bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prebiotics as functional ingredients: focus on Mediterranean fish aquaculture
Authors: Guerreiro Inês , Oliva‐Teles Aires , Enes Paula 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe increased demand for food fish, together with the banning of antibiotics for fish growth promotion and the greater public awareness for healthy fish production, led to an increased interest in the potential of functional feeds as health promoters. Prebiotics are functional ingredients that are used in fish, being reported to be associated with improvements in growth, feed efficiency, gut microbiota, digestive enzyme activities, gut morphology, immune status, disease resistance, intermediary metabolism, and stress responses. Those benefits may be related with the increase in gut beneficial bacteria, bacteria end‐products of prebiotic fermentation, or the interaction between prebiotics and pattern recognition receptors. Due to the reported prebiotic‐related positive effects in fish, a large amount of studies have been published in the last years, mainly focusing on prebiotics’ benefits to fish. Thus, the present review focuses on prebiotics’ potential as functional ingredients, focusing on their mechanisms of action. In addition, this review summarizes prebiotic effects in Mediterranean aquaculture fish, whose production has greatly increased in the last years. Finally, topics that deserve to be further explored, such as prebiotic effects related with fish age and size, and timing and duration of administration are suggested.
A retrospective cohort study of high-impact users among patients with cerebrovascular conditions
Authors: Rao Ahsan , Jones Alice , Bottle Alex , Darzi Ara , Aylin Paul 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo apply group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) to the hospital administrative data to evaluate, model and visualise trends and changes in the frequency of long-term hospital care use of the subgroups of patients with cerebrovascular conditions.DesignA retrospective cohort study of patients with cerebrovascular conditions.SettingsSecondary care of all patients with cerebrovascular conditions admitted to English National Hospital Service hospitals.ParticipantsAll patients with cerebrovascular conditions identified through national administrative data (Hospital Episode Statistics) and subsequent emergency hospital admissions followed up for 4 years.Main outcome measureAnnual number of emergency hospital readmissions.ResultsGBTM model classified patients with intracranial haemorrhage (n=2605) into five subgroups, whereas ischaemic stroke (n=34 208) and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (n=20 549) patients were shown to have two conventional groups, low and high impact. The covariates with significant association with high-impact users (17.1%) among ischaemic stroke were epilepsy (OR 2.29), previous stroke (OR 2.18), anxiety/depression (OR 1.63), procedural complication (OR 1.43), admission to intensive therapy unit (ITU) or high dependency unit (HDU) (OR 1.42), comorbidity score (OR 1.36), urinary tract infections (OR 1.32), vision loss (OR 1.32), chest infections (OR 1.25), living alone (OR 1.25), diabetes (OR 1.23), socioeconomic index (OR 1.20), older age (OR 1.03) and prolonged length of stay (OR 1.00). The covariates associated with high-impact users among TIA (20.0%) were thromboembolic event (OR 3.67), previous stroke (OR 2.51), epilepsy (OR 2.25), hypotension (OR 1.86), anxiety/depression (OR 1.63), amnesia (OR 1.62), diabetes (OR 1.58), anaemia (OR 1.55), comorbidity score (OR 1.39), atrial fibrillation (OR 1.27), living alone (OR 1.25), socioeconomic index (OR 1.13), older age (OR 1.04) and prolonged length of stay (OR 1.02). The high-impact users (0.5%) among intracranial haemorrhage were strongly associated with thromboembolic event (OR 20.3) and inversely related to older age (OR 0.58).ConclusionGBTM effectively assessed trends in the use of hospital care by the subgroups of patients with cerebrovascular conditions. High-impact users persistently had higher annual readmission during the follow-up period.
Percutaneous coronary intervention patients’ and cardiologists’ experiences of the informed consent process in Northern England: a qualitative study
