bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum translationally controlled tumor protein is involved in rat liver regeneration after hepatectomy
Authors: Hao Shuai , Qin Yu , Yin Sheng , He Jinjun , He Dacheng , Wang Chengtao 
Published: March 2016

AimThe translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) has been reported to promote progression of many physiological processes. However, whether TCTP is involved in liver regeneration has been rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of serum TCTP in liver regeneration after two‐thirds partial hepatectomy.MethodsThe synthesis rate and accumulated expression of TCTP was assessed by phosphor imaging and Western blot analysis, respectively. The mRNA expression of tctp was analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR. The effect of serum TCTP on hepatocyte proliferation was investigated by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, liver/body weight ratio, albumin concentration, and histological examination of liver following treatment of rat with anti‐TCTP antibody or prokaryotic TCTP protein before hepatectomy. The MTT assay was used to examine effect of TCTP on hepatocyte proliferation in vitro.ResultsThe results showed that the expression of intracellular and serum TCTP protein was significantly increased in rats after two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling assay suggested that treatment with anti‐TCTP antibody before hepatectomy significantly decreased hepatocyte proliferation and liver/body weight ratio. The prokaryotic TCTP had a potential promoting effect on hepatocyte proliferation both in vivo and in vitro, although prokaryotic TCTP given to rats prior to hepatectomy did not increase the proliferation ratio or liver/body weight ratio. Furthermore, anti‐TCTP antibody pretreatment decreased the expression of cyclin E, cdk2, and interleukin‐6 in rat liver.ConclusionThese findings suggest serum TCTP is involved in rat liver regeneration through promoting hepatocyte proliferation.
Development of algorithms based on serum markers and transient elastography for detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients: Significant reduction in liver biopsy
Authors: Li Yan , Cai Qun , Zhang Yafei , Xie Qinxiu , Xu Nan , Jiang Xiaoping , Li Jun , Li Xu , Zhang Zhenhua 
Published: March 2016

AimTo develop algorithms for detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with the aim of reducing unwarranted liver biopsy.MethodsFor 307 CHB patients, the aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), the fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB‐4), and the result of transient elastography with FibroScan (FS) were obtained when a liver biopsy was carried out. All patients were classified based on APRI or FIB‐4 score and further assessed by FS results. Patients who remained unclassified after two steps of evaluation were considered to need liver biopsy.ResultsAlgorithm implementation found that APRI + FS significantly lowered the requirement for liver biopsy for the detection of significant fibrosis compared to either individual APRI or FS screening (65.1% vs 75.9% or 78.5%, P = 0.003 or <0.001, respectively). The combination of FIB‐4 + FS significantly reduced the need for liver biopsy compared to single FIB‐4 or FS (58.3% vs 67.4% or 78.5%, P = 0.019 or <0.001, respectively). The FIB‐4 + FS algorithm also reduced the need for liver biopsy for detection of significant fibrosis in patients ≥50 years old compared to APRI + FS (22.6% vs 56.5%, P < 0.001), with a relatively lower accuracy (83.9% vs 98.4%, P = 0.004). Only 3.6% or 1.3% of patients needed liver biopsy for diagnosis of cirrhosis after screening with APRI + FS or FIB‐4 + FS, respectively.ConclusionThe APRI + FS and FIB‐4 + FS algorithms could significantly reduce the need for liver biopsy with high accuracy, sensitivity, and positive predictive value for diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in CHB patients.
Report of the 19th follow‐up survey of primary liver cancer in Japan
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Izumi Namiki , Ichida Takafumi , Ku Yonson , Kokudo Norihiro , Sakamoto Michiie , Takayama Tadatoshi , Nakashima Osamu , Matsui Osamu , Matsuyama Yutaka 
Published: March 2016

The 19th Nationwide Follow‐up Survey of Primary Liver Cancer in Japan comprised 20 850 primary liver cancer patients newly registered at 482 medical institutions over a period of 2 years (from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2007). Of these, 94.7% had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 4.4% had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). In addition, follow‐up data were obtained regarding 34 752 patients who were registered in the previous survey. Epidemiological and clinicopathological factors, diagnosis, and treatment were examined in newly registered patients. Compared with the 18th follow‐up survey, the present follow‐up survey suggested an increase in the number of elderly and female patients, a reduction in the number of hepatitis B surface antigen‐ and anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody‐positive patients, and a reduction in tumor size at the time of clinical diagnosis. In terms of local ablation therapy, the number of patients receiving radiofrequency ablation therapy increased. The cumulative survival rates for newly registered patients between 1996 and 2007 were calculated for each histological type (HCC, ICC, and combined HCC and ICC) and stratified according to background factors and treatments. The cumulative survival rates of newly registered patients between 1978 and 2007 were calculated after dividing individuals into groups according to registration date (1978–1987, 1988–1997, and 1998–2007). The data obtained from this follow‐up survey will contribute to the medical management of primary liver cancer and facilitate future research.
Positive effects of burning and cattle grazing on grasshopper diversity
Authors: Joubert Lize , Pryke James S. , Samways Michael J. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Grasshoppers constitute a significant proportion of invertebrate diversity in grasslands, but little is known about how fire and grazing, two of the main drivers of grassland dynamics, influence them.

