bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Object discrimination and reversal learning in infant and juvenile non‐human primates in a non‐clinical laboratory
Authors: Makori Norbert , Watson Rebecca E. , Hogrefe Casey E. , Lalayeva Narine , Oneda Satoru 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundBiopharmaceutical development necessitates use of non‐human primates in toxicology, leading to adoption of non‐traditional methods including cognitive function assessment.MethodsA two‐object discrimination and reversal test in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) was performed using a Wisconsin General Testing Apparatus (WGTA). Non‐clinical study design and regulatory considerations dictate that infants are raised by their biological mothers until weaning at 6 months. Thirty‐four animals (6–21 months of age) were trained to discriminate between two randomly selected stimulus objects to retrieve a reward. Following training, days to first reversal after interchanging the reward were measured.ResultsBoth sexes acquired visual discrimination skills at similar rates. Trends in learning and reversals completed were uniform across age groups. Completing training early in some subjects had no impact on subsequent testing phases.ConclusionsWeaned cynomolgus monkey infants can be successfully tested for cognitive abilities using the WGTA in a non‐clinical laboratory setting.
The effects of joint immobilization on articular cartilage of the knee in previously exercised rats
Authors: Maldonado Diogo Correa , Silva Marcelo Cavenaghi Pereira da , Neto Semaan El‐Razi , de Souza Mônica Rodrigues , de Souza Romeu Rodrigues 
Published: March 2013

AbstractStudies have determined the effects of joint immobilization on the articular cartilage of sedentary animals, but we are not aware of any studies reporting the effects of joint immobilization in previously trained animals. The objective of the present study was to determine whether exercise could prevent degeneration of the articular cartilage that accompanies joint immobilization. We used light microscopy to study the thickness, cell density, nuclear size, and collagen density of articular cartilage of the femoral condyle of Wistar rats subjected to aerobic physical activity on an adapted treadmill five times per week. Four groups of Wistar rats were used: a control group (C), an immobilized group (I), an exercised group (E), and an exercised and then immobilized group (EI). The right knee joints from rats in groups I and EI were immobilized at 90 °C of flexion using a plastic cast for 8 weeks. Cartilage thickness decreased significantly in group I (mean, 120.14 ± 15.6 μm, P < 0.05), but not in group EI (mean, 174 ± 2.25), and increased significantly in group E (mean, 289.49 ± 9.15) compared with group C (mean, 239.20 ± 6.25). The same results were obtained for cell density, nuclear size, and collagen density (in all cases, P < 0.05). We concluded that exercise can prevent degenerative changes in femoral articular cartilage caused by immobilization of the knee joint.
Measuring and improving the quality of postoperative epidural analgesia for major abdominal surgery using statistical process control charts
Authors: Duncan Fiona , Haigh Carol 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore and improve the quality of continuous epidural analgesia for pain relief using Statistical Process Control tools.BackgroundMeasuring the quality of pain management interventions is complex. Intermittent audits do not accurately capture the results of quality improvement initiatives. The failure rate for one intervention, epidural analgesia, is approximately 30% in everyday practice, so it is an important area for improvement. Continuous measurement and analysis are required to understand the multiple factors involved in providing effective pain relief.DesignProcess control and quality improvementMethodsRoutine prospectively acquired data collection started in 2006. Patients were asked about their pain and side effects of treatment. Statistical Process Control methods were applied for continuous data analysis. A multidisciplinary group worked together to identify reasons for variation in the data and instigated ideas for improvement. The key measure for improvement was a reduction in the percentage of patients with an epidural in severe pain.ResultsThe baseline control charts illustrated the recorded variation in the rate of several processes and outcomes for 293 surgical patients. The mean visual analogue pain score (VNRS) was four. There was no special cause variation when data were stratified by surgeons, clinical area or patients who had experienced pain before surgery. Fifty‐seven per cent of patients were hypotensive on the first day after surgery. We were able to demonstrate a significant improvement in the failure rate of epidurals as the project continued with quality improvement interventions.ConclusionStatistical Process Control is a useful tool for measuring and improving the quality of pain management.Implications for nursing managementThe applications of Statistical Process Control methods offer the potential to learn more about the process of change and outcomes in an Acute Pain Service both locally and nationally. We have been able to develop measures for improvement and benchmarking in routine care that has led to the establishment of a national pain registry.
