bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation on physical function, muscle mass and strength, and nutritional status in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital‐based rehabilitation: A multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takeuchi Izumi , Yoshimura Yoshihiro , Shimazu Sayuri , Jeong Seungwon , Yamaga Makio , Koga Hiroaki 
Published: October 2018

AimTo investigate the effects of branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation on physical function, muscle strength, muscle mass, and nutritional status in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital‐based rehabilitation.MethodsWe carried out an 8‐week, multicenter, randomized, controlled, blinded outcome, two‐cohort parallel group intervention trial of sarcopenic older adults undergoing in‐hospital rehabilitation. The eligibility criteria included older adults (aged ≥65 years) with low muscle strength (handgrip strength) and low muscle mass (calf circumference) according to the cut‐off values for older Asians. The intervention group received branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation, whereas the control group did not. Both groups underwent low‐intensity resistance training in addition to the post‐acute rehabilitation program. The primary outcome of physical function (Functional Independence Measure‐motor scores), and the secondary outcomes of muscle strength (handgrip strength), muscle mass (calf circumference) and nutritional status (body mass index) were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention.ResultsFinally, a total of 68 patients were analyzed (intention‐to‐treat analysis): 35 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. Functional Independence Measure‐motor scores increased significantly in both groups over time (P < 0.05). However, no treatment‐by‐time effects were observed (median estimated difference 2.4, 95% confidence interval −1.2 to 7.1). Handgrip strength, calf circumference and body mass index increased significantly in both groups over time (P < 0.05), with significantly greater improvements in the intervention group (P = 0.041, 0.033 and 0.035, respectively).ConclusionsWe showed that an 8‐week intervention of branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation with low‐intensity resistance training improves muscle‐related outcomes in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital‐based rehabilitation (UMIN000006238). Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 12–17.
Effective dielectric loss (tan δ) reduction of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) via various addition of glasses
Authors: Ab Rahman Mohd Fariz , Ain Mohd Fadzil , Mohamed Julie Juliewatty , Ahmad Zainal Arifin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAddition of various glasses has successfully reduced tan δ of CCTO‐based ceramics. Less amounts (0‐1.0 wt%) of glasses (BaO‐SrO‐Nb2O5‐B2O3‐SiO2 [BSNBS] and SrO‐B2O3‐SiO2 [SBS], respectively) were added into pure CCTO and sintered at 1040°C for 10 hours. The phase formation and microstructure of each sample were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The dielectric behavior of the samples was measured at 1 MHz. The addition of BSNBS and SBS glasses (≤0.5 wt%) successfully reduced tan δ of CCTO from 0.5 until 0.4 and 0.39, respectively, and simultaneously increased εr. Smaller tan δ and ɛr were further obtained when the added glasses were more than 0.5 wt%. These behaviors were due to segregation of glasses together with precipitation of CuO which decreased the grain size, and caused the presence of pores at grain boundaries. Therefore, small amount of various additions of glasses could modify the CCTO dielectric properties.
Immobilizing nitrifying bacteria with Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics
Authors: Hong Ye , Wang Yongya , Li Bin , Pan Guoxiang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNitrifying bacteria immobilized on Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics have extensive application prospects for wastewater treatment. To study the effect of the pore structure on the immobilization, Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics with different porosities and pore sizes were prepared by sintering and the addition of pore‐forming agent. The pore size and apparent porosity can be controlled by the pore‐forming agent content and their sizes. Appropriate amount of the pore‐forming agent can promote the apparent porosity and increase the amount of immobilized nitrifying bacteria. The excess of the pore‐forming agent can cause the formation of the new crystalline phases and reduce the amount of immobilized nitrifying bacteria. In this study, we demonstrate that Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics with 30% pore‐forming agent exhibit a moderate apparent porosity and good immobilization. This combination has good application prospects in the field of ammonia treatment in wastewater.
What can primary immunodeficiencies teach us about Th9 cell differentiation and function?
Authors: Worley Lisa , Tangye Stuart G , Ma Cindy S 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInterleukin‐9 (IL‐9) producing CD4+ Th9 cells are a unique subset of effector cells involved in both health and disease. Th9 cells have been associated with protective immunity during parasitic infections with helminths, protozoans and extracellular pathogens, but implicated in disease states such as allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy and autoimmune conditions including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. Here, we review the cytokine signaling pathways and downstream transcription factors required for IL‐9 expression and how human primary immunodeficiencies caused by monogenic mutations can help elucidate the complex requirements for human Th9 cell differentiation. Primary immunodeficiencies are a platform for investigating IL‐9 expression in primary human lymphocytes and by inference whether Th9 cells are implicated in the clinical phenotype characteristic of these patients.
