bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and risk factors for chronic kidney disease in Chinese patients with biopsy‐proven lupus nephritis
Authors: Sui M. , Ye X. , Ma J. , Yu C. , Zhao S. , Liu X. , Li L. , Cao J. , Jia X. , Xie R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundLupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common secondary glomerulonephritis leading to end‐stage renal disease.AimThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Chinese patients with LN.MethodsClinical, laboratory, renal histopathology, treatment and outcome data were collected and retrospectively analysed in LN patients with or without CKD.ResultsAt the end of the study, 94 (45.63%) patients were identified as having CKD among 206 individuals with renal biopsy‐proven LN. Renal function, represented by serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, was significantly decreased in the CKD patients (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively) at the time of the kidney biopsy. Compared with the non‐CKD group, significantly increased proportions of hypertension (P < 0.001), serositis (P = 0.042) and anti‐histone antibody positivity (P = 0.004) were detected in the CKD patients. Renal pathological activity and chronicity index scores were significantly increased in the CKD group (P < 0.001 for all). Finally, hypertension (hazard ratio (HR) 2.432, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.575–3.754, P < 0.001), anti‐histone antibody (HR 2.907, 95% CI 1.837–4.600, P < 0.001), and tubular atrophy (HR 1.248, 95% CI 1.007–1.547, P = 0.043) were independent risk factors for CKD.ConclusionsHypertension, anti‐histone antibody and tubular atrophy are independent risk factors for CKD in Chinese LN patients.
Safety of intravenous metoprolol use in unmonitored wards: a single‐centre observational study
Authors: Kelly D. , Hawdon G. , Reeves J. , Morris A. , Cunningham M. , Barrett J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aims to examine and quantify the risks associated with the use of intravenous metoprolol on unmonitored wards.MethodThis study was a retrospective single‐centre observational study from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. The study hospital was a 415‐bed, private hospital in Melbourne, Victoria. The study population was all patients who received intravenous metoprolol on an unmonitored ward. The primary outcome measure was the rate of serious adverse events (SAE), defined as a complication of intravenous metoprolol resulting in transfer to a critical‐care environment, a medical emergency team call or death.ResultsSix hundred and nine patients received a total of 8260 doses of intravenous metoprolol. Seven cases were identified with a SAE deemed possibly related to beta‐blocker use and there was one death. All SAE were hypotension, giving an overall rate of hypotension of 7/609 or 1.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5 to 2.4%) with a rate per dose delivered of 0.8/1000 doses (95% CI 0.3 to 1.7). The death occurred in a 94‐year‐old woman with abdominal sepsis. After case file review, consensus opinion deemed this to be unrelated to intravenous metoprolol.ConclusionThe use of intravenous metoprolol on unmonitored wards appears to be safe. The complication rate was low, suggesting that this may be a sensible approach to the management of in‐hospital populations at risk of beta‐blocker withdrawal.
Stability and Decomposition of Ca‐Substituted Lanthanum Ferrite in Reducing Atmospheres
Authors: Price Patrick M. , Butt Darryl P. 
Published: June 2015

Calcium‐substituted lanthanum ferrites (La1−xCaxFeO3−δ x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were synthesized in air and subsequently decomposed in reducing atmospheres. The partial pressure of oxygen () was controlled by varying the H2/H2O ratio by bubbling hydrogen/argon mixtures through water baths at controlled temperatures. Three regions of mass loss were identified as the was reduced, two of which were determined to be associated with decomposition reactions. Calcium was shown to decrease the thermal stability of the perovskite compound, but rather than incrementally increasing the required for decomposition proportional to calcium concentration, all samples partially decomposed at a single . The extent of the partial decomposition was dependent on the amount of calcium substitution and temperature. The perovskite phase remaining after the partial decomposition was found to fully decompose at the same oxygen partial pressure as pure lanthanum ferrite.
