bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring carer perceptions of training in out‐of‐hospital use of buccal midazolam for emergency management of seizures (2008–2012)
Authors: Connolly Anne M , Beavis Erin , Mugica‐Cox Beatrice , Bye Ann ME , Lawson John A 
Published: January 2015

AimThis study aims to explore carer perceptions of training in out‐of‐hospital use of buccal midazolam for emergency management of seizures.MethodsA random sample of 100 families (from n = 198) who underwent training at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick campus (2008–2012) were invited to participate in a telephone questionnaire.ResultsSixty‐three carers participated. Thirty‐three children were female, median age at training was 4 years and seizure onset 2.75 years. Seizures were generalised in 26 children and focal in 37. Common reasons for prescription included history of prolonged seizures (38%), recent diagnosis of epilepsy (33%) and overseas travel (11%). Ninety‐eight per cent of carers reported that training instructions were clear, and 94% reported the risks of using benzodiazepines were satisfactorily explained. Ninety per cent felt confident to administer the drug following training and 62% completed first aid training as recommended. Suggestions for improvement included follow‐up/review and additional demonstration/practice. Twenty‐one carers (33%) reported giving buccal midazolam a median five times, 67% reported it was effective in terminating the seizure and 71% called an ambulance as instructed. Problems reported in administration included excessive secretions and difficulties drawing up the solution. One child experienced breathing difficulties requiring oxygen by the paramedics. Four children were admitted to children's intensive care unit with status epilepticus requiring intubation.ConclusionsTraining for out‐of‐hospital use of buccal midazolam was considered valuable by carers. Only a third of the sample subsequently used midazolam. Half of these carers reported problems in administration and one reported respiratory difficulty. These results highlight the importance of drug safety and efficacious training programmes.
Does rapport‐building boost the eyewitness eyeclosure effect in closed questioning?
Authors: Nash Robert A. , Nash Alena , Morris Aimee , Smith Siobhan L. 
Published: January 2015

PurposeSeveral studies have documented that people's ability to correctly report details of witnessed events is enhanced when they merely close their eyes. Yet closing one's eyes in front of a stranger could sometimes create social discomfort, which other studies suggest can impair memory reports. This paper reports two experiments exploring the extent to which the memory benefits of eyeclosure are enhanced when efforts are taken to build interviewer/witness rapport, thus potentially reducing discomfort.MethodsIn both studies participants observed filmed events and, afterwards, half underwent a basic rapport‐building exercise with an interviewer. All participants then answered closed questions about specific details of the event, and half were instructed to close their eyes throughout this questioning. We recorded the proportion of questions answered correctly, incorrectly, or with ‘don't know’ responses.ResultsBoth eyeclosure and rapport‐building separately enhanced correct responding. The data offer no evidence, though, that rapport‐building moderated this eyeclosure benefit. This is despite the fact that rapport‐building did appear to moderate the effect of eyeclosure on participants' self‐reported comfort during the interviews.ConclusionsThese studies give us initial cause for doubt over a hypothesized – but heretofore untested – social psychological constraint on the benefits of eyeclosure.
Novel mechanisms of controlling the activities of the transcription factors Spo0A and ComA by the plasmid‐encoded quorum sensing regulators Rap60‐Phr60 in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Boguslawski Kristina M. , Hill Patrick A. , Griffith Kevin L. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBacillus subtilis and its closest relatives have multiple rap‐phr quorum sensing gene pairs that coordinate a variety of physiological processes with population density. Extra‐chromosomal rap‐phr genes are also present on mobile genetic elements, yet relatively little is known about their function. In this work, we demonstrate that Rap60‐Phr60 from plasmid pTA1060 coordinates a variety of biological processes with population density including sporulation, cannibalism, biofilm formation and genetic competence. Similar to other Rap proteins that control sporulation, Rap60 modulates phosphorylation of the transcription factor Spo0A by acting as a phosphatase of Spo0F∼P, an intermediate of the sporulation phosphorelay system. Additionally, Rap60 plays a noncanonical role in regulating the autophosphorylation of the sporulation‐specific kinase KinA, a novel activity for Rap proteins. In contrast, Rap proteins that modulate genetic competence interfere with DNA binding by the transcription factor ComA. Rap60 regulates the activity of ComA in a unique manner by forming a Rap60–ComA–DNA ternary complex that inhibits transcription of target genes. Taken together, this work provides new insight into two novel mechanisms of regulating Spo0A and ComA by Rap60 and expands our general understanding of how plasmid‐encoded quorum sensing pairs regulate important biological processes.
