bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary energy substrates reverse early neuronal hyperactivity in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zilberter Misha , Ivanov Anton , Ziyatdinova Sofya , Mukhtarov Marat , Malkov Anton , Alpár Alan , Tortoriello Giuseppe , Botting Catherine H. , Fülöp Lívia , Osypov Alex A. , Pitkänen Asla , Tanila Heikki , Harkany Tibor , Zilberter Yuri 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDeficient energy metabolism and network hyperactivity are the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we show that administration of exogenous oxidative energy substrates (OES) corrects neuronal energy supply deficiency that reduces the amyloid‐beta‐induced abnormal neuronal activity in vitro and the epileptic phenotype in AD model in vivo. In vitro, acute application of protofibrillar amyloid‐β1–42 (Aβ1–42) induced aberrant network activity in wild‐type hippocampal slices that was underlain by depolarization of both the neuronal resting membrane potential and GABA‐mediated current reversal potential. Aβ1–42 also impaired synaptic function and long‐term potentiation. These changes were paralleled by clear indications of impaired energy metabolism, as indicated by abnormal NAD(P)H signaling induced by network activity. However, when glucose was supplemented with OES pyruvate and 3‐beta‐hydroxybutyrate, Aβ1–42 failed to induce detrimental changes in any of the above parameters. We administered the same OES as chronic supplementation to a standard diet to APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice displaying AD‐related epilepsy phenotype. In the ex‐vivo slices, we found neuronal subpopulations with significantly depolarized resting and GABA‐mediated current reversal potentials, mirroring abnormalities we observed under acute Aβ1‐42 application. Ex‐vivo cortex of transgenic mice fed with standard diet displayed signs of impaired energy metabolism, such as abnormal NAD(P)H signaling and strongly reduced tolerance to hypoglycemia. Transgenic mice also possessed brain glycogen levels twofold lower than those of wild‐type mice. However, none of the above neuronal and metabolic dysfunctions were observed in transgenic mice fed with the OES‐enriched diet. In vivo, dietary OES supplementation abated neuronal hyperexcitability, as the frequency of both epileptiform discharges and spikes was strongly decreased in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice placed on the diet. Altogether, our results suggest that early AD‐related neuronal malfunctions underlying hyperexcitability and energy metabolism deficiency can be prevented by dietary supplementation with native energy substrates.
One‐Year Outcome of Small‐Vessel Disease Treated with Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents: A Subgroup Analysis of the e‐SELECT Registry
Authors: GAO RUNLIN , ABIZAID ALEXANDRE , BANNING ADRIAN , BARTORELLI ANTONIO L. , DŽAVÍK VLADIMÍR , ELLIS STEPHEN , JEONG MYUNG HO , LEGRAND VICTOR , SPAULDING CHRISTIAN , URBAN PHILIP 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate the characteristics and one‐year outcomes following sirolimus‐eluting CYPHER Select Plus stent (SES) implantation in small (SmVD) and non‐small vessel disease (NSmVD) in the international e‐SELECT registry.BackgroundLarge‐scale registry data are lacking on DES outcomes in SmVD treatment.MethodsThere were 4,700 SmVD (at least one vessel with estimated reference vessel diameter [RVD] < 2.5 mm, excluding 283 patients with unknown RVD vessels) and 10,139 NSmVD only patients.ResultsThe SmVD population was older, with more women, diabetics, and vessels treated, higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score (CCI), shorter lesions, and less STEMI presentation. The 1‐year stent thrombosis (ST) rate (primary end‐point), was significantly higher (1.3% vs. 0.7%) in SmVD versus NSmVD, mainly driven by early events. One‐year major adverse cardiac event (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), and clinically indicated target‐lesion revascularization (TLR) rates were significantly higher in SmVD although death and major bleeding rates were similar in both groups. Complication rates were similar between pure (3,188 patients; only RVD < 2.5 mm) and mixed (1,795 patients; some RVD < 2.5 mm or unknown RVD) SmVD. Multivariate predictors for 1‐year MACE in SmVD included saphenous vein graft or bifurcation lesions, major bleeding, any antiplatelet therapy discontinuation within 1 month, age, number of stents implanted, CCI, acute coronary syndrome, and insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus.ConclusionSES implantation for SmVD occurs more frequently in women, diabetics, and those with multivessel disease and comorbidities. One‐year ST, MACE, MI, and clinically indicated TLR rates are higher, although low overall, in SmVD or mixed SmVD patients while death rates are similar to NSmVD. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:163–172)
Synthesis and in-vitro antimicrobial evaluation of a high-affinity iron chelator in combination with chloramphenicol
Authors: Zhu Chun-Feng , Qiu Di-Hong , Kong Xiao-Le , Hider Robert C , Zhou Tao 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The objectives of this study were first to design and synthesize a hexadentate chelator with high iron(III) affinity and, second, to evaluate its antimicrobial activity in the presence and absence of chloramphenicol.

