bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic profiles of colorectal carcinoma with liver metastases and newly identified fusion genes
Authors: Oga Takafumi , Yamashita Yoshihiro , Soda Manabu , Kojima Shinya , Ueno Toshihide , Kawazu Masahito , Suzuki Nobuaki , Nagano Hiroaki , Hazama Shoichi , Izumiya Masashi , Koike Kazuhiko , Mano Hiroyuki
Published: July 2019

Every year, approximately 1.2 million cases of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are newly diagnosed worldwide. Although metastases to distant organs are often fatal complications of CRC, little information is known as to how such metastatic lesions are formed. To reveal the genetic profiles for CRC metastasis, we conducted whole‐exome RNA sequencing on CRC tumors with liver metastasis (LM) (group A, n = 12) and clinical stage‐matched larger tumors without LM (group B, n = 16). While the somatic mutation profiles were similar among the primary tumors and LM lesions in group A and the tumors in group B, the A‐to‐C nucleotide change in the context of “AAG” was only enriched in the LM regions in group A, suggesting the presence of a DNA damage process specific to metastasis. Genes already known to be associated with CRC were mutated in all groups at a similar frequency, but we detected somatic nonsynonymous mutations in a total of 707 genes in the LM regions, but not in the tumors without LM. Signaling pathways linked to such “LM‐associated” genes were overrepresented for extracellular matrix‐receptor interaction or focal adhesion. Further, fusions of the ADAP1 (ArfGAP with dual PH domain 1) were newly identified in our cohort (3 out of 28 patients), which activated ARF6, an ADAP1‐substrate. Infrequently, mutated genes may play an important role in metastasis formation of CRC. Additionally, recurrent ADAP1 fusion genes were unexpectedly discovered. As these fusions activate small GTPase, further experiments are warranted to examine their contribution to CRC carcinogenesis.
Influence of dental caries on oral health‐related quality of life, school absenteeism and school performance among Nepalese schoolchildren
Authors: Karki Saujanya , Päkkilä Jari , Laitala Marja‐Liisa , Humagain Manoj , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of untreated dental caries and its consequences on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), school absenteeism and school performance in Nepal.

Methods

This is a population‐based, national cross‐sectional study. This study was conducted among three WHO index age groups (5‐6, 12‐ and 15‐year‐olds) of schoolchildren from 18/75 randomly selected districts of Nepal. Clinical findings on untreated dental caries lesions (decay in primary and permanent dentition, dt/DT) and its consequences (pufa/PUFA) were recorded, and the participants were graded into four categories based on the severity of untreated dental caries (GUDC). The Nepali version of Child‐Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (C‐OIDP) was used to assess the information on OHRQoL. Similarly, school‐related information (school absenteeism and school performance) was collected from the school registry. Generalized linear mixed models with random effects were used to evaluate the association between dental caries and OHRQoL, school absenteeism and school performance.

Results

Among the study sample, the mean (SD) C‐OIDP score was 2.4 (5.0). It was observed that the 15‐year‐olds, those belonging to the Newari ethnic group, and children with high GUDC grades had poor OHRQoL. After adjusting for confounding factors, high dt + DT or pufa + PUFA was associated with higher impact on OHRQoL. Similarly, lower grades of GUDC (Grade 1 and Grade 2) also had less impact on OHRQoL than the most severe Grade 4. High dt + DT or pufa + PUFA were associated with maximum school absenteeism. Furthermore, high C‐OIDP and a grade of GUDC ≥2 score were associated with poor school performance.

Conclusion

Untreated dental caries and its consequences have a considerable impact on OHRQoL. These conditions may contribute to high school absenteeism and poor school performance.
Whole exome sequencing of men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella reveals novel homozygous QRICH2 mutations
Authors: Kherraf Zine‐Eddine , Cazin Caroline , Coutton Charles , Amiri‐Yekta Amir , Martinez Guillaume , Boguenet Magalie , Fourati Ben Mustapha Selima , Kharouf Mahmoud , Gourabi Hamid , Hosseini Seyedeh Hanieh , Daneshipour Abbas , Touré Aminata , Thierry‐Mieg Nicolas , Zouari Raoudha , Arnoult Christophe , Ray Pierre F.
Published: July 2019

Multiple morphological anomalies of the sperm flagella (MMAF syndrome) is a severe male infertility phenotype which has so far been formally linked to the presence of biallelic mutations in nine genes mainly coding for axonemal proteins overexpressed in the sperm flagellum. Homozygous mutations in QRICH2, a gene coding for a protein known to be required for stabilizing proteins involved in sperm flagellum biogenesis, have recently been identified in MMAF patients from two Chinese consanguineous families. Here, in order to better assess the contribution of QRICH2 in the etiology of the MMAF phenotype, we analyzed all QRICH2 variants from whole exome sequencing data of a cohort of 167 MMAF‐affected subjects originating from North Africa, Iran, and Europe. We identified a total of 14 potentially deleterious variants in 18 unrelated individuals. Two unrelated subjects, representing 1% of the cohort, carried a homozygous loss‐of‐function variant: c.3501C>G [p.Tyr1167Ter] and c.4614C>G [p.Tyr1538Ter], thus confirming the implication of QRICH2 in the MMAF phenotype and human male infertility. Sixteen MMAF patients (9.6%) carried a heterozygous QRICH2 potentially deleterious variant. This rate was comparable to what was observed in a control group (15.5%) suggesting that the presence of QRICH2 heterozygous variants is not associated with MMAF syndrome.
Perceptions of barriers to effective obesity management in Canada: Results from the ACTION study
Authors: Sharma Arya M. , Bélanger André , Carson Veronica , Krah Jodi , Langlois Marie‐France , Lawlor Diana , Lepage Suzanne , Liu Aiden , Macklin David A. , MacKay Noel , Pakseresht Arash , Pedersen Sue D. , Ramos Salas Ximena , Vallis Michael
Published: July 2019

