bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preconception care for infertile couples: Nurses’ and midwives’ roles in promoting better maternal and birth outcomes
Authors: Allan Helen T , Mounce Ginny , Crespo Esther , Shawe Jill 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionPreconception care promotes better maternal outcomes, may assist in preventing birth defects and improves fertility awareness among healthy childbearing couples. Yet, the significance of preconception care for infertile couples is undeveloped area of practice in Europe.Aims and objectivesTo discuss the importance of nurses and midwives in providing preconception care to infertile couples in the United Kingdom and Spain.DesignDiscursive paper.MethodA comparison of different midwifery and nursing approaches to preconception care for infertile couples in two European countries.FindingsAt present, infertile couples’ needs for preconception care are not routinely identified or understood. There is an opportunity for these needs to be considered and identified by nurses at the time of investigation for infertility or when planning pregnancy with assisted conception.ConclusionsWe argue that, by providing preconception care, nurses and midwives have an opportunity to deliver important advice to infertile couples in both primary care and specialist infertility services.
Prevalence of physical restraint among ventilated intensive care unit patients
Authors: Suliman Mohammad 
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the prevalence of physical restraint among mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients in Jordan and to identify predicting factors and consequences.BackgroundPhysical restraint has been widely used among intensive care unit patients in many countries. Despite the benefits it offers in protecting patients from disrupting their medical treatment, it has been reported that restraint has many physical and psychological adverse effects.MethodA cross‐sectional and observational study was conducted during a period of 3 months (April–June 2017). A sample of 321 intensive care unit patients was selected from five governmental and one university‐affiliated hospital in the north and middle of Jordan. The Restraint Prevalence Tool was used to collect data from the patients.ResultsThe study found that the prevalence of physical restraint use on intensive care unit patients in Jordan was 35.8%. This prevalence rate varied across the units, ranging from 33.3%–57.1%. The factors that predicted physical restraint use were younger age (odds ratio = 0.96), large intensive care unit (odds ratio = 6.14), the surgical intensive care unit (odds ratio = 10.36), the night shift (odds ratio = 3.57), a conscious patient (odds ratio = 2.24) and longer hospital stay (odds ratio = 1.07). However, hospital type, gender and being on chemical restraint were not significantly associated with physical restraint. Many patients were observed to have physical complications from restraint use, such as redness, bruising and oedema.ConclusionPhysical restraint is a common practice in Jordan. Not following standard restraint practices may lead to many physical complications among intensive care unit patients.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study recommends implementing more policies/guidelines inside Jordanian hospitals. In addition, nursing education programs on the safe use of physical restraint should be implemented.
Mating type and sensitivity of Phytophthora nicotianae from tobacco to metalaxyl and dimethomorph in Henan province, China
Authors: Cui Linkai , Gao Pengfei , Guo Jinli , Kang Yebin , Hu Yanhong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPhytophthora nicotianae causes black shank, one of the most important diseases of tobacco worldwide. Metalaxyl and dimethomorph are two fungicides which have been used widely for control of this disease in Henan province, China. A study was conducted to determine the level of metalaxyl and dimethomorph sensitivity in isolates of P. nicotianae from tobacco in Henan province and mating type structure of the pathogen population. A total of 32 isolates were isolated from 11 cities in Henan province. Sensitivity of all isolates to metalaxyl and dimethomorph was tested in vitro, and mating types of all isolates were determined by pairing known A1 and A2 testers. For metalaxyl, EC50 values of 32 P. nicotianae isolates ranged from 0.08 to 2.82 mg/L. Sixteen isolates were sensitive, and the rest were intermediate to metalaxyl. None were classified as resistant isolates. For dimethomorph, EC50 values of 32 P. nicotianae isolates ranged from 0.07 to 0.59 mg/L. All isolates were sensitive to dimethomorph. Thirty‐one isolates were A2 mating type, and one isolate was A0 mating type. No isolate was identified as A1 mating type. These results suggested that the P. nicotianae population in Henan province has already exhibited intermediate resistance to metalaxyl and was still sensitive to dimethomorph, and asexual reproduction was the major form of reproduction for the P. nicotianae population.
Conventional farming impairsRhizoctonia solanidisease suppression by disrupting soil food web
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Cesarano Gaspare , Antignani Vincenzo , Di Maio Claudio , De Filippis Francesca , Scala Felice 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntensive farming in agriculture raises questions in relation to environmental sustainability and the widespread use of agrochemicals. In the present work, we compare the impact of organic and intensive farming, in connection to the soil suppressiveness against the soilborne pathogenRhizoctonia solani. Three farms were considered in the study: two practicing organic cultivation (for 10 and 20 years, respectively), and one applying conventional cultivation. Soil suppressiveness was assessed in a greenhouse bioassay with lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Soil microbiome was characterized by combining BIOLOG EcoPlates™with high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial and eukaryotic rRNA gene markers. Suppressiveness towardsR. solaniwas higher in organic than in conventional farming soil, but this property was lost after soil sterilization. Functional biodiversity was significantly higher in the two organic soils, and this parameter was predictive of the suppressiveness towardsR. solani. According to our analyses, the overall microbial taxonomic diversity was unlinked to suppressiveness. A correlation analysis, carried out at the genus level for the most abundant bacterial and eukaryotic microbialtaxa, showed that 58.7% of the genera had a statistically significant correlation with suppressiveness. In particular, the generaFlavisolibacter,Massilia,Pseudomonas,Ramlibacter,Rhizophusand the oligochaete worms belonging to the Enchytraeidae family positively correlated with the disease suppression.
Co-administrating apigenin in a high-cholesterol diet prevents hypercholesterolaemia in golden hamsters
Authors: Wong Tsz Yan , Tan Yan Qin , Lin Shu-mei , Leung Lai K 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Hypercholesterolaemia is a major risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is recommended to hypercholesterolaemic patients. In this study, the hypocholesterolaemic effect of apigenin and luteolin was evaluated in a hamster model.

