bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The preliminary effects of laughter therapy on loneliness and death anxiety among older adults living in nursing homes: A nonrandomised pilot study
Authors: Kuru Alıcı Nilgün , Zorba Bahceli Pınar , Emiroğlu Oya Nuran 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the preliminary effect of laughter therapy on the level of loneliness and death anxiety of older adults.MethodsThis was a quasi‐experimental study with a nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design. The study participants were older adults living in two nursing homes set up by foundations located in the capital of Turkey. A total of 50 older adults formed the intervention group (n = 20) and control group (n = 30). The intervention group received laughter therapy twice a week for 5 weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a socio‐demographic form, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and the Turkish Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS).ResultsAfter laughter therapy, the DJGLS total and subscale (emotional and social loneliness) scores decreased among older adults in the intervention group (p < 0.005). While there were no significant differences for overall TDAS, death uncertainty and pain subscales scores between the intervention and control group after laughter therapy, there was a significant decrease in TDAS exposure subscale scores of the intervention group (p < 0.005).DiscussionThe results suggest that laughter therapy can be used to decrease levels of loneliness and death anxiety among older adults living in nursing homes.Implications for PracticeAnxiety regarding death and loneliness are important issues that affect quality of life in older adults. This first pilot study demonstrates the beneficial effects of laughter therapy on loneliness and death anxiety in nursing home residents. Nurses can incorporate laughter therapy into routine programmes in nursing homes.
Prophylactic recombinant thrombomodulin treatment prevents hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in high‐risk pediatric patients that undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplants
Authors: Yamamoto Shohei , Toyama Daisuke , Sugishita Yumiko , Kaneko Ryota , Okamoto Naoko , Koganesawa Masaya , Fujita Sachio , Akiyama Kosuke , Matsuno Ryosuke , Isoyama Keiichi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHepatic SOS is a potentially life‐threatening complication of conditioning for allogeneic HSCT. rTM is a new drug for treating DIC. We report our experience of the use of rTM as a prophylaxis against SOS in high‐risk pediatric patients that underwent HSCT. We evaluated the cases of 19 pediatric hematology and oncology patients who underwent HSCT at our institution between 2007 and 2016. The patients who received HSCT after 2012 (n = 8) were treated with rTM as a prophylaxis against SOS together with UDCA and LMWH, whereas the others (n = 11) were only treated with UDCA and LMWH. Although SOS occurred by post‐HSCT day 35 in 3 (27%) patients in the control group, SOS was not seen in the rTM group. Two of the former three patients suffered severe SOS, and one died of the condition. The mean peak level of PAI‐1 (a marker of endothelial damage) was significantly lower in the rTM group. rTM appears to be a safe prophylaxis for SOS. The present findings suggest that prophylactic rTM after HSCT might help to prevent SOS.
Affective processes as mediators of links between close relationships and physical health
Authors: Farrell Allison K. , Imami Ledina , Stanton Sarah C.E. , Slatcher Richard B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractClose relationships are known to predict physical health outcomes. The time has come for a shift toward achieving a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. One promising group of psychological mechanisms is affective processes, such as discrete emotions, emotion regulation, and affect reactivity. In this paper, we discuss the evidence linking relationship functioning with both the positive and negative valences of each affective process, considering the contributions of different types of close relationships across the lifespan, and the evidence for each affective process impacting physical health. We note evidence suggesting that affective processes may also have a causal impact on relationship function. When available, we review literature testing full mediational pathways, from relationship functioning to affective processes to physical health, as the ideal methodology for testing these links. Finally, we identify core themes and propose key future directions for this research.
Evaluating a wayfinding video
Authors: Shaw Nicole , Hitch Danielle , Lyons Nikki , Alharthi Khalid , Grant Briony , Laupert Ben 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundMany occupational therapy students experience anxiety and distraction when entering a new setting at the beginning of a clinical placement. Orientation processes may provide students with the information they need to feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar clinical setting. The aim of this project was to evaluate a revised wayfinding video for first‐ and second‐year occupational therapy students, with a particular focus on reducing anxiety.MethodsA revised version of a wayfinding video (with a duration of 3 minutes and 40 seconds) was created by final‐year occupational therapy students and then evaluated using a paper‐based descriptive survey. All data were analysed using a content analysis approach.ResultsA total of 71 responses were received, demonstrating a response rate of 47%. The students indicated that the video addressed the main sources of pre‐placement anxiety and supported their pre‐existing anxiety management strategies. Anxiety‐reducing features of the video included an overview and visual introduction to the facility, hearing the positive experiences of other students, the provision of placement expectations and an introduction to the student coordinators. All but two of the students indicated that they would watch the video if it were attached to their welcome pack.Many occupational therapy students experience anxiety and distraction when entering a new settingConclusionsThe revised wayfinding video addressed many of the students’ anxieties about commencing placement and now forms part of a broader suite of student orientation materials. There are several limitations to the development of wayfinding videos, but they are surmountable via collaboration and investment in careful planning.
