bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thiolated silicone oils as adhesive skin protectants for improved barrier function
Authors: Partenhauser A. , Zupančič O. , Rohrer J. , Bonengel S. , Bernkop‐Schnürch A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was the evaluation of thiolated silicone oil as novel skin protectant exhibiting prolonged residence time, enhanced barrier function and reinforced occlusivity.MethodsTwo silicone conjugates were synthesized with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and thioglycolic acid (TGA) as thiol ligands. Adhesion, protection against artificial urine and water vapour permeability with both a Payne cup set‐up and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements on porcine skin were assessed.ResultsSilicone thiomers showed pronounced substantivity on skin with 22.1 ± 6.3% and 39.2 ± 6.7% remaining silicone after 8 h for silicone‐TGA and silicone‐MPA, respectively, whereas unmodified silicone oil and dimethicone were no longer detectable. In particular, silicone‐MPA provided a protective shield against artificial urine penetration with less than 25% leakage within 6 h. An up to 2.5‐fold improved water vapour impermeability for silicone‐MPA in comparison with unmodified control was discovered with the Payne cup model. In addition, for silicone‐MPA a reduced TEWL by two‐thirds corresponding to non‐thiolated control was determined for up to 8 h.ConclusionThiolation of silicone oil leads to enhanced skin adhesiveness and barrier function, which is a major advantage compared to commonly used silicones and might thus be a promising treatment modality for various topical applications.
Urinary tract infection‐like symptom is associated with worse bladder cancer outcomes in the Medicare population: Implications for sex disparities
Authors: Richards Kyle A , Ham Sandra , Cohn Joshua A , Steinberg Gary D 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the time to bladder cancer diagnosis from initial infection‐like symptoms and its impact on cancer outcomes.MethodsUsing Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare, we designed a retrospective cohort study identifying beneficiaries aged ≥66 years diagnosed with bladder cancer from 2007 to 2009. Patients were required to have a hematuria or urinary tract infection claim within 1 year of bladder cancer diagnosis (n = 21 216), and have 2 years of prior Medicare data (n = 18 956) without any precedent hematuria, bladder cancer or urinary tract infection claims (n = 12 195). The number of days to bladder cancer diagnosis was measured, as well as the impact of sex and presenting symptom on time to diagnosis, pathology, and oncological outcomes.ResultsThe mean time to bladder cancer diagnosis was 72.2 days in women versus 58.9 days in men (P < 0.001). A logistic regression model identified the greatest predictors of ≥pT2 pathology were both women (odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.70–2.55) and men (odds ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.49–1.97) presenting with urinary tract infection. Cox proportional hazards analysis identified an increased risk of mortality from bladder cancer and all causes in women presenting with urinary tract infection (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.71, and hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.28–1.69) compared with women with hematuria.ConclusionsWomen have a longer interval from urinary tract infection to diagnosis of bladder cancer. Urinary tract infection presentation can adversely affect time to diagnosis, pathology and survival. Time to diagnosis seems not to be an independent predictor of bladder cancer outcomes.
Corticosteroids as co‐analgesics with opioids for cancer pain: a survey of Australian and New Zealand palliative care clinicians
Authors: Eastman P. , Le B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCorticosteroids are commonly used as co‐analgesics with opioids for cancer pain; however limited quality data exist supporting their efficacy for this purpose. Further, little is known about individual prescribing practices. The current study surveyed members of the Australian New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine about their use of corticosteroids as adjuvant analgesics in cancer pain. It confirmed high rates of utilisation and found variability in starting doses and associated decision‐making. Further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids as co‐analgesics in cancer pain management.
Deming, Data and Observational Studies
Authors: Young S. Stanley , Karr Alan 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
“Any claim coming from an observational study is most likely to be wrong.” Startling, but true. Coffee causes pancreatic cancer. Type A personality causes heart attacks. Trans-fat is a killer. Women who eat breakfast cereal give birth to more boys. All these claims come from observational studies; yet when the studies are carefully examined, the claimed links appear to be incorrect. What is going wrong? Some have suggested that the scientific method is failing, that nature itself is playing tricks on us. But it is our way of studying nature that is broken and that urgently needs mending, say S. Stanley Young and Alan Karr; and they propose a strategy to fix it.
