bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the quality of sliced mortadella sausages prepared using chitosan
Authors: Martins Aline P. , de Abreu Martins Heloísa H. , Isidoro Silas R. , Alcântara João P. , Ramos Eduardo M. , Piccoli Roberta H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the changes in the quality of mortadella sausages with different concentrations of chitosan during the cold storage period. The mortadella was prepared using 0, 1, 2, and 3% chitosan. It was then sliced, vacuum packed and stored at 4°C for a period of 60 days. During the storage period pH, water activity, oxy‐reduction potential, residual nitrite, and degree of oxidation were evaluated. In addition, the development of coagulase‐positive staphylococci, Salmonella spp., Clostridium reducing sulfite, coliforms, psychrotrophic microorganisms, mold, and yeast as well as lactic acid bacteria were analyzed. Sensorial analyzes to characterize mortadella were performed using the check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) method. Mortadella prepared with chitosan presented technological feasibility, an antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, sensory acceptance, and in addition it is a source of fibers.Practical ApplicationsMortadella is a meat product consumed in many countries, however, it is food that needs to improve its image for the consumer, mainly because it is rich in fat, salt, and synthetic additives. Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that has been studied as a functional ingredient in foods, possessing antioxidant, and antimicrobial characteristics. The addition of chitosan to mortadella can improve the quality of the product and provide the consumer a meat product with nutritional benefits and greater stability and shelf life.
Adults with autism are less proficient in identifying biological motion actions portrayed with point‐light displays
Authors: Hsiung E.‐Y. , Chien S. H.‐L. , Chu Y.‐H. , Ho M. W.‐R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWhether individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have impairments with biological motion perception has been debated. The present study examined the ability to identify point‐light‐displayed (PLD) human actions in neurotypical (NT) adults and adults with ASD.MethodTwenty‐seven adults with ASD (mean age = 28.36) and 30 NT adults (mean age = 22.45) were tested. Both groups viewed 10 different biological motion actions contacting an object/tool and 10 without making contact. Each action was presented twice, and participant's naming responses and reaction times were recorded.ResultsThe ASD group had a significantly lower total number of correct items (M = 29.30 ± 5.08 out of 40) and longer response time (M = 4550 ± 1442 ms) than NT group (M = 32.77 ± 2.78; M = 3556 ± 1148 ms). Both groups were better at naming the actions without objects (ASD group: 17.33 ± 2.30, NT group: 18.67 ± 1.30) than those with objects (ASD group: 11.96 ± 3.57, NT group: 14.10 ± 1.97). Correlation analyses showed that individuals with higher Autism‐spectrum Quotient scale scores tended to make more errors and responded more slowly.ConclusionAdults with ASD were able to identify human point‐light display biological motion actions much better than chance; however, they were less proficient compared with NT adults in terms of accuracy and speed, regardless of action type.
Proteomics; applications in familial Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Yan , Cookson Mark R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOur understanding of the biological basis of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been greatly improved in recent years by the identification of mutations that lead to inheritedPD. One of the strengths of using genetics to try to understand disease biology is that it is inherently unbiased and can be applied at a genome‐wide scale. More recently, many studies have used another set of unbiased approaches, proteomics, to query the function of familialPDgenes in a variety of contexts. We will discuss some specific examples, including; elucidation of protein‐protein interaction networks for two dominantly inherited genes, α‐synuclein and leucine rich‐repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2); the identification of substrates for three genes for familialPDthat are also enzymes, namelyLRRK2, pink1, and parkin; and changes in protein abundance that arise downstream to introduction of mutations associated with familialPD. We will also discuss those situations where we can integrate multiple proteomics approaches to nominate deeper networks of inter‐related events that outline pathways relevant to inheritedPD.imageThis article is part of the Special Issue "Proteomics".
Temporal sweetness profile of the emerging sweetener MNEI in stirred yogurt
Authors: Miele Nicoletta A. , Leone Serena , Cabisidan Erliza K. , Picone Delia , Di Monaco Rossella , Cavella Silvana 
Published: April 2019

AbstractYogurt is widely consumed by people under‐controlled dietary regimes. The addition of hypocaloric sweeteners to the yogurt is typically used to make them more palatable, but this may affect the fermentation phase and/or its physical and sensory characteristics. The aim of this work was to test the possible application of an emerging sweetener, MNEI, a variant of a sweet protein, monellin. In particular, its sweetness profile was compared with that of other natural sweeteners, sucrose, xylitol, and sorbitol, in yogurt. First, determinations of iso‐sweet concentration of MNEI and of those sweeteners were performed, both for set and stirred yogurts. Then, the sweetness temporal profiles of all the sweeteners were evaluated as the mean of time–intensity data (t–I). In set yogurt, the iso‐sweet concentrations of xylitol and sorbitol, but not of MNEI, were found, whereas, in stirred yogurts, the concentrations were determined for all the sweeteners. t–I results showed that sweeteners had similar behaviors, except for the end time of sweetness perception: in particular, in stirred yogurt, MNEI resulted in a more lingering sweet aftertaste. These results suggest new applications of the sweet protein MNEI in food preparations, although the combination with other natural sweeteners could be explored.Practical applicationsYogurts are ideal products to develop potential applications of MNEI, a protein that has been demonstrated stable to acidic environments, and to our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a sweet protein to sweeten viscous food preparations. Preliminary experimental results suggest new possible applications of sweet protein MNEI in food samples. In particular, it could be used to sweeten‐stirred yogurt.
