bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caution needed in altering the ‘optimum’ fluoride concentration in drinking water
Authors: Spencer A. John , Do Loc G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe US Public Health Service has finalized its recommendation relating to community water fluoridation (Federal Panel on Community Water Fluoridation, US Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). It recommends an optimal concentration of 0.7 mg/l F based on their argument that this concentration provides the best balance of protection from dental caries while limiting the risk of dental fluorosis. The rationale for this recommendation can be questioned, particularly given the contrasting etiologies and impact on the community. Uncertainty surrounds the key evidence considered by the panel. This study argues that the panel should have exercised more caution and called for further research before reducing the ‘optimal’ concentration of fluoride in water supplies. Up‐to‐date data on caries and fluorosis trend by age group or birth cohort, analyses on attributable risk for fluorosis, data on individual and population impact of caries and fluorosis, water intake over an extended period across the seasons, and the curvilinear relationship of fluoride concentration in water supplies and caries protection would have all been desirable to inform the panel, given the foreshadowing of the recommendation in late 2011. Further, a wider range of policy directions to achieve the best balance of protection from dental caries while limiting the risk of dental fluorosis are available from the international literature. Assessment of these should have been more evident. There is a public health policy responsibility to monitor water fluoridation programs so as to achieve a near maximum reduction in dental caries without unacceptable levels of dental fluorosis. However, recommendations to alter existing policy need to be cognizant of the balancing of risk and protective exposures across the entire population and potentially all ages and to be based on recent data that are purposefully collected, critically analyzed and carefully interpreted.
Expanding the mutation and clinical spectrum of Roberts syndrome
Authors: Afifi Hanan H. , Abdel‐Salam Ghada M.H. , Eid Maha M. , Tosson Angie M.S. , Shousha Wafaa Gh. , Abdel Azeem Amira A. , Farag Mona K. , Mehrez Mennat I. , Gaber Khaled R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRoberts syndrome and SC phocomelia syndrome are rare autosomal recessive genetic disorders representing the extremes of the spectrum of severity of the same condition, caused by mutations in ESCO2 gene. We report three new patients with Roberts syndrome from three unrelated consanguineous Egyptian families. All patients presented with growth retardation, mesomelic shortening of the limbs more in the upper than in the lower limbs and microcephaly. Patients were subjected to clinical, cytogenetic and radiologic examinations. Cytogenetic analysis showed the characteristic premature separation of centromeres and puffing of heterochromatic regions. Further, sequencing of the ESCO2 gene identified a novel mutation c.244_245dupCT (p.T83Pfs*20) in one family besides two previously reported mutations c.760_761insA (p.T254Nfs*27) and c.764_765delTT (p.F255Cfs*25). All mutations were in homozygous state, in exon 3. The severity of the mesomelic shortening of the limbs and craniofacial anomalies showed variability among patients. Interestingly, patient 1 had abnormal skin hypopigmentation. Serial fetal ultrasound examinations and measurements of long bones diagnosed two affected fetuses in two of the studied families. A literature review and case comparison was performed. In conclusion, we report a novel ESCO2 mutation and expand the clinical spectrum of Roberts syndrome.
A pilot single‐centre randomized trial assessing the safety and efficacy of lateral pararectus abdominis compared with transrectus abdominis muscle stoma placement in patients with temporary loop ileostomies: the PATRASTOM trial
Authors: Hardt J. , Seyfried S. , Weiß C. , Post S. , Kienle P. , Herrle F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimTransrectal stoma placement is considered the standard technique for positioning a stoma. A prospective series using a novel method of lateral pararectal stoma placement recently revealed a remarkably low stoma herniation rate. A randomized trial was conducted to compare the lateral pararectal with the transrectal stoma position with regard to parastomal herniation, stoma‐related morbidity and quality of life.MethodAdult patients undergoing elective placement of a temporary loop ileostomy were eligible for inclusion. Patients were intra‐operatively randomized to undergo either a lateral pararectal or a transrectal ileostomy. The primary end‐point was the rate of parastomal herniation. Secondary end‐points included other stoma‐related complications and quality of life. Sample size calculation resulted in 54 patients having to be analysed to detect a difference of parastomal herniation of 30% with an 80% power and a 5% significance level. The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (registration number DRKS00003534).ResultsBetween April 2012 and April 2014, 30 patients were randomized to each group. The incidence of parastomal herniation did not differ between the lateral pararectal (5 of 27) and the transrectal group (4 of 29; P = 0.725). There was also no significant difference regarding other stoma‐related complications and the EORTC quality of life scales C30 and CR29.ConclusionThe incidence of parastomal herniation and other stoma‐related complications did not differ between the groups. However, due to the limited sample size a small difference in favour of one of the two stoma placement techniques cannot be entirely ruled out.
