bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms predict non‐completion of a structured exercise intervention for people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Swardfager W. , Yang P. , Herrmann N. , Lanctôt K. L. , Shah B. R. , Kiss A. , Oh P. I. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo quantify the impact of depressive symptoms on completion of exercise‐based rehabilitation for Type 2 diabetes management.MethodsDepressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale in a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes entering a 6‐month hybrid (home‐ and clinic‐based) exercise rehabilitation programme. Attendance at exercise sessions was monitored and programme completion/non‐completion was ascertained.ResultsOf the programme participants (n=624, mean age 55.6±10.5 years, 47% male), 26.8% endorsed significant depressive symptoms (depression score ≥16) and 68.1% completed the intervention, attending 54.6±30.0% of supervised exercise sessions. Baseline depressive symptoms (depression scale score ≥16) increased the risk of non‐completion [hazard ratio 1.49 (95% CI 1.10–2.03); P = 0.010], and predicted fewer sessions attended (β=‐2.1, P= 0.002) in adjusted models. A depression score threshold of ≥10 (48.4% of participants) predicted non‐completion [hazard ratio 1.60 (95% CI 1.19–2.17); P= 0.002) with optimum accuracy. Non‐completions resulting from lack of interest (18.9 vs. 11.0%; P= 0.026) and medical complications (14.6 vs. 6.6%; P= 0.006) were more common among participants with depression scores ≥10. Greater hazard ratios for depression scores ≥10 were observed in subgroups not currently using insulin [hazard ratio 1.70 (95% CI 1.24–2.33); P= 0.001), or an antidepressant [hazard ratio 1.83 (95% CI 1.32–2.54); P<0.001].ConclusionsDepressive symptoms were highly prevalent among participants with Type 2 diabetes entering exercise‐based rehabilitation, and even mild depressive symptoms posed a significant barrier to completion. Depression screening may help target additional supports to facilitate completion of exercise interventions for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, but not the bioavailable fraction of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Behrens Janina R. , Rasche Ludwig , Gieß Rene M. , Pfuhl Catherina , Wakonig Katharina , Freitag Erik , Deuschle Katrin , Bellmann‐Strobl Judith , Paul Friedemann , Ruprecht Klemens , Dörr Jan 
Published: July 2015

Background and purposeLow 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels correlate with higher disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is not clear whether low 25(OH)D levels directly contribute to increased disease activity or merely represent a consequence of reduced endogenous vitamin D synthesis in more disabled MS patients. Furthermore, recent data suggest that bioavailable vitamin D, which also integrates the levels of vitamin D binding proteins and albumin, could be a biologically more relevant parameter than 25(OH)D.MethodsMeasured de‐seasonalized 25(OH)D3 and vitamin D binding protein and calculated bioavailable and free vitamin D were compared in the baseline serum samples of 76 patients with clinically isolated syndrome enrolled in a longitudinal observational study and in 76 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC).Results25(OH)D3 levels were lower in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (P = 0.002) than in HC, and more patients (8/76, 10.5%) than HC (1/76, 1.3%) had 25(OH)D3 levels <25 nmol/l (P = 0.03). In contrast, levels of 25(OH)D2, vitamin D binding protein and calculated levels of free and bioavailable vitamin D did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionsLower 25(OH)D3 levels already in the earliest phase of disease and in clinically hardly affected patients suggest that low 25(OH)D3 levels are rather a risk factor for than a consequence of MS. Nevertheless, because bioavailable vitamin D levels did not differ between the two groups, the mechanism underlying the association of 25(OH)D3 and MS does not appear to be related to reduced bioavailability of vitamin D.
