bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-cigarettes in airports and on flights: Europe and the US
Authors: López Medina Mª José , Continente Xavier , Soong Andrea , Stillman Frances , Zheng Laura , Garcia-Esquinas Esther , Pang Yuanjie , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: July 2018

Background. While progress has been made to create smoke-free airports, sales of e-cigarettes at airports and airplanes and the presence of advertisements might detract from these smoke-free policies. The objective of this study is to describe the presence of policies, advertising, sales and use of e-cigarettes in airports and on flights in Europe and the US.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March-May, 2014. The study included 21 large and mid-sized airports of Europe and the US as well as 19 flights. A standardised protocol was used to observe points of sales and advertisements and to collect information on the implementation of policies on e-cigarette use. In addition, a series of questions were developed to obtain policy details from airport personnel and flight attendants.Results. Retail outlets selling e-cigarettes in airports were present in approximately 20% and 40% of the observed pre and post-security areas, respectively. In post-security, 27.8% of the airport staff reported that the use of e-cigarettes indoors was not allowed, 22.2% reported that they did not know, 27.8% reported that it was only allowed in the smoking room, and 22.2% reported that it was allowed anywhere. Smoking ban announcements were made on all flights. However, only 15.8% of the flights made a specific announcement regarding the ban of using e-cigarettes. Conclusions. In light of our results, it seems necessary to reinforce in-flight e-cigarette smoking ban announcements and to instruct airport employees about the existence of e-cigarette smoking policies. Furthermore, airports themselves should also be encouraged to adopt smoke-free policies.
Role of Alcohol and Drug Detection by Regular Urine Sample Testing in pre-transplant evaluation for Alcohol Liver Disease
Authors: López Pelayo Hugo , Altamirano Jose , López Eva , Barrio Pablo , López Ana , Gual Antoni , Lligoña Anna
Published: July 2018

Alcohol Liver Disease (ALD) is one of the most prevalent conditions leading to liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease. There is lacking evidence of regular urine screening testing (RUST) impact on survival or liver transplantation of ALD patients. The aims of this study were to compare the sensitivity of RUST, to assess its impact on survival and liver transplantation, and to evaluate factors associated with adherence to RUST. We performed a single-centered retrospective study (N = 84) with ALD candidates for liver transplantation. Demographic, biochemical and clinical variables were recorded at baseline. Adherence to RUST was evaluated during follow-up. The sensitivity of both RUST and self-reports were calculated for all drugs. Multivariable logistic and survival regression analyses were performed to explore associated factors and the impact of adherence to RUST, and positive results on survival. RUST had high sensitivity for identifying active drinkers (76.9%), smokers (78.9%) and cannabis users (83.3%). High adherence to RUST was inversely associated with mortality during follow-up. Presence of personality disorders negatively impacted (OR 0.29, CI 95% 0.08-0.97) adherence to RUST. Both RUST and self-reports should be carried out in this setting. Professionals involved in liver transplantation programs must promote adherence to RUST, primarily in patients with personality disorders.
Blunted autonomic responses to emotional stimuli in alcoholism: relevance of impulsivity
Authors: Carmona-Perera Martina , Sumarroca-Hernández Xavier , Santolaria-Rossell Angelina , Pérez-García Miguel , Reyes del Paso Gustavo A.
Published: July 2018

Alcohol dependence is associated with abnormalities in the processing of emotional signals and impulsive alcohol-seeking behaviours, and these alterations compromise the effectiveness of treatment approaches. However, there is a lack of studies linking the experience of emotions to everyday motivationally relevant stimuli in alcohol-dependent individuals using both autonomic and self-report measures. We analysed heart rate (HR), skin conductance (SC) and subjective emotional reactivity to everyday affective stimuli in alcohol-dependent individuals, and their associations with impulsivity and degree of alcohol consumption. SC and HR were continuously monitored in 28 alcohol-dependent individuals and in 31 non-alcohol healthy controls during passive viewing of pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral emotional pictures. Participants assessed the pictures for valence, arousal, and dominance and completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Alcohol-dependent individuals showed reduced HR and SC reactivity to both positive and negative emotional stimuli. In the case of SC, this blunted response was associated with impulsivity. Furthermore, alcohol-dependents displayed decoupled physiological and subjective responses, with blunted autonomic responses and normal subjective reports regarding emotional stimuli. Our findings indicate that alcohol-dependent individuals failed to use emotional autonomic feedback in response to natural, emotionally relevant stimuli, and provide initial evidence of the contribution of impulsivity to emotional processing deficits in this population. These results are in keeping with the proposed key role played by emotional experience and impulsivity in substance abuse.
Exploring the direct or inverse association of physical activity with behavioral addictions and other self-regulation problems
Authors: Cardol Cinderella K. , Escamilla Cristopher I. , Gebhardt Winifred A. , Perales José C.
Published: July 2018

