bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration via the potential mechanisms of mitophagy induction and apoptosis inhibition
Authors: Chen Yu , Wu Yanqing , Shi Hongxue , Wang Jianle , Zheng Zengming , Chen Jian , Chen Xibang , Zhang Zengjie , Xu Daoliang , Wang Xiangyang , Xiao Jian 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a complicated disease in patients. The pathogenesis of IDD encompasses cellular oxidative stress, mitochondrion dysfunction and apoptosis. Melatonin eliminates oxygen free radicals, regulates mitochondrial homoeostasis and function, stimulates mitophagy and protects against cellular apoptosis. Therefore, we hypothesize that melatonin has beneficial effect on IDD by mitophagy stimulation and inhibition of apoptosis. The effects of melatonin on IDD were investigated in vitro and in vivo. For the former, melatonin diminished cellular apoptosis caused by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Mitophagy, as well as its upstream regulator Parkin, was activated by melatonin in both a dose and time‐dependent manner. Mitophagy inhibition by cyclosporine A (CsA) partially eliminated the protective effects of melatonin against NP cell apoptosis, suggesting that mitophagy is involved in the protective effect of melatonin on IDD. In addition, melatonin was demonstrated to preserve the extracellular matrix (ECM) content of Collagen II, Aggrecan and Sox‐9, while inhibiting the expression of matrix degeneration enzymes, including MMP‐13 and ADAMTS‐5. In vivo, our results demonstrated that melatonin treatment ameliorated IDD in a puncture‐induced rat model. To conclude, our results suggested that melatonin protected NP cells against apoptosis via mitophagy induction and ameliorated disc degeneration, providing the potential therapy for IDD.
Incumbency advantage and its value
Authors: Biglaiser Gary , Calvano Emilio , Crémer Jacques 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMarkets with network effects are typically concentrated. The aim of this paper is to discuss some recent work on “incumbency advantage.” That is, the fact that firms already installed generate higher profits than entrants even if the latter offer identical or even better terms (in terms of price and quality) to consumers. In particular, we review recently known sources of the advantage and potential mitigating factors and point to a number of open issues.
Detection of herpes viruses in Ghanaian patients with periodontitis
Authors: Blankson Paa‐Kwesi , Blankson Harriet N. A. , Obeng‐Nkrumah Noah , Turkson Albert A. , Tormeti Daniel , Adamafio Mary , Awuah‐Mensah Georgina , Asmah Richard H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimThe complexity of periodontitis in both etiology and progression has raised many questions, necessitating enormous research in recent years. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of herpes viruses in Ghanaian patients diagnosed with periodontitis.MethodsThirty‐one patients were included in the study; 21 with periodontitis classified into localized chronic, generalized, and aggressive periodontitis, and 10 without the disease were used as controls. Subgingival samples were collected, followed by DNA extraction. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify viral DNA for the detection of herpes viruses. Data was analyzed using Stata 14.ResultsThe mean age for patients with aggressive periodontitis was 32.2 years (standard deviation [SD]: 8.50), while those for localized chronic periodontitis and generalized chronic periodontitis were 40.6 years (SD: 7.83) and 46.3 years (SD: 12.12), respectively. Viruses were detected only among patients clinically diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis. Of the total number of aggressive periodontitis patients, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) and Epstein‐Barr virus (HBV) were found in four (44%) and one (11%), respectively. The mean age for patients found to have HSV‐1 or EBV was 29 years (SD: 6.93).ConclusionWe found HSV‐1 and EBV in the subgingival plaque samples of Ghanaian patients clinically diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis. While our finding requires further investigation, the role of HSV in periodontitis, if elucidated, could transform and inform the clinical management of the condition.
Nitric oxide, γ‐aminobutyric acid, and mannose pretreatment influence metabolic profiles in white clover under water stress
Authors: Li Zhou , Yong Bin , Cheng Bizhen , Wu Xing , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xinquan , Peng Yan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNitric oxide (NO), γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and mannose (MAS) could be important regulators of plant growth and adaptation to water stress. The application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor), GABA, and MAS improved plant growth under water‐sufficient conditions and effectively mitigated water stress damage to white clover. The metabonomic analysis showed that both SNP and GABA application resulted in a significant increase in myo‐inositol content; the accumulation of mannose was commonly regulated by SNP and MAS; GABA and MAS induced the accumulation of aspartic acid, quinic acid, trehalose, and glycerol under water deficit. In addition, citric acid was uniquely up‐regulated by SNP associated with tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle under water stress. GABA specially induced the accumulation of GABA, glycine, methionine, and aconitic acid related to GABA shunt, amino acids metabolism, and TCA cycle in response to water stress. MAS uniquely enhanced the accumulation of asparagine, galactose, and D‐pinitol in association with amino acids and sugars metabolism under water stress. SNP‐, GABA‐, and MAS‐induced changes of metabolic profiles and associated metabolic pathways could contribute to enhanced stress tolerance via involvement in the TCA cycle for energy supply, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, and signal transduction for stress defense in white clover.
