bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in mdx mice: an experimental model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Feder David , Ierardi Mariana , Covre Ana Laura , Petri Giuliana , Carvalho Alzira Alves de Siqueira , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Bertassoli Bruno Machado 
Published: July 2018

This study describes the functional and morphological alterations in the intestines of mdx mice (n = 4) compared with the intestinal features of C57BL/10 mice (n = 7) at 2 months of age. The whole gut transit time (carmine red) and the upper gut transit time (activated charcoal) were measured, and light microscopy was utilized to view stained sections (H&E and picrosirius red) for histological analysis. No significant difference in mean evacuation time for the whole gut was observed between the two groups, but a significant delay in activated charcoal passage was observed in the mdx mice. Visually, a higher concentration of collagen fibers in the submucosal region was apparent in the mdx mice. The concentration of collagen fibers in the stomach and small intestine suggests a direct relationship with the decrease in motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract in the mdx mice. Further experimental studies should be conducted to develop therapeutic alternatives to collagen inhibition to control these manifestations.
Companions or patients? The impact of family presence in genetic consultations for inherited breast cancer: Relational autonomy in practice
Authors: Gilbar Roy , Barnoy Sivia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAs in other areas of medical practice, relatives accompany patients to genetic consultations. However, unlike in other areas, the consultations may be relevant to the relatives’ health because they may be at risk of developing the same genetic condition as the patient. The presence of relatives in genetic consultation may affect the decision‐making process and it raises questions about the perception of patient autonomy and the way it is practiced in genetics. However, these issues have not been examined in previous empirical studies. This article aims to fill this gap by reporting findings from a qualitative study with clinicians working in the area of inherited breast cancer. The findings indicate that family presence has an impact on the patient's decisions to undergo genetic testing and preventative operations when she is diagnosed as a carrier. The findings further indicate that, unlike in other areas of medical practice, blood relatives who are present in consultations are perceived by clinicians as patients or potential patients, and this in turn increases their involvement in discussions in the consultation room. Finally, the findings indicate that in genetics, a relational approach to autonomy is applied. Decisions are made in a social context, where the relatives’ views are heard and taken into account. The findings suggest that the conventional bioethical approach to autonomy, which perceives the decision‐making unit as comprising a clinician and an individual patient, is challenged in genetics. The findings thus suggest that bioethicists, lawyers and policy‐makers should consider whether this individualistic approach is still valid and applicable.
Discussing rights and wrongs: Three suggestions for moving forward with the migrant health rights debate
Authors: Gottlieb Nora , Ben Mocha Yitzchak 
Published: July 2018

AbstractClaims for improving migrants’ access to care often draw on universalistic ethical notions, such as the principle of equity as it is specified in human rights law and public health ethics. These claims contrast with political realities across most welfare states. In the underlying public discourses, the frontline arguments against greater inclusion have often focused on practical concerns, such as the costs of healthcare provision. Yet it has also been suggested that ultimately context‐specific moral frameworks play a key role in demarcating legitimate right‐holders from undeserving others. Hence, is this a conflict between ethical principles and practical concerns? Or between different ethical perspectives? And why would that question matter? We propose that awareness of the nature of the arguments involved and respect for different ethical views are critical for coherent and constructive debates. This paper looks at the ways in which ethical concepts are used to justify exclusionary policy decisions. In particular, it examines the rationales that inform health policies towards documented and undocumented labor migrants in two welfare states, Germany and Israel, through the qualitative analysis of policy documents and 71 in‐depth interviews. The study points to the central role of particular concepts of health‐related deservingness. These results lead to the proposition that the fundamental clash in the discussion on migrants’ access to care is one, albeit not solely, between contrasting ethical perspectives. Drawing on process‐oriented approaches to ethical decision‐making, the paper concludes with three suggestions for moving forward with the migrant health rights debate.
Speech training for neurological patients using a serious game
Authors: Ganzeboom Mario , Bakker Marjoke , Beijer Lilian , Rietveld Toni , Strik Helmer 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe majority of patients with neurological impairment like Parkinson's Disease (PD) or stroke are affected by dysarthria. Dysarthria is a motor speech impairment which negatively affects speech dimensions such as articulation and loudness. This leads to reduced intelligibility, often hindering daily life communication. Intensive and prolonged speech training can increase patients’ speech intelligibility. Unfortunately, interventions by speech therapists are generally provided only for a short period of time, while continuing practice is needed to maintain or improve intelligibility. eHealth applications might provide a solution. In our research, we explored whether it is possible to develop a game that is suitable for providing speech training in elderly patients with dysarthria due to PD or stroke. In the game, we developed, called Treasure Hunters, two players interact verbally to find the way to the treasure, while receiving automatic feedback on voice loudness and pitch. Participants played with our game in several sessions and generally appreciated it, hinting at our game's potential for speech training in elderly patients. In a within‐subjects experiment with five dysarthric patients, our game was compared to a non‐game computer‐based speech training system: e‐learning‐based Speech Therapy (EST). We focussed on three variables: speech intelligibility, user satisfaction and user preference. Substantial variability between participants was observed, in the outcomes of these three variables and their relations. We conclude that ”one size that fits all” does not apply to computer‐based speech training, but a personalised approach is needed.
