bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mediated Vocabulary in Native Speaker–Learner Interactions During an Oral Portfolio Activity
Authors: Tocaimaza‐Hatch C. Cecilia 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis project investigated vocabulary learning from a sociocultural perspective—in particular, the way in which lexical knowledge was mediated in Spanish second language (L2) learners' and native speakers' (NSs') interactions. Nine students who were enrolled in an advanced conversation course completed an oral portfolio assignment consisting of five conversations with an NS. In addition to recording their conversations, learners transcribed and analyzed their interactions. At the end of the semester, each learner was assessed using a tailor‐made posttest targeting the lexical language‐related episodes from his or her individual portfolio. Findings indicated that NSs provided lexical mediation and that mediated terms were later recalled by learners, thus demonstrating that vocabulary learning had taken place. However, learners' and NSs' behavior varied from dyad to dyad regarding their level of engagement and the quantity and quality of mediation they provided and received, which had an impact on final learning outcomes. Pedagogical implications include the application of the oral portfolio activity for vocabulary learning in L2 classrooms.
“Weariness” and “unpleasantness” reduce adherence to branched‐chain amino acid granules among Japanese patients with liver cirrhosis: results of a single‐center cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Eguchi Yuichiro , Furukawa Naoko , Furukawa Takeshi , Egashira Yoshimitsu , Hotokezaka Hiroshi , Oeda Satoshi , Iwane Shinji , Anzai Keizo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimBranched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) are valuable in the treatment of liver cirrhosis because they increase serum albumin levels. Poor adherence to BCAA may adversely affect prognosis, but little is known about factors predicting adherence. We undertook a survey of patients prescribed BCAA for the treatment of cirrhosis.MethodsPharmacists carried out face‐to‐face interviews with patients (or their representatives) prescribed any of nine BCAA formulations. Question categories included patient characteristics, prescription of BCAA granules, and perceptions of BCAA administration, including adherence and possible factors that might impact adherence. “Poor adherence” was defined as “not taking the medication appropriately” or “forgetting to take the medication”.ResultsOverall, 253 patients (or representatives) completed the survey, of whom 135 were men, 114 were women, and 148 were ≥70 years old. Most patients (163) were prescribed BCAA for ≥2 years and were using three packs per day. Thirty‐two patients did not take their medication appropriately and 69 sometimes forgot to administer it. Weariness of taking the medication (P < 0.001) and the perceived unpleasantness (P = 0.023) of the medication in terms of its taste and volume were significantly associated with poor adherence. The patients reported that the most influential educators were general practitioners, followed by certified hepatologists, then pharmacists.ConclusionMost patients had good adherence to BCAA in clinical practice. Poor adherence was associated with weariness with taking medication, and the unpleasantness of the medication itself. Patient education from general practitioners and hepatologists combined with adherence counseling from pharmacists may help improve adherence.
Liver fibrosis progression predicts survival in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Namisaki Tadashi , Moriya Kei , Noguchi Ryuichi , Kitade Mitsuteru , Kawaratani Hideto , Yamao Junichi , Mitoro Akira , Yoshida Motoyuki , Sawai Masayoshi , Uejima Masakazu , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Takeda Kosuke , Okura Yasushi , Kaji Kosuke , Takaya Hiroaki , Aihara Yosuke , Douhara Akitoshi , Nishimura Norihisa , Sawada Yasuhiko , Sato Shinya , Seki Kenichiro , Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: May 2016

AimThe prognosis and natural history of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has improved, and the clinical end‐point for PBC needs to be discovered. We aimed to identify surrogate markers for predicting long‐term prognosis in patients with PBC.MethodsA total of 106 patients were divided into 53 responders and 53 non‐responders based on the median rate (69%) of decrease in γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels at 1 year after initiating ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. We aimed to identify the differences between ursodeoxycholic acid responders and non‐responders. Correlation of patient survival with histologic parameters based on Scheuer and Nakanuma staging systems was investigated. The Nakanuma system comprises grading for liver fibrosis and bile duct loss (BDL).ResultsThe baseline pathological stage was the only factor that showed differences between the two groups. Patients in Scheuer stage 1 had a significantly better prognosis than patients in Scheuer stages 3 or 4 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), whereas patients in Nakanuma stage 1 had significantly better prognosis than patients in Nakanuma stage 4 (P < 0.01). Patients with Nakanuma fibrosis scores 2 and 3 had decreased survival compared with patients with fibrosis score 0 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), whereas patients with Nakanuma BDL score 3 had decreased survival compared with patients with BDL score 0 (P < 0.01).ConclusionLong‐term prognosis could be predicted by Scheuer stage 3 and Nakanuma fibrosis score 2, which were referred to as portal‐bridging fibrosis. Liver fibrosis has greater utility in predicting long‐term prognosis than BDL.
RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of the Halloween gene Spookiest (CYP307B1) impedes adult eclosion in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus
Authors: Van Ekert E. , Wang M. , Miao Y.‐G. , Brent C. S. , Hull J. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEcdysteroids play a critical role in coordinating insect growth, development and reproduction. A suite of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases coded by what are collectively termed Halloween genes mediate ecdysteroid biosynthesis. In this study, we describe cloning and RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated knockdown of the CYP307B1 Halloween gene (Spookiest) in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus. Transcripts for Ly. hesperus Spookiest (LhSpot) were amplified from all life stages and correlated well with timing of the pre‐moult ecdysteroid pulse. In adults, LhSpot was amplified from heads of both genders as well as female reproductive tissues. Heterologous expression of a LhSpot fluorescent chimera in cultured insect cells co‐localized with a fluorescent marker of the endoplasmic reticulum/secretory pathway. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of LhSpot in fifth instars reduced expression of ecdysone‐responsive genes E74 and E75, and prevented adult development. This developmental defect was rescued following application of exogenous 20‐hydroxyecdysone but not exogenous 7‐dehydrocholesterol. The unequivocal RNAi effects on Ly. hesperus development and the phenotypic rescue by 20‐hydroxyecdysone are causal proof of the involvement of LhSpot in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and related developmental processes, and may provide an avenue for development of new control measures against Ly. hesperus.
The composition of immune cells serves as a predictor of adaptive immunity in a cohort of 50‐ to 74‐year‐old adults
Authors: Kennedy Richard B. , Simon Whitney L. , Gibson Michael J. , Goergen Krista M. , Grill Diane E. , Oberg Ann L. , Poland Gregory A. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryInfluenza causes significant morbidity and mortality annually. Although vaccination offers a considerable amount of protection, it is far from perfect, especially in aging populations. This is due to age‐related defects in immune function, a process called immunosenescence. To date, there are no assays or methods to predict or explain variations in an individual's level of response to influenza vaccination. In this study, we measured levels of several immune cell subsets at baseline (Day 0) and at Days 3 and 28 post‐vaccination using flow cytometry. Statistical modelling was performed to assess correlations between levels of cell subsets and Day 28 immune responses – haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay, virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) assay, and memory B cell ELISPOT. Changes in several groups of cell types from Day 0 to Day 28 and Day 3 to Day 28 were found to be significantly associated with immune response. Baseline levels of several immune cell subsets, including B cells and regulatory T cells, were able to partially explain variation in memory B‐cell ELISPOT results. Increased expression of HLA‐DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells after vaccination was correlated with increased HAI and VNA responses. Our data suggest that the expression of activation markers (HLA‐DR and CD86) on various immune cell subsets, as well as the relative distribution of cell subsets, both have value in predicting immune responses to influenza vaccination in older individuals.
