bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beliefs about medicines in dialysis patients and after renal transplantation
Authors: Drangsholt Sarah H. , Cappelen Ulrik W. , von der Lippe Nanna , Høieggen Aud , Os Ingrid , Brekke Fredrik B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Patients with end‐stage renal disease are burdened by a complex medication regimen, but little is known about the belief about medicine among dialysis‐ and renal transplant (RTX) patients. Patients’ beliefs about medicines may influence drug adherence and thereby affect morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to assess the beliefs about medicine in dialysis as well as after RTX.Methods: In a prospective study, 301 dialysis patients were followed for up to 5.5 years during which time 142 had been transplanted. Out of the transplanted patients, 110 were eligible for inclusion. The Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) was used to assess the beliefs in dialysis and after transplantation. BMQ in dialysis was also compared to that of the general Norwegian population (n = 426). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed with BMQ subscales as dependent variables and sociodemographic and clinical data as independent variables.Findings: Median age in dialysis was 62 (IQR 50‐73) years, 66.1% were male and 80.7% were treated with hemodialysis. When in dialysis, 98.2% strongly believed their medications were necessary, while 34.4% reported strong concerns. Furthermore, 17.3% believed their medications to be harmful and 38.6% believed that doctors overprescribed medicines. The Necessity‐concern differential had a positive score in 92.6% of the patients. Follow‐up time was 55 (IQR 50‐59) months. After transplantation, there was an increase in the patient‐reported necessity of medication (21.9 ± 2.7 vs. 23.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.001) compared to while in dialysis. Correlations were found between patient beliefs and education, age, and depression.Discussion: Although positive beliefs about medicines increase after transplantation, concerns are high in both dialysis and after RTX. Implementing the BMQ routinely in the clinical evaluation of dialysis‐ and RTX patients may help to identify patients with increased risk for medical nonadherence.
Comparison of calculus detection among dental hygienists using an explorer and ultrasonic insert
Authors: Partido Brian B. , Webb Chadleo A. , Carr Michele P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionPeriodontal therapy disrupts the biofilm harbouring calculus that triggers inflammation. The explorer is primarily used for calculus detection, and the ultrasonic instrument is primarily used for calculus removal. The efficiency in dental hygiene care may improve if the ultrasonic instrument could be used in both calculus detection and removal.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to validate the effectiveness of calculus detection between the Thinsert® ultrasonic insert and the 11/12 explorer.MethodsUpon IRB approval, this validation study involved three dental hygiene faculty from the Ohio State University Dental Hygiene Program and 30 patient participants from the Ohio State University community. Using both instruments, calculus was evaluated on Ramfjord index teeth and on four possible surfaces per tooth. Data were analysed to evaluate for interrater reliability, intrarater reliability, sensitivity, and specificity.ResultsFor interrater reliability, the average measure of intraclass coefficient (ICC) value was 0.782 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.749‐0.810 (F(1439, 2878) = 4.852, P < 0.01). For intrarater reliability, mean Kappa averages were in the full agreement range (κ = 0.726, n = 2160, P < 0.01). When using the Thinsert® for calculus detection, the sensitivity was 75%, specificity was 97%, PPV was 81%, and NPV was 94%.ConclusionSince calculus evaluation was comparable when using the ODU 11/12 explorer and the Thinsert®, efforts can be focused on developing the tactile sensitivity when using the Thinsert® ultrasonic instrument in the assessment, treatment, and maintenance of periodontal disease and the support of oral health. The efficiency in dental hygiene care may improve by using the Thinsert® ultrasonic instrument in both the detection and removal of calculus.
