bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between renal function and periodontal disease in community‐dwelling elderly women with different genotypes
Authors: Yoshihara Akihiro , Sugita Noriko , Iwasaki Masanori , Wang Yanming , Miyazaki Hideo , Yoshie Hiromasa , Nakamura Kazutoshi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the association between periodontal disease and renal function in elderly women with different genotypes.Material and MethodsA total of 332 postmenopausal never‐smoking women were analysed. Poor renal function was defined as serum cystatin C > 0.91 mg/l. Periodontal disease markers such as periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) were evaluated. Selected variables, including PISA quartile, body mass index (BMI), HbA1C and age in Arg allele carriers and non‐carriers based on the beta‐3 adrenergic receptor, or between Ala allele carriers and non‐carriers based on peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, were analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe odds ratios of serum cystatin C level and PISA (fourth quartile) were significantly positive for both Arg (2.52; p = 0.035) and Ala allele non‐carriers (2.36; p = 0.021). A significant association was also found between serum cystatin C level and BMI for both Arg (1.18; p = 0.001) and Ala allele non‐carriers (1.12; p = 0.003).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that periodontal inflammation might be associated with renal function. Furthermore, in both the Arg and Ala allele non‐carriers, the associations between BMI and PISA for renal function became stronger.
Perioperative hypothermia during hip fracture surgery: An observational study
Authors: Gurunathan Usha , Stonell Christopher , Fulbrook Paul 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRationaleElderly patients are at high risk of accidental perioperative hypothermia. The primary objective of this study was to measure the changes in body temperature and the incidence of hypothermia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study on all adult patients undergoing surgery for fractured neck of femur between December 2013 and July 2014. We monitored their temperatures in different perioperative areas at multiple time points and also noted the warming methods used.ResultsEighty‐seven patients were included in this study. A significant drop in body temperature (0.7°C, 95% CI: 0.6‐0.9, P < 0.001) occurred from their arrival at the operating theatre until their arrival at the recovery room. A significant drop of 0.2°C (95% CI: 0.1‐0.4, P < 0.001) was observed at the holding bay area. One third of the patients were noted to be hypothermic when they arrived at the recovery room.ConclusionThese results indicate that despite the use of active warming methods for most patients, significant hypothermia is still an issue amongst elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Further improvement is necessary to prevent hypothermia in this high‐risk group of patients.
BISAP, RANSON, lactate and others biomarkers in prediction of severe acute pancreatitis in a European cohort
Authors: Valverde‐López Francisco , Matas‐Cobos Ana M , Alegría‐Motte Carlos , Jiménez‐Rosales Rita , Úbeda‐Muñoz Margarita , Redondo‐Cerezo Eduardo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe study aims to assess and compare the predicting ability of some scores and biomarkers in acute pancreatitis.MethodsWe prospectively collected data from 269 patients diagnosed of acute pancreatitis, admitted to Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital between June 2010 and June 2012. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), C‐reactive protein, and creatinine were measured on admission and after 48 h, lactate and bedside index for severity acute pancreatitis (BISAP) only on admission and RANSON within the first 48 h. Definitions from 2012 Atlanta Classification were used. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for each scoring system for predicting severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), mortality, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, obtaining optimal cut‐off values from the receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsEight (3%) patients died, 17 (6.3%) were classified as SAP, and 10 (3.7%) were admitted in ICU. BISAP was the best predictor on admission for SAP, mortality, and ICU admission with an AUC of 0.9 (95% CI 0.83–0.97); 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.99); and 0.89 (95% CI 0.79–0.99), respectively. After 48 h, BUN 48 h was the best predictor of SAP (AUC = 0.96 CI: 0.92–0.99); BUN 48 h and BISAP were the best predictors for mortality (AUC = 0.97 CI: 0.95–0.99) and creatinine 48 h for ICU admission (AUC = 0.96 CI: 0.92–0.99). Lactate showed an AUC of 0.79 (CI: 0.71–0.88), 0.87 (CI: 0.78–0.96), and 0.77 (CI: 0.67–0.87) for SAP, mortality, and ICU admission, respectively. All parameters were predictors for SAP, mortality, and ICU admission, but C‐reactive protein on admission was only a significant predictor of SAP.ConclusionBedside index for severity acute pancreatitis is a good predictive system for SAP, mortality, and ICU admission, being useful for triaging patients for ICU management. Lactate could be useful for developing new scores.
