bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The toxicological effects of bisphenol A and octylphenol on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats
Authors: Ahbab Müfide Aydoğan , Barlas Nurhayat , Karabulut Gözde 
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the individual adverse effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and octylphenol (OP) on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats. Rats were exposed to BPA and OP at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg/day, by gavage, for 90 days. At the end of the study, the testes, epididymis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicle were removed and examined histopathologically. Also, 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expressions were analyzed and serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured. Sperm head count of caput epididymis was performed using a hemocytometer. Seminiferous and epididymal round tubules were evaluated for tubule diameter, lumen diameter, and height of tubule epithelium. There were significant increases in relative testes weights in BPA125, OP125, and OP250 groups compared with the control. Atrophic tubules, pyknotic tubules, combined tubules, congestion, vacuolization of Sertoli cell, cell debris in the lumen, tubules without sperm, and degeneration of tubules were noted in the tissue specimens obtained from the treatment groups compared with the control group. Sperm head counts were decreased in all treatment groups except for the low-dose BPA group. Testosterone (T) levels decreased in the BPA and high-dose OP treatment groups. LH levels increased in BPA treatment groups and the low-dose OP treatment group and decreased in the high-dose OP group. Epithelial height of high-dose BPA and OP treatment groups increased compared with the control group. Furthermore tubular height of low-dose BPA and high-dose OP groups increased with respect to control levels. In the OP250 treatment group, thyroxine hormone level was increased compared to other groups. Also, in the OP125 treatment group, triiodothyronine hormone level was increased compared with other groups. The results of this study showed that BPA and OP affect the steroidogenic enzyme expression and T production in Leydig cells. In conclusion, BPA and OP have adverse effects on the male reproductive system of prepubertal rats.
Testing the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire With Korean Children in Institutionalized Care
Authors: Kim Youngmi , Kim Kyeongmo , Lee Shinhye 
Published: October 2015

Purpose: We tested the reliability and validity of the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) in a sample of children living in orphanages in South Korea. Methods: Our study sample consisted of 334 children aged 13–18 obtained using a convenience sampling method. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to identify the factor structure of the 24 self-efficacy items and used a Pearson correlation to explore the scale’s validity. Results: The findings show the SEQ-C is a reliable scale with a three-factor model measuring social, academic, and emotional self-efficacy. Construct validity was also supported by finding a significant negative correlation between self-efficacy and depression. Conclusions: Our study informs social workers and researchers that the SEQ-C measure is a useful tool for practical evaluation and intervention that can be used for children with disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds in South Korea.
Feline coronavirus quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on effusion samples in cats with and without feline infectious peritonitis
Authors: Longstaff Louise , Porter Emily , Crossley Victoria J , Hayhow Sophie E , Helps Christopher R , Tasker Séverine 
Published: October 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine whether feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA in effusion samples can be used as a diagnostic marker of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP); and in FCoV RNA-positive samples to examine amino acid codons in the FCoV spike protein at positions 1058 and 1060 where leucine and alanine, respectively, have been associated with systemic or virulent (FIP) FCoV infection. Methods Total RNA was extracted from effusion samples from 20 cats with confirmed FIP and 23 cats with other diseases. Feline coronavirus RNA was detected using a reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (qRT-PCR), and positive samples underwent pyrosequencing of position 1058 with or without Sanger sequencing of position 1060 in the FCoV spike protein. Results Seventeen (85%) of the effusion samples from 20 cats with FIP were positive for FCoV RNA, whereas none of the 23 cats with other diseases were positive. Pyrosequencing of the 17 FCoV-positive samples showed that 11 (65%) of the cats had leucine and two (12%) had methionine at position 1058. Of the latter two samples with methionine, one had alanine at position 1060. Conclusions and relevance A positive FCoV qRT-PCR result on effusions appears specific for FIP and may be a useful diagnostic marker for FIP in cats with effusions. The majority of FCoVs contained amino acid changes previously associated with systemic spread or virulence (FIP) of the virus.
Hobnail Hemangioma (Superficial Hemosiderotic Lymphovascular Malformation) in Children
Authors: AbuHilal Mohn’d , Breslavet Max , Ho Nhung , Taylor Glenn , Pope Elena 
Published: October 2015

