bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BST1 rs4698412 allelic variant increases the risk of gait or balance deficits in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shen Yu‐Ting , Wang Jian‐Wei , Wang Min , Zhi Yan , Li Jun‐Yi , Yuan Yong‐Sheng , Wang Xi‐Xi , Zhang Hui , Zhang Ke‐Zhong 
Published: January 2019

SummaryAimsWe aimed to explore effects of bone marrow stromal cell antigen‐1 (BST1) rs4698412 allelic variant on brain activation and associative clinical symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodsA total of 49 PD patients and 47 healthy control (HC) subjects were recruited for clinical evaluations, blood samples collection for genotypes, and resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) scans. Based on BST1 rs4698412 allelic variant (G → A), participants were further divided into 18 PD‐GG, 31 PD‐GA/AA, 20 HC‐GG, and 27 HC‐GA/AA carriers, which respectively indicated subjects carrying ancestral or risk allele in that locus in PD or HC. Two‐way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to investigate main effects and interactions between PD and BST1 rs4698412 allelic variant on brain function via amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF). Spearman’s correlations were then utilized to detect associations between interactive brain regions and clinical symptoms.ResultsCompared to HC subjects, PD patients exhibited increased ALFF values in left cerebellum_8 and cerebellum_9. Significant interaction was in right lingual gyrus, where there were the lowest ALFF values and ALFF values were only negatively associated with Timed Up and Go (TUG) test time in PD‐GA/AA subgroup.ConclusionBST1 rs4698412‐modulated lingual gyrus functional alterations could be related to gait and balance dysfunction in PD.
Validation of French versions of the Facial Disability Index and the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale, specific quality of life scales for peripheral facial palsy patients
Authors: Barry Pauline , Mancini Julien , Alshukry Abdullah , Salburgo Florent , Lavieille Jean‐Pierre , Montava Marion 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo translate and validate French versions of two health‐related quality of life questionnaires for patients with peripheral facial palsy: Facial Disability Index (FDI) and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scale.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingUniversity tertiary referral centre.ParticipantsA pilot test was performed on 10 subjects (5 patients with facial palsy of more than 1‐month duration and 5 normal subjects), and then 67 adult patients with facial palsy were enrolled in the validation study.Main outcome measuresTranslation of the original questionnaires has followed international guidelines using a forward‐backward translation method. A pilot test and a validation study based on the translated questionnaires were performed. Internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, validity and responsiveness were assessed. Validity was assessed by comparing to SF‐36 and Sunnybrook/House‐Brackmann grading systems. Subjects answered scales twice within a one‐week interval.ResultsSixty‐seven patients were enrolled, among which 63 completed scales one week later (retest). For physical and social functions of FDI and FaCE scores, Cronbach's α representing internal consistency was 0.88, 0.70 and 0.89, and test‐retest reliability by intra‐class correlation coefficients was 0.81, 0.86 and 0.89, respectively. The correlation of facial movement score of FaCE scale was good with Sunnybrook/House‐Brackmann grading systems (0.73 and −0.75, P < 0.01). The correlation of social function of FaCE scale was excellent with social function of SF‐36 (0.8, P < 0.01).ConclusionsFrench versions of FDI and FaCE scale are psychometrically valid. Both questionnaires can be used for clinical studies to assess the quality of life of patients with peripheral facial palsy.
The pronunciation teaching practices of university‐level graduate teaching assistants of French and Spanish introductory language courses
Authors: Huensch Amanda 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study combined evidence from survey, interview, and classroom observation data to better understand the amount and type of pronunciation instruction and corrective feedback practices in French and Spanish introductory language courses (i.e., the first four semesters) at the university level in the United States. Data consisted of responses (n = 142) to a national survey and audiorecorded interviews (6 hours) and classroom observations (22 hours) of seven graduate teaching assistants (TAs) of French or Spanish from two different large (i.e., more than 15,000 students) public universities. Survey results indicated that TAs believed that when they correct pronunciation, they should prioritize mistakes that impede comprehension or change meaning. Classroom observations demonstrated that on average, 2% of instructor talk was pronunciation focused, with a majority of pronunciation episodes categorized as corrective feedback in the form of recasts. In addition, only one instance of preplanned pronunciation teaching occurred in the data. The findings suggest that current pronunciation teaching practices in this context are rare and largely reactive.
