bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factor analysis and Mokken scaling of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire in nurses
Authors: Al‐Yami M. , Galdas P. , Watson R. 
Published: March 2018

AimsTo generate an Arabic version of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire that would be easily understood by Arabic speakers and would be sensitive to Arabic culture.BackgroundThe nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a process of Saudization but there is a need to understand the factors that will help to retain this workforce.IntroductionNo organizational commitment tools exist in Arabic that are specifically designed for health organizations. An Arabic version of the organizational commitment tool could aid Arabic speaking employers to understand their employees’ perceptions of their organizations.MethodsTranslation and back‐translation followed by factor analysis (principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analysis) to test the factorial validity and item response theory (Mokken scaling).ResultsA two‐factor structure was obtained for the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire comprising Factor 1: Value commitment; and Factor 2: Commitment to stay with acceptable reliability measured by internal consistency. A Mokken scale was obtained including items from both factors showing a hierarchy of items running from commitment to the organization and commitment to self.DiscussionThis study shows that the Arabic version of the OCQ retained the established two‐factor structure of the original English‐language version. Although the two factors – ‘value commitment’ and ‘commitment to stay’ – repudiate the original developers’ single factor claim.ConclusionA useful insight into the structure of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire has been obtained with the novel addition of a hierarchical scale.Implications for nursing policyThe Organizational Commitment Questionnaire is now ready to be used with nurses in the Arab speaking world and could be used a tool to measure the contemporary commitment of nursing employees and in future interventions aimed at increasing commitment and retention of valuable nursing staff.
Adaptability and phenotypic stability of Lolium perenne L. cultivars of diverse origin grown at the margin of the species distribution
Authors: Helgadóttir Á. , Aavola R. , Isolahti M. , Marum P. , Persson C. , Aleliūnas A. , Brazauskas G. , Krisjánsdóttir T. A. , Asp T. , Rognli O. A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn northern countries, Lolium perenne L. generally survives poorly when grown inland and north of 60°N because of extensive winter damage. With the projected future climate change, it could become a promising option for improving production efficiency of the agricultural sector in these regions. Here, we compare the biomass production potential of cultivars of diverse origin across five locations stretching from Estonia to Iceland over a period of three harvest years, and their freezing tolerance under artificial conditions. The aim was to relate the observed pattern of adaptation to the geographic origin of the cultivars and their response to prevailing agroclimatic conditions. Significant interactions were observed between cultivars and test environments (locations × years), and significant interactions between cultivars and years were detected at four of the five locations. Models of joint regression, additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and factorial regression using several agroclimatic indices showed that cultivars developed in northern countries showed greater yield potential across the test environments and were, thus, generally better adapted than cultivars from Central Europe. Diploid cultivars were more frost tolerant than tetraploid cultivars giving them an advantage in locations which were characterized by low temperatures during the hardening period in autumn and mild and rainy winters, such as at the Icelandic location. Only a few cultivars showed general adaptability to the environmental conditions at the test sites, the most stable cultivar being an admixture of diploids and tetraploids. In future breeding, the best strategy would be to hybridize cultivars developed in northern countries with more exotic materials that combine high yield potential, adequate winter survival and superior disease resistance under northern conditions.
