bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No evidence of a role for mitochondrial complex I in Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis
Authors: Ng Garrett Z. , Ke Bi‐Xia , Laskowski Adrienne , Thorburn David R. , Sutton Philip 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundComplex I is the first enzyme complex in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, responsible for generating a large fraction of energy during oxidative phosphorylation. Recently, it has been identified that complex I deficiency can result in increased inflammation due to the generation of reactive oxygen species by innate immune cells. As a reduction in complex I activity has been demonstrated in human stomachs with atrophic gastritis, we investigated whether complex I deficiency could influence Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis.Materials and MethodsNdufs6gt/gt mice have a partial complex I deficiency. Complex I activity was quantified in the stomachs and immune cells of Ndufs6gt/gt mice by spectrophotometric assays. Ndufs6gt/gt mice were infected with H. pylori and bacterial colonization assessed by colony‐forming assay, gastritis assessed histologically, and H. pylori ‐specific humoral response quantified by ELISA.ResultsThe immune cells and stomachs of Ndufs6gt/gt mice were found to have significantly decreased complex I activity, validating the model for assessing the effects of complex I deficiency in H. pylori infection. However, there was no observable effect of complex I deficiency on either H. pylori colonization, the resulting gastritis, or the humoral response.ConclusionsAlthough complex I activity is described to suppress innate immune responses and is decreased during atrophic gastritis in humans, our data suggest it does not affect H. pylori pathogenesis.
Thyrotropin receptor gene expression in the association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Silvares Maria R. C. , Fortes Maria R. P. , Nascimento Renata de A. M. L. , Padovani Carlos R. , Miot Hélio A. , Nogueira Célia R. , Mazeto Gláucia M. F. da S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) may be associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, and the Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) is an autoreactivity marker. The thyrotropin (TSH) and TSH receptor (TSHR) could play a role in the pathogenesis of CSU. The aim of this study was to evaluate ASST positivity and TSHR gene expression in healthy skin and ASST wheals in euthyroid women with CSU, with (14 patients) and without (15 patients) Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).MethodsASST was performed and TSHR gene expression studied in wheals induced by ASST and in healthy skin.ResultsASST presented greater positivity (86% × 40%) and larger diameter (10.8 × 9.6 mm) in the HT group (P < 0.05). TSHR gene expression was higher in the ASST area and healthy skin of HT group (P < 0.01). Positive correlation of antibodies levels with ASST wheal measurements and TSHR gene expression was seen.ConclusionsWomen with CSU and HT presented greater positivity and larger measurements for ASST and higher TSHR expression in the skin, suggesting association between CSU, thyroid autoimmunity, and TSHR.
Opening new horizons in regenerative dermatology using platelet‐based autologous therapies
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Pino Ander , Orive Gorka 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBiological therapeutic therapies are gaining the attention of scientists and medical doctors. Accumulating evidence suggests that blood‐derived autologous therapies are safe and effective treatments for skin repair and wound healing. The fibrin network formed after plasmatic activation and the autologous growth factors released when platelets degranulate constitute a real biological medicine that has been shown to promote cell recruitment, stimulate new blood vessel formation, reduce inflammation as well as protect from local infections. This perspective highlights recent basic and clinical results published on blood‐derived autologous therapies in the field of regenerative dermatology and discusses potential challenges and future prospects.