Successful treatment with 4‐phenylbutyrate in a patient with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 refractory to biliary drainage and bilirubin absorption
Authors: Hayashi Hisamitsu , Naoi Sotaro , Hirose Yu , Matsuzaka Yusuke , Tanikawa Ken , Igarashi Koji , Nagasaka Hironori , Kage Masayoshi , Inui Ayano , Kusuhara Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2015

AimBenign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (BRIC2) is caused by mutations in ABCB11, a gene encoding the bile salt export pump (BSEP) that mediates biliary bile salt secretion, and presents with repeated intermittent cholestasis with refractory itching. Currently, no effective medical therapy has been established. We previously provided experimental and clinical evidence suggesting the therapeutic potential of 4‐phenylbutyrate (4PB) for the cholestatic attacks of BRIC2.MethodsAfter examining the potential therapeutic use of 4PB treatment by in vitro studies, a patient with BRIC2 was treated p.o. with 4PB at gradually increasing doses (200, 350, and 500 mg/kg per day) for 4 months. Biochemical, histological and clinical data were collected.ResultsThe patient was diagnosed with BRIC2 because he had non‐synonymous mutations (c.1211A>G [p.D404G] and 1331T>C [p.V444A]) in ABCB11, reduced hepatocanalicular expression of BSEP and low biliary bile salt concentrations. In vitro analysis showed that 4PB treatment partially restored the decreased expression of BSEP caused by p.D404G mutation. During the first 2 months of 4PB therapy at 200 and 350 mg/kg per day, the patient had no relief from his symptoms. No beneficial effect was observed after additional treatment with bilirubin absorption and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage. However, after starting treatment at a dose of 500 mg/kg per day, the patient’s liver function tests and intractable itching were markedly improved. No apparent side‐effects were observed during or after 4PB therapy. The symptoms relapsed within 1.5 months after cessation of 4PB therapy.Conclusion4PB therapy would have a therapeutic effect on the cholestatic attacks of BRIC2.
Using immunofluorescence (antigen) mapping in the diagnosis and classification of epidermolysis bullosa: a first report from Iran
Authors: Barzegar Mohammadreza , Asadi‐kani Zahra , Mozafari Nikoo , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Kariminejad Ariana , Toossi Parviz 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundImmunofluorescence antigen mapping (IFM), is a newly introduced technique for diagnosis and classification of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) disease. The precise level of skin cleavage can be determined using monoclonal antibodies to EB‐specific basement membrane zone protein.ObjectiveTo apply IFM technique in diagnosis and classification of EB and to identify utility and limitation of this method in our clinical setting.MethodsIFM was done according to a described protocol by Pohla‐Gubo et al. Monoclonal antibodies used for antigen mapping were against cytokeratin 5, cytokeratin 14, α6 integrin, β4 integrin, laminin 332, Collagen IV, and Collagen VII.ResultsIFM was done for 95 referred patients, compromising 49 females and 46 males, aged 5 days to 45 years (mean = 9.5 years). Ninety cases were diagnosed with EB and classified as follows: EB simplex: (n = 13), junctional EB (n = 14), dystrophic EB (n = 62), and Kindler syndrome (n = 1). Diagnosis was not made in five cases as their specimens contained no blister. Confirmatory genetic analysis was done for five junctional cases from two families with clinical features of laryngo‐onycho‐cutaneous syndrome. Genetic molecular studies showed nonsense mutations in the last codon of exon 39 of the laminin α3a (LAMA3) gene (p.Gln57X) and a donor splice site mutation in LAMA3 (IVS57+5G>A) in the first and second family, respectively.ConclusionIFM technique is relatively simple to perform, and interpretation of the results is not sophisticated. The proportion of inconclusive results will be decreased if the specimens contain freshly induced blister.
The association between tumor necrosis factor‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and risk for vitiligo: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Dongze , Shi Deshun , Zhu Xiaoliang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe contribution of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐308 G/A gene polymorphism (rs1800629) to risk for vitiligo is subject to controversy.ObjectivesThe fundamental purpose of the present meta‐analysis was to investigate large‐scale evidence to determine the overall association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and susceptibility to vitiligo.MethodsA literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases was conducted to identify all studies referring to an association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and vitiligo published to June 1, 2014. The principal outcome measure for evaluating the strength of the association was the crude odds ratio (OR) along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Data were extracted, and statistical analyses were implemented using stata Version 12.0.ResultsData for a total of 1505 vitiligo cases and 2253 controls from five case–control studies concentrating on the association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and vitiligo were included in this meta‐analysis. Combined analysis revealed there to be no association between this polymorphism and susceptibility to vitiligo in five genetic models under random‐effects models. A subgroup analysis by clinical type also demonstrated the absence of any association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and generalized vitiligo. However, a significant association was detected in the miscellaneous subgroup under the dominant model (fixed‐effects model: OR 5.69, 95% CI 4.70–6.88; P = 0.000) and overdominant model (random‐effects model: OR 5.24, 95% CI 2.26–12.17; P = 0.000).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis indicates that TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism is not a genetic risk factor for vitiligo.
