bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gelatin hydrolysates from sliver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) improve the antioxidant and cryoprotective properties of unwashed frozen fish mince
Authors: Zhang Haiping , Zhang Yijun , Javed Miral , Cheng Mengying , Xiong Shanbai , Liu Youming 
Published: May 2021

SummaryIn this study, gelatin extracted from silver carp skin was hydrolysed by different enzymes (alcalase, papain and flavourzyme), aiming to improve the storage stability of unwashed fish mince during freeze‐thaw cycles. Flavourzyme hydrolysates exhibited the highest DPPH• scavenging activity (1.2‐fold of alcalase, 1.6‐fold of papain) and reducing ability (1.2‐fold of alcalase, 2.3‐fold of papain), while the alcalase hydrolysates demonstrated the highest Fe2+ chelating ability. Moreover, fish mince treated with the mixture of flavourzyme hydrolysates and sucrose exhibited higher sulfhydryl and salt‐soluble protein contents, greater Ca2+‐ATPase activity and better water holding capacity. Hence, the gelatin hydrolysates of flavourzyme from silver carp skin are promising candidates as natural and high‐performance antioxidant and cryoprotectants in fish mince processing.
Reclaiming the educative power of vocational placements: Experiences from agriculture education practice in Uganda
Authors: Jjuuko Robert , Tukundane Cuthbert , Zeelen Jacques 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAmidst the global pressure on education systems to harness youth employability and transition to the world of work, there is increased interest in vocational placements. It is evident that Uganda's tertiary education sector, like others in similar context, is struggling to optimise vocational placements for better students’ learning and labour market outcomes. This article explores the “educative” potential of vocational placements offered as a component of study programmes by a public tertiary agricultural training institution in Uganda. It draws on data generated from a qualitative case study that engaged 70 stakeholders namely students, graduates, lecturers, administrators and workplace supervisors. Undertaken between 2016 and 2019, the study reveals the complexities and prospects associated with the design and delivery of vocational placements in stressed education and labour market contexts. From a social constructivist perspective, we make contextual pedagogical propositions for unleashing the educative power of vocational placements in Uganda and similar contexts.
Aggregation of autoimmunity in extended families of people with autoimmune Addison disease
Authors: Fichna Marta , Małecki Piotr P. , Gębarski Bolesław , Gębarska Helena , Ruchała Marek 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmunity accounts for 90% of cases of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease (AD)). Affected people present a significant co‐occurrence of autoimmune conditions; hence, clustering of autoimmunity is also predicted among their relatives.AimsTo evaluate the burden of autoimmunity in families of people with AD.MethodsA total of 116 individuals with AD was surveyed regarding the occurrence of 23 autoimmune diseases among their relatives.ResultsA total of 74.1% of persons with AD reported at least one relative with an autoimmune disorder – 257 cases were diagnosed in 221 relatives. Hashimoto thyroiditis was found in 100 individuals, followed by Graves disease and vitiligo, in 25 and 24 relatives respectively. Type 1 diabetes was diagnosed in 23 relatives, psoriasis in 15, rheumatoid arthritis in 12, pernicious anaemia in 11, multiple sclerosis in 8, and premature menopause in 8 women. AD was found in seven relatives, alopecia in six and celiac disease in five. Other conditions were rare. Significant correlation was noticed between the number of autoimmune conditions in AD proband and the number of affected relatives (P = 0.031). A total of 66.4% of people with AD had a first‐degree relative suffering from autoimmunity. Autoimmune conditions were more frequent among females: sisters (P < 0.001), mothers (P = 0.002) and grandmothers (P = 0.002).ConclusionsConsiderable prevalence of autoimmune conditions in relatives of people with AD confirms substantial risk of autoimmunity, especially in females and relatives of patients affected by multiplex autoimmunity. Our data corroborate the recommendation of active screening for autoimmune disorders, particularly thyroid disease, among AD family members.