A functional variant of miRNA‐149 confers risk for allergic rhinitis and comorbid asthma in Chinese children
Authors: Hu D. , Zhang Z. , Ke X. , Kang H. , Hong S. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma has been increasing, and the comorbidity rates of these diseases are very high. Here, 176 AR patients, 124 patients with comorbid AR and asthma (AR‐A) and 206 healthy Chinese children as controls were included in a case–control study. Six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), miR‐146a (rs2910164, rs57095329 and rs6864584), miR‐196a2 (rs11614913), miR‐499 (rs3746444) and miR‐149 (rs2292832), were genotyped. The prevalence of homozygous miR‐149 (rs2292832) CC genotype and C allele were considerably increased in AR and AR‐A patients, compared with the controls. AR‐A group showed higher frequencies of CC genotype and C allele of rs2292832 than AR group. No significant difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of other miRNA SNPs was found between the groups. MiR‐149 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were significantly lower in CC (variant type) cases compared with TT (wild‐type) cases. In further experiments, PBMCs obtained from the healthy controls with CC, CT and TT genotypes were stimulated by house dust mite extracts, which led to a significant decrease in the levels of miR‐149 in PBMCs obtained from CC and TT individuals. This decrease was more pronounced in CC compared with TT cases. Our results demonstrate that miR‐149 rs2292832 variant is not only strongly associated with AR and AR‐A, but it may lead to an increase in the susceptibility to allergies following the stimulation with an allergen, through the changes in miR149 expression. Additionally, AR patients with CC genotypes were shown to be more susceptible to asthma.
Information supply chain optimization with bandwidth limitations
Authors: Hirsch Michael J. , Ortiz‐Peña Héctor 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWorkflow management systems allow for visibility, control, and automation of many business processes. Recently, nonbusiness domains have taken an interest in the management of workflows, and the optimal assignment and scheduling of workflow tasks to users across a network. This research aims at developing a rigorous mathematical programming formulation of the workflow optimization problem. The resulting formulation is nonlinear, but a linearized version is produced. Three heuristics are developed to find solutions efficiently. Computational experiments are presented and analyzed, comparing solutions to the original linearized formulation with the three heuristics.
Natural Duties of Justice in a World of States
Authors: Meckled‐García Saladin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe agency objection to applying distributive justice globally is that principles of distributive justice need to apply to the behaviour of a special kind of institutional agent of distributive justice because of the special powers of that agent. No such agent exists capable of configuring cooperative arrangements between all persons globally, and so distributive justice does not apply globally. One response to institutional views of this kind is that they do not rule out Natural Duties of Justice that fall on all of us to bring about institutional agencies capable of global distributive justice. In this article I argue that this move presupposes a particular, teleological, conception of justice whilst institutional accounts most plausibly rest on a non‐teleological one. I provide an argument for favouring the non‐teleological conception. I also show why alternative ways of arguing for global Natural Duties of Justice do not get around this controversy. The debate is at the level of presuppositions about justice, and relying on a partisan conception is question begging.
Significant Discrepancy Between Estimated and Actual Longevity in St. Jude Medical Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators
Authors: DOPPALAPUDI HARISH , BARRIOS JAMES , CUELLAR JOSE , GANNON MELANIE , YAMADA TAKUMI , KUMAR VINEET , MADDOX WILLIAM R. , PLUMB VANCE J. , BROWN TODD M. , MCELDERRY H TOM 
Published: February 2017

Discrepancy in Longevity Estimation in SJM ICDsBackgroundReal‐time estimated longevity has been reported in pacemakers for several years, and was recently introduced in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs).ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the accuracy of this longevity estimate in St. Jude Medical (SJM) ICDs, especially as the device battery approaches depletion.MethodsAmong patients with SJM ICDs who underwent generator replacements due to reaching elective replacement indicator (ERI) at our institution, we identified those with devices that provided longevity estimates and reviewed their device interrogations in the 18 months prior to ERI. Significant discrepancy was defined as a difference of more than 12 months between estimated and actual longevity at any point during this period.ResultsForty‐six patients with Current/Promote devices formed the study group (40 cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT] and 6 single/dual chamber). Of these, 34 (74%) had significant discrepancy between estimated and actual longevity (28 CRT and all single/dual). Longevity was significantly overestimated by the device algorithm (mean maximum discrepancy of 18.8 months), more in single/dual than CRT devices (30.5 vs. 17.1 months). Marked discrepancy was seen at voltages ≥2.57 volts, with maximum discrepancy at 2.57 volts (23 months). The overall longevity was higher in the discrepant group of CRT devices than in the nondiscrepant group (67 vs. 61 months, log‐rank P = 0.03).ConclusionsThere was significant overestimation of longevity in nearly three‐fourths of Current/Promote SJM ICDs in the last 18 months prior to ERI. Longevity estimates of SJM ICDs may not be reliable for making clinical decisions on frequency of follow‐up, as the battery approaches depletion.