Novel microscopy‐based approaches to study the film formation mechanism and associated mechanical response in polymer lattices
Authors: TKACZYK MARZENA , DRAGNEVSKI KALIN I. , SIVIOUR CLIVE R. , EDWARDS GARY 
Published: January 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we present the results from novel microscopy‐based approaches aimed at providing further insight into the mechanism of film formation and associated mechanical response in polymer lattices. Firstly, a ‘simple’ methodology, combining the use of variable pressure scanning electron microscopy and a recently introduced enhanced coolstage (–50 to +50°C), was successfully developed and not only used to study dynamic processes, e.g. different stages of latex film formation, but also for high‐resolution imaging of ‘freeze‐dried’ structures. By using the enhanced freeze‐drying capability of the system, it was also possible to preserve the structure and features of the studied system with minimum shrinkage and distortion and in the case of polymer lattices at a desired stage of film formation. Moreover, specimens can then be readily imaged, without the need of conductive coatings and at much lower chamber gas pressures, thus minimizing the beam skirting effects and allowing higher resolutions to be achieved. The second and final part of our study consider the mechanical response of the studied latex dried under different conditions, with the particular emphasis on the effects of drying rate [% relative humidity (RH)]. Atomic force microscopy force distance curve measurements revealed that while the %RH did not have an effect on the structures formed, it did have an effect on the adhesive properties of the studied system. It is strongly believed that the methodologies developed and used here can be applied to other material systems, including biologicals and pharmaceuticals.
Bridging Aging and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in Research, Policy, and Practice
Authors: Heller Tamar 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBridging the fields of aging and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in research, policy, and practice can improve the lives of people both in aging with I/DD and in older adults aging into disabilities. These two groups have both unique and common needs for health and long‐term services and supports. Examples of bridging include exchange of research, adaptation of interventions, and development of policy embracing ideas from both fields. Research exchange includes scoping reviews of health promotion and family caregiving interventions in aging and I/DD. Adaptations from aging include chronic disease self‐management, falls prevention programs, dementia caregiving, retirement planning, and end‐of‐life care. The Administration on Community Living programs in the United States are examples of policy initiatives that bridge aging and disabilities. Opportunities for bridging the fields of aging and I/DD exist, and there are numerous examples of productive practice. Moving forward, it is important to consider the influence of future developments, such as technology and universal design, on the bridging movement. Further research can benefit our understanding of how to improve the bridge between these fields to an even greater extent.
Clinical Governance Climate Within Disability Service Organizations from the Perspective of Allied Health Professionals
Authors: Vassos Maria , Nankervis Karen , Chan Jeffrey 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWithin the healthcare service sector across many Western countries, clinical governance frameworks have been adopted to ensure consistent and effective service provision. There is merit in adopting such frameworks within disability service organizations as a mechanism to enhance service quality. This study explored whether disability service organizations exhibit organizational climates conducive to supporting clinical governance from the perspective of allied health professionals (AHPs). A total of 88 AHPs completed the Clinical Governance Climate Questionnaire via an online questionnaire. AHPs reported that planned quality improvement initiatives tend to be crisis‐driven within their organizations, with immediate and pressing work pressures taking precedence. AHPs also report that clinical risk data are routinely collected within their organizations, with a lack of consensus around how this information is used to improve practice. In addition, dedicated time for professional development was not available to many of the AHPs, and many reported the presence of hierarchies. Correlation analyses implied that planned quality improvement initiatives appear to be the lynchpin to ensuring quality service provision within disability service organizations. Further research into the organizational climate issues identified in this study is needed—from the perspective of all staff working within disability service organizations—in an effort to inform the development of strategies to effectively implement clinical governance in disability services.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1)‐mutant mice exhibit increased sleep fragmentation
Authors: Anastasaki Corina , Rensing Nicholas , Johnson Kevin J. , Wong Michael , Gutmann David H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which affected children and adults are at a higher risk of sleep disorders. In an effort to identify potential sleep disturbances in a small animal model, we used a previously reported Nf1 conditional knockout (Nf1CKO) mouse strain. In contrast to Nf1 mutant flies, the distribution of vigilance states was intact in Nf1CKO mice. However, Nf1CKO mice exhibited increased non‐REM sleep (NREM)‐to‐wake and wake‐to‐NREM transitions. This sleep disruption was accompanied by decreased bout durations during awake and NREM sleep states under both light and dark conditions. Moreover, Nf1CKO mice have higher percentage delta power during awake and NREM sleep states under all light conditions. Taken together, Nf1CKO mice phenocopy some of the sleep disturbances observed in NF1 patients and provide a tractable platform to explore the molecular mechanisms governing sleep abnormalities in NF1.
