bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute effects of phenylbutyrate on glutamine, branched‐chain amino acid and protein metabolism in skeletal muscles of rats
Authors: Holecek Milan , Vodenicarovova Melita , Siman Pavel 
Published: June 2017

SummaryPhenylbutyrate (PB) acts as chemical chaperone and histone deacetylase inhibitor, which is used to decrease ammonia in urea cycle disorders and has been investigated for use in the treatment of a number of lethal illnesses. We performed in vivo and in vitro experiments to examine the effects of PB on glutamine (GLN), branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA; valine, leucine and isoleucine) and protein metabolism in rats. In the first study, animals were sacrificed one hour after three injections of PB (300mg/kg b.w.) or saline. In the second study, soleus (SOL, slow twitch) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL, fast twitch) muscles were incubated in a medium with or without PB (5 mM). L‐[1‐14C] leucine was used to estimate protein synthesis and leucine oxidation, and 3‐methylhistidine release was used to evaluate myofibrillar protein breakdown. PB treatment decreased GLN, BCAA and branched‐chain keto acids (BCKAs) in blood plasma, decreased BCAA and increased GLN concentrations in muscles, and increased GLN synthetase activities in muscles. Addition of PB to incubation medium increased leucine oxidation (55% in EDL, 29% in SOL), decreased BCKA and increased GLN in medium of both muscles, increased GLN in muscles, decreased protein synthesis in SOL and increased proteolysis in EDL. It is concluded that PB decreases BCAA, BCKA and GLN in blood plasma, activates BCAA catabolism and GLN synthesis in muscle and exerts adverse effects on protein metabolism. The results indicate that BCAA and GLN supplementation is needed when PB is used therapeutically and that PB may be a useful prospective agent which could be effective in management of maple syrup urine disease.
The effectiveness of strategies similar to the Magnet model to create positive work environments on nurse satisfaction
Authors: Kol Emine , İlaslan Emine , Turkay Mehtap 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to identify the satisfaction levels of nurses with positive environment initiatives and positive management strategies.MethodIn total, 235 and 259 nurses participated in the study before and after the application of the initiatives and strategies, respectively. Strategies adopted from the magnet model to create positive work environments and management styles were executed according to the forces of magnetism. Data related to satisfaction were collected twice, once before and once after the strategies to create positive working environments were implemented.ResultsThe rates of working environment satisfaction in the nurses' department were 57.07% in 2011 and 69.01% in 2013. The rate of satisfaction with governance differed significantly between 2011 and 2013, especially in terms of the merit system, equity and equality, information flow between the administration and the employees, and the influence of the nursing managers on institutional decision making.ConclusionThis study showed that 24 months after the implementation of these strategies, nurse satisfaction with their work environment and management style increased significantly.
Factors affecting aging cognitive function among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Kim Chun‐Ja , Park JeeWon , Kang Se‐Won , Schlenk Elizabeth A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe study purpose was to determine factors affecting aging cognitive function of 3,645 community‐dwelling older adults in Korea.MethodsThe Hasegawa Dementia Scale assessed aging cognitive function, blood analyses and anthropometrics assessed cardio‐metabolic risk factors, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korean Version assessed depressive symptoms.ResultsParticipants with poor aging cognitive function were more likely to be in the late age group (≥75 y) and currently smoking and have a medical history of stroke, high body mass index, and high level of depressive symptoms; they were also less likely to engage in regular meals and physical activities.ConclusionRegular meals and physical activities may be primary factors for clinical assessment to identify older adults at risk for aging cognitive function. With aging, depressive symptoms and other unhealthy lifestyle behaviours should be managed to prevent cognitive function disorders.
Cloning and functional identification of moricins from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
Authors: Xia X.‐F. , Li Y. , Yu X.‐Q. , Lin J.‐H. , Li S.‐Y. , Li Q. , You M.‐S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small‐molecule peptides that play crucial roles in insect innate immune responses. To better understand the function of AMPs in Plutella xylostella, one of the main pests of cruciferous vegetables, three full‐length cDNAs encoding moricins were cloned from Pl. xylostella. Two variants of the moricin named PxMor2 and PxMor3 were heterologously expressed and purified. A secondary structure analysis using circular dichroism demonstrated that the two peptides adopted an α‐helical structure in the membrane‐like environment, but in aqueous solution, they were present in random coiled conformation. Antimicrobial activity assays demonstrated that PxMor2 exhibited high activity against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli; however, PxMor3 only demonstrated high activity against E. coli. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser‐scanning microscopy analyses suggest that PxMors can lead to the disruption of bacterial membrane, which might be the mechanism by which PxMors inhibit bacterial growth. This study contributes to the understanding of Pl. xylostella AMPs and immune responses, and also enriches the knowledge of insect moricin.
