bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameters affecting inhalation therapy adherence in elderly patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and asthma
Authors: Turan Onur , Turan Pakize Ayse , Mirici Arzu 
Published: July 2016

AimOne of the most significant problems in the treatment of elderly patients is incorrect use of inhaler devices. The purpose of the present study was to assess the parameters affecting treatment adherence among elderly patients.MethodsSpirometry, the Mini‐Mental State Examination for cognitive impairment and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale‐4 were carried out in 121 (88 chronic obstructive lung disease patients according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 33 asthma patients according to The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria) participants aged over 65 years.ResultsThe patients with cognitive impairment, low socioeconomic status, a high number of admissions to an emergency service in past year and the presence of dyspnea or sputum had significantly lower inhalation device use scores (P = 0.017, 0.03, 0.025, 0.03 and 0.02). The patients with high Mini‐Mental State Examination scores and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (as liter and percentage) were found to be more successful in using inhaler devices (P = 0.005, 0.007 and 0.022). There was a negative correlation between number of hospitalizations and inhalation device score (P = 0.021).The participants without education/training by a doctor about the inhaler device had a significantly poorer treatment adherence (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOlder chronic obstructive lung disease and asthmatic patients have more difficulty with the correct use of inhaler devices. Cognitive impairment might be an important parameter that can affect inhalation device technique. Socioeconomic status, smoking, pulmonary symptoms and admissions to hospital were also thought to have effects on the adherence to inhalation therapy. The type of chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive lung disease/asthma) is not a major factor influencing therapy adherence. Assessment of cognitive functions, choosing suitable inhalation devices and educational programs for inhaler use could improve the success of inhaler technique in elderly patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 999–1005.
Antihypertensive medicines utilization: A decade‐long nationwide study of octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians
Authors: Narayan Sujita W , Nishtala Prasad S 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimGaining an insight into the utilization of antihypertensive medicines against a background of evolving hypertension treatment guidelines that might not be relevant to the oldest old is important. The aim of the present study was to characterize the overall trends in the utilization of antihypertensive medicines in the oldest old by therapeutic class and chemical type, stratified by age and sex over a decade.MethodsAntihypertensive medicines utilization was examined using the therapeutic and chemical groups based on the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Drug Statistics Mythology's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system for all individuals aged ≥80 years. Regression and repeated cross‐sectional analyses was carried out, and defined daily dose was used to describe the utilization per thousand older people per day.ResultsUtilization of antihypertensive medicines increased over the decade from 187.28 in 2005 to 205.01 defined daily dose per thousand older people per day in 2014, and shifted from mainly diuretics to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors. Interestingly, with the exception of diuretics, utilization of all medicines decreased gradually with increasing age. Single products use increased by 1.48‐fold in 2014 compared with 2005, and for fixed‐dose combinations the increase was 1.41‐fold for the same period.ConclusionsThe increased utilization of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors is consistent with recommendations from cardiovascular guidelines formulated from large randomized control trials that often exclude the oldest old. Interestingly, the utilization of beta‐blockers decreased and diuretics increased in centenarians. The utilization of calcium channel blockers and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors across the study period increased in all age categories. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1109–1117.
Low intakes of carotene, vitamin B2, pantothenate and calcium predict cognitive decline among elderly patients with diabetes mellitus: The Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial
Authors: Araki Atsushi , Yoshimura Yukio , Sakurai Takashi , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Kamada Chiemi , Iimuro Satoshi , Ohashi Yasuo , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial Research Group
Published: July 2016

AimThe present study aimed to examine whether nutrient intakes predicted cognitive decline among elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis study evaluated data from a 6‐year prospective follow up of 237 elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) with diabetes mellitus, and the associations of baseline nutrient intakes with cognitive decline. Cognitive decline was defined as a ≥2‐point decrease in the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Intakes of food and nutrients were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and were compared between patients with cognitive decline and intact cognition. Analysis of covariance and logistic regression analysis were used to compare the changes in the MMSE score during the follow up among intake tertile groups for each nutrient.ResultsCompared with men with intact cognition, the men with cognitive decline had lower baseline intakes of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B2, pantothenate, soluble fiber, green vegetables and milk. However, no significant associations between cognitive decline and nutrient intakes were observed among women. After adjusting for age, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin levels, history of severe hypoglycemia, previous stroke and baseline MMSE score, we found that cognitive decline was significantly associated with low intakes of carotene, vitamin B2, pantothenate, calcium and green vegetables. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that intakes of nutrients and green vegetables predicted cognitive decline after adjusting for age, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin levels, baseline MMSE score, and incident stroke during the follow up.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that sufficient intakes of carotene, vitamin B2, pantothenate, calcium and vegetables could help prevent cognitive decline among elderly men with diabetes mellitus. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1168–1175.
