bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of opioid processes in reward and decision‐making
Authors: Laurent Vincent , Morse Ashleigh K , Balleine Bernard W 
Published: June 2014

Contemporary theories emphasize the involvement of the endogenous opioid system in assigning hedonic values to rewards. Although earlier research supports this view, recent findings suggest that opioids play a larger and more complex role in reward processes than these theories suggest. For example, opioid activity in the basolateral amygdala is required for encoding incentive learning, a process by which the value of goal‐directed actions is updated. Outside the amygdala, opioid receptors in the ventral striatum have been found to promote choice between different courses of action. Specifically, μ opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens core and δ opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell have been reported to mediate distinct aspects of incentive motivation; the core regulating the effect of experienced reward and the shell of predicted reward on choice. In both cases, the involvement of opioid receptors was restricted to the time of choice, although changes in their expression pattern could be observed prior to that point. This time‐restricted involvement of opioid receptor‐related processes is consistent with the view that opioids in the nucleus accumbens are central components of the limbic‐motor interface, integrating reward‐related information with instrumental learning to guide decision‐making, particularly the selection and execution of goal‐directed actions.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
2‐(Hetero(aryl)methylene)hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamides as Potent Urease Inhibitors
Authors: Saeed Aamer , Imran Aqeel , Channar Pervaiz A. , Shahid Mohammad , Mahmood Wajahat , Iqbal Jamshed 
Published: June 2014

A small series of 2‐(hetero(aryl)methylene) hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamides including two aryl derivatives was synthesized and tested for their inhibitory activity against urease. Compound (E)‐2‐(Furan‐2‐ylmethylene) hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide (3f), having a furan ring, was the most potent inhibitor of urease with an IC50 value of 0.58 μm. Molecular modeling was carried out through docking the designed compounds into the urease binding site to predict whether these derivatives have analogous binding mode to the urease inhibitors. The study revealed that all of the tested compounds bind with both metal atoms at the active site of the enzyme. The aromatic ring of the compounds forms ionic interactions with the residues, Ala(440), Asp(494), Ala(636), and Met(637).
Effect of the sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin on plasma volume in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sha S. , Polidori D. , Heise T. , Natarajan J. , Farrell K. , Wang S.‐S. , Sica D. , Rothenberg P. , Plum‐Mörschel L. 
Published: June 2014

AimTo evaluate the effects of canagliflozin on plasma volume, urinary glucose excretion (UGE), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and additional measures of fluid/electrolyte balance in patients with type 2 diabetes on background therapy with metformin and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers.MethodsPatients (N = 36) were randomized (1 : 1) to receive canagliflozin 300 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. Pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed at baseline and at weeks 1 and 12.ResultsIncreased 24‐h UGE was seen in the canagliflozin group compared with a reduction in the placebo group at both week 1 (91.8 vs. −2.4 g) and week 12 (82.6 vs. −0.4 g). Canagliflozin also reduced both FPG and HbA1c. Reductions in body weight and blood pressure were observed at weeks 1 and 12. Canagliflozin decreased plasma volume compared with an increase with placebo at week 1 (−5.4 vs. 4.3%; p = 0.02), but this was largely attenuated at week 12 (4.6 vs. 5.8%; p = 0.76). A modest numerical increase in urine volume was observed with canagliflozin at week 1 that was attenuated at week 12; other measures of volume status (i.e. blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and haematocrit) remained modestly increased with canagliflozin at week 12.ConclusionCanagliflozin provided sustained effects on UGE and FPG over 12 weeks and a transient reduction in plasma volume that was largely attenuated by week 12.
The social determinants of health for people with type 1 diabetes that progress to end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Hill Kathleen E. , Gleadle Jonathan M. , Pulvirenti Mariastella , McNaughton Darlene A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveSelf‐management of type 1 diabetes over a lifetime is complex and challenging even in the best of circumstances, and the social environment can be a powerful determinant of health behaviours and outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify how social determinants of health can impact on the capacity of young people to manage their glycaemic control.MethodsThe findings emerged from a constructivist grounded theory approach through an in‐depth examination of life course events that were recounted through qualitative interviews. The rich descriptive detail obtained from this enquiry locates common experiences and the context in which concordance with therapies occurs and health behaviours develop.ResultsThis qualitative study of young people with type 1 diabetes who have developed end‐stage renal disease demonstrates that there are many factors beyond individual control that can contribute to health outcomes. The social determinants of childhood environment, education, socio‐economic status, gender and the culture of public health can contribute to disengagement from treatment regimens and the health‐care system and to the development of microvascular complications at a comparatively young age.ConclusionThese findings challenge the assumptions of health‐care practitioners about individual responsibility and highlight the importance of considering how social determinants can shape lives, behaviours and health.