Overview of systematic reviews: Effective home support in dementia care, components and impacts—Stage 1, psychosocial interventions for dementia
Authors: Clarkson Paul , Hughes Jane , Xie Chengqiu , Larbey Matthew , Roe Brenda , Giebel Clarissa M. , Jolley David , Challis David ,   Members of the HoSt‐D (Home Support in Dementia) Programme Management Group
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo synthesize evidence to identify the components of effective psychosocial interventions in dementia care to inform clinical practice, policy and research.BackgroundWith population ageing, dementia represents a significant care challenge with 60% of people with dementia living at home.DesignOverview of systematic reviews with narrative summary.Data sourcesElectronic searches of published systematic reviews in English using Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, DARE and EPPI‐Centre, between September 2013 ‐ April 2014.Review methodsSystematic reviews were appraised against Cochrane Collaboration levels of effectiveness. Components of psychosocial interventions were identified with their theoretical rationale. Findings were explored with a Patient, Public and Carer Involvement group.ResultsThirty‐six systematic reviews were included. From interventions, 14 components were identified, nine for people with dementia and five for carers, mostly undertaken in nursing/care homes. For people with dementia, there was evidence of effectiveness for cognitive stimulation and cognitive training, but less evidence for sensory stimulation, reminiscence, staff education, behavioural therapy and ADL training. For carers, there was evidence of effectiveness for education and training, psychotherapy and counselling.ConclusionThere was a lack of definitive evidence of effectiveness for most psychosocial interventions. Further studies with stronger methodology or replication of existing studies would strengthen the evidence base. Few interventions were undertaken with people with dementia and their carers living at home. Further work will investigate the extent to which components identified here are present in models of home support for people with dementia and carers and their effectiveness.
Effect of periodontal therapy with systemic antimicrobials on parameters of metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bizzarro Sergio , van der Velden Ubele , Teeuw Wijnand J. , Gerdes Victor E. A. , Loos Bruno G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of basic periodontal therapy (BPT) with antimicrobials (AM) on the parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (waist circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressure [BP], HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose).MethodsOne hundred and ten periodontitis patients without known comorbidities and unaware of possible MetS were randomly assigned to BPT (n = 56) or BPT+AM (n = 54) and followed for 12 months post‐therapy. Number of patients with undiagnosed MetS was also determined.ResultsIn all patients, the periodontal condition improved; however, the BTP+AM group showed greater pocket depth reduction than the BPT group. Post‐therapy, systolic BP (p < .05) and triglycerides (p < .05) reduced significantly during the follow‐up period. No significant differences could be assessed between the BPT+AM and BPT group. Despite the absence of self‐reported comorbidities, 27.2% (n = 30) periodontitis patients fulfilled the criteria of MetS at baseline. After therapy, this proportion changed to 14.5% at 3 months (p = .007), to 17.3% at 6 months (p = .017) and to 21.8% at 12‐month follow‐up (p = .383).ConclusionAlthough a reduction in systolic BP and triglycerides and a temporarily improvement in the whole metabolic status were observed, the use of antimicrobials in conjunction with BTP does not yield any additional improvement in the parameters of MetS.
Oral nutritional supplement use in relation to length of stay in heart failure patients at a regional medical center
Authors: Babb Ellen B. , Rohrer James 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesImproving the nutritional status of hospitalized patients has been shown to reduce length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, readmission rates, complication rates, and mortality. Provision of nutrient‐rich, liquid, oral nutrition supplements (ONS) is one approach to improve nutritional status. Little information is available on ONS use and LOS among heart failure patients.MethodsThis study used a retrospective design to examine whether routine ONS use was associated with hospital LOS among 570 heart failure inpatients (89 ONS = yes; 481 ONS = no) at a regional medical center, adjusting for significant personal, locational, and time variables using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsOral nutrition supplement use was associated with high LOS in this sample (odds ratio = 2.43). High LOS was also associated with higher Charlson comorbidity index values, discharge destination, hospital room location, and dietitian consults.ConclusionsThese results show that ONS orders alone are not adequate to reduce LOS among heart failure patients. Continued research is needed on ways to improve care to reduce LOS among hospitalized patients.