Improved Salinity Tolerance by Phosphorus Fertilizer in Two Phaseolus vulgaris Recombinant Inbred Lines Contrasting in Their P‐Efficiency
Authors: Bargaz A. , Nassar R. M. A. , Rady M. M. , Gaballah M. S. , Thompson S. M. , Brestic M. , Schmidhalter U. , Abdelhamid M. T. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLegumes' sensitivity to salt is exacerbated under growth conditions requiring nitrogen fixation by the plant. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is widespread in legumes, especially common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). To examine the performance of P. vulgaris under salt stress conditions, a field experiment was conducted using two recombinants inbred lines (RILs) 115 (P‐deficiency tolerant) and 147 (P‐deficiency susceptible), grown under different salinity levels (L) (1.56, 4.78, and 8.83 dS m−1 as LI, L2, and L3, respectively) and supplied with four P rates (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha−1 P as P0, P30, P60, and P90, respectively) in order to assess the impact of P on salt tolerance. Results indicate that growing both RILs at P60 or P90 under all salinity levels (especially L1) significantly increased total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total soluble sugars, total free amino acids, and proline. Increasing P supply up to P60 under all salinity levels significantly induced higher accumulation of P, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ leaves in both RILs. Based on quadratic response over all locations, the maximum seed yield of 1.465 t ha−1 could be obtained at application of P 81.0 kg ha‐1 in RIL115, while seed yield of 1.275 t ha−1 could be obtained with P rate of 78.3 kg ha−1 in RIL147. RIL115 exhibited more salt‐tolerance with positive consequence on plant biomass and grain yield stability. Improved salt tolerance through adequate P fertilization is likely a promising strategy to improve P. vulgaris salinity tolerance and thus productivity, a response that seems to be P‐rate dependent.
The effect of milk composition, yeast‐mould numbers and seasons on aflatoxin M1 amounts in camel milk
Authors: Shokri Hojjatollah , Torabi Sepideh 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition, fungal and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contaminations in raw camel milk samples collected from seven dairy farms in Yazd province, Iran. Milk samples (10 samples from each of 7 farms) were collected in autumn and winter seasons. The mean contents of protein, fat and ash ranged from 2.14 to 3.28%, 1.52 to 2.01%, and 0.93 to 0.97%, respectively. Of the fungal agents identified, yeasts belonged to Candida spp. (48.2%), Rhodotorula spp. (22.3%) and Trichosporon spp. (13.4%); and moulds belonged to Geotrichum spp. (16.1%). Of the 70 milk samples, 20 (28.6%) samples had AFM1 in concentrations in excess of the maximum levels specified in European Union (EU) regulations, that is, 50 ng/L. The mean concentration of AFM1 in milk samples was 45.95 ng/L, and the minimum and maximum levels were 5.19 and 150.17 ng/L, respectively. The mean concentrations of AFM1 in winter and autumn months were 54.24 and 34.92 ng/L, respectively (p<.05). As contamination of milk with fungi and AFM1 is a potential risk for human health, raw camel milk should be monitored for their presence.Practical applicationsHaving an idea of fungal load and AFM1 contamination in raw camel milk could be used by food safety organizations to establish regulations for the control of contamination sources. In Iran, there is no study about the incidence of fungal and AFM1 contaminations in raw camel milk. Our study is the first one in Yazd province, Iran. In the current study, Candida species were the most predominant yeasts in raw camel milk. The mean AFM1 contamination was 45.95 ± 49.50 ng/L, representing 28.6% samples exceeded the EU accepted limit (50 ng/L). Therefore, feed hygiene control is the first step in preventing the transfer of aflatoxins to human; and continuous monitoring of dairy products will be necessary for evaluation of hygienic managements.
Dynamic Substance Flow Analysis of Neodymium and Dysprosium Associated with Neodymium Magnets in Japan
Authors: Sekine Nobuo , Daigo Ichiro , Goto Yoshikazu 
Published: July 2016

SummaryRecycling of neodymium and dysprosium is of great interest because of the rapid growth in their demand and limited supply of new resources. To promote recovery from end‐of‐life (EoL) products, it is desirable to quantify the recycling potentials of neodymium and dysprosium by their end use. This study characterized the substance flows of neodymium and dysprosium associated with neodymium magnets in Japan by conducting a dynamic substance flow analysis. A bottom‐up approach was employed in the analysis to estimate annual consumption by end use. Factors used in the analysis were the amounts of rare earth contents, weight of a magnet used for each product, adoption ratios of neodymium magnet usage in each product, and lifetime of products. It was found that the amount of neodymium entering use was approximately half of the domestic consumption; the balance existing in final products that were exported from Japan. The economic feasibility of recycling neodymium magnets was evaluated for their largest two end uses: driving motors in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and compressors in air conditioners. It was found that recycling the neodymium magnets used in the driving motors has the potential for economic feasibility in Japan. The result showed that lower transportation costs for recovered magnets can make the recycling economically feasible regardless of the content rate and the price of metals. The future increase of EoL HEVs contributes to the feasibility of recycling with a profit in the upcoming years. Strategies for more profitable recycling are concentrating scrap motors or magnets among recycling factories or selecting specific factories that deal with EoL HEVs.
