bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and prognosis in Caucasian vs. Asian patients with heart failure
Authors: Tromp Jasper , Richards Arthur Mark , Tay Wan Ting , Teng Tiew‐Hwa K. , Yeo Poh Shuan Daniel , Sim David , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Leong Gerard , Ong Hean Yee , Ling Lieng Hsi , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Jaarsma Tiny , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Meer Peter , de Boer Rudolf A. , Lam Carolyn S.P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimsN‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is the most frequently used biomarker in heart failure (HF), but its prognostic utility across ethnicities is unclear.Methods and resultsThis study included 546 Caucasians with HF from the Coordinating Study Evaluating Outcomes of Advising and Counseling in Heart Failure and 578 Asians with HF from the Singapore Heart Failure Outcomes and Phenotypes study. NT‐proBNP was measured at discharge after HF hospitalization. The studied outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization at 18 months. Compared with Caucasian patients, Asian patients were younger (63 ± 12 vs. 71 ± 11 years); less often female (26% vs. 39%); and had lower body mass index (26 vs. 27 kg/m2), better renal function (61 ± 37 vs. 54 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2), lower rates of atrial fibrillation (25% vs. 46%), strikingly higher rates of diabetes (59% vs. 30%), and higher rates of hypertension (76% vs. 44%). Despite these clear inter‐group differences in individual drivers of NT‐proBNP, average levels were similar in Asians [2709 (1350, 6302) pg/mL] and Caucasians [2545 (1308, 5484) pg/mL] (P = 0.514). NT‐proBNP was strongly associated with outcome [hazard ratio 1.28 (per doubling), 95% confidence interval 1.18–1.39, P < 0.001], regardless of ethnicity (Pinteraction = 0.719). NT‐proBNP was similarly associated with outcome in HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction in Asian (Pinteraction = 0.776) and Caucasian patients (Pinteraction = 0.558).ConclusionsNT‐proBNP has similar prognostic performance in Asians and Caucasians with HF despite ethnic differences in known clinical determinants of plasma NT‐proBNP.
Valorization of Chitosan as Food Waste of Aquatic Organisms into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by Sulfamic Acid‐Catalyzed Conversion Process
Authors: Kim Hyo Seon , Park Mi‐Ra , Jeon Young Jae , Kim Sung‐Koo , Hong Yong‐Ki , Jeong Gwi‐Taek 
Published: January 2018

AbstractChitosan is a potential renewable marine‐derived resource for bioenergy production. In this study, sulfamic acid, which has dual active sites and a green catalyst, was introduced for the conversion of chitosan, which can be recovered from crustacean shells as food waste of aquatic organisms, into platform chemicals, such as 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid. By optimization of sulfamic acid‐catalyzed hydrothermal conversion conditions, a 21.48 % 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural yield was achieved under the 200 °C, 3 % (w/w) chitosan, 0.7 M sulfamic acid, 2 min condition. Under the same conditions, a 0.48 % yield of levulinic acid was obtained. These results demonstrate the potential of sulfamic acid and chitosan for applications in the field of bioenergy production.
Metabolic etiologies in West syndrome
Authors: Salar Seda , Moshé Solomon L. , Galanopoulou Aristea S. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryWest syndrome (WS) is an early life epileptic encephalopathy associated with infantile spasms, interictal electroencephalography (EEG)abnormalities including high amplitude, disorganized background with multifocal epileptic spikes (hypsarrhythmia), and often neurodevelopmental impairments. Approximately 64% of the patients have structural, metabolic, genetic, or infectious etiologies and, in the rest, the etiology is unknown. Here we review the contribution of etiologies due to various metabolic disorders in the pathology ofWS. These may include metabolic errors in organic molecules involved in amino acid and glucose metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, metal metabolism, pyridoxine deficiency or dependency, or acidurias in organelles such as mitochondria and lysosomes. We discuss the biochemical, clinical, andEEGfeatures of these disorders as well as the evidence of how they may be implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment ofWS. The early recognition of these etiologies in some cases may permit early interventions that may improve the course of the disease.