Predicting the Incremental Benefits of Online Information Search for Heterogeneous Consumers
Authors: Wang Hao , Guo Xunhua , Zhang Mingyue , Wei Qiang , Chen Guoqing 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTConsumer information search (CIS), the process by which a consumer browses and inspects a shopping environment for appropriate information to select a product or service from available options, has been a research focus in the context of online business. One of the key questions related to CIS is how to determine how much information to search (i.e., when to stop searching). Extensive literature on behavioral science has revealed that consumers often search either “too little” or “too much,” even with the help of existing consumer decision support systems (CDSSs). To address this issue, this article introduces a new method of CDSSs that provides effective estimation of incremental search benefits. The method, called the personalized distribution‐based prediction method (PDM), is developed from the perspective of machine learning and utilizes consumer preference information generated by collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms. In contrast to related methods that assume that all consumers follow the same distribution function in terms of product preference, the PDM method is designed to consider the diversified search behaviors of consumers through the incorporation of heterogeneous preference distribution functions. Experiments based on data provided by Netflix illustrate that the proposed method is effective and advantageous over existing applicable techniques. Theoretical analyses are also provided to explain the advantageous performance of PDM.
The role of ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 (USP14) in cell adhesion‐mediated drug resistance (CAM‐DR) of multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Liu Jing , Shen Chaoyan , Ding Linlin , Zhong Fei , Ouyang Yu , Wang Yuchan , He Song 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveCell adhesion‐mediated drug resistance (CAM‐DR) is one of the mechanisms underlying the drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM). Ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 (USP14) is downregulated in the apoptotic model and upregulated in the adhesive model of MM. This study was undertaken to determine the role of USP14 in CAM‐DR of MM cells.MethodsWe examined the expression of USP14 in the apoptotic model of MM. The mechanism of USP14 in the process of apoptosis was further explored by flow cytometry assay and co‐immunoprecipitation. We then performed the cell co‐culture and adhesion assay and cell viability assay to investigate the effect of USP14 on adhesive rate and drug resistance in MM.ResultsWe discovered that USP14 played a negative role in cell apoptosis, which is correlated with Bcl‐xl. Moreover, overexpression of USP14 in MM cell adhesion model could enhance the ability of cell adhesion by regulating Wnt‐signaling pathways, thereby promoting the CAM‐DR in MM.ConclusionUSP14 participates in CAM‐DR of MM through acting as a bridge between Bcl‐xl apoptotic pathway and Wnt‐signaling pathways and may be represented as a good candidate for pursuing clinical trials in MM.
Effects of maternal dexamethasone treatment on pancreatic β cell function in the pregnant mare and post natal foal
Authors: Valenzuela O. A. , Jellyman J. K. , Allen V. L. , Holdstock N. B. , Fowden A. L. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studySynthetic glucocorticoids are used to treat inflammatory conditions in horses. In other pregnant animals, glucocorticoids are given to stimulate fetal maturation with long‐term metabolic consequences for the offspring if given preterm. However, their metabolic effects during equine pregnancy remain unknown.ObjectiveThus, this study investigated the metabolic effects of dexamethasone administration on pregnant pony mares and their foals after birth.Study designExperimental study.MethodsA total of 3 doses of dexamethasone (200 μg/kg bwt i.m.) were given to 6 pony mares at 48 h intervals beginning at ≈270 days of pregnancy. Control saline injections were given to 5 mares using the same protocol. After fasting overnight, pancreatic β cell responses to exogenous glucose were measured in the mares before, during and after treatment. After birth, pancreatic β cell responses to exogenous glucose and arginine were measured in the foals at 2 and 12 weeks.ResultsIn mares during treatment, dexamethasone but not saline increased basal insulin concentrations and prolonged the insulin response to exogenous glucose. Basal insulin and glucose concentrations still differed significantly between the 2 groups 72 h post treatment. Dexamethasone treatment significantly reduced placental area but had little effect on foal biometry at birth or subsequently. Foal β cell function at 2 weeks was unaffected by maternal treatment. However, by 12 weeks, pancreatic β cell sensitivity to arginine, but not glucose, was less in foals delivered by dexamethasone‐ than saline‐treated mares.ConclusionsDexamethasone administration induced changes in maternal insulin‐glucose dynamics, indicative of insulin resistance and had subtle longer term effects on post natal β cell function of the foals. The programming effects of dexamethasone in horses may be mediated partially by altered maternal metabolism and placental growth.