The experience of food, eating and meals following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Ottosson Sandra , Laurell Göran , Olsson Cecilia 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo describe the experience of food, eating and meals following radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.BackgroundEating problems are common in patients with head and neck cancer and may remain for a long period of time after treatment.DesignA qualitative study design using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews.MethodsInterviews were conducted nine months after the termination of radiotherapy. A purposive sample of thirteen patients with head and neck cancer participated in the study. The interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.ResultsThe experience of food, eating and meals up to nine months after radiotherapy was captured in six categories: ‘A long journey – taking small steps to an uncertain future’, ‘A new way of eating’, ‘Eating without satisfaction’, ‘Challenging meals outside the family’, ‘Support and information – the key to a successful journey’ and ‘The creation and acceptance of a new normal’.ConclusionThis study provides new information on the long‐term aspects of food, eating and meals in patients with head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer signifies a long journey with problems affecting physical, psychological and social aspects of food. Information and support and the use of strategies are important for patients with head and neck cancer to adapt to new possibilities for living after cancer treatment.Relevance to clinical practiceAll members of the multiprofessional team need to be aware of the struggles with food and eating experienced by patients with head and neck cancer during the convalescent period. It is therefore important that the follow‐up focuses on all aspects of food, eating and meals as a part of a holistic approach.
Parenting support for families with young children – a public health, user‐focused study undertaken in a semi‐rural area of Scotland
Authors: Hogg Rhona , Ritchie Deborah , de Kok Bregje , Wood Cathy , Huby Guro 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo work with parents and public health nurses (health visitors), to identify and design a range of public health interventions to provide support to parents of young children.BackgroundIn the UK, only vulnerable families are now eligible for pro‐active health visiting interventions on an individual family basis beyond the early days. Public health approaches are recommended for the majority of families who are not eligible for one‐to‐one professional support.DesignFocus groups were carried out with parents of young children, health visitors and other professionals working with them.MethodsThe study was carried out in a semi‐rural area of Scotland, consisting of a small town, and the surrounding rural area, including one area of deprivation. The area is served by a team consisting of six health visitors and one health assistant, based in two health centres in the area. Nineteen parents, five members of the health visiting team and 11 other professionals from health, education and social work took part via an invitation to contact the research team.ResultsThe needs of parents identified by both parents and professionals could best be met by social support, with skilled facilitation and suitable resources. The resolution of tensions between caseload‐based and population‐based health visiting, as well as the management of the tensions inherent in these changes, seems to be vital in order to implement these approaches. Many parents would like information made available online.ConclusionsServices to support families with young children need to be designed from the perspectives of parents and their needs.Relevance to clinical practiceServices need to be set up in partnership with parents to provide them with information and access to peer and professional support, using public health approaches. Multiagency working, including among senior managers, may be the most effective way of providing this support.
Long‐Term Clinical Outcomes of the One‐Stent Technique versus the Two‐Stent Technique for Non‐Left Main True Coronary Bifurcation Disease in the Era of Drug‐Eluting Stents
Authors: KOH YOON‐SEOK , KIM PUM‐JOON , CHANG KIYUK , PARK HUN‐JUN , JEONG MYUNG‐HO , KIM HYO‐SOO , JANG YANGSOO , GWON HYEON‐CHEOL , PARK SEUNG‐JUNG , SEUNG KI‐BAE 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have compared the long‐term major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) between the one‐stent technique (stenting only the main branch) and the two‐stent technique (stenting of both the main and side branches) for the treatment of true coronary bifurcation lesions in the drug‐eluting stent era. Therefore, we investigated this issue using the large nationwide coronary bifurcation registry.MethodsThe 1,147 patients with non‐left main coronary true bifurcation lesions underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in the Korea Coronary Bifurcation Stent (COBIS) registry. All patients were stratified based on the stent placement technique: one stent (n = 898) versus two stents (n = 249). MACE, including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat vessel and lesion revascularization (TVR and TLR), were evaluated.ResultsThe median follow‐up duration was 20 months. The MACEs did not differ between the 2 groups. Findings from the one‐stent group were similar to those of the two‐stent group in composite of death, MI, or TVR, based on analysis by crude, multivariate Cox hazard regression model, inverse‐probability‐of‐treatment weighting (hazard ratio [HR] 0.911, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.614–1.351; HR 0.685 95% CI 0.381–1.232; HR 1.235, 95% CI 0.331–4.605, respectively). In further analysis with propensity score matching, the overall findings were consistent.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate that the one‐stent technique was not inferior to the two‐stent technique for the treatment of non‐left main true coronary bifurcation lesions in terms of long‐term MACEs. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:245–253)
Esophagoprotection mediated by exogenous and endogenous melatonin in an experimental model of reflux esophagitis
