bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of apelin preconditioning in a rat model of hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury; possible interaction between the apelin/APJ system, Ang II/AT1R system and eNOS
Authors: Sabry Maha M , Ramadan Nagwa M , Al Dreny Basant A , Rashed Laila A , Abo El Enein Ayman 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionHepatic ischemic reperfusion injury occurs in multiple clinical settings. Novel potential protective agents are still needed to attenuate this injury. Apelin preconditioning protects against ischemic reperfusion injury in different organs. However, the protective mechanism of apelin on hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury is not yet clear.AimEvaluate the effect of apelin‐13 preconditioning on hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury and clarify possible interactions between apelinergic, renin‐angiotensin systems and endothelial nitric oxide synthase.MethodsIn total, 60 rats were assigned to four groups: control sham‐operated, ischemic reperfusion, apelin‐treated ischemic reperfusion and apelin + N‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester‐treated ischemic reperfusion. Apelin 2 µg/kg/day and N‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester 10 mg/kg/day were injected intraperitoneally daily for 3 days and 2 weeks respectively before hepatic ischemic reperfusion. Serum aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic malondialdehyde, apelin, gene expression of caspase‐3, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiotensin type 1 receptor and liver histopathology were compared between groups.ResultsApelin significantly reduced serum aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic malondialdehyde, caspase‐3 and angiotensin type 1 receptor expression, whereas hepatic apelin and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression were significantly increased with improved hepatic histopathology. N‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester co‐administration partially reversed this hepatoprotective effect.ConclusionApelin‐13 reduced hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury. This protection could be related to the suppression of hepatic angiotensin type 1 receptor expression and elevation of hepatic apelin level and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, which counteracts the pathologic effects of Ang II/angiotensin type 1 receptor. An interaction exists between apelinergic, renin‐angiotensin systems and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in hepatic ischemic reperfusion pathophysiology.
Nutrition and Inflammation Influence 1-Year Mortality of Surgically Treated Elderly Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Prospective International Multicenter Case Series
Authors: Belangero William , Barla Jorge Daniel , Rienzi Bergalli Daniel Horacio , Olarte Salazar Carlos Mario , Fernandez Daniel Schweitzer , Mite Vivar Miguel Angel , Zylberberg Alejandro , Carabelli Guido Sebastian , Kfuri Maurício 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Hip fracture is a common and devastating event in older adults causing increased dependence, comorbidity, and mortality. Since new surgical techniques have not significantly improved the mortality rate, a better understanding of patient risk factors could improve the treatment algorithm and outcomes. This prospective study aimed to document the 1-year survival rate of patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated surgically in Latin America and to investigate risk factors associated with 1-year mortality. Patients and Methods: Between January 2013 and March 2015, 199 patients were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were aged 60 years or older, isolated intertrochanteric fracture (AO/OTA 31-A), and time to surgery within 10 days after injury. The follow-up period was 1 year. The association between mortality and patient demographics, comorbidity, surgical details, and preoperative laboratory parameters was assessed using log-rank tests. Results: Twenty patients died by 365 days after surgery (including 5 that died within 30 days of surgery) resulting in a 1-year survival rate of 89.8% (95% confidence interval = 84.6-93.3). The 1-year mortality was significantly associated with age (≥85 years old, P = .032), existing comorbidity ( P = .002), preinjury mobility level ( P = .026), mental state (Mini-Mental State Examination > 23, P = .040), low preoperative plasma albumin level ( P = .007), and high preoperative blood C-reactive protein level (CRP; P = .012). At the 1-year follow-up, patients on average did not regain their preinjury hip function and mobility, although the self-assessed quality of life was equal or better than before the injury. Discussion: As a prospective study, the current patient population had clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and was relatively homogeneous. The resulting associations between 1-year postoperative mortality and preoperative hypoalbuminemia and preoperative elevated CRP level are therefore especially notable. Previously identified risk factors such as male gender and time to surgery showed no significant association with 1-year mortality—the overall favorable condition of the current population or the lack of statistical power maybe responsible for this observation. Conclusion: The current results showed that under the condition of optimal surgical treatment and low surgery-related complication, preinjury health status as indicated by the blood level of albumin and CRP has a direct and significant impact on 1-year mortality rate.
Prevalence of Adverse Drug Reactions among Pediatric Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Selected Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: 8-Year Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abdela Jemal , Assefa Anteneh , Shamele Sufiyan 
Published: January 2019