Methods
Hamsters were put on a high-cholesterol diet for 9 weeks, and apigenin or luteolin was administered in the diet at 60 and 300 ppm.

Key findings
Both apigenin and luteolin supplementations could attenuate the aorta plaque formation by 30% and 20%, respectively. Apigenin-fed hamsters at both dosages displayed a 1.5-fold increase in hepatic Ldlr expression and a 40% reduction in non-HDL cholesterol level as compared with those in the control fed a high-cholesterol (HC) diet. Besides, faecal elimination of cholesterol was facilitated by 20% in the hamsters with high apigenin consumption. Suppressing the expression of the cholesterol transporter ncp1l1 in the intestinal mucosa could block the cholesterol absorption and promote its elimination. The differential regulations of ncp1l1 and Ldlr appeared to be the underlying hypocholesterolaemic mechanism of apigenin in this model system. Luteolin supplementation, on the other hand, had no effect on the blood cholesterol.

Conclusions
This study illustrated that dietary administration of apigenin attenuated HC feeding-induced hypercholesterolemia in hamsters.
The influence of selective A1 and A2A receptor antagonists on the antidepressant-like activity of moclobemide, venlafaxine and bupropion in mice
Authors: Bogatko Karolina , Poleszak Ewa , Szopa Aleksandra , Wyska Elżbieta , Wlaź Piotr , Świąder Katarzyna , Wlaź Aleksandra , Doboszewska Urszula , Rojek Karol , Serefko Anna 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Objective
The main goal of our study was to investigate whether a selective antagonism of the adenosine A1 or A2A receptors is able to enhance the antidepressant activity of commonly prescribed drugs.

Materials and methods
All experiments were carried out on male Albino Swiss mice. The forced swim test and the tail suspension test were used to evaluate the antidepressant-like potential. Drug concentrations in animals’ serum and brains were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Key findings
The antidepressant potential of moclobemide (1.5 mg/kg), venlafaxine (1 mg/kg) and bupropion (10 mg/kg) was enhanced by a co-administration with 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX; an antagonist of adenosine A2A receptors; 3 mg/kg) or 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (an antagonist of adenosine A1 receptors; 1 mg/kg). However, significant interactions between the tested substances were detected only in the experiments with DMPX. The nature of the observed interplays is rather pharmacodynamic than pharmacokinetic, because neither serum nor brain concentrations of the used drugs were significantly increased.