Does the entrance fee for a monopoly platform with monopolistic competition eliminate socially desirable products?
Authors: Chang Ming Chung , Peng Hsiao‐Ping , Ho Yan‐Ching 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper is concerned with a monopoly platform in which firms compete by setting quantities, each producing a variety of differentiated goods. Should a firm desire to enter the platform, it must pay an entrance fee to the platform owner, as well as incur a fixed setup cost. Since the platform can be maintained at zero cost, the platform owner aims to maximize the total entrance fee revenue. When a product is introduced, it reduces the prices of the other goods, thereby adversely affecting the revenue of other firms. Under condition of free entry, the entering firm does not take this effect into account. In contrast, the platform owner does take it into account. As a result, the entrance fee may act to raise welfare by eliminating socially undesirable goods.
Poly‐ADP‐ribosyl polymerase‐14 promotes T helper 17 and follicular T helper development
Authors: Mehrotra Purvi , Krishnamurthy Purna , Sun Jie , Goenka Shreevrat , Kaplan Mark H. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryTranscription factors are critical determinants of T helper cell fate and require a variety of co‐factors to activate gene expression. We previously identified the ADP ribosyl‐transferase poly‐ADP‐ribosyl polymerase 14 (PARP‐14) as a co‐factor of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 that is important in B‐cell and T‐cell responses to interleukin‐4, particularly in the differentiation of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells. However, whether PARP‐14 functions during the development of other T helper subsets is not known. In this report we demonstrate that PARP‐14 is highly expressed in Th17 cells, and that PARP‐14 deficiency and pharmacological blockade of PARP activity result in diminished Th17 differentiation in vitro and in a model of allergic airway inflammation. We further show that PARP‐14 is expressed in T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and Tfh cell development is impaired in PARP‐14‐deficient mice following immunization with sheep red blood cells or inactivated influenza virus. Decreases in Th17 and Tfh development are correlated with diminished phospho‐STAT3 and decreased expression of the interleukin‐6 receptor α‐chain in T cells. Together, these studies demonstrate that PARP‐14 regulates multiple cytokine responses during inflammatory immunity.
Un indicador de baja calidad del empleo aplicado al Brasil, 2002–2011
Authors: HUNEEUS Federico , LANDERRETCHE Óscar , PUENTES Esteban , SELMAN Javiera 
Published: July 2015

ResumenEn países con mayores niveles de informalidad y precariedad laboral es cuestionable la precisión con la que las tasas de desempleo y participación laboral y los salarios reflejan las condiciones del mercado de trabajo. En esta investigación utilizamos un indicador multidimensional de baja calidad del empleo que considera ingresos, existencia de contrato, contribución a la seguridad social y duración del empleo para analizar el mercado de trabajo brasileño entre 2002 y 2011. Los resultados muestran un aumento significativo de la calidad del empleo, especialmente en el periodo 2009–2011, y diferencias importantes entre trabajadores asalariados e independientes y por sector productivo.