Hypoglycemia and glycemic variability are associated with mortality in non‐intensive care unit hospitalized infectious disease patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Takeishi Soichi , Mori Akihiro , Hachiya Hiroki , Yumura Takayuki , Ito Shun , Shibuya Takashi , Hayashi Shintaro , Fushimi Nobutoshi , Ohashi Noritsugu , Kawai Hiromi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe aimed to identify factors – glycemic control, reactive inflammatory biomarkers or vital signs – associated with mortality in diabetic patients admitted to hospital for various infections (non‐intensive care unit).Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the cases of 620 diabetic patients admitted to hospital for various infections (non‐intensive care unit) who underwent glucose monitoring >3 times per day. We extracted data regarding reactive inflammatory biomarkers and vital signs recorded on day 1 of hospital stay, and data on bacteremia and hypoglycemia status, glycemic variability (GV; coefficient of variation and standard deviation) and mean glucose concentrations during the entire hospital stay. Univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the association between these factors and mortality.ResultsThe mortality rate was 10.1%. Reactive inflammatory biomarkers, vital signs and bacteremia were not associated with mortality. According to the results of the adjusted analysis, hypoglycemia showed a significant positive association with mortality, increasing death risk by 266% (odds ratio [OR] 2.66, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.22–5.83; P = 0.0006). High coefficient of variation and standard deviation values were significantly associated with increased mortality, increasing death risk by 18% (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–1.38; P = 0.03) and 9% (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.18; P = 0.03), respectively. Mean glucose concentrations were also significantly associated with mortality, increasing death risk by 5% (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08; P = 0.0008).ConclusionsGlycemic indices (especially hypoglycemia and GV), rather than reactive inflammatory biomarkers or vital signs, were associated with mortality in non‐intensive care unit diabetes mellitus patients with infections.
Elevated circulating level of a cytokine, pancreatic‐derived factor, is associated with metabolic syndrome components in a Chinese population
Authors: Cao Xiaopei , Yang Chijiao , Lai Fenghua , Hong Zhenzhen , Lin Huimei , Liu Juan , Li Yanbing 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionPancreatic‐derived factor (PANDER) is an important factor involved in obesity, glucose intolerance and abnormal lipid metabolism in animals. Nevertheless, the relationship between PANDER and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans has not yet been reported.Materials and MethodsTo determinate the relationship between PANDER and MetS components, 212 individuals aged between 40 and 65 years were recruited. Fasting plasma PANDER and other variables were measured. Correlations of plasma PANDER and other variables were carried out. Plasma PANDER level was compared in participants with no metabolic components and those with any metabolic components, as well as in normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus participants.ResultsIn all the participants, there were 65 participants in the no metabolic components group and 147 participants in the any metabolic components group. Plasma PANDER level was increased with the number of MetS components (P < 0.05) and correlated with metabolic score (r = 0. 529, P < 0.001). In addition, plasma PANDER significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.187, P = 0.046), 2‐h plasma glucose (r = 0.195, P = 0.035), homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (r = −0.191, P = 0.039), triglyceride (r = 0.305, P = 0.001) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.333, P < 0.001). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, circulating PANDER was associated with an increased risk ratio of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.15–4.42, P = 0.018) after adjustment of the other possible confounders.ConclusionsCirculating level of PANDER in relation to the accumulation in MetS suggested that persons with elevated levels of PANDER were associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Bioactive Compounds, Physical and Sensory Properties of Cake Made with Walnut Press‐Cake
Authors: Bakkalbasi Emre , Meral Raciye , Dogan Ismail S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWalnut press‐cake, a rich source of phenolics, is a by‐product of walnut oil processing. In this study, the effects of walnut press‐cake on cake quality, health‐enhancing substances and antioxidant activity were determined. Wheat flour was replaced with walnut press‐cake at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels. Results show that specific volume, firmness, resilience, cohesiveness, chewiness, crust a, b and crumb L, b values reduced with increasing walnut press‐cake levels. However, polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of cakes increased. Antioxidant capacity measured by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) assays of cakes prepared with 20% walnut press‐cake were 10.04‐ and 5.56‐fold, respectively, greater than that of the cake without walnut press‐cake. Cakes added with 15% walnut press‐cake to wheat flour had the highest scores in all sensory parameters. Walnut press‐cake can be successfully incorporated into cake formulation to improve sensory properties and antioxidant activity of the cake.Practical ApplicationsInterest in walnut oil has increased during the past years due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Although walnut oil has been used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, there is no information about the use of walnut press‐cake. Walnut press‐cake is a rich source of bioactive compounds, and it is a new by‐product with potential use in the baking industry as a supplement. The results of this study provide guidance for the use of walnut press‐cake in the manufacture of cakes with higher sensory and nutritional quality.
