoretical framework was grounded in the philosophy of Merleau‐Ponty.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 10 patients who participated in an education and counselling nutritional intervention after surgery for oesophageal squamous‐cell carcinoma. Data were analysed according to the principles of Kvale and Brinkmann, and their three levels of interpretation were applied.FindingsThe essence of experiencing the education and counselling nutritional intervention can be divided into three themes: embodied disorientation, living with increased attention to bodily functions and re‐embodying eating.ConclusionsPatients were living with increased attention to bodily functions and tried to find a balance between the task of eating and nutritional needs. Despite the embodied perceptions of alterations after oesophageal cancer surgery, the patients developed high levels of bodily awareness and skills in self‐management. This process was characterised by reconnecting to the body and re‐embodying eating. The intervention empowered the patients to regain some control of their own bodies in an effort to regain agency in their own lives.Relevance to clinical practiceThere is a need for systematic long‐term follow‐up after surgery for oesophageal cancer regarding nutrition. The findings of this study can inform future supportive nutrition care service development aimed at supporting patients to learn to eat sufficiently after oesophageal resection.
Status of knowledge on student‐learning environments in nursing homes: A mixed‐method systematic review
Authors: Husebø Anne Marie Lunde , Storm Marianne , Våga Bodil Bø , Rosenberg Adriana , Akerjordet Kristin 
Published: February 2018

Aim and objectiveTo give an overview of empirical studies investigating nursing homes as a learning environment during nursing students’ clinical practice.BackgroundA supportive clinical learning environment is crucial to students’ learning and for their development into reflective and capable practitioners. Nursing students’ experience with clinical practice can be decisive in future workplace choices. A competent workforce is needed for the future care of older people. Opportunities for maximum learning among nursing students during clinical practice studies in nursing homes should therefore be explored.DesignMixed‐method systematic review usingPRISMAguidelines, on learning environments in nursing homes, published in English between 2005–2015.MethodsSearch ofCINAHLwith Full Text, Academic Search Premier,MEDLINEand SocINDEXwith Full Text, in combination with journal hand searches. Three hundred and thirty‐six titles were identified. Twenty studies met the review inclusion criteria. Assessment of methodological quality was based on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted and synthesised using a data analysis method for integrative reviews.ResultsTwenty articles were included. The majority of the studies showed moderately high methodological quality. Four main themes emerged from data synthesis: “Student characteristic and earlier experience”; “Nursing home ward environment”; “Quality of mentoring relationship and learning methods”; and “Students’ achieved nursing competencies.”ConclusionNursing home learning environments may be optimised by a well‐prepared academic‐clinical partnership, supervision by encouraging mentors and high‐quality nursing care of older people. Positive learning experiences may increase students’ professional development through achievement of basic nursing skills and competencies and motivate them to choose the nursing home as their future workplace.Relevance to clinical practiceAn optimal learning environment can be ensured by thorough preplacement preparations in academia and in nursing home wards, continuous supervision and facilitation of team learning.
Effects of patient participation in the management of daily nursing goals on function recovery and resilience in surgical patients
Authors: Lee Jisun , Seo Eunji , Choi Jieun , Min Ja 
Published: February 2018

Aims and objectiveTo examine the effects of active patient participation in the management of daily nursing goal on surgical patient recovery.BackgroundNursing processes involving patient participation enable nursing interventions solely based on individual needs and expectations. This permits the establishment of nurse–patient treatment goals and supports permanent and effective nursing interventions through evaluation activities.DesignA quasi‐experiment that relies on a nonequivalent pretest–post‐test design for the control group.MethodsA nursing intervention involving patient participation was applied to patients who underwent digestive cancer surgery in a surgical ward in the Republic of Korea. A daily goals sheet for patient participation was developed. Twenty‐nine patients in the experimental group received the intervention every day from postoperative days 1–7 through the daily goals sheet. Data were collected on recovery in mobility, recovery of bowel movements, peak expiratory flow rate and pain and resilience after the experimental intervention. The control group contained 27 patients who were provided with routine nursing care alone.ResultsThe daily nursing goal management group showed more rapid recovery in bowel movement, higher peak expiratory flow rate and lower pain scores than the control group. The daily nursing goal management group also had significantly higher resilience than the control group.ConclusionsDaily nursing goal management is an effective nursing intervention for improving function recovery and resilience in surgical patients.Relevance to clinical practicePatient participation in daily nursing goal management is an effective nursing intervention applicable to nurse–patient treatment goals and supports permanent and effective nursing interventions through evaluation activities.