This cross-sectional survey study had the aim of clarifying the relationships between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and non-drug-re­lated self-regulation problems (non-drug-related SRPs), including behavioral addictions, and the role of impulsive personality traits therein. Spanish university students (N = 329; Mage = 21.20) completed questionnaires for each of these constructs. Fitness and Bodybuilding LTPA was negatively associated with video gaming-related SRPs, r = -.13, p = .019, 95% CI (bootstrapped) [-.23, -.02], and positively associated with sex-related SRPs, r = .16, p = .005, 95% CI (bootstrapped) [.04,  .30]. Endurance LTPA was associated with higher scores in eating-related SRPs, r = .17, p = .003, 95% CI (bootstrapped) [.02,  .31]. The proportion of participants presenting scores above the clinically significant threshold in eating-related SRPs was 2.64 times higher for respondents in an Excessive Endurance LTPA cluster compared to the other respondents, Fisher’s exact test, p = .017, OR = 3.10, 95% CI [1.26, 7.63], and the proportion of participants reporting vomiting to control weight was 2.12 times higher, Fisher’s exact test, p = .040, OR = 2.43, 95% CI [1.06, 5.57]. The associations were largely independent of impulsive personality traits. We identified an elevated risk of eating pathology in a subgroup of participants with anomalously high participation in endurance physical activity. This overlap is consistent with the secondary dependence hypothesis of exercise addiction.
An Evaluation of Alternatives for Providing Care to Veterans
Authors: Fulton Lawrence V. , Brooks Matthew S.
Published: July 2018

In 2014, a whistleblower reported that many U.S. veterans died while waiting for care at the Phoenix VHA. Problems with veteran’s care through 2018 reveal ongoing and systematic problem.  In March 2018, the VA Inspector General identified critical deficiencies at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center including failures to track patient safety events accurately, ineffective sterile processing, and more than 10 thousand open or pending prosthetic / sensory aid consults. The VHA clearly has problems with access and quality in a budget-constrained environment.  In this policy analysis, four separate interventions that address the gap between the magnitude as well as the use of the VHA’s fixed budget versus access and cost expectations are explored. These policy interventions include maintaining the status quo, returning to a “VHA-only” option, transitioning to a CMS central payer system, and consolidating care under the DoD TRICARE insurance plans. An objective evaluation suggests that extending TRICARE to veterans while phasing out the VHA’s care responsibilities, while politically unpalatable, would likely provide the best of four possible solutions under various criterion weighting schemes.  A central payer solution under the CMS would also be viable consideration.  A Friedman’s test with Wilcoxon rank sum post-hoc tests suggests that TRICARE patient perceptions of quality are superior to VHA and non-VHA / non-DoD (p<.001), that access provided by the TRICARE program is ranked second in terms of venue acceptance only to the CMS solution set based on primary provider acceptance, and that the cost per beneficiary of a TRICARE solution ($6.5K / beneficiary)  is far better than a VHA-only solution ($14.0 K / beneficiary), the CMS central payer solution ($12.2K / beneficiary), or the status quo (between $12.2K and $14.0K / beneficiary).  The intent of this paper is to provoke thoughtful consideration of solutions for providing access to high-quality healthcare for veterans within our outside of the VHA. In this policy analysis, separate interventions that address the gaps between cost, quality, and access are explored. These policy interventions include maintaining the status quo, returning to a VHA-only option, transitioning to a CMS central payer system, and consolidating care under TRICARE.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Globin Like Superfamily at Molecular Level
Authors: Malhotra Himani , Kaur Sanghu Harmanpreet
Published: July 2018

Globin-like superfamily constitutes a superfamily of both extracellular and intracellular proteins that are found in 3 kingdoms of life. Globins are respiratory proteins that usually bind an oxygen molecule .Earlier, phylogenetic study of globin like superfamily was based on morphological character, however, molecular basis of their functional diversity is not completely understood. The present study focuses on the phylogenetic analysis of globin at molecular level. Firstly, proteins of SCOP families of globin like superfamily were retrieved from NCBI and then similar proteins are retrieved from PSI BLAST results and then pfam was used to predict the domains and two domains: Globin and Phycobilisome were analysed. Other analysis predicted the localization in cytoplasm of most of the proteins. The nucleotide sequences of same species for protein analysis were retrieved from NCBI, and phylogenetic analysis of aligned fasta files of proteins and nucleotides by using MEGA at molecular level was performed and analysis shows the difference on taxonomic tree and phylogenetic tree.
 A Reflection on Development of Indigenous Languages for Knowledge Creation and Sharing in a Globalising World: A Case of Esan Language, Nigeria
Authors: Obinyan Gabriel Aine , Aziegbe Mabel Ejoghoye
Published: July 2018