Cytotoxic, apoptotic, and sensitization properties of ent‐kaurane‐type diterpenoids from Croton tonkinensis Gagnep on human liver cancer HepG2 and Hep3b cell lines
Authors: Pham Minh Quan , Iscache Anne Laure , Pham Quoc Long , Gairin Jean Edouard 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHuman hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. A very poor prognosis and a lack of effective treatments make liver cancer a major public health problem, notably in less developed regions, particularly in eastern Asia. This fully justifies the search of new molecules and therapeutic strategies against HCC. Ent‐kaurane diterpenoids are natural compounds displaying a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic effects including anticancer activity. In this study, we analyzed the pharmacological properties of a family of ent‐kaurane diterpenoids from Croton tonkinensis Gagnep in human HepG2 and Hep3b cell lines, used as cellular reference models for in vitro evaluation of new molecules active on HCC. A structure‐related cytotoxicity was observed against both HCC cell lines, enlighting the role of the 16‐en‐15‐one skeleton of ent‐kaurane diterpenoids. Cytotoxicity was closely correlated to apoptosis, evidenced by concentration‐dependent subG1 cell accumulation, and increased annexin V expression. In addition, subtoxic concentration of ent‐kaurane diterpenoid dramatically enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to doxorubicin. All together, our data bring strong support to the potential interest of ent‐kaurane diterpenoids, alone or in combination with a cytotoxic agent, in cancer and more precisely against HCC.
Targeting myocardial reperfusion injuries with cyclosporine in the CIRCUS Trial – pharmacological reasons for failure
Authors: Monassier Laurent , Ayme‐Dietrich Estelle , Aubertin‐Kirch Gaëlle , Pathak Atul 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe mitochondrial permeability transition (mPTP) is a key feature of cardiac cell death in ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (I/R). The mPTP blocker, cyclosporine A (CsA), has been shown to give protection against reperfusion‐induced myocardial necrosis and troubles generated by acute coronary artery repermeabilization. Nevertheless, the results of the CIRCUS trial (Does Cyclosporine Improve Clinical Outcome in ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients) seem to go against this hypothesis. Pharmacological reasons linked to CsA pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics could be suggested. First, it could be explained by a limited diffusion of the drug in the area at risk, due to the only inclusion of patients with a TIMI 0 or 1 coronary blood flow in the anterior territory and the absence of collateral perfusion. Second, to explain a low tissue diffusion of the compound, blood cell capture and high metabolism could be suggested. Moreover, CsA is highly metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), a polymorphic enzyme leading to variations of Cmax and AUC between 10–20% in patients using CsA. Finally, CsA blocks calcineurin, a protein implied in I/R damage but calcineurin inhibition could contribute to protection towards I/R damage only when Rcan1, a calcineurin natural inhibitor, expression is low. The results of the CIRCUS trial are disappointing and could contribute to the withdrawal of the mPTP blockade pharmacological strategy as a way to protect the myocardium from I/R lesions. Nevertheless, many pharmacological insights could have contributed to an increased variability and, as a consequence, an important reduction of the pharmacological power of the study.
Analysis of mode II fractured surfaces of graphite/epoxy laminates using SEM and optical reflectivity methods
Authors: Wosu S. N. , Xie Q. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper presents a study of scanning electron microscope surface morphology and the reflectivity of the mode II fractured surface of graphite/epoxy laminates. A discrete number average method was developed for the quantitative characterization of hackles formation. The variation of hackle marks linear density with impact energy for end‐notch flexure and centre‐notch flexure for pure mode II loading were determined. The results indicated that hackles formation decreased with impact energy and the maximum hackles formation were observed at the centre area. Reflectivity was observed to be increased with the angle of reflection and decreased with impact energy, which is in agreement with the scanning electron microscope analysis. With the incident light scanned in the transverse direction, the intensity of the reflected light increases much more exponentially compared with along the fibre direction. Reflectivity in the fibre direction was clearly lower than in the transverse direction in the damaged area. The greater the damaged area, the less the intensity (reflectivity) of light reflected.
From the Margins to the Center: African American Women's and Gender History since the 1970s
Authors: Umoren Imaobong D. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAfrican American women's and gender history emerged at the turn of the 20th century and developed in the wake of the civil rights, black power, and women's movements. Over the past five decades, the field has moved from the margins to the center of American history. This illustrative rather than exhaustive article examines the literature on African American women's and gender history since the 1970s. It argues that there have been two overlapping phases of African American women's and gender history. The first recovery phase focused on histories of slavery, black feminism, work, and activism. Many of these themes remained part of the second phase in African American women's and gender history that widened to focus on new themes, some of which emerged out of earlier methodologies. Moreover, this essay argues that emerging work is helping to connect the field to a wide array of topics, which promises to develop this increasingly interdisciplinary area of research.