Obesity is a chronic disease with a significant and growing impact on Canadians. The “Awareness, Care and Treatment In Obesity MaNagement” (ACTION) Study investigated perceptions, attitudes and perceived barriers to obesity management among Canadian people with obesity (PwO), healthcare providers (HCPs) and employers. In this study adult PwO (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, based on self‐reported height/weight), HCPs (physicians and allied HCPs managing PwO) and employers (≥20 employees; offering health insurance), completed online surveys between 3 August and 11 October 2017 in a cross‐sectional design. Survey respondents (N = 2545) included 2000 PwO, 395 HCPs and 150 employers. Obesity was viewed as a “chronic medical condition” by most PwO (60%), HCPs (94%) and employers (71%) and deemed to have a large impact on overall health (74%, 78%, 81%, respectively). Many PwO (74%) believed weight management was their own responsibility. While PwO (55%) reportedly knew how to manage their weight, only 10% reported maintaining ≥10% weight reduction for >1 year. Despite low success rates, the most commonly reported effective long‐term weight loss methods tried and/or recommended were “improvements in eating habits” (PwO 38%; HCP 63%) and “being more active” (PwO 39%; HCP 54%). PwO and HCPs reported very different perceptions of the quality and content of their interaction during obesity management discussions. These findings highlight the communication gaps and misunderstanding between PwO, HCPs and employers. This underscores the importance of, and need for, evidence‐based management of obesity and a collaborative approach and understanding of the complex nature of this chronic disease.
A response to the proposed ELCA inter‐religious policy statement
Authors: Papenfuss Hannah
Published: July 2019

In this solicited essay, an undergraduate Interfaith Scholar and Interfaith Studies minor at Concordia College responds to the ELCA proposed interreligious policy statement. In this essay, I will contend that the policy statement beautifully articulates our Lutheran commitment to accompany our neighbors by envisioning a world in which God celebrates all forms of diversity. Moreover, by framing our vocation in the context of relational theology, the document lays the groundwork for mutual understanding that prioritizes service to the neighbor over proselytization.
Building disaster resilience using social messaging networks: the WeChat community in Houston, Texas, during Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Chu Haoran , Yang Janet Z.
Published: July 2019

Analyses of disaster resilience have focused increasingly on the role of social capital and online social networks in recovery. This study complements this field of work by investigating three key issues. First, it examines how a social messaging application, WeChat, helped individuals to access and to mobilise three types of social capital—bonding, bridging, and linking—during Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm that made landfall in Louisiana and Texas in the United States in August 2017, resulting in significant flooding and loss of life. Second, it pinpoints and assesses quantitatively how individuals' WeChat group usage and social capital influenced their post‐disaster well‐being. Third, it demonstrates how a minority and immigrant community in Houston, Texas, overcame the disadvantages commonly observed in other disaster research through the utilisation of social media. The findings of this study should aid governmental and community efforts to foster resilience in the face of natural and human‐induced hazards.
Teacher professional standards to support teacher quality and learning in Estonia
Authors: Pedaste Margus , Leijen Äli , Poom‐Valickis Katrin , Eisenschmidt Eve
Published: July 2019

In the modern world, teachers are expected to be ‘learning professionals’ who constantly expand their knowledge and skills and share both practical and theoretical insights in a community of colleagues. Teacher professional competence‐based standards could be an instrument to support teachers' professional learning if they are integrated with broader assessment and evaluation frameworks and if their evaluation, professional development and career advancement are in line with the standards. In Estonia, teacher professional standards were first developed in 2005. Currently, they support initial teacher education, the evaluation of teacher competences and the design of continuous professional learning. They also allow teachers to progress to the senior teacher and master teacher qualification level. According to our findings, the standards are successfully used to design pre‐service education and award certificates at the end of the studies. However, they do not support building the teachers' career ladder and only in some schools do they support planning of professional learning. In this article, we give an overview of the changes in the professional standards of teachers in Estonia and analyse why they have not found the desired degree of use in teachers' career advancement and professional development in the school context and why they have not had a significant effect on teacher status in society.
Severe cryptococcal granulomas of the nasopharynx in a horse treated with standing endoscopic laser surgery and oral fluconazole
Authors: Daniel A. J. , Thachil A. , Savory‐Davis M.
Published: July 2019

