bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ development and application of natural coatings on non-absorbable sutures to reduce incision site infections
Authors: Masood R. , Hussain T. , Umar M. , Azeemullah  , Areeb T. , Riaz S. 
Published: March 2017

Objective: The purpose of the study was the development of a suture line that has antibacterial properties and reduces the chance of wound infection thus facilitating the healing process. Method: Hydrolysed chitosan, turmeric powder and clove oil were used in different proportions to formulate antimicrobial coating for the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (Nylon 6) threads. The threads were coated using a lab-scale yarn sizing machine. Tensile, and knot strength of the coated sutures were measured. As was the antimicrobial action of Staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC29213. Results: The results show that coatings have slightly improved the tensile and knot strength properties of these sutures. The coated sutures also have satisfactory microbial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: The coating slightly improved the tensile strength of the sutures. However, the knot is the weakest part of the suture strand. All the formulations of the coating have shown satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. We conclude that application of natural coatings on non-absorbable sutures can be useful to reduce the incisions and wound site infections.
Intensive care unit nurses' perceived barriers towards pressure ulcer prevention in south east Iran
Authors: Mirshekari L. , Tirgari B. , Forouzi M.A. 
Published: March 2017

Objective: Pressure ulcer (PU) prevention is one of the most important roles of nurses in intensive care units (ICUs). This study was conducted to identify intensive care registered nurses' perceived barriers towards PU prevention in south east Iran. Method: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A convenience sample consisted of registered nurses working in trauma intensive care units affliated by Zahedan Medical University participated in this study. Data were collected using the barriers to providing prevention of pressure ulcers quesionnaire. Results: The response rate was 100 % (n=88), although not all participants answered every question. The results showed that 78% were women. The mean age of participants was 30.2 years. The item ‘heavy workload/staff shortage’ perceived highest barrier towards pressure ulcer prevention (mean±standard deviation (SD): 3.37 ± 0.66). The item ‘uncooperative patients' achieved the lowest perceived barriers score (mean ± SD: 2.65 ± 0.75). Nurses who had more nursing experience in an ICU setting perceived barriers more than those with less nursing experience in ICU setting. Those who had no previous exposure to PU prevention education perceived barriers more than those had previous exposure to PU prevention education. Conclusion: Understanding ntensive care registered nurses' perceptions of PU prevention barriers will enable nurse leaders to develop a variety of intensive teaching to disseminate information about these barriers.
Research roundup: March 2017
Authors: Greener Mark 
Published: March 2017

In brief Diabetes and hyperlipidaemia seem to increase independently the risk of back, neck and shoulder pain Verapamil might effectively treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, initial results suggest Talking pill bottles seem to enhance hypertension control and are well accepted by patients with poor health literacy Statins might increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage
Polypharmacy and older people
Authors: Kaufman Gerri 
Published: March 2017

The use of polypharmacy (multiple medicines) is increasingly common in older people. There is no consensus on a clinical definition of polypharmacy and so it is often defined using a simple numerical threshold. However, current perspectives recommend that polypharmacy is classified as either ‘appropriate’ or ‘problematic’. Older people are especially vulnerable to the effects of polypharmacy because of altered physiology and the existence of comorbidities. The use of single evidence-based guidelines to manage comorbidities can cause problematic polypharmacy, and fears about polypharmacy can lead to under-prescribing. A range of interventions are available to improve the appropriate use of prescribing in older people. Considering the clinical context of polypharmacy alongside an awareness of its perils is important to ensure the benefits of using multiple medicines are balanced against the potential harms.
