bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Differences in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Predict the Risk of Developing Depression in Later Life?
Authors: Briggs Robert , Carey Daniel , Claffey Paul , McNicholas Triona , Donoghue Orna , Kennelly Sean P. , Kenny Rose Anne 
Published: February 2019

Background/ObjectivesThere is growing interest in the association between gait disturbance and depression in later life. The aim of this study is to clarify the longitudinal relationship between specific gait parameters and incident depression within a population‐representative sample of older people.DesignLongitudinal analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters at baseline (wave 1) and incident depression at 2 and 4 years (waves 2/3). Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between tertiles of gait parameters and incident depression.SettingThe Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging.ParticipantsOver 3600 nondepressed community‐dwelling people aged 50 years or older.MeasurementsA score of 9 or greater on the eight‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale at wave 2 or 3 was indicative of incident depression. The GAITRite system was used to measure gait speed, step length, step width, and double support phase during usual speed walking and under dual task conditions.ResultsParticipants with incident depression (344/3615) had slower gait speed (129.9 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 127.2‐132.6] cm/s vs 134.1 [95% CI = 133.0‐135.1] cm/s; F = 8.82; P = .003) and shorter step length (68.0 [95% CI = 66.9‐69.2] cm vs 70.3 [95% CI = 69.9‐70.7] cm; F = 13.99; P < .001) at baseline than those who did not develop depression. Logistic regression models demonstrated that those within the slowest tertile for gait speed and shortest tertile for step length had significantly increased likelihood of incident depression in fully adjusted models, with odds ratios of 1.54 (95% CI = 1.08‐2.19) and 1.54 (95% CI = 1.01‐2.35), respectively. Measures of step width and double support time were not associated with depression.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that older people with incident depression have significantly slower gait speed and shorter step length at initial assessment. These findings are clinically significant given the impact both conditions have on functional status in later life, as well as the possibility that gait problems may represent a potentially modifiable risk factor for depression. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1050–1056, 2019.
Exploring the cognitive phenotype of Kabuki (Niikawa–Kuroki) syndrome
Authors: van Dongen L. C. M. , Wingbermühle P. A. M. , van der Veld W. M. , Stumpel C. , Kleefstra T. , Egger J. I. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundKabuki syndrome (KS) is a Mendelian disorder, characterised by short stature, facial dysmorphisms and developmental delay and/or intellectual disability. Clarification of the neurocognitive profile in KS may provide directions for education and treatment interventions for KS. Previous studies on cognitive functioning in KS are scarce and have mainly focused on the general level of intelligence. The few more extensive studies suggested weaknesses in language skills, visuoconstruction, perceptual reasoning and speed of information processing. Other relevant domains such as memory, executive functioning and social cognition have not been studied yet.MethodThis is the first study in which cognitive functioning within multiple domains is systematically explored in 29 participants with KS (age range: 5–48 years) and compared to both norm groups (healthy population) and an appropriate control group of 15 individuals with other genetic syndromes (age range: 6–28 years).ResultsCompared to the norm groups of the cognitive test manuals, as expected, participants with KS show a weaker performance on all cognitive tests. Comparison with the more appropriate genetic control group indicates weaknesses in visuoconstruction and visual memory and no weaknesses in planning, cognitive flexibility or social cognition. Verbal memory seems to be a relative strength.ConclusionsIndividuals with KS suffer from specific weaknesses in visuoconstruction, in addition to their intellectual disability/developmental delay. These impairments in visuoconstruction plausibly result from problems in visual perceptual processing, which highlight the importance of the use of auditory cues instead of visual cues in targeted educational support and psychosocial interventions.
Effect of food properties and chewing condition on the electromyographic activity of the posterior tongue
Authors: Manda Yousuke , Kodama Naoki , Maeda Naoto , Minagi Shogo 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundRetraction of the posterior tongue facilitates bolus formation, food transfer and Stage II transport in chewing and swallowing. Surface electromyography of the neck region (N‐EMG) enabled the evaluation of muscle function at the posterior tongue. Although previous studies showed that food hardness increased masticatory muscles EMG activity and volitional chewing altered swallowing, the effect of food properties and chewing condition on N‐EMG activity has not yet been elucidated.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of food properties and chewing conditions on N‐EMG.MethodsTwelve healthy adults (six men and six women, mean age 28.1 ± 2.7) participated in this study. Three test foods were used: a cookie (solid food), crushed cookies adjusted using agar and water (semisolid food) and crushed cookies adjusted using thickening agent and water (soft food). Masseter and submental muscle EMG and N‐EMG activity were recorded while chewing the three test foods. Participants were instructed to masticate the three test foods in three chewing conditions: (a) chewing freely, (b) chewing test foods with the same number of chewing cycles as when chewing solid food and (c) chewing with a maximum effort.ResultsTotal N‐EMG activity when chewing solid food was higher than that in the other two test foods regardless of the chewing condition. In soft food and semisolid food, the total N‐EMG activity was increased by increasing the number of chewing cycles.ConclusionThe total N‐EMG activity was increased while chewing hard food, which indicates the positive effect of chewing hard food on rehabilitation at the posterior tongue.
