bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Ability of Polyphenol Extracts of Cocoa and Red Grape to Promote the Antioxidant Response in Yeast Using a Rapid Multiwell Assay
Authors: Peláez‐Soto Ana , Fernández‐Espinar María Teresa , Roig Patricia , Gil José Vicente 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSaccharomyces cerevisiae has been used as a model organism to study the capacity of cocoa and red grape extracts to trigger an antioxidant response. A methodology adapted to microtiter plates has been developed to monitor yeast growth after culture preincubation with food ingredients and exposure to oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide and menadione. This methodology proved effective in measuring the ability of cocoa and red grape extracts to promote an antioxidant response in yeast, and also the prospect of conducting dose–response studies. Additionally, the method has proven useful to perform studies with mutant strains lacking genes that may be related to the mechanism of action underlying the antioxidant properties. Thus, in a single assay, it is possible to elucidate the sensitivity of strains to oxidative stress, the ability of an ingredient to promote an antioxidant response, and the possible implication of certain genes.Results of assays using strain hst3Δ showed that the antioxidant protection provided by exposure to cocoa and red grape extracts was not present in the strain lacking gene HST3 when H2O2 and menadione were used as oxidizing agents. This effect was previously reported for cocoa extract only, with H2O2 as stressor. Moreover, the results showed that the mutant strain hst3Δ is more resistant to menadione and H2O2 in the absence of preincubation with cocoa and red grape extract, hinting at the possible implication of sirtuin Hst3 in the antioxidant cellular response.
Implications of student‐generated screencasts on final examination performance
Authors: Wakefield James , Tyler Jonathan , Dyson Laurel E. , Frawley Jessica K. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhile educational technologies can play a vital role in students’ active participation in introductory accounting subjects, learning outcome implications are less clear. We believe this is the first accounting education study examining the implications of student‐generated screencast assignments. We find benefits in developing the graduate attributes of communication, creativity and multimedia skills, consistent with calls by the profession. Additionally, we find improvement in final examination performance related to the assignment topic, notably in lower performing students. The screencast assignment was optional, and the findings suggest a tailored approach to assignment design related to students’ developmental needs is appropriate.
A review of research on regulation changes in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Chang Millicent , Jackson Andrew B. , Wee Marvin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this study, we review the financial research on regulation in the Asia‐Pacific region. We do this by analysing six leading regional accounting and finance journals – Abacus, Accounting & Finance, Australian Accounting Review, Australian Journal of Management, International Review of Finance and the Pacific‐Basin Finance Journal. We identify five main themes of regulation research relating to: (i) banking and financial institutions, (ii) markets and trading, (iii) corporate governance, (iv) disclosure and (v) accounting standard setting. Our paper synthesises the regional literature in these areas and provide some suggestions for future directions.
Dropout in clinical trials of pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine dependence: the role of initial abstinence
Authors: Cook Ryan , Quinn Brendan , Heinzerling Keith , Shoptaw Steve 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsHigh rates of loss to follow‐up represent a significant challenge to clinical trials of pharmacological treatments for methamphetamine (MA) use disorder. We aimed to estimate and test the relationship between achieving and maintaining abstinence in the initial weeks of study participation and subsequent retention in such trials, hypothesizing that participants able to achieve early abstinence would be less likely to drop out.DesignData from four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological treatments for MA use disorder were pooled and analyzed using a random‐effects approach.SettingAll trials were conducted in the greater Los Angeles, CA, USA area.ParticipantsA total of 440 participants were included; trials were conducted between 2004 and 2014.MeasurementsParticipants’ ability to achieve a brief period of initial abstinence was measured as the number of MA‐negative urine screens completed in the first 2 weeks of the trials. Outcomes were the likelihood of dropout, i.e. missing two consecutive weeks of scheduled urine drug screens, and the number of days participants were retained in the trials.FindingsStudy participants achieved an average of three (of six possible) negative urine screens during the first 2 weeks of the trials, 51% dropped out and the average number of days retained was 60 (of 90 maximum). Each additional negative urine screen achieved during the first 2 weeks of the study reduced multiplicatively the odds of dropout by 41% [odds ratio (OR) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53, 0.66]. Abstinence was also a significant predictor of retention time; the hazard ratio for non‐completion was 0.75 per additional negative urine screen (95% CI = 0.71, 0.80).ConclusionsParticipants in randomized controlled trials of pharmacological treatments for methamphetamine use disorder who are able to achieve a brief period of early abstinence are retained longer in the trials and are less likely to drop out overall.
