bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traumatic brain injury decreases AMP‐activated protein kinase activity and pharmacological enhancement of its activity improves cognitive outcome
Authors: Hill Julia L. , Kobori Nobuhide , Zhao Jing , Rozas Natalia S. , Hylin Michael J. , Moore Anthony N. , Dash Pramod K. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractProlonged metabolic suppression in the brain is a well‐characterized secondary pathology of both experimental and clinical traumatic brain injury (TBI). AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) acts as a cellular energy sensor that, when activated, regulates various metabolic and catabolic pathways to decrease ATP consumption and increase ATP synthesis. As energy availability after TBI is suppressed, we questioned if increasing AMPK activity after TBI would improve cognitive outcome. TBI was delivered using the electromagnetic controlled cortical impact model on male Sprague–Dawley rats (275–300 g) and C57BL/6 mice (20–25 g). AMPK activity within the injured parietal cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus was inferred by western blots using phospho‐specific antibodies. The consequences of acute manipulation of AMPK signaling on cognitive function were assessed using the Morris water maze task. We found that AMPK activity is decreased as a result of injury, as indicated by reduced AMPK phosphorylation and corresponding changes in the phosphorylation of its downstream targets: ribosomal protein S6 and Akt Substrate of 160 kDa (AS160). Increasing AMPK activity after injury using the drugs 5‐amino‐1‐β‐d‐ribofuranosyl‐imidazole‐4‐carboxamide or metformin did not affect spatial learning, but significantly improved spatial memory. Taken together, our results suggest that decreased AMPK activity after TBI may contribute to the cellular energy crisis in the injured brain, and that AMPK activators may have therapeutic utility.
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Increased phosphorylation of Thr172 activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) under conditions of low cellular energy availability. This leads to inhibition of energy consuming, while activating energy generating, processes. Hill et al., present data to indicate that TBI decreases Thr172 phosphorylation and that its stimulation by pharmacological agents offers neuroprotection and improves memory. These results suggest that decreased AMPK phosphorylation after TBI incorrectly signals the injured brain that excess energy is available, thereby contributing to the cellular energy crisis and memory impairments.
Multiple sequential light and laser sources to activate aminolevulinic acid for rosacea
Authors: Friedmann Daniel P. , Goldman Mitchel P. , Fabi Sabrina G. , Guiha Isabella 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBackground and AimsThe use of multiple, sequential light and laser sources for topical ALA activation in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of rosacea has been largely absent from the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate ALA‐PDT for rosacea using blue light sequentially with red light, pulsed‐dye laser (PDL), and/or intense pulsed light (IPL).Patients/MethodsThirty patients (39 treatments) were enrolled in this retrospective, single‐center study. Treatment groups included blue light + PDL, blue light + IPL, blue light + PDL + IPL, or blue light + red light + PDL + IPL. Patient‐reported outcome measures (incidence of adverse events, improvement in rosacea, and improvement in overall skin quality) were obtained via a telephone questionnaire and graded on a 4‐point scale.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in patient‐reported rosacea or overall skin quality improvement. Apart from decreased peeling following blue light + IPL compared to blue light + PDL (P = 0.041) and blue light + IPL + PDL (P = 0.005), there were no other statistically significant differences in postprocedure adverse events.ConclusionsThe use of multiple, sequential light and laser sources with ALA‐PDT for rosacea, while well tolerated, did not lead to statistically significant improvements in patient‐reported efficacy. Although this retrospective study is limited by a small sample size with disparate patient numbers between groups and no physician‐evaluated outcome criteria, it does demonstrate that multiple light sources with PDT can be safely used in a single session.
