bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin‐(1–7) Prevent Atrial Tachycardia Induced Sodium Channel Remodeling
Authors: WANG XUEWEN , LI GUANGPING 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundActivation of the renin‐angiotensin system plays an important role in atrial electrical remodeling; angiotensin‐(1–7) (Ang‐(1–7)) counterbalances the actions of angiotensin II. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Ang‐(1–7) on cardiac sodium current (INa) in a canine model of atrial tachycardia.MethodsEighteen dogs were randomly assigned to sham, pacing, or pacing + Ang‐(1–7) groups (n = 6 in each group). Rapid atrial pacing (500 beats/min) was maintained for 2 weeks, while the dogs in the sham group were not paced. Ang‐(1–7) (6 μg/kg/h) was administered intravenously during pacing. Whole‐cell patch clamp techniques were utilized to record INa from canine atrial myocytes. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was used to assess possible underlying changes in cardiac Na+ channels (Nav1.5).ResultsOur results showed that INa density and expression of the Nav1.5 mRNA significantly decreased following pacing (P < 0.05 vs sham); however, the half‐activation voltage (V1/2act) and half‐inactivation voltage (V1/2inact) of INa were not significantly altered (P > 0.05 vs sham). Ang‐(1–7) treatment significantly increased INa densities and hyperpolarized V1/2act without concomitant changes in V1/2inact but have no effect on the expression of the Nav1.5 gene.ConclusionsAng‐(1–7) significantly increased INa densities, which contributed to improving intraatrial conduction and decreasing the likelihood of atrial fibrillation maintenance.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum wikim18, Isolated from Korean Kimchi
Authors: Jang Ja Young , Lim Hyeong In , Park Hae Woong , Choi Hak-Jong , Kim Tae-Woon , Kang Miran , Lee Jong-Hee 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

This report describes the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus plantarum
strain wikim18, isolated from the traditional Korean food kimchi. The reads generated by Ion Torrent PGM were assembled into 327 contigs. RAST annotation of the genome revealed 12 tRNAs and 3,316 protein-coding gene sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Frankia
sp. Strain Thr, a Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium Isolated from the Root Nodules of
Casuarina cunninghamiana
Grown in Egypt
Authors: Hurst Sheldon G. , Oshone Rediet , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Morris Krystalynne , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Thomas W. Kelley , Ktari Amir , Salem Karima , Mansour Samira , Gtari Maher , Tisa Louis S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria of the genus
Frankia
are symbionts of woody dicotyledonous plants termed actinorhizal plants. We report here a 5.3-Mbp draft genome sequence for
Frankia
sp. stain Thr, a nitrogen-fixing actinobacterium isolated from root nodules of
Casuarina cunninghamiana
collected in Egypt.
Radar Performance Monitoring Using the Angular Width of the Solar Image
Authors: Huuskonen Asko , Kurri Mikko , Hohti Harri , Beekhuis Hans , Leijnse Hidde , Holleman Iwan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A method for the operational monitoring of the weather radar antenna mechanics and signal processing is presented. The method is based on the analysis of sun signals in the polar volume data produced during the operational scanning of weather radars. Depending on the hardware of the radar, the volume coverage pattern, the season, and the latitude of the radar, several tens of sun hits are found per day. The method is an extension of that for determining the weather radar antenna pointing and for monitoring the receiver stability and the differential reflectivity offset. In the method the width of the sun image in elevation and in azimuth is analyzed from the data, together with the center point position and the total power, analyzed in the earlier methods. This paper describes how the width values are obtained in the majority of cases without affecting the quality of the position and power values. Results from the daily analysis reveal signal processing features and failures that are difficult to find out otherwise in weather data. Moreover, they provide a tool for monitoring the stability of the antenna system, and hence the method has great potential for routine monitoring of radar signal processing and the antenna mechanics. Hence, it is recommended that the operational solar analysis be extended into the analysis of the width.
Lowest numbers of primary CD8+ T cells can reconstitute protective immunity upon adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Stemberger Christian , Graef Patricia , Odendahl Marcus , Albrecht Julia , Dössinger Georg , Anderl Florian , Buchholz Veit R. , Gasteiger Georg , Schiemann Matthias , Grigoleit Götz U. , Schuster Friedhelm R. , Borkhardt Arndt , Versluys Birgitta , Tonn Torsten , Seifried Erhard , Einsele Hermann , Germeroth Lothar , Busch Dirk H. , Neuenhahn Michael 
Published: May 2014