Background: Hobnail hemangioma is a small benign vascular malformation of the superficial and mid-dermis with variable clinical presentation. Objectives: To review the clinical characteristics of hobnail hemangioma in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review performed of all histopathologically confirmed cases of hobnail hemangioma from May 2000 to December 2014. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and results of immunohistochemical staining were collected. Results: Four male and 2 female patients identified. Congenital lesions were reported in 3 cases. The most common anatomic location was the extremities. Treatment options included observation and surgical excision. Conclusions: Hobnail hemangioma is an uncommon benign vascular malformation. Due to its benign nature, treatment is not required. If treatment is indicated, complete surgical excision appears to be the most effective option.
Predicting degree of myelination based on diffusion tensor imagining of canines with mucopolysaccharidosis type I
Authors: Choi Joshua , Dickson Patricia , Calabrese Evan , Chen Steven , White Leonard , Ellingwood Matthew , Provenzale James M 
Published: October 2015

Objective This study examined the effect of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type 1 on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in the canine brain. We hypothesized 1) white matter regions in the MPS brain would show decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased radial diffusivity (RD) compared to the same regions in normal brain, 2) compared to FA, RD would more closely correlate with myelin density and fiber coherence, and 3) DTI and histological data from the normal brain could be used to accurately predict degree of myelination in the MPS brain using DTI metrics. Methods We performed DTI imaging on one normal canine brain and two MPS brains on a 7T MR scanner and generated FA and RD maps. Brains were sectioned and stained with a gold chloride stain for myelin to obtain myelin optical density and fiber coherence values. The three brains were compared using the DTI and histology metrics. Results Most measured regions in one MPS brain and all measured regions in the other MPS brain exhibited decreased FA, increased RD, and decreased myelin density in white matter. FA and RD significantly correlated with myelin density in the normal brain but failed to reach significance in either MPS brain. A predictive model using FA but not RD was able to accurately predict degree of myelination in one MPS brain. Conclusion Dysmyelination in the MPS brain results in decreased FA and increased RD. However, in the small sample, FA and RD were values not significantly correlated with myelination in either MPS brain.
Is simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant the most cost-effective strategy for type 1 diabetes patients with renal failure?
Authors: Ong Siew Chin , Lee Victor Tswen-Wen , Lim Jeremy Fung Yen , Chow Wai Leng , Tong Shao Chuen , Kee Terence Yi-Shern , Madhavan Krishnakumar 
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant (SPK) has shown beneficial outcomes in type 1 diabetes patients with renal failure (IDDM-RF). The objective of this study was to assess its cost-effectiveness compared with other treatment strategies for IDDM-RF. Methods: A decision analytic model was developed for IDDM-RF treatment with four possible strategies: deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT), living donor kidney transplant (LDKT), SPK and dialysis. A cost-utility analysis from the healthcare provider perspective was conducted based on a five-year model. Local data were used whenever possible except for SPK survival variables, wherein data from United Network for Organ Sharing and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients were used. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of uncertainties around key variables. Results: In the baseline analysis, LDKT was the most cost-effective strategy with the lowest cost per quality-adjusted life year gained, i.e. SGD77,068, followed by SPK (SGD82,991), DDKT (SGD92,432) and dialysis (SGD181,192). The DDKT was extended dominated by dialysis and LDKT strategies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios with dialysis as a reference for LDKT and SPK strategies were SGD43,094 and SGD56,201, respectively. Both strategies are considered highly cost-effective under World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. In the sensitivity analysis, a 6% increase in both SPK kidney graft survival and patient survival would make SPK the most cost-effective strategy. Conclusions: Both LDKT and SPK are highly cost-effective strategies in the treatment of IDDM-RF. SPK is potentially the most cost-effective strategy if a 6% increase in both SPK kidney graft survival and patient survival is achieved.
Older nurses: A literature review on challenges, factors in early retirement and workforce retention
Authors: Uthaman Thendral , Chua Tse Lert , Ang Shin Yuh 
Published: October 2015

