bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacities and Organic Acid and Volatile Contents of Mango Slurries Fermented with Six Different Probiotic Microorganisms
Authors: Jin Xiaofan , Chen Wenxue , Chen Haiming , Chen Weijun , Zhong Qiuping
Published: November 2018

Mango slurries were fermented with 6 different probiotic microorganisms (Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae D254, S. cerevisiae DV10, and S. cerevisiae R2) to develop products with higher bioactivity. Changes in pH, reducing sugars, organic acids, and volatile compounds were determined. In addition, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity during fermentation were monitored. Among the strains used, S. cerevisiae D254 exhibited the fastest utilization of sugar in a mango slurry. Different volatile compounds were produced, mainly consisting of fatty acids, alcohols, and esters. S. cerevisiae DV10 produced higher amounts of esters and alcohols. The antioxidant capacity of the mango slurries improved by different degrees after fermentation with the six probiotic microorganisms. Fermentation with L. plantarum obtained the most organic acids as well as total phenolics and exhibited the highest FRAP and CUPRAC values. The results of this study indicated that fermentation with probiotic microorganisms can enhance the health benefits obtained from mango slurries.

Practical Application

Probiotic‐fermented mango slurry is a fermentation product that combines the nutritional value of mango with the health benefits of probiotics. Probiotic fermentation improves the flavor of a mango slurry and increases the availability and variety of mango products that can be appreciated by consumers.
Association study between killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis disease: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Rezaei Ramazan , Mostafaei Shayan , Aslani Saeed , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Mahmoudi Mahdi
Published: November 2018

Background

Several genetic studies have assessed the association between polymorphisms in killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) genes and susceptibility of individuals to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but the findings have been inconclusive and incongruous. Therefore, we conducted this meta‐analysis of all case‐control studies meeting the inclusion criteria for obtaining an exact conclusion of the effect of KIR polymorphisms on the risk of AS.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases, including Scopus web of science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed to find all eligible studies exploring the association between KIR polymorphisms and the risk of AS, prior to June 2017. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% CIs were used to evaluate the strength of the association between KIR polymorphisms and the risk of AS.

Results

A total of 16 case‐control studies, encompassed in 12 papers, with 1770 cases and 2907 healthy subjects were included in the meta‐analysis. This meta‐analysis revealed three significant positive associations of 2DS1, 2DS5, and 3DS1 with susceptibility to AS, while two significant negative associations of 2DL2 and 2DS2 with susceptibility to AS were identified. In the subgroup analysis based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*27 positive patients and healthy subjects, results indicated that there were four significant positive associations between 2DL5, 2DS4, 2DS5, 3DS1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to AS in HLA‐B*27‐positive patients; a significant negative association of 3DL1 in HLA‐B*27‐positive patients was found.

Conclusions

While 2DS1, 2DS5, and 3DS1 polymorphisms increased AS risk, 2DL2 and 2DS2 polymorphisms were associated with reduced AS susceptibility.
High prevalence and correlates of osteoporosis in men aged 50  years and over: A nationwide osteoporosis survey in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Chi‐Hua , Yu Shan‐Fu , Su Fu‐Mei , Chen Jia‐Feng , Chen Ying‐Chou , Su Yu‐Jih , Lai Han‐Ming , Chiu Wen‐Chan , Hsu Chung‐Yuan , Cheng Tien‐Tsai , Chang Shun‐Jen
Published: November 2018

Aims

Osteoporosis is one of the consequences of aging, and it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated; this study aimed to present the characteristics and prevalence of osteoporosis in elderly men by conducting a nationwide survey in Taiwan.

Methods

The participants were enrolled between 2008 and 2011, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for the hip (total), lumbar spine (L1‐4), and femoral neck (FN). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, female patients, and those using steroids were excluded. Osteoporosis was defined as a T‐score at the FN of ≤−2.5.

Results

This study included 3734 men of mean age 70.0 ± 9.3 years, accounting for the prevalence of osteoporosis at 9.7%. Participants with osteoporosis had a significantly older age, lower body weight, shorter height and more previous fractures than those without osteoporosis. The mean BMD at FN was 0.534 ± 0.056 and 0.791 ± 0.115 (g/cm2) in participants with and without osteoporosis, respectively (P < 0.001). The FN and hip (total) BMD showed a significant negative correlation with age (r = −0.234, P < 0.001) and (r = −0.003, P < 0.001), respectively, but not at L1‐4 (r = 0.00, P = 0.540). A history of fracture is the most important risk factor associated with male osteoporosis (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.49‐4.21; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

The associated factors for male osteoporosis are aging, lower body weight, and a history of fracture; the BMDs at FN and hip (total), but not L1‐4, are inversely correlated with age. We recommend that BMD at the proximal femur be the preferred site to evaluate osteoporosis for elderly male subjects.
Elevated expression of miR‐21 and miR‐155 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as potential biomarkers for lupus nephritis
Authors: Khoshmirsafa Majid , Kianmehr Nahid , Falak Reza , Mowla Seyed Javad , Seif Farhad , Mirzaei Behnaz , Valizadeh Mohadeseh , Shekarabi Mehdi
Published: November 2018

Aim

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is a great interest in using microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in autoimmune diseases.

