bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental levels of avian antigen are relevant to the progression of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis during antigen avoidance
Authors: Sema Manabu , Miyazaki Yasunari , Tsutsui Toshiharu , Tomita Makoto , Eishi Yoshinobu , Inase Naohiko 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (chronic HP), antigen avoidance is critical for disease management; however, complete avoidance is difficult because of unrecognized exposure to antigens. Recently, we revealed that the amount of avian antigen (AAA) in household dust at the time of diagnosis predicted the progression of chronic bird‐related HP. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the prognosis of chronic bird‐related HP and the AAA that remained in the environment during antigen avoidance.MethodsFirst, we measured the AAA in household dust of 28 consecutive patients (22 with chronic bird‐related HP and 6 with acute bird‐related HP) and 12 healthy volunteers. Second, we measured the AAA and collected questionnaires on the environmental conditions of the homes of 53 patients with various lung diseases, including bird‐related HP, to investigate the environmental parameters related to a higher AAA. Finally, we prospectively recruited 14 consecutive patients with chronic bird‐related HP, measured the AAA periodically, and collected clinical data.ResultsThe AAA was higher in patients with chronic bird‐related HP at the time of diagnosis compared to healthy volunteers and was highest in patients with acute bird‐related HP. Logistic regression analysis showed that birds frequenting a residence was the only significant factor for a higher AAA (odds ratio, 5.686; 95%CI, 1.263–25.59; P = 0.024). There was a correlation between the mean AAA and decline of vital capacity for 1 year (r = −0.55; 95%CI −0.84 to −0.01; P = 0.043).ConclusionMeasurements of the AAA after diagnosis predict the progression of chronic bird‐related HP. Avian antigen can exist in the indoor environment regardless of antigen avoidance. The presence of avian antigen in the indoor environment can be attributed to wild birds found outdoors.
Clinical value of peripheral blood microRNA detection in evaluation of SOX regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer
Authors: Tan Bibo , Li Yong , Di Yan , Fan Liqiao , Zhao Qun , Liu Qingwei , Wang Dong , Jia Nan 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundNeoadjuvant chemotherapy has been widely applied in treating advanced gastric cancer (GC). However, little research has been conducted on evaluating the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of SOX regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy by detecting some microRNAs.MethodsTotal 120 GC patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (SOX regimen) were recruited with 100 healthy participants as control contemporarily. Age and gender have no significant difference in both groups (P > .05). The effect of chemotherapy was evaluated by the results of CT scan and surgery. Also, adverse effects of chemotherapy were documented. Peripheral blood of GC patients was collected twice: one day before chemotherapy and surgery, respectively, whereas healthy controls’ peripheral blood was collected once. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) was utilized to detect expression of miR‐145, miR‐185, miR‐381, and miR‐195 of peripheral blood in both groups.ResultsOne hundred and twenty patients with advanced GC completed a total of 386 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with effective rate at 84.17% (101 of 120). Expression of miR‐145, miR‐185, and miR‐381 of patients with GC was lower than that in the control group before chemotherapy commence (all P < .05), while the expressions of miR‐145 and miR‐185 elevated noticeably in CG patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P < .05). The differences in the expression of miR‐145 and miR‐185 in advanced GC patients with different chemotherapy outcomes were detected.ConclusionPatients with GC at advanced stages had aberrant miRs expressions. Detection of miR‐145 and miR‐185 expression may assist to predict effectiveness and adverse effects of SOX regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
A meta‐analysis of the relationship between rational beliefs and psychological distress
Authors: Oltean Horea‐Radu , David Daniel Ovidiu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjective Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) model of psychological health assumes that rational beliefs cause functional emotions and adaptive behavior, but the presumed role of rational beliefs as protective factor against psychological distress/disorders is still in debate. An important step in validating an evidence‐based therapy is to investigate the underling theoretical assumptions. Thus, the aim of the present meta‐analysis is to investigate the direction and magnitude of the relationship between rational beliefs and psychological distress.Method Our search identified 26 studies that met our criteria. We evaluated the effect size using the random‐effects model and we tested the moderator role of several variables.ResultsThe overall results revealed a medium negative association between rational beliefs and psychological distress, r = −0.31. The strongest association was found for unconditional acceptance beliefs (r = −0.41).ConclusionThe results add empirical evidence for the underling theory of REBT and revealed that the strength of the association between rational beliefs and distress is robust for a wide range of emotional problems. Therefore, rational beliefs could be a trans‐diagnostic protective factor against distress. Moreover, results emphasized that rational beliefs type is an important factor, suggesting an increased focus in therapy on the developing of unconditional acceptance and self‐acceptance beliefs.
