bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Difference in evening home blood pressure between before dinner and at bedtime in Japanese elderly hypertensive patients
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Nishizawa Masafumi , Matsuo Takefumi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe authors evaluated the differences between evening home blood pressure (HBP) readings taken before dinner and those taken at bedtime, which were documented in a European and a Japanese guideline, respectively. Forty‐eight patients (mean age, 76.4 years) measured their evening HBP twice each day (two measurements both before dinner and at bedtime) for 14 days. The authors defined the at‐bedtime (B) minus the before‐dinner (D) systolic HBP as the B‐D difference. The mean B‐D difference was −8.7 mm Hg (P<.001). The depressor effect of bathing was significantly prolonged for 120 minutes. The B‐D difference with alcohol consumption was significantly greater than that without alcohol. In the linear mixed model analysis, time after bathing ≤120 minutes and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with the B‐D difference after adjustment with covariates. There was a marked difference between evening HBP values. When patients' evening HBP is measured according to the guidelines, their daily activities should be considered.
Correlating the relationship between interarm systolic blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk factors
Authors: Ma Wei , Zhang Baowei , Yang Ying , Qi Litong , Meng Lei , Zhang Yan , Huo Yong 
Published: March 2017

Interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) can predict cardiovascular disease. To investigate the relationship between IASBPD and cardiovascular disease risk factors, a total of 1426 individuals were studied. Blood pressure was assessed simultaneously and IASBPD was expressed as the absolute difference value (|R−L|). Cardiovascular disease risk factors were compared between the high IASBPD group (IASBPD ≥10 mm Hg) and the normal IASBPD group (IASBPD <10 mm Hg). An increased prevalence of hypertension, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed in the high IASBPD group (P<.05), associated with the enhanced mean values of intima–media thickness and maximum intima–media thickness (P<.05). Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity was increased, while ankle‐brachial index was lower in the high IASBPD group (P<.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that IASBPD ≥10 mm Hg was positively associated with body mass index (odds ratio, 1.077; P=.002) and systolic blood pressure (odds ratio, 1.032; P<.001), and negatively associated with ankle‐brachial index (odds ratio, 0.038; P<.001).
Tyrphostin AG556 increases the activity of large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase
Authors: Wang Yan , Sun Hai‐Ying , Liu Ying‐Guang , Song Zheng , She Gang , Xiao Guo‐Sheng , Wang Yan , Li Gui‐Rong , Deng Xiu‐Ling 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe present study was designed to investigate whether large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) channels were regulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. BK current and channel tyrosine phosphorylation level were measured in BK‐HEK 293 cells expressing both functional α‐subunits and the auxiliary β1‐subunits using electrophysiology, immunoprecipitation and Western blotting approaches, respectively, and the function of rat cerebral basilar arteries was determined with a wire myography system. We found that BK current in BK‐HEK 293 cells was increased by the broad spectrum protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor genistein and the selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG556, one of the known tyrphostin. The effect of genistein or AG556 was antagonized by the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor orthovanadate. On the other hand, orthovanadate or EGF decreased BK current, and the effect was counteracted by AG556. The tyrosine phosphorylation level of BK channels (α‐ and β1‐subunits) was increased by EGF and orthovanadate, while decreased by genistein and AG556, and the reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of BK channels by genistein or AG556 was reversed by orthovanadate. Interestingly, AG556 induced a remarkable enhancement of BK current in rat cerebral artery smooth muscle cells and relaxation of pre‐contracted rat cerebral basilar arteries with denuded endothelium, and these effects were antagonized by the BK channel blocker paxilline or orthovanadate. These results demonstrate that tyrosine phosphorylation of BK channels by EGFR kinase decreases the channel activity, and inhibition of EGFR kinase by AG556 enhances the channel activity and dilates rat cerebral basilar arteries.
