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Clin Med (Lond) 2021 May 6. Epub 2021 May 6.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Background: No published protocol to guide the withdrawal of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for patients with COVID-19 exists.

Case Series: Description of the introduction of a novel protocol, developed by consensus to guide the withdrawal of CPAP for patients diagnosed as dying with COVID-19 in an acute hospital.

Outcome: 19 patients died on the high-dependency respiratory unit following treatment with CPAP. Read More

J Cardiovasc Nurs 2021 Apr 29. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Ritin Fernandez, PhD, MN Professor, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, School of Nursing, University of Wollongong; and Head of Department Centre for Research in Nursing and Health, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia. Laura Ellwood, MPH, RN Registered Nurse, Centre for Research in Nursing and Health, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia. Heidi Lord, MPH, RN Clinical Nurse Consultant, Centre for Research in Nursing and Health, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia. Elizabeth Curtis, MN, RN Lecturer, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Australia. John Khoo, MBBS(Hons) Advanced Trainee, Department of Cardiology, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Astin Lee, MBBS(Hons)Syd, FRCP(London), FRACP, FCSANZ, FACC, FESC, FSCAI Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Cardiology, Wollongong and Shellharbour Hospitals, Australia. James Weaver, PhD, FRACP Staff Specialist Interventional Cardiologist, Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Background: Transradial cardiac catheterization is increasingly being used for the management of coronary artery disease given the low risk of procedural discomfort and complications with this approach. However, the evidence relating to preprocedural anxiety levels in these patients is scarce.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety levels and the predictors of anxiety in patients undergoing transradial cardiac catheterization procedures. Read More

Physiol Rep 2021 Apr;9(7):e14809

University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, London, UK.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) occurs when there is failure of acclimatisation to high altitude. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between physiological variables and the incidence of AMS during ascent to 5300 m. A total of 332 lowland-dwelling volunteers followed an identical ascent profile on staggered treks. Read More

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2021 Apr;20(3):285-289

School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK.

Grounded theory (GT) is both a research method and a research methodology. There are several different ways of doing GT which reflect the different viewpoints of the originators. For those who are new to this approach to conducting qualitative research, this can be confusing. Read More

J Neurosurg Pediatr 2020 Nov 13:1-7. Epub 2020 Nov 13.

2Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Objective: Instability of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a well-known finding in patients with Down syndrome (DS); however, the relative contributions of bony morphology versus ligamentous laxity responsible for abnormal CCJ motion are unknown. Using finite element modeling, the authors of this study attempted to quantify those relative differences.

Methods: Two CCJ finite element models were created for age-matched pediatric patients, a patient with DS and a control without DS. Read More

PLoS One 2020 11;15(11):e0241193. Epub 2020 Nov 11.

Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom.

Background: Programmes using motivational interviewing show potential in facilitating lifestyle change, however this has not been well established and explored in individuals at risk of, yet without symptomatic pre-existent cardiovascular disease. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in supporting modifiable risk factor change in individuals at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis with results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Read More

J Nurs Res 2020 Nov 2;29(1):e131. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

PhD, RN, Professor, Centre for Applied Research in Health, University of Huddersfield; and Research and Development, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Acre Street, Huddersfield, UK.

Background: Regular physical activity is important for patients with established coronary heart disease as it favorably influences their coronary risk profile. General self-efficacy is a powerful predictor of health behavior change that involves increases in physical activity levels. Few studies have simultaneously measured physical activity and self-efficacy during early recovery after a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Oct 14;10(1):17639. Epub 2020 Oct 14.

Bioprocesses and Bioproducts Research Group. Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo, Mexico.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. Read More

Polymers (Basel) 2020 Sep 16;12(9). Epub 2020 Sep 16.

Grupo de Investigación en Química y Biotecnología (QUIBIO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Calle 5 No. 62-00, Cali 760035, Colombia.

One of the critical processing parameters-the speed of the extrusion process for plasticized poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-was investigated in the presence of acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) as plasticizer. The mixtures were obtained by varying the content of plasticizer (ATBC, 10-30% by weight), using a twin screw extruder as a processing medium for which a temperature profile with peak was established that ended at 160 °C, two mixing zones and different screw rotation speeds (60 and 150 rpm). To evaluate the thermo-mechanical properties of the blend and hydrophilicity, the miscibility of the plasticizing and PLA matrix, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), oscillatory rheological analysis, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), mechanical analysis, as well as the contact angle were tested. Read More

Neuromuscul Disord 2020 09 14;30(9):750-755. Epub 2020 Jul 14.