Vitamin A‐coupled liposomal Rho‐kinase inhibitor ameliorates liver fibrosis without systemic adverse effects
Authors: Okimoto Sho , Kuroda Shintaro , Tashiro Hirotaka , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Taogoshi Takanori , Matsuo Hiroaki , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: January 2019

AimRho‐kinase (ROCK) inhibitor could ameliorate liver fibrosis by suppressing hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. However, because systemic administration of ROCK inhibitor causes serious adverse effects, we developed a drug delivery system selectively delivering ROCK inhibitor to HSCs. Here, we examined whether our developed vitamin A (VA)‐coupled liposomal ROCK inhibitor reduced liver fibrosis in rats without causing systemic adverse effects.MethodsLX‐2 HSCs were analyzed for morphological changes and the expression of profibrotic proteins. The inhibitory effects of VA‐coupled liposomal ROCK inhibitor on liver fibrosis were confirmed in a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by i.p. injection of carbon tetrachloride. The degree of liver fibrosis, biochemical changes, and survival rates were also investigated.ResultsVitamin A‐coupled liposomal ROCK inhibitor had an effect at approximately 1/100 the amount of the free ROCK inhibitor for inhibiting the activation of LX‐2 cells and caused significant decreases in the expression levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1. The degree of liver fibrosis was suppressed by treatment with VA‐coupled liposomal ROCK inhibitor, and the expression of α‐SMA and TGF‐β1 in liver tissues was also significantly suppressed. In addition, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and hyaluronic acid were significantly reduced, and there was no decline in kidney function, which has been noted as a systemic adverse effect of ROCK inhibitor. Furthermore, VA‐coupled liposomal ROCK inhibitor improved survival rates in rats with liver fibrosis.ConclusionVitamin A‐coupled liposomal ROCK inhibitor efficiently suppressed liver fibrosis without causing systemic adverse effects.
Novel method of zinc ions supplementing with fermented and unfermented ice cream with using PEF
Authors: Pankiewicz Urszula , Góral Małgorzata , Kozłowicz Katarzyna , Góral Dariusz 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBacteria of Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 442 were enriched with zinc ions using a pulsed electric field technology. The strain was added to the mix and used for the production of two types of ice cream: unfermented and fermented. Zinc content in the ice cream varied from 0.962 mg·100 g−1 to 1.81 mg·100 g−1. Differences were observed in some properties of unfermented and fermented ice cream. Lower fat content (from 4.86% to 4.92%) and lower hardness (3.88 N–4.32 N) were determined for the fermented ice cream, whereas the unfermented samples had higher meltability (1880s–1936s) and adhesiveness (from 29.66 Ns to −28.27 Ns). There was no statistically significant effect of the type of ice cream and Zn2+ addition on protein, ash and carbohydrate content in the final product. The viability of the bacteria was at a high level (4.09·108–3.26·1012).
Estimating willingness‐to‐pay for health care: A discrete choice experiment accounting for non‐attendance to the cost attribute
Authors: Sever Ivan , Verbič Miroslav , Sever Eva Klaric 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesThe literature suggests that discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are a preferable method for estimating willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) values, as they may avoid some biases often observed in contingent valuation surveys, such as protest and strategic behaviour. However, the choice studies have demonstrated that attribute non‐attendance may be a serious issue that leads to biased WTP estimates.MethodA DCE was used to estimate patients' WTP for dental care at the dental school clinic. The endogenous attribute attendance (EAA) model was used to estimate WTP for dental care attributes, while accounting for non‐attendance to the cost attribute.ResultsThe EAA model revealed that almost every second respondent had ignored the cost attribute when making choices, indicating that patients were very sensitive to other characteristics of dental care. Dental care providers should pay particular attention to providing a detailed explanation of treatment to their patients, as this was the most valued attribute of dental care. The welfare estimates from the EAA model, which accounted for non‐attendance to the cost attribute, were more than two times lower than welfare estimates from a traditional multinomial logit model and mixed logit model estimated in WTP space.ConclusionsThe findings raise concerns for derived WTP estimates in DCE studies that did not consider non‐attendance to the cost attribute during the estimation process. Non‐attendance to the cost attribute overestimates WTP values, even if being motivated by the true preferences of respondents.