Rational selection of bioactive principles for wound healing applications: Growth factors and antioxidants
Authors: Viaña‐Mendieta Pamela , Sánchez Mirna Lorena , Benavides Jorge 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWound healing is a complex process of communication between growth factors, reactive species of oxygen, cells, signalling pathways, and cytokines in the extracellular matrix, in which growth factors are the key regulators. In humans, the main regulators of the cellular responses in wound healing are five growth factors, namely EGF, bFGF, VEGF, and TGF‐β1. On the other hand, antioxidants such as astaxanthin, beta‐carotene, epigallocatechin gallate, delphinidin, and curcumin have been demonstrated to stimulate cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, and control inflammation, to suggest a practical approach to design new strategies to treat non‐healing cutaneous conditions. Based on the individual effects of growth factors and antioxidants, it may be envisioned that the use of both types of bioactives in wound healing formulations may have an additive or synergistic effect on the healing potential. This review addresses the effect of growth factors and antioxidants on wound healing‐related processes. Furthermore, a prospective on their potential additive or synergistic effect on wound healing formulations, based on their individual effects, is presented. This may serve as a guide for the development of a new generation of wound healing formulations.
Liposuction treatment improves disease‐specific quality of life in lipoedema patients
Authors: Schlosshauer Torsten , Heiss Christian , von Hollen Ann‐Kathrin , Spennato Stefano , Rieger Ulrich M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study examined the disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) in lipoedema patients undergoing treatment for the condition with liposuction. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients (n = 69) who underwent liposuction for treatment of lipoedema between 2004 and 2019, and gathered data on patient age, body mass index, the number of liposuction sessions, and the amount of fat removed per side. The study also prospectively evaluated the QoL in 20 lipoedema patients before and after liposuction using the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment for lymphatic diseases questionnaire. The mean age was 50.6 ± 12.8 years, and the average number of liposuction sessions performed was 2.9 ± 1.9, with a mean volume of 1868 ± 885.5 mL of fat removed per side. Before treatment with liposuction, disease‐specific QoL in patients with lipoedema was low on every single subscale as well as on the global score and showed a significant improvement in all aspects after liposuction. There was a significant correlation between a higher number of liposuction treatment sessions and general health status in lipoedema patients (P = .007). Liposuction greatly improves the QoL in lipoedema patients. A higher number of liposuction treatment sessions seem to have a positive effect on general health status in these patients.
High‐temperature BiFeO3–PbTiO3‐Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 ternary ceramics with excellent piezoelectricity
Authors: Chen Yixuan , Jian Jie , Chen Jianguo , Cheng Jinrong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTernary ceramics of (0.87−x)BiFeO3–xPbTiO3–0.13Ba(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 (BF–xPT–0.13BZT, 0.27 ≤ x ≤ 0.37) were prepared by the traditional solid state reaction methods. X‐ray diffraction results display that BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics of x ≥ 0.29 exhibit the perovskite structure with dominant tetragonal (T) phases mixed with a small amount of rhombohedral (R) phases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal that the average grain size of BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics is in a range of 10–11 μm, increasing first and then decreasing with the increase of PbTiO3 (PT) content. The low tanδ of about 0.015 and high Curie temperature Tc of above 450°C were obtained for BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics. Moreover, the fluctuation of piezoelectric coefficient d33 is less than ±10% over a broad temperature range of 30°C–400°C. BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics for x = 0.33 possess the maximum Tc and d33 of 470°C and 320 pC/N respectively, with the room temperature resistivity of about 1011 Ω·cm. These results indicate that BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics for x = 0.33 with both excellent piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature have promising applications in high‐temperature piezoelectric devices.
The development and psychometric validation of the interpersonal geriatric care relationship (InteGer) tool
Authors: Riviere Melissa , Duprez Veerle , Dufoort Heidy , Beeckman Dimitri , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo develop and psychometrically test the Interpersonal Geriatric care relationship tool.BackgroundThe quality of nursing care is highly influenced by the quality of the interpersonal care relationship, yet there are no tools available that capture the conceptual breadth of the interpersonal care relationship.DesignInstrument development and psychometric testing of the content and construct validity, factor structure and reliability.MethodsA four‐phased validation procedure was conducted (January 2016–April 2019): defining the construct measured by the tool, tool development, content validation and psychometric evaluation.ResultsThe 30‐item Interpersonal Geriatric care relationship tool was subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Four components (humanization, attentiveness, interest and accessibility) were extracted. The tool demonstrated discriminating power and good internal consistency. Cronbach's alphas for the components ranged between 0.69 and 0.84.ConclusionThe Interpersonal Geriatric care relationship tool is a valuable measure that can be used by scientists, educators and healthcare professionals to benchmark the interpersonal care relationship culture in hospitals and optimize the quality of care.