Overcoming uncertainty and barriers to adoption of Blue‐Green Infrastructure for urban flood risk management
Authors: Thorne C.R. , Lawson E.C. , Ozawa C. , Hamlin S.L. , Smith L.A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBlue‐Green Infrastructure (BGI) and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are increasingly recognised as vital components of urban flood risk management. However, uncertainty regarding their hydrologic performance and lack of confidence concerning their public acceptability create concerns and challenges that limit their widespread adoption. This paper investigates barriers to implementation of BGI in Portland, Oregon, using the Relevant Dominant Uncertainty (RDU) approach. Two types of RDU are identified: scientific RDUs related to physical processes that affect infrastructure performance and service provision, and socio‐political RDUs that reflect a lack of confidence in socio‐political structures and public preferences for BGI. We find that socio‐political RDUs currently exert the strongest negative influences on BGI decision making in Portland. We conclude that identification and management of both biophysical and socio‐political uncertainties are essential to broadening the implementation of BGI and sustainable urban flood risk management solutions that are practical, scientifically sound, and supported by local stakeholders.
Important factors determining the nanoscale tracking precision of dynamic microtubule ends
Authors: BOHNER G. , GUSTAFSSON N. , CADE N.I. , MAURER S.P. , GRIFFIN L.D. , SURREY T. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryTracking dynamic microtubule ends in fluorescence microscopy movies provides insight into the statistical properties of microtubule dynamics and is vital for further analysis that requires knowledge of the trajectories of the microtubule ends. Here we analyse the performance of a previously developed automated microtubule end tracking routine; this has been optimized for comparatively low signal‐to‐noise image sequences that are characteristic of microscopy movies of dynamic microtubules growing in vitro. Sequences of simulated microtubule images were generated assuming a variety of different experimental conditions. The simulated movies were then tracked and the tracking errors were characterized. We found that the growth characteristics of the microtubules within realistic ranges had a negligible effect on the tracking precision. The fluorophore labelling density, the pixel size of the images, and the exposure times were found to be important parameters limiting the tracking precision which could be explained using concepts of single molecule localization microscopy. The signal‐to‐noise ratio was found to be a good single predictor of the tracking precision: typical experimental signal‐to‐noise ratios lead to tracking precisions in the range of tens of nanometres, making the tracking program described here a useful tool for dynamic microtubule end tracking with close to molecular precision.