Casting the net broader to confirm our imaginations: the long road to treating wasting disorders
Authors: von Haehling Stephan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWasting embraces muscle and tissue wasting in sarcopenia and cachexia. This article describes recent advances in the field published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle concerning diagnostic tools, biomarker development, pathophysiology, and treatment. Studies discussed herein embrace those on sarcopenia and cachexia in heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer including also animal models.
Differentiation of Ecuadorian National and CCN‐51 cocoa beans and their mixtures by computer vision
Authors: Jimenez Juan C , Amores Freddy M , Solórzano Eddyn G , Rodríguez Gladys A , La Mantia Alessandro , Blasi Paolo , Loor Rey G 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDEcuador exports two major types of cocoa beans, the highly regarded and lucrative National, known for its fine aroma, and the CCN‐51 clone type, used in bulk for mass chocolate products. In order to discourage exportation of National cocoa adulterated with CCN‐51, a fast and objective methodology for distinguishing between the two types of cocoa beans is needed.RESULTSThis study reports a methodology based on computer vision, which makes it possible to recognize these beans and determine the percentage of their mixture. The methodology was challenged with 336 samples of National cocoa and 127 of CCN‐51. By excluding the samples with a low fermentation level and white beans, the model discriminated with a precision higher than 98%. The model was also able to identify and quantify adulterations in 75 export batches of National cocoa and separate out poorly fermented beans.CONCLUSIONA scientifically reliable methodology able to discriminate between Ecuadorian National and CCN‐51 cocoa beans and their mixtures was successfully developed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Modification of pomological characteristics and flavour components of fruits and virgin olive oil following wastewater irrigation and soil tillage
Authors: Tekaya Meriem , Chehab Hechmi , Flamini Guido , Gharbi Ines , Mahjoub Zoubeir , Laamari Salwa , Chihaoui Badreddine , Boujnah Dalenda , Hammami Mohamed , Mechri Beligh 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe experiment was carried out on olive trees cv. Chemlali, during two successive years (2013/2014). Two irrigation treatments (IT: Trees irrigated with wastewater; TRC: Trees grown under rainfed condition) were combined with two tillage practices (TTS: Trees grown in tilled soil; TNTS: Trees grown in non‐tilled soil).RESULTSThe results of the study showed that wastewater irrigation combined with soil tillage improved the pomological characteristics of olive fruits. The tree yield increase was substantial for IT and TTS. However, most of the identified phenolic compounds, especially oleuropein, mainly accumulated in olive fruits of the TC block (TNTS + TRC), suggesting a marked improvement in the nutritional value of these fruits. Moreover, fruits of TNTS had high contents of sugar compounds, required for the synthesis of the fruit storage material. The study also showed that the agronomic practices affected the amounts of some aromatic compounds responsible for the distinctive flavour notes of olive oil.CONCLUSIONAgronomic practices may affect considerably the commercial and nutritional values and the sensorial quality of the commodities. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of quality and origin of technical sucrose solutions on the inclusion of colourants into the sugar crystal matrix
Authors: Schlumbach Karl , Scharfe Maria , Flöter Eckhard 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDDue to the liberalisation of the European sugar market the pressure to improve factory utilisation is growing. Currently, beet and cane as sucrose sources are produced in isolation, according to geography. Co‐production of sugar from beet and cane origin in one stream is a promising option. However, the knowledge base for production sugar is practically non‐existent. This paper is part of our contribution to this field and specifically addresses effects of raw material quality.RESULTSThis framework formulated for the colouring of sugars crystallised from mixed syrups is also valid for different raw material qualities: raw cane sugars: colour values 1221 to 2505 IU, dextran levels 50 to 1200 mg kg−1; beet syrups: 1509 to 2058 IU. Co‐crystallisation is the main colour incorporation mechanism. Colour due to liquid inclusion increases strongly at cane inclusion levels in excess of 60%. The prediction of final sugar colour based on characteristics of pure mixture constituents is verified and indicates significant differences to current recommendations.CONCLUSIONA first comprehensive description of the colour values in sugars produced from mixed cane and beet syrups is presented. Prediction of colour values from data on sugar colour of single sources marks a major contribution to future applications of co‐production. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Coating of optical fiber with a smart thermosensitive polymer for the separation of phthalate esters by solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Hashemi‐Moghaddam Hamid , Maddah Setayesh 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA solid‐phase microextraction fiber was prepared by coating an optical fiber with a temperature‐sensitive polymer to determine phthalate esters. N‐Isopropylacrylamide and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide were used as the monomer and the cross linker, respectively. The fabricated fiber was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. During extraction, important factors such as extraction time, pH, temperature, and ionic strength were optimized. The fabricated fiber, which is firm, inexpensive, stable, and efficient, is a vital material used in solid‐phase microextraction. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear and in the range of 1–20 μg/L (r2 = 0.9747). The high extraction efficiency was obtained for phthalates with a detection limit of 0.12 μg/L. The fabricated fiber was successfully applied to the solid‐phase micro extraction of phthalates from water samples after its extraction, followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.
