bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research versus practice: The dilemmas of research ethics in the era of learning health‐care systems
Authors: Piasecki Jan , Dranseika Vilius 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this article we attempt to answer the question of how the ethical and conceptual framework (ECF) for a learning health‐care system (LHS) affects some of the main controversies in research ethics by addressing five key problems of research ethics: (a) What is the difference between practice and research? (b) What is the relationship between research ethics and clinical ethics? (c) What is the ethical relevance of the principle of clinical equipoise? (d) Does participation in research require a higher standard of informed consent than the practice of medicine? and (e) What ethical principle should take precedence in medicine? These questions allow us to construct two opposite idealized positions on the distinction between research and practice: the integration model and the segregation model of research and practice. We then compare the ECF for an LHS with these two idealized positions. We argue that the ECF for a LHS does not, in fact, solve these problems, but that it is a third, separate position in the relationship between research ethics and clinical ethics. Moreover, we suggest that the ECF for a LHS raises new ethical problems that require additional ethical analysis and justification. Our article contributes to the discussion on the relationship between research ethics and clinical ethics, revealing that although a learning health‐care system may significantly change the landscape of health care, some ethical dilemmas still require resolving on both theoretical and policy‐making levels.
Research ethics guidelines and moral obligations to developing countries: Capacity‐building and benefits
Authors: Macpherson Cheryl C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article outlines challenges to benefitting developing countries that are hosts of international research. In the context of existing guidance and frameworks for benefit‐sharing, it aims to provoke dialog about socioeconomic factors and other background conditions that influence what constitute benefits in a given host setting, and about the proportionality between benefits to hosts and benefits to sponsors and researchers. It argues that capacity‐building for critical thinking and negotiation in many developing country governments, institutions, and communities is a benefit because it can help to overcome background conditions that impinge on equitable international research negotiations, partnerships, and benefits. Enhancing the capacity for both critical thinking and negotiation can, like other targets of capacity‐building, nurture respectful and trusting partnerships that benefit all stakeholders in international research.
Technology‐mediated learning theory
Authors: Bower Matt 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTechnology‐enhanced learning research, such as that relating to the use of online technologies in formal learning contexts, is sometimes criticised for being under‐theorised. This paper draws together areas of research and theory that have previously been somewhat separately treated, to support the integrated analysis and research of situations where technology mediates learning. First, key areas of research and theory relating to technology‐mediated learning are introduced, along with their associated conceptual underpinnings and assumptions, in terms of premises. These areas are then explained with relation to one another regarding how they can be used to holistically understand learning in contexts where technology mediates learning. The implications of the theoretical concepts are discussed in terms of the future conduct of technology‐mediated learning research, as well as the scope and conditions under which the theorisations apply.
Parental competitive victimhood and interethnic discrimination among their children: The mediating role of ethnic socialization and symbolic threat to the in‐group
Authors: Štambuk Marina , Taylor Laura K. , Löw Ajana , Čorkalo Biruški Dinka , Merrilees Christine E. , Ajduković Dean , Cummings E. Mark 
Published: March 2019

Links between competitive victimhood and discrimination are well documented. However, the mechanisms how victimhood beliefs remain relevant for decades and how conflict survivors can shape attitudes and behaviours of the post‐conflict generations are little understood. Following the Transgenerational Transmission Hypothesis and the Integrated Threat Theory, we propose that the link between parental competitive victimhood and discrimination among their children is mediated through family ethnic socialization and symbolic threat to the in‐group. Participants were families that included youth (N = 227) and their parents (172 mothers, 150 fathers) in Vukovar, Croatia. A multiple group, chain mediation model was conducted with parental competitive victimhood as the predictor; youth ethnic socialization and symbolic threat as sequential mediators; and youth tendency to discriminate against the outgroup and perceived ethnic in‐group discrimination as outcomes. The findings revealed significant indirect effects of the competitive victimhood on both outcomes, via the proposed mediators. The only difference in the model between majority Croats and minority Serbs was the path from symbolic threat to tendency to discriminate, which was positive and significant for both groups, but stronger among Croats. The findings imply that interventions in post‐conflict settings need to address family ethnic socialization processes in addition to directly working with youth.