Leaf and root nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry along aridity and soil fertility gradients
Authors: Liu Guofang , Ye Xuehua , Huang Zhenying , Dong Ming , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractQuestionsLeaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) concentrations and N : P ratio have been extensively studied along environmental gradients, but whether and how leaves and roots show similar responses to climatic and fertility gradients is little studied. Also, the responses of leaf and root N and P in different plant functional types (PFT; legumes, grasses, forbs and shrubs) to environmental gradients are poorly known. We examined the following two hypotheses: (a) P concentration and N : P ratios in leaves or fine roots would not be modulated by soil N for legumes while they would be for non‐legume PFTs; (b) Species turnover would have stronger influence on the responses of N and P concentrations and N : P ratios of plant tissues along aridity and soil fertility gradients than intraspecific variation.Study siteOrdos Plateau, China.MethodsWe collected samples of leaf and fine roots covering 95 species of 28 families across 17 sites affiliated to four vegetation types on the dry Ordos Plateau of North China and compared variations in N and P concentrations and N : P ratios in both leaves and fine roots among PFTs.ResultsWe found that legumes had higher N concentrations in leaves and fine roots than the non‐legume PFTs. Leaf and fine root P and N : P ratios increased with increasing soil N for most non‐legume PFTs, but the relationships were decoupled for legumes. Species turnover had a stronger contribution to these relationships of N and P in leaves and fine roots along aridity and soil N gradients than intraspecific variation.ConclusionsWhen modeling vegetation nutrient stocks and cycling, the predictive power could be improved by taking into account not only influences of soil fertility but also of climate on leaf and root tissue N and soil N on tissue P and N : P ratio, especially for non‐legume functional types.
mHealth interventions targeting pregnancy intakes in low and lower‐middle income countries: Systematic review
Authors: Saronga Naomi J. , Burrows Tracy , Collins Clare E. , Ashman Amy M. , Rollo Megan E. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDietary intake during pregnancy plays a vital role in determining the health of both mother and baby. Maternal undernutrition affects a large proportion of women in low and lower middle income countries (LLMIC) likely influencing high maternal, infant, and child mortality in these countries. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been proposed as effective solutions to improve maternal and neonatal health. This paper reviews the literature to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on improving dietary/nutrients intake of pregnant women in LLMIC. Eight electronic databases were searched from inception up to April 2018, including the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Index Medicus, and Maternity and Infant Care. Using Covidence, two reviewers assessed articles for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data. Only studies published in English language were included. Data were summarised narratively. In total, 6,778 were identified of which four were included, with three randomised controlled trials and one prepost experimental study. Studies were conducted in India (n = 2), Indonesia (n = 1), and Kenya (n = 1). All articles evaluated the use of nutrient supplements; iron supplements (n = 1), vitamin supplements (composition not mentioned; n = 1), or calcium supplements (n = 1). This review suggests that mHealth interventions can be used to improve intake of micronutrient supplementation and nutritional status of pregnant women in LLMIC. Further studies are needed to address the limited evidence base related to mHealth nutrition interventions targeting dietary intakes of pregnant women in LLMIC.
A systematic review of 7 years of research on entrustable professional activities in graduate medical education, 2011–2018
Authors: O'Dowd Emily , Lydon Sinéad , O'Connor Paul , Madden Caoimhe , Byrne Dara 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThis review aimed to synthesise some of the extant work on the use of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for postgraduate physicians, to assess the quality of the work and provide direction for future research and practice.MethodSystematic searches were conducted within five electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CINAHL) in September 2018. Reference lists, Google Scholar and Google were also searched. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD).ResultsIn total, 49 studies were included, classified as Development of EPAs (n = 37; 76% of total included), Implementation and/or assessment of EPAs (n = 10; 20%), or both (n = 2; 4%). EPAs were described for numerous specialties, including internal medicine (n = 14; 36%), paediatrics (n = 8; 21%) and psychiatry (n = 4; 10%). Of the development studies, 92% utilised more than one method to generate EPAs. The two most commonly used methods were developing initial EPAs in a working group, (n = 27; 69%) and revising through deliberation (n = 21; 54%). Development papers were of variable quality (mean QATSDD score = 20, range 6–41). Implementation and assessment studies utilised methods that included observing trainee performance (n = 6; 50%) and enrolling trainees in competency‐based curricula, which included EPAs (n = 4; 33%). The methodological quality of these implementation studies varied (mean QATSDD score = 19.5, range = 6–32).ConclusionsThis review highlighted a need for: (i) consideration of best practice guidelines for EPA development; (ii) focus on the methodological quality of research on EPA development and of EPAs, and (iii) further work investigating the implementation of EPAs in the curriculum.
