bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure injury risk assessment in intensive care: comparison of inter‐rater reliability of the COMHON (Conscious level, Mobility, Haemodynamics, Oxygenation, Nutrition) Index with three scales
Authors: Fulbrook Paul , Anderson Alissa 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo test the psychometric properties of the COMHON (Conscious level, Mobility, Haemodynamics, Oxygenation, Nutrition) Index.BackgroundPressure injury risk assessment is a crucial aspect in determining the relative risk of patients and the need for preventative intervention. In the intensive care setting there are few risk assessment scales that have been developed specifically for critically ill patients.DesignInstrument development.MethodsA convenience sample of 26 intensive care patients was used. Data were collected in December 2012. Five intensive care nurses scored each patient with all four scales. Intraclass correlation coefficients and standard errors of measurement were used to assess inter‐rater reliability and agreement of the sum, risk category and item scores. Convergent validity of the COMHON Index was investigated by examining correlations between the sum scores and similar constructs of the scales.ResultsInter‐rater reliability of the COMHON Index was higher than the other scales and strong correlations were found between it and the Braden and Norton scales but not the Waterlow score. Two items common to all scales (mobility; neurological status) demonstrated significant correlations between the COMHON, Braden and Norton scales but not the Waterlow score. One item (nutrition) was significantly correlated between the COMHON and Braden scales.ConclusionInter‐rater reliability and agreement of the COMHON Index were the highest of the four scales, with the Norton and Braden performing similarly and the Waterlow score the least well. The strong and significant associations between the Braden, COMHON and Norton scales suggest they are measuring similar constructs.
A trial examining an advanced practice nurse intervention to promote medication adherence and symptom management in adult cancer patients prescribed oral anti‐cancer agents: study protocol
Authors: Spoelstra Sandra L. , Burhenn Peggy S. , DeKoekkoek Tracy , Schueller Monica 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo report a study protocol that refines then examines feasibility, preliminary efficacy and satisfaction of ADHERE, an intervention using motivational interviewing and brief cognitive behaviorial therapy as a mechanism for goal‐oriented systematic patient education to promote symptom management and adherence among cancer patients prescribed oral anti‐cancer agents.BackgroundCancer treatment with oral anti‐cancer agents shifts responsibility for managing treatment from clinicians in supervised cancer centres to patients and their caregivers. Thus, a need exists to standardize start‐of‐care to support patient self‐management of care at home.DesignA two‐phase quasi‐experimental sequential design with repeated measures.MethodsSixty‐five adult patients newly prescribed an oral anti‐cancer agent will be recruited from three community cancer centres. Phase 1 will enrol five patients to refine the ADHERE intervention prior to testing. After completion, Phase 2 will enrol 30 patients who receive usual care. Advanced practice nurses will then be trained. Thirty patients will be then enrolled in the intervention group and provided ADHERE, a 4‐week intervention using semi‐structured interactions (initial face‐to‐face session and once a week phone sessions over 3 weeks) and a Toolkit to promote self‐management of care. Outcome measures include: oral anti‐cancer agents adherence rate, symptom presence and severity, feasibility and satisfaction with ADHERE. This protocol was approved January 2014.DiscussionThis nurse‐led intervention has the potential to standardize the start‐of‐care training for the patients to self‐manage when oral anti‐cancer agents for treatment were prescribed.
p97/VCP promotes Cullin‐RING‐ubiquitin‐ligase/proteasome‐dependent degradation of IκBα and the preceding liberation of RelA from ubiquitinated IκBα
Authors: Schweitzer Katrin , Pralow Alexander , Naumann Michael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCullin‐RING‐ubiquitin‐ligase (CRL)‐dependent ubiquitination of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) inhibitor IκBα and its subsequent degradation by the proteasome usually precede NF‐κB/RelA nuclear activity. Through removal of the CRL‐activating modification of their cullin subunit with the ubiquitin (Ub)‐like modifier NEDD8, the COP9 signalosome (CSN) opposes CRL Ub‐ligase activity. While RelA phosphorylation was observed to mediate NF‐κB activation independent of Ub‐proteasome‐pathway (UPP)‐dependent turnover of IκBα in some studies, a strict requirement of the p97/VCP ATPase for both, IκBα degradation and NF‐κB activation, was reported in others. In this study, we thus aimed to reconcile the mechanism for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐induced NF‐κB activation. We found that inducible phosphorylation of RelA is accomplished in an IKK‐complex‐dependent manner within the NF‐κB/RelA‐IκBα‐complex contemporaneous with the phosphorylation of IκBα, and that RelA phosphorylation is not sufficient to dissociate NF‐κB/RelA from IκBα. Subsequent to CRL‐dependent IκBα ubiquitination functional p97/VCP is essentially required for efficient liberation of (phosphorylated) RelA from IκBα, preceding p97/VCP‐promoted timely and efficient degradation of IκBα as well as simultaneous NF‐κB/RelA nuclear translocation. Collectively, our data add new facets to the knowledge about maintenance of IκBα and RelA expression, likely depending on p97/VCP‐supported scheduled basal NF‐κB activity, and the mechanism of TNF‐induced NF‐κB activation.