SAD‐B kinase regulates pre‐synaptic vesicular dynamics at hippocampal Schaffer collateral synapses and affects contextual fear memory
Authors: Watabe Ayako M. , Nagase Masashi , Hagiwara Akari , Hida Yamato , Tsuji Megumi , Ochiai Toshitaka , Kato Fusao , Ohtsuka Toshihisa 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSynapses of amphids defective (SAD)‐A/B kinases control various steps in neuronal development and differentiation, such as axon specifications and maturation in central and peripheral nervous systems. At mature pre‐synaptic terminals, SAD‐B is associated with synaptic vesicles and the active zone cytomatrix; however, how SAD‐B regulates neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in vivo remains unclear. Thus, we used SAD‐B knockout (KO) mice to study the function of this pre‐synaptic kinase in the brain. We found that the paired‐pulse ratio was significantly enhanced at Shaffer collateral synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region in SAD‐B KO mice compared with wild‐type littermates. We also found that the frequency of the miniature excitatory post‐synaptic current was decreased in SAD‐B KO mice. Moreover, synaptic depression following prolonged low‐frequency synaptic stimulation was significantly enhanced in SAD‐B KO mice. These results suggest that SAD‐B kinase regulates vesicular release probability at pre‐synaptic terminals and is involved in vesicular trafficking and/or regulation of the readily releasable pool size. Finally, we found that hippocampus‐dependent contextual fear learning was significantly impaired in SAD‐B KO mice. These observations suggest that SAD‐B kinase plays pivotal roles in controlling vesicular release properties and regulating hippocampal function in the mature brain.
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Synapses of amphids defective (SAD)‐A/B kinases control various steps in neuronal development and differentiation, but their roles in mature brains were only partially known. Here, we demonstrated, at mature pre‐synaptic terminals, that SAD‐B regulates vesicular release probability and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, hippocampus‐dependent contextual fear learning was significantly impaired in SAD‐B KO mice, suggesting that SAD‐B kinase plays pivotal roles in controlling vesicular release properties and regulating hippocampal function in the mature brain.
Reduction in Aβ‐induced cell death in the hippocampus of 17β‐estradiol‐treated female rats is associated with an increase in IGF‐I signaling and somatostatinergic tone
Authors: Perianes‐Cachero Aránzazu , Canelles Sandra , Aguado‐Llera David , Frago Laura M. , Toledo‐Lobo María Val , Carrera Iván , Cacabelos Ramón , Chowen Julie A , Argente Jesús , Arilla‐Ferreiro Eduardo , Barrios Vicente 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSeveral studies indicate that 17β‐estradiol (E2) protects against amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ)‐induced cell death and activates factors associated with learning and memory, a function involving the hippocampal somatostatinergic system. As alterations in somatostatin have been demonstrated in Alzheimer′s disease, we examined whether E2 prevents changes in the hippocampal somatostatinergic system induced by Aβ25‐35 and cell death, as well as the possible involvement of leptin and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I signaling. We also measured the levels of Aβ proteases neprilysin and insulin‐degrading‐enzyme. Co‐administration of E2 with Aβ25‐35 reduced both its levels and cell death, in addition to preventing the Aβ‐induced depletion of some somatostatinergic parameters. Activation of leptin and IGF‐I pathways increased after E2 co‐administration, and this correlated with changes in the somatostatinergic system. Changes in some components of this system were inversely related with Aβ levels and cell death. Moreover, neprilysin levels were increased only in Aβ plus E2‐treated rats and E2 prevented the Aβ‐induced insulin‐degrading‐enzyme reduction. Our results suggest that the E2‐induced reduction in cell death is related to lower Aβ levels, probably because of IGF‐I and somatostatin modulation of Aβ proteases.
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We asked how 17β‐estradiol (E2) protects against β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐induced cell death. E2 co‐administration prevents Aβ‐produced depletion of hippocampal somatostatin (SRIF) by an IGF‐I‐mediated mechanism, being related this protective effect with an increase in Aβ proteases. Our results suggest that the E2‐induced reduction in cell death is related to lower Aβ levels, probably because of SRIF modulation of Aβ proteases. CREB, cAMP response element‐binding protein; IGF‐I, insulin‐like growth factor‐I; STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3.
