bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jordanian survivors' experiences of recovery from critical illness: a qualitative study
Authors: Abdalrahim M.S. , Zeilani R.S. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundDespite the fact that a lot of patients consider their discharge from hospitals as a positive sign of progress towards regained health, many of them start suffering from physical, psychological and social problems after discharge from intensive care units.AimThis study aims to describe the experiences of Jordanian survivors of critical illnesses 3 months after discharge from a hospital intensive care unit.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was used to involve 18 Jordanian patients from two hospitals in a major Jordanian city using open‐ended interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using content analysis method.ResultsThree main themes have emerged from the data: (1) new meaning of life; (2) different perspectives on the meaning of life, and (3) struggle for role identity.LimitationThe sample was chosen from one city in Jordan; longitudinal study might help identify the change in patients' experiences over time.ConclusionPatients described the discharge from the intensive care unit as a means of rescue from death; they began to value their spiritual and religious rituals. Negative traumatic experiences hindered the patients' recovery process. During recovery, patients struggled to resume their power and role in family.Implications for Nurses and Health PolicyThis study emphasizes the importance of providing care according to the patient's individual needs, related to their cultural and spiritual milieu; there is a need to develop follow‐up services for ICU survivors within a national health policy. Further educational and training programmes in the patient's issues after discharge from hospital are needed. This will definitely help nurses care after this patient group.
Mary Seacole: global nurse extraordinaire
Authors: Staring‐Derks Corry , Staring Jeroen , Anionwu Elizabeth N. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimsA discussion of recently discovered literature that reveals how after the Crimean War ended in 1856, Jamaican nurse, doctress and entrepreneur Mary Seacole travelled more widely and gained further international recognition than had previously been appreciated.BackgroundNew findings demonstrate that Seacole's international charitable and business activities were reported more widely than realised. Recently discovered literature uncovers her networking and strategic skills in various social milieus. A former Scutari nurse and 39 other women, offered their service to Seacole to nurse British soldiers in India. Newspapers also reported the medal she had been awarded from the Turkish government.DesignDiscussion paper.Data sourcesDigitized 19th‐century newspaper reports, and 1857 Dutch and 1858 French translations of Seacole's autobiography and a recently discovered handwritten letter dated 1 October 1857 from Seacole to Sir Henry Storks, at the time Secretary for Military Correspondence at the War Office, London.Implications for nursingAwareness of the findings affords a more thorough understanding of the scope and diversity of nursing history. This can provide valuable role models for the 21st century generations of competent and self‐confident healthcare professionals. The new evidence offers further testimony that Seacole can truly be considered as one such figurehead.ConclusionsBritish and international primary sources reveal Mary Seacole as an historical and charismatic global phenomenon, more than had been previously realised.
Taxes, International Clienteles and the Value of ADR Dividends
Authors: Jun Aelee , Partington Graham H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAn alternative approach to valuing dividends is developed and applied to American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on Australian stocks. The values of ADR dividends are estimated from the period when, due to different ex‐dividend dates, the ADRs and their underlying stocks trade with differential dividend entitlements. Australian ADR dividends are valued at less than their face value and the dividends on the underlying stocks are valued at more than their face value. This suggests that ADR dividends are priced by a clientele of US investors placing little value on the imputation tax credits attached to the dividends and that a clientele of Australian resident investors, who obtain value from imputation tax credits, price the dividends on the underlying stock.
Accounting Ratios and the Cross‐section of Expected Stock Returns
Authors: Cordis Adriana S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractUnder clean‐surplus accounting, the log return on a stock can be decomposed into a linear function of the contemporaneous log return on equity, the contemporaneous log dividend–price ratio (if the stock pays a dividend), and both the contemporaneous and lagged values of the log book‐to‐market equity ratio. This paper studies the implications of this decomposition for the cross‐section of conditional expected stock returns. The empirical analysis reveals that the log accounting ratios capture cross‐sectional variation in both the conditional mean and conditional variance of log stock returns, which is consistent with the decomposition. It also brings fresh insights to the relation between firm size (market equity) and conditional expected stock returns. The evidence indicates that the conditional median return increases with firm size, while the conditional return skewness decreases with firm size. Empirically, the skewness effect outweighs the median effect, leading to the well‐documented inverse relation between size and average returns. The results of out‐of‐sample tests suggest that investors could use the information provided by the observed values of the log accounting ratios to formulate more effective portfolio strategies.
