bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Many transcription factors contribute to C. elegans growth and fat storage
Authors: Mori Akihiro , Holdorf Amy D. , Walhout Albertha J.M. 
Published: August 2017

Reverse genetic screens by RNA interference (RNAi) in model organisms such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have provided numerous insights into gene function, thereby connecting genotype to phenotype. However, genes that contribute only subtly are often missed because relatively large numbers of measurements and reliable quantification are required to overcome experimental and biological noise that may mask subtle phenotypic effects. Here, we address this challenge by focusing on two phenotypes in C. elegans: growth and fat storage. We carried out comprehensive RNAi knockdown of transcription factors (TFs), as these are known important regulators of biological processes during development and the maintenance of homeostasis. Microscopy images of TF knockdown animals stained with Oil Red O (ORO) were captured, and body size (proxy for growth) and ORO staining intensity (proxy for fat storage) were precisely quantified using a newly developed imaging tool we named IPPOME (Image Processing for Precise and Objective MEasurement). We found that a surprisingly large proportion of TFs contribute to growth and fat storage, but that most TFs have only subtle, yet significant effects. This study provides a blueprint for studies of other genes and phenotypes in C. elegans.
An exploration of co‐parenting in the context of caring for a child prenatally diagnosed and born with a complex health condition
Authors: McKechnie Anne Chevalier , Rogstad Jamie , Martin Katherine M. , Pridham Karen F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe co‐parenting communication in couples in the context of caregiving for children prenatally diagnosed and born with complex health conditions.BackgroundFoetal diagnosis of complex health conditions such as heart, central nervous system, or abdominal anomalies are confirmed more often than ever before. Following diagnosis, parents face challenges beginning before birth. The quality of co‐parenting, when two individuals relate to each other as parents and share parental responsibilities, can have an impact on child health and development. Yet, little is known about co‐parenting during the transition to parenthood after foetal diagnosis.DesignThis secondary analysis of interview data was informed by Bowlby's theoretical work on a parent's view of self as caregiver and the literature on co‐parenting.MethodsData were drawn from a larger, mixed methods, longitudinal study and included audio‐recorded interviews conducted with 16 parents participating as eight couples after foetal diagnosis during the third trimester of pregnancy in 2011–2012 and again when children were 14–37 months old in 2014. Analysis of interviews transcribed verbatim focused on co‐parenting communication.FindingsCo‐parenting communication regarding support, agreement and information sharing and a new category of shared meaning were related to the diagnosis before birth. Later, couples evolved in their co‐parenting communication while caring for their toddlers and working towards achieving a sense of normalcy.ConclusionVariation in co‐parenting communication among couples preparing and caring for children with complex health conditions, including the development of a shared meaning of the child's diagnosis, needs further investigation to inform nursing assessment and guide tailored interventions.
Cholinergic modulation of the hippocampal region and memory function
Authors: Haam Juhee , Yakel Jerrel L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAcetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in memory function and has been implicated in aging‐related dementia, in which the impairment of hippocampus‐dependent learning strongly manifests. Cholinergic neurons densely innervate the hippocampus, mediating the formation of episodic as well as semantic memory. Here, we will review recent findings on acetylcholine's modulation of memory function, with a particular focus on hippocampus‐dependent learning, and the circuits involved. In addition, we will discuss the complexity of ACh actions in memory function to better understand the physiological role of ACh in memory.This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Metal chelator EGCG attenuates Fe(III)‐induced conformational transition of α‐synuclein and protects AS‐PC12 cells against Fe(III)‐induced death
Authors: Zhao Juan , Xu Lihui , Liang Qingnan , Sun Qing , Chen Congheng , Zhang Yuan , Ding Yu , Zhou Ping 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe fibrillation and aggregation of α‐synuclein (AS), along with the conformational transition from random coil to β‐sheet, are the critical steps in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is acknowledged that iron accumulation in the brain may lead to the fibrillation of AS. However, (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can penetrate the blood–brain barrier, chelate metal ions, and inhibit the fibrillation of amyloid proteins. Therefore, EGCG is warranted to be investigated for its potential to cure amyloid‐related diseases. In the present work, we sought to study the effects of EGCG on Fe(III)‐induced fibrillation of AS on both molecular and cellular levels. We demonstrate that Fe(III) interacts with the amino residue of Tyr and Ala of AS, then accelerates the fibrillation of AS, and increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the AS transduced‐PC12 cells (AS‐PC12 cells). However, EGCG significantly inhibits this process by chelating Fe(III) and protects AS‐PC12 cells against the toxicity induced by ROS and β‐sheet‐enriched AS fibrils. These findings yield useful information that EGCG might be a promising drug to prevent and treat the neurodegenerative diseases.
