bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quinoa's Potential in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Lavini A. , Pulvento C. , d'Andria R. , Riccardi M. , Choukr‐Allah R. , Belhabib O. , Yazar A. , İncekaya Ç. , Metin Sezen S. , Qadir M. , Jacobsen S.‐E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe climate of Mediterranean region will become drier and hotter, with increased problems of soil salinity. A possible alternative to minimize the effects of climate change is to introduce species with better tolerance to salt and drought stresses. One of the options is quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), which was grown in field trials in several Mediterranean countries, to study the effects of drought and salinity on yield and other characters. Drought stress during the vegetative growth stage leads to deep root development, and without stress conditions for the rest of the growing season allowed the plant to be able to optimize its photosynthesis and carbon translocation. Stress during seed filling recorded the lowest yields. The influence of organic matter on yield was more important under deficit irrigation than under full irrigation. The interaction between relative water content and leaf water potential indicated that regulating cellular water deficit and volume is a powerful mechanism for conserving cellular hydration under drought. In all climatic conditions, drought and use of irrigation water with salinity up to 30 dS m−1 caused slightly reduced yield as compared to full irrigation with fresh water. Highest values of water conductivity resulted in higher seed weight, and as a consequence, an increase in fibre and total saponin content, and a small decrease in free phenolic compounds in quinoa seeds. The yield increase in quinoa accessions was less at the highest level of nitrogen application, that is, 200 mg kg−1 soil, compared with other levels of nitrogen application, that is, 50, 100 and 150 mg kg−1 soil.
Behavioural cancer risk factors in women diagnosed with primary breast cancer
Authors: Del Valle María Olivo , Martin‐Payo Rubén , Lana Alberto , Garcia Juan Bautista , Folgueras María Victoria , Lopez María Luisa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate behavioural risk factors and self‐efficacy among women diagnosed with breast cancer.BackgroundThe appearance of new tumours in breast cancer survivors is influenced by risk behaviours. Knowing their prevalence and women's perceived ability to adopt a healthy lifestyle would allow designing educational interventions aimed at modifying these behaviours.DesignAn observational cross‐sectional study of women diagnosed with breast cancer.MethodsThe study was carried out in Asturias (Spain). A total of 2407 breast cancer patients diagnosed between 1998–2008 were selected and 492 women agreed to participate. Self‐reported data on risk factors self‐efficacy were gathered through a telephone interview based on the European Code against Cancer conducted between February–June 2010.ResultsA total of 16·1% of women in this study were regular smokers, 5% drank alcohol excessively, 49% were overweight, 54% reported a lower level of physical activity than recommended and 7·5% did not use sun protection. The Total Cancer Behavioural Risk indicator was calculated by adding up the results of all modifiable risks contained in the European Code against Cancer, with an average score of 21·6 in a scale from 0–78 points (0 = null cancer risk, 78 = maximum cancer risk). Self‐efficacy levels were very high among our participants.ConclusionThe results suggest that there is a need to design programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle among women diagnosed with breast cancer. Nurses have an important role to play in planning and implementing these programmes, using the most efficient educational techniques.
Blood Pressure Variability and Morning Blood Pressure Surge in Elderly Chinese Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Qin Xiaobo , Zhang Qin , Yang Suping , Sun Zhongbo , Chen Xiaojie , Huang Huiling 
Published: April 2014

This retrospective study aimed to investigate blood pressure variability (BPV), morning systolic blood pressure surge (MBPS), and the associated factors in 513 elderly (65 years and older) and 188 younger (younger than 65 years) hypertensive Chinese patients who had ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) at our hospital from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2010. The MBPS was lower in the younger patients compared with the elderly patients, and it was highest in the 75 years and older and younger than 80 group (29.0±13.4 mm Hg). Compared with other groups, the 80 years and older group had a significant increase in BPV (P<.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI; P<.01), up to 50 years of smoking (P≤.03), and circadian blood pressure variation (P<.01) were factors associated with MPBS. In summary, systolic BPV and MBPS were increased in elderly Chinese hypertensive patients, and the MBPS was associated with BMI, years of smoking, and circadian blood pressure variation.
The quality of internal medicine hospital care during summer holiday season
Authors: Sipilä Jussi , Kauko Tommi , Kytö Ville , Stormi Teija , Rautava Päivi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe July/August Phenomenon is a period when the quality of care in hospitals is thought to decrease due to summer vacation stand‐ins and new staff. The results of studies on the veracity of this claim have been conflicting. This study investigates the situation in internal medicine.MethodsRegistry data of patients treated in internal medicine wards between 1 July 2000 and 30 November 2009 were obtained and analysed.ResultsThere were no differences in mortality during the July admissions compared with those in November when adjusting for age, diagnosis, gender and year [for the overall data risk ratio (RR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.23, P = 0.06; for the university hospitals RR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.91–1.33, P = 0.34; for the non‐university hospitals RR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.97–1.26, P = 0.13]. The duration of admission (overall mean 4.5, standard deviation 6.0) was equal between July and November when adjusted for age, diagnosis, gender and year in all groups (overall data: RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.02, P = 0.83; university hospitals RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.99–1.04, P = 0.13; non‐university hospitals RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.98–1.01, P = 0.67).ConclusionsThe quality of care in Finnish internal medicine wards in July seems to equal November. Our results do not support the existence of a July Phenomenon in Finland.
