bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carnosine decreased oxidation and glycation products in serum and liver of high‐fat diet and low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Aydın Abdurrahman Fatih , Bingül İlknur , Küçükgergin Canan , Doğan‐Ekici Işın , Doğru Abbasoğlu Semra , Uysal Müjdat 
Published: December 2017

SummaryHigh‐fat diet (HFD) and low‐dose streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated rats provide useful animal model for type II diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a role in the development of diabetic complications. Carnosine (CAR) has anti‐oxidant and anti‐glycating properties. We investigated the effects of CAR on oxidation and glycation products in HFD+STZ rats. Rats were fed with HFD (60% of total calories from fat) for 4 weeks, and then a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg; i.p.) was applied. Rats with blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dl were fed with HFD until the end of the 12th week. CAR (250 mg/kg body weight; i.p.; five times a week) was administered to the rats for the last four weeks. CAR significantly decreased serum triglyceride (TG) (57.7%), cholesterol (35.6%) levels and hepatic marker enzyme activities of HFD+STZ rats. It significantly reduced serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) (23.7%), AGEs (13.4%) and advanced oxidized protein products (AOPP) (35.9%) and hepatic TG (59%), ROS (26%), malondialdehyde (MDA) (11.5%), protein carbonyl (PC) (19.2%) and AGE (20.2%) levels. Liver steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning were also significantly reduced. However, CAR treatment did not alter serum glucose and blood glycated haemoglobin and hepatic anti‐oxidant enzyme activities/mRNA expressions in HFD+STZ rats. Our results indicate that CAR decreased accumulation of oxidation and glycation products, such as MDA, AGE, AOPP and PC in the serum and liver and ameliorated hepatic dysfunction in HFD+STZ rats. This effect may be related to its anti‐oxidative, anti‐glycating, and anti‐lipogenic potential.
Evaluation of factors related to glycaemic control among South Korean patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choi Won‐Hee , Seo Yeong‐Mi , Ha Yeongmi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimsTo examine specific self‐care behaviours, depression, and diabetes‐related stress among South Korean patients with type 2 diabetes and to evaluate whether these factors are related to glycaemic control.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 171 patients with type 2 diabetes who visited an endocrinology clinic. A structured questionnaire and electronic medical records were used to collect data regarding self‐care behaviours, depression, diabetes‐related distress, and glycaemic control between May 2015 and July 2015.ResultsCompared with the group with good glycaemic control, the group with poor glycaemic control had significantly lower values for medication adherence and significantly greater values for regimen‐related distress. Depression was not significantly associated with glycaemic control. In logistic regression analysis, only medication adherence was independently associated with glycaemic control.ConclusionsMedication adherence should be continuously emphasized and monitored in clinical practice to effectively manage glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, consideration of diabetes‐related distress may help improve glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Trends in outpatient anti‐arrhythmic prescriptions for atrial fibrillation and left atrial ablation in Australia: 1997–2016
Authors: Khan Ifrah , Patel Hitesh C. , Nanayakkara Shane , Raju Hariharan , Voskoboinik Aleksandr , Mariani Justin A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAn important aspect of atrial fibrillation (AF) management is the decision whether to adopt a rate or rhythm control strategy. Options for the latter include oral anti‐arrhythmic drugs (AAD) or catheter ablation.AimTo describe the trends in rhythm control for AF in Australia between 1997 and 2016.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study using prospectively collected data between 1997 and 2016 from the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme and Medicare Benefit Schedule websites, which, respectively, contain information pertaining to public AAD prescriptions and rebatable AF ablation procedures performed in Australia.ResultsSotalol and amiodarone remain the most commonly prescribed AAD in Australia, although their use is decreasing. Rates of catheter ablation for AF continue to rise annually with a 48‐fold increase from 71 to 3480 since 1997.ConclusionA rhythm control strategy is frequently utilised for AF management in Australia. Consistent with international guidelines which advocate safety over efficacy when choosing a rhythm control strategy, the prescriptions of amiodarone have been consistently decreasing since 2002, whereas sotalol and flecainide prescriptions have largely increased, with a peak in 2015. Catheter ablation per capita has burgeoned 36‐fold.