Here, we determine how these disturbances influence grasshopper diversity in remnant grassland ecological networks (ENs) among commercial forestry compartments in Afromontane grassland, South Africa. Sites differed in fire frequency (annual vs. longer rotation burning), time since last fire (<12 months vs. >12 months ago), and presence or absence of domestic cattle grazing. Reference sites were in an adjacent protected area (PA). We also recorded bare ground, vegetation cover, and vegetation height.

Grasshopper abundance significantly benefitted from annual burning, cattle grazing, short grass, and when the last fire was <12 months prior to sampling.

Fire frequency was the only disturbance with a significant effect on grasshopper species composition, but without significantly affecting species richness. In the PA, heterogeneity of dispersion was smaller in annually burned firebreaks than in sites with longer fire‐return intervals, which points to homogenisation of resident grasshopper assemblages.

Although most grasshopper species favoured recently burned or grazed grassland, some preferred low or no disturbance. This illustrates a considerable range of habitat preferences in the grasshopper assemblage.

Management recommendation: Burning and grazing at moderate levels should be integral to local landscape management, as these impacts benefit grasshoppers in grassland ENs. Some areas should be left undisturbed to create a mosaic of different successional stages at the landscape spatial scale, providing diverse habitat for a wide range of species.
Effectiveness and safety of silodosin in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A European phase IV clinical study (SiRE study)
Authors: Montorsi Francesco , Gandaglia Giorgio , Chapple Christopher , Cruz Francisco , Desgrandchamps Francois , Llorente Carlos 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the benefit–risk balance of silodosin in a real‐life setting of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.MethodsA phase IV trial including men aged ≥60 years with a clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia with an International Prostate Symptom Score ≥12 was carried out. Patients received silodosin 8 mg for 24 weeks. The primary end‐point was a decrease ≥25% in the total International Prostate Symptom Score. Secondary end‐points were: changes in total, storage and voiding, and quality of life International Prostate Symptom Scores; changes in the International Continence Society‐male questionnaire; changes in the frequency/volume chart; and satisfaction according to the Patient Perception of Study Medication questionnaire. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were recorded.ResultsOverall, 1036 patients were enrolled. Of these, 766 patients (77.1%) had a decrease ≥25% in the total International Prostate Symptom Score. The mean total International Prostate Symptom Score, and storage and voiding symptoms subscores decreased from 18.9, 8.1 and 10.8 to 10.6, 4.9 and 5.7. Nocturia decreased from 85.7% to 52.4%. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life score decreased from 4.0 to 2.2. Half of the patients reported an improvement in the frequency and bothersomeness of the most frequent symptoms reported at baseline (all P < 0.001). A reduction in the number of voids was documented by the frequency/volume chart data. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse event was ejaculation failure (185 patients; 17.9%), which led to study discontinuation in 2.4% of patients. Overall, 74.2% of patients were satisfied with the medication.ConclusionsSilodosin improved lower urinary tract symptoms in three out of four patients, including diurnal voiding and storage symptoms, nocturia, and quality of life. This treatment showed a favorable safety profile in this setting.
Identification and characterization of an atypical 2‐cys peroxiredoxin from the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Q. , Zhou Y. , Chen K. , Ju X. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPeroxiredoxins (Prxs) play an important role in the protection of insects against the toxicity of reactive oxygen species. Here, we identified and characterized a novel, atypical 2‐cysteine (Cys) peroxiredoxin (BmPrx3) from an expressed sequence tag database in a lepidopteran insect, Bombyx mori. The BmPrx3 cDNA contained an open reading frame of 684 bp that encodes a 228‐amino‐acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 25 kDa. Sequence comparison revealed that BmPrx3 belongs to the atypical 2‐Cys Prxs. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that BmPrx3 can be detected in all tissues and developmental stages. Recombinant BmPrx3 purified from Escherichia coli exhibited antioxidant activity that removed hydrogen peroxide and protected DNA from oxidative damage. Disc diffusion and viability assays revealed that recombinant BmPrx3 increased bacterial survival under H2O2‐mediated oxidative stress. In addition, quantitative real‐time PCR analysis indicated that BmPrx3 transcription levels were significantly increased in response to various oxidative stresses. Furthermore, BmPrx3 transcription levels in the midgut were regulated by bacterial infection. Taken together, these results suggest that BmPrx3 acts as an antioxidant enzyme to protect the silkworm from various oxidative stresses.
Midwives in India: a delayed cord clamping intervention using simulation
Authors: Faucher M.A. , Riley C. , Prater L. , Reddy M.P. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundIron deficiency is a prevalent health problem in India affecting women and newborns. Delayed umbilical cord clamping at birth is a safe and effective means for increasing serum iron levels in newborns up to 6 months of age.AimThe study aim was to increase the utilization of delayed cord clamping in a group of midwives working in Hyderabad, India.MethodsA single group pre‐ and post‐test design was used to evaluate knowledge, beliefs and practice before and after a delayed cord clamping intervention including follow‐up at 10 months after the original intervention. The intervention included lectures and simulation.ResultsResults show significant increases in knowledge and positive beliefs about the practice of delayed cord clamping. Simulation was effective for eliciting important feedback related to learning.LimitationsResults represent a small group of midwives working with a non‐profit foundation in Southern India. Language discordancy and cultural norms in this group of midwives may have influenced results.ConclusionsKnowledge, beliefs and practice related to delayed cord clamping were all significantly improved after the intervention. The Knowledge to Action framework using simulation is an effective cross‐cultural method for implementing education about evidence‐based practice. Midwives are invested in learning practices that promote public health.Implications for nursing and health policyChanging institutional policy may have limitations without first considering normative practice. Using simulation combined with institutional health policy appears to result in significant uptake of practice change. Qualitative studies exploring the interconnections between cultural norms and decision making may be informative about promoting practice change particularly in this setting. Upscaling midwifery has been recommended to improve maternal and child health in India.
Enhancing the provision of health and social care in Europe through eHealth
Authors: De Raeve P. , Gomez S. , Hughes P. , Lyngholm T. , Sipilä M. , Kilanska D. , Hussey P. , Xyrichis A. ,   the ENS4Care project
Published: March 2016

