bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring family activities and child engagement: A study on children with a significant cognitive and motor developmental delay
Authors: Van keer Ines , Van Leeuwen Karla , Maes Bea 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundEveryday activities are an important setting for stimulating child functioning, but are understudied in young children with a significant cognitive and motor developmental delay. Therefore, we aim to characterize their family activities in terms of diversity, frequency, child engagement and family member's presence, compared to typically developing children.MethodsBy asking a parent to fill out an adapted version of the Child Participation in Family Activities questionnaire, the activity pattern of 49 children within the study group and 45 children within the control group were assessed and compared.ResultsChildren in the study group generally experience less diverse activities (with an additional lower frequency of out‐of‐home activities) and show lower engagement levels compared to typically developing children.ConclusionsIncorporating high levels of personal interaction, highly stimulating activities and adapted leisure activities into the daily activity pattern of children with multiple disabilities might be a pathway to increased engagement levels.
Effects of sodium intake on postural lightheadedness: Results from the DASH‐sodium trial
Authors: Peng Allison W. , Appel Lawrence J. , Mueller Noel T. , Tang Olive , Miller Edgar R. , Juraschek Stephen P. 
Published: January 2019

Lightheadedness after standing contributes to adverse clinical events, including falls. Recommendations for higher sodium intake to treat postural lightheadedness have not been evaluated in a trial setting. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)‐Sodium trial (1998‐1999) tested the effects of the DASH diet and sodium reduction on blood pressure (BP). Participants were randomly assigned to DASH or a typical Western diet (control). During either diet, participants ate three sodium levels (50, 100, 150 meq/d at 2100 kcal) in random order for 30‐days, separated by 5‐day breaks. Participants reported the presence and severity of postural lightheadedness at baseline and after each feeding period. There were 412 participants (mean age 48 years; 57% women; 57% black). Mean baseline SBP/DBP was 135/86 mm Hg; 9.5% reported baseline lightheadedness. Among those consuming the DASH diet, high vs low sodium increased lightheadedness (OR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.90; P = 0.047) and severity of lightheadedness (P = 0.02), but did not affect lightheadedness in those consuming the control diet (OR 0.77; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.29; P = 0.32). Among those consuming high vs low sodium in the context of the DASH diet, adults <60 vs ≥60 years old experienced more lightheadedness (P‐interaction = 0.04), along with obese vs non‐obese adults (P‐interaction = 0.01). In the context of the DASH diet, higher sodium intake was associated with more frequent and severe lightheadedness. These findings challenge traditional recommendations to increase sodium intake to prevent lightheadedness.
Technological properties of durum wheat semolina treated by heating and UV irradiation for reduction of mycotoxin content
Authors: Shanakhat Hina , Sorrentino Angela , Raiola Assunta , Reverberi Massimo , Salustri Manuel , Masi Paolo , Cavella Silvana 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPhysical methods, such as heating and irradiation with ultraviolet light (UVC), are among the strategies that may be used to reduce mycotoxin content in foodstuffs. This research studied the technological effects of heating at 100, 150, and 200 °C and UVC irradiation at 254 nm for 15, 30, 60, and 120 min applied on semolina to decrease the amount of mycotoxins. The impact of the most efficient treatments (150 °C for 30 min and UVC irradiation for 120 min) was evaluated both on semolina and dough technological properties, such as color, hydration, and gluten indices, farinograph and calorimetric parameters, and microstructure. Thermal treatment significantly increased hydration of semolina and swelling power; farinograph analyses revealed a marked increase in water absorption and dough development time and a reduction of dough stability and degree of softening and elasticity compared to the control. Calorimetric analyses showed a significant reduction in both temperature peaks and enthalpy of starch gelatinization and a decrease in enthalpy for melting of lipids with starch. Scanning electron micrograph images representing the dough microstructure confirmed the occurrence of these changes; UVC‐treated samples showed less pronounced changes compared to the control.Practical applicationsThis work reports some strategies that could be integrated in semolina‐based products chains, with the aim of reducing mycotoxin contamination. Thermal treatment and UVC irradiation are known to be cost‐effective techniques, combining a high thermal efficiency with the simplicity of application. Understanding the technological changes resulting from these treatments could be useful to food companies for the realization of safer semolina‐based products with different structural properties. This is the first study aiming to investigate the technological impacts of physical processing methods for reducing mycotoxin contamination.
