bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salivary alpha‐amylase activity and concentration in horses with acute abdominal disease: Association with outcome
Authors: Contreras‐Aguilar M. D. , Martínez‐Subiela S. , Cerón J. J. , Martín‐Cuervo M. , Tecles F. , Escribano D. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundSalivary biomarkers could be useful to objectively evaluate critical illness and prognosis for survival in horses with acute abdominal disease.ObjectivesTo compare salivary alpha‐amylase (sAA) activity and concentration in healthy horses and horses with acute abdominal disease, and evaluate the association between sAA activity and concentration with disease severity and outcome.Study designA prospective cohort.MethodssAA activity, measured using a colorimetric commercial kit, and concentration, measured using a Time‐resolved immunofluorometric assay, in 25 healthy horses and in 33 horses with acute abdominal disease was compared using an ANOVA. Associations between survival to discharge and sAA activity and concentration and other clinical parameters were examined using univariable logistic regression and Spearman correlation.ResultssAA activity and concentration were different between healthy (median = 4.3 [2.6–11.2] IU/L and 58.4 [53.4–80.6] ng/mL, respectively) and diseased (median = 29.8 [14.2–168.9] IU/L and 388.3 [189.1–675.8] ng/mL, respectively) (P<0.001). The sAA activity was higher in non‐survivors (median = 479.0 [78.7–2064.0] IU/L, n = 8) compared to survivors (median = 19.3 [12.1–103.7] IU/L, n = 25, P<0.001) and sAA activity and concentration correlated (P<0.001) moderately with HR (r = 0.66 and r = 0.61, respectively). sAA activity correlated weakly with salivary cortisol (r = 0.45, P<0.001) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome score (r = 0.43, P<0.05), while activity and concentration correlated (P<0.001) moderately with plasma lactate concentration (r = 0.57 and r = 0.60, respectively). The sAA activity was significantly (P = 0.01) associated with increased risk of nonsurvival.Main limitationsPain scores were not recorded. The sample population was small.ConclusionsThe sAA activity, but not concentration, shows potential as a biomarker of prognosis for survival in horses with acute abdominal disease.
The summary is available in Spanish – see Supporting Information
An integrated approach for aircraft turbofan engine fault detection based on data mining techniques
Authors: Gharoun Hassan , Keramati Abbas , Nasiri Mohammad Mahdi , Azadeh Ali 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe present study proposes an algorithm for fault detection in terms of condition‐based maintenance with data mining techniques. The proposed algorithm is applied on an aircraft turbofan engine using flight data and consists of two main sections. In the first section, the relationship between engine exhaust gas temperature (EGT) as the main engine health monitoring criterion and other operational and environmental parameters of the engine was modelled using the data‐driven models. In the second section, a data set including EGT residuals, that is, the difference between the actual EGT of the system and the EGT estimated by the developed model in the health conditions of the engine, was created. Finally, faults occurring in each flight were detected based on the identification of abnormal events by a one‐class support vector machine trained by the health condition EGT residual data set. The results indicated that the proposed algorithm was an effective approach for inspecting aircraft engine conditions and detecting faults, with no need for technical knowledge on the interior characteristics of the aircraft engine.