Questioning skills of clinical facilitators supporting undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Phillips Nicole M , Duke Maxine M , Weerasuriya Rona 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo report on a study investigating questioning skills of clinical facilitators who support the learning of undergraduate nursing students.BackgroundThe ability to think critically is integral to decision‐making and the provision of safe and quality patient care. Developing students’ critical thinking skills is expected of those who supervise and facilitate student learning in the clinical setting. Models used to facilitate student learning in the clinical setting have changed over the years with clinicians having dual responsibility for patient care and facilitating student learning. Many of these nurses have no preparation for the educative role. This study adapted a comparative study conducted over fifteen years ago.DesignDescriptive online survey including three acute care patient scenarios involving an undergraduate nursing student. Participants were required to identify the questions they would ask the student in relation to the scenario.MethodsA total of 133 clinical facilitators including clinical teachers, clinical educators and preceptors from five large partner healthcare organisations of one Australian university participated.ResultsThe majority of questions asked were knowledge questions, the lowest category in the cognitive domain requiring only simple recall of information. Facilitators who had undertaken an education‐related course/workshop or formal qualification asked significantly more questions from the higher cognitive level.ConclusionThe study provides some evidence that nursing facilitators in the clinical setting ask students predominantly low‐level questions. Further research is needed to identify strategies that develop the capacity of facilitators to ask higher level cognitive questions.Relevance to clinical practiceClinical facilitators should undertake targeted education that focuses on how to frame questions for students that demand application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
Shared care requires a shared vision: communities of clinical practice in a primary care setting
Authors: Young Jessica , Egan Tony , Jaye Chrystal , Williamson Martyn , Askerud Anna , Radue Peter , Penese Maree 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo understand how a vision of care is formed and shared by patients and the primary care professionals involved in their care.BackgroundTo achieve the best health outcomes, it is important for patients and those who care for them to have a mutual understanding about what is important to the patient in their everyday life and why, and what care is necessary to realise this vision. Shared or team care does not necessarily translate to a consistent and integrated approach to a patient's care. An individual patient's care network of clinical and lay participants can be conceptualised as the patient's own ‘Community of Clinical Practice’ of which they are the central member.DesignWorking alongside a long‐term conditions nursing team, we conducted a focused ethnography of nine ‘Communities of Clinical Practice’ in one general practice setting.MethodParticipant observation, in‐depth qualitative interviews with 24 participants including nine patients, and the patients’ medical records. Data were analysed using a template organising style.FindingsPrimary care professionals' insight into a patient's vision of care evolves through a deep knowing of the patient over time; this is shared between ‘Community of Clinical Practice’ members, frequently through informal communication and realised through respectful dialogue. These common values – respect, authenticity, autonomy, compassion, trust, care ethics, holism – underpin the development of a shared vision of care.ConclusionsA patient's vision of care, if shared, provides a focus around which ‘Community of Clinical Practice’ members cohere. Nurses play an important role in sharing the patient's vision of care with other participants.Relevance to clinical practiceA shared vision of care is an aspirational concept which is difficult to articulate but with attentiveness, sustained authentic engagement and being driven by values, it should evolve amongst the core participants of a ‘Community of Clinical Practice’.
Validating an electronic health literacy scale in an older hispanic population
Authors: Aponte Judith , Nokes Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2017

AimTo examine the validity of the Spanish version of an instrument used to measure electronic health literacy (eHEALS) with an older Hispanic population from a number of Spanish‐language countries living in New York City in the United States (US).BackgroundAlthough the Internet is available globally, complex skills are needed to use this source of valuable health‐related information effectively. Electronic health literacy is a multifactorial concept that includes health literacy but also requires technology skills.DesignCross‐sectional.MethodRecruitment occurred at a Senior Organization located in a largely Hispanic neighbourhood in New York City (N = 100). Participants completed eHEALS and selected items from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) which assesses how adults use different communication channels, including the Internet, to obtain vital health information. Data from the US HINTS sample (N = 162) were matched to the Senior Organization sample on age range and Hispanic ethnicity. The average Senior Organization participant was 68 years old, female, born in one of six different Spanish‐language countries, and completed high school while the average HINTS participant was 67 years old, female and had high school or less education.ResultsAlthough there was no relationship with the two HINTS subscales and electronic health literacy, there were significant relationships between electronic health literacy and health status and confidence in self‐care.ConclusionsInadequate electronic health literacy is a barrier to positive health outcomes. The Spanish version of eHEALS could be used as a screening instrument to identify gaps and tailored interventions could be developed to increase consumer confidence in using the Internet for reliable health‐related information.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge in self‐management is related to positive health outcomes; all persons irrespective of their electronic health literacy should be able to use all sources of health information to enhance their self‐care.