Correlation of adipokines and markers of oxidative stress in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their newborns
Authors: Shang Min , Dong Xu , Hou Lin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimWe have shown that some markers of oxidative stress were higher in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study examines the relationship between adipokines and oxidative stress and their potential effects in pregnant women.MethodsThree markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, 8‐isoprostane and xanthine oxidase) and three adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin) were measured in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta of 208 pregnant women.ResultsAmong all these women, 105 were diagnosed with GDM while the other 103 were controls. Leptin, resistin, malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase and 8‐isoprostane in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta were significantly higher while maternal adiponectin significantly lower in women with GDM (P < 0.05). Adipokines in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta were positively correlated with markers of oxidative stress. Both markers of oxidative stress and adipokines were correlated inversely with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance whereas positively with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (P < 0.01). Adiponectin is negatively correlated with leptin and resistin. Placental/cord leptin and cord resistin levels were higher in the macrosomia while maternal adiponectin level was lower (P < 0.05) than normal birthweight newborns. Both markers of oxidative stress and adipokines in maternal and cord plasma are negatively correlated with newborn birthweight (P < 0.05).ConclusionAdipokines interact with markers of oxidative stress, both of which lead to insulin resistance, GDM and macrosomia. It has long been known that placenta involves in the development of GDM. Adipokines might participate in this process and need to be confirmed by further studies.
Pregnancy and delivery outcomes from patients with repaired anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Kanoh Miki , Inai Kei , Shinohara Tokuko , Shimada Eriko , Shimizu Mikiko , Tomimatsu Hirofumi , Ogawa Masaki , Nakanishi Toshio 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimWe investigated the clinical courses before and during pregnancy and after delivery in patients with repaired anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery to determine the impact of the hemodynamic changes and cardiac function on the selection of the appropriate mode of delivery.MethodsSix patients who underwent coronary artery reimplantation delivered 10 infants. We scrutinized the patients’ hemodynamic changes on echocardiographs and the plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels before and during pregnancy and after delivery, the perinatal outcomes and maternal and fetal events.ResultsAll patients were asymptomatic and categorized as having New York Heart Association functional class I before pregnancy. In 8 of 10 pregnancies, vaginal deliveries were performed; two elective cesarean sections were performed because of symptomatic heart failure. The hemodynamic parameters were stable throughout pregnancy and postdelivery, and no maternal or fetal events occurred in the patients who underwent vaginal deliveries. One cesarean section patient developed significant heart failure during the late second and third trimesters, which was accompanied by hemodynamic changes, including increased brain natriuretic peptide levels, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and worsening arrhythmias, and thrombosis and post‐partum hemorrhage occurred postdelivery. The baby had intrauterine growth retardation and small for gestational age. None of the babies had congenital anomalies.ConclusionPregnancy was safe in most of the asymptomatic patients long after anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery was repaired. Symptomatic heart failure might occur during pregnancy in patients with persisting myocardial damage. Pregnancy and delivery should be carefully managed.
TFM classification and staging of oral submucous fibrosis: A new proposal
Authors: Arakeri Gururaj , Thomas Deepak , Aljabab Abdulsalam S. , Hunasgi Santosh , Rai Kirthi Kumar , Hale Beverley , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Rahimi Siavash , Merkx Matthias A. W. , Brennan Peter A. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundWe have evaluated the rationale of existing grading and staging schemes of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) based on how they are categorized. A novel classification and staging scheme is proposed.MethodsA total of 300 OSMF patients were evaluated for agreement between functional, clinical, and histopathological staging. Bilateral biopsies were assessed in 25 patients to evaluate for any differences in histopathological staging of OSMF in the same mouth. Extent of clinician agreement for categorized staging data was evaluated using Cohen's weighted kappa analysis. Cross‐tabulation was performed on categorical grading data to understand the intercorrelation, and the unweighted kappa analysis was used to assess the bilateral grade agreement. Probabilities of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics (version 25.0, IBM, USA).ResultsA low agreement was found between all the stages depicting the independent nature of trismus, clinical features, and histopathological components (K = 0.312, 0.167, 0.152) in OSMF. Following analysis, a three‐component classification scheme (TFM classification) was developed that describes the severity of each independently, grouping them using a novel three‐tier staging scheme as a guide to the treatment plan.ConclusionThe proposed classification and staging could be useful for effective communication, categorization, and for recording data and prognosis, and for guiding treatment plans. Furthermore, the classification considers OSMF malignant transformation in detail.
Structural insights into the binding and catalytic mechanisms of the Listeria monocytogenes bacteriophage glycosyl hydrolase PlyP40
Authors: Romero Patricia , Bartual Sergio G. , Schmelcher Mathias , Glück Chaim , Hermoso Juan A. , Loessner Martin J. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryEndolysins are bacteriophage‐encoded peptidoglycan hydrolases that specifically degrade the bacterial cell wall at the end of the phage lytic cycle. They feature a distinct modular architecture, consisting of enzymatically active domains (EADs) and cell wall‐binding domains (CBDs). Structural analysis of the complete enzymes or individual domains is required for better understanding the mechanisms of peptidoglycan degradation and provides guidelines for the rational design of chimeric enzymes. We here report the crystal structure of the EAD of PlyP40, a member of the GH‐25 family of glycosyl hydrolases, and the first muramidase reported for Listeria phages. Site‐directed mutagenesis confirmed key amino acids (Glu98 and Trp10) involved in catalysis and substrate stabilization. In addition, we found that PlyP40 contains two heterogeneous CBD modules with homology to SH3 and LysM domains. Truncation analysis revealed that both domains are required for full activity but contribute to cell wall recognition and lysis differently. Replacement of CBDP40 with a corresponding domain from a different Listeria phage endolysin yielded an enzyme with a significant shift in pH optimum. Finally, domain swapping between PlyP40 and the streptococcal endolysin Cpl‐1 produced an intergeneric chimera with activity against Listeria cells, indicating that structural similarity of individual domains determines enzyme function.
