bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of phenotypic early‐onset ataxia assessment: a pilot study
Authors: Lawerman Tjitske F , Brandsma Rick , van Geffen Joke T , Lunsing Roelineke J , Burger Huibert , Tijssen Marina A J , de Vries Jeroen J , de Koning Tom J , Sival Deborah A 
Published: May 2015

AimTo investigate the interobserver agreement on phenotypic early‐onset ataxia (EOA) assessment and to explore whether the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) could provide a supportive marker.MethodSeven movement disorder specialists provided independent phenotypic assessments of potentially ataxic motor behaviour in 40 patients (mean age 15y [range 5–34]; data derived from University Medical Center Groningen medical records 1998–2012). We determined interobserver agreement by Fleiss' kappa. Furthermore, we compared percentage SARA subscores ([subscore/total score]×100%) between ‘indisputable’ (primary ataxia recognition by at least six observers) and ‘mixed’ (ataxia recognition, unfulfilling ‘indisputable’ criteria) EOA phenotypes.ResultsAgreement on phenotypic EOA assessment was statistically significant (p<0.001), but of moderate strength (Fleiss' kappa=0.45; 95% CI 0.38–0.51). During mild disease progression, percentage SARA gait subscores discriminated between ‘indisputable’ and ‘mixed’ EOA phenotypes. In patients with percentage SARA gait subscores >30%, primary ataxia was more frequently present than in those with subscores <30% (p=0.001).InterpretationAmong movement‐disorder professionals from different disciplines, interobserver agreement on phenotypic EOA recognition is of limited strength. SARA gait subscores can provide a supportive discriminative marker between EOA phenotypes. Hopefully, future phenotypic insight will contribute to the inclusion of uniform, high‐quality data in international EOA databases.
The diagnosis and management of inpatient hyponatraemia and SIADH
Authors: Grant Paul , Ayuk John , Bouloux Pierre‐Marc , Cohen Mark , Cranston Iain , Murray Robert D. , Rees Aled , Thatcher Nicholas , Grossman Ashley 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundHyponatraemia is a very common medical condition that is associated with multiple poor clinical outcomes and is often managed suboptimally because of inadequate assessment and investigation. Previously published guidelines for its management are often complex and impractical to follow in a hospital environment, where patients may present to divergent specialists, as well as to generalists.DesignA group of senior, experienced UK clinicians, met to develop a practical algorithm for the assessment and management of hyponatraemia in a hospital setting. The latest evidence was discussed and reviewed in the light of current clinical practicalities to ensure an up‐to‐date perspective. An algorithm was largely developed following consensus opinion, followed up with subsequent additions and amendments that were agreed by all authors during several rounds of review.ResultsWe present a practical algorithm which includes a breakdown of the best methods to evaluate volume status, simple assessments for the diagnosis of the various causes and a straightforward approach to treatment to minimise complexity and maximise patient safety.ConclusionThe algorithm we have developed reflects the best available evidence and extensive clinical experience and provides practical, useable guidance to improve patient care.
Non‐host plant essential oil volatiles with potential for a ‘push‐pull’ strategy to control the tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis
Authors: Zhang Zhengqun , Chen Zongmao 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis Göthe (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an economically important pest of tea crops, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae), in China. The use of non‐host plant essential oils for manipulation of E. vitis was investigated for potential incorporation into a ‘push‐pull’ control strategy for this pest. The effectiveness of 14 plant essential oils in repelling E. vitis was investigated in laboratory assays. Rosemary oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, cinnamon oil, and basil oil repelled leafhoppers in a Y‐shaped olfactometer. We also compared the efficacy of these five plant essential oils to repel E. vitis in the presence of a host plant volatile‐based leafhopper attractant, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, in a tea plantation. In the treatment combination, four plates (north, south, east, and west) treated with an essential oil surrounded a central sticky plate treated with (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate. Fewer E. vitis were found on the plates treated with rosemary oil (12.5% reduction) than on the four water‐sprayed control treatment plates surrounding a central plate with (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate. We compared the distribution of E. vitis on the plates, and the relative numbers of E. vitis on each plate were compared with similar plates in the control treatment. When four plates treated with rosemary oil surrounded a central (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate‐treated plate, the distribution of E. vitis on the different plates changed significantly compared with that of the control. Relatively fewer E. vitis were found on the east (13.0% reduction) rosemary oil‐treated plates and more E. vitis (11.3% increase) were found on the central attractant‐treated plate. Our findings indicate that rosemary oil is a promising leafhopper repellent that should be tested further in a ‘push‐pull’ strategy for control of E. vitis.
