bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DEFINING THE CULTURE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIETARY MANAGEMENT ACTIONS IN PEOPLE UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Onbe Hiromi , Oka Michiyo , Shimada Mikiko , Motegi Emiko , Motoi Yuji , Okabe Ayako 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYObjectivesThe present study was designed to clarify the structure of culture and the three components of attitude in a desirable attitude toward dietary management actions in outpatient haemodialysis patients who are in the maintenance phase of treatment.MethodsThe participants in the study included nine patients undergoing chronic maintenance haemodialysis who have received guidance related to diet and had good test results. Ethnography, by means of participant observation and semi‐structured interviews, was chosen as the research method.FindingsDesirable attitude of haemodialysis patients in dietary management actions was found to have a chronological progression in one of the components of attitude: propensity of behaviour. Change in behaviour was influenced by affect and cognition. At the base of the structure of attitude lay three factors: valuing cooking with seasonal ingredients and creating special meals for seasonal occasions; family draws near, shows care and gives support; and belief in information perceived to be good for the health, which was influenced by three components of attitude: affect, cognition, and propensity of behaviour, as well as culture.ConclusionParticipants continue to value the food culture that they grew up with, which involves their affect towards, and cognition of, dietary management.
EXPLORING THE VIEWS OF PATIENTS NOT ON THE TRANSPLANT WAITING LIST: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Lawrence Christopher , Sharma Shivani , Da Silva‐Gane Maria , Fletcher Ben C. , Farrington Ken 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundNot all patients are suitable for kidney transplantation; however, little is known about the views and attitudes of patients who are not on the waiting list for transplantation.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the views and attitudes of patients who are not on the waiting list regarding the process of transplant allocation.MethodsA grounded theory approach was used to develop theories from patient views, opinions and attitudes. Patients receiving dialysis, and not on the waiting list at a United Kingdom renal unit were identified by the renal counsellor and invited to take part. Five patients formed a focus group to enable construction of an interview schedule. Patients (n = 10, different from those in the focus group) were interviewed until themes became saturated. Interview transcripts generated conceptual categories.ResultsSeven conceptual categories emerged regarding access to transplantation. Patients experience emotions of loss relating to transplantation exacerbated by restrictions imposed by dialysis. Patients find coping mechanisms, accept their situation and trust that clinical decisions were equitable.ConclusionsPatients trust their carers and support an efficacy argument when considering scarce resources. Communication should be improved to ensure clarity and understanding of clinical decisions.
The Reaction Mechanism and Kinetics of α‐BN Powder in Wet Air at 1273 K
Authors: Hou Xinmei , Yu Ziyou , Chen Zhiyuan , Chou Kuo‐Chih , Zhao Baojun 
Published: May 2013

The reaction behavior of α‐Boron nitride (BN) powder in wet air was investigated at 1273 K using thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and mass spectrometry. Scanning electron microscopy and electron probe X‐ray microanalysis (EPMA) were used to analyze the morphological and elemental development of the sample. The results show that the reaction process consists of two stages: the oxidation of BN powder to form B2O3 and the further reaction of B2O3 with H2O. In the first stage, the oxidation reaction occurs very quickly and can be described by Chou's model. In the second stage, the reaction rate followed the linear rate law.