Retinal and circulating miRNA expression patterns in diabetic retinopathy: An in silico and in vivo approach
Authors: Platania Chiara Bianca Maria , Maisto Rosa , Trotta Maria Consiglia , D'Amico Michele , Rossi Settimio , Gesualdo Carlo , D'Amico Giovanbattista , Balta Cornel , Herman Hildegard , Hermenean Anca , Ferraraccio Franca , Panarese Iacopo , Drago Filippo , Bucolo Claudio 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposeDiabetic retinopathy, a secondary complication of diabetes mellitus, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Currently, no treatment is approved for early phases of diabetic retinopathy. Modifications of the expression pattern of miRNAs could be involved in the early retinal damage of diabetic subjects. Therefore, we aimed at identification of dysregulated miRNAs–mRNA interactions that might be biomarkers and pharmacological targets for diagnosis and treatment of early diabetic retinopathy.MethodsA focused set of miRNAs was predicted through a bioinformatic analysis accessing to Gene Expression Omnibus dataset and enrichment of information approach (GENEMANIA‐Cytoscape). Identification of miRNAs–mRNA interactions was carried out with miRNET analysis. Diabetes was induced in C57BL6J mice by streptozotocin and samples analysed at 5 and 10 weeks after diabetes induction. Retinal ultrastructure of diabetic mice was analysed through electron microscopy. We used Real‐time PCR, western blot analysis, elisa, and immunohistochemistry to study expression of miRNAs and possible targets of dysregulated miRNAs.Key ResultsWe found that miR‐20a‐5p, miR‐20a‐3p, miR‐20b, miR‐106a‐5p, miR‐27a‐5p, miR‐27b‐3p, miR‐206‐3p, and miR‐381‐3p were dysregulated in the retina and serum of diabetic mice. VEGF, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), PPAR‐α, and cAMP response element‐binding protein 1 (CREB1) are targets of dysregulated miRNAs, which then modulated protein expression in diabetic retina. We found structural modifications in retinas from diabetic mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsSerum and retina of diabetic mice express eight dysregulated miRNAs, which modified the expression of VEGF, BDNF, PPAR‐α, and CREB1, before vasculopathy in diabetic retinas.
Lianas as a food resource for herbivorous insects: a comparison with trees
Authors: Odell Erica H. , Stork Nigel E. , Kitching Roger L. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTWoody climbers or, ‘lianas’, are one of the features that characterise rainforests. They contribute substantially to plant diversity and leaf biomass which makes them a potentially important food source for herbivores. Here, we focus on insect herbivores, folivores in particular, to show how disparities in the quantitative and qualitative availability of leaves between lianas and trees may differentially influence insect folivory and the herbivore communities themselves. We develop a conceptual model and show that lianas in general have lower structural and chemical defences, a greater nutritional profile and a preferable phenology in comparison with trees, which, contrary to our expectations, has led to assemblages of more‐specialised insects. The impacts this has on higher trophic levels and broader ecological networks, however, are poorly known. We show through a study of four tropical floras from different biogeographic realms that lianas are likely to be a target for a wide range of insect herbivore taxa as they are a phylogenetically diverse group and increase diversity of higher taxa at local scales. This, in combination with their highly palatable leaves, may also make them a suitable temporary food source for insects during times when preferred host plants are scarce. This phenomenon has been observed in mammalian herbivores but awaits investigation in insects as does the effects this may have on survival and fitness. Apparent recent increases in liana abundances in some forests, likely due to climate change, makes understanding their role in supporting and maintaining biodiversity an increasingly important and necessary challenge. Since trees or saplings have usually been the subject of studies on insect herbivory, major knowledge gaps remain about the ways in which lianas contribute to, support and maintain the ecosystems in which they exist. We use our conceptual model to guide future research directions and express the necessity for caution when extrapolating explanations of herbivory derived from data on trees to growth forms with fundamentally different ecologies.
Connecting power to protection: The political bases of language commissioners in Canada
Authors: McDougall Andrew 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article explores the connection between the strength of Canadian federal, provincial and territorial language regimes and the political power of the underlying language group. Although such regimes should ideally be constructed to defend languages that are vulnerable, they are more often based on the ability of a language group to organize politically to win the laws they want. Thus, many small linguistic groups, such as those in Nunavut, benefit from very strong protections given their demographic weight in the territory, while there are weaker protections for the Franco‐Ontarians, who are only a small minority in their province. Ultimately power matters a great deal in Canada when it comes to linguistic protection.
Is there performance convergence in OECD public administration styles?
Authors: Pina Vicente , Torres Lourdes , Martín Emilio 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article contributes to the assessment of the comparative evolution of the public sector performance, productivity and efficiency of 22 OECD countries in the first decade of this century. Overall results show that the average public sector productivity of Anglo‐Saxon countries is higher than that of European Continental and Nordic countries, but the inequality of the distribution of wealth is also bigger. Although the administrative culture of the countries studied influences the areas on which public policies are focused, there is more than one route to improve the performance and productivity of the public sector.
