bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of health‐related quality of life in adult patients with birch pollen‐associated food allergy
Authors: Beyer Susanne , Franke Annegret , Simon Jan Christoph , Treudler Regina 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe “Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Adult Form” (FAQLQ‐AF) is the first freely available questionnaire for the assessment of health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in adults with food allergy (FA). We present validation data for the German version as well as data on HRQL in patients with birch pollen‐associated FA.Patients and MethodsThe Dutch FAQLQ‐AF (scale from 1–7, no impairment – maximum impairment) was translated into German. Subsequently, 73 consecutive patients with a history of birch pollen‐associated FA (52 women, median age 43 years) were surveyed using questions regarding triggers and symptoms of their FA as well as questions contained in the FAQLQ‐AF. Construct validity, internal consistency, and discriminative ability were analyzed.ResultsThe foods most frequently reported to elicit allergic reactions included apple (78 %), hazelnut (75 %), soy drinks (55 %), and carrot (52 %). Thirty percent of patients exclusively reported symptoms consistent with oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Sixty‐four percent reported OAS combined with systemic symptoms, and only 6 % were exclusively affected by non‐OAS symptoms. The German FAQLQ‐AF showed good construct validity (correlation with the food allergy‐independent measure: r = 0.81; p < 0.001) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbachs α = 0.98). The mean overall FAQLQ‐AF score was 3.7. Women, elderly individuals, and those with multiple relevant food allergies showed a greater impairment of HRQL.ConclusionsThe German FAQLQ‐AF questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for measuring HRQL in patients with birch pollen‐associated food allergy.
Surveillance colonoscopy after endoscopic treatment for colorectal neoplasia: From the standpoint of the Asia–Pacific region
Authors: Matsuda Takahisa , Chiu Han‐Mo , Sano Yasushi , Fujii Takahiro , Ono Akiko , Saito Yutaka 
Published: February 2016

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard to detect and remove colorectal neoplasia. The efficacy of colonoscopy with polypectomy to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality has been demonstrated. Recently, post‐polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy has become a necessary intervention in daily practice not only in Western countries but also in the Asia–Pacific region. Therefore, it is crucial to establish new clinical practice guidelines to reduce the number of unnecessary surveillance colonoscopies in order to create space for screening colonoscopy. The Asia–Pacific Consensus group recommended that surveillance colonoscopy interval should be tailored according to risk level of index colonoscopy. However, precise guidelines on interval of surveillance cannot be given because of a lack of prospective data. According to Korean and Australian guidelines, surveillance intervals after index colonoscopy of 5 years for low‐risk subjects and 3 years for high‐risk subjects are recommended in Asia–Pacific regions at present. Prospective data including long‐term outcomes from the Japan Polyp Study, which is a multicenter randomized control trial, would be useful to establish the Asia–Pacific consensus in the near future.
Introducing Twitter as an assessed component of the undergraduate nursing curriculum: case study
Authors: Jones Ray , Kelsey Janet , Nelmes Pam , Chinn Nick , Chinn Teresa , Proctor‐Childs Tracey 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimsTo ask: (i) is it feasible to include Twitter as an assessed element of the first‐year nursing curriculum; (ii) how should it be introduced and assessed; and (iii) do students think it worthwhile and learn anything from its use?BackgroundNursing students need to use social media professionally, avoiding pitfalls but using learning opportunities.DesignThis case study (2014–2015) comprised: (i) pilot introduction of Digital Professionalism (including Twitter) with second‐ and third‐year students; (ii) introduction and assessment with a first cohort of 450 first‐year students. Based on feedback, methods were revised for; (iii) a second cohort of 97.MethodsStudents received a face‐to‐face lecture, two webinars, used chat rooms and were asked to create course Twitter accounts and were assessed on their use.ResultsFew second and third year students started optional Twitter use whereas nearly all first years used it. Most students (70·1% first, 88·0% second cohort) thought inclusion of Twitter was worthwhile. Changes from first to second cohort included better peer–peer support, more contextualization and more emphasis on nursing communities. More second cohort students learned from Twitter (44·4% vs. 70·8%) and used Twitter recently (43·3% vs. 81·6%). Students gained wider perspectives on nursing, better understanding of social media, ‘being student nurses’ and topics like health promotion. Students mostly followed not only online nursing communities but also patient organizations.ConclusionIncluding Twitter as an assessed element for first‐year nursing students was feasible, students think it worthwhile and other nursing schools should consider introducing it in the broader context of Digital Professionalism.
