bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
iPad Technology for Home Rehabilitation after Stroke (iHOME): A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Trial
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Chow Chi-Ming , Gladstone David , Cheung Donna , Brawer Edward , Thorpe Kevin E. , Saldanha Avon , Dang Alice , Bayley Mark , Schweizer Tom A. ,   on behalf of the iHOME Research Team for the Stroke Outcomes Research Canada Working Group
Published: July 2014

Background Tablets are a novel line of computers controlled by a multitouch screen. Fine motor movements are captured on the tablet computer through electrical fields and can be qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. Evidence is limited on tablet use for stroke rehabilitation. Methods iHOME is an investigator-initiated randomized controlled pilot trial with a single-blinded outcome assessment. The intervention consists of iPad use (investigational group) vs. usual care (control group) among patients receiving conventional outpatient rehabilitation. Eligibility includes aged 18–85 years who experienced a mild ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (as diagnosed on neuroimaging and determined by the Chedoke–McMaster score ⩾3. The STROKE REHAB® software for the iPad was specifically designed for patients with fine motor weakness and/or neglect. Of the total 30 patients, 20 will be in iHOME Acute (enrolled within three-months of stroke onset) and 10 patients in iHOME Chronic (enrolled more than six-months from onset). Outcome measures The primary feasibility outcome is the proportion of the scheduled iPad time used (more than 70% (⩾140 mins) of the total “dose’ of intervention intended will be considered successful). Efficacy in fine motor movements will be assessed using the nine-hole peg test; time to magnify and pop the balloons in the iPad software application, and improvement in Wolf Motor Function Test. Conclusions iHOME is a randomized controlled trial assessing the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of tablet technology for home use in stroke rehabilitation. The results of this study will serve as the basis for a larger multicenter trial.
Senescence marker protein‐30/gluconolactonase deficiency exacerbates diabetic nephropathy through tubular injury in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Senmaru Takafumi , Fukui Michiaki , Kondo Yoshitaka , Ishigami Akihito , Maruyama Naoki , Obayashi Hiroshi , Yamazaki Masahiro , Nakamura Naoto , Hasegawa Goji 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionSenescence marker protein‐30 (SMP30) is abundantly expressed in renal proximal tubule cells, but its expression decreases with age. Previous studies have shown that reduced SMP30 expression could contribute to aging‐associated deterioration of cellular function and tissue injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SMP30 deficiency on the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.Materials and MethodsDiabetes was induced using streptozotocin in male SMP30 knockout mice (KO) and wild‐type mice at 7 weeks‐of‐age. Vitamin C was added to the drinking water to prevent vitamin C deficiency in KO mice. The mice were killed 12 weeks after the induction of diabetes.ResultsUrinary biomarkers for proximal tubule damage were significantly increased in non‐diabetic KO mice compared with wild‐type mice. Furthermore, diabetes‐induced tubular damage was significantly exacerbated by SMP30 deletion. Morphological analysis showed a link between cortical tubulointerstitial fibrosis area and the degree of tubular damage. However, SMP30 deletion did not affect mesangial expansion. Tubular injury was associated with accumulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and increased hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α targeted gene expression. SMP30 deletion initiated oxidative stress; however, it did not exacerbate the oxidative stress seen in diabetic mice. In contrast, tubular inflammation was associated with SMP30 deletion only in diabetic mice.ConclusionsBased on this evidence, we concluded that SMP30 deficiency exacerbates proximal tubule injury in diabetic mice. Decreased SMP30 could contribute to the increased incidence of various chronic kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy, with age.
Relationship between genuine and pseudohalitosis and social anxiety disorder
Authors: Kursun S. , Acar B. , Atakan C. , Öztas B. , Paksoy C. S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryHalitosis is described as offensive breath caused by various factors such as periodontal diseases, bacterial coating of tongue, systemic disorders and different types of foods. Pseudohalitosis is a situation that patients complain of oral malodor even though they do not have offensive odour. The purpose of this study was to compare the relationships between social anxiety estimations and both pseudohalitosis and genuine halitosis cases. Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and questionnaire regarding halitosis were applied to 100 participants. Halitosis was determined using organoleptic method, gas chromatography and portable sulphur monitor. anova test and 2‐tailed Spearman's rank‐order correlation coefficient were used to determine the differences and relations between groups. With reference to LSAS, 62% of participants had anxiety. Among these patients, 98% had genuine halitosis (P < 0·05). The mean measurements of VSC values were 248·65 ppm in halimeter, 298·02 ppm of H2S, 95·33 ppm of CH3SH and 47·00 ppm of (CH3)2S in gas chromatography. Halitosis was present in 90% of participants, and it was absent in 10% by organoleptic assessment. There was a significant correlation between organoleptic and halimeter measurements. Moreover, statistically significant relationship was detected between anxiety and halitosis. Genuine halitosis patients exhibit social anxiety, so it can be said that there is a causal relationship between halitosis and anxiety. Comparison of the results of objective measurements (sulphur monitor, gas chromatography, organoleptic method) was statistically significant; therefore, it can be said that these methods can be used in diagnosis of halitosis with high accuracy.
Diagnostic accuracy of portable instrumental devices to measure sleep bruxism: a systematic literature review of polysomnographic studies
Authors: Manfredini D. , Ahlberg J. , Castroflorio T. , Poggio C. E. , Guarda‐Nardini L. , Lobbezoo F. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThis study systematically reviews the sleep bruxism (SB) literature published in the MEDLINE and Scopus databases to answer the following question: What is the validity of the different portable instrumental devices that have been proposed to measure SB if compared with polysomnographic (PSG) recordings assumed as the gold standard?Four clinical studies on humans, assessing the diagnostic accuracy of portable instrumental approaches (i.e. Bitestrip, electromyography (EMG)‐telemetry recordings and Bruxoff) with respect to PSG, were included in the review. Methodological shortcomings were identified by QUADAS‐2 quality assessment. Findings showed contrasting results and supported only in part the validity of the described diagnostic devices with respect to PSG. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the Bitestrip device was 59–100%, with a sensitivity of 71–84·2%, whilst EMG‐telemetry recordings had an unacceptable rate of false‐positive findings (76·9%), counterbalanced by an almost perfect sensitivity (98·8%). The Bruxoff device had the highest accuracy values, showing an excellent agreement with PSG for both manual (area under ROC = 0·98) and automatic scoring (0·96) options as well as for the simultaneous recording of events with respect to PSG (0·89–0·91).It can be concluded that the available information on the validity of portable instrumental diagnostic approaches with respect to PSG recordings is still scarce and not solid enough to support any non‐PSG technique's employ as a stand‐alone diagnostic method in the research setting, with the possible exception of the Bruxoff device that needs to be further confirmed with future investigations.
The effects of ADL on recovery of swallowing function in stroke patients after acute phase
Authors: Nakayama E. , Tohara H. , Hino T. , Sato M. , Hiraba H. , Abe K. , Ueda K. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThis study aimed to examine the association between the degree of recovery from dysphagia and changes in functional independence measure (FIM) items in stroke patients after acute phase by conducting a historical cohort study, because none explains the effects of activities of daily living (ADL) on recovery of swallowing function. Study patients included hospitalised stroke patients after acute phase in whom dysphagia was confirmed (n = 72). Change in nutritional intake method score was examined for association with age, days from stroke onset to admission, length of hospital stay and change in FIM score. Moreover, to examine characteristics of patients who were removed from tube feeding, all patients who required tube feeding at the time of admission were divided into two groups comprising those who required tube feeding at discharge and those who did not. A significant and positive association was observed between change in nutritional intake method and FIM for all items other than self‐care of bathing, locomotion of stairs and problem solving. Patients who were removed from tube feeding were significantly younger than those who required tube feeding at the time of discharge (P < 0·041) and also showed significantly higher FIM scores for transfer and all cognitive FIM items at the time of admission (P < 0·05). This study demonstrated that nutritional intake methods improve in conjunction with FIM improvements in patients with dysphagia following the acute phase of stroke. Our results suggest that the age and cognitive function may influence the recovery of patient ability of oral intake.
Sexual Dysfunction at the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes: The Interplay of Depression, Hormonal and Cardiovascular Factors
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Giorda Carlo B. , Cucinotta Domenico , Guida Piero , Nada Elisa 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Several data have emphasized the importance of early diagnosis of erectile dysfunction (ED) and meticulous cardiovascular investigation in the type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Aim
To estimate the prevalence of ED and its associated determinants in a sample of male patients with new or recently diagnosed T2DM.