Humanity, culture, societal development and language issues are mutually reinforcing much as they are intricately interwoven in a non-ceasing dynamic interrelationships within the matrix defined by language standardization or development, acquisition and use that mostly take up central place as unifying and propelling forces in language discourse. Within the confines of globalization which is neither homogenization nor convergence; but the beginning of drawing on the strength of indigenous capabilities to create knowledge ecology that would enliven socio-economic and scientific development of the world in far reaching interconnectivities and relationships across every clime, issues pertaining to language development, acquisition and use become imperative. It is against this background that this paper examines the development/standardization, acquisition and use of Esan language as one of several Nigerian indigenous languages to promote scientific and technological development through knowledge creation, preservation and dissemination. The obsession of using western model and epistemological outlook to achieve appropriate scientific and technological development to the utter neglect of home grown and culturally distilled efforts were also examined. In the light of the dare consequences and the harsh conditions globalization imposes on developing nations, this paper highlights standardization and use of indigenous languages in chatting appropriate trajectory for effectual developmental efforts in fast shrinking contemporary world.
Does Islam Practice Tolerance? Some Notes from Quranic Perspective
Authors: Usman Abur Hamdi
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates how Islamic tolerance contributes to solve religious conflict today that has impacted on various aspects such as economic collapse, insecurity in life, lack of professional society, academic retrogressions, and so on. Knowledge of these issues has become an urgent to build a community that is full of peace, harmony and unity. The paper suggests that Quranic views on tolerance should be understood and practiced in order to avoid disunity in society which is due to failure to appreciate tolerance values in association. The paper concludes problems or misunderstandings always occur in different religious societies, since every religion has its own teachings and principles, as well as each of them is interpreted in different ways.
The Double Roman Domination Numbers of Generalized Petersen Graphs P(n, 2)
Authors: Jiang Huiqin , Wu Pu , Shao Zehui , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: July 2018

A double Roman dominating function on a graph G is a function f : V(G) → {0, 1, 2, 3} 2 with the condition that every vertex u for which f(u) = 0 is adjacent to at least one vertex v for 3 which f(v) = 3 or two vertices v1 and v2 for which f(v1) = f(v2) = 2, and every vertex u for which 4 f(u) = 1 is adjacent to at least one vertex v for which f(v) ≥ 2. The weight of a double Roman dominating function f is the value w(f) = ∑u∈V(G) 5 f(u). The minimum weight over all double 6 Roman dominating functions on a graph G is called the double Roman domination number γdR(G) 7 of G. In this paper we determine the exact value of the double Roman domination number of the 8 generalized Petersen graphs P(n, 2) by using a discharging approach.
Genome-Wide Association Study and Selection Signatures Detect Genomic Regions Associated with Seed Yield and Oil Quality in Flax
Authors: You Frank , Xiao Jin , Li Pingchuan , Yao Zhen , Jia Gaofeng , He Liqiang , Kumar Santosh , Soto-Cerda Braulio , Duguid Scott , Booker Helen , Rashid Khalid , Cloutier Sylvie
Published: July 2018

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on a set of 260 lines which belong to three different bi-parental flax mapping populations. These lines were sequenced to an averaged genome coverage of 19× using the Illumina Hi-Seq platform. Phenotypic data for 11 seed yield and oil quality traits were collected in eight year/location environments. A total of 17,288 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, which explained more than 80% of the phenotypic variation for days to maturity (DTM), iodine value (IOD), palmitic (PAL), stearic, linoleic (LIO) and linolenic (LIN) acid contents. Twenty-three unique genomic regions associated with 33 QTL for the studied traits were detected, thereby validating four genomic regions previously identified. The 33 QTL explained 48-73% of the phenotypic variation for oil content, IOD, PAL, LIO and LIN but only 8-14% for plant height, DTM and seed yield. A genome-wide selective sweep scan for selection signatures detected 114 genomic regions that accounted for 7.82% of the flax pseudomolecule and overlapped with the 11 GWAS-detected genomic regions associated with 18 QTL for 11 traits. The results demonstrate the utility of GWAS combined with selection signatures for dissection of the genetic structure of traits and for pinpointing genomic regions for breeding improvement.
EVALUATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION OF SCHOOL SUBJECT SCHEDULING USING PIECES FRAMEWORK
Authors: Thenata Angelina Pramana , Prabawati Andhika Galuh
Published: July 2018

Abstract— Information technology has been widely used by several aspects, such as in the scope of business, industry, government, education, and service. The use of information technology in various aspects of spatial planning can help in its business process. One of the use of information technology in the field of education is e-learning, scheduling, financial information systems, and others. SMK N 1 Kaliwungu is one of the schools that already utilize information technology, such as Program Scheduling Subject Schedule. The program helps scheduling in its implementation need to be evaluated to improve more accurate objectives. In this study, will be discussed about system scheduling program Lesson using PIECES Framework. The Framework section is one way of ordering systems or applications related to Performance, Information, Economics, Control, Efficiency, Application Services. Theuse of this framework aims to determine theimplementation of scheduling aids program at SMKN1 Kaliwungu works as a support, enabler, ordriver in the utilization of Information Technology. This research using data from interviews,observations on the curriculum and provision ofquestionnaires to 30 teachers SMKN 1 Kaliwungu. The result of the evaluation obtained from this research is the utilization of scheduling aidsprogram can improve the curriculum performance program can improve the curriculum performance and teaching process to be smoothly without anycollision schedule. The results of evaluation in this research can be said that the utilization of auxiliary programscheduling at SMKN 1 Kaliwungu role as an enabler.