A PET‐Guided Framework Supports a Multiple Arterial Input Functions Approach in DSC‐MRI in Acute Stroke
Authors: Livne Michelle , Madai Vince I. , Brunecker Peter , Zaro‐Weber Olivier , Moeller‐Hartmann Walter , Heiss Wolf‐Dieter , Mouridsen Kim , Sobesky Jan 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIn acute stroke, arterial‐input‐function (AIF) determination is essential for obtaining perfusion estimates with dynamic susceptibility‐weighted contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DSC‐MRI). Standard DSC‐MRI postprocessing applies single AIF selection, ie, global AIF. Physiological considerations, however, suggest that a multiple AIFs selection method would improve perfusion estimates to detect penumbral flow. In this study, we developed a framework based on comparable DSC‐MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) images to compare the two AIF selection approaches and assess their performance in penumbral flow detection in acute stroke.METHODSIn a retrospective analysis of 17 sub(acute) stroke patients with consecutive MRI and PET scans, voxel‐wise optimized AIFs were calculated based on the kinetic model as derived from both imaging modalities. Perfusion maps were calculated based on the optimized‐AIF using two methodologies: (1) Global AIF and (2) multiple AIFs as identified by cluster analysis. Performance of penumbral‐flow detection was tested by receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, ie, the area under the curve (AUC).RESULTSLarge variation of optimized AIFs across brain voxels demonstrated that there is no optimal single AIF. Subsequently, the multiple‐AIF method (AUC range over all maps: .82‐.90) outperformed the global AIF methodology (AUC .72‐.85) significantly.CONCLUSIONSWe provide PET imaging‐based evidence that a multiple AIF methodology is beneficial for penumbral flow detection in comparison with the standard global AIF methodology in acute stroke.
Immune system stimulation by the gut symbiont Frischella perrara in the honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Emery Olivier , Schmidt Konstantin , Engel Philipp 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGut bacteria engage in various symbiotic interactions with their host and impact gut immunity and homeostasis in different ways. In honey bees, the gut microbiota is composed of a relatively simple, but highly specialized bacterial community. One of its members, the gammaproteobacterium Frischella perrara induces the so‐called scab phenotype, a dark‐coloured band that develops on the epithelial surface of the pylorus. To understand the underlying host response, we analysed transcriptome changes in the pylorus in response to bacterial colonization. We find that, in contrast to the gut bacterium Snodgrassella alvi, F. perrara causes strong activation of the host immune system. Besides pattern recognition receptors, antimicrobial peptides and transporter genes, the melanization cascade was upregulated by F. perrara, suggesting that the scab phenotype corresponds to a melanization response of the host. In addition, transcriptome analysis of hive bees with and without the scab phenotype showed that F. perrara also stimulates the immune system under in‐hive conditions in the presence of other gut bacterial species. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the presence of F. perrara influences gut immunity and homeostasis in the pylorus. This may have implications for bee health, because F. perrara prevalence differs between colonies and increased abundance of this bacterium has been shown to correlate with dietary alteration and impaired host development. Our transcriptome analysis sets the groundwork for investigating the interplay of bee gut symbionts with the host immune system.
Adaptation of the pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae, during experimental evolution on a native vs. alternative host plant
Authors: Meaden Sean , Koskella Britt 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe specialization and distribution of pathogens among species has substantial impact on disease spread, especially when reservoir hosts can maintain high pathogen densities or select for increased pathogen virulence. Theory predicts that optimal within‐host growth rate will vary among host genotypes/species and therefore that pathogens infecting multiple hosts should experience different selection pressures depending on the host environment in which they are found. This should be true for pathogens with broad host ranges, but also those experiencing opportunistic infections on novel hosts or that spill over among host populations. There is very little empirical data, however, regarding how adaptation to one host might directly influence infectivity and growth on another. We took an experimental evolution approach to examine short‐term adaptation of the plant pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato, to its native tomato host compared with an alternative host, Arabidopsis, in either the presence or absence of bacteriophages. After four serial passages (20 days of selection in planta), we measured bacterial growth of selected lines in leaves of either the focal or alternative host. We found that passage through Arabidopsis led to greater within‐host bacterial densities in both hosts than did passage through tomato. Whole genome resequencing of evolved isolates identified numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms based on our novel draft assembly for strain PT23. However, there was no clear pattern of clustering among plant selection lines at the genetic level despite the phenotypic differences observed. Together, the results emphasize that previous host associations can influence the within‐host growth rate of pathogens.
Phylogenetic relatedness explains highly interconnected and nested symbiotic networks of woody plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a Chinese subtropical forest
Authors: Chen Liang , Zheng Yong , Gao Cheng , Mi Xiang‐Cheng , Ma Ke‐Ping , Wubet Tesfaye , Guo Liang‐Dong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractElucidating symbiotic relationships between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plants contributes to a better understanding of their reciprocally dependent coexistence and community assembly. However, the main drivers of plant and AMF community assembly remain unclear. In this study, we examined AMF communities from 166 root samples of 17 woody plant species from 10 quadrats in a Chinese subtropical forest using 454 pyrosequencing of 18S rRNA gene to describe symbiotic AMF–plant association. Our results show the woody plant–AMF networks to be highly interconnected and nested, but in antimodular and antispecialized manners. The nonrandom pattern in the woody plant–AMF network was explained by plant and AMF phylogenies, with a tendency for a stronger phylogenetic signal by plant than AMF phylogeny. This study suggests that the phylogenetic niche conservatism in woody plants and their AMF symbionts could contribute to interdependent AMF and plant community assembly in this subtropical forest ecosystem.