Spark Plasma Sintered HA‐Fe3O4‐Based Multifunctional Magnetic Biocomposites
Authors: Bajpai Indu , Balani Kantesh , Basu Bikramjit 
Published: May 2013

Although HA is highly biocompatible, one of the major disadvantages of HA include the lack of antibacterial property. In an earlier study, we demonstrated the potential role of magnetic field stimulation on bactericidal property in vitro. Following this, it was hypothesized that antibacterial property can be realized if bacteria are grown on magnetic biocomposites in vitro. In addressing this issue, this study demonstrates the development of HA‐Fe3O4‐based magnetic substrate with multifunctional properties. For this purpose, HA‐xFe3O4 (x: 10, 20 and 40 wt%) powder compositions were sintered using uniquely designed spark plasma sintering conditions (three stage sintering with final holding temperature of 1050°C for 5 min). A saturation magnetization of 24 emu/g is measured with HA‐40%Fe3O4. Importantly, all the HA‐Fe3O4 composites demonstrated bactericidal property by rupturing the membrane of Escherichia coli bacteria, while supporting cell growth of metabolically active human fetal osteoblast cells over 8 d culture. A systematic decrease in bacterial viability with Fe3O4 addition is consistent with a commensurate increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Pragmatic deficits and social impairment in children with ADHD
Authors: Staikova Ekaterina , Gomes Hilary , Tartter Vivien , McCabe Allyssa , Halperin Jeffrey M. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundImpaired social functioning has been well documented in individuals with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Existing treatments for ADHD are effective for managing core symptoms, but have limited effectiveness at improving social skills, suggesting that social deficits in ADHD may not be directly related to core symptoms of the disorder. Language problems are also common in ADHD, with accumulating evidence of pragmatic language difficulties. Pragmatic deficits are associated with social impairment in several neurodevelopmental disorders. This study systematically examined pragmatic language functioning in children with ADHD and whether social impairment in ADHD is mediated by pragmatic deficits.MethodSixty‐three children (28 ADHD; 35 typically developing), ages 7–11 years, underwent a comprehensive assessment of pragmatic language, including parent ratings, standardized tests, and a narrative task. Parents also rated children's social skills on the Social Skills Improvement System.ResultsChildren with ADHD had poorer pragmatic language skills relative to peers across all measures, even after controlling for general language abilities. Furthermore, pragmatic abilities as measured by parent ratings, mediated the relation between ADHD and social skills.ConclusionsPragmatic language skills are impaired in many children with ADHD and may partially account for high rates of social impairment. Implications for treatment and possible prevention of social problems in children with ADHD are discussed.
Nutrition self‐efficacy assessment: development of a questionnaire and evaluation of reliability in African‐American and Latino children
Authors: Sharma S. , Roberts L. , Fleming S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to develop tools that could be reliably used to evaluate self‐efficacy for consuming vegetables and low‐sugar foods and beverages for African American and Latino children living in inner‐city communities.MethodsA total of 112 children, aged 8–11 years, identified by a parent as being either African‐American or Latino, were recruited and administered questionnaires. Internal consistency, a measure of reliability, was assessed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha of test scores.ResultsCronbach's alpha exceeded the threshold of acceptability of 0.70 for the Authors' Vegetables Self‐Efficacy Index, and all three Low‐Sugar Self‐Efficacy Indices, including the Reference Index, the Authors' Low‐Sugar Food and Beverage Index, and the Low‐Sugar Beverages Index.ConclusionsWe present internally consistent tools that could be reliably used to evaluate self‐efficacy for consuming vegetables and low‐sugar foods and beverages in 8–11‐year‐old African‐American and Latino children from low socio‐economic communities.
Developing an interactive portion size assessment system (IPSAS) for use with children
Authors: Foster E. , Hawkins A. , Simpson E. , Adamson A. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNovel methods of assessing dietary intake are required to reduce the participant burden in dietary surveys, improve participation rates and thereby improve the representativeness of the sample and minimise the impact of measuring dietary intake on a subject's food intake during the recording period. One method of reducing the burden placed on participants in recording dietary intake is to replace weighing of foods with estimation of portion size using tools such as food photographs. The interactive portion size assessment system (IPSAS) is an interactive portion size assessment system for use in assessing portion sizes of foods consumed by children aged 18 months to 16 years. The system is computer‐based and is designed to be administered during an interview for a food diary or 24‐h recall. The portion sizes depicted are age‐specific and based on the weights of foods served to children during the UK National Diet and Nutrition Surveys. The system displays digital images of food used to estimate the amount of each food served to the child and the amount of any food left over. Foods are categorised within the system using a three‐tier structure. Twenty‐seven food group icons are used with two further drop‐down menus to select first the food group, then the food category and, finally, the actual food product. Each food is linked to UK food composition codes and all photographs are linked to the weight of the food depicted. Nutritional output is via a companion database. The present study describes the development of the IPSAS and the structure of the system.