An Arabian mare was referred due to a 4‐month history of bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, which was unresponsive to multiple courses of antimicrobials and intravenous sodium iodide. Digital radiographs revealed multiple variably sized nodular opacities within the nasopharynx. Upper airway endoscopy showed multiple, ulcerated granulomatous masses originating from the walls of the nasopharynx. Repeat culture of the exudate and from endoscopic biopsies grew only a mixed bacterial population. Standing endoscopic guided laser excision of two granulomas was performed and histopathology and culture from the center of a surgically excised granuloma identified Cryptococcus terrestris. Treatment with fluconazole (14 mg/kg bwt per os once then 5 mg/kg bwt per os q. 12 h) was administered for a total of 11 weeks. Follow‐up endoscopic examination was used to guide therapy duration, and the horse has since returned to competition and remained free of infection for >1.5 years. Establishing a diagnosis of cryptococcal infection was difficult in this horse despite multiple culture attempts. This is the first report of Cryptococcus terrestris infection in a horse and treatment with oral fluconazole after surgical de‐bulking was successful.
Retrograde intussusception of the descending colon secondary to multiple colonic hamartomas in a neonatal foal
Authors: Mejia S. , Hurcombe S. D. A. , Rodgerson D.H. , Cassone L. M. , Slovis N. M.
Published: July 2019

A neonatal Thoroughbred filly presented with a 3‐h history of abdominal pain and distention that failed to respond to medical treatment. Diagnostic evaluation, including abdominal ultrasound, barium enema and proctoscopy, was suggestive of atresia coli. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a pedunculated mass in the wall of the diaphragmatic flexure of the ascending colon. The mass, subsequently diagnosed as a hamartoma, was attached to a smaller hamartoma by a fibrous pedicle originating from the descending colon. The descending colon had intussuscepted retrograde into the ascending colon along the fibrous band. The filly was euthanised due to poor prognosis.
Estimation of Spatio‐Temporal Correlations of Prehistoric Population and Vegetation in North America
Authors: Kriesche Bjoern , Chaput Michelle A. , Kulik Rafal , Gajewski Konrad , Schmidt Volker
Published: July 2019

We discuss a simple methodology to enable a statistical comparison of human population with the vegetation of North America over the past 13,000 years. Nonparametric kernel methods are applied for temporal and spatial smoothing of point data obtained from the Neotoma Paleoecology Database and the Canadian Archaeological Radiocarbon Database, which results in sequences of maps showing the development of population and different plant taxa during the Holocene. The estimation of smooth spatial and spatio‐temporal cross‐correlation functions is proposed in order to detect relationships between population and vegetation in fixed time intervals. Furthermore, the effects of varying environment on demographic changes as well as potential impacts of populations on plant taxa over time are analyzed. Pointwise confidence bands for cross‐correlation functions are computed and a robustness analysis is performed to assess the significance of obtained results. Considering the example of oak, an interpretation of our results for eastern North America shows the value of this methodology.
Management of bleeding and invasive procedures in haemophilia A patients with inhibitor treated with emicizumab (Hemlibra®): Proposals from the French network on inherited bleeding disorders (MHEMO), the French Reference Centre on Haemophilia, in collaboration with the French Working Group on Perioperative Haemostasis (GIHP)
Authors: Susen Sophie , Gruel Yves , Godier Anne , Harroche Annie , Chambost Herve , Lasne Dominique , Rauch Antoine , Roullet Stephanie , Fontana Pierre , Goudemand Jenny , de Maistre Emmanuel , Chamouard Valerie , Wibaut Bénédicte , Albaladejo Pierre , Négrier Claude
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Emicizumab (Hemlibra®) recently became available and requires an adaptation for managing bleeding, suspected bleeding and emergency or scheduled invasive procedures in haemophilia A patients with inhibitor. This implicates a multidisciplinary approach and redaction of recommendations for care that must be regularly adapted to the available data.

Aim

The following text aims to provide a guide for the management of people with haemophilia A with inhibitor treated with emicizumab in case of bleeding or invasives procedures.

Methods

The French network on inherited bleeding disorders (MHEMO), the French Reference Centre on Haemophilia (CRH), in collaboration with the French Working Group on Perioperative Haemostasis (GIHP) have been working together to make proposals for the management of these situations.

Results

Haemostatic treatment and other medications should be given stepwise, according to the severity and location of the bleeding or the risk of bleeding of the procedure as well as the haemostatic response obtained at each step in order to ensure an optimal benefit/risk ratio.