The first comprehensive description of the biodiversity and biogeography of Antarctic and Sub‐Antarctic intertidal communities
Authors: Griffiths Huw James , Waller Catherine Louise 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo describe the distribution of biodiversity and biogeographical patterns of intertidal organisms in southern temperate and polar waters. We hypothesized that there would be differences in community structure between the Antarctic, which is most affected by ice, and the sub‐Antarctic and other neighbouring regions. We also hypothesized that rafting and West Wind Drift will be the significant drivers of biogeographical patterns. Additionally, the size, age, isolation, volcanic or glacial history of a region and the presence of large, beach dwelling, mammals and birds would all play a role in determining the level of biodiversity observed.LocationSouth Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Southern Ocean.MethodsWe examined all available intertidal records from the Antarctic and sub‐Antarctic with additional data from neighbouring regions for comparison and context. We compiled 3902 occurrences of 1416 species of high southern latitude intertidal organisms from 229 locations and used PRIMER 6 to perform multivariate statistical analyses.ResultsThe Antarctic and sub‐Antarctic are shown to be distinct biogeographical regions, with patterns driven by a small number of widely distributed species. These wide‐ranging molluscs and macroalgae dominate the biogeographical structure of the Southern Ocean intertidal, most likely as a result of rafting in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. East Antarctic intertidal habitats are potentially isolated by the Ross and Weddell Sea ice shelves but represent a great unknown in this biogeographical scheme.Main ConclusionsThe view that the Antarctic intertidal is a lifeless desert does not hold true, with Antarctic Peninsula intertidal communities being richer and more diverse than those in southern South America and the sub‐Antarctic islands. Changing conditions in the Antarctic and sub‐Antarctic intertidal mean that a representative baseline is needed (acquired through standardized and quantitative sampling) to assess future changes and to detect any invasive species.
Meta‐analysis: The diagnostic efficacy of chromoendoscopy for early gastric cancer and premalignant gastric lesions
Authors: Zhao Zhanwei , Yin Zifang , Wang Shiqi , Wang Juan , Bai Bing , Qiu Zhaoyan , Zhao Qingchuan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground and AimChromoendoscopy (CE) is widely used in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) and premalignant gastric lesions (PGLs). We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of CE for EGC and PGLs.MethodsWe searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library to identify all eligible studies according to inclusion and exclusion standards. Publication bias was tested using Funnel plots and Egger's test. The possible sources of the heterogeneity were explored by performing a meta‐regression analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Q test and I2 statistic.ResultsTen studies met the inclusion standards, including a total of 699 patients and 902 lesions. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of CE were 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.92), 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.86), and 0.9464, respectively. In subgroup analysis of diagnostic accuracy, CE showed higher accuracy versus standard white light endoscopy for EGC (P = 0.005) and PGLs (P = 0.001).ConclusionChromoendoscopy seems to have a high diagnostic efficacy and improve the detection of EGC and PGLs compared with standard white light endoscopy.