Why patients may not exercise their choice when referred for hospital care. An exploratory study based on interviews with patients
Authors: Victoor Aafke , Delnoij Diana , Friele Roland , Rademakers Jany 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundVarious north‐western European health‐care systems encourage patients to make an active choice of health‐care provider. This study explores, qualitatively, patients' hospital selection processes and provides insight into the reasons why patients do or do not make active choices.MethodsSemi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with 142 patients in two departments of three Dutch hospitals. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed in accordance with the grounded theory approach.ResultsThree levels of choice activation were identified – passive, semi‐active and active. The majority of the patients, however, visited the default hospital without having used quality information or considered alternatives. Various factors relating to patient, provider and health‐care system characteristics were identified that influenced patients' level of choice activation. On the whole, the patients interviewed could be classified into five types with regard to how they chose, or ‘ended up at’ a hospital. These types varied from patients who did not have a choice to patients who made an active choice.ConclusionsA large variation exists in the way patients choose a hospital. However, most patients tend to visit the default without being concerned about choice. Generally, they do not see any reason to choose another hospital. In addition, barriers exist to making choices. The idea of a patient who actively makes a choice originates from neoclassical microeconomic theory. However, policy makers may try in vain to bring principles originating from this theory into health care. Even so, patients do value the opportunity of attending ‘their’ own hospital.
Pain, Coping, and Sleep in Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Graves Joyce Kelly , Jacob Eufemia 
Published: June 2014

PurposeThe study examined the relationships among pain, pain coping, and sleep, and assessed factors (age, gender, frequency, and intensity of pain) that affect pain, coping, and sleep in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).MethodsParticipants (66) were 39 children (M = 11.5 years) and 27 adolescents (M = 15.5 years) with SCD who completed an electronic visual analog scale (eVAS), Pain Coping Questionnaire, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index.ResultsAbout two‐thirds of the children reported pain the previous month. No significant differences were found between pain and age, gender, pain intensity, or frequency. Most children coped with pain by seeking information, problem solving, seeking social support, and positive self‐statements. There were significant negative correlations in males between worse pain severity and behavioral distraction and internalizing or catastrophizing. The majority (91.2%) had mild to severe sleep disturbances, with 18.2% requiring sleeping medication three or more times a week. There were no significant differences between sleep and age, gender, pain intensity, or frequency.ConclusionChildren with SCD experience pain that affects sleep patterns and the way they cope with pain. Nurses need to concurrently assess pain, coping, and sleep and promote sleep hygiene and positive coping strategies during pain episodes.
Elevated Serum Uric Acid is Associated With Angiotensinogen in Obese Patients With Untreated Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Junxia , Zhang Yuping , Deng Wuquan , Chen Bing 
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the correlation between elevated serum uric acid (SUA) and angiotensinogen in obesity patients with hypertension. A total of 162 obese and 162 nonobese men with hypertension were recruited in this study. Plasma angiotensinogen levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Fasting insulin (FINS) was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Compared with nonobese patients, obese patients exhibited higher levels of angiotensinogen, FINS, and homeostasis model assessment index‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (P<.001 for all). Moreover, these indexes significantly increased in obese patients in the highest tertile of SUA when compared with those in the lowest tertile of SUA (P<.001, P=.002, P=.007, respectively). In the obese group, SUA levels were significantly related to angiotensinogen, FINS, and HOMA‐IR, respectively. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that obesity × uric acid was an independent contributor to angiotensinogen (β=0.257, P<.001). In conclusion, elevated SUA is strongly related to angiotensinogen in an obesity‐dependent manner in hypertension.
Exploratory analysis of the relationship between home health agency engagement in a national campaign and reduction in acute care hospitalization in US home care patients
Authors: Esslinger E. Eve , Schade Charles P. , Sun Cynthia K. , Sun Ying Hua , Manna Jill , Hall Bethany Knowles , Wright Shanen , Hannah Karen L. , Lynch Janet R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTo determine whether US home health agencies that intensively engaged with the 2010 Home Health Quality Improvement National Campaign were more likely to reduce acute care hospitalization (ACH) rates than less engaged agencies.MethodWe included all Medicare‐certified agencies that accessed Campaign resources in the first month of the Campaign and also responded to an online survey of resource utilization at month two. We used the survey data and item response theory to estimate a latent construct we called engagement with the campaign. ACH rates were calculated from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Outcome and Assessment Information Set for pre‐ and post‐intervention periods (March–November 2009 and 2010, respectively).ResultsStaff from 1077 agencies accessed resources in the first month of the Campaign. Of these, 382 provided information about resource use and had 10 or more monthly discharges throughout the measurement periods. Dividing these agencies into quartiles based on engagement score, we found an association between engagement and reduction in ACH rates, P = 0.049 (χ2 for trend). Exploratory path analysis revealed the effect of engagement score on reduction in ACH rate to be partially mediated through reduction in average length of service rates.ConclusionWe found evidence that early intensity of engagement with the Campaign, as measured through use of activities and resources, was positively associated with improvement. To continue the investigation of this relationship, future work in this and other campaigns should focus on further development of engagement measures.