Long‐term follow‐up study of porcine anti‐human thymocyte immunoglobulin therapy combined with cyclosporine for severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Chen Miao , Liu Chao , Zhuang Junling , Zou Nong , Xu Ying , Zhang Wei , Li Jian , Duan Minghui , Zhu Tienan , Cai Huacong , Cao Xinxin , Wang Shujie , Zhou Daobin , Han Bing 
Published: May 2015

AbstractImmunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte immunoglobulin (ATG) and cyclosporine A is the first treatment option for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients without transplantation. HorseATGis not marketed in China. Because the price of porcineATG(pATG) is only about one‐third of the price of rabbitATG(rATG), long‐term follow‐up studies ofpATG's efficacy will help provide valuable insights into the treatment ofSAA. Retrospective studies were performed to analyze the clinical information of 102SAApatients treated withpATGand cyclosporine A from 1999 to 2014 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The median age was 29 years old (range 12–72). Median follow‐up time was 59.6 months (0.2–176.8). The overall response rate was 74.5% (CR42.1%,PR32.4%). The recurrence rate was 9.9%. The mortality rate was 16.7%. The median survival time has not been reached, and the 5‐year survival rate was 81.8%. Other hematologic abnormalities were observed in 7.8% of patients, including symptomaticPNH,MDS, andAML. Multivariate analysis revealed there was no significant effect on survival by factors such as gender, age, severity of disease, treatment time, andPNHclone (P > 0.05). These data have indicatedpATGtherapy combined with cyclosporine A has significant long‐term efficacy and high overall survival in SAA.
Age‐related changes in mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme Trx2 and TXNIP–Trx2–ASK1 signal pathways in the auditory cortex of a mimetic aging rat model: changes to Trx2 in the auditory cortex
Authors: Sun Hai‐Ying , Hu Yu‐Juan , Zhao Xue‐Yan , Zhong Yi , Zeng Ling‐Ling , Chen Xu‐Bo , Yuan Jie , Wu Jing , Sun Yu , Kong Wen , Kong Wei‐Jia 
Published: May 2015

Age‐associated degeneration in the central auditory system, which is defined as central presbycusis, can impair sound localization and speech perception. Research has shown that oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathological process of central presbycusis. Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), one member of thioredoxin family, plays a key role in regulating the homeostasis of cellular reactive oxygen species and anti‐apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between Trx2 and the phenotype of central presbycusis using a mimetic aging animal model induced by long‐term exposure to d‐galactose (d‐Gal). We also explored changes in thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and phosphorylated ASK1 (p‐ASK1) expression, as well as the Trx2–TXNIP/Trx2–ASK1 binding complex in the auditory cortex of mimetic aging rats. Our results demonstrate that, compared with control groups, the levels of Trx2 and Trx2–ASK1 binding complex were significantly reduced, whereas TXNIP, ASK1 p‐ASK1 expression, and Trx2–TXNIP binding complex were significantly increased in the auditory cortex of the mimetic aging groups. Our results indicated that changes in Trx2 and the TXNIP–Trx2–ASK1 signal pathway may participate in the pathogenesis of central presbycusis.
