bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a portion design plate on food group guideline adherence among hospital staff
Authors: de Korne Dirk F. , Malhotra Rahul , Lim Wai Yee , Ong Christine , Sharma Ashu , Tan Tai Kiat , Tan Thiam Chye , Ng Kee Chong , Østbye Truls 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFood group guideline adherence is vital to prevent obesity and diabetes. Various studies have demonstrated that environmental variables influence food intake behaviour. In the present study we examined the effect of a portion design plate with food group portion guidelines demarcated by coloured lines (ETE Plate™). A two-group quasi-experimental design was used to measure proportions of carbohydrate, vegetable and protein portions and user experience in a hospital staff lounge setting in Singapore. Lunch was served on the portion design plate before 12.15 hours. For comparison, a normal plate (without markings) was used after 12.15 hours. Changes in proportions of food groups from 2 months before the introduction of the design plate were analysed in a stratified sample at baseline (859 subjects, all on normal plates) to 1, 3 and 6 months after (in all 1016 subjects on the design plate, 968 subjects on the control plate). A total of 151 participants were asked about their experiences and opinions. Between-group comparisons were performed using t tests. Among those served on the portion design plate at 6 months after its introduction, the proportion of vegetables was 4·71 % (P < 0·001) higher and that of carbohydrates 2·83 % (P < 0·001) lower relative to the baseline. No significant change was found for proteins (−1·85 %). Over 6 months, we observed different change patterns between the different food group proportions. While participants were positive about the portion design plate, they did not think it would influence their personal behaviour. A portion design plate might stimulate food group guideline adherence among hospital staff and beyond.
Transcatheter closure of congenital perimembranous ventricular septal defect using the Amplatzer duct occluder 2
Authors: Zhao Li-Jian , Han Bo , Zhang Jian-Jun , Yi Ying-Chun , Jiang Dian-Dong , Lyu Jian-Li 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore the clinical effect of the transcatheter closure of congenital perimembranous ventricular septal defect using the Amplatzer duct occluder 2.MethodsBetween February 2012 and December 2016, 51 patients were subjected to Amplatzer duct occluder 2 for transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect. A total of 51 patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect who underwent transcatheter closure by the conventional membranous ventricular septal occluder comprised the control group. The success rate and complications were compared, and indications of Amplatzer duct occluder 2 for perimembranous ventricular septal defect were explored.ResultsThe success rate of the interventional procedure was 98.0% (50/51) in the group of Amplatzer duct occluder 2 versus 100% in the group of conventional membranous ventricular septal occluder. The mean age of the patients of Amplatzer duct occluder group was 5.0±3.7 years (range: 1.5–25.0), and the mean weight was 19.3±8.1 kg (range: 11.0–52.0). The mean outlet diameter of the defects was 2.8±0.6 mm (range: 1.8–5.1) as measured by transthoracic echocardiography. The device was implanted by a retrograde approach in 40 patients and antegrade approach in 10 patients. No statistical significance was observed in the incidence of complication and hospitalisation duration between the two groups; however, the Amplatzer duct occluder 2 group was cost-effective (p<0.05) and required less fluoroscopy time (p<0.05). Neither deaths nor new onset of aortic and tricuspid insufficiency occurred during the median 26.2 months (range: 3–65) of follow-up.ConclusionsAmplatzer duct occluder 2 has advantages of simple manipulation and less medical costs compared with conventional device in transcatheter closure of small type perimembranous ventricular septal defect.
Nanoscale geochemical and geomechanical characterization of organic matter in shale
Authors: Yang Jing , Hatcherian Javin , Hackley Paul C. , Pomerantz Andrew E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSolid organic matter (OM) plays an essential role in the generation, migration, storage, and production of hydrocarbons from economically important shale rock formations. Electron microscopy images have documented spatial heterogeneity in the porosity of OM at nanoscale, and bulk spectroscopy measurements have documented large variation in the chemical composition of OM during petroleum generation. However, information regarding the heterogeneity of OM chemical composition at the nanoscale has been lacking. Here we demonstrate the first application of atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to measure the chemical and mechanical heterogeneity of OM in shale at the nanoscale, orders of magnitude finer than achievable by traditional chemical imaging tools such as infrared microscopy. We present a combination of optical microscopy and AFM-IR imaging to characterize OM heterogeneity in an artificially matured series of New Albany Shales. The results document the evolution of individual organic macerals with maturation, providing a microscopic picture of the heterogeneous process of petroleum generation.
Site-specific chromosomal gene insertion: Flp recombinase versus Cas9 nuclease