Sestrin 1 ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy via autophagy activation
Authors: Xue Ruicong , Zeng Junyi , Chen Yili , Chen Cong , Tan Weiping , Zhao Jingjing , Dong Bin , Sun Yu , Dong Yugang , Liu Chen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCardiac hypertrophy is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Autophagy is acknowledged to be an important mechanism regulating cardiac hypertrophy. Sestrin 1, a downstream target gene of p53, has been proven to regulate autophagy. However, the role of Sestrin 1 in cardiac hypertrophy remains unknown. Our study showed that Sestrin 1 mRNA and protein expression declined in pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy and phenylephrine (PE)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. Knockdown of Sestrin 1 by RNAi deteriorated PE‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, whereas the overexpression of Sestrin 1 by adenovirus transfection blunted hypertrophy. We discovered that knockdown of Sestrin 1 resulted in impaired autophagy while overexpression of Sestrin 1 resulted in increased autophagy without affecting lysosomal function. In addition, the antihypertrophic effect of Sestrin 1 overexpression was eliminated by autophagy blockade. Importantly, Sestrin 1 targets at the AMPK/mTORC1/autophagy pathway to inhibit cardiac hypertrophy by interaction with AMPK which is responsible for autophagy regulation. Taken together, our data indicate that Sestrin 1 regulates AMPK/mTORC1/autophagy axis to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy.
Long‐term Metformin Therapy and Monitoring for Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Older Veterans
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Elliott John L. , Patel Birju B. , Holland N. Wilson , Johnson Theodore M. , Khakharia Anjali , Phillips Lawrence S. , Oakley Godfrey P. , Vaughan Camille P. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the association between long‐term metformin therapy and serum vitamin B12 monitoring.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA single Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), 2002–2012.ParticipantsVeterans 50 years or older with either type 2 diabetes and long‐term metformin therapy (n = 3,687) or without diabetes and no prescription for metformin (n = 13,258).MeasurementsWe determined diabetes status from outpatient visits, and defined long‐term metformin therapy as a prescription ≥500 mg/d for at least six consecutive months. We estimated the proportion of participants who received a serum B12 test and used multivariable logistic regression, stratified by age, to evaluate the association between metformin use and serum B12 testing.ResultsOnly 37% of older adults with diabetes receiving metformin were tested for vitamin B12 status after long‐term metformin prescription. The mean B12 concentration was significantly lower in the metformin‐exposed group (439.2 pg/dL) compared to those without diabetes (522.4 pg/dL) (P = .0015). About 7% of persons with diabetes receiving metformin were vitamin B12 deficient (<170 pg/dL) compared to 3% of persons without diabetes or metformin use (P = .0001). Depending on their age, metformin users were two to three times more likely not to receive vitamin B12 testing compared to those without metformin exposure, after adjusting for sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index, and number of years treated at the VAMC.ConclusionLong‐term metformin therapy is significantly associated with lower serum vitamin B12 concentration, yet those at risk are often not monitored for B12 deficiency. Because metformin is first line therapy for type 2 diabetes, clinical decision support should be considered to promote serum B12 monitoring among long‐term metformin users for timely identification of the potential need for B12 replacement.