Predictive value of unipolar and bipolar electrograms in idiopathic outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia mapping and ablation
Authors: Niu Guodong , Feng Tianjie , Jiang Chunlan , Suo Ni , Lin Jinxuan , Qu Fujian , McSpadden Luke C. , Yao Yan , Zhang Shu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionRadiofrequency catheter ablation is an effective therapy for focal idiopathic outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OTVA). However, visual inspection of the unipolar electrogram (EGM) QS morphology is subjective with a poor specificity for predicting successful ablation sites. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of unipolar and bipolar EGMs in OTVA mapping and ablation.Methods and resultsTwenty‐two patients scheduled for idiopathic OTVA ablation were prospectively enrolled. During the procedure, unipolar and bipolar EGMs were recorded simultaneously and visually inspected by the operator to identify their values for predicting arrhythmogenic sites. Quantitative features of the unipolar EGM including the ratio of amplitude of the first positive peak versus the nadir (R‐ratio), the maximum descending slope (MaxSlope), and the time interval between the initial deflection point to the MaxSlope (D‐Max) were calculated for each target site in offline analysis. EGMs from 100 sites were collected in 20 patients and analyzed. The bipolar reverse polarity characteristic was not as practical for identifying successful ablation site as the unipolar QS characteristic. Successful ablation sites demonstrated smaller R‐ratio and shorter D‐Max than unsuccessful sites, but no significant difference in MaxSlope. A unipolar EGM‐derived quantitative criterion provided significantly better specificity (0.70) than visual inspection (0.37) without compromising on the sensitivity (0.83 vs. 0.89).ConclusionThe bipolar reverse polarity characteristic was not a practical method for identifying target in idiopathic OTVA ablation. The unipolar EGM‐derived quantitative criteria have better predictive performance than visual inspection of the QS characteristic and are likely to reduce unnecessary ablation sites.
Adult brain activation during visual learning and memory tasks. An experimental approach to translational neuroscience
Authors: Popova Ferihan , Kovacheva Antoaneta , Garov Petar , Sivkov Stefan , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Sirakov Nickolay , Stoeva Magdalena , Velkova Kichka G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesHuman brain connectome is a new and rapidly developing field in neuroscience. The pattern of structural and functional connectivity in the brain is not fixed but is continuously changing in response to experiences. Exploring these phenomena opens a powerful arsenal of analyses and computational approaches that could provide important new insights into clinical and cognitive neuroscience.The aim of the present study was to investigate the activations of adult brain cortical areas during a memory task performance by using functional MRI with a specific focus on gender differences.MethodsTwenty‐nine right‐handed subjects (15 men and 14 women) were scanned. The memory paradigm consisted of 4 consecutive sets of “on” and “off” blocks with a total duration of 4 minutes. The subjects were first presented with 4 pictures (fixation F‐part) of the same theme—landscapes, portraits, anatomical images of internal organs, and geometric figures denoted by specific mismatching nouns (seasons, personal names, internal organs, and figures), followed by 3 of the presented pictures and questions for memory evaluation (recall R‐part). For the active conditions, the participants were instructed to read the statements carefully and answer with a button press.ResultsWe found reliable occipital and temporal signal responses across the block design contrasts with statistical significant differences within the groups in both genders. Statistical significance in brain cortical activation was not found between men and women.ConclusionThe results highlighted several detailed distinctions between the genders and potential future directions in brain activation studies as part of the multidisciplinary approach in translational neuroscience.
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Gestational Weight Gain as a Risk Factor for Adolescents Who Are Overweight or Obese
Authors: Cunningham Shayna D. , Mokshagundam Shilpa , Chai Hannah , Lewis Jessica B. , Levine Jessica , Tobin Jonathan N. , Ickovics Jeannette R. 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionObesity is a risk factor for adverse physical health outcomes during pregnancy. Much less is known about the association between obesity and maternal mental health. Evidence suggests that prenatal depression is associated with excessive weight gain during pregnancy and that this relationship may vary according to pregravid body mass index (BMI). Young women may be particularly vulnerable to postpartum depression. The objective of this study is to examine the association between prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and postpartum depressive symptoms among adolescents.MethodsParticipants were 505 pregnant adolescents aged 14 to 21 years followed during pregnancy and 6 months postpartum. Data were collected via interviews and medical record abstraction. Multilevel linear mixed models were used to test the association between excessive gestational weight gain as defined by National Academy of Medicine Guidelines and postpartum depressive symptoms measured via the validated Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale. Analyses controlled for sociodemographic factors (maternal age, race, ethnicity, relationship status), health behaviors (nutrition, physical activity), prenatal depressive symptoms, and postpartum weight retention.ResultsPrepregnancy BMI was classified as follows: 11% underweight, 53% healthy weight, 19% overweight, and 18% obese. One‐half (50%) of participants exceeded recommended guidelines for gestational weight gain. Adolescents with excessive gestational weight gain who entered pregnancy overweight or obese had significantly higher postpartum depressive symptoms (β, 2.41; SE, 1.06 vs β, 2.58; SE, 1.08, respectively; both P < .05) compared with those with healthy prepregnancy BMI and appropriate gestational weight gain. Adolescents who gained gestational weight within clinically recommended guidelines were not at risk for increased depressive symptoms.DiscussionAdolescents who enter pregnancy overweight or obese and experience excessive weight gain may be at increased risk for postpartum depressive symptoms. Health care providers should offer preventive interventions during pregnancy and the interconceptional period to support healthy weight gain and safeguard women's mental health.