Key PointsLowest numbers of ex vivo–selected CD8+ memory T cells can reconstitute pathogen-specific immunity in immunocompromised hosts.
Using generic preference-based measures in mental health:
psychometric validity of the EQ-5D and SF-6D
Authors: Mulhern Brendan , Mukuria Clara , Barkham Michael , Knapp Martin , Byford Sarah , Soeteman Dj⊘ra , Brazier John 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundGeneric preference-based measures (EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) and SF-6D) are used
in the economic evaluation of mental health interventions. However, there
are inconsistent findings regarding their psychometric properties.AimsTo investigate the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D and SF-6D in
different mental health conditions, using seven existing data-sets.MethodThe construct validity and responsiveness of the measures were assessed
in comparison with condition-specific indicators.ResultsEvidence for construct validity and responsiveness in common mental
health and personality disorders was found (correlations 0.22–0.64;
effect sizes 0.37–1.24; standardised response means 0.45–1.31). There was
some evidence for validity in schizophrenia (correlations 0.05–0.43), but
responsiveness was unclear.ConclusionsEQ-5D and SF-6D can be used in the economic evaluation of interventions
for common mental health problems with some confidence. In schizophrenia,
a preference-based measure focused on the impact of mental health should
be considered.
Social status differences regulate the serotonergic system of a cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni
Authors: Loveland Jasmine L. , Uy Natalie , Maruska Karen P. , Carpenter Russ E. , Fernald Russell D. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) inhibits aggression and modulates aspects of sexual behaviour in many species, but the mechanisms responsible are not well understood. Here, we exploited the social dominance hierarchy of Astatotilapia burtoni to understand the role of the serotonergic system in long-term maintenance of social status. We identified three populations of 5-HT cells in dorsal and ventral periventricular pretectal nuclei (PPd, PPv), the nucleus of the paraventricular organ (PVO) and raphe. Dominant males had more 5-HT cells than subordinates in the raphe, but the size of these cells did not differ between social groups. Subordinates had higher serotonergic turnover in the raphe and preoptic area (POA), a nucleus essential for hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function. The relative abundance of mRNAs for 5-HT receptor (5-HTR) subtypes 1A and 2A (htr1a, htr2a) was higher in subordinates, a difference restricted to the telencephalon. Because social status is tightly linked to reproductive capacity we asked whether serotonin turnover and the expression of its receptors correlated with testes size and circulating levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). We found negative correlations between both raphe and POA serotonin turnover and testes size, as well as between htr1a mRNA levels and circulating 11-KT. Thus increased serotonin turnover in non-aggressive males is restricted to specific brain nuclei and is associated with increased expression of 5-HTR subtypes 1A and 2A exclusively in the telencephalon.
QUALITY BASED CREDIT RISK MITIGATION FOR BANK PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT: EMPIRIC STUDY IN AN INDONESIAN BANK
Authors: Avieni Nini 
Published: May 2014

There is an ongoing controversy over whether risk mitigation inherently enhances business performance. The aim of this paper is to settle the controversy, and provide insights roles of risk mitigation on corporate strategy. Author examined implication of Lean Six Sigma at credit risk mitigation system at one of Indonesia banks. Based on responses from 112 credit analysts and database of business units performance indicators, this research showed a relationship between the implication of Lean Six Sigma at credit risk mitigation system and unit bank's performance. Quality Based Credit Risk Mitigation which is credit risk mitigation using Lean Six Sigma system will enhance business units’ performance through improvement in credit quality and credit process efficiency.
Alcoholism and intimate partner violence
Authors: Mwaura James , Mawia Anne Mwikali , Chepchirchir Angeline 
Published: May 2014