Pubertal recalibration of cortisol reactivity following early life stress: a cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: DePasquale Carrie E. , Donzella Bonny , Gunnar Megan R. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundChildren adopted from orphanages or other such institutions tend to display blunted reactivity to stressors – even years after arriving in their generally supportive and highly resourced postadoption homes. Puberty, a proposed sensitive period for environmental influences on stress‐mediating systems, may provide an opportunity for postinstitutionalized children to recalibrate stress response systems in accordance with their now more supportive living situations.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study examined the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA)‐axis reactivity of 280 children ages 7 through 14 years; 122 children were adopted from institutions in 14 countries between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, after spending an average of 95% of their lives in institutional care, and 158 children of similarly high socioeconomic status in their biological families served as the nonadopted comparison group. All of the children were assessed by nurses for Tanner stage and, on a different day, completed the Trier Social Stress Test for Children.ResultsUsing a linear mixed‐effects model and seven measures of salivary cortisol, results indicated that early‐pubertal postinstitutionalized children showed blunted HPA axis reactivity compared to nonadopted children, but mid/late‐pubertal postinstitutionalized children displayed higher reactivity similar to the nonadopted comparison children.ConclusionsThis is the first evidence of possible pubertal recalibration of HPA axis reactivity to a psychosocial stressor in postinstitutionalized children, which provides a promising avenue for future research regarding the protective factors of the postadoption environment and subsequent physiological, behavioral, and psychopathological outcomes.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotypes in Cattle on Farms Located within a Water Catchment Area
Authors: Zhang Yan , Koehler Anson V. , Wang Tao , Haydon Shane R. , Gasser Robin B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEnterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian found in humans and other animals around the world. Investigations in some countries, such as the U.S., have indicated the importance of E. bieneusi as a zoonotic water‐ and food‐borne pathogen. However, there is scant epidemiological information on E. bieneusi in animals in many countries including Australia. Here, we conducted the first molecular epidemiological study of E. bieneusi in farmed cattle in Victoria, Australia, to assess whether these bovids are carriers of “zoonotic” genotypes of E. bieneusi. A total of 471 individual faecal samples were collected from calves of < 3 mo and of 3–9 mo of age. Genomic DNAs were extracted from individual faecal samples and then subjected to nested PCR‐based sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA to identify E. bieneusi and define genotypes. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 49 of the 471 samples (10.4%). An analysis of ITS sequence data revealed three known genotypes (BEB4, I, and J) and three novel genotypes (designated TAR_fc1 to TAR_fc3). Phylogenetic analysis showed that genotypes BEB4, I, J, TAR_fc1, and TAR_fc2 clustered with genotypes identified previously in humans, indicating that cattle are carriers of E. bieneusi with zoonotic potential.
Computer‐aided design and experimental testing of continuous flow cooling of viscous foods
Authors: Stoforos George N. , Simunovic Josip 
Published: October 2018

AbstractComputer‐aided studies, comprising computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer models, were used to simulate continuous flow cooling of viscous foods. Initially, model validation studies were conducted, giving a good correlation between simulation results and experimental data on cooling of sweet potato puree. Additional computer‐aided studies were performed to compare cooling efficiency of two different flow configurations, with the product flowing within the inner tube and the annulus of a tube‐in‐tube heat exchanger, respectively. Cooling of sweet potato puree was significantly improved for the annular product flow compared with the other case, resulting in a bulk temperature at the exit of the heat exchanger lower by 12 ± 4 °C. Therefore, the simulation results indicate that annular product flow could potentially improve cooling efficiency by 25% for sweet potato puree, due to the increased heat transfer to the environment.Practical applicationsDuring cooling of viscous foods, such as fruit and vegetable purees, laminar flow, and low thermal conductivity lead to a nonuniform, slow cooling process resulting in degradation of food quality. Improvement and optimization of the cooling process in a tube‐in‐tube heat exchanger, with an implementation of annular flow for the product, could potentially result in (1) enhancement of cooling efficiency, (2) reduction of cooling‐related product quality losses, and (3) improvement of sanitary conditions, by eliminating condensation formation.
Evaluation of the spoilage potential of Shewanella putrefaciens, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Aeromonas sobria isolated from spoiled Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during cold storage
Authors: Qian Yun‐Fang , Ye Jing‐Xin , Yang Sheng‐Ping , Lin Zu‐Quan , Cao Wei , Xie Jing 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe spoilage potential and their interactions of Shewanella putrefaciens, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Aeromonas sobria isolated from spoiled Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were evaluated by inoculation into sterile shrimp juice during 12 days at 4 °C. Based on the microbiological analysis, A. sobria was identified as non‐spoilage bacteria, and S. putrefaciens and A. hydrophila developed very rapidly as well as with a high maximum cell density in shrimp juice (up to 8.79 log cfu/g and 7.81 log cfu/g after 12 days at 4 °C, respectively). The higher total volatile basic nitrogen and putrescine productions were observed in coculture with S. putrefaciens and A. sobria compared with single culture of A. sobria, suggesting that the growth and spoilage activity of A. sobria were enhanced with S. putrefaciens. Conversely, A. hydrophila was weakly inhibited by S. putrefaciens. It is concluded that the spoilage behavior of microorganisms in mixed culture is significantly different from pure culture.Practical applicationsWe believe that the article may be of particular interest to the readers of this journal as it is the first time investigating the interactions of S. putrefaciens, A. hydrophila, and A. sobria by inoculated in Pacific white shrimp juice. This study could help to reveal the microbial interactions in spoilage food.
