bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroejaculation in patients with spinal cord injuries: A 21‐year, single‐center experience
Authors: Soeterik Timo FW , Veenboer Paul W , Oude‐Ophuis Ralph JA , Lock Tycho MTW 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate treatment results of electroejaculation in patients with spinal cord injuries and the additional value of repeated electroejaculation.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective chart analysis of all spinal cord injury patients treated with electroejaculation at University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands, from January 1994 to July 2015. Data were collected on the patients’ demographics and medical history. We evaluated sperm quality according to World Health Organization standards, pregnancy and delivery rates.ResultsA total of 230 electroejaculation procedures were carried out in 47 patients. In 227 of 230 electroejaculations (98.7%), an ejaculate could be obtained. In 169 of 230 (73.5%) electroejaculation procedures, it was possible to yield semen containing progressively motile spermatozoa. In 18 of 47 (38.3%) patients, no semen of sufficient quality could be yielded during the first electroejaculation. Repeated electroejaculation resulted in ejaculates containing progressively motile spermatozoa in seven of 18 (38.9%) of these men. Procreation was attempted through in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection in 17 couples; of these, 14 of 17 (82.4%) couples achieved pregnancy.ConclusionsIn the majority of spinal cord injury patients treated with electroejaculation, it is possible to obtain semen that can be used for assisted reproductive technologies. Repeated electroejaculation should be considered when the first procedure fails.
Physician‐performed chest ultrasound: progress and future directions
Authors: Denton Eve J. , Hannan Liam M. , Hew Mark 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundPleural ultrasound guidance reduces complications of pleural procedures, and lung ultrasound can diagnose the cause of acute respiratory failure. Yet as recently as 5 years ago, many respiratory physicians lacked sufficient access, training and expertise to perform a chest ultrasound.AimsThis study examines whether progress has been achieved in chest ultrasound amongst respiratory physicians in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsWe conducted a web‐based chest ultrasound survey of adult respiratory physicians across Australia and New Zealand. We also surveyed advanced trainees.ResultsThe response rate was 38% among respiratory physicians. Between 2011 and 2016, access to bedside ultrasound increased from 53 to 90%. The proportion arranging ultrasound guidance for pleural aspiration rose from 66 to 95%. The proportion demonstrably competent in pleural ultrasound increased from 4 to 21%. In 2016, 67% of physicians and 80% of advanced trainees reported available workplace supervision for ultrasound training. Use of lung ultrasound to diagnose acute pulmonary oedema and consolidation improved from 2011 but remained low at 25 and 20% respectively.ConclusionThese results establish pleural ultrasound guidance for pleural procedures as the standard of care in our region. However, lung ultrasound remains underutilised. Ultrasound training can and should be incorporated into specialist respiratory training.
Lipopolysaccharide‐primed heterotolerant dendritic cells suppress experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by multiple mechanisms
Authors: Klaska Izabela P. , Muckersie Elizabeth , Martin‐Granados Cristina , Christofi Maria , Forrester John V. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryExposure of bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) to high‐dose ultrapure lipopolysaccharide for 24 hr (LPS‐primed BMDC) enhances their potency in preventing inter‐photoreceptor retinoid binding protein: complete Freund's adjuvant‐induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). LPS‐primed BMDC are refractory to further exposure to LPS (= endotoxin tolerance), evidenced here by decreased phosphorylation of TANK‐binding kinase 1, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase as well as impaired nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and IRF3, resulting in reduced tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐12 and interferon‐β secretion. LPS‐primed BMDC also show reduced surface expression of Toll‐like receptor‐4 and up‐regulation of CD14, followed by increased apoptosis, mediated via nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc)‐2 signalling. LPS‐primed BMDC are not only homotolerant to LPS but are heterotolerant to alternative pathogen‐associated molecular pattern ligands, such as mycobacterial protein extract (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Specifically, while M. tuberculosis protein extract induces secretion of IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 in unprimed BMDC, LPS‐primed BMDC fail to secrete these cytokines in response to M. tuberculosis. We propose that LPS priming of BMDC, by exposure to high doses of LPS for 24 hr, stabilizes their tolerogenicity rather than promoting immunogenicity, and does so by multiple mechanisms, namely (i) generation of tolerogenic apoptotic BMDC through CD14:NFATc signalling; (ii) reduction of NF‐κB and IRF3 signalling and downstream pro‐inflammatory cytokine production; and (iii) blockade of inflammasome activation.
