bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptom management strategies of Jordanian patients following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Al‐Daakak Zaher Mohammed , Ammouri Ali Ahmad , Isac Chandrani , Gharaibeh Huda , Al‐Zaru Ibtisam 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the symptom management strategies utilized by post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients and its associations with demographic variables. A clear understanding of the use of symptom management strategies following CABG surgery may help nurses in developing educational program and interventions that help patients and their families during recovery period after discharge. A cross‐sectional, descriptive design was utilized. A convenience sample of 100 Jordanian patients post CABG surgery selected from five hospitals was surveyed between November 2012 and June 2013 using the Cardiac Symptom Survey. Chi squared analyses were used to examine the associations between the symptoms management strategies and selected demographic variables. Frequency of symptom management strategies utilized by post CABG patients revealed that most frequently employed strategies were use of medications (79%), repositioning (54%) and the rest (45%). Symptom management strategies utilized for poor appetite, sleeping problem and fatigue had significant associations with demographic variables. By providing information about the symptoms expected after surgery and possible ways to manage them, will strengthen the patients psychologically and will make CABG experience within the realm of self‐management and coping.
Brain structure, executive function and appetitive traits in adolescent obesity
Authors: de Groot C. J. , van den Akker E. L. T. , Rings E. H. H. M. , Delemarre‐van de Waal H. A. , van der Grond J. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundChildren with obesity show differences in brain structure, executive function and appetitive traits when compared with lean peers. Little is known on the relationship between brain structure and these traits.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between differences in brain structure and executive function and appetitive traits, in obese and lean adolescents.MethodsMRI was used to measure cortical thickness and subcortical volumes. Executive function was measured by a Stop Signal‐and a Choice Delay Task. Appetitive traits were measured using the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire.ResultsAdolescents with obesity had greater volumes of the pallidum; 1.78 mL (SE 0.03, p=0.014), when compared with controls; 1.65 mL (SE 0.02). In the group with obesity, greater pallidum volume was positively associated with the ability to delay reward in the Choice Delay Task (p=0.012).ConclusionThe association between pallidum volumes and Choice Delay Task in obese adolescents supports the hypothesis that the pallidum plays an important role in executive dysfunction in obese children.
Meta‐analysis: effectiveness of forced‐air warming for prevention of perioperative hypothermia in surgical patients
Authors: Nieh Hsiao‐Chi , Su Shu‐Fen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of forced‐air warming for preventing perioperative hypothermia.BackgroundPerioperative hypothermia commonly occurs in patients receiving anaesthesia during surgeries. However, the effectiveness of warming systems requires verification.DesignSystematic review incorporating meta‐analysis.Data sourcesWe searched OVID, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL, CETD and CEPS databases (2001‐2015) for randomized controlled trials published in English and Chinese. Outcome measures of interests were body temperature and thermal comfort.Review methodsCochrane methods, Quality of evidence (GRADE) assessments and Jadad Quality Score were used.ResultsTwenty‐nine trials (1875 patients) met inclusion criteria, including seven trials (502 patients) related to thermal comfort. Results showed that: (1) forced‐air warming was more effective than passive insulation and circulating‐water mattresses; (2) there was no statistically significant difference among forced‐air warming, resistive heating blankets, radiant warming systems and circulating‐water garments; and (3) that thermal comfort provided by forced‐air warming was superior to that of passive insulation, resistive heating blankets and radiant warming systems, but inferior to that of circulating‐water mattresses.ConclusionsForced‐air warming prevents perioperative hypothermia more effectively than passive insulation and circulating‐water mattresses, whereas there is no statistically significant difference in its effectiveness compared with circulating‐water garments, resistive heating blankets and radiant warming systems.