Developmental role of the tomato Mediator complex subunit MED18 in pollen ontogeny
Authors: Pérez‐Martín Fernando , Yuste‐Lisbona Fernando J. , Pineda Benito , García‐Sogo Begoña , Olmo Iván del , de Dios Alché Juan , Egea Isabel , Flores Francisco B. , Piñeiro Manuel , Jarillo José A. , Angosto Trinidad , Capel Juan , Moreno Vicente , Lozano Rafael 
Published: July 2018

SummaryPollen development is a crucial step in higher plants, which not only makes possible plant fertilization and seed formation, but also determines fruit quality and yield in crop species. Here, we reported a tomato T‐DNA mutant, pollen deficient1 (pod1), characterized by an abnormal anther development and the lack of viable pollen formation, which led to the production of parthenocarpic fruits. Genomic analyses and the characterization of silencing lines proved that pod1 mutant phenotype relies on the tomato SlMED18 gene encoding the subunit 18 of Mediator multi‐protein complex involved in RNA polymerase II transcription machinery. The loss of SlMED18 function delayed tapetum degeneration, which resulted in deficient microspore development and scarce production of viable pollen. A detailed histological characterization of anther development proved that changes during microgametogenesis and a significant delay in tapetum degeneration are associated with a high proportion of degenerated cells and, hence, should be responsible for the low production of functional pollen grains. Expression of pollen marker genes indicated that SlMED18 is essential for the proper transcription of a subset of genes specifically required to pollen formation and fruit development, revealing a key role of SlMED18 in male gametogenesis of tomato. Additionally, SlMED18 is able to rescue developmental abnormalities of the Arabidopsis med18 mutant, indicating that most biological functions have been conserved in both species.
Identification of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis A through postdonation information in Korea: results of an HAV lookback (2007‐2012)
Authors: Kim M. J. , Shin J. Y. , Oh J. A. , Jeong K. E. , Choi Y. S. , Park Q. , Song M. S. , Lee D. H. 
Published: July 2018

Background and ObjectivesDespite safety measures to minimize the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections, a residual risk remains. To trace and review some such cases, we ask donors to notify the blood centre if they are diagnosed with an infection after they donate blood.Materials and MethodsWe analysed all data on postdonation cases of hepatitis A reported between 2007 and 2012. Archived specimens from these donors were tested for hepatitis A virus (HAV) using anti‐HAV IgM/IgG and HAV‐PCR as markers. If any of the test results were positive, we reviewed the medical records of the recipients and, if necessary, tested them for hepatitis A.ResultsFifteen blood donors notified the blood centres of having been diagnosed with hepatitis A after donation. All archived samples except for one were HAV‐PCR‐positive and anti‐HAV IgM/IgG‐negative. Of the donated components, four RBCs and 14 FFPs had not been transfused to patients and were recalled. Among 26 recipients of the implicated components, fourteen were still alive when they were notified. Two patients showed clinical symptoms of hepatitis A and had positive results with anti‐HAV IgM.ConclusionTransfusion‐transmitted hepatitis A is rare but exists. To reduce the risk, donors should be told to notify the blood centre if they are diagnosed with blood‐borne diseases after they donate blood. Physicians should consider the possibility of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis A if a transfused patient has hepatitis A but no history of travel or route of faecal‐oral infection.
Genes within Genes in Bacterial Genomes
Authors: Meydan Sezen , Vázquez-Laslop Nora , Mankin Alexander S. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
Genetic coding in bacteria largely operates via the “one gene-one protein” paradigm. However, the peculiarities of the mRNA structure, the versatility of the genetic code, and the dynamic nature of translation sometimes allow organisms to deviate from the standard rules of protein encoding. Bacteria can use several unorthodox modes of translation to express more than one protein from a single mRNA cistron. One such alternative path is the use of additional translation initiation sites within the gene. Proteins whose translation is initiated at different start sites within the same reading frame will differ in their N termini but will have identical C-terminal segments. On the other hand, alternative initiation of translation in a register different from the frame dictated by the primary start codon will yield a protein whose sequence is entirely different from the one encoded in the main frame. The use of internal mRNA codons as translation start sites is controlled by the nucleotide sequence and the mRNA folding. The proteins of the alternative proteome generated via the “genes-within-genes” strategy may carry important functions. In this review, we summarize the currently known examples of bacterial genes encoding more than one protein due to the utilization of additional translation start sites and discuss the known or proposed functions of the alternative polypeptides in relation to the main protein product of the gene. We also discuss recent proteome- and genome-wide approaches that will allow the discovery of novel translation initiation sites in a systematic fashion.