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study that aimed to assess and document the prevalence of and relationship between alcoholism and gender based violence (GBV) in families in Kenya. The study lasted 24 months (March 2006 to March 2008). A total of 200 respondents (100 male subjects and their 100 female partners) were interviewed for the study. Out of the 100 men, 50 were experimental (confirmed alcoholics) and 50 were controls (non-alcoholics). Data collection methods comprised the use of the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 (CTS2) (Strauss et al, 1996) to characterize conjugal violence and battering. Review of patients’ files yielded both quantitative and qualitative data. Data analysis methods included use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that female partners of alcoholics suffered more intimate partner violence than their counterparts of nonalcoholics. The alcoholics subjected their female partners to more psychological aggression, physical assault, injury and sexual coercion than non-alcoholics. This study concluded that conjugal acts of violence and aggression are both directly and indirectly associated with alcoholism. Broadly, these acts of violence and aggression are gender based violence against women perpetrated by their partners. Although these acts of violence and aggression were found to be consequences of alcoholism in this study, alcoholism in the family could be the outcome of other underlying problems. This study therefore recommends that further research be conducted in this area to find out the family and societal factors that may lead to alcoholism.
Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practice in HIV-positive mothers
Authors: Shumba Teresiah , Gundani Helen Vupenyu 
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge levels of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and EBF practice among HIV-positive mothers, who had babies aged 0–6 months. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 81 study participants. A structured interview schedule was used to question participants on practice and knowledge. A Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix was used to explore the relationship between knowledge and practice. Results showed a positive significant relationship between knowledge levels of EBF and EBF practice (r=.313, P=<.01), which suggests that as knowledge levels increase, EBF practice increases. A change in EBF knowledge explained a 9.8% change in EBF practice. Knowledge plays a critical role in the practice of EBF. A total of 54 (66.7%) of the participants strongly agreed that babies should be given milk for the first 6 months to reduce HIV transmission. This result supports the World Health Organization's policy, which advocates for EBF in HIV-positive mothers living in resource-restricted settings such as Zimbabwe.
Factors influencing initiation of antenatal care in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatosin O. Abimbola , Aluko Joel O. , Onibokun Adenike 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Late antenatal care (ANC) registration and irregular attendance have been implicated as factors preventing women from receiving the full benefits of effective ANC. Therefore, this study seeks to elicit the factors that impact pregnant women's timing of registration for ANC in a mission hospital, in Ibadan, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional study of 160 women attending the booking clinic over a 4-week period. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, index pregnancy, previous pregnancy and past obstetrical history. Result: Only 14 women (9.4%) booked at first trimester while 93 (62.4%) and 42 (28.2%) booked at second and third trimesters respectively. For previous and current pregnancies, the husband's instruction was the leading influence for booking, at 71 (45.8%) and 89 (57.4%) respectively. Knowledge of ANC timing, experience of loss of child and miscarriage were significant predictors of gestational age at booking. Conclusion: This study suggests the need for education at a pre-conceptual stage of the benefits of early initiation of ANC for women.
Monitoring prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Botswana
Authors: Legwaila K , Motswere-Chirwa C , Matambo S , Kolobe T , Jimbo W , Keapoletswe K , Letsholathebe V , Lu L 
Published: May 2014

Background In Botswana, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme has succeeded in reducing rates of transmission of HIV from mother to child since the start of the national antiretroviral (ARV) programme in 2002. Methods Data on PMTCT interventions for women who delivered at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital (NRH), the second largest hospital in Botswana, from 2003 to 2012 were collected from maternity registers. Results Of 46 354 women, 33% were HIV-positive, 58% were HIV-negative, and 9% were not tested. The percentage of women with a known HIV status increased from 50% in 2003 to 97% in 2012. PMTCT uptake for women on any ARV increased from 61% in 2003 to 86% in 2012. Infants given azidothymidine (AZT) and nevirapine prophylaxis increased from 61% to 85%. Conclusions Review of maternity registers demonstrated improvement of multiple PMTCT interventions at NRH. This is a useful approach for monitoring programme quality and guiding strategic planning.
Establishing a national programme for continuing professional development of nurses and midwives in Swaziland
Authors: Msibi Glory S , Mkhonta Nkosazana Ruth , Nkwanyana Nkosinathi R , Mamba Bheki , Khumalo Gladys Thembisile 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Although required under the National Health Policy of the country, Swaziland lacked a comprehensive framework to support a CPD programme for the nursing and midwifery workforce. Aims and Methods Through consecutive grants from the African Health Professions Regulatory Collaborative, nursing and midwifery leaders in Swaziland were able to develop and implement a national programme for CPD. Methods included a comprehensive needs assessment, stakeholder sensitisation meetings to gain input and feedback on programme planning and development, and creation of a database for tracking compliance with CPD requirements. Discussion The project has succeeded in aligning nursing and midwifery practice requirements with national health policy through development and implementation of a national CPD programme in Swaziland. Budget constraints and limited time for project completion were challenges successfully mitigated by broad stakeholder engagement. Conclusions Through collaborative efforts, nursing leadership in Swaziland successfully pooled resources to develop a national CPD programme that best suits their workforce needs.
Returning to work: Exploring the experiences of women with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Parry Amy , Worrall-Carter Linda , Page Karen , Kuhn Lisa , DiGiacomo Michelle 
Published: May 2014

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the transition experiences of Australian women in resuming paid employment after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event. Background: Until recently cardiovascular research has focused predominantly on men but this is changing and research exploring women’s experiences of ACS has increased. Despite knowing that many women do not resume paid employment following an ACS event, little is known about the experience of those women who do, even though it is understood that returning to the previous level of employment after an ACS event is a positive outcome. Design: An exploratory qualitative approach underpinned by naturalistic inquiry was undertaken. Methods: A purposive sample of seven women who had experienced their first ACS event 12 months ago was selected. Each woman was interviewed using a semi–structured format and their interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the transcript set and conceptual mapping were employed to formulate key themes. Findings: All women (mean age 52.6 years) resumed paid employment at various stages during their recovery, but reported similar transition processes. Three key themes representing this process were identified: primary motivation; influence through guidance and support; and resuming paid employment. Conclusions: Study findings revealed that these women required substantial support from family, friends and employers, with ongoing guidance from health professionals to return to paid work. The timeframes for their return varied and some modified their roles within the workforce to enable them to return to paid work. However, formal cardiac rehabilitation did not appear to have a significant impact on these participants’ decisions to return to work. They felt that more information about this decision may have been helpful if given at the time of cardiac rehabilitation.
Communication skills training for nurses working with patients with heart disease
Authors: Wilkinson Susie , Linsell Louise , Perry Rachel , Blanchard Karen 
Published: May 2014