Dickkopf‐1‐promoted vasculogenic mimicry in non‐small cell lung cancer is associated with EMT and development of a cancer stem‐like cell phenotype
Authors: Yao Lingli , Zhang Danfang , Zhao Xiulan , Sun Baocun , Liu Yanrong , Gu Qiang , Zhang Yanhui , Zhao Xueming , Che Na , Zheng Yanjun , Liu Fang , Wang Yong , Meng Jie 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo characterize the contributions of Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1) towards the induction of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we evaluated cohorts of primary tumours, performed in vitro functional studies and generated xenograft mouse models. Vasculogenic mimicry was observed in 28 of 205 NSCLC tumours, while DKK1 was detected in 133 cases. Notably, DKK1 was positively associated with VM. Statistical analysis showed that VM and DKK1 were both related to aggressive clinical course and thus were indicators of a poor prognosis. Moreover, expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins (vimentin, Slug, and Twist), cancer stem‐like cell (CSC)‐related proteins (nestin and CD44), VM‐related proteins (MMP2, MMP9, and vascular endothelial‐cadherin), and β‐catenin‐nu were all elevated in VM‐positive and DKK1‐positive tumours, whereas the epithelial marker (E‐cadherin) was reduced in the VM‐positive and DKK1‐positive groups. Non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines with overexpressed or silenced DKK1 highlighted its role in the restoration of mesenchymal phenotypes and development of CSC characteristics. Moreover, DKK1 significantly promotes NSCLC tumour cells to migrate, invade and proliferate. In vivo animal studies demonstrated that DKK1 enhances the growth of transplanted human tumours cells, as well as increased VM formation, mesenthymal phenotypes and CSC properties. Our results suggest that DKK1 can promote VM formation via induction of the expression of EMT and CSC‐related proteins. As such, we feel that DKK1 may represent a novel target of NSCLC therapy.
Genetic predisposition of six well‐defined polymorphisms in HMGB1/RAGE pathway to breast cancer in a large Han Chinese population
Authors: Yue Liling , Zhang Qibing , He Lan , Zhang Minglong , Dong Jing , Zhao Dalong , Ma Hongxing , Pan Hongming , Zheng Lihong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBreast cancer constitutes an enormous burden in China. A strong familial clustering of breast cancer suggests a genetic component in its carcinogenesis. To examine the genetic predisposition of high mobility group box‐1/receptor for advanced glycation end products (HMGB1/RAGE) pathway to breast cancer, we genotyped six well‐defined polymorphisms in this pathway among 524 breast cancer patients and 518 cancer‐free controls from Heilongjiang province, China. There were no deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for all polymorphisms. In single‐locus analysis, the frequency of rs1800624 polymorphism mutant A allele in RAGE gene was significantly higher in patients than in controls (24.52% versus 19.50%, P = 0.006), with the carriers of rs1800624‐A allele being 1.51 times more likely to develop breast cancer relative to those with rs1800624‐GG genotype after adjustment (95% confidence interval or CI: 1.17–1.94, P = 0.001). In HMGB1 gene, haplotype analysis did not reveal any significance, while in RAGE gene, haplotypes C‐T‐A and C‐A‐G (alleles in order of rs1800625, rs18006024, rs2070600) were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (adjusted OR = 2.72 and 10.35; 95% CI: 1.20–6.18 and 1.58–67.80; P = 0.017 and 0.015 respectively). In further genetic score analysis, per unit and quartile increments of unfavourable alleles were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer after adjustment (odds ratio or OR = 1.20 and 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09–1.32 and 1.12–1.42; P < 0.001 and <0.001 respectively). Our findings altogether demonstrate a significant association between RAGE gene rs1800624 polymorphism and breast cancer risk, and more importantly a cumulative impact of multiple risk associated polymorphisms in HMGB1/RAGE pathway on breast carcinogenesis.
miR‐134 inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer growth by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Qin Qin , Wei Furong , Zhang Jianbo , Wang Xingwu , Li Baosheng 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently activated in a wide range of solid tumours and represents an important therapeutic target. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been recognized as a rational and potential modality for anti‐EGFR therapies. However, more EGFR‐targeting miRNAs need to be explored. In this study, we identified a novel EGFR‐targeting miRNA, miRNA‐134 (miR‐134), in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Luciferase assays confirmed that EGFR is a direct target of miR‐134. In addition, the overexpression of miR‐134 inhibited EGFR‐related signaling and suppressed NSCLC cells proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis, suggesting that miR‐134 functions as a tumour suppressor in NSCLC. Further mechanistic investigation including RNAi and rescue experiments suggested that the down‐regulation of EGFR by miR‐134 partially contributes to the antiproliferative role of miR‐134. Last, in vivo experiments demonstrated that miR‐134 suppressed tumour growth of A549 xenograft in nude mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR‐134 inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer growth by targeting the EGFR.