Analysis of fish spoilage by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and electronic olfaction bionic system
Authors: Lv Riqin , Huang Xingyi , Aheto Joshua Harrington , Mu Lijun , Tian Xiaoyu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFreshness is an important index of fish quality. The present study deployed an electronic olfaction bionic system based on colorimetric sensor array (CSA) to evaluate the freshness of Larimichthys crocea. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) content and total viable counting (TVC) of samples were also determined by traditional methods. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was applied for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A support vector regression (SVR) model was built to establish the relationship between the signals of CSA and the values of TVB‐N and TVC of samples. The results obtained demonstrated that the CSA showed potential to evaluate the fish freshness of unknown fish samples qualitatively by predicting TVB‐N and TVC. Furthermore, the CSA could be used as nondestructive technique to evaluate fish freshness.Practical applicationsFish is very popular all over the world because of its nutrition and delicious taste. Therefore, it is an important food and occupies a very important position in the daily dietary structure of residents. However, fish is highly perishable after harvesting and postmortem as a consequence of biochemical and microbial breakdown mechanisms. The TVB‐N and TVC are important indexes of fish freshness evaluation. In this study, a novel CSA is proposed for quantification of TVB‐N and TVC during fish spoilage. This method simplified detection steps and shorten the detection time. The results indicated that the method based on CSA provided a feasible way for simple, rapid detection of TVB‐N and TVC in aquatic products. The method can be applied for rapid detection of aquatic products by both government testing departments and food companies.
Characterization of glucose‐stimulated insulin release protocols in african green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)
Authors: Liddie Shervin , Okamoto Haruka , Gromada Jesper , Lawrence Matthew 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundManagement of diabetes remains a major health and economic challenge, demanding test systems in which to develop new therapies. These studies assessed different methodologies for determining glucose tolerance in green monkeys.MethodsTwenty‐eight African green monkeys between 4 and 24 years old underwent single or repeat intravenous glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT), oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), and/or graded glucose infusion testing.ResultsGeriatric monkeys exhibited glucose intolerance with impaired glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion followingIVGTT. RepeatIVGTTandOGTTassessments were inconsistent. Monkeys with low glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion after graded glucose infusion exhibited elevated blood glucose levels.ConclusionIVGTTand graded glucose infusion protocols revealed differences in glucose tolerance among green monkeys at single time points, including age‐dependent differences suggestive of shifts in pancreatic beta‐cell functional capacity, but care should be applied to study design and the interpretation of data in the setting of longitudinal studies.
Cryotherapy vs trichloroacetic acid 90% in treatment of common warts
Authors: Abdel Meguid Azza Mahfouz , Abdel Motaleb Amira Ali , Abdel Sadek Amany Mohamed Ibrahim 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIntroductionCommon warts are hyperkeratotic, benign cutaneous growths caused by types 1, 2, and 7 Human papilloma viruses. Different modalities are available to treat warts. Cryotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for common warts. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), in high concentrations, can be used as a therapeutic modality.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen (spray method) versus trichloroacetic acid 90% in treatment of common warts.Patients and methodsThirty‐five patients with 414 common warts, from the Dermatology outpatient clinic, Assiut University Hospital, were enrolled in this study. We used two techniques for the treatment of common warts. The lesions in each patient were divided into two groups (A and B), group A treated by cryotherapy while group B treated by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 90%.ResultsThere was significant decrease in the size of the warts in both groups. There were statistically significant better results among group A than group B regarding the mean percentage of improvement (90.11 ± 27.92 vs 26.19 ± 42.93, respectively; P < 0.001) and grade of improvement, where good response was obtained in 89.2% in group A compared with 26.2% in group B (P < 0.001). Complete cure was significantly higher in group A (83.1%) than group B (21.3%; P < 0.001). However, side effects were significantly higher among group A than group B.ConclusionCryotherapy is more effective than TCA 90% in treatment of common wart. TCA 90% has lesser complications than cryotherapy.