The Roles of Social Support and Health Literacy in Self‐Management Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chi , Chang Li‐Chun , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Ho Ya‐Fang , Weng Shuo‐Chun , Tsai Tzu‐I 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimsTo investigate the relationships among social support, health literacy, and self‐management, and the factors influencing self‐management of chronic kidney disease (CKD).DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA random sample of 410 patients was recruited from nephrology clinics. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and chart reviews from January 2013 to February 2014. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors of self‐management behaviors and ∆R2 to determine each variable's explanatory power.FindingsHealth literacy and social support were positively correlated with self‐management behaviors. Furthermore, social support, health literacy, and marital status were significant predictors of self‐management behaviors. Social support had a relatively greater explanatory power for self‐management behaviors than did health literacy. Particularly, healthcare provider support had the greatest influence on patients’ self‐management behaviors.ConclusionsHealth literacy and social support play independent positive roles in self‐management behaviors of patients with CKD, with social support having a particularly dominant role. Further research using a systems approach to improving self‐management behaviors is necessary to clarify the role of social support.Clinical RelevanceHealth literacy and social support are independently and positively related to self‐management. Social support, which is a system‐level factor, is a relatively stronger and crucial predictor than is health literacy. Nurses have to refine self‐management programs to focus on families and adopt a systems approach to help CKD patients improve their self‐management behaviors.
Efficacy and possible mechanisms of Botulinum Toxin type A on hypertrophic scarring
Authors: Hao RongTao , Li ZongChao , Chen Xing , Ye Wei 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundClinical observations indicate that Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) can inhibit the growth and improve the eventual appearance of hypertrophic scarring. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear.ObjectiveWe used human keloid fibroblasts to investigate the molecular mechanism of BTXA on hypertrophic scarring.MethodsDifferent concentrations of BTXA (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 U/L) were used to treat keloid fibroblasts. Changes in cellular morphology, viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were observed by immunofluorescence, MTT assay, and flow cytometry. In addition, real‐time qPCR and Western blotting were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms.ResultsKeloid fibroblast viability decreased with increasing BTXA dose. After BTXA treatment, the volume of keloid fibroblasts cells increased, but the nucleus of cells shrunk. Long thin dendrites were formed as the concentration of BTXA increased. Furthermore, the proliferation and S phase of keloid fibroblasts were inhibited by BTXA. Matrix metalloproteinase (, MMP)‐1 and ‐2 RNA and protein showed high expression, but TGF‐β1 and MMP‐9 showed low expression than the control.ConclusionBotulinum toxin type A may promote the healing of scars by inhibiting the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts and regulating the expression of TGF‐β1, which could affect the expression of MMP‐1 and MMP‐2. This study provides theoretical support for the clinical application of BTXA to control hypertrophic scarring.