The relationship between glucocerebrosidase mutations and Parkinson disease
Authors: Migdalska‐Richards Anna , Schapira Anthony H. V. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractParkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer disease, whereas Gaucher disease (GD) is the most frequent lysosomal storage disorder caused by homozygous mutations in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) gene. Increased risk of developing PD has been observed in both GD patients and carriers. It has been estimated that GBA1 mutations confer a 20‐ to 30‐fold increased risk for the development of PD, and that at least 7–10% of PD patients have a GBA1 mutation. To date, mutations in the GBA1 gene constitute numerically the most important risk factor for PD. The type of PD associated with GBA1 mutations (PD‐GBA1) is almost identical to idiopathic PD, except for a slightly younger age of onset and a tendency to more cognitive impairment. Importantly, the pathology of PD‐GBA1 is identical to idiopathic PD, with nigral dopamine cell loss, Lewy bodies, and neurites containing alpha‐synuclein. The mechanism by which GBA1 mutations increase the risk for PD is still unknown. However, given that clinical manifestation and pathological findings in PD‐GBA1 patients are almost identical to those in idiopathic PD individuals, it is likely that, as in idiopathic PD, alpha‐synuclein accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagic impairment, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress may contribute to the development and progression of PD‐GBA1. Here, we review the GBA1 gene, its role in GD, and its link with PD.
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The impact of glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) mutations on functioning of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, and mitochondria. GBA1 mutations resulting in production of misfolded glucocerebrosidase (GCase) significantly affect the ER functioning. Misfolded GCase trapped in the ER leads to both an increase in the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and the ER stress. The presence of ER stress triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) and/or endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD). The prolonged activation of UPR and ERAD subsequently leads to increased apoptosis. The presence of misfolded GCase in the lysosomes together with a reduction in wild‐type GCase levels lead to a retardation of alpha‐synuclein degradation via chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA), which subsequently results in alpha‐synuclein accumulation and aggregation. Impaired lysosomal functioning also causes a decrease in the clearance of autophagosomes, and so their accumulation. GBA1 mutations perturb normal mitochondria functioning by increasing generation of free radical species (ROS) and decreasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, oxygen consumption, and membrane potential. GBA1 mutations also lead to accumulation of dysfunctional and fragmented mitochondria.This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
New method of neck surface electromyography for the evaluation of tongue‐lifting activity
Authors: Manda Y. , Maeda N. , Pan Q. , Sugimoto K. , Hashimoto Y. , Tanaka Y. , Kodama N. , Minagi S. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryElevation of the posterior part of the tongue is important for normal deglutition and speech. The purpose of this study was to develop a new surface electromyography (EMG) method to non‐invasively and objectively evaluate activity in the muscles that control lifting movement in the posterior tongue. Neck surface EMG (N‐EMG) was recorded using differential surface electrodes placed on the neck, 1 cm posterior to the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle on a line orthogonal to the lower border of the mandible. Experiment 1: Three healthy volunteers (three men, mean age 37·7 years) participated in an evaluation of detection method of the posterior tongue lifting up movement. EMG recordings from the masseter, temporalis and submental muscles and N‐EMG revealed that i) N‐EMG was not affected by masseter muscle EMG and ii) N‐EMG activity was not observed during simple jaw opening and tongue protrusion, revealing the functional difference between submental surface EMG and N‐EMG. Experiment 2: Seven healthy volunteers (six men and one woman, mean age 27·9 years) participated in a quantitative evaluation of muscle activity. Tongue‐lifting tasks were perfor‐med, exerting a prescribed force of 20, 50, 100 and 150 gf with visual feedback. For all subjects, a significant linear relationship was observed bet‐ween the tongue‐lifting force and N‐EMG activity (P < 0·01). These findings indicate that N‐EMG can be used to quantify the force of posterior tongue lifting and could be useful to evaluate the effect of tongue rehabilitation in future studies.