Conclusions
Blockage of the adenosine receptors (particularly the A2A subtypes) could be considered in future as a novel, promising part of the combined antidepressant therapy. However, further studies on this subject are needed.
Cardiac effects of acute administration of a protonophore in a rat model
Authors: Minanimo-Muta Eri , Kato Takao , Shioi Tetsuo , Tanada Yohei , Kimura Takeshi 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Excessive use of uncoupling agents, previously used as weight loss agents, has led to the increase in body temperature and death. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute cardiac effects of mitochondrial protonophore in a rat model at a high dose, and its specific influence on cardiac substrate uptake.

Methods
Eight-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chloro phenyl hydrazone (CCCP; 4 mg/kg) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide). Blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and systolic function were recorded. Substrate uptake was monitored by radioactive tracers.

Key findings
Compared to the control group, the respiratory rate and body temperature increased, the left ventricle was dilated, and systolic function transiently deteriorated in the CCCP group. There was no difference in blood pressure and HR between the two groups. In cardiac substrate uptake, glucose uptake showed a 95% increase (P &lt; 0.05), and fatty acid uptake showed a 52% decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in CCCP-administered group.

Conclusions
The deleterious effects on cardiac function and the changes in substrate uptake were observed when administered with the protonophore at a high dose.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of enrofloxacin against Aeromonas hydrophila in crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)
Authors: Shan Qi , Wang Jingxin , Wang Jing , Ma Lisha , Yang Fenghua , Yin Yi , Huang Ren , Liu Shugui , Li Lichun , Zheng Guangming 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of enrofloxacin (ENR) and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CIP) were investigated in crucian carp following oral administration at different dose levels (5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg body weight). The disposition kinetics of ENR was found to be linear over the dose range studied. Serum half‐lives ranged from 64.56 to 72.68 hr. The in vitro and ex vivo activities of ENR in serum against a pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila were determined. In vitro and ex vivo bactericidal activity of ENR was concentration dependent. Dosing of 10 mg/kg resulted in an AUC/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio of 368.92 hr and a Cmax/MIC ratio of 7.23, respectively, against A. hydrophila 147 (MIC = 0.48 μg/ml), indicating a likely high level of effectiveness in clinical infections caused by A. hydrophila with MIC value ≤ 0.48 μg/ml. Modeling of ex vivo growth inhibition data to the sigmoid Emax equation provided the values of AUC24 hr/MIC required to produce bacteriostasis, bactericidal activity, and elimination of bacteria, these values were 21.70, 53.01, and 125.21 hr, respectively. These findings in conjunction with MIC90 data suggested that ENR at the dose of 7.81 mg/kg predicted a positive clinical outcome and minimize the risk of emergence of resistance.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of metamizole (dipyrone) active metabolites in goats and its residues in milk
Authors: Kim Tae Won , Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska Beata , Sitovs Andrejs , Poapolathep Amnart , Owen Helen , Lisowski Andrzej , Abilova Zulkyya , Giorgi Mario 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMetamizole (dipyrone, MET) is a nonopioid analgesic drug commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assess two major active metabolites of MET, 4‐methylaminoantipyrin (MAA) and 4‐aminoantipyrin (AA), in goat plasma after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration. In addition, metabolite concentration in milk was monitored after IM injection. Six healthy female goats received MET at a dose of 25 mg/kg by IV and IM routes in a crossover design study. The blood and milk samples were analyzed using HPLC coupled with ultraviolet detector and the plasma vs concentration curves analyzed by a noncompartmental model. In the goat, the MET rapidly converted into MAA and the mean maximum concentration was 183.97 μg/ml (at 0.08 hr) and 51.94 μg/ml (at 0.70 hr) after IV and IM administration, respectively. The area under the curve and mean residual time values were higher in the IM than the IV administered goats. The average concentration of AA was lower than MAA in both groups. Over 1 μg/ml of MAA was found in the milk (at 48 hr) after MET IM administration. In conclusion, IM is considered to be a better administration route in terms of its complete absorption with long persistence in the plasma. However, this therapeutic option should be considered in light of the likelihood of there being milk residue.
EQUAL Aspergillosis Score 2018: An ECMM score derived from current guidelines to measure QUALity of the clinical management of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Cornely Oliver A. , Koehler Philipp , Arenz Dorothee , C. Mellinghoff Sibylle 
Published: June 2018

SummaryInvasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious threat to immunocompromised and critical care patients. Recent detailed guidelines and treatment algorithms lead microbiologists and clinicians in diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Currently, there is no tool available that allows to measure guideline adherence. To develop such a tool, we reviewed current guidelines provided by five scientific societies (European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, European Confederation of Medical Mycology, European Respiratory Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology) and selected the strongest recommendations for management as key components for our scoring tool. We integrated diagnostic measures (chest computed tomography, bronchoalveolar lavage with galactomannan, fungal culture, fungal polymerase chain reaction analysis, species identification, susceptibility testing, histology with silver stain, Periodic acid‐Schiff staining, and molecular diagnostics), treatment (antifungal choice and therapeutic drug monitoring), and follow‐up computed tomography. The EQUAL Aspergillosis Score 2018 aggregates and weighs the components and provides a tool to support antifungal stewardship and to quantify guideline adherence.
Bone regeneration by freeze‐dried composite of octacalcium phosphate collagen and teriparatide
Authors: Iwai Atsushi , Kajii Fumihiko , Tanaka Hidenori , Sasaki Kazuo , Matsui Keiko , Kawai Tadashi , Kamakura Shinji 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveOctacalcium phosphate (OCP) and collagen (col) composite (OCPcol) demonstrated superior bone regeneration properties, and its commercialization appears to be forthcoming. As a practical medical material for new combination products, we developed a freeze‐dried composite with OCPcol and teriparatide (TPTD) (OCPcolTPTDf), and investigated its bone regenerative properties.Materials and MethodsA disk of OCPcol was made by mixing OCP granules and atelocollagen for medical use. Then, OCPcolTPTDf was prepared by impregnation of the OCPcol disk with 1.0 or 0.1 µg of TPTD solution (OCPcolTPTDf 1.0 and OCPcolTPTDf 0.1, respectively) followed by lyophilization. In vitro release profiles of TPTD from OCPcolTPTDf were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Implantation of OCPcolTPTDf or OCPcol was carried out for a rat critical‐sized calvarial defect. And five defects in each group were collected after 12 weeks of implantation.ResultsThe retention–release profiles of TPTD from OCPcolTPTDf supported a higher degree of retention of TPTD. Radiographic, histological, and histomorphometric examinations indicated that regenerated bone was filled in most of the defects of the OCPcolTPTDf. Additionally, the OCPcolTPTDf groups showed significantly enhanced bone regeneration compared with the OCPcol group.ConclusionsThese results suggested that this newly developed bone regenerative composite could be a practical medical material.
Gene action controlling yield and yield‐related traits among tef (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) populations under drought‐stressed and nonstressed conditions
Authors: Abraha Mizan Tesfay , Shimelis Hussien , Laing Mark , Assefa Kebebew 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study was aimed to determine gene action for grain yield and yield‐related traits of newly developed tef populations under drought‐stressed and nonstressed conditions to improve drought tolerance. Ten crosses, along with the parents, were evaluated in the F2 generation under drought‐stressed conditions at Hastebo and Adigdad sites in 2015 and Dura site in 2016 and under nonstressed conditions at Dura site in 2016. Additive gene action predominantly controlled the inheritance of the grain yield and majority of the yield‐related traits under drought‐stressed and nonstressed conditions. Under both test conditions, the genotypes DZ‐Cr‐387 and 9415 were the best general combiners for increased grain yield and morphological traits. Conversely, genotype 222076 was the best general combiner for reduced maturity period only. The selected parents are novel genetic materials for tef breeding programmes to improve grain yield and morphological traits with reduced days to maturity for drought tolerance breeding. The family of the cross DZ‐Cr‐387 × 222076 was selected for high grain yield and early maturity in both the drought‐stressed and nonstressed environments.