A Mixed‐Methods Study of Immigrant Somali Women's Health Literacy and Perinatal Experiences in Maine
Authors: Jacoby Susan D. , Lucarelli Monique , Musse Fowsia , Krishnamurthy Ashok , Salyers Vince 
Published: October 2015

IntroductionResearch on health care provided to clients with limited English proficiency in the United States has revealed poor satisfaction and increased use of the health care system. This mixed‐methods study explored health literacy and the perinatal experiences of Somali and Somali Bantu women living in Lewiston, Maine. The study also describes the development and validation of historietas (comic‐book style health education brochure) used to increase knowledge and awareness of why emergency cesareans may be required and the symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD).MethodsDuring phase 1, a focus group to discuss the perinatal experiences of Somali women (n = 4) was undertaken and 2 historietas were developed to create greater understanding of emergency cesareans and PPD. In phase 2, Somali and Somali Bantu women (n = 19) completed a health literacy questionnaire and a perinatal experiences questionnaire. A focus group was also conducted during phase 2 to determine the perinatal experiences of the participants. Phase 2 participants validated the historietas developed in phase 1. Responses from focus groups were triangulated with data from the perinatal experiences questionnaire completed during phase 2.ResultsOverall, none of the phase 2 participants demonstrated adequate health literacy. Problems with gudnin (Somali word for cutting) related to female genital mutilation/cutting and PPD yielded statistically significant results. Somali women expressed dissatisfaction with certain obstetric interventions, especially emergency cesareans. Phase 2 participants unanimously validated the usefulness of the historietas as a clinical teaching tool.DiscussionPoor health literacy due to language barriers may place Somali women living in the United States at risk for adverse outcomes during pregnancy and/or birth. Complications related to emergency cesareans and PPD were identified as significant problems for which Somali women require further knowledge. Historietas addressing knowledge gaps related to emergency cesareans and symptoms of PPD were validated by participants as useful teaching tools.
Tooth loss and associated factors in elders: results from a national survey in Uruguay
Authors: Laguzzi Patricia Nicola , Schuch Helena Silveira , Medina Lucy Derrégibus , de Amores Andrea Rodríguez , Demarco Flavio Fernando , Lorenzo Susana 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluated the prevalence and severity of tooth loss in Uruguayan elders, assessing its association with demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors; the use of health services; and self‐reported dental treatment need.MethodsA population‐based cross‐sectional study was done among Uruguayan individuals of ages 65‐74 years. Data were collected through questionnaires and clinical examinations. The dependent variable, tooth loss, was classified into three distinct outcomes: functional dentition (≥20 teeth), severe tooth loss (<9 teeth), and edentulism. The independent variables were: sex, socioeconomic status, use of health services, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, frequent consumption of alcohol, hygiene habits, and need for dental care.ResultsThe sample comprised 341 individuals, and the mean number of teeth present was 9.73 (95% confidence interval, 8.77‐10.69) for each individual. After multivariate analysis, lack of a functional dentition, severe tooth loss, and edentulism were found to be associated with lower socioeconomic level, frequent consumption of alcohol, and receiving treatment from the public health system (P < 0.05). Individuals with self‐reported dental treatment need had more severe tooth loss and presented a higher degree of edentulism (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThere is a high and severe prevalence of tooth loss in elderly Uruguayans, especially among those from lower socioeconomic levels. Our findings highlight the importance of public health policies to prevent and treat tooth loss.
Cognitive Function, Progression of Age‐related Behavioral Changes, Biomarkers, and Survival in Dogs More Than 8 Years Old
Authors: Schütt T. , Toft N. , Berendt M. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundCanine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is an age‐dependent neurodegenerative condition dominated by changes in behavioral patterns. Cohort studies investigating cognitive status in dogs are lacking.ObjectivesTo investigate cognitive function, progression of age‐related behavioral changes, survival, and possible biomarkers of CCD in aged dogs.AnimalsFifty‐one dogs >8 years old; 21 with no cognitive deficits, 17 with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) and 13 with CCD.MethodsLongitudinal study. Recruitment period of 12 months and an observational period of 24 months including a baseline and 3 planned subsequent assessments. Cognitive status was determined using validated questionnaires. Plasma Aβ‐peptides were quantified using commercial ELISA assays and cytokines by a validated immunoassay.ResultsSigns characterizing dogs with CCD were aimless wandering, staring into space, avoid getting patted, difficulty finding dropped food and anxiety. Thirty‐three percent of dogs with a normal cognitive status progressed to MCI and 22% classified as MCI progressed to CCD during the study period. For 6 dogs diagnosed with CCD, signs of cognitive dysfunction increased with time. A diagnosis of CCD did not affect survival. The level of plasma Aβ42 was significantly increased (P < .05) in the CCD group (92.8 ± 24.0 pg/mL) compared to the MCI (77.0 ± 12.3 pg/mL) and normal group (74.9 ± 10.0 pg/mL), but no significant differences in concentrations of systemic inflammatory markers were detected.ConclusionsCanine cognitive dysfunction is a progressive disorder with an individual variability in the rate of cognitive decline and clinical signs. Plasma Aβ42 seems to be an interesting plasma biomarker of CCD.