Food acid content and erosive potential of sugar‐free confections
Authors: Shen P , Walker GD , Yuan Y , Reynolds C , Stacey MA , Reynolds EC 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundDental erosion is an increasingly prevalent problem associated with frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages. The aim of this study was to measure the food acid content and the erosive potential of a variety of sugar‐free confections.MethodsThirty sugar‐free confections were selected and extracts analysed to determine pH, titratable acidity, chemical composition and apparent degree of saturation with respect to apatite. The effect of the sugar‐free confections in artificial saliva on human enamel was determined in an in vitro dental erosion assay using change in surface microhardness.ResultsThe change in surface microhardness was used to categorize the confections as high, moderate or low erosive potential. Seventeen of the 30 sugar‐free confections were found to contain high concentrations of food acids, exhibit low pH and high titratable acidity and have high erosive potential. Significant correlations were found between the dental erosive potential (change in enamel surface microhardness) and pH and titratable acidity of the confections. Ten of these high erosive potential confections displayed dental messages on the packaging suggesting they were safe for teeth.ConclusionsMany sugar‐free confections, even some with ‘Toothfriendly’ messages on the product label, contain high contents of food acids and have erosive potential.
Do the EU countries import at the same price? The case of coffee
Authors: Cerasa Andrea , Buscaglia Daniela 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe establishment of the Economic and Monetary Union was expected to determine price convergence in the market of the European Union, leading to the equilibrium theorized by the law of one price. This article investigates prices convergence in the coffee market among European importers. Coffee is not only a tradable and traded good, but also one of the most valuable traded commodities. We account for different qualities of coffee in a hedonic regression model, which isolate and remove the effects of factors that might affect price dispersion. Adjusted import prices result to be significantly different between European Member States, and do not support the hypothesis of a deepening European market integration.
The impact of co‐existing immune‐mediated diseases on phenotype and outcomes in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Conway G. , Velonias G. , Andrews E. , Garber J. J. , Yajnik V. , Ananthakrishnan A. N. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundInflammatory bowel diseases lead to progressive bowel damage and need for surgery. While the increase in prevalence of other immune‐mediated diseases in IBD is well recognised, the impact of this on the natural history of IBD is unknown.AimTo determine the impact of concomitant immune‐mediated diseases on phenotypes and outcomes in IBD.MethodsPatients with IBD enrolled in a prospective registry were queried about the presence of other immune‐mediated diseases, defined as those where immune dysregulation plays a role in pathogenesis. Demographics and disease‐related information were obtained. Subjects also completed measures of quality of life. Multivariable regression models compared disease phenotype and outcomes of IBD patients with and without other immune‐mediated diseases.ResultsThe cohort included 2145 IBD patients among whom 458 (21%) had another immune‐mediated disease. There was no difference in CD phenotype between the two groups. UC patients were more likely to have pancolitis in the presence of another immune‐mediated disease (62%) compared to those without (52%, P = 0.02). IBD patients with another immune‐mediated disease had higher rates of needing anti‐TNF biologics [Odds ratio (OR) 1.31, 95% CI 1.05–1.63] and surgery (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.99–1.61). The presence of another immune‐mediated disease was also associated with lower disease‐specific and general physical quality of life.ConclusionsThe presence of another immune‐mediated disease in IBD patients was associated with higher likelihood of pancolonic involvement in UC, and a modest increase in need for IBD‐related surgery and anti‐TNF biological therapy. Such patients also experienced worse quality of life.
Derivation and validation of a diagnostic test for irritable bowel syndrome using latent class analysis
