bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of SAF, Protaper Next and BT‐Race in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis from long oval canals: An ex vivo study
Authors: Krokidis Andreas , Bonfanti Carlo , Cerutti Antonio , Barabanti Nicola , Zinelis Spyros , Panopoulos Panos 
Published: November 2016

AbstractComparison of the ability of newly designed rotary files to eliminate viable Enterococcus faecalis populations from long oval root canals of extracted human teeth to that of the self‐adjusting file (SAF). One hundred caries‐free, single‐rooted, long oval teeth were contaminated with E. faecalis. The teeth were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 25) as follows: G.1, manual; G.2, SAF; G.3, ProTaper Next; and G.4, BT‐Race. Two microbial samples were obtained from each tooth with sterile paper points, (s1) before and (s2) after instrumentation. The relative reduction in colony‐forming units (CFUs) from s1 to s2 measurements was calculated and compared among the groups using parametric Kruskal–Wallis one‐way anova on ranks and Dunn's method (a = 0.05). The results indicated a descending order of the groups with regard to efficacy as follows: BT‐Race, Next, SAF and manual. The statistical analysis showed that the relative percentage reduction (RR) of CFUs was lower in the manual group than in the other groups, while the SAF group showed a significantly lower RR than the BT‐Race group (P < 0.05). The efficacy in reduction of the microbiological load of viable E. faecalis from long oval root canals was different between the tested endodontic systems.
PGC‐1α4 gene expression is suppressed by the IL‐6—MEK—ERK 1/2 MAPK signalling axis and altered by resistance exercise, obesity and muscle injury
Authors: Brown J. L. , Rosa‐Caldwell M. E. , Lee D. E. , Brown L. A. , Perry R. A. , Shimkus K. L. , Blackwell T. A. , Fluckey J. D. , Carson J. A. , Dridi S. , Washington T. A. , Greene N. P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimPGC‐1α4 is a novel regulator of muscle hypertrophy; however, there is limited understanding of the regulation of its expression and role in many (patho)physiological conditions. Therefore, our purpose was to elicit signalling mechanisms regulating gene expression of Pgc1α4 and examine its response to (patho)physiological stimuli associated with altered muscle mass.MethodsIL‐6 knockout mice and pharmacological experiments in C2C12 myocytes were used to identify regulation of Pgc1α4 transcription. To examine Pgc1α4 gene expression in (patho)physiological conditions, obese and lean Zucker rats with/without resistance exercise (RE), ageing mice and muscle regeneration from injury were examined.ResultsIn IL‐6 knockout mice, Pgc1α4mRNA was ~sevenfold greater than wild type. In C2C12 cells, Pgc1α4mRNA was suppressed ~70% by IL‐6. Suppression of Pgc1α4 by IL‐6 was prevented by MEK–ERK–MAPK inhibition. RE led to ~260% greater Pgc1α4mRNA content in lean rats. However, obese Zucker rats exhibited ~270% greater Pgc1α4mRNA than lean, sedentary with no further augmentation by RE. No difference was seen in IL‐6mRNA or ERK‐MAPK phosphorylation in Zucker rats. Aged mice demonstrated ~50% lower Pgc1α4mRNA and ~fivefold greater ERK‐MAPK phosphorylation than young despite unchanged Il‐6mRNA. During muscle regeneration, Pgc1α4 content is ~30% and IL‐6mRNA >threefold of uninjured controls 3 days following injury; at 5 days, Pgc1α4 was >twofold greater in injured mice with no difference in IL‐6mRNA.ConclusionOur findings reveal a novel mechanism suppressing Pgc1α4 gene expression via IL‐6–ERK‐MAPK and suggest this signalling axis may inhibit Pgc1α4 in some, but not all, (patho)physiological conditions.