Patients’ self‐reported nausea: Validation of the Numerical Rating Scale and of a daily summary of repeated Numerical Rating Scale scores
Authors: Wikström Lotta , Nilsson Mats , Broström Anders , Eriksson Kerstin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAim and objectivesTo validate the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for postoperative nausea assessments, and determine whether a central tendency, median, based on patients’ self‐rated nausea is a clinically applicable daily measure to describe patients’ nausea after major surgery.BackgroundPostoperative nausea causes major discomfort, risks for complications and prolonged hospital stays. The NRS is recommended for the assessment of pain but is little explored for assessing nausea.DesignA repeated measure design was carried out on patients who had undergone major surgery in three Swedish hospitals.MethodsNonparametric statistical methods were used to analyse (a) associations between the NRS and a verbal scale (no, mild, moderate and severe) and (b) to analyse associations between Measure 1 (nausea scores postoperative Day 1) and Measure 2 (retrospective nausea scores at rest and during activity, postoperative Day 2). Reporting of this research adheres to the Strobe Guidelines.ResultsThe mean age of the 479 patients (44% women) in the sample was 65 years (range, 22–93 years). Self‐assessed nausea scores from the NRS and the verbal scale correlated well (rSpearman = 0.79). Correlation between nausea at rest and nausea during activity was rSpearman = 0.81. The calculated median scores (Measure 1) showed only moderate correlations with retrospective nausea scores (Measure 2); 4–9 ratings, rSpearman = 0.41; 6–9 ratings, rSpearman = 0.54.ConclusionsNumeric Rating Scale scores showed strong associations with a verbal scale; therefore, the NRS seems to be a valid tool to measure nausea intensity. The quality of daily summarised median nausea scores needs to be further explored before clinical use.Relevance to clinical practiceThe use of the NRS in assessments of nausea in postoperative care will facilitate communication between patients and health care professionals regarding nausea intensity. When documenting nausea, it seems unnecessary to distinguish nausea at rest from nausea during activity.
Vessel health and preservation: An integrative review
Authors: Fiorini Jacopo , Venturini Giulia , Conti Fabio , Funaro Emanuele , Caruso Rosario , Kangasniemi Mari , Sili Alessandro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAims and objectivesTo describe and synthesise current knowledge on the maintenance and preservation of vessels in patients who need the placement of a vascular access device.IntroductionTo administer drugs, blood or intravenous fluids, nurses or doctors insert a peripheral vascular access device on the arm using the traditional approach. This approach implies that devices are blindly inserted until flow is satisfactory and all possible sites have been exhausted. A proactive approach would ensure at the outset that the best device is used for each patient, eliminating repeated attempts at cannulation.DesignAn integrative review was conducted using data recorded until July 2017. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Scopus.Review methodA modified version of Cooper's five‐stage method and the PRISMA guidelines were used to perform the integrative review.ResultsNine papers were included in this review. The patients were active participants in a proactive approach to vessel health and preservation. The involvement of each healthcare professional in vessel health and preservation improves outcomes and expands the use of a proactive approach to vascular device management. Because nurses are directly involved in the use of such devices and support patients during the decision‐making process, they should take the lead in the use of the proactive approach.ConclusionDespite the many documented advantages of the proactive approach to preserving vessels in many settings and healthcare systems, it has not been widely tested. Future research is needed to guarantee high‐quality vessel health and preservation care, thus contributing to the development and dissemination of the proactive approach.Relevance to clinical practiceThe proactive approach preserves vessels for future needs, improves the delivery of the treatment plan and reduces length of stay, costs, risk of infection, complications and pain perceived by patients. This approach also ensures better use of nurses’ time and vascular access device material.
Implant Digital Impression in the Esthetic Area
Authors: Monaco Carlo , Scheda Lorenzo , Baldissara Paolo , Zucchelli Giovanni 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of this report is to describe two standardized protocols for digital impression when implant support rehabilitation is used in the esthetic area. The two techniques were used to transfer all provisional crown parameters to definitive restorations in different clinical scenarios. In the direct technique, an impression (STL1) is made of the provisional restorations attached to the implants, with surrounding gingival tissue. The second scan (STL2) captures the sulcular aspect of the peri‐implant soft tissue immediately after removal of the provisional restoration. The last impression (STL3) of the complete arch is made with a standardized scanbody attached to the implant to capture the 3D location of the implant. The direct technique is indicated when the peri‐implant soft tissues are stable upon removal of the provisional restoration. The indirect technique is used when the gingival tissue collapses rapidly after the removal of the provisional crown. The impressions of the provisional restoration and the position of the implant are similar to those obtained with the direct technique, and the shape of the peri‐implant tissue is extrapolated from the negative shape obtained from making the digital impression when the provisional restoration is taken out of the mouth. Finally, in both techniques the 3 scans are superimposed to obtain a file, which contains the details of the peri‐implant soft tissue. The direct and indirect digital techniques allowed realization of a predictable definitive restoration in the esthetic zone in different clinical scenarios, reducing the duration of clinical procedures.