AimTo report on the outcomes of the European project ENS4Care, which delivered evidence‐based guidelines enabling implementation of eHealth services in nursing and social care.BackgroundWithin a policy context of efficiency, safety and quality in health care, this project brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from academia, industry, patient and professional organizations to lead the development of five eHealth guidelines in the areas of prevention, clinical practice, integrated care, advanced roles and nurse ePrescribing.Sources of evidenceData were collected through a cross‐sectional, online, questionnaire survey of health professionals from 21 countries. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and summary statistics, while comments to open questions underwent a process of content analysis.DiscussionRepresenting an evidence‐based consensus statement, the five guidelines outline key steps and considerations for the deployment of eHealth services at different levels of enablement. Through analysis of the data, and sharing of best practices, common deployment processes and implementation lessons were identified.ConclusionFindings reveal the richness, diversity and potential that eHealth holds for enabling the delivery of safer, more efficient and patient‐centred health care. Nurses and social care workers as the main proprietors of such practices hold the key to a healthier future for citizens across Europe.Implications for nursing and health policyThe preparation, agreement and dissemination of the ENS4Care guidelines will enable European Union leaders to diagnose the organizational changes needed and prescribe the development of new skills and roles in the workforce to meet the challenge of eHealth. Nurses and social care workers, with the right knowledge and skills will add considerable value and form an important link between technological innovation, health promotion and disease prevention.
Service encounter thinklets: how to empower service agents to put value co‐creation into practice
Authors: Giesbrecht Tobias , Schwabe Gerhard , Schenk Birgit 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe concept of value co‐creation and the service encounter as locus of this value co‐creation gained much academic interest, notably in marketing research and service sciences. While the current research discourse mainly follows conceptual perspectives, there has been little research on the practical implications on service agents' enabling co‐creation of value in the information technology (IT)‐supported service encounters with clients. In this paper, we seek to bridge this gap and first use the example of IT‐supported citizen advisory services to show the fundamental deficiencies in current service agents regarding the implementation of value co‐creation work practices. We introduce the concept of service encounter thinklets, adapted from collaboration engineering, to overcome these deficiencies and to empower service agents to put value co‐creation into practice. We show how service encounter thinklets can complement existing advisory support measures to enable service agents to transform the IT‐supported customer service encounter into a collaborative work environment, bringing together themselves, customers and supporting information systems to co‐create the advisory's value. A test with employees in a public administration's front office has provided first evidence that service encounter thinklets can effectively empower service agents on the job to adapt their work practices and to bring value co‐creation into practice.
The clinical experience for treating post‐burn depigmentation with tiny epidermal particles graft
Authors: Chen Baoguo , Xu Minghuo , Li Bingyuan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe critical problem of post‐burn depigmentation is the lacking normal melanocytes. Auto‐skin grafting and autologous non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension have been used to improve the appearance. However, a large amount of skin graft is required of donor sites in the former method, while the latter method is thought to be complicated and costly. This study is designed to generalise the experience of tiny epidermal particles graft (TEPG) for treating post‐burn depigmentation. From 2012 to 2013, 30 consecutive patients with depigmentation caused by burn injuries were divided into I and II group. I group: 15 cases (11 males and 4 females) were treated by the TEPG. II group: 15 patients (10 males and 5 females) were treated by suction blister epidermal skin graft (SBEG). Imagine‐Pro Plus software was used to evaluate the size of repigmentation (RP) 12 months post‐surgery. SPSS software 13.0 was used to evaluate the data. The optimum rate of RP was defined as