bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional composition of cereal filtrates-based beverages
Authors: Ishola Ibironke Samson , Olaposi Adeleke Rafiu , Adebayo Ajele Cornelius , Olatunde Otutu , Morakinyo Ige Meshach
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the study was to highlight the nutritive values and evaluate the safety level of beverages formulated from selected cereal filtrates in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– The cereals that were used for the formulation of the beverages are: 100 percent white maize, 100 percent yellow maize, 50:50; white: yellow maize, and 100 percent sorghum bicolour. All the cereals were purchased from Odo-Ogbe market in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Findings

– The results showed that the level of the minerals present in the cereal filtrates ranged from 39.1 to 43.6; 236 to 303; 362.4 to 462; 23.6 to 68.3; 26 to 41.5; 0.66 to 2.37; and 0.5 to 2.2 mg/100 g for sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), respectively. Microbial load ranged from 2.0 to 3.0×10−3 cfug. Results of nutritional composition such as percentage moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash and crude fibre ranged from 91 to 93, 1.5 to 1.75, 0.03 to 0.040, 0.25 to 1, 1.48 to 1.70 and 3.33 to 5.31 g/100 g, respectively, while the energy value ranged between 66.60 and 75.56 kcal. The values obtained for vitamin C and thiamin ranged from 0.30 to 0.40 and 0.56 to 0.70 mg/100 g, respectively.

Originality/value

– The micronutrients in the formulated beverages met the minimum recommended daily allowance and also possessed antimicrobial activities. However, the results showed that the proximate composition was high in water and low in other nutrients but still compared favourably with previous findings. It was concluded that the beverage produced from selected fermented cereal filtrates waste was safe and rich in micronutrients.
Effect of temperature and concentration on density and rheological properties of melon (Cucumis melo L. var. Inodorus) juice
Authors: Mohamadi Sani Ali , Hedayati Ghazaleh , Arianfar Akram
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study was to measure the apparent viscosity, flow behavior and density of melon juice as a function of temperature and juice concentration and to obtain simple equations to correlate experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

– Melon juice was concentrated in a rotary evaporator to 40±1, 52.5±1 and 65±1°Brix at 50°C, 80 rpm and stored at 4°C until analysis. Density of melon juice was determined with 25 ml pycnometer at 15, 25 and 35°C and was expressed as kg/m3. All experiments were conducted in triplicate. Experimental data were fitted to different models (linear, quadratic, exponential, quadratic exponential and polynomial) using Minitab 16. Significant differences in the mean values were reported at p<0.05. The flow behavior of melon juice was determined using a concentric cylinder rotational viscometer at shear rate range of 13.2-330 s−1 and temperatures of 15, 25 and 35°C. The experimental data were analyzed Slide Write V7.01 Trial Size (p<0.05) and the rheograms was plotted by Microsoft Excel 2007.

Findings

– Results showed that the four-term polynomial model is the best model for computing density values from temperature and concentration (R2=0.999). The measured shear stress was within 1.69-780 Pa, corresponding to viscosity range of 0.016-0.237 Pa · s. Within the tested conditions, the concentrate exhibited a pseudo plastic behavior. Temperature had an inverse effect on shear stress and apparent viscosity.

Originality/value

– No research had been done on production of melon juice concentrate.
Babul (Acacia nilotica)
Authors: Kumari Mamta , Jain Shashi , Dave Rashmi
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The prevalence of diabetes has increased manifold and now become a public health problem from being mild disorder. There is a need to discover more effective and safer antidiabetic agents by utilizing the rich heritage of medicinal plants. Tannins are polyphenols that are obtained from various parts of different plants belonging to multiple species and considered as potential drugs for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted in three phases: incorporation of Babul powder in biscuits: assessment of Glycemic Index (GI): suitability of Babul powder on diabetic subjects statistical analysis: area under curve (AUC) for increase in blood glucose was calculated by trapezoidal rule and means were tested for significance by paired t-test. Mean glucose levels of all subjects were calculated for each time point. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Findings

– Tannins are polyphenols that are obtained from various parts of different plants belonging to multiple species. As an indigenous plant of Rajasthan, Babul contains high amount of tannin levels ranging from 18 to 27 percent in deseeded pods from ssp. indica, whereas ssp. nilotica reached up to 50 percent. Hence, Babul was selected as the source of tannin and subjected to diabetics for its suitability. The study concluded that Babul powder is effective in management of blood glucose levels even the simple sugars also and can be considered as suitable for diabetics. The active component for the purpose may be the presence of tannin in the Babul.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was conducted on limited number of subjects. A confirmation study is suggested on the diabetic population.

