bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, but not oestradiol, are independently associated with favourable indices of lung function in community‐dwelling men
Authors: Mohan Shalini S. , Knuiman Matthew W. , Divitini Mark L. , James Alan L. , Musk Arthur W. , Handelsman David J. , Beilin Jonathan , Hunter Michael , Yeap Bu B. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectivesLower circulating androgens and poorer lung function are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality in men. The association between androgens and lung function is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that circulating testosterone (T) and its metabolites dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol (E2) are differentially associated with lung function in men.MethodsEarly‐morning serum T, DHT and E2 were assayed using mass spectrometry in 1768 community‐dwelling men from Busselton, Western Australia. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured using spirometry. Linear regression models adjusting for age, height, smoking, exercise, body mass index, respiratory conditions and cardiovascular risk factors were used.ResultsMean age was 50.1 ± 16·8 years. 16·0% were current smokers, 14·1% reported a history of asthma and 2·7% reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Current smokers had higher T compared with never smokers (age‐adjusted mean 14·5 vs 13·5 nmol/l, P = 0·002) and higher E2 (65·3 vs 60·1 pmol/l, P = 0·017). In fully adjusted analyses, T was associated with FEV1 (51 ml per 1 SD increase, P < 0·001) as was DHT (62 ml, P < 0·001), E2 was not (P = 0·926). Similar results were seen for FVC (T: 76 ml, P < 0·001; DHT: 65 ml, P < 0·001; E2 P = 0·664). Higher DHT was marginally associated with the ratio FEV1/FVC (0·3% per 1 SD increase, P = 0·047).ConclusionsBoth T and DHT were independently associated with higher FEV1 and FVC in predominantly middle‐aged community‐dwelling men. Androgens may contribute to, or be biomarkers for, better lung function in men. Further research is needed to clarify whether androgens preserve lung function in ageing men.
Postprandial self‐monitoring of urine glucose reflects glycaemic control in people with relatively well controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus not treated with insulin: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Müller N. , Kämmer K. , Kloos C. , Wolf G. , Müller U. A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo analyse the association of self‐monitoring of urine glucose with HbA1c concentration in people with Type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin.MethodsWe studied the association of postprandial self‐monitored urine glucose with HbA1c concentrations in 264 people with Type 2 diabetes (mean age 62.4 years, time since diagnosis of diabetes 6.8 years and HbA1c 50 mmol/l). All patients took part in a diabetes treatment and teaching programme. HbA1c values were adjusted according to the Diabetes Control and Complication Trial.ResultsThe mean ( ± sd) HbA1c concentration for the patients with constant negative urine glucose tests (56.1% of patients) was 46 ( ± 6) mmol/mol [6.4 ( ± 0.6)%]. This was significantly lower than in patients with < 50% positive urine glucose tests (33.3% of patients): mean ( ± sd) HbA1c was 53 ( ± 8) mmol/mol [7.0( ± 0.7)%] and also lower than in patients with ≥50% positive tests (10.6% of patients): mean ( ± sd) HbA1c of 57 ( ± 8) mmol/mol [7.4 ( ± 0.7)%]; P < 0.001. There was a significant correlation between the urine glucose test results and HbA1c (r = 0.416; P < 0.001).ConclusionHbA1c concentrations were observed to be in the near‐normal range for people with Type 2 diabetes not receiving insulin treatment who were negative for postprandial glucosuria. Urine glucose self‐monitoring is a cheap and effective method to determine the quality of glucose control.
The INTERPRET–DD study of diabetes and depression: a protocol
Authors: Lloyd C. E. , Sartorius N. , Cimino L. C. , Alvarez A. , Guinzbourg de Braude M. , Rabbani G. , Uddin Ahmed H. , Papelbaum M. , Regina de Freitas S. , Ji L. , Yu X. , Gaebel W. , Müssig K. , Chaturvedi S. K. , Srikanta S. S. , Burti L. , Bulgari V. , Musau A. , Ndetei D. , Heinze G. , Romo Nava F. , Taj R. , Khan A. , Kokoszka A. , Papasz‐Siemieniuk A. , Starostina E. G. , Bobrov A. E. , Lecic‐Tosevski D. , Lalic N. M. , Udomratn P. , Tangwongchai S. , Bahendeka S. , Basangwa D. , Mankovsky B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimPeople with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing depression and other psychological disorders. However, little is known about the prevalence, correlates or care pathways in countries other than the UK and the USA. A new study, the International Prevalence and Treatment of Diabetes and Depression Study (INTERPRET–DD) aims to address this dearth of knowledge and identify optimal pathways to care across the globe.MethodINTERPRET–DD is a 2‐year longitudinal study, taking place in 16 countries’ diabetes outpatients’ facilities, investigating the recognition and management of depressive disorders in people with Type 2 diabetes. Clinical interviews are used to diagnose depression, with clinical and other data obtained from medical records and through patient interviews. Pathways to care and the impact of treatment for previously unrecognized (undocumented) depression on clinical outcomes and emotional well‐being are being investigated.ResultsInitial evidence indicates that a range of pathways to care exist, with few of them based on available recommendations for treatment. Pilot data indicates that the instruments we are using to measure both the symptoms and clinical diagnosis of depression are acceptable in our study population and easy to use.ConclusionsOur study will increase the understanding of the impact of comorbid diabetes and depression and identify the most appropriate (country‐specific) pathways via which patients receive their care. It addresses an important public health problem and leads to recommendations for best practice relevant to the different participating centres with regard to the identification and treatment of people with comorbid diabetes and depression.