Local government, multilevel governance, and cluster‐based innovation policy: Economic cluster strategies in Canada’s city regions
Authors: Galvin Patrick 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between local government economic development policy and multilevel governance, and investigates whether multilevel governance can be effectively implemented in key sectors, using two case studies of the aerospace and fashion sectors. This article seeks to answer the following questions: What inhibits the formation of multilevel collaborative governance institutions in these sectors? What implications does this have for urban economic development policy for the City of Toronto, and by extension, other cities across Canada? The case study evidence suggests that these institutions are forming in other cities such as Montreal and contributing to their success. So why is Toronto different?
Understanding frames: A qualitative exploration of standing frame use for young people with cerebral palsy in educational settings
Authors: Goodwin Jane , Lecouturier Jan , Smith Johanna , Crombie Sarah , Basu Anna , Parr Jeremy R. , Howel Denise , McColl Elaine , Roberts Andrew , Miller Keith , Cadwgan Jill 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundConsensus opinion supports standing frame use as part of postural management for nonambulant young people with cerebral palsy. Most young people with cerebral palsy in the United Kingdom, who use standing frames, use them at nursery or school, rather than at home. In this paper we report professionals' and parents' experiences and views of standing frame use specifically in educational settings. This research was conducted as part of a large mixed methods study to determine the acceptability and inform the design of a future trial of standing frames.MethodsQualitative methods were used: focus groups with educational professionals, parents and clinicians (paediatricians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists) were convened. Data were analysed thematically using framework analysis.ResultsFive focus groups were conducted. The overarching theme “flexibility” encompassed four subordinate themes: (i) “balancing education and therapy,” which described the way education professionals had to juggle different priorities from health professionals within a multi‐disciplinary team; (ii) “young people's autonomy,” which highlighted participants' belief that standing frame use should be centred on the individual young person and their needs; (iii) “working within logistical boundaries,” which demonstrated that “ideal” standing frame use was not always possible due to logistical issues (e.g., staffing and standing frame availability); and (iv) “competence and confidence,” which highlighted that educational professionals felt that they lacked the training to confidently position young people in their standing frame.ConclusionsThis paper highlights the complexity of standing frame use in the educational setting. If a standing frame programme is prescribed to be delivered in an educational setting, strong multidisciplinary and interagency communication is essential to balance therapy versus education. Training is required to ensure staff are competent in using the standing frame with the young person understanding their individual requirements. A flexible approach—inclusive of the young person's needs, logistical demands and resource—is necessary.
A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating efficacy and adverse events of different types of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 delivery systems for alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Jo Deuk‐Won , Cho Young‐Dan , Seol Yang‐Jo , Lee Yong‐Moo , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Kim Young‐Kyun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis 12‐week clinical trial evaluated efficacy and adverse events for two recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) delivery systems in alveolar ridge preservation.Materials and methodsSixty‐four patients had a single tooth that required replacement with an implant, surrounded by > 50% alveolar bone height. Two cohorts (n = 32 patients each) were randomized to receive a rhBMP‐2‐soaked absorbable collagen sponge (test group), or β‐tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite particles (control group) immersed in rhBMP‐2, at the implant site. Bone height and width changes at 25%, 50%, and 75% of extraction socket level (ESL) were compared. Adverse events were assessed in the same period. In addition to the randomized controlled clinical trial, histological analysis of 21 patients (test group [n = 12], control group [n = 9]) was conducted, 4 months after alveolar ridge preservation. A non‐inferiority test was used to analyze changes in alveolar bone height between groups (p = 0.05). A Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to analyze changes in alveolar bone width and histomorphometric results between groups (p = 0.05).ResultsAll patients showed good healing without severe adverse events. The lower limit of the one‐sided 97.5% confidence interval in the difference between the two groups was 0.0033 (non‐inferiority margin: −0.185); thus, the test group showed non‐inferiority to the control group. Wilcoxon rank‐sum test analysis did not show statistically significant differences between groups with regard to changes in alveolar bone width and histomorphometric analysis.ConclusionsThe delivery systems showed similar efficacy for alveolar ridge preservation without severe adverse events.