Keyword ----- Evaluation, Technology Information, PIECESFramework, Schedulling
BİR SÖZ DİZİMİ TERİMİ: ÖZEL İSİM GRUBU
Authors: ÖZKAN Abdurrahman
Published: July 2018

Türkçe kaynaklarda bazı kavramların adlandırılışı ve bazı terimlerin içerikleri, tanımları, kullanılışları konusunda farklılıklar ve eksiklikler bulunmaktadır. Farklı kavramlar bazen aynı adla karşılanmaktadır. Bu durum adlandırma mantığına aykırıdır. Çünkü bir kavram bir terimle karşılanır, birden fazla kavram aynı terimle karşılanmaz. “Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Yahya Kemal Beyatlı, Reşat Nuri Güntekin” gibi yapılar söz dizimi kaynaklarında genellikle birleşik isim / birleşik isim grubu gibi adlarla adlandırılmaktadır. Aynı şekilde Türkçe kaynaklarda “hanımeli, ayakkabı” gibi yapılar da birleşik isim olarak adlandırılmaktadır. “Reşat Nuri Güntekin” ile “hanımeli” gibi yapıları farklı terimlerle karşılamak gerekir. Değişik kelime grubu kalıplarıyla cins adlarının oluşturdukları birlikler ile eksiz olarak özel isimlerin oluşturdukları birlikler aynı terimle karşılanmamalıdır. Çalışmamızda birleşik isim grubu teriminin kaynaklardaki durumu belirlendikten sonra içeriği ve kapsamı hakkında değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmada, söz konusu bilgiler ışığında, “Reşat Nuri Güntekin” gibi yapılar için “özel isim grubu” terimi teklif edilmiştir.
YENİ UYGUR TÜRKÇESİNDE “+lAr” EKİNİN FARKLI BİR İŞLEVİ ÜZERİNE
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Rıdvan
Published: July 2018

Türk Dilinde çokluk ifadesi için; +An, +GUn, +t gibi kısa soluklu eklerin yanı sıra, yazılı ilk dönemlerden beri varlığını gördüğümüz ve günümüze kadar da varlığını sürdürmüş olan +lAr eki de kullanılmıştır. +lAr çokluk eki, çokluk işlevinin yanında buna bağlı olarak bazı farklı işlevler de üstlenmiştir. Ekin Türkiye Türkçesindeki işlevlerinden daha farklı olarak Yeni Uygur Türkçesinde nezaket formu ile birlikte grup oluşturduğu kelimelerin sonuna gelerek “ve” bağlacı görevini de yerine getirdiği örnekler mevcuttur. Dil içi aktarımlarda dikkat edilmesi gereken önemli bir özellik olan bu işleve kaynaklarda açıklık getirilmemiştir. Yeni Uygur Türkçesi ile yayımlanmış olan “Üç Padişahliq Heqqide Qisse” isimli tarihi romanın birinci (Guencung 2012a) ve dördüncü cildinden (Guencung 2012b) tarayıp aldığımız örneklerden hareketle sözü edilen “bağlama” işlevini ortaya koymaya çalışacağız.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Amphibian Host Defense Peptides
Authors: Patocka Jiri , Nepovimova Eugenie , Klimova Blanka , Wu Qinghua , Kuca Kamil
Published: July 2018

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are one of the most common components of the innate immune system that protect multicellular organisms against microbial invasion. The vast majority of AMPs are isolated from the frog skin. Anuran (frogs and toads) skin contains abundant AMPs that can be developed therapeutically. Such peptides are a unique but diverse group of molecules. In general, more than 50% of the amino acid residues form the hydrophobic part of the molecule. Normally, there are no conserved structural motifs responsible for activity, although the vast majority of the AMPs are cationic due to the presence of multiple lysine residues; this cationicity has a close relationship with antibacterial activity. Notably, recent evidence suggests that synthesis of AMPs in frog skin may confer an advantage on a particular species, although they are not essential for survival. Frog skin AMPs exert potent activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, and fungi by permeating and destroying the plasma membrane and inactivating intracellular targets. Importantly, since they do not bind to a specific receptor, AMPs are less likely to induce resistance mechanisms. Currently, the best known amphibian AMPs are esculentins, brevinins, ranacyclins, ranatuerins, nigrocin-2, magainins, dermaseptins, bombinins, temporins, and japonicins-1 and -2, and palustrin-2. This review focuses on these frog skin AMPs and the mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity. We hope that this review will provide further information that will facilitate further study of AMPs and cast new light on novel and safer microbicides.
QSAR Studies of Halogenated Pyrimidine Derivatives as Inhibitors of Human Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Using Modified Bee Algorithm
Authors: Atabati Hossein , Zarei Kobra , Zare-Mehrjardi Hamid Reza
Published: July 2018

Aim and Objective:

Human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) catalyzes the fourth
stage of the biosynthesis of pyrimidines in cells. Hence it is important to identify suitable inhibitors
of DHODH to prevent virus replication. In this study, a quantitative structure-activity relationship
was performed to predict the activity of one group of newly synthesized halogenated pyrimidine
derivatives as inhibitors of DHODH.

