bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro fermentative capacity of swine large intestine: comparison between native Lantang and commercial Duroc breeds
Authors: Cheng Peng Hui , Liang Juan Boo , Wu Yin Bao , Wang Yan , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Laudadio Vito , Liao Xin Di 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNative Lantang and commercial Duroc pigs were used as animal models to evaluate the differences existing in dietary fiber utilization ability between breeds. Animals were fed the same diet from weaning (4 weeks) to 4 months of age. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from wheat bran (as substrate) and fecal samples from the two breeds (as inoculum) were used in an in vitro gas production trial. Results showed that cumulative and maximum gas productions were higher in inocula from Lantang than those from the Duroc breed (P < 0.05). The degradation capacity of NDF for microbiome from Lantang fecal samples were significantly higher compared to Duroc (P < 0.01). The total quantity of short‐chain fatty acids and its constituents from the fermentation liquors were different between breeds, suggesting that the dynamic characteristics of fermentation differed between the two breeds. The PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprint and cluster analysis demonstrated that microbial communities of the two breeds were separated into two clusters and the bacterial community structure of large intestine among the two breed of pigs was different. Our results concluded that Lantang had higher dietary fiber degradation capacity than Duroc pigs, and the higher degradation capacity for the former breed was due to differences in the inherent microbial community in their respective large intestines.
Pharmacological Properties of Melanin and its Function in Health
Authors: ElObeid Adila Salih , Kamal‐Eldin Afaf , Abdelhalim Mohamed Anwar K. , Haseeb Adil M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe biological pigment melanin is present in most of the biological systems. It manifests a host of biological and pharmacological properties. Its role as a molecule with special properties and functions affecting general health, including photoprotective and immunological action, are well recognized. Its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, radioprotective, hepatic, gastrointestinal and hypoglycaemic benefits have only recently been recognized and studied. It is also associated with certain disorders of the nervous system. In this MiniReview, we consider the steadily increasing literature on the bioavailability and functional activity of melanin. Published literature shows that melanin may play a number of possible pharmacological effects such as protective, stimulatory, diagnostic and curative roles in human health. In this MiniReview, possible health roles and pharmacological effects are considered.
Chinese children's early knowledge about writing
Authors: Zhang Lan , Yin Li , Treiman Rebecca 
Published: December 2016

Much research on literacy development has focused on learners of alphabetic writing systems. Researchers have hypothesized that children learn about the formal characteristics of writing before they learn about the relations between units of writing and units of speech. We tested this hypothesis by examining young Chinese children's understanding of writing. Mandarin‐speaking 2‐ to 5‐year‐olds completed a graphic task, which tapped their knowledge about the formal characteristics of writing, and a phonological task, which tapped their knowledge about the correspondence between Chinese characters and syllables. The 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds performed better on the graphic task than the phonological task, indicating that learning how writing appears visually begins earlier than learning that writing corresponds to linguistic units, even in a writing system in which written units correspond to syllables.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Learning about writing's visual form, how it looks, is an important part of emergent literacy.

Knowledge of how writing symbolizes linguistic units may emerge later.

What does this study add?

We test the hypothesis that Chinese children learn about writing's visual form earlier than its symbolic nature.

Chinese 3‐ to 5‐ year‐olds know more about visual features than character–syllable links.

Results show learning of the visual appearance of a notation system is developmentally precocious.
A retrospective cohort study of the influence of lifestyle factors on the survival of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Alexander D. , Allardice G. M. , Moug S. J. , Morrison D. S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimSeveral modifiable and nonmodifiable health‐related behaviours are associated with the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), but there is little research on their association with survival. This work aimed to investigate possible relationships between modifiable behavioural factors and outcomes on a study cohort of CRC patients undergoing potentially curative surgery.MethodA retrospective cohort study was carried out of patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic CRC residing in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, UK and undergoing elective curative surgery (January 2011 to December 2012). Data were obtained from the Scottish Cancer Registry, National Scottish Death Records. Preoperative assessment of smoking, alcohol consumption, nurse‐measured body mass index (BMI) and exercise levels were recorded, and patients were followed until death or censorship. Survival analysis was carried out and proportional hazards assumptions were assessed graphically using plots and were then formally tested using the PHTEST procedure in stata.ResultOf the initial 527 patients, 181 (34%) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The total duration of follow‐up was 480 person‐years. At the preoperative assessment, 75% of patients were overweight or obese, 10.6% were current smokers, 13.1% recorded excess alcohol consumption and 8.5% had physical difficulty climbing stairs. Age, BMI, histopathological stage and physical capacity all independently affected survival (P < 0.05). Overweight patients [hazard ratio (HR) 2.81] and those who had difficulty climbing stairs (HR 3.31) had a significantly poorer survival.ConclusionThis study found evidence that preoperative exercise capacity and BMI are important independent prognostic factors of survival in patients undergoing curative surgery for CRC.
Buying gold at the price of silver? Controlling shareholders and real estate transactions in korean listed firms
Authors: Yang Dong‐Ryung 
Published: December 2016