Materials and methods

This study evaluated miR‐16, miR‐21, miR‐141, miR‐146a, and miR‐155 expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 55 female SLE patients with absent, inactive, or active nephritis, and 30 healthy controls (HCs) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

MiR‐21 and miR‐155 levels were significantly greater in the active nephritis group than in the absent, inactive or HC groups. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analyses revealed miR‐21 and miR‐155 were significant risk factors for LN.

Conclusion

Overexpression of miR‐21 and miR‐155 in PBMCs may participate in LN pathophysiology and these miRNAs could be used as biomarkers for the condition.
Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis with and without renal involvement: C3 contributes to prognosis, but renal involvement does not
Authors: Fukui Shoichi , Iwamoto Naoki , Takatani Ayuko , Igawa Takashi , Shimizu Toshimasa , Umeda Masataka , Nishino Ayako , Koga Tomohiro , Kawashiri Shin‐ya , Tamai Mami , Ichinose Kunihiro , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Sato Shuntaro , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: November 2018

Objectives

We investigated the impact of renal involvement at diagnosis on the prognosis of patients with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

The relationship between renal involvement at diagnosis, clinical variables at diagnosis, and prognosis (including relapse episodes, initiation of dialysis, and death) was examined in 101 Japanese patients with AAV.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients had renal involvement at diagnosis. The renal‐involvement patients had significantly higher ages at diagnosis, significantly lower hemoglobin levels, and significantly lower platelet levels. They had significantly lower C3 levels, but showed no significant difference in C4 levels. Overall survival rate was significantly worse in patients with than in patients without renal involvement (P = 0.003, log‐rank test). Multivariable analysis using a logistic regression model demonstrated that C3 contributed to dialysis initiation: odds ratio (per 10 mg/dL of C3): 0.68; range: 0.49‐0.90; P = 0.007. A Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the C3 level and age at diagnosis contributed significantly to overall survival: hazard ratio (per 10 mg/dL of C3) 0.81, range 0.69‐0.95, P = 0.011; 1.08, 1.02‐1.15, P = 0.013, respectively. Renal involvement did not contribute significantly to overall survival. Patients with C3 levels ≥100 mg/dL had a better survival rate than patients with C3 levels <100 mg/dL.

Conclusions

Although patients with renal involvement had higher ages, lower C3 levels at diagnosis, and poorer prognoses, multivariable analysis demonstrated that the C3 level and age at diagnosis, but not renal involvement, contributed significantly to overall survival. Our results demonstrate the relationship between C3 hidden behind renal involvement and AAV prognosis.
Anti‐TIF1γ antibody and the expression of TIF1γ in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Kim Young , Song Kyu Sang , Sohn Eun Hee , Kang Seong Wook , Yoo In Seol , Shim Seung‐Cheol , Yoo Su‐Jin , Kim Jinhyun
Published: November 2018

Objective

Anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1 (TIF1) antibody is associated with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TIF1s in IIMs.

Method

TIF1α, β or γ expression in the skin and muscle of patients and controls was studied by immunohistochemistry. Serum myositis‐specific autoantibodies were detected by immunoblot.

Results

TIF1α was expressed in the skin of most dermatomyositis (DM) patients but not in the controls (80% vs 0%, P < 0.001). TIF1β was expressed in all tissues of patients and controls. TIF1γ was expressed in the muscle of DM patients compared to controls (42.1% vs 0%, P = 0.039) and associated with tubuloreticular bodies (P = 0.003). Anti‐TIF1γ was related with TIF1γ expression in the muscle (P = 0.042).

Conclusion

TIF1α expression in the skin and TIF1γ in the muscle of DM was increased compared to controls. TIF1γ expression in the muscle of IIMs was related to anti‐TIF1γ antibody.
Childhood‐onset Takayasu arteritis: A 15‐year experience from a tertiary referral center
Authors: Sahin Sezgin , Hopurcuoglu Duhan , Bektas Sule , Belhan Ezgi , Adrovic Amra , Barut Kenan , Canpolat Nur , Caliskan Salim , Sever Lale , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: November 2018

Aim

To describe clinical manifestations, angiographic findings, treatment, activity and damage of our Takayasu arteritis patients.

Method

The patients who met European League Against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/Paediatric Rheumatology European Society classification criteria for childhood‐onset Takayasu arteritis were reviewed in a retrospective longitudinal manner from 2002 to 2017. Extent of the disease was assessed by Disease Extent Index for Takayasu Arteritis (DEI.Tak), activity by Pediatric Vasculitis Activity Score and Indian Takayasu's Arteritis Activity Score (ITAS 2010) and damage by Pediatric Vasculitis Damage Index and Takayasu Arteritis Damage Score (TADS).