University College London Hospitals, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. 8-11 Queen Square, London, England WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom.

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) exercise programmes aim to improve respiratory function by increasing the force generating capability of expiratory muscles by resistance training. In neuromuscular conditions, in which cough flow generation is often decreased, there is increasing interest in EMST as a therapeutic intervention. We present data showing efficacy of EMST in a patient with adult onset Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1). Read More

Noise Health 2019 Sep-Oct;21(102):200-216

Centre for Applied Research in Health, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.

Background: Hospitals provide treatment to improve patient health and well-being but the characteristics of the care environment receive little attention. Excessive noise at night has a negative impact on in-patient health through disturbed sleep. To address this hospital staff must measure night-time environmental noise levels. Read More

Patient Educ Couns 2020 Jul 7. Epub 2020 Jul 7.

School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK; Research and Development, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Huddersfield, UK.

Objective: To explore the views of primary care teams about the provision of self-management support to patients with common health problems.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-one members of the primary care team from thirteen general practices. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analysed using the 'Framework' approach. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 07 15;10(1):11637. Epub 2020 Jul 15.

Bioprocesses and Bioproducts Research Group. Food Research Department, School of Chemistry. Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo, Mexico.

Cellulose nanofibers were obtained from the Colombian fique (Furcraea bedinghausii) and Acrylic hydrogels (H) and reinforced acrylic hydrogels with fique nanofibres (HRFN) were synthesized, using the solution polymerization method. The extraction was carried out using a combined extraction method (chemical procedures and ultrasound radiation). The raw material (NAT-F), bleached fibers (B-F), hydrolyzed fibers and fibers treated with ultrasound (US-F) were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal stability analysis; also, in order to have a comparison criterion, a commercial microcrystalline cellulose sample (CC) was analyzed, which demonstrated the extraction of fique cellulose. Read More

Polymers (Basel) 2020 Jun 27;12(7). Epub 2020 Jun 27.

Research Group for Manufacturing Technologies GITEM, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Cali 760030, Colombia.

This study explores the reprocessing behavior of polypropylene-sugarcane bagasse biocomposites using neat and chemically treated bagasse fibers (20 wt.%). Biocomposites were reprocessed 5 times using the extrusion process followed by injection molding. Read More

New Dir Stud Leadersh 2020 06;2020(166):13-32

University of California, Los Angeles.

What will be your legacy? is a "big" question that challenges us to consider how we will engage our passions and talents to make a difference in the world. This chapter celebrates the legacy of Helen "Lena" Astin in the context of her contributions to how we think about and exercise leadership and to what we understand about spirituality, particularly the spiritual lives of undergraduate students. Read More

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020 10 5;1866(10):165855. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Department of Cardiology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai 200032, China. Electronic address:

High fat diet intake contributes to undesired cardiac geometric and functional changes although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Akt and AMPK govern to cardiac homeostasis. This study examined the impact of deletion of Akt2 (main cardiac isoform of Akt) and AMPKα2 on high fat diet intake-induced cardiac remodeling and contractile anomalies and mechanisms involved. Read More

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020 08 17;59(34):14609-14614. Epub 2020 Jun 17.

School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.

The combination of more than one bioactive moiety in a multitargeted anticancer agent may result in synergistic activity of its components. Using this concept, bioorganometallic compounds were designed to feature a metal center, a 2-pyridinecarbothioamide (PCA), and a hydroxamic acid, which is found in the anticancer drug vorinostat (SAHA). The organometallics showed inhibitory activity in the nanomolar range against histone deacetylases (HDACs) as the key target for SAHA. Read More

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2020 Feb;45(4):923-931

State Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Information Engineering, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Beijing 102488, China.

With the widespread use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the integration of TCM and western medicine, drug-drug interaction(DDI) is considered as a major cause of therapeutic failures and side effects. Cytochrome P450 enzymes(CYPs) are responsible for large number of drug metabolism. CYP3 A4 and CYP2 D6, two important CYP isoforms, are responsible for about 80% drug metabolism of CYPs super family. Read More

J Vis Exp 2020 02 18(156). Epub 2020 Feb 18.

Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland;

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae have developed into a popular model to investigate host-pathogen interactions and the contribution of innate immune cells to inflammatory disease due to their functionally conserved innate immune system. They are also widely used to examine how innate immune cells help guide developmental processes. By taking advantage of the optical transparency and genetic tractability of larval zebrafish, these studies often focus on live imaging approaches to functionally characterize fluorescently marked macrophages and neutrophils within intact animals. Read More

Behav Ther 2020 01 18;51(1):85-98. Epub 2019 May 18.