Open arms, conflicted hearts: nurse‐practitioner's attitudes towards working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients
Authors: Dorsen Caroline , Van Devanter Nancy 
Published: July 2016

Aims and ObjectivesTo explore nurse‐practitioner's attitudes towards working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients.BackgroundLiterature suggests that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals have significant health disparities compared to heterosexuals. Although the reasons are multifactorial, research suggests that attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) may be a contributing factor in both accessing and receiving care. There is currently no literature exploring the attitudes of the approximately 300,000 nurse‐practitioners in the United States. Thus, nurse‐practitioners strengths and challenges in providing care to sexual minorities are unknown.DesignAs part of a larger study, Corbin & Strauss’ grounded theory methodology was used to explore the attitudes towards lesbian, gay and bisexual patients among primary care nurse‐practitioners in NYC.MethodsData were collected via individual semi‐structured interviews with nurse‐practitioners currently in practice in primary or outpatient care in NYC (n = 19). Data were evaluated using the three‐step constant comparison method.ResultsNurse‐practitioners in this study had varied, often overlapping and sometimes conflicting, attitudes about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. The main theme identified was ‘open arms, conflicted hearts’ with three major subthemes – feeling at home, struggling to maintain professionalism and finding comfort under the umbrella of diversity.ConclusionsNurse‐practitioner participants in this study had varied attitudes about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients, ranging from open, confident and comfortable to ambivalent, cautious and unsure about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients generally and specifically regarding the health needs of this population.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study highlights the inadequate didactic and clinical preparation most nurse‐practitioners feel they have to care for lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. There is a need for increased education for registered nurses and nurse‐practitioners regarding lesbian, gay and bisexual culture, their unique healthcare needs, as well as the role of stigma and marginalisation in caring for vulnerable populations.
Health‐related quality of life and its association with self‐esteem and fatigue among children diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Al‐Gamal Ekhlas , Long Tony 
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectivesTo identify the links between self‐esteem, fatigue and health‐related quality of life for children and young people during and following treatment for cancer.BackgroundMeasures to minimise adverse outcomes for survivors of childhood cancer have been developed, but the crucial periods of returning to school and transition to adult life and adult services are not addressed so well. Screening of quality of life, fatigue and self‐esteem in childhood cancer patients during and after treatment is important for optimising the nursing response and improving outcomes for children.DesignA cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational, comparative survey was designed.MethodsValidated measures of the attributes being studied were used. This study was conducted in private rooms on the ward and in the outpatient clinic of a major oncology hospital in Jordan in 2015. Seventy children aged 5–16 years were included. Ethical approval was secured.ResultsThe age range of the children was 5–16 years (Mean 10·17, SD 3·4 years). Thirty were girls and 40 were boys. The total quality of life scores ranged from 21–100 (M = 65·5; SD = 17·6). The total scores of fatigue range from 12·5–100 (M = 65·79; SD = 22·20). Children with a high level of fatigue experienced lower quality of life.ConclusionContinuing education centres at hospitals may find the results of this study helpful to provide professional updates and training events to enhance nurses' understanding of psychosocial distress responses and ability to intervene effectively within the multiprofessional effort.Relevance to clinical practiceThe outcomes of this study may enhance the development of guidelines for routine assessment by nurses and others of these factors among children with cancer. The nursing role in ensuring holistic care and attention to the problems of most concern to patients could be strengthened.
Determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life in patients with temporary enterostomy: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Su Xi , Zhen Li , Zhu Mulan , Kuang Yinyi , Qin Fang , Ye Xinmei , Yin Xuexia , Wang Huizhen 
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectivesTo identify determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life in patients with temporary enterostomy.BackgroundAnterior resection with temporary enterostomy is the preferred treatment for patients with rectal cancer, which may impair patients’ quality of life. So far, most studies have focused on quality of life in patients with permanent enterostomy, but few studies have looked at that in those with temporary enterostomy. Self‐efficacy may determine quality of life in these patients, but few studies have identified determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life.DesignMulticentre, cross‐sectional survey and regression analysis to identify determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life.MethodsA convenience sample of patients undergoing temporary enterostomy at five hospitals in Guangdong Province (China) were surveyed at least four weeks after stoma surgery using validated Chinese versions of internationally recognised questionnaires, including a Stoma Self‐Efficacy Scale and the City of Hope Quality of Life–Ostomy Questionnaire. Backward multiple regression analysis was performed to identify whether quality of life was determined by self‐efficacy and other clinico‐demographic characteristics.ResultsOf the 180 questionnaires distributed, 149 (82·8%) were returned, and 135 (75%) were used in the final analysis. Mean global quality of life was 5·40 ± 1·58, and mean global self‐efficacy was 79·59 ± 20·21. Significant determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life were identified (β = 0·62, p < 0·01). Quality of life was determined by type of enterostomy (β = 0·18, p = 0·01) and payment method (β = 0·14, p = 0·03).ConclusionsQuality of life may be determined by self‐efficacy, type of enterostomy and payment method, after temporary enterostomy.Relevance to clinical practicePromoting stoma‐related self‐efficacy in patients with temporary enterostomy may improve their quality of life. Healthcare providers should focus on quality of life in those either with temporary loop ileostomy or entirely self‐funded for medicine.