Prevalence of oral hygiene tools amongst hospitalised elders: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Srinivasan Murali , Delavy Joris , Schimmel Martin , Duong Stephan , Zekry Dina , Trombert Veronique , Gold Gabriel , Müller Frauke 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of various oral hygiene tools amongst hospitalised elders and to associate their cognitive status with the prevalence of tools and oral hygiene status.Materials and methodElderly hospitalised participants were included in the study and underwent a brief clinical intra‐oral examination. A semi‐structured questionnaire evaluated the awareness and personal possession of the various oral hygiene tools. Participants’ personal information and various clinical parameters including DMF (T) index, plaque index, CPITN index, denture plaque and calculus index were collected. Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were retrieved from the medical records. Linear regression models were applied for statistical analyses (P < 0.05).ResultsA total of 100 hospitalised elders (age = 84.5 ± 6.9 years; ♀ = 72, age = 84.9 ± 7.2 years; ♂ = 28, age = 83.3 ± 5.8 years) participated in this study. Awareness was high for manual toothbrush (100%), electric toothbrush (86%), dental floss (79%), interdental brush (44%), interdental stick (55%) and mouthwash (75%), but was low for tongue scraper (9%), while the prevalence of use was 93%, 17%, 27%, 21%, 29%, 39% and 4%, respectively. Linear regression models revealed plaque scores were lower when more hygiene tools were used by the participants (P = 0.0059). Participants with high MMSE scores had lower plaque scores (P = 0.0004) and possessed more oral hygiene tools (P = 0.0203).ConclusionPoor oral hygiene is often noticed in institutionalised elders and might be related to a lack of knowledge about existing oral hygiene tools. These may help optimising oral hygiene, especially in cognitively impaired elders. Oral hygiene tools should be prescribed according to the patient’s need, functional and cognitive status.
Methodology approaches and challenges in population‐based longitudinal study of a neuroprotective model for healthy longevity
Authors: Lau Huijin , Shahar Suzana , Hussin Norlela , Kamarudin Mohd ZA , Hamid Tengku AT , Mukari Siti Z‐MS , Rajab Nor F , Din Normah C , Omar Azahadi , Singh Devinder KA , Haron Hasnah , Sharif Razinah , Yahya Hanis M , Fitri Arimi , Manaf Zahara A , Mohammed Zainora , Ishak Wan S 
Published: January 2019

AimThe 36‐month Long‐Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging – Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity among Malaysian Elderly was designed to address multidimensional aspects including psychosocial, biophysical health, nutrition and dietary pattern, and auditory and visual function to highlight the magnitude of these associations in a single study.MethodsA total of 2322 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited at baseline using the multistage sampling method, followed up at 18 months and 36 months.ResultsResponse rates at baseline, 18 months and 36 months were 87.8%, 77.3% and 67.1%, respectively. At baseline, the prevalence of successful aging, usual aging and mild cognitive impairment was 11%, 73% and 16%, respectively. The prevalence of single and multimorbidity at baseline were 25.9% and 50.3%, respectively. The incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment at 18 months and 36 months were 6.5 and 5.6 per 100 person‐years. The incidence rates of multimorbidity at 18 months and 36 months were 23.7 and 21.5 per 100 person‐years, respectively.ConclusionsThe Long‐Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging study provides an opportunity to investigate the interactions between wide ranges of aspects of the older population in a nationally representative sample of the older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 233–239.
Sex Differences in Prevalence, Symptoms, Impact, and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Migraine and Probable Migraine: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Song Tae‐Jin , Cho Soo‐Jin , Kim Won‐Joo , Yang Kwang Ik , Yun Chang‐Ho , Chu Min Kyung 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate sex differences in the prevalence and clinical presentation of migraine and probable migraine in a general population‐based sample.BackgroundWhile there is research on sex differences in clinical characteristics and their impact on migraine headache, only few studies have investigated sex differences in probable migraine in population‐based settings. Moreover, compared with Western countries, the prevalence of probable migraine in Asia is relatively high. This cross‐sectional study was designed to investigate sex differences in the prevalence and clinical presentation of migraine and probable migraine in a general population‐based sample.MethodsWe used the data of the Korean Headache‐Sleep Study, which is a nationwide survey on headache and sleep.ResultsWe interviewed 7430 people, and 3114 of them agreed to participate in our study (rejection rate, 58.1%). Among these people, 419 withdrew their participation during the interview. Ultimately, 2695 people completed our survey (cooperation rate, 36.3%). The prevalence of overall migraine and probable migraine was 350/1350 (25.9%) for women and 172/1345 (12.8%) for men (P < .001, respectively). The prevalence of migraine (107/1350 [7.9%] vs 36/1345 [2.7%], P < .001) and probable migraine (243/1350 [18.0%] vs 136/1345 [10.1%], P < .001) was significantly higher among women than among men. Headache frequency per month (median [interquartile range]) (1.0 [0.3–3.0] vs 0.8 [0.3–2.0], P = .037), the visual analog scale score for headache intensity (5.0 [4.0–7.0] vs 5.0 [3.0–6.0], P = .019), and the impact of headache {Headache Impact Test‐6 score (47.0 [42.0–54.0] vs 44.0 [42.0–51.8], P = .013)} were significantly higher among women with probable migraine than men. Headache frequency per month (2.0 [0.4–4.0] vs 1.0 [0.3–2.0], P = .073), headache intensity (6.0 [5.0–8.0] vs 6.0 [4.2–7.0], P = .281), and the impact of headache (55.0 [48.0–61.0] vs 49.0 [46.3–60.8], P = .225) were not significantly different between women and men with migraine. Other comorbidities or associated symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, were not significantly different between women and men with migraine and probable migraine, except for nausea in probable migraine.ConclusionWomen experience more severe symptoms and a higher impact of headache than men among participants with probable migraine. Our findings suggest that women with PM need a more intensive evaluation and treatment than men with PM.