Originality/value

– The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly rising all over the globe at an alarming rate. Over few decades, the status of diabetes has changed from being considered as a mild disorder of the elderly to one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality affecting the youth and middle-aged people. Therefore, the present study focused on the development of tannin-based nutraceutical for incorporation in common foods and its health-promoting effect on diabetes.
Maintaining healthy eating behaviour: experiences and perceptions of young adults
Authors: Allom Vanessa , Mullan Barbara
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing, particularly in young adults who recently have been shown to experience more weight gain than other demographics. Research has focused on factors leading to this weight gain, implicating the abundance of unhealthy foods in the direct environment, yet limited research has examined why some individuals are able to successfully regulate their eating behaviour in this “food-rich environment”. The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions and experiences of successful healthy eaters in order to determine factors that distinguish this group from unhealthy eaters.

Design/methodology/approach

– Thirty-five healthy weight young adults, who considered themselves to be healthy eaters, participated in seven semi-structured focus groups. Key questions examined how these individuals regulated their eating behaviour and their perceptions regarding such self-control processes.

Findings

– Thematic analysis revealed that individuals who are successful at maintaining healthy eating behaviour perceive the same barriers as non-successful individuals, yet are able to employ self-control techniques to overcome these barriers. Additionally, continually exerting self-control appeared to facilitate the formation of healthy eating habits.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research may benefit from attempting to modify self-control ability and develop healthy habits.

Originality/value

– While factors leading to obesity and the cognitions of those who are overweight have been extensively examined, limited research has focused on those who are able to regulate their eating behaviour. Additionally, limited qualitative research has examined implicit theories of self-control in an eating context.
Standardising assessment instruments and care planning in Ireland
Authors: Van Lente Eric , Power Martin
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Scoping of instruments in use for assessment of needs and the practices that surround care planning in residential care for older people in Ireland, in the wake of the introduction of national standards. The paper discusses these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey of care providers using an online/postal questionnaire, developed from the domains of need outlined in the standards.

Findings

– There is wide variation in the use of standardised instruments for assessment. Within some domains, standardised instruments enjoy near universal usage. However, within other domains, standardised instruments are often absent, external professional input and/or guidelines dominate and/or instruments have been adapted in-house. Practices surrounding care planning are largely homogeneous and the preserve of medical professionals.

Research limitations/implications

– This research was confined to the Republic of Ireland, limiting generalisation. The self-selecting nature of participants must also be considered. Further research could include, examining how, over time, the standards are shaping care practice, particularly in relation to interdisciplinary working and person-centred care.

Practical implications

– The non-prescriptive nature of the standards presents a challenge to care providers in selecting appropriate standardised instruments for assessment. In addition, medical dominance of care planning limits the extent to which care plans can enhance the provision of interdisciplinary and person-centred care.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to a growing literature on standardisation of assessment and care planning, provides a reference point for comparison with other nations and, in an Irish context, addresses an area that has received little attention to-date. As such, it is of interest to practitioners, care providers and regulators.
Co-production within health and social care – the implications for Wales?
Authors: Phillips Andy , Morgan Gareth
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– It is well recognised that individuals have much to contribute to the care that they receive, with attendant benefits on outcomes and reduction in cost. The recognition of individuals who access care services as interdependent citizens embedded in both formal and informal support networks is a shift that acknowledges their active role as partners in management of their own care and in service innovation and development. The purpose of this paper is therefore to explore and illustrate some of the domains of co-production.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the authors review the literature, both peer-reviewed and professional, in order to provide a broad and contemporary commentary on this emergent approach. This literature is critically summarised and presented along with a narrative that discusses the context in Wales, where the authors are based. The approach to this paper is to bring together existing knowledge and also propose potential avenues for further research and practise development.

Findings

– There is a diverse literature on this topic and the application of co-production appears potentially transformational within health and social care. Implementation of the principles of co-production has the potential to improve health and social care services in a range of settings. Real changes in outcomes and experience and reduction in societal cost can be achieved by making the people of Wales active partners in the design and delivery of their own health and social care.

Originality/value

– This review offers a readily accessible commentary on co-production, which may be of value to a wide range of professional groups and policy makers. This paper also reflects an original attempt to summarise knowledge and propose further areas for work. Most importantly, this paper offers a start point for co-production to become a reality for service provision with all the attendant benefits that will arise from this development.
“What made you choose blue?” On becoming more “awkward”
Authors: Iphofen Ron
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the personal experience of dealing with the progressive dementia of a close family member.

Design/methodology/approach

– Selected journal/diary entries over a ten-year period. Edited and anonymised.

Findings

– Even informed professionals with knowledge into the health and care system can struggle with the challenges of the progressive dementia of a loved one and managing the system.

Research limitations/implications

– One shot case study influenced by the moral and emotional proximity.

Practical implications

– Case studies can offer a range of diverse, if not unique, examples of the specific needs and problems faced by families that carers should take note of.