Effects of age and non‐oropharyngeal proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensation on the magnitude of anticipatory mouth opening during eating
Authors: Shune S. E. , Moon J. B. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryTo best prevent and treat eating/swallowing problems, it is essential to understand how components of oral physiology contribute to the preservation and/or degradation of eating/swallowing in healthy ageing. Anticipatory, pre‐swallow motor movements may be critical to safe and efficient eating/swallowing, particularly for older adults. However, the nature of these responses is relatively unknown. This study compared the magnitude of anticipatory mouth opening during eating in healthy older (aged 70–85) and younger (aged 18–30) adults under four eating conditions: typical self‐feeding, typical assisted feeding (being fed by a research assistant resulting in proprioceptive loss), sensory loss self‐feeding (wearing blindfold/headphones resulting in exteroceptive loss) and sensory loss assisted feeding (proprioceptive and exteroceptive loss). Older adults opened their mouths wider than younger adults in anticipation of food intake under both typical and most non‐oropharyngeal sensory loss conditions. Further, the loss of proprioceptive and exteroceptive cues resulted in decreased anticipatory mouth opening for all participants. Greater mouth opening in older adults may be a protective compensation, contributing to the preservation of function associated with healthy ageing. Our finding that the loss of non‐oropharyngeal sensory cues resulted in decreased anticipatory mouth opening highlights how important proprioception, vision, and hearing are in pre‐swallow behaviour. Age‐ and disease‐related changes in vision, hearing, and the ability to self‐feed may reduce the effectiveness of these pre‐swallow strategies.
The therapeutic effects of apigenin and dexamethasone on 5‐fluorouracil‐induced oral mucositis – a pilot study using a Syrian hamster model
Authors: Molina Prats Patricia , Gómez Garcia Francisco , Martinez Diaz Francisco , Amaral Mendes Rui , Lopez‐ Jornet Pia 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveOral mucositis (OM) is a common complication of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of treating 5‐fluorouracil‐induced OM with apigenin and dexamethasone.MethodsThirty‐six male Syrian hamsters were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (50% acetic acid + 5‐FU), 50% acetic acid + 5‐FU + potassium Apigenin (KA), and 50% acetic acid + 5‐FU + dexamethasone. The animals from each group were sacrificed 5, 7, 10, and 14 days after inducing the mucositis, and two samples collected from each animal, accounting a total of 72 samples. Macroscopic changes were assessed by histomorphometric analysis, with ulcers being assessed by imaging analysis and the number of inflammatory cells in the ulcerated region quantified in all periods through histomorphometric analysis (H&E). Furthermore, immunohistochemical changes were evaluated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen.ResultsAll groups presented an increased inflammatory infiltrate after 7 days, compared to other evaluation times (P ≥ 0.05). There was significant difference between apigenin and control group in the 10‐days period. Lower quantity of inflammatory cells in the apigenin‐treated group in comparison with control group in the 7‐ and 10‐days periods was observed (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was verified among the groups in 5‐ and 14‐days periods. The healing process of the control group was slower than that of apigenin and dexamethasone‐treated groups, with an overall significant difference between apigenin and the control group in the 10‐days period.ConclusionsApigenin treatment may enhance healing of OM induced by 5‐fluorouracil, thus suggesting that more extensive research in this area may be useful to assess the role of agents of natural origin capable of preventing OM. Hence, further studies involving broader samples are need to confirm the therapeutic potential shown by this study.