Human activity can influence the gut microbiota of Darwin's finches in the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Knutie Sarah A. , Chaves Jaime A. , Gotanda Kiyoko M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe gut microbiota of animal hosts can be influenced by environmental factors, such as unnatural food items that are introduced by humans. Over the past 30 years, human presence has grown exponentially in the Galapagos Islands, which are home to endemic Darwin's finches. Consequently, humans have changed the environment and diet of Darwin's finches, which in turn, could affect their gut microbiota. In this study, we compared the gut microbiota of two species of Darwin's finches, small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa) and medium ground finches (Geospiza fortis), across sites with and without human presence, where finches prefer human‐processed and natural food, respectively. We predicted that: (a) finch microbiota would differ between sites with and without humans due to differences in diet, and (b) gut microbiota of each finch species would be most similar where finches have the highest niche overlap (areas with humans) compared to the lowest niche overlap (areas without humans). We found that gut bacterial community structure differed across sites and host species. Gut bacterial diversity was most distinct between the two species at the site with human presence compared to the site without human presence, which contradicted our predictions. Within host species, medium ground finches had lower bacterial diversity at the site with human presence compared to the site without human presence and bacterial diversity of small ground finches did not differ between sites. Our results show that the gut microbiota of Darwin's finches is affected differently across sites with varying human presence.
The development of the Compassion Focused Therapy Therapist Competence Rating Scale
Authors: Horwood Victoria , Allan Steven , Goss Kenneth , Gilbert Paul 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesCompassion‐focused therapy (CFT) has shown promise as a treatment for a number of clinical presentations; however, existing studies have not adequately addressed issues of treatment fidelity. The aims of the present study were to identify initial candidate items that may be included in a CFT therapist competence rating scale and to develop the behavioural indicators to anchor these items.DesignThe Delphi method was used to develop and operationalize the competencies required for inclusion in a CFT therapist competence rating scale over five rounds.MethodsFace‐to‐face meetings with two CFT experts were conducted in rounds one, two, and five, and these were used to define and operationalize the competencies. Nine other CFT experts were invited to complete online surveys in rounds two and four. An 80% consensus level was applied to the online surveys.ResultsThe resulting Compassion Focused Therapy Therapist Competence Rating Scale (CFT‐TCRS) consisted of 23 competencies which were separated into 14 ‘CFT unique competencies’ and nine ‘Microskills’. There was high agreement about the included ‘CFT unique competencies’ and ‘Microskills’; however, there were some differences in opinion about the specific content of some items.ConclusionsThis is the first study that has attempted to reach consensus regarding the competencies and behavioural anchors for a CFT therapist competence rating scale. The next stage of development for the CFT‐TCRS is to establish whether the scale can be reliably and validly used to evaluate CFT practice.Practitioner points

The Compassion Focused Therapy Therapist Competence Rating Scale (CFT‐TCRS) is the first scale to operationalize the unique and generic competencies required to deliver compassion‐focused therapy (CFT).

The CFT‐TCRS can be used as a learning guide for delivering CFT training and with further development could be used to assess therapist competence for CFT training courses, clinical practice, and treatment fidelity in research trials.
Normalcy, Understanding and the Problem of Statistical Evidence
Authors: Belkoniene Miloud 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article examines Smith's recent treatment of the problem of statistical evidence and the conception of epistemic justification that he puts forward. Two possible solutions to the problem of statistical evidence that result from his analysis of cases involving a contrast between statistical and individual evidence are considered. The solution resulting from Smith's conception of epistemic justification is shown to be inferior to the solution calling for an explanationist conception of epistemic justification. As a result, Smith's analysis of cases illustrating the problem of statistical evidence, given his own standards of theory choice, is shown to support an explanationist conception of epistemic justification as an alternative to the probabilistic conception that he urges us to reject.