Heat Processing of Blueberries and Its Effect on Their Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Reque Priscilla M. , Steckert Eduardo V. , dos Santos Fernanda T. , Danelli Daiane , Jablonski André , Flôres Simone H. , Rech Rosane , de O. Rios Alessandro , de Jong Erna V. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe current study aimed to evaluate the dehydration process of blueberry fruits at temperatures of 70, 80 and 90C and its effect on their physicochemical and bioactive properties. The values for moisture content and water activity (aw) were still high for dehydrated fruits, although at temperatures of 80 and 90C, the dried fruits showed a aw below the limit for contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. The antioxidant activity increased during the first half of dehydration at 80C, but after 3 h suffered a significant reduction (P < 0.05), which continued up to the end of the process. The anthocyanins showed mean half‐lives of 7.7 and 6.8 h for dehydration at 70 and 80C, respectively. These results indicated that the stability of the anthocyanins and the antioxidant capacity of the fruits could be related to both the intensity and the duration of the dehydration.Practical ApplicationsThe present work consists of a study of the dehydration of blueberry fruits at different temperatures in order to extend their shelf life and provide their consumption at any time of the year in the form of dried blueberries. Thus, mathematical modeling of the process was carried out to evaluate the behavior of water activity and moisture, and to determine the degradation of its antioxidant compounds. The optimization of the drying time and temperature of these products is essential to avoid losses in the bioactive properties of blueberries.
Evaluation of the Cooking Quality Characteristics of Pasta Enriched with Spirulina Platensis
Authors: Özyurt Gülsün , Uslu Leyla , Yuvka Ilknur , Gökdoğan Saadet , Atci Gökçe , Ak Burcu , Işik Oya 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPasta is produced from semolina with the addition of Spirulina platensis at three different levels (5, 10 and 15% w/w) to enhance the sensorial and nutritional quality. Pasta samples were evaluated for cooking quality (weight increase, cooking loss, volume increase), microbiological quality (total mold and yeast count), color (L, a, b) and sensory characteristics. The cooking loss in all pasta samples was similar and was below the technologically acceptable limit (<8%). According to color measurements and evaluations of panelists, adding Spirulina in pasta provided an appealing green tone. Also, mold and yeast were not detected in control and pasta enriched with Spirulina. Sensory evaluation indicated that pasta enriched with 10% S. platensis has a good overall score the same as the control group. In this study, the investigation results of pasta enriched with Spirulina indicated satisfactory technological attributes needed in the pasta industry.Practical ApplicationsMicroalgae may enhance the nutritional content of conventional foods to positively affect human health because of their high nutritional components. Pasta is one of the best choices for incorporating Spirulina because it is popular with consumers due to it is easy handling, storage and preparation. There is a great need for scientific knowledge about application of such functional ingredients in industrial food. Determination of the cooking quality parameters of pasta enriched with Spirulina will provide the basic information to the food industry.
Effect of Ultraviolet‐C Radiation Combined with Unconventional Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality of Fresh‐Cut Arugula (Eruca Sativa Mill.)
Authors: Silveira Ana Cecilia , Baeza Andrea , Escalona Víctor Hugo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe combined effects of ultraviolet (UV) light C (0.34 to 20.13 kJ/l2) and superatmospheric O2 (>85%) packaging on the respiration rate, atmospheric composition, microbiological growth and nutritional quality of fresh‐cut arugula stored for 10 days at 5C were studied. All treatments performed under increased O2 levels exhibited a reduction in the respiration rate throughout the cold storage. High microbial load of the raw material were found. UV‐C radiation enabled an initial reduction of about 1 and 1.5 log units on mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts, respectively. However, this treatment was not effective for mold control. In addition, a noticeable increase occurred in the total antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content without affecting the visual appearance of the leaves. UV‐C radiation, as a sanitizing method, in combination with superatmospheric O2 conditions maintains the overall quality of fresh‐cut arugula and is a feasible alternative to industrial‐scale enforcement.Practical ApplicationsOur finding indicates that ultraviolet (UV)‐C doses between 15.14 and 20.13 kJ/m2 combined with packaging in high O2 atmosphere (>85%) are an environmentally friendly disinfection method, effective in preserve fresh‐cut arugula during 10 days at 5C. Additionally, the treatments determined an increased compounds considered interesting for consumer health. In fact, UV‐C radiation can be applied by a cheap and simple chamber with a relative low maintenance cost being a feasible alternative to small industry.