Using uncertain preferential information from stakeholders to assess the acceptability of alternative forest management plans
Authors: Eyvindson Kyle , Öhman Karin , Nordström Eva‐Maria 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn forest management planning, participatory planning processes are often encouraged as a means to acquire relevant information and to enhance the stakeholders' acceptability of alternative plans. This requires the aggregation of the stakeholders' preferences that can be done in a wide variety of manners. The aggregation process strives to reduce the information into a single set of preferences that simplifies the information and allows for the use of discrete decision support tools. Depending on how the preferences are aggregated, a wide range of plan rankings can emerge. Although this range of ranking complicates the issue of plan selection, it does highlight the uncertainty involved in aggregating stakeholder preferences. In this study, we suggest an alternative method of deriving rankings for a set of alternative management options. Our proposed method suggests treating acquired preferences as the uncertain elements of a stochastic programming problem and the results provide the decision maker with the acceptability probability for each plan. The method is illustrated with a case of pairwise comparisons from a set of stakeholders representing preferences from different interest groups in a community planning process.
Breakpoint mapping and haplotype analysis of translocation t(1;12)(q43;q21.1) in two apparently independent families with vascular phenotypes
Authors: Luukkonen Tiia Maria , Mehrjouy Mana M. , Pöyhönen Minna , Anttonen Anna‐Kaisa , Lahermo Päivi , Ellonen Pekka , Paulin Lars , Tommerup Niels , Palotie Aarno , Varilo Teppo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of serious congenital anomaly for de novo balanced translocations is estimated to be at least 6%. We identified two apparently independent families with a balanced t(1;12)(q43;q21.1) as an outcome of a “Systematic Survey of Balanced Chromosomal Rearrangements in Finns.” In the first family, carriers (n = 6) manifest with learning problems in childhood, and later with unexplained neurological symptoms (chronic headache, balance problems, tremor, fatigue) and cerebral infarctions in their 50s. In the second family, two carriers suffer from tetralogy of Fallot, one from transient ischemic attack and one from migraine. The translocation cosegregates with these vascular phenotypes and neurological symptoms.Methods and ResultsWe narrowed down the breakpoint regions using mate pair sequencing. We observed conserved haplotypes around the breakpoints, pointing out that this translocation has arisen only once. The chromosome 1 breakpoint truncates a CHRM3 processed transcript, and is flanked by the 5′ end of CHRM3 and the 3′ end of RYR2. TRHDE, KCNC2, and ATXN7L3B flank the chromosome 12 breakpoint.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a balanced t(1;12)(q43;q21.1) with conserved haplotypes on the derived chromosomes. The translocation seems to result in vascular phenotype, with or without neurological symptoms, in at least two families. We suggest that the translocation influences the positional expression of CHRM3, RYR2, TRHDE, KCNC2, and/or ATXN7L3B.