Authors: Konturek Peter C. , Brzozowska Iwona , Targosz Aneta , Pawlik Michal , Kania Joanna , Hess Thomas , Kwiecien Slawomir , Konturek Stanislaw J. , Reiter Russel J. , Brzozowski Tomasz 
Published: March 2013

AbstractReflux esophagitis is a common clinical entity in western countries with approximately 30% of the population experiencing the symptoms at least once every month. The imbalance between the protective and aggressive factors leads to inflammation and damage of the esophageal mucosa. We compared the effect of exogenous melatonin and melatonin derived endogenously from L‐tryptophan with that of pantoprazole or ranitidine in acid reflux esophagitis due to ligation of the rat pylorus and the limiting ridge between the forestomach and the corpus. Four hours after the induction of gastric reflux, an increase in mucosal lesions associated with edema of the submucosa and with the infiltration of numerous neutrophils and the fall in esophageal blood flow (EBF) were observed. Both melatonin and L‐tryptophan or pantoprazole significantly reduced the lesion index (LI) and raised the EBF. Pinealectomy that significantly decreased plasma melatonin levels aggravated LI and these effects were reduced by melatonin and L‐tryptophan. Luzindole, the MT2 receptor antagonist, abolished the melatonin‐induced reduction in LI and the rise in EBF. L‐NNA and capsaicin that augmented LI and decreased EBF, also significantly reduced melatonin‐induced protection and hyperemia; both were restored with L‐arginine and calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) added to melatonin. Upregulation of IL‐1β and TNF‐α mRNAs and plasma IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels were significantly attenuated by melatonin and L‐tryptophan. We conclude that melatonin protects against acid reflux‐induced damage via activation of MT2 receptors mediated by NO and CGRP released from sensory nerves and the suppression of expression and release of TNF‐α and IL‐1β.
Impact of Structure Modification on Texture of a Soymilk and Cow's Milk Gel Assessed Using the Napping Procedure
Authors: Grygorczyk A. , Lesschaeve I. , Corredig M. , Duizer L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt was hypothesized that with careful control of the structure of a mixed protein matrix, it is possible to obtain different textures without changing ingredients or their concentrations. A model system containing soymilk, cow's milk and cream was used. To modify the texture of the final matrix, the mode of protein gelation and the order of homogenization of the cream (with soymilk or skim milk alone or with both mixed together) were investigated. Using a partial Napping and ultra‐flash profiling procedure, it was demonstrated that as long as milk was homogenized with cream, the mixed protein gels had higher thickness and mouthcoating compared with gels made from unhomogenized samples or samples made by homogenizing the cream with soymilk. It was found that aggregation of milk proteins before soy proteins resulted in more prominent fat‐related attributes such as slipperiness and fattiness compared with simultaneous aggregation of casein and soy proteins.Practical ApplicationsRecently, there has been a growing interest in mixed protein gels; however, little information exists about their sensory properties. Such gels have the potential to be a novel category of healthy high‐protein products exhibiting consumer‐acceptable sensory properties. However, more work is needed to improve understanding of how to generate such products and to understand the processes that impact their sensory properties. The aim of the present study was to examine the sensory texture changes induced when the organization of components is modified within a mixed soymilk–dairy milk gel without changing ingredients or their concentrations. The present study also contributes to the understanding of texture perception as it demonstrates a clear link between texture perception and structure modification in a protein gel. Mixed protein systems present an attractive opportunity for the study of texture–structure relationships as they allow the development of a range of structures without modifying the system's composition.
Targeted case finding for hepatitis B using dry blood spot testing in the British–Chinese and South Asian populations of the North‐East of England
Authors: McPherson S. , Valappil M. , Moses S. E. , Eltringham G. , Miller C. , Baxter K. , Chan A. , Shafiq K. , Saeed A. , Qureshi R. , Hudson M. , Bassendine M. F. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryChronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a frequent cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Targeted HBV screening is recommended by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention for subjects born in countries with >2% HBV prevalence. However, there are no UK guidelines. Here, we applied the (CDC) recommendations to the British–Chinese and British–South Asian community of North‐East (NE) England. British–Chinese and South Asian subjects were invited to attend for HBV education and screening sessions held in community centres. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core total antibody (HBcAb) were tested with dry blood spot tests. South Asians were also tested for hepatitis C antibody (HCVAb). A total of 1126 subjects (606 Chinese and 520 South Asian) were screened. Sixty‐two (5.5%) were HBsAg positive. Ten of these reported a previous diagnosis of HBV. The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 4.6% when previously diagnosed individuals were excluded. The HBsAg prevalence was significantly higher in the Chinese subjects compared with South Asians (8.7% VS. 1.7% P < 0.001). In Chinese subjects, HBsAg positivity was highest in subjects born in Vietnam (17.4%), followed by China (11%), Hong Kong (7.8%) and the UK (6.7%). Subjects from Pakistan had the highest HBsAg and HCV Ab prevalence in the South Asians (3.1% and 1.8%, respectively). Ten percentage of HBsAg positive patients who had follow‐up assessment had active disease requiring antiviral treatment. Undiagnosed HBV infection was above the 2% threshold for screening suggested by the CDC in the British–Chinese and Pakistani community of NE England, which provides evidence for a UK HBV‐targeted screening programme.