Interventions for nurses’ well‐being at work: a quantitative systematic review
Authors: Romppanen Johanna , Häggman‐Laitila Arja 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimTo gather, assess and synthesize current research knowledge on the interventions aiming to improve nurses’ well‐being at work.BackgroundPrevious reviews describe health care professionals’ well‐being at work from the perspective of burnout. Research on the interventions for and their effectiveness on nurses’ well‐being at work is sporadic.DesignA quantitative systematic review based on the procedure of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.MethodsCINAHL, Cochrane, EBSCO, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus databases were sought from 2009–March 2015. The final data consisted of eight studies described in 10 articles. The study design was RCT in three studies, CBA in three and ITS in two studies. The studies were assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were summarised narratively and displayed in a harvest plot.ResultsTwo of the six interventions were person‐directed, two combined person‐ and organisation‐directed and two organisation‐directed interventions. Half of them were mainly targeted at stress management while the others aimed at improving interaction with colleagues, work methods and conditions or at supervision of professional skills.ConclusionsThere was a lot variation in the conceptual bases and the use of evaluation measurements in the studies and the interventions were carried out in a heterogeneous way. Moderate evidence was found to support the use of interventions among nurses employed at in‐patient and out‐patient units in four out of the six interventions. The review pointed out a need for research on standardised interventions on nurses’ well‐being at work and their effectiveness with long‐term follow‐ups.
‘Mental health day’ sickness absence amongst nurses and midwives: workplace, workforce, psychosocial and health characteristics
Authors: Lamont Scott , Brunero Scott , Perry Lin , Duffield Christine , Sibbritt David , Gallagher Robyn , Nicholls Rachel 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimTo examine the workforce, workplace, psychosocial and health characteristics of nurses and midwives in relation to their reported use of sickness absence described as ‘mental health days’.BackgroundThe occupational stress associated with the nursing profession is increasingly recognized and nurse/midwifery absenteeism is a significant global problem. Taking a ‘mental health day’ as sickness absence is a common phenomenon in Australian health care. No previous studies have empirically explored the characteristics of nurses and midwives using such sickness absence.DesignOnline cross‐sectional survey.MethodsSurvey comprising validated tools and questions on workplace and health characteristics was distributed to nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia, between May 2014 ‐ February 2015. Sample characteristics were reported using descriptive statistics. Factors independently predictive of ‘mental health day’ reportage were determined using logistic regression.ResultsFifty‐four percentage of the n = 5041 nurse and midwife respondents took ‘mental health days’. Those affected were significantly more likely to be at younger ages, working shifts with less time sitting at work; to report workplace abuse and plans to leave; having been admitted to hospital in previous 12 months; to be current smokers; to report mental health problems, accomplishing less due to emotional problems and current psychotropic medication use.ConclusionSpecific characteristics of nurses and midwives who report taking ‘mental health day’ sickness absence offer healthcare administrators and managers opportunities for early identification and intervention with workplace measures and support frameworks to promote well‐being, health promotion and safety.
Mastery goal orientation and cognitive ability effects on performance in learner‐guided training
Authors: Guarino Sarah N. , Whitaker Victoria L. , Jundt Dustin K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTo conserve resources, organizations are increasingly turning to learner‐guided training methods in which workers are given control over when, how, and what they cover in the learning process. However, the impact of individual differences such as goal orientation and cognitive ability has not been adequately addressed in learner‐guided training. This study seeks to advance our knowledge of how these differences affect performance through previously unexplored pathways. Specifically, we examined the indirect effects of mastery goal orientation and cognitive ability on post‐training performance in a learner‐directed training context. Findings indicate that off‐task thoughts mediate the positive effect of mastery goal orientation on post‐training performance, while declarative knowledge mediates the positive effect of cognitive ability on post‐training performance.
Autophagy activated by tuberin/mTOR/p70S6K suppression is a protective mechanism against local anaesthetics neurotoxicity
Authors: Xiong Jingwei , Kong Qiuyue , Dai Leyang , Ma He , Cao Xiaofei , Liu Li , Ding Zhengnian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe local anaesthetics (LAs) are widely used for peripheral nerve blocks, epidural anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia and pain management. However, exposure to LAs for long duration or at high dosage can provoke potential neuronal damages. Autophagy is an intracellular bulk degradation process for proteins and organelles. However, both the effects of LAs on autophagy in neuronal cells and the effects of autophagy on LAs neurotoxicity are not clear. To answer these questions, both lipid LAs (procaine and tetracaine) and amide LAs (bupivacaine, lidocaine and ropivacaine) were administrated to human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. Neurotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay, morphological alterations and median death dosage. Autophagic flux was estimated by autolysosome formation (dual fluorescence LC3 assay), LC3‐II generation and p62 protein degradation (immunoblotting). Signalling alterations were examined by immunoblotting analysis. Inhibition of autophagy was achieved by transfection with beclin‐1 siRNA. We observed that LAs decreased cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner. The neurotoxicity of LAs was tetracaine > bupivacaine > ropivacaine > procaine > lidocaine. LAs increased autophagic flux, as reflected by increases in autolysosome formation and LC3‐II generation, and decrease in p62 levels. Moreover, LAs inhibited tuberin/mTOR/p70S6K signalling, a negative regulator of autophagy activation. Most importantly, autophagy inhibition by beclin‐1 knockdown exacerbated the LAs‐provoked cell damage. Our data suggest that autophagic flux was up‐regulated by LAs through inhibition of tuberin/mTOR/p70S6K signalling, and autophagy activation served as a protective mechanism against LAs neurotoxicity. Therefore, autophagy manipulation could be an alternative therapeutic intervention to prevent LAs‐induced neuronal damage.