Provenance identification based on EPMA analyses of heavy minerals: Case study of the Toki Sand and Gravel Formation, central Japan
Authors: Shimizu Mayuko , Sano Naomi , Ueki Tadamasa , Komatsu Tetsuya , Yasue Ken‐ichi , Niwa Masakazu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTo perform efficient provenance analysis, a method for quick identification of heavy minerals by using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) was developed. The concentrations of 28 elements were measured in individual grains to identify the mineral species based on their chemical composition. Provenance rocks can be identified based on the abundance ratio of identified minerals and the chemical composition of specific minerals. This method was applied to samples from the Toki Sand and Gravel Formation in the Tono area, central Japan. At the sampling location, gravels of the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite and the Nohi Rhyolite were observed in the upper member, whereas gravels of only the Nohi Rhyolite were observed in the lower member. Heavy‐mineral compositions of the bedrock samples of the Nohi Rhyolite and the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite, as well as the sediments at the sampling location, were measured by EPMA analysis. Both bedrocks commonly contain ilmenite, biotite, allanite, and zircon, and the abundance ratios of heavy minerals were similar. Instead, MnO contents of ilmenite grains and Y2O3 contents of zircon grains were used as indexes to distinguish the two bedrocks. As a result, the Y2O3‐rich zircon grains (≥ 1 wt%) observed in the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite were obtained in the upper member but not in the lower member. The MnO contents of ilmenite grains were higher in the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite and the upper‐member sediments than those in the Nohi Rhyolite and the lower‐member sediments, although the difference was small probably because of Mn dissolution due to secondary alteration. These results indicate that the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite was added to the provenance of the sampling location after deposition of the lower member, which is consistent with the geological description. The change in provenance could have been caused by uplift and denudation of the Atera Mountains associated with reactivation of the nearby Atera Fault.
The role of biologics in the treatment of chronic granuloma annulare
Authors: Chen Alessandra , Truong Allison K. , Worswick Scott 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundGranuloma annulare (GA), a benign inflammatory skin disease, is considered a Th1‐type delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Localized GA is likely to resolve spontaneously, whereas disseminated GA (DGA) may persist for decades and can be resistant to treatment. Biologics including TNF‐α inhibitors have been proposed and utilized as salvage therapy for GA and other related diseases, interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD), and actinic granuloma (AG).MethodsA systematic review was conducted using the combination of search terms “granuloma annulare,” “interstitial granulomatous dermatitis,” or “actinic granuloma” and either “biologics,” “etanercept,” “adalimumab,” “infliximab,” “ustekinumab,” “ixekizumab,” “secukinumab,” “guselkumab,” “golimumab,” “brodalumab,” “tildrakizumab,” or “certolizumab” from the years 1970–2017.ResultsReview of the literature revealed that 79.3% of the patients with GA, IGD, or AG who had been treated with demonstrated TNF‐α inhibitor therapy a clinical response.ConclusionsTNF‐α inhibitor therapy has been used to treat chronic GA, IGD, and AG that involved extensive body surface areas. However, the literature is limited to case series lacking control groups. Randomized, controlled trials are required to establish evidence‐based treatment of GA and related cutaneous, granulomatous conditions.
