bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Instruments measuring meaningful learning in undergraduate healthcare students: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Cadorin Lucia , Tolotti Angela , Pagnucci Nicola , Rocco Gennaro , Sasso Loredana 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo establish the psychometric properties of instruments to measure learning outcomes in healthcare students.BackgroundMeaningful learning is an active process that promotes a wider and deeper understanding of concepts. It is the result of an interaction between new and previous knowledge. Meaningful learning produces a long‐term change in knowledge and skills, which is underpinned by willingness to learn and experience and it is exclusively built by the learner.DesignSystematic psychometric review protocol developed from Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care guidance.MethodSearches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ERIC, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection Database between 1990–2013. Selected studies will be evaluated with the Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Funding for the review was confirmed on January 2011 by the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship in Rome.ResultsThe systematic review will produce a synthesis of the data related to the instruments that measure learning outcomes. These data will help us decide which tools to use and identify the state of knowledge in this field.ConclusionsMeasuring learning outcomes is very important for the large amount of human and financial resources employed in educating and training health professionals and this requires reliable and valid instruments.
Imaging of collagen deposition disorders using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ring H.C. , Mogensen M. , Hussain A.A. , Steadman N. , Banzhaf C. , Themstrup L. , Jemec G.B. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundCollagen deposition disorders such as hypertrophic scars, keloids and scleroderma can be associated with significant stigma and embarrassment. These disorders often constitute considerable impairment to quality of life, with treatment posing to be a substantial challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides a non‐invasive, easily applicable bedside optical imaging method for assessment of the skin. It is hypothesized that OCT imaging may be useful in assessing fibrosis to avoid additional biopsies that could potentially worsen the scarring.MethodThirty‐three patients with ordinary scars, hypertrophic scars, keloid scarring, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and localized or systemic scleroderma were recruited for this pilot study. Affected tissue and adjacent healthy skin were scanned using OCT and digitally photographed. Density measurements were performed in ImageJ on OCT images from scleroderma patients, both systemic and morphea (10 patients), keloid patients (10 patients) and healthy skin adjacent to keloids (10 patients).ResultsOCT images of scarring diseases showed varying degrees of disruption to the skin architecture. OCT characteristics were identified for each lesion type. Hypertrophic scars displayed an increased vascularity and signal‐rich bands correlating to excessive collagen deposition. Keloids depicted a disarray of hyper‐reflective areas primarily located in the upper dermis. Additionally, the dermis displayed a heterogeneous morphology without indications of any vascular supply or lymphatic network. In contrast to keloids, scleroderma displayed a more cohesive backscattering indicating a difference in density of collagen or other dermal structures. OCT images demonstrated no significant differences between mean density measurements in OCT images of scleroderma, keloid and healthy skin (P = 0.07).ConclusionThe OCT imaging appears to identify different scarring mechanisms, and therefore be of potential use in the assessment of outcomes following non‐invasive therapy of e.g. early or progressive lesions.
Oral candidal carriage, salivary lysozyme levels, and their relationship with CD4 count in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Chandrasekar Lakshmi Krithika , Sankarapandiyan Sathasivasubramanian , Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy , Kindo Anupama , Ganesan Nalini 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to compare the lysozyme concentration and candidal count in saliva between HIV‐seropositive and HIV‐negative individuals, and to correlate the relationship between lysozyme concentrations, candidal count, and CD4 count in HIV patients.MethodsA study was conducted in 90 HIV‐seropositive patients (subgroups: 1 [CD4 ≥ 500 cells/μL], 2 [CD4 200–499 cells/μL], and 3 [CD4 ≤ 200 cells/μL] and 30 HIV‐negative individuals. A total of 6 mL unstimulated saliva was collected and stored at −80°C. Samples were centrifuged and divided into two portions of 600 μL each. One portion was used for the candidal assay and the other for the lysozyme assay using readymade kits. Student's independent t‐test and Karl Pearson correlation coefficient were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsThere was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in lysozyme levels and the candidal count in the saliva of HIV‐positive individuals compared with the HIV‐negative individuals. A significant increase (P < 0.004) in the salivary candidal count was observed in the HIV subgroups 1–3. There was a significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) between the CD4 and candidal counts in subgroup 1 (P < 0.02) and between the lysozyme concentration and CD4 count in subgroup 3. There was no correlation between the lysozyme concentration and oral candidal carriage.ConclusionsAn association exists between the lysozyme concentration and specific immunity. Yeast colonization serves as a marker of immunodeficiency in HIV disease progression.
Cell and matrix modulation in prenatal and postnatal equine growth cartilage, zones of Ranvier and articular cartilage
Authors: Löfgren Maria , Ekman Stina , Svala Emilia , Lindahl Anders , Ley Cecilia , Skiöldebrand Eva 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFormation of synovial joints includes phenotypic changes of the chondrocytes and the organisation of their extracellular matrix is regulated by different factors and signalling pathways. Increased knowledge of the normal processes involved in joint development may be used to identify similar regulatory mechanisms during pathological conditions in the joint. Samples of the distal radius were collected from prenatal and postnatal equine growth plates, zones of Ranvier and articular cartilage with the aim of identifying Notch signalling components and cells with stem cell‐like characteristics and to follow changes in matrix protein localisation during joint development. The localisation of the Notch signalling components Notch1, Delta4, Hes1, Notch dysregulating protein epidermal growth factor‐like domain 7 (EGFL7), the stem cell‐indicating factor Stro‐1 and the matrix molecules cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), fibromodulin, matrilin‐1 and chondroadherin were studied using immunohistochemistry. Spatial changes in protein localisations during cartilage maturation were observed for Notch signalling components and matrix molecules, with increased pericellular localisation indicating new synthesis and involvement of these proteins in the formation of the joint. However, it was not possible to characterise the phenotype of the chondrocytes based on their surrounding matrix during normal chondrogenesis. The zone of Ranvier was identified in all horses and characterised as an area expressing Stro‐1, EGFL7 and chondroadherin with an absence of COMP and Notch signalling. Stro‐1 was also present in cells close to the perichondrium, in the articular cartilage and in the fetal resting zone, indicating stem cell‐like characteristics of these cells. The presence of stem cells in the articular cartilage will be of importance for the repair of damaged cartilage. Perivascular chondrocytes and hypertrophic cells of the cartilage bone interface displayed positive staining for EGFL7, which is a novel finding and suggests a role of EGFL7 in the vascular infiltration of growth cartilage.
Impact on Prognosis of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: GILI SEBASTIANO , D'ASCENZO FABRIZIO , MORETTI CLAUDIO , OMEDÈ PIERLUIGI , VILARDI ILARIA , BERTAINA MAURIZIO , BIONDI ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , SHEIBAN IMAD , STONE GREGG W. , GAITA FIORENZO 
Published: August 2014