Life span variation in 13 Drosophila species: a comparative study on life span, environmental variables and stress resistance
Authors: Wit J. , Loeschcke V. , Kellermann V. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRecently, heterogeneity of the environment has been suggested as an important player in the evolution of life span variation. Established ageing theories propose that life span variation is the result of coevolution with other traits, such as stress resistance. This study aimed to compare these alternative hypotheses by examining the relationship between four environmental variables and different types of stress resistance traits with life span in 13 Drosophila species originating from tropical, subtropical and temperate environments (ecotypes). Average life span was found to differ significantly both between species and sexes, but only male life span correlated with the environment and cold resistance. While controlling for phylogeny, the environmental variable precipitation seasonality and resistance against cold‐induced stress explained most variation in male life span. Furthermore, male life span varied between species in a manner represented by environmental variables linked to the different ecotypes, such that tropical species lived longer and were less cold resistant. The current results suggest that general mechanisms underlying stress resistance and life span are unlikely. In addition, our results point to the environment independently shaping variation in life span and cold resistance rather than genetic interactions.
Aloe Vera Gel and Honey‐Based Edible Coatings Combined with Chemical Dip as a Safe Means for Quality Maintenance and Shelf Life Extension of Fresh‐Cut Papaya
Authors: Kuwar Uma , Sharma Sonu , Tadapaneni Venkata Ramana Rao 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe functionality of Aloe vera gel and honey (10% v/v) for quality improvement of fresh‐cut papaya was evaluated individually as well as in combination with chemical dip containing calcium chloride (2% w/v), ascorbic acid (AA) (1% w/v) and vanillin (8 mM). The changes in the physicochemical attributes such as pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss percentage, AA, total phenolic content (TPC), browning index, browning enzymes (polyphenol oxidase [PPO] and peroxidase [POX]) and microbial load of fresh‐cut papaya were evaluated during their storage at 4 ± 1C. It has been observed that A. vera gel and 10% honey in combination with chemical dip have a preventive role toward quality maintenance of fresh‐cut papaya as indicated by retention of TPC and AA, reduced microbial load and relatively low PPO and POX activity during storage period of 12 days at 4C.Practical ApplicationsAloe vera gel and honey have been widely used in food industries due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Most recently, their uses have been expanded for quality enhancement of horticultural commodities as these are found to be safe for food applications. From the present study, it is evident that these selected edible coatings derived from natural sources could maintain the quality of fresh‐cut fruit like papaya and also satisfy the consumer's need for safe food. Thus, the studied work has the practical applications in fresh‐cut industries.
Evaluation of blood pressure in feline night monkeys (Aotus azarae infulatus) under different restraint protocols
Authors: Chaves Rosa Helena de Figueiredo , Souza Nazaré Fonseca de , Imbeloni Aline Amaral , Neves Ana Cláudia de Souza , Teixeira Renan Kleber Costa , Santos Camila de Cassia dos 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundFeline night monkeys are very susceptible to stress when handled, and because of that, the use of anesthetic and physical restraint methods should be carefully evaluated. To ensure a safer anesthesia to the animals the present study aimed to observe the influence of four restraint protocols in the blood pressure of Aotus azarae infulatus.MethodsBlood pressure was obtained from 10 animals subjected to restraining protocols using tiletamine and zolazepam, isoflurane, ketamine and midazolam, and physical restraint and results were evaluated to determine their effect on this exam.ResultsAmong the restraint protocols tested, the anesthetic isoflurane promoted lower blood pressure values and no differences were observed between values measured in both arms in all groups.ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that all restraint protocols tested significantly alter blood pressure in this species of primates.
Does Public Funding Work? A Causal Analysis of the Effects of Economic Promotion with Establishment Panel Data
Authors: Kölling Arnd 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis study aimed to analyse the impact of public economic promotion on the performance of establishments. Using data from the German Institute for Employment Research (IAB) establishment panel from 1996 through 2009, we studied the effect of public funding on a number of indicators that provide insight into the topic. For this purpose, conditional difference‐in‐differences estimators were derived using a propensity score matching approach. Supported establishments were found to invest more and request more labour when the amount of public funding is considered. However, on average, establishments that have a history of previous investments also have a higher probability to receive funding than other entities. On the other hand, the evidence suggests that funded establishments reduce their investments shortly before funding. This could point to changes in the behaviour of the establishments, because of the expected economic promotion. Also, it seems that the results are permanent, when the analysis is conducted with natural values instead of logarithms. Other effects of economic promotion in Germany include increases in employment, value added and productivity.
