bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoter IV‐BDNF deficiency disturbs cholinergic gene expression of CHRNA5, CHRM2, and CHRM5: effects of drug and environmental treatments
Authors: Sakata Kazuko , Overacre Abigail E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes maturation of cholinergic neurons. However, how activity‐dependent BDNF expression affects specific cholinergic gene expression remains unclear. This study addressed this question by determining mRNA levels of 22 acetylcholine receptor subunits, the choline transporter (CHT), and the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in mice deficient in activity‐dependent BDNF via promoter IV (KIV) and control wild‐type mice. Quantitative RT‐PCR revealed significant reductions in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 5 (CHRNA5) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRM5) in the hippocampus, but significant increases in M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRM2) in the frontal cortex of KIV mice compared to wild‐type mice. Three‐week treatments with fluoxetine, phenelzine, duloxetine, imipramine, or an enriched environment treatment (EET) did not affect the altered expression of these genes except that EET increased CHRNA5 levels only in KIV frontal cortex. EET also increased levels of CHRNA7, CHT, and ChAT, again only in the KIV frontal cortex. The imipramine treatment was most prominent among the four antidepressants; it up‐regulated hippocampal CHRM2 and frontal cortex CHRM5 in both genotypes, and frontal cortex CHRNA7 only in KIV mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence that BDNF deficiency disturbs expression of CHRNA5, CHRM2, and CHRM5. Our results suggest that promoter IV‐BDNF deficiency – which occurs under chronic stress – causes cholinergic dysfunctions via these receptors. EET is effective on CHRNA5, while its compensatory induction of other cholinergic genes or drugs targeting CHRNA5, CHRM2, and CHRM5 may become an alternative strategy to reverse these BDNF‐linked cholinergic dysfunctions.
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Being diagnosed with cancer: The experiences of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Chircop Daren , Scerri Josianne 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the lived experiences of patients on receiving a diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.BackgroundPersons with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma are often diagnosed with cancer when at an advanced stage. This may arise due to a lack of screening programmes and delays in help seeking as the symptoms experienced are fairly nonspecific in nature. Consequently, receiving an unexpected diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma may pose a psychosocial challenge to the individual.DesignAn exploratory qualitative phenomenological design was used.MethodsSix adult patients diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma were recruited and participated in two semi‐structured interviews at different timepoints. Transcribed texts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsThree main themes emerged: “Emotional reaction to the diagnosis,” “Struggling with a lack of understanding” and “Searching through past experiences.” Most of the participants expressed shock, disbelief and fear at the news of being diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. A sense of relief was expressed by one participant, who could now provide a label to the pain experienced.ConclusionsThis study highlights the responses of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma on receiving a diagnosis. These responses are influenced by their knowledge about the illness, type of symptoms experienced, their own personal circumstances and the manner in which the diagnosis was given.Relevance to clinical practiceNursing care relates to an understanding of the patients’ experiences. By reflecting on these findings, nurses are empowered to communicate with persons who have received a diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient‐sensitive manner, which establishes a relationship of trust and respect.
Health‐promoting conversations—A novel approach to families experiencing critical illness in the ICU environment
Authors: Hollman Frisman Gunilla , Wåhlin Ingrid , Orvelius Lotti , Ågren Susanna 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectivesTo identify and describe the outcomes of a nurse‐led intervention, “Health‐promoting conversations with families,” regarding family functioning and well‐being in families with a member who was critically ill.BackgroundFamilies who have a critically ill family member in an intensive care unit face a demanding situation, threatening the normal functioning of the family. Yet, there is a knowledge gap regarding family members’ well‐being during and after critical illness.DesignThe study used a qualitative inductive–descriptive design.MethodsEight families participated in health‐promoting conversations aimed to create a context for change related to the families’ identified problems and resources. Fifteen qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 adults who participated in health‐promoting conversations about a critical illness in the family. Eight participants were patients (six men, two women) and 10 were family members (two male partners, five female partners, one mother, one daughter, one female grandchild). The interviews were analysed by conventional content analysis.ResultsFamily members experienced strengthened togetherness, a caring attitude and confirmation through health‐promoting conversations. The caring and calming conversations were appreciated despite the reappearance of exhausting feelings. Working through the experience and being confirmed promoted family well‐being.ConclusionHealth‐promoting conversations were considered to be healing, as the family members take part in sharing each other's feelings, thoughts and experiences with the critical illness.