Authors: Probyn Joy , Greenhalgh Joanne , Holt Janet , Conway Dwayne , Astin Felicity 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveInformed consent is central to ethical medical practice, but little is known about how the process takes place in clinical practice. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common revascularisation procedure. Studies report that patients overestimate benefits, forget the risks and are unaware of alternative treatments. The aim of this study was to describe PCI patients’ and cardiologists’ experiences of the informed consent process in acute care settings.Design/setting/participantsA qualitative study with a maximum variation sample of elective and acute PCI patients and cardiologists taking their consent, recruited from a district general hospital and tertiary centre. In-depth interviews were conducted, and consent discussions were audio recorded. Data collection, coding and theorising occurred simultaneously.FindingsForty-one (26 male) patients scheduled for elective (20) or urgent (21) PCI and 19 cardiologists (5 female) participated. Despite diversity in patients’ experiences of informed consent, elective and acute patients experienced a common four-stage process of consent. Most patients made the decision to have treatment at PCI referral and took a passive role in the discussions we recorded. They recognised cardiologists as experts, trusted the medical system to ‘fix’ their health problem and were unaware of their role in the informed consent process. Informed consent discussions functioned as a formal ‘event’,enabling cardiologists to check patients’ understanding and enabling patients to access treatment.ConclusionsThe configuration of services and patients’ perceptions of their role in informed consent underpin a mismatch between legal and ethical principles of informed consent and current practice. The variation in patients’ experiences of the current place of informed consent in service delivery represents a missed opportunity for cardiologists to work in decision-making partnerships with patients. In light of recent changes in the law, a new approach to informed consent is required.
Characterisation of clot microstructure properties in stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Sabra Ahmed , Lawrence Matthew James , Aubrey Robert , Obaid Daniel , Chase Alexander , Smith Dave , Thomas Phillip , Storton Sharon , Davies Gareth R , Hawkins Karl , Williams Phylip Rhodri , Morris Keith , Evans Phillip Adrian 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with an increased prothrombotic tendency and is also linked to unfavourably altered clot microstructure. We have previously described a biomarker of clot microstructure (df) that is unfavourably altered in acute myocardial infarction. The dfbiomarker assesses whether the blood will form denser or looser microstructures when it clots. In this study we assessed in patients with stable chest pain whether dfcan differentiate between obstructed and unobstructed CAD.MethodsA blood sample prior to angiography was obtained from 251 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. Patients were categorised based on angiographic findings as presence or absence of obstructive CAD (stenosis ≥50%). The blood sample was assessed using the dfbiomarker, standard laboratory markers and platelet aggregometry (Multiplate).ResultsA significant difference (p=0.028) in dfwas observed between obstructive CAD (1.748±0.057, n=83) and unobstructive CAD (1.732±0.052, n=168), where patients with significant CAD produce denser, more tightly packed clots. dfwas also raised in men with obstructive CAD compared with women (1.745±0.055 vs 1.723±0.052, p=0.007). Additionally dfsignificantly correlated with the platelets response to arachidonic acid as measured by the ASPItest area under the curve readings from platelet aggregometry (correlation coefficient=0.166, p=0.008), a low value of the ASPItest indicating effective aspirin use was associated with looser, less dense clots.ConclusionsFor the first time, we characterise clot microstructure, as measured by df, in patients with stable CAD. dfcan potentially be used to risk-stratify patients with stable CAD and assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions by measuring changes in clot microstructure.
Overweight, Obesity, and Survival After Stroke in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Aparicio Hugo J. , Himali Jayandra J. , Beiser Alexa S. , Davis‐Plourde Kendra L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Kase Carlos S. , Wolf Philip A. , Seshadri Sudha 
Published: June 2017