Simple self‐report FRAIL scale might be more closely associated with dialysis complications than other frailty screening instruments in rural chronic dialysis patients
Authors: Chao Chia‐Ter , Hsu Yuan‐Hsin , Chang Pei‐Yu , He Yu‐Ting , Ueng Ruey‐Shiuan , Lai Chun‐Fu , Chiang Chih‐Kang , Huang Jenq‐Wen , Huang Sheng‐Jen 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimDespite the perceived importance of frailty, few studies focus on its impact on rural patients undergoing chronic dialysis. Comparison of different self‐report questionnaires in assessing frailty among these patients has not been attempted before.MethodsA prospectively enrolled chronic dialysis cohort from a rural centre was recruited for analysis. Six types of self‐report questionnaires were administered to these patients. Clinical and dialysis‐related laboratory parameters were collected. Correlation analyses between questionnaire results and dialysis complications were performed, and variables demonstrating significant correlations were entered into multivariate regression models to determine their independent associations.ResultsSix types of questionnaire (Strawbridge questionnaire, Edmonton Frail Scale, simple FRAIL scale, Groningen Frail Indicator, G8 questionnaire, and Tilburg Frail Indicator) were provided to rural patients undergoing chronic dialysis. Scores from each questionnaire showed significant association with each other, except the G8 questionnaire. Scores from the simple FRAIL scale correlated significantly with age (P = 0.02), female gender (P = 0.03), higher Liu's comorbidity index (P = 0.02), lower serum albumin (P = 0.03) and creatinine levels (P < 0.01), and higher ferritin levels (P = 0.02). The other five questionnaires did not show consistently significant relationships with important dialysis‐related complications. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified an independently negative association between serum albumin and the simple FRAIL scale results (P = 0.01).ConclusionThis is the first study establishing the utility of different self‐report questionnaires for assessing frailty in chronic dialysis patients. The simple FRAIL scale scores might demonstrate a closer relationship with dialysis‐related complications.
Mathematical modelling of the diurnal regulation of the MEP pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pokhilko Alexandra , Bou‐Torrent Jordi , Pulido Pablo , Rodríguez‐Concepción Manuel , Ebenhöh Oliver 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Isoprenoid molecules are essential elements of plant metabolism. Many important plant isoprenoids, such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, tocopherols, prenylated quinones and hormones are synthesised in chloroplasts via the 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway. Here we develop a mathematical model of diurnal regulation of the MEP pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We used both experimental and theoretical approaches to integrate mechanisms potentially involved in the diurnal control of the pathway.

Our data show that flux through the MEP pathway is accelerated in light due to the photosynthesis‐dependent supply of metabolic substrates of the pathway and the transcriptional regulation of key biosynthetic genes by the circadian clock. We also demonstrate that feedback regulation of both the activity and the abundance of the first enzyme of the MEP pathway (1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate synthase, DXS) by pathway products stabilizes the flux against changes in substrate supply and adjusts the flux according to product demand under normal growth conditions.

These data illustrate the central relevance of photosynthesis, the circadian clock and feedback control of DXS for the diurnal regulation of the MEP pathway.
