bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative exploration of dietitians’ experiences of prescribing oral nutritional supplements to patients with malnutrition: A focus on shared tailoring and behaviour change support
Authors: Liljeberg Evelina , Nydahl Margaretha , Lövestam Elin , Andersson Agneta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOral nutritional supplements (ONS) are commonly prescribed to patients with malnutrition. Dietitians have been suggested as preferred prescribers but generally lack ONS prescribing rights. How dietitians with prescribing rights experience their professional practice of prescribing ONS remains understudied. Thus, by exploring dietitians’ experiences of prescribing ONS, the present study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of specific aspects that are of importance for dietitians when providing a nutrition therapy including ONS.MethodsQualitative individual interviews were conducted with 13 dietitians prescribing ONS to free‐living adult outpatients with malnutrition or at nutritional risk in the hospital or primary care setting. Systematic text condensation was used for data analysis.ResultsTwo main categories signifying important aspects were identified and labelled: ‘Shared tailoring of the ONS prescription’ and ‘Supporting and facilitating ONS use’. First, the dietitians described tailoring the ONS prescription together with the patient, having their acceptance as a prerequisite, and being flexible regarding products and amounts prescribed. Second, they described performing different communication strategies and organising of practical issues (e.g., ONS delivery and support from others) to support and facilitate patients’ ONS usage.ConclusionsThe present study identifies patient involvement and the role of dietitians as behaviour change facilitators as two important aspects when dietitians prescribe ONS. These findings allow for dietitians’ ideals and strategies on how to prescribe ONS to be made more visible, which can inform both clinical practice and clinical trials for future improvements in nutrition therapy to address malnutrition.
PSD‐93 mediates the crosstalk between neuron and microglia and facilitates acute ischemic stroke injury by binding to CX3CL1
Authors: Zhang Qingxiu , He Lei , Chen Mo , Yang Hui , Cao Xiaowei , Liu Xiaomei , Hao Qi , Chen Zhengwei , Liu Tengfei , Wei Xiu‐e , Rong Liangqun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPost‐synaptic density 93 (PSD‐93) mediates glutamate excitotoxicity induced by ischemic brain injury, which then induces microglial inflammatory response. However, the underlying mechanisms of how PSD‐93 mediates the crosstalk between neurons and microglia in the post‐synaptic dense region remain elusive. CX3 chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a chemokine specifically expressed in neurons while its receptor CX3CR1 is highly expressed in microglia. In this study, we examined the interaction of PSD‐93 and CX3CL1 in the crosstalk between neurons and microglia in acute ischemic stroke. We utilized male C57BL/6 mice to establish the middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) and designed a fusion small peptide Tat‐CX3CL1 (357‐395aa) to inhibit PSD‐93 and CX3CL1 interaction. The combination peaks of PSD‐93 and CX3CL1 at 6 hr after I/R were observed. The binding sites were located at the 420–535 amino acid sequence of PSD‐93 and 357–395 amino acid sequence of CX3CL1. Tat‐CX3CL1 (357‐395aa) could inhibit the interaction of PSD‐93 and CX3CL1 and inhibited the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β and TNF‐α expression and provided neuroprotection following reperfusion. Together, these data suggest that PSD‐93 binds CX3CL1 to activate microglia and initiate neuroinflammation. Specific blockade of PSD‐93‐CX3CL1 interaction reduces I/R induced neuronal cell death, and provides a new therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
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Possible clinical efficacy and tolerability of platelet‐rich plasma in the treatment of patients with recalcitrant plane warts: The first clinical study
Authors: Abu El‐Hamd Mohammed , Aboeldahab Soha 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPlane warts are prevalent cutaneous diseases, caused by different serotypes of human papillomavirus.AimsThis study aimed to assess the possible clinical efficacy and tolerability of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with multiple recalcitrant plane warts.MethodsThis prospective cohort clinical study was carried out on 25 patients with clinical and dermoscopic evident multiple recalcitrant plane warts. The patients were treated with autologous intralesional PRP injections every month until a complete clearance or for a maximum of two sessions. Then, patients were clinically evaluated one month after every session and after a six‐month follow‐up from the last injection.ResultsOf the included patients, 20 (80%) patients had facial plane warts, 3 (12%) patients had plane warts in the dorsum of hands, and 2 (8%) patients had plane warts in the dorsal aspect of feet. 60% of the patients have more than 100 plane warts, and all the patients had plane warts than 1 cm in size. The complete improvement was observed in 20% and 100% of the patients after the first and second sessions, respectively. No recurrence was detected after a six‐month follow‐up. No side effects were recorded after the treatment sessions.ConclusionIntralesional injection of PRP could be potentially effective and well‐tolerated immunotherapy for the treatment of multiple recalcitrant plane warts. Whatever, more studies are needed with a larger sample size and a longer period of follow‐up. Also, randomized and controlled studies are required to evaluate its efficacy in treating different clinical types of warts.