Results

Sixteen subjects (75% female) with a median disease duration of 3.1 years were enrolled in this study. While the median age at disease onset was 12.1 years, there was only a 2.5 months diagnostic delay. Treatment regime included corticosteroids (100%), which were combined with azathioprine or methotrexate in 93.8% and 37.5% of the subjects, respectively. Severe and refractory cases were treated with cyclophosphamide (62.5%) and subsequently with tocilizumab (37.5%). Seven patients (43.8%) required either percutaneous endovascular intervention or bypass for severe disease refractory to medications. The correlation of the activity and damage scores with each other was fairly good. Damage was found to be associated only with high disease activity and extensive disease at disease onset, but not with other parameters.

Conclusion

Despite high usage rates of aggressive immunosuppressive therapy and biologic agents, almost half of the patients underwent interventional procedures. When medications failed, endovascular and surgical interventions were of great importance to avoid end‐organ ischemia. The performance of the new activity (DEI.Tak and ITAS2010) and damage indices (TADS) seems satisfactory.
IL‐17Ahaplotype confers susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus but not to rheumatoid arthritis in Mexican patients
Authors: Montúfar‐Robles Isela , Barbosa‐Cobos Rosa E. , Alemán‐Ávila Isidro , Ramírez‐Bello Julián
Published: November 2018

Aim

Recent studies highlight the importance of the interleukin (IL)‐17A cytokine in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are also reports of associations between some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inIL‐17Aand RA but not SLE. Notably, these findings have not been replicated in all studied populations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether theIL‐17A‐737 T/C (rs8193036), ‐444A/G (rs3819024), ‐197G/A (rs2275913), and ‐121G/A (rs8193037) SNPs conferred susceptibility to SLE (or lupus nephritis) or to RA in a Mexican population.

Methods

The study included 1367 Mexican subjects, 501 with RA, 367 with SLE, and 499 healthy controls.IL‐17Awas genotyped using a TaqMan 5ʹ allelic discrimination assay.

Results

Our results showed that theIL‐17A‐737 T/C, ‐444A/G, ‐197G/A, and ‐121G/A SNPs had similar genotype and allele frequencies in patients with SLE (or lupus nephritis) or RA and in controls. However, anIL‐17Ahaplotype (TAGA) showed an association with SLE susceptibility (odds ratio 2.43,P = 0.004) but not with RA susceptibility.

Conclusions

These results confirm that theIL‐17A‐737T/C, ‐444A/G, ‐197G/A, and ‐121G/A SNPs are not risk factors for RA, but theIL‐17ATAGA haplotype is a risk factor for SLE. This is the first report to document an association betweenIL‐17Aand SLE susceptibility in adults.
Mortality in autoimmune rheumatic diseases with anti‐Ro/SSA antibody in Korea: Single center‐based retrospective study
Authors: Kim Seong‐Kyu , Choe Jung‐Yoon , Kwak Sang Gyu
Published: November 2018

Aim

The clinical importance of the anti‐Ro antibody has not been completely understood. This study investigated identification of the association between mortality and clinical features in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and detectable anti‐Ro antibody titers.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 336 patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and positive anti‐Ro antibody titers from January 2012 to January 2015. Clinical manifestations and other autoantibodies detected during the follow‐up period were identified. Cumulative survival rates were assessed by Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Differences between survival curves for each risk factor were analyzed by log‐rank test. The relative risk of mortality was assessed using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

Results

There was no difference in the mortality rates of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases with or without detectable anti‐Ro antibody (SMR: 1.373, 95% CI: 0.539‐2.791). Six patients (4 with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] and two with Sjögren's syndrome [SS]) died during the follow‐up period. In the whole study population, the mortality rate of patients with lymphopenia was higher than those without lymphopenia (P = 0.023). In a sub‐group of patients with both SLE and SS, Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that lymphopenia and interstitial lung disease were associated with increased mortality (P = 0.024 and P = 0.023, respectively).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that presence of the anti‐Ro antibody was not associated with increased mortality in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease. Conversely, we found that lymphopenia was independently associated with mortality in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease.
Effect of interaction between leucine and acetate on the milk protein synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Zhao Yanli , Yan Sumei , Chen Lu , Shi Binlin , Guo Xiaoyu
Published: November 2018

The interaction between Leucine (Leu) and acetate affecting milk protein synthesis in the bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs), and underlying the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of Leu, acetate, and their interaction on the expression of genes involved in milk protein synthesis, and JACK2/STAT5, mTOR and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. The study was a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement with treatments: Leu concentration (0.45 and 1.8 mM) and acetate concentration (0, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mM). The results showed that 1.8 mM Leu or 8–10 mM acetate had positive effect on ATP content, the expression of casein genes, JACK2/STAT5 and phosphorylation of mTOR pathway, but reduced AMPK phosphorylation. Leu at 1.8mM had a positive effect on the up‐regulation of acetate on ATP content, the expression of CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN3, and JACK2, the expression and phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase‐1, and mTOR, but reducing AMPK phosphorylation. The results suggest that acetate, Leu, and their interaction have effect on milk protein synthesis through the JACK2/STAT5, mTOR, and AMPK pathway. Acetate addition up‐regulated the effect of Leu on milk protein synthesis, and Leu facilitated the up‐regulation of acetate on milk protein synthesis through these pathways.
Spiritual education programme for primary caregiver parents to build resilience in children with acute anxiety symptoms: A multicity study
Authors: Pandya Samta P.
Published: November 2018