Sponges and Predators in the Small RNA World
Authors: Figueroa-Bossi Nara , Bossi Lionello 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Most noncoding small RNAs (sRNAs) that regulate gene expression do so by base-pairing with mRNAs, affecting their translation and/or stability. Regulators as evolutionarily distant as the
trans
-encoded sRNAs of bacteria and the microRNAs (miRNAs) of higher eukaryotes share the property of targeting short sequence segments that occur in multiple copies in bacterial and eukaryotic transcriptomes. This target promiscuity has major implications for sRNA function. On the one hand, it allows the sRNA to coordinately control several different targets and thus be at the center of regulatory networks. On the other hand, it allows the existence of target mimics or decoys that divert the sRNA/miRNA away from bona fide targets and thus serve as mechanisms to regulate the regulator. In addition, by competing for pairing with the same sRNA, bona fide targets establish a cross talk that can impact on each other’s expression levels. Here we review evidence that target mimicry and competition are important components of the regulatory architecture of bacterial sRNA networks.
Ten simple rules for conducting umbrella reviews
Authors: Fusar-Poli Paolo , Radua Joaquim 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveEvidence syntheses such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide a rigorous and transparent knowledge base for translating clinical research into decisions, and thus they represent the basic unit of knowledge in medicine. Umbrella reviews are reviews of previously published systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Therefore, they represent one of the highest levels of evidence synthesis currently available, and are becoming increasingly influential in biomedical literature. However, practical guidance on how to conduct umbrella reviews is relatively limited.MethodsWe present a critical educational review of published umbrella reviews, focusing on the essential practical steps required to produce robust umbrella reviews in the medical field.ResultsThe current manuscript discusses 10 key points to consider for conducting robust umbrella reviews. The points are: ensure that the umbrella review is really needed, prespecify the protocol, clearly define the variables of interest, estimate a common effect size, report the heterogeneity and potential biases, perform a stratification of the evidence, conduct sensitivity analyses, report transparent results, use appropriate software and acknowledge the limitations. We illustrate these points through recent examples from umbrella reviews and suggest specific practical recommendations.ConclusionsThe current manuscript provides a practical guidance for conducting umbrella reviews in medical areas. Researchers, clinicians and policy makers might use the key points illustrated here to inform the planning, conduction and reporting of umbrella reviews in medicine.
Optimization of high-power Er/Yb co-doped fiber amplifiers for dual-band pulse amplification
Authors: Wang Juntao , Qi Yuanyuan , Lu Junchao , Li Xiaodong , Wang Junfei 
Published: July 2018

In this paper, high-power pulse-pumped erbium–ytterbium co-doped fiber amplifiers (EYDFAs) for simultaneous amplification of low-repetition rate pulses in the 1.0 [Formula: see text]m and 1.5 [Formula: see text]m bands are numerically investigated. The influences of the peak power and pulse-width of the pump and time delay between the pump and signal pulses on the performance of the amplifier are systematically analyzed. The results show that a pulse-pumped EYDFA is capable of simultaneously amplifying dual-band pulses. The optimal pulse-width of the pump is mainly determined by the allowable power of the backward Yb amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). By simply adjusting the time delay between the pump and signal pulses, the power ratio of the dual-band signals can be easily changed. Such kind of dual-band-pulsed EYDFAs have great potential applications in fields such as the generation of visible or mid-infrared light by nonlinear frequency conversion, counter stealth Lidar, etc.
Technological and Human Factors of Malware Attacks
Authors: Lévesque Fanny Lalonde , Chiasson Sonia , Somayaji Anil , Fernandez José M. 
Published: July 2018

The success (or failure) of malware attacks depends upon both technological and human factors. The most security-conscious users are susceptible to unknown vulnerabilities, and even the best security mechanisms can be circumvented as a result of user actions. Although there has been significant research on the technical aspects of malware attacks and defence, there has been much less research on how users interact with both malware and current malware defences.