Originality/value

– All case studies are unique. But narrative accounts, even if episodic, can bring home-specific illustrations of good, best and problematic practices.
Long‐term fire history in northern Quebec: implications for the northern limit of commercial forests
Authors: Oris France , Asselin Hugo , Finsinger Walter , Hély Christelle , Blarquez Olivier , Ferland Marie‐Eve , Bergeron Yves , Ali Adam A.
Published: February 2014

Fire frequency is expected to increase in boreal forests over the next century owing to climate change. In Quebec (Canada), the location of the northern limit of commercial forests (c. 51 °N) was established in 2000 taking into account mainly forest productivity and fire risk. The location of the limit is currently under debate and is being re‐evaluated based on a more extensive survey of the territory. We characterized the natural variability of fire occurrence (FO) in the area surrounding the northern limit, and these results are a useful contribution to discussions on the re‐evaluation of its location.

Regional FO over the last 7000 years was reconstructed from sedimentary charcoal records from 11 lakes located in three regions surrounding the northern limit (i.e. south, north and near the limit). Holocene simulated precipitation and temperature from a general circulation model (GCM) were used to identify the long‐term interactions between climate and fire.

Fire histories displayed similar trends in all three regions, with FO increasing from 7000 calibrated years before present (cal. years BP) to reach a maximum at 4000–3000 cal. years BP, before decreasing during the late‐Holocene. This trend matches the simulated changes in climate, characterized by drier and warmer conditions between 7000 and 3500 cal. years BP and cooler and moister conditions between 3500 and 0 cal. years BP.

Northern ecosystems displayed higher sensitivity to climate change. The natural variability of FO was narrower in the southern region compared with the limit and northern regions. An abrupt decrease in FO was recorded close to and north of the limit at 3000 cal. years BP, whereas the decrease was more gradual in the south.

Synthesis and applications. We reconstructed the natural variability in fire activity over the last 7000 years near the current location of the northern limit of commercial forests in Quebec. Fire occurrences were more sensitive to climate change near to and north of the limit of commercial forestry. In the context of predicted increase in fire activity, the lower resilience of northern forests advocates against a northern repositioning of the limit of commercial forests.
Microbial diversity and dynamics of a groundwater and a still bottled natural mineral water
Authors: França Luís , Lopéz‐Lopéz Arantxa , Rosselló‐Móra Ramon , da Costa Milton S.
Published: February 2014

The microbial abundance and diversity at source, after bottling and through 6 months of storage of a commercial still natural mineral water were assessed by culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. The results revealed clear shifts of the dominant communities present in the three different stages. The borehole waters displayed low cell densities that increased 1.5‐fold upon bottling and storage, reaching a maximum (6.2 × 108 cells l−1) within 15 days after bottling, but experienced a significant decrease in diversity. In all cases, communities were largely dominated by Bacteria. The culturable heterotrophic community was characterized by recovering 3626 isolates, which were primarily affiliated with the Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. This study indicates that bottling and storage induce quantitative and qualitative changes in the microbial assemblages that seem to be similar as revealed by the two sample batches collected on 2 consecutive years. To our knowledge, this is the first study combining culture‐independent with culture‐dependent methods, and repeated tests to reveal the microbial dynamics occurring from source to stored bottled water.
A tricistronic heat shock operon is important for stress tolerance of Pseudomonas putida and conserved in many environmental bacteria
Authors: Krajewski Stefanie S. , Joswig Matthias , Nagel Miriam , Narberhaus Franz
Published: February 2014

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) including the well‐studied IbpA protein from Escherichia coli are molecular chaperones that bind to non‐native proteins and prevent them from aggregation. We discovered an entirely unexplored tricistronic small heat shock gene cluster in Pseudomonas putida. The genes pp3314, pp3313 and pp3312 (renamed to hspX, hspY and hspZ respectively) are transcribed in a single transcript. In addition to σ32‐dependent transcriptional control, translation of the first and second gene of the operon is controlled by RNA thermometers with novel architectures. Biochemical analysis of HspY, HspZ and P. putida IbpA demonstrated that they assemble into homo‐oligomers of different sizes whose quaternary structures alter in a temperature‐dependent manner. IbpA and HspY are able to prevent the model substrate citrate synthase from thermal aggregation in vitro. Increased stress sensitivity of a P. putida strain lacking HspX, HspY and HspZ revealed an important role of these sHsps in stress adaptation. The hspXYZ operon is conserved among metabolically related bacteria that live in hostile environments including polluted soils. This heat shock operon might act as a protective system to promote survival in such ecological niches.
Assessing the returns to R&D on perennial crops: the costs and benefits of Pierce's disease research in the California winegrape industry
Authors: Alston Julian M. , Fuller Kate B. , Kaplan Jonathan D. , Tumber Kabir P.
Published: February 2014