The diagnostic value of ischaemia‐modified albumin in acute abdominal pain
Authors: Sarac Fatma , Yeniocak Selman , Buyukbese Sarsu Sevgi , Sahin Kamil , Yucetas Esma , Koldas Macit , Katipoglu Burak 
Published: February 2019

AimThe differential diagnosis of paediatric patients admitted to the emergency department presenting with acute abdominal pain may be difficult. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of ischaemia‐modified albumin (IMA) in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in children and in distinguishing surgical from non‐surgical cases.MethodsThe study was conducted with a total of 152 subjects who provided informed consent, including 112 patients admitted to the paediatric emergency department and paediatric surgical clinic and 40 healthy control subjects. Blood samples were collected after initial examination to determine IMA, white blood cell (WBC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values.ResultsMean IMA values of patients with acute appendicitis (AA), perforated appendicitis (PA) and non‐specific abdominal pain were significantly higher compared to the control group. Mean IMA values of the AA and PA cases were also significantly higher compared to the group with non‐specific abdominal pain. No significant difference was determined in mean IMA between the AA and PA groups. WBC and CRP levels of the AA and PA groups were significantly higher compared to the group with non‐specific abdominal pain.ConclusionOur study shows that IMA, together with WBC and CRP, may be a biomarker capable of assisting the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in children and distinguishing surgical from non‐surgical cases.
A longitudinal study of polysomnographic variables in patients with mild cognitive impairment converting to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Carnicelli Luca , Maestri Michelangelo , Di Coscio Elisa , Tognoni Gloria , Fabbrini Monica , Schirru Alessandro , Giorgi Filippo S. , Siciliano Gabriele , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Bonanni Enrica 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe main condition at increased risk of dementia is considered to be mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment has been defined as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, of which it may represent a prodrome. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether sleep variables (both conventional and microstructural ones) in subjects with mild cognitive impairment correlate with conversion to dementia. Nineteen subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (mean age 68.5 ± 7.0 years) and 11 cognitively intact healthy elderly individuals (mean age 69.2 ± 12.6 years) underwent ambulatory polysomnography for the evaluation of nocturnal sleep architecture and cyclic alternating pattern parameters. Amnestic mild cognitive impairment subjects were clinically and cognitively re‐evaluated after 2 years, during routine follow‐up, and further classified as amnestic mild cognitive impairment converters (that is, patients developing Alzheimer's disease, N = 11) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment non‐converters. Compared with healthy elderly individuals, amnestic mild cognitive impairment showed disrupted sleep with decreased rapid eye movement sleep, cyclic alternating pattern rate and cyclic alternating pattern slow‐wave‐related phases (A1 index). Standard sleep architecture analysis did not show significant differences between the two subgroups of amnestic mild cognitive impairment, whereas cyclic alternating pattern analysis showed that cyclic alternating pattern rate, A1 index and A3 index are significantly reduced in converters compared with non‐converters. Our data confirm that in amnestic mild cognitive impairment subjects there is a sleep impairment, particularly when considering more refined sleep parameters and that sleep variables at baseline are different among converters versus non‐converters at the 2‐year follow‐up. Specific sleep alterations might represent potential further biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of early‐phase cognitive impairment.
Inotropic and lusitropic effects of incremental doses of dobutamine in dogs with right ventricular apical pacing‐induced cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Nakata Telma Mary , Kaji Hideki , Matsuura Naoya , Shimizu Miki , Tanaka Ryou 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the effects of incremental doses of dobutamine on diastolic function in healthy and rapid ventricular apical pacing (RVAP)‐induced cardiac dysfunction anesthetized dogs. Inotropic and lusitropic effects of dobutamine (2, 4, 8, and 12 μg kg−1 min−1) were assessed through left ventricle (LV) pressure–volume relation and Doppler echocardiography in six female dogs before and after 8 weeks of RVAP. Peak rate of LV pressure fall (−dP/dtmin) improved with doses >4 μg kg−1 min−1 in healthy (4,490 ± 970 vs. 3,265 ± 471 mmHg/s, p < 0.05) and >8 μg kg−1 min−1 in RVAP dogs (3,385 ± 1,122 vs. 1,864 ± 849 mmHg/s, p < 0.05) while the time constant of relaxation (tau) reduced with doses >4 μg kg−1 min−1 in both groups (healthy: 24.0 ± 3.7 vs. 28.2 ± 4.9 ms; RVAP: 32.6 ± 8.5 vs. 37.5 ± 11.4 ms, p < 0.05) comparing with baseline. Indices of relaxation (−dP/dtmin and tau) suggested preserved lusitropic response in contrast with markedly reduced indices of contractility in the RVAP group compared with healthy group at same infusion rates. Doppler echocardiography showed significant reduction of elastic recoil in failing hearts. The results of this study demonstrated maximal positive lusitropic effects of dobutamine at a dose of 8 μg kg−1 min−1 in ventricular pacing‐induced cardiac dysfunction without further impairment of ventricular filling.