ANALISIS KUASA PADA PRAKTIK KELEMBAGAAN PA’TOTIBOYONGAN DI MAMASA
Authors: Junita Risma 
Published: March 2017

This paper elaborates the issue of agricultural resources management processes based on local institution called pa’totiboyongan in the Village of Ballatumuka, Mamasa. This research employs a power analysis framework to analyze the management processes in distributing agricultural resources. In a practical level, the agricultural resource management processes have involved various actors who have different roles and interests. These different roles and interests reveal the patterns of power relations among the actors in forms of conflct, resistance, persuasion, and collaboration. Furthermore, the inflence of power relations among the actors on preserving the existence of pa’totiboyongan is clearly apparent. The result shows that the agricultural resources management processes are based on three important aspects: economics, ecological, and social-culture of society.
Intermittent and graded exercise effects on NK cell degranulation markers LAMP‐1/LAMP‐2 and CD8+CD38+ in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Broadbent Suzanne , Coutts Rosanne 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThere is substantial evidence of immune system dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) but little is understood of exercise training effects on lymphocyte function in this illness. This study investigated whether graded and intermittent exercise improved CD8+ lymphocyte activation and natural killer cell degranulation markers compared to no exercise. Twenty‐four chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients (50.2 ± 10 year) were randomized to graded exercise (GE), intermittent exercise (IE) or usual care (UC) groups; a control group (CTL) of 18 matched sedentary non‐CFS/ME participants were included for immunological variable comparisons. Main outcome measures were pre‐ and postintervention expression of CD3+CD8+CD38+ and CD3−CD16+56+CD107a+ (LAMP‐1) CD107b+ (LAMP‐2) and aerobic exercise capacity. The postintervention percentage of NK cells expressing LAMP‐1 and ‐2 was significantly higher in IE compared to UC, and higher in GE compared to UC and CTL. LAMP‐1 and LAMP‐2 expression (absolute numbers and percent positive) increased significantly pre‐to‐postintervention for both GE and IE. Preintervention, the absolute number of CD8+CD38+ cells was significantly lower in CTL compared to UC and IE. There were no significant pre‐ to postintervention changes in CD8+CD38+ expression for any group. Aerobic exercise capacity was significantly improved by GE and IE. Twelve weeks of GE and IE increased the expression of NK cell activation and degranulation markers, suggesting enhanced immunosurveillance. Low‐intensity exercise may also reduce CD8+CD38+ expression, a marker of inflammation. Both GE and IE improved exercise capacity without worsening CFS/ME symptoms, and more robust trials of these exercise modalities are warranted.
Acute effects of N‐terminal progastrin fragments on gastric acid secretion in man
Authors: Goetze Jens P. , Hansen Carsten P. , Rehfeld Jens F. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe previously identified an N‐terminal fragment of progastrin in human antrum and plasma, where it circulates in high concentrations. In this study, we examined the effects of N‐terminal progastrin fragments on gastric acid secretion by infusion in healthy individuals. Increasing doses of progastrin fragment 1‐35 were infused intravenously during constant gastric acid stimulation by gastrin‐17. In addition, the effects of progastrin fragment 1‐35, fragment 6‐35, and fragment 1‐19 on gastrin‐17 stimulated acid secretion were tested. The gastrin‐17 stimulated acid secretion decreased 30% after administration of a high dose of progastrin fragment 1‐35 (P < 0.05). In extension, a 1‐h infusion of fragment 1‐35 also decreased gastric acid output. In contrast, fragment 6‐35 did not affect acid secretion, and a single infusion of gastrin‐17 alone did not reveal fading of gastric acid output during the time course of the experiments. The results show that N‐terminal fragments of progastrin may acutely affect gastrin‐stimulated gastric acid secretion in vivo. Structure‐function analysis suggests that the N‐terminal pentapeptide of progastrin is required for the effect.