Conclusion

The lack of data means that it is only possible to issue proposals rather than recommendations.
A lucid review of Helicobacter pylori‐induced DNA damage in gastric cancer
Authors: Fu Li , Xie Chuan
Published: July 2019

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the main risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). In recent years, many studies have addressed the effects of H pylori itself and of H pylori‐induced chronic inflammation on DNA damage. Unrepaired or inappropriately repaired DNA damage is one possible carcinogenic mechanism. We may conclude that H pylori‐induced DNA damage is one of the carcinogenic mechanisms of GC. In this review, we summarize the interactions between H pylori and DNA damage and the effects of H pylori‐induced DNA damage on GC. Then, focusing on oxidative stress, we introduce the application of antioxidants in GC. At the end of this review, we discuss the outlook for further research on H pylori‐induced DNA damage.
Dancing Contact Improvisation with Luce Irigaray: Intra‐Action andElemental Passions
Authors: Heil Johanna
Published: July 2019

This article takes as its point of departure Luce Irigaray'sElemental Passions, in which a woman‐speaker tries to make her lover and the discipline of philosophy understand that she is not how they have imagined her to be; that she is not at all but that she keeps becoming through perpetual movement. The article investigates Irigaray's investment in a form of materialist difference feminism that offers conceptual links to the posthumanist work of Karen Barad's agential realism, especially her theorization of intra‐action. The link between Irigaray and Barad is established via a diffractive reading that incorporates the dance/movement research practice of Contact Improvisation. Although expressed through written language,Elemental Passionscreates the impression of the woman‐speaker dancing, of encountering herself, her environment, and her lover through moved and moving contact, searching for a practice of moving‐together, feeling‐with, and feeling‐between that can be experienced in an improvised dance duet. Exploring how touch and the sharing of weight in Contact Improvisation challenges boundaries and establishes ever‐changing configurations and entanglements between dancers, the article proposes that Irigaray's woman‐speaker envisions herself as a posthuman/ist woman and that improvised dancing offers a practice of intra‐action through which she can encounter the world in her becoming.
The Narratable Self: Adriana Cavarero with Sojourner Truth
Authors: Naranch Laurie E.
Published: July 2019

This essay engages the work of Italian feminist philosopher Adriana Cavarero and her concept of the narratable self. Her relational humanism, rooted in our exposure to others, offers an ontology of uniqueness whose critique of abstraction, masculinism, and identity politics still resonates today where the meaning of a unique “you” is negotiated in embodied exchanges that may offer care or wounds. Cavarero develops an altruistic ethics that cultivates this humanism. I argue that her work should be extended to better capture the political purchase of the narratable self that interacts dynamically and often ambiguously with the “we” of collective politics. Putting her work into conversation with the nineteenth‐century abolitionist and women's rights advocate Sojourner Truth, I suggest that Cavarero's work illuminates Truth as a philosopher of the narratable self. Moreover, Truth's work extends Cavarero's concerns with exposure that may do violence or offer care by making explicit the challenges of narration in the context of inequality, especially in terms of race and class. Exposure as an ontological and phenomenological condition then needs to take account of a broader publicity of textual, individual, and collective exposure to others to develop the critical, ethical, and political purchase it offers.
Direct coagulation casting of silicon carbide suspension via polyelectrolyte dispersant crosslink reaction
Authors: Gan Ke , Gai Yanjiao , Wang Yali , Cui Jie , Lu Yuju , Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Jingjing , Xu Jie , Yang Jinlong
Published: July 2019

A direct coagulation casting method for silicon carbide ceramic suspension using dispersant crosslink reaction is reported. Polymer electrolyte (polyethyleneimine, PEI) was used as dispersant to prepare silicon carbide suspension. Common food additives (carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) were used to coagulate the electrosteric stabilized silicon carbide suspension. There was a well disperse silicon carbide suspension with 0.2 wt% PEI at pH = 5‐6. Influence of coagulant on viscosity and zeta potential of the silicon carbide suspension was investigated. It indicates that the high solid loading silicon carbide suspension can be destabilized and coagulated at elevated temperature. It can be attribute to the gradual decrease of electrosteric force due to the crosslink reaction between PEI and CMC. Silicon carbide wet green body with compressive strength of 1.99 MPa could be demolded at 70°C which is higher than that prepared by traditional DCC and dispersant reaction method for nonoxide ceramics. Dense silicon carbide ceramics with relative density above 98.8% and 99.3% had been prepared by liquid phase pressureless and hot pressed sintering, respectively.
Effect of Si4+ substitution on mechanical and thermal expansion properties of Ca0.5Sr0.5Zr4P6O24 ceramics
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhou Yuanyuan , Han Zhuoqun , Liu Futian
Published: July 2019

The Ca(1+x)/2Sr(1+x)/2Zr4P6‐2xSi2xO24 (CSZP6‐2xS2x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics were prepared using powders synthesized by co‐precipitation method, and the effects of Si4+ substitution on the structure, mechanical, and thermal expansion properties were investigated. The optimum sintering time was 4 hours, which greatly shortened the sintering process. By controlling the appropriate composition and sintering temperature, a single phase with the typical NaZr2P3O12 structure was obtained. As a function of x increasing, the parameter a increased and then decreased, while the parameter c and unit cell volume both increased. The mechanical property of CSZP6‐2xS2x ceramics was affected with increasing amount of Si4+ content. The Si4+ substitution could increase the thermal expansion anisotropy and lead to the generation of microcracks, which are responsible for the increase in the amount of hysteresis between heating and cooling curves. The thermal expansion decreased progressively from 1.8 to 0.8 × 10−6/°C. The investigations indicate that the CSZP6‐2xS2x ceramics are potential materials in high temperature applications
Comparing the Same Task in ESL vs. EFL Learning Contexts: An Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: Storch Neomy , Sato Masatoshi
Published: July 2019