Climate change‐induced vegetation change as a driver of increased subarctic biogenic volatile organic compound emissions
Authors: Valolahti Hanna , Kivimäenpää Minna , Faubert Patrick , Michelsen Anders , Rinnan Riikka 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEmissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) have been earlier shown to be highly temperature sensitive in subarctic ecosystems. As these ecosystems experience rapidly advancing pronounced climate warming, we aimed to investigate how warming affects the BVOC emissions in the long term (up to 13 treatment years). We also aimed to assess whether the increased litterfall resulting from the vegetation changes in the warming subarctic would affect the emissions. The study was conducted in a field experiment with factorial open‐top chamber warming and annual litter addition treatments on subarctic heath in Abisko, northern Sweden. After 11 and 13 treatment years, BVOCs were sampled from plant communities in the experimental plots using a push–pull enclosure technique and collection into adsorbent cartridges during the growing season and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Plant species coverage in the plots was analyzed by the point intercept method. Warming by 2 °C caused a 2‐fold increase in monoterpene and 5‐fold increase in sesquiterpene emissions, averaged over all measurements. When the momentary effect of temperature was diminished by standardization of emissions to a fixed temperature, warming still had a significant effect suggesting that emissions were also indirectly increased. This indirect increase appeared to result from increased plant coverage and changes in vegetation composition. The litter addition treatment also caused significant increases in the emission rates of some BVOC groups, especially when combined with warming. The combined treatment had both the largest vegetation changes and the highest BVOC emissions. The increased emissions under litter addition were probably a result of a changed vegetation composition due to alleviated nutrient limitation and stimulated microbial production of BVOCs. We suggest that the changes in the subarctic vegetation composition induced by climate warming will be the major factor indirectly affecting the BVOC emission potentials and composition.
Raffinose family oligosaccharides in seed of Glycine max cv. Chiang Mai60 and potential source of prebiotic substances
Authors: Wongputtisin Pairote , Ramaraj Rameshprabu , Unpaprom Yuwalee , Kawaree Rungthip , Pongtrakul Nongkran 
Published: May 2015

SummaryRaffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) content in Glycine max seed of cultivar Chiang Mai60, a local soybean of Thailand, was investigated. RFOs and other low molecular weight sugars were extracted by 50% (v/v) ethanol and quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The prebiotic property of this extract was subsequently studied by in vitro method. The results showed that the concentrations of raffinose, stachyose and verbascose were 6.74 ± 1.62, 145.32 ± 18.74 and 1.60 ± 0.52 mg g−1 dry seed, respectively, while glucose and sucrose were detected at 10.73 ± 1.35 and 13.28 ± 2.16 mg g−1 dry seed, respectively. The growth of four Lactobacilli probiotics were increased significantly in a basal liquid medium supplemented with this ethanolic extract as carbon source compared to glucose supplementation. Subsequently, defined mixed culture was studied and it was found that growth stimulation of total Lactobacilli by extracted sugars resulted in the suppression of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium growth. It could be concluded that this cultivar showed the RFOs‐rich content and a potential to be a source of an effective prebiotic substance for food application.
Rapid and non‐invasive evaluation of pork meat quality during storage via impedance measurement
Authors: Nguyen Han B. , Nguyen Loc T. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn this study, the evolutions of impedance and bio‐indicators (total aerobic count (TAC), total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N) and pH) of meat freshness during storage at 4 °C were investigated and compared. The influence of electrode configurations, frequencies and directions of applied electric fields on impedance measurement was considered. Good relationships between measured impedance and bio‐indicators were obtained, with R2 ranging from 0.758 to 0.992, RMSE from 0.11 to 0.57 for TAC and R2 ranging from 0.636 to 0.989, RMSE from 0.29 to 1.68 for TVB‐N. Bar and ring electrodes had better performance as compared to needle electrodes. Effects of frequency on impedance were important from 20 Hz to 200 kHz and diminished in the higher ranges. Impedance generally exhibited better correlations with TAC, TVB‐N at high frequency than at low frequency. The findings demonstrated that impedance measurement could be a viable, rapid method to assess the quality of stored pork meat.