Percutaneous thermal ablation for primary hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chinnaratha Mohamed A , Chuang Ming‐yu Anthony , Fraser Robert JL , Woodman Richard J , Wigg Alan J 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:Percutaneous thermal ablation using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are both widely available curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite significant advances, it remains unclear which modality results in better outcomes. This meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies was undertaken to compare the techniques in terms of effectiveness and safety.Methods:Electronic reference databases (Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Central) were searched between January 1980 and May 2014 for human studies comparing RFA and MWA. The primary outcome was the risk of local tumor progression (LTP). Secondary outcomes were complete ablation (CA), overall survival, and major adverse events (AE). The ORs were combined across studies using the random‐effects model.Results:Ten studies (two prospective and eight retrospective) were included, and the overall LTP rate was 13.6% (176/1298). There was no difference in LTP rates between RFA and MWA [OR (95% CI): 1.01(0.67–1.50), P = 0.9]. The CA rate, 1‐ and 3‐year overall survival and major AE were similar between the two modalities (P > 0.05 for all). In subgroup analysis, there was no difference in LTP rates according to study quality, but LTP rates were lower with MWA for treatment of larger tumors [1.88(1.10–3.23), P = 0.02]. There was no significant publication bias or inter‐study heterogeneity (I2 < 50% and P > 0.1) observed in any of the measured outcomes.Conclusion:Overall, both RFA and MWA are equally effective and safe, but MWA may be more effective compared to RFA in preventing LTP when treating larger tumors. Well‐designed, larger, multicentre RCTs are required to confirm these findings.
Effects of a Multimodal Exercise Program on Physical Function, Falls, and Injuries in Older Women: A 2‐Year Community‐Based, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Patil Radhika , Uusi‐Rasi Kirsti , Tokola Kari , Karinkanta Saija , Kannus Pekka , Sievänen Harri 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of multimodal supervised exercise on physical functioning, falls, and related injuries in older women.DesignTwo‐year randomized controlled trial.SettingTampere, Finland.ParticipantsWomen aged 70 to 80 who had fallen in the previous year (n = 409).InterventionParticipants were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group (ClinicalTrial.gov NCT00986466). Exercisers participated in group exercise classes twice a week for 12 months and once a week for the subsequent 12 months and home exercises. Controls maintained their current physical activity.MeasurementsPhysical functioning assessed at baseline and at 6‐month intervals during the intervention. Falls and related injuries monitored with fall diaries.ResultsIntention‐to‐treat analyses showed that exercise led to significant improvements in physical functioning. Leg strength differed significantly between the groups (mean change: 14.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.0 to 20.2 in exercisers; 1.6%, 95% CI = −4.5 to 7.7 in controls; P < .001). Chair stand time also differed significantly between groups (7.4%, 95% CI 3.8 to 10.8% in exercisers; 2.4%, 95% CI = −1.6 to 6.2) in controls; P = .02). Between‐group differences were significant for fast walking speed (P = .003) and probability of completing the backward walking test (P < .001), favoring exercisers. Timed Up‐and‐Go and grip strength did not differ between groups. There was no difference in the total falls incidence rate ratio (IRR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.26), but exercisers were less likely to have medically attended injurious falls (IRR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.78; P = .004).ConclusionTwenty‐four months of multimodal exercise enhanced physical functioning in women aged 70 to 80 with a history of falls. Although the total number of falls was not lower than in controls, the rate of medically attended injurious falls was more than 50% lower.
Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Sleep–Wake Behaviors in Sedentary Elderly Adults with Mobility Limitations
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Miller Michael E. , King Abby C. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Liu Christine K. , Myers Valerie H. , Nadkarni Neelesh K. , Pahor Marco , Spring Bonnie J. , Gill Thomas M. ,   the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study Group
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of structured physical activity on sleep–wake behaviors in sedentary community‐dwelling elderly adults with mobility limitations.DesignMulticenter, randomized trial of moderate‐intensity physical activity versus health education, with sleep–wake behaviors prespecified as a tertiary outcome over a planned intervention period ranging from 24 to 30 months.SettingLifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling persons aged 70 to 89 who were initially sedentary and had a Short Physical Performance Battery score less than 10 (N = 1,635).MeasurementsSleep–wake behaviors were evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) (≥8 defined insomnia), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (≥10 defined daytime drowsiness), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (>5 defined poor sleep quality) administered at baseline and 6, 18, and 30 months.ResultsThe randomized groups were similar in terms of baseline demographic variables, including mean age (79) and sex (67% female). Structured physical activity resulted in a significantly lower likelihood of having poor sleep quality (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for PSQI >5 = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.68–0.94), including fewer new cases (aOR for PSQI >5 = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.54–0.89), than health education but not in resolution of prevalent cases (aOR for PSQI ≤5 = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.90–1.43). No significant intervention effects were observed for the ISI or ESS.ConclusionStructured physical activity resulted in a lower likelihood of developing poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) over the intervention period than health education but had no effect on prevalent cases of poor sleep quality or on sleep–wake behaviors evaluated using the ISI or ESS. These results suggest that the benefit of physical activity in this sample was preventive and limited to sleep–wake behaviors evaluated using the PSQI.
Determinants of timing and amplitude in the plant general stress response
Authors: Bjornson Marta , Dandekar Abhaya , Dehesh Katayoon 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPlants have evolved intricate signaling cascades to rapidly and effectively respond to biotic and abiotic challenges. The precise timing of these responses enables optimal resource reallocation to maintain the balance between stress adaptation and growth. Thus, an in‐depth understanding of the immediate and long‐term mechanisms regulating resource allocation is critical in deciphering how plants withstand environmental challenges. To date however, understanding of this tradeoff has focused on the amplitude of long‐term responses, rather than the timing of rapid stress responses. This review presents current knowledge on kinetics of secondary messengers involved in regulation of rapid and general stress responses, followed by rapid stress responsive transduction machinery, and finally the transcriptional response of a functional general stress responsive cis‐element. Within this context we discuss the role of timing of initial peak activation and later oscillating peak responses, and explore hormonal and stress signaling crosstalk confounding greater understanding of these cascades.
Novel human ABCC9/SUR2 brain‐expressed transcripts and an eQTL relevant to hippocampal sclerosis of aging
Authors: Nelson Peter T. , Wang Wang‐Xia , Wilfred Bernard R. , Wei Angela , Dimayuga James , Huang Qingwei , Ighodaro Eseosa , Artiushin Sergey , Fardo David W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractABCC9 genetic polymorphisms are associated with increased risk for various human diseases including hippocampal sclerosis of aging. The main goals of this study were 1 > to detect the ABCC9 variants and define the specific 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) for each variant in human brain, and 2 > to determine whether a polymorphism (rs704180) associated with risk for hippocampal sclerosis of aging pathology is also associated with variation in ABCC9 transcript expression and/or splicing. Rapid amplification of ABCC9 cDNA ends (3′RACE) provided evidence of novel 3′ UTR portions of ABCC9 in human brain. In silico and experimental studies were performed focusing on the single nucleotide polymorphism, rs704180. Analyses from multiple databases, focusing on rs704180 only, indicated that this risk allele is a local expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL). Analyses of RNA from human brains showed increased ABCC9 transcript levels in individuals with the risk genotype, corresponding with enrichment for a shorter 3′ UTR which may be more stable than variants with the longer 3′ UTR. MicroRNA transfection experiments yielded results compatible with the hypothesis that miR‐30c causes down‐regulation of SUR2 transcripts with the longer 3′ UTR. Thus we report evidence of complex ABCC9 genetic regulation in brain, which may be of direct relevance to human disease.