Certified School Nurse Perspectives on State‐Mandated Hearing Screens
Authors: Sekhar Deepa L. , Beiler Jessica S. , Schaefer Eric W. , Henning Antoinette , Dillon Judith F. , Czarnecki Beth , Zalewski Thomas R. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDApproximately 15% of children in the United States 6‐19 years of age have hearing loss. Even mild, unilateral hearing loss may adversely affect educational success. In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) began updating the 2001 regulations on state‐mandated school hearing screens. To inform the updates, a needs assessment was conducted with PA‐certified school nurses (CSNs) regarding current screening practice and potential barriers to making changes.METHODSA 42‐item electronic survey of CSNs developed with pediatricians, audiologists, nurses, and the PA DOH was administered in October 2014.RESULTSThere were 536 completed surveys. Most CSNs (50.8%) screened 251‐500 students annually. Only 35.8% strictly followed PA DOH protocol, while 51.6% followed protocol and added nonguideline frequencies. Over half of screens (60.2%) were conducted in places where other people were present. Most CSNs (82.5%) reported annual audiometer calibration, but 92.4% were unsure whether the calibration was exhaustive or limited. Reported barriers to change included time, cost, and staffing.CONCLUSIONSAs most CSNs added frequencies to the PA DOH hearing screen, an update with added frequencies should be well accepted. Clarification regarding test environment and exhaustive audiometer calibration is needed. Adherence to best practice may be optimized by addressing CSN reported barriers to change.
Treatment of canine aural haematoma by UK veterinarians
Authors: Hall J. , Weir S. , Ladlow J. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesTo survey the current treatment techniques of aural haematomas in dogs and investigate veterinary opinion regarding treatment success.MethodsTotally 2386 emails were sent to veterinary surgeons and practices inviting them to complete an online survey. Questions investigated treatment selection for initial and repeat presentations of aural haematoma in dogs and their opinion of treatment success to prevent recurrence and for good cosmesis.ResultsTotally 312 email addresses were invalid, 259 questionnaires were completed (12·5% response rate) and 251 were included in analysis. On initial presentation, treatments included needle drainage with local deposition of corticosteroids (43%), surgery (29%) and needle drainage without corticosteroids (16%). Surgical procedures included linear incision with sutures alone (35%) or sutures plus stents (24%) and an S‐shaped incision with sutures (23%). The most common reason to select a particular treatment was previous success (76%). Recurrent haematoma was treated more commonly with surgery (67%) than that of the initial presentation. Cosmetic results with medical management were excellent and with surgical treatment were good.Clinical SignificanceThis study describes the relative popularity and perceived success of treatments used for aural haematoma in the dog. Surgery is considered more likely to definitively treat the condition with good cosmetic results.
Comparative Characterization of Sequence Structure, Gene Expression, and Enzyme Activity of Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin between Stichopus monotuberculatus (Stichopodidae) and Holothuria atra (Holothuriidae)
Authors: Qian Jing , Ren Chunhua , Xia Jianjun , Yu Zonghe , Hu Chaoqun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAlpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2M) is essential for hosts defending against pathogen infections. In this study, two distinct A2Ms were identified from sea cucumbers Stichopus monotuberculatus and Holothuria atra, which belong to different genera in the Phylum Echinodermata, and named StmA2M and HaA2M, respectively. Structural analysis of StmA2M and HaA2M revealed that all contain the bait region domain, thioester domain, and receptor‐binding domain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that StmA2M and HaA2M all belong to the echinoderm A2Ms. The cleavage site RXXR and the catalytic histidine residue for complement component C3 were found in StmA2M and HaA2M. Compared with human A2M, the three‐dimensional structures of StmA2M and HaA2M were more similar to that of common carp A2M. Both StmA2M and HaA2M showed the strongest response at transcriptional levels to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 12 h and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [Poly (I: C)] at 24 h, respectively. Activity of StmA2M showed the strongest response to Poly (I: C) at 6 h, while the strongest change of HaA2M activity was induced by LPS at 24 h. The differential mRNA expression and enzyme activity levels suggested that A2M in sea cucumbers might be involved in different immune responses to LPS or Poly (I: C) challenge.