This pilot project evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a 3-day communication skills course for nurses working with patients with heart disease The outcomes were: the change in the nurses’ communication skills score from pre-course to 12 weeks post-course; the change in the nurses’ level of confidence in communicating with patients; the qualitative evaluation of the nurses views of the course for health professionals working with patients with heart disease. Ten self-selected British Heart Foundation nurses were recruited to the project. They completed a communication skills course, pre- and post-course questionnaires and a focus group evaluation. The communication skills score increased by 6.0 points (P<0.02). The confidence scores increased by 33.0 points (P<0.001). The focus group data confirmed that an experiential method of communication training is feasible and acceptable to health professionals working with patients with heart disease.
Stroke prevention in primary care: optimising management of AF through nurse specialist support
Authors: Fox-Wilson Gillian , Cruickshank Stephanie 
Published: May 2014

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance. It is associated with a five-fold increase in stroke. Warfarin is an effective anticoagulant for the prevention of stroke but is underused. This article describes a pilot which found that providing general practices with expert advice and education from an arrhythmia nurse increased the numbers of patients with atrial fibrillation being prescribed warfarin to reduce their risk of stroke. Closer links were forged between primary and secondary care and the pilot also demonstrated savings both financially and in terms of strokes prevented
Anticipatory grief work with children
Authors: Saunders Jayne 
Published: May 2014

This paper discusses the work undertaken with children who have a significant person in their family in the final stages of a life threatening illness. The paediatric nurse works alongside members of both the primary health care team and the educational team in helping the family to prepare the child through the various stages of illness and, ultimately, for the expected death of that person. The aims are to form a relationship of trust with the child in order that he/she feels that there is someone available to talk to and discuss fears and anxieties that they may not be able to share with their parents. It is hoped that the child will then be able to make choices about his/her involvement in the actual care of the parent, with the support of those around them.
The Changing use of nursing skills in general practice
Authors: Rink Elizabeth , Ross Fiona , Godfrey Emma , Roberts Geoff 
Published: May 2014

The focus of primary health care as a driving force for change in the NHS means that the most appropriate deployment of nursing skills in primary care is a challenge for general practitioners (GPs), managers and nurses themselves. In order to assess primary care nursing workload and attitudes to changes in nursing skillmix, an audit of nurse work was carried out at a fundholding practice in which management changes were being instigated. Use of each nurse’s time and related skills was assessed by generating an activity profile. Interviews were carried out with the 14 primary health care nurses and five GPs. Although the audit detected a 17 per cent increase in the number of patients seen over the year, little change in the use of nursing time was detected. The views of nurses and GPs indicate that this review may have had an enabling effect on the primary health care team, by nurturing a questioning and evaluative approach to the changing organisation of nursing roles and skills.
Preparing for future incapacity
Authors: Griffith Richard , Tengnah Cassam 
Published: May 2014

A recent inquest in South Wales heard of the tragic case of a husband who killed himself and his wife through carbon monoxide poisoning because he could not bear to see her continued suffering. His wife had spent two years in a persistent vegetative state and attempts to obtain a court order allowing the withholding of her artificial nutrition and hydration had been subject to lengthy delays. This article discusses how this case highlights the importance of making preparations for possible future incapacity by creating an advance decision refusing treatment and a health and welfare power of attorney under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. These provisions will ensure that the wishes of the patient are respected without the need to go to court and so avoid delay.
Massage: a helping hand for people with chronic oedema and lymphoedema
Authors: Pyke Cheryl 
Published: May 2014

Skin care is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of one’s skin and it has become modern practice to wash and dry ourselves on a daily basis to eliminate odour and rejuvenate the skin. What is becoming more apparent is that as health professionals we are not transferring this basic act to our patient’s care and this simple form of neglect can be detrimental to your patient’s recovery. Moreover, when washing with the soapy products that are available to us, and then drying ourselves rigorously, we remove our skin’s natural oils thus the skin appears drier and is more susceptible to damage. This is where the simple application of a moisturising agent will not only replace the lost oils, but it will in fact stimulate the initial lymphatics lying under your skin. The action of rubbing a cream or emollient into the skin is a form of massage, and this simple action will go a very long way towards the recovery of skin integrity and in the prevention of harm and infection. Make this part of your practice when looking after your patient’s wounds and swollen limbs.