The Implementation of Voting from Abroad: Evidence from the 2014 Turkish Presidential Election
Authors: Şahin‐Mencütek Zeynep , Erdoğan M. Murat 
Published: December 2015

AbstractVoting from abroad (VFA) is a complex norm and practice due to the multilevel processes, structures and actors involved. This article explores the reasons behind the eventual adoption of this practice within the context of a long and well‐known history of emigration in Turkey. During the 2014 Turkish presidential election, emigrants from Turkey were finally allowed to participate from abroad even though legislation giving them this right has been in place since 1995. Based on archival research and fieldwork in Germany and the United States, this article discusses the varying relevance of three central explanatory factors to the implementation of VFA: emigrant lobbying, the electoral expectations of potential benefit by the governing party, and the presence of broader, state‐led diaspora engagement policies. The first of these is important but insufficient, whereas the second factor is necessary. Moreover, the presence of broader, state‐led diaspora engagement policies is a mediating factor. This article finds that specific actors like political parties may play the crucial role, highlighting the need for critical examination of their role in the implementation process.
Suicidality among Hong Kong nurses: prevalence and correlates
Authors: Cheung Teris , Lee Paul H. , Yip Paul S.F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimsThe study estimates the prevalence and examines the socio‐economic and psychological correlates of suicidality among professional nurses in Hong Kong.BackgroundSuicide rates among middle‐aged employed groups have been increasing over the past few decades. There is a concern that medical occupational groups worldwide are at elevated risk of suicide. Nonetheless there are few population‐based studies of suicide dealing with working‐age Asian nurses.DesignThe study uses a cross‐sectional survey design.MethodData were collected in Hong Kong over 4 weeks from October–November 2013. Statistical methods including descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate cumulative logit modelling were used to examine the weighted prevalence rates of past‐year suicidality and its associated factors in nurses.ResultsA total of 850 nurses participated in the study; 14·9% of participants had contemplated suicide while 2·9% had attempted suicide once or more in the past year. Women report suicidal thoughts or attempts more often than men. Religion, poor health, deliberate self‐harm, depressive symptoms and poor self‐perceived physical and mental health were significantly associated with nurses' suicidality.ConclusionsNurse professionals are not immune from mental health issues. Hong Kong's local health authority should put in place a raft of suicide prevention initiatives to promote mental wellness in the profession.
Empirical evolution of a framework that supports the development of nursing competence
Authors: Lima Sally , Jordan Helen L. , Kinney Sharon , Hamilton Bridget , Newall Fiona 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to refine a framework for developing competence, for graduate nurses new to paediatric nursing in a transition programme.BackgroundA competent healthcare workforce is essential to ensuring quality care. There are strong professional and societal expectations that nurses will be competent. Despite the importance of the topic, the most effective means through which competence develops remains elusive.DesignA qualitative explanatory method was applied as part of a mixed methods design.MethodsTwenty‐one graduate nurses taking part in a 12‐month transition programme participated in semi‐structured interviews between October and November 2013. Interviews were informed by data analysed during a preceding quantitative phase. Participants were provided with their quantitative results and a preliminary model for development of competence and asked to explain why their competence had developed as it had.ResultsThe findings from the interviews, considered in combination with the preliminary model and quantitative results, enabled conceptualization of a Framework for Developing Competence. Key elements include: the individual in the team, identification and interpretation of standards, asking questions, guidance and engaging in endeavours, all taking place in a particular context.ConclusionMuch time and resources are directed at supporting the development of nursing competence, with little evidence as to the most effective means. This study led to conceptualization of a theory thought to underpin the development of nursing competence, particularly in a paediatric setting for graduate nurses. Future research should be directed at investigating the framework in other settings.
Africa–EU Relations and Normative Power Europe: A Decolonial Pan‐African Critique
Authors: Staeger Ueli 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe debate on NPE (Normative Power Europe) has flourished for more than a decade. NPE has shaped Africa–EU relations considerably, especially since the founding of the AU (African Union). Yet while the EU aspires to be a post‐imperial, normative power, this postcolonial critique suggests NPE is a neo‐Kantian, Eurocentric discourse that reinvigorates an outdated European moral paternalism. The article explores the role of NPE in Africa–EU relations through a Foucauldian conceptualization of knowledge in EU foreign policy, and insists particularly on how pan‐African regionalization and NPE led to unwarranted optimism about deploying European norms in Africa. To the contrary, a decolonial perspective reveals that AU–EU inter‐regional structural and organizational convergence enchains only frail normative convergence, which will diminish as the pan‐African project unfolds further.