A Comparison of Score Aggregation Methods for Unidimensional Tests on Different Dimensions
Authors: Fu Jianbin , Feng Yuling 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study, we propose aggregating test scores with unidimensional within‐test structure and multidimensional across‐test structure based on a 2‐level, 1‐factor model. In particular, we compare 6 score aggregation methods: average of standardized test raw scores (M1), regression factor score estimate of the 1‐factor model based on the correlation matrix of test raw scores (M2), overall ability from a unidimensional generalized partial credit model (GPCM) based on the items from all tests (M3), average of ability estimates from individual tests based on GPCM (M4), regression factor score of the 1‐factor model based on the correlation matrix of ability estimates from individual tests based on GPCM (M5), and general ability from the testlet model (M6). The 4 design factors considered in the simulation study are ability correlation between tests (.3, .5, .7, .8, and .9), test length (10, 20, 30, and 60 items), number of tests (2 and 4), and factor loading distribution (equal and unequal). The comparisons are also conducted on a real test data set with 2 tests. On the basis of the results, M1 and M4 are recommended for 2 tests, and M2, M5, and M6 are recommended for 3 or more tests. Several issues regarding attaining aggregate score reliability for intended uses and score aggregation types distinguished by test dimensionality are discussed, and practical suggestions for score aggregation are provided.
Food and nutritional security in the villages Nuevo Tambo de Mora and Alto El Molino, Ica, Peru
Authors: Pillaca‐Medina Mery Luz 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFood and Nutrition Security (FNS) can be affected at any time and place in the world, including as a result of various natural disasters. The aim of this study is to determine the FNS situation in families from the two villages (Ica, Peru) Nuevo Tambo de Mora (NTM) and Alto El Molino (AEM) in 2015 and the dimensions of FNS (availability, access, consumption, biological use, and stability). This is a quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross‐sectional, and retrospective study. Families with at least one child under 12 years of age were included. Sampling was probabilistic and systematic (363 families in AEM and 241 in NTM). Two questionnaires were used: the first comprising availability and access; and the second comprising consumption, biological utilization, and stability. FNS was observed in 33.6% of the population of AEM and 47.3% in NTM, while 17.9% and 14.5% of moderate food insecurity (FI) and severe FI, respectively, were observed in AEM and NTM. FI was reported in 6.9% in AEM and 3.3% in NTM. Food was available in markets and stores. More than half of the families had a monthly income lesser than the officially minimum established in Peru. Exclusive breastfeeding (EB) until 6 months old was predominant in both communities: 80.1% in NTM and 77.1% in AM. More than 70% reported not consuming fruits and vegetables. Eighty‐six percent of surveyed inhabitants in AEM and 78% in NTM washed their hands before preparing food. The main cause of food shortages was the increase in price, reported by 51.8% in NTM and 48.6% in AEM. Half of the families in NTM and one‐sixth of AEM presented FI at various levels, among which severe FI is emphasized in households with the larger number of members, showing through the five‐dimensional evaluation of the FNS.
Physical, chemical, and sensory properties of biscuits prepared from flour blends of unripe cooking banana, pigeon pea, and sweet potato
Authors: Adeola Abiodun A. , Ohizua Ehimen R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBiscuits were produced from 14 flour blends of cooking banana (UBF), pigeon pea (PPF), and sweet potato (SPF). The physical properties, nutrient composition, and sensory characteristics of the biscuits were evaluated using standard methods. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, and mean values were separated using Duncan's multiple range test. The hardness of the biscuit samples decreased as PPF increased, while the fracturability decreased with increase in UBF. Biscuits were significantly (p < .05) different in their nutrient composition, with the crude protein, crude fiber, ash contents, and dietary fiber content increasing as the PPF level increased. Cookies were rich in magnesium (576.54–735.06 mg/100 g) with favorable Na/K ratio (<1.0). The antinutritional factors in the biscuit samples were within permissible levels. Biscuits prepared from flour blend of 21.67% unripe cooking banana, 21.67% pigeon pea, and 56.67% sweet potato were the most preferred in terms of shape, mouthfeel, taste, crunchiness, and overall acceptability. Flour blends of unripe cooking banana, pigeon pea, and sweet potato could therefore be used as raw materials for the production of biscuits, with high protein, total dietary, and energy content.