Introduction: The widespread shortage of nurses has been exacerbated by an ageing workforce. Though skilled and productive, older nurses are more vulnerable to the physical and mental demands of nursing. Hence, this review was performed to determine the existing evidence on challenges faced by older nurses, factors which promote or deter retirement and strategies that could help in their retention. The results of this review would help with the implementation of age-friendly initiatives to enable older nurses to work longer, while simultaneously allowing institutions to maintain high-quality nursing care. Methods: A search was done using three databases, namely MEDLINE, the Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO. Primary studies and reviews published between 2004 and 2015 were retrieved. Keywords used were ‘older nurses’, ‘retirement’, ‘re-employment’ and ‘retention’. Results: Articles retrieved were mainly qualitative studies. A few quantitative surveys and reviews were reported. The definition of older nurses was inconsistent across the literature. Personal health concerns and limitations, computerisation and shift work were common challenges faced by older nurses, while monetary factors, health and workload were consistent themes on early retirement. Financial reasons were also identified as factors associated with retention, along with flexible schedules. Almost all strategies suggested in the literature for retaining older nurses lacked empirical testing. Conclusion: The ageing process may render certain tasks less desirable and more challenging for the older nurses. Employers could pay attention to the needs of an older workforce through improved workplace practices and being familiar with factors associated with early retirement and retention.
Setting up a regional health system database for seamless population health management in Singapore
Authors: Gunapal Pradeep Paul George , Kannapiran Palvannan , Teow Kiok Liang , Zhu Zhecheng , Xiaobin You Alex , Saxena Nakul , Singh Vinay , Tham Linus , Choo Philip Wee Jin , Chong Phui-Nah , Sim Joe Heng Joo , Eu Li Wong John , Ong Benjamin Kian Chung , Soh Eugene Fidelis , Foo Hee Jug , Heng Bee Hoon 
Published: October 2015

Objective: Understanding the health and health service utilization of the population is critical for Regional Health System’s (RHS) population health management (PHM) initiatives in Singapore. The RHS database is a collaborative effort toward developing a national architecture for healthcare utilization data across diverse clinical systems with disparate data models. This manuscript describes the setup of an RHS database which would facilitate big data analytics for proactive population health management and health services research. Materials and methods: The RHS database is a conglomeration of four isolated databases from the three RHSs. It contains linked National Healthcare Group (NHG) polyclinic visit records, specialist outpatient clinic visit records, hospital discharge records from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), National University Hospital (NUH) and Alexandra Hospital (AH), chronic disease management system (CDMS) records and mortality records from local registries. The data linkage process was conducted using the unique identification number (NRIC) as the linking variable. The final anonymized database has multiple interconnected tables that includes patient demographics, chronic disease and healthcare utilization information. Results: Over 2.8 million patients had contact with the three RHSs from 2008 to 2013. The database facilitated risk stratification of patients based on their past healthcare utilization and chronic disease information. This database aids in understanding the cross-utilization of healthcare services across the three RHSs and can help address the challenges of setting up a distinct geographical boundary for individual RHSs. Conclusions: The RHS database has been established with the intention to support the secondary use of administrative health data in health services research and proactive PHM in Singapore.
HCV-infected cells and differentiation increase monocyte immunoregulatory galectin-9 production
Authors: Harwood Noah M K , Golden-Mason Lucy , Cheng Linling , Rosen Hugo R , Mengshol John A 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The lectin galectin-9 may help establish and maintain chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Galectin-9 is elevated in the liver and sera of hepatitis C virus patients, induces apoptosis of hepatitis C virus-specific T cells, and increases inhibitory regulatory T cells. Kupffer cells stain strongly for galectin-9 protein in hepatitis C virus patients. In the current study, we determined stimuli that induce galectin-9 production by monocytes and macrophages in hepatitis C virus infection. With the use of real-time PCR and flow cytometry, we analyzed galectin-9 mRNA and protein from human monocytes cocultured with hepatitis C virus-infected cells or noninfectious hepatitis C virus subgenomic replicon cells. We focused on finding the stimuli for galectin-9 production. Additionally, we measured galectin-9 during monocyte-to-macrophage maturation. Finally, we examined galectin-9 in peripheral monocytes from hepatitis C virus patients using flow cytometry. Galectin-9 mRNA increased 8-fold when primary monocytes were exposed to hepatitis C virus--infected cells. Maximum induction required proximity or contact and did not require IFN-γ or hepatitis C virus virions. Coculture of monocytes with subgenomic replicon cells increased galectin-9 5-fold, and purified exosomes from infected cells stimulated galectin-9 production. Stimulation of monocyte TLR3, -7, and -8 increased galectin-9 production. Differentiation of monocytes to macrophages increased galectin-9, and nonclassic monocytes from hepatitis C virus patients had the highest levels of galectin-9. Hepatitis C virus-infected cells stimulated monocytes to produce galectin-9 in close proximity, possibly, in part, as a result of exosomes and endosomal TLRs. Differentiation of monocytes to macrophages increased galectin-9. Nonclassic monocytes from hepatitis C virus patients express the highest galectin-9 levels, suggesting they may contribute to elevated galectin-9 and adaptive immune inhibition in hepatitis C virus infection.
Siglecs take a TOLL on inflammation: deciphering the Hsp70 riddle
Authors: Calderwood Stuart K , Murshid Ayesha 
Published: October 2015