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Corticosterone and exogenous glucose alter blood glucose levels, neurotoxicity, and vascular toxicity produced by methamphetamine
Authors: Bowyer John F. , Tranter Karen M. , Sarkar Sumit , George Nysia I. , Hanig Joseph P. , Kelly Kimberly A. , Michalovicz Lindsay T. , Miller Diane B. , O'Callaghan James P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOur previous studies have raised the possibility that altered blood glucose levels may influence and/or be predictive of methamphetamine (METH) neurotoxicity. This study evaluated the effects of exogenous glucose and corticosterone (CORT) pretreatment alone or in combination with METH on blood glucose levels and the neural and vascular toxicity produced. METH exposure consisted of four sequential injections of 5, 7.5, 10, and 10 mg/kg (2 h between injections) D‐METH. The three groups given METH in combination with saline, glucose (METH+Glucose), or CORT (METH+CORT) had significantly higher glucose levels compared to the corresponding treatment groups without METH except at 3 h after the last injection. At this last time point, the METH and METH+Glucose groups had lower levels than the non‐METH groups, while the METH+CORT group did not. CORT alone or glucose alone did not significantly increase blood glucose. Mortality rates for the METH+CORT (40%) and METH+Glucose (44%) groups were substantially higher than the METH (< 10%) group. Additionally, METH+CORT significantly increased neurodegeneration above the other three METH treatment groups (≈ 2.5‐fold in the parietal cortex). Thus, maintaining elevated levels of glucose during METH exposure increases lethality and may exacerbate neurodegeneration. Neuroinflammation, specifically microglial activation, was associated with degenerating neurons in the parietal cortex and thalamus after METH exposure. The activated microglia in the parietal cortex were surrounding vasculature in most cases and the extent of microglial activation was exacerbated by CORT pretreatment. Our findings show that acute CORT exposure and elevated blood glucose levels can exacerbate METH‐induced vascular damage, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and lethality.
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Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13819.
Falls, a fear of falling and related factors in older adults with complex chronic disease
Authors: Lee JuHee , Choi MoonKi , Kim Chang Oh 
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectivesTo identify factors influencing falls and the fear of falling among older adults with chronic diseases in Korea.BackgroundThe fear of falling and falls in older adults are significant health problems towards which healthcare providers should direct their attention. Further investigation is needed to improve nursing practice specifically decreasing risk of falls and the fear of falling in Korea.DesignDescriptive, cross‐sectional survey.MethodsA convenience sample of 108 patients was recruited at the geriatric outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medication use, fall history, level of physical activity, activities of daily living, mobility, muscle strength, and a fear of falling were investigated. Student's t tests, chi‐square tests and multiple linear regressions were used in statistical analysis.ResultsThirty‐six participants (33.3%) among 108 subjects reported experiencing ≥1 falls in the past year. Marital status and the use of antipsychotics were associated with falls, while other factors were not significantly related to falls. Only benign prostatic hypertrophy and polypharmacy were significantly related to the fear of falling in the analysis of the relationships between chronic disease, medication use and fear of falling. In the regression model, the number of comorbidities, level of physical activity, activities of daily living and mobility were predictors of a fear of falling. Medication use was marginally significant, in the model.ConclusionIncreasing physical activity, functional fitness and physical independence is important to decrease the fear of falling, and to encourage active and healthy lives in older adults.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings from this study provide evidence for the development of nursing interventions for older adults. We recommend early screening for a fear of falling and nursing interventions to decrease the fear of falling through enhancing physical activity level and function.