Olfactory responses of Drosophila suzukii females to host plant volatiles
Authors: Revadi Santosh , Vitagliano Silvia , Rossi Stacconi Marco V. , Ramasamy Sukanya , Mansourian Suzan , Carlin Silvia , Vrhovsek Urska , Becher Paul G. , Mazzoni Valerio , Rota‐Stabelli Omar , Angeli Sergio , Dekker Teun , Anfora Gianfranco 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDrosophila suzukii Matsumura, an endemic pest in southeast Asia, has invaded Europe and the U.S.A. Unlike most of its closely related sibling species, the serrated ovipositor of D. suzukii permits ovipositing in undamaged fresh fruits. In the present study, volatiles are identified from host plants that are potentially involved in D. suzukii host recognition and oviposition behaviour. It is shown that mated females are attracted to volatiles emitted from intact fruits. The antennally‐active suite of compounds released from the fresh fruits is identified by gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection, as well as gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. In olfactometer bioassays, mated females are significantly attracted to an electroantennographically active volatile, isoamyl acetate, when tested at 10 µg of synthetic compound in a rubber septa, which has a release rate comparable to that of fresh fruits. In addition, a genomic survey shows that D. suzukii not only possesses the full repertoire of genes encoding odorant receptors activated by isoamyl acetate in D. melanogaster, but also that one of the genes, OR67a, is represented by five duplicated copies. These results indicate that D. suzukii uses olfactory cues to select oviposition sites. The identification of volatiles emitted by host fruits that attract D. suzukii may aid in the development of a selective and efficient synthetic lure for monitoring this pest. As a close relative of Drosophila melanogaster, D. suzukii provides a unique opportunity for understanding the physiological mechanisms involved in the shift of this species from use of rotten to ripe fruits for oviposition.
Effect of vehicle on the performance of active moisturizing substances
Authors: Polaskova J. , Pavlackova J. , Egner P. 
Published: January 2015

PurposeThe work is aimed at the description and study of the hydration effect of different active substances (hyaluronic acid, sericin, glycerol, and urea) incorporated in two different vehicles commonly used for compounding pharmaceutical ingredients, gel, and emulsion.MethodsThe effects of the formulations were investigated by instrumental methods in vivo after their administration to the skin of volar forearms in a group of 20 healthy volunteers (women, mean age of 28 years). Hydration effect was observed by corneometry and barrier properties (TEWL) by tewametr at regular time intervals (1–26 h) after application of the prepared samples.ResultsThe results indicate that the active substances incorporated in the emulsion moisturize the skin better compared to the same substances contained in the gel. Furthermore, it was found that these ingredients, whether they are present in the emulsion or in the gel, prevent TEWL in a similar manner.ConclusionThe study showed that differences exist among the tested active ingredients in their ability to moisturize the skin. These differences are dependent not only on the type and concentration of the active substance used but also on the type of vehicle in which they are applied. It was also found that the active substances influence the viscosity of the prepared formulations.
Identification of layers in optical coherence tomography of skin: comparative analysis of experimental and Monte Carlo simulated images
Authors: Shlivko I. L. , Kirillin M. Yu. , Donchenko E. V. , Ellinsky D. O. , Garanina O. E. , Neznakhina M. S. , Agrba P. D. , Kamensky V. A. 
Published: January 2015

Background/purposeThe goal of the study is comparative analysis of the layers inOCTimages and the morphological structure of skin with thick and thin epidermis.MethodsWe analyzed the difference between skin with thin and thick epidermis in two ways. The first approach consisted in determination of the thicknesses of layers of skin with thin and thick epidermis of different localizations from experimentalOCTimages. The second approach was to develop numerical models fitting experimentalOCTimages based on Monte Carlo simulations revealing structure and optical parameters of layers of skin with thick and thin epidermis.ResultsThe correspondence between theOCTimages of skin with thin and thick epidermis and the morphological structure was confirmed.OCTimages of healthy skin comprise three layers in case of skin with thin epidermis and four layers in skin with thick epidermis. TheOCTimage of the zone of the transition from skin with thick to skin with thin epidermis features five layers.ConclusionThe revealed differences in the structure of horny and cellular layers of epidermis, as well as of papillary and reticular dermis in skin with thin and thick epidermis specify different optical properties of these layers inOCTimages.
Investigation of the cortical activation by touching fabric actively using fingers
Authors: Wang Q. , Yu W. , He N. , Chen K. 