IntroductionDifferent definitions of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been provided, but their impact on prognosis remains to be determined.MethodsProcedural data from consecutive patients undergoing PCI from 2009 to 2011 were revised to adjudicate diagnosis of periprocedural MI according to CK‐MB increase (>3 × URL and >5 × URL), to troponin increase (>3 × 99th percentile URL and >5 × 99th percentile URL) and to recent 2012 Task Force and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) definitions. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was the primary end‐point.ResultsSeven hundred twelve patients were enrolled; after 771 days, 115 (16.7%) patients experienced MACE. One hundred ninety patients were diagnosed with a periprocedural MI defined as elevation of troponin >5 × 99th percentile of URL. When adjudicating 2012 Task Force definition on these patients, 46 were excluded and 1.4% of them experienced a MACE and 0.3% died, while among 144 with periprocedural MI, 2.9% reported a MACE and 1.3% died. After appraisal of SCAI definition, 176 patients were excluded, 3.8% of them with a MACE and 1.4% died, and for those with periprocedural MI, 0.5% experienced a MACE and 0.1% died. Similar low performance was appraised after reclassification of patients from more than 3 of upper limit of CK‐MB and of troponin. At multivariate analysis, none of these definitions related to adverse events.ConclusionPeriprocedural MI represents a frequent complication for patients undergoing PCI. All present definitions share a still not satisfactory discrimination between patients with and without adverse events at follow‐up, stressing the need for more accurate definitions. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:482–490)
What is behind the ear drum? The microbiology of otitis media and the nasopharyngeal flora in children in the era of pneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Mills Nikki , Best Emma J , Murdoch David , Souter Melanie , Neeff Michel , Anderson Trevor , Salkeld Lesley , Ahmad Zahoor , Mahadevan Murali , Barber Colin , Brown Colin , Walker Cameron , Walls Tony 
Published: September 2014