This classroom‐based study examined the role of context in task‐based interaction. Identical tasks were implemented in university‐level classes in two contexts: Australian ESL (n = 27) and Chilean EFL (n = 19). The learners engaged in discussion tasks, as part of the regular classroom activities. Data included audio‐recorded task‐based interactions, observations, and a survey. Data analysis was guided by activity theory, examining how learners approached the tasks, including deliberations about language (actions), the group dynamics, and their use of mediating tools (e.g., L1). Our findings revealed differences in the learners' actions in these two contexts, both expected (e.g., use of L1) and unexpected (e.g., the nature of assistance provided). Our study shows that in different contexts, the same tasks represent different learning activities.
Thermally treated soya bean oleosomes: the changes in their stability and associated proteins
Authors: Ding Jian , Xu Zejian , Qi Baokun , Liu Zongzhong , Yu Liangli , Yan Zhang , Jiang Lianzhou , Sui Xiaonan
Published: July 2019

Oleosomes are subcellular organelles present naturally in plant seeds for storing lipids. Oleosomes can be used in the preparation of various food products, such as creams, salad dressings, mayonnaise and emulsion. However, food products are always subjected to thermal processing, and therefore, the evaluation of the thermal stability of oleosomes is of great important. The present work aimed to understand the effect of soya bean oleosome‐associated proteins (SOAPs) on the thermal stability of soya bean oleosome emulsion (SOE). SOE was thermally treated for 15 min at different temperatures of 65, 75, 85 and 95 °C. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and Cryo‐SEM of SOE, and as well as fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism of SOAPs were investigated. The stability of SOE was significantly affected by thermal treatments, by modulating the conformational structures of SOAPs, while the composition changed slightly. The results of particle size, zeta potential and CLSM showed that thermal treatments caused aggregations of oleosomes especially at high temperatures (75–95 °C). Thermally treated oleosomes were observed to have a rough surface. Results of this work are useful for understanding the underlying mechanisms of SOAPs in maintaining the thermal stability of SOE.
Effects of dietary inclusion of sunflower soap stocks on colour, oxidation and microbiological growth of meat from light fattening lambs
Authors: Blanco Carolina , Bodas Raúl , Andrés Sonia , Rodríguez‐Calleja Jose María , Mateo Javier , Rozada Fernando , Giráldez F. Javier
Published: July 2019

Thirty‐two lambs were finished on a total mixed ration (TMR) pelleted alone (00SS) or including sunflower soap stock (SS): 15SS (15 g SS per kg TMR), 30SS (30 g SS per kg TMR) and 60SS (60 g SS per kg TMR). Lambs (8 per group) were slaughtered at 27 kg live weight. Colour evolution, lipid oxidation, microbial growth and detection of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli were studied in meat samples. SS in the diet reduced meat lipid oxidation (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the cholesterol oxidation products. Meat from 60SS and control animals (00SS) revealed greater discoloration (P < 0.05) than 15SS. SS supplementation did not affect the microbiological populations, whereas high doses of SS seemed to increase the proliferation of diarrhoeagenic E. coli on day 14 (P < 0.10). These results suggest that the rate of SS inclusion in the diet of fattening lambs should not be above 15 g SS per kg TMR.
Potential of pulse‐derived proteins for developing novel vegan edible foams and emulsions
Authors: Lafarga Tomás , Álvarez Carlos , Villaró Silvia , Bobo Gloria , Aguiló‐Aguayo Ingrid
Published: July 2019

Chefs around the world strive to go beyond ordinary and garnish dishes with edible foams and emulsions, generally made using proteins derived from soy or animal sources. However, the increasing number of consumers following a vegan diet has led to a higher demand for novel foods formulated using plant‐derived proteins. The current study evaluated the functional properties of proteins obtained by alkaline solubilisation from common pulses. Water‐ and oil‐holding capacities varied within the ranges 2.39–6.78 and 3.46–6.37 g of water or oil per g or protein concentrate, respectively. Emulsifying capacity and stability was higher at pH values 2.0 and 10.0. A similar trend was observed for foaming capacity and stability. Proteins isolated from fava beans showed the highest foaming capacity, calculated as 56.7 ± 2.9 and 56.7 ± 2.7% when measured at pH 2.0 and 10.0, respectively (P < 0.05). Overall, studied proteins showed potential for their use in edible foams, emulsions and other innovative products.
Multidimensional poverty status of householders with disabilities in South Korea
Authors: Park Eun‐Young , Nam Su‐Jung
Published: July 2019

This study investigated poverty among householders with disabilities using multidimensional poverty indices to verify their poverty status and expand the scope of the research on poverty. Using the dimensional poverty rate, headcount ratio and adjusted headcount ratio, the study indicates that the poverty rate is higher for householders with disabilities than it is for non‐disabled householders, as is also the headcount ratio and the adjusted headcount ratio. Given the low correlation between the monetary and non‐monetary dimensions of poverty, comprehensive diagnosis in the form of multidimensional poverty assessments should be carried out to provide adequate social services for householders with disabilities.

