bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Australian urban Indigenous smokers' perspectives on nicotine products and tobacco harm reduction
Authors: Yuke Kym , Ford Pauline , Foley Wendy , Mutch Allyson , Fitzgerald Lisa , Gartner Coral 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsIndigenous Australians experience a significant gap in life expectancy compared with non‐Indigenous Australians. Indigenous communities have high‐smoking prevalence and low engagement with cessation therapies. This qualitative research, conducted in an urban Australian Indigenous community, explored smokers' views on smoking, quitting and engagement with current nicotine replacement therapies. Opinions on acceptability of tobacco harm reduction were sought. We explored the acceptability of novel nicotine products, that is, new or unfamiliar products, including non‐therapeutic options, such as e‐cigarettes.Design and MethodsFocus groups and individual interviews with adult Indigenous daily smokers (n = 27) were used. Current and novel nicotine products were displayed and demonstrated. Discussions were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsParticipants expressed interest in trying existing and novel nicotine products. Short‐to‐medium term use of nicotine replacement therapy for quitting was generally acceptable; views on long‐term use were mixed. Interest in use of tobacco substitutes depended on their perceived effectiveness, providing a ‘kick’ and ‘relieving stress’. Desirable qualities for tobacco substitutes were identified with gender differences and product preferences noted. The unpleasant taste of existing products is a barrier to both short‐term and long‐term use.DiscussionWe found substantial interest in trying some existing and novel nicotine products, mostly for short‐term use. A number of attributes were identified that would make nicotine products potentially acceptable as a long‐term substitute.ConclusionsSome participants were interested in long‐term substitution if acceptable products were available. Improvements in current products and access to novel products are needed if tobacco harm reduction is to be acceptable. [Yuke K, Ford P, Foley W, Mutch A, Fitzgerald L, Gartner C. Australian urban Indigenous smokers' perspectives on nicotine products and tobacco harm reduction. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:87–96]
Fasiglifam for glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes: A phase III, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Marcinak John , Cao Charles , Lee Douglas , Ye Zhan 
Published: May 2017

AimTo investigate the effect of fasiglifam on glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsIn total, 421 people with T2DM and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.0% and ≤10.5% who had received only diet and exercise treatment for ≥12 weeks prior to screening were randomized to receive fasiglifam 25 or 50 mg or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c at week 24.ResultsThe mean participant age was 53.5 years, mean baseline body mass index 32.3 kg/m2, and mean baseline HbA1c level 8.05%. Least squares mean changes in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 were: −0.93% (fasiglifam 50 mg), −0.65% (fasiglifam 25 mg) and −0.17% (placebo). Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 53.3%, 48.2% and 39.9% of participants receiving fasiglifam 25 mg, fasiglifam 50 mg, and placebo, respectively. Three participants in each group experienced a serious adverse event (AE). Nine participants had alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations >3× upper limit of normal: 5 (3.6%) in the fasiglifam 25‐mg group, 4 (2.8%) in the fasiglifam 50‐mg group, and none in the placebo group.ConclusionsThe data indicate that fasiglifam effectively reduced HbA1c from baseline for 24 weeks in participants with T2DM. The incidence of TEAEs was higher in the fasiglifam groups; however, the incidence of serious AEs was low overall and similar between groups. ALT elevations were observed only in the fasiglifam groups, which contributed to the decision to terminate the fasiglifam programme after completion of the present study.
The confidence of undergraduate dental students when carrying out prosthodontic treatment and their perception of the quality of prosthodontic education
Authors: Puryer J. , Woods K. , Terry J. , Sandy J. , Ireland A. J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionDespite the falling number of edentulous patients within the UK, there is still a large demand for the provision of removable prostheses. On qualification, dentists should have the knowledge and skills to provide these prostheses, but previous studies have shown that final‐year dental undergraduate confidence in treating denture patients is lacking.AimTo explore undergraduate dental student confidence whilst carrying out prosthodontic treatment, and to explore their perceptions of the quality of their prosthodontic education.MethodAn anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all (n=203) dental undergraduates in Years 3 to 5 at the University of Bristol. The questionnaire utilised a range of data collection methods including confidence interval ranked responses and qualitative measures. The data were analysed using SPSS.ResultsThe response rate was 51%. Undergraduate perception of confidence increased throughout the years of study (P<.001). There was also an increase in the number of partial and complete denture cases treated as students progressed through the course (P<.001). Overall, students were satisfied with their prosthodontic teaching, although students thought that too much time was allocated to laboratory teaching, and that increasing their clinical experience would be most beneficial in increasing their confidence levels.ConclusionStudent confidence in carrying out prosthetic treatment increased as students progressed through the course, and confidence levels would be increased further with increased clinical experience.