Materials and Methods:

Molecular structures of halogenated pyrimidine derivatives were drawn in
the HyperChem and then molecular descriptors were calculated by DRAGON software. Finally, the
most effective descriptors for 32 halogenated pyrimidine derivatives were selected using bee
algorithm.

Results:

The selected descriptors using bee algorithm were applied for modeling. The mean relative
error and correlation coefficient were obtained as 2.86% and 0.9627, respectively, while these
amounts for the leave one out−cross validation method were calculated as 4.18% and 0.9297,
respectively. The external validation was also conducted using two training and test sets. The
correlation coefficients for the training and test sets were obtained as 0.9596 and 0.9185,
respectively.

Conclusion:

The results of modeling of present work showed that bee algorithm has good
performance for variable selection in QSAR studies and its results were better than the constructed
model with the selected descriptors using the genetic algorithm method.
Double C–H Activation for the C–C bond Formation Reactions
Authors: Liu Jialin , Xiong Xiaoyu , Chen Jie , Wang Yuntao , Zhu Ranran , Huang Jianhui
Published: July 2018

Background:

Among the numerous bond-forming patterns, C–C bond formation is one of the most
useful tools for building molecules for the chemical industry as well as life sciences. Recently, one of the most
challenging topics is the study of the direct coupling reactions via multiple C–H bond cleavage/activation
processes. A number of excellent reviews on modern C–H direct functionalization have been reported by
Bergman, Bercaw, Yu and others in recent years. Among the large number of available methodologies, Pdcatalyzed
reactions and hypervalent iodine reagent mediated reactions represent the most popular metal and
non-metal involved transformations. However, the comprehensive summary of the comparison of metal and
non-metal mediated transformations is still not available.

Objective:

The review focuses on comparing these two types of reactions (Pd-catalyzed reactions and
hypervalent iodine reagent mediated reactions) based on the ways of forming new C–C bonds, as well as the
scope and limitations on the demonstration of their synthetic applications.

Conclusion:

Comparing the Pd-catalyzed strategies and hypervalent iodine reagent mediated methodologies
for the direct C–C bond formation from activation of C-H bonds, we clearly noticed that both strategies are
powerful tools for directly obtaining the corresponding pruducts. On one hand, the hypervalent iodine reagents
mediated reactions are normally under mild conditions and give the molecular diversity without the presence
of transition-metal, while the Pd-catalyzed approaches have a broader scope for the wide synthetic applications.
On the other hand, unlike Pd-catalyzed C-C bond formation reactions, the study towards hypervalent
iodine reagent mediated methodology mainly focused on the stoichiometric amount of hypervalent iodine reagent,
while few catalytic reactions have been reported. Meanwhile, hypervalent iodine strategy has been
proved to be more efficient in intramolecular medium-ring construction, while there are less successful examples
on C(sp3)–C(sp3) bond formation. In summary, we have demonstrated a number of selected approaches for
the formation of a new C–C bond under the utilization of Pd-catalyzed reaction conditions or hyperiodine reagents.
The direct activations of sp2 or sp3 hybridized C–H bonds are believed to be important strategies for the
future molecular design as well as useful chemical entity synthesis.
A Review on Important Histone Acetyltransferase (HAT) Enzymes as Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ghanbari Mohammad , Safaralizadeh Reza , Mohammadi Kiyanoush
Published: July 2018

At the present time, cancer is one of the most lethal diseases worldwide. There are various factors involved in the development of cancer, including genetic factors, lifestyle, nutrition, and so on. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic factors have a critical role in the initiation and development of tumors. The histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and other PTMs are important mechanisms that regulate the status of chromatin structure and this regulation leads to the control of gene expression. The histone acetylation is conducted by histone acetyltransferase enzymes (HATs), which are involved in transferring an acetyl group to conserved lysine amino acids of histones and consequently increase gene expression. On the basis of similarity in catalytic domains of HATs, these enzymes are divided into different groups such as families of GNAT, MYST, P300/CBP, SRC/P160, and so on. These enzymes have effective roles in apoptosis, signaling pathways, metastasis, cell cycle, DNA repair and other related mechanisms deregulated in cancer. Abnormal activation of HATs leads to uncontrolled amplification of cells and incidence of malignancy signs. This indicates that HAT might be an important target for effective cancer treatments, and hence there would be a need for further studies and designing of therapeutic drugs on this basis. In this study, we have reviewed the important roles of HATs in different human malignancies.
Intrahippocampal Transplantation of Undifferentiated Human Chorionic- Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Does Not Improve Learning and Memory in the Rat Model of Sporadic Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Maleki-Jamshid Ali , Milan Peiman Brouki , Ebrahimzadeh Kaveh , Faghihi Faezeh , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi
Published: July 2018