Enhancing metabolic monitoring for children and adolescents using second‐generation antipsychotics
Authors: Coughlin Mary , Goldie Catherine L. , Tregunno Deborah , Tranmer Joan , Kanellos‐Sutton Marina , Khalid‐Khan Sarosh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe prevalence of children and adolescents using second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs) has increased significantly in recent years. In this population, SGAs are used to treat mood and behavioural disorders although considered ‘off‐label’ or not approved for these indications. Metabolic monitoring is the systematic physical health assessment of antipsychotic users utilized to detect cardiovascular and endocrine side effects and prevent adverse events such as weight gain, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, and arrhythmias. This practice ensures safe and efficacious SGA use among children and adolescents. Despite widely available, evidence‐based metabolic monitoring guidelines, rates of monitoring continue to be suboptimal; this exposes children to the unnecessary risk of developing poor cardiovascular health and long‐term disease. In this discursive paper, existing approaches to metabolic monitoring as well as challenges to implementing monitoring guidelines in practice are explored. The strengths and weaknesses of providing metabolic monitoring across outpatient psychiatry, primary care, and collaborative community settings are discussed. We suggest that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all solution to improving metabolic monitoring care for children and adolescents using SGA in all settings. However, we advocate for a pragmatic global approach to enhance safety of children and adolescents taking SGAs through collaboration among healthcare disciplines with a focus on integrating nurses as champions of metabolic monitoring.
Optimal overbooking decision for a “Hotel + OTA” dual‐channel supply chain
Authors: Ye Fei , Lu Murui , Li Yina 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe overbooking problem with free upgrade substitution for a “Hotel + OTA (online travel agent)” dual‐channel supply chain is investigated. Under the Merchant model framework, the OTA's optimal purchasing quantity and the hotel's optimal overbooking level and strategy are analyzed. The findings reveal that a substitutable overbooking strategy (free upgrade is permitted) is the best for the hotel. However, the optimal decisions depend on parameters such as wholesale price, arrival rate of economy room's consumers, the probability of consumers persuaded to book luxury room, and demand uncertainties in two channels. The OTA's purchasing quantity for economy room decreases in wholesale price, the probability of consumers persuaded to book luxury rooms, and OTA channel demand uncertainty. The hotel's optimal overbooking level decreases in the arrival rate of economy room's consumers and the probability of consumers persuaded to book luxury room and increases in wholesale price and hotel direct channel demand uncertainty. Moreover, the hotel can affect the OTA's purchasing quantity decisions by adjusting wholesale prices and determine the optimal overbooking level to maximize the expected revenue accordingly.
Facilitating comprehension of non‐native English speakers during lectures in English with STR‐texts
Authors: Shadiev Rustam , Wu Ting‐Ting , Huang Yueh‐Min 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe provided texts generated by speech‐to text‐recognition (STR) technology for non‐native English speaking students during lectures in English in order to test whether STR‐texts were useful for enhancing students' comprehension of lectures. To this end, we carried out an experiment in which 60 participants were randomly assigned to a control group (i.e., 30 participants who learned without STR‐texts) and an experimental group (i.e., 30 participants who learned with STR‐texts). Our results showed that the participants in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group. Our second objective was to explore the effectiveness of STR‐texts on the learning performance of the experimental‐group participants with different levels of English as a Foreign Language ability, that is, high and low. The results showed that the low ability students had lower self‐efficacy than the high ability students. The results also showed no significant effect of STR‐texts on the post‐test scores of the low and high ability participants after controlling for the effect of English as a Foreign Language ability. No significant difference was found in cognitive load and anxiety of the low and high ability participants. Based on the implications of our findings, several suggestions are made for the teaching and research communities.