Preparation of CEL2 glass‐ceramic porous scaffolds coated with chitosan microspheres that have a drug delivery function
Authors: Villicaña‐Molina Esmeralda , Aguilar‐Reyes Ena Athenea , León‐Patiño Carlos Alberto , Nuñez‐Anita Rosa Elvira 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe present work focused on the preparation of CEL2 bioactive glass (SiO2–P2O5–CaO–MgO–K2O–Na2O) scaffolds loaded with chitosan microspheres. Chitosan microspheres, with a mean particle size of 0.55 μm ± 0.25 μm and loaded with acetaminophen, were obtained through the water‐in‐oil single emulsion solvent evaporation method and were adhered to the surface of the scaffolds by a simple dip‐coating technique. The characterization of the microsphere‐loaded scaffolds, before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), was performed by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. In vitro bioactivity was performed for 21 days. The glass‐ceramic microsphere‐loaded scaffolds showed more than 70% interconnected porosity and an average compressive strength of 1.2 ± 0.43 MPa after immersion in SBF. They also showed the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer from the first day of immersion in SBF, demonstrating their high bioactivity. The microspheres were shown to be homogeneously dispersed on the scaffold surfaces. After 120 hours, the biologic tests showed good fibroblast cell proliferation onto the scaffolds. The encapsulated drug in the microspheres was released by diffusion in a sustained manner (90% and 99% in 200 hours). The results suggest that scaffolds have a promising role in applications of bone tissue engineering.
Starch hydrogels from discarded chestnuts produced under different temperature‐time gelatinisation conditions
Authors: Fariña M. , Torres María Dolores , Moreira R. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIt is essential to know the temperature‐time dependence on the chestnut starch gelatinisation process. With this aim, physicochemical and thermomechanical properties of native chestnut starch and with different gelatinisation degrees, isolated from discarded chestnut fruits under environmental friendly aqueous procedures, were studied. Isolated starch (144.96 ± 1.74 μm) presented high total starch (91.83 ± 0.24%), low damage starch (0.10 ± 0.04%), apparent amylose content of 20.31 ± 1.48% and relative crystallinity of 15.7 ± 0.4% with a C‐type pattern. Chestnut starch dispersions were formulated at 40% (w/w). Rheological measures indicated that temperatures below 60 °C were not able to form a hydrogel. The hydrogels formed between 62.5 and 65 °C (peak and final gelatinisation temperature, respectively) developed a stable and strong network with short maturation times and full thermoreversibility. Finally, hydrogels prepared above 65 °C were weaker and no completely thermoreversible. A linear relationship was identified between elastic features determined by rheology (G′gel,1 Hz) and texture (springiness, D1/D2).
Psychometric evaluation of the culturally and linguistically translated Vietnamese chronic kidney disease self‐management instrument
Authors: Nguyen Nguyet Thi , Douglas Clint , Bonner Ann 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimsTo translate and psychometrically test the modified chronic kidney disease self‐management instrument in Vietnamese language.BackgroundResearch on chronic kidney disease self‐management is increasing although few patient‐reported outcome measures are available in other languages.DesignThis study involved instrument modification, translation, and cultural adaptation into Vietnamese followed by psychometric evaluation in a target population.MethodsFollowing modification, the instrument was translated by bilingual independent translators, and then an expert panel assessed content face validity. Reliability of the instrument was assessed by internal consistency and test‐retest reliability in a sample of 293 people with chronic kidney disease. Then exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity of the Vietnamese version.ResultsThe Vietnamese chronic kidney disease self‐management instrument demonstrated excellent content face validity and internal consistency. The test‐retest indicated good stability of the instrument over a 2‐week period. Four factors were identified using exploratory factor analysis and were named understanding my kidney disease, taking action to manage my kidney disease, seeking social support, and adhering to a healthy diet.ConclusionsThe translated and modified version is a valid, reliable, and feasible patient‐reported outcome measure of self‐management behaviour in Vietnamese‐speaking populations.