Methods
The SUBITO-DE study is an observational, multicenter, prospective study involving 27 Italian diabetes centers. Male patients recently diagnosed with T2DM were consecutively interviewed by their attending physician at the diabetes care centers and asked whether they had experienced a change in their sexual function or found it unsatisfactory. Those responding positively were then invited to participate in the study.

Main Outcome Measure
Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were studied.

Results
A nonselected series of 1,503 patients was interviewed, 499 of which (mean age, 58.8 ± 8.8 years) entered the study, yielding a final enrolment rate of 33.3%. ED was classified as mild in 19.4%, mild-to-moderate in 15.4%, moderate in 10.4%, and severe in 21.6% of patients, respectively. In addition, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) were comorbid in 28.3%, 32.9%, and 58.4%, respectively. Finally, hypogonadism, showed an estimated prevalence of almost 20%. Both organic (at least one chronic DM-associated complication) and psychological factors (severe depressive symptoms) increased the risk of ED. Severe depressive symptoms were also associated with ejaculatory problems, HSD, and hypogonadism.

Conclusions
A high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with recently diagnosed T2DM was detected. Early diagnosis of ED could help prevent emotional and physical discomfort in men and aid in identifying reversible cardiovascular risk factors. Screening of sexual dysfunction should become a part of routine care in the management of T2DM patients.
Natural products in Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) rhizome imaged at the cellular level by atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Li Bin , Bhandari Dhaka Ram , Janfelt Christian , Römpp Andreas , Spengler Bernhard 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe rhizome of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) was analyzed by high‐resolution mass spectrometry imaging and tandem mass spectrometry imaging. An atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging ion source was combined with an orbital trapping mass spectrometer in order to obtain high‐resolution imaging in mass and space. Sections of the rhizome were imaged with a spatial resolution of 10 μm in the positive ion mode, and a large number of secondary metabolites were localized and identified based on their accurate mass and MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Major tissue‐specific metabolites, including free flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides and saponins, were successfully detected and visualized in images, showing their distributions at the cellular level. The analytical power of the technique was tested in the imaging of two isobaric licorice saponins with a mass difference of only 0.02 Da. With a mass resolving power of 140 000 and a bin width of 5 ppm in the image processing, the two compounds were well resolved in full‐scan mode, and appeared with different distributions in the tissue sections. The identities of the compounds and their distributions were validated in a subsequent MS/MS imaging experiment, thereby confirming their identities and excluding possible analyte interference. The use of high spatial resolution, high mass resolution and tandem mass spectrometry in imaging experiments provides significant information about the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids and saponins in legume species, combing the spatially resolved chemical information with morphological details at the microscopic level. Furthermore, the technique offers a scheme capable of high‐throughput profiling of metabolites in plant tissues.
Multi‐gene silencing in Arabidopsis: a collection of artificial microRNAs targeting groups of paralogs encoding transcription factors
Authors: Jover‐Gil Sara , Paz‐Ares Javier , Micol José Luis , Ponce María Rosa 
Published: July 2014