The Effect of Different Water Temperatures on Retention Loss and Material Degradation of Locator Attachments
Authors: Chiu Lillian Pui Yuk , Vitale Nicola Di , Petridis Haralampos , McDonald Ailbhe 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo examine the changes in Locator attachments after exposure to different water temperatures and cyclic loading.Materials and MethodsFour groups of pink Locator attachments (3.0 lb. light retention replacement patrix attachments; 10 per group) were soaked for the equivalent of 5 years of use in distilled water at the following temperatures: 20°C, 37°C, 60°C. One group was kept dry to test the effect of water. A universal testing machine was used to measure the retention force of each treated attachment during 5500 insertion and removal cycles, simulating approximately 5 years of use. The results were compared using Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way ANOVA by ranks. Surface changes of tested attachments were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).ResultsThe exposure to 60°C water significantly increased the percentage of retention loss in Locator attachments (p < 0.05) compared to the 20°C water group and significantly reduced the final retention force compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). SEM examinations revealed severe cracking and material degradation in Locator attachments after exposure to 60°C water and cyclic loading, which were not evident in other groups. Cracking was observed after exposure to 60˚C water before cyclic loading.ConclusionsExposure to 60°C water, potentially similar to denture cleansing procedures, could cause cracking in Locator attachments. Cracking is associated with hydrolytic degradation of nylon at 60°C. The change in structure could result in a significant loss of retention.
A Late Mesoproterozoic 40Ar/39Ar age for a melt breccia from the Keurusselkä impact structure, Finland
Authors: Schmieder Martin , Jourdan Fred , Moilanen Jarmo , Buchner Elmar , Öhman Teemu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractField investigations in the eroded central uplift of the ≤30 km Keurusselkä impact structure, Finland, revealed a thin, dark melt vein that intersects the autochthonous shatter cone‐bearing target rocks near the homestead of Kirkkoranta, close to the center of the impact structure. The petrographic analysis of quartz in this melt breccia and the wall rock granite indicate weak shock metamorphic overprint not exceeding ~8–10 GPa. The mode of occurrence and composition of the melt breccia suggest its formation as some kind of pseudotachylitic breccia. 40Ar/39Ar dating of dark and clast‐poor whole‐rock chips yielded five concordant Late Mesoproterozoic miniplateau ages and one plateau age of 1151 ± 10 Ma [± 11 Ma] (2σ; MSWD = 0.11; P = 0.98), considered here as the statistically most robust age for the rock. The new 40Ar/39Ar age is incompatible with ~1.88 Ga Svecofennian tectonism and magmatism in south‐central Finland and probably reflects the Keurusselkä impact, followed by impact‐induced hydrothermal chloritization of the crater basement. In keeping with the crosscutting relationships in the outcrop and the possible influence of postimpact alteration, the Late Mesoproterozoic 40Ar/39Ar age of ~1150 Ma should be treated as a minimum age for the impact. The new 40Ar/39Ar results are consistent with paleomagnetic results that suggested a similar age for Keurusselkä, which is shown to be one of the oldest impact structures currently known in Europe and worldwide.
Development and validation of a large, modular test meal with liquid and solid components for assessment of gastric motor and sensory function by non‐invasive imaging
Authors: Parker H. L. , Tucker E. , Hoad C. L. , Pal A. , Costigan C. , Hudders N. , Perkins A. , Blackshaw E. , Gowland P. , Marciani L. , Fox M. R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundCurrent investigations of stomach function are based on small test meals that do not reliably induce symptoms and analysis techniques that rarely detect clinically relevant dysfunction. This study introduces the large ‘Nottingham Test Meal’ (NTM) for assessment of gastric motor and sensory function by non‐invasive imaging.MethodsNTM comprises 400 mL liquid nutrient (0.75 kcal/mL) and 12 solid agar‐beads (0 kcal) with known breaking strength. Gastric fullness and dyspeptic sensations were documented by 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Gastric emptying (GE) were measured in 24 healthy volunteers (HVs) by gastric scintigraphy (GS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The contribution of secretion to gastric volume was assessed. Parameters that describe GE were calculated from validated models. Inter‐observer agreement and reproducibility were assessed.Key ResultsNTM produced moderate fullness (VAS ≥30) but no more than mild dyspeptic symptoms (VAS <30) in 24 HVs. Stable binding of meal components to labels in gastric conditions was confirmed. Distinct early and late‐phase GE were detected by both modalities. Liquid GE half‐time was median 49 (95% CI: 36–62) min and 68 (57–71) min for GS and MRI, respectively. Differences between GS and MRI measurements were explained by the contribution of gastric secretion. Breaking strength for agar‐beads was 0.8 N/m2 such that median 25 (8–50) % intact agar‐beads and 65 (47–74) % solid material remained at 120 min on MRI and GS, respectively. Good reproducibility for liquid GE parameters was present and GE was not altered by agar‐beads.Conclusions & InferencesThe NTM provided an objective assessment of gastric motor and sensory function. The results were reproducible and liquid emptying was not affected by non‐nutrient agar‐beads. The method is potentially suitable for clinical practice.