Emory University; Atlanta VA Medical Center.

Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often produce significant symptom reduction within eight sessions. However, some patients take longer to respond and a better understanding of predictors of later response can help guide treatment. In the current study, the cohort consisted of all VA patients with a PTSD diagnosis who received at least eight sessions of documented evidence-based treatment within a 6-month period in FY16-FY17 and had at least two PTSD symptom assessments. Read More

Int J Stroke 2020 04 24;15(3):244-255. Epub 2020 Jan 24.

Medical School Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

Background: Anxiety is a common and distressing problem after stroke.

Aims: To undertake an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies of anxiety after stroke and integrate the findings with those reported previously.

Summary Of Review: Multiple databases were searched in May 2018 and 53 new studies were included following dual independent sifting and data extraction. Read More

Molecules 2019 Dec 4;24(24). Epub 2019 Dec 4.

QUIBIO, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Pampalinda, Santiago de Cali 760035, Colombia.

The modification of achira starch a thermoplastic biopolymer is shown. Glycerol and sorbitol, common plasticizers, were used in the molten state with organic acids such as oleic acid and lactic acid obtaining thermodynamically more stable products. The proportion of starch:plasticizer was 70:30, and the acid agent was added in portions from 3%, 6%, and 9% by weight. Read More

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019 Dec 6. Epub 2019 Dec 6.

Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, 01217 Dresden, Germany;

Medicinal plants are a prolific source of natural products with remarkable chemical and biological properties, many of which have considerable remedial benefits. Numerous medicinal plants are suffering from wildcrafting, and thus biotechnological production processes of their natural products are urgently needed. The plant is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and contains unique active ingredients named astins. Read More

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2020 03 27;19(3):260-268. Epub 2019 Nov 27.

Department of Cardiology, Pinderfields Hospital, UK.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention is a common revascularisation technique. Serious complications are uncommon, but death is one of them. Seeking informed consent in advance of percutaneous coronary intervention is mandatory. Read More

Qual Health Res 2020 01 15;30(1):88-104. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) has no cure, and patients with myocardial infarction are at high risk for further cardiac events. Health education is a key driver for patients' understanding and motivation for lifestyle change, but little is known about patients' experience of such education. In this review, we aimed to explore how patients with CHD experience health education and in particular risk communication. Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2020 ;2087:61-75

Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Live imaging of neutrophils within optically transparent larval zebrafish has proved a powerful technique to investigate how specific gene products control neutrophil function. To resolve whether a gene contributes to neutrophil function in a cell-autonomous manner necessitates a way to examine gene-deficient neutrophils in an otherwise wild type background. To this end, here we describe methods to harvest fluorescent neutrophils from larval donor zebrafish and transplant them into age-matched recipients. Read More

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2020 01 15;19(1):31-43. Epub 2019 Oct 15.

Cardiovascular Health, School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, UK.

Background: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is recognised internationally as an effective therapy to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of hospital readmission for individuals diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. Despite this, half of eligible individuals choose not to engage and the main reason is lack of interest. Furthermore, prior to attending, 40% of eligible individuals report meeting physical activity guidelines. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019 09 24;16(19). Epub 2019 Sep 24.

Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Understanding the perceptions of health and sickness can help the government, health providers and health promoters encourage individuals to participate in healthy behaviors and to follow a healthy lifestyle. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is a culturally, socially and financially diverse city, with complex health care needs. As yet, there is no published data available about Jakartans' (i. Read More

Chem Commun (Camb) 2019 Oct;55(80):12016-12019

School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

Redox-modulating anticancer drugs allow the exploitation of altered redox biology observed in many cancer cells. We discovered dinuclear RhIII(Cp*) and IrIII(Cp*) complexes that have in vitro anticancer activity superior to cisplatin and the investigational drug IT-139, while being less toxic in haemolysis and in vivo zebrafish models. The mode of action appears to be related to DNA damage and ROS-mediated stress pathways. Read More

J Vis Exp 2019 08 14(150). Epub 2019 Aug 14.

Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland;

Tumor angiogenesis is a key target of anti-cancer therapy and this method has been developed to provide a new model to study this process in vivo. A zebrafish xenograft is created by implanting mammalian tumor cells into the perivitelline space of two days-post-fertilization zebrafish embryos, followed by measuring the extent of the angiogenic response observed at an experimental endpoint up to two days post-implantation. The key advantage to this method is the ability to accurately quantitate the zebrafish host angiogenic response to the graft. Read More