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth‐promoting conversations could be a simple and effective nursing intervention for former intensive care patients and their families in any cultural context.
Nurses’ and nurse assistants’ beliefs, attitudes and actions related to role and function in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit—A qualitative study
Authors: Loft Mia I , Poulsen Ingrid , Esbensen Bente A , Iversen Helle K , Mathiesen Lone L , Martinsen Bente 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore nurses’ and nurse assistants’ beliefs, attitudes and actions related to their function in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit.BackgroundSeveral attempts have been made to describe nurses’ roles and functions in inpatient neurorehabilitation. However, current understandings of the contributions that nurses and nurse assistants make to neurorehabilitation remain sparse.DesignDescriptive, interpretive qualitative study.MethodsParticipant observations were conducted during 1 month in a stroke rehabilitation unit at a university hospital in the Capital Region of Denmark. The observations were audiorecorded and field notes were taken on the spot. Semistructured interviews with nurses (N = 8) and nurse assistants (N = 6) were performed. The audiorecorded observations, field notes and interviews were transcribed for inductive and deductive content analysis.ResultsThree main categories with underlying subcategories were identified: (i) the importance of professionalism, (ii) striving for visibility, (iii) the importance of structure.ConclusionThis study contributes to present understandings of nurses’ and nurse assistants’ roles and functions in inpatient stroke rehabilitation. We obtained insights into nursing staff's beliefs and attitudes about rehabilitation—as well as their own role and function—and furthermore how the latter affects their actions in daily practice.Relevance to clinical practiceThe nursing role and function are still not clearly defined. Further education is needed to strengthen the contribution of nursing staff to patients’ rehabilitation. Furthermore, focus on developing a professional language and a framework that supports continuity within daily care and rehabilitation is needed.
Barriers to palliative care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in home care: A qualitative study of the perspective of professional caregivers
Authors: Mousing Camilla A , Timm Helle , Lomborg Kirsten , Kirkevold Marit 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectivesTo examine the experiences with palliative care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among professional caregivers in a Danish home care setting.BackgroundMany patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease depend on professional caregivers in the primary sector to provide assistance and care. However, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients receive no or only very little palliative care compared to patients with cancer although they may have many burdensome symptoms.DesignQualitative explorative study.MethodsIn 2013–2014, ten professional caregivers from three districts in a Danish municipality were followed during home visits to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and individual interviews about palliative care were subsequently conducted. In 2014, 66 professional caregivers, representing eleven home care districts, participated in ten group discussions about palliative care needs in this group of patients. Data were analysed using qualitative descriptive analysis.ResultsThe study revealed a nonawareness of palliative care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among the professional caregivers who expressed vague understanding of palliative care and lack of knowledge about the disease. Organisational barriers, such as lack of time and continuity in patient care, lack of opportunity to discuss palliative care and lack of peer learning were experienced as challenging in the provision of palliative care. Nonawareness and organisational barriers led to difficulties in identifying palliative care needs and reluctance to initiate conversations about palliative care.ConclusionThe findings indicate a need for education, training and reflection among professional caregivers in home care. Also, organisational changes may be needed to reduce the barriers to palliative care.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings uncovered barriers to palliative care that must be addressed. Targeted educational programmes and organisational changes may increase the ability to identify palliative care needs and initiate and evaluate palliative interventions.