Several complicating issues arise in evaluating the returns to research into varietal improvements for perennial crops compared with annual crops. We elucidate and address these issues in the context of a case study of research aiming to develop varieties that are resistant to Pierce's disease (PD) of grapevines. PD imposes costs of over $100 million per year on the California grape industry, even with public PD control programs in place. Research projects to develop PD resistant varieties of grapevines are at various stages of completion. We describe the economic problems posed by PD, document the research programs undertaken to address the disease and present an economic assessment of the returns to the investment, which are conditional on other policies. Using a simulation model of the market for California winegrapes, we estimate the benefits from research, development and adoption of PD‐resistant vines as ranging from $4 million to $129 million annually over a 50‐year horizon, depending on the length of the R&D lag and the rate of adoption. In addition to these specific quantitative results the paper offers insight into the broader question of economic evaluation of damage‐mitigation technology for perennial crops.
‘Such unjustificable practices’?:Irish trade, settlement, and society inFrance, 1688–1715
Authors: Talbott Siobhan
Published: February 2014

This article exploresIrish migration, settlement, and commerce in theAtlantic coast ports ofFrance in the period between theGloriousRevolution of 1688–9 and theJacobite uprising of 1715. Drawing on extensive archival material and using current methodologies, this study suggests that the composition of society was vital in the development of international associations. This is particularly pertinent in a period characterized by warfare, religious fervour, and the rise ofJacobitism. Common allegiance toCatholicism and support for theStuart dynasty in bothIreland andFrance provided a framework conducive to international cooperation, but theIrish who settled inFrance held bothCatholic andReformed beliefs, and were not necessarily products of theJacobite movement. Migration and integration, and commercial practices and successes, were not determined solely by religious or political affiliation, but were influenced by the composition of society and the support and acceptance received by immigrants and traders therein. Through an analysis of theFranco‐Irish case study, it is concluded here that the social context of mercantile activity was just as responsible as the political or religious climate in governing the development of international commercial relationships in this period.
What explains slow sub‐SaharanAfrican growth? Revisiting oil boom‐era investment and productivity inNigeria's national accounts, 1976–85
Authors: Marwah Hanaan
Published: February 2014

Scholars have struggled to understand the role of investment in the slow growth of post‐Independence sub‐SaharanAfrica. Existing research has largely relied on national accounting data, which suggests low returns on investment in the region. This article uses data gathered during fieldwork to investigate the quality of the investment data in the national accounts ofNigeria,Africa's most populous economy. It proposes a new investment series which can be compared to those inNigeria's national accounts for 1976–85. It provides an alternative view of investment and productivity during the country's crucial oil boom period, whenNigeria had significant funding available for investment but this investment did not result in long‐term economic growth. Data are drawn from construction surveys, publicly listed and privately held construction company financial records, and industry publications. The new series suggests that for many years of the oil boom, approximately two‐thirds of what was recorded as having been investment inNigeria's national accounts was not investment at all. Much of this was ‘ghost construction’, projects paid for but never completed. This indicates that actual investment was far more productive than has previously been appreciated.
The battle for rubber in Benin
Authors: Fenske James
Published: February 2014

Nigerian rubber exports expanded rapidly during the Second World War ‘battle for rubber’. This was achieved by overcoming obstacles to greater exploitation of both wild and planted rubber. This article outlines Nigeria's wartime experience, focusing on the Benin region that dominated smallholder production after the war. British policies initially restricted rubber planting. After Japan occupied South‐East Asia, Britain encouraged maximum production. Late in the war, officials struggled with the planting boom that had occurred. The war was a period of both continuity and change for Benin, and exposed the limited capacity of the colonial state.
Changes in Cash: Persistence and Pricing Implications
Authors: CHEN JEFF ZEYUN , SHANE PHILIP B.
Published: February 2014

This paper decomposes the cash component of earnings and analyzes persistence characteristics and pricing implications of various subcomponents, with particular attention to changes in cash. Changes in underlying fundamentals might dictate changes in cash to new optimal levels. Alternatively, suboptimal changes in cash might result from agency costs allowing managers’ actions to diverge from the best interests of shareholders. We predict and find that both suboptimal increases and decreases in cash bode poorly for future earnings. In fact, we find that suboptimal increases (decreases) in cash have less (greater) persistence than any of the earnings components we study, including accruals and net distributions to both shareholders and debt holders. Market efficiency tests indicate that the market severely punishes firms with suboptimal decreases in cash, but we find no evidence to support the hubris hypothesis that the market overreacts to the earnings implications of unwarranted increases in cash.
Effective conservation measures to mitigate the impact of human disturbances on the endangered Egyptian vulture
Authors: Zuberogoitia I. , Zabala J. , Martínez J. E. , González‐Oreja J. A. , López‐López P.
Published: February 2014