Dapsone for acne: Still in use after half a century!
Authors: Searle Tamara , Al‐Niaimi Firas , Ali Faisal R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundSixty years ago, Ross discussed the use of oral dapsone in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Ross was fundamental in demonstrating the importance of this medication in dermatology. Following this, topical formulations have been used for the treatment of acne vulgaris which has not responded to traditional therapies. We explore the impact that the discovery of dapsone has had on subsequent research and clinical practice and explore the typical doses and side effects of this often sidelined therapy.MethodsWe conducted a review of the literature on the use of dapsone for acne using key terms “acne vulgaris,” “dapsone,” “isotretinoin,” “systemic,” “topical” searching databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed. Only articles in English were chosen. The level of evidence was evaluated and selected accordingly listing the studies with the highest level of evidence first using the Oxford Centre of Evidence‐Based Medicine 2011 guidance.ResultsOral dapsone and topical dapsone have been used in acne vulgaris and acne fulminans. Systemic dapsone seems to be less effective than other treatment options, and further research is required to examine the use of the topical formulation for acne vulgaris compared with alternative treatments.ConclusionDermatologists may wish to consider the use of this long‐established medication for the treatment of acne vulgaris. With careful monitoring, oral dapsone is an important alternative therapy where isotretinoin is contraindicated or not tolerated.
Possible prevention of post‐partum depression by intake of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and its relationship with interleukin 6
Authors: Nagayasu Yoko , Fujita Daisuke , Daimon Atsushi , Nunode Misa , Sawada Masami , Sano Takumi , Ohmichi Masahide 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimThis study examined whether the intake of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) prevented post‐partum depression and if interleukin 6 (IL‐6) was involved in this effect. We hypothesized that omega‐3 supplementation has a protective effect against post‐partum depression.MethodsWe measured eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the arachidonic acid (AA)/EPA ratio, and IL‐6 in 80 singleton pregnant women during the first and second trimesters, and post‐partum. The women also completed a dietary questionnaire, and post‐partum depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We examined the correlations between the frequency of eating fish and EPA, the AA/EPA ratio and IL‐6 in the first and second trimesters, and post‐partum. We also investigated the correlation between the EPDS and the EPA, the AA/EPA ratio and IL‐6.ResultsThe frequency of eating fish was significantly correlated with EPA in the second trimester and post‐partum and with the AA/EPA ratio in the second trimester. There was no correlation between IL‐6 levels and the frequency of eating fish. Post‐partum levels of EPA and the AA/EPA ratio were higher in the EPDS >7 group than in the EPDS ≤7 group. In the second trimester, a higher AA/EPA ratio was associated with EPDS >7. IL‐6 levels did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionIn conclusion, a low dietary intake of omega‐3 PUFA during pregnancy was correlated with lower EPA levels, which tended to lead to post‐partum depression. The relationship between the IL‐6 level and the pathogenesis of post‐partum depression was unclear from the results of this study.
ES Sampler, a minimally invasive endometrial sampling tool that obtains specimens suitable for both cytological and histological analysis
Authors: Zhang Yinglan , Zhao Yu , Lang Jing He , Li Yuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimConventional endometrial examination by dilatation and curettage (D&C) is not accepted by many patients because it is associated with pain and risk of injury and typically requires anesthesia and hospitalization. While several less invasive endometrial screening tools have been developed, their diagnostic value is generally inferior to D&C. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new, minimally invasive device, called the ES Sampler, for outpatient endometrial screening.MethodsThis was a single‐blind study of 96 patients (age: 36.8 ± 8.1 years) who attended Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2015 to August 2016. Specimens were collected from each participant using the ES Sampler, followed by traditional D&C by hysteroscopy, and evaluated by histology and/or cytology. The sampling adequacy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were compared, and patient acceptability was assessed.ResultsCompared to traditional D&C, the ES Sampler exhibited 99.0% sampling adequacy, and the combined (histology and cytology) results demonstrated 88.9% sensitivity, 95.6% specificity, 88.9% positive predictive value, 95.6% negative predictive value, and 93.7% accuracy. Moreover, the majority of study participants reported mild or no pain associated with the ES Sampler, and blood loss was minimal.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the minimally invasive ES Sampler is a reliable and accurate endometrial screening tool that is easily accepted by patients. The ES Sampler could be useful for screening high‐risk patients who may need further, more invasive examination, thereby conserving medical resources and minimizing patient discomfort.