This article reports a multicity 1‐year long study on the effect of a customized spiritual education programme (SEP) on parenting and in turn its mediated effect on resilience building for children with acute anxiety symptoms. The treatment group comprised 3,689 primary caregiver parents who participated in the SEP and their children clinically diagnosed with acute anxiety symptoms, from 180 schools across 15 cities. Equal number of primary caregiver parents and children were assigned to the control group. Results showed that post‐test scores of treatment group primary caregiver parents were higher on the parenting style questionnaires, indicating an improved and authoritative parenting style. This positive effect of the SEP on parenting in turn had a mediating effect on resilience of their children, who scored higher on the outcome measures in the post‐treatment phase. Parenting and resilience outcome measures varied due to socio‐economic and SEP‐related variables. Children's perception of post‐treatment parenting influenced their resilience. Findings suggest that SEP could aid positive parenting and hence positive behavioural outcomes in children.
Bidirectional regulation of osteogenic differentiation by the FOXO subfamily of Forkhead transcription factors in mammalian MSCs
Authors: Chen Duanjing , Gong Yuanyuan , Xu Ling , Zhou Mengjiao , Li Jie , Song Jinlin
Published: November 2018

Through loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments in knockout and transgenic mice, Forkhead box O (FOXO) family transcription factors have been demonstrated to play essential roles in many biological processes, including cellular proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Osteogenic differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts is a well‐organized process that is carefully guided and characterized by various factors, such as runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), β‐catenin, osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Accumulating evidence suggests multiple interactions among FOXO members and the differentiation regulatory factors listed above, resulting in an enhancement or inhibition of osteogenesis in different stages of osteogenic differentiation. To systematically and integrally understand the role of FOXOs in osteogenic differentiation and explain the contrary phenomena observed in vitro and in vivo, we herein summarized FOXO‐interacting differentiation regulatory genes/factors and following alterations in differentiation. The underlying mechanism was further discussed on the basis of binding types, sites, phases and the consequent downstream transcriptional alterations of interactions among FOXOs and differentiation regulatory factors. Interestingly, a bidirectional effect of FOXOs on balancing osteogenic differentiation was discovered in MSCs. Moreover, FOXO factors are reported to be activated or suppressed by several context‐dependent signalling inputs during differentiation, and the underlying molecular basis may offer new drug development targets for treatments of bone formation defect diseases.
Effectiveness of nursing interventions for breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Steindal Simen A. , Torheim Henny , Oksholm Trine , Christensen Vivi L. , Lee Kathryn , Lerdal Anners , Markussen Heidi Øksnes , Gran Gerd , Leine Marit , Borge Christine Råheim
Published: November 2018

Aim

To critically review and synthesize the findings of studies that evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions for improving breathlessness in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background

Systematic reviews of nursing interventions for breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not been specifically addressed.

Design

Systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Data sources

A systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Embase was performed for studies published between January 2000 and June 2017.

Review methods

Risk of bias, data extraction and meta‐analysis were conducted using Cochrane methodology. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

Results

Twenty papers were included. A meta‐analysis of interventions performed at home, including two trials, showed a significant effect in favour of experimental groups for the symptom score of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire compared with controls. A meta‐analysis of interventions performed in clinics with home follow‐up showed a significant effect in favour of experimental groups for the mastery and fatigue scores of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire compared with controls. In this category of intervention, an additional meta‐analysis showed a significant effect in favour of experimental groups for the symptom, activity and total scores of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire compared with controls. The quality of evidence was assessed to be very low to moderate.

Conclusion

The results are equivocal as to whether nursing interventions performed at home and nursing interventions performed in hospital with follow‐up improve breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Self‐care interventions for adults with heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis protocol
Authors: Ruppar Todd M. , Cooper Pamela S. , Johnson E. Diane , Riegel Barbara
Published: November 2018

Aim

To synthesize and compare outcomes from controlled trials of interventions to improve heart failure self‐care among adults.

Background

Heart failure self‐care interventions are recommended for preventing and detecting exacerbations, improving symptom management and preventing hospitalizations. Little is known about the overall effectiveness of heart failure self‐care programmes and which types of interventions show the greatest improvement in outcomes.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis, including moderator analyses.