Flood frequency analysis for the Iranian interior deserts using the method ofL‐moments: A case study in the Loot River Basin
Authors: Mesbahzadeh Tayyebeh , Soleimani Sardoo Farshad , Kouhestani Shapour 
Published: January 2019

AbstractFloods are one of the greatest natural disasters, especially in arid land ecosystems. These phenomena damage fragile ecosystems and human societies. If construction of various structures and the development of towns and villages are based on flood forecasting and information, the risk of damage from flooding can be reduced to a large extent. We analyzed the frequency of flooding in the Loot Basin, central Iran, using annual peak discharge series and the method of maximumL‐moment. We found that the distribution based on the H test was homogeneous and theZDISTstatistic selected a regional Log Pearson Type III (LPIII) distribution. The results also showed a high correlation coefficient between the return period and flood discharge, and it was possible to estimate the relationship between flood discharge and area parameters. These methods can be used for areas which lack observational data or statistics.Recommendations for Resource ManagersFloods are one of the most destructive of natural phenomena, especially in arid and semiarid regions. It is important to be aware of the flood peaks in areas without statistics.In arid and semiarid regions, there is always a lack of information. Frequency analysis methods are useful in these areas.The method ofL‐moments is one of the most widely used methods for analyzing the frequency of floods. This method predicts the future behavior of data using statistical distributions.In areas without observational data or statistics, such as the Loot River Basin, Iran, the method ofL‐moments can be used to predict floods by using the physical characteristics of the watersheds.
Guide to the statistical analysis plan
Authors: Yuan Ian , Topjian Alexis A. , Kurth Charles D. , Kirschen Matthew P. , Ward Christopher G. , Zhang Bingqing , Mensinger Janell L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBiomedical research has been struck with the problem of study findings that are not reproducible. With the advent of large databases and powerful statistical software, it has become easier to find associations and form conclusions from data without forming an a‐priori hypothesis. This approach may yield associations without clinical relevance, false positive findings, or biased results due to “fishing” for the desired results. To improve reproducibility, transparency, and validity among clinical trials, the National Institute of Health recently updated its grant application requirements, which mandates registration of clinical trials and submission of the original statistical analysis plan (SAP) along with the research protocol. Many leading journals also require the SAP as part of the submission package. The goal of this article and the companion article detailing the SAP of an actual research study is to provide a practical guide on writing an effective SAP. We describe the what, why, when, where, and who of a SAP, and highlight the key contents of the SAP.
Feasibility and indicator outcomes using computerized clinical decision support in pediatric traumatic brain injury anesthesia care
Authors: Colletti Ashley A. , Kiatchai Taniga , Lyons Vivian H. , Nair Bala G. , Grant Rosemary M. , Vavilala Monica S. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundTraumatic brain injury anesthesia care is complex. The use of clinical decision support to improve pediatric trauma care has not been examined.AimsThe aim of this study was to examine feasibility, reliability, and key performance indicators for traumatic brain injury anesthesia care using clinical decision support.MethodsClinical decision support was activated for patients under 19 years undergoing craniotomy for suspected traumatic brain injury. Anesthesia providers were prompted to adhere to process measures via on‐screen alerts and notified in real time of abnormal monitor data or laboratory results (unwanted key performance indicator events). Process measures pertained to arterial line placement and blood gas draws, neuromuscular blockade, hypotension, anemia, coagulopathy, hyperglycemia, and intracranial hypertension. Unwanted key performance indicators were: hypotension, hypoxia, hypocarbia, hypercarbia, hypothermia, hyperthermia, anesthetic agent overdose; hypoxemia, coagulopathy, anemia, and hyperglycemia. Anesthesia records, vital signs, and alert logs were reviewed for 39 anesthetic cases (19 without clinical decision support and 20 with clinical decision support).ResultsData from 35 patients aged 11 months to 17 years and 77% males were examined. Clinical decision support reliably identified 39/46 eligible anesthetic cases, with 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and was highly sensitive, detecting 89% of monitor key performance indicator events and 100% of reported lab key performance indicator events. There were no false positive alerts. Median event duration was lower in the “with clinical decision support” group for 4/7 key performance indicators. Second insult duration was lower for duration of hypocarbia (by 44%), hypotension (29%), hypothermia (12%), and hyperthermia (15%).ConclusionUse of clinical decision support in pediatric traumatic brain injury anesthesia care is feasible, reliable, and may have the potential to improve key performance indicator outcomes. This observational study suggests the possibility of clinical decision support as a strategy to reduce second insults and improve traumatic brain injury guideline adherence during pediatric anesthesia care.