Neuroprotection by quercetin via mitochondrial function adaptation in traumatic brain injury: PGC‐1α pathway as a potential mechanism
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Handong , Wen Guodao , Li Liwen , Gao Yongyue , Zhuang Zong , Zhou Mengliang , Mao Lei , Fan Youwu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of quercetin in mouse models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the potential role of the PGC‐1α pathway in putative neuroprotection. Wild‐type mice were randomly assigned to four groups: the sham group, the TBI group, the TBI+vehicle group and the TBI+quercetin group. Quercetin, a dietary flavonoid used as a food supplement, significantly reduced TBI‐induced neuronal apoptosis and ameliorated mitochondrial lesions. It significantly accelerated the translocation of PGC‐1α protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, quercetin restored the level of cytochrome c, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase in mitochondria. Therefore, quercetin administration can potentially attenuate brain injury in a TBI model by increasing the activities of mitochondrial biogenesis via the mediation of the PGC‐1α pathway.
Honest, Open, Proud for adolescents with mental illness: pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mulfinger Nadine , Müller Sabine , Böge Isabel , Sakar Vehbi , Corrigan Patrick W. , Evans‐Lacko Sara , Nehf Luise , Djamali Julia , Samarelli Anna , Kempter Michael , Ruckes Christian , Libal Gerhard , Oexle Nathalie , Noterdaeme Michele , Rüsch Nicolas 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundDue to public stigma or self‐stigma and shame, many adolescents with mental illness (MI) struggle with the decision whether to disclose their MI to others. Both disclosure and nondisclosure are associated with risks and benefits. Honest, Open, Proud (HOP) is a peer‐led group program that supports participants with disclosure decisions in order to reduce stigma's impact. Previously, HOP had only been evaluated among adults with MI.MethodsThis two‐arm pilot randomized controlled trial included 98 adolescents with MI. Participants were randomly assigned to HOP and treatment as usual (TAU) or to TAU alone. Outcomes were assessed pre (T0/baseline), post (T1/after the HOP program), and at 3‐week follow‐up (T2/6 weeks after T0). Primary endpoints were stigma stress at T1 and quality of life at T2. Secondary outcomes included self‐stigma, disclosure‐related distress, empowerment, help‐seeking intentions, recovery, and depressive symptoms. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials (NCT02751229; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).ResultsCompared to TAU, adolescents in the HOP program showed significantly reduced stigma stress at T1 (d = .92, p < .001) and increased quality of life at T2 (d = .60, p = .004). In a longitudinal mediation model, the latter effect was fully mediated by stigma stress reduction at T1. HOP further showed significant positive effects on self‐stigma, disclosure‐related distress, secrecy, help‐seeking intentions, attitudes to disclosure, recovery, and depressive symptoms. Effects at T1 remained stable or improved further at follow‐up. In a limited economic evaluation HOP was cost‐efficient in relation to gains in quality of life.ConclusionsAs HOP is a compact three‐session program and showed positive effects on stigma and disclosure variables as well as on symptoms and quality of life, it could help to reduce stigma's negative impact among adolescents with MI.
Effect of tooth brushing on gloss retention and surface roughness of five bulk‐fill resin composites
Authors: O'Neill Catherine , Kreplak Laurent , Rueggeberg Frederick A. , Labrie Daniel , Shimokawa Carlos Alberto Kenji , Price Richard Bengt 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the effects of tooth brushing on five bulk‐fill resin based composites (RBCs).MethodTen samples of Filtek Supreme Enamel (control), Filtek One Bulk Fill, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, SonicFill 2, SDR flow+, and Admira Fusion X‐tra were light cured for 20 seconds using the Valo Grand curing light. After 24 hours storage in air at 37°C, specimens were brushed in a random order using Colgate OpticWhite dentifrice and a soft toothbrush. Surface gloss was measured prior to brushing, after 5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 back and forth brushing cycles. Surface roughness was measured after 15,000 brushing cycles using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and selected scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken. The data was examined using ANOVA and pair‐wise comparisons using Scheffe's post‐hoc multiple comparison tests (α = 0.05).ResultsSurface gloss decreased and the surface roughness increased after brushing. Two‐way ANOVA showed that both the RBC and the number of brushing cycles had a significant negative effect on the gloss. One‐way ANOVA showed that the RBC had a significant effect on the roughness after 15,000 brushing cycles. For both gloss and roughness, brushing had the least effect on the nano‐filled control and nano‐filled bulk‐fill RBC, and the greatest negative effect on Admira Fusion X‐tra. The SEM images provided visual agreement. There was an excellent linear correlation (R2 = 0.98) between the logarithm of the gloss and roughness.ConclusionAfter brushing, the bulk‐fill RBCs were all rougher than the control nano‐filled RBC. The nano‐filled bulk‐fill RBC was the least affected by brushing.Clinical SignificanceBulk‐fill RBCs lose their gloss faster and become rougher than the nanofilled conventional RBC, Filtek Supreme Ultra. The nanofilled bulk‐fill RBC was the least affected by tooth brushing.