Diabetic polyneuropathy is a risk factor for decline of lower extremity strength in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nomura Takuo , Ishiguro Tomoyasu , Ohira Masayoshi , Ikeda Yukio 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe present study elucidated the effect of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) on lower extremity strength in a wide age range of type 2 diabetes patients.Materials and MethodsParticipants (n = 1,442) were divided into three age groups (30–49 years, 50–69 years and 70–87 years), and comparisons were made separately for each sex. Lower extremity strength was measured in terms of knee extension force (KEF) with a hand‐held dynamometer. KEF was compared according to the presence or absence of DPN. Furthermore, the effect of DPN on KEF with other diabetic complications (diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy), diabetes status (diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin) and habitual behavior (regular exercise, smoking and drinking behaviors) as explanatory variables was analyzed using multiple regression analysis in several models.ResultsThe frequency of DPN differed among age groups, ranging from 14.3 to 49.6%, and increasing with age. There was no significant difference in KEF between patients aged 30–49 years with and without DPN. However, among both men and women aged 50–69 years and 70–87 years, patients with DPN showed significantly diminished KEF (11.0–12.9% and 11.9–16.6%, respectively) compared with those without DPN (P < 0.01–0.001). In women aged 50–69 years and 70–87 years, and in men aged 50–69 years, DPN was a significant explanatory variable for KEF in all multiple regression analysis models.ConclusionDPN might reinforce a KEF decline in middle‐aged and elderly type 2 diabetes patients.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors as preferable oral hypoglycemic agents in terms of treatment satisfaction: Results from a multicenter, 12‐week, open label, randomized controlled study in Japan (PREFERENCE 4 study)
Authors: Ishii Hitoshi , Hayashino Yasuaki , Akai Yasuhiro , Yabuta Matahiro , Tsujii Satoru 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo compare the treatment satisfaction of four classes of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs): dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, α‐glucosidase inhibitors (αGI), biguanides (BG) and sulfonylureas (SU), which are common initial treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Japan, and to identify the best oral hypoglycemic agent in terms of treatment satisfaction.Materials and MethodsIn this 12‐week, randomized, controlled, open‐label study, Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were naïve to pharmacological treatment were randomly assigned a DPP‐4 inhibitor, a BG., an αGI or a SU. The primary end‐point was the Oral Hypoglycemic Agent Questionnaire (OHA‐Q) total and subscale scores (treatment convenience, somatic symptoms and satisfaction) at week 4. Adherence, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and safety were also evaluated.ResultsThe DPP‐4 inhibitor group scored highest in the OHA‐Q total and all subscale scores at week 4. The total score was significantly higher in the DPP‐4 inhibitor group than in the BG or αGI groups (P = 0.0084 and 0.0147, respectively). The mean total score at week 12 was also highest in the DPP‐4 inhibitor group, with a significant difference compared with the αGI group (P = 0.0293). The mean HbA1c decreased from baseline to week 12 in all groups. The DPP‐4 inhibitor group had the highest adherence at weeks 4 and 12. A total of 11 patients reported adverse events, including one hypoglycemic event in the SU group.ConclusionsThe DPP‐4 inhibitor was the most preferable option in terms of treatment satisfaction.
Impact of the REACH II and REACH VA Dementia Caregiver Interventions on Healthcare Costs
Authors: Nichols Linda O. , Martindale‐Adams Jennifer , Zhu Carolyn W. , Kaplan Erin K. , Zuber Jeffrey K. , Waters Teresa M. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveExamine caregiver and care recipient healthcare costs associated with caregivers’ participation in Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregivers Health (REACH II or REACH VA) behavioral interventions to improve coping skills and care recipient management.DesignRCT (REACH II); propensity‐score matched, retrospective cohort study (REACH VA).SettingFive community sites (REACH II); 24 VA facilities (REACH VA).ParticipantsCare recipients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers who participated in REACH II study (analysis sample of 110 caregivers and 197 care recipients); care recipients whose caregivers participated in REACH VA and a propensity matched control group (analysis sample of 491).MeasurementsPreviously collected data plus Medicare expenditures (REACH II) and VA costs plus Medicare expenditures (REACH VA).ResultsThere was no increase in VA or Medicare expenditures for care recipients or their caregivers who participated in either REACH intervention. For VA care recipients, REACH was associated with significantly lower total VA costs of care (33.6%). VA caregiver cost data was not available.ConclusionIn previous research, both REACH II and REACH VA have been shown to provide benefit for dementia caregivers at a cost of less than $5/day; however, concerns about additional healthcare costs may have hindered REACH's widespread adoption. Neither REACH intervention was associated with additional healthcare costs for caregivers or patients; in fact, for VA patients, there were significantly lower healthcare costs. The VA costs savings may be related to the addition of a structured format for addressing the caregiver's role in managing complex ADRD care to an existing, integrated care system. These findings suggest that behavioral interventions are a viable mechanism to support burdened dementia caregivers without additional healthcare costs.