Background
We investigated how body weight affects survival after stroke, leveraging the availability of multiple prestroke body mass index (BMI) measurements and using a nested case‐control design in a community‐based sample.

Methods and Results

We compared all‐cause mortality in participants stratified by prestroke weight. Separate analyses were performed for ischemic stroke and all stroke and for age‐, sex‐, and BMI category‐matched stroke‐free controls. Participants were grouped into BMI categories and followed for up to 10 years. Differences in survival were tested for interaction by case status. In sensitivity analysis, to exclude those with prestroke weight loss, we restricted the reference group to participants with 2 consistently normal BMI measurements within 10 years before stroke/matching. There were 782 stroke cases (age 71±9, 51% female participants, 87% ischemic stroke) and 2346 controls (age 72±9, 51% female participants). Overweight participants with ischemic stroke had a lower mortality compared with those with normal weight (hazard ratio [HR]=0.70, 95%CI 0.55‐0.90,
P
=0.005). The association of reduced mortality with BMI ≥25, compared with normal‐weight BMI 18.5 to <25, was pronounced among ischemic stroke cases but diminished with inclusion of hemorrhagic strokes (case‐control interaction
P
=0.051 and
P
=0.130, respectively). Compared with participants with stable normal weight, moderately increased weight was protective after ischemic stroke (overweight HR=0.72, 95%CI 0.53‐0.99,
P
=0.041).

Conclusions
Overweight and mildly obese participants had better 10‐year survival after ischemic stroke compared with normal‐weight participants, even after excluding persons with recent prestroke weight loss. There may be unknown protective factors associated with a moderately increased body weight before stroke.
Associations of Cigarette Smoking With Subclinical Inflammation and Atherosclerosis: ELSA‐Brasil (The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health)
Authors: Kianoush Sina , Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Al‐Rifai Mahmoud , DeFilippis Andrew P. , Bittencourt Marcio S. , Duncan Bruce B. , Bensenor Isabela M. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Lotufo Paulo A. , Blaha Michael J. 
Published: June 2017

Background
There is a need to identify sensitive biomarkers of early tobacco‐related cardiovascular disease. We examined the association of smoking status, burden, time since quitting, and intensity, with markers of inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results

We studied 14 103 participants without clinical cardiovascular disease in ELSA‐Brasil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health). We evaluated baseline cross‐sectional associations between smoking parameters and inflammation (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs
CRP
]) and measures of subclinical atherosclerosis (carotid intima–media thickness, ankle‐brachial index, and coronary artery calcium [
CAC
]). The cohort included 1844 current smokers, 4121 former smokers, and 8138 never smokers. Mean age was 51.7±8.9 years; 44.8% were male. After multivariable adjustment, compared with never smokers, current smokers had significantly higher levels of hs
CRP
(β=0.24, 0.19–0.29 mg/L;
P
<0.001) and carotid intima–media thickness (β=0.03, 0.02–0.04 mm;
P
<0.001) and odds of ankle‐brachial index ≤1.0 (odds ratio: 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 2.06–3.08;
P
<0.001) and
CAC
>0 (odds ratio: 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–2.30;
P
<0.001). Among former and current smokers, pack‐years of smoking (burden) were significantly associated with hs
CRP
(
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.006, respectively) and
CAC
(
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.002, respectively). Among former smokers, hs
CRP
and carotid intima–media thickness levels and odds of ankle‐brachial index ≤1.0 and
CAC
>0 were lower with increasing time since quitting (
P
<0.01). Among current smokers, number of cigarettes per day (intensity) was positively associated with hs
CRP
(
P
<0.001) and
CAC
>0 (
P
=0.03) after adjusting for duration of smoking.

Conclusions

Strong associations were observed between smoking status, burden, and intensity with inflammation (hs
CRP
) and subclinical atherosclerosis (carotid intima–media thickness, ankle‐brachial index,
CAC
). These markers of early cardiovascular disease injury may be used for the further study and regulation of traditional and novel tobacco products.
Antihypertensive Medication Adherence and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Adults: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Quanhe , Chang Anping , Ritchey Matthew D. , Loustalot Fleetwood 
Published: June 2017

Background

Antihypertension medication (antihypertensive) adherence lowers risk of cardiovascular disease (
CVD
); few studies have examined this association among older adults.