Studies on the mashing conditions of teff (Eragrostis tef) malt as a raw material for lactic acid‐fermented gluten‐free beverage
Authors: Gebremariam Mekonnen M. , Abegaz Kebede , Zarnkow Martin , Becker Thomas 
Published: May 2015

SummaryFormation of extracts and fermentable sugars during mashing can be limited by incomplete starch gelatinisation. The aim of this research was to develop mashing programme for 100% teff malt as a potential raw material for gluten‐free lactic acid‐fermented beverage. Isothermal mashing at temperatures ranging between 60 and 84 °C was conducted, and the highest extract (85%) was observed for the wort samples produced at temperatures higher than 76 °C. Sixty‐minute rest at 71 °C resulted in higher fermentable sugars than other tested conversion rest temperatures. Inclusion of lower mashing‐in temperature in the mashing programme also substantially improved the concentrations of free amino nitrogen (128 mg L−1) and fermentable sugar (58 g L−1) in the final wort. Therefore, 30‐min rest at 40 °C followed by 60‐min rest at 71 °C and 10‐min rest at 78 °C was found to be a suitable mashing programme for teff malt.
Evaluation of a Fluorochlorozirconate Glass‐Ceramic Storage Phosphor Plate for Gamma‐Ray Computed Radiography
Authors: Leonard Russell L. , Gray Sharon K. , Alvarez Carlos J. , Moses Alex K. , Arrowood Lloyd F. , Lubinsky Anthony R. , Petford‐Long Amanda K. , Johnson Jacqueline A. 
Published: May 2015

A fluorochlorozirconate (FCZ) glass‐ceramic containing orthorhombic barium chloride crystals doped with divalent europium was evaluated for use as a storage phosphor in gamma‐ray imaging. X‐ray diffraction and phosphorimetry of the glass‐ceramic sample showed the presence of a significant amount of orthorhombic barium chloride crystals in the glass matrix. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to identify crystal size, structure, and morphology. The size of the orthorhombic barium chloride crystals in the FCZ glass matrix was very large, ~0.5–0.7 μm, which can limit image resolution. The FCZ glass‐ceramic sample was exposed to 1 MeV gamma rays to determine its photostimulated emission characteristics at high energies, which were found to be suitable for imaging applications. Test images were made at 2 MeV energies using gap and step wedge phantoms. Gaps as small as 101.6 μm in a 440 stainless steel phantom were imaged using the sample imaging plate. Analysis of an image created using a depleted uranium step wedge phantom showed that emission is proportional to incident energy at the sample and the estimated absorbed dose. The results showed that the sample imaging plate has potential for gamma‐ray‐computed radiography and dosimetry applications.
Resistivity Enhancement and Transport Mechanisms in (1 − x)BaTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 and (1 − x)SrTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3
Authors: Kumar Nitish , Cann David P. 
Published: May 2015

Ceramics of composition (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (BT‐BZT) were prepared by solid‐state synthesis; they have been shown to exhibit excellent properties suited for high‐temperature dielectric applications. The X‐ray diffraction data showed a single‐phase perovskite structure for all the compositions prepared (x ≤ 0.1 BZT). The compositions with less than 0.075 BZT exhibited tetragonal symmetry at room temperature and pseudo‐cubic symmetry above it. Most notably, a significant improvement in insulation properties was measured with the addition of BZT. Both low‐field AC impedance and high‐field direct DC measurements indicated an increase in resistivity of at least two orders of magnitude at 400°C with the addition of just 0.03 BZT (~107 Ω‐cm) into the solid solution as compared to pure BT (~105 Ω‐cm). This effect was also evident in dielectric loss data, which remained low at higher temperatures as the BZT content increased. In conjunction with band gap measurements, it was also concluded that the conduction mechanism transitioned from extrinsic for pure BT to intrinsic for 0.075 BZT suggesting a change in the fundamental defect equilibrium conditions. It was also shown that this improvement in insulation properties was not limited to BT‐BZT, but could also be observed in the paraelectric SrTiO3–BZT system.