Serum Vitamin D Levels Not Associated with Atopic Dermatitis Severity
Authors: Robl Renata , Uber Marjorie , Abagge Kerstin Taniguchi , Lima Monica Nunes , Carvalho Vânia Oliveira 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgound/objectivesThe objective of the current study was to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in a Brazilian population.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of patients younger than 14 years of age seen from April to November 2013. All patients fulfilled the Hanifin and Rajka Diagnostic Criteria for AD diagnosis. Disease severity was determined using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index and classified as mild (<25), moderate (25–50), or severe (>50). Serum vitamin D levels were classified as sufficient (≥30 ng/mL), insufficient (29–21 ng/mL), or deficient (≤20 ng/mL).ResultsA total of 105 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mild AD was diagnosed in 58 (55.2%) children, moderate in 24 (22.8%), and severe in 23 (21.9%). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 45 individuals (42.9%). Of these, 24 (53.3%) had mild AD, 13 (28.9%) moderate, and 8 (17.7%) severe. Insufficient vitamin D levels were found in 45 (42.9%) individuals; 24 (53.3%) had mild AD, 9 (20.0%) moderate, and 12 (26.7%) severe. Of the 15 individuals (14.2%) with sufficient vitamin D levels, 10 (60.7%) had mild AD, 2 (13.3%) moderate, and 3 (20.0%) severe. The mean vitamin D level was 22.1 ± 7.3 ng/mL in individuals with mild AD, 20.8 ± 6.5 ng/mL in those with moderate AD, and 21.9 ± 9.3 ng/mL in those with severe AD. Variables such as sex, age, skin phototype, season of the year, and bacterial infection were not significantly associated with vitamin D levels.ConclusionLevels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were deficient or insufficient in 85% of the children, but serum vitamin D concentrations were not significantly related to AD severity.
Water‐Holding and Transport Properties of Skin Stratum Corneum of Infants and Toddlers Are Different from Those of Adults: Studies in Three Geographical Regions and Four Ethnic Groups
Authors: Mack Mary Catherine , Chu Melissa R. , Tierney Neena K. , Ruvolo Eduardo , Stamatas Georgios N. , Kollias Nikiforos , Bhagat Kamlesh , Ma Lin , Martin Katharine M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground/ObjectiveEpidermal structure, function, and composition are different in white infants and adults. We investigated whether ethnicity and location contribute to differences in functional and clinical measurements of skin barrier function during the first years of life and in adults.MethodsChildren (n= 397, ages 3–49 mos) and women (n= 117, mean age 31 yrs) were enrolled at independent centers in Beijing, China (ethnic Chinese), Skillman, New Jersey (white, African American), and Mumbai, India (ethnic South Asian). Water barrier properties of the stratum corneum were assessed using high‐frequency conductance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on the dorsal forearm and upper inner arm. Digital imaging was used to evaluate facial erythema and scaling.ResultsDespite differences in local climate, TEWL was similar in adults. In children, conductance and TEWL decreased monotonically from age 3 months to 4 years. In children from Beijing, TEWL values were higher in both arm locations than in children in Mumbai and Skillman. No significant differences were observed in TEWL or conductance between the white and African American groups.ConclusionIn general, TEWL and conductance were greater on the upper inner arm than the dorsal forearm. Erythema and scaling were observed most often in subjects from Beijing and most infrequently in subjects from Mumbai. Stratum corneum water barrier properties were different in children and adults. Although there may be differences in these properties between ethnic groups in childhood, TEWL values were similar in adults across the three geographic locations and four ethnicities.