Tidal breathing parameters measured using structured light plethysmography in healthy children and those with asthma before and after bronchodilator
Authors: Hmeidi Hamzah , Motamedi‐Fakhr Shayan , Chadwick Edward , Gilchrist Francis J. , Lenney Warren , Iles Richard , Wilson Rachel C. , Alexander John 
Published: March 2017

AbstractStructured light plethysmography (SLP) is a light‐based, noncontact technique that measures tidal breathing by monitoring displacements of the thoracoabdominal (TA) wall. We used SLP to measure tidal breathing parameters and their within‐subject variability (v) in 30 children aged 7–16 years with asthma and abnormal spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1] <80% predicted) during a routine clinic appointment. As part of standard care, the reversibility of airway obstruction was assessed by repeating spirometry after administration of an inhaled bronchodilator. In this study, SLP was performed before and after bronchodilator administration, and also once in 41 age‐matched controls. In the asthma group, there was a significant increase in spirometry‐assessed mean FEV1 after administration of bronchodilator. Of all measured tidal breathing parameters, the most informative was the inspiratory to expiratory TA displacement ratio (IE50SLP, calculated as TIF50SLP/TEF50SLP, where TIF50SLP is tidal inspiratory TA displacement rate at 50% of inspiratory displacement and TEF50SLP is tidal expiratory TA displacement rate at 50% of expiratory displacement). Median (m) IE50SLP and its variability (vIE50SLP) were both higher in children with asthma (prebronchodilator) compared with healthy children (mIE50SLP: 1.53 vs. 1.22, P < 0.001; vIE50SLP: 0.63 vs. 0.47, P < 0.001). After administration of bronchodilators to the asthma group, mIE50SLP decreased from 1.53 to 1.45 (P = 0.01) and vIE50SLP decreased from 0.63 to 0.60 (P = 0.04). SLP‐measured tidal breathing parameters could differentiate between children with and without asthma and indicate a response to bronchodilator.
Potential mechanisms of effects of serum‐derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate therapy in patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Valentin Nelson , Camilleri Michael , Carlson Paula , Harrington Sean C. , Eckert Deborah , O'Neill Jessica , Burton Duane , Chen Jun , Shaw Audrey L. , Acosta Andres 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSerum‐derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI), an oral nutritional therapy, is efficacious in diverse diarrheal diseases. In an open‐label study in 15 patients with irritable bowel syndrome‐diarrhea (IBS‐D), we evaluated effects of SBI (5.0 g, twice a day) for 8 weeks on safety, on bowel function and abdominal pain, tryptophan metabolism (K:T ratio), intestinal permeability (13C‐mannitol and lactulose excretion), bile acid synthesis (fasting serum FGF‐19 and C4), duodenal and stool microbiome, and the expression of 90 genes related to inflammation, immune function, and tight junctions in duodenal mucosa. Statistical analysis (paired tests, baseline vs. treatment) was based on intention to treat (ITT) principles. One of 15 Caucasian patients (13F, 2M, age 40.3 ± 2.3y, BMI 34.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2) withdrew without completing studies. There were improvements in stools/day (decrease, P < 0.001), ease of passage (P = 0.035), and evacuation (P = 0.004) with SBI therapy. Worst pain severity was numerically reduced in last 2 weeks' treatment (P = 0.078). Duodenal mucosal mRNA expression; serum C4, FGF‐19, and KT ratio; small bowel or colon permeability; and stool microbiome were not significantly different after SBI therapy, compared to baseline. In duodenal brushings, there was considerable microbiota structure difference (β diversity analysis P = 0.072, UniFrac) and, on taxonomic analysis, increased abundance of Proteobacteria Burkholderiales, Firmicutes Catonella, and unclassified genus organisms with SBI therapy. Thus, SBI therapy for 8 weeks in IBS‐D patients is associated with improved bowel function; the mechanism of benefit is unclear, though there were microbiota structure differences in duodenal brushings. Further studies in patients with low‐grade inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction at baseline are indicated.
Polymorphisms of α1-antitrypsin and Interleukin-6 genes and the progression of hepatic cirrhosis in patients with a hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Motawi T , Shaker OG , Hussein RM , Houssen M 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a serious health problem. The –174 G/C mutation in the pro inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with developing liver diseases. Likewise, the S and Z mutations in the serine protease inhibitor α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) are associated with pulmonary emphysema and/or liver cirrhosis. We explored the distribution of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 and A1AT genes in chronic HCV-infected patients and evaluated their impact on the progression of liver cirrhosis.