ATP synthase subunit alpha and LV mass in ischaemic human hearts
Authors: Roselló‐Lletí Esther , Tarazón Estefanía , Barderas María G. , Ortega Ana , Molina‐Navarro Maria Micaela , Martínez Alba , Lago Francisca , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , González‐Juanatey Jose Ramón , Salvador Antonio , Portolés Manuel , Rivera Miguel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). In this study, the mitochondrial proteome in the cardiac tissue of ICM patients was analysed by quantitative differential electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) and mass spectrometry (MS) for the first time to provide new insights into cardiac dysfunction in this cardiomyopathy. We isolated mitochondria from LV samples of explanted hearts of ICM patients (n = 8) and control donors (n = 8) and used a proteomic approach to investigate the variations in mitochondrial protein expression. We found that most of the altered proteins were involved in cardiac energy metabolism (82%). We focused on ATPA, which is involved in energy production, and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, implicated in substrate utilization, and observed that these molecules were overexpressed and that the changes detected in the processes mediated by these proteins were closely related. Notably, we found that ATPA overexpression was associated with reduction in LV mass (r = −0.74, P < 0.01). We also found a substantial increase in the expression of elongation factor Tu, a molecule implicated in protein synthesis, and PRDX3, involved in the stress response. All of these changes were validated using classical techniques and by using novel and precise selected reaction monitoring analysis and an RNA sequencing approach, with the total heart samples being increased to 24. This study provides key insights that enhance our understanding of the cellular mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of ICM and could lead to the development of aetiology‐specific heart failure therapies. ATPA could serve as a molecular target suitable for new therapeutic interventions.
Cardiovascular risks associated with incident and prevalent periodontal disease
Authors: Yu Yau‐Hua , Chasman Daniel I. , Buring Julie E. , Rose Lynda , Ridker Paul M 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimWhile prevalent periodontal disease associates with cardiovascular risk, little is known about how incident periodontal disease influences future vascular risk. We compared effects of incident versus prevalent periodontal disease in developing major cardiovascular diseases (CVD), myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic stroke and total CVD.Material and MethodsIn a prospective cohort of 39,863 predominantly white women, age ≥45 years and free of cardiovascular disease at baseline were followed for an average of 15.7 years. Cox proportional hazard models with time‐varying periodontal status [prevalent (18%), incident (7.3%) versus never (74.7%)] were used to assess future cardiovascular risks.ResultsIncidence rates of all CVD outcomes were higher in women with prevalent or incident periodontal disease. For women with incident periodontal disease, risk factor adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.42 (95% CI, 1.14–1.77) for major CVD, 1.72 (1.25–2.38) for MI, 1.41 (1.02–1.95) for ischaemic stroke and 1.27 (1.06–1.52) for total CVD. For women with prevalent periodontal disease, adjusted HRs were 1.14 (1.00–1.31) for major CVD, 1.27 (1.04–1.56) for MI, 1.12 (0.91–1.37) for ischaemic stroke and 1.15 (1.03–1.28) for total CVD.ConclusionNew cases of periodontal disease, not just those that are pre‐existing, place women at significantly elevated risks for future cardiovascular events.
Interactions of Bacillus thuringiensis bioinsecticides and the predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus to control Plutella xylostella
Authors: Magalhães G. O. , Vacari A. M. , Laurentis V. L. , De Bortoli S. A. , Polanczyk R. A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is a major pest of brassica crops worldwide. Control of this pest is difficult because it rapidly develops resistance to synthetic and biological insecticides and because of the effects of insecticides on its natural enemies. Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) is a predator that feeds on its prey, as well as on the host plants of its prey, and is an important biological control agent of DBMs. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of P. xylostella larvae to two bioinsecticides: the HD1 strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki) and the commercial product Agree® (B. thuringiensis var. aizawai CG 91). In addition, the impact of these bioinsecticides on the P. nigrispinus consumption of DBM larvae and phytophagy was evaluated. Both the HD1 strain and Agree® caused 100% mortality in P. xylostella larvae. P. nigrispinus nymphs fed only with kale leaves (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) sprayed with water, the HD1 strain, or Agree® did not complete their nymphal development. When prey was also available, P. nigiripinus fed on kale leaves to obtain water. Both nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus consumed greater numbers of DBM larvae, and fed less on kale leaves, when sprayed with the HD1 strain or Agree®. These results suggest a positive interaction of B. thuringiensis‐based products and the predator P. nigrispinus in the control of P. xylostella larvae.