Association of clinic and ambulatory blood pressure with new‐onset atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Coccina Francesca , Pierdomenico Anna M. , De Rosa Matteo , Cuccurullo Chiara , Pierdomenico Sante D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of studies evaluating the association of clinic and daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h blood pressure with the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation. We conducted a literature search through PubMed, Web of science, and Cochrane Library for articles evaluating the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in relation to the above‐mentioned blood pressure parameters and reporting adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. We identified five studies. The pooled population consisted of 7224 patients who experienced 444 cases of atrial fibrillation. The overall adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.05 (0.98‐1.13), 1.19 (1.11‐1.27), 1.18 (1.11‐1.26), and 1.23 (1.14‐1.32), per 10‐mmHg increment in clinic, daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic blood pressure, respectively. The degree of heterogeneity of the hazard ratio estimates across the studies (Q and I‐squared statistics) were minimal. The results of this meta‐analysis strongly suggest that ambulatory systolic blood pressure prospectively predicts incident atrial fibrillation better than does clinic systolic blood pressure and that daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic blood pressure are similarly associated with future atrial fibrillation.
High glucose protects cardiomyocytes against ischaemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing myocardiocyte apoptosis via circHIPK3/miR‐29b/AKT3 signalling
Authors: Cheng Nan , Jin Chang , Jin Ping , Zhu Dan , Hou Zuoxu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHigh glucose promoted expression of AKT3, a direct target gene of miR‐29b, by regulating circHIPK3 that functioned as ceRNA to sponge and down‐regulate miR‐29b. As a potential target gene of miR‐29b, AKT3 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and this study aimed to investigate the potential role of high glucose in the outcome of I/R injury. qPCR and luciferase assay were carried out to investigate the relationship between the expression of circHIPK3, miR‐29b and ATK3 mRNA. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL were performed to analyse the relationship between AKT3 expression and apoptosis of myocardiocytes in vivo. No obvious difference in myocardial functions was observed between I/R and control rats under hyperglycaemia (HG) and normal glucose (NG) conditions, except that the infarct size/area at risk (IS/AR) ratio and the amount of h‐FABP expression were different under HG and NG conditions. The expression of circHIPK3 and ATK3 was significantly elevated in the rats preconditioned by NG, whereas the expression of miR‐29a was remarkably decreased. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of myocardial tissue was reduced in the rats preconditioned by NG. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR‐29a played a repressive role in the expression of circHIPK3 and ATK3. And subsequent study indicated that the over‐expressed AKT3 could rescue the increased cell apoptosis rate induced by the knockdown of circHIPK3. In this study, we demonstrated that high glucose protects cardiomyocytes against I/R associated injury by suppressing apoptosis and high glucose promoted the expression of AKT3 by regulating the expression of circHIPK3/miR‐29b.
miR‐20a/TCF4 axis‐mediated inhibition of hepatocytes proliferation impairs liver regeneration in mice PHx model by regulating CDC2 and CDC6
Authors: Tu Wei , Gong Jin , Song Jun , Tian Dean , Wang Zhijun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMicroRNAs have emerged as essential regulators in the biological process of liver regeneration by modulating the post‐transcriptional expression of the target genes. In the present study, we found miR‐20a expression is decreased remarkably in three rodent liver regeneration models using miRNA PCR array and Venn diagram analysis. Inhibition of miR‐20a expression enhanced hepatocytes proliferation in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, overexpression of miR‐20a reduces hepatocytes proliferation and subsequently impaired liver regeneration in the mouse PHx model. Moreover, we have identified TCF4 as a target gene of miR‐20a using the PCR Array and luciferase assay. Next, mice with TCF4 deficiency were used to establish the PHx model and subjected to the examination of liver regeneration capacity. We found TCF4‐deficient mice exhibited impaired liver regeneration compared with control. Given that TCF4 acts as a transcription factor, we sort to elucidate the downstream genes involved in liver regeneration. Promoter analysis and Chip assay confirmed that TCF4 enhances CDC2 and CDC6 expression through binding to the promoter region and leads to the proliferation and cell cycle progression in hepatocytes. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the miR20a‐TCF4‐CDC2/6 axis plays an essential role during liver regeneration.