Broadening the taxonomic scope of coral reef palaeoecological studies using ancient DNA
Authors: del Carmen Gomez Cabrera Maria , Young Jennifer M. , Roff George , Staples Timothy , Ortiz Juan Carlos , Pandolfi John M. , Cooper Alan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMarine environments face acute pressures from human impacts, often resulting in substantial changes in community structure. On the inshore Great Barrier Reef (GBR), palaeoecological studies show the collapse of the previously dominant coral Acropora from the impacts of degraded water quality associated with European colonization. Even more dramatic impacts can result in the replacement of corals by fleshy macroalgae on modern reefs, but their past distribution is unknown because they leave no fossil record. Here, we apply DNA metabarcoding and high‐throughput sequencing of the 18S rDNA gene on palaeoenvironmental DNA (aeDNA) derived from sediment cores at two sites on Pandora Reef (GBR), to enhance palaeoecological studies by incorporating key soft‐bodied taxa, including macroalgae. We compared temporal trends in this aeDNA record with those of coral genera derived from macrofossils. Multivariate analysis of 12 eukaryotic groups from the aeDNA community showed wide variability over the past 750 years. The occurrence of brown macroalgae was negatively correlated only with the dominant coral at both sites. The occurrence of coralline and green macroalgae was positively correlated with only the dominant coral at one of the sites, where we also observed a significant association between the whole coral community and the occurrence of each of the three macroalgae groups. Our results demonstrate that reef sediments can provide a valuable archive for understanding the past distribution and occurrence of important soft‐bodied reef dwellers. Combining information from fossils and aeDNA provides an enhanced understanding of temporal changes of reefs ecosystems at decadal to millennial timescales.
Oral Interaction in the EFL Classroom: The Effects of Instructional Focus and Task Type on Learner Affect
Authors: VAN BATENBURG ELINE S. L. , OOSTDAM RON J. , VAN GELDEREN AMOS J. S. , FUKKINK RUBEN G. , DE JONG NIVJA H. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLittle is known about the effects of different instructional approaches on learner affect in oral interaction in the foreign language classroom. In a randomized experiment with Dutch pre‐vocational learners (N = 147), we evaluated the effects of 3 newly developed instructional programs for English as a foreign language (EFL). These programs differed in instructional focus (form‐focused vs. interaction strategies‐oriented) and type of task (pre‐scripted language tasks vs. information gap tasks). Multilevel analyses revealed that learners’ enjoyment of EFL oral interaction was not affected by instruction, that willingness to communicate (WTC) decreased over time, and that self‐confidence was positively affected by combining information gap tasks with interactional strategies instruction. In addition, regression analyses revealed that development in learners’ WTC and enjoyment did not have predictive value for achievement in EFL oral interaction, but that development in self‐confidence did explain achievement in EFL oral interaction in trained interactional contexts.
Material Moments: Teacher and Student Use of Materials in Multilingual Writing Classroom Interactions
Authors: MATSUMOTO YUMI 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis qualitative study examines moments in the multilingual classroom when materials become prominent in whole‐class interactions. Despite the critical impact that materials can have on classroom discourse and learning/teaching, research onactual usageof materials in second language (L2) classroom interactions has been scarce compared with the effort devoted to the development and assessment of L2 materials (Guerrettaz & Johnston, 2013). This study examines students’ and instructors’ use of materials in a multilingual writing classroom, focusing on the roles of textbooks, teacher‐prepared worksheets, and a projection screen. The study illustrates the relationship between materials and miscommunication—specifically, how materials can contribute both to resolving miscommunication among students and their instructor and to creating miscommunication when students employ materials differently than intended by the instructor. This study employs the concepts ofadaptation, improvisation, andattractor statesfrom complexity theory (e.g., Larsen–Freeman, 2017) to analyze L2 classroom interactions. A sequential, multimodal analysis demonstrates that students and their instructor seem to be aware of materials as interactional resources and actively coordinate them with speech and nonverbal, embodied resources for meaning making. The findings improve our understanding of how L2 teachers and students can attend to materials and adapt such interactional resources for their own purposes.