Determination of retinal surface area
Authors: Nagra Manbir , Gilmartin Bernard , Thai Ngoc Jade , Logan Nicola S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPrevious attempts at determining retinal surface area and surface area of the whole eye have been based upon mathematical calculations derived from retinal photographs, schematic eyes and retinal biopsies of donor eyes. 3‐dimensional (3‐D) ocular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows a more direct measurement, it can be used to image the eye in vivo, and there is no risk of tissue shrinkage. The primary purpose of this study is to compare, using T2‐weighted 3D MRI, retinal surface areas for superior‐temporal (ST), inferior‐temporal (IT), superior‐nasal (SN) and inferior‐nasal (IN) retinal quadrants. An ancillary aim is to examine whether inter‐quadrant variations in area are concordant with reported inter‐quadrant patterns of susceptibility to retinal breaks associated with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Seventy‐three adult participants presenting without retinal pathology (mean age 26.25 ± 6.06 years) were scanned using a Siemens 3‐Tesla MRI scanner to provide T2‐weighted MR images that demarcate fluid‐filled internal structures for the whole eye and provide high‐contrast delineation of the vitreous‐retina interface. Integrated MRI software generated total internal ocular surface area (TSA). The second nodal point was used to demarcate the origin of the peripheral retina in order to calculate total retinal surface area (RSA) and quadrant retinal surface areas (QRSA) for ST, IT, SN, and IN quadrants. Mean spherical error (MSE) was −2.50 ± 4.03D and mean axial length (AL) 24.51 ± 1.57 mm. Mean TSA and RSA for the RE were 2058 ± 189 and 1363 ± 160 mm2, respectively. Repeated measures anova for QRSA data indicated a significant difference within‐quadrants (P < 0.01) which, contrasted with ST (365 ± 43 mm2), was significant for IT (340 ± 40 mm2 P < 0.01), SN (337 ± 40 mm2 P < 0.01) and IN (321 ± 39 mm2 P < 0.01) quadrants. For all quadrants, QRSA was significantly correlated with AL (P < 0.01) and exhibited equivalent increases in retinal area/mm increase in AL. Although the differences between QRSAs are relatively small, there was evidence of concordance with reported inter‐quadrant patterns of susceptibility to retinal breaks associated with PVD. The data allow AL to be converted to QRSAs, which will assist further work on inter‐quadrant structural variation.
Fiber type composition of the palmaris brevis muscle: implications for palmar function
Authors: Moore Colin W. , Beveridge Tyler S. , Rice Charles L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe palmaris brevis (PB) is a small muscle of variant morphology located on the ulnar aspect of the palm, superficial to the hypothenar eminence. Functionally, the PB has been proposed to protect the neurovasculature of the ulnar canal from compressive forces during repetitive or intermittent trauma associated with grasping. Although PB function has been inferred from cadaveric observations, it is unknown whether it has the contractile capacity and fatigue‐resistance necessary to withstand these functional demands. Insight into the functional specialization of the PB can be provided through investigating the proportions of type I and type II muscle fibers by staining for myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms using immunohistochemical methods. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the proportion of type I and type II muscle fibers to provide insight into the role of the PB in palmar function based on its gross histological structure. Sixteen PB specimens were harvested from the hands (eight right, eight left) of eight formalin‐embalmed cadavers (mean age: 75 ± 14 years; three males, five females). PB muscle composition was determined by labeling serial cross‐sections with MHC type I and type II monoclonal antibodies. The results indicate that the PB is primarily composed of type I muscle fibers (72.2 ± 13.7%), with no significant differences between left and right hands. Given the predominance of type I muscle fibers, our findings indicate the PB may be fatigue‐resistant and thus, capable of contracting for prolonged durations. This supports cadaveric observations indicating that the PB functions to protect the ulnar neurovasculature of the palm by providing a muscular barrier in addition to serving as a functional anchor to the hypothenar fat pad when objects are firmly compressed into the palm.
IDENTIFYING VULNERABILITY TO POVERTY: A CRITICAL SURVEY
Authors: Gallardo Mauricio 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn the economic literature on poverty, various methods have been proposed for measuring a phenomenon known as ‘vulnerability’. However, after more than a quarter century of research, no consensus has been reached on how to identify such vulnerable individuals within a given population. Some misunderstandings have also arisen from the overlapping of other closely related concepts, such as the expectation of being poor, expected poverty, multi‐period poverty and risk exposure. This paper offers a detailed conceptual discussion on vulnerability to poverty and its related elements, reviewing a wide range of identifying criteria provided in the literature. It is found that according to the state of the art in this field of research, two key elements stand out in identifying vulnerable individuals: an expected well‐being below the poverty line and a relevant risk of falling into poverty due to downside deviation from a reference level of well‐being. The traditional classification of vulnerability approaches has been updated into four groups: (i) those that stress the element of exposure to risk; (ii) those that emphasize the element of expected poverty; (iii) those that define vulnerability through a utility gap and (iv) those that are supported by a mean‐risk dominance criterion.