Background: Antiretroviral-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the leading causes of drug changes, poor adherence, and treatment failure. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the magnitude of ADR and associated factors among pediatric patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of pediatric patients on ART at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital and Jugal Hospital ART clinics. The collected data were coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS, IBM version 16. The associations of selected categorical variables were done using binary logistic and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 186 medical records of pediatric patients on ART, 153 (82.25%) were reviewed. From the total medical records assessed, ADRs were observed in 23 (15.03%) of pediatric patients on ART, of which the most commonly encountered ADRs were anemia (34.8%) and followed by rash (17.4%). Most of ADRs were ranked as grade 3 (39.13%) and followed by grade 2 (30.4%) based on the degree of their severity. The likelihood of developing ADR was significantly associated with the regimen AZT/3TC/NVP (adjusted odds ratio: 6.420; 95% confidence interval: 1.056-39.018) relative to pediatric patients on D4T/3TC/NVP regimen. Conclusion: This study indicated that few pediatric patients on ART experienced ADRs. Most of the observed ADRs were ranked as grade 2 and 3 in terms of their severity. Drug out of stock and ADRs were the 2 most common reasons for antiretroviral (ARV) drug regimen change that could affect patient’s treatment outcome and limited future option.
Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligaments and Autograft Tendons Used for Reconstruction
Authors: Schmidt Elaine C. , Chin Matthew , Aoyama Julien T. , Ganley Theodore J. , Shea Kevin G. , Hast Michael W. 
Published: January 2019

Background: Over the past several decades, there has been a steady increase in pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, particularly in young female basketball and soccer players. Because allograft tissue for pediatric ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has shown high rates of failure, autograft tissue may be the best option for ACLR in this population. However, differences in the structure and mechanical behavior of these tissues are not clear. Purpose: To characterize the mechanical and microstructural properties in pediatric ACLs and autograft tissues using a rare cadaveric cohort (mean age, 9.2 years). Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: ACLs, patellar tendons, quadriceps tendons, semitendinosus tendons, and iliotibial bands (ITBs) were harvested from 5 fresh-frozen pediatric knee specimens (3 male, 2 female) and subjected to a tensile loading protocol. A subset of contralateral tissues was analyzed using bright-field, polarized light, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Patellar tendons exhibited values for ultimate stress (5.2 ± 3.1 MPa), ultimate strain (35.3% ± 12.5%), and the Young modulus (27.0 ± 8.8 MPa) that were most similar to the ACLs (5.2 ± 2.2 MPa, 31.4% ± 9.9%, and 23.6 ± 15.5 MPa, respectively). Semitendinosus tendons and ITBs were stronger but less compliant than the quadriceps or patellar tendons. ITBs exhibited crimp wavelengths (27.0 ± 2.9 μm) and collagen fibril diameters (67.5 ± 19.5 nm) that were most similar to the ACLs (24.4 ± 3.2 μm and 65.3 ± 19.9 nm, respectively). Conclusion: The mechanical properties of the patellar tendon were almost identical to those of the ACL. The ITB exhibited increased strength and a similar microstructure to the native ACL. These findings are not entirely congruent with studies examining adult tissues. Clinical Relevance: These results can be used to inform further clinical research. In particular, they justify a further examination of the biomechanical and microstructural properties of the ITB in the context of its role as an autograft tissue in pediatric ACL reconstruction.
Preoperative Ultrasound Evaluation of the Semitendinosus Tendon for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Sumanont Sermsak , Mahaweerawat Chatchada , Boonrod Arunnit , Thammaroj Punthip , Boonrod Artit 
Published: January 2019

Background: Adequate graft size and length are crucial factors that correlate with improved outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a semitendinosus (ST) tendon autograft alone. Anthropometric parameters could be used as predictors of graft measurements but they have shown imprecise correlation in some patients. Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound (US) for the preoperative evaluation of ST graft size and length. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 40 patients were included in this study. Patient sex, age, anthropometric parameters, and preoperative US measurements were recorded. After the ST tendons were harvested, their lengths as well as the diameters of the 4-strand ST grafts were recorded. Correlations between patient US measurements were analyzed. Inadequate ST graft length was defined at <28 cm, and inadequate 4-strand ST graft diameter was defined at <8 mm. Results: The prevalence of patients with an ST graft length <28 cm was 47.5%, and the prevalence of patients with a 4-strand ST graft diameter <8 mm was 42.5%. US measurements had a strong, significant correlation with the ST graft length ( P < .001) and a moderate correlation with the 4-strand ST graft diameter ( P < .001). Absolute agreement between the preoperative US measurement of ST graft length and the intraoperative ST graft length showed good reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.825). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ST tendon at the knee joint level by US showed a weak correlation ( r = 0.207) with the 4-strand ST graft diameter ( P = .200). A CSA of 16 mm2 measured by US could be used to predict a 4-strand ST graft diameter ≥8 mm, with a sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 76.5%. Conclusion: Preoperative US measurements of ST tendons had a strong correlation with intraoperative ST graft length and provided good sensitivity to detect a 4-strand ST graft diameter ≥8 mm. All other anthropometric parameters showed a weak to moderate correlation with ST graft length and size.
Organisational Sustainability through Culture and Managerial Effectiveness: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Negi Pooja Singh , Dangwal R. C. 
Published: January 2019