SummaryFunctional redundancy often hampers the analysis of gene families. To overcome this difficulty, we constructed Arabidopsis thaliana lines that expressed artificial microRNAs designed to simultaneously target two to six paralogous genes encoding members of transcription factor families. Of the 576 genes that we chose as targets, only 122 had already been functionally studied at some level. As a simple indicator of the inhibitory effects of our amiRNAs on their targets, we examined the amiRNA‐expressing transgenic lines for morphological phenotypes at the rosette stage. Of 338 transgenes tested, 21 caused a visible morphological phenotype in leaves, a proportion that is much higher than that expected as a result of insertional mutagenesis. Also, our collection probably represents many other mutant phenotypes, not just those in leaves. This robust, versatile method enables functional examination of redundant transcription factor paralogs, and is particularly useful for genes that occur in tandem.
Semi‐xenotransplantation: the regenerative medicine‐based approach to immunosuppression‐free transplantation and to meet the organ demand
Authors: Salvatori Marcus , Peloso Andrea , Katari Ravi , Soker Shay , Lerut Jan P. , Stratta Robert J. , Orlando Giuseppe 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlthough xenografts have always held immeasurable potential as an inexhaustible source of donor organs, immunological barriers and physiological incompatibility have proved to be formidable obstacles to clinical utility. An exciting, new regenerative medicine‐based approach termed “semi‐xenotransplantation” (SX) seeks to overcome these obstacles by combining the availability and reproducibility of animal organs with the biocompatibility and functionality of human allografts. Compared to conventional xenotransplantation wherein the whole organ is animal‐derived, SX grafts are cleansed of their antigenic cellular compartment to produce whole‐organ extracellular matrix scaffolds that retain their innate structure and vascular channels. These scaffolds are then repopulated with recipient or donor human stem cells to generate biocompatible semi‐xenografts with the structure and function of native human organs. While numerous hurdles must be still overcome in order for SX to become a viable treatment option for end‐stage organ failure, the immense potential of SX for meeting the urgent needs for a new source of organs and immunosuppression‐free transplantation justifies the interest that the transplant community is committing to the field.
Lean Manufacturing Implementation Through Value Stream Mapping: A Case Study
Authors: Mojib Zahraee Seyed , Hashemi Ahmad , Ali Abdi Ahmed , Shahpanah Ataollah , Mohd Rohani Jafri 
Published: July 2014

Lean Manufacturing (LM) is a business strategy that was developed in Japan. The main contribution of lean manufacturing is the identification and elimination of waste. Companies apply LM to sustain their competitiveness over their competitors by improving the manufacturing system’s productivity and quality enhancement of the product. The goal of this paper is to apply one of the most significant lean manufacturing techniques called Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to improve the production line of a company that produces several components for vehicle assembly line by decreasing the waste and non-value added activities. First, the current value stream map of production line was developed using personal interviews, observations and secondary data of the company. Subsequently, the future value stream map was proposed based on the lean manufacturing principles to improve total production lead time and value added time. Based on the final result it can be concluded that VSM is a useful and applicable approach that can help managers conceptualize the different kind of wastes and defects. Final result showed that the production lead time and value added time improved up to nearly 80 % and 12 % respectively by eliminating the wastes based on lean principles and VMS method.
The Structural Properties of Trivalent Rare Earth Ions (Er3+) Doped Borotellurite Glass
Authors: Nurbaisyatul E. S. , Azman K. , Azhan H. , Razali W. A. W. , Noranizah A. 
Published: July 2014