Abdominal aortic calcification score predicts the occurrence of coronary artery disease in middle‐aged peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chih , Chou Che‐Yi , Lin Hsuan‐Jen , Huang Chiu‐Ching , Chang Chiz‐Tzung 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTAimAbdominal aortic calcification (AAC) score in dialysis patients was associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in cross‐sectional study, but the use of AAC score in the CAD prediction was not clear. We aimed to use AAC score in the estimation of CAD occurrence in middle‐aged peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.MethodsMiddle‐aged (45–65 years old) PD patients were recruited and followed up until CAD occurrence, patient mortality, or PD failure. We quantified AAC score by lateral lumbar radiography, and used receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis to find the cut‐off value for CAD prediction.ResultsThere were 187 patients recruited for study with a mean follow‐up of 1027 ± 427 days. AAC score in patients with CAD during follow‐up period (9.7 ± 7.6, n = 41) was higher than in patients without CAD occurrence (5.5 ± 6.1, n = 146) (P < 0.001). Multivariate hazard ratio of AAC score for CAD was 1.07 (P = 0.044). ROC showed that AAC score of 5.5 had a sensitivity of 0.667 and a specificity of 0.581 in the prediction of CAD occurrence. Patients with AAC score above 5.5 had significantly higher cumulative incidence of CAD than patients with AAC score below 5.5 (Log‐rank test, P = 0.003). Age (P = 0.002), diabetes (P = 0.002), hypertension (P = 0.032), longer dialysis vintage (P < 0.001) and lower serum potassium (P = 0.012) were parameters significantly associated with higher AAC score.ConclusionAAC score can predict CAD occurrence in PD patients. Age, diabetes, hypertension, dialysis vintage and serum potassium level are factors associated with higher AAC score.
Culturally‐grounded mother–daughter communication‐focused intervention for Thai female adolescents
Authors: Powwattana Arpaporn , Thammaraksa Pimrat , Manora Sroy 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTeenage pregnancy‐prevention interventions have fallen short in significantly decreasing risk of pregnancy for Thai populations. The “breaking the voice” (“rak luk khun tong pood”) culture‐appropriate teenage pregnancy‐prevention program was developed using community‐based research. Qualitative analyses of focus group data identified salient factors related to sexual communication and behavior. The integration of focus group results with theoretical constructs guided the development of an intervention to reduce risky sexual behavior by increasing communication between mothers and their adolescent daughters. A total of 157 mother–daughter dyads from congested areas in Bangkok participated in pilot testing of the intervention by the use of a survey. The findings indicated a significant increase in the frequency of and number of sexual risk communication (P < .05). There was a significant increase in perceived power in relationship control, ability to prevent sexual risk, assertiveness, and ability to decrease sexual risk among daughters (P < .05). “Breaking the voice” represents a female‐focused and culturally‐relevant intervention to combat teenage pregnancy.
Constraining uncertainty in the timescale of angiosperm evolution and the veracity of a Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution
Authors: Barba‐Montoya Jose , dos Reis Mario , Schneider Harald , Donoghue Philip C. J. , Yang Ziheng 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThrough the lens of the fossil record, angiosperm diversification precipitated a Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution (KTR) in which pollinators, herbivores and predators underwent explosive co‐diversification. Molecular dating studies imply that early angiosperm evolution is not documented in the fossil record. This mismatch remains controversial.We used a Bayesian molecular dating method to analyse a dataset of 83 genes from 644 taxa and 52 fossil calibrations to explore the effect of different interpretations of the fossil record, molecular clock models, data partitioning, among other factors, on angiosperm divergence time estimation.Controlling for different sources of uncertainty indicates that the timescale of angiosperm diversification is much less certain than previous molecular dating studies have suggested. Discord between molecular clock and purely fossil‐based interpretations of angiosperm diversification may be a consequence of false precision on both sides.We reject a post‐Jurassic origin of angiosperms, supporting the notion of a cryptic early history of angiosperms, but this history may be as much as 121 Myr, or as little as 23 Myr. These conclusions remain compatible with palaeobotanical evidence and a more generalKTRin which major groups of angiosperms diverged later within the Cretaceous, alongside the diversification of pollinators, herbivores and their predators.