The effect of acute exercise on blood concentrations of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in healthy adults: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Dinoff Adam , Herrmann Nathan , Swardfager Walter , Lanctôt Krista L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIt has been hypothesized that one mechanism through which physical activity provides benefits to cognition and mood is via increasing brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. Some studies have reported immediate benefits to mood and various cognitive domains after a single session of exercise. This meta‐analysis sought to determine the effect of a single exercise session on concentrations of BDNF in peripheral blood, in order to evaluate the potential role of BDNF in mediating the beneficial effects of exercise on brain health. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, and CINAHL databases were searched for original, peer‐reviewed reports of peripheral blood BDNF concentrations before and after acute exercise interventions. Risk of bias within studies was assessed using standardized criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were generated from random effects models. Risk of publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored in subgroup analyses. In 55 studies that met inclusion criteria, concentrations of peripheral blood BDNF were higher after exercise (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46–0.72, P < 0.001). In meta‐regression analysis, greater duration of exercise was associated with greater increases in BDNF. Subgroup analyses revealed an effect in males but not in females, and a greater BDNF increase in plasma than serum. Acute exercise increased BDNF concentrations in the peripheral blood of healthy adults. This effect was influenced by exercise duration and may be different across genders.
Pro‐survival redox signalling in progesterone‐mediated retinal neuroprotection
Authors: Ruiz Lopez Ana M. , Roche Sarah L. , Wyse Jackson Alice C. , Moloney Jennifer N. , Byrne Ashleigh M. , Cotter Thomas G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary retinal diseases, characterised by photoreceptor cell loss. Despite a substantial understanding of the mechanisms leading to cell death, an effective therapeutic strategy is sought. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated the neuroprotective properties of Norgestrel, a progesterone analogue, in the degenerating retina, mediated in part by the neurotrophic factor basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In other retinal studies, we have also presented a pro‐survival role for reactive oxygen species (ROS), downstream of bFGF. Thus, we hypothesized that Norgestrel utilises bFGF‐driven ROS production to promote photoreceptor survival. Using the 661W photoreceptor‐like cell line, we now show that Norgestrel, working through progesterone receptor membrane complex 1 (PGRMC1); generates an early burst of pro‐survival bFGF‐induced ROS. Using the rd10 mouse model of RP, we confirm that Norgestrel induces a similar early pro‐survival increase in retinal ROS. Norgestrel‐driven protection in the rd10 retina was attenuated in the presence of antioxidants. This study therefore presents an essential role for ROS signalling in Norgestrel‐mediated neuroprotection in vitro and demonstrates that Norgestrel employs a similar pro‐survival mechanism in the degenerating retina.
Fracture mechanical characterization of the initiation and growth of interior fatigue cracks
Authors: Stanzl‐Tschegg S. E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe formation and growth of interior fatigue cracks have been studied thoroughly during the last decades, due to the high practical importance of accurate predictions about the fatigue lives of structures and machine components. This is of special interest in the VHCF regime, for which the ultrasonic fatigue method is especially useful. Fracture mechanical values and lifetimes can be measured at constant and variable amplitudes.Endurance limits and ΔKthresholds can also be determined very quickly (e.g. 1010cycles within a few days). Three different materials were studied. For chromium steel, internal crack formation and a fracture mechanical analysis of its growth were carried out. For a specially manufactured Mg alloy, microstructural features leading to interior cracks were analysed. Finally, for polycrystalline high‐purity copper, the conditions for interior‐crack formation and growth were determined. The utilization of FE‐SEM microscopy assisted in interpreting the prevailing mechanisms responsible for endurance limits, lifetimes and fatigue‐crack growth thresholds.
What is a settler‐colonial city?
Authors: Hugill David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhat is a “settler‐colonial city” and how does it differ from other forms of imperial urban spatial organization? This article seeks to answer these questions by attempting to urbanize recent insights in settler‐colonial theory. It begins by considering well‐established theorizations of the “colonial city”—particularly those developed by geographers and urbanists in the 1970s and 1980s—in order to assess their suitability for analyses of contemporary settler‐colonial milieu. Building on this discussion, the paper asks if and how the insights of settler‐colonial theory offer new opportunities to renovate earlier theorizations in ways that are more explicitly relevant to making sense of the urban process in North America and other societies where colonists have “come to stay” and no formal process of decolonization has unfolded.