Adaptation of the Cutaneous Microcirculation in Preterm Neonates
Authors: van Elteren Hugo A. , de Jonge Rogier C.J. , van Rosmalen Joost , Ince Can , Reiss Irwin K.M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectiveTransition from fetal to neonatal circulation is characterized by multiple hemodynamic changes. The role of the microcirculation in this process is underexposed. Visualizing the cutaneous microcirculation can help us understand peripheral perfusion in a noninvasive manner.MethodsCutaneous microcirculation of term and preterm infants born below 32 weeks of GA was measured in the first month of life using IDF imaging. Linear mixed modeling was used to identify clinical variables which influence the cutaneous microcirculation.ResultsSixty preterm and 33 term infants were included. TVD of preterm infants significantly decreased in the first month of life (31.7 mm/mm2 day 1 vs 27.9 mm/mm2 day 28), but remained significantly higher compared to TVD of term infants on day 1 (25.8 mm/mm2). Besides postnatal age, no clinical variables were associated with TVD. Infants born SGA had significantly higher TVD values directly after birth than those born appropriate for GA (35.4 mm/mm2 vs 31.6 mm/mm2; p = 0.015).ConclusionsTVD decreases in the first month after birth and is higher in preterm infants compared to those born term. Differences in antenatal oxygen exposure might explain the adaptation of the microcirculation.
MoYcp4 is required for growth, conidiogenesis and pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Chen Yue , Le Xinyi , Sun Yi , Li Mengying , Zhang Haifeng , Tan Xinqiu , Zhang Deyong , Liu Yong , Zhang Zhengguang 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe transcription factor MoAP1 has been shown previously to be required for pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae via mediation of the oxidative stress response. In the serial analysis gene expression database, it was found that expression of MoYcp4, a homologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae flavodoxin‐like protein ScYcp4, was affected by MoAP1. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that MoYCP4 was significantly up‐regulated during conidiation, appressorium formation and infection. The growth rate of a ΔMoycp4 mutant was reduced slightly, but conidial production was increased significantly (more than 10‐fold), compared with the wild‐type strain. Although the rate of appressorium formation was unaffected, the appressorial turgor was abnormal and the ability to infect rice and barley was reduced, resulting in decreased pathogenicity. In summary, MoYcp4, a target of MoAP1, is involved in the growth, conidiogenesis and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. Our studies provide a comprehensive analysis of flavodoxin‐like proteins and will aid in the study of pathogen‐related molecular mechanisms.
The Poetics of Devotion in ʿĀʾisha al‐Bāʿūniyya's Praise of God and Muḥammad
Authors: Friedman Rachel Anne 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRecently, there has been an effort within Islamic Studies to reassess the common belief that the so‐called ‘post‐classical’ era of Islamic history was characterized by intellectual stagnation and decline. The Mamluk era is one such period that has suffered from a dearth of scholarly attention resulting from outdated stereotypes. This article contributes to scholarship on this era through examining some poems by a late Mamluk poet, ʿĀʾisha al‐Bāʿūniyya (d. 1517). While much scholarship on al‐Bāʿūniyya focuses on her lyrical mystical verse, the poems studied here incorporate selective allusions to key Islamic sources in order to narrate a history of divine favor as the speaker imagines it. This innovative history expresses a poetics of devotion that focalizes Muḥammad and the poet's own peers. The poems intertextually anchor this narrative in key Islamic sources, reflecting al‐Bāʿūniyya's extensive scholarly training. They constitute an unusual example of a female poet writing beyond the genres with which women's premodern poetry is conventionally associated. This poetry also represents a post‐classical contribution to Islamic literary and religious history. However, the criterion of originality should ultimately be reconsidered in evaluations of scholarly merit, and scholarship should pay more attention to continuities and intertextuality in texts.