Regional variations in the use of biologics and immunomodulators among Korean patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Han Minkyung , Jung Yoon Suk , Cheon Jae Hee , Park Sohee 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimVariation in medical care can be an obstacle to improving quality and outcome of treatment. We conducted a nationwide, population‐based study to identify regional variations in medication prescription rates in Korean patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).MethodsUsing the National Health Insurance claims, we collected data on patients diagnosed with IBD (8974 cases of Crohn's disease [CD] and 17 167 cases of ulcerative colitis [UC]) between 2010 and 2016.ResultsOverall rates of biologics (infliximab or adalimumab) use in CD and UC were 19.6% and 6.1%, respectively, and those of immunomodulator (azathioprine or 6‐mercaptopurine) use were 66.9% and 20.4%, respectively. The average periods from diagnosis to first biologics use for CD and UC were 1.6 and 1.8 years, respectively, and those of immunomodulators were 0.6 and 1.3 years, respectively. In Seoul, Daegu, and Busan, three major cities in Korea, biologics prescription rates for CD were 20.7%, 22.9%, and 14.6%, respectively, and those for UC were 7.3%, 6.7%, and 4.5%, respectively. In the top 7 regions with the highest number of patients in Seoul, there were 3.6‐fold and 3.2‐fold variations between regions with the highest and lowest frequency of biologics use in CD and UC, respectively. In addition, there were 1.6‐fold and 2.8‐fold variations between regions with the highest and lowest frequency of immunomodulator use for CD and UC, respectively.ConclusionsRegional variation exists in medication prescription rates within a single city as well as nationwide, suggesting that standardization of IBD treatment is necessary in Korea.
Correlation of Barrett's esophagus with colorectal polyps in Japanese patients: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Takedomi Hironobu , Tsuruoka Nanae , Takamori Ayako , Miyahara Koichi , Yamanouchi Kohei , Shimamura Takuya , Fujimoto Yo , Noda Takahiro , Matsunaga Takuya , Takara Yoshimichi , Shimada Furitsu , Hidaka Hidenori , Endo Hiroyoshi , Anzai Keizo , Fujimoto Kazuma 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimBarrett's esophagus and colorectal polyps have several overlapping risk factors. Whereas several reports in Western countries have indicated a close relationship between Barrett's esophagus and colorectal polyps, the relationship between these two diseases remains unclear in Japan. This study was performed to determine whether the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus is related to that of colorectal polyps in Japanese patients.MethodsThe present retrospective chart review included 1582 Japanese patients who underwent both total colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy from January 2010 to December 2016. The data on colorectal polyps and Barrett's esophagus were obtained from the endoscopic findings. The medical record of each patient was checked for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol drinking, use of acid suppression agents, and comorbidities including a history of diabetes, ischemic heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, and Helicobacter pylori infection.ResultsColorectal polyps were detected in 789 of the 1582 patients (49.9%). Barrett's esophagus was detected in 233 patients (14.7%), and most cases of Barrett's esophagus (n = 229) were classified as short‐segment Barrett's esophagus. Colorectal polyps were more frequent in patients with than without Barrett's esophagus (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–2.46; P < 0.001). In addition to Barrett's esophagus, the data indicated that old age, male sex, obesity, smoking, alcohol drinking, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps.ConclusionsThe present study revealed the correlation between the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and colorectal polyps in Japanese patients.