A consistent body of literature suggests that migratory species, ecological specialists and/or populations living on the borders of their distribution ranges are expected to be among the most seriously affected by alterations in environmental conditions. In this framework, we tested the combined effects of human disturbance and weather conditions on the breeding performance of a long‐lived endangered scavenger, the Egyptian vulture, in a study area (Biscay, northern Spain) located close to the edge of its worldwide range. Furthermore, we tested the effect of specific management strategies aimed at preventing the impact of human disturbance on the species' breeding output. Our results showed that the breeding success was negatively correlated with weather conditions, mainly rainfall and number of rainy days in June, that is the rearing period of small nestlings. Importantly, human disturbance was the main factor affecting Egyptian vultures' productivity. In fact, during the study period (2000–2012), we detected cases of high‐level disturbance in 59 nests (30.9%) within 17 of the 22 monitored territories, which only produced three fledglings overall. In 2010, we started the application of management actions for preventing human disturbance, first in a few control territories and later, in 2011 and 2012, across the whole study area. The measures were found to be successful, as the breeding success increased to levels similar to those previously detected in non‐disturbed nests. Our results showed that management strategies aimed at preventing human disturbance are of paramount importance in order to assure the conservation of this endangered species.
Sexual orientation and alcohol problem use among UK adolescents: an indirect link through depressed mood
Authors: Pesola Francesca , Shelton Katherine H. , van den Bree Marianne B. M.
Published: February 2014

Background and Aims

Sexual minority adolescents are more likely to engage in alcohol use than their heterosexual counterparts; however, the underlying reasons remain unclear and longitudinal research is limited. Owing to evidence that this group also experiences greater depressive symptoms than their peers, we aimed to (i) assess to what extent depressed mood explains the increased likelihood of engaging in alcohol use among sexual minority adolescents, and (ii) explore potential gender‐specific patterns.

Design

Structural equation modelling was used to test the indirect relationship between sexual orientation and alcohol use through depressed mood, with heterosexuals as the reference group.

Settings and Participants

A total of 3710 adolescents (12% sexual minority), from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) study, assessed between the ages of 15 and 18 years.

Measurements

Sexual orientation was assessed at age 15, while alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) at age 18. Depressed mood was indexed by the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) at age 16.

Findings

Sexual minority adolescents were more likely to engage in alcohol problem use compared to their heterosexual counterparts [Btotal = 0.12, 95%confidence interval (CI) = 0.04–0.20, P = 0.003]. Depressed mood explained 21% of the link between sexual orientation and alcohol use after adjustment for covariates and earlier measures (Z = 3.2, P = 0.001). No gender differences were observed.

Conclusions

A higher prevalence of alcohol problem use in adolescents who are gay, lesbian or bisexual is partly explained by increased rates of depression in this group.
Simultaneous adenomatoid odontogenic and keratocystic odontogenic tumours in a patient with Gorlin‐Goltz syndrome
Authors: Shephard M , Coleman H
Published: February 2014

Gorlin and Goltz described a syndrome in which multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts and bifid ribs occurred in combination. The jaw keratocysts are a consistent feature of ‘Gorlin‐Goltz’ or naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Central nervous system and ocular involvement occurred together with the fairly typical facial features of frontal bossing and hypertelorism.

This case report documents the pathology associated with an impacted maxillary canine tooth in a boy with Gorlin‐Goltz syndrome. The patient presented for investigation of the failure of eruption of the right permanent maxillary canine tooth. Radiographic investigation showed the presence of a well circumscribed radiolucency located around the crown of an impacted right maxillary canine tooth. The patient's medical history revealed a medulloblastoma that was treated 13 years ago. The right maxillary canine tooth and associated peri‐coronal tissue were removed under general anaesthetic. A diagnosis of a keratocystic odontogenic tumour with an associated adenomatoid odontogenic tumour was made.

The common differential diagnoses for a peri‐coronal radiolucency in the maxilla that need to be considered by dentists include a dentigerous cyst, follicular keratocystic odontogenic tumour and adenomatoid odontogenic tumour.

A rare case of both keratocystic odontogenic tumour and associated follicular adenomatoid odontogenic tumour is described in a patient with naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
Identifying Irregularities in Mexican Local Elections
Authors: Cantú Francisco
Published: February 2014

A generalized distrust in Mexican local elections raises the question of whether electoral corruption has vanished or remains a prevalent practice in the country. To answer this question, I analyze the 2010 gubernatorial elections, exploiting a feature of the country's electoral system: within each electoral precinct, voters are assigned to polling stations according to their childhood surname. Consequently, the only difference between voters in contiguous polling stations should be their last names. Given that political preferences are seldom correlated with voters' names, I use suspicious differences in turnout levels across contiguous polling stations to identify fraudulent practices. The findings of this article indicate that nondemocratic enclaves that actively obstruct the completion of Mexico's democratic transition still remain today.
The risk of asthma exacerbation after reducing inhaled corticosteroids: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hagan J. B. , Samant S. A. , Volcheck G. W. , Li J. T. , Hagan C. R. , Erwin P. J. , Rank M. A.
Published: February 2014

Background

Asthma guidelines suggest reducing controller medications when asthma is stable.