A scale‐up process for the manufacture of reduced‐cholesterol butter using beta‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Alonso Leocadio , Calvo María V. , Fontecha Javier 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article describes a scale‐up process for manufacturing butter with reduced free cholesterol via the treatment of raw milk with beta‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) at 4°C. The β‐CD–cholesterol complexes formed were eliminated using a centrifugal separator. Once pasteurized, the cream obtained was used to manufacture butter with >90% less cholesterol than present in the initial milk fat. No significant differences were seen between this reduced‐cholesterol butter and control butter in terms of their fat, protein, lactose, or total solid contents. Neither was any differences recorded in their sensorial or organoleptic qualities.Practical applicationsThis article describes an industrial scale‐up process for the manufacture of reduced‐cholesterol butter (reduction >90%) from raw cow's milk. The results have application in the food industry, especially in the production of dairy products. The butter produced could be of benefit to persons who need to control their intake of cholesterol, particularly those with hypercholesterolemia.
Sofosbuvir‐based direct acting antiviral therapies for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 2 infection
Authors: Liu Chen‐Hua , Su Tung‐Hung , Liu Chun‐Jen , Hong Chun‐Ming , Yang Hung‐Chih , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Kao Jia‐Horng 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimData regarding the comparative effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir (SOF) in combination with ribavirin (RBV), daclatasvir (DCV), or ledipasvir (LDV) for hepatitis C virus genotype 2 (HCV‐2) patients were limited. We aimed to evaluate the performance of these regimens in Taiwan.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐seven HCV‐2 patients with compensated liver diseases receiving SOF in combination with RBV (n = 82), DCV (n = 66), or LDV (n = 39) for 12 weeks were retrospectively enrolled. The effectiveness was determined by sustained virologic response 12 weeks off therapy (SVR12). The patient characteristics potentially related to SVR12 were compared. The safety profiles and laboratory abnormalities were assessed.ResultsThe SVR12 rates were 93.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86.5–97.4%), 98.5% (95% CI: 91.9–99.7%), and 100% (95% CI: 91.0–100%) in patients receiving SOF combined with RBV, DCV, and LDV, respectively. All patients tolerated treatment well. The stratified SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of baseline characteristics or week 4 viral decline among these regimens. Six (3.2%) patients had serious adverse events which were not related to treatment. The rates of fatigue, pruritus, and anemia tended to be higher in patients receiving RBV (22.0%, 19.5%, and 8.5%) combination than those receiving DCV (10.6%, 6.1%, and 1.5%) or LDV (10.3%, 5.1%, and 0%) combination.ConclusionsSofosbuvir in combination with RBV, DCV, or LDV for 12 weeks is effective and well‐tolerated for HCV‐2 patients. Compared with DCV or LDV combination, the risks of fatigue, pruritus, and anemia are higher in patients receiving RBV combination.
Tricyclic Antidepressant and/or γ‐Aminobutyric Acid–Analog Use Is Associated With Fall Risk in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Randolph Amanda C. , Lin Yu‐Li , Volpi Elena , Kuo Yong‐Fang 
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESPeripheral neuropathy is a common diabetes complication that can increase fall risk. Regarding fall risk, the impact of pain management using tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs is unclear because these medications can also cause falls. This study investigates the impact of these drugs on fall and fracture risk in older diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients.DESIGNHistorical cohort study with 1‐to‐1 propensity matching of TCA/GABA‐analog users and nonusers.SETTINGNationally representative 5% Medicare sample between the years 2008 and 2010.PARTICIPANTSAfter applying all selection criteria, 5,550 patients with prescription and 22,200 patients without prescription of TCAs/GABA‐analogs were identified. Both patient groups were then stratified for fall history and matched based on propensity of receiving TCAs/GABA‐analogs within each group.MEASUREMENTSPatients were followed until the first incidence of fall or the first incidence of fracture during the follow‐up period (for up to 5 years).RESULTSAfter matching, users and nonusers were largely similar. After covariate adjustment, TCA/GABA‐analog use was associated with a statistically significant increase in fall risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03‐1.20), but was not associated with fracture risk (adjusted HR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.99‐1.19) in the conventional analysis. Treating TCA/GABA‐analog use as a time‐dependent covariate resulted in statistically significant associations of TCA/GABA‐analog use with both fall and fracture risk (HR = 1.26 [95% CI = 1.17‐1.36]; and HR = 1.12 [95% CI = 1.02‐1.24], respectively).CONCLUSIONAmong older patients with DPN, GABA‐analogs or TCAs increase fall risk and possibly fracture risk. Use of these medications is therefore a potentially modifiable risk factor for falls and fractures in this population.