Comparison of polyp detection during both insertion and withdrawal versus only withdrawal of colonoscopy: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Cheng Chi‐Liang , Kuo Yen‐Lin , Liu Nai‐Jen , Tang Jui‐Hsiang , Fan Jiun‐Wei , Lin Cheng‐Hui , Tsui Yi‐Ning , Lee Bai‐Ping , Hung Hsiang‐Ling 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsPolyps seen and not removed during colonoscope insertion are sometimes unable to be found during withdrawal. We aimed to evaluate whether additional inspection and polypectomy during insertion increases adenoma detection rate (ADR) compared with inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal.MethodsA total of 421 patients aged ≥ 45 years and undergoing colonoscopy were prospectively randomized to receive inspection and polypectomy during both insertion and withdrawal (study group) or inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal (control group). The primary outcome was the ADR. Secondary outcomes included other adenoma‐related parameters and procedure‐related measures.ResultsBaseline demographics, procedure indications, preparation quality, total procedure time, sedative doses, colonoscopy difficulty, and patient discomfort were similar between the groups. The insertion time was significantly longer in the study group (11.1 ± 4.8 vs 6.2 ± 4.7 min, P < 0.0001). The withdrawal time was significantly longer in the control group (29.2 ± 9.8 vs 23.1 ± 7.9 min, P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the ADR (63.5% [study group] vs 68.1% [control group]), the mean adenoma per procedure (1.6 ± 2.0 vs 1.9 ± 2.4), or the mean adenoma per positive procedure (2.5 ± 2.0 vs 2.7 ± 2.5) between groups. The proximal colon ADR was significantly higher in the control group compared with the study group (56.2% vs 46.0%, P = 0.041).ConclusionsAdditional inspection and polypectomy during colonoscope insertion did not improve ADR compared with inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal. These results do not support an additional role for routine inspection during insertion (clinical trial registration number: NCT03444090).
Grain‐scale dependency of metamorphic reaction on crystal plastic strain
Authors: Chapman Timothy , Clarke Geoffrey L. , Piazolo Sandra , Robbins Victoria A. , Trimby Patrick W. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Breaksea Orthogneiss in Fiordland, New Zealand preserves water‐poor intermediate and mafic igneous rocks that were partially recrystallized to omphacite granulite and eclogite, respectively, at P ≈ 1.8 GPa and T ≈ 850°C. Metamorphic reaction consumed plagioclase and produced grossular‐rich garnet, jadeite‐rich omphacite, clinozoisite and kyanite. The extent of metamorphic reaction, identified by major and trace element composition and microstructural features, is patchy on the grain and outcrop scale. Domains of re‐equilibration coincide with areas that exhibit higher strain suggesting a causal link between crystal plastic strain and metamorphic reaction. Quantitative orientation analysis (EBSD) identifies gradual and stepped changes in crystal lattice orientations of igneous phenocrysts that are surrounded by homophase areas of neoblasts, characterized by high grain boundary to volume ratios and little to no internal lattice distortion. The narrow, peripheral compositional modification of less deformed garnet and omphacite phenocrysts reflects limited lattice diffusion in areas that lacked three‐dimensional networks of interconnected low‐angle boundaries. Low‐angle boundaries acted as elemental pathways (pipe diffusion) that enhanced in‐grain element diffusion. The scale of pipe diffusion is pronounced in garnet relatively to clinopyroxene. Strain‐induced mineral transformation largely controlled the extent of high‐T metamorphic reaction under relatively fluid‐poor conditions.
Weight management telehealth intervention for overweight and obese rural cardiac rehabilitation participants: A randomised trial
Authors: Barnason Susan , Zimmerman Lani , Schulz Paula , Pullen Carol , Schuelke Sue 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo determine whether a weight management intervention (WMI) plus cardiac rehabilitation (CR) compared to CR alone improves outcomes for overweight and obese cardiac revascularisation patients.BackgroundDespite participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), few cardiac patients lose enough weight to achieve clinically significant cardiovascular disease risk reduction.DesignA randomised controlled design was used with measurements at baseline, 4 and 6 months, guided by the CONSORT checklist, see Supporting Information File S1. Adults who had undergone either coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and participated in a rural CR programmes were recruited. Subjects were randomised to a 12‐week telehealth WMI or control group. The primary outcome was weight loss. Secondary outcomes included physical activity, patient activation, perceived self‐efficacy and use of weight management behaviours.ResultsA total of 43 subjects participated, with a mean age of 63 (±9.3) years. The WMI group had significantly more weight loss averaged across the 4 and 6 months of 13.8 (±2.8) pounds compared to the control group [mean = 7.8 (±2.2) pounds]. There were no significant differences in physical activity (activity counts or daily minutes in moderate or more intense activity). The WMI group had significantly higher levels of patient activation. They also had significantly higher total scores on the Diet and Exercise Self‐Management survey, and subscales that included self‐efficacy for specific eating habits and managing diet behaviour.ConclusionsFindings demonstrated the usefulness and feasibility of using telehealth delivery of the WMI for cardiac rehabilitation participants in rural communities to improve weight management outcomes.Relevance to PracticeStudy findings underscore the opportunity to further improve weight loss of overweight and obese cardiac participants using a weight management intervention to augment CR participation.