Methods

The purpose of the study is to estimate the risk of asthma exacerbation in stable asthmatics who reduce inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) compared to those who maintain a stable ICS dose. We identified articles from a systematic review of English and non‐English articles using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL (inception to May 25, 2013). We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a stable asthma run‐in period of 4 weeks or more, an intervention to reduce ICS, and a follow‐up period of at least 3 months.

Results

The search strategy identified 2253 potential articles, of which 206 were reviewed at the full‐text level and 6 met criteria for inclusion. The relative risk of an asthma exacerbation in individuals who reduced ICS compared to those who maintained the same ICS dose was 1.25 (95% CI 0.96, 1.62; P = 0.10; I2 = 0%) in studies with a mean follow‐up of 22 weeks. Individuals who reduced ICS had a decreased% predicted FEV1 of 0.87% (95% CI −1.58%,3.33%; P = 0.49, I2 = 58%) and a decreased mean morning peak expiratory flow of 9.57 l/min (95% CI 1.25, 17.90; P = 0.02; I2 = 74%) compared to those individuals who maintained a stable ICS dose.

Conclusions

Asthma exacerbations were statistically no more likely among individuals who reduced ICS compared to those who maintained their ICS dose, supporting current guidelines which recommend decreasing ICS by 50% after a period of asthma stability.
Influence of pulse pressure and spontaneous variations of macular thickness in patients with diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Dupas Bénédicte , Feldman‐Billard Sylvie , Bui Quoc Emmanuel , Erginay Ali , Guillausseau Pierre‐Jean , Massin Pascale
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To study spontaneous variations of central macular thickness (CMT) and its relation to blood pressure (BP) in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DME).

Methods

23 diabetic patients presenting with DME with a CMT ≥ 260 μm on optical coherence tomography (OCT‐3, Carl Zeiss Meditec, CA) were followed every 2 weeks for 3 months. At baseline, ambulatory 24H‐BP monitoring (ABPM) was performed, as well as five CMT measurements (9 am, 12 am, 3 pm, 6 pm and 9 am the day after). During follow‐up, BP and CMT were simultaneously measured at 9 am.

Results

Significant spontaneous variations in CMT (at least one change in CMT greater than 11% compared to the median CMT value) were observed over 3 months in 48% of patients. Mean CMT decreased over the day and increased during the night, but not significantly (p = 0.1). During the 6 visits, the CMT at 9 am positively correlated with the pulse pressure (PP) measured at the same time (r = 0.29, p = 0.0008). In addition, the mean 24H‐CMT was positively correlated with the mean 24H‐ PP (r = 0.48, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Significant spontaneous changes in CMT of patients with DME were observed in nearly half of cases over 3 months. Retinal thickness was correlated to PP levels (patients with higher CMT had higher PP levels). This high variability of macular oedema, and the influence of BP on retinal thickness, should be taken into consideration by practitioners when evaluating the benefit of a therapy in DME.
Ocular diseases and 10‐year mortality: The Beijing Eye Study 2001/2011
Authors: Wang Ya Xing , Zhang Jing Shang , You Qi Sheng , Xu Liang , Jonas Jost B.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To examine the relationship between major ocular diseases and mortality.

Methods

The population‐based longitudinal study Beijing Eye Study was performed in 2001 and repeated in 2011. The participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination at baseline in 2001.

Results

Of 4439 subjects examined in 2001, 2695 (60.7%) subjects returned for the follow‐up examination in 2011, while 379 (8.5%) subjects were dead and 1365 (30.8%) subjects were alive, however, did not agree to be re‐examined. In multivariate regression analysis, mortality was significantly associated with the systemic parameters of older age (p < 0.001; Odds ratio (OR): 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.09), male gender (p < 0.001; OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.78), lower level of education (p < 0.001; OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.74) and smoking (p < 0.001; OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.36, 2.49) and with the ocular parameters of presence of diabetic retinopathy (p = 0.002; OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.81), non‐glaucomatous optic nerve damage (p = 0.001; OR: 4.90; 95% CI: 1.90, 12.7) and higher degree of nuclear cataract (p = 0.002; OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.52). In that model, mortality was not significantly (all p > 0.05) associated with refractive error, cortical or subcapsular posterior cataract, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, visual field defects, prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, open‐angle glaucoma and angle‐closure glaucoma.