The manuscript by Fong et al () in this issue of The EMBO Journal addresses an ongoing question in immunology: are extracellular HSPs endogenous inflammatory signals or are they in fact built‐in inhibitors of those same functions? In a highly original series of experiments, they identify novel Hsp70 receptors in monocytes as members of the Siglec family. Even more significantly, two Siglec family members transmitted divergent responses to Hsp70, with Siglec‐5 dampening inflammation while Siglec‐14 triggering the inflammatory cascade. These findings therefore go some way in addressing the open question: is Hsp70 pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory and leaving us with the answer yes.
The gut microbiota modulates host amino acid and glutathione metabolism in mice
Authors: Mardinoglu Adil , Shoaie Saeed , Bergentall Mattias , Ghaffari Pouyan , Zhang Cheng , Larsson Erik , Bäckhed Fredrik , Nielsen Jens 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe gut microbiota has been proposed as an environmental factor that promotes the progression of metabolic diseases. Here, we investigated how the gut microbiota modulates the global metabolic differences in duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, liver, and two white adipose tissue depots obtained from conventionally raised (CONV‐R) and germ‐free (GF) mice using gene expression data and tissue‐specific genome‐scale metabolic models (GEMs). We created a generic mouse metabolic reaction (MMR) GEM, reconstructed 28 tissue‐specific GEMs based on proteomics data, and manually curated GEMs for small intestine, colon, liver, and adipose tissues. We used these functional models to determine the global metabolic differences between CONV‐R and GF mice. Based on gene expression data, we found that the gut microbiota affects the host amino acid (AA) metabolism, which leads to modifications in glutathione metabolism. To validate our predictions, we measured the level of AAs and N‐acetylated AAs in the hepatic portal vein of CONV‐R and GF mice. Finally, we simulated the metabolic differences between the small intestine of the CONV‐R and GF mice accounting for the content of the diet and relative gene expression differences. Our analyses revealed that the gut microbiota influences host amino acid and glutathione metabolism in mice.
ELETROTERAPIA APLICADA AO MEMBRO SUPERIOR ESPÁSTICO DE PACIENTES COM ACIDENTE VASCULAR CEREBRAL – UM ESTUDO DE REVISÃO
Authors: Barreto Camila Da Silva , Carteado Haline Santa Bárbara dos Santos , Viégas Louise Raissa Teixeira , Bastos Maria Carolina Dias , Novais Murilo Brito Barbosa , Ferraz Daniel Dominguez 
Published: October 2015