Detection and molecular characterization of betanodaviruses retrieved from bivalve molluscs
Authors: Volpe E , Grodzki M , Panzarin V , Guercio A , Purpari G , Serratore P , Ciulli S 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBetanodaviruses are small ssRNA viruses responsible for viral encephalopathy and retinopathy, otherwise known as viral nervous necrosis, in marine fish worldwide. These viruses can be either horizontally or vertically transmitted and have been sporadically detected in invertebrates, which seem to be one of the possible viral sources. Twenty‐eight new betanodavirus strains were retrieved in three molluscs species collected from different European countries between 2008 and 2015. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that strains retrieved from bivalve molluscs are closely related to viruses detected in finfish in Southern Europe in the period 2000–2009. Nevertheless, a new betanodavirus strain, markedly different from the other members of the RGNNV genotype, was detected. Such a massive and varied presence of betanodaviruses in bivalve molluscs greatly stresses the risks of transmission previously feared for other invertebrates. Bivalve molluscs reared in the same area as farmed and wild finfish could act as a reservoir of the virus. Furthermore, current European regulations allow relaying activities and the sale of live bivalve molluscs, which could pose a real risk of spreading betanodaviruses across different geographic regions. To our knowledge, this is the first study, which focuses on the detection and genetic characterization of betanodaviruses in bivalve molluscs.
Efficacy of topical 5‐aminosalicylate monotherapy in patients with ulcerative proctitis with skip inflammation
Authors: Choi Yong Sung , Kim Wan Jung , Kim Jong Kyu , Kim Do Sun , Lee Doo Han 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimIn some patients with ulcerative proctitis (UP), skip inflammation is noted in the right side of the colon, but little is known about its clinical course. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical course of UP with skip inflammation and the efficacy of topical 5‐aminosalicylate (5‐ASA) monotherapy.MethodsThis study reviewed the data of 388 patients with an initial diagnosis of UP from January 2005 to October 2015. This study matched each UP patient with skip inflammation 1:2 with controls who had UP without skip inflammation; to reduce bias, this study matched the controls with the cases by age, gender, and initial disease activity.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period (median: 69.5 months), the overall progression rates for the control group (n = 192) and the skip inflammation group (n = 96) were 24.0% and 32.9% at 10 years, respectively (log–rank P = 0.71). In the skip inflammation group, the progression rates were not significantly different between the 5‐ASA combination group and the topical group, 33.4% and 26.6% at 10 years, respectively (log–rank P = 0.96). The overall acute exacerbation rates for the control and skip inflammation groups were 17.2% and 26.8% at 10 years, respectively (log–rank P = 0.68). In the skip inflammation group, the exacerbation rates were also not significantly different between the combination and topical treatment groups, 26.6% and 23.6% at 10 years, respectively (log–rank P = 0.88).ConclusionThe clinical course of UP with skip inflammation was not different from that of typical UP, and topical 5‐ASA monotherapy for maintaining remission was as effective as 5‐ASA combination therapy irrespective of the presence of skip lesions.