Development of an instrument for assessment of Korean nurses' attitudes toward obese patients
Authors: Han Sang‐Sook , Han Jeong‐Won , Lee Jung‐Min 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to verify the validity and reliability of an instrument and to identify nurses' attitudes toward obese patients.MethodsBasic questions were developed after a preliminary published work review, and content validity was verified by a group of experts. Principle components analysis was applied to the verified questions as a factor analysis, and a confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify whether each question qualified for a specific factor and construct reliability. Average variances were extracted and checked to appraise the reliability of each factor.ResultsThe first 74 questions composed with reference to the published work to identify nurses' attitudes toward obese patients were tested for construct validity and modified via factor analysis to 32 questions. Then, the questions were again modified to 29 questions with four factors after a confirmatory factor analysis. Construct reliability and the average variance extracted for the factors were verified to demonstrate that this tool was highly reliable to explain the 29 factors under the four categories.ConclusionThese results show nurses' attitudes toward obese patients. Further research using various subject groups and appropriate measures is needed.
Exposure to serotonin adversely affects oligodendrocyte development and myelination in vitro
Authors: Fan Lir‐Wan , Bhatt Abhay , Tien Lu‐Tai , Zheng Baoying , Simpson Kimberly L. , Lin Rick C. S. , Cai Zhengwei , Kumar Praveen , Pang Yi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSerotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) has been implicated to play critical roles in early neural development. Recent reports have suggested that perinatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) resulted in cortical network miswiring, abnormal social behavior, callosal myelin malformation, as well as oligodendrocyte (OL) pathology in rats. To gain further insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SSRIs‐induced OL and myelin abnormalities, we investigated the effect of 5‐HT exposure on OL development, cell death, and myelination in cell culture models. First, we showed that 5‐HT receptor 1A and 2A subtypes were expressed in OL lineages, using immunocytochemistry, Western blot, as well as intracellular Ca2+ measurement. We then assessed the effect of serotonin exposure on the lineage development, expression of myelin proteins, cell death, and myelination, in purified OL and neuron‐OL myelination cultures. For pure OL cultures, our results showed that 5‐HT exposure led to disturbance of OL development, as indicated by aberrant process outgrowth and reduced myelin proteins expression. At higher doses, such exposure triggered a development‐dependent cell death, as immature OLs exhibited increasing susceptibility to 5‐HT treatment compared to OL progenitor cells (OPC). We showed further that 5‐HT‐induced immature OL death was mediated at least partially via 5‐HT2A receptor, since cell death could be mimicked by 5‐HT2A receptor agonist 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane hydrochloride, (±)‐2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine hydrochloride, but atten‐uated by pre‐treatment with 5‐HT2A receptor antagonist ritanserin. Utilizing a neuron‐OL myelination co‐culture model, our data showed that 5‐HT exposure significantly reduced the number of myelinated internodes. In contrast to cell injury observed in pure OL cultures, 5‐HT exposure did not lead to OL death or reduced OL density in neuron‐OL co‐cultures. However, abnormal patterns of contactin‐associated protein (Caspr) clustering were observed at the sites of Node of Ranvier, suggesting that 5‐HT exposure may affect other axon‐derived factors for myelination. In summary, this is the first study to demonstrate that manipulation of serotonin levels affects OL development and myelination, which may contribute to altered neural connectivity noted in SSRIs‐treated animals.
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The current in vitro study demonstrated that exposure to high level of serotonin (5‐HT) led to aberrant oligodendrocyte (OL) development, cell injury, and myelination deficit. We propose that elevated extracellular serotonin levels in the fetal brain, such as upon the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, may adversely affect OL development and/or myelination, thus contributing to altered neural connectivity seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders. OPC = oligodendrocyte progenitor cell.
Mechanical regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: Steward Andrew J. , Kelly Daniel J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBiophysical cues play a key role in directing the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent stromal cells (MSCs), but the mechanotransductive mechanisms at play are still not fully understood. This review article first describes the roles of both substrate mechanics (e.g. stiffness and topography) and extrinsic mechanical cues (e.g. fluid flow, compression, hydrostatic pressure, tension) on the differentiation of MSCs. A specific focus is placed on the role of such factors in regulating the osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. Next, the article focuses on the cellular components, specifically integrins, ion channels, focal adhesions and the cytoskeleton, hypothesized to be involved in MSC mechanotransduction. This review aims to illustrate the strides that have been made in elucidating how MSCs sense and respond to their mechanical environment, and also to identify areas where further research is needed.