Published: January 2015

Background/purposeHuman subjects can tactually estimate the perception of touching fabric. Although many psychophysical and neurophysiological experiments have elucidated the peripheral neural mechanisms that underlie fabric hand estimation, the associated cortical mechanisms are not well understood.MethodsTo identify the brain regions responsible for the tactile stimulation of fabric against human skin, we used the technology of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to observe brain activation when the subjects touched silk fabric actively using fingers.ResultsConsistent with previous research about brain cognition on sensory stimulation, large activation in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI), the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) and moto cortex, and little activation in the posterior insula cortex and Broca's Area were observed when the subjects touched silk fabric.ConclusionThe technology of fMRI is a promising tool to observe and characterize the brain cognition on the tactile stimulation of fabric quantitatively. The intensity and extent of activation in the brain regions, especially the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII), can represent the perception of stimulation of fabric quantitatively.
Detection of equine herpesvirus in horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis and comparison of three sampling techniques
Authors: Hollingsworth Steven R. , Pusterla Nicola , Kass Philip H. , Good Kathryn L. , Brault Stephanie A. , Maggs David J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the role of equine herpesvirus (EHV) in idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis in horses and to determine whether sample collection method affects detection ofEHV DNAby quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).Animals studiedTwelve horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis and six horses without signs of ophthalmic disease.ProceduresConjunctival swabs, corneal scrapings, and conjunctival biopsies were collected from 18 horses: 12 clinical cases with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis and six euthanized controls. In horses with both eyes involved, the samples were taken from the eye judged to be more severely affected. Samples were tested with qPCRforEHV‐1,EHV‐2,EHV‐4, andEHV‐5DNA. Quantity ofEHV DNAand viral replicative activity were compared between the two populations and among the different sampling techniques; relative sensitivities of the sampling techniques were determined.ResultsPrevalence ofEHV DNAas assessed by qPCRdid not differ significantly between control horses and those with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis. Sampling by conjunctival swab was more likely to yield viralDNAas assessed by qPCRthan was conjunctival biopsy. EHV‐1 andEHV‐4DNAwere not detected in either normal orIKC‐affected horses;EHV‐2DNAwas detected in two of 12 affected horses but not in normal horses.EHV‐5DNAwas commonly found in ophthalmically normal horses and horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis.ConclusionsBecauseEHV‐5DNAwas commonly found in control horses and in horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis, qPCRwas not useful for the etiological diagnosis of equine keratoconjunctivitis. Conjunctival swabs were significantly better at obtaining viralDNAsamples than conjunctival biopsy in horses in whichEHV‐5DNAwas found.
Empowering Nurses With Evidence‐Based Practice Environments: Surveying Magnet®, Pathway to Excellence®, and Non‐Magnet Facilities in One Healthcare System
Authors: Wilson Marian , Sleutel Martha , Newcomb Patricia , Behan Deborah , Walsh Judith , Wells Jo Nell , Baldwin Kathleen M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundNurses have an essential role in implementing evidence‐based practices (EBP) that contribute to high‐quality outcomes. It remains unknown how healthcare facilities can increase nurse engagement in EBP.PurposeTo determine whether individual or organizational qualities could be identified that were related to registered nurses’ (RNs’) readiness for EBP as measured by their reported EBP barriers, ability, desire, and frequency of behaviors.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional survey was used in which a convenience sample of 2,441 nurses within one United States healthcare system completed a modified version of the Information Literacy for Evidence‐Based Nursing questionnaire. Descriptive statistics,ttests, one‐way ANOVA, and regression modeling were used to analyze the data.ResultsRNs employed by facilities designated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as Magnet® or Pathway to Excellence® reported significantly fewer barriers to EBP than those RNs employed by non designated facilities. RNs in Magnet organizations had higher desire for EBP than Pathway to Excellence or non designated facilities. RNs educated at the baccalaureate level or higher reported significantly fewer barriers to EBP than nurses with less education; they also had higher EBP ability, desire, and frequency of behaviors. A predictive model found higher EBP readiness scores among RNs who participated in research, had specialty certifications, and engaged in a clinical career development program.Linking Evidence to ActionEducation, research, and certification standards promoted by the Magnet program may provide a nursing workforce that is better prepared for EBP. Organizations should continue structural supports that increase professional development and research opportunities so nurses are empowered to practice at their full capacity.