Depression recognition and capacity for self‐report among ethnically diverse nursing homes residents: Evidence of disparities in screening
Authors: Chun Audrey , Reinhardt Joann P. , Ramirez Mildred , Ellis Julie M. , Silver Stephanie , Burack Orah , Eimicke Joseph P. , Cimarolli Verena , Teresi Jeanne A. 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectivesTo examine agreement between Minimum Data Set clinician ratings and researcher assessments of depression among ethnically diverse nursing home residents using the 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire.BackgroundAlthough depression is common among nursing homes residents, its recognition remains a challenge.DesignObservational baseline data from a longitudinal intervention study.MethodsSample of 155 residents from 12 long‐term care units in one US facility; 50 were interviewed in Spanish. Convergence between clinician and researcher ratings was examined for (i) self‐report capacity, (ii) suicidal ideation, (iii) at least moderate depression, (iv) Patient Health Questionnaire severity scores. Experiences by clinical raters using the depression assessment were analysed. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to examine concordance and Cohen's kappa to examine agreement between clinicians and researchers.ResultsModerate agreement (κ = 0.52) was observed in determination of capacity and poor to fair agreement in reporting suicidal ideation (κ = 0.10–0.37) across time intervals. Poor agreement was observed in classification of at least moderate depression (κ = −0.02 to 0.24), lower than the maximum kappa obtainable (0.58–0.85). Eight assessors indicated problems assessing Spanish‐speaking residents. Among Spanish speakers, researchers identified 16% with Patient Health Questionnaire scores of 10 or greater, and 14% with thoughts of self‐harm whilst clinicians identified 6% and 0%, respectively.ConclusionThis study advances the field of depression recognition in long‐term care by identification of possible challenges in assessing Spanish speakers.Relevance to clinical practiceUse of the Patient Health Questionnaire requires further investigation, particularly among non‐English speakers. Depression screening for ethnically diverse nursing home residents is required, as underreporting of depression and suicidal ideation among Spanish speakers may result in lack of depression recognition and referral for evaluation and treatment. Training in depression recognition is imperative to improve the recognition, evaluation and treatment of depression in older people living in nursing homes.
Ralfuranones contribute to mushroom‐type biofilm formation by Ralstonia solanacearum strain OE1‐1
Authors: Mori Yuka , Hosoi Yuki , Ishikawa Shiho , Hayashi Kazusa , Asai Yu , Ohnishi Hideyuki , Shimatani Mika , Inoue Kanako , Ikeda Kenichi , Nakayashiki Hitoshi , Nishimura Yasuyo , Ohnishi Kouhei , Kiba Akinori , Kai Kenji , Hikichi Yasufumi 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAfter invasion into intercellular spaces of tomato plants, the soil‐borne, plant‐pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum strain OE1‐1 forms mushroom‐shaped biofilms (mushroom‐type biofilms, mBFs) on tomato cells, leading to its virulence. The strain OE1‐1 produces aryl‐furanone secondary metabolites, ralfuranones (A, B, J, K and L), dependent on the quorum sensing (QS) system, with methyl 3‐hydroxymyristate (3‐OH MAME) synthesized by PhcB as a QS signal. Ralfuranones are associated with the feedback loop of the QS system. A ralfuranone productivity‐deficient mutant (ΔralA) exhibited significantly reduced growth in intercellular spaces compared with strain OE1‐1, losing its virulence. To analyse the function of ralfuranones in mBF formation by OE1‐1 cells, we observed cell aggregates of R. solanacearum strains statically incubated in tomato apoplast fluids on filters under a scanning electron microscope. The ΔralA strain formed significantly fewer microcolonies and mBFs than strain OE1‐1. Supplementation of ralfuranones A, B, J and K, but not L, significantly enhanced the development of mBF formation by ΔralA. Furthermore, a phcB‐ and ralA‐deleted mutant (ΔphcB/ralA) exhibited less formation of mBFs than OE1‐1, although a QS‐deficient, phcB‐deleted mutant formed mBFs similar to OE1‐1. Supplementation with 3‐OH MAME significantly reduced the formation of mBFs by ΔphcB/ralA. The application of each ralfuranone significantly increased the formation of mBFs by ΔphcB/ralA supplied with 3‐OH MAME. Together, our findings indicate that ralfuranones are implicated not only in the development of mBFs by strain OE1‐1, but also in the suppression of QS‐mediated negative regulation of mBF formation.
FtSAD2 and FtJAZ1 regulate activity of the FtMYB11 transcription repressor of the phenylpropanoid pathway in Fagopyrum tataricum
Authors: Zhou Meiliang , Sun Zhanmin , Ding Mengqi , Logacheva Maria D. , Kreft Ivan , Wang Dan , Yan Mingli , Shao Jirong , Tang Yixiong , Wu Yanmin , Zhu Xuemei 
Published: July 2017