Background and Objective: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with consequent cognitive impairment and behavioral deficits. AD is characterized by loss of cholinergic neurons and the presence of beta-amyloid protein deposits. Stem cell transplantation seems to be a promising strategy for regeneration of defects in the brain.  Method: One of the suitable type of stem cells originated from fetal membrane is Chorion-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (C-MSCs). MSCs were isolated from chorion and characterized by Flowcytometric analysis. Then C-MSCs labeled with DiI were transplanted into the STZ induced Alzheimer disease model in rat.  Results: Nissl staining and behavior test were used to assess the efficacy of the transplanted cells. Phenotypic and Flowcytometric studies showed that isolated cells were positive for mesenchymal stem cell marker panel with spindle like morphology.  Conclusion: Learning and memory abilities were not improved after stem cell transplantation. C-MSCs transplantation can successfully engraft in injured site but the efficacy and function of transplanted cells were not clinically satisfied.
Serum Interleukin Levels and Insulin Resistance in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Al-Kufi Sadiq Neama , Al-Dujaili Arafat Hussein , Maes Michael
Published: July 2018

Background & Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with inflammatory
processes, including increased cytokine levels, even in individuals who are otherwise
physically healthy, while some MDD patients may show insulin resistance (IR).

Method:

However, correlations between cytokines and IR parameters have not been studied extensively
in MDD. In the present study, we measured IL-1β, IL-4, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, insulin and glucose in
63 MDD patients and 27 healthy controls. The associations between cytokine levels and IR were examined.

Results:

The results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IFN-γ,
TGF-β1, insulin, insulin/glucose ratio, and insulin resistance (HOMA2IR) in MDD patients as compared
with controls. There was a significant correlation between HOMA2IR with both IFN-γ
(ρ=0.289, p<0.05) and TGF-β1 (ρ=0.364, p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The present study further confirms that MDD is accompanied by activation of the immune
system with significant elevations in the levels of four cytokines. These results indicate stimulation of the
immune system and increased IR and modulation of IR by increased cytokine levels in MDD. These
findings show that immune activation and associated IR are a new drug target in depression.
Quality of Life in People with Coeliac Disease: Psychological and Socio- Economic Aspects
Authors: Martínez-Martinez Maria Isabel , Alegre-Martínez Antoni , García-Ibánez Jessica , Cauli Omar
Published: July 2018

Background and Objective: Coeliac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune intestinal disorder
characterized by intolerance to gluten, a protein contained in certain cereals. The main physiopathological
basis of CD is the progressive destruction of intestinal villi caused by gluten ingestion by
genetically-susceptible individuals. Patients who receive a diagnosis of CD must make significant
changes to their daily habits and this can affect their quality of life. The objective of this review is to
summarize the evidence regarding the economic, physical and social limitations which can affect the
quality of life in patients with CD.

Results:

Different factors such as physical changes, psychological effects, interpersonal relationships,
emotions and economic difficulties can affect the quality of life of these patients. Observations suggest
that, in general, women with CD experience a greater deterioration in their quality of life than men.
Lastly, complications in daily life are also associated with the reduced availability of gluten-free products
which also usually cost more than standard products.

Conclusions: Continuous health education and care regarding socio-economic issues should be continuously
developed and provided to people with CD.
Las representaciones mentales como herramienta para la interpretación musical y sus características desde la práctica instrumental: un estudio en el marco de la ciencia cognitiva
Authors: Pérez-Acosta Gabriela
Published: July 2018

Existe una dificultad inherente para obtener información de los procesos mentales que subyacen a la implementación de acciones para resolver tareas complejas. Tal es el caso de las representaciones mentales que guían la ejecución instrumental de la música. A lo largo del tiempo, a través de diferentes tipos de investigaciones se han ofrecido diferentes definiciones de dichas representaciones o imágenes mentales. El objetivo de este trabajo es, por medio de entrevistas de elicitación, obtener información acerca de cómo los músicos expertos implementan representaciones o imágenes mentales en su práctica instrumental y, con base en las diferentes definiciones que se encuentran en la literatura especializada, proponer un modelo descriptivo de estos procesos cognitivos.
Fidelidad de localización en trayectorias de sonido envolvente acusmático versus visualizado
Authors: Luna Fabian Esteban
Published: July 2018

El experimento buscó medir y comparar el grado de precisión que los participantes ponen en práctica para identificar trayectorias de fuentes de emisión sonora envolventes experimentadas de un modo acusmático y audiovisualizado. El trabajo se inscribe en el campo de estudios sobre la transmodalidad. En particular respecto de aquellas investigaciones que se han enfocado en las correspondencias entre la escucha y la visualización. En este contexto desarrollamos una plataforma de reproducción en música acusmática (Luna, 2015; 2016) con el fin de propiciar una modalidad alternativa de presentación en concierto para este tipo de obras (Prager, 2012; Truax, 1999; Tutschku, 2001). La propuesta combina los campos de difusión envolvente de sonido (surround), como así también de emisiones de luces (lightrround), en sincronía con la propagación de modos vibratorios (sensurround) dirigidos también a la audiencia.
Text Messaging Interventions for Improvement in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Youth: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Ludwig Kim , Arthur Rosie , Sculthorpe Nicholas , Fountain Hollie , Buchan Duncan S
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of text messages (short message service, SMS) to change physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth is of interest due to the need for novel, more effective intervention approaches. Previous reviews have examined a variety of technology-based interventions and their impact on different health behaviors, but evidence regarding the impact of just SMS on physical activity and sedentary behavior is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and use of theory of SMS interventions for improving physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth.