SIRT7 regulates lipogenesis in adipocytes through deacetylation of PPARγ2
Authors: Akter Fatema , Tsuyama Tomonori , Yoshizawa Tatsuya , Sobuz Shihab U. , Yamagata Kazuya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ2 is a transcription factor crucial for regulating adipogenesis and glucose/lipid metabolism, and synthetic PPARγ ligands, such as thiazolidinediones, are effective oral medication for type 2 diabetes. Sirtuin 7 (SIRT7), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐dependent deacetylase, also controls metabolism. However, it is not known whether SIRT7 regulates the function of PPARγ2 by its deacetylation.Materials and MethodsPhysical interaction between SIRT7 and PPARγ2, the effect of SIRT7 on PPARγ2 acetylation, and the deacetylation residue targeted by SIRT7 were investigated. The effects of PPARγ2 K382 acetylation on lipid accumulation, gene expression in C3H10T1/2 cell‐derived adipocytes, and ligand‐dependent transactivation activity were also evaluated.ResultsWe demonstrated that SIRT7 binds to PPARγ2 and deacetylates PPARγ2 at K382. C3H10T1/2‐derived adipocytes expressing PPARγ2K382Q (a mimic of acetylated K) accumulated much less fat than adipocytes expressing wild‐type PPARγ2 or PPARγ2K382R (a mimic of nonacetylated K). Global gene expression analysis of adipocytes expressing PPARγ2K382Q revealed that K382Q caused the dysregulation of a set of genes involved in lipogenesis, including Srebp1c, Acaca, Fasn, and Scd1. The rosiglitazone‐dependent transcriptional activity of PPARγ2K382Q was reduced compared with that of PPARγ2K382R.ConclusionOur findings indicate that SIRT7‐dependent PPARγ2 deacetylation at K382 controls lipogenesis in adipocytes.
Which economic uncertainty measure matters for households' portfolio decision?
Authors: Lee Kiryoung , Jeon Yoontae , Kim Insik 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, we address two research questions: Do recently developed economic uncertainty measures matter for household portfolio choices? If so, which measure is most important? Using household data, we compare 16 uncertainty measures in our unified framework. We find that the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) measure is the most important for household portfolios. We further find that married, more educated, older, and wealthier households are more sensitive to EPU. Finally, our findings highlight the importance of labor income in the sensitivity of households' portfolio decisions to uncertainty.
Advance care planning by proxy in German nursing homes: Descriptive analysis and policy implications
Authors: in der Schmitten Jürgen , Jox Ralf J. , Pentzek Michael , Marckmann Georg 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundLegally recognized advance directives (ADs) have to be signed by the person to whom the decisions apply. In practice, however, there are also ADs written and signed by legal proxies (surrogates) on behalf of patients who lack decision‐making capacity. Given their practical relevance and substantial ethical and legal implications, ADs by proxy (AD‐Ps) have received surprisingly little scientific attention so far.ObjectivesTo study the form, content, validity, and applicability of AD‐Ps among German nursing home residents and develop policy implications.MethodsSecondary analysis of two independent cross‐sectional studies in three German cities, comprising 21 nursing homes and 1528 residents. The identified AD‐Ps were analyzed in parallel by three independent raters. Inter‐rater agreement was measured using free‐marginal multi‐rater kappa statistics.ResultsAltogether, 46 AD‐Ps were identified and pooled for analysis. On average (range), AD‐Ps were 1 (1‐7) year(s) old, 0.5 (0.25–4) pages long, signed by 1 (0–5) person, with evidence of legal proxy involvement in 35%, and signed by a physician in 20% of cases. Almost all the AD‐Ps reviewed aimed to limit life‐sustaining treatment (LST), but had widely varying content and ethical justifications, including references to earlier statements (30%) or actual behavior (11%). The most frequent explicit directives were: do‐not‐hospitalize (67%), do‐not‐tube‐feed (37%), do‐not‐attempt‐resuscitation (20%), and the general exclusion of any LST (28%). Inter‐rater agreement was mostly moderate (kappa ≥0.6) or strong (kappa ≥0.8).ConclusionsAlthough AD‐Ps are an empirical reality in German nursing homes, formal standards for such directives are lacking and their ethical justification based on substituted judgment or best interest standard often remains unclear. A qualified advance care planning process and corresponding documentation are required in order to safeguard the appropriate use of this important instrument and ensure adherence to ethico‐legal standards.