Key Practitioner Message: • Monetary poverty does not directly influence the level of poverty in other dimensions; • The householder with disabilities is associated with higher multidimensional poverty; • Various aspects of life as well as income support should be considered in policy‐making for the problem of poverty.
The Heterogeneous Impact of International Migration on Left‐behind Households: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Romano Donato , Traverso Silvio
Published: July 2019

This article investigates the heterogeneous effects of international migration on the expenditure of Bangladeshi migrant households. Adopting a counterfactual framework, we estimate the impact of migration on per capita expenditure of left‐behind households according to their position in the counterfactual expenditure distribution and the length of the migration period. The effects on households’ social mobility and on inequality are also assessed. The analysis indicates that migration has a positive impact on per capita expenditure and represents an important vehicle of social mobility, but may also be a source of inequality. We also find that only a tiny share of international migrants originates from households belonging to the lowest expenditure quintile and, since most of the characteristics which seem to influence the migration decision cannot be shaped by policy interventions, our results also suggest that pro‐migration policies might not be effective in lifting those most in need out of poverty.
Audit‐based measures of overuse of medical care in Australian hospital practice
Authors: Scott Ian A.
Published: July 2019

Overuse of care that does not confer benefit to patients and wastes limited resources is being increasingly recognised as a major healthcare problem. The preferred measure of overuse of a specific intervention is applying an evidence‐ or consensus‐based measure of inappropriateness directly to the medical records of individual patients who have received the intervention. This study aimed to assess the extent of overuse of care in hospital practice in Australia based on peer‐reviewed literature that reported clinical audits using explicit measures of overuse applied to patient‐level clinical data. Thirty‐five studies met selection criteria, 14 relating to investigations, 21 to management strategies. Overuse rates above 30% were reported for coagulation tests, blood cultures, troponin assays, abdominal imaging studies, use of telemetry, blood product infusions, polypharmacy in older patients, prescriptions for various medications (gastric acid suppressants, direct oral anticoagulants, inhaled corticosteroids), admissions for low‐risk chest pain and futile interventions in end of life care. Hospital physicians may need to audit their current high‐volume practices and ensure they align with current criteria of appropriateness.
Balancing product differentiation and cost saving in the presence of consumer deliberation
Authors: Xu He , Zhou Pin
Published: July 2019

This paper investigates the manufacturer's optimal product line design under different production strategies when customers with different preference structures (dominating or nondominating) need to incur the deliberation cost to uncover customers' valuations of product quality. We characterize the optimal price, quality, and profit under different production strategies and preference structures. Our results demonstrate that the optimal product line under both production strategies is threshold‐controlled, and there exists a deliberation cost threshold, below which the manufacturer provides efficient quality for high‐valuation customers and distorts the quality of low‐end products, while above such a threshold, the manufacturer increases the quality dispersion between high‐end and low‐end products. We also find that the adoption of commonality will increase the manufacturer's profit only if the cost‐saving effect is relatively significant. Contrary to the existing literature, we finally reveal that commonality can reduce cannibalization in the nondominating preference structure scenario if the deliberation cost is low and the cost‐saving effect is strong or if the deliberation cost is sufficiently high.
Dual‐activator luminescence of LuAG:Mn4+/Tb3+ phosphor for optical thermometry
Authors: Xie Chunyan , Zhao Lu , Jiang Bin , Mao Jiashan , Lin Yan , Wang Peng , Wei Xiantao , Yin Min , Chen Yonghu
Published: July 2019

Mn4+ and Tb3+ singly doped and Mn4+/Tb3+ codoped lutetium aluminum garnet (Lu3Al5O12, or simply LuAG) phosphors were synthesized and investigated for the application of optical thermometry. X‐ray powder diffraction and luminescence spectroscopy measurements were performed on all samples to analyze their crystal phases and optical properties. In particular, temperature‐dependent luminescence of the LuAG:Mn4+/Tb3+ sample was measured at the temperature range of 270–420 K. The results showed that the luminescence intensity of Mn4+ has gone through a remarkable decline while the luminescence of Tb3+ has an only insignificant change with the rise of temperature which leads to a dramatic decrease in the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) between the two activator Mn4+ and Tb3+. Further analysis showed that the LuAG:Mn4+/Tb3+ sample used for temperature sensing has a high relative sensitivity with maximum value of 4.3% K−1 at 333 K. Our research indicated that this LuAG:Mn4+/Tb3+ material is a promising candidate for FIR‐type optical temperature sensing.
Zingerone attenuates aortic banding‐induced cardiac remodelling via activating the eNOS/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Liu Chen , Wu Qing-Qing , Cai Zhu-Lan , Xie Sai-Yang , Duan Ming-Xia , Xie Qing-Wen , Yuan Yuan , Deng Wei , Tang Qi‐Zhu
Published: July 2019