Vinorelbine and epirubicin share common features with polysialic acid and modulate neuronal and glial functions
Authors: Loers Gabriele , Saini Vedangana , Mishra Bibhudatta , Gul Sheraz , Chaudhury Sidhartha , Wallqvist Anders , Kaur Gurcharan , Schachner Melitta 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPolysialic acid (PSA), a large, linear glycan composed of 8 to over 100 α2,8‐linked sialic acid residues, modulates development of the nervous system by enhancing cell migration, axon pathfinding, and synaptic targeting and by regulating differentiation of progenitor cells. PSA also functions in developing and adult immune systems and is a signature of many cancers. In this study we identified vinorelbine, a semi‐synthetic third generation vinca alkaloid, and epirubicin, an anthracycline and 4′‐epimer of doxorubicin, as PSA mimetics. Similar to PSA, vinorelbine and epirubicin bind to the PSA‐specific monoclonal antibody 735 and compete with the bacterial analog of PSA, colominic acid in binding to monoclonal antibody 735. Vinorelbine and epirubicin stimulate neurite outgrowth of cerebellar neurons via the neural cell adhesion molecule, via myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate, and via fibroblast growth factor receptor, signaling through Erk pathways. Furthermore, the two compounds enhance process formation of Schwann cells and migration of cerebellar neurons in culture, and reduce migration of astrocytes after injury. These novel results show that the structure and function of PSA can be mimicked by the small organic compounds vinorelbine and epirubicin, thus raising the possibility to re‐target drugs used in treatment of cancers to nervous system repair.
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Vinorelbine and epirubicin, identified as PSA mimetics, enhance, like PSA, neuronal migration, neuritogenesis, and formation of Schwann cell processes, and reduce astrocytic migration. Ablating NCAM, inhibiting fibroblast growth factor (FGFR) receptor, or adding the effector domain of myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) minimize the vinorelbine and epirubicin effects, indicating that they are true PSA mimetics triggering PSA‐mediated functions.
Cultural Competence Among Italian Nurses: A Multicentric Survey
Authors: Cicolini Giancarlo , Della Pelle Carlo , Comparcini Dania , Tomietto Marco , Cerratti Francesca , Schim Stephanie M. , Di Giovanni Pamela , Simonetti Valentina 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo assess Italian nurses’ cultural competence, as they are increasingly called upon to care for people of foreign origins.DesignA cross‐sectional, multicentric study.MethodsFrom September 2013 to May 2014, a survey was carried out among Italian nurses. Cultural competence was assessed by the Cultural Competence Assessment tool, translated and adapted to the Italian context.FindingsNurses who completed the survey numbered 1,432; 70.6% were female; 42.6% ranged in age from 41 to 50 years; and 50.0% were bachelor's prepared. More than 50% had participated in some kind of cultural diversity training. Overall, cultural competence was moderate, showing a moderately high level of cultural awareness and sensitivity (mean = 5.41; SD = 0.66) and a moderate level of culturally competent behaviors (mean = 4.33; SD = 1.10).ConclusionsAlthough Italian nurses’ cultural competence was acceptable, given the growing diversity of the patient population, nurses should be better prepared to face the changing health requests.Clinical RelevanceProviding culturally competent care has been associated with improved provider–client communication, higher satisfaction with care, and health status improvement, as full comprehension of health status, adherence to medications and lifestyle recommendations, and appropriate utilization of the health system. Healthcare providers need to be adequately trained to provide culturally competent care. This research provides, for the first time, a report on Italian nurses’ levels of cultural competence, and strengthens the current literature underlining the need for continuous education to enhance cultural competence among nurses.
Expressive Shareholder Democracy: A Multilevel Study of Shareholder Dissent in 15 Western European Countries
Authors: Sauerwald Steve , Van Oosterhout J. (Hans) , Van Essen Marc 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study develops an expressive understanding of shareholder dissent. In this view, shareholder dissent is not only about the voting outcomes of proposals put to the vote, but also expresses an evaluation of the firm's corporate governance set‐up. We hypothesize that shareholder dissent expresses an agency theoretical evaluation of corporate governance, but that the degree to which the capitalist system of a country is a coordinated market economy (CME) leads shareholders to evaluate corporate governance more in team production terms. We test our theoretical model using multilevel techniques on a sample of 12,513 proposals voted on in 717 firms listed in 15 Western European countries and find support for our predictions. Our study not only contributes to a better understanding of the corporate governance role of shareholder dissent, but also shows that what shareholders express through dissent differs across national contexts.