A randomized controlled trial of an educational programme with telephone reinforcement to improve perceived health status of Brazilian burn victims at 6‐month post discharge
Authors: Gonçalves Natália , Ciol Marcia Aparecida , Dantas Rosana Aparecida Spadoti , Farina Junior Jayme Adriano , Rossi Lidia Aparecida 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare health status, self‐efficacy, symptoms of depression and anxiety and post‐traumatic stress between two groups of burn victims receiving information on self‐care through routine care or an educational programme with telephone reinforcement.BackgroundSelf‐care post discharge is an important factor on quality of life of burn victims. Reinforcement of self‐care programme via telephone follow‐up might improve self‐efficacy and general health perception in burn victims.DesignRandomized, controlled clinical trial.MethodFrom 2011–2012, we randomized 108 burn victims either to an educational programme on self‐care tailored for burn victims according to the cognitive social theory and reinforcement by telephone every 4‐6 weeks for 6 months post discharge, or to the routine instructions given at discharge from the hospital. During hospitalization, at discharge, at 6 and 12 months post discharge, we collected data on socio‐demographic characteristics, Burns Specific Health Scale Revised (BSHS‐R), Perceived Self‐Efficacy Scale (PSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) and Impact of the Event Scale (IES). We analysed data using t‐test, Chi‐square test and linear regression models.ResultsGroups were similar regarding clinical and demographic characteristics, except for age. At 6‐month follow‐up, there were no differences between the groups on BSHS‐R, PSE and HADS Depression, while the intervention group showed fewer symptoms of anxiety (HADS Anxiety) and lower IES scores than the control group.ConclusionThe educational programme, when compared with usual care, reduced anxiety symptoms and post‐traumatic stress. Educational programmes with telephone follow‐up might be a viable intervention to improve self‐care for burn victims.
Prevalence, distribution, and risk factor for colonic neoplasia in 1133 subjects aged 40–49 undergoing screening colonoscopy
Authors: Wong John C T , Lau James Y W , Suen Bing Y , Ng Siew C , Wong Martin C S , Tang Raymond S Y , Wong Sunny H , Wu Justin C Y , Chan Francis K L , Sung Joseph J Y 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimColorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising among <50‐year olds. The objective of this study was to determine screening colonoscopy outcomes among 40‐ to 49‐year olds, which are currently limited.MethodsAsymptomatic 40‐ to 49‐year olds underwent one time CRC screening colonoscopy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong between 2007 and 2011. Screening outcomes, including prevalence, distribution, and predictive factors for overall and specifically proximal colorectal neoplasia were determined.ResultsAmong 1133 ethnic Chinese, colorectal neoplasia prevalence was 20.5%. In men, distal adenomas were associated with proximal colorectal neoplasia. Men, advancing age, a first degree relative (FDR) with CRC, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with colorectal neoplasia. A colorectal neoplasia was three times more likely to be found in a 45‐ to 49‐year‐old man with FDR of CRC compared with a 40‐ to 44‐year‐old woman without a FDR of CRC. The numbers needed to screen one colorectal neoplasia, and one advanced neoplasm in the highest risk group of 45‐ to 49‐year‐old men with FDR with CRC were 2.8 (95% CI: 2.2–4.4) and 18.5 (95% CI: 8.9–39.2), respectively.ConclusionsColorectal neoplasia prevalence in this 40‐ to 49‐year‐old Chinese cohort was higher than previous studies. Men, advancing age, FDR with CRC, and diabetes mellitus, can be used to risk stratify for neoplasia development. Men 45–49 years old with FDR with CRC represented the highest risk subgroup, with the lowest number needed to screen.
Fractal features and surface micromorphology of diamond nanocrystals
Authors: ŢĂLU Ş. , BRAMOWICZ M. , KULESZA S. , GHADERI A. , DALOUJI V. , SOLAYMANI S. , KENARI M. FATHI , GHORANNEVISS M. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThis paper analyses the three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface texture of growing diamond nanocrystals on Au thin films as catalyst on p‐type Si substrate using hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD). Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were applied also to characterize the 3‐D surface texture data in connection with the statistical, and fractal analyses. This type of 3‐D morphology allows a deeper understanding of structure/property relationships and surface defects in prepared samples. Our results indicate a promising way for preparing high‐quality diamond nanocrystals on Au thin films as catalyst on p‐type Si substrate via HFCVD method.