Authors: Phan Quang Vinh , Contzen Jörg , Seemann Petra , Gossen Manfred 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSite-specific recombination systems like those based on the Flp recombinase proved themselves as efficient tools for cell line engineering. The recent emergence of designer nucleases, especially RNA guided endonucleases like Cas9, has considerably broadened the available toolbox for applications like targeted transgene insertions. Here we established a recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) protocol for the fast and effective, drug-free isolation of recombinant cells. Distinct fluorescent protein patterns identified the recombination status of individual cells. In derivatives of a CHO master cell line the expression of the introduced transgene of interest could be dramatically increased almost 20-fold by subsequent deletion of the fluorescent protein gene that provided the initial isolation principle. The same master cell line was employed in a comparative analysis using CRISPR/Cas9 for transgene integration in identical loci. Even though the overall targeting efficacy was comparable, multi-loci targeting was considerably more effective for Cas9-mediated transgene insertion when compared to RMCE. While Cas9 is inherently more flexible, our results also alert to the risk of aberrant recombination events around the cut site. Together, this study points at the individual strengths in performance of both systems and provides guidance for their appropriate use.
Plasma sample based analysis of gastric cancer progression using targeted metabolomics
Authors: Lario Sergio , Ramírez-Lázaro Maria José , Sanjuan-Herráez Daniel , Brunet-Vega Anna , Pericay Carles , Gombau Lourdes , Junquera Félix , Quintás Guillermo , Calvet Xavier 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGastric carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process described as a stepwise progression from non-active gastritis (NAG), chronic active gastritis (CAG), precursor lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) and gastric adenocarcinoma. Gastric cancer (GC) 5-year survival rate is highly dependent upon stage of disease at diagnosis, which is based on endoscopy, biopsy and pathological examinations. Non-invasive GC biomarkers would facilitate its diagnosis at early stages leading to improved GC prognosis. We analyzed plasma samples collected from 80 patients diagnosed with NAG withoutH. pyloriinfection (NAG−), CAG withH. pyloriinfection (CAG+), PLGC and GC. A panel of 208 metabolites including acylcarnitines, amino acids and biogenic amines, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, hexoses, and tryptophan and phenylalanine metabolites were quantified using two complementary quantitative approaches: Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ®p180 kit and a LC-MS method designed for the analysis of 29 tryptophan pathway and phenylalanine metabolites. Significantly altered metabolic profiles were found in GC patients that allowing discrimination from NAG−, CAG+ and PLGC patients. Pathway analysis showed significantly altered tryptophan and nitrogen metabolic pathways (FDR P < 0.01). Three metabolites (histidine, tryprophan and phenylacetylglutamine) discriminated between non-GC and GC groups. These metabolic signatures open new possibilities to improve surveillance of PLGC patients using a minimally invasive blood analysis.
Integrated transcriptomic analysis of Trichosporon Asahii uncovers the core genes and pathways of fluconazole resistance
Authors: Li Haitao , Wang Congmin , Chen Yong , Zhang Shaoqiang , Yang Rongya 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTrichosporon asahii (T. asahii) has emerged as a dangerous pathogen that causes rare but life-threatening infections. Its resistance to certain antifungal agents makes it difficult to treat, especially for patients undergoing long-term antibiotic therapy. In this study, we performed a series of fluconazole (FLC) perturbation experiments for two T. asahii strains, a clinical isolate stain CBS 2479 (T2) and an environmental isolate strain CBS 8904 (T8), to uncover potential genes and pathways involved in FLC resistance. We achieved 10 transcriptomes of T2 and T8 that were based on dose and time series of FLC perturbations. Systematic comparisons of the transcriptomes revealed 32 T2 genes and 25 T8 genes that are highly sensitive to different FLC perturbations. In both T2 and T8 strains with the phenotype of FLC resistance, the processes of oxidation-reduction and transmembrane transport were detected to be significantly changed. The antifungal susceptibility testing of FLC and penicillin revealed their resistance pathways are merged. Accumulated mutations were found in 564 T2 and 225 T8 genes, including four highly mutated genes that are functionally related to the target of rapamycin complex (TOR). Our study provides abundant data towards genome-wide understanding of the molecular basis of FLC resistance in T. asahii.
Long-term Associations Between Physical Frailty and Performance in Specific Cognitive Domains
Authors: Bunce David , Batterham Philip J , Mackinnon Andrew J 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Objectives
No longitudinal epidemiological research has reported associations between physical frailty and performance in specific cognitive domains. Our aim was to investigate whether such associations existed in the absence of accompanying neurodegenerative disorders such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Method
We addressed this issue in a population-based sample of 896 adults aged 70 years and older over 4 waves of data covering a 12-year period. Physical frailty was assessed and a cognitive battery included measures of processing speed, verbal fluency, face and word recognition, episodic memory and simple and choice reaction time (RT).