Conclusions

After adjustment for age, gender, level of education and smoking, mortality was significantly higher in subjects with diabetic retinopathy, non‐glaucomatous optic nerve damage and nuclear cataract. Other major ophthalmic parameters and disorders such as hyperopia, myopia, high myopia, pterygium, age‐related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, glaucoma and cortical or nuclear cataract were not significantly associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis.
Changes in arterial function in a mouse model of human familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Brinkmann O. , Schmerbach K. , Tietge U. J. F. , Dietrich T. , Guski H. , Linz D. , Kühn H. , Patzak A. , Wilfert K.
Published: February 2014

Aim

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease. The ApoB mouse is a model for human familial hypercholesterolaemia and has a lipoprotein profile similar to that of humans with atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is a suitable model to investigate the changes in vasoreactivity during atherogenesis. This study investigates contractile and dilatative properties of arteries in this model in relation to age.

Methods

Male ApoB mice and B6, wild‐type (WT), mice were examined at age four or 18 months. Isometric measurements of 2‐mm ring preparations of the aorta thoracica were performed using a wire myograph. Histological and biochemical methods served to determine atherosclerosis, lipid status and endothelial markers respectively.

Results

Morphometric analysis showed that all old ApoB mice had severe atherosclerosis in the aorta. Atherosclerotic alteration of the aorta of the ApoB mice coincided with a diminished vasodilatation to acetylcholine. The phenylephrine response was significantly attenuated already to the same degree in the non‐atherosclerotic aorta of the young ApoB mice as in the atherosclerotic aorta of the older ApoB mice. Serum parameters showed a rise in total cholesterol and triglycerides in the ApoB strain compared to WT mice. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)‐1 and soluble vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM)‐1 were increased in old compared to young ApoB mice.

Conclusion

The study shows that reduced acetylcholine‐induced dilatation is related to the presence of atherosclerosis in old ApoB mice. Remarkably, the impaired vessel reactivity to phenylephrine already in young ApoB mice indicates early changes in vascular function in this model.
Is it meaningful to distinguish between generalized and specific Internet addiction? Evidence from a cross‐cultural study from Germany, Sweden, Taiwan and China
Authors: Montag Christian , Bey Katharina , Sha Peng , Li Mei , Chen Ya‐Fei , Liu Wei‐Yin , Zhu Yi‐Kang , Li Chun‐Bo , Markett Sebastian , Keiper Julia , Reuter Martin
Published: February 2014

Introduction

It has been hypothesized that two distinctive forms of Internet addiction exist. Here, generalized Internet addiction refers to the problematic use of the Internet covering a broad range of Internet‐related activities. In contrast, specific forms of Internet addiction target the problematic use of distinct online activities such as excessive online video gaming or activities in social networks.

Methods

The present study investigates the relationship between generalized and specific Internet addiction in a cross‐cultural study encompassing data from China, Taiwan, Sweden and Germany in n = 636 participants. In this study, we assessed – besides generalized Internet addiction – addictive behavior in the domains of online video gaming, online shopping, online social networks and online pornography.

Results

The results confirm the existence of distinct forms of specific Internet addiction. One exception, however, was established in five of the six samples under investigation: online social network addiction correlates in large amounts with generalized Internet addiction.

Discussion

In general, it is of importance to distinguish between generalized and specific Internet addiction.
Endoscopic ultrasound of the colon for the differentiation of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Ellrichmann M. , Wietzke‐Braun P. , Dhar S. , Nikolaus S. , Arlt A. , Bethge J. , Kuehbacher T. , Wintermeyer L. , Balschun K. , Klapper W. , Schreiber S. , Fritscher‐Ravens A.
Published: February 2014

Background

Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is based on clinical presentation, colonoscopy and histology. Differentiation of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) can be difficult in some patients. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) provides high resolution images of the gastrointestinal wall (GI) and may be an alternative to differentiate CD/UC.

Aim

EUS of the GI layers in patients with IBD and healthy controls (HC) for the differential diagnosis of UC/CD in a prospective, blinded study.

Methods

Consecutive patients with CD, UC or HC underwent EUS in the mid sigmoid colon with a forward‐viewing radial echoendoscope. Mucosal, submucosal, total wall thickness (TWT) and locoregional lymphnodes (LN) were assessed by EUS in a blinded fashion. TWT was correlated with macroscopic IBD scores and histological inflammation scores.

Results

Total wall thickness of 61 HC was 1.71 ± 0.02 mm, and 3.51 ± 0.15 mm in n = 52 with active IBD. In patients with active UC significant thickening of the mucosa was observed but nearly normal submucosa and m.propria. In active CD significant thickening of the submucosal layer was seen with nearly normal mucosa and m.propria [MucosaUC = 2.08 ± 0.11 mm, MucosaCD = 1.32 ± 0.17 mm (P = 0.0001); SubmucosaUC = 1.01 ± 0.08 mm, SubmucosaCD = 2.01 ± 0.22 mm (P = 0.0001)]. In 73.7% of patients with active CD, but in none with UC, paracolonic lymph nodes were detected. When mucosal‐submucosal and TWT and LNs were combined, the sensitivity was 92.3% for the differentiation of active UC/CD. There was a strong correlation of TWT with histological inflammation scores (UC: r = 0.43; CD: r = 0.69).

