bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between biomarkers of vitamin B12 status and the risk of neural tube defects
Authors: Senousy Sameh M. , Farag Mona K. , Gouda Amr S. , El Noury Mohamed A. , Dabbous Ola A. , Gaber Khaled R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between vitamin B12 and its biomarkers and the risk of neural tube defects.MethodsA total of 120 pregnant Egyptian women were included in the study. They were classified into two groups. Group A consisted of 50 women with neural tube defects in current pregnancy or with a history in previous pregnancies, and Group B consisted of 70 women with no history of neural tube defects in previous pregnancies or in the current pregnancy. All women were subjected to ultrasound anomaly scan and serum analysis of vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), methyl malonic acid (MMA) and active vitamin B12 concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the best cut‐off values of vitamin B12.ResultsSerum levels of vitamin B12 were decreased in Neural tube defects (NTDs) cases compared to controls (2.736 vs 3.091 ng/mL; P = 0.0015), while Hcy and MMA concentrations were elevated (18.39 vs 13.95 μmol/L; P = 0.0008 and 263 vs 229.7 μmol/L; P = 0.003, respectively). Active vitamin B12 reduction was not statistically significant (96.8 vs 99.36 pmol/L; P = 0.8013). The optimal cut‐off value of vitamin B12, 2.9 ng/mL, is the best threshold to expect neural tube defects, with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 74.29%.ConclusionLow vitamin B12 is a risk factor for having a fetus with neural tube defects. The monitoring of MMA and Hcy levels might be important in understanding and following cases with neural tube defects. Adding vitamin B12 to folic acid may help to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the Egyptian population.
Feeling safe? A conservation of resources perspective examining the interactive effect of leader competence and leader self‐serving behaviour on team performance
Authors: Mao Jih‐Yu , Chiang Jack Ting‐Ju , Chen Lifan , Wu Yangzi , Wang Jiang 
Published: July 2018

In this study, we explored the interplay of leader competence and leader self‐serving behaviour on followers’ perceptions of psychological safety and its downstream implication on team performance. Using a time‐lagged study of 166 leaders and 514 followers from six firms in central China, we found that leader self‐serving behaviour was an important contingent factor for how subordinates perceive their leader. Specifically, when competent leaders were perceived as being non‐self‐serving, team psychological safety as well as team performance were enhanced. In contrast, such positive influences were non‐existent when leaders were seen as self‐serving. Practical implications and important insights to future research were also discussed.Practitioner points

Organizations are encouraged to establish and adopt adequate training and development programmes to ensure that employees are constantly provided with resources to enhance their competencies.