Methods
A hexadentate ligand was synthesized by conjugating a protected bidentate compound onto a tripodal structure. The pKa values and iron affinity of the chelator were determined by spectophotometric titration. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by visual inspection of broth turbidity. The bactericidal rates were calculated by counting the colony numbers on a light board after incubation with and without an antimicrobial agent.

Key findings
A hexadentate 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one was found to possess a high affinity for iron(III), with a pFe value of 31.2 (negative logarithm of concentration of the free iron(III) in solution (when [Fe3+]Total = 10−6 m; [Ligand]Total = 10−5 m; pH = 7.4). We found that this chelator had an appreciable inhibitory effect in vitro against the two bacterial strains Providencia stuartii and Staphylococcus aureus, particularly in the presence of chloramphenicol.

Conclusions
A 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one hexadentate ligand has potential as an antimicrobial agent. Combination therapy with this iron chelator plus chloramphenicol has potential for the treatment of extracellular infections.
Refining the two‐parameter testlet response model by introducing testlet discrimination parameters
Authors: Tao Jian , Xu Bao , Shi Ning‐Zhong , Jiao Hong 
Published: December 2012

AbstractFor testlet response data, traditional item response theory (IRT) models are often not appropriate due to local dependence presented among items within a common testlet. Several testlet‐based IRT models have been developed to model examinees' responses. In this paper, a new two‐parameter normal ogive testlet response theory (2PNOTRT) model for dichotomous items is proposed by introducing testlet discrimination parameters. A Bayesian model parameter estimation approach via a data augmentation scheme is developed. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed 2PNOTRT model. The results indicated that the estimation of item parameters is satisfactory overall from the viewpoint of convergence. Finally, the proposed 2PNOTRT model is applied to a set of real testlet data.
Early invitation to food and/or multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy does not affect body composition in offspring at 54 months: follow‐up of theMINIMat randomised trial,Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Ashraful Islam , Kabir Iqbal , Hawkesworth Sophie , Ekström Eva‐Charlotte , Arifeen Shams , Frongillo Edward A. , Persson Lars Åke 
Published: December 2012

AbstractGrowth patterns in early life are associated with later health. The effect of nutrition duringin uterodevelopment on later body composition is unclear. We evaluated whether prenatal early invitation to food and/or multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) in pregnancy has an effect on offspring body composition at 54 months of age. InMaternal andInfantNutritionInterventions inMatlab trial (ISRCTN16581394) inBangladesh, 4436 pregnant women were randomised into six equally sized groups: double‐masked supplementation with capsules of either 30 mgFe and 400 μg folic acid, or 60 mgFe and 400 μg folic acid, orMMS(15 micronutrients), was combined with a randomised early invitation (around 9 weeks) or a usual invitation (around 20 weeks) to start food supplementation (608 kcal 6 days per week). At 54 months, the body composition of the offspring was assessed by leg‐to‐leg bioelectrical impedance analysis. Of the 3267 live singletons with birth anthropometry, 2290 children were measured at 54 months, representing 70% of the live births. There was no interaction between the food and micronutrient supplementation on body composition outcomes. There were no significant differences in a range of anthropometric and body composition measurements, including weight, height, mid‐upper arm circumference, head circumference, skinfold thickness, and fat mass and fat‐free mass between the different prenatal food and micronutrient groups using an intention‐to‐treat analysis. This analysis shows that early invitation to food supplementation andMMSprovided to ruralBangladeshi women during pregnancy did not affect offspring body composition at 54 months of age.