Aggressive and chronic periodontitis in a population of Moroccan school students
Authors: Kissa Jamila , Chemlali Sihame , El Houari Bouchra , Amine Khadija , Khlil Nadia , Mikou Salwa , Nadifi Sellama , Albandar Jasim M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimThis study assessed the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and demographics of chronic and aggressive periodontitis in a representative sample drawn from a subpopulation in Morocco.Materials & MethodsEight hundred and thirty students representative of 12+ years old attending schools in the Province of Benslimane, Morocco were selected by a multi‐phased, probability sampling. Their age was 12–25 years (mean: 16.1 years) and comprised of 50% males and 50% females. Chronic and aggressive periodontitis were determined clinically.ResultsA total of 31% and 10.1% of the subjects had ≥4 mm and ≥6 mm attachment loss, respectively; 4.9% had aggressive periodontitis, and 6.4% had chronic periodontitis. Subjects with chronic periodontitis typically had 4–5 mm attachment loss affecting a few molars or premolars. Subjects with aggressive periodontitis had ≥5 mm attachment loss affecting multiple teeth, and 68% and 73% of these subjects had ≥6 mm attachment loss affecting maxillary and mandibular molars respectively. Attachment loss and periodontitis were significantly more prevalent in the 19–25 years group, than the 12–18 years age group. There were no significant differences in disease prevalence by gender or ethnic groups (Arab versus Berber).ConclusionThis young Moroccan population is at high risk of destructive periodontal disease, and further studies are indicated to investigate the biological and environmental factors that may contribute to the increased risk of disease in this population.
Modeling Inactivation of Candida inconspicua Isolated from Turnip Juice using Pulsed UV Light
Authors: Karaoglan Hatice Aybuke , Keklik Nene Meltem , Develi Işikli Nursel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTurnip juice (Shalgam) is a traditional Turkish beverage with sour flavor and purplish red color, which is produced by the lactic acid fermentation of black carrot. Due to its rich antioxidant content, Turnip juice offers some health benefits. However, the preservation of Turnip juice is a main challenge for the producers. While the growth of bacteria is supressed by lactic acid, wild yeasts can readily grow in Turnip juice. In this study, the effect of pulsed UV light (PUV) on Candida inconspicua in Turnip juice was evaluated. Inoculated Turnip juice samples were treated in a pulsed UV light system at different distances from the quartz window (5, 8 and 13 cm) and for different times (5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 s). A maximum log reduction of 2.80 was obtained after treatment at 5 cm for 60 s. To describe the inactivation of C. inconspicua by pulsed UV light, the first‐order kinetics and Weibull model were used. Weibull model was found to be suitable for fitting the inactivation data.Practical ApplicationsTurnip juice (Shalgam) is a traditional fermented beverage produced from black carrots, which is a suitable growth medium for yeasts. The wild yeast Candida inconspicua was identified as a microorganism causing spoilage in Shalgam. The only methods utilized in industry to preserve shalgam are heat pasteurization and addition of chemical food additives. Due to the fact that thermal methods can cause the loss of anthocynanins and colorants, a nonthermal method could be a good alternative to preserve Shalgam. In this research, the effect of pulsed UV light, a novel method considered to be nonthermal for short treatment times, on the yeast C. inconspicua which was isolated from Shalgam was investigated. The results were supported with models to understand the effect of pulsed UV light on C. inconspicua cells for future applications in food industry and to direct other related inactivation studies.