Organizations should foster a culture of ethical behaviour and institute systematic monitoring to ensure that employees act in the best interest of the organization and not at the expense of the larger collective.
Exploring the perception of Mexican urban consumers toward functional foods using the Free Word Association technique
Authors: Rojas‐Rivas Edgar , Espinoza‐Ortega Angélica , Martínez‐García Carlos G. , Moctezuma‐Pérez Sergio , Thomé‐Ortiz Humberto 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDemographic changes in contemporary societies has promoted sectors of consumers aware of the food they buy for health reasons, as functional foods, whose demand has grown in diverse countries as Mexico, recognized as one of the emergent market with the highest consumption of these products in Latin America. However, there is little knowledge on the attitudes of Mexican consumers toward functional foods. The objective was to explore the perception of functional foods by Mexican urban consumers using the free word association technique. A total of 610 persons were asked the three first words that came to their minds with the stimulus “functional food.” Twenty‐three categories were grouped in nine dimensions, the most important were: Health, Nutrition, and Foods and Nutrients. Differences due to age and schooling level were found in dimensions and categories. Consumers have a clear idea of “functional food” that explains growth in this market. The promotion of functional foods should take into consideration the demands that specific groups of consumers have for these products.Practical applicationsThis work is a first approach on the study of the perception of Mexican urban consumers toward functional foods, with results that may be useful for public or private entities. As mentioned in works conducted in other areas of the world, demographic and socio‐economic characteristics are identified as significant determinants; the perception toward functional foods is positively associated with educational achievement, age and women. Taking into consideration the diabetes and overweight problems of the Mexican population, research results indicate an opportunity for producers of functional foods for an adequate development, improvement, and promotion of these products to meet specific perceptions of each target group of consumers.
Effect of temperature–time pretreatments on the texture and microstructure of abalone (Haliotis discus hanai)
Authors: Dong Xiuping , Hou Yawen , Wang Yang , Xu Xianbing , Wang Kexin , Zhao Meiyu , Prakash Sangeeta , Yu Chenxu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe effects of temperature/time pretreatments on the texture and microstructure of abalone (Haliotis discus hanai) meat with the same myofibril extraction rate (60–66.7%) were investigated. The abalone samples were categorized into control and four treatment groups of different heating temperature/heating time combinations as 50°C/120 min, 60°C/10 min, 70°C/5 min, and 80°C/2 min, respectively. Compared to the control samples, the abalone samples heated at 60°C/10 min were the most tender (minimum shear force). It is clear that a sharp reduction in hardness was observed in heat treated abalone meat samples, compared to the raw samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that the water distribution pattern in abalone samples changed as they were experiencing different heat treatments. Particularly, the immobilized water components in samples heated at 60°C/10 min increased significantly. The textural properties of these samples evaluated after an 80 s‐reheating by microwave were of superior quality. It is concluded that the optimal condition for pretreatment abalone was 60°C/10 min, which could significantly improve the textural properties of preprocessed abalones.Practical applicationsReady‐to‐eat foods can either be consumed directly, or further prepared according to consumers' preference. They are processed and packed following scientifically defined criteria to meet ready‐to‐eat requirements. For consumers, the quality of the food is one of the most important factors affecting purchasing decisions. Pretreatment through heating plays a key role in determining the eating quality of the product. Our study investigated the effects of pretreatment temperature and time on the food quality. These findings will establish optimal conditions for pretreating abalone to develop high‐quality ready‐to‐eat food products.
The Shape of a Life and Desire Satisfaction
Authors: Bruckner Donald W. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIt is widely accepted by philosophers of well‐being that the shape or narrative structure of a life is a significant determinant of its overall welfare value. Most arguments for this thesis posit agent‐independent value in certain life shapes. The desire theory of well‐being, I argue, has all of the resources needed to account for the value that many philosophers have identified in lives with certain shapes. The theory denies that there is any agent‐independent value in shapes and, indeed, allows that there can be both agent‐dependent value and agent‐dependentdisvalue in the shapes commonly claimed to hold agent‐independent value.
A Structural Explanation of Injustice in Conversations: It's about Norms
Authors: Ayala‐López Saray 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn contrast to individualistic explanations of social injustice that appeal to implicit attitudes, structural explanations are unintuitive: they appeal to entities that lack clear ontological status, and the explanatory mechanism is similarly unclear. This makes structural explanations unappealing. The present work proposes a structural explanation of one type of injustice that happens in conversations, discursive injustice. This proposal meets two goals. First, it satisfactorily accounts for the specific features of this particular kind of injustice; and second, it articulates a structural explanation that overcomes their unattractiveness. The main idea is that discursive injustice is not the result of biased interlocutors, but of problematic discursive norms.
Genome sequence and genetic transformation of a widely distributed and cultivated poplar
Authors: Ma Jianchao , Wan Dongshi , Duan Bingbing , Bai Xiaotao , Bai Qiuxian , Chen Ningning , Ma Tao 
Published: July 2018

SummaryPopulus alba is widely distributed and cultivated in Europe and Asia. This species has been used for diverse studies. In this study, we assembled a de novo genome sequence of P. alba var. pyramidalis (= P. bolleana) and confirmed its high transformation efficiency and short transformation time by experiments. Through a process of hybrid genome assembly, a total of 464 M of the genome was assembled. Annotation analyses predicted 37 901 protein‐coding genes. This genome is highly collinear to that of P. trichocarpa, with most genes having orthologs in the two species. We found a marked expansion of gene families related to histone and the hormone auxin but loss of disease resistance genes in P. alba if compared with the closely related P. trichocarpa. The genome sequence presented here represents a valuable resource for further molecular functional analyses of this species as a new tree model, poplar breeding practices and comparative genomic analyses across different poplars.
Neurofibromatosis type II dental management, case report, and review of the literature
Authors: Paschalidou Maria , Dermata Anastasia , Arhakis Aristidis 
Published: July 2018