Designing an augmented tabletop game for children with cognitive disabilities: The “Home game” case
Authors: Korozi Maria , Leonidis Asterios , Ntoa Stavroula , Arampatzis Dimitrios , Adami Ilia , Antona Margherita , Stephanidis Constantine 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper presents “Home game,” a multimodal interactive educational game that supports training in independent living for children with cognitive disabilities. It is intended to be used under the supervision of educators in a rehabilitation center. The game features a variety of exercises that incorporate multimedia, virtual environments, tangible, and playful interaction to facilitate learning of the main rooms of a house, daily routines, and how to avoid inappropriate or prevent hazardous behaviors. It enhances touch‐based interaction with physical manipulation through printed cards on a tabletop setup, using a webcam to recognize and track cards on a board. This paper describes the system, along with the development process and the results of a preliminary user‐based evaluation. Furthermore, it reports the insights and lessons learned throughout the process of developing tangible educational technologies for children with cognitive impairments, in terms of functionality, interaction, and evaluation with children.
Can cooperative video games encourage social and motivational inclusion of at‐risk students?
Authors: Hanghøj Thorkild , Lieberoth Andreas , Misfeldt Morten 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCan the challenges encountered in cooperative video games encourage classroom inclusion? And can this experience be translated into curriculum engagement? This study describes a 3 week intervention with game‐based learning activities in eight lower secondary classrooms (n = 190). The intervention combined the use of the co‐op action role‐playing gameTorchlight IIand analogue gamification aimed at including 32 students challenged by social difficulties and lack of motivation. The video game was used to create more inclusive classrooms by increasing students’ opportunities for participation through collaboration in teams. The students also participated in game‐related Danish (L1) and Mathematics activities. Effects on social well‐being, learning and motivational patterns were measured through teacher assessment combined with the Children's Perceived Locus of Causality‐scales. The results show multidimensional effects including positive impact on at‐risk students’ well‐being and reduced experiences of external regulation to participate in Mathematics and Danish. The qualitative analysis not only confirms the positive findings, but also shows how the intervention created ambiguities surrounding the relationship between game activities and curriculum‐related assignments. The findings indicate that the impact of game‐based classrooms is not due to their fun element, but rather how they enable reframing of social participation and students’ engagement with the curriculum.
Chronic hypoxia‐induced slug promotes invasive behavior of prostate cancer cells by activating expression of ephrin‐B1
Authors: Iwasaki Kazunori , Ninomiya Ryo , Shin Toshitaka , Nomura Takeo , Kajiwara Tooru , Hijiya Naoki , Moriyama Masatsugu , Mimata Hiromitsu , Hamada Fumihiko 
Published: July 2018

Advanced solid tumors are exposed to hypoxic conditions over longer periods of time as they grow. Tumor hypoxia is a major factor that induces malignant progression, but most previous studies on tumor hypoxia were performed under short‐term hypoxia for up to 72 hours and few studies have focused on tumor response to chronic hypoxic conditions. Here we show a molecular mechanism by which chronic hypoxia promotes invasive behavior in prostate cancer cells. We found that an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐driving transcription factor, slug, is specifically upregulated under chronic hypoxia and promotes tumor cell migration and invasion. Unexpectedly, processes associated with EMT, such as loss of E‐cadherin, are not observed under chronic hypoxia. Instead, expression of ephrin‐B1, a ligand of Eph‐related receptor tyrosine kinases, is markedly induced by slug through E‐box motifs and promotes cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, slug and ephrin‐B1 are highly coexpressed in chronic hypoxic cells of human prostate adenocarcinoma tissues after androgen deprivation, which is known to cause tumor hypoxia. Taken together, these results indicate that chronic hypoxia‐induced slug promotes invasive behavior of prostate cancer cells by activating the expression of ephrin‐B1. In addition, ephrin‐B1 may be a novel therapeutic target in combination with androgen deprivation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer.