Introdução: A espasticidade é uma alteração do tônus muscular secundaria a uma lesão do neurônio motor superior geralmente decorrente de um distúrbio vascular cerebral. A estimulação elétrica neuromuscular vem sendo utilizada pelos fisioterapeutas com o objetivo de reduzir a espasticidade, melhorar a capacidade motora e o desempenho na realização das atividades de vida diária. Objetivo: Apresentar os efeitos da aplicação de estímulos elétricos neuromusculares sobre os músculos espásticos do membro superior de pacientes com sequelas de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Metodologia: O estudo utilizou o protocolo de orientações do PRISMA para a elaboração da revisão sistemática. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada no período entre dezembro de 2014 e março de 2015 nas bases de dados: MedLine/PubMed, PEDro, LILACS e Scielo. Foram utilizados os seguintes descritores: Espasticidade, Muscle Spasticity, Fisioterapia e Physical Therapy Modalities. Resultados: Foram selecionados 6 estudos. As pesquisas mostram uma redução significativa da espasticidade em músculos do membro superior espástico de pacientes com sequelas de AVC, tratados com eletroestimulação muscular. Outros resultados também foram encontrados, como a redução da dor e da contratura muscular, a melhora da função motora dos membros superiores e o aumento da amplitude de movimento ativa de punho e dedos. Não existe consenso entre os parâmetros de aplicação do tratamento com eletroterapia. Conclusão: Os estudos mostram que a eletroterapia, aplicada ao membro superior espástico do paciente com sequelas de AVC, parece contribuir para a redução da espasticidade, melhora das complicações associadas e incremento da capacidade funcional. Porém, ainda é baixa a qualidade metodológica dos estudos e reduzido o número de artigos sobre o tema.
A UTILIZAÇÃO DO NINTENDO WII® COMO FERRAMENTA TERAPÊUTICA EM PROGRAMAS DE REABILITAÇÃO TRAUMATO-ORTOPÉDICA
Authors: Cruz Rafael Vinícius Santos , D'Alencar Matheus Silva , Menuchi Marcos Rodrigo Trindade Pinheiro 
Published: October 2015

Objetivo: investigar a utilização do Nintendo Wii® como ferramenta central ou adjuvante em programas de reabilitação de pacientes com problemas traumato ortopédicos. Metodologia: O estudo consiste em uma revisão de literatura. Foram pesquisados artigos nos idiomas inglês e/ou português, disponíveis na íntegra, cadastrados nas bases eletrônicas de pesquisa Pubmed Central, Scielo, Lilacs, Bireme, Cochrane, Medline e PEDro, publicados entre 2006 e 2014. Resultados: sete artigos corresponderam aos critérios de inclusão estabelecidos, sendo seis em idioma inglês, e um, em português. Todos eles foram apresentados como randomizados, quatro destes avaliaram indivíduos com problemas em membro inferior, com atenção especial à articulação do joelho, sendo dois voltados para o tratamento de lombalgia e um para disfunção do membro superior. Exercícios de fortalecimento foram comuns a todos os estudos, sendo também comum o emprego de exercícios para melhora do equilíbrio corporal e coordenação. Quanto aos jogos utilizados no Nintendo Wii®, houve uma diversificação, com o emprego de games direcionados ao equilíbrio, à propriocepção, ao fortalecimento, ao alongamento e ao condicionamento aeróbico. A duração do programa variou entre 4 e 12 semanas, com 2 a 4 sessões semanais de exercício ou wiiterapia. Conclusão: a utilização de protocolos de intervenção com o uso do Nintendo Wii® para distúrbios traumato-ortopédicos mostrou resultados positivos nas disfunções de membros superiores, membros inferiores e coluna
Produk Metabolisme Rumen pada Sapi Perah Laktasi
Authors: Suwandyastuti S.N.O. , Rimbawanto Efka Aris 
Published: October 2015

(Rumen metabolism product on lactating dairy cattle) ABSTRACT. The rumen microorganism, as yeast, have an important role in rumen fermentation processes and the rumen metabolism product. A research had been done to study the use of yeast, Saccharomyces cereviseae in Lactating dairy cattle ration. The research had been conducted by experimental method, in a Latin Square Design. The animal were subjected as column and periods function as row. The treatment to be tested were four levels of yeast addition, namely : 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/cattle/day. The variables measured were rumen metabolism product : Total Volatile Fatty Acids (T-VFA), Acetate (C2), Propionate (C3), Butyrate (C4), Formiate, Valerate, Nitrogen Ammonia and C2/C3. Based on the all variables measured, it was indicated that the addition of yeast Saccharomyces cereviseae up to 15 g/cattle/day have not changed the rumen metabolism product on lactating dairy cattle; although it was a normally production of total VFA (96,86 ± 9,94 mM/L and C2/C3 (3,08 ± 0,14), but it was very high production of N-NH3 (12,85 ± 2,72 mM/L). To increase the efficiency of metabolism processes, it is need the addition of fermentable carbohydrate in ration.