One‐pot sample preparation approach for profiling spatial distribution of gibberellins in a single shoot of germinating cereal seeds
Authors: Liu Cuimei , Li Dongmei , Li Jincheng , Guo Zhenpeng , Chen Yi 
Published: April 2019

SummarySample preparation remains a bottleneck in the rapid and reliable quantification of gibberellins (GAs) for obtaining an insight into the physiological processes mediated by GAs. The challenges arise from not only the extremely low content of GAs in complex plant matrices, but the poor detectability of GAs by mass spectrometry (MS) in negative ion mode. In an effort to solve these urgent difficulties, we present a spatial‐resolved analysis method to investigate the distribution of GAs in tiny plant tissues based on a simplified one‐pot sample preparation approach coupled with ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem MS. By integrating extraction and derivatization into one step, target GAs were effectively extracted from plant materials and simultaneously reacted with N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide, the sample preparation time was largely shortened, the probability of sample loss was minimized and the detection sensitivity of MS was also greatly improved compared with underivatized GAs. Under optimal conditions, the method was validated from the quantification linearity, limits of detection and limits of quantification in the presence of plant matrices, recoveries, and precision. With the proposed method, 15 endogenous GAs were detected and, among these, 11 GAs could be quantified in 0.50 mg fresh weight (FW) wheat shoot samples, and five GAs were quantified in only 0.15 mg FW developing seed samples of Arabidopsis thaliana. The distribution patterns of GAs along both the non‐13‐hydroxylation pathway and the early 13‐hydroxylation pathway in a single shoot of germinating wheat, rice and maize seeds were finally profiled with a spatial resolution down to approximately 1 mm2.
Investing in non-communicable disease risk factor control among adolescents worldwide: a modelling study
Authors: Watkins David , Hale Jessica , Hutchinson Brian , Kataria Ishu , Kontis Vasilis , Nugent Rachel 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionExposure to non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors is increasing among adolescents in most countries due to demographic, economic and epidemiological forces. We sought to analyse the potential health impact and costs of implementing NCD risk reduction interventions among adolescents worldwide.MethodsWe identified six interventions targeted at adolescent tobacco smoking, heavy episodic drinking and obesity and supported by effectiveness and cost-effectiveness evidence. Based on a population-level cohort of adolescents in 70 representative countries, we assessed the global mortality consequences of fully implementing these interventions over 2020–2070 using the potential impact fraction approach. We calculated the economic benefits of reduced mortality and estimated the required financial costs, discounting both at 3% annually. We also conducted best-case and worst-case scenario analyses.ResultsFull implementation of these interventions worldwide could avert nearly 10% of premature deaths among this cohort, translating to about US$400 billion in cumulative economic benefits. Cumulatively, the required costs would be about US$85 billion, suggesting that every US$1 of public money invested would generate US$5 in increased human capital. Tobacco taxes generally conferred the highest economic returns; however, an in-depth analysis of three countries illustrated the potential for different priorities, such as alcohol control, to emerge.ConclusionFrom a life course perspective, implementation of a package of interventions to reduce NCD risk among adolescents worldwide would substantially reduce premature mortality at reasonable costs. Our analysis illustrates the importance of integrating NCD prevention policies into the emerging global agenda for adolescent health and well-being.
Individually tailored whole-body vibration training to reduce symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial—VANISH
Authors: Streckmann Fiona , Hess Viviane , Bloch Wilhelm , Décard Bernhard F , Ritzmann Ramona , Lehmann Helmar C , Balke Maryam , Koliamitra Christina , Oschwald Vanessa , Elter Thomas , Zahner Lukas , Donath Lars , Roth Ralf , Faude Oliver 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent and clinically meaningful side effect of cancer treatment. CIPN is induced by neurotoxic agents, causing severe sensory and/or motor deficits, resulting in disability and poor recovery, reducing patients’ quality of life and limiting medical therapy. To date, effective treatment options are lacking. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training can attenuate motor and sensory deficits. We are conducting a two-armed, multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial, to investigate the effects of WBV on relevant symptoms of CIPN and determine the training characteristics.Methods and analysisIn this ongoing study, 44 patients who have completed therapy in the past 3 months, with a neurologically confirmed CIPN are assessed before and after a 12-week intervention and follow-up. The intervention group receives WBV twice a week. Exercises are individually tailored according to the initially determined optimal neuromuscular response. The control group receives care as usual.Primary endpoint is the patient reported reduction of CIPN-related symptoms (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynaecology Oncology Group—Neurotoxicity). Secondary endpoints are compound muscle action potentials, distal motor latency, conduction velocity, F-waves from the tibial and peroneal nerve, antidromic sensory nerve conduction studies of the sural nerve, normalised electromyographic activity, peripheral deep sensitivity, proprioception, balance, pain, the feasibility of training settings, quality of life and the level of physical activity.Aim, ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by both responsible ethics committees. (1) Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the effects of WBV on motor and sensory functions and (2) may provide information whether WBV at the most effective setting, is feasible for neuropathic patients. (3) Our results may also contribute to improve supportive care in oncology, thereby enhancing quality of life and enabling the optimal medical therapy. All results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals as well as a manual for clinical practice.Trial registration numberNCT03032718