Reproducibility and relative validity of a brief quantitative food frequency questionnaire for assessing fruit and vegetable intakes inNorth‐African women
Authors: Landais E. , Gartner A. , Bour A. , McCullough F. , Delpeuch F. , Holdsworth M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn the context of a rapidly increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, fruit and vegetables could play a key preventive role. To date, there is no rapid assessment tool available for measuring the fruit and vegetable intakes ofNorth‐African women. The present study aimed to investigate the reproducibility and relative validity of an eight‐item quantitativefoodfrequencyquestionnaire that measures the fruit and vegetable intakes (FV‐FFQ) ofMoroccan women.MethodsDuring a 1‐week period, 100 women, living in the city ofRabat,Morocco (aged 20–49 years) completed the shortFV‐FFQtwice: once at baseline (FV‐FFQ1) and once at the end of the study (FV‐FFQ2). In the mean time, participants completed three 24‐h dietary recalls. All questionnaires were administered by interviewers. Reproducibility was assessed by computing Spearman's correlation coefficients,intraclasscorrelation (ICC) coefficients andkappa statistics. Relative validity was assessed by computingWilcoxon signed‐rank tests andSpearman's correlation coefficients, as well as by performingBland–Altman plots.ResultsIn terms of reproducibility,Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.56;ICCcoefficient was 0.68; and weightedkappa was 0.35. In terms of relative validity, compared with the three 24‐h recalls, theFV‐FFQslightly underestimated mean fruit and vegetable intakes (−10.9%;P = 0.006); Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.69; at the individual level, intakes measured by theFV‐FFQwere between 0.39 and 2.19 times those measured by the 24‐h recalls.ConclusionsThe brief eight‐itemFV‐FFQis a reliable and relatively valid tool for measuring mean fruit and vegetable intakes at the population level, although this is not the case at the individual level.
Hypoosmotic and glutamate‐induced swelling of bipolar cells in the rat retina: comparison with swelling of Müller glial cells
Authors: Vogler Stefanie , Grosche Antje , Pannicke Thomas , Ulbricht Elke , Wiedemann Peter , Reichenbach Andreas , Bringmann Andreas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRegulation of cellular volume is of great importance to avoid changes in neuronal excitability resulting from a decrease in the extracellular space volume. We compared the volume regulation of retinal glial (Müller) and neuronal (bipolar) cells under hypoosmotic and glutamate‐stimulated conditions. Freshly isolated slices of the rat retina were superfused with a hypoosmotic solution (60% osmolarity; 4 min) or with a glutamate (1 mM)‐containing isoosmotic solution (15 min), and the size changes of Müller and bipolar cell somata were recorded. Bipolar cell somata, but not Müller cell somata, swelled under hypoosmotic conditions and in the presence of glutamate. The hypoosmotic swelling of bipolar cell somata might be mediated by sodium flux into the cells, because it was not observed under extracellular sodium‐free conditions, and was induced by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors and sodium‐dependent glutamate transporters. The glutamate‐induced swelling of bipolar cell somata was mediated by sodium chloride flux into the cells induced by activation of NMDA‐ and non‐NMDA glutamate receptors, glutamate transporters, and voltage‐gated sodium channels. The glutamate‐induced swelling of bipolar cell somata was abrogated by adenosine and γ‐aminobutyric acid, but not by vascular endothelial growth factor and ATP. The data may suggest that Müller cells, in contrast to bipolar cells, possess endogenous mechanisms which tightly regulate the cellular volume in response to hypoosmolarity and prolonged glutamate exposure. Inhibitory retinal transmission may regulate the volume of bipolar cells, likely by inhibition of the excitatory action of glutamate.