Safety concerns with human papilloma virus immunization in Japan: Analysis and evaluation of Nagoya City's surveillance data for adverse events
Authors: Yaju Yukari , Tsubaki Hiroe 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the safety of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines by using data from the “Nagoya City Cervical Cancer Immunization Program Survey”.MethodsUnadjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated between HPV‐vaccinated cases and un‐vaccinated controls. Age‐stratified analyses were performed to evaluate the interaction between age and events. Adjusted ORs were also estimated with multiple logistic regression models.ResultsIn the 15–16‐year‐old group, the unadjusted ORs were significantly higher for symptoms of memory impairment, dyscalculia, and involuntary movement. The age‐adjusted multivariate analyses demonstrated that the vaccinated cases were less likely than the unvaccinated controls to have experienced symptoms in almost all symptoms, except for two symptoms such as involuntary movement and weakness. However, study period‐adjusted multivariate analyses demonstrated that the vaccinated cases were significantly more likely than un‐vaccinated controls to have experienced symptoms of memory impairment and involuntary movement.ConclusionsBased on our analysis using data from the Nagoya City surveillance survey, a possible association between HPV vaccination and distinct symptoms such as cognitive impairment or movement disorders exists. A consistent causal relationship between HPV vaccination and these symptoms remains uncertain. However, given the seriousness of symptoms, we believe that a more comprehensive and large‐scale study is essential to confirm the safety of HPV vaccination.
Effects of an Online Mindfulness Intervention Focusing on Attention Monitoring and Acceptance in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Mengye , Jia Ge , Sun Shiwen , Ye Cuiwei , Zhang Rong , Yu Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionAttention monitoring and acceptance underlie the effects of mindfulness meditation. This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness intervention for pregnant women as an approach to reduce depressive and anxious symptoms.MethodWe developed an 8‐week mindfulness intervention program that trained participants to monitor their internal and external experiences in an accepting way. The mindfulness course was based on the Wechat platform. This study was conducted in a women's hospital in China. A total of 123 women with scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire suggesting mild or moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety were recruited from the outpatient department between April and June 2018. The participants were randomized to receive the mindfulness intervention or routine prenatal care. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire were used to evaluate the levels of anxiety, depression, and mindfulness, respectively, before and after the intervention.ResultsOf the 123 women enrolled in this study, 10 in the intervention group and 11 in the control group did not complete the intervention. The retention rate and feedback suggested that the mindfulness intervention was feasible and acceptable among pregnant women. Participants in the intervention group showed greater declines in depressive and anxious symptoms compared with those in the control group, as well a significant improvement in mindfulness skills (eg, attention monitoring and acceptance).DiscussionThese results suggest that an online mindfulness intervention may be a promising technique to help women use mindfulness skills to reduce depressive and anxious symptoms. The mindfulness intervention could constitute part of the psychological care provided to pregnant women.
SURVEY OF ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF MARITIME AND TERRITORIAL DISPUTES
Authors: Mendoza Ronald Umali , Siriban Charles , Ty Tea Jalin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDrawing on studies on the economics of conflict, this paper reviews the literature on maritime and territorial disputes; and it examines an array of economic implications associated with territorial and maritime disputes. These include adverse effects on certain economic and development outcomes arising from possible armed confrontation, with some of these possibly lingering in the aftermath of conflict. There are also various economic disruptions and costs associated with these disputes, emphasizing how they also affect the livelihoods of resource users in the disputed areas. A clearer understanding of these economic links could help inform and motivate policymakers on mitigating the risks of conflict. Based on the review of evidence herein, the economic implications of conflict in terms of foregone average trade among the country pairs considered in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea (in 1985 dollars) – which differ in important ways but hint at some common channels of impact – could range from US$ 909.3 million to US$ 98.8 billion. More broadly, the impacts on a disrupted global production chain can easily amplify these results even further, affecting global growth prospects for many decades, according to experience.
Can levamisole upregulate the equine cell‐mediated macrophage (M1) dendritic cell (DC1) T‐helper 1 (CD4 Th1) T‐cytotoxic (CD8) immune response in vitro?