This article describes a field study designed to examine the interactions between users, antivirus (AV) software, and malware as they occur on deployed systems. In a fashion similar to medical studies that evaluate the efficacy of a particular treatment, our experiment aimed to assess the performance of AV software and the human risk factors of malware attacks. The 4-month study involved 50 home users who agreed to use laptops that were instrumented to monitor for possible malware attacks and gather data on user behaviour. This study provided some very interesting, non-intuitive insights into the efficacy of AV software and human risk factors. AV performance was found to be lower under real-life conditions compared to tests conducted in controlled conditions. Moreover, computer expertise, volume of network usage, and peer-to-peer activity were found to be significant correlates of malware attacks. We assert that this work shows the viability and the merits of evaluating security products, techniques, and strategies to protect systems through long-term field studies with greater ecological validity than can be achieved through other means.
Proteomics reveals Rictor as a noncanonical TGF-β signaling target during aneurysm progression in Marfan mice
Authors: Parker Sarah J. , Stotland Aleksandr , MacFarlane Elena , Wilson Nicole , Orosco Amanda , Venkatraman Vidya , Madrid Kyle , Gottlieb Roberta , Dietz Harry C. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. 
Published: July 2018

The objective of the present study was to 1) analyze the ascending aortic proteome within a mouse model of Marfan syndrome (MFS; Fbn1C1041G/+) at early and late stages of aneurysm and 2) subsequently test a novel hypothesis formulated on the basis of this unbiased proteomic screen that links changes in integrin composition to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-dependent activation of the rapamycin-independent component of mammalian target of rapamycin (Rictor) signaling pathway. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of over 1,000 proteins quantified from the in vivo MFS mouse aorta by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry revealed a predicted upstream regulator, Rictor, that was selectively activated in aged MFS mice. We validated this pattern of Rictor activation in vivo by Western blot analysis for phosphorylation on Thr1135 in a separate cohort of mice and showed in vitro that TGF-β activates Rictor in an integrin-linked kinase-dependent manner in cultured aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Expression of β3-integrin was upregulated in the aged MFS aorta relative to young MFS mice and wild-type mice. We showed that β3-integrin expression and activation modulated TGF-β-induced Rictor phosphorylation in vitro, and this signaling effect was associated with an altered vascular smooth muscle cell proliferative-migratory and metabolic in vitro phenotype that parallels the in vivo aneurysm phenotype in MFS. These results reveal that Rictor is a novel, context-dependent, noncanonical TGF-β signaling effector with potential pathogenic implications in aortic aneurysm. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present the most comprehensive quantitative analysis of the ascending aortic aneurysm proteome in Marfan syndrome to date resulting in novel and potentially wide-reaching findings that expression and signaling by β3-integrin constitute a modulator of transforming growth factor-β-induced rapamycin-independent component of mammalian target of rapamycin (Rictor) signaling and physiology in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.
The Piezo1 cation channel mediates uterine artery shear stress mechanotransduction and vasodilation during rat pregnancy
Authors: John Liam , Ko Nga Ling , Gokin Alexander , Gokina Natalia , Mandalà Maurizio , Osol George 
Published: July 2018

During mammalian pregnancy, the uterine circulation must undergo substantial vasodilation and growth to maintain sufficient uteroplacental perfusion. Although we and others have shown that nitric oxide (NO) is a key mediator of these processes, the mechanisms that augment uterine artery NO signaling during gestation have not been identified. We hypothesized that Piezo1, a recently discovered cation channel, may be involved in the process of shear stress mechanotransduction, as other studies have shown that it is both mechanosensitive and linked to NO production. Surprisingly, there are no studies on Piezo1 in the uterine circulation. Our aims in the present study were to determine whether this novel channel is 1) present in uterine arteries, 2) regulated by gestation, 3) functionally relevant (able to elicit rises in intracellular Ca2+concentration and vasodilation), and 4) linked to NO. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that Piezo1 is present in uterine arteries, primarily but not exclusively in endothelial cells. Western blot analysis showed that its protein expression was elevated during gestation. In pressurized main uterine arteries, pharmacological activation of Piezo1 by Yoda1 produced near maximal vasodilation and was associated with significant increases in intracellular Ca2+concentration in endothelial cell sheets. Shear stress induced by intraluminal flow produced reversible vasodilations that were inhibited >50% by GsMTx-4, a Piezo1 inhibitor, and by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester/ Nω-nitro-l-arginine, inhibitors of NO synthase. These findings are the first to implicate a functional role for Piezo1 in the uterine circulation as a mechanosensor of endothelial shear stress. Moreover, our data demonstrate that Piezo1 activation leads to vasodilation via NO and indicate that its molecular expression is upregulated during pregnancy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to highlight Piezo1 in the uterine circulation. As a potentially important endothelial mechanosensor of shear stress, Piezo1 may be linked to mechanisms that support increased uteroplacental perfusion during pregnancy.Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/piezo1-mechanotransduction-in-the-uterine-circulation/ .