Financial consequences of the implementation of a rapid response system on a surgical ward
Authors: Simmes Friede , Schoonhoven Lisette , Mintjes Joke , Adang Eddy , van der Hoeven Johannes G. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesRapid response systems (RRSs) are recommended by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and implemented worldwide. Our study on the effects of an RRS showed a non‐significant decrease in cardiac arrest and/or unexpected death from 0.5% to 0.25%. Unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions increased significantly from 2.5% to 4.2% without a decrease in APACHE II scores. In this study, we estimated the mean costs of an RRS per patient day and tested the hypothesis that admitting less severely ill patients to the ICU reduces costs.MethodsA cost analysis of an RRS on a surgical ward, including costs for implementation, a 1‐day training programme for nurses, nursing time for extra vital signs observation, medical emergency team (MET) consults and differences in unplanned ICU days before and after RRS implementation. To test the hypothesis, we performed a scenario analysis with a mean APACHE II score of 14 points instead of the empirical 17.6 points for the unplanned ICU admissions, including 33% extra MET consults and 22% extra unplanned ICU admissions.ResultsMean RRS costs were €26.87 per patient‐day: implementation €0.33 (1%), training €0.90 (3%), nursing time spent on extended observation of vital signs €2.20 (8%), MET consults €0.57 (2%) and increased number of unplanned ICU days after RRS implementation €22.87 (85%). In the scenario analysis mean costs per patient‐day were €10.18.ConclusionsThe costs for extra unplanned ICU days were relatively high but the remaining RRS costs were relatively low. The ‘APACHE II 14’ scenario confirmed the hypothesis that costs for the number of unplanned ICU days can be reduced if less severely ill patients are referred to the ICU. Based upon these findings, our hospital stimulates earlier referral to the ICU, although further implementation strategies are needed to achieve these aims.
Intensive care unit readmission prevention checklist: is it worth the effort?
Authors: Smischney Nathan J. , Cawcutt Kelly A. , O'Horo John C. , Sevilla Berrios Ronaldo A. , Whalen Francis X. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesChecklists have been adopted by various institutions to improve patient outcomes. In particular, readmission prevention checklists may be of potential value to improve patient care and reduce medical costs. As a result, a prior quality improvement study was conducted to create an intensive care unit readmission prevention checklist. The previous pilot demonstrated zero readmissions when the readmission prevention checklist was utilized but yielded low compliance (30%). Thus, a subsequent quality initiative was undertaken to refine the readmission prevention checklist with the primary aim of improved compliance while maintaining a reduced readmission rate that was observed with the original quality improvement study.MethodA single‐centre, cross‐sectional study for assessing baseline data and a prospective observational study to assess the effectiveness of a refined readmission prevention checklist tool in a 20‐bed tertiary medical‐surgical intensive care unit at an academic medical centre in Rochester, MN was conducted. Medical patients admitted through the emergency department, upon direct transfer from outside facility, and post‐operative surgical patients at our institution were included. A refined readmission prevention checklist tool was administered during an 8‐week pilot period for medical and post‐operative surgical patients.ResultsThe refined readmission prevention checklist resulted in an even lower compliance (10.5%) from the initial phase likely resulting from utilization of a paper readmission prevention checklist in an electronic medical environment. Moreover, the refined readmission prevention checklist demonstrated a 22% unplanned readmission rate for patients in which the tool was utilized.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the findings of the current quality improvement study may serve to rethink the process of health care delivery that applies paper tools in an electronic medical environment.