Poor predictive value of lower gastrointestinal alarm features in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 1981 patients in secondary care
Authors: Simpkins S. J. , Pinto‐Sanchez M. I. , Moayyedi P. , Bercik P. , Morgan D. G. , Bolino C. , Ford A. C. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBackgroundClinicians are advised to refer patients with lower gastrointestinal (GI) alarm features for urgent colonoscopy to exclude colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the utility of alarm features is debated.AimTo assess whether performance of alarm features is improved by using a symptom frequency threshold to trigger referral, or by combining them into composite variables, including minimum age thresholds, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).MethodsWe collected data prospectively from 1981 consecutive adults with lower GI symptoms. Assessors were blinded to symptom status. The reference standard to define CRC was histopathological confirmation of adenocarcinoma in biopsy specimens from a malignant‐looking colorectal lesion. Controls were patients without CRC. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values were calculated for individual alarm features, as well as combinations of these.ResultsIn identifying 47 (2.4%) patients with CRC, individual alarm features had sensitivities ranging from 11.1% (family history of CRC) to 66.0% (loose stools), and specificities from 30.5% (loose stools) to 75.6% (family history of CRC). Using higher symptom frequency thresholds improved specificity, but to the detriment of sensitivity. NICE referral criteria also had higher specificities and lower sensitivity, with PPVs above 4.8%. More than 80% of those with CRC met at least one of the NICE referral criteria.ConclusionsUsing higher symptom frequency thresholds for alarm features improved specificity, but sensitivity was low. NICE referral criteria had PPVs above 4.8%, but sensitivities ranged from 2.2% to 32.6%, meaning many cancers would be missed.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pyrimidine derivatives as potential inhibitors of human calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV
Authors: Jameel Ehtesham , Naz Huma , Khan Parvez , Tarique Mohd. , Kumar Jitendra , Mumtazuddin Syed , Ahamad Shahzaib , Islam Asimul , Ahmad Faizan , Hoda Nasimul , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz 
Published: November 2016

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CAMKIV) is a multifunctional Ser/Thr kinase, associated with cerebral hypoxia, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of seven pyrimidine‐substituted novel inhibitors of CAMKIV. We successfully synthesized and extensively characterized (ESI‐MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR studies) seven compounds that are showing appreciable binding affinity to the CAMKIV. Molecular docking and fluorescence binding studies revealed that compound 1 is showing very high binding free energy (ΔG = −11.52 kcal/mol) and binding affinity (K = 9.2 × 1010 m−1) to the CAMKIV. We further performed MTT assay to check the cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of these compounds. An appreciable IC50 (39 μm) value of compound 1 was observed on human hepatoma cell line and nontoxic till the 400 μm on human embryonic kidney cells. To ensure anticancer activity of all these compounds, we further performed propidium iodide assay to evaluate cell viability and DNA content during the cell cycle. We found that compound 1 is again showing a better anticancer activity on both human hepatoma and human embryonic kidney cell lines.
The meaning of participation for children in Malawi: insights from children and caregivers
Authors: Nelson F. , Masulani‐Mwale C. , Richards E. , Theobald S. , Gladstone M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundGlobal rates of childhood disability are high and are estimated through tools that focus on impairment, functioning and activity. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health has promoted a framework to define disability more broadly and to include participation. New outcome measures have now been created to assess participation of children with disabilities for use in research and clinical practice. In order to use these in other cultural contexts, the validity of concepts and tools developed should be evaluated prior to use. We aim to create a tool that would be relevant and valid to the cultural context of Malawi, but to do so, we first need to understand what participation means to children in Malawi.AimThe aim of this study is to explore what participation means for children (including those with and without disability) in rural Northern Malawi.MethodsWe used semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, participatory action research and direct observations. Sixty‐four participants were involved including children (8–18 years) with (14) and without disabilities (17), carers of children with (8) and without (6) disabilities, community members (14) and professionals/healthcare workers (5). Data analysis was carried out using the ‘framework’ approach.ResultsActivities reported by children, carers and community members fell within seven main themes or areas of participation. These include contribution to family life (chores and work), social activities (communicating and being with others), social activities (unstructured play), structured and organized activities, activities of daily living, education and schooling and entertainment (listening to and watching media).ConclusionsThis study provides concepts and ideas that may be utilized in developing a suitable measure of participation of children with disabilities for rural African settings. Many of the most important activities for all children relate to family and day‐to‐day social life.