How do financial (dis)incentives influence health behaviour and costs? Protocol for a systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Humphries Brittany , Irwin Andrew , Zoratti Michael , Xie Feng 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionIn this era of rising healthcare costs, there is a growing interest in understanding how funding policies can be used to improve health and healthcare efficiency. Financial incentives (eg, vouchers or access to health insurance) or disincentives (eg, fines or out-of-pocket costs) affect behaviours. To date, reviews have explored the effects of financial (dis)incentives on patient health and behaviour by focusing on specific behaviours or geographical areas. The objective of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview on the use of financial (dis)incentives as a means of influencing health-related behaviour and costs in randomised trials.Methods and analysisWe will search electronic databases, clinical trial registries and websites of health economic organisations for randomised controlled trials. The initial searches, which were conducted on 13 January 2018, will be updated every 12 months until the completion of data analysis. The reference lists of included studies will be manually screened to identify additional eligible studies. Two researchers will independently review titles, abstracts and full texts to determine eligibility according to a set of predetermined inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted from included studies using a form developed and piloted by the research team. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required since this is a review of published data. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018097140
Association between the level of municipality healthcare services and outcome among acutely older patients in the emergency department: a Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Tanderup Anette , Ryg Jesper , Rosholm Jens-Ulrik , Lassen Annmarie Touborg 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the association between use of municipality healthcare services before an emergency department (ED) contact and mortality, hospital reattendance and institutionalisation.DesignPopulation-based prospective cohort study.SettingED of a large university hospital.ParticipantsAll medical patients ≥65 years of age from a single municipality with a first attendance to the ED during a 1-year period (November 2013 to November 2014).Primary and secondary outcome measuresPatients were categorised as independent of home care, dependent of home care or in residential care depending on municipality healthcare before ED contact. Patients were followed 360 days after discharge. Outcomes were postdischarge mortality, hospital reattendance and institutionalisation.ResultsA total of 3775 patients were included (55% women), aged (median (IQR) 78 years (71–85)). At baseline, 48.9% were independent, 34.9% received home care and 16.2% were in residential care. Receiving home care or being in residential care was a strong predictor of mortality, hospital reattendance and institutionalisation. Among patients who were independent, 64.3% continued being independent up to 360 days after discharge. Even among patients ≥85 years, 35.4% lived independently in their own house 1 year after ED contact.ConclusionPrehospital information on municipality healthcare is closely related to patient outcome in older ED patients. It might have the potential to be used in risk stratification and planning of needs of older acute medical patients attending the ED.
Effects of esmolol on QTc interval changes during tracheal intubation: a systematic review
Authors: Thiruvenkatarajan Venkatesan , Lee Jenn Yuan , Sembu Manesha , Watts Richard , Van Wijk Roelof Markus 
Published: April 2019

Introduction and aimsEsmolol is an ultra-short-acting β1antagonist that has been shown to attenuate the corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation associated with laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation (LTI). Prolongation of the QTc interval can precipitate arrhythmias, the most serious of which is torsades de pointes . The aim of this systematic review was to compare esmolol and placebo on QTc changes occurring during LTI.Materials and methodsPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Registry of Clinical Trials and CINAHL databases (up to August 2018) were screened for randomised controlled trials comparing esmolol and placebo on QTc changes during LTI in cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries. The primary outcome was QTc changes during LTI and secondary outcome was related to adverse effects from esmolol such as bradycardia and hypotension.ResultsSeven trials were identified involving 320 patients, 160 patients receiving esmolol or placebo apiece. A shortening of the QTc post-LTI was evident in the esmolol group compared with the placebo in four studies. Compared with the baseline, the QTc was reduced post-LTI in the esmolol group. In the placebo group, the QTc was prolonged compared with the baseline post LTI. Nonetheless, esmolol did not prevent QTc prolongation in the remaining three studies, and much of this was attributed to employing QTc prolonging agents for premedication and anaesthetic induction. No significant adverse events were noted.ConclusionCompared with placebo, esmolol reduced the LTI-induced QTc prolongation when current non-QTc prolonging agents were chosen for tracheal intubation. Future studies should explore whether transmural dispersion (a marker of torsadogenicity) is also affected during LTI by analysing parameters such as the Tp-e interval (interval between the peak to the end of the T-wave) and Tp-e/QTc (rate corrected Tp-e interval).Trial registration numberCRD42018090282.