Medication administration accuracy: using clinical observation and review of patient records to assess safety and guide performance improvement
Authors: Gunningberg Lena , Pöder Ulrika , Donaldson Nancy , Leo Swenne Christine 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesMedication‐related errors are common and can occur at every step of the medication process. The aim was to explore (1) the extent to which nurses perform fundamental safe practices related to medication administration (MA); (2) the frequency and characteristics of MA errors; and (3) the clinical significance of medication types (classes) subject to error.MethodsA descriptive, exploratory cross sectional design with point in time sampling was used combining direct observations, conducted by naïve observers, and medical record review. A convenience sample of three adult surgical units was drawn from a 1000‐bed university hospital. Seventy‐two patient–nurse MA encounters were observed including 306 MA doses based on a minimum sample of 100 doses per unit. The Medication Administration Accuracy Assessment developed by the Collaborative Alliance for Nursing Outcomes in the United States was used.ResultsObserved adherence to MA safe practices varied between units. Identity control (9%), explaining medication to patient (11%) and medication labelled throughout the process (25%) were found to be safe practices with greatest deviation. 18% of doses involved a MA error (n = 54). Wrong time (9%) was the most common MA error, typically involving analgesics.ConclusionsGiven recent reports suggesting MA safe practices are strongly associated with MA errors, it is timely to strengthen RN awareness of the critical role of safe practices in MA safety. In nursing education, clinical examination using the six safe practices studied herein may enhance medication administration accuracy.
Sclerostin in Institutionalized Elderly Women: Associations with Quantitative Bone Ultrasound, Bone Turnover, Fractures, and Mortality
Authors: Amrein Karin , Dobnig Harald , Wagner Doris , Piswanger‐Sölkner Claudia , Pieber Thomas R. , Pilz Stefan , Tomaschitz Andreas , Dimai Hans Peter , Fahrleitner‐Pammer Astrid 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between levels of circulating sclerostin (an emerging biomarker and important regulator of bone formation) and laboratory parameters of bone and mineral metabolism, bone mineral density and quality measured using quantitative ultrasound (QUS), fracture risk, and mortality.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingAustrian nursing homes (N = 95).ParticipantsFemale nursing home residents aged 70 and older (mean 84 ± 6; N = 539).MeasurementsSerum sclerostin, bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density and quality were measured at baseline. Participants were followed for clinical fractures and all‐cause mortality.ResultsPartial correlation analysis adjusted for age, weight, and renal function revealed a significant positive correlation between sclerostin levels and calcaneal stiffness and radial and phalangeal speed of sound (all P < .01) and a significant negative correlation between sclerostin levels and osteocalcin, serum C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and parathyroid hormone (PTH; P < .05). After a mean follow‐up of 27 ± 8 months, 139 participants (26%) had died and 64 had a hip or other nonvertebral fracture (12%). Sclerostin was not predictive of mortality. In women with a negative fracture history, it was significantly but not linearly associated with fracture risk.ConclusionIn institutionalized elderly women, there is a significant relationship between serum sclerostin levels and QUS indices, bone turnover, and PTH, but sclerostin was not strongly associated with important clinical outcomes. Thus, it remains unclear whether sclerostin is a clinically useful predictor of fractures or mortality, at least in this setting.
Association Between Hearing Impairment and Self‐Reported Difficulty in Physical Functioning
Authors: Chen David S. , Genther Dane J. , Betz Joshua , Lin Frank R. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo determine whether hearing impairment, defined by using objective audiometry, is associated with multiple categories of self‐reported physical functioning in a cross‐sectional, nationally representative sample of older adults.DesignMultivariate secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data.SettingThe 2005–06 and 2009–10 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ParticipantsAdults aged 70 and older who completed audiometric testing (N = 1,669).MeasurementsHearing was measured using pure‐tone audiometry. Physical functioning was assessed using a structured interview.ResultsIn a model adjusted for age and demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, greater hearing impairment (per 25 dB hearing level (HL)) was associated with greater odds of physical disability in activities of daily living (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–1.9), instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2–2.2), leisure and social activities (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.0), lower extremity mobility (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.7), general physical activities (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.6), work limitation (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0–1.9), walking limitation (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3–2.0), and limitation due to memory or confusion (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8). Hearing impairment was not associated with limitations in amount or type of work done (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0–1.6).ConclusionHearing impairment in older adults is independently associated with greater disability and limitations in multiple self‐reported categories of physical functioning.
Electronic Health Record Adoption among Obstetrician/Gynecologists in the United States: Physician Practices and Satisfaction
Authors: Raglan Greta B. , Margolis Benyamin , Paulus Ronald A. , Schulkin Jay 
Published: April 2014

Abstract:
Implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has historically been lower among obstetrician‐gynecologists (ob‐gyns) than many physician groups. This study described ob‐gyns’ adoption and use of EHR systems in practice, as well as barriers and benefits to implementation. Surveys asking about the physicians’ use of EHR, satisfaction with systems, and what features they found most or least helpful were mailed to 1,200 ob‐gyns. An overall response rate of 57.4% was achieved, with 559 returning completed surveys. Over three‐quarters of responders reported that they used an EHR system or planned to implement one. Physicians without EHR tended to be older, were more likely to be male, have a solo practice, and describe themselves as Asian/Pacific Islander. Over 63% of those physicians who use EHR reported being satisfied with their system, while 30.8% were not satisfied. Ob‐gyns who reported satisfaction had a younger mean age (M = 52.98, SD = 8.87) than those not satisfied (M = 56.30, SD = 8.59; p = .002). Use of EHR systems among ob‐gyns has increased in recent years and overall satisfaction with these systems is high. In spite of this, barriers to implementation are still present and increased outreach to certain groups of ob‐gyns, including older practitioners and those in solo practices, is needed.