Do credit ratings affect spread and return? A study of structured finance products
Authors: Moreira Fernando , Zhao Sheng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAlthough the previous studies investigating the relationship between credit ratings and spread or return in the financial market are normally restricted to noncausal measures, this paper uses structural equation modelling to test the possibility of causal links from ratings to spread and return in the context of structured finance products. Our analyses are split into 2 stages: First, we search for causality between ratings and spread at the issuance stage (primary market) based on a sample comprising all tranches of asset‐backed securities issued in the United States by American and foreign institutions from December 1999 to December 2015. Then, we consider all ABS rating changes from February 2001 to December 2015 to check whether the assumption of causal connection between ratings and return at the trading stage (secondary market) is reasonable. After testing all pertinent combinations among the variables in our database, we find evidence of causality at the issuance stage but very little support to causality at the trading stage. This study contributes to the debate on the regulation of credit rating agencies as our findings suggest that ratings may have an effective influence on decisions made by investors at the time structure finance products are issued. As this effect is very weak when those assets are traded in the secondary market, in principle, regulators should focus their attention on the credit rating agencies' activities regarding the issuance of new structured products.
Cytoprotective effect of flavonoid‐induced autophagy on bisphosphonate mediated cell death in osteoblast
Authors: Kim Jung‐Han , Kang Hae‐Mi , Yu Su‐Bin , Song Jae‐Min , Kim Chul‐Hoon , Kim Bok‐Joo , Park Bong‐Soo , Shin Sang‐Hun , Kim In‐Ryoung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWith rapid economic growth and further developments in medical science, the entry into the aging population is currently increasing, as is the number of patients with metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and diabetes. The current treatments for metabolic bone diseases, which are also on the rise, cause negative side effects. Bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis, inhibit the bone resorption ability of osteoclasts and during prolonged administration, cause bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Numerous studies have shown the potential role of natural plant products as flavonoids in the protection against osteoporosis and in the influence of bone remodeling. Autophagy occurs after the degradation of cytoplasmic components within the lysosome and serves as an essential cytoprotective response to pathologic stress caused by certain diseases. In the present study, we hypothesized that the cytoprotective effects of flavonoids might be related to those associated with autophagy, an essential cytoprotective response to the pathologic stress caused by certain diseases, in osteoblasts. We demonstrated the cytoprotective effect of flavonoid‐induced autophagy against the toxicity of zoledronate and the induction of autophagy by flavonoids to support osteogenic transcription factors, leading to osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Further studies are necessary to clarify the connections between autophagy and osteogenesis. It would be helpful to shed light on methodological challenges through molecular biological studies and new animal models. The findings of the current study may help to delineate the potential role of flavonoids in the treatment of metabolic bone disease.