Gestational Weight Gain and Breastfeeding Outcomes in Group Prenatal Care
Authors: Brumley Jessica , Cain M. Ashley , Stern Marilyn , Louis Judette M. 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionThis study sought to examine the differences in pregnancy outcomes with a focus on gestational weight gain for women attending group prenatal care compared to standard individual prenatal care.MethodsA matched case‐control study was conducted including 65 women who chose group care and 130 women who chose standard individual care. Women were matched based on prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) category, eligibility for midwifery care, and age within 5 years.ResultsWomen choosing group prenatal care and women choosing standard individual care had similar gestational weight gain, birth weight, gestational age at birth, and mode of birth. Women choosing group prenatal care did have a significantly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum (odds ratio [OR], 4.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81‐9.15; P < .001) than women choosing individual care.DiscussionGroup prenatal care participation resulted in equivalent gestational weight gain as well as pregnancy outcomes as compared to standard individual care. Breastfeeding rates were improved for women choosing group prenatal care. Randomized controlled trials are needed in order to eliminate selection bias.
The Influence of Pituitary Size on Outcome After Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy in a Large Cohort of Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hypercortisolism
Authors: van Rijn S.J. , Galac S. , Tryfonidou M.A. , Hesselink J.W. , Penning L.C. , Kooistra H.S. , Meij B.P. 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundTranssphenoidal hypophysectomy is one of the treatment strategies in the comprehensive management of dogs with pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism (PDH).ObjectivesTo describe the influence of pituitary size at time of pituitary gland surgery on long‐term outcome.AnimalsThree‐hundred–and‐six dogs with PDH.MethodsSurvival and disease‐free fractions were analyzed and related to pituitary size; dogs with and without recurrence were compared.ResultsFour weeks after surgery, 91% of dogs were alive and remission was confirmed in 92% of these dogs. The median survival time was 781 days, median disease‐free interval was 951 days. Over time, 27% of dogs developed recurrence of hypercortisolism after a median period of 555 days. Dogs with recurrence had significantly higher pituitary height/brain area (P/B) ratio and pre‐operative basal urinary corticoid‐to‐creatinine ratio (UCCR) than dogs without recurrence. Survival time and disease‐free interval of dogs with enlarged pituitary glands was significantly shorter than that of dogs with a non‐enlarged pituitary gland. Pituitary size at the time of surgery significantly increased over the 20‐year period. Although larger tumors have a less favorable prognosis, outcome in larger tumors improved over time.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTranssphenoidal hypophysectomy is an effective treatment for PDH in dogs, with an acceptable long‐term outcome. Survival time and disease‐free fractions are correlated negatively with pituitary gland size, making the P/B ratio an important pre‐operative prognosticator. However, with increasing experience, and for large tumors, pituitary gland surgery remains an option to control the pituitary mass and hypercortisolism.
Evaluation of performance of water quality models for a tropical lake system
Authors: Albert Moses Sheela , Janaki Letha , Joseph Sabu , Joseph Justus 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe ability to predict water quality is a major requirement for planning and execution of developmental projects. It helps entrepreneurs to effectively plan and implement pollution control measures. This study evaluates the ability of different water quality models (statistical; remote sensing; mathematical) to predict salinity in Akkulam–Veli Lake, a tropical lake system. The performance of these three water quality models was evaluated. Prediction of salinity was made accurately with the mathematical model (WASP), compared to the other models. WASP facilitates prediction of daily water quality variations, which is not possible with the other models. A limitation of this model, however, was its ability to predict only a few water quality parameters. The statistical methods are reliable when the number of sampling sites and frequency of sample collection are high, making this method exhaustive and expensive. Remote sensing techniques proved to be less tedious, but are suitable only under specific situations, and not able to produce a high level of accuracy. Nevertheless, this method provides a continuous picture of spatial variations of different water quality parameters to a reasonable level of accuracy. The choice of the ‘best’ model varies on the basis of climatic and field conditions of the lake system of concern. Thus, a combination of water quality models was found to be the most ideal approach for analysing water quality data.