Difficulty in prenatal diagnosis of the volvulus of the small intestine: A peculiar clinical course of two cases with massive bowel dilatation and loss of peristalsis
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Yokomine Masato , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Araki Kenshiro , Higashidate Naruki , Saikusa Mamoru , Ushijima Kimio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe report two cases of fetal intestinal volvulus (jejunum in case A, ileum in case B) with massive bowel dilatation and loss of peristalsis, which suddenly appeared in the third trimester. The bowel was dilated to different sizes and there were various echogenic patterns of the intestines in case A and a sausage‐like appearance in case B. Case A developed polyhydramnios, whereas case B did not. Among 47 cases of fetal intestinal volvulus (29 articles) in which 32 were diagnosed prenatally, almost all cases with a prenatal diagnosis showed “whirlpool sign” or “coffee bean sign” by sonography and/or findings indicating intestinal hemorrhage. Even without these findings, the presence of dilatation of the intestines and loss of peristalsis occurring in the third trimester were diagnostic clues. The presence of different sizes and various patterns of bowel dilation and hydramnios may be helpful for predicting the involved site of intestinal volvulus.
Are There Limits to Diversification in Emerging Economies? Distinguishing between Firm‐Level and Business Group Strategies
Authors: Gopal Shaleen , Manikandan K. S. , Ramachandran J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe viability of unrelated diversification as a strategy in emerging economies is an unresolved puzzle. Because business groups dominate the landscape in these economies, and are known to diversify either by expanding the scope of existing affiliate firms and/or setting up new firms, we argue that it is important to make a distinction between firm‐level and business group‐level diversification. The results of our study covering the 15‐year period following India’s economic liberalization confirm our thesis. Whereas all firms, including business group affiliates, reduced unrelated scope to negotiate product and capital market pressures, business groups took advantage of the opportunity‐rich, post‐reform environment to enter into new unrelated businesses by setting up new affiliates. Our findings echo suggestions that as institutions strengthen, the locus of unrelated diversification moves away from managers of public corporations to entities with different types of ownership structures. We present the business group as one such ownership structure.
On multidimensional poverty rankings of binary attributes
Authors: Peragine Vito , Pittau Maria G. , Savaglio Ernesto , Vannucci Stefano 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe address the problem of ranking distributions of attributes in terms of poverty, when the attributes are represented by binary variables. To accomplish this task, we identify a suitable notion of “multidimensional poverty line” and characterize axiomatically the Head‐Count and the Attribute‐Gap poverty rankings, which are the natural counterparts of the most widely used income poverty indices. Finally, we apply our methodology and compare our empirical results with those obtained with some other well‐known poverty measures.
Cultivation and Photophysiological Characteristics of Desmids in Moderately Saline Aquaculture Wastewater
Authors: Stamenković Marija , Steinwall Elin , Wulff Angela 
Published: February 2021

Although desmids typically inhabit freshwater environments characterized by low amounts of nutrients and low salinity, several desmid species have been recorded in eutrophic waters, indicating their adaptation to elevated pollution and conductivity. This study aimed to determine whether desmids could be used for remediation of moderately saline aquaculture wastewater (AWW) from a fish farm situated in the southeast of Sweden. Fourteen desmid strains isolated from different climates (tropical to polar) and trophic conditions (oligotrophic to eutrophic) were cultivated in diluted AWW and we estimated their growth rates, biomass, nutrient removal efficiency, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and cellular C, N and P quotas. Despite being grown at moderate salinity, unfavourable N:P ratio, and relatively low light/temperature regime the eutrophic strains, Cosmarium humile, Cosmarium laeve and a meso‐oligotrophic species Cosmarium impressulum, completely absorbed nitrate and phosphate from AWW media after 7 d, indicating their potential for remediation of fish effluents in colder climates. These species, along with the typical eutrophic species, Cosmarium meneghinii and Staurastrum chaetoceras, had biomass in the range 0.45–1.19 g · L−1 while maximum growth rates ranged from 0.36 to 0.51 · d−1, similar to published rates for several fast‐growing green microalgae cultivated in various AWW types. Tropical desmids had distinctly high values of saturating irradiance (Ik > 1,000 µmol photons · m−2 · s−1), and, along with eutrophic desmids, had high potential electron transport (rETRmax > 155 rel. units). Hence, the desmids studied demonstrated inherent photophysiological responses corresponding to their climate and trophic origin under the suboptimal growth conditions.