Methods

Multiple databases (including MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) will be searched from inception through 2018 along with grey literature searches to identify trials testing interventions to improve self‐care outcomes of adults with heart failure. Data will be extracted from eligible studies on sample, methodological and intervention characteristics and data to calculate effect sizes. Data will be analysed using random‐effects models. Moderator variables will be analysed with meta‐regression and sub‐group analyses. Risk for bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk for Bias tool and by examining potential sources of bias as moderator variables. Funding for this project began in July 2017.

Discussion

We will analyse self‐care behaviour outcomes and clinical outcomes including hospitalizations, mortality, disease severity and quality of life. This will be the most extensive meta‐analysis of heart failure self‐care interventions to date.

Impact

Comparative effectiveness of existing self‐care interventions is not yet known.

This research will identify the most promising self‐care intervention components for designing better interventions and guide targeting of interventions to specific sub‐populations.

PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42017075831
Infection prevention climate and its influence on nursing students’ compliance with standard precautions
Authors: Cruz Jonas Preposi
Published: November 2018

Aim

This study examined the influence of the training hospital's infection prevention climate on the nursing students’ compliance with standard precautions during clinical training.

Background

The concept of infection prevention climate has emerged in healthcare facilities due to the acknowledged influence of organizational culture on the compliance of healthcare workers on infection prevention and control practices. However, the influence of training hospital's infection prevention climate on nursing students’ compliance with standard precautions has never been investigated.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 254 nursing students in Saudi Arabia was surveyed using the Leading Culture of Quality in Infection Prevention and the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale from October 2017–January 2018.

Results

The students perceived their training hospital's infection prevention climate as moderately positive. The students’ age, year of study, and attendance to infection prevention and control training in the last 6 months exerted multivariate effects on the four dimensions and on the overall infection prevention climate. The nursing students’ compliance with standard precautions was moderate. Age, gender, year of study, attendance to infection prevention and control training, and perceived training hospital's infection prevention climate were identified as factors that significantly influenced the students’ compliance with SPs.

Conclusions

This study underscored the importance of maintaining high quality of infection prevention climate of training hospitals as it influences the development of competencies in infection prevention and control of nursing students.
An mHealth intervention programme to promote healthy behaviours and prevent adolescent obesity (TeenPower): A study protocol
Authors: Sousa Pedro , Duarte Emília , Ferreira Regina , Esperança Ana , Frontini Roberta , Santos‐Rocha Rita , Luís Luís , Dias Sara S. , Marques Nuno
Published: November 2018

Aim

This paper describes the design and rationale of multicenter practice‐based research that aims to develop and evaluate an innovative mobile health (mHealth) intervention programme directed to promote healthy behaviours and prevent adolescent obesity.

Design

This study is designed as a non‐randomized controlled trial with a three‐arm structure.

Methods

Twelve to 16 years old participants will be recruited from schools, with access to the Internet and smartphone/tablet devices. The intervention group will be invited to engage in the TeenPower mHealth programme and divided into two subgroups: Group A (additionally engaged in a structured school‐based intervention programme) and Group B (only engaged in the mHealth programme). The mHealth app includes educational resources, self‐monitoring, social support, interactive training modules and motivational tools. The control group will only follow the structured school‐based intervention programme. The intervention length will be 3 months, including the direct support of an interdisciplinary team (nursing, nutrition, sports, psychology, among others). This research was approved and funded in August 2017.

Discussion

The positive evaluation of the intervention programme will stimulate the inclusion of technologies in the promotion of salutogenic behaviours and obesity prevention.

Impact

Adolescent obesity reached epidemic proportions. It is urgent to find effective prevention strategies to induce change at the individual, family and community level. If effective, this protocol can be used by health and exercise professionals in improving community interventions tailored to teenagers.
An integrative review of the theory of unpleasant symptoms
Authors: Blakeman John R.
Published: November 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore how the theory of unpleasant symptoms (TOUS) has been used in the methodological design and analysis of symptom research.

Design

An integrative review, using Whittemore and Knafl's approach.

Data Sources

Searches were conducted between 26 January–10 February 2018. Databases included CINAHL Complete, PubMed, Proquest Nursing and Allied Health Source, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Complete and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

A systematic approach to searching, screening and analysing the literature was applied. The matrix method, content analysis, constant comparison, counting and clustering were used.

Results

Sixty‐four records were included. Most studies were quantitative, cross‐sectional, instrument‐based and conducted in the USA. Various symptoms and patient populations were represented and each of the TOUS concepts were explored.

Conclusion

Although the theory has a role to play in furthering symptom science, attention should be paid to the areas of the model and of symptom research that have received less attention. More complex statistical approaches and big data will help to illuminate symptom experiences. Additional focus on intervention studies and all symptom dimensions will help to advance symptom science research.