The measurement of the normal thorax using the Haller index methodology at multiple vertebral levels
Authors: Archer James E. , Gardner Adrian , Berryman Fiona , Pynsent Paul 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Haller index is a ratio of thoracic width and height, measured from an axial CT image and used to describe the internal dimensions of the thoracic cage. Although the Haller index for a normal thorax has been established (Haller et al. 1987; Daunt et al. 2004), this is only at one undefined vertebral level in the thorax. What is not clear is how the Haller index describes the thorax at every vertebral level in the absence of sternal deformity, or how this is affected by age. This paper documents the shape of the thorax using the Haller index calculated from the thoracic width and height at all vertebral levels of the thorax between 8 and 18 years of age. The Haller Index changes with vertebral level, with the largest ratio seen in the most cranial levels of the thorax. Increasing age alters the shape of the thorax, with the most cranial vertebral levels having a greater Haller index over the mid thorax, which does not change. A slight increase is seen in the more caudal vertebral levels. These data highlight that a ‘one size fits all’ rule for chest width and depth ratio at all ages and all thoracic levels is not appropriate. The normal range for width to height ratio should be based on a patient's age and vertebral level.
Effect on Clinical Restenosis of an Ultra‐Thin‐Strut Bare Metal Cobalt‐Chromium Stent Versus a Thin‐Strut Stainless Steel Stent
Authors: Silenzi Simona , Grossi Pierfrancesco , Mariani Luca , Fraccaro Chiara , Vagnarelli Fabio , Moretti Luciano 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo prospectively compare the impact of ultrathin‐strut cobalt‐chromium (Cro‐Co) bare metal stent (BMS) versus thin‐strut stainless steel (SS) BMS on clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR).BackgroundStent characteristics are an important determinant of restenosis. Thinner strut Cro‐Co BMS is associated with a reduction of neointimal formation compared to SS BMS. The advantages of Cro‐Co BMS in a real‐world population is not clear.MethodsPatients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with BMS for any reason were enrolled. Patient with multi‐vessel PCI, multi‐lesions PCI, PCI of unprotected left main and coronary grafts were not excluded. They were divided in two groups according to stent type: Cro‐Co or SS group. The primary endpoint was clinically driven TLR at follow‐up.ResultsA total of 383 patients were enrolled: 222 in SS and 161 in Cro‐Co group. During the follow‐up, Cro‐Co patients had a significantly lower occurrence of TLR compared to SS patients (1.9% vs 8.6%, P = 0.006). There were no significant differences for the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarct, and stroke (4.9% in Cro‐Co group vs 9.5% in SS group, P = 0.119). At multivariate analysis, the variables that were predictors of TLR were: use of SS stent (OR 4.43, P = 0.019) and diabetes (OR 2.84, P = 0.025).ConclusionsUltra‐thin strut Cro‐Co BMS is associated with a significant reduction of clinically driven TLR in all comers population with any type of coronary disease complexity. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:300–310)
Impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Authors: Batool‐Anwar Salma , Goodwin James L. , Kushida Clete A. , Walsh James A. , Simon Richard D. , Nichols Deborah A. , Quan Stuart F. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea is a chronic illness with increasing prevalence. In addition to associated cardiovascular comorbidities, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has been linked to poor quality of life, occupational accidents, and motor vehicle crashes secondary to excessive daytime sleepiness. Although continuous positive airway pressure is the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment, its effects on quality of life are not well defined. In the current study we investigated the effects of treatment on quality of life using the data from the Apnea Positive Pressure Long‐term Efficacy Study (APPLES), a randomized controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus sham CPAP. The Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) was used to assess quality of life. Overall we found no significant improvement in quality of life among sleep apnea patients after CPAP treatment. However, after stratifying by OSA severity, it was found that long‐term improvement in quality of life might occur with the use of CPAP in people with severe and possibly moderate sleep apnea, and no demonstrable improvement in quality of life was noted among participants with mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Ontogenetic bite‐force modeling of Alligator mississippiensis: implications for dietary transitions in a large‐bodied vertebrate and the evolution of crocodylian feeding