Effect of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Zhou Mi , Liu Nanxin , Zhang Qi , Tian Taoran , Ma Quanquan , Zhang Tao , Cai Xiaoxiao 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the effects and underlying biological mechanisms of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).Materials and methodsReal‐time cell analysis (RTCA) and CCK8 were used to screen the best concentration of TDN for PDLSCs. Cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were assessed after PDLSCs were treated with TDN. Data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA.ResultsTetrahedral DNA nanostructures could play a crucial role in accelerating the proliferation of PDLSCs and had the strongest promotive effect on PDLSCs at a concentration of 250 nmol/L. Simultaneously, the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs could be promoted significantly by TDNs and the finding displayed that the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway might be the underlying biological mechanisms of TDNs on promoting the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.ConclusionTetrahedral DNA nanostructure treatment facilitated the proliferation of PDLSCs, significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Therefore, TDNs could be a novel nanomaterial with great potential for application to PDLSC‐based bone tissue engineering.
5‐ARI induces autophagy of prostate epithelial cells through suppressing IGF‐1 expression in prostate fibroblasts
Authors: Yang Bo‐Yu , Jiang Chen‐Yi , Dai Chen‐Yun , Zhao Rui‐Zhe , Wang Xing‐Jie , Zhu Yi‐Ping , Qian Yu‐Xin , Yin Fu‐Li , Fu Xiang‐Yu , Jing Yi‐Feng , Han Bang‐Min , Xia Shu‐Jie , Ruan Yuan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectives5α‐reductase inhibitor (5‐ARI) is a commonly used medicine in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our study mainly focuses on the mechanism of BPH development after 5ARI treatment.Materials and MethodsProstate specimens from patients were collected. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), Beclin‐1, LC3 levels, was analysed by immunohistochemistry. The role IGF‐1 on autophagic flux in prostate epithelial cells was studied. Additionally, effect of autophagy on recombinant grafts consisting of prostate stromal and epithelial cells in nude mice was investigated.ResultsWe demonstrated that IGF‐1 expression is down‐regulated in prostate fibroblasts after long‐term 5‐ARI application. A decrease in IGF‐1 levels was found to activate autophagic flux through the mTOR pathway in prostate epithelial cells, while the inhibition of IGF‐1 receptor function induced autophagy in prostate epithelial cells. In addition, we revealed that blocking autophagic flux initiation can reduce the volume of recombinant grafts in vivo. Finally, our findings suggest that long‐term 5‐ARI application reduces IGF‐1 secretion by prostatic stromal cells, thereby inducing autophagy of prostatic epithelial cells, which is one of the mechanisms underlying BPH pathogenesis and progression.ConclusionsFocusing on the autophagy induced by low levels of IGF‐1 in prostatic epithelial cells, after elucidating AR signalling impairment of prostate stromal cells, might provide a novel strategy for the treatment and prevention of BPH development.
Measuring ambulation with wrist‐based and hip‐based activity trackers for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sala Debra A , Grissom Helyn E , Delsole Edward M , Chu Mary Lynn , Godfried David H , Bhattacharyya Surjya , Karamitopoulos Mara S , Chu Alice 
Published: March 2019

AimTo assess the accuracy of consumer available wrist‐based and hip‐based activity trackers in quantitatively measuring ambulation in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodThirty‐nine children (23 males, 16 females; mean age [SD] 9y 7mo [3y 5mo]; range 4–15y) with CP were fitted with trackers both on their wrist and hip. Each participant stood for 3 minutes, ambulated in a hallway, and sat for 3 minutes. The number of steps and distance were recorded on trackers and compared to manually counted steps and distance. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined for the number of steps during ambulation from each tracker and a manual count. Mean absolute error (MAE) and range of errors were calculated for steps during ambulation for each tracker and a manual count and for distance for each tracker and hallway distance.ResultsFor the number of steps, a weak inverse relationship (r=−0.033) was found for the wrist‐based tracker and a strong positive relationship (r=0.991) for the hip‐based tracker. The MAE was 88 steps for the wrist‐based and seven steps for the hip‐based tracker. The MAE for distance was 0.06 miles for the wrist‐based and 0.07 miles for the hip‐based tracker.InterpretationOnly the hip‐based tracker provided an accurate step count; neither tracker was accurate for distance. Thus, ambulation of children with CP can be accurately quantified with readily available trackers.What this paper adds

Consumer available activity trackers accurately measure ambulation in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

The hip‐based tracker is more accurate than the wrist‐based tracker for children with CP.

The hip‐based Fitbit activity tracker accurately measures step counts of children with CP during ambulation.