The mental health continuum‐short form: The structure and application for cross‐cultural studies–A 38 nation study
Authors: Żemojtel‐Piotrowska Magdalena , Piotrowski Jarosław P. , Osin Evgeny N. , Cieciuch Jan , Adams Byron G. , Ardi Rahkman , Bălţătescu Sergiu , Bogomaz Sergey , Bhomi Arbinda Lal , Clinton Amanda , de Clunie Gisela T. , Czarna Anna Z. , Esteves Carla , Gouveia Valdiney , Halik Murnizam H.J. , Hosseini Ashraf , Khachatryan Narine , Kamble Shanmukh Vasant , Kawula Anna , Lun Vivian Miu‐Chi , Ilisko Dzintra , Klicperova‐Baker Martina , Liik Kadi , Letovancova Eva , Cerrato Sara Malo , Michalowski Jaroslaw , Malysheva Natalia , Marganski Alison , Nikolic Marija , Park Joonha , Paspalanova Elena , de Leon Pablo Perez , Pék Győző , Różycka‐Tran Joanna , Samekin Adil , Shahbaz Wahab , Khanh Ha Truong Thi , Tiliouine Habib , Van Hiel Alain , Vauclair Melanie , Wills ‐ Herrera Eduardo , Włodarczyk Anna , Yahiiaev Illia , Maltby John 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe Mental Health Continuum‐Short Form (MHC‐SF) is a brief scale measuring positive human functioning. The study aimed to examine the factor structure and to explore the cross‐cultural utility of the MHC‐SF using bifactor models and exploratory structural equation modelling.MethodUsing multigroup confirmatory analysis (MGCFA) we examined the measurement invariance of the MHC‐SF in 38 countries (university students, N = 8,066; 61.73% women, mean age 21.55 years).ResultsMGCFA supported the cross‐cultural replicability of a bifactor structure and a metric level of invariance between student samples. The average proportion of variance explained by the general factor was high (ECV = .66), suggesting that the three aspects of mental health (emotional, social, and psychological well‐being) can be treated as a single dimension of well‐being.ConclusionThe metric level of invariance offers the possibility of comparing correlates and predictors of positive mental functioning across countries; however, the comparison of the levels of mental health across countries is not possible due to lack of scalar invariance. Our study has preliminary character and could serve as an initial assessment of the structure of the MHC‐SF across different cultural settings. Further studies on general populations are required for extending our findings.
Contextualizing the mental health of metal youth: A community for social protection, identity, and musical empowerment
Authors: Rowe Paula , Guerin Bernard 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMetal identities are popularly represented as leading to mental health issues but with flawed evidence. We documented the community contexts around metal and well‐being by talking to young metalheads directly. We engaged in repeated, informal talks with 28 young Australians who strongly identified with metal (aged 18–24 years, 5 females and 23 males), and found that the metal identities and community protected them from mental health problems. Four core themes were found from transcripts: they were all bullied or marginalized through social relationships at school; they enjoyed the impact of metal music and lyrics when angry or ostracized; they felt part of a protective community of metalheads, even though in many cases at this age it was more imagined than real; and embodying metal identities enabled them to keep bullies, detractors, and others at bay, and to find friend groups. By talking repeatedly, directly with young metalheads, it was found that metal identities were helping participants to survive the stress of challenging environments and build strong and sustained identities and communities, thus alleviating any potential mental health issues.
The double‐edged sword of endoplasmic reticulum stress in uremic sarcopenia through myogenesis perturbation
Authors: Jheng Jia‐Rong , Chen Yuan‐Siao , Ao Un Iong , Chan Ding‐Cheng , Huang Jenq‐Wen , Hung Kuang‐Yu , Tarng Der‐Cheng , Chiang Chih‐Kang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is the age‐related degeneration characterized with the decline of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. The imbalance of protein synthesis and degradation which jeopardizes immune, hormone regulation, and muscle‐motor neuron connection is the main cause of sarcopenia. There is limited knowledge regarding molecular mechanism of sarcopenia. As the endoplasmic reticulum is the control centre of the protein syntheses and degradation, we hypothesized that endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) play an important in the development of sarcopenia. Understanding the sarcopenia molecular mechanisms may benefit the therapeutic diagnosis and treatment in the future.MethodsMouse myoblast C2C12 cells are exposed to designated time and concentration of indoxyl sulfate (IS), a uremic toxin of chronic kidney disease. The proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of atrogin 1 are examined. The protein and mRNA expression of IS treated‐C2C12 cells are inspected to distinguish the role of ER stress and oxidative stress underlying the sarcopenia.ResultsIndoxyl sulfate inhibits myoblast differentiation. We demonstrate that as the number of multi‐nuclei myotube decreased, the differentiation markers including myoD, myoG, and myosin heavy chain are also suppressed. Indoxyl sulfate inhibits myoblast proliferation and induces the myotubular atrophy marker atrogin‐1 protein expression. Indoxyl sulfate stimulates eIF2α phosphorylation and XBP1 mRNA splicing in UPR. Interestingly, the oxidative stress is related to eIF2α phosphorylation but not XBP1 mRNA splicing. The eIF2α phosphorylation triggered by IS reduces myoD, myoG, and myosin heavy chain protein expression, which represents the anti‐myogenic modulation on the early differentiation event. The XBP1 mRNA splicing induced by IS, however, is considered the adaptive response to restore the myogenic differentiation.ConclusionsOur studies indicated that the ER stress and UPR modulation are critical in the chronic kidney disease uremic toxin‐accumulated sarcopenia model. We believe that UPR‐related signals showed great potential in clinical application.