Inhibition of tumor formation and metastasis by a monoclonal antibody against lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1
Authors: Hara Yuta , Torii Ryota , Ueda Shiho , Kurimoto Erina , Ueda Eri , Okura Hiroshi , Tatano Yutaka , Yagi Hideki , Ohno Yoshiya , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Masuko Kazue , Masuko Takashi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlthough cancer metastasis is associated with poor prognosis, the mechanisms of this event, especially via lymphatic vessels, remain unclear. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE‐1) is expressed on lymphatic vessel endothelium and is considered to be a specific marker of lymphatic vessels, but it is unknown how LYVE‐1 is involved in the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. We produced rat monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing the extracellular domain of mouse LYVE‐1, and investigated the roles of LYVE‐1 in tumor formation and metastasis. The mAb 38M and 64R were selected from hybridoma clones created by cell fusion between spleen cells of rats immunized with RH7777 rat hepatoma cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fused mouse LYVE‐1 proteins and mouse myeloma cells. Two mAb reacted with RH7777 and HEK293F human embryonic kidney cells expressing GFP‐fused mouse LYVE‐1 proteins in a GFP expression‐dependent manner, and each recognized a distinct epitope. On immunohistology, the 38M mAb specifically stained lymphatic vessels in several mouse tissues. In the wound healing assay, the 64R mAb inhibited cell migration of HEK293F cells expressing LYVE‐1 and mouse lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC), as well as tube formation by LEC. Furthermore, this mAb inhibited primary tumor formation and metastasis to lymph nodes in metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft models. This shows that LYVE‐1 is involved in primary tumor formation and metastasis, and it may be a promising molecular target for cancer therapy.
A review of clinical treatment considerations of donepezil in severe Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Adlimoghaddam Aida , Neuendorff Melanie , Roy Banibrata , Albensi Benedict C. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 45 million people worldwide. Patients with severe AD require help with daily activities and show severe memory impairment. Currently, donepezil is one of two drugs approved by FDA and Health Canada for the treatment of severe AD (MMSE score <10). It is prescribed as 5 or 10 mg/d and an FDA‐approved 23‐mg/d dose.MethodThis review will discuss risks and benefits of donepezil at these doses in severe AD. Articles were identified using PubMed using the MeSH terms “donepezil” AND “Alzheimer Disease” AND “severe.” Three double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized studies, one post hoc analysis, and one subgroup analysis were selected.ResultsDonepezil was found to benefit patients in cognition and global functioning. The most consistent improvement was in severe impairment battery (SIB) scores. However, more patients treated with high dosage of donepezil discontinued their treatment due to various adverse events (AEs).ConclusionClinicians must weigh benefits against adverse events when determining the course of therapy, as recommendations for cholinesterase inhibitors in advanced AD remain unclear and vary with different guidelines.
Identifying and evaluating layers of vulnerability – a way forward
Authors: Luna Florencia 
Published: July 2018

Abstract“Vulnerability” is a key concept for research ethics and public health ethics. This term can be discussed from either a conceptual or a practical perspective. I previously proposed the metaphor of layers to understand how this concept functions from the conceptual perspective in human research. In this paper I will clarify how my analysis includes other definitions of vulnerability. Then, I will take the practical‐ethical perspective, rejecting the usefulness of taxonomies to analyze vulnerabilities. My proposal specifies two steps and provides a procedural guide to help rank layers. I introduce the notion of cascade vulnerability and outline the dispositional nature of layers of vulnerability to underscore the importance of identifying their stimulus condition. In addition, I identify three kinds of obligations and some strategies to implement them.This strategy outlines the normative force of harmful layers of vulnerability. It offers concrete guidance. It contributes substantial content to the practical sphere but it does not simplify or idealize research subjects, research context or public health challenges.