Enhanced high‐energy protocol using a fractional bipolar radiofrequency device combined with bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light for improving facial skin appearance and wrinkles
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biesman Brian S. , Taylor Mark 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundFractional bipolar radiofrequency treatment and treatment with bipolar radiofrequency combined with infrared light have been shown in previous trials to safely and effectively improve the appearance of facial wrinkles.AimsTo evaluate a high‐energy protocol with combined bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light energies for improvement in photoaged facial skin.Patients/MethodsSeventy‐two patients presenting with mild to moderate facial wrinkles underwent a single full‐face treatment (n=54) or two treatments (n=18) at 6‐week intervals. Independent blinded assessment and investigator assessment were performed, using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale (0‐9) and the Global Aesthetic Improvement scale. Patients also completed a self‐assessment questionnaire concerning satisfaction with the treatment.ResultsAll patients achieved some degree of improvement in their wrinkles and skin appearance, following a single treatment or two treatments with the enhanced‐energy protocol. Blinded evaluation demonstrated 71% and 70% of the patients showing improvement of one unit or greater on the Fitzpatrick Scale, at the 12‐week and 24‐week follow‐ups post‐treatment, respectively. Similar results were reported by investigators. Under the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, investigators observed 87%, 91% and 81% of patients showing improvement at the 6‐, 12‐, and 24‐week post‐treatment end, respectively. Patients tolerated the treatments well and were satisfied with the clinical results.ConclusionThe enhanced‐energy treatment protocol, with fractional bipolar radiofrequency treatment and treatment with bipolar radiofrequency combined with infrared light applications, yields significant improvement of skin texture, wrinkling, and overall appearance following a single treatment. The results appear gradually over time and are maintained for at least 6 months' post‐treatment.
They know it's safe – they know what to expect from that face: perceptions towards a cognitive‐behavioural counselling programme among caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Moola Fiona J , Henry Lauren AV , Huynh Elizabeth , Stacey Jenna A , Faulkner Guy EJ 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the experiences of eight caregivers who provide care to children with cystic fibrosis in an eight‐week cognitive‐behavioural counselling programme at a children's hospital in Winnipeg, Canada.BackgroundYouth with cystic fibrosis experience significant behavioural and psychosocial challenges, such as depression, anxiety and poor treatment adherence. Caregivers are critical to the provision of care and treatment to young people living with cystic fibrosis. Caregivers of youth with cystic fibrosis experience psychosocial morbidity. Thus, the development of counselling interventions is required to enhance psychosocial well‐being among the caregivers of youth with cystic fibrosis.Design and methodsThis study was informed by the thematic analytic qualitative research tradition. In‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with eight caregivers who participated in our programme. The audiotaped interviews were then subject to thematic analysis.ResultsThe counselling sessions were experienced as ‘distinctly different’ from routine appointments at the hospital and were characterised by a sense of listening and bidirectional communication. In addition to acquiring a sense of trust and accountability through the programme, counselling appeared to enhance caregivers’ perception of their time use, leading to greater temporal agency.Conclusion and relevance to clinical practiceFrom this evidence‐based cognitive‐behavioural counselling programme, insights about the complex psychosocial lives of the cystic fibrosis community are discussed within the context of the literature. Integrating cognitive‐behavioural counselling into routine clinical CF care should be considered as a method to enhance caregiving capacity in the CF community and should be championed by nurses.