Impact

This review is the first to provide a comprehensive, systematic summary of the uses of the TOUS across the research literature to date. This theory is a diverse, holistic middle‐range theory capable of being applied to multiple symptoms and populations. Researchers should consider using the theory as a conceptual framework for studies to advance symptom science and explore symptoms holistically.
Outbreak of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) in Iceland caused by VHS virus genotype IV
Authors: Guðmundsdóttir Sigríður , Vendramin Niccoló , Cuenca Argelia , Sigurðardóttir Heiða , Kristmundsson Arni , Iburg Tine Moesgaard , Olesen Niels Jørgen
Published: November 2018

A novel viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) of genotype IV was isolated from wild lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), brought to a land‐based farm in Iceland, to serve as broodfish. Two groups of lumpfish juveniles, kept in tanks in the same facility, got infected. The virus isolated was identified as VHSV by ELISA and real‐time RT‐PCR. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the glycoprotein (G) gene sequences, may indicate a novel subgroup of VHSV genotype IV. In controlled laboratory exposure studies with this new isolate, there was 3% survival in the I.P. injection challenged group while there was 90% survival in the immersion group. VHSV was not re‐isolated from fish challenged by immersion. In a cohabitation trial, lumpfish infected I.P. (shedders) were placed in tanks with naïve lumpfish as well as naïve Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). 10% of the lumpfish shedders and 43%–50% of the cohabiting lumpfish survived after 4 weeks. 80%–92% of the Atlantic salmon survived, but no viral RNA was detected by real‐time RT‐PCR nor VHSV was isolated from Atlantic salmon. This is the first isolation of a notifiable virus in Iceland and the first report of VHSV of genotype IV in European waters.
Mortality from scale drop disease in farmed Lates calcarifer in Southeast Asia
Authors: Senapin Saengchan , Dong Ha Thanh , Meemetta Watcharachai , Gangnonngiw Warachin , Sangsuriya Pakakul , Vanichviriyakit Rapeepun , Sonthi Molruedee , Nuangsaeng Bunlung
Published: November 2018

In Southeast Asia, a new disease called scale drop disease (SDD) caused by a novel Megalocytivirus (SDDV) has emerged in farmed Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. We received samples from an Eastern Thai province that also showed gross signs of SDD (loss of scales). Clinical samples of 0.2–1.1 kg L. calcarifer collected between 2016 and 2018 were examined for evidence of SDDV infection. Histopathology was similar to that in the first report of SDDV from Singapore including necrosis, inflammation and nuclear pyknosis and karyorrhexis in the multiple organs. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were also observed in the muscle tissue. In a density‐gradient fraction from muscle extracts, TEM revealed enveloped, hexagonal megalocytiviral‐like particles (~100–180 nm). By PCR using primers derived from the Singaporean SDDV genome sequence, four different genes were amplified and sequenced from the Thai isolate revealing 98.7%–99.9% identity between the two isolates. Since viral inclusions were rarely observed, clinical signs and histopathology could not be used to easily distinguish between SDD caused by bacteria or SDDV. We therefore recommend that PCR screening be used to monitor broodstock, fry and grow‐out fish to estimate the current impact of SDDV in Southeast Asia and to prevent its spread.
Experimental evidence on prevention of infection by the ectoparasitic protozoans Ichthyobodo salmonis and Trichodina truttae in juvenile chum salmon using ultraviolet disinfection of rearing water
Authors: Mizuno Shinya , Urawa Shigehiko , Miyamoto Mahito , Hatakeyama Makoto , Koide Nobuhisa , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

In northern Japan, juvenile chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta (Walbaum) are released from hatcheries to enhance the fishery resource. Infections with ectoparasitic protozoans, particularly the flagellate Ichthyobodo salmonis and the ciliate Trichodina truttae, occasionally cause severe mortality among hatchery‐reared juveniles. This study examined the susceptibility of the two parasites to wide‐ranging UV irradiation (experiment 1) and then investigated whether UV disinfection of the rearing water using a commercial device was useful for preventing infections among juveniles in a small‐scale rearing system over a 28‐day period (experiment 2). In experiment 1, parasite mortality reached 100% with UV irradiation doses of ≥9.60 × 105 μW s/cm2 for I. salmonis and ≥8.40 × 105 μW s/cm2 for T. truttae. In experiment 2, disinfection of the rearing water at a UV irradiation dose of 2.2 × 106 μW s/cm2 succeeded in complete prevention of both parasites in the juvenile salmon. These results elucidate the minimum dose of UV irradiation for inactivation of I. salmonis and T. truttae, and demonstrate the usefulness of water disinfection using a commercial UV irradiation device to prevent infections by these parasites in hatchery‐reared juvenile chum salmon.
Credit Reallocation, Deleveraging, and Financial Crises
Authors: HYUN JUNGHWAN , MINETTI RAOUL
Published: November 2018

This paper studies how the process of reallocation of credit across firms behaves before and after financial crises. Applying the methodology typically used for measuring job reallocation, we track credit reallocation across Korean firms for over three decades (1980–2012). The credit boom preceding the 1997 crisis featured a slowdown of credit reallocation. After the crisis and the associated reforms, the creditless recovery (deleveraging) masked a dramatic intensification and increased procyclicality of credit reallocation. The findings suggest that the intensification of reallocation was efficiency‐enhancing.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy Coordination, Macroeconomic Stability, and Sovereign Risk Premia
Authors: BONAM DENNIS , LUKKEZEN JASPER
Published: November 2018