Saving lives with caring assessments: How Tanzanian nurse‐midwives and obstetricians negotiate postpartum practices
Authors: Kohi Thecla W , Aston Megan , Mselle Lilian T , Macdonald Danielle , Mbekenga Columba , Murphy Gail Tomblin , White Maureen , OHearn Shawna , Price Sheri , Jefferies Keisha 
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the nurse‐midwives’ and obstetricians’ experiences delivering postpartum care assessments and how it was constructed through personal, social and institutional discourses.IntroductionThe Tanzanian Government has prioritised maternal and child health as an urgent healthcare issue. Nurse‐midwives and obstetricians are the two main providers of care throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods.DesignA qualitative design guided by a feminist poststructuralist methodology.MethodsTen nurse‐midwives and three obstetricians from three Regional Hospitals in Dar es Salaam participated in individual semi‐structured in‐depth interviews.ResultsAssessment emerged as a significant theme with three subthemes. Nurse‐midwives shared their beliefs and values about assessments that focused on the safety of mothers and babies. They felt proud working with mothers and babies and shared their frustrations having to deal with inadequate working conditions. Guidelines and practices were part of the institutional discourse that impacted the day‐to‐day experiences of nurse‐midwives and obstetricians. The nurse‐midwives held the belief that it was vital to complete a comprehensive assessment to identify danger signs, keep mothers and babies safe and look for any abnormalities. They were concerned that mothers were being sent home too early.ConclusionsNurse‐midwives’ experiences in the provision of postpartum care portray that these health providers work heartedly to make sure that the mothers and their newborns receive the best care they can provide. The health system is challenged to address the needed supplies and equipment for reproductive health in particular postpartum care services.Relevance to clinical practiceInstitutional health discourses significantly affect the practice of nurse‐midwives and obstetricians to deliver timely and effective postpartum assessments. Immediate and ongoing postpartum assessments conducted by nurse‐midwives and obstetricians can save lives. This study presents the first theme of the study: Caring assessments save lives.
Independent predictors of medication adherence among Singaporean patients following an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Wang Wenru , Chia Gerk Sin , Tan Il Fan , Tye Siew Noi Janis , Wang Xiaona , Zhu Birong , Jiang Ying 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the independent predictors of medication adherence among Singaporean patients following an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.BackgroundSecondary prevention of stroke includes optimal control over modifiable risk factors, and medication adherence is important in controlling the effect of comorbidities. However, there is a paucity of published literature on the topics of medication adherence among stroke patients, especially in the Asian population.DesignA cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational study.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐one patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Data collection included the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale‐8 (MMAS‐8), General Self‐Efficacy Survey (GSES) and Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of medication adherence, measured by MMAS‐8.ResultsThe mean score of the MMAS‐8 was 5.07 (SD = 2.20, range 0–8), and more than 80% of the participants had low (n = 65, 53.7%) or medium (n = 34, 28.1%) levels of medication adherence. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that two factors, namely “understanding the benefits of medications” (β = 0.238, p = .010) and “having suffered from stroke twice or more” (β = 0.235, p = .014), were identified as independent predictors of medication adherence in stroke patients while the other variables were adjusted. These two factors accounted for 12.4% of the variance.ConclusionMedication adherence was poor in Singaporean patients following an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. The independent predictors identified in this study will support healthcare professionals to develop tailored intervention to improve medication adherence among this group of patients.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses play an important role in promoting patients’ medication adherence. Helping stroke patients understand the long‐term benefits of their medications is essential to enhance patients’ medication adherence and results in better health outcomes.
Illness trajectories in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: How illness progression is related to life narratives and interpersonal relationships
Authors: Cipolletta Sabrina , Gammino Giorgia Rosamaria , Palmieri Arianna 
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectivesTo identify illness trajectories in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by analysing personal, social and functional dimensions related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression.BackgroundPrevious studies have considered some psychological distinct variables that may moderate illness progression, but no research has combined an extensive qualitative understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients’ psychological characteristics and illness progression.DesignA mixed‐methods approach was used to combine quantitative and qualitative measures. Illness progression was assessed through a longitudinal design.MethodsEighteen patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis attending a Neurology Department in northern Italy participated in the study. Semi‐structured interviews to explore personal experience, and dependency grids to assess the distribution of dependency; ALSFRS‐R and neuropsychological screening were, respectively, used to measure physical and cognitive impairment. To assess the progression of the disease, ALSFRS‐R was re‐administered after 8 months and mortality rate was considered. Data were analysed using the grounded theory approach.ResultsIllness progression changed according to the perception of the disease, the trust placed in medical care, self‐construction and the distribution of dependency. Based on these categories, cases that had similar experiences were grouped, and four illness trajectories were identified: aggressiveness, threat, constriction and guilt.ConclusionThe findings suggest that it is possible to identify different illness trajectories in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Relevance to clinical practicePersonalised intervention strategies may be construed based on the different trajectories identified.