Power and resistance within the hospital's hierarchical system: the experiences of chronically ill patients
Authors: Griscti Odette , Aston Megan , Warner Grace , Martin‐Misener Ruth , McLeod Deborah 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore experiences of chronically ill patients and registered nurses when they negotiate patient care in hospital settings. Specifically, we explored how social and institutional discourses shape power relations during the negotiation process.BackgroundThe hospital system is embedded in a hierarchical structure where the voice of the healthcare provider as expert is often given more importance than the patient. This system has been criticised as being oppressive to patients who are perceived to be lower in the hierarchy. In this study, we illustrate how the hospital's hierarchical system is not always oppressing but can also create moments of empowerment for patients.DesignA feminist poststructuralist approach informed by the teaching of Foucault was used to explore power relations between nurses and patients when negotiating patient care in hospital settings.MethodsEight individuals who suffered from chronic illness shared their stories about how they negotiated their care with nurses in hospital settings. The interviews were tape‐recorded. Discourse analysis was used to analyse the data.Results and ConclusionsPatients recounted various experiences when their voices were not heard because the current hospital system privileged the healthcare provider experts’ advice over the patients’ voice. The hierarchical structure of hospital supported these dynamics by privileging nurses as gatekeepers of service, by excluding the patients’ input in the nursing notes and through a process of self‐regulation. However, patients in this study were not passive recipients of care and used their agency creatively to resist these discourses.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses need to be mindful of how the hospital's hierarchical system tends to place nurses in a position of power, and how their authoritative position may positively or adversely affect the negotiation of patient care.
‘Competent persons who can treat you with competence, as simple as that’ – an interview study with transgender people on their experiences of meeting health care professionals
Authors: Lindroth Malin 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesWith a focus on sexual health and rights, this study describes how transgender people experience meetings with health care professionals.BackgroundTransgender people face prejudice and discrimination worldwide. Little is known of their experiences in sexual health‐promoting settings.MethodWithin a descriptive design, 20 persons aged 18–74 and identifying as transgender and nonbinary were interviewed. The results were analysed with constructivist grounded theory.ResultsDisrespect among health care professionals is the core category connected to the experiences in the result; transgender people experience estrangement, expectations and eviction in different sexual health‐promoting settings.ConclusionTransgender knowledge needs to be increased in general, in both specialised transgender health care and many other health care settings, to prevent transgender peoples' experiences of estrangement. Moreover, an increased knowledge of, and respect for, sexual health and rights is needed to prevent transgender peoples' exposure to gender binary, cis‐ and heteronormative expectations. In addition, access to sexual health care is essential following gender‐confirmatory care as well to avoid transgender peoples' experiences of eviction from the health care system.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses have an important role to play in striving for equity and justice within health care. This study describes how health care professionals appear to be disrespectful and suggestions of how this can be avoided are made.
A simple screen performed at school entry can predict academic under‐achievement at age seven in children born very preterm
Authors: Taylor Rebecca , Pascoe Leona , Scratch Shannon , Doyle Lex W , Anderson Peter , Roberts Gehan 
Published: May 2016

AimWe aimed to compare the academic outcomes of a cohort of children born very preterm (VPT, <32 weeks of gestation) and children born at term at age 7 years and assess the ability of a pre‐academic skill screen at age five to predict later academic impairment in children born VPT at age seven.MethodsOne hundred ninety‐four children born VPT (born with either gestational age <30 weeks or birthweight <1250 g) and 70 controls born at term from a prospective birth cohort were compared on academic outcomes (Wide Range Achievement Test, WRAT4) at age seven using regression analyses. Receiver‐operating characteristic curves were used to determine whether pre‐academic skills (Kaufman Survey of Early Academic and Language Skills, K‐SEALS) at age five predicted academic impairment at age seven in 174 of the VPT cohort.ResultsAt the age of 7 years, children born VPT had lower mean word reading (−9.7, 95% CI: −14.7 to −4.6), spelling (−8.3, 95% CI: −13.3 to −3.3) and math computation (−10.9, 95% CI: −15.3 to −6.5) scores (all P‐values ≤0.001) compared with controls born at term, even after adjusting for social risk and time since school commencement. In terms of pre‐academic screening, the Numbers, Letters and Words subtest of the K‐SEALS had adequate sensitivity and specificity (70–80%) for predicting children with academic impairment at age seven.ConclusionsChildren born VPT underperformed in academic outcomes at age seven compared with controls born at term. A pre‐academic screening tool used at school entry can predict children born VPT at risk of academic impairment at age seven who could benefit from targeted early intervention.