Constructing Italian ryegrass yield prediction model based on climatic data by locations in South Korea
Authors: Peng Jinglun , Kim Moonju , Kim Youngju , Jo Muhwan , Kim Byongwan , Sung Kyungil , Lv Shenjin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA yield prediction model for Italian ryegrass (IRG) was constructed based on climatic data by locations in South Korea using a general linear model. The sample size of the final dataset was 312 during 25 years. The forage crop and climatic data were collected from the reports of two national research projects on forage crops and Korean meteorological administration, respectively. Five optimal climatic variables were selected through the stepwise multiple regression analysis with dry matter yield (DMY) as the response variable. Subsequently, three climatic variables were selected after considering the interpretability of the five variables. The three selected climatic variables were spring accumulated temperature, mean temperature in January and spring rainfall days. Then, the yield prediction model was constructed based on these three climatic variables using general linear model with the cultivated locations as dummy variables. The model constructed in this research could explain 73.6% of variation in DMY of IRG. The goodness‐of‐fit of the model was tested through residual diagnostics and 10‐fold cross‐validation. For climatic variables, the high partial eta squared value of spring accumulated temperature and spring rainfall may reflect the growth characteristics that spring is the main growing period for IRG and IRG has strong waterlogging tolerance and weak drought tolerance. The results may also support the possibility to sow IRG in the subsequent spring if autumnal seeding was missed in South Korea.
An improved basis for characterizing the suitability of fly ash as a cement replacement agent
Authors: Oey Tandré , Timmons Jason , Stutzman Paul , Bullard Jeffrey W. , Balonis Magdalena , Bauchy Mathieu , Sant Gaurav 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFly ash is a critical material for partial replacement of ordinary portland cement (OPC) in the binder fraction of a concrete mixture. However, significant compositional variability currently limits fly ash use. For example, the performance ofOPC‐fly ash blends cannot be estimated a priori using current characterization standards (eg,ASTMC618). In this study, fly ashes spanning a wide compositional range are characterized in terms of glassy and crystalline phases using a combination of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) techniques. The compositional data are distilled to a unitless parameter, the network ratio (Nr), which represents the network behavior of atoms that form alkali/alkaline earth‐aluminosilicate glasses that make up fly ashes.Nris correlated with known composition‐dependent features, including the glass transition temperature and amorphousXRDpeak (“hump”) position. Analysis of heat release data and compressive strengths are used to evaluate the impact of fly ash compositions on reaction kinetics and on the engineering properties of cement‐fly ash blends. It is shown that fly ashes hosting glasses with a high network ratio (ie, having a less stable glass structure) are more reactive than others.
Development of brannerite glass‐ceramics for the immobilization of actinide‐rich radioactive wastes
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Kong Linggen , Karatchevtseva Inna , Aughterson Robert D. , Gregg Daniel J. , Triani Gerry 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBrannerite‐based glass‐ceramics have been developed as potential waste forms for the immobilization of actinide‐rich radioactive wastes. For the first time, the formation of brannerite phases in glass has been demonstrated using uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) with additions of gadolinium and hafnium as neutron absorbers. Both XRD and SEM‐EDS confirm that brannerite is the dominating phase with compositions close to Y0.5U0.5Ti2O6, Gd0.2Pu0.3U0.5Ti2O6, and Gd0.1Hf0.1Pu0.2U0.6Ti2O6 internally crystallized in the glass. TEM SAED and Raman spectroscopy reveal the typical structure and vibration modes for brannerite. In addition, the presence of U5+ species as designed in the formulations has been confirmed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. More importantly, the U and Pu were partitioned exclusively in the ceramic phases with no detectable actinide in the glass.
Blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes: The German T2Target registry
Authors: Mengden Thomas , Ligges Uwe , Mielke Johanna , Bramlage Peter , Korzinek Andrea , Sehnert Walter 
Published: May 2017

Blood pressure control in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension is poor. It is unclear how effectively general practitioners assess and treat such patients. T2Target included hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had undergone ambulatory blood pressure monitoring within the past 3 months. Recordings were analyzed by the general practitioner and an independent center and the conclusions were compared. Nighttime hypertension was reported less frequently by the general practitioner in comparison with central assessment (43.9% vs 77.9%, P<.001), as were masked (4.0% vs 13.1%, P<.001) and isolated office (4.4% vs 8.8%, P<.001) hypertension. A total of 13.9% of patients were deemed to have controlled blood pressure (ambulatory blood pressure monitoring). For the 784 patients with uncontrolled blood pressure, 40.7% underwent no change to their antihypertensive treatment. Cardiovascular risk was underestimated, with 11.1% deemed to be at very high risk, in contrast to the 97.0% of patients by central assessment. In conclusion, blood pressure control in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is poor and not accurately assessed by office‐based general practitioners, despite the use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Real‐life glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin therapy: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study (Diabetes Distress and Care Registry at Tenri [DDCRT 9])
Authors: Fujita Naotaka , Yamamoto Yosuke , Hayashino Yasuaki , Kuwata Hirohito , Okamura Shintaro , Iburi Tadao , Furuya Miyuki , Kitatani Masako , Yamazaki Shin , Ishii Hitoshi , Tsujii Satoru , Inagaki Nobuya , Fukuhara Shunichi ,   the Diabetes Distress and Care Registry at Tenri Study Group
Published: May 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe investigated the association between four insulin regimens, and increase in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin dose in a real‐life clinical setting because there are no data about them among insulin regimens.Materials and MethodsParticipants included 757 patients with type 2 diabetes having been treated with insulin therapy for more than 1 year. The four insulin regimens were regimen 1 (long‐acting insulin, once daily), regimen 2 (biphasic insulin, twice daily), regimen 3 (biphasic insulin, three times daily) and regimen 4 (basal–bolus therapy). Main outcomes were increases in HbA1c levels >0.5% and increases in daily insulin units after 1 year. We carried out multivariable analyses to examine differences in glycemic control and insulin dose with adjustment for possible confounders.ResultsMean HbA1c level and duration of insulin therapy were 7.8% and 11.3 years, respectively. HbA1c levels increased by >0.5% at follow up in 22.8, 24.9, 20.7, and 29.3% of participants using regimen 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, with no significant differences between groups. Daily insulin doses increased in 62.3, 68.8, 65.3 and 38.6% of patients, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that patients who received regimen 4 had significantly lower odds of requiring future insulin dose increases than those who had received regimen 2 (adjusted odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.41; P < 0.001).ConclusionsMany patients receiving insulin therapy showed increases in HbA1c levels and insulin doses 1 year later. The smallest increase in insulin dose was observed in the basal–bolus therapy group compared with other regimens.
Liver of the fish Gymnotus inaequilabiatus and nematode larvae infection: Histochemical features and expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen
Authors: Dezfuli B Sayyaf , Manera M , DePasquale J A , Pironi F , Giari L 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHistopathological lesions due to third‐larval stage of nematode Brevimulticaecum sp. within the liver of a subpopulation of 31 Gymnotus inaequilabiatus from the Pantanal Region (Brazil) were studied with histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. In 93.5% of fish, livers harboured nematode larvae and the intensity of infection ranged from 8 to 293. In livers with highest number of larvae, the hepatic tissue was occupied primarily by the nematodes. Each larva was encircled by focal inflammatory granulomatous reaction. Within the thickness of the granuloma, three concentric layers were recognized: an inner layer of densely packed epithelioid cells, a middle layer of mast cells (MCs) entrapped in a thin fibroblast‐connective mesh and an outer layer of fibrous connective tissue with fibroblasts. Epithelioid cells and fibroblasts within the thickness of the granuloma wall were positive for proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Moreover, several hepatocytes in infected liver were immunoreactive to PCNA. Occurrence of rodlet cells and MCs in parenchyma, in close proximity to the encysted nematode larvae and near the blood vessel of infected liver, was observed. Macrophage aggregates (MAs) were numerous within the granulomas and scattered in parenchyma of the infected liver. High quantity of haemosiderin was encountered in MAs and hepatocytes of infected liver.
Accommodating interruptions: A grounded theory of young people with asthma
Authors: Hughes Mary , Savage Eileen , Andrews Tom 
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to develop an explanatory theory on the lives of young people with asthma, issues affecting them and the impact of asthma on their day‐to‐day lives.BackgroundAccommodating Interruptions is a theory that explains young people's concerns about living with asthma. Although national and international asthma management guidelines exist, it is accepted that the symptom control of asthma among the young people population is poor.DesignThis study was undertaken using Classic Grounded Theory.MethodsData were collected through in‐depth interviews and clinic consultations with young people aged 11–16 years who had asthma for over 1 year. Data were also collected from participant diaries. Constant comparative analysis, theoretical coding and memo writing were used to develop the substantive theory.ResultsThe theory explains how young people resolve their main concern of being restricted by Accommodating Interruptions in their lives. They do this by assimilating behaviours in balance finding, moderating influence, fitting in and assuming control minimising the effects of asthma on their everyday lives.ConclusionThe theory of Accommodating Interruptions explains young people's asthma management behaviours in a new way. It allows us to understand how and why young people behave the way they do because they want to participate and be included in everyday activities, events and relationships. The theory adds to the body of knowledge on how young people with asthma live their day‐to‐day lives and it challenges some existing viewpoints in the literature regarding their behaviours.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings have implications for developing services to support young people in a more meaningful way as they accommodate the interruptions associated with asthma in their lives.