more than 75% (RP > 75%) when excellent RP was defined as more than 90% (>90%). All patients were followed up for 12 months. The mean size of RP in two groups demonstrated that there were statistically significant differences in pigmentation between the two groups (P = 0·002), while there was no significant difference in the other factors (gender, site and age). No infection occurred in the recipient site. Pathological result showed that melanocytes existed at the basal layer of resurfacing skin. Optimum RP (RP > 75%) was seen in 12 patients in I group and 9 patients in II group. Excellent RP was achieved in 14 cases in I group and 10 patients in II group. Excellent RP can be obtained by the abovementioned two surgical techniques. In contrast to SBEG, TEPG is less traumatic, and definite effects can be guaranteed. It is a preferred treatment, especially for those patients who suffer from large depigmented lesions.
Povidone‐iodine ointment demonstrates in vitro efficacy against biofilm formation
Authors: Hoekstra Matthias J , Westgate Samantha J , Mueller Stefan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAnti‐infectives used to treat chronic exuding wounds are diluted by wound exudates, absorbed into dressings, metabolised by proteases and destroyed by pH. In order to mimic such effects of exudates, the efficacy of six topical wound agents was assessed undiluted and at 10% concentrations, including povidone‐iodine ointment and a silver‐impregnated wound dressing, to remove biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, multi‐species biofilms of Candida albicans and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reactor. Povidone‐iodine was also diluted to 3·3% and 33·3% of the commercial concentrations. Viable microorganisms in each preparation were quantified by colony count. No viable P. aeruginosa biofilm material was recovered after 4 and 24 hours of treatment with povidone‐iodine ointment at the 100% and 10% concentrations. No C. albicans/MRSA biofilm material was recovered after 4 and 24 hours of treatment with povidone‐iodine ointment at the 100% concentration. In general, following dilution, povidone‐iodine ointment appeared to exhibit greater biofilm removal than the other agents tested. Further research involving different microorganisms in vitro and in vivo over a longer period of time will help elucidate the full potential of povidone‐iodine ointment and liposomal hydrogel.
What should be the antibiotic prescription protocol for burn patients admitted in the department of burns, plastic and reconstructive surgery
Authors: Mir Mohd Altaf , Khurram Mohammad Fahud , Khan Arshad Hafiz 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis is a prospective study with the aim to determine specific patterns of burn wound bacterial colonisation and antimicrobial resistance profiles. There is a high incidence of infections and septicaemia in post‐burn patients, which, in turn, are associated with high morbidity and mortality, a fact that compelled us to undertake this study. The study was conducted over a period 11 months, from 1 August 2014 to 30 June 2015, in 50 burn patients admitted in our burn unit. Wound cultures were taken after 72 hours of admission from all the patients, and then, empirical systemic antibiotics were administered. For wound cultures; 1 cubic cm tissue was taken and placed in aerobic and anaerobic culture vials and transported to the microbiology lab under all aseptic precautions as soon as possible. At the time of fever any time after 72 hours of admission, 16 ml of blood was drawn under all aseptic precautions. Both aerobic and anaerobic blood culture vials were filled with 8 ml of blood each and transported to the microbiology lab. The results of culture and sensitivity reports of 50 patients were recorded. The data obtained was analysed using appropriate statistical analytical tests. The most common organism responsible for bacteraemia is Pseudomonas (43%). Most of the strains of organisms isolated were resistant to commonly used antibiotics in the hospital; Pseudomonas was found 100% resistant to a combination of ampicillin + sulbactum, ceftriaxone and was most often sensitive to imipenem, amikacin and vancomycin. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was also found resistant to commonly used antibiotics like ceftriaxone, ampicillin + sulbactum and ceftazidime + calvulanic acid. Linzolid and vancomycin were effective in 83% and 100% cases, respectively. We conclude that similar institution‐specific studies should be conducted, and such studies will be helpful in providing useful guidelines for choosing effective empirical therapy that will have a great impact on the prevention of infection and its complications in burn patients because of bacteraemia.