Sleep disturbance in people with diabetes: A concept analysis
Authors: Zhu Bingqian , Vincent Catherine , Kapella Mary C , Quinn Laurie , Collins Eileen G , Ruggiero Laurie , Park Chang , Fritschi Cynthia 
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectivesTo clarify the meaning of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes and examine its antecedents, attributes and consequences through concept analysis.BackgroundSleep is crucial for health, and people with diabetes are frequently beset with disturbances in their sleep. The concept of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes has not been clearly defined. The inconsistent use of sleep disturbance has created confusion and impeded our understanding of the sleep in people with diabetes. This analysis will provide a conceptual foundation of sleep disturbance in diabetes, thereby facilitating more effective means for assessment and treatment.DesignConcept analysis.MethodsA systematic search without time restriction on the publication year was carried out using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Rodgers's method of evolutionary concept analysis guided the analysis. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify the attributes, antecedents and consequences.ResultsBased on the 26 eligible studies, two major attributes are that sleep disturbance is a symptom and is characterised by impaired sleep quality and/or abnormal sleep duration. Two antecedents are diabetes‐related physiological change and psychological well‐being. Sleep disturbance can result in impaired daytime functioning, glucose regulation and quality of life.ConclusionsDefining the concept of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes facilitates consistent use and effective communication in both practice and research. Sleep disturbance in people with diabetes is a complex symptom that includes impaired sleep quality and/or abnormal sleep duration. This paper contributes to the current knowledge of sleep in people with diabetes. Future research on antecedents and consequences of sleep disturbance is necessary for further clarifications.Relevance to clinical practiceFindings from this paper underscore the need for nursing education, clinical assessment and effective management of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes.
Interventions for maintaining nasogastric feeding after stroke: An integrative review of effectiveness and acceptability
Authors: Mahoney Catherine , Veitch Linda 
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of interventions for maintaining nasogastric tubes in adult stroke patients.BackgroundInternationally, incidence of cerebral vascular disease continues to increase and stroke is the largest cause of complex disability in adults. Dysphagia is common following a stroke which necessitates feeding via a nasogastric tube. Nasogastric tubes are not well tolerated by stroke patients and may be frequently dislodged. Hence, interventions such as tape, the nasal bridle/loop or hand mittens may be used to maintain nasogastric tube position. However, evidence around the effectiveness and acceptability of these interventions has not been reviewed and synthesised.DesignIntegrative literature review.MethodDatabase searches in MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane and EMBASE; manual reference list searches.ResultsSeven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Evidence for the effectiveness of nasal bridle/loop and hand mittens to maintain nasogastric tube position in patients after a stroke is spare and methodologically poor, and especially limited around hand mittens use. There is insufficient evidence about the acceptability of both nasal bridle/loop and hand mittens among stroke patients.ConclusionCurrent clinical practice is underpinned by assumptions around the acceptability of nasal bridle/loop and hand mittens to secure nasogastric tubes. This results in reliance on consensual judgement between professional, patients and their families to guide their use among individuals with dysphagia after stroke. Further research is required to assess the effectiveness of hand mittens and acceptability of both nasal bridle/loop and hand mittens among stroke patients to inform guideline development.Relevance to clinical practiceGiven the lack of evidence on the acceptability of hand mittens and nasal bridle/loop among stroke patients to inform evidence‐based guidelines and protocols, healthcare professionals should reach consensus on their use by exercising clinical judgement and through consultation with patients (if possible) and their families.
Cadmium‐induced melatonin synthesis in rice requires light, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide: Key regulatory roles for tryptophan decarboxylase and caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Choi Geun‐Hee , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn plants, melatonin production is induced by stimuli such as cold and drought, and cadmium (Cd) is the best elicitor of melatonin production in rice. However, the mechanism by which Cd induces melatonin synthesis in plants remains unknown. We challenged rice seedlings with Cd under different light conditions and found that continuous light produced the highest levels of melatonin, while continuous dark failed to induce melatonin production. Transcriptional and translational induction of tryptophan decarboxylase contributed to the light induction of melatonin during Cd treatment, whereas the protein level of light‐induced caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase (COMT) was decreased by Cd treatment. In analogy, COMT enzyme activity was inhibited in vitro by Cd in a dose‐dependent manner. Notably, the Cd‐induced melatonin synthesis was significantly impaired by treatment with either an H2O2 production inhibitor (DPI) or an NO scavenger (cPTIO). The combination of both inhibitors almost completely abolished Cd‐induced melatonin synthesis, suggesting an absolute requirement for H2O2 and NO. However, neither serotonin nor N‐acetylserotonin (NAS) was induced by H2O2 alone. In contrast, NO significantly induced serotonin production but not NAS or melatonin production. This indicated that serotonin did not enter chloroplasts, where serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT) is constitutively expressed. This suggests that chloroplastidic SNAT expression prevents increased melatonin production after exposure to stress, ultimately leading to the maintenance of a steady‐state melatonin level inside cells.