Competition Between Labour‐Sending States and the Branding of National Workforces
Authors: Polanco Geraldina 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDrawing from comparative, international field research examining fast food labour migration from the Philippines and Mexico to western Canada, I contrast the Mexican and Filipino migration apparatuses and the corresponding branding of their citizenry. I show that the Philippines, through its migration apparatus, brands the Philippines as a source of “exceptional” labour, in part by deploying college graduates and those with professional work experience to work in entry‐level occupations. In turn, they outpace other labour‐sending states – like Mexico – who are branded in less desirable terms for interactive occupations. The policy decision to deskill (or not) and to produce (or fail to produce) educated and “exceptional” mobile subjects operates either as a conveyer belt or a migratory wall for distinct states in their ability to send more workers overseas. This has broader implications for global race relations and the branding effects that underlie Temporary Migrant Worker Programs.
Ca5Ga6O14:Eu3+: A novel phosphor with outstanding heat resistance for white light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Zhicong , Shen Chenyang , Yuan Lin , Chen Ya , Shen Linli , He Meilin , Yuan Rongrong , Liang Xiaojuan , Liu Jianping , Xiang Weidong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA novel red‐emitting phosphor Ca5Ga6O14:Eu3+ has been synthesized using solid‐state method. The excitation and emission spectra show that the phosphor can emit the red light with the main peak at 611 nm under excitation of the 280 and 393 nm UV chip and the optimal Eu3+ concentration is determined to be x = 0.07. Analysis of emission spectrum shows that Eu3+ occupy the center of noninversion symmetry. With the increase of Eu3+ doping concentration, the decay time is prolonged due to deeper energy trap arising from nonequivalent substitution. Additionally, the measured thermal stability with 0.539 eV activation energy and calculated 90.5% color purity of optimal phosphor indicate that the phosphor has an enormous application potential in w‐LEDs industry.
Novel Mn4+ doped Ca2GdSbO6 red–emitting phosphor: A potential color converter for light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Liang Jia , Devakumar Balaji , Sun Liangling , Sun Qi , Wang Shaoying , Huang Xiaoyong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAs potential color converter towards white/red light–emitting diodes, novel Ca2GdSbO6:Mn4+ phosphors with excellent optical performances were prepared by a conventional solid–state reaction route. The as–prepared phosphors with monoclinic crystal system had abundant [SbO6] octahedrons for Mn4+ ions to occupy and stably exist. With an excitation of 356 nm, an intense red emission peaking at 676 nm attributed to 2Eg→4A2g transition of Mn4+ ions can be observed in the emission spectrum. The critical concentration of Mn4+ ions was found to be 0.6 mol% and the concentration quenching mechanism was also discussed in detail. Importantly, the Ca2GdSbO6:0.6%Mn4+ phosphors exhibited a high internal quantum efficiency of 38.9%.
Changes in understandings and perceptions of individuals, significant others and community supporters involved in a theatre company for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Dickinson Danielle , Hutchinson Nick 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundTheatre companies to show positive capabilities and identities of people with intellectual disabilities have been established. Existing research focuses upon sole theatre performances and rarely includes the impacts on those in the immediate and wider contexts of people with intellectual disabilities.MethodsThe impacts of a theatre company on understandings and perceptions of intellectual disabilities from multiple perspectives were explored. Interviews with members with intellectual disabilities (n = 14), and focus groups with significant people in their lives (n = 11) and community supporters (n = 10) were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour superordinate and nine subordinate themes were identified. The theatre company increased members’ connectivity, allowed them to experience parts of life they are often excluded from, and enabled growth for all participants, leading to a desire to extend the theatre company's ethos elsewhere.ConclusionsThe importance of such organisations to improve perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities is emphasized.