The P–T–t evolution of the exhumed Himalayan metamorphic core in the Likhu Khola region, East Central Nepal
Authors: Shrestha S. , Larson K. P. , Guilmette C. , Smit M. A. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTThe recent identification of multiple strike‐parallel discontinuities within the exhumed Himalayan metamorphic core has helped revise the understanding of convergence accommodation processes within the former mid‐crust exposed in the Himalaya. Whilst the significance of these discontinuities to the overall development of the mountain belt is still being investigated, their identification and characterization has become important for potential correlations across regions, and for constraining the kinematic framework of the mid‐crust. The result of new phase equilibria modelling, trace element analysis and high‐precision Lu–Hf garnet dating of the metapelites from the Likhu Khola region in east central Nepal, combined with the previously published monazite petrochronology data confirms the presence of one of such cryptic thrust‐sense tectonometamorphic discontinuities within the lower portion of the exhumed metamorphic core and provides new constraints on the P–T estimates for that region. The location of the discontinuity is marked by an abrupt change in the nature of P–T–t paths of the rocks across it. The rocks in the footwall are characterized by a prograde burial P–T path with peak metamorphic conditions of ~660°C and ~9.5 kbar likely in the mid‐to‐late Miocene, which are overlain by the hanging wall rocks, that preserve retrograde P–T paths with P–T conditions of >700°C and ~7 kbar in the early Miocene. The occurrence of this thrust‐sense structure that separates rock units with unique metamorphic histories is compatible with orogenic models that identify a spatial and temporal transition from early midcrustal deformation and metamorphism in the deeper hinterland to later deformation and metamorphism towards the shallower foreland of the orogen. Moreover, these observations are comparable with those made across other discontinuities at similar structural levels along the Himalaya, confirming their importance as important orogen‐scale structures.
Adenosine production by brain cells
Authors: Jackson Edwin K. , Kotermanski Shawn E. , Menshikova Elizabeth V. , Dubey Raghvendra K. , Jackson Travis C. , Kochanek Patrick M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe early release of adenosine following traumatic brain injury (TBI) suppresses seizures and brain inflammation; thus, it is important to elucidate the cellular sources of adenosine following injurious stimuli triggered by TBI so that therapeutics for enhancing the early adenosine‐release response can be optimized. Using mass spectrometry with 13C‐labeled standards, we investigated in cultured rat neurons, astrocytes, and microglia the effects of oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD; models energy failure), H2O2 (produces oxidative stress), and glutamate (induces excitotoxicity) on intracellular and extracellular levels of 5′‐AMP (adenosine precursor), adenosine, and inosine and hypoxanthine (adenosine metabolites). In neurons, OGD triggered increases in intracellular 5′‐AMP (2.8‐fold), adenosine (2.6‐fold), inosine (2.2‐fold), and hypoxanthine (5.3‐fold) and extracellular 5′‐AMP (2.2‐fold), adenosine (2.4‐fold), and hypoxanthine (2.5‐fold). In neurons, H2O2 did not affect intracellular or extracellular purines; yet, glutamate increased intracellular adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine (1.7‐fold, 1.7‐fold, and 1.6‐fold, respectively) and extracellular adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine (2.9‐fold, 2.1‐fold, and 1.6‐fold, respectively). In astrocytes, neither H2O2 nor glutamate affected intracellular or extracellular purines, and OGD only slightly increased intracellular and extracellular hypoxanthine. Microglia were unresponsive to OGD and glutamate, but were remarkably responsive to H2O2, which increased intracellular 5′‐AMP (1.6‐fold), adenosine (1.6‐fold), inosine (2.1‐fold), and hypoxanthine (1.6‐fold) and extracellular 5′‐AMP (5.9‐fold), adenosine (4.0‐fold), inosine (4.3‐fold), and hypoxanthine (1.9‐fold). Conclusion: Under these particular experimental conditions, cultured neurons are the main contributors to adenosine production/release in response to OGD and glutamate, whereas cultured microglia are the main contributors upon oxidative stress. Developing therapeutics that recruit astrocytes to produce/release adenosine could have beneficial effects in TBI.
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Copper increases the ability of 6‐hydroxydopamine to generate oxidative stress and the ability of ascorbate and glutathione to potentiate this effect: potential implications in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cruces‐Sande Antón , Méndez‐Álvarez Estefanía , Soto‐Otero Ramón 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCopper is an essential metal for the function of many proteins related to important cellular reactions and also involved in the synaptic transmission. Although there are several mechanisms involved in copper homeostasis, a dysregulation in this process can result in serious neurological consequences, including degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. 6‐Hydroxydopamine is a dopaminergic neurotoxin mainly used in experimental models of Parkinson's disease, whose neurotoxicity has been related to its ability to generate free radicals. In this study, we examined the effects induced by copper on 6‐OHDA autoxidation. Our data show that both Cu+ and Cu2+ caused an increase in •OH production by 6‐OHDA autoxidation, which was accompanied by an increase in the rate of both p‐quinone formation and H2O2 accumulation. The presence of ascorbate greatly enhanced this process by establishing a redox cycle which regenerates 6‐OHDA from its p‐quinone. However, the presence of glutathione did not change significantly the copper‐induced effects. We observed that copper is able to potentiate the ability of 6‐OHDA to cause both lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, with the latter including a reduction in free‐thiol content and an increase in carbonyl content. Ascorbate also increases the lipid peroxidation induced by the action of copper and 6‐OHDA. Glutathione protects against the copper‐induced lipid peroxidation, but does not reduce its potential to oxidize free thiols. These results clearly demonstrate the potential of copper to increase the capacity of 6‐OHDA to generate oxidative stress and the ability of ascorbate to enhance this potential, which may contribute to the destruction of dopaminergic neurons.
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The experiences of heart transplant recipients' spouses during the pretransplant waiting period: integrative review
Authors: Cater Rachel , Taylor Julie 
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the experiences of spouses of heart transplant recipients and to consider how an understanding of these experiences may inform nursing practice.BackgroundThere is a lack of knowledge about the experiences of spouses of heart transplant recipients during the pretransplant wait. Evidence suggests that spousal support improves post‐transplant outcomes of heart transplant recipients; therefore, it is important to understand how nurses can improve spouses' psychological well‐being during the pretransplant wait.DesignIntegrative review.MethodA search of six electronic databases between November 2015–December 2015 and a hand search yielded 510 citations; nine studies met the review eligibility criteria. Inclusion criteria were applied to selected studies for review. Methodological quality of selected studies was evaluated, and data were extracted and compiled.ResultsSix themes were identified: uncertainty, thoughts about death, changes to lifestyle and priorities, loss of sense of self, quality of life and learning to cope. Spouses experience high levels of stress caused by uncertainty about the patient's survival, increased responsibilities and changes to their lifestyle.ConclusionThe results reveal that the pretransplant period is all‐consuming for spouses of heart transplant recipients. The impact of the pretransplant wait on spouses' well‐being should be recognised by nurses, and improvements must be made in support and education available to spouses during the pre‐transplant period.Relevance for clinical practiceThere is a need for improved education about the transplant process, and reinforcement of positive coping strategies.
Mixed‐methods research in nursing – a critical review
Authors: Bressan Valentina , Bagnasco Annamaria , Aleo Giuseppe , Timmins Fiona , Barisone Michela , Bianchi Monica , Pellegrini Ramona , Sasso Loredana 
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectivesTo review the use of mixed‐methods research in nursing with a particular focus on the extent to which current practice informs nurse researchers. It also aimed to highlight gaps in current knowledge, understanding and reporting of this type of research.BackgroundMixed‐methods research is becoming increasingly popular among nurses and healthcare professionals. Emergent findings from this type of research are very useful for nurses in practice. The combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods provides a scientific base for practice but also richness from the qualitative enquiry. However, at the same time mixed‐methods research is underdeveloped.MethodsThis study identified mixed‐methods research papers and critically evaluated their usefulness for research practice. To support the analysis, we performed a two‐stage search using CINAHL to find papers with titles that included the key term ‘mixed method’.ConclusionAn analysis of studies that used mixed‐methods research revealed some inconsistencies in application and reporting. Attempts to use two distinct research methods in these studies often meant that one or both aspects had limitations. Overall methods were applied in a less rigorous way. This has implications for providing somewhat limited direction for novice researchers. There is also potential for application of evidence in healthcare practice that limited validity.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study highlights current gaps in knowledge, understanding and reporting of mixed‐methods research. While these methods are useful to gain insight into clinical problems nurses lack guidance with this type of research. This study revealed that the guidance provided by current mixed‐methods research is inconsistent and incomplete and this compounds the lack of available direction. There is an urgent need to develop robust guidelines for using mixed‐methods research so that findings may be critically implemented in practice.
Malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis in Taiwan: A nationwide population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Po‐Yu , Chen Yi‐Tzu , Wang Yu‐Hsun , Su Ni‐Yu , Yu Hui‐Chieh , Chang Yu‐Chao 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundOral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is one of the well‐recognized oral potentially malignant disorders. In this study, we investigated the malignant transformation of OSF in a Taiwanese population.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was analyzed from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A comparison cohort was randomly frequency‐matched with the OSF cohort according to age, sex, and index year. Oral leukoplakia (OL) was further stratified to evaluate for the possible synergistic effects of OSF‐associated malignant transformation.ResultsIn this cohort, 71 (9.13%) of 778 cases of OSF were observed to transform into oral cancer. The malignant transformation rate was 29.26‐fold in the OSF cohort than in the comparison cohort after adjustment (95% confidence intervals 20.55‐41.67). To further stratify with OL, OSF with OL (52.46%; 95% confidence intervals 34.88‐78.91) had higher risk of malignant transformation rate than OSF alone (29.84%; 95% confidence intervals 20.99‐42.42). The Kaplan‐Meier plot revealed the rate free of malignant transformation was significant over the 13‐year follow‐up period (log‐rank test, P<.001). The mean duration of malignant transformation was 5.1, 2.7, and 2.2 years for non‐OSF, OSF alone, and OSF with OL, respectively.ConclusionOral submucous fibrosis patients exhibited a significantly higher risk of malignant transformation than those without OSF. OL could enhance malignant transformation in patients with OSF.