Cardiac remodelling refers to a series of changes in the size, shape, wall thickness and tissue structure of the ventricle because of myocardial injury or increased pressure load. Studies have shown that cardiac remodelling plays a significant role in the development of heart failure. Zingerone, a monomer component extracted from ginger, has been proven to possess various properties including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic properties. As oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to acute and chronic myocardial injury, we explored the role of zingerone in cardiac remodelling. Mice were subjected to aortic banding (AB) or sham surgery and then received intragastric administration of zingerone or saline for 25 days. In vitro, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were treated with zingerone (50 and 250 μmol/L) when challenged with phenylephrine (PE). We observed that zingerone effectively suppressed cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, oxidative stress and inflammation. Mechanistically, Zingerone enhanced the nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) activation via increasing the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. Additionally, we used Nrf2‐knockout (KO) and eNOS‐KO mice and found that Nrf2 or eNOS deficiency counteracts these cardioprotective effects of zingerone in vivo. Together, we concluded that zingerone may be a potent treatment for cardiac remodelling that suppresses oxidative stress via the eNOS/Nrf2 pathway.
Adjunctive benefit of a xenogenic collagen matrix associated with coronally advanced flap for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: A superiority, assessor‐blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rotundo Roberto , Genzano Luigi , Patel Divya , D'Aiuto Francesco , Nieri Michele
Published: July 2019

Aim

To evaluate the superiority of coronally advanced flaps (CAFs) when used in combination with a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CMX) for root coverage of multiple adjacent gingival recessions.

Materials and Methods

Participants with at least 2 upper adjacent teeth exhibiting gingival recession depth ≥2 mm were recruited and randomized to CAF with (test) or without (control) CMX, respectively. Mean and complete root coverage, amount of keratinized tissue (KTw), gingival thickness (GThick) and patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs) were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Twenty‐four patients providing 61 gingival recessions were analysed. After 1 year, gingival recession depth decreased from 2.3 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.4 mm in the CAF + CMX group (2.0 ± 0.8 mm meanRC) and from 2.6 ± 1.0 to 0.6 ± 0.3 mm in the control group (2.0 ± 1.1 mm meanRC). No difference was observed between the two groups (p = 0.2023). Nineteen (63%) of the test and 16 (52%) of control defects showed complete root coverage (p = 0.4919). GThick greatly increased in the test group (0.5 mm; 0.2–0.8 mm, 95% CI; p = 0.0057). No difference between the two groups was observed for KTw (p = 0.5668) and PROMs.

Conclusion

At 1 year, CAF + CMX provided similar root coverage to CAF alone, but a significant increase in gingival thickness.
Antimicrobial efficacy of cordless sonic or ultrasonic devices on Enterococcus faecalis‐infected root canals
Authors: Pedullà Eugenio , Genovese Carlo , Messina Riccardo , La Rosa Giusy R. M. , Corsentino Giacomo , Rapisarda Silvia , Arias‐Moliz Maria T. , Tempera Gianna , Grandini Simone
Published: July 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate and residual antimicrobial activity of cordless sonic or ultrasonic devices on Enterococcus faecalis (E faecalis)‐infected teeth.

Methods

A total of 140 single‐rooted extracted teeth with E faecalis were grouped as follows (N = 15): conventional syringe irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite activated by ultrasonic device (group 1) or cordless ultrasonic device (group 2), EndoActivator (group 3) or without activation (group 4), conventional syringe irrigation with sterile bi‐distilled water and ultrasonic device (group 5), EndoUltra (group 6), EndoActivator (group 7), or without activation (group 8). The remaining 20 teeth were used for positive and negative controls. Colony‐forming units (CFU) and turbidity were recorded from bacteriological samples taken before and after irrigation and after 24 hours of re‐incubation. Data were statistically analyzed using Student's t test, Mann‐Whitney test, Kruskal‐Wallis test, and Dunn's multiple comparison tests (P < .05).

Results

Groups 1 and 2 showed higher antimicrobial efficacy than groups 3 and 4 (P < .05). No bacteria reduction was found in groups 5‐8 (P > .05). After 24 hours, regrowth of bacteria was not significantly different for all groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

Ultrasound produced lower CFU and turbidity after treatment and after re‐incubation of 24 hours than sonic or no activation.
Cross‐cultural adaptation of the Chronic Illness Resources Survey in Japanese patients with diabetes
Authors: Sato Miho , Miyoshi Hideaki , Nakamura Akinobu , Sumi Naomi , Kamoshima Hikaru , Ono Yuri
Published: July 2019

Aim

The Chronic Illness Resources Survey (CIRS) is a tool for assessing multiple levels of resources for self‐management in people with chronic illnesses. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the CIRS (CIRS‐J) among patients with diabetes.

Methods

This study included 102 Japanese patients with diabetes. Patients completed the CIRS‐J on two occasions with additional measurements, including the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), the summary of diabetes self‐care activities (SDSCA), and the perceived health competence scale (PHCS). The construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and test–retest reliability were evaluated.

Results

Factor analysis resulted in six factors. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.82, indicating a high internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87, indicating that the CIRS‐J is stable over time. The CIRS‐J showed a positive moderate association with MSPSS, SDSCA, and PHCS, with a correlation coefficient value ranging from .34 to .44.