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper examines real estate transactions among Korean listed firms, their affiliated companies and controlling shareholders from 1999 to 2011. The goal of this study is to test whether the controlling individuals gain higher returns from the trades than the other parties in a persistent manner.Research Findings/InsightsInvestigating price changes across the transactions reveals that the controlling shareholders consistently earn higher returns than the listed firms, while this is not the case for the affiliated firms. The listed firms, in expectation of bleak potential in value growth, acquire real estate properties from their controlling shareholders while disposing of properties with promising prospect of growth in value. When the listed firms either buy or lease a property from controlling shareholders, the market value of the acquired property increases less than the leased.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsAll of the findings confirm a tunneling nature of the listed firms’ real estate transactions with their controlling shareholders.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe findings show a possibility that listed firms and the controlling shareholders can plot property transactions so as to offer biased profits for the individuals at the expense of minority shareholders. Such profitability becomes viable by manipulating transaction timing and does not necessitate predatory pricing of the assets transferred.
Intra‐ and interday reproducibility of high‐flow‐mediated constriction response in young adults
Authors: Ostrem Joseph D. , Evanoff Nicholas G. , Ryder Justin R. , Dengel Donald R. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBackgroundPreviously, we have demonstrated that high‐flow‐mediated constriction (H‐FMC) of the brachial artery has been shown to negatively affect flow‐mediated dilation (FMD). However, the reproducibility of an H‐FMC response is unknown.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the intra‐ and interday reproducibility of H‐FMC in young adults.MethodsThirty young adults (15 male, 15 female; 24 ± 3 years) were assessed for H‐FMC reproducibility via high‐resolution ultrasound imaging of the brachial artery during and after forearm occlusion of a normal FMD procedure. Two vascular assessments were conducted for all participants during two separate visits with a minimum of 7 days in between. H‐FMC was characterized as the greatest 10‐s average constriction occurring after 3‐s postocclusion compared to baseline brachial artery diameter and considered present if the percent change was <−0·1%.ResultsOf the 120 total vascular assessments performed in this study, 98 of the assessments (80·3%) displayed an H‐FMC. H‐FMC diameter was not statistically different for intraday comparisons for visit 1 (P = 0·39) or visit 2 (P = 0·55) or interday comparisons between the first (P = 0·61) or second (P = 0·10) assessments. H‐FMC percentage was also not statistically different for intra‐day comparison for visit 1 (P = 0·94) or visit 2 (P = 0·15) or interday comparisons between the first (P = 0·63) or second (P = 0·16) assessments.ConclusionThese data are supportive of H‐FMC being reproducible in young adults and included in future FMD studies. The impact of H‐FMC on future CVD risk and development warrants evaluation.
Well‐differentiated bronchial neuroendocrine tumors: Clinical management and outcomes in 105 patients
Authors: Pericleous Marinos , Karpathakis Anna , Toumpanakis Christos , Lumgair Heather , Reiner Jonathan , Marelli Laura , Thirlwell Christina , Caplin Martyn E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionBronchial neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors representing approximately 20%‐30% of all neuroendocrine tumors and 2%‐3% of all adult lung cancers. Here, they present a large case series of well‐differentiated bronchial NETs with the aim of investigating the behavior of these tumors and long‐term outcomes.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of 105 patients with bronchial NETs managed in a tertiary referral center in the period between January 1998 and January 2012.ResultsBronchial NETs are commoner in females and the commonest presenting symptoms were cough (13.9%) and dyspnoea (11.6%). OctreoscanTM and Gallium‐68 DOTATATE PET were found to have similar diagnostic sensitivity and FDG PET was more sensitive for higher‐grade tumors. Over a median follow‐up period of 35.5 months mortality rate was 5.7%. The 5‐year survival was 76% and the 10‐year survival was 62%. Female patients survived longer but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .59). Older age greater than 50 years (P = .027), higher levels of Chromogranin A (CgA) (P = .034), first‐line treatment with surgery (P = .005), ki67 over 10% (P = .037), and tumor stage (P = .036) but not tumor grade (P = .22), were significantly associated with survival.DiscussionSeveral factors have been identified which are independently associated with survival including CgA levels greater than 100 pmol/L, tumor stage, age greater than 50, ki67 over 10% and having surgery as first‐line treatment. There was no difference in survival between typical and atypical carcinoids.
Role of increased mean platelet volume (MPV) and decreased MPV/platelet count ratio as poor prognostic factors in lung cancer
Authors: Omar Muhyettin , Tanriverdi Ozgur , Cokmert Suna , Oktay Esin , Yersal Ozlem , Pilancı Kezban Nur , Menekse Serkan , Kocar Muharrem , Sen Cenk Ahmet , Ordu Cetin , Goksel Gamze , Meydan Nezih , Barutca Sabri ,   for the Turkish Descriptive Oncological Researches Group
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, they investigated whether mean thrombocyte volume (MPV) and MPV/platelet count ratio have a prognostic significance in advanced NSCLC or not.MethodsA total of 496 NSCLC patients at stage IIIB/IV and did not meet exclusion criteria were included in the study. The demographic features (age, gender, smoking habit), clinical characteristics (performance status, weight loss, disease stage, first‐line treatment regimen), laboratory tests (levels of hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and calcium as well as MPV, MPV/platelet count ratio and counts of white blood cell, platelet), and histological features (histologic type, tumor grade) were recorded.ResultsThe MPV levels of all patients were determined as 10.2 {plus minus} 3.4 (range, 6.4‐14.1 fL). With ROC curve analysis, the MPV/PC ratio was associated with a sensitivity of 67.8% and a specificity of 84.8% at a cutoff value of 0.47424 for presence of brain metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Univariate analysis showed that OS was significantly shorter in the group with an increased MPV level than in the other group (median OS time 6.8 months vs. 11.5 months, log‐rank, P = .032). Multivariate analysis confirmed that an increased MPV level was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (HR: 1.704, 95% CI: 1.274‐3.415, P = .014).ConclusionsUnlike results of previous studies, the study showed that increased MPV was an important prognostic factor in patients with NSCLC. Hence, an increased MPV level may be used as a prognostic biomarker to estimