bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prescription patterns of antihypertensives in a community health centre in Mexico City: a drug utilization study
Authors: Alba‐Leonel Adela , Carvajal Alfonso , Fierro Immaculada , Castillo‐Nájera Fernando , Campos‐Ramos Oscar , Villa‐Romero Antonio , Molina‐Guarneros Juan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHypertension is highly prevalent; in Mexico, the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey reported a prevalence of hypertension of 31.5% in the adult population. Pharmacological treatment is the commonest intervention and has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, and total mortality. Accordingly, the type and number of antihypertensives used and the outcome — in terms of blood pressure (BP) control — are important. Therefore, our purpose is to learn the pattern of antihypertensive drug prescription and explore the determinants of BP control in an urban population in Mexico. A retrospective cross‐sectional drug utilization study was conducted. Medical records from a community health centre were searched to identify those corresponding to patients diagnosed with hypertension; information upon antihypertensives used and control of the disease was carefully retrieved. A logistic regression model was built to know the main determinants of BP control. A sample of 345 clinical records of interest was identified. Most patients received antihypertensives (86.4%); the leading medications used were angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, 63.8%; beta‐blockers (26.5%), diuretics (19.8%), angiotensin‐receptor blockers (15.8%) and calcium‐channel blockers (6.4%). Only the age (≥55 years) and BMI (>30) of the patients, and the age of the doctors (≥55 years), had an important influence on BP control. Obesity is a particular and important determinant of uncontrolled hypertension; it is worth to act on body weight, on an individual basis. As lack of control has been also tied to elderly doctors, an education programme could be envisaged.
Skeletal muscle ischemia–reperfusion injury and cyclosporine A in the aging rat
Authors: Pottecher Julien , Kindo Michel , Chamaraux‐Tran Thiên‐Nga , Charles Anne‐Laure , Lejay Anne , Kemmel Véronique , Vogel Thomas , Chakfe Nabil , Zoll Joffrey , Diemunsch Pierre , Geny Bernard 
Published: January 2016

AbstractOld patients exhibit muscle impairments and increased perioperative risk during vascular surgery procedures. Although aging generally impairs protective mechanisms, data are lacking concerning skeletal muscle in elderly. We tested whether cyclosporine A (CsA), which protects skeletal muscle from ischemia–reperfusion (IR) in young rats, might reduce skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in aging rats submitted to hindlimb IR. Wistar rats aged 71–73 weeks were randomized to IR (3 h unilateral tourniquet application and 2 h reperfusion) or IR + CsA (10 mg/kg cyclosporine IV before reperfusion). Maximal oxidative capacity (VMax), acceptor control ratio (ACR), and relative contribution of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes II, III, IV (VSucc), and IV (VTMPD/Asc), together with calcium retention capacity (CRC) a marker of apoptosis, and tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined in gastrocnemius muscles from both hindlimbs. Compared to the nonischemic hindlimb, IR significantly reduced mitochondrial coupling, VMax (from 7.34 ± 1.50 to 2.87 ± 1.22 μMO2/min/g; P < 0.05; −70%), and VSucc (from 6.14 ± 1.07 to 3.82 ± 0.83 μMO2/min/g; P < 0.05; −42%) but not VTMPD/Asc. IR also decreased the CRC from 15.58 ± 3.85 to 6.19 ± 0.86 μMCa2+/min/g; P < 0.05; −42%). These alterations were not corrected by CsA (−77%, −49%, and −32% after IR for VMax, VSucc, and CRC, respectively). Further, CsA significantly increased ROS production in both hindlimbs (P < 0.05; +73%). In old rats, hindlimb IR impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and increases oxidative stress. Cyclosporine A did not show protective effects.
Protective effect of melatonin on myenteric neuron damage in experimental colitis in rats
Authors: Shang Boxin , Shi Haitao , Wang Xiaoyan , Guo Xiaoyan , Wang Nan , Wang Yan , Dong Lei 
Published: January 2016

AbstractInflammation of the colon in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) causes pain and altered motility, at least in part through the damage of the myenteric neurons (MNs). Thus, it is important to evaluate new drugs for UC treatment that could also protect myenteric neurons efficiently. As a well‐known neural protective and anti‐inflammatory agent, melatonin could protect neurons from damage through the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 and antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2–ARE) signaling pathway. Therefore, we investigated the potential protective effect of melatonin against MN damage during colitis induced by 2,4‐dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) in rats. Colitis was induced by intracolonic (i.c.) instillation of DNBS and treated with melatonin at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg for 4 days. The damage of MN in the left colon was immunohistochemically evaluated in different groups. Ulcerations and inflammation in the colon were semiquantitatively observed. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected to evaluate the inflammatory and oxidative stress status. The protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in the colon were detected by Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. Melatonin partially prevented the loss of MN and alleviated the inflammation and oxidative stress induced by DNBS. In addition, melatonin markedly increased the Nrf2 and HO‐1 level in the colitis. These results indicate that melatonin protects MN from damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, effects that are partly mediated by the Nrf2–ARE pathway.
T‐cell recognition is shaped by epitope sequence conservation in the host proteome and microbiome
Authors: Bresciani Anne , Paul Sinu , Schommer Nina , Dillon Myles B. , Bancroft Tara , Greenbaum Jason , Sette Alessandro , Nielsen Morten , Peters Bjoern 
Published: January 2016

SummarySeveral mechanisms exist to avoid or suppress inflammatory T‐cell immune responses that could prove harmful to the host due to targeting self‐antigens or commensal microbes. We hypothesized that these mechanisms could become evident when comparing the immunogenicity of a peptide from a pathogen or allergen with the conservation of its sequence in the human proteome or the healthy human microbiome. Indeed, performing such comparisons on large sets of validated T‐cell epitopes, we found that epitopes that are similar with self‐antigens above a certain threshold showed lower immunogenicity, presumably as a result of negative selection of T cells capable of recognizing such peptides. Moreover, we also found a reduced level of immune recognition for epitopes conserved in the commensal microbiome, presumably as a result of peripheral tolerance. These findings indicate that the existence (and potentially the polarization) of T‐cell responses to a given epitope is influenced and to some extent predictable based on its similarity to self‐antigens and commensal antigens.
Impact of nurses’ cross‐cultural competence on nursing intellectual capital from a social cognitive theory perspective
Authors: Lin Hsien‐Cheng 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimsTo understand the relationships among certain key factors such as organizational climate, self‐efficacy and outcome expectation on registered nurses, with regard to the development of registered nurses’ cross‐cultural competence. The focus is specifically on the use of a social cognitive framework for nurses for providing intercultural nursing care to international patients. This study also aims to examine the relationship between nurses’ cross‐cultural competence and nursing intellectual capital.BackgroundGiven the influence of globalization on healthcare services, healthcare providers need to have enough cross‐cultural competence to effectively care for patients from different cultures. Thus, the development of cross‐cultural competence in nursing care has become an important issue.DesignA quantitative method and a cross‐sectional design were employed in this study.MethodsData were collected from 309 RN working in 16 healthcare institutions in Taiwan from May to August 2013. Structural equation modelling, in combination with the smart partial least squares method, was used to measure the relationships in the research model.ResultsThe results show that outcome expectation has a stronger impact on nurses’ cross‐cultural competence than self‐efficacy. In addition, it was found that the cross‐cultural competence of nurses has a positive impact on nursing intellectual capital.ConclusionNursing supervisors should promote a higher level of outcome expectation on nurses to enhance the improvement of their cross‐cultural competence. Raising the cross‐cultural competence of nurses will aid in the accumulation of nursing intellectual capital.
Dental disorders in brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) maintained in captivity
Authors: Dias Neto Ramiro das Neves , Fecchio Roberto Silva , Rahal Sheila Canevese , Teixeira Carlos Roberto , Gioso Marco Antônio , Pereira Camila Trevisan , Santos Maria Augusta Adami Pereira dos , Milanelo Liliane 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate dental disorders of brown howler monkeys maintained in captivity. The hypothesis is that the identification and diagnosis of the lesions may contribute to control and prevention.MethodsSixteen intact brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans), eight females and eight males, weighing from 3.9 to 6.8 kg, were studied. Under general anesthesia, the teeth were evaluated by visual inspection, probing, palpation, and intra‐oral radiographic exam. The findings were registered on a dental chart specific for primates.ResultOf the 16 monkeys evaluated in the present study, 94% (n = 15) had some type of dental disorder. The lesions observed were dental calculus (88%), dental wear (81%), missing teeth (38%), gingivitis (19%), gingival recession (6%), dental fracture (19%), pulp exposure (19%), and dental staining (25%).ConclusionsAlouatta guariba clamitans maintained in captivity have a high rate of dental problems.
Dermatologic evaluation of cosmetic formulations containing Chrysanthemum indicum extract
Authors: Choi Keun Taek , Kim Jun Ho , Cho Hyung Taek , Lim Soon Sung , Kwak Sun Soon , Kim Young Jun 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundChrysanthemum indicum, an oriental medicinal plant, has been shown to display a variety of pharmacological activities including antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects.AimsIn this study, we evaluated the ability of C. indicum extracts to inhibit in vitro tyrosinase activity and the skin care effects of cosmetic formulations containing 0.5% C. indicum water extract in human volunteers.Patients/MethodsThe formation of dopachrome from L‐dopa by mushroom tyrosinase was observed after treatments with C. indicum extracts. The volunteers received placebo (no extract) or test (0.5% C. indicum water extract) cosmetic cream and applied it on their face three times a day for 6 weeks. Biophysical skin parameters were measured every 2 weeks.ResultsChrysanthemum indicum methanol and water extracts dose dependently inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity, and the effects of methanol extract were similar to those of kojic acid, a well‐known tyrosinase inhibitor. Clinical evaluations revealed that application of cosmetic formulations containing C. indicum water extract time dependently reduced melanin levels over 6 weeks, whereas the placebo group showed no effect. No changes in moisture, elasticity, wrinkles, evenness, and pore size were observed in either group. HPLC‐DAD‐ESIMS analyses revealed that luteolin and acacetin‐7‐O‐rutinoside are the major flavonoid compounds in C. indicum water extract.ConclusionThese results suggest that C. indicum water extract could be applied as a natural skin‐whitening agent for functional cosmetic uses, due to its melanin‐reducing efficacy.
Active surveillance in prostate cancer: a concept analysis
Authors: Horrill Tara 
Published: January 2016

AimTo report an analysis of the concept of active surveillance.BackgroundProstate cancer has become more prevalent since the introduction of PSA screening, however, many men are diagnosed with low‐risk disease that may not require treatment. Active surveillance is a treatment strategy used to avoid treatment and related adverse effects when immediate treatment is not necessary. A universal definition is lacking.DesignConcept analysis.Data sourcesThe CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases were searched for literature published between 1980 and 2014 using the term active surveillance.MethodsThe method of Walker and Avant (2010) was used to analyse the concept of active surveillance, specifically within the context of prostate cancer.ResultsKey attributes of active surveillance emerging from the analysis include: regular and purposeful monitoring, early detection of disease progression and planned curative intervention if necessary. Multiple terms are used in the literature to refer to the concept of active surveillance. Active surveillance can cause uncertainty, and prompt men to make lifestyle changes and seek more information on prostate cancer.ConclusionActive surveillance is not well understood, and ambiguity remains around the concept. Active surveillance and watchful waiting are used interchangeably in the literature and in clinical practice, but in fact do not refer to the same strategy. Active surveillance can generate significant uncertainty for the patient and family, which may be a barrier to choosing it as a treatment strategy and nursing research in this area is limited.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses need a clear understanding of active surveillance and how it differs from other strategies in order to reduce ambiguity around the concept. Nurses must be aware of the uncertainty accompanying active surveillance, and a need exists for continued nursing research in this area.
Comparison of normal and abnormal fertilization of in vitro‐matured human oocyte according to insemination method
Authors: Park Ju Hee , Jee Byung Chul , Kim Seok Hyun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimOur purpose was to compare the normal fertilization rate, multi‐pronuclei (PN) formation rate, and embryonic development of in vitro‐matured oocytes between conventional insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).MethodsA total of 213 stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles were selected, in which at least one immature oocyte was obtained (from 2010 to 2014). Immature oocytes were assigned to germinal vesicle (GV)‐stage or metaphase I (MI)‐stage oocyte groups. Cycles with obligatory ICSI due to male‐factor infertility were excluded. Cycles were divided into two groups according to fertilization method: there were 97 cycles with conventional insemination and 116 cycles with ICSI. After in vitro maturation of 324 GV‐stage oocytes and 341 MI‐stage oocytes, the fertilization rate, multi‐PN formation rate, and embryonic development were compared according to the fertilization method.ResultsThe normal fertilization rate was similar in the conventional insemination and the ICSI both in GV‐derived and MI‐derived oocytes. Both fertilization methods resulted in a similar multi‐PN formation rate in GV‐derived oocytes; however, in MI‐derived oocytes, the multi‐PN formation rate was zero with ICSI and this was significantly lower than that with conventional insemination (9.6%, P = 0.001).ConclusionIn non‐male‐factor infertility, ICSI should be considered when MI oocytes are matured.
N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin T in non‐immune hydrops
Authors: Lee Seung Mi , Jun Jong Kwan , Kim Su Ah , Kang Min Ji , Song Sang Hoon , Lee JoonHo , Park Chan‐Wook , Park Joong Shin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimWe analyzed the N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in non‐immune hydrops cases, to determine whether congestive heart failure or inadequate cardiac output may be mechanisms underlying abnormal fluid collection in hydrops.MethodsThe study population consisted of singleton neonates with non‐immune hydrops and healthy control neonates, matched for both gestational age at delivery and mode of delivery. The subjects were divided into three groups: group 1, hydrops of cardiac origin (n=6); group 2, hydrops of non‐cardiac origin (n=17); and group 3, control (n=23). The NT‐proBNP and cTnT were measured in the cord blood collected at the time of delivery.ResultsThe median cord blood concentrations of NT‐proBNP and cTnT were not different between the hydrops (groups 1 and 2) or control cases. However, the NT‐proBNP level was elevated in group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3. The concentrations of cTnT did not differ among the three groups.ConclusionsThe concentration of NT‐proBNP was only elevated in cases of hydrops of cardiac origin. Congestive heart failure might not be the underlying mechanism of fluid collection in cases of non‐immune hydrops of non‐cardiac origin, and NT‐proBNP may be a promising tool to differentiate the origin of hydrops.
Higher pre‐pregnancy body mass index is associated with excessive gestational weight gain in normal weight Chinese mothers with gestational diabetes
Authors: Yang Yue , Wei Qiong , Yu Hong , Wang Pin , Xia Wenqing , Huang Rong , Cai Rongrong , Sun Haixia , Wang Shaohua 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimTo assess how pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) affects pregnancy outcome and total gestational weight gain (GWG) in a cohort of women with gestational diabetes (GDM).MethodsPregnant women at 24–28 gestational weeks diagnosed with GDM were classified as normal weight (pre‐pregnancy BMI, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) or overweight (pre‐pregnancy BMI, 25.0–29.9 kg/m2). GWG was derived from the self‐reported pre‐pregnancy and pre‐delivery weights, and analyzed using 2009 Institute of Medicine categories.ResultsA total of 106 GDM women were categorized as normal weight (n = 79) or overweight (n = 27). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of various obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. Higher pre‐pregnancy BMI, however, was associated with excessive GWG during pregnancy (difference between groups, P = 0.013). Furthermore, pre‐pregnancy BMI (OR, 0.529; 95%CI: 0.377–0.742; P = 0.000) and pre‐pregnancy overweight (OR, 3.825; 95%CI: 1.469–9.959; P = 0.006) were independent factors of GWG.ConclusionsAmong Chinese GDM women, overweight GDM mothers gain excessive weight during pregnancy. Regulation of pre‐pregnancy bodyweight might be an appropriate precaution against excessive GWG.
Is clomiphene citrate stair‐step protocol a good alternative to gonadotrophins in clomiphene‐resistant PCO patients? Prospective study
Authors: Salaheldin AbdelHamid Amr M. , Rateb Ahmed M. , Ismail Madkour Wael A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy and safety of the clomiphene citrate (CC) stair‐step protocol with standard gonadotrophin (follicle‐stimulating hormone) treatment in clomiphene‐resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. The study was a prospective cohort study in a tertiary infertility center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsThe subjects consisted of 100 PCOS CC‐resistant patients who attended between January 2014 and January 2015. Fifty received CC again but in accordance with the stair‐step protocol, and the other 50 received the standard gonadotrophin treatment used in the center in which the study was conducted. The primary outcome measure was dominant follicle achievement; the secondary outcome measures were (i) clinical pregnancy rate; (ii) time to ovulation measured from treatment initiation to sonographic confirmation of a dominant follicle in days; and (iii) adverse effect occurrence.ResultsThere was no difference between the two treatment modalities concerning the ability to achieve a dominant follicle or the clinical pregnancy rate. The time to ovulation was significantly shorter with the CC stair‐step protocol than with gonadotrophin treatment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and ovarian cyst formation were more likely to occur with gonadotrophin treatment.ConclusionClomiphene citrate stair‐step protocol can be offered to PCOS CC‐resistant patients as an alternative to gonadotrophin therapy with similar efficacy.
The evolution of healthcare quality measurement in the United States
Authors: Burstin H. , Leatherman S. , Goldmann D. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractQuality measurement is fundamental to systematic improvement of the healthcare system. Whilst the United States has made significant investments in healthcare quality measurement and improvement, progress has been somewhat limited. Public and private payers in the United States increasingly mandate measurement and reporting as part of pay‐for‐performance programmes. Numerous issues have limited improvement, including lack of alignment in the use of measures and improvement strategies, the fragmentation of the US healthcare system, and the lack of national electronic systems for measurement, reporting, benchmarking and improvement. Here, we provide an overview of the evolution of US quality measurement efforts, including the role of the National Quality Forum. Important contextual changes such as the growing shift towards electronic data sources and clinical registries are discussed together with international comparisons. In future, the US healthcare system needs to focus greater attention on the development and use of measures that matter. The three‐part aim of effective care, affordable care and healthy communities in the US National Quality Strategy focuses attention on population health and reduction in healthcare disparities. To make significant improvements in US health care, a closer connection between measurement and both evolving national data systems and evidence‐based improvement strategies is needed.
Teen Dating Violence, Sexual Harassment, and Bullying Among Middle School Youth: Examining Measurement Invariance by Gender
Authors: Cutbush Stacey , Williams Jason 
Published: January 2016

This study investigated measurement invariance by gender among commonly used teen dating violence (TDV), sexual harassment, and bullying measures. Data were collected from one cohort of seventh‐grade middle school students (N = 754) from four schools. Using structural equation modeling, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses assessed measurement models and tested measurement invariance by gender for aggression measures. Analyses invoked baseline data only. Physical and psychological TDV perpetration measures achieved strict measurement invariance, while bullying perpetration demonstrated partial strict invariance. Electronic TDV and sexual harassment perpetration achieved metric/scalar invariance. Study findings lend validation to prior and future studies using these measures with similar populations. Future research should increase attention to measurement development, refinement, and testing among study measures.