Clumsiness in fine motor tasks: evidence from the quantitative drawing evaluation of children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Vimercati S. L. , Galli M. , Stella G. , Caiazzo G. , Ancillao A. , Albertini G. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionDrawing tests are commonly used for the clinical evaluation of cognitive capabilities in children with learning disabilities. We analysed quantitatively the drawings of children with Down Syndrome (DS) and of healthy, mental age‐matched controls to characterise the features of fine motor skills in DS during a drawing task, with particular attention to clumsiness, a well‐known feature of DS gross movements.MethodsTwenty‐three children with DS and 13 controls hand‐copied the figures of a circle, a cross and a square on a sheet. An optoelectronic system allowed the acquisition of the three‐dimensional track of the drawing. The participants' posture and upper limb movements were analysed as well.ResultsResults showed that the participants with DS tended to draw faster but with less accuracy than controls.DiscussionWhile clumsiness in gross movements manifests mainly as slow, less efficient movements, it manifests as high velocity and inaccurate movements in fine motor tasks such as drawing.
Impaired development of fetal serotonergic neurons in intrauterine growth restricted baboons
Authors: Ye Wenrui , Xie Lynn , Li Cun , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Thompson Brent J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundFamine and poor maternal nutrition have been associated with an increased risk for offspring developing psychiatric disorders later in life. Interestingly, impaired serotonergic signaling has been implicated in the etiology of multiple psychiatric conditions.MethodsWe studied development of the fetal serotonergic central nervous system in a baboon, non‐human primate model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Results and ConclusionsFetal (90% of full‐term) IUGR brains were comparable in size to controls, but have reduced expression of serotonergic proteins and mRNAs, as well as having fewer serotonergic neurons.
SHIV susceptibility changes during the menstrual cycle of pigtail macaques
Authors: Kersh Ellen N. , Henning Tara , Vishwanathan Sundaram A. , Morris Monica , Butler Katherine , Adams Debra R. , Guenthner Patricia , Srinivasan Priya , Smith James , Radzio Jessica , Garcia‐Lerma J. Gerardo , Dobard Charles , Heneine Walid , McNicholl Janet 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundHormonal changes during menstrual cycling may affect susceptibility to HIV.MethodsWe determined the simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) acquisition time point in 43 cycling pigtail macaques infected by repeated vaginal virus exposures initiated randomly in the cycle.ResultsSHIV infection was first detected in the follicular phase in 38 macaques (88%), and in the luteal phase in five macaques (12%), indicating a statistically significant timing difference. Assuming a 7‐day eclipse phase, most infections occurred during or following a high‐progesterone period associated with menstruation, vaginal epithelium thinning, and suppressed mucosal immunity.ConclusionsThis raises questions whether other high‐progesterone conditions (pregnancy, hormonal contraception) similarly affect HIV risk.
Heat shock protein 70 induction by valproic acid delays photoreceptor cell death by N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea in mice
Authors: Koriyama Yoshiki , Sugitani Kayo , Ogai Kazuhiro , Kato Satoru 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRetinal degenerative diseases (RDs) are a group of inherited diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells. Selective photoreceptor loss can be induced in mice by an intraperitoneal injection of N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU) and, because of its selectivity, this model is widely used to study the mechanism of RDs. Although it is known that calcium‐calpain activation and lipid peroxidation are involved in the initiation of cell death, the precise mechanisms of this process remain unknown. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has been shown to function as a chaperone molecule to protect cells against environmental and physiological stresses. In this study, we investigated the role of HSP70 on photoreceptor cell death in mice. HSP70 induction by valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, attenuated the photoreceptor cell death by MNU through inhibition of apoptotic caspase signals. Furthermore, HSP70 itself was rapidly and calpain‐dependently cleaved after MNU treatment. Therefore, HSP70 induction by valproic acid was dually effective against MNU‐induced photoreceptor cell loss as a result of its anti‐apoptotic actions and its ability to prevent HSP70 degradation. These findings might help lead us to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of RDs.
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Retinal degenerative diseases are characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells. We proposed the following cascade for N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU)‐induced photoreceptor cell death: MNU gives rise to cleavage of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70); HSP70 induction by valproic acid (VPA) is dually effective against MNU‐induced photoreceptor cell loss because of its anti‐apoptotic actions and its ability to prevent HSP70 degradation. We hope that the present study heralds a new era in developing therapeutic tools against retinal degenerative diseases.