Summary

Little is known about the molecular mechanism of the R2R3‐MYB transcriptional repressors involved in plant phenylpropanoid metabolism. Here, we describe one R2R3‐type MYB repressor, FtMYB11 from Fagopyrum tataricum. It contains the SID‐like motif GGDFNFDL and it is regulated by both the importin protein ‘Sensitive to ABA and Drought 2’ (SAD2) and the jasmonates signalling cascade repressor JAZ protein.

Yeast two hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays demonstrated that FtMYB11 interacts with SAD2 and FtJAZ1. Protoplast transactivation assays demonstrated that FtMYB11 acts synergistically with FtSAD2 or FtJAZ1 and directly represses its target genes via the MYB‐core element AATAGTT.

Changing the Asp122 residue to Asn in the SID‐like motif results in cytoplasmic localization of FtMYB11 because of loss of interaction with SAD2, while changing the Asp126 residue to Asn results in the loss of interaction with FtJAZ1. Overexpression of FtMYB11or FtMYB11D126N in F. tataricum hairy roots resulted in reduced accumulation of rutin, while overexpression of FtMYB11D122N in hairy roots did not lead to such a change.

The results indicate that FtMYB11 acts as a regulator via interacting with FtSAD2 or FtJAZ1 to repress phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and this repression depends on two conserved Asp residues of its SID‐like motif.
A single‐probe heat pulse method for estimating sap velocity in trees
Authors: López‐Bernal Álvaro , Testi Luca , Villalobos Francisco J. 
Published: July 2017

Summary

Available sap flow methods are still far from being simple, cheap and reliable enough to be used beyond very specific research purposes. This study presents and tests a new single‐probe heat pulse (SPHP) method for monitoring sap velocity in trees using a single‐probe sensor, rather than the multi‐probe arrangements used up to now.

Based on the fundamental conduction−convection principles of heat transport in sapwood, convective velocity (Vh) is estimated from the temperature increase in the heater after the application of a heat pulse (ΔT). The method was validated against measurements performed with the compensation heat pulse (CHP) technique in field trees of six different species. To do so, a dedicated three‐probe sensor capable of simultaneously applying both methods was produced and used.

Experimental measurements in the six species showed an excellent agreement between SPHP and CHP outputs for moderate to high flow rates, confirming the applicability of the method.