Sarcopenia is associated with incident Alzheimer's dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and cognitive decline
Authors: Beeri Michal S. , Leugrans Sue E. , Delbono Osvaldo , Bennett David A. , Buchman Aron S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe examined whether sarcopenia is associated with the occurrence of late‐life cognitive impairment.MethodsNondemented older adults (N = 1175) underwent annual testing with 17 cognitive tests summarized as a global cognitive score. A composite sarcopenia score was constructed based on muscle mass measured with bioelectrical impedance and muscle function based on grip strength. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to examine associations of sarcopenia with incident Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Linear mixed‐effect models determined the association of sarcopenia with cognitive decline. All models controlled for age, sex, education, race, and height squared.ResultsAverage follow‐up was 5.6 years. More severe sarcopenia at baseline was associated with a higher risk of incident AD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.20–1.86]; p < 0.001) and of MCI (1.21 [1.01–1.45]; 0.04) and a faster rate of cognitive decline (estimate = −0.013; p = 0.01). Analyses of the individual components of sarcopenia showed that muscle function was associated with incident AD, incident MCI, and cognitive decline with and without a term for lean muscle mass in the model. In contrast, lean muscle mass was not associated with incident cognitive impairment or cognitive decline when a term for muscle function was included in the model.ConclusionsPoor muscle function, but not reduced lean muscle mass, drives the association of sarcopenia with late‐life cognitive impairment. Further work is needed to identify features of muscle structure, which may increase the specificity of sarcopenia for identifying older adults at risk for late‐life cognitive impairment.
Chinese Exchange Rate Policy: Lessons for Global Investors
Authors: Melvin Michael , Westermann Frank 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn 2015, the People's Bank of China announced a new exchange rate policy where the RMB central parity rate is determined each morning by the previous day's closing rate, market demand and supply, and valuations of other currencies. This policy suggests an implementable investment strategy for trading the CNH. We create a forecasting model that can be used to manage the global investor's problem of mitigating the currency risk inherent in Chinese equity positions. A dynamic currency overlay strategy, where the forecasting model is used as a trading signal to take long and short positions in CNH, performs particularly well.
Experiences of fathers regarding the diagnosis of their child with autism spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the international research
Authors: Brown Michael , Marsh Lynne , McCann Edward 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAim and objectivesThe aim of this systematic review was to identify the views and experiences of fathers regarding their child's Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.BackgroundThe diagnosis of a child's Autism Spectrum Disorder may be a stressful experience, creating uncertainty for parents. There has been a limited research focus on the views and experiences of fathers in relation to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder of their child.DesignA systematic literature review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods research studies.Data SourcesAcademic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO.MethodsFrom August to October 2020, two authors independently performed a systematic data extraction and appraised the studies using a recognised instrument. The PRISMA checklist was used in the review.ResultsNine papers met the inclusion criteria. Four themes emerged: (a) gradual recognition of developmental delay, (b) an emotional time, (c) coping and adaptation and (d) ongoing adjustments to the fathering role.ConclusionsNurses and other professionals need to work collaboratively with fathers to improve their experiences and provide supports at the time of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.