Natural or replacer sources of milk in lambs during feeding adaptation: influences on performance, metabolism of protein and lipid and oxidative/antioxidant status
Authors: Grosskopf R. K. , Grosskopf H. M. , Boito J. P. , Bottari N. B. , Machado G. , Biazus A. H. , Schetinger M. R. C. , Morsch V. M. , Tonin A. A. , Paiano D. , Balzan A. , da Silva A. S. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of milk feeding using milk replacer (MR) or natural ewe's milk (NEM) for Lacaune lambs on performance, protein and lipid metabolism and oxidative/antioxidant status. These parameters were evaluated during the period of feeding adaptation, which corresponded to 12 days after ewe's separation. Fifteen lambs were selected and divided into two groups: Group A (n = 7) with lambs receiving natural milk; Group B (n = 8) with lambs receiving a milk replacer. Liquid food supply, for both groups, was set according to their body weight, given in two daily periods. Feed intake was also obtained by individual body weight and adjusted according leftovers. Blood samples were collected on three different days (0, 6 and 12) to perform the serum analysis of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and urea. Additionally, the oxidative profile was analysed in sera samples through the assessment of TBARS (reactive substances thiobarbituric acid) and ROS (reactive oxygen species) which aims to identify lipid peroxidation and free radical levels, respectively, as well as the antioxidant profile evaluating glutathione S‐transferase (GST). There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between groups on levels of total protein, albumin and globulin. However, cholesterol (day 6), triglycerides (days 6 and 12), urea (day 6) and ALT (day 12) levels differed (p < 0.05) between groups. Values of total protein, globulin, ALT and TBARS differed (p < 0.05) along the time. The average weight gain and body weight differed (p < 0.05) only on day 12, showing that weight gain was higher for lambs fed with NEM. The performance of lambs fed with MR was impaired. Biochemical parameters had a slight variation between groups and along the time, as well as oxidative/antioxidant status did not change in the different liquid diets.
Autobiographical memory impairment in obstructive sleep apnea patients with and without depressive symptoms
Authors: Lee V Vien , Trinder John , Jackson Melinda L. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea is associated with memory impairments, and higher rates of depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder compared with community estimates. Autobiographical memory overgenerality, a behaviour characterized by difficulty recalling specific memories from one's own life, is recognized as a marker of depression. Previous studies have demonstrated the predictive quality of specific autobiographical memory recall on the course of depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. However, it remains unclear whether impaired autobiographical memory is simply a feature of depression, or whether it is also impaired in patients with obstructive sleep apnea without depression. This study aimed to investigate whether autobiographical memory impairments can be observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, independent of the severity of depressive symptoms. Twenty‐one patients with obstructive sleep apnea symptomatic for depressive symptoms (mean age = 43.43 years, SD = 9.97), 17 patients with obstructive sleep apnea asymptomatic for depressive symptoms (mean age = 40.65 years, SD = 9.39), and 20 healthy controls without sleep‐disordered breathing (mean age = 32.80 years, SD = 6.69) completed an Autobiographical Memory Test. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea symptomatic for depressive symptoms recalled significantly fewer specific memories when compared with healthy controls (P = 0.010). No difference in the recall of specific autobiographical memory was observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with obstructive sleep apnea. With regard to valence, symptomatic patients with obstructive sleep apnea recalled significantly fewer negative specific memories when compared with controls (P = 0.010). Impairment in specific autobiographical memory recall can be observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, regardless of the severity of depressive symptoms; however, this effect may not be as prominent in younger patients with obstructive sleep apnea.