Peri‐radiographic guidelines for children with autism spectrum disorder: a nationwide survey in Sweden
Authors: Björkman B. , Gimbler Berglund I. , Enskär K. , Faresjö M. , Huus K. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of guidelines and routines used nationwide when children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are taken care of and examined in a radiology department during a peri‐radiographic process.MethodA nationwide survey was compiled and distributed to 94 radiology departments throughout Sweden, i.e. those performing more than 100 000 radiographic examinations annually. The survey was designed as a web questionnaire with seven questions on possible guidelines and/or routines for the departments when preparing and taking care of children with ASD in conjunction with a radiographic procedure. The data were scrutinized, using descriptive statistics.ResultsIn total, 86 radiology departments responded to the survey (response rate 92%). Of those departments, 40 did not examine children with ASD. None of the departments included in the study had existing guidelines underpinning the routines when preparing and performing radiographic examinations for children diagnosed with ASD. A few departments (n = 8) would set aside more time for the procedure if it were known in advance that the child to be examined had been diagnosed with ASD. Also, some departments (n = 7) had radiographers who were more experienced in the care of children who would be appointed to perform examinations for children with ASD.ConclusionIt is suggested that guidelines should be developed in order to increase interaction in a supportive way and decrease anxiety during the peri‐radiographic process with children with ASD.
Higher thyrotropin concentration is associated with increased incidence of colorectal cancer in older men
Authors: Chan Yi X. , Alfonso Helman , Chubb Stephen Anthony Paul , Fegan Peter Gerard , Hankey Graeme J. , Golledge Jonathan , Flicker Leon , Yeap Bu B. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryContextThyroid hormones regulate cellular survival and metabolism; however, their association with cancer incidence and death has not been well explored.ObjectivesOur aim was to examine the relationship between thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) with cancer incidence (all cancers, prostate, colorectal and lung cancer). Associations with cancer‐related deaths were also explored.Design and settingA prospective cohort study involving community‐dwelling men aged 70–89 years.Main outcome measuresThyroid hormones were measured in 3836 men between 2001 and 2004. Competing risks analyses were used to perform longitudinal analyses with results expressed as subhazard ratios (SHR). Outcomes were ascertained through electronic linkage until 20 June 2013.ResultsMean age was 77·0 ± 3·6 years. A total of 864 men developed cancers, and 506 experienced cancer‐related deaths. A total of 340, 136 and 119 men developed prostate, colorectal and lung cancers, respectively. After adjustments, there were no associations between TSH and incidence of all cancers, prostate or lung cancer. Higher TSH was associated with increased colorectal cancer incidence (SHR = 1·19, 95% CI 1·00–1·42; P = 0·048 for every 1 SD increase in log TSH). This association was strengthened after excluding the first year of follow‐up (SHR = 1·23, 95% CI 1·02–1·48, P = 0·028). FT4 was not associated with incidence of all cancers, prostate, colorectal or lung cancer. Thyroid hormones were not associated with cancer‐related deaths.ConclusionIn community‐dwelling older men, FT4 was not associated with cancer incidence. Higher TSH is independently associated with increased incidence of colorectal cancer. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether a causal relationship exists.