Results
Latent growth models showed frailty was associated with poorer baseline performance in processing speed, verbal fluency, simple and choice RT, and choice intraindividual RT variability. However, no significant effects of frailty on slopes of cognition were observed, suggesting that frailty was not associated with cognitive decline. Importantly, when the models took possible dementia into account, significant effects were retained suggesting that differences were not associated with dementia-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Discussion
The findings suggest that frailty-related cognitive deficits may exist independently of mechanisms underpinning neurodegenerative disorders such as MCI and dementia. If confirmed, this finding suggests a new avenue for preventative and therapeutic interventions in clinical and public health contexts for older adults.
Vitamin C is not the Missing Link Between Cigarette Smoking and Spinal Pain
Authors: Dionne Clermont E. , Laurin Danielle , Desrosiers Thérèse , Abdous Belkacem , Le Sage Natalie , Frenette Jérôme , Mondor Myrto , Pelletier Sylvie 
Published: December 2017

Study Design.
A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Objectives.
To measure the associations between cigarette smoking (defined as serum cotinine concentration >15 ng/mL) and the 3-month prevalence of spinal pain (neck pain, low back pain, low back pain with pain below knee, and self-reported diagnosis of arthritis/rheumatism) and related limitations, and to verify whether these associations are mediated by serum concentrations of vitamin C.

Summary of Background Data.
Cigarette smoking has been consistently associated with back pain, but this association has never been explained. Because vitamin C has recently been reported to be associated with spinal pain and related functional limitations, and the metabolism of vitamin C differs between smokers and nonsmokers, we hypothesized that the prevalence of spinal pain and related limitations might be greater among smokers because they are more susceptible to be in a state of hypovitaminosis C.

Methods.
We conducted secondary analyses of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to 2004 data on 4438 individuals aged ≥20 years.

Results.
Serum concentrations of vitamin C and cotinine were strongly and inversely correlated (r = -0.35, P < 0.0001). Smoking was statistically associated with the prevalence of neck pain [adjusted odds ratio: aOR: 1.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.06–1.47], low back pain (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.04–1.39), and low back pain with pain below knee (aOR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.13–2.22) and related limitations, with a dose-response relationship (P < 0.05). However, the associations between smoking and spinal pain were not mediated by concentrations of vitamin C.