Methods and Results

We assessed this association among Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries aged 66 to 79 years who were newly diagnosed with hypertension and initiated on antihypertensives in 2008–2009 (n=155 597). We calculated proportion of days covered (
PDC
) during follow‐up, using proportional subdistribution hazard models, to examine association between antihypertensive adherence and a composite
CVD
outcomes, including first incident of fatal/nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and heart failure. During follow‐up (median 5.8 years and 798 621 person‐years), we documented 47 198
CVD
events. Among beneficiaries, 60.8%, 30.3%, and 8.9% had
PDC
≥80%, 40% to 79%, and <40%. Crude incidence of
CVD
events were 40.1 (95% CI, 40.0–40.1), 93.9 (93.8–93.9), and 98.1 (98.1–98.2) per 1000 person‐years for
PDC
≥80%, 40% to 79%, and <40%, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for
CVD
events were 1.0 (<40% as reference), 1.0 (0.97–1.03) for 40% to 79%, and 0.44 (0.42–0.45) for ≥80% (
P
<0.001). Dose‐response analysis suggested a nonlinear relationship between
PDC
and risk for
CVD
events with a protective effect of ≥80%. The pattern of associations between
PDC
and ischemic heart disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and heart failure were largely consistent as for
CVD
events and across different groups.

Conclusions

Antihypertensive adherence was associated with a significantly lower risk of
CVD
events among older adults. There appeared to be a threshold effect in reducing
CVD
events at around
PDC
80%, above which the risk for
CVD
reduced substantially.
Photochemistry and Photophysics of Enediyne-Cored Polyphenylene Dendrimers
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuya , Arai Tatsuo 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Two kinds of enediyne-cored polyphenylene dendrimer (mGn, pGn) were prepared as pure cis and trans isomers. In comparison to parent enediyne with no dendron substituents, the dendrimers exhibited highly efficient fluorescence emission with mutual cis–trans isomerization. Along with an increase in the generation of dendrons, decrease of Φiso and shortening of τS were observed, suggesting that dendrons affect cis–trans photoisomerization and deactivation from excited singlet state.
Efficient Anionic Ring Opening Polymerization of Ethylene Oxide under Microfluidic Conditions
Authors: Furuta Akihiro , Okada Kazuhisa , Fukuyama Takahide 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
We investigated the anionic ring opening polymerization of ethylene oxide using a microflow system with a tubular reactor. Employing alkoxy anions as an initiator, the monoalkyl-ether terminated polyethylene glycols were obtained by the microfluidic system within 30 min of residence time, which is a remarkably shortened reaction time compared with a batch system. The use of a suitable micromixer is important to obtain monoalkyl-ether terminated PEGs in high yields and small PDIs. By comparison with a batch system, the anionic ROP in the microflow was quite smooth and the distribution of the obtained polymer was narrow with the use of MeONa as a catalyst.
I wanted to find you by inhabiting your tongue: Mistranslating between words and dance in choreographic practice
Authors: Longley Alys 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
When words and dance are made inextricable in performance, potential exists for disciplinary conventions to be cracked ajar, creating space for minor forms of practice that defy conventional expectations. In such circumstances, the relationship between bodies of language and bodies of motion is intensified and made visible. This article discusses the interplay of words and dance in the choreography Radio Strainer by Longley (2013), and through Simone Forti’s practice of Logomotion. The studio practices of Forti and the Radio Strainer rehearsals are discussed in relation to Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of a minor literature, Andrew Pickering’s discussion of the mangle of practice and Sally Gardner’s work on translation and mistranslation.
Comparative study of sperm motility in Metformin-using and Insulin-dependent diabetics
Authors: Zaidi Awais Ali , Khan Mahtab Ahmed , Sharif Ali , Shakir Lubna , Irshad Atif , Ali Arsalan , Shaheryar Zaib Ali 
Published: June 2017

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the greatest threats to modern global health. DM may affect male reproductive function at multiple levels as a result of its effects on spermatogenesis, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and change in sperm structure.
Methods: The present study deals with sperm motility and sperm morphological changes associated with diabetes in the male population. In this study, 50 insulin-dependent and 50 metformin users were selected, with ages of males ranging from 26-54 years and duration of diabetes distributed over 3-15 years. Both insulin-dependent and metformin-using diabetic subjects were evaluated for sperm analysis.
Results: Sperm analysis data showed a significant increase (p ±0.0005) in total sperm count in insulin-dependent diabetic men. However, sperm motility was found to be about 10-15% less in insulin-dependent patients compared to metformin users. Moreover, sperm morphology was improved in 6% of metformin users compared to insulin-dependent diabetics.
Conclusion: Our study concludes that metformin does not significantly affect sperm count. However, it does significantly affect sperm motility, when compared to insulin-dependent diabetic men. This study established an important relationship between diabetes and sperm motility, which reflects the reproductive capabilities of men.
Estimates of global HIV/AIDS mortality, prevalence and incidence rates, and their association with the Human Development Index
Authors: Mansori Kamyar , Ayubi Erfan , Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Hanis Shiva Mansouri , Khazaei Somayeh , Sani Mohadeseh , Moradi Yousef , Khazaei Salman , Mohammadbeigi Abolfazl 
Published: June 2017