AbstractΑ 30‐year‐old male with features of Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) including vision and hearing loss, imbalance, and cranial and peripheral nerve tumors, was referred for dental prosthetic rehabilitation. Treatment plan was established to rehabilitate the patient with periodontal, endodontic treatment, extractions, restorative, and prosthetic procedures. Due to severe vision impairment and hearing loss, special communication methods were required in order to achieve patient's cooperation, mainly utilizing the sense of touch. Devices such as tablets and smartphones were also used to facilitate communication and patient's comfort. The patient was followed up every 3 months. During the recalls special emphasis was given to the oral hygiene and motivation. It was possible to surpass the severe vision and hearing impairments of this special care patient and fully treat him in the dental chair under a multidiscipline protocol.
Effect of ACASI on Reporting of Abortion and Other Pregnancy Outcomes in the US National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: Lindberg Laura , Scott Rachel H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAbortion is a behavior that is stigmatized and difficult to measure. To improve reporting of abortion and other sensitive behaviors in the United States, the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) supplements the interviewer administered face‐to‐face (FTF) interview with audio computer‐assisted self‐interviewing (ACASI). This paper estimates differential reporting of abortion and other pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, live birth) in the NSFG (2002, 2006–2010, 2011–2015) between women's ACASI and FTF interviews. Examining reporting of less stigmatized pregnancy outcomes can help understand the relative contributions of stigma and survey‐level factors in reporting of abortions. More women reported abortions, miscarriages and births in the ACASI than the FTF interview. Differences in reporting were moderated by the length of recall. The ACASI elicited relatively more reporting of abortions and miscarriages among non‐white and low‐income women. Reporting ratios increased over time. ACASI is a tool that may work differently across time, for different measures, and with varying survey contexts.
Optimising the mandatory reporting process for drivers admitted to an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit
Authors: MacDonald Shannon L , Joseph Pamela L , Cavaliere Ida J , Bayley Mark Theodore , Lo Alexander 
Published: July 2018

Ontario physicians are legally obligated to report patients who may be medically unfit to drive to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). Currently at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI), there are no standardised processes for MTO reporting, resulting in inconsistent communication regarding driving with patients and between healthcare providers, redundant assessments and ultimately reduced patient satisfaction. TRI received 10 patient complaints regarding the driving reporting process in the 5 years prior to this project and a large number of patients were not being reported appropriately.The project aim was to use Lean Methods to achieve 100% reporting and optimise communication and education of drivers admitted to a 23-bed inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit. Interventions included process mapping, identification of wasteful steps and implementation of a standard work. Chart audits before and after implementation were performed.Value stream process mapping identified inconsistent reporting procedures and lack of use of the government-issued driver reporting form. Following implementation of standard work processes, use of the MTO Medical Conditions Report Form increased from 0% to 100%. Indication of whether drivers were reported to the MTO in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation consultation notes increased from 50% to 91%. Identifying reported drivers in the discharge summary, of which patients receive a copy at the time of discharge, increased from 0% to 90%. Physician satisfaction with the new standard work process was qualitatively assessed to be high, with no negative impacts reported.Lean methodology was effective for increasing the usage of the MTO Medical Conditions Report Form, documenting driver status in the initial Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation consultation and indicating MTO reporting status in the discharge summary.Communication between healthcare providers regarding patients’ driving status has been successfully standardised, resulting in improved coordination of care and a reduction in patient complaints to zero in the 14 months since implementation.
Tracey judgement and hospice DNACPR orders: steady as she goes or seismic change?
Authors: Macfarlane Michael , Shayler Stephanie , Nelms Louisa , Willis Derek 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe 2014 Court of Appeals decision with respect to Tracey vs Cambridge University Hospital (‘the Tracey judgement’) changed the requirements for discussing Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions with patients. This study is a retrospective case note review aiming to identify any changes in practice around discussing DNACPR decisions in hospices following the judgement.Methods150 case notes from 2013 (before the Tracey judgement) were compared with 150 case notes from 2015 (following the Tracey judgement). These notes came from five hospices in the West Midlands. The notes were analysed to determine if the judgement resulted in changes to how frequently DNACPR decisions were discussed with patients and their families, as well as whether there were any changes in the documentation of reasons fornotdiscussing such decisions.ResultsDiscussions with patients around DNACPR decisions increased from 31% to 60% and with relatives from 29% to 59% following the Tracey judgement. Prior to the judgement the most frequently documented reason for not discussing was to avoid distress (23%), whereas after judgement it was patients lacking capacity to engage in such a discussion (40%). There was a lack of consistency and clarity in defining the concept of ‘physical or psychological harm’.ConclusionsAlthough DNACPR decisions are being discussed more frequently with patients and families following the Tracey judgement, clarity on what constitutes ‘physical or psychological harm’ caused by these discussions is still required. Future research must examine whether the judgement is delaying or preventing DNACPR decisions being made.
Motor unit activity, force steadiness, and perceived fatigability are correlated with mobility in older adults
Authors: Mani Diba , Almuklass Awad M. , Hamilton Landon D. , Vieira Taian M. , Botter Alberto , Enoka Roger M. 
Published: July 2018