Real‐life experiences of people with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke: A qualitative literature review
Authors: Crowfoot Gary , van der Riet Pamela , Maguire Jane 
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore and present findings of qualitative studies exploring real‐life experiences of people with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke.BackgroundTransient ischaemic attack and minor stroke significantly increase the risk of stroke. Primarily, literature has examined healthcare pathways, patient outcomes and models of care through quantitative methodologies. Several studies have explored patient experiences using qualitative approaches. However, these findings have not been systematically collated or critically appraised to better understand the experiences of this population.DesignA literature review of the qualitative evidence.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO between January 2005–October 2016 to identify qualitative studies that explored real‐life experiences of people with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke. The relevant EQUATOR guidelines were followed. Findings of relevant studies were critically appraised and collated using a thematic approach.ResultsThe search retrieved 709 articles. Twelve articles were included after critical review. Three themes emerged including recognition, awareness and action; the vulnerable self; and social and personal life change. Participants experienced ongoing vulnerability and change in their personal and social lives. Specifically, people believed that their condition did not reflect their physical appearance and led to their needs being unmet by health professionals.ConclusionsThis is the first review of the literature to collate the thoughts, perspectives and experiences of people living with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke. They reveal a complex, life‐altering experience characterised by vulnerability, instability and change. Education that assists clinicians to connect with these experiences may alleviate the patient‐reported disconnection with health professionals.Relevance to clinical practicePhysical and psychosocial dysfunctions were consistently reported to be overlooked or undetected by clinicians. Educating clinicians might enable them to better understand patient experiences, improve therapeutic interactions and meet the needs of this population.
The nomogram of prenasal thickness and nasal bone ratio and its relationship with nuchal fold in second‐trimester fetal ultrasound
Authors: Özdemir Halis , Kalaycı Hakan , Yetkinel Selçuk , Çok Tayfun , Çoban Gonca , Tarım Ebru 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to define the normal values of second‐trimester fetal prenasal thickness and nasal bone length ratio (PNT/NBL) in a low‐risk Turkish population and investigate the relationship between the increased PNT and nuchal fold (NF).MethodWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 650 cases considered to be euploid fetuses who presented to our clinic between December 2013 and September 2014 for a second‐line ultrasound between 17 and 24 weeks. Their PNT, NBL, NF and biometric (BPD, HC, AC, FL and HL) measurements were recorded.ResultsA total of 650 cases considered to be euploid fetuses were included in this study. There was a linear increase in PNT with the gestational weeks (mean value 3.01 at weeks 17–18 and 3.76 at weeks 23–24). The PNT/NB ratio showed a slight decrease in advancing gestational weeks (mean value 0.57 at weeks 17–18 and 0.50 at weeks 23–24). The 95th percentile value of the PNT/NB ratio, independent of the gestational week, was 0.76. The values of both PNT and NF increased with advancing gestational weeks, but there was no statistically linear increase between PNT and NF (R2: 0.115).ConclusionIn this study, we provided a nomogram of the PNT/NB ratio. Both NF thickness and PNT should be dealt with as two separate markers. Although the formation mechanisms are thought to be the same in both of them, a strong linear relationship does not exist between them.
Friendless Adolescents: Do Perceptions of Social Threat Account for Their Internalizing Difficulties and Continued Friendlessness?
Authors: Lessard Leah M. , Juvonen Jaana 
Published: March 2018

Adolescents who lack friends at school are at risk of internalizing difficulties. This study examined a social‐cognitive mechanism underlying friendlessness and internalizing difficulties (i.e., depressive symptoms, social anxiety, low self‐esteem). We tested whether perceived social threat (i.e., peer victimization, sense of unsafety, and peer misconduct) mediates the association between friendlessness and increased internalizing difficulties across middle school. Latent variable structural equation modeling was used to test the model among an ethnically diverse sample of 5,991 (52% female) adolescents. The results demonstrate that friendless sixth‐grade students perceived their school environment as more threatening by seventh grade, which in turn, increased internalizing difficulties from sixth to eighth grade. Perceptions of threat also predicted friendlessness at the end of middle school.