In relation to other sap flow methods, SPHP presents several significant advantages: it requires low power inputs, it uses technically simpler and potentially cheaper instrumentation, the physical damage to the tree is minimal and artefacts caused by incorrect probe spacing and alignment are removed.
How the Community Shapes Unmet Need for Modern Contraception: An Analysis of 44 Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Metheny Nicholas , Stephenson Rob 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUnmet need for modern contraception is a major public health concern in resource‐constrained countries. Recent research supports the application of social‐ecological theories to explain how characteristics of a woman's community shape modern contraception use. However, this research focuses largely on individual countries and uses a limited number of community‐level effects. We fitted three random‐effects logistic regression models to examine associations between 13 community‐level variables and the odds of reporting unmet need, unmet need for spacing, and unmet need for limiting for all parous, female respondents in 44 DHS surveys collected in 2010–2015 (n=528,101). Community variables explain significant variance in unmet need between communities. Associations between community variables and unmet need differ by urban and rural residence. The results highlight several commonalities in how the community shapes unmet need across resource‐constrained settings and may help in designing structural‐level interventions.
Assessment of hair surface roughness using quantitative image analysis
Authors: Park K. H. , Kim H. J. , Oh B. , Lee E. , Ha J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground/purposeFocus on the hair and hair cuticle is increasing. The hair cuticle is the first layer to be exposed to damage and the area of primary protection. For such reasons, hair product manufacturers consider cuticle protection important. However, previous studies used only visual assessment to examine the cuticle. This study aimed to obtain the changes in cuticles and measure hair roughness using a HIROX microscope.MethodsA total of 23 female subjects used the same products daily for 4 weeks. Three hair samples per subject were collected from three different areas of the head. Measurements were taken before and after 4 weeks of daily product use.ResultsThe hair surface changes were clearly observed on the captured images. Moreover, hair surface roughness was observed using various parameters on HIROX software. After 4 weeks of daily product use, the roughness parameter value of the hair surface was significantly decreased.ConclusionOur result suggests that the hair roughness analytical method using HIROX can be a new paradigm for high‐quality quantitative analysis of the hair cuticle.
Drug‐drug interactions between triazole antifungal agents used to treat invasive aspergillosis and immunosuppressants metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4
Authors: Groll Andreas H. , Townsend Robert , Desai Amit , Azie Nkechi , Jones Mark , Engelhardt Marc , Schmitt‐Hoffman Anne‐Hortense , Brüggemann Roger J. M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPatients undergoing treatment with immunosuppressant drugs following solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are at particular risk for development of serious infections such as invasive aspergillosis. Four triazole antifungal drugs, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, and isavuconazole, are approved to treat invasive aspergillosis either as first‐ or second‐line therapy. All of these agents are inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4, which plays a key role in metabolizing immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus. Thus, co‐administration of a triazole antifungal drug with these immunosuppressant drugs can potentially increase plasma concentrations of the immunosuppressant drugs, thereby resulting in toxicity, or upon discontinuation, inadvertently decrease the respective concentrations with increased risk of rejection or graft‐versus‐host disease. In this article, we review the evidence for the extent of inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 by each of these triazole antifungal drugs and assess their effects on cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus. We also consider other factors affecting interactions of these two classes of drugs. Finally, we examine recommendations and strategies to evaluate and address those potential drug‐drug interactions in these patients.
Non‐physician health‐care workers and voluntary blood donation: an ambiguous relationship
Authors: Sousos N. , Sfyridou S. , Adamidou D. , Vyzantiadis T.‐A. , Karadosidou M. , Filippou A. , Karafoulidou T. , Chouridi M. , Theodoridou S. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryObjectivesThis study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of voluntary blood donation (BD) among the non‐physician health‐care workers of our institution, to investigate the relationship between these parameters and to determine the predictors of BD practice.BackgroundKAP surveys provide a popular context‐specific evidence base for the development of blood transfusion services' strategies and interventions to promote voluntary, non‐remunerated BD. However, there are just few studies worldwide assessing KAP of BD among health‐care workers.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional exploratory study, which took place at the ‘Ippokrateio’ General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece, a tertiary health‐care institution. A specially designed, pre‐tested questionnaire was distributed to all non‐physician health‐care workers of the hospital. A total of 1140 questionnaires were distributed. Participation in the study was optional and anonymous. Regarding data analysis, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to describe the relationship between different elements of KAP of BD and to determine possible predictors of BD practice.ResultsThe response rate was 25·5% (291 respondents). Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive attitude towards family replacement as an important predictor of both regular and voluntary BD, with male gender also a predictor of the latter. An inconsistency between knowledge, attitude and practice of BD was revealed.ConclusionsThe present study adds valuable data on KAP of BD among health‐care workers. This will help blood transfusion services to improve management practices among this group as they have the potential to provide a reliable, stable and safe source of blood products.