A Distinct Strain of Cowpea mild mottle virus Infecting Soybean in India
Authors: Yadav Manoj K. , Biswas Kajal K. , Lal Sanjay K. , Baranwal Virendra K. , Jain Rakesh K. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSoybean crops showing systemic mottling, mosaic and leaf deformation were observed at high disease incidences (25.1–71.0%) in the kharif season of 2011 and 2012 in the experimental farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. Symptomatic soybean leaves contained flexuous particles (650 × 12 nm), suggesting an infection by a Carlavirus. The causal virus was characterized as a strain of Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) on the basis of mechanical inoculation, whitefly transmission, seed transmission and sequencing of the viral genome. This is the first report of natural infection by a distinct strain of CPMMV in soybean in India.
Phylogenetic clustering and overdispersion for alpine plants along elevational gradient in the Hengduan Mountains Region, southwest China
Authors: LI Xin‐Hui , ZHU Xin‐Xin , NIU Yang , SUN Hang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTo better understand the elevational pattern of phylogenetic structure shown by alpine taxa and the underlying causes, we analyzed the phylogenetic structure of each elevational belt of alpine plants in the Hengduan Mountains Region, measured by net related index (NRI) and net nearest taxon index (NTI). We found both the indices of phylogenetic diversity indicated that alpine plants tended to show phylogenetic overdispersion at low elevational belts, implying that the distribution of alpine plants in these belts was mainly determined by interspecific competition. Alpine plants at higher elevational belts tended to phylogenetic clustering indicated by NRI, and NTI revealed phylogenetic clustering at the belts between 4300 m and 5500 m, which presumably suggested environment filtering and rapid speciation. Above 5500 m, NTI indicated that the phylogenetic structure became random again, perhaps due to the low intensity of filtering and the large distances between plants at the top of the scree slopes. We concluded that phylogenetic structure was, indeed, influenced by the environmental filter, interspecies interaction, rapid speciation during the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and distance between plants.
Psychometric properties of the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale
Authors: Storfer‐Isser Amy , Lebourgeois Monique K. , Harsh John , Tompsett Carolyn J. , Redline Susan 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThis study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale (ASHS), a self‐report measure assessing sleep practices theoretically important for optimal sleep. Data were collected on a community sample of 514 adolescents (16–19; 17.7 ± 0.4 years; 50% female) participating in the late adolescent examination of a longitudinal study on sleep and health. Sleep hygiene and daytime sleepiness were obtained from adolescent reports, behavior from caretaker reports, and sleep‐wake estimation on weekdays from wrist actigraphy. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the empirical and conceptually based factor structure were similar for six of the eight proposed sleep hygiene domains. Internal consistency of the revised scale (ASHSr) was α = 0.84; subscale alphas were: physiological: α = 0.60; behavioural arousal: α = 0.62; cognitive/emotional: α = 0.81; sleep environment: α = 0.61; sleep stability: α = 0.68; daytime sleep: α = 0.78. Sleep hygiene scores were associated positively with sleep duration (r = 0.16) and sleep efficiency (r = 0.12) and negatively with daytime sleepiness (r = −0.26). Results of extreme‐groups analyses comparing ASHSr scores in the lowest and highest quintile provided further evidence for concurrent validity. Correlations between sleep hygiene scores and caretaker reports of school competence, internalizing and externalizing behaviours provided support for convergent validity. These findings indicate that the ASHSr has satisfactory psychometric properties for a research instrument and is a useful research tool for assessing sleep hygiene in adolescents.