Kinetics of pore formation and resulting properties of lightweight inorganic polymers
Authors: Denissen Jos , Kriskova Lubica , Pontikes Yiannis 
Published: January 2019

AbstractInorganic polymer (IP) foams could be used as an alternative to commonly available cellular concretes. To do so, however, it is crucial to understand how the foaming kinetics and the final foam properties can be controlled and tailored to delivered the desired performance. The research reported in this article investigates the influence of the SiO2/Na2O ratio of the activating solution, addition time of foaming agent, and temperature, on the reaction kinetics and final properties of a porous IP. The IPs were formed by activating fayalite slag, a by‐product of secondary copper production, with a sodium‐silicate solution. Foaming was achieved by introducing metallic Al into the formulation, oxidizing it in the alkaline environment, liberating H2 gas, and entrapping it. Reaction kinetics were assessed using isothermal calorimetry, rheology, and a dedicated setup to record the foaming. The mechanical and physical properties of the foam were assessed via compressive strength and water absorption measurements. Microstructural analysis was undertaken using electron microscopy and computed tomography. The results showed that by decreasing the SiO2/Na2O ratio and/or increasing the temperature, the reaction kinetics were accelerated. Regarding the properties, postponing the initiation of the foaming led to more uniform and smaller pores, resulting in an increased compressive strength‐to‐density ratio.
Thromboembolic events and need for anticoagulation therapy following left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with electrical isolation of the appendage
Authors: Gadiyaram Varuna K. , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Gianni Carola , Trivedi Chintan , Al‐Ahmad Amin , Burkhardt David J. , Gallinghouse Joseph G. , Hranitzky Patrick M. , Horton Rodney P. , Sanchez Javier E. , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Di Biase Luigi , Price Matthew J. , Couts Linda , Gibson Douglas , Natale Andrea 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionElectrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an important adjunctive ablation strategy in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients who have impaired LAA contractility following isolation may require long‐term oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy irrespective of their CHADS2‐VASc score. Percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) is a potential alternative to life‐long OAC therapy. We aimed to assess the rate of OAC discontinuation and thromboembolic (TE) events following percutaneous LAAO in patients who underwent LAA electrical isolation (LAAI).MethodsThis is a retrospective two‐center study of patients who underwent percutaneous LAAO following LAAI. Patients with at least 3‐month follow‐up were included in the study. The antithrombotic therapy and TE events at the time of the last follow‐up were noted.ResultsThe LAA was successfully occluded in 162 (with Watchman device in 140 [86.4%] and Lariat in 22 [13.6%]). A total of 32 patients had leaks detected on the 45‐day transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE); 21 (15%) Watchman and 11 (50%) Lariat cases (P = 0.0001). Two (one Watchman and one Lariat) of the 32 leaks were more than 5 mm. After the 45‐day TEE, 150 (92.6%) patients were off‐OAC. No TE events were reported in the 150 patients who stopped the anticoagulants. Four (2.47%) patients experienced stroke following the LAAO (three Watchman and one Lariat) procedure while on‐OAC, two of which were fatal. At the median follow‐up of 18.5 months, 159 (98.15%) patients were off‐anticoagulant.ConclusionUp to 98% of patients with LAAI could safely discontinue OAC after undergoing the appendage closure procedure.