Pregnancy outcomes of antibody negative and untreated subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Cakmak Burcu D. , Turker Ulku A. , Temur Muzaffer , Ustunyurt Emin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimSubclinical hypothyroidism is thought to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes but the data is conflicting and generally depends on antibody positivity and treatment. We evaluated the pregnancy outcomes in Turkish population with untreated, antibody negative subclinical hypothyroidism for the first time.MethodsWe searched for 30 015 patients between January 2016 and May 2017 retrospectively. Finally, a total of 930 pregnant women with untreated, antibody negative subclinical hypothyroidism and 7986 controls were included. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings and pregnancy outcomes, including pregnancy loss, impaired glucose tolerance, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, placenta previa and abruption, cesarean delivery, low birthweight, Apgar score <7 and premature rupture of membranes were recorded.ResultsDemographic and laboratory characteristics were similar between two groups except thyroid stimulating hormone levels and previous uterine surgery rates. Subclinical hypothyroidism group had an increased risk of pregnancy loss (odds ratio [OR] 2.583; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.982–3.365; P < 0.001), impaired glucose tolerance (OR 1.952; 95% CI 1.450–2.627; P < 0.001), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR 1.476; 95% CI 1.113–1.923; P = 0.004), neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR 1.620; 95% CI 1.084–2.420; P = 0.019), placenta previa (OR 12.581; 95% CI 5.046–31.363; P < 0.001) and cesarean delivery (OR 1.263; 95% CI 1.091–1.462; P = 0.002).ConclusionSubclinical hypothyroidism has worse pregnancy outcomes as compared to euthyroid pregnant women even in antibody negativity. Therefore, we suggest that all pregnant women should routinely be screened in their first antenatal visits for thyroid functions.
Obesity, sedentarism and TMD‐pain in adolescents
Authors: Jordani Paula C. , Campi Letícia B. , Braido Guilherme V. V. , Fernandes Giovana , Visscher Corine M. , Gonçalves Daniela A. G. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundObesity is a chronic and prevalent disorder, affecting individuals of all age. Previous evidence suggests that it is associated with some types of chronic pain, especially musculoskeletal pain. In addition, sedentarism is also associated with an increase of the inflammatory factors and chronic pain. So, we conducted a cross‐sectional study to evaluate the association between obesity, sedentarism and the presence of TMD‐pain in adolescents.MethodsTemporomandibular Disorders were classified according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Obesity was assessed by the body mass index (BMI), bioimpedance (BIA), skinfold (triceps and subscapular) and circumferences (arm and abdominal). The level of physical activity was rated according to the instrument adopted by the Brazilian National School Health Survey. Descriptive statistics, univariate logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to study the associations of interest.ResultsThe sample consisted of 690 individuals with a mean age of 12.7 (±0.76) years of whom 389 (56.4%) were girls. Of the total, 112 (16.2%) had TMD‐pain, 110 (15.9%) were obese according to BMI, 74 (10.8%) according to BIA, and 127 (18.4%) following the skinfolds and circumferences assessments. There was no significant association between TMD‐pain and obesity according to BMI (P = 0.95), BIA (P = 0.16), skinfold and circumference (P = 0.22), and neither with sedentarism (P = 0.94).ConclusionObesity and sedentarism were not associated with the presence of TMD‐pain in adolescents.