Predictive value of ALT levels for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Verma Siddharth , Jensen Donald , Hart John , Mohanty Smruti R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) generally undergo a liver biopsy to evaluate for possible non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or advanced fibrosis. However, patients with normal ALT could also have advanced stages of NAFLD.AimTo determine ALT value that will accurately predict NASH and advanced fibrosis using area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) analysis.MethodsDemographic, clinical and laboratory data of an ethnically diverse cohort of biopsy proven NAFLD patients were retrospectively analysed under univariate and multivariate analyses. Liver biopsies were scored using NASH clinical research network (NASH CRN) system. AUROC were performed for NAFLD Activity Score ≥5 (NASH) and fibrosis score ≥2 (advanced fibrosis).ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐two patients were analysed. Fifty six (23%) had normal ALT. There was no difference in the rate of advanced fibrosis between normal and elevated ALT (26.8% vs. 18.1%, P = 0.19). However, significantly lower percentage of normal ALT group had NASH compared with elevated ALT group (10.7% vs. 28.9%, P < 0.01). Overall, 37.5% of normal ALT group had NASH or advanced fibrosis, whereas 53% of elevated ALT had no NASH or advanced fibrosis. Higher ALT values correlated with higher specificity, but lower sensitivity for both NASH and advanced fibrosis. AUROC for ALT level correlating NASH and advanced fibrosis were 0.62 and 0.46 respectively.ConclusionThere is no optimal ALT level to predict NASH and advanced fibrosis. Metabolic risk factors should be evaluated to select patients for a liver biopsy to confirm NASH and advanced fibrosis.
Attenuated Systemic Microvascular Function in Men with Coronary Artery Disease is Associated with Angina but not Explained by Atherosclerosis
Authors: Strain W. David , Hughes Alun D. , Mayet Jamil , Wright Andrew R. , Kooner Jaspal , Chaturvedi Nish , Shore Angela C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionRefractory angina is the occurrence of clinical symptoms despite maximal therapy. We investigated associations between microvascular function, atherosclerotic burden, and clinical symptoms in subjects with CAD.MethodsSkin microvascular response to heating and ischemia was assessed in 167 male volunteers by laser Doppler fluximetry; 82 with CAD on maximal therapy and 85 with no known CAD (noCAD). CAC scores, carotid IMT, and femoral IMT were measured and symptoms were scored using the Rose angina questionnaire.ResultsPatients with CAD had poorer microvascular response to heating (114[95% CI 106–122]au CAD vs. 143[134–153]au no CAD; p < 0.0001) and ischemia (42[38–46]au CAD vs. 53[78–58]au. noCAD; p = 0.001). Thirty‐eight percent of the noCAD group had elevated CAC scores. There were no associations between markers of atherosclerosis and microvascular function. Forty‐two percent of the CAD group had refractory angina. This was associated with impaired microvascular function compared to those with elevated CAC scores but no symptoms (109 [95–124]au vs. 131[122–140]au; p = 0.008).ConclusionsMen with symptomatic CAD have poorer microvascular function compared to individuals without CAD. Microvascular function does not correlate with atherosclerosis, but is impaired in individuals with refractory angina. Microvascular dysfunction may play a role in the symptomatology of angina.
Nail psoriasis masqueraded by secondary infection with Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Martini K. , Müller H. , Huemer H. P. , Höpfl R. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryA 38‐year‐old man presented with whitish nail changes on all fingers as the sole symptom. The condition had developed within a few days and led to dystrophy of the proximal part of the nail plates. As microscopic examination of nail scrapings demonstrated budding hyphae and the patient working as a teacher reported frequent use of a wet sponge, antifungal therapy was initiated. Subsequent cultures and molecular typing identified Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (formerly R. rubra). This environmental yeast was repeatedly isolated despite of therapy with itraconazole. As no improvement was achieved and testing of the biological activity of the fungus revealed only marginal keratolytic activity, it was considered as a coloniser of a destructed nail matrix. Finally, a biopsy of the nail bed confirmed the diagnosis of nail psoriasis, which rapidly responded to treatment with acitretin and topical calcipotriol/betamethasone cream. Fungal growth in destructed nails masqueraded the underlying disease and may have triggered the psoriatic nail reaction.