Authors: Witonsky Sharon , Buechner‐Maxwell Virginia , Santonastasto Amy , Pleasant Robert , Werre Stephen , Wagner Bettina , Ellison Siobhan , Lindsay David 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundEquine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a common and devastating neurologic disease of horses in the United States. Because some EPM‐affected horses have decreased immune responses, immunomodulators such as levamisole have been proposed as supplemental treatments. However, little is known about levamisole's effects or its mechanism of action in horses.ObjectiveLevamisole in combination with another mitogen will stimulate a macrophage 1 (M1), dendritic cell 1 (DC1), T‐helper 1 (CD4 Th1), and T‐cytotoxic (CD8) immune response in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro as compared to mitogen alone.AnimalsTen neurologically normal adult horses serologically negative for Sarcocystis neurona.MethodsProspective study. Optimal conditions for levamisole were determined based on cellular proliferation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were then cultured using optimal conditions of mitogen and levamisole to identify the immune phenotype, based on subset‐specific activation markers, intracellular cytokine production, and cytokine concentrations in cell supernatants. Subset‐specific proliferation was determined using a vital stain.ResultsConcanavalin A (conA) with levamisole, but not levamisole alone, resulted in a significant decrease (P < .05) in PBMC proliferation compared to conA alone. Levamisole alone did not elicit a specific immune phenotype different than that induced by conA.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceLevamisole co‐cultured with conA significantly attenuated the PBMC proliferative response as compared with conA. If the mechanisms by which levamisole modulates the immune phenotype can be further defined, levamisole may have potential use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Effects of combined aerobic and resistance training in patients with heart failure: A meta‐analysis of randomized, controlled trials
Authors: Wang ZeQuan , Peng Xin , Li Kun , Wu Chiung‐Jung Jo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCardiac rehabilitation programs consisting of core features of exercise training for patients with heart failure have demonstrated a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. In study, a meta‐analysis of combined aerobic and resistance training was conducted on various outcomes in patients with heart failure. Database searches included EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OVID, and CINAHL. Only randomized, controlled trials were included. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to perform the meta‐analysis. In total, 12 studies and 516 patients were included. The results demonstrated that combined aerobic and resistance training is effective in promoting exercise capacity, muscle strength, and 6 min walk distance. Furthermore, combined training significantly improves the quality of life of patients with heart failure. However, there was no significant difference found for outcomes of depression and sleep. Future studies with rigorous methodological designs and long‐term follow ups are recommended to evaluate the sustainable benefits of combined aerobic and resistance intervention programs.
Long‐term efficacy of photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate in treating Bowen's disease in clinical practice: A retrospective cohort study (2006‐2017)
Authors: Aguilar‐Bernier Miguel , Rodríguez‐Barón Diego , Rivas‐Ruiz Francisco , Segura‐Palacios Juan Manuel , de Troya Martín Magdalena 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundPhotodynamic treatment with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL‐PDT) is considered an effective and highly recommended treatment for Bowen's disease. However, its long‐term efficacy remains to be established, as significant differences have been reported in this respect.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to describe the results of a retrospective analysis of patients with Bowen's disease treated with MAL‐PDT during the period 2006‐17 at the Costa del Sol Hospital (Marbella, Spain).Material and MethodsThis study is based on a retrospective descriptive analysis of the clinical records of patients treated with MAL‐PDT from June 2006 to September 2017. The analysis was based on calculating the mean and standard deviation values for the quantitative variables, and frequency distributions for the qualitative ones. The survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan‐Meier method, and the log‐rank test was used to assess differences in survival between groups. A cox regression analysis was performed to clarify the significant prognostic factors.ResultsA total of 537 tumours with histologically confirmed Bowen's disease were treated with MAL‐PDT. Recurrence‐free survival at one year was 88%, and at 5 years, 71%. Tumour size >300 mm2 (≥21 mm in diameter P = 0.019), its location in the upper extremities (P = 0.029) and patient's age <70 years (P = 0.028) were all associated with an increased risk of recurrence.LimitationsGiven the retrospective design of our study, the possible existence of information bias cannot be ruled out.ConclusionsAlthough it is an appropriate treatment option for patients with Bowen's disease, MAL‐PDT presents a risk of recurrence of almost 30% at 5 years. Larger lesions (>300 mm2; ≥21 mm in diameter) are more likely to recur than smaller ones. Therefore, appropriate selection is needed of the tumour to be treated, and prolonged follow‐up should be provided.
Phytotoxic potential of Senna occidentalis (L.) Link extracts on seed germination and oxidative stress of Ipê seedlings
Authors: da Silva Í. F. , Vieira E. A. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Senna occidentalis is an invasive plant producing a series of allelochemicals that might inhibit the development of other plants. The objective of this study was to assess the phytotoxic effect of S. occidentalis extracts on the germination, development and antioxidant defence of the native species Tabebuia chrysotricha, T. pentaphylla, T. roseoalba and Handroanthus impetiginosus (Ipê species).

We evaluated the effects of chemicals extracted from S. occidentalis on the germination rate, germination speed index (GSI) and biometric parameters of the test species under controlled conditions. The effect of the extracts on the pigment content, amount of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in roots and leaves were also tested.

Alkaloids, coumarins, phenols, saponins, free steroids and condensed tannins were present in all extracts of S. occidentalis, while catechins were present only in leaf and stem extracts. Stem and root extracts caused a growth reduction in all Ipê species and total inhibition of seed germination in T. chrysotricha and T. roseoalba. All target species showed an increase in H2O2 and MDA in radicles and leaves. Oxidative stress contributed strongly to the morphological changes, such as seed blackening, thinning and darkening of radicle tips and reduction of biomass allocation in all Ipê species.

Although there was activation of antioxidant defence mechanisms, such as an increase in activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD) enzymes, the joint action of the allelochemicals caused phytotoxicity, leading to cell dysfunction in all Ipê species.