Optimal dose of ramosetron in female patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: A randomized, placebo‐controlled phase II study
Authors: Fukudo S. , Matsueda K. , Haruma K. , Ida M. , Hayase H. , Akiho H. , Nakashima Y. , Hongo M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies showed that 5 μg of ramosetron, a serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine: 5‐HT)‐3 receptor antagonist, is only effective in male patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea (IBS‐D). We hypothesized that either dose 1.25, 2.5, or 5 μg of ramosetron would be effective in female patients with IBS‐D.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase II dose‐finding exploratory trial included 409 female outpatients with IBS‐D treated in Japan. They were administered oral placebo (n=102), or 1.25 μg (n=104), 2.5 μg (n=104), or 5 μg (n=99) of ramosetron once daily for 12 weeks after a 1‐week baseline period. The primary endpoint was monthly responder rates of global improvement of IBS symptoms in the first month. Secondary endpoints included global improvement in the other months, abdominal pain/discomfort, weekly mean changes in the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), and IBS‐QOL.Key ResultsMiddle dose (2.5 μg) of ramosetron significantly improved abdominal pain/discomfort at second month (62.5%, P=.002), third month (60.6%, P=.005), and the last evaluation point (63.5%, P=.002) and weekly BSFS (P<.05) except at Week 8, 11, and 12 than placebo. IBS‐QOL did not change. Ramosetron induced more constipation than placebo.Conclusions & InferencesThe trial suggested that 2.5 μg of ramosetron is the most effective and least harmful option for treating female patients with IBS‐D (Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT01274000).
Is colchicine more effective to prevent periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis episodes in Mediterranean fever gene variants?
Authors: Gunes Muhammed , Cekic Sukru , Kilic Sara Sebnem 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundPeriodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most frequent repetitive fever syndrome in childhood. It is characterized by fever episodes lasting for approximately 3–6 days, once every 3–8 weeks.MethodsClinical and laboratory data for PFAPA syndrome patients between January 2010 and December 2014 followed up at a tertiary pediatric care hospital were reviewed.ResultsFour hundred children (256 male, 144 female; mean age at diagnosis, 4.2 ± 2.2 years), were enrolled in the study. During the episodes, mean leukocyte number was high (12 725/mm3) with predominant neutrophils. The mean number of monocytes was 1256/mm3, and 90.2% had monocytosis. Serum amyloid A and C‐reactive protein were high in 84.6% and in 77.8% of the patients, respectively. Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene heterozygous mutation was identified in 57 of the 231 patients (24.7%) in whom genetic analysis had been performed. The most frequent mutation was heterozygous M694V (10%, n = 23). Extension of between‐episode interval following prophylaxis was noted in 85% of those on regular colchicine treatment (n = 303). In the colchicine group, between‐episode interval was prolonged from 18.8 ± 7.9 days (before colchicine treatment) to 49.5 ± 17.6 days on prophylactic colchicine therapy; also, prophylactic treatment was more effective in reducing episode frequency in patients with MEFV gene variant (n = 54, 96%) than in those without (n = 122, 80%; P = 0.003).ConclusionsThis study has involved the largest number of PFAPA syndrome patients in the literature. It is particularly important to assess and to demonstrate the high rate of response to colchicine prophylaxis in PFAPA syndrome patients, especially those with MEFV variant. On blood screening, neutrophilia associated with monocytosis and low procalcitonin could contribute to diagnosis.
Nonparametric Two‐Sample Tests of the Marginal Mark Distribution with Censored Marks
Authors: Johnson Brent A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOccasionally, investigators collect auxiliary marks at the time of failure in a clinical study. Because the failure event may be censored at the end of the follow‐up period, these marked endpoints are subject to induced censoring. We propose two new families of two‐sample tests for the null hypothesis of no difference in mark‐scale distribution that allows for arbitrary associations between mark and time. One family of proposed tests is a nonparametric extension of an existing semi‐parametric linear test of the same null hypothesis while a second family of tests is based on novel marked rank processes. Simulation studies indicate that the proposed tests have the desired size and possess adequate statistical power to reject the null hypothesis under a simple change of location in the marginal mark distribution. When the marginal mark distribution has heavy tails, the proposed rank‐based tests can be nearly twice as powerful as linear tests.