A pilot randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of a ‘lung age’ intervention on smoking cessation: study protocol
Authors: Muhammad Imran , Mok Wenqi , Toh Hai Moy , Sii Daniel , Wang Wenru 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘lung age’ intervention on smoking cessation rates, smoking abstinence self‐efficacy, nicotine dependence and behavioural change among the smoking population in Singapore.BackgroundTobacco use has been linked to several preventable chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancers and respiratory diseases. Despite numerous health education attempts to promote smoking cessation, there has been a sustained increase in smoking rates worldwide, including in Singapore.DesignA pilot randomized controlled trial.MethodsA convenience sample of 108 smoking individuals will be recruited from population health screenings conducted by a tertiary public hospital in Singapore, with 54 participants in the experimental group and 54 in the control group. Participants in the experimental group will receive a lung age intervention, consisting of lung age determination and education as well as smoking cessation advice, while the researchers will provide those in the control group with the usual smoking education. Outcome measures include smoking cessation rates, smoking abstinence self‐efficacy, nicotine dependence and assessment of the stages of behavioural change. Data will be collected at the baseline and again at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.DiscussionThis study offers an additional intervention to improve smoking cessation rates in Singapore. It aims to reduce or delay the onset of smoking‐related chronic diseases such as coronary heart diseases and cancer, which would eventually reduce the healthcare burden in an increasingly ageing society.Trial registration number: ISRCTN15839687.
Microglia in the spinal cord and neuropathic pain
Authors: Tsuda Makoto 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn contrast to physiological pain, pathological pain is not dependent on the presence of tissue‐damaging stimuli. One type of pathological pain – neuropathic pain – is often a consequence of nerve injury or of diseases such as diabetes. Neuropathic pain can be agonizing, can persist over long periods and is often resistant to known painkillers. A growing body of evidence shows that many pathological processes within the central nervous system are mediated by complex interactions between neurons and glial cells. In the case of painful peripheral neuropathy, spinal microglia react and undergo a series of changes that directly influence the establishment of neuropathic pain states. After nerve damage, purinergic P2X4 receptors (non‐selective cation channels activated by extracellular adenosine triphosphate) are upregulated in spinal microglia in a manner that depends on the transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 8 and 5, both of which are expressed in microglia after peripheral nerve injury. P2X4 receptor expression on the cell surface of microglia is also regulated at the post‐translational level by signaling from CC chemokine receptor chemotactic cytokine receptor 2. Furthermore, spinal microglia in response to extracellular stimuli results in signal transduction through intracellular signaling cascades, such as mitogen‐activated protein kinases, p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase. Importantly, inhibiting the function or expression of these microglial molecules suppresses the aberrant excitability of dorsal horn neurons and neuropathic pain. These findings show that spinal microglia are a central player in mechanisms for neuropathic pain, and might be a potential target for treating the chronic pain state.
Conceptual decomposition of complex health care interventions for evidence synthesis: a literature review
Authors: Kühne Franziska , Ehmcke Rebecca , Härter Martin , Kriston Levente 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe clarity of pivotal concepts is an important prerequisite for the development, evaluation and exchange of scientific ideas. The term ‘complex intervention’ is increasingly used in the health care literature, although it often remains unclear what is actually meant by this concept. Therefore, our aim was to analyse the literature regarding definitions of the terms ‘complex intervention’ and ‘components’ of such interventions.MethodTo identify the methodological publications, systematic and snowballing techniques were combined for the literature search. Relevant units of meaning were extracted from 68 included publications. Afterwards, we deduced categories and related frequencies by inductive and quantitative content analysis techniques.ResultsSeveral types of complexity were distinguished in the literature. Most authors viewed complex interventions as multicomponent interventions that are characterized by interactions between the components themselves, with the context or as systemic interventions. Components of complex interventions were described in the publications as having the potential to causally influence outcomes, thus being essential for achieving an effect. Other definitions and inconsistencies among the definitions are highlighted and discussed.ConclusionsFrom our synthesis, we derived definitions of the central health care‐related concepts ‘complex intervention’ and ‘components’ of an intervention. Although we found numerous diverse definitions, they could be reduced to a defined number of core characteristics. These characteristics may facilitate communication regarding complex interventions and enable the deduction of methodological approaches for evidence synthesis.