Phenotyping animal models of diabetic neuropathy: a consensus statement of the diabetic neuropathy study group of the EASD (Neurodiab)
Authors: Biessels G.J. , Bril V. , Calcutt N.A. , Cameron N.E. , Cotter M.A. , Dobrowsky R. , Feldman E.L. , Fernyhough P. , Jakobsen J. , Malik R.A. , Mizisin A.P. , Oates P.J. , Obrosova I.G. , Pop‐Busui R. , Russell J.W. , Sima A.A. , Stevens M.J. , Schmidt R.E. , Tesfaye S. , Veves A. , Vinik A.I. , Wright D.E. , Yagihashi S. , Yorek M.A. , Ziegler D. , Zochodne D.W. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractNIDDK, JDRF, and the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group of EASD sponsored a meeting to explore the current status of animal models of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The goal of the workshop was to develop a set of consensus criteria for the phenotyping of rodent models of diabetic neuropathy. The discussion was divided into five areas: (1) status of commonly used rodent models of diabetes, (2) nerve structure, (3) electrophysiological assessments of nerve function, (4) behavioral assessments of nerve function, and (5) the role of biomarkers in disease phenotyping. Participants discussed the current understanding of each area, gold standards (if applicable) for assessments of function, improvements of existing techniques, and utility of known and exploratory biomarkers. The research opportunities in each area were outlined, providing a possible roadmap for future studies. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the merits and limitations of a unified approach to phenotyping rodent models of diabetic neuropathy and a consensus formed on the definition of the minimum criteria required for establishing the presence of the disease. A neuropathy phenotype in rodents was defined as the presence of statistically different values between diabetic and control animals in 2 of 3 assessments (nocifensive behavior, nerve conduction velocities, or nerve structure). The participants propose that this framework would allow different research groups to compare and share data, with an emphasis on data targeted toward the therapeutic efficacy of drug interventions.
Organizational Attributes, Market Growth, and Product Innovation
Authors: Song Michael , Chen Yan 
Published: June 2014

Extensive research has shown that organizational attributes affect product innovation. Extending this literature, this article delimits two general categories of organizational attributes and relates them to product innovation. Organizational attributes can be either control oriented or flexibility oriented. Control‐oriented organizational attributes strive to realize organizational activities as intended, while flexibility‐oriented attributes allow organizational activities to emerge in a directed way. The classical institutional theory suggests that organizational attributes, no matter whether they are control oriented or flexibility oriented, serve two major functions: a constraining function and an enabling function. Recognizing the dual functions of organizational attributes, this article argues that both types of organizational attributes are indispensable for the functioning of innovative organizations and that the impacts of control‐oriented organizational attributes on product innovation decrease with market growth, while the impacts of flexibility‐oriented organizational attributes on product innovation increase with market growth.Empirical results largely support these hypotheses. Strategic planning, as a control‐oriented organizational attribute, is positively associated with product innovativeness, regardless of the market growth rate. The effectiveness of other organizational attributes, including formalization and organizational redundancy, varies with market conditions. As the rate of market growth increases, formalization becomes less effective for, but never becomes detrimental to, product innovativeness. Conversely, as the rate of market growth increases, organizational redundancy becomes more effective for product innovativeness. Overall, the results show that both control‐oriented and flexibility‐oriented elements are indispensable for the design of innovative organizations.
The Definition of “Context” and Its Application in the Field of Intellectual Disability
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Luckasson Ruth , Schalock Robert L. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis article presents an operational definition of “context” and discusses its components and assumptions with respect to the field of intellectual disability. The authors synthesized the literature upon which the definition is based and described how the definition can be used in the field of intellectual disability both to describe the personal and environmental factors that affect human functioning and to provide a framework for supports planning and policy development. The authors note that by defining context as an integrative concept, there will be greater clarity in theoretical models and research. Further, even as this definition recognizes that there is an array of specific personal or environmental characteristics that define context, the specific characteristics that influence human functioning will vary from individual to individual based on their unique values, personal goals, and personal desires. The authors note that by defining context as a concept that integrates the totality of circumstances comprising the milieu of human life and human functioning, the proposed definition and its assumptions enable a better understanding of how factors that affect human functioning might be used to enhance the functioning of people with intellectual disability, as well as provide a conceptual and measurement framework for the assessment of context.