Effect of Fusarium virguliforme phytotoxin on soybean gene expression suggests a role in multidimensional defence
Authors: Radwan Osman , Li Min , Calla Bernarda , Li Shuxian , Hartman Glen L. , Clough Steven J. 
Published: December 2012

SummarySudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by Fusarium virguliforme, is an important yield‐limiting disease of soybean. This soil‐borne fungus colonizes soybean roots causing root rot, and also releases a phytotoxin that is translocated to leaves causing interveinal chlorosis and necrosis leading to defoliation and early maturation. The objective of our study was to compare gene expression profiles during the early response of soybean leaves exposed to sterile culture filtrates of F. virguliforme in soybean genotypes with different levels of resistance to SDS. The analysis identified SDS‐related defence genes that were induced in the most resistant genotype, but not in the other genotypes. Further functional annotations based on sequence homology suggested that some of the induced genes probably encode proteins involved in cell wall modification, detoxification, defence responses, primary metabolism and membrane transport. Quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcribed polymerase chain reaction confirmed the differential transcript accumulation of a subset of these genes. In addition, in silico mapping of differentially expressed genes to SDS‐resistant quantitative trait loci allowed for the identification of new potential defence genes that could be genetically mapped to the soybean genome, and could be used further in a marker‐assisted selection programme. A comparison of the response of soybean to F. virguliforme phytotoxin (Fv toxin) relative to other biotic and abiotic stresses revealed that the resistance response to Fv toxin is quite similar to the response to inoculation with an incompatible Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea strain, suggesting that Fv toxin might induce hypersensitive response pathways in soybean leaf tissues in the absence of pathogen in these tissues.
Determinants affecting the well‐being of people in the Greater Mekong Subregion countries
Authors: Ruchiwit Manyat 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe aim of this research was to examine the determinants/factors affecting the well‐being of the Thai and Lao people, and the factors that predict the well‐being of those respective peoples. Eight hundred and sixty participants were recruited from three major regions of Thailand and Laos and were selected using multistage random sampling. A self‐reported well‐being questionnaire was developed using the theoretical framework of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and a questionnaire assessing their perceptions/attitudes concerning the factors affecting their well‐being was administered. The major findings were the following: (i) the factors affecting the well‐being and the self‐reported well‐being of Thais and Laotians were significantly different; and (ii) the factors predicting the well‐being of Thais included the living and working environment and the availability of medical information and technology at their hospitals. On the other hand, one of the factors predicting the well‐being of Laotians was their attitudes toward their society and its cultural values. A comprehensive and system‐wide review of mental‐health policy planning to improve the well‐being of people in Thailand and Laos in accordance with those predicted factors is recommended.
Human Capital Questionnaire: Assessment of European nurses' perceptions as indicators of human capital quality
Authors: Yepes‐Baldó Montserrat , Romeo Marina , Berger Rita 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHealthcare accreditation models generally include indicators related to healthcare employees' perceptions (e.g. satisfaction, career development, and health safety). During the accreditation process, organizations are asked to demonstrate the methods with which assessments are made. However, none of the models provide standardized systems for the assessment of employees. In this study, we analyzed the psychometric properties of an instrument for the assessment of nurses' perceptions as indicators of human capital quality in healthcare organizations. The Human Capital Questionnaire was applied to a sample of 902 nurses in four European countries (Spain, Portugal, Poland, and the UK). Exploratory factor analysis identified six factors: satisfaction with leadership, identification and commitment, satisfaction with participation, staff well‐being, career development opportunities, and motivation. The results showed the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, which when applied to healthcare organizations, provide a better understanding of nurses' perceptions, and is a parsimonious instrument for assessment and organizational accreditation. From a practical point of view, improving the quality of human capital, by analyzing nurses and other healthcare employees' perceptions, is related to workforce empowerment.