The effect of growth hormone replacement on the thyroid axis in patients with hypopituitarism: in vivo and ex vivo studies
Authors: Glynn Nigel , Kenny Helena , Quisenberry Leah , Halsall David J. , Cook Paul , Kyaw Tun Tommy , McDermott John H. , Smith Diarmuid , Thompson Christopher J. , O'Gorman Donal J. , Boelen Anita , Lado‐Abeal Joaquin , Agha Amar 
Published: November 2016

SummaryObjectiveAlterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis have been reported following growth hormone (GH) replacement. The aim was to examine the relationship between changes in serum concentration of thyroid hormones and deiodinase activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue, before and after GH replacement.DesignA prospective, observational study of patients receiving GH replacement as part of routine clinical care.PatientsTwenty adult hypopituitary men.MeasurementsSerum TSH, thyroid hormones – free and total thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and reverse T3, thyroglobulin and thyroid‐binding globulin (TBG) levels were measured before and after GH substitution. Changes in serum hormone levels were compared to the activity of deiodinase isoenzymes (DIO1, DIO2 and DIO3) in subcutaneous adipose tissue.ResultsThe mean daily dose of growth hormone (GH) was 0·34 ± 0·11 mg (range 0·15–0·5 mg). Following GH replacement, mean free T4 levels declined (−1·09 ± 1·99 pmol/l, P = 0·02). Reverse T3 levels also fell (−3·44 ± 1·42 ng/dl, P = 0·03) and free T3 levels increased significantly (+0·34 ± 0·15 pmol/l, P = 0·03). In subcutaneous fat, DIO2 enzyme activity declined; DIO1 and DIO3 activities remained unchanged following GH substitution. Serum TSH, thyroglobulin and TBG levels were unaltered by GH therapy.ConclusionsIn vitro analysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue from hypopituitary human subjects demonstrates that GH replacement is associated with significant changes in deiodinase isoenzyme activity. However, the observed variation in enzyme activity does not explain the changes in the circulating concentration of thyroid hormones induced by GH replacement. It is possible that deiodinase isoenzymes are differentially regulated by GH in other tissues including liver and muscle.
Continuation of antithrombotic therapy may be associated with a high incidence of colonic post‐polypectomy bleeding
Authors: Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Nomura Osamu , Kodani Tomohiro , Murakami Takashi , Fukushima Hirofumi , Tajima Yuzuru , Matsumoto Kohei , Ritsuno Hideaki , Ueyama Hiroya , Inami Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Dai , Matsumoto Kenshi , Sakamoto Naoto , Osada Taro , Nagahara Akihito , Ogihara Tatsuo , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: November 2016

Background and AimPost‐polypectomy bleeding (PPB) is the most common complication of endoscopic procedures. To reduce the risk of thromboembolic incidents, Japanese guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy were revised to indicate that antithrombotic agents were not to be discontinued for endoscopic treatment. However, carrying out endoscopic procedures under antithrombotic medication potentially increases the incidence of hemorrhagic complications. The present study investigated the impact of the revised guidelines on the frequency of complications after colonoscopic procedures.MethodsThe surveillance period comprised the year before the initiation of the new guidelines (2012), which served as a control period, and 2 years after initiation of the new guidelines (2013 and 2014). During the control period, 3955 cases were examined colonoscopically and 1601 lesions were treated endoscopically. During the 2‐year period under the new guidelines, 8749 colonoscopies and 3768 endoscopic treatments were carried out. Changes in treatment methods and rates of complications were compared.ResultsPPB rate was not significantly different before and after the revision (0.87% vs 1.01%). With the new guidelines, PPB rates in antithrombotic non‐users and users were 0.60% and 3.13%, respectively (OR 5.11, P = 0.000). Multivariable analysis showed that the risks for PPB were as follows: heparin bridging therapy (OR 6.34, P = 0.0002); low‐dose aspirin (LDA) continuation (OR 5.30, P = 0.0079); and lesion size (OR 1.06, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe present study showed that the overall PPB rate under the new guidelines was not significantly higher when compared with the previous data obtained before the new guidelines were introduced.