Conclusion

This study showed preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the CIRS‐J. The availability of this instrument will help identify the spectrum of resources available for Japanese people with diabetes in both research and practical settings.
Disability, emotional distress and well‐being among patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Hsu Hui‐Chen , Chang Chih‐Ju , Tung Heng‐Hsin , Wang Tsae‐Jyy
Published: July 2019

Aim and objective

To explore the disability, emotional distress and well‐being of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Background

Few studies have investigated the correlations between disability, emotional distress and well‐being of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional research design.

Methods

Participants were 133 patients aged over 50 years who were experiencing lumbar spondylolisthesis. The research instruments included a demographic information questionnaire; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI); the Chinese versions of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State (STAI‐S) and Center for Epidemiological Study‐Depression (CES‐D); and the Psychological Well‐being (PWB) Scale. Emotional distress was measured by the STAI‐S and CES‐D. Pearson's correlations coefficient, multiple linear regression and a mediating effect model were introduced to explore correlations between the variables and predictors of psychological well‐being, and details of the methods are reported in coherence to STROBE criteria.

Results

Eighty‐six participants (64.6%) had moderate and severe anxiety, and 42 (31.6%) experienced depression. Participants reported medium to high levels of well‐being; “satisfaction with interpersonal relationships” was rated the highest and “physical and mental health” the lowest. Disability, depression and anxiety had significant negative correlations with well‐being. Depression and anxiety mediated the relationship between disability and well‐being. Moreover, depression, family support, educational background and anxiety were predictors of well‐being, accounting for 39.1% of the total variance.

Conclusions

Disability and emotional distress among patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis had a negative impact on well‐being. Anxiety and depression were closely correlated with and substantially influenced well‐being.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health professionals will enhance the understanding of important factors influencing well‐being among patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. This study suggests the conduct of depression and anxiety evaluations at outpatient clinics and prior to surgery, so that clinicians will be aware of the emotional distress status of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and, therefore, enhance their well‐being.
Effect of tablets containing lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase on gingival health in adults: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Nakano Manabu , Yoshida Akihiro , Wakabayashi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Miyuki , Yamauchi Koji , Abe Fumiaki , Masuda Yuji
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effect of tablets containing lactoferrin (LF) and lactoperoxidase (LPO) on gingival health and oral health‐related quality of life in healthy adults.

Background

Lactoferrin and LPO are host defense factors found in saliva that may contribute to oral health.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and fifty adults were randomly assigned to the administration of high‐dose tablets (LF 60 mg/d, LPO 7.8 mg/d), low‐dose tablets (LF 20 mg/d, LPO 2.6 mg/d), or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. The gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PlI) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Oral health‐related quality of life was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

Results

One hundred and nine healthy subjects were included in the efficacy analysis. In the high‐dose group, the GI was significantly reduced after 12 weeks of treatment, and the reduction in GI in the high‐dose group was significant compared with the placebo group. In both the high‐dose group and the low‐dose group, PlI showed a significant decrease at 12 weeks compared with baseline. The total OHIP score was significantly reduced at 12 weeks in the high‐dose group. In addition, the OHIP functional limitation subscale displayed significant improvement in the high‐dose groups compared with the placebo group at 12 weeks. No adverse reactions or serious adverse events related to the test tablets were observed in any of participants during the study, and the incidence of adverse events unrelated to the tablets did not differ significantly among the groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that intake of tablets containing LF (60 mg/d) and LPO (7.8 mg/d) can potentially improve gingival inflammation and oral health‐related quality of life in healthy adults.
Association of P2RX7 functional variants with localized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Harris Theodore H. , Wallace Margaret R. , Huang Hong , Li Hua , Mohiuddeen Azeem , Gong Yan , Kompotiati Theodora , Harrison Peter , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Shaddox Luciana M.
Published: July 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate involvement of the P2X7 receptor in the rare condition, localized aggressive periodontitis.

Material and methods

Peripheral blood from 220 African Americans (103 with localized aggressive periodontitis and 117 healthy unrelated controls) was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide from E coli and Porphyromonas gingivalis. P2RX7 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs208294 (H155Y), rs1718119 (T348A), rs2230911 (T357S) and rs3751143 (E496A) were genotyped in 103 localized aggressive periodontitis patients and 117 healthy unrelated subjects. We examined genetic association between four P2RX7 single nucleotide polymorphisms and localized aggressive periodontitis, and tested for correlations between the single nucleotide polymorphisms and inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide in blood samples from these patients.

Results

A significant association with localized aggressive periodontitis was observed with rs1718119 A (Thr) allele (P = 0.0063, odds ratio = 1.904) and with a haplotype containing this allele (P = 0.0075). Additionally, significant correlations with these data were found: the rs1718119 G allele correlated with greater production of IL‐6, IL‐2 and GM‐CSF; the C (His) allele of rs208294 correlated with lower levels of IL‐12p40; and the C (Thr) allele of rs2230911 correlated with greater levels of G‐CSF.

Conclusion

The data from these analyses support a possible biological relationship between P2RX7 genetic variants and inflammatory response in localized aggressive periodontitis patients.