Anatomy of the nerves and ganglia of the aortic plexus in males
Authors: Beveridge Tyler S. , Johnson Marjorie , Power Adam , Power Nicholas E. , Allman Brian L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIt is well accepted that the aortic plexus is a network of pre‐ and post‐ganglionic nerves overlying the abdominal aorta, which is primarily involved with the sympathetic innervation to the mesenteric, pelvic and urogenital organs. Because a comprehensive anatomical description of the aortic plexus and its connections with adjacent plexuses are lacking, these delicate structures are prone to unintended damage during abdominal surgeries. Through dissection of fresh, frozen human cadavers (n = 7), the present study aimed to provide the first complete mapping of the nerves and ganglia of the aortic plexus in males. Using standard histochemical procedures, ganglia of the aortic plexus were verified through microscopic analysis using haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and anti‐tyrosine hydroxylase stains. All specimens exhibited four distinct sympathetic ganglia within the aortic plexus: the right and left spermatic ganglia, the inferior mesenteric ganglion and one previously unidentified ganglion, which has been named the prehypogastric ganglion by the authors. The spermatic ganglia were consistently supplied by the L1 lumbar splanchnic nerves and the inferior mesenteric ganglion and the newly characterized prehypogastric ganglion were supplied by the left and right L2 lumbar splanchnic nerves, respectively. Additionally, our examination revealed the aortic plexus does have potential for variation, primarily in the possibility of exhibiting accessory splanchnic nerves. Clinically, our results could have significant implications for preserving fertility in men as well as sympathetic function to the hindgut and pelvis during retroperitoneal surgeries.
Learning Odors: The Impact of Visual and Olfactory Mental Imagery Training on Odor Perception
Authors: Tempere S. , Hamtat M.L. , Bougeant J.C. , de Revel G. , Sicard G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMental imagery has been used successfully in sensorimotor training, but rarely to improve sensory skills. Novices, undergraduate enology students (intermediates) and wine experts were asked to repeatedly imagine the visual images or smells of odorant sources presented in picture form. Olfactory abilities, odor sensitivity and identification performance were compared before and after mental training to check the differential effects of the two types of sensory training. We demonstrated that, like repeated objective odorant stimulations, repeated imagination of odors was able to enhance olfactory performance in objective perception. Both odor detection and identification abilities were improved. However, according to our results: (1) the effect was odorant specific; and (2) the impact of training on identification was restricted to wine experts. In addition, interestingly, the experts’ olfactory identification performance apparently deteriorated following specific visual attention during the training phase.Practical ApplicationsOne extremely important aspect of sensory evaluation is training panelists to achieve consistent results. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of olfactory mental imagery as training strategy. The findings demonstrated that olfactory mental imagery was able to modify olfactory capabilities of wine professionals, with results comparable to those obtained using perceptual training. Consequently, olfactory mental imagery is an excellent tool for training the olfactory capacities of panelists, and may be extended to perfumers, flavorists and tasting panelists with a view to improving product quality control, without material stimulus such as chemical supports.
Learning and Retaining Specialized Vocabulary From Textbook Reading: Comparison of Learning Outcomes Through L1 and L2
Authors: Gablasova Dana 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the acquisition of specialized vocabulary from L1 and L2 textbook reading by 64 Slovak high school students who were intermediate or advanced users of English. The students were divided into two groups: One group read the academic texts in their L1, the other group in their L2. In a posttest and a delayed posttest, they were asked to orally recall the meanings of 12 technical words that appeared in the texts. The word meanings recalled by the students immediately after reading and 1 week later were examined in terms of their breadth and depth. Results showed that although the L2‐instructed students acquired the meanings of the specialized vocabulary items to a considerable degree, they still differed significantly from their L1‐instructed counterparts in several respects: They could recall fewer word meanings after the reading; they acquired the words to a lesser depth; and after a week, their knowledge of the words faded more rapidly than that of the L1‐instructed participants. The significance of the findings for L2 vocabulary acquisition and bilingual education is discussed.
Lexical Inferencing in First and Second Language Listening
Authors: Van Zeeland Hilde 
Published: November 2014

AbstractLexical inferencing is an important vocabulary learning strategy. Unfortunately, almost all research on this issue has been carried out in the reading context. This study is the first to directly measure lexical inferencing success in listening, by both native (N = 47) and nonnative (N = 30) speakers of English. It analysed the effects of contextual clue types, background knowledge, and L2 vocabulary knowledge on inferencing success. Results showed inferencing success rates of 59.6% (natives) and 35.6% (nonnatives), with success being significantly affected by the three variables. The study also measured L2 listeners' ability to notice unknown vocabulary in speech. This revealed limited noticing ability, indicating that a lack of noticing is likely to limit learners' inferencing opportunities and success.