Research on different aspects of organisational culture and performance or management capability among Indian firms remains limited. A vast number of previous studies suggest that every organisation should include culture and managerial effectiveness for sustainable development. To analyse this perspective, the article tries to investigate the relationship between organisational culture and managerial effectiveness in an Indian context. Our study provides a meta-analysis of 30 qualified empirical research articles published between 1967 and 2016. The main sectors were banking, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and education. The meta-analytical approach helps to generalise the relationship between organisational culture and managerial effectiveness. Asymmetry of funnel plots is evaluated using Begg and Mazumdar’s rank correlation and Duval and Tweedie’s trim and fill methods. The results revealed overall combined correlation ( r = 0.291) whereas, correlations in excess of 0.3 are rare in this context. The findings suggest that culture and managerial effectiveness are an important factor for organisation sustainability. These relationships indicate a positive relationship between organisational culture and managerial effectiveness. The major limitation of this research study is associated with the unavailability of empirical research papers. We also believe that our findings would have been more assertive if they were tested as hypothetical propositions drawn from the literature and through a consecutive research survey. The organisational culture explored in this study provides some innovative thoughts for building sustainable knowledge culture, particularly in an Indian context. These findings also highlight the importance of organisational culture in fostering managerial effectiveness.
Predictive and Prognostic Properties of Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 Expression in Gemcitabine-Treated Pancreatobiliary Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vos Larissa J. , Yusuf Dimas , Lui Arthur , Abdelaziz Zainab , Ghosh Sunita , Spratlin Jennifer L. , Mackey John R. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeGemcitabine, the primary drug for the treatment of pancreatobiliary cancer (PBC), requires human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) to enter cells. High tumoral hENT1 expression has been linked with improved survival among patients with PBC treated with gemcitabine; however, this finding has been inconsistent, and studies used different expression assays.MethodsDatabases were reviewed for studies that examined hENT1 and clinical outcome in PBC. Of 307 publications, 34 studies were found that used immunohistochemistry (IHC) with one of eight anti–hENT1 antibody assays. Five studies were excluded for redundancy, and 29 studies underwent detailed review.ResultsOn average, 51% of tumor samples had high hENT1 expression (range, 7% to 92%). Among studies that examined hENT1 expression and overall survival (OS), 58% (15 of 26 studies) showed an association between high tumoral hENT1 and improved OS for gemcitabine-treated patients. Among 10D7G2 antibody studies, 88% (seven of eight studies) demonstrated this association. Studies with other antibodies—in particular, SP120 (two of nine studies)—were less consistent. The ability to detect an association between improved OS and high hENT1 was antibody dependent (χ2P = .0237). An association between high tumoral hENT1 expression and improved disease-free/progression-free survival (DFS/PFS) was demonstrated in 71% of studies (15 of 21 studies). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) analyses of all antibody studies demonstrated a link between high hENT1 tumor expression and improved OS (HR, 0.674; 95% CI, 0.509 to 0.893; P = .006) and DFS/PFS (HR, 0.740; 95% CI, 0.517 to 0.1.059; P = .10). This signal was stronger among studies that used the 10D7G2 antibody in comparison to those in which another antibody was used, with HRs of 0.488 (95% CI, 0.396 to 0.602; P < .001) and 0.410 (95% CI, 0.280 to 0.599; P < .001), respectively.ConclusionHigh tumoral hENT1 expression on IHC with 10D7G2 is a strong and reproducible prognostic marker for improved outcome among gemcitabine-treated patients with PBC.
Microbiological assessment of sachet water “pure water” from five regions in Ghana
Authors: Mosi Lydia , Adadey Samuel Mawuli , Sowah Sandra Akoley , Yeboah Charles 
Published: January 2019

Background: Sachet water, popularly known as “pure water” has become an invaluable entity in most Ghanaian households. Despite its importance, there is no extensive nationwide investigations on its wholesomeness for consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological quality of 41 brands of sachet water sampled in 16 districts across 5 regions in Ghana. Methods: The samples were analyzed for the presence of total and fecal coliform (Escherichia coli) using the Colilert*- 18 Test Kit. Results: Majority of the samples (56.09%) were excellent, 4.87% satisfactory and 14.63% suspicious. Ten samples (24.4%) were unsatisfactory. For the degree of fecal contamination, (85.56%) were satisfactory, four (9.76%) were suspicious, and two others (4.88%) were unsatisfactory. The contaminations observed could be attributed to poor sanitary conditions (during and/or after production) and failure of some production facilities to adhere to standard manufacturing practices. Conclusion: Our data suggest that microbiological quality sachet water from some sources have not yet attained levels that make it absolutely pure and wholesome for consumption in many areas.
Investigation of the influence of a glutathione S-transferase metabolic resistance to pyrethroids/DDT on mating competitiveness in males Anopheles funestus, African malaria vector
Authors: Tchouakui Magellan , Tene Fossog Billy , Ngannang Brigitte Vanessa , Djonabaye Doumani , Tchapga Williams , Njiokou Flobert , Wondji Charles S. 
Published: January 2019