In standard macroeconomic models, equilibrium stability and uniqueness require monetary policy to actively target inflation and fiscal policy to ensure long‐run debt sustainability. We show analytically that these requirements change, and depend on the cyclicality of fiscal policy, when government debt is risky. In that case, budget deficits raise interest rates and crowd out consumption. Consequently, countercyclical fiscal policies reduce the parameter space supporting stable and unique equilibria and are feasible only if complemented with more aggressive debt consolidation and/or active monetary policy. Stability is more easily achieved, however, under procyclical fiscal policies.
What Threshold Defines Penumbral Brain Tissue in Patients with Symptomatic Anterior Circulation Intracranial Stenosis: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Khatri Pooja , Prabhakaran Shyam , Yeatts Sharon D. , Cutting Shawna , Jayaraman Mahesh , Chang Andrew D. , Sacchetti Daniel , Liebeskind David S. , Furie Karen L.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Impaired distal perfusion predicts neurological deterioration in large artery atherosclerosis. We aim to determine the optimal threshold of Tmax delay on perfusion imaging that is associated with neurological deterioration in patients with symptomatic proximal anterior circulation large artery stenosis.

METHODS

Data were abstracted from a prospective ischemic stroke database of consecutively enrolled patients with symptomatic proximal intracranial stenosis (internal carotid artery or M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery) who underwent magnetic resonance perfusion imaging within 24 hours of symptom onset during a 15‐month period. Tissue volumes of perfusion delay Tmax 0‐4 seconds, Tmax > 4 seconds, Tmax > 6 seconds, and Tmax > 8 seconds were calculated using an automated approach. A target mismatch (penumbra—core) was defined as ≥15mL of brain tissue using each of the Tmax threshold categories. The outcome was neurological deterioration at 30 days defined as new or worsening neurological deficits that are not attributed to a nonvascular etiology.

RESULTS

Among 52 patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis, 26 patients met inclusion criteria. Neurological deterioration was associated with target mismatch profile defined according to Tmax > 6 seconds (66.7% [6/9] vs. 5.9% [1/17], P < .01) and Tmax >8 seconds (57.1% [4/7] vs. 15.8% [3/19], P = .05] but not according to Tmax > 4 seconds (27.3% [6/17] vs. 11.1% [1/9], P = .35].

CONCLUSIONS

A target mismatch profile using Tmax > 6 seconds may define tissue at risk in patients with acute symptomatic proximal anterior circulation intracranial stenosis. More studies are needed to confirm our findings.
The social construction of character
Authors: Moulin‐Stożek Daniel
Published: November 2018

There has been increased interest in character strengths or virtues in recent years in social research and in various policy domains. However, while the notion of virtue has gained credibility in the fields of positive psychology and moral philosophy, it has yet to be satisfactorily considered from the perspective of social theory – in spite of the ongoing calls of researchers who have identified the need for further investigation into the role of culture and social context in the development of individuals' characters. In order to consider how good character and excellence in specific virtues are formed and sustained in social context, this article gives a theoretical account of character and virtue using well‐known microsociological concepts. It is argued that whereas virtues are often understood as psychological ‘traits’ or ‘dispositions’, they are also socially practiced and represented. Analyses of their related social processes are therefore appropriate and empirically promising, particularly in institutional settings, and can complement other theoretical and methodological approaches.
Effects of general anesthesia on postoperative sleep cycles in dentally disabled patients
Authors: Ayuse Terumi , Kurata Shinji , Sanuki Takuro , Mishima Gaku , Kiriishi Kensuke , Kawai Mari , Watanabe Toshihiro , Ozaki‐Honda Yu , Tanoue Naomi , Magata Nobuaki , Yamaguchi Kaori , Yoshida Mizuki , Ayuse Takao
Published: November 2018

Aims

Although it has been reported that general anesthesia affect the perioperative sleep cycle, no studies have yet evaluated how general anesthesia affects dentally disabled patients. In this study, we investigated the alteration of perioperative sleep cycles in dentally disabled patients receiving dental treatment under general anesthesia.

Subjects and methods

The study included 16 patients receiving dental procedures under general anesthesia. Using a sleep monitoring mat, the patients’ sleep cycles were measured at home from 5 days before the scheduled surgery date until 5 days after discharge following general anesthesia. The change in all the variables of sleep cycles were analyzed in comparison to the value in preoperative period. Daily differences in these variables were assessed for statistical analysis.

Results

The percentage of deep sleep (Stages 3 and 4) decreased significantly on postoperative day 1, and the percentage of light sleep increased. Furthermore, sleep cycles were significantly extended on postoperative day 1.