Dental undergraduate students' participation in research in China: current state and directions
Authors: Ping W. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeIt is not until the recent 10 years, when an increasing number of dental undergraduate students in China have gradually participated in scientific research. However, few studies have analysed the current status of this new wave. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate dental undergraduate students' participation in research and to explore possible options for refining or reforming the existing teaching and research system in dentistry.MethodsThe authors constructed a questionnaire that was completed by a sample of students from a high‐ranking dental school in China. The data were processed with SPSS software.ResultsOf all the 250 questionnaires distributed, 191 were returned, 186 of which were complete and suitable for analysis. Over a half of the respondents had participated in research programmes. There were diversified motives for undergraduate participation in scientific research.DiscussionThese findings have led us to speculate on the current state of undergraduate participation in scientific research and the underlying problems. This preliminary investigation yielded intriguing findings: (i) the distribution of scientific resources influences scientific production. (ii) lack of interest in science has a negative impact on the reserve of the future scientific workforce. (iii) diverse motives for participation in undergraduate research reveal lack of understanding of the essence of science.ConclusionsIt is proposed that the current education and research system in dental higher education should be systemically reformed.
Evaluation of antimicrobial peptides and cytokine production in primary keratinocyte cell culture from healthy and atopic beagles
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Ahrens Kim , Marsella Rosanna , Segre Mariangela 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIncreased secretion of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines is present in atopic skin. The purpose of this study was to compare the production of β‐defensin (cBD)3‐like, cathelicidin (cCath) and cytokines in atopic and healthy canine keratinocytes. Seven atopic house dust mites (HDMs) sensitive and five healthy age‐matched beagles were used. Keratinocytes were stimulated for 24 h, and the supernatant was collected. A significantly higher production of cBD3‐like was present at baseline in atopic compared with healthy keratinocytes, but cBD3‐like did not increase after stimulation. IL‐17 and lipopolysaccharide increased cBD3‐like in healthy compared with atopic keratinocytes. cCath increased in both groups after stimulation. Atopic keratinocytes exposed to HDM produced more IL‐8 and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine‐like than healthy keratinocytes. Exposure to HDM induced an increased IL‐8 in atopic keratinocytes and a decreased IFN‐γ in healthy keratinocytes. These results may suggest an over sensitization of atopic keratinocytes and a possible impairment of the cutaneous defense against micro‐organisms.
SATB2 suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer cells via inactivation of MEK5/ERK5 signaling
Authors: Mansour Mohammed A. , Hyodo Toshinori , Ito Satoko , Kurita Kenji , Kokuryo Toshio , Uehara Keisuke , Nagino Masato , Takahashi Masahide , Hamaguchi Michinari , Senga Takeshi 
Published: February 2015

Special AT‐rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2) is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor that has multiple roles in neuronal development, osteoblast differentiation, and craniofacial patterning. SATB2 binds to the nuclear matrix attachment region, and regulates the expression of diverse sets of genes by altering chromatin structure. Recent studies have reported that high expression of SATB2 is associated with favorable prognosis in colorectal and laryngeal cancer; however, it remains uncertain whether SATB2 has tumor‐suppressive functions in cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effects of SATB2 expression on the malignant characteristics of colorectal cancer cells. Expression of SATB2 repressed the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and also suppressed their migration and invasion. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a mitogen‐activated protein kinase that is associated with an aggressive phenotype in various types of cancer. SATB2 expression reduced the activity of ERK5, and constitutive activation of ERK5 restored the proliferation, anchorage‐independent growth, migration and invasion of SATB2‐expressing cells. Our results demonstrate the existence of a novel regulatory mechanism of SATB2‐mediated tumor suppression via ERK5 inactivation.