Separation and identification of Brassica rapa BrAFP and its gene cloning and expression under freezing stress
Authors: Liu Zigang , Dong Xiaoyun , Ma Li , Sun Wancang , Yang Gang , Fang Yan , Wu Junyan , Li Xuecai 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAntifreeze proteins (AFPs) are proteins that inhibit ice nucleation by non‐colligative combined with ice, to inhibit its growth and to modify ice crystal morphology. In this study, 'Longyou 6' (Brassica rapa) with the cold resistance was used as a model. A 38 kDa band of protein extracted from leaves of plants exposed to low temperature was enhanced on the electropherogram. The 38 kDa protein can significantly inhibit growth of ice crystals and modify its morphology, thus suggesting this protein has an AFP in winter turnip rape. The protein was identified as beta‐1,3‐glucanase by mass spectrometry, named BrAFP1. Its corresponding gene contains 1,032 bp bases, coding 343 amino acids with a molecular weight of 38,102 kDa. The BrAFP1 is a predicted hydrophobic protein with a signal peptide. Under cold stress, the plants showed morphological characteristics of cold resistance, and BrAFP expression was significantly up‐regulated at −4°C from 0.5 to 4 days compared with the control (at room temperature), suggesting that the BrAFP gene played an important role in cold acclimation in B. rapa.
Density enhancement of a faba bean genetic linkage map (Vicia faba) based on simple sequence repeats markers
Authors: Yang Tao , Jiang Junye , Zhang Hongyan , Liu Rong , Strelkov Stephen , Hwang Sheau‐Fang , Chang Kan‐Fa , Yang Feng , Miao Yamei , He Yuhua , Zong Xuxiao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGenetic mapping for faba bean lags far behind other major crops. Density enhancement of the faba bean genetic linkage map was carried out by screening 5,325 genomic SSR primers and 2033 expressed sequence tag (EST)‐SSR primers on the parental cultivars '91825' and 'K1563'. Two hundred and fifteen genomic SSR and 133 EST‐SSR primer pairs that detected polymorphisms in the parents were used to screen 129 F2 individuals. This study added 337 more SSR markers and extended the previous linkage map by 2928.45 cM to a total of 4516.75 cM. The number of SSR markers in the linkage groups varied from 12 to 136 while the length of each linkage group ranged from 129.35 to 1180.21 cM. The average distance between adjacent loci in the enhanced genetic linkage map was 9.71 cM, which is 2.79 cM shorter than the first linkage map of faba bean. The density‐enhanced genetic map of faba bean will be useful for marker‐assisted selection and breeding in this important legume crop.
Effectiveness of an educational program for mid‐level Japanese public health nurses to improve program planning competencies: A preliminary randomized control trial
Authors: Yoshioka‐Maeda Kyoko , Shiomi Misa , Katayama Takafumi , Hosoya Noriko , Kuroda Mariko 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of an education program for mid‐level Japanese public health nurses (PHNs) to improve their competencies in program planning, which will fulfill community health needs.DesignRandomized control trial.SampleDuring 2017, 103 PHNs with 5–20 years of PHN work experience in Japan were enrolled and randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 51) or control group (n = 52).MeasurementsThe primary outcome measured competency in program planning based on Competency Measurement of Creativity for PHNs (CMC), knowledge, and skills regarding program planning.InterventionSix web‐based learning modules followed by two face‐to‐face group sessions.ResultsThe PHN participants averaged about 12 years of experience. In the intervention group, 25 PHNs completed all modules (49.0%). Post intervention, there were no statistically significant differences among any between‐group CMC scores. However, the intervention group's CMC 3 score was significantly higher than that of the control group of ≥12 years of experience. Total knowledge and skill scores also improved significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that PHNs with ≥12 years of experience are a suitable target of this educational program, and should play a key role in program planning.
Sexually transmitted disease services and third‐party payer reimbursement: Attitudes, knowledge, and current practices among 60 health departments/districts. Why does this matter to public health nurses?
Authors: Kovar Cheryl L. , Bynum Susan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess staff attitudes, knowledge, and current practices in billing third‐party payers for sexually transmitted disease (STD) services in public health departments/districts.Design and SampleA cross‐sectional, online survey was administered to staff at 60 urban and rural health departments/districts. Snowball sampling was used for greater representation. There were 311 staff responses from 56 agencies represented in the data analysis. Of the 311 responses, 106 were public health nurses and seven of the health directors had nursing backgrounds.MeasurementThe survey measured attitudes, knowledge, and current billing practices for STD services. Analysis of data was performed at both individual and agency level.ResultsAlmost 90% reported it was acceptable to bill insurance. However, 56% felt these services should remain a “free” service in the agency. Most agencies were billing Medicaid for STD services (95%) and 70% bill private third‐party payers.ConclusionsCurrent funding for public STD clinics is not sustainable and other viable income streams such as third‐party payer reimbursement must be utilized. Public health nurses play a pivotal role in developing policies and procedures in billing third‐party payers for STD and other clinical services. Understanding the interactions between attitudes, knowledge and practice are vital in this development.