Newborn genetic screening for spinal muscular atrophy in the UK: The views of the general population
Authors: Boardman Felicity K. , Sadler Chloe , Young Philip J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder and a leading genetic cause of infant death worldwide. However, there is no routine screening program for SMA in the UK. Lack of treatments and the inability of screening tests to accurately predict disease severity are among the key reasons implementation of screening has faltered in the UK. With the recent release of the first therapy for SMA (Nusinersen), calls are being made for a reconsideration of this stance; however, very little is known about the views of the general public.MethodsAn online survey was administered to 232 individuals with no prior relationship with SMA to assess their attitudes toward a newborn screening program for it. Results are compared with previously gathered data on the views of SMA‐affected families toward screening.ResultsEighty‐four percent of participants were in favor of newborn screening. Key reasons for support were a belief that it would lead to better healthcare and life expectancy for affected infants and facilitate informed decision‐making for future pregnancies. Key reasons for nonsupport were a belief in the potential for significant negative impact on the family unit in terms of bonding and stress.ConclusionsPublic acceptability is a key component in the evaluation of any potential screening program in the UK. This study demonstrates that newborn screening for SMA is viewed largely positively by people unfamiliar with the condition. The importance of early identification overrode all other social and ethical concerns about screening for the majority of participants.
Profile analysis of treatment effect changes in eating disorder indicators
Authors: Kim Se‐Kang , Annunziato Rachel A. , Olatunji Bunmi O. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe investigated differential treatment effects on specific eating disorder (ED) indicators to enhance conclusions about treatment efficacy. Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling, which identifies core profiles in a population and interprets person profiles with core profile information, was utilized to identify core profiles from a sample of 5,177 patients who were repeatedly measured with the ED inventory‐2 at admission and at discharge. To assess differential treatment effects for individual ED indicators, we compared the core profiles at admission with those at discharge. Three core profiles were identified and labeled as High Body Dissatisfaction with Low Bulimia (Core Profile 1), High Interoceptive Awareness with Low Body Dissatisfaction (Core Profile 2), and High Ineffectiveness with Low Bulimia (Core Profile 3). Treatment had the greatest effects on Core Profile 2. The patients whose profile patterns were similar to that of Core Profiles 1 and 2 were positively related with weight gain. However, treatment was least on Core Profile 3, and the patients whose profile patterns were like that of Core Profile 3 were negatively related with weight gain. In conclusion, those patients who fit Core Profile 3 may benefit from different treatment modalities than those that are standard in inpatient settings.
The moderating role of job resources in the relationship between job demands and interleukin‐6 in an Italian healthcare organization
Authors: Falco Alessandra , Dal Corso Laura , Girardi Damiano , De Carlo Alessandro , Comar Manola 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study we examined the association between job demands (JD), job resources (JR), and serum levels of a possible biomarker of stress, the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). According to the buffer hypothesis of the Job Demands‐Resources (JD‐R) model, we expected that job resources—defined as job autonomy and social support from supervisor—might buffer the relationship between job demands, defined as emotional demands and interpersonal conflict with colleagues, and IL‐6. Data from 119 employees in an Italian public healthcare organization (acute care hospital) were analyzed using multiple regression. In predicting IL‐6, the interactions between emotional demands and JR and between interpersonal conflict with colleagues and job autonomy (but not social support) were significant, after controlling for the effect of age and gender. The association between JD and IL‐6 was stronger for individuals with low levels of JR, so that levels of IL‐6 were highest when JD were high and JR were low. Overall, these results are consistent with the buffer hypothesis of the JD‐R model and also extend previous research, showing that the exposure to stressful situations at work, measured as high JD and low JR, is associated with higher levels of IL‐6 in hospital employees.
Bio‐inspired method to fabricate poly‐dopamine/reduced graphene oxide composite membranes for dyes and heavy metal ion removal
Authors: Ma Jing , He Yi , Zeng Guangyong , Li Fei , Li Yubin , Xiao Jianfei , Yang Shuizhen 
Published: November 2017

Due to the narrow layer spacing, graphene oxide (GO) composite membrane usually exhibits a relatively low water flux in the process of wastewater treatment. In this study, GO was reduced to reduced graphene oxide through a bio‐inspired method, which was functionalized modified by poly‐dopamine (PDA). Then a series of PDA/reduced graphene oxide sheet films were prepared by vacuum filtration on the surface of cellulose acetate membrane (under the pressure of −0.1 MPa). The result indicated that the novel membranes had an excellent stability owing to the cross‐link of PDA. In addition, the hydrophilicity of membrane was increased significantly after PDA modification, which presented a superior water flux than pure GO composite membrane. More importantly, as‐prepared membranes were successfully applied for the removal of dyes (including Congo red, methylene blue, and rhodamine B) and heavy mental ion (Cu(II)) from simulated wastewater. This work might provide a new method for preparation and application of GO composite membranes.