ClpL is a chaperone without auxiliary factors
Authors: Park Sang‐Sang , Kwon Hyog‐Young , Tran Thao Dang‐Hien , Choi Moo‐Hyun , Jung Seung‐Ha , Lee Sangho , Briles David E. , Rhee Dong‐Kwon 
Published: February 2015

Caseinolytic protease L (ClpL) is a member of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 100 family, which is found mostly in Gram‐positive bacteria. Here, ClpL, a major HSP in Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), was biochemically characterized in vitro. Recombinant ClpL shows nucleotide hydrolase, refolding, holdase and disaggregation activity using either Mg2+ or Mn2+ and does not require the DnaK system for chaperone activity. ClpL exhibits two features distinct from other HSP100 family proteins: (a) Mn2+ enhances hydrolase activity, as well as chaperone activity; and (b) NTPase activity. ClpL forms a hexamer in the presence of ADP, ATP and ATP‐γ‐S. Mutational analysis using double‐mutant proteins mutated at the two Walker A motifs (K127A/T128A and K458A/T459A) revealed that both nucleotide‐binding domains are involved in chaperone activity, ATP hydrolase activity and hexamerization. Overall, pneumococcal ClpL is a unique Mn2+‐dependent Hsp100 family member that has chaperone activity without other co‐chaperones.
The timing of autumn senescence is affected by the timing of spring phenology: implications for predictive models
Authors: Keenan Trevor F. , Richardson Andrew D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAutumn senescence regulates multiple aspects of ecosystem function, along with associated feedbacks to the climate system. Despite its importance, current understanding of the drivers of senescence is limited, leading to a large spread in predictions of how the timing of senescence, and thus the length of the growing season, will change under future climate conditions. The most commonly held paradigm is that temperature and photoperiod are the primary controls, which suggests a future extension of the autumnal growing season as global temperatures rise. Here, using two decades of ground‐ and satellite‐based observations of temperate deciduous forest phenology, we show that the timing of autumn senescence is correlated with the timing of spring budburst across the entire eastern United States. On a year‐to‐year basis, an earlier/later spring was associated with an earlier/later autumn senescence, both for individual species and at a regional scale. We use the observed relationship to develop a novel model of autumn phenology. In contrast to current phenology models, this model predicts that the potential response of autumn phenology to future climate change is strongly limited by the impact of climate change on spring phenology. Current models of autumn phenology therefore may overpredict future increases in the length of the growing season, with subsequent impacts for modeling future CO2 uptake and evapotranspiration.
Light grazing of saltmarshes is a direct and indirect cause of nest failure in Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Authors: Sharps Elwyn , Smart Jennifer , Skov Martin W. , Garbutt Angus , Hiddink Jan G. 
Published: February 2015

The Common Redshank Tringa totanus breeding population on British saltmarshes has declined by over 50% since 1985, with declines linked to changes in grazing management. Conservation initiatives have encouraged low‐intensity grazing of less than one cattle per hectare, but Redshank have continued to decline, even in regions where light grazing was predominant. This study quantified effects of grazing intensity on Redshank nest survival over six lightly grazed saltmarshes with livestock densities between 0 and 0.82 cattle per hectare, in the Ribble Estuary, northwest England. We assessed whether grazing resulted in nest mortality directly through cattle trampling and/or indirectly through grazer modification of habitat that accelerates predation risks. Cattle density was recorded both during the Redshank breeding season and for 1 year prior to the study, to account for both short‐term trampling effects and the longer term effects on vegetation. Results showed that risk of nest loss to trampling increased from 16% at 0.15 cattle per hectare to 98% at 0.82 cattle per hectare in the breeding season. The risk of a nest being predated increased from 28% with no grazing to 95% at 0.55 cattle per hectare based on all year grazing data. These results suggest that even light conservation grazing at less than one cattle per hectare can reduce Redshank nest survival rates to near zero. It may therefore be appropriate to reduce saltmarsh grazing intensities, or change the timing of saltmarsh grazing to reduce the number of livestock present during the Redshank breeding season.
Qualitative characterization of a transesterification product of coconut oil by FIA‐APCI‐MS
Authors: Cortese M. , Ricciutelli M. , Censi R. , Di Martino P. 
Published: February 2015

SynopsisObjectivesThe purpose of this work was the qualitative characterization of a recently transesterification product obtained from the coconut oil in the presence of polyglycerol‐6 to produce a new PEG‐free secondary surfactant. The purpose of a secondary surfactant is to reduce the harshness of a skin cleanser.MethodsThe transesterification product was qualitatively characterized in our laboratory by flow injection analysis–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–mass spectrometry (FIA‐APCI‐MS). The mass spectrum of the transesterification product was compared to those of the starting materials (polyglycerol and coconut oil).ResultsThe analyses highlighted the disappearance of the starting oil peaks and the appearance of new peaks assignable to the reaction products, mainly corresponding to diesters of polyglycerol. Additionally, peaks of unreacted polyglycerol are present as well as peaks of cyclization products derived from the polyglycerol starting material.ConclusionsThe development of this fast and easy analytical method, requesting only few minutes to be performed, represents a very useful tool for the characterization of transesterification products during the quality control of batches under production.