AimThis study aims to describe the microbiology of middle ear fluid (MEF) in a cohort of children vaccinated with Streptococcus pneumoniae conjugate vaccine (PCV7) having ventilation tube insertion. Nasopharyngeal (NP) carriage of otopathogens in these children is compared with children without history of otitis media.MethodsBetween May and November 2011, MEF and NP samples from 325 children aged <3 years were collected in three major centres in New Zealand at the time of ventilation tube insertion. An age‐matched non‐otitis‐prone comparison group of 137 children had NP samples taken. A questionnaire was completed by both groups.ResultsImmunisation coverage with at least one dose of PCV7 was 97%. Haemophilus influenzae was cultured in 19.4% of MEF and was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive in 43.4%. S. pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis were cultured in <10% of MEF samples but were PCR positive for 23.1% and 38.7%, respectively. H. influenzae was the most common organism isolated from NP samples (60%) in the grommet group, while M. catarrhalis (56%) was the most common in the non‐otitis prone group. S. pneumoniae was more commonly found in the nasopharynx of children with ear disease (41% vs. 29%). 19F was the most prominent S. pneumoniae serotype in NP samples of both groups, but no serotype dominated in MEF. Ninety‐five per cent of H. influenzae isolates were confirmed to be non‐typeable H. influenzae.ConclusionIn this cohort of children with established ear disease requiring surgical intervention, non‐typeable H. influenzae is the dominant pathogen in both the nasopharynx and MEF.
Early childhood nutrition, active outdoor play and sources of information for families living in highly socially disadvantaged locations
Authors: Myers Judith , Gibbons Kay , Arnup Sarah , Volders Evelyn , Naughton Geraldine 
Published: September 2014

AimsTo compare nutrition and active play of children aged 0–4 years attending Supported Playgroups and mainstream services and to compare access, understanding and application of health information within these families.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of children aged 0–4 years attending early childhood services. Following stratified random sampling, 81 parents of children attending Supported Playgroups in two highly disadvantaged municipalities of Victoria, Australia were surveyed about children's nutrition, active outdoor play/screen time and access to health information. Responses were dichotomised based on national recommendations and compared with 331 children attending maternal and child health and childcare centres (mainstream services). All outcomes except age were dichotomous and analysed using chi‐square, relative risk and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsMore children from Supported Playgroups consumed sweet drinks (P = 0.005), ‘packaged’ foods (P = 0.012) and tea/coffee (P = 0.038) than mainstream children. Supported Playgroup families reported more food insecurity (P = 0.016) and excessive ‘screen time’ for children under 2 years (P = 0.03). Fewer Supported Playgroups parents sought advice from family members (P < 0.001) and the Internet (P = 0.014) and more experienced difficulties accessing (P < 0.001), understanding (P = 0.002) and applying health information (P < 0.001).ConclusionDespite comparable
availability of child health information, Supported Playgroups children demonstrated more concerning child health practices, and families experienced greater difficulties accessing, understanding and applying advice than families from mainstream services despite living in the same highly disadvantaged locations.
Fundamental movement skills, physical fitness and physical activity among Australian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Hulsegge Gerben , Henschke Nicholas , McKay Damien , Chaitow Jeffrey , West Kerry , Broderick Carolyn , Singh‐Grewal Davinder 
Published: September 2014

AimTo describe fundamental movement skills (FMS), physical fitness and level of physical activity among Australian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and compare this with healthy peers.MethodsChildren aged 6–16 years with JIA were recruited from hospital rheumatology clinics and private rheumatology rooms in Sydney, Australia. All children attended an assessment day, where FMS were assessed by a senior paediatric physiotherapist, physical fitness was assessed using the multistage 20‐metre shuttle run test, and physical activity and physical and psychosocial well‐being were assessed with questionnaires. These results were compared with age‐ and gender‐matched peers from the NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and the Health of Young Victorians Study using logistic regression analysis.ResultsTwenty‐eight children with JIA participated in this study. There were no differences in the proportion of children who had mastered FMS between children with JIA and their healthy peers (P > 0.05). However, there was a trend for children with JIA to have poorer physical fitness and be less physically active than healthy peers. Parents of children with JIA indicated more physical and psychosocial impairments among their children and themselves compared with parents of healthy children (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis is the first study in Australia to compare FMS, physical activity and fitness in children with JIA and their peers. While older children with JIA appear to have poorer physical fitness and physical activity levels than their peers, there is no difference in FMS.
Alteration of anti-inflammatory activity of Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw) extract after external metabolic activation with S9 mix
Authors: Hostanska Katarina , Melzer Joerg , Rostock Matthias , Suter Andy , Saller Reinhard 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objectives
Extracts of the tubers of Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw, DC) inhibit different proinflammatory mediators important in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Many plant-derived preparations interfere with cytochrome P450 liver enzymes, which influence their different biological activities. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the influence of an external metabolic activation of a DC extract on the cytotoxicity and the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Methods
A screening experiment with a panel of 12 inflammatory cytokines identified three as suitable for the study: tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) IL-6 and IL-8. They were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytic THP-1 cells, which were treated with rat liver S9 mix metabolically activated DC extract (DCm). For the cytotoxity experiments, a WST-1 assay was used.