Alterations in Adipokines in Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
Authors: Mazaki‐Tovi M. , Abood S.K. , Segev G. , Schenck P.A. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundFeline hepatic lipidosis (HL) is associated with alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The adipokines, adiponectin, and leptin have lipid‐lowering and insulin‐sensitizing effects.HypothesisSerum concentrations of adiponectin and leptin are altered in feline HL.AnimalsClient‐owned cats: 55 healthy and 45 with liver disease.MethodsCats with liver disease were categorized as having HL (n = 20), HL and concurrent disease (n = 19), or other liver disease (n = 6), based on clinical signs, laboratory findings, abdominal ultrasound examination as well as liver cytopathology, histopathology, or both. Serum samples were collected and body condition score determined.ResultsMean serum concentrations of adiponectin were higher in overweight cats with HL (4.5 μg/mL), HL and concurrent disease (4.4 μg/mL), or other liver disease (6.1 μg/mL), as compared with healthy cats (1.5 μg/mL; P < .001, P < .001, and P = .04, respectively). Mean serum concentration of leptin was higher in cats with HL (9.8 ng/mL) or HL and concurrent disease (10.7 ng/mL) than healthy cats (4.9 ng/mL, P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Cats with other liver disease had leptin concentration (4.9 ng/mL) similar to healthy cats. Concentrations of adiponectin were correlated with alanine aminotransferase activity (r = 0.40, P = .0069), and concentrations of leptin were correlated with alkaline phosphatase activity (r = 0.42, P = .0051) in cats with liver disease.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAdipokine concentrations are altered in feline HL. Increased concentrations of adiponectin are related to liver disease, whereas increased concentrations of leptin are specifically related to HL.
Novel aspects in the life cycle and biotrophic interactions in Pezizomycetes (Ascomycota, Fungi)
Authors: Tedersoo Leho , Arnold A. Elizabeth , Hansen Karen 
Published: March 2013

The ascomycete class Pezizomycetes (single order Pezizales) is known for its cup‐shaped fruit bodies and the evolution of edible truffles and morels, but little is known about the ontogeny and ecology of this large and ecologically diverse fungal group. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Healy et al. () make a great leap forward by describing and identifying asexual, anamorphic structures that produce mitotic spores in many ectomycorrhiza‐forming truffle and nontruffle species on soil surfaces worldwide (Fig. ). Although such anamorphic forms have been reported sporadically from certain ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic Pezizomycetes (e.g. Warcup ), Healy et al. () demonstrate that these terricolous asexual forms are both taxonomically and geographically more widespread and, in fact, much more common than previously understood. We anticipate that deeper insight into other substrates, provided by molecular analyses of materials such as dead wood and seeds, is likely to reveal numerous anamorphs of saprotrophic and pathogenic Pezizomycetes as well (see Marek et al. ).
Contaminants and impoSEX: transcriptomics of contaminant‐induced sex change
Authors: Chapman Robert W. , Guillette Louis J. 
Published: March 2013

Reproduction is the goal of living organisms, and environmental conditions that influence sexual development are therefore critical to understanding adaptation in natural populations. It is not surprising that so much attention has been devoted to the impacts of the physical and chemical environment on this process (Vandenberg et al. ). Chemicals of concern include a variety of endocrine disruptors (EDs) including oestrogen and oestrogen mimics that directly lead to malformation of the gonad. On the molecular side, the impact that EDs have on genes directly involved in the feminization or masculinization of the gonad such as Cyp 19A (or aromatase), foxl2, Sox9, Dmrt1 and NrOb1, has received considerable attention due to their direct involvement in the regulation of oestrogen and testosterone. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Pascoal et al. () examine the impact of a known endocrine disruptor (tributyltin or TBT) on the transcriptome of the dog whelk, Nucella lapillus (Fig. ), in relation to the formation of imposex individuals (masculinized females). They conclude that TBT mimics the endogenous ligand of the nuclear retinoid X receptor (RXR) and/or peroxisome profilerator‐activated receptor (PPAR) disrupting pathways.