Automated planning of breast radiotherapy using cone beam CT imaging
Authors: Amit Guy , Purdie Thomas G. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:Develop and clinically validate a methodology for using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging in an automated treatment planning framework for breast IMRT.Methods:A technique for intensity correction of CBCT images was developed and evaluated. The technique is based on histogram matching of CBCT image sets, using information from “similar” planning CT image sets from a database of paired CBCT and CT image sets (n = 38). Automated treatment plans were generated for a testing subset (n = 15) on the planning CT and the corrected CBCT. The plans generated on the corrected CBCT were compared to the CT‐based plans in terms of beam parameters, dosimetric indices, and dose distributions.Results:The corrected CBCT images showed considerable similarity to their corresponding planning CTs (average mutual information 1.0±0.1, average sum of absolute differences 185 ± 38). The automated CBCT‐based plans were clinically acceptable, as well as equivalent to the CT‐based plans with average gantry angle difference of 0.99°±1.1°, target volume overlap index (Dice) of 0.89±0.04 although with slightly higher maximum target doses (4482±90 vs 4560±84, P < 0.05). Gamma index analysis (3%, 3 mm) showed that the CBCT‐based plans had the same dose distribution as plans calculated with the same beams on the registered planning CTs (average gamma index 0.12±0.04, gamma <1 in 99.4%±0.3%).Conclusions:The proposed method demonstrates the potential for a clinically feasible and efficient online adaptive breast IMRT planning method based on CBCT imaging, integrating automation.
Effects of Active Versus Passive Recovery in Sprint Cross-Country Skiing
Authors: Losnegard Thomas , Andersen Martin , Spencer Matt , Hallén Jostein 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:To investigate the effects of an active and a passive recovery protocol on physiological responses and performance between 2 heats in sprint cross-country skiing.Methods:Ten elite male skiers (22 ± 3 y, 184 ± 4 cm, 79 ± 7 kg) undertook 2 experimental test sessions that both consisted of 2 heats with 25 min between start of the first and second heats. The heats were conducted as an 800-m time trial (6°, >3.5 m/s, ~205 s) and included measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2) and accumulated oxygen deficit. The active recovery trial involved 2 min standing/walking, 16 min jogging (58% ± 5% of VO2peak), and 3 min standing/walking. The passive recovery trial involved 15 min sitting, 3 min walk/jog (~ 30% of VO2peak), and 3 min standing/walking. Blood lactate concentration and heart rate were monitored throughout the recovery periods.Results:The increased 800-m time between heat 1 and heat 2 was trivial after active recovery (effect size [ES] = 0.1, P = .64) and small after passive recovery (ES = 0.4, P = .14). The 1.2% ± 2.1% (mean ± 90% CL) difference between protocols was not significant (ES = 0.3, P = .3). In heat 2, peak and average VO2 was increased after the active recovery protocol.Conclusions:Neither passive recovery nor running at ~58% of VO2peak between 2 heats changed performance significantly.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Quorum-Sensing and Biofilm-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain Pae221, Belonging to the Epidemic High-Risk Clone Sequence Type 274
Authors: Ocampo-Sosa Alain A. , Fernández-Martínez Marta , Cabot Gabriel , Peña Carmen , Tubau Fé , Oliver Antonio , Martínez-Martínez Luis 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pae221 is a clinical isolate from blood culture. Pae221 was found to be a strong quorum-sensing and biofilm-producing strain and also demonstrates a notable production of phenazines. This strain belongs to sequence type 274 (ST274), an epidemic high-risk clone. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. aeruginosa
Pae221.
Genome Sequence of the Heteropolysaccharide-Producing Strain Lactobacillus mucosae DPC 6426
Authors: Ryan Paul M. , Guinane Caitriona M. , London Lis E. E. , Kelleher Philip R. , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , Caplice Noel M. , Ross R. Paul , Stanton Catherine 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Exopolysaccharide-synthesizing
Lactobacillus mucosae
DPC 6426 is a heterofermentative strain, which has demonstrated cholesterol-lowering properties in an animal model of lipid-driven atherosclerosis. The genome revealed a plethora of homologues linked to carbohydrate metabolism and mucin binding.