Background: HIV/AIDS is one of greatest global public health concerns today due to the high incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. The aim of this research was investigate and estimate the global HIV/AIDS mortality, prevalence and incidence rates, and explore their associations with the Human Development Index.
Methods: The global age-standardized rates of mortality, prevalence and incidence of HIV/AIDS were obtained from the UNAIDS for different countries in 2015. The human development indexes (HDIs) were obtained from the World Bank database. The surveyed countries were divided into four groups according to the HDI distribution. The Spearman correlation coefficient and one-way ANOVA test were used for assessing the association of HIV/ AIDS indicators and HDI.
Results: The highest rates of HIV/AIDS prevalence and incidence, and associated mortality in East and Southern Africa countries were 51.73%, 46.33% and 42.3%, respectively. Moreover, the highest and lowest global age-standardized rates of incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS was seen in adults ranging from 15-49 years of age for both low and high HDI countries. The prevalence and incidence rates of HIV/AIDS each had an inverse correlation with HDI and its four indicators (life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling, and GNI per capita).
Conclusion: Less developed countries with lower HDI show greater severity of the AIDS epidemic. Thus, it is essential to pay more attention to HIV/AIDS control and prevention programs in these countries.
An Investigation of Dispositional Resistance, Change-specific Resistance and Change-Related Information: The Case of the “4+4+4” Educational Reform in Turkey
Authors: Kalman Mahmut , Bozbayindir Fatih 
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the current study was to investigate teachers’ attitudes towards change, dispositional and change-specific resistance, and their perceptions of change-related information, within the context of the recent system-wide educational change, widely known as “4+4+4 Reform Initiative”, in Turkey. The researchers conducted a mixed research study comprising a quantitative analysis of teachers’ attitudes towards the change in the Turkish education system and a sequential qualitative analysis of teachers’ attitudes, beliefs and intentions toward the change. The sample of the study consisted of 402 primary and middle schools teachers selected randomly. Research results indicated that teachers resisted to the recent change cognitively, affectively and intentionally, respectively. The highest resistance level was associated with cognitive resistance. Teachers’ perceptions of change-related information were at the “disagree” level. The paper concludes by drawing implications for educational reform initiatives in Turkey.
Effects of reservoir operation and climate change on thermal stratification of a canyon-shaped reservoir, in northwest China
Authors: Li Yang , Huang Ting-lin , Zhou Zi-zhen , Long Sheng-hai , Zhang Hai-han 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Thermal stratification has a significant impact on water quality and ecological characteristics. Reservoir operation and climate change have an effect on the thermal regime. The Jinpen Reservoir is a large canyon-shaped reservoir located in Shaanxi Province with a strong thermal stratification, which resulted in an anaerobic condition in the hypolimnion. We used a hydrodynamic module based on MIKE 3 to simulate the thermal structure of the Jinpen Reservoir and study the relationship between the thermal regime, reservoir operation and climate change. Based on the daily hydrological and climatic data from 2004 to 2013, we made 13 hypothetical simulated conditions that included extreme change of inflow volume, water level, air temperature, radiation, inflow water temperature and selective withdrawal to explore the effect of different factors on the thermal regime. The results showed that the period of thermal stratification, water column stability and surface water temperature were influenced by these factors. With the increase of air temperature, the simulation results indicated a stronger thermal stratification and a higher surface water temperature, which could cause water safety problems. Deep withdrawal could decrease water column stability and prompt water column mixing early, which could be used by reservoir managers to optimize the reservoir operation.