Newly graduated nurses’ use of knowledge sources in clinical decision‐making: an ethnographic study
Authors: Voldbjerg Siri Lygum , Grønkjær Mette , Wiechula Rick , Sørensen Erik Elgaard 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore which knowledge sources newly graduated nurses’ use in clinical decision‐making and why and how they are used.BackgroundIn spite of an increased educational focus on skills and competencies within evidence‐based practice, newly graduated nurses’ ability to use components within evidence‐based practice with a conscious and reflective use of research evidence has been described as being poor. To understand why, it is relevant to explore which other knowledge sources are used. This may shed light on why research evidence is sparsely used and ultimately inform approaches to strengthen the knowledgebase used in clinical decision‐making.Design and methodsEthnographic study using participant‐observation and individual semistructured interviews of nine Danish newly graduated nurses in medical and surgical hospital settings.ResultsNewly graduates use of knowledge sources was described within three main structures: ‘other’, ‘oneself’ and ‘gut feeling’. Educational preparation, transition into clinical practice and the culture of the setting influenced the knowledge sources used. The sources ranged from overt easily articulated knowledge sources to covert sources that were difficult to articulate. The limited articulation of certain sources inhibited the critical reflection on the reasoning behind decisions. Reflection is a prerequisite for an evidence‐based practice where decisions should be transparent in order to consider if other evidentiary sources could be used.Conclusion and relevance to clinical practiceAlthough there is a complexity and variety to knowledge sources used, there is an imbalance with the experienced nurse playing a key role, functioning both as predominant source and a role model as to which sources are valued and used in clinical decision‐making. If newly graduates are to be supported in an articulate and reflective use of a variety of sources, they have to be allocated to experienced nurses who model a reflective, articulate and balanced use of knowledge sources.
Work‐related fear and the threats of fear among emergency department nursing staff and physicians in Finland
Authors: Mikkola Riitta , Huhtala Heini , Paavilainen Eija 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo describe fear, the threats causing fear and the occurrence of fear among emergency department nursing staff and physicians.BackgroundThe emergency department is a challenging workplace where the staff is often confronted by factors that cause fear.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsA survey was conducted in 16 hospitals (n = 544). Nurses, practical nurses, orderlies and physicians from those hospitals participated in the survey. The survey questionnaire was based on the analysis of interviews of 30 nurses from one university hospital and one central hospital. The results of the interviews were analysed using the inductive content analysis method. The analysis of the survey was performed using statistical methods, such as frequencies, cross‐tabulation and principal component analysis.ResultsThe results showed that nearly all of the emergency department personnel had experienced work‐related fear. Generally, the fear had been momentary. According to the survey results, fear was most often caused by medication errors, the resuscitation of a child, a catastrophic accident, urgent or violent situations or patients armed with weapons. Threats that caused fear included insecurity, danger in the work environment, threat of loss of one's health and threat of the consequences of one's mistakes and actions.ConclusionThe staff of emergency departments often encountered factors or situations that caused fear. The main threats causing fear that were raised by the respondents were insecurity and danger in the work environment.Relevance to clinical practiceThe data obtained from this study can be utilised in identifying and describing work‐related fear and threats of fear among emergency department nursing staff and physicians. Based on the information herein, it will be possible to develop methods to prevent situations that cause fear in emergency departments.
Dietary niche differentiation facilitates coexistence of two large carnivores
Authors: du Preez B. , Purdon J. , Trethowan P. , Macdonald D. W. , Loveridge A. J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn animal's diet is an important attribute of its niche, and affects the role that it plays in the ecosystem. Comparing the diets of sympatric species reveals the level of dietary niche overlap between them, which can be used to gauge the potential for competition, as well as each species’ vulnerability to competitive exclusion. Because of a morphology adapted to predation, sympatric carnivores can have particularly aggressive and dangerous competitive interactions; the intensity of which may be directly related to the amount of overlap in prey species consumed. Using predator scat analysis and prey survey techniques, we analyze and compare the underlying mechanisms of prey selection – prey body size and group size – between sympatric populations of leopard Panthera pardus and lion Panthera leo, to test for possible means of competitive avoidance between them. Because leopard and lion differ in both size and social structure, we controlled for the differing prey handling ability of each species, and found that there was still a significant difference in mean prey body size preference between the two carnivores (P = 0.050), despite a relatively high level of dietary niche overlap (0.717). Both species avoid prey in larger groups, but the tendency is more pronounced for leopards. Where intraguild competitors overlap spatiotemporally, dietary niche segregation such as this may be a mechanism through which competition is avoided and, in the case of carnivores, could reduce the frequency of potentially costly interactions.