Key findings
DC dose-dependently suppressed the release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated monocytic THP-1 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations (50–250 μg/ml). The metabolic activation of the DC extract by S9 mix did not alternate its cytotoxicity and did not diminish its inhibitory effect. This effect was improved in the case of TNF-α inhibition as reflected by their EC50 values of 116 ± 8.2 μg/ml and 49 ± 3.5 μg/ml for DC and DCm (P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
Cytokines inhibitory activity of DC was not affected after its external metabolic activation. However, the amount of harpagoside and caffeic acid derivates was decreased. Other components of the extract might have contributed to its anti-inflammatory effect.
Curcumin analogues inhibit phosphodiesterase-5 and dilate rat pulmonary arteries
Authors: Kruangtip Oraya , Chootip Krongkarn , Temkitthawon Prapapan , Changwichit Kanokwan , Chuprajob Thipphawan , Changtam Chatchawan , Suksamrarn Apichart , Khorana Nantaka , Scholfield C Norman , Ingkaninan Kornkanok 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objectives
Phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors are useful as vasodilators for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We aimed to study curcumin analogues for PDE5 inhibitory activity and vasorelaxation of rat pulmonary arteries.

Methods
Three natural curcuminoids (1–3) and six synthetic analogues (4–9) were tested for PDE5 and PDE6 inhibitory activities using enzymatic radioassay. Their vasorelaxation was measured using freshly isolated segments of rat pulmonary artery and aorta.

Key findings
Curcuminoids (1–3) mildly inhibited PDE5 (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 18 µm): the metamethoxyl of curcumin was important for PDE5 inhibition. But hydroxyl rearrangements, removing both methoxyls and one ketomethylene, yielded the potent 7 and 9 (IC50 = 4 µm) (compared with sildenafil, IC50 = 0.03 µm). Only 1, 3 and 4 were PDE5 selective over PDE6. Triazole-carboxylic addition provided water-solubility while preserving potency. All analogues possessed concentration-dependent vasorelaxant activity on pulmonary arteries (40% of maximal effective concentration (EC40) = 29–90 µm, maximum response = 60–90% at 300 µm), while compounds (1–8) were weakly acting in aorta (maximum response &lt;40%). Only demethoxycurcumin (2) and analogues 5, 8, 9 had endothelium-dependent actions. Sildenafil was highly potent (EC40 = 0.04 µm) and highly endothelium dependent in pulmonary artery but weak on intact aorta (EC40 = 1.8 µm). Activity profiles suggest actions through additional cell pathways for promoting vasorelaxation.

Conclusions
Curcumin analogues are potential leads for developing efficacious and selective PDE5 inhibitors and other pathologies of pulmonary hypertension.
Serotonin Receptor Gene (5HT-2A) Polymorphism is Associated with Provoked Vestibulodynia and Comorbid Symptoms of Pain
Authors: Heddini Ulrika , Bohm-Starke Nina , Grönbladh Alfhild , Nyberg Fred , Nilsson Kent W. , Johannesson Ulrika 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common type of dyspareunia among young women. The patho-physiology remains largely unclear. Women with PVD have general pain hypersensitivity and often report additional pain symptoms. Signs point towards PVD being a chronic pain disorder similar to other syndromes of longstanding pain, including a common comorbidity of anxiety and depression. Polymorphism in the serotonin receptor gene, 5HT-2A, has been associated with other chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia but has not been investigated in PVD patients.

Aim
We aimed to investigate a possible contribution of polymorphism in the 5HT-2A gene to the etiology of PVD as well as a potential influence on pain sensitivity.

Methods
In this case-control study 98 women with PVD and 103 healthy controls between 18 and 44 years and in the same menstrual cycle phase completed questionnaires and underwent quantitative sensory testing. Venous blood samples were collected for DNA isolation.

Main Outcome Measures
Concomitant pain was reported, a bodily pain score was created and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) on the arm, leg, and in the vestibule were measured. Intensity of coital pain was rated on a visual analog scale, range 0–100. The T102C (rs6313) and A-1438G (rs6311) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5HT-2A gene were analyzed.

Results
The probability of PVD was elevated in participants carrying the 1438G- and 102C-alleles of the 5HT-2A gene (OR 2.9). The G-/C- genotypes were also associated with more concomitant bodily pain in addition to the dyspareunia, but not with experimental PPTs or coital pain ratings. PVD patients reported more concomitant bodily pain and had lower PPTs compared with controls.

Conclusion
The results indicate a contribution of alterations in the serotonergic system to the patho-genesis of PVD and gives further evidence of PVD being a general pain disorder similar to other chronic pain disorders.