Tannic acid inhibits EGFR/STAT1/3 and enhances p38/STAT1 signalling axis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Darvin Pramod , Joung Youn Hee , Kang Dong Young , Sp Nipin , Byun Hyo Joo , Hwang Tae Sook , Sasidharakurup Hema , Lee Chi Ho , Cho Kwang Hyun , Park Kyung Do , Lee Hak Kyo , Yang Young Mok 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, is a potent anti‐oxidant with anti‐proliferative effects on multiple cancers. However, its ability to modulate gene‐specific expression of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes has not been assessed. This work investigates the mechanism of TA to regulate canonical and non‐canonical STAT pathways to impose the gene‐specific induction of G1‐arrest and apoptosis. Regardless of the p53 status and membrane receptors, TA induced G1‐arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Tannic acid distinctly modulated both canonical and non‐canonical STAT pathways, each with a specific role in TA‐induced anti‐cancer effects. Tannic acid enhanced STAT1 ser727 phosphorylation via upstream serine kinase p38. This STAT1 ser727 phosphorylation enhanced the DNA‐binding activity of STAT1 and in turn enhanced expression of p21Waf1/Cip1. However, TA binds to EGF‐R and inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation of both STAT1 and STAT3. This inhibition leads to the inhibition of STAT3/BCL‐2 DNA‐binding activity. As a result, the expression and mitochondrial localization of BCl‐2 are declined. This altered expression and localization of mitochondrial anti‐pore factors resulted in the release of cytochrome c and the activation of intrinsic apoptosis cascade involving caspases. Taken together, our results suggest that TA modulates EGF‐R/Jak2/STAT1/3 and P38/STAT1/p21Waf1/Cip1 pathways and induce G1‐arrest and intrinsic apoptosis in breast carcinomas.
Novel TRPM8 agonist cooling compound against chronic itch: results from a randomized, double‐blind, controlled, pilot study in dry skin
Authors: Ständer S. , Augustin M. , Roggenkamp D. , Blome C. , Heitkemper T. , Worthmann A.C. , Neufang G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatients suffering from chronic pruritus (CP) due to dry skin with are often applying emollients containing menthol. However, topical menthol may be irritating and of weak potency in severe pruritus. Two TRPM8 agonists, (1R,2S,5R)‐N‐(2‐(2‐pyridinyl)ethyl)‐2‐ispropyl‐5‐methylcyclohexancarboxamide and menthoxypropanediol, combined as cooling compound (CC) have shown stronger activation of TRPM8 than menthol.ObjectivesObjective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CC in alleviating pruritus in patients with dry itchy skin.MethodsIn this vehicle‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized (1 : 1) study, 70 dry skin patients with pruritus intensity measured by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) ≥3, were treated twice daily over 4 weeks, either with a lotion containing CC or with its vehicle.ResultsAt treatment end, pruritus, assessed by a global score, improved significantly more in the CC than in the vehicle group (79.2% vs. 47.1%; P < 0.05; primary endpoint). Also assessed by verbal rating scale (VRS) and percentual improvement, pruritus decreased significantly more in the CC group (P = 0.007/P = 0.015) compared to vehicle arm after treatment. Up to 84% of CC‐treated patients reported a significant, sometimes too strong, long‐lasting cooling effect. The health‐related quality of life improved significantly more in the CC group (P = 0.023). Skin roughness, dryness and hydration improved significantly in both groups without significant differences in‐between them. There were no severe adverse events reported.ConclusionsTreatment of dry and pruritic skin with a lotion containing the TRPM8 agonist combination ameliorates severe pruritus and represents a possible novel treatment for the burdensome symptom. The most suitable treatment concentration needs still to be identified. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00669708.