Conclusions

Increased total wall thickness has a high positive predictive value for active IBD. EUS can differentiate active UC from CD and quantify the level of colonic inflammation.
Effects of dietary Centella asiatica (L.) Urban on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood composition in piglets vaccinated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Maneewan Chamroon , Mekbungwan Apichai , Charerntantanakul Wasin , Yamauchi Kohsho , Yamauchi Koh‐en
Published: February 2014

To investigate the effects of Centella asiatica (L.) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood composition in piglets, 32 nursery pigs were fed 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% dietary C. asiatica (L.) from 15 to 90 kg BW. At 30 kg BW, nutrient digestibility was measured and at 35 kg BW piglets were vaccinated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Hematological parameters were checked at 40 and 80 kg BW. Compared with the control, growth performance was not affected. The ether extract, ash and calcium digestibility were lower at 0.5%, and dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, phosphorus and energy digestibility were lower at 1.0% (P < 0.05). On hematological values, at 40 kg hematocrit, total white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes were higher at the 2.0% level (P < 0.05). Most of these values except basophils and monocytes continued until at 80 kg, at which total white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes were higher even at 1.0% (P < 0.05); neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio tended to be higher at 2.0% (P < 0.03). Cholesterol, triglycerides and antibody levels against M. hyopneumoniae did not differ except that at 40 kg the cholesterol of 0.5% was lower (P < 0.05) and M. hyopneumoniae‐specific antibodies tended to be higher with increasing levels of C. asiatica (L.) (P < 0.07). The result that C. asiatica (L.) could not improve growth performance but increased values of serum hematocrit and white blood cells, and mycoplasma immunity to M. hyopneumoniae might suggest that C. asiatica (L.) has no function to elevate body weight but has the potential to enhance innate immunity.
Effects of Seijo‐bofu‐to, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine Containing Furanocoumarin Derivatives, on the Drug‐Metabolizing Enzyme Activities in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Saruwatari Junji , Takashima Ayaka , Yoshida Kousuke , Soraoka Hiromi , Ding Tong‐Bin , Uchiyashiki Yoshihiro , Tsuda Yoshiyuki , Imamura Motoki , Oniki Kentaro , Miyata Keishi , Nakagawa Kazuko
Published: February 2014

Seijo‐bofu‐to, a traditional medicine used to treat acne in Asian countries, contains twelve herbal components, including Angelica dahurica root, a source of furanocoumarin derivatives. In this study, we investigated potential herb–drug interactions of seijo‐bofu‐to in healthy male volunteers. Thirty‐two young, healthy, non‐smoking males were assessed for the baseline activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP3A, CYP2D6, N‐acetyltransferase 2 and xanthine oxidase according to the urinary metabolic indices of 8‐hr urine samples collected after the administration of a 150‐mg dose of caffeine and a 30‐mg dose of dextromethorphan, and the ratio of urinary excretion of 6β‐hydroxycortisol to cortisol. Thereafter, the volunteers received 3.75 g of seijo‐bofu‐to twice daily for 7 days and underwent the same tests on post‐dose day 7. The geometric mean ratio of the CYP1A2 activity on day 7 to that observed at baseline was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.55–0.79, p = 0.001). The geometric mean phenotypic indices for CYP3A, CYP2D6, N‐acetyltransferase 2 and xanthine oxidase on day 7 did not differ from the baseline values. The findings of the present study suggest that seijo‐bofu‐to may inhibit the activity of CYP1A2, whereas it is unlikely to participate in herb–drug interactions involving medications predominantly metabolized by CYP3A, CYP2D6, N‐acetyltransferase 2 or xanthine oxidase.
Semiparametric approach for non‐monotone missing covariates in a parametric regression model
Authors: Sinha Samiran , Saha Krishna K. , Wang Suojin
Published: February 2014

Missing covariate data often arise in biomedical studies, and analysis of such data that ignores subjects with incomplete information may lead to inefficient and possibly biased estimates. A great deal of attention has been paid to handling a single missing covariate or a monotone pattern of missing data when the missingness mechanism is missing at random. In this article, we propose a semiparametric method for handling non‐monotone patterns of missing data. The proposed method relies on the assumption that the missingness mechanism of a variable does not depend on the missing variable itself but may depend on the other missing variables. This mechanism is somewhat less general than the completely non‐ignorable mechanism but is sometimes more flexible than the missing at random mechanism where the missingness mechansim is allowed to depend only on the completely observed variables. The proposed approach is robust to misspecification of the distribution of the missing covariates, and the proposed mechanism helps to nullify (or reduce) the problems due to non‐identifiability that result from the non‐ignorable missingness mechanism. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator are derived. Finite sample performance is assessed through simulation studies. Finally, for the purpose of illustration we analyze an endometrial cancer dataset and a hip fracture dataset.