Student evaluation of simulation in undergraduate nursing programs in Australia using quality indicators
Authors: Kable Ashley K. , Arthur Carol , Levett‐Jones Tracy , Reid‐Searl Kerry 
Published: December 2012

AbstractStudent evaluation of the implementation of evidence‐based quality indicators for simulation experiences in undergraduate nursing programs in 2012 was explored in this study. The evaluation instrument used five specific measures derived from quality indicators. Students evaluated 10 simulation learning experiences in the first and second years of undergraduate nursing programs at two universities in Australia. Overall, students (n = 85) reported that simulation contributed to their achievement of objectives, but they did not always feel supported in these sessions. Student preparation and orientation was scored lower than other components of the simulation experience. Students reported very good scores for perceived realism and fidelity of simulation sessions, particularly the silicone mask and high‐fidelity sessions, which implies that learning from simulation is transferable into the clinical practice setting. However, patient charts and other clinical documents were not always considered to be realistic. Debriefing was scored very highly overall and for both approaches used for debriefing. The student‐evaluation instrument was an effective means of measuring student‐related quality indicators across a range of simulation sessions. It identified areas for the improved delivery of simulation sessions.
Three‐dimensional pharyngeal airway changes in orthodontic patients treated with and without extractions
Authors: Stefanovic N. , El H. , Chenin D. L. , Glisic B. , Palomo J. M. 
Published: December 2012

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate and compare three‐dimensional pharyngeal airway changes in orthodontic patients treated with and without extractions.Material and MethodsPharyngeal airway was analyzed for 31 subjects (15 males, 16 females) treated with extractions of four first premolars and 31 age‐ and gender‐matched controls (15 males, 16 females) treated without extractions. The mean age of subjects was 12.97 ± 1.15 years at the beginning and 15.69 ± 1.28 years at the end of treatment. The mean age of controls was 12.86 ± 0.74 years at the beginning and 15.18 ± 0.86 years at the end of treatment. Nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) volumes, area of maximum pharyngeal constriction (AMPC), and upper arch perimeter were measured on T0 and T1 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Paired samples t‐test was used for analyzing statistical significance of changes (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in the pharyngeal airway values between the extraction and non‐extraction groups at neither T0 nor T1. The extraction group showed a statistically significant increase for NP and OP volumes and AMPC values. Such increase was also noted in the non‐extraction group, without statistical significance for AMPC values.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that an extraction or non‐extraction choice for orthodontic treatment would not affect the pharyngeal airway.
Valganciclovir dosing using area under the curve calculations in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Villeneuve David , Brothers Adam , Harvey Eric , Kemna Mariska , Law Yuk , Nemeth Thomas , Gantt Soren 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPediatric valganciclovir dosing recommendations have not been extensively validated for prevention or treatment for CMV infection. As such, we performed a pharmacokinetic study to compare different valganciclovir dosing regimens and the potential benefits of individualized dose adjustments in children following organ transplantation. Ganciclovir AUCs were calculated from four plasma drug levels in pediatric SOT recipients aged six months through three yr receiving valganciclovir suspension by mouth. Of the 28 ganciclovir AUC calculations performed, 11 (39%) were outside the therapeutic target range of 40–60 mcg h/L leading to a valganciclovir dose adjustment. Current manufacturer‐recommended dosing based on BSA and CrCl was estimated to result in therapeutic AUCs in fewer patients than the simple weight‐based formula used in our institution (4 vs. 13; p = 0.017). An AUC calculation using only the two‐ and five‐h measurements was strongly correlated with the AUC using all four time measurements (R2 = 0.846; p < 0.001). A simple weight‐based dosing approach gives a higher probability for therapeutic AUCs compared to the manufacturer‐recommended dosing in pediatric transplant patients aged six months through three yr with normal renal function. An AUC calculated using two sample times might allow for fewer blood draws in the future.