Conclusion

The percentage of deep sleep decreased significantly on postoperative day 1 while the percentage of light sleep increased. Sleep cycles were also significantly extended on postoperative day 1. These results reveal that the sleep cycle is somehow affected on the first day following general anesthesia.
Race, Religion, and Obama in Appalachia*
Authors: White Steven
Published: November 2018

Objective

Appalachia—historically a culturally and politically unique region of the United States—has been effectively ignored by contemporary political scientists. Using a unique measure of Appalachian residence, this article analyzes racial attitudes, religion, and Appalachian opposition to the 2008 presidential candidacy of Barack Obama.

Methods

I use regression analysis to assess the extent to which Appalachian residents differ in their levels of perceived racial favoritism, identification as born‐again Christians, and frequency of church attendance, as well as whether these variables can mediate the seeming regional effect of Appalachia in a standard vote choice model.

Results

I first demonstrate higher levels of perceived racial favoritism and, especially, higher levels of a particular type of religiosity in the region. I then assess whether these measures can mediate Appalachian distinctiveness in presidential vote choice. When perceived racial favoritism, church attendance, and born‐again Christian status are controlled for in regression models, Appalachian regional opposition to the 2008 Obama candidacy disappears statistically.

Conclusion

While race and religion both “matter,” I find it is religion that seems to matter more in explaining Appalachian distinctiveness, particularly relative to traditional southern distinctiveness. This provides a new vantage point from which to assess southern politics debates about subregional variation and the relative roles of race and religion, as well as sets the foundation for further analyses of Appalachia and American politics.
A Modified Johnson–Cook Constitutive Model and Its Application to High Speed Machining of 7050-T7451 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Wang Bing , Liu Zhanqiang , Song Qinghua , Wan Yi , Ren Xiaoping
Published: November 2018

Constitutive model is the most commonly used method to describe the material deformation behavior during machining process. This paper aims to investigate the material dynamic deformation during high speed machining of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy with the aid of split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system and finite element (FE) analysis. First, the quasi static and dynamic compression behaviors of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy are tested at different loading conditions with a wide range of strain rates (0.001 s, 4000 s, 6000 s, 8000 s, and 12,000 s) and temperatures (room temperature, 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, and 400 °C). The influences of temperature on strain and strain rate hardening effects are revealed based on the flow stress behavior and microstructural alteration of tested specimens. Second, a modified Johnson–Cook (JCM) constitutive model is proposed considering the influence of temperature on strain and strain rate hardening. The prediction accuracies of Johnson–Cook (JC) and JCM constitutive models are compared, which indicates that the predicted flow stresses of JCM model agree better with the experimental results. Then the established JC and JCM models are embedded into FE analysis of orthogonal cutting for 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy. The reliabilities of two material models are evaluated with chip morphology and cutting force as assessment criteria. Finally, the material dynamic deformation behavior during high speed machining and compression test is compared. The research results can help to reveal the dynamic properties of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy and provide mechanical foundation for FE analysis of high speed machining.
Wheelchair-Portable Patient Lift
Authors: Mori Yoshikazu , Nakada Akihiko
Published: November 2018

A patient lift is an assistive device for patients who lack sufficient strength or muscle control to be transferred between a wheelchair and a toilet or other places. Patient lifts of two kinds are commonly used: overhead lifts and mobile lifts. Nevertheless, because of its size and weight, carrying even a mobile lift with a wheelchair is difficult when leaving home. This study examined a novel portable patient lift that is small and light, sufficient to be carried using a wheelchair in a folded state. It is compact, light, and portable because it has no actuator. Moreover, its operation is simple. It is useful not only at home or in a nursing home but on any flat surface during daily excursions and activities, even in a conventional lavatory. A caregiver can transfer a user with a small force because this lift has a sliding mechanism that brings the fulcrum closer to the patient's center of mass. Experimental results underscore the effectiveness of the proposed patient lift.
Use of Fiber Optic Technology in Monitoring Steel Sleeves and Composite Wrap Reinforcements
Authors: Alexander Chris , LaVergne Ryan , Turner Alan
Published: November 2018

The rehabilitation of damaged pipelines plays a critically-important role in maintaining the integrity management of pipeline systems. The repair techniques employed by pipeline operators typically include welded Type A and Type B sleeves, as well as composite repairs. Once repairs are made, operators must trust the integrity and soundness of the repairs based on various monitoring and inspection techniques; however, there are no current widely-accepted techniques for monitoring either the reinforcement or the pipe itself.

A research program was conducted that involved the embedding of fiber optics in a steel sleeve and E-glass / epoxy composite repair systems. Measurements from the fiber optic sensors included temperature, hoop strain, and axial strain, which allowed engineers to monitor conditions in both the repair and the pipe sample. The implications of embedded technologies in pipeline repairs are far-reaching, including the ability to monitor not only the reinforcement itself, but also serve as a resource for monitoring pipeline activities including third party damage and land movement. This paper presents results from the test program, but also concepts for continued use of pipeline repair embedded technologies and their impact on the generation of large-scale data and enhancement of integrity management efforts.