Authors: Sood R. , Gracie D. J. , Gold M. J. , To N. , Pinto‐Sanchez M. I. , Bercik P. , Moayyedi P. , Ford A. C. , Law G. R. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe accuracy of symptom‐based diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is modest.AimsTo derive and validate a new test that utilises latent class analysis.MethodsSymptom, colonoscopy, and histology data were collected from 1981 patients and 360 patients in two cohorts referred to secondary care for investigation of their gastrointestinal symptoms in Canada and the UK, respectively. Latent class analysis was used to identify naturally occurring clusters in patient‐reported symptoms in the Canadian dataset, and the latent class model derived from this was then applied to the UK dataset in order to validate it. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated for the latent class models.ResultsIn the Canadian cohort, the model had a sensitivity of 44.7% (95% CI 40.0–50.0) and a specificity of 85.3% (95% CI 83.4–87.0). Positive and negative LRs were 3.03 (95% CI 2.57–3.56) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.59–0.71) respectively. A maximum positive LR of 3.93 was achieved following construction of a receiver operating characteristic curve. The performance in the UK cohort was similar, with a sensitivity and specificity of 52.5% (95% CI 42.2–62.7) and 84.3% (95% CI 79.3–88.6), respectively. Positive and negative LRs were 3.35 (95% CI 2.38–4.70) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.45–0.68), respectively, with a maximum positive LR of 4.15.ConclusionsA diagnostic test for IBS, utilising patient‐reported symptoms incorporated into a latent class model, performs as accurately as symptom‐based criteria. It has potential for improvement via addition of clinical markers, such as coeliac serology and faecal calprotectin.
Continuous treatment with lenalidomide and low‐dose dexamethasone in transplant‐ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in Asia: subanalysis of the FIRST trial
Authors: Lu Jin , Lee Jae H. , Huang Shang‐Yi , Qiu Lugui , Lee Je‐Jung , Liu Ting , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Kim Kihyun , Shen Zhi X. , Eom Hyeon S. , Chen Wen M. , Min Chang K. , Kim Hyo J. , Lee Jeong O. , Kwak Jae Y. , Yiu Wai , Chen Guang , Ervin‐Haynes Annette , Hulin Cyrille , Facon Thierry 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe phase 3 FIRST (Frontline Investigation of REVLIMID + Dexamethasone Versus Standard Thalidomide) trial demonstrated that lenalidomide plus low‐dose dexamethasone (Rd) until disease progression (Rd continuous) is an effective treatment option for transplant‐ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Given genetic differences between Asian and Western populations, this subanalysis of the FIRST trial examined the safety and efficacy of Rd (given continuously or for 18 cycles [Rd18]) and MPT (melphalan, prednisone, thalidomide) in 114 Asian patients from Mainland China, South Korea and Taiwan. Efficacy and safety with Rd continuous in Asian patients were consistent with those in the overall study population. The overall response rates were 77·8% for Rd continuous, 57·5% for MPT and 65·8% for Rd18. The risk of progression or death was reduced by 39% with Rd continuous versus MPT and by 35% with Rd continuous versus Rd18. Rd continuous improved the 3‐year survival rate compared with MPT (70·2% vs. 56·4%) and Rd18 (58·1%). Common grade 3/4 adverse events in the Rd continuous and MPT arms were neutropenia (25·0% vs. 43·6%), infection (19·4% vs. 28·2%) and anaemia (19·4% vs. 15·4%), respectively. Thromboembolic event rates were low, and no second primary malignancies were observed. Rd continuous is safe and effective in transplant‐ineligible Asian patients with NDMM.
Dishevelled segment polarity protein 3 (DVL3): a novel and easily applicable recurrence predictor in localised prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Pil‐Jong , Park Ji Y. , Kim Hong‐Gee , Cho Yong Mee , Go Heounjeong 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo identify new biomarkers for biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate adenocarcinoma.Patients and MethodsClinical information of 500 patients with prostate adenocarcinoma and their 152 RNA‐sequencing and protein‐array data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were separated into a discovery set and a validation set. Each dataset was analysed according to the Gleason grade groups reflecting BCR. The results obtained from the analysis using TCGA dataset were confirmed by immunohistochemistry analyses of a confirmation cohort composed of 395 patients with localised prostate adenocarcinoma.ResultsTCGA discovery set was subgrouped into lower‐ and higher‐risk groups for recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (P < 0.001). Cyclin B1 (CCNB1), dishevelled segment polarity protein 3 (DVL3), paxillin (PXN), RAF1, transferrin, X‐ray repair cross complementing 5 (XRCC5) and BIM had lower expression in the lower‐risk group than that in the higher‐risk group (all, P < 0.05). In TCGA validation set, CCNB1, DVL3, transferrin, XRCC5 and BIM were also differently expressed between the two groups. Immunohistochemically, DVL3 positivity was associated with high prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, resection margin involvement, and BCR (all, P < 0.05). A high Gleason score indicated a marginal relationship (P = 0.055). BIM positivity was related to high PSA levels, lymphovascular invasion, and BCR (all, P < 0.05). Both DVL3 positivity (P = 0.010) and BIM positivity (P = 0.024) were associated with shorter RFS, but statistical significance was lost when the multivariate Cox regression model included all patients. In the lower‐risk group, the multivariate Cox model confirmed that DVL3 was an independent predictor for poor RFS (hazard ratio 1.80, P = 0.040), and the concordance index (C‐index) was 0.805.ConclusionsDVL3 and BIM were expressed in patients with a higher risk of BCR. DVL3 may be a novel and easily applicable recurrence predictor of localised prostate adenocarcinoma.
Adults with learning disabilities experiences of using community dental services: Service user and carer perspectives
Authors: Lees Carolyn , Poole Helen , Brennan Michelle , Irvine Fiona 
Published: January 2017