The purpose of our study was to examine the associations between the performance of older adults on four tests of mobility and the physical capabilities of the lower leg muscles. The assessments included measures of muscle strength, muscle activation, and perceived fatigability. Muscle activation was quantified as the force fluctuations—a measure of force steadiness—and motor unit discharge characteristics of lower leg muscles during submaximal isometric contractions. Perceived fatigability was measured as the rating of perceived exertion achieved during a test of walking endurance. Twenty participants (73 ± 4 yr) completed one to four evaluation sessions that were separated by at least 3 wk. The protocol included a 400-m walk, a 10-m walk at maximal and preferred speeds, a chair-rise test, and the strength, force steadiness, and discharge characteristics of motor units detected by high-density electromyography of lower leg muscles. Multiple-regression analyses yielded statistically significant models that explained modest amounts of the variance in the four mobility tests. The variance explained by the regression models was 39% for 400-m walk time, 33% for maximal walk time, 42% for preferred walk time, and 27% for chair-rise time. The findings indicate that differences in mobility among healthy older adults were partially associated with the level of perceived fatigability (willingness of individuals to exert themselves) achieved during the test of walking endurance and the discharge characteristics of soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior motor units during steady submaximal contractions with the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Differences among healthy older adults in walking endurance, walking speed, and ability to rise from a chair can be partially explained by the performance capabilities of lower leg muscles. Assessments comprised the willingness to exert effort (perceived fatigability) and the discharge times of action potentials by motor units in calf muscles during submaximal isometric contractions. These findings indicate that the nervous system contributes significantly to differences in mobility among healthy older adults.
Inexpensive, scalable camera system for tracking rats in large spaces
Authors: Saxena Rajat , Barde Warsha , Deshmukh Sachin S. 
Published: July 2018

Most studies of neural correlates of spatial navigation are restricted to small arenas (≤1 m2) because of the limits imposed by the recording cables. New wireless recording systems have a larger recording range. However, these neuronal recording systems lack the ability to track animals in large area, constraining the size of the arena. We developed and benchmarked an open-source, scalable multicamera tracking system based on low-cost hardware. This “Picamera system” was used in combination with a wireless recording system for characterizing neural correlates of space in environments of sizes up to 16.5 m2. The Picamera system showed substantially better temporal accuracy than a popular commercial system. An explicit comparison of one camera from the Picamera system with a camera from the commercial system showed improved accuracy in estimating spatial firing characteristics and head direction tuning of neurons. This improved temporal accuracy is crucial for accurately aligning videos from multiple cameras in large spaces and characterizing spatially modulated cells in a large environment. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Studies of neural correlates of space are limited to biologically unrealistically small spaces by neural recording and position tracking hardware. We developed a camera system capable of tracking animals in large spaces at a high temporal accuracy. Together with the new wireless recording systems, this system facilitates the study of neural correlates of space at biologically relevant scale. This increased temporal accuracy of tracking also improves the estimates of spatiotemporal correlates of neural activity.
Prostacyclin and EMT Pathway Markers for Monitoring Response to Lung Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: New Melissa L. , White Collin M. , McGonigle Polly , McArthur Debbie G. , Dwyer-Nield Lori D. , Merrick Daniel T. , Keith Robert L. , Tennis Meredith A. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and global burden could be reduced through targeted application of chemoprevention. The development of squamous lung carcinoma has been linked with persistent, high-grade bronchial dysplasia. Bronchial histology improved in former smokers in a chemoprevention trial with the prostacyclin analogue iloprost. Prostacyclin acts through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) to reverse epithelial to mesenchymal transition and promote anticancer signaling. We hypothesized that the prostacyclin signaling pathway and EMT could provide response markers for prostacyclin chemoprevention of lung cancer. Human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) or iloprost for 2 weeks, CSC for 16 weeks, or CSC for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of CSC and/or iloprost, and RNA was extracted. Wild-type or prostacyclin synthase transgenic mice were exposed to 1 week of cigarette smoke or one injection of urethane, and RNA was extracted from the lungs. We measured potential markers of prostacyclin and iloprost efficacy in these models. We identified a panel of markers altered by tobacco carcinogens and inversely affected by prostacyclin, including PPARγ, 15PGDH, CES1, COX-2, ECADHERIN, SNAIL, VIMENTIN, CRB3, MIR34c, and MIR221. These data introduce a panel of potential markers for monitoring interception of bronchial dysplasia progression during chemoprevention with prostacyclin. Chemoprevention is a promising approach to reduce lung cancer mortality in a high-risk population. Identifying markers for targeted use is critical for success in future clinical trials of prostacyclin for lung cancer chemoprevention. Cancer Prev Res; 11(10); 643–54. ©2018 AACR.