Day‐to‐day associations between sleep characteristics and affect in community dwelling adults
Authors: Wong Patricia M. , Hasler Brant P. , Kamarck Thomas W. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Hall Martica , Carskadon Mary A. , Gao Lei , Manuck Stephen B. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryDespite the high co‐occurrence of sleep and mood disturbances, day‐to‐day associations between sleep characteristics (sleep duration, continuity, and timing) and dimensions of mood (positive affect and negative affect) remain unclear. The present study aimed to test whether there is a daily, bidirectional association between these sleep characteristics and affective states, while addressing methodological limitations in the extant literature by using actiography and ecological momentary assessment methods. Participants were community dwelling, midlife adults (aged 30–54 years, N = 462, 47% male) drawn from the Adult Health and Behavior Project‐Phase 2 study. Participants’ sleep patterns were assessed with actiography over a 7‐day monitoring period, and on 4 of those days, participants completed an ecological momentary assessment protocol that included hourly assessments of positive affect and negative affect during their wake intervals. Using hierarchical linear modelling, we tested whether participants’ sleep characteristics on a given night predicted next‐day affect and vice versa. We also explored whether nocturnal sleep characteristics would differentially associate with affect at different times of day (morning, afternoon, and evening) while controlling for multiple health behaviours. We found that when participants reported higher positive affect on a given day, they slept later that night (B = 0.22, p = .010). Although we found no other statistically significant associations in our primary analyses (all p > .05), we found several sleep–affect associations specific to time of day (B ranges: 0.01–0.18, all p ≤ .02), which warrants further study. Overall, our findings suggest that healthy adults may be resilient to daily fluctuations in their sleep and mood.
Physical properties of a model set of solid, texture‐modified foods
Authors: Stading Mats 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThose suffering from swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, require texture‐modified foods for safe swallowing. The texture is modified according to the severity of the disorder, as maintained by the guidelines outlining classes of texture‐modified foods, ranging from viscous soups to soft, solid foods. As a basis for studies of bolus rheology and oral response of solid texture‐modified foods, a set of well‐defined, solid foods has been identified and characterized regarding texture and physical properties. Gelled food is compared to both the firmer timbale class and to the corresponding regular food. Foods eaten at room temperature were chosen to avoid temperature effects: bread, cheese, tomato, and the combination into a sandwich. All foods were tested as gel, timbale, and regular food. The texture was determined by compression and penetration tests, thereby showing a decrease in strength (compression stress), stiffness (modulus), and penetration force for increased degree of modification. The moisture content increased with increased degree of modification. The structural change from room to oral temperature was monitored by the complex shear modulus that showed a decrease with increasing temperature. Cheese and the gelatine‐based tomato gel showed a distinct melting when the temperature was increased to 37°C. The texture‐modified foods were softer and moister in all aspects as compared to the regular foods, which follows the intended modification. The classes for the texture‐modified foods were qualitatively comparable to other national classification systems with regard to solid foods, but there is a lack of objective, physics‐based classification of texture, especially for solid, texture‐modified foods.
Disease burden and economic impact of diagnosed non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in five European countries in 2018: A cost‐of‐illness analysis
Authors: Schattenberg Jörn M. , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Newsome Philip N. , Serfaty Lawrence , Aghemo Alessio , Augustin Salvador , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , de Ledinghen Victor , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Romero‐Gomez Manuel , Bantel Heike , Ryder Stephen D. , Boursier Jerome , Leroy Vincent , Crespo Javier , Castera Laurent , Floros Lefteris , Atella Vincenzo , Mestre‐Ferrandiz Jorge , Elliott Rachel , Kautz Achim , Morgan Alice , Hartmanis Sally , Vasudevan Sharad , Pezzullo Lynne , Trylesinski Aldo , Cure Sandrine , Higgins Victoria , Ratziu Vlad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic disease that can progress to end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). A large proportion of early‐stage NASH patients remain undiagnosed compared to those with advanced fibrosis, who are more likely to receive disease management interventions. This study estimated the disease burden and economic impact of diagnosed NASH in the adult population of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom in 2018.MethodsThe socioeconomic burden of diagnosed NASH was estimated using cost‐of‐illness methodology applying a prevalence approach to estimate the number of adults with NASH and the attributable economic and wellbeing costs. Given undiagnosed patients do not incur costs in the study, the probability of diagnosis is central to cost estimation. The analysis was based on a literature review, databases and consultation with clinical experts, economists and patient groups.ResultsThe proportion of adult NASH patients with a diagnosis ranged from 11.9% to 12.7% across countries, which increased to 38.8%‐39.1% for advanced fibrosis (F3‐F4 compensated cirrhosis). Total economic costs were €8548‐19 546M. Of these, health system costs were €619‐1292M. Total wellbeing costs were €41 536‐90 379M. The majority of the undiagnosed population (87.3%‐88.2% of total prevalence) was found to have early‐stage NASH, which, left untreated, may progress to more resource consuming ESLD over time.ConclusionsThis study found that the majority of economic and wellbeing costs of NASH are experienced in late disease stages. Earlier diagnosis and care of NASH patients could reduce future healthcare costs.