Completion of the tuberculosis care cascade in a community‐based HIV linkage‐to‐care study in South Africa and Uganda
Authors: Shapiro Adrienne E , van Heerden Alastair , Schaafsma Torin T , Hughes James P , Baeten Jared M , van Rooyen Heidi , Tumwesigye Elioda , Celum Connie L , Barnabas Ruanne V 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of HIV‐associated mortality in Africa. As HIV testing, linkage to care and antiretroviral treatment initiation intensify to meet UNAIDS targets, it is not known what effect these efforts will have on TB detection and prevention. We aimed to characterize the TB care cascade of screening, diagnostic testing, treatment and provision of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in a study of community‐based HIV screening and linkage to care and determine whether symptom screening results affected progress along the cascade.MethodsBetween June 2013 and March 2015, HIV‐infected adults enrolled in the Linkages study, a multi‐site, community‐based, randomized HIV screening and linkage‐to‐care study in South Africa and Uganda. All participants were screened for TB symptoms at entry after testing positive for HIV and referred to local clinics for care. During the 9 month follow‐up, participants were periodically surveyed about clinic linkage and initiation of HIV care as well as subsequent TB testing, treatment, or IPT. We compared outcomes between persons with and without a positive symptom screen at baseline using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression to calculate relative risks of outcomes along the care cascade.Results and discussionOf the 1,325 HIV‐infected adults enrolled, 26% reported at least one TB symptom at the time of HIV diagnosis. Loss of appetite and fever were the most commonly reported symptoms on a TB symptom screen. Despite 92% HIV linkage success, corresponding TB linkage was incomplete. Baseline TB symptoms were associated with an increased risk of a TB diagnosis (relative risk 3.23, 95% CI 1.51 to 6.91), but only 34% of symptomatic persons had sputum TB testing. Fifty‐five percent of participants diagnosed with TB started TB treatment. In South Africa, only 18% of asymptomatic participants initiated IPT after linkage to HIV care, and presence of symptoms was not associated with IPT initiation (relative risk 0.86 95% CI 0.6 to 1.23).ConclusionsHIV linkage to care interventions provide an opportunity to improve completion of the TB care cascade, but will require additional support to realize full benefits.
Reaching Wuthering Heights with Brave New Words: The Influence of Originality of Words on the Success of Outstanding Best‐Sellers
Authors: Form Sven 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe judgment and ultimately the success of creative products should be determined by their properties. However, it has not been considered so far whether the same applies to books. Earlier research has found an inverted‐U relationship between originality of stimuli and their success. Linguistic originality as a text feature could influence the success of books as creative products in a natural experiment. The present historiometric study investigated whether originality predicts the popularity in a significant sample, the most best‐selling English books from 200 years. Originality was calculated based on word frequency using a commercial service. Popularity was assessed with a composite measure including indicators like number of sold copies. Regression analysis indicated originality had a direct linear effect on popularity, partially moderated by the time of first publishing. That is, while originality was generally beneficial for the success of a best‐seller, the same originality was more appreciated at a later point in time. This is the first quantitative study supporting the long‐held assumption that the evaluation of creative narratives is influenced by temporal context. The fact that some works like The Great Gatsby got more appreciation when they were rediscovered may reflect a general principle rather than mere exceptions.