The use of bioactive factors to enhance bone regeneration: A narrative review
Authors: Donos Nikos , Dereka Xanthippi , Calciolari Elena 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimThis review critically appraises the available knowledge on the pre‐clinical and clinical use of bioactive factors for bone regeneration in the cranial and maxillofacial area.Materials and MethodsThe use of growth factors, amelogenins and autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) for bone regeneration was reviewed in a systematic manner. More specifically, pre‐clinical and clinical studies on ridge preservation, alveolar ridge augmentation, regeneration of peri‐implant defects and sinus augmentation models were considered.ResultsAmongst different bioactive factors, the highest pre‐clinical and clinical evidence of a positive effect on bone formation is associated with rhBMP‐2 and the lowest with amelogenins. WhileAPCs seem to accelerate clinical healing and reduce postoperative discomfort, there is insufficient and contrasting evidence of a significant effect on hard tissue regeneration for the different clinical applications.ConclusionsAlthough there is increasing evidence that bioactive factors might enhance the bone regeneration process, the great heterogeneity of the available studies and the limited number ofRCTs do not allow to draw robust conclusions. Issues that still need to be investigated include the optimal carriers for bioactive agents (direct vs. indirect), the dosage, the timing of administration, as well as the possibility of combining different agents to promote synergistic effects.
Bone grafts: which is the ideal biomaterial?
Authors: Haugen Håvard Jostein , Lyngstadaas Ståle Petter , Rossi Filippo , Perale Giuseppe 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBovine xenograft materials, followed by synthetic biomaterials, which unfortunately still lack documented predictability and clinical performance, dominate the market for the cranio‐maxillofacial area. In Europe, new stringent regulations are expected to further limit the allograft market in the future.AimWithin this narrative review, we discuss possible future biomaterials for bone replacement.Scientific Rationale for StudyAlthough the bone graft (BG) literature is overflooded, only a handful of new BG substitutes are clinically available. Laboratory studies tend to focus on advanced production methods and novel biomaterial features, which can be costly to produce.Practical ImplicationsIn this review, we ask why such a limited number of BGs are clinically available when compared to extensive laboratory studies. We also discuss what features are needed for an ideal BG.ResultsWe have identified the key properties of current bone substitutes and have provided important information to guide clinical decision‐making and generate new perspectives on bone substitutes. Our results indicated that different mechanical and biological properties are needed despite each having a broad spectrum of variations.ConclusionsWe foresee bone replacement composite materials with higher levels of bioactivity, providing an appropriate balance between bioabsorption and volume maintenance for achieving ideal bone remodelling.
Discerning microbial and quality attributes of differently slaughtered and dead poultry meat
Authors: Rahman Hafiz Ubaid ur , Sahar Amna , Khan Muhammad Issa , Jamil Amer 
Published: January 2019

AbstractGlobally, various methods of slaughtering have been practiced for the production of chicken meat. Among these methods, Halal slaughtering is implemented to produce Halal chicken. This method involves cutting the throat to bring the animal toward quick death without anguishing. Additionally, Halal slaughtering also favors rapid blood flow and more bleeding. Slaughtering methods are concorded with composition, quality, and microbial safety of meat, mediated by varied blood retention. Accordingly, the present work was aimed to explicate the effect of various slaughtering methods on quality and safety of broiler meat. Results revealed that significant compositional changes were observed in meat obtained from different slaughtering methods. Additionally, Halal‐slaughtered meat showed less nitrogenous losses (TVBN = 9.81 mgN/100 g), high water holding capacity (72.02%), better shear‐force value (21.37 g), and normal color (L* = 48.59, a* = 0.85, b* = 11.56) as compared to other slaughtering methods and dead meat. Additionally, Halal‐slaughtered meat contained less number of total plate count (4.28 log10CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae count (3.12 log10CFU/g), Salmonella (2.74 log10CFU/g), and E. coli (2.78 log10CFU/g) counts in comparison with the other slaughtering methods and dead meat samples. Findings of the study indicate that slaughtering methods significantly influence the quality and microbial status of broiler meat.Practical applicationsIn recent years, the international market for meat obtained from animals/birds slaughtered by using various religious methods has become important for supplying the desired meat globally. Although several studies have been conducted in this domain but most of the published data mainly emphasize the work related to the use of conventional slaughtering methods with limited comparison to religious slaughtering methods. However, some projects have also addressed the issues related to the impact of slaughtering methods on meat quality. Discussion related to religious slaughtering has been in progress around the world. Accordingly, the present study was conducted in this regard for providing some more information and facilitating the existing and upcoming discussions on the merits and demerits of several slaughtering methods with special reference to meat quality and safety.