Authors: Gignac P. M. , Erickson G. M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCrocodylians undergo substantial increases in size during ontogeny. The American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, in particular traverses nearly four orders of body mass between hatching and senescence. Accompanying such changes are modifications in rostrodental morphology and feeding capabilities that facilitate major shifts in diet. How such anatomical changes relate to ecological niche occupation across sizes is not well understood. In this study, we focused on the effects of ontogenetic changes on the force‐generating mechanisms for jaw closure to assess the impacts of scaling on feeding biomechanics. We developed dissection‐based, musculoskeletal models of maximum bite‐force generation throughout ontogeny and compared and tested their veracity with data from an A. mississippiensis developmental series, for which bite forces were directly measured. Through examinations of the scaling patterns within the parameters of our models, we discuss how muscle pennation and positive allometry in the American alligator jaw adductor system facilitate capture strategies and oral processing of prey, and contribute to developmental niche shifts in this large‐bodied taxon. On the basis of conservation of the crocodylian jaw adductor system, we argue that our findings are broadly applicable to crown Crocodylia and reflect an important, but often overlooked, aspect of the crocodylian feeding ecomorphology: littoral, sit‐and‐wait predation is enhanced by posteroventrally displaced, exceptionally large, and forceful ventral pterygoideus muscles, in particular. Future studies on the ontogeny and evolution of feeding in crocodylians should not neglect the functional and ecological implications of these muscles' contributions to diet.
The type III effector AvrXccB in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris targets putative methyltransferases and suppresses innate immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Wang Yanping , Cui Fuhao , Fang Anfei , Wang Shanzhi , Wang Jiyang , Wei Chao , Li Shuai , Sun Wenxian 
Published: May 2016

SummaryXanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) causes black rot, one of the most important diseases of brassica crops worldwide. The type III effector inventory plays important roles in the virulence and pathogenicity of the pathogen. However, little is known about the virulence function(s) of the putative type III effector AvrXccB in Xcc. Here, we investigated the immune suppression ability of AvrXccB and the possible underlying mechanisms. AvrXccB was demonstrated to be secreted in a type III secretion system‐dependent manner. AvrXccB tagged with green fluorescent protein is localized to the plasma membrane in Arabidopsis, and the putative N‐myristoylation motif is essential for its localization. Chemical‐induced expression of AvrXccB suppresses flg22‐triggered callose deposition and the oxidative burst, and promotes the in planta growth of Xcc and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. The putative catalytic triad and plasma membrane localization of AvrXccB are required for its immunosuppressive activity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that AvrXccB interacts with the Arabidopsis S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine‐dependent methyltransferases SAM‐MT1 and SAM‐MT2. Interestingly, SAM‐MT1 is not only self‐associated, but also associated with SAM‐MT2 in vivo. SAM‐MT1 and SAM‐MT2 expression is significantly induced upon stimulation of microbe‐associated molecular patterns and bacterial infection. Collectively, these findings indicate that AvrXccB targets a putative methyltransferase complex and suppresses plant immunity.
Development and validation of the Humanitarian Aid Difficulty Scale for Japanese healthcare workers
Authors: Noguchi Norihito , Inoue Satoshi , Shimanoe Chisato , Shinchi Koichi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFew studies have investigated deployment‐related experiences of healthcare workers dispatched for medical humanitarian aid or attempted to assess their difficult living and working environments. This is the first study to develop and validate a scale to measure these kinds of difficulties, in 264 Japanese healthcare workers. The Humanitarian Aid Difficulty Scale was developed in three stages. First, an item pool was generated based on literature and expert reviews. The scale was then tested in a pilot study. Reliability and validity were identified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. The scale consisted of 23 items across five factors based on exploratory factor analysis (cooperation, health status, infrastructure, culture and customs, and supplies and equipment). The total variance explained was 60.7%. Reliability of the five factors was acceptable and validity was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.87. The scale may enable evaluation of the level of difficulty of the living and working environments of Japanese healthcare workers in medical humanitarian aid who are at a greater risk of distress.