Predictors of early introduction of complementary feeding: Longitudinal study
Authors: Tang Li , Lee Andy H , Binns Colin W 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundEarly introduction of complementary foods prior to 6 months of age may shorten breast‐feeding duration and expose the infant to increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study were to document the ages of complementary food introduction and to identify the determinants associated with early introduction of complementary feeding in Sichuan Province.MethodsA prospective study on infant feeding practices was conducted during 2010–2011 in Jiangyou, China. A total of 695 mothers were recruited and interviewed at discharge. The follow‐up interviews were carried out by telephone at 1, 3 and 6 months postpartum. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine factors related to early introduction of complementary feeding.ResultsThe median age at start of complementary feeding was 4.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–4.6 months). Mothers who perceived that most of their friends breast‐fed (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95%CI: 0.58–0.84) and those who returned to work when the infants were at least 6 months old were less likely to initiate complementary feeding early (adjusted HR, 0.73; 95%CI: 0.58–0.91), while infants who had been introduced to infant formula regularly before 6 months of age were at a higher risk of receiving complementary foods prematurely (adjusted HR, 1.81; 95%CI: 1.42–2.31).ConclusionsIntroducing complementary feeding before 6 months postpartum was widely practiced in Jiangyou. The appropriate age at which to introduce complementary foods and its benefits need to be emphasized in the future breast‐feeding education strategies in Sichuan.
Comparative Mechanistic Studies of Brilacidin, Daptomycin, and the Antimicrobial Peptide LL16
Authors: Mensa Bruk , Howell Gabriella L. , Scott Richard , DeGrado William F. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Brilacidin (PMX30063) has shown potent bactericidal activity against drug-resistant and -susceptible strains of multiple Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. In this study, we demonstrate that brilacidin causes membrane depolarization in the Gram-positive bacterium
Staphylococcus aureus
, to an extent comparable to that caused by the lipopeptidic drug daptomycin. Transcriptional profiling of
Staphylococcus aureus
by deep sequencing shows that the global response to brilacidin treatment is well correlated to those of treatment with daptomycin and the cationic antimicrobial peptide LL37 and mostly indicates abrogation of cell wall and membrane functions. Furthermore, the upregulation of various chaperones and proteases by brilacidin and daptomycin indicates that cytoplasmic protein misfolding stress may be a contributor to the mechanism of action of these drugs. These stress responses were orchestrated mainly by three two-component systems, GraSR, VraSR, and NsaSR, which have been implicated in virulence and drug resistance against other clinically available antibiotics.
Brucella abortus Depends on Pyruvate Phosphate Dikinase and Malic Enzyme but Not on Fbp and GlpX Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatases for Full Virulence in Laboratory Models
Authors: Zúñiga-Ripa Amaia , Barbier Thibault , Conde-Álvarez Raquel , Martínez-Gómez Estrella , Palacios-Chaves Leyre , Gil-Ramírez Yolanda , Grilló María Jesús , Letesson Jean-Jacques , Iriarte Maite , Moriyón Ignacio 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

The brucellae are the etiological agents of brucellosis, a worldwide-distributed zoonosis. These bacteria are facultative intracellular parasites and thus are able to adjust their metabolism to the extra- and intracellular environments encountered during an infectious cycle. However, this aspect of
Brucella
biology is imperfectly understood, and the nutrients available in the intracellular niche are unknown. Here, we investigated the central pathways of C metabolism used by
Brucella abortus
by deleting the putative fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (
fbp
and
glpX
), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (
pckA
), pyruvate phosphate dikinase (
ppdK
), and malic enzyme (
mae
) genes. In gluconeogenic but not in rich media, growth of Δ
ppdK
and Δ
mae
mutants was severely impaired and growth of the double Δ
fbp
-Δ
glpX
mutant was reduced. In macrophages, only the Δ
ppdK
and Δ
mae
mutants showed reduced multiplication, and studies with the Δ
ppdK
mutant confirmed that it reached the replicative niche. Similarly, only the Δ
ppdK
and Δ
mae
mutants were attenuated in mice, the former being cleared by week 10 and the latter persisting longer than 12 weeks. We also investigated the glyoxylate cycle. Although
aceA
(isocitrate lyase) promoter activity was enhanced in rich medium,
aceA
disruption had no effect
in vitro
or on multiplication in macrophages or mouse spleens. The results suggest that
B. abortus
grows intracellularly using a limited supply of 6-C (and 5-C) sugars that is compensated by glutamate and possibly other amino acids entering the Krebs cycle without a critical role of the glyoxylate shunt.