Effects of a hospital‐based education programme on self‐care behaviour, care dependency and quality of life in patients with heart failure – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Köberich Stefan , Lohrmann Christa , Mittag Oskar , Dassen Theo 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the effects of a nurse‐led, hospital‐based heart failure specific education session with a three‐month telephone follow‐up on self‐care behaviour, care dependency and quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure.BackgroundPatient education in patients with heart failure is able to promote heart failure‐specific self‐care, to reduce mortality, morbidity and rehospitalisation rates and to enhance quality of life, especially if heart failure education is embedded in a multidisciplinary approach. Evidence of the effect of a nurse‐led self‐care education, quality of life and care dependency in addition to standard medical treatment in Germany is lacking.DesignNonblinded, prospective, single‐centre, randomised controlled trial.MethodSixty‐four patients were allocated either to the intervention group or to the control group. Patients in the intervention group received education about heart failure self‐care with a consecutive telephone follow‐up over three months in addition to standard medical treatment. Patients in the control group received standard medical treatment only.ResultsData of 110 patients (58 in the intervention group and 52 in the control group) with a mean age of 62 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 28·2% could be analysed. Self‐care education had a significant influence on overall heart failure self‐care but not on quality of life and care dependency.ConclusionA single education session with a consecutive telephone follow‐up is able to improve overall self‐care behaviours but not quality of life. Care dependency was not influenced by the education session.Relevance to clinical practiceThe easy to implement and short educational intervention has a positive effect on self‐care behaviour for patients with heart failure. However, there was no effect on quality of life and care dependency. To improve quality of life and to influence care dependency, different measures have to be applied.
Adult family member experiences during an older loved one's delirium: a narrative literature review
Authors: Day Jenny , Higgins Isabel 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo provide a narrative literature review about family experiences during older person delirium.BackgroundDelirium is a common and serious condition which manifests when older people are unwell. Family members of older people are likely to encounter their loved one and become involved in care during delirium.DesignNarrative literature review.MethodsElectronic database and Google Scholar™searches were conducted using search terms for delirium, family, experience and older people.ResultsThough family members are important partners in the care of older people, there has been little exploration of their experiences during delirium. Current literature identifies that family members experience unexpected, rapid and unpredictable changes in their older loved one, absence of the person they know, distress, not knowing about delirium nor how to help, and supportive and unsupportive relationships with health care staff.ConclusionsHealth care staff need understanding about what it means for family to have someone close to them have delirium. Without understanding, it is difficult for staff to respond with compassion, provide support and appropriately include family in the older person's care. There is a need to mitigate family distress and provide support, including information which addresses family concerns.Relevance to clinical practiceThe distress family members experience, the impact of losing connection to their loved one, and the difficulty family face in sustaining hope for their loved one's return needs to be recognised and addressed by health care staff, particularly nurses, during the older person's care.
Involving patients in understanding hospital infection control using visual methods
Authors: Wyer Mary , Jackson Debra , Iedema Rick , Hor Su‐Yin , Gilbert Gwendolyn L , Jorm Christine , Hooker Claire , O'Sullivan Matthew Vincent Neil , Carroll Katherine 
Published: February 2015

Aims and ObjectivesThis paper explores patients' perspectives on infection prevention and control.BackgroundHealthcare‐associated infections are the most frequent adverse event experienced by patients. Reduction strategies have predominantly addressed front‐line clinicians' practices; patients' roles have been less explored.DesignVideo‐reflexive ethnography.MethodsFieldwork undertaken at a large metropolitan hospital in Australia involved 300 hours of ethnographic observations, including 11 hours of video footage. This paper focuses on eight occasions, where video footage was shown back to patients in one‐on‐one reflexive sessions.FindingsViewing and discussing video footage of clinical care enabled patients to become articulate about infection risks, and to identify their own roles in reducing transmission. Barriers to detailed understandings of preventative practices and their roles included lack of conversation between patients and clinicians about infection prevention and control, and being ignored or contradicted when challenging perceived suboptimal practice. It became evident that to compensate for clinicians' lack of engagement around infection control, participants had developed a range of strategies, of variable effectiveness, to protect themselves and others. Finally, the reflexive process engendered closer scrutiny and a more critical attitude to infection control that increased patients' sense of agency.ConclusionThis study found that patients actively contribute to their own safety. Their success, however, depends on the quality of patient–provider relationships and conversations. Rather than treating patients as passive recipients of infection control practices, clinicians can support and engage with patients' contributions towards achieving safer care.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study suggests that if clinicians seek to reduce infection rates, they must start to consider patients as active contributors to infection control. Clinicians can engage patients in conversations about practices and pay attention to patient feedback about infection risk. This will broaden clinicians' understandings of infection control risks and behaviours, and assist them to support appropriate patient self‐care behaviour.