Physical restraint: experiences, attitudes and opinions of adult intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Freeman Samantha , Hallett Christine , McHugh Gretl 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients within the adult intensive care unit have the potential to develop delirium and agitation. This can result in the patient displaying unwanted behaviours such as attempting to remove the medical devices to which they are attached. Some adult intensive care units within the UK are starting to adopt physical restraint as a method of managing unwanted behaviours.AimTo determine the experiences, attitudes and opinions of adult intensive care nurses in relation to the application of physical restraint.DesignQuestionnaire survey.MethodsA postal questionnaire was distributed to all nurses (n = 192) within two purposefully selected large adult intensive care units in the UK.ResultsData were collected between November 2012 and February 2013. The questionnaire was completed by 38·9% (n = 75) of the nurses contacted. All believed that physical restraint had a place, with the majority of the view that the reason for its application was to maintain patient safety. Some expressed discomfort about the use of physical restraint. Nurses were happy to discuss the use of restraint with families. There was a perceived need for training and support for nursing staff as well as the need for medical staff to support the decision‐making process.ConclusionNurses require more support and evidence to base their decision‐making upon. They require guidance from professional bodies as well as support from medical colleagues. The findings have limited generalizability as they can only be applied to the units accessed and the response rate was poor.Relevance to clinical practiceAlternative approaches such as pain management, sleep promotion and the involvement of relatives need to be explored before physical restraint policy can be written.Further research is required into the safety of physical restraint, alternative methods of managing the risk of agitation and identifying predisposing factors to accidental device removal.
Natural 13C distribution in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and consequences for allocation pattern
Authors: Lamade Emmanuelle , Tcherkez Guillaume , Darlan Nuzul Hijri , Rodrigues Rosario Lobato , Fresneau Chantal , Mauve Caroline , Lamothe‐Sibold Marlène , Sketriené Diana , Ghashghaie Jaleh 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOil palm has now become one of the most important crops, palm oil representing nearly 25% of global plant oil consumption. Many studies have thus addressed oil palm ecophysiology and photosynthesis‐based models of carbon allocation have been used. However, there is a lack of experimental data on carbon fixation and redistribution within palm trees, and important C‐sinks have not been fully characterized yet. Here, we carried out extensive measurement of natural 13C‐abundance (δ13C) in oil palm tissues, including fruits at different maturation stages. We find a 13C‐enrichment in heterotrophic organs compared to mature leaves, with roots being the most 13C‐enriched. The δ13C in fruits decreased during maturation, reflecting the accumulation in 13C‐depleted lipids. We further used observed δ13C values to compute plausible carbon fluxes using a steady‐state model of 13C‐distribution including metabolic isotope effects (12v/13v). The results suggest that fruits represent a major respiratory loss (≈39% of total tree respiration) and that sink organs such as fruits are fed by sucrose from leaves. That is, glucose appears to be a quantitatively important compound in palm tissues, but computations indicate that it is involved in dynamic starch metabolism rather that C‐exchange between organs.
Integrated Likelihood Inference in Small Sample Meta‐analysis for Continuous Outcomes
Authors: Bellio Ruggero , Guolo Annamaria 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper proposes the use of the integrated likelihood for inference on the mean effect in small‐sample meta‐analysis for continuous outcomes. The method eliminates the nuisance parameters given by variance components through integration with respect to a suitable weight function, with no need to estimate them. The integrated likelihood approach takes into proper account the estimation uncertainty of within‐study variances, thus providing confidence intervals with empirical coverage closer to nominal levels than standard likelihood methods. The improvement is remarkable when either (i) the number of studies is small to moderate or (ii) the small sample size of the studies does not allow to consider the within‐study variances as known, as common in applications. Moreover, the use of the integrated likelihood avoids numerical pitfalls related to the estimation of variance components which can affect alternative likelihood approaches. The proposed methodology is illustrated via simulation and applied to a meta‐analysis study in nutritional science.