First isolation of Candida wangnamkhiaoensis from the blood of immunocompromised paediatric patient
Authors: Tap Ratna Mohd , Ho Betty Lee Sue , Ramli Nur Yasmin , Suppiah Jeyanthi , Hashim Rohaidah , Sabaratnam Parameswari , Ginsapu Stephanie Jane , Gowbei Annabel , Razak Mohd Fuat Abd , Sipiczki Matthias , Ahmad Norazah 
Published: July 2016

SummaryCandida wangnamkhiaoensis is a species clustered under the Hyphopichia clade has not ever been isolated from any clinical specimens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. wangnamkhiaoensis associated with fungaemia in immunocompromised paediatric patient. The isolate was assigned a strain name as UZ1679/14, in which the identification was confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction‐sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the rRNA gene. Antifungal susceptibility pattern showed that the isolate was sensitive to anidulafungin, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole. The patient clinically improved after the antifungal treatment with caspofungin.
Presence of Citrullinated Histone H3‐Positive Neutrophils in Microscopic Polyangiitis from the Early Phase: An Autopsy Proven Case
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Hamayasu Hideki , Seki Atsuko , Nonaka Keisuke , Wang Tan , Matsumoto Takumi , Hamano Yoshitomo , Sumikura Hiroyuki , Kumasaka Toshio , Murayama Shigeo , Ishizu Akihiko , Shimizu Akira , Sugihara Takahiko , Arai Tomio 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA 76‐year‐old man was admitted with general fatigue, weight loss, fever, headache, renal failure, and a high serum level of myeloperoxidase‐antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. Biopsy revealed citrullinated histone H3 (citH3)‐positive neutrophils adherent to the temporal artery endothelium. Three days after completing pulse steroid therapy, he suffered from a sudden disturbance of consciousness and died. On autopsy, the kidneys showed the most severe vasculitis with dense infiltration of citH3‐positive neutrophils. The lungs showed intra‐alveolar hemorrhage due to capillaritis. Severe brain hemorrhage was found in the left frontal lobe and putamen with uncal herniation. No vasculitis or thrombi was observed in the brain. The right dura mater was thickened due to fibrosis and inflammation. In conclusion, autopsy revealed systemic vasculitis with infiltration of abundant citH3‐positive neutrophils, suggesting that the neutrophil extracellular trap formation and citH3 might play important roles in the early phases and development of microscopic polyangiitis.
Corporate Taxation and Productivity Catch‐Up: Evidence from European Firms
Authors: Gemmell Norman , Kneller Richard , McGowan Danny , Sanz Ismael , Sanz‐Sanz José F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we explore whether higher corporate tax rates, because they lower the after‐tax returns to productivity‐enhancing investments, reduce the speed with which small firms converge to the productivity frontier. Using data for 11 European countries, we find evidence that their productivity catch‐up is slower when the statutory corporate tax rates are higher. In contrast, we find that large firms are instead affected by effective marginal rates. Using the reduced‐form model of productivity convergence of Griffith et al. (2009, Journal of Regional Science 49, 689–720), our results are robust to a host of robustness checks and a natural experiment that exploits the 2001 German tax reforms.
Collaborative Questioning through Digital Media: A Strategy for Catalyzing Student Research “Conversations”
Authors: Brecht Mara 
Published: July 2016

AbstractResearch begins with good questions. Undergraduate students often struggle with research projects because they do not know how to pose good research questions. This note describes a teaching strategy that is collaborative and digital, and enables students to practice asking research questions and acquire skills for evaluating them collectively. Working in groups and through a digital medium, students query each other's research interests and, in turn, inhabit the kinds of conversational practices that characterize authentic scholarly discourse.
Teaching with Technology: Using Digital Humanities to Engage Student Learning
Authors: Warren Meredith J. C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn this article, I address the challenge of fostering better student engagement with ancient material, and discuss my experience with designing a course around creative use of technology. In my recent course, “The Ancient Christian Church: 54–604 CE,” I employed several tactics to encourage student engagement with ancient and modern sources, which also promoted active participation at the level of pedagogy. By designing the classroom experience to allow for student‐centered technology use, students were enabled to explore the ancient world in creative ways. In the end, I noticed greater student participation and higher‐quality understanding of the ancient church when compared with lecture‐ or seminar‐focused classroom experiences.
Dermatopathology – the link between ancillary techniques and clinical lesions
Authors: Affolter Verena K. 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundHistopathology has been essential in advancing our knowledge in veterinary dermatology. However, morphological features and histological patterns cannot always reveal an aetiological diagnosis.ObjectivesSeveral ancillary techniques can assist in achieving an aetiological diagnosis. Some of these techniques have found their way into routine diagnostic dermatopathology, whereas others are still mainly used in research. This review discusses the utility, strengths, advantages/disadvantages and challenges associated with each technique.MethodsDigital microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, salt‐split skin, Western blots, electron microscopy, PCR, in situ hybridization, tissue microarrays, next‐generation sequencing, DNA microarrays and laser microdissection are discussed.ConclusionsIt is crucial to understand the limitations of each technique and to correlate the results both with pathological findings and the clinical presentation. As such, dermatopathology will remain the important link between benchtop science, available results from ancillary techniques and clinical veterinary dermatology.