Toward a better understanding of variation in the amount of leaf area in vegetation
Authors: Cornwell William K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAn unsolved problem in vegetation ecology is characterizing the variation in leaf area index (LAI). A key limitation is the lack of high‐quality, geographically diverse, multi‐biome training data sets. Döbert et al., in this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, link a classic vegetation description method to LAI. This potentially adds a new tool to the ground and remote approaches.
Environmental adaptation in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) throughout their North American range
Authors: Hecht Benjamin C. , Matala Andrew P. , Hess Jon E. , Narum Shawn R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLandscape genomics is a rapidly growing field with recent advances in both genotyping efficiency and statistical analyses that provide insight towards local adaptation of populations under varying environmental and selective pressure. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are a broadly distributed Pacific salmon species, occupying a diversity of habitats throughout the northeastern Pacific with pronounced variation in environmental and climate features but little is understood regarding local adaptation in this species. We used a multivariate method, redundancy analysis (RDA), to identify polygenic correlations between 19 703SNPloci and a suite of environmental variables in 46 collections of Chinook salmon (1956 total individuals) distributed throughout much of its North American range. Models inRDAwere conducted on both rangewide and regional scales by hierarchical partitioning of the populations into three distinct genetic lineages. Our results indicate that between 5.8 and 21.8% of genomic variation can be accounted for by environmental features, and 566 putatively adaptive loci were identified as targets of environmental adaptation. The most influential drivers of adaptive divergence included precipitation in the driest quarter of the year (Rangewide and North Coastal Lineage,anovaP = 0.002 and 0.01, respectively), precipitation in the wettest quarter of the year (Interior Columbia River Stream‐Type Lineage,anovaP = 0.03), variation in mean diurnal range in temperature (South Coastal Lineage,anovaP = 0.005), and migration distance (Rangewide,anovaP = 0.001). Our results indicate that environmental features are strong drivers of adaptive genomic divergence in this species, and provide a foundation to investigate how Chinook salmon might respond to global environmental change.
In and out of refugia: historical patterns of diversity and demography in the North American Caesar's mushroom species complex
Authors: Sánchez‐Ramírez Santiago , Tulloss Rodham E. , Guzmán‐Dávalos Laura , Cifuentes‐Blanco Joaquín , Valenzuela Ricardo , Estrada‐Torres Arturo , Ruán‐Soto Felipe , Díaz‐Moreno Raúl , Hernández‐Rico Nallely , Torres‐Gómez Mariano , León Hugo , Moncalvo Jean‐Marc 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSome of the effects of past climate dynamics on plant and animal diversity make‐up have been relatively well studied, but to less extent in fungi. Pleistocene refugia are thought to harbour high biological diversity (i.e. phylogenetic lineages and genetic diversity), mainly as a product of increased reproductive isolation and allele conservation. In addition, high extinction rates and genetic erosion are expected in previously glaciated regions. Some of the consequences of past climate dynamics might involve changes in range and population size that can result in divergence and incipient or cryptic speciation. Many of these dynamic processes and patterns can be inferred through phylogenetic and coalescent methods. In this study, we first delimit species within a group of closely related edible ectomycorrhizal Amanita from North America (the American Caesar's mushrooms species complex) using multilocus coalescent‐based approaches; and then address questions related to effects of Pleistocene climate change on the diversity and genetics of the group. Our study includes extensive geographical sampling throughout the distribution range, and DNA sequences from three nuclear protein‐coding genes. Results reveal cryptic diversity and high speciation rates in refugia. Population sizes and expansions seem to be larger at midrange latitudes (Mexican highlands and SE USA). Range shifts are proportional to population size expansions, which were overall more common during the Pleistocene. This study documents responses to past climate change in fungi and also highlights the applicability of the multispecies coalescent in comparative phylogeographical analyses and diversity assessments that include ancestral species.