Non‐pharmacological interventions for non‐respiratory sleep disturbance in children with neurodisabilities: a systematic review
Authors: Scantlebury Arabella , Mcdaid Catriona , Dawson Vicki , Elphick Heather , Fairhurst Caroline , Hewitt Catherine , Parker Adwoa , Spiers Gemma , Thomas Megan , Wright Kath , Beresford Bryony 
Published: July 2018

AimTo describe existing evidence on non‐pharmacological interventions to manage sleep disturbance in children with neurodisabilities.MethodWe systematically reviewed non‐pharmacological interventions aimed at improving non‐respiratory sleep disturbance in children with neurodisability. Sixteen databases, grey literature, and reference lists of included papers were searched up to February 2017. Two researchers (B.B., C.M., G.S., A.S., A.P.) undertook screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal.ResultsTwenty‐five studies were included: 11 randomized controlled trials and 14 before‐and‐after studies. All studies were at high or unclear risk of bias. Parent‐directed interventions were categorized as comprehensive tailored interventions (n=9), comprehensive non‐tailored interventions (n=8), and non‐comprehensive interventions (n=2). Six ‘other’ non‐pharmacological interventions were included. Seventy‐one child and parent sleep‐related outcomes were measured across the included studies. We report the two most commonly measured outcomes: the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire and sleep onset latency. Five studies reported significant improvements on at least one of these outcomes.InterpretationVarious types of non‐pharmacological intervention for managing sleep disturbance have been evaluated. Clinical heterogeneity and poor study quality meant we could not draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of these interventions. Current clinical guidance recommends parent‐directed interventions as the first approach to managing sleep disturbance; prioritizing research in this area is recommended.What this paper addsExisting evidence on non‐pharmacological interventions to manage sleep disturbance in children with neurodisabilities is predominately of poor quality.Most included studies evaluated parent‐directed interventions of varying content and intensity.There was very little consistency between studies in the outcome measures used.There is some evidence that parent‐directed interventions may improve child outcomes.
Religious minorities and firm ownership in early twentieth‐century Egypt
Authors: Artunç Cihan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article examines the composition of firm ownership and entrepreneurship in Egypt between 1910 and 1949 by assembling a novel dataset on multi‐owned firms. The evidence supports two main results. First, Muslim participation remained disproportionately low in partnerships but was distinctly high in corporations relative to non‐Muslims. Second, Muslim‐owned firms were frailer and more likely to experience early exits. The findings are consistent with the view that the region's institutional legacy, such as disparities in physical or human capital, created obstacles for Muslims. When these implications are tested, the findings show that only small‐scale Muslim firms had restricted access to capital. The skewness in Muslim firms’ entry and start‐up size is probably the result of legal distortions introduced by the government, which entrenched a small class of political elites in large‐scale firms.
Coming Out and Getting Back In: Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same‐ and Different‐Sex Relationships
Authors: Monk J. Kale , Ogolsky Brian G. , Oswald Ramona F. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo examine the role of on–off relationship cycling in psychological distress for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships.BackgroundRelationship processes have a robust effect on individual well‐being, and dissolution is associated with psychological distress that is normative and typically short‐lived. A prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off cycling), however, may facilitate more pervasive symptomology. Moreover, researchers have indicated that instability is similar for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships, but cycling in same‐sex relationships has yet to be studied despite existing disparities for sexual minorities.MethodData from 545 individuals in same‐sex (n = 279) and different‐sex (n = 266) relationships were used to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety.ResultsThe occurrence of cycling was similar across relationship types, but a greater frequency emerged in male–male relationships compared with female–female and different‐sex relationships. Regardless of relationship type, we found a positive association between relationship cycling and distress while controlling for known correlates of mental health.ConclusionPatterns of breakup and renewal were linked to increased symptoms of psychological distress, indicating the accumulation of relationship transitions can create added turmoil for individuals.ImplicationsDue to the potential distress associated with this relational pattern, practitioners should assess for on–off instability. We also provide suggestions for encouraging individuals in distressed on–off relationships to make informed decisions about stabilizing or safely terminating their partnerships.
Inactivation of lipoxygenase in soybean by radio frequency treatment
Authors: Jiang Yiming , Wang Shukun , He Fang , Fan Qilei , Ma Yanli , Yan Wenxu , Tang Yali , Yang Ruijin , Zhao Wei 
Published: July 2018

SummaryPolyunsaturated fatty acids are oxidised to generate beany flavour under catalysis of lipoxygenase (LOX). Using conventional thermal treatment to inactivate LOX lead to a serious nutritional and functional loss in soybean products due to the prolonged exposure to the high‐temperature environment. Radio frequency (RF) is a different type of heating technology that sample is heated inside and outside at the same time with deep penetration. RF treatment was proposed to process soybean to rapidly inactivate LOX while remaining the quality and functional properties of soybean product. The results showed that the inactivation rate of LOX subjected to RF treatment for 210 s was 94.30%, as compared with 3.08% under conventional thermal treatment (110 °C) for the same duration. Functional properties of soybean protein isolate (SPI) after RF treatment were much higher than that of SPI with conventional thermal treatment. Analysis of the volatile compounds of soy milk indicated that the relative concentration of hexanal decreased from 521 to 116 μg L−1 and that of 1‐hexanol decreased from 271 to 6.99 μg L−1. Therefore, RF treatment could better improve the sensory properties of soy milk.