METHODS

Authors systematically searched electronic databases from March to November 2017. Citations were sifted using additional reviewers, and a qualitative synthesis of eligible studies was conducted using piloted data extraction forms. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to be of a randomized controlled or quasi-experimental design, incorporate SMS, involve adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years, and assess at least one physical activity or sedentary behavior outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies reporting 11 interventions were included in the qualitative analysis. Studies included interventions that were conducted in schools, online, or face-to-face. Studies were of high heterogeneity with regard to study duration, participant characteristics, intervention content, and outcome measures. Findings were equivocal with regard to intervention effectiveness for physical activity and sedentary behavior. Overall, 7 interventions resulted in an improvement for physical activity and 6 for sedentary behavior. All studies were judged to be of high risk of bias for at least 1 item.

CONCLUSIONS

Some studies in this review showed promising results for using SMS to improve physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth. High heterogeneity of design and outcome measures precluded data pooling and conclusions as to which specific intervention elements are linked to increased effectiveness cannot be drawn. The authors propose incorporating the following elements in future studies: specific focus on desired health behavior; mixed-methods design; include long-term follow-up; include self-monitoring, goal setting, and feedback; combine SMS with a mobile app; and send 3 or more SMS text messages per week. More rigorous studies are needed to explore the relationship between intervention effectiveness and specific intervention components such as content and delivery.
Evaluating the Impact of Music & Memory’s Personalized Music and Tablet Engagement Program in Wisconsin Assisted Living Communities: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ford II James H , Dodds Debby , Hyland Julie , Potteiger Michael
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Alzheimer disease or related dementia represent a significant and growing segment of the older adult (aged 65 years and above) population. In addition to physical health concerns, including comorbid medical conditions, these individuals often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The presence of BPSD in long-term care residential facilities can disrupt resident’s care and impact staff. Nonpharmacological interventions such as personalized music and tablet engagement maintain cognitive function, improve quality of life (QOL), and mitigate BPSD for older adults with dementia. Evidence of the impact of such interventions in assisted living communities (ALCs) is needed for widespread adoption and sustainment of these technologies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Music & Memory’s personalized music and tablet engagement (PMATE) program on QOL, agitation, and medication use for residents living in 6 Wisconsin ALCs.

METHODS

The data collected were on the utilization of iPods and iPads by the residents. Residents’ outcomes were assessed using the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale, the Quality of Life in Late Stage Dementia scale, and self-reported medication use. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to examine the impact of the PMATE program on these outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A paired t test explored changes in residents’ QOL. A 1-way analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes in resident’s agitation and QOL based on the resident’s utilization of the PMATE program. Qualitative interviews were conducted with the individuals responsible for PMATE implementation in the ALC. Residents excluded from the analysis were those who passed away, were discharged, or refused to participate.

RESULTS

A total of 5 apps, based on average times used by residents, were identified. In all, 4 of the 5 apps were rated as being useful to promote residents’ engagement. PMATE utilization was not associated with changes in the residents’ agitation levels or antipsychotic medication use over time. Over a 3-month period, the change in residents’ QOL was significant (P=.047), and the differences across ALCs were also significant (F25=3.76, P=.02). High utilizers of the PMATE program (>2500 min over 3 months) showed greater improvements in QOL as compared with low utilizers (a change of −5.90 points vs an increase of 0.43 points). The difference was significant (P=.03). Similar significant findings were found between the high- and midutilizers.

CONCLUSIONS

The study is one of the first to explore the impact of Music & Memory’s PMATE program on residents living in ALCs. Findings suggest that higher utilization over time improves residents’ QOL. However, a more comprehensive study with improved data collection efforts across multiple ALCs is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Mining Open Payments Data: Analysis of Industry Payments to Thoracic Surgeons From 2014-2016 (Preprint)
Authors: Na Xu , Guo Haihong , Zhang Yu , Shen Liu , Wu Sizhu , Li Jiao
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The financial relationship between physicians and industries has become a hotly debated issue globally. The Physician Payments Sunshine Act of the US Affordable Care Act (2010) promoted transparency of the transactions between industries and physicians by making remuneration data publicly accessible in the Open Payments Program database. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization, the majority of all noncommunicable disease deaths were caused by cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the distribution of non-research and non-ownership payments made to thoracic surgeons, to explore the regularity of financial relationships between industries and thoracic surgeons.

METHODS

Annual statistical data were obtained from the Open Payments Program general payment dataset from 2014-2016. We characterized the distribution of annual payments with single payment transactions greater than US $10,000, quantified the major expense categories (eg, Compensation, Consulting Fees, Travel and Lodging), and identified the 30 highest-paying industries. Moreover, we drew out the financial relations between industries to thoracic surgeons using chord diagram visualization.