One hundred and fifty Egyptian HCV-infected patients together with 100 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The patient groups were subdivided into chronic hepatitis patients (n = 85) and cirrhotic patients (n = 65). The SNP of IL-6 (–174 G/C, rs1800795), A1AT Z mutation (342 Glu/Lys, rs28929474) and A1AT S mutation (264 Glu/Val, rs17580) were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.
Cirrhotic patients exhibited significantly increased frequency of the A1AT S allele compared with the controls (34.6 vs. 5.0%), while the chronic hepatitis patients showed a higher frequency of the A1AT Z allele compared with the controls (14.7 vs. 2.5%). Remarkably, IL-6 (CC genotype) was detected only in the chronic hepatitis patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that aspartate transaminase (AST) and the S alleles of A1AT, represented as SS+MS genotypes, were significantly independent predictors for development of liver cirrhosis. We concluded that inheritance of deficient S and Z alleles of the A1AT gene but not IL-6 (–174 G/C), were associated with progressive liver diseases.
Associations of biochemical changes and maternal traits with mutation 1843 (C>T) in the RYR1 gene as a common cause for porcine stress syndrome
Authors: Popovski ZT , Tanaskovska B , Miskoska-Milevska E , Andonov S , Domazetovska S 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Stress syndrome is usually caused by a mutation in the ryanodine receptor gene (ryr1) and it is widely studied in humans and swine populations. The protein product of this gene plays a crucial role in the regulation of calcium transport in muscle cells. A G>T mutation in the human ryr1 gene, which results in the replacement of a conserved arginine at position 614 where a leucine occurs at the same position as the previously identified Arg→Cys mutation reported in all cases of porcine stress syndrome (PSS). Porcine stress syndrome affects biochemical pathways in stress-susceptible individuals during a stress episode and some biochemical parameters that were used as markers for diagnostic purposes. Also, PSS has remarkable influence on the maternal characteristics of sows. This study dealt with different genotypes for PSS and its association with possible biochemical changes and maternal traits of sows. Seventy-three reproductive sows genotyped for PSS by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were included in this survey. Sixty of them were stress-free (NN), 11 were heterozygous carriers (Nn) and two animals were homozygous (nn) for the 1843 (C>T) mutation. Significant differences in non stress induced animals with different PSS genotypes were found in the values of creatine phoshokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Regarding the maternal traits, our study showed that stress susceptible animals (nn) have an increased number of stillborn piglets and a reduced number of newborn piglets compared with heterozygous and normal animals.
Customer complaints and disagreements in a multilingual business environment. A discursive-pragmatic analysis
Authors: Decock Sofie , Spiessens Anneleen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper probes into authentic CMC business complaints and disagreements by offering a discourse-pragmatic analysis of complaint negotiation e-mails written by French- and German-language customers. The analysis focuses on an identification and description of complaint and disagreement strategies, and on the presence of internal and external modifiers. Our data, gathered ethnographically at the sales department of a Belgian multinational, shows how the customer’s discourse evolves from more neutral, problem-oriented, routinized formulations in first complaints towards more confrontational, person-oriented, ad hoc formulations in disagreement e-mails as reactions to complaint refusals. This discursive change goes hand in hand with an increase in the use of direct speech act realizations and upgraders. As it appears, in the course of the complaint negotiation, face-threat to the speaker outweighs consideration of the addressee’s face needs. The most notable cross-cultural difference we found between German- and French-speaking customers is a more explicit style in German and a more confrontational style in French, with cross-cultural differences gaining weight at the expense of international communicative norms in less routinized messages. Finally, the results of our study urge us to reassess concepts of directness, and on a societal level, they serve to promote intercultural awareness in business contexts.