Multiple Spitz nevi after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Song Yu Mee , Kim Yoon Seob , Seo Hyun‐Min , Bang Chul Hwan , Lee Ji Hyun , Park Young Min , Lee Jun Young 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSpitz nevus commonly appears as a solitary lesion. A 12‐year‐old male patient presented with a 6‐month history of several pigmented lesions on his trunk and lower extremities. He had undergone chemoradiotherapy and unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation against recurring acute lymphoblastic leukemia for 6 years. After that, several pigmented lesions abruptly developed on his trunk and lower extremities, and the number of those increased significantly. Pathologically, the diagnosis of multiple Spitz nevi was made. In a clinical correlation, we diagnosed multiple Spitz nevi resulting from such an immunocompromised condition. This is the first description of clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features of multiple Spitz nevi in the hematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT) recipient child.
Methotrexate for severe nummular eczema in children: Efficacy and tolerability in a retrospective study of 28 patients
Authors: Knöpfel Nicole , Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Hernández‐Martín Angela , Torrelo Antonio 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesNummular eczema in children is a chronic condition characterized by pruritic coin‐shaped eczematous lesions that affect any part of the body and often become exudative. Mid‐ to high‐potency topical corticosteroids are considered the mainstay treatment, but there are limited data on the use of systemic therapy for nummular eczema in children. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of methotrexate in children with severe nummular eczema.MethodsA retrospective review was undertaken of children with nummular eczema treated with methotrexate between January 2007 and May 2017.ResultsThe records of 28 patients (24 male, 4 female) with a mean age at the beginning of treatment of 7.8 ± 1.6 years (95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.1‐9.4 years) were reviewed. The median duration of treatment was 12.6 ± 3.3 months (95% CI = 9.2‐16 months), and 14 patients were still undergoing methotrexate therapy at the time of last review. Ten patients (35.7%) had complete or almost complete clearance of eczema (> 90% improvement), 13 (46.4%) had marked improvement (50%‐89%), four had mild improvement (< 50%), and one failed methotrexate therapy. Gastrointestinal intolerance (21.4%) and a nonsignificant increase in liver enzymes (17.9%) were the most frequent side effects. No serious adverse events were noted.ConclusionMethotrexate is an effective, well‐tolerated treatment in children with moderate to severe nummular eczema that has failed to respond to conventional topical therapy.
Cutaneous manifestations in Egyptian children with beta‐thalassemia major: Relationship with serum ferritin, thyroid profile, and treatment modalities
Authors: El‐Dash Hanaa , Adel Shereen 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous manifestations can be found in many patients with hematologic disorders, including thalassemia.MethodsPatients with beta‐thalassemia major attending the pediatric department of Fayoum University Hospital from April 2016 to October 2016 (n = 100) were compared with controls (n = 100). Both groups underwent detailed history evaluation, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations, including complete blood count, liver and kidney function, serum ferritin, and thyroid profile. A single dermatologist conducted a clinical dermatologic examination for all participants.ResultsChildren with thalassemia had a greater prevalence of xerosis (72%), pruritus (52%), idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (22%), urticaria (16%), ephelides (freckles; 13%), and scars (13%) than controls (P ≤ .001). We detected a significant relationship between serum ferritin and pruritus, xerosis, ephelides, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, urticaria, and age of patients with thalassemia (P < .05). Children without thyroid abnormalities were more likely to have xerosis, pruritus, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, urticaria, and ephelides (86%) than controls (P < .05). Although there was no significant difference in skin findings between patients who did and did not receive chelating agents (P > .05), a significant association was found between xerosis and the use of deferoxamine and deferiprone, whereas ephelides and urticaria were more common in patients receiving deferasirox.ConclusionBecause cutaneous manifestations are common in Egyptian patients with beta thalassemia major, regular dermatologic follow‐up is recommended for early management.