Impact of borderline–subclinical hypothyroidism on subsequent pregnancy outcome in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Uchida Sayaka , Maruyama Tetsuo , Kagami Maki , Miki Fumie , Hihara Hanako , Katakura Satomi , Yoshimasa Yushi , Masuda Hirotaka , Uchida Hiroshi , Tanaka Mamoru 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimBecause subclinical hypothyroidism (thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH] > 4.5 IU/mL) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, including early pregnancy loss, TSH is recommended to be titrated to ≤2.5 mIU/L in levothyroxine‐treated women before pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether borderline–subclinical hypothyroidism (borderline‐SCH; 2.5 < TSH ≤ 4.5 IU/mL) affects the outcome of subsequent pregnancies in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL).MethodsAfter workup for antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti‐phospholipid syndrome, thrombophilia, uterine abnormalities, hormone disorders, and/or chromosomal abnormalities, 317 women with a history of uRPL were enrolled. The women were classified into two groups: borderline‐SCH, and euthyroidism (0.3 ≤ TSH ≤ 2.5 IU/mL). All women had normal serum free thyroxine (T4) and did not receive levothyroxine before or during the subsequent pregnancy.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, number of previous pregnancy losses, number of live births, or body mass index between the borderline‐SCH (n = 56) and the euthyroid (n = 261) groups, but the rate of ANA positivity differed significantly (53.6% vs 33.7%, respectively; P = 0.005). The subsequent pregnancy rate did not differ between the two groups (55.4%, 31/56 vs 51.3%, 134/261, respectively). The pregnancy loss rate (<22 weeks of gestation) tended to be higher in the borderline‐SCH than the euthyroid group (29.0%, 9/31 vs 17.9%, 24/134), although not significantly so (P = 0.16).ConclusionsAlthough some subset of uRPL is though to be due to as‐yet‐unidentified cause(s), borderline‐SCH is unlikely to be involved in uRPL.
Clinical value of polymerase chain reaction in detecting group B streptococcus during labor
Authors: Koppes Dorothea Maria , Vriends Antonius Arnoldus Cornelis Maria , van Rijn Michiel , van Heesewijk Antonine Dimphne 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo reduce the intrapartum use of antibiotics in women with prolonged rupture of the membranes (PROM) by restriction of antibiotics to women who are colonized with group B streptococci (GBS), as identified with the Cepheid Gene Xpert polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting GBS.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial among full‐term delivering women with PROM. Fifty‐four women were enrolled, based on a power calculation with a significance level of 5% and a power of 95%. Twenty‐seven women received the standard treatment (rectovaginal swab [RVS] for bacterial culture and antibiotics). For another 27 women PCR was performed on the RVS and antibiotics were used only when the PCR was positive. The primary outcome was reduction in antibiotic use, defined as the percentage of women who received antibiotics during labor.Results54 Women were enrolled in the study between 1 May and 18 November 2014. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. In total, 10 of the 54 women were GBS positive (18.5%). Of those 10 women, three were identified on bacterial culture and seven on PCR. In the bacterial culture group all the women received antibiotics. In the PCR group 10 women (37%) received antibiotics (P = 0.002). Two false‐positive PCR tests were identified. There were no false‐negative PCR tests.ConclusionReal‐time identification of GBS on PCR reduces the intrapartum use of antibiotics in women with PROM.
Exploring the impact of endometriosis on partners
Authors: Ameratunga Devini , Flemming Tina , Angstetra Donald , Ng Shu‐Kay , Sneddon Anne 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine how endometriosis affects the quality of life of partners of women who suffer from this disease and how it impacts their relationships, finances, mental states, and daily living.MethodsThis was a questionnaire‐based cohort study that took place at a large tertiary hospital gynecology unit, which covered two sites. Fifty‐one partners of women who had surgically diagnosed endometriosis agreed to participate in the study and returned completed surveys.ResultsNinety‐two percent (n = 46) of partners reported negative feelings about the diagnosis of endometriosis. Seventy percent (n = 35) reported that endometriosis affected their day‐to‐day life either moderately or severely. Over half (52%) also felt that their finances were affected. Only 34% (n = 17) of partners felt that health professionals had engaged them in decision‐making processes and had been supportive of them. Eighty percent (n = 40) of partners reported that they had received no information about the impact of endometriosis on couples. Partners reported a significant affect on their sex life (74%) and their relationship as a whole (56%). Participants whose relationships had been affected by endometriosis had also more likely had their day‐to‐day life (P = 0.027), sex life (P = 0.001), and finances (P = 0.002) affected.ConclusionOverall, our findings suggest that endometriosis can have a significant impact on partners with respect to day‐to‐day living, finances, sex lives, and relationships. Improvements can be made to engage partners in the treatment process, and to provide better education, support, and holistic management to women and families who suffer with endometriosis.