Alveolar nitric oxide concentration reflects peripheral airway obstruction in stable asthma
Authors: Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Yasui Hideki , Akamatsu Taisuke , Hashimoto Dai , Enomoto Noriyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Yutaro , Maekawa Masato , Suda Takafumi , Chida Kingo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and objectiveIncreased fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been shown to reflect airway inflammation in asthma. Central airway NO flux (J'awNO; nL/s) and peripheral airway/alveolar NO concentration (CANO; ppb) can be calculated separately. CANO has been reported to reflect small airway inflammation. The aim of the present study is to correlate CANO levels with clinical and physiological parameters in patients with stable asthma.MethodsSeventy‐three well‐controlled asthmatics (mean age 61) were enrolled. Measurement of FeNO (at 50, 100, 150 and 200 mL/s) and pulmonary function test were performed. J'awNOTMAD and CANOTMAD were calculated and corrected by the trumpet shape of the airway tree and axial back‐diffusion (TMAD).ResultsCANOTMAD was significantly correlated with forced expiratory flow between 25–75% of the forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEF25–75), FEF25–75 percentage of the predicted value (%pred), forced expiratory flow at 50% of the FVC (FEF50) and FEF50 %pred (R = −0.39 P = 0.002, R = −0.29 P = 0.02, R = −0.39 P = 0.001, R = −0.29 P = 0.02, respectively). CANOTMAD was positively correlated with age (R = −0.45 P = 0.0002) and weakly correlated with duration of asthma (R = −0.27 P = 0.03). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s/FVC was negatively correlated with CANOTMAD, J'awNOTMAD and FeNO 50 mL/s. Among these, correlation between forced expiratory volume in 1 s/FVC and FeNO 50 mL/s was the strongest (R = −0.34 P = 0.004).ConclusionsCANOTMAD may be a more specific marker of peripheral airway obstruction than FeNO and J'awNOTMAD in stable asthma.
Quality of life of Nigerian informal caregivers of community‐dwelling stroke survivors
Authors: Vincent‐Onabajo Grace , Ali Aisha , Hamzat Talhatu 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundCaregivers play important roles in the collaborative efforts that characterize successful stroke rehabilitation, and their quality of life (QoL) may have implications for outcome of care.AimThis study explored the QoL of caregivers of community‐dwelling stroke survivors in north‐eastern Nigeria.MethodsFifty‐nine caregivers of community‐dwelling stroke survivors attending physiotherapy out‐patients departments of two government hospitals in the city of Maiduguri participated in the study. Information on participants' age, gender, employment status, educational background, relationship with the stroke patient, and time after onset of stroke were obtained through interview, while their QoL was assessed with WHOQoLBREF questionnaire. Demographic and QoL data were summarized with descriptive statistics, and influence of caregivers and care recipients' factors on QoL was analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsMajority of caregivers were males (55.9%) and provided care for their parents (69.5%) who had suffered stroke within 1 year prior to study (72.9%). Mean scores on all QoL domains were above average with the physical domain recording the lowest scores. Caregivers' factors of age, educational background and employment, and duration poststroke onset were significantly associated with domains of QoL.ConclusionAlthough QoL of stroke caregivers was fair across domains, the physical domain recorded the lowest mean scores. Older age, lack of formal education, unemployment and caring for stroke patients within the second year poststroke were associated with lower QoL scores. Information from this study may aid in identifying those caregivers who require support programmes and care the most.