Accessible summary

The government and other organisations say that improving health care is important for people with learning disabilities.

We asked people with learning disabilities and the people who look after them what it was like for them when they went to the dentist.

Those we asked said that when they went to the dentist, they knew that those they saw knew about looking after their teeth.

Some of those we talked to though said that certain things needed to be better.

AbstractBackgroundThe government alongside other health and social care organisation have identified the need to improve the care provided for people with learning disabilities.Materials and MethodsThis service evaluation aimed to explore the experiences of people with learning disabilities and their carers who accessed community dental services using a qualitative research design. Adults with learning disabilities (n = 4) and their carers (n = 6) took part in one to one, face to face semi structured interviews.Results and DiscussionGenerally, participants were satisfied with community dental services and in particular valued the skills and the competence of practitioners. However, when dissatisfaction was expressed this was generally as a result of poor communication and the transition from child to adult dental services.ConclusionsA number of recommendations are identified and discussed in relation to engagement with adults with learning disabilities and their carers in the development and delivery of community dental services.
Predictive and prognostic role of serum neopterin and tryptophan breakdown in prostate cancer
Authors: Pichler Renate , Fritz Josef , Heidegger Isabel , Steiner Eberhard , Culig Zoran , Klocker Helmut , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: January 2017

The γ‐interferon‐induced enzymes indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase and GTP‐cyclohydrolase are key players in tumor immune escape mechanisms. We quantified serum levels of neopterin and tryptophan breakdown (tryptophan, kynurenine, and kynurenine‐to‐tryptophan ratio) in addition to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa) patients (n = 100) before radical prostatectomy (RP) as well as at time of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP (n = 50) in comparison to healthy men (n = 49). Effects of biomarkers on the risk of PCa diagnosis on transrectal biopsy, worse histopathological characteristics of the RP specimens, and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) after BCR were investigated. Neopterin (hazard ratio [HR], 2.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–5.61; P = 0.032) and kynurenine (HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.26–6.79; P = 0.012) levels were univariately associated with CSS. When adjusted for other biomarkers, only neopterin remained an independent predictor of CSS (HR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.07–6.12; P = 0.035). Only PSA was associated with an increased risk of PCa diagnosis on biopsy, univariately (odds ratio, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.68–5.88; P < 0.001) as well when adjusted for other biomarkers (odds ratio, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.70–6.35; P < 0.001). Moreover, only preoperative PSA was able to predict positive surgical margin (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59–0.82; P = 0.001), higher Gleason score (AUC = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.66–0.85; P < 0.001) and extraprostatic involvement (AUC = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69–0.88; P < 0.001) at RP specimens, respectively. Although serum neopterin and tryptophan breakdown cannot be considered as biomarkers in detecting PCa or in predicting worse final pathological findings, neopterin levels are useful for stratifying patients into different prognostic groups after BCR.
Children's work and children's well‐being: Implications for policy
Authors: Aufseeser Dena , Bourdillon Michael , Carothers Richard , Lecoufle Olivia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article argues for holistic consideration of children's work. Dominant discourse on “child labour” attends only to dangers of children's work, leading to policies that damage some children's chances for development. Far from being universally negative in children's lives, appropriate work contributes to their well‐being and development, and to transitions to adulthood. Children's work can convey benefits for sustenance and quality of life, provide learning to complement and support school, offer psycho‐social benefits, particularly in building self‐esteem, and help develop social relations and responsibility. These benefits are especially critical for marginalized children. Common policies of abolishing child labour based on age of employment rather than potential harm deny such benefits to younger children.
Protective effect of N,N’‐dimethylthiourea against stress‐induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats
Authors: Ohta Yoshiji , Yashiro Koji , Kobayashi Takashi , Inui Kazuo , Yoshino Junji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn the present study, we examined the protective effect of N,N’‐dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a scavenger of hydroxyl radical (), against water‐immersion restraint stress (WIRS)‐induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. When male Wistar rats fasted for 24 h were exposed to WIRS for 3 h, gastric mucosal lesions occurred with increases in the levels of gastric mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO), an index of tissue neutrophil infiltration, pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1beta), lipid peroxide (LPO), and nitrite/nitrate (NOx), an index of nitric oxide synthesis, and decreases in the levels of gastric mucosal nonprotein SH and vitamin C and gastric adherent mucus. DMTU (1, 2.5, or 5 mmol/kg) administered orally at 0.5 h before the onset of WIRS reduced the severity of gastric mucosal lesions with attenuation of the changes in the levels of gastric mucosal MPO, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, LPO, NOx, nonprotein SH, and vitamin C and gastric adherent mucus found at 3 h after the onset of WIRS in a dose‐dependent manner. Serum levels of corticosterone and glucose, which are indices of stress responses, increased in rats exposed to WIRS for 3 h, but DMTU pre‐administered at any dose had no effect on these increases. These results indicate that DMTU protects against WIRS‐induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats by exerting its antioxidant action including scavenging and its anti‐inflammatory action without affecting the stress response.