On a learning curve for shared decision making: Interviews with clinicians using the knee osteoarthritis Option Grid
Authors: Elwyn Glyn , Rasmussen Julie , Kinsey Katharine , Firth Jill , Marrin Katy , Edwards Adrian , Wood Fiona 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRationalTools used in clinical encounters to illustrate to patients the risks and benefits of treatment options have been shown to increase shared decision making. However, we do not have good information about how these tools are viewed by clinicians and how clinicians think patients would react to their use.ObjectiveOur aim was to examine clinicians' views about the possible and actual use of tools designed to support patients and clinicians to collaborate and deliberate about treatment options, namely, Option Grid decision aids.MethodWe conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews embedded in the intervention phase of a trial of an Option Grid decision aid for osteoarthritis of the knee. Interviews were conducted with 6 participating clinicians before they used the tool and again after clinicians had used the tool with 6 patients.ResultsIn the first interview, clinicians voiced concerns that the tool would lead to an increase in encounter duration, patient resistance regarding involvement in decision making, and potential information overload. At the second interview, after minimal training, the clinicians reported that the tool had changed their usual way of communicating, and it was generally acceptable and helpful to integrate it into practice.Discussion and ConclusionsAfter experiencing the use of Option Grids, clinicians became more willing to use the tools in their clinical encounters with patients. How best to introduce Option Grids to clinicians and adopt their use into practice will need careful consideration of context, workflow, and clinical pathways.
A review of the genus Dysalotus (Percomorphacea: Chiasmodontidae), with the description of Dysalotus pouliulii sp. nov.
Authors: Melo M. R. S. 
Published: November 2016

A new species of Dysalotus (family Chiasmodontidae) known only from off the Hawaiian archipelago is described here as Dysalotus pouliulii sp. nov. It differs from all other species of Dysalotus in having a greater number of teeth on the premaxilla (151–198 v. 60–138) and dentary (136–199 v. 76–132) and in a shorter upper jaw [51·9–54·9% of head length (LH) v. 62·4–74·4% LH] and lower jaw (64·8–67·4% in LH v. 75·3–88·1% in LH). A key for the species of Dysalotus and an updated distribution map are provided.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E9B5F1DC‐52E0‐4F53‐9109‐2A8E252AE8CE.
Microwave‐assisted extraction of wild apple fruit dust—production of polyphenol‐rich extracts from filter tea factory by‐products
Authors: Pavlić Branimir , Naffati Abdulhakim , Hojan Tijana , Vladić Jelena , Zeković Zoran , Vidović Senka 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWild apple fruit dust, discarded as by‐product from filter tea factory, represents under‐utilized raw material, which contains high amount of bioactive compounds. The aim of present work was utilization of wild apple fruit dust by application of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) process for recovery of polyphenolic antioxidants. MAE was used for isolation of polyphenolic fraction from this kind of raw material. Box–Behnken experimental design at three levels and three variables was used for process optimization. The influence of extraction time (15–35 min), ethanol concentration (40–80%), and irradiation power (400–800 W) on total extraction yield, total phenols content, total flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity parameters, was evaluated. Experimental results were fitted to a second‐order polynomial model and adequacy of the applied models was evaluated by analysis of variance. Results showed that wild apple fruit dust could be used as good source for recovery of polyphenols and preparation of liquid extracts with increased antioxidant activity.Practical ApplicationsNowadays, there is growing interest for developing economically feasible and environmentally friendly extraction processes for isolation of bioactive compounds from natural resources. At the same time, sustainable and relatively cheap raw material should be utilized in the production. This research provides information about optimization of novel extraction technique (microwave‐assisted extraction), which could be successfully used for polyphenols extraction due to increased yield of target compounds and improved quality of the liquid extracts in terms of antioxidant activity. Therefore, wild apple by‐products from filter‐tea factory, could be used as alternative raw material for production of polyphenols‐rich liquid extracts.
Effects of argon plasma coagulation on human stomach tissue: An ex vivo study
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Ahn Ji Yong , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Park Young Soo , Na Hee Kyong , Jung Kee Wook , Kim Do Hoon , Lee Jeong Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Kim Jin‐Ho 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackground and AimArgon plasma coagulation (APC) is a safe alternative treatment for gastrointestinal neoplasms and precancerous lesions. However, the extent of thermal damage after APC is difficult to predict. We investigated the effects of APC on human stomach tissue.MethodsArgon plasma coagulation was performed on 10 freshly resected human stomachs that were obtained after total gastrectomy. The effects on tissue were compared across power settings (40, 60, and 80 W), durations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 s), and between injection (submucosal injection of normal saline) and control (without injection) groups. Success was defined as complete mucosal necrosis without damaging the muscularis propria.ResultsWithout submucosal injection, the incidence of damaging the muscularis propria increased as the power and duration increased. Tissue damage in the injection group was mostly confined to the submucosa, even when using the high‐power setting. In the injection group, ablations at 40 W for 20 s, 60 W for 15 s, and 80 W for 15 or 20 s produced success rates ≥80%. In the control group, ablations at 60 W for 10 s, and 80 W for 5, or 10 s produced success rates ≥80%. The optimal energy levels to achieve complete mucosal and submucosal necrosis without damaging the muscularis propria were 800–1600 and 600–800 J in the injection and control groups, respectively.ConclusionApplication of APC produces good results with a low risk of perforation.