Taking metaphor studies back to the Stone Age: A reply to Xu, Zhang, and Wu (2016)
Authors: Gibbs Raymond W. , Chen Elaine 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOne recent trend in metaphor studies is to deny the possibility that most verbal metaphors really convey metaphoric meanings via cross-domain mappings. Instead, only a small number of verbal metaphors, those presumably produced “deliberately” and “consciously,” ever alert listeners or readers to draw cross-domain inferences. Xu, Zhang, and Wu (2016. Enlarging the scope of metaphor studies.
Effect of electrical stimulation on blood flow velocity and vessel size
Authors: Jin Hee-Kyung , Hwang Tae-Yeon , Cho Sung-Hyoun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInterferential current electrical stimulation alters blood flow velocity and vessel size. We aimed to investigate the changes in the autonomic nervous system depending on electrical stimulation parameters.Forty-five healthy adult male and female subjects were studied. Bipolar adhesive pad electrodes were used to stimulate the autonomic nervous system at the thoracic vertebrae 1-4 levels for 20 min. Using Doppler ultrasonography, blood flow was measured to determine velocity and vessel size before, immediately after, and 30 min after electrical stimulation.Changes in blood flow velocity were significantly different immediately and 30 min after stimulation. The interaction between intervention periods and groups was significantly different between the exercise and pain stimulation groups immediately after stimulation (p<0.05). The vessel size was significantly different before and 30 min after stimulation (p<0.05).Imbalances in the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates balance throughout the body, may present with various symptoms. Therefore, in the clinical practice, the parameters of electrical stimulation should be selectively applied in accordance with various conditions and changes in form.
Crystal structure of 1α,11-dihydroxyeremophil-9-en-8-one, C15H24O3
Authors: Morales Glauco , Paredes Adrián , Brito Iván , Cárdenas Alejandro 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
C15H24O3, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 7.5352(2) Å, b = 10.6639(3) Å, c = 17.5406(5) Å, V = 1409.47(7) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0315, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0838, T = 293 K.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Short-Term High-Intensity Interval Training in Female Ice-Hockey Players
Authors: Kinnunen Juho-Ville , Piitulainen Harri , Piirainen Jarmo M. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Kinnunen, J-V, Piitulainen, H, and Piirainen, JM. Neuromuscular adaptations to short-term high-intensity interval training in female ice-hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 479–485, 2019—High-intensity interval training (HIIT)-related neuromuscular adaptations, changes in force production, and on-ice performance were investigated in female ice-hockey players during preseason. Fourteen Finnish championship level ice-hockey players (average age 22 ± 3 years) participated in 2½-week HIIT. Both spinal (H-reflex) and supraspinal (V-wave) neuromuscular responses of the soleus muscle were recorded before and after the training period. Static jump (SJ) and countermovement jump heights, plantarflexor maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and rate of force development (RFD) were measured. In addition, soleus and tibialis anterior muscle activations (electromyography) were measured during MVC and RFD tests. During on-ice training, skating speed and acceleration tests were performed. Subjects significantly improved their plantarflexion MVC force (11.6 ± 11.2%, p < 0.001), RFD (15.2 ± 15.9%, p < 0.01), and SJ (4.8 ± 7.6%, p ≤ 0.05). Voluntary motor drive to the soleus muscle (V-wave amplitude) increased by 16.0 ± 15.4% (p < 0.01), and coactivation of the tibialis anterior muscle during the plantarflexion RFD test was reduced by −18.9 ± 22.2% (p ≤ 0.05). No change was observed in spinal α-motoneuron excitability (H-reflex) during MVC or in on-ice performance. These results indicate that HIIT can be used to improve athletes' capability to produce maximal and explosive forces, likely through enhanced voluntary activation of their muscles and reduced antagonist coactivation. Therefore, HIIT can be recommended in preseason training to improve neuromuscular performance. However, a longer than 2½-week HIIT period is needed to improve on-ice performance in female ice-hockey players.