Facial hyperalgesia due to direct action of endothelin-1 in the trigeminal ganglion of mice
Authors: Gomes Lenyta Oliveira , Chichorro Juliana Geremias , Araya Erika Ivanna , de Oliveira Jade , Rae Giles Alexander 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Objective
This study assessed the ability of endothelin-1 (ET-1) to evoke heat hyperalgesia when injected directly into the trigeminal ganglia (TG) of mice and determined the receptors implicated in this effect. The effects of TG ETA and ETB receptor blockade on alleviation of heat hyperalgesia in a model of trigeminal neuropathic pain induced by infraorbital nerve constriction (CION) were also examined.

Methods
Naive mice received an intraganglionar (i.g.) injection of ET-1 (0.3–3 pmol) or the selective ETBR agonist sarafotoxin S6c (3–30 pmol), and response latencies to ipsilateral heat stimulation were assessed before the treatment and at 1-h intervals up to 5 h after the treatment. Heat hyperalgesia induced by i.g. ET-1 or CION was assessed after i.g. injections of ETAR and ETBR antagonists (BQ-123 and BQ-788, respectively, each at 0.5 nmol).

Key findings
Intraganglionar ET-1 or sarafotoxin S6c injection induced heat hyperalgesia lasting 4 and 2 h, respectively. Heat hyperalgesia induced by ET-1 was attenuated by i.g. BQ-123 or BQ-788. On day 5 after CION, i.g. BQ-788 injection produced a more robust antihyperalgesic effect compared with BQ-123.

Conclusions
ET-1 injection into the TG promotes ETAR/ETBR-mediated facial heat hyperalgesia, and both receptors are clearly implicated in CION-induced hyperalgesia in the murine TG system.
Daily melatonin protects the endothelial lineage and functional integrity against the aging process, oxidative stress, and toxic environment and restores blood flow in critical limb ischemia area in mice
Authors: Lee Fan‐Yen , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Sung Pei‐Hsun , Chen Kuan‐Hung , Chua Sarah , Sheu Jiunn‐Jye , Chung Sheng‐Ying , Chai Han‐Tan , Chen Yi‐Ling , Huang Tien‐Hung , Huang Chi‐Ruei , Li Yi‐Chen , Luo Chi‐Wen , Yip Hon‐Kan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that daily melatonin treatment protects endothelial lineage and functional integrity against the aging process, oxidative stress/endothelial denudation (ED), and toxic environment and restored blood flow in murine critical limb ischemia (CLI). In vitro study using HUVECs, in vivo models (ie, CLI through left femoral artery ligation and ED through carotid artery wire injury), and model of lipopolysaccharide‐induced aortic injury in young (3 months old) and aged (8 months old) mice were used to elucidate effects of melatonin treatment on vascular endothelial integrity. In vitro study showed that menadione‐induced oxidative stress (NOX‐1/NOX‐2), inflammation (TNF‐α/NF‐kB), apoptosis (cleaved caspase‐3/PARP), and mitochondrial damage (cytosolic cytochrome c) in HUVECs were suppressed by melatonin but reversed by SIRT3‐siRNA (all P < .001). In vivo, reduced numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) (C‐kit/CD31+/Sca‐1/KDR+/CXCR4/CD34+), and angiogenesis (Matrigel assay of bone marrow‐derived EPC and ex vivo aortic ring cultures) in older (compared with younger) mice were significantly reversed through daily melatonin administration (20 mg/kg/d, ip) (all P < .001). Aortic vasorelaxation and nitric oxide release were impaired in older mice and reversed in age‐match mice receiving melatonin (all P < .01). ED‐induced intimal/medial hyperplasia, reduced blood flow to ischemic limb, and angiogenesis (reduced CD31+/vWF+ cells/small vessel number) were improved after daily melatonin treatment (all P < .0001). Lipopolysaccharide‐induced aortic endothelial cell detachment, which was more severe in aged mice, was also alleviated after daily melatonin treatment (P < .0001). Daily melatonin treatment protected both structural and functional integrity of vascular endothelium against aging‐, oxidative stress‐, lipopolysaccharide‐, and ischemia‐induced damage probably through upregulating the SIRT signaling pathway.