Six samples of borotellurite glasses with system (80-x)TeO2- 10B2O3 - 10PbO - xEr2O3 (x=0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mol%) have been prepared by using the conventional melt-quenching method. Some basic physical parameters such as density and molar volume were measured. The result reveals that the density and molar volume increases with the increases of mol% of Er2O3. The amorphous nature of the glass has been characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and all glasses are found to be amorphous in nature. The structure was analysed by FTIR spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra were recorded at room temperature in the frequency range from 650 to 4000 cm-1 using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) method. From the IR results, the absorption bands were found to be in the range 667-669 cm-1, 710-712 cm-1, 880-887 cm-1, 981-997 cm-1 and 1190-1204 cm-1 which correspond to the stretching and bending vibrations mode. The absorption peaks around 1386-1388 cm-1 and 3741-3748 cm-1 which ascribed to the hydroxyl-metal bond and hydroxyl-hydrogen bond stretching vibration also have been observed. The FTIR results demonstrate that the existing of erbium in the composition leads to good structural properties thus creating potential for this glass in laser applications.
Isolated Core Training Improves Sprint Performance in National-Level Junior Swimmers
Authors: Weston Matthew , Hibbs Angela E. , Thompson Kevin G. , Spears Iain R. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose:To quantify the effects of a 12-wk isolated core-training program on 50-m front-crawl swim time and measures of core musculature functionally relevant to swimming.Methods:Twenty national-level junior swimmers (10 male and 10 female, 16 ± 1 y, 171 ± 5 cm, 63 ± 4 kg) participated in the study. Group allocation (intervention [n = 10], control [n = 10]) was based on 2 preexisting swim-training groups who were part of the same swimming club but trained in different groups. The intervention group completed the core training, incorporating exercises targeting the lumbopelvic complex and upper region extending to the scapula, 3 times/wk for 12 wk. While the training was performed in addition to the normal pool-based swimming program, the control group maintained their usual pool-based swimming program. The authors made probabilistic magnitude-based inferences about the effect of the core training on 50-m swim time and functionally relevant measures of core function.Results:Compared with the control group, the core-training intervention group had a possibly large beneficial effect on 50-m swim time (–2.0%; 90% confidence interval –3.8 to –0.2%). Moreover, it showed small to moderate improvements on a timed prone-bridge test (9.0%; 2.1–16.4%) and asymmetric straight-arm pull-down test (23.1%; 13.7–33.4%), and there were moderate to large increases in peak EMG activity of core musculature during isolated tests of maximal voluntary contraction.Conclusion:This is the first study to demonstrate a clear beneficial effect of isolated core training on 50-m front-crawl swim performance.
The Performance Effect of Centralizing a Nation’s Elite Swim Program
Authors: Allen Sian V. , Vandenbogaerde Tom J. , Hopkins Will G. 
Published: July 2014

Many national sporting organizations recruit talented athletes to well-resourced centralized training squads to improve their performance.Purpose: To develop a method to monitor performance progression of swimming squads and to use this method to assess the progression of New Zealand’s centralized elite swimming squad.Methods: Best annual long-course competition times of all New Zealand swimmers with at least 3 y of performances in an event between 2002 and 2013 were downloaded from takeyourmarks.com (~281,000 times from ~8500 swimmers). A mixed linear model accounting for event, age, club, year, and elite-squad membership produced estimates of mean annual performance for 175 swim clubs and mean estimates of the deviation of swimmers’ performances from their individual quadratic trajectories after they joined the elite squad. Effects were evaluated using magnitude-based inferences, with a smallest important improvement in swim time of –0.24%.Results: Before 2009, effects of elite-squad membership were mostly unclear and trivial to small in magnitude. Thereafter, both sexes showed clear additional performance enhancements, increasing from large in 2009 (males –1.4% ± 0.8%, females –1.5% ± 0.8%; mean ± 90% confidence limits) to extremely large in 2013 (males –6.8% ± 1.7%, females –9.8% ± 2.9%). Some clubs also showed clear performance trends during the 11-y period.Conclusions: Our method of quantifying deviations from individual trends in competition performance with a mixed model showed that Swimming New Zealand’s centralization strategy took several years to produce substantial performance effects. The method may also be useful for evaluating performance-enhancement strategies introduced at national or club level in other sports.