Conclusion.
These results confirm the relationship between smoking and spinal pain, but they do not support a mediating effect of vitamin C on this relationship.

Level of Evidence: 2
Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin-C: Outcomes and Risk Factors for Failure in Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma
Authors: Romero Pablo , Hirunpatravong Pradtana , Alizadeh Reza , Kim Eun-Ah , Nouri-Mahdavi Kouros , Morales Esteban , Law Simon K. , Caprioli Joseph 
Published: December 2017

Purpose:
There are no reported large series of trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) in Western patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Our study evaluates long-term tonometric outcomes of trabeculectomy in PACG.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective cohort study. The primary outcomes were the Kaplan-Meier success rates on survival analyses using 3 criteria, with or without adjunctive medication: (A) intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤18 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 20%; (B) IOP≤15 mm Hg and IOP reduction 25%; and (C) IOP≤12 mm Hg and IOP reduction 30%. In total, 136 eyes (102 patients) with PACG who underwent trabeculectomy MMC were included. The Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for failure with multivariate analysis (P<0.05).

Results:
The qualified success rates (±SD) after 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up for criterion A were 92% (±2.2%), 78% (±3.8%), and 72% (±4.3%); for criterion B, 86% (±3.0%), 65% (±4.4%), and 59% (±4.7%); and for criterion C, 62% (±4.2%), 40% (±4.5%), and 32% (±4.4%). Baseline factors associated with failure were: family history, absence of laser peripheral iridotomy, higher IOP, and presence of a crystalline lens.

Conclusions:
Trabeculectomy with MMC effectively reduces IOP in PACG. Long-term IOP reduction is achieved for target IOP levels in the mid-teens. Presence of a crystalline lens, lack of iridotomy and higher preoperative IOP were associated with higher risks of failure.
Central inhibition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is analgesic in experimental neuropathic pain
Authors: Nicol Louise S.C. , Thornton Peter , Hatcher Jon P. , Glover Colin P. , Webster Carl I. , Burrell Matthew , Hammett Kessia , Jones Clare A. , Sleeman Matthew A. , Billinton Andrew , Chessell Iain 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
With less than 50% of patients responding to the current standard of care and poor efficacy and selectivity of current treatments, neuropathic pain continues to be an area of considerable unmet medical need. Biological therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) provide better intrinsic selectivity; however, delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) remains a challenge. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is well described in inflammation-induced pain, and early-phase clinical trials evaluating its antagonism have exemplified its importance as a peripheral pain target. Here, we investigate the role of this cytokine in a murine model of traumatic nerve injury and show that deletion of the GM-CSF receptor or treatment with an antagonizing mAb alleviates pain. We also demonstrate enhanced analgesic efficacy using an engineered construct that has greater capacity to penetrate the CNS. Despite observing GM-CSF receptor expression in microglia and astrocytes, the gliosis response in the dorsal horn was not altered in nerve injured knockout mice compared with wild-type littermate controls as evaluated by ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein, respectively. Functional analysis of glial cells revealed that pretreatment with GM-CSF potentiated lipopolysaccharide-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines. In summary, our data indicate that GM-CSF is a proinflammatory cytokine that contributes to nociceptive signalling through driving spinal glial cell secretion of proinflammatory mediators. In addition, we report a successful approach to accessing CNS pain targets, providing promise for central compartment delivery of analgesics.
Differences in Seizure Expression Between Magnetic Seizure Therapy and Electroconvulsive Shock
Authors: Cycowicz Yael M. , Rowny Stefan B. , Luber Bruce , Lisanby Sarah H. 
Published: December 2017

Objective
Evidence suggests that magnetic seizure therapy (MST) results in fewer side effects than electroconvulsive treatment, both in humans treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as well as in the animal preclinical model that uses electroconvulsive shock (ECS). Evidence suggests that MST results in fewer cognitive side effects than ECT. Although MST offers enhanced control over seizure induction and spread, little is known about how MST and ECT seizures differ. Seizure characteristics are associated with treatment effect. This study presents quantitative analyses of electroencephalogram (EEG) power after electrical and magnetic seizure induction and anesthesia-alone sham in an animal model. The aim was to test whether differential neurophysiological characteristics of the seizures could be identified that support earlier observations that the powers of theta, alpha, and beta but not delta frequency bands were lower after MST when compared with those after ECS.