Anacardic acid attenuates pressure‐overload cardiac hypertrophy through inhibiting histone acetylases
Authors: Li Shuo , Peng Bohui , Luo Xiaomei , Sun Huichao , Peng Chang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCardiac hypertrophy has become a major cardiovascular problem wordwide and is considered the early stage of heart failure. Treatment and prevention strategies are needed due to the suboptimal efficacy of current treatment methods. Recently, many studies have demonstrated the important role of histone acetylation in myocardium remodelling along with cardiac hypertrophy. A Chinese herbal extract containing anacardic acid (AA) is known to possess strong histone acetylation inhibitory effects. In previous studies, we demonstrated that AA could reverse alcohol‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in an animal model at the foetal stage. Here, we investigated whether AA could attenuate cardiac hypertrophy through the modulation of histone acetylation and explored its potential mechanisms in the hearts of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mice. This study showed that AA attenuated hyperacetylation of acetylated lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9ac) by inhibiting the expression of p300 and p300/CBP‐associated factor (PCAF) in TAC mice. Moreover, AA normalized the transcriptional activity of the heart nuclear transcription factor MEF2A. The high expression of cardiac hypertrophy‐linked genes (ANP, β‐MHC) was reversed through AA treatment in the hearts of TAC mice. Additionally, we found that AA improved cardiac function and survival rate in TAC mice. The current results further highlight the mechanism by which histone acetylation is controlled by AA treatment, which may help prevent and treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Do Self‐employment Rates Converge? Evidence from European OECD Countries
Authors: Saridakis George , Mendoza Gonzalez Miguel A. , Muñoz Torres Rebeca I. , Hand Chris 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article uses panel data methods for stationary and non‐stationary data to examine whether self‐employment rates converge for 21 OECD European countries from 1990 to 2011 (the period covered by the COMPENDIA database). This article shows that there is a process of conditional convergence of self‐employment rates particularly within Southern, Northern and Western Europe. These regional groups were characterized by a decreasing trend in their average self‐employment rates. However in Central Europe we find more mixed results across the tests used and observe a rising trend in the average self‐employment rates. Finally, we find some weak evidence of convergence among all European countries.
Evaluation of attractants and traps for monitoring small banded pine weevil Pissodes castaneus
Authors: Skrzecz Iwona , Wolski Robert , Sowinska Alicja , Raczko Jerzy , Janiszewski Wojciech , Kuzminski Robert 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to develop a semiochemical‐baited trapping system to monitor the populations of small banded pine weevil, Pissodes castaneus, a serious pest in Pinus sylvestris young stands that are weakened by biotic and abiotic factors. The scope of the work included the development of a dispenser for compounds (ethanol and α‐pinene) emitted by P. sylvestris and the pheromones of P. castaneus: grandisol and grandisal. Additionally, the effectiveness of beetle catches in different types of traps (unitrap, cross‐unitrap and long and short pipe traps) baited with a dispenser was assessed. The olfactometric studies showed that most of the newly hatched beetles that had not fed were attracted by a mixture of grandisol and grandisal. However, in the group of feeding beetles, half were attracted by a mixture of ethanol and α‐pinene. These results indicated that both pheromones and α‐pinene plus ethanol should be useful for capturing P. castaneus beetles. In the field trials, the highest efficiency was found in baited unitraps that caught up to several hundred P. castaneus beetles, while the baited cross‐unitraps caught up to a few dozen beetles. No insects were found in either type of baited pipe trap or in any of the unbaited control traps. The baited unitraps and cross‐unitraps also collected, with varied intensity, Hylobius abietis beetles, a serious pest of reforestations. These results indicate the possibility of using a unitrap baited with a 4‐component attractant for monitoring P. castaneus in integrated pest management for the protection of young forests.
Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in vivo
Authors: Dunkley Peter R. , Dickson Phillip W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the synthesis of the catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. One of the major mechanisms for controlling the activity of TH is protein phosphorylation. TH is phosphorylated at serine residues 8, 19, 31 and 40. There have been a number of previous reviews focused on TH phosphorylation in vitro and in situ. This review on TH phosphorylation in vivo has three main sections focusing on: (1) the methods used to investigate TH phosphorylation in vivo, including the animals used, the sacrifice procedures, the tissue preparation, the measurement of TH protein levels and TH phosphorylation and the measurement of TH activation. (2) The regulation of TH phosphorylation and its consequences in vivo, including the kinases and phosphatases acting on TH, the stoichiometry of TH phosphorylation, the proteins that bind TH and TH subcellular location. (3) The acute and prolonged TH phosphorylation changes in specific catecholaminergic tissues, including the adrenal medulla, the nigrostriatal pathway and the mesolimbic pathway.