Background:Metabolic resistance is a serious challenge to current insecticide-based interventions. The extent to which it affects natural populations of mosquitoes including their reproduction ability remains uncharacterised. Here, we investigated the potential impact of the glutathione S-transferase L119F-GSTe2 resistance on the mating competitiveness of maleAnopheles funestus, in Cameroon.Methods:Swarms and indoor resting collections took place in March, 2018 in Tibati, Cameroon. WHO tube and cone assays were performed on F1mosquitoes from indoor collected females to assess the susceptibility profile of malaria vectors. Mosquitoes mated and unmated males collected in the swarms were genotyped for the L119F metabolic marker to assess its association with mating male competitiveness.Results: Susceptibility and synergist assays, showed that this population was multiple resistant to pyrethroids, DDT and carbamates, likely driven by metabolic resistance mechanisms. Cone assays revealed a reduced efficacy of standard pyrethroid-nets (Olyset and PermaNet 2.0) with low mortality (<25%) whereas synergist PBO-Nets (Olyset Plus and PermaNet 3.0) retained greater efficacy with higher mortality (>80%). The L119F-GSTe2 mutation, conferring pyrethroid/DDT resistance, was detected in thisAn.funestuspopulation at a frequency of 28.8%. In addition, a total of 15 mating swarms were identified and 21An. funestuscouples were isolated from those swarms. A comparative genotyping of the L119F-GSTe2 mutation between mated and unmated males revealed that heterozygote males 119L/F-RS were less able to mate than homozygote susceptible (OR=7.2, P<0.0001). Surprisingly, heterozygote mosquitoes were also less able to mate than homozygote resistant (OR=4.2, P=0.010) suggesting the presence of a heterozygote disadvantage effect. Overall, mosquitoes bearing the L119-S susceptible allele were significantly more able to mate than those with 119F-R resistant allele (OR=2.1, P=0.03).Conclusion:This study provides preliminary evidences that metabolic resistance potentially exerts a fitness cost on mating competiveness in resistant mosquitoes.
Palliative care delivery: descriptions of community-based services in Vellore, India, and Seattle, Washington
Authors: Taub Jina M , Coats Heather , Coats Curtis , Doorenbos Ardith , Siva Rajeswari , Sadan Vathsala , Alexander Greeda , Immanuel Shandrila , Ravindran Vinitha , Chacko Selva Titus , Nolet Riana 
Published: January 2019

Background: A public health approach to palliative care supports community-dwelling adults with advanced illness. A better understanding of successful community-based palliative care programmes and partnerships is needed to expand community-based services for ageing populations. Aims: This study describes two organisations in two different countries that provide health and social services to community-dwelling adults with advanced illness. Methods: Unstructured key-informant interviews and observational data were collected at the Christian Medical College's College of Nursing Community Health Programme (Vellore, India) and at Phinney Neighborhood Association Village (Seattle, Washington, USA). Findings: College of Nursing Community Health Programme nurses work with volunteer community health workers to identify and provide client-focused support to ensure quality-of-life. The Phinney Neighborhood Association Village is a volunteer-led organisation that provides social support. Both serve community-dwelling adults with advanced illness. Conclusion: Partnerships between healthcare organisations and community volunteers support a public health approach to community-based palliative care.
Informational needs of family caregivers of people with intellectual disability who require palliative care: a two-phase integrative review of the literature
Authors: McKibben Laurie , Brazil Kevin , Hudson Peter , McLaughlin Dorry 
Published: January 2019

Background: People with intellectual disabilities are living longer, with increasingly complex needs and their family caregivers may have a broad scope of unmet needs. Aims: To identify the most common needs of family caregivers, to identify gaps in the literature, and distinguish the information needs of family caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities who require palliative care. Methods: This two phase literature review used five electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Cochrane and Pubmed). Phase 1 involved a review of systematic reviews of the needs of family caregivers across healthcare settings. Phase 2 explored the commonly reported information needs from phase 1, in relation to family caregivers of people with intellectual disability who require palliative care. There was no research explicit to the information needs of these family caregivers. Findings: This review reveals potential information needs which may exist, guided by the palliative caregiving literature; alluding to information needs surrounding the disease, finances, and psychological or practical support. Conclusion: It is surmised that a greater scope of informational need exists for this population and further research is pertinent for international healthcare settings.