Methods
In a randomized, sham-controlled trial, 24 macaca mulatte received 6 weeks of daily sessions while scalp EEG was recorded. Electroencephalogram power was quantified within delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands.

Results
Magnetic seizure therapy induced lower ictal expression in the theta, alpha and beta frequencies than ECS, but MST and ECS were indistinguishable in the delta band. Magnetic seizure therapy showed less postictal suppression than ECS. Increasing electrical dosage increased ictal power, whereas increasing MST dosage had no effect on EEG expression.

Conclusions
Magnetic seizure therapy seizures have less robust electrophysiological expression than ECS, and these differences are largest in the alpha and beta bands. The relevance of these differences in higher frequency bands to clinical outcomes deserves further exploration.

Significance
Contrasting EEG in ECS and MST may lead to insights on the physiological underpinnings of seizure-induced amnesia and to finding ways to reduce cognitive side effects.
The perceived role of Islamic medical care practice in hospital: the medical doctor’s perspective
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Zailani Suhaiza , Musa Ghazali 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the perceived role of the Islamic medical care practice of Muslim doctors in Malaysian Muslim-friendly private hospitals.Design/methodology/approachData were collection through self-administered questionnaires voluntarily submitted by the respondents. The survey covered selected major Muslim-friendly private hospitals in the country in the states of Kedah, Johor, Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and Kuala Lumpur. The non-probability purposive sampling was used, as the respondents and locations of the survey areas were predetermined.FindingsFive dimensions of the Muslim-friendly medical care practice were identified, namely, medical etiquettes, physical examination, proper cleansing process of blood and body fluids, proper handling and treatment of infectious diseases and doctors’ advice to Muslim patients. The findings also indicate that the scale development analysis produced excellent results which can be used for reproducible or repetitive medical care purposes and for integration facts and figures for inclusion into wider medical care policy and practices.Practical implicationsThe results from the study can further develop Islamic medical care practices and enable medical service providers to upgrade their performances to an enviable strategic status.Originality/valueIslamic medical care is a new mode of healthcare service market, as there are very few studies on this topic from the perspective of Muslim patients or no obvious facts are known. This study has first explored Muslim doctors’ perceived role in Islamic medical care practice in Malaysian Muslim-friendly private hospitals. This empirical study can immensely contribute to the further development of Islamic medical care practice for Muslim doctors in particular and for the Muslim-friendly hospital service marketing strategy in general.
The role of Panama Canal in global shipping
Authors: Wang Mariner 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to find out the future development of the Panama Canal after opening of the new waterway (third set of locks project), in terms of the change of cargo throughput, further deployment of fleets by the shipping companies and competition for the canal.

Design/methodology/approach
The research of this paper is based on an empiric study by collecting the relevant data from annual report of the Panama Canal Authority, publications related to the same field. Graphs pertaining to toll revenue also are made based on statistical data provided by the Panama Canal Authority.

Findings
The findings show that the opening of the new waterway of the Panama Canal generates more toll revenue for Panama government by allowing mega-vessels to transit, expediting further economic development of the country largely from behind. At the same time, shipping operators also can enjoy earning more revenue by deploying New Panamax vessels transiting the Canal.

Originality/value
Ingenuity in tabling the users of the Panama Canal by incorporating the logo marks of the shipping companies/implication is drawn through empirical analysis to provide the shipping companies and ports authorities concerned with more understanding toward the very significance of the new waterway expansion of the Panama Canal.