Make Europe happen on the ground? Enabling and constraining factors for European Union aid coordination in Africa
Authors: Carbone Maurizio 
Published: November 2016

This article investigates the extent to which the collective commitments on aid coordination made in the EU context trigger any changes in the aid practices of EU member states in Africa. By exploring the trajectory of joint programming, it demonstrates that the development policies of EU members states are affected by EU membership, yet the impact of Europe is, surprisingly, less pronounced on the ground than at the headquarter level. This decoupling of norms from practices can be attributed not only (and necessarily) to the attempt of EU donors to pursue their national goals, but also to the resistance of national aid bureaucracies on the ground, the increased scepticism of developing countries, and the growing complexity of the development architecture.
Judicious Use of L1 in L2 Arabic Speaking Practice Sessions
Authors: Al Masaeed Khaled 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis study investigated the contexts for “optimal” use of first language (L1) in second language (L2) one‐on‐one speaking practice sessions in a study abroad program where English was the L1 and Arabic was the L2 of students, and the opposite applied to their speaking partners. Drawing on insights from sociocultural theory to investigate data from 17 audiorecorded speaking sessions, the study shows that judicious use of students’ L1 for certain purposes does indeed work as one of several interactional resources that contribute to enhancing the development of the L2 by operating as a mediating tool to cultivate communication and L2 learning. The argument for L1 optimal use is demonstrated in two particular contexts: (1) during speaking sessions to ask for or provide linguistic assistance, and (2) at the periphery of these speaking sessions for various goals, such as showing solidarity, warming up, and agreeing on what to discuss and how to proceed during interaction. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Global warming may disproportionately affect larger adults in a predatory coral reef fish
Authors: Messmer Vanessa , Pratchett Morgan S. , Hoey Andrew S. , Tobin Andrew J. , Coker Darren J. , Cooke Steven J. , Clark Timothy D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractGlobal warming is expected to reduce body sizes of ectothermic animals. Although the underlying mechanisms of size reductions remain poorly understood, effects appear stronger at latitudinal extremes (poles and tropics) and in aquatic rather than terrestrial systems. To shed light on this phenomenon, we examined the size dependence of critical thermal maxima (CTmax) and aerobic metabolism in a commercially important tropical reef fish, the leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) following acclimation to current‐day (28.5 °C) vs. projected end‐of‐century (33 °C) summer temperatures for the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR). CTmax declined from 38.3 to 37.5 °C with increasing body mass in adult fish (0.45–2.82 kg), indicating that larger individuals are more thermally sensitive than smaller conspecifics. This may be explained by a restricted capacity for large fish to increase mass‐specific maximum metabolic rate (MMR) at 33 °C compared with 28.5 °C. Indeed, temperature influenced the relationship between metabolism and body mass (0.02–2.38 kg), whereby the scaling exponent for MMR increased from 0.74 ± 0.02 at 28.5 °C to 0.79 ± 0.01 at 33 °C, and the corresponding exponents for standard metabolic rate (SMR) were 0.75 ± 0.04 and 0.80 ± 0.03. The increase in metabolic scaling exponents at higher temperatures suggests that energy budgets may be disproportionately impacted in larger fish and contribute to reduced maximum adult size. Such climate‐induced reductions in body size would have important ramifications for fisheries productivity, but are also likely to have knock‐on effects for trophodynamics and functioning of ecosystems.
International Students Pathways Between Open and Closed Borders: Towards a Multi‐scalar Approach to Educational Mobility and Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: Moskal Marta 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper explores the complex and changing relationship between academic capitalism that encourages global mobility of highly‐skilled international students on the one hand and recent changes to immigration policy in the UK that prevent such mobility on the other. The paper is based on a longitudinal study that traces the experiences and aspirations of postgraduates from three Asian countries and their pathways from the UK universities to post study work and realities. Taking a multi‐scalar approach, the analysis of international students’ narratives unpacks the unevenness of career opportunities, barriers to settlement and various “assemblages of power” that shape students’ life trajectories. The paper illustrates how the individual‐scale projects intersect with states’ policies of both receiving and sending countries and other institutions and structures of power that operate within and beyond the nation‐states.