Acute kidney injury impact on inpatient mortality in Clostridium difficile infection: A national propensity‐matched study
Authors: Charilaou Paris , Devani Kalpit , John Febin , Kanna Sowjanya , Ahlawat Sushil , Young Mark , Khanna Sahil , Reddy Chakradhar 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimAcute kidney injury (AKI) is used as a marker of severity in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) patients. We estimated the true effect of AKI in inpatient mortality of CDI patients, as there are no large‐scale, population‐based, propensity‐matched studies evaluating AKI's effect in this patient cohort.MethodsA retrospective observational study utilizing the National Inpatient Sample from years 2003 to 2012, including all adults with CDI, excluding cases missing data on age, inpatient mortality or gender. Trends and CDI‐related complications as mortality predictors were assessed using survey‐weighted multivariable regression. We estimated AKI's independent effect by propensity‐matching, post‐stratifying by chronic kidney disease status, allowing for multiple comorbidity adjustment.ResultsA total of 2 859 599 patients with CDI were included, of which 896 122 (31.3%) had principal diagnosis of CDI. AKI prevalence was 22%. Mortality rate was 8.4%, while among AKI patients was higher (18.2%). In multivariable regression, AKI was associated with higher mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 3.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.02–3.30; P < 0.001), while after propensity matching, AKI increased mortality by 86% (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.79–1.94; P < 0.001). CDI incidence increased by 1.8, together with the rate of AKI (12.6% in 2003 to 28.8% in 2012, P‐trend < 0.001). Despite increasing hospitalizations, mortality over the study period decreased to 7.2% (2012) from 9.0% (2003); P‐trend < 0.001.ConclusionHospital admissions of patients with CDI and concomitant AKI are increasing, but their inpatient mortality has improved over the study period. AKI is a significant contributor to mortality, independently of other comorbidities, complications, and hospital characteristics, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and aggressive management in such patients.
Combination of increased visceral fat and long segment involvement: Development and validation of an updated imaging marker for differentiating Crohn's disease from intestinal tuberculosis
Authors: Kedia Saurabh , Madhusudhan Kumble S , Sharma Raju , Bopanna Sawan , Yadav Dawesh P , Goyal Sandeep , Jain Saransh , Das Prasenjit , Dattagupta Siddhartha , Makharia Govind , Ahuja Vineet 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimComputed tomographic (CT) features (long segment, ileocaecal area involvement, and lymph nodes > 1 cm) have demonstrated good specificity but poor sensitivity, while visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio on CT (VF/SC > 0.63) has moderate sensitivity and specificity in differentiating Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB). This study aims to develop and validate an updated model incorporating CT features and VF/SC to improve the diagnostic accuracy of imaging in differentiating CD/ITB.MethodsComputed tomographic features and VF/SC were documented in two cohorts (development [n = 59, follow‐up: January 2012 to November 2014] and validation [n = 69, follow‐up: December 2014 to December 2015]) of CD/ITB patients diagnosed by standard criteria. Patients with normal CT were excluded. Features significantly different between CD/ITB were incorporated into a model.ResultsIn both the cohorts, necrotic lymph nodes were exclusive for ITB (23.1% vs 0% and 43.3% vs 0%), while long segment involvement (57.6% vs 7.7%, P < 0.001, and 52.6% vs 16.1%, P < 0.001) and VF/SC ratio > 0.63 (72.7% vs 19.2%, P < 0.001, and 81.6% vs 25.8%, P < 0.001) were significantly more common in CD. A risk score of 2, based upon long segment involvement and VF/SC ratio > 0.63, had an excellent specificity of 100% and 100% and sensitivity of 54% and 50% for CD in development and validation cohorts, respectively. Based upon these features, in 43% patients with the diagnostic dilemma of CD/ITB, a definite diagnosis based only on imaging could be made.ConclusionNecrotic lymph nodes are exclusive for ITB, and the combination of long segment involvement and VF/SC ratio > 0.63 is exclusive for CD, and these features can make a definite diagnosis in 43% patients with a CD/ITB dilemma.