RESULTS

The three highest categories with single payments greater than US $10,000 were Royalty or License, Compensation, and Consulting Fees. Payments related to Royalty or License transferred from only 5.38% of industries to 0.75% of surgeons with the highest median (US $13,753, $11,992, and $10,614 respectively) in 3-year period. In contrast, payments related to Food and Beverage transferred from 93.50% of industries to 98.48% of surgeons with the lowest median (US $28, $27, and $27). The top 30 highest-paying industries made up approximately 90% of the total payments (US $21,036,972, $23,304,996, and $28,116,336). Furthermore, just under 9% of surgeons received approximately 80% of the total payments in each of the 3 years. Specifically, the 100 highest cumulative payments, accounting for 52.69% of the total, transferred from 27 (6.05%) pharmaceutical industries to 86 (1.89%) thoracic surgeons from 2014-2016; 7 surgeons received payments greater than US $1,000,000; 12 surgeons received payments greater than US $400,000. The majority (90%) of these surgeons received tremendous value from only one industry.

CONCLUSIONS

There exists a great discrepancy in the distribution of payments by categories. Royalty or License Fees, Compensation, and Consulting Fees are the primary transferring channels of single large payments. The massive transfer from industries to surgeons has a strong “apical dominance” and excludability. Further research should focus on discovering the fundamental driving factors for the strong concentration of certain medical devices and how these payments will affect the industry itself.
Exploring Advance Care Planning in Taiwanese Indigenous Cancer Survivors: Proposal for a Pilot Case-Control Study (Preprint)
Authors: Li In-Fun , Hsiung Yvonne
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Research on Taiwanese indigenous cancer survivors’ end-of-life (EOL) planning is still in its infancy, despite recent government and societal efforts to promote quality EOL care. Previous national studies in Taiwan have characterized indigenous peoples as a socioeconomically disadvantaged minority group. Compared with their mainstream cohorts, these remote residents are vulnerable to multiple social welfare problems, receiving and accessing little in the way of health care in rural mountain areas. Although advance care planning (ACP) has been shown to help patients achieve better quality of dying, very little is known about indigenous intentions for such interventions. Relevant studies are scarce in Taiwan, and programs for cancer survivors have been based almost entirely on nonindigenous populations. Since there has been no research on Taiwanese indigenous people’s aims for ACP, there is a need to understand the impact of survivorship on ACP readiness among those who are currently living with, through, and beyond cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to identify differences in ACP intent and readiness among indigenous peoples with and without cancer diagnoses. We will identify the impact of factors such as tribal cultural beliefs and quality of life along with cancer exposure on the outcome of ACP readiness differences. In particular, we will examine the effects of ACP knowledge from previous ACP participation, EOL care experiences, and personal registry status of Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) in the national database. A secondary objective is to describe indigenous people’s intent to participate in public education related to EOL planning.

METHODS

A descriptive case-control study (N=200) is proposed where controls are matched to cases’ attributes of age, gender, and cancer diagnosis. This matching analysis allows assessment of cancer as an exposure while taking into account age and gender as confounding variables. We are currently in the process of training personnel and extracting clinical and administrative information from the health care system of collaborating facilities. This carefully designed study provides a unique opportunity because for the first time in Taiwan, cancer survivorship and ACP readiness for EOL planning will be examined among difficult-to-reach indigenous peoples.

RESULTS

We plan to complete this study in approximately 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we expect to survey palliative care usage in the remote indigenous group, understand factors that influence ACP readiness, and later foster culturally appropriate ACP public participation and policies in order to facilitate collaboration between cancer health care providers in various Taiwanese subcultures.
Oregon Reminders: Reducing HIV Transmission by Personalized Medication Reminders through a Statewide eHealth Program (Preprint)
Authors: Sheoran Bhupendra , Silva Cara , Lykens James , Gamedze Londiwe
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Oregon Reminders is a SMS-based program that offers custom text, email, and voice reminders to take medications daily, refill prescriptions monthly, and get tested for HIV and other STDs every three to six months. A survey was done with current users in order to assess the effectiveness of Oregon Reminders.

OBJECTIVE

The primary goals were to evaluate the extent to which Oregon Reminders influenced users’ HIV testing behaviors and medication adherence. The evaluation was also designed to help us understand users’ demographics, sexual and drug use risk behaviors, methods of learning about the service, and willingness to discuss HIV with others.

METHODS

We conducted a survey with Oregon Reminders users to assess the service’s efficacy and user satisfaction. Oregon Reminders users were emailed requests to participate in an anonymous and voluntary online survey administered through Survey Monkey.

RESULTS

Oregon Reminders proved to be an effective way to assist in HIV/STDs treatment and testing. The majority of participants indicated that Oregon Reminders helped them remember to test for HIV/STDs, and more than a quarter reported testing for HIV more frequently since signing up for Oregon Reminders.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey data suggests that Oregon Reminders and similar programs can help users maintain or improve healthy behaviors, which ultimately serves to better control the HIV epidemic. Our results support the existing literature showing that text- and email-based reminder systems for HIV testing and medication adherence can be effective.