The impacts of larval density and protease inhibition on feeding in medicinal larvae of the greenbottle fly Lucilia sericata
Authors: WILSON M. R. , NIGAM Y. , JUNG W. , KNIGHT J. , PRITCHARD D. I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLarval therapy, the therapeutic use of blowfly larvae to treat chronic wounds, is primarily used in debridement. There are, however, gaps in current knowledge of the optimal clinical application of the therapy and mechanisms of action in the debridement process. Using an artificial assay, two studies were undertaken to investigate these aspects of larval debridement by Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae); the first studied the effects of the density of larvae on tissue digestion and larval mass, and the second considered the effects on the same parameters of incorporating protease inhibitors into the feeding substrate. The total mass of tissue digested increased with larval density until saturation was observed at 5.0–7.5 larvae/cm2. This range was considered optimal as lower doses resulted in the removal of less tissue and higher doses offered no additional tissue removal and appeared to exacerbate competition for feeding. In the second study, increased protease inhibitor concentration led to significant decreases in tissue digestion and larval mass, suggesting that serine proteases, particularly trypsin, may play major roles in larval digestion. Such information is important in elucidating the main constituents that make up larval digestive products and may be significant in the development of new therapies.
The voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.9 in visceral pain
Authors: Hockley J. R. F. , Winchester W. J. , Bulmer D. C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundVisceral pain is a common symptom for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disease. It is unpleasant, debilitating, and represents a large unmet medical need for effective clinical treatments. Recent studies have identified NaV1.9 as an important regulator of afferent sensitivity in visceral pain pathways to mechanical and inflammatory stimuli, suggesting that NaV1.9 could represent an important therapeutic target for the treatment of visceral pain. This potential has been highlighted by the identification of patients who have an insensitivity to pain or painful neuropathies associated with mutations in SCN11A, the gene encoding voltage‐gated sodium channel subtype 1.9 (NaV1.9).PurposeHere, we address the role of NaV1.9 in visceral pain and what known human NaV1.9 mutants can tell us about NaV1.9 function in gut physiology and pathophysiology.
A septic tank‐UASB combined system for domestic wastewater treatment: a pilot test
Authors: Lohani Sunil P. , Bakke Rune , Khanal Sanjay N. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA 250 L and a 550 L pilot scale Up‐Flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors having different reactor height were fed septic tank effluents and operated at ambient temperatures of 0°C to 30°C. Both UASB reactors were fed intermittently at least 8 times per Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) and the performance was monitored at 4d and 1d HRT. The removal efficiencies of Total Suspended Solid (TSS) and Total Chemical Oxygen Demand (CODt) were about 59–68% and 54–59%, respectively, for both reactors at both HRT. The TSS and CODt removal efficiencies of Septic tank – UASB combined system were above 80% for both HRTs tested. The average biogas yields were almost same at 4d and 1d HRT, representing 31(±3)% of influent CODt. The nitrogen and phosphorous removal efficiency was an average 20–30%. The tested system can become a suitable low cost yet effective option.
Association between low dietary zinc and hyperuricaemia in middle-aged and older males in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xie Dong-xing , Xiong Yi-lin , Zeng Chao , Wei Jie , Yang Tuo , Li Hui , Wang Yi-lun , Gao Shu-guang , Li Yu-sheng , Lei Guang-hua 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between dietary zinc intake and hyperuricaemia.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThis study was conducted in a health examination centre of China.ParticipantsA total of 5168 middle-aged and older participants (aged 40 years or above) (2697 men and 2471 women) were included.Outcome measuresDietary zinc intake was assessed using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Hyperuricaemia was defined as uric acid ≥416 µmol/L for males and ≥360 µmol/L for females.ResultsFor males, the prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 22.9%. After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and energy intake, the ORs were 0.68 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.92) in the second quintile, 0.63 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.89) in the third quintile, 0.68 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.00) in the fourth quintile and 0.55 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.87) in the fifth quintile comparing the lowest quintile of Zn intake, respectively (p for trend=0.03). In the multivariable adjusted model, the relative odds of hyperuricaemia were significantly decreased by 0.71 times in the second quintile of zinc intake (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98), 0.64 times in the third quintile (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.94) and 0.55 times in the fifth quintile (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.97) compared with those in the lowest quintile, and p for trend was 0.064. For females, the prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 10.0%, and unadjusted, minimally adjusted as well as multivariable adjusted ORs all suggested no significant association between dietary zinc intake and hyperuricaemia.ConclusionsThe findings of this cross-sectional study indicated that dietary zinc intake was inversely associated with hyperuricaemia in middle-aged and older males, but not in females. The association was significant after considering the influence of age, BMI and energy intake, and after that, minimum adjustment remained independent of further confounding factors such as vitamin C intake, alcohol drinking status and nutrient supplementation.