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Trade Network Centrality and Currency Risk Premia
Authors: RICHMOND ROBERT J. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTI uncover an economic source of exposure to global risk that drives international asset prices. Countries that are more central in the global trade network have lower interest rates and currency risk premia. To explain these findings, I present a general equilibrium model in which central countries' consumption growth is more exposed to global consumption growth shocks. This causes the currencies of central countries to appreciate in bad times, resulting in lower interest rates and currency risk premia. Empirically, central countries' consumption growth covaries more with world consumption growth, further validating the proposed mechanism.
Ultrasonography Monitoring of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Retinal Vessels in Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Naldi Andrea , Pivetta Emanuele , Coppo Lorenzo , Cantello Roberto , Comi Cristoforo , Stecco Alessandro , Cerrato Paolo , Lesmeister Martin , Lochner Piergiorgio 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEEvaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and Doppler indices of central retinal arteries and veins for the detection of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and of the usefulness of a second assessment of these variables in the monitoring of ICH.METHODSA total of 46 acute ICH patients with (group 1, n = 25) and without (group 2, n = 21) clinical and radiological computed tomography signs of raised ICP and 40 healthy controls were recruited. The median binocular ONSD and Doppler indices of retinal vessels including resistive index (RI) and retinal venous pulsation (RVP) were compared among groups, both at admission and later during ICH monitoring.RESULTSMedian binocular ONSD showed higher accuracy for the detection of increased ICP (sensitivity and specificity 100%), while Doppler indices were less accurate (sensitivity 48% and specificity 95% for RI; 80% and 62% for RVP). In ICH patients, ONSD was significantly elevated in group 1 both at admission (6.40 mm [interquartile range [IQR] = .70] vs. 4.70 [.40]) and at control time (6.00 [.55] vs. 4.55 [.40]; P < .01), as well as RI (.79 [.11] vs. .77 [.03] and .80 [.06] vs. .75 [.35]; P = .01). RVP was significantly increased in group 1 only at admission (3.20 cm/s [1.05] vs. 2.00 [1.55], P = .02).CONCLUSIONSMedian binocular ONSD evaluation showed higher accuracy for the estimation of elevated ICP compared with Doppler indices of retinal vessels. The ONSD enlargement detected in the early phase of ICH persists at control time.
Eculizumab in paediatric atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome: Lessons learned from a single‐centre experience in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Kumar Gurinder , Al‐Masri Omar , Alismaili Zubaida , Tawfik Eslam , Al‐Ghabra Mohammed K , Ilyas Sadia H , Al‐Khasawneh Eihab 
Published: February 2019

AimAtypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a debilitating condition that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in children if not adequately and promptly treated. This report shares real‐world data on the use of eculizumab in children with aHUS.MethodsWe report our experience with the use of eculizumab in 14 children with aHUS.ResultsThe median age at aHUS diagnosis was 12 months (range: 2–108 months), with six (42.9%) patients presenting in infancy and six (42.9%) being males. Eculizumab therapy was associated with haematological and thrombotic microangiopathy responses in 14 (100%) and 13 (92.9%) patients after a median of 9 days (range: 7–12 days) and 9.5 days (range: 7–14 days), respectively. None of the six patients who were previously treated with plasma therapy required any further infusions. Of the six patients who previously required dialysis, only one patient continued to do so and eventually received a renal transplant. The median time to ≥25% decrease in serum creatinine level in the remaining patients was 16 days (range: 14–21 days), and estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from a median of 17–101 mL/min/1.73 m2. The safety profile was similar to that reported in the literature, and 10 patients continue to receive therapy, with 3 being on the drug for 4 or more years.ConclusionOur study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the efficacy and safety of eculizumab for the management of children with aHUS.