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ABCC9 gene variants are associated with increased risk for hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS‐Aging – a prevalent brain disease with symptoms that mimic Alzheimer's disease). We describe novel ABCC9 variants in human brain, corresponding to altered 3'UTR length, which could lead to targeting by miR‐30c. We also determined that the HS‐Aging risk mutation is associated with variation in ABCC9 transcript expression.
The Val30Met familial amyloid polyneuropathy specific Rasch‐built overall disability scale (FAP‐RODS©)
Authors: Pruppers Mariëlle H. J. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Faber Catharina G. , Da Silva Ana M. , Costa Vanessa , Coelho Teresa 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFamilial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a chronic debilitating multi‐organic disorder, mainly assessed using ordinal‐based impairment measures. To date, no outcome measure at the activity and participation level has been constructed in FAP. The current study aimed to design an interval activity/participation scale for FAP through Rasch methodology. A preliminary FAP Rasch‐built overall disability scale (pre‐FAP‐RODS) containing 146 activity/participation items was assessed twice (interval: 2–4 week; test‐retest reliability) in 248 patients with Val30Met FAP examined in Porto, Portugal, of which 65.7% have received liver transplantation. An ordinal‐based 24‐item FAP‐symptoms inventory questionnaire (FAP‐SIQ) was also assessed (validity purposes). The pre‐FAP‐RODS and FAP‐SIQ data were subjected to Rasch analyses. The pre‐FAP‐RODS did not meet model's expectations. On the basis of requirements such as misfit statistics, differential item functioning, and local dependency, items were systematically removed until a final 34‐item FAP‐RODS© was constructed fulfilling all Rasch requirements. Acceptable reliability/validity scores were demonstrated. In conclusion, the 34‐item FAP‐RODS© is a disease‐specific interval measure suitable for detecting activity and participation restrictions in patients with FAP. The use of the FAP‐RODS© is recommended for future international clinical trials in patients with Val30Met FAP determining its responsiveness and its cross‐cultural validation. Its expansion to other forms of FAP should also be focus of future clinical studies.
Outcome measures in MMN revisited: further improvement needed
Authors: Pruppers Mariëlle H. J. , Draak Thomas H. P. , Vanhoutte Els K. , Van der Pol W‐Ludo , Gorson Kenneth C. , Léger Jean‐Marc , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo , Lewis Richard. A. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Faber Catharina G. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. ,   on behalf of the PeriNomS study group
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to provide an overview of the outcome measures (OMs) applied in clinical trials in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and to determine the responsiveness of a core set of selected OMs as part of the peripheral neuropathy outcome measures standardization (PeriNomS) study. The following OMs were serially applied in 26 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing MMN, receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (assessments: T0/T3/T12 months): 14 muscle pairs MRC (Medical Research Council) scale, the Neuropathy Impairment Scale motor‐subset, a self‐evaluation scale, grip strength, and MMN‐RODS© (Rasch‐built overall disability scale). All data, except the grip strength, were subjected to Rasch analyses before determining responsiveness. For grip strength, responsiveness was examined using a combined anchor‐ (SF‐36 question‐2) and distribution‐based (½ × SD) minimum clinically important difference (MCID) techniques, determining the proportion of patients exceeding both the identified cut‐offs. For the remaining scales, the magnitude of change for each patient on each scale was determined using the MCID related to the individual SE (responder definition: MCID‐SE ≥ 1.96). Overall, a great assortment of measures has been used in MMN trials with different responsiveness definitions. For the selected OMs, responsiveness was poor and only seen in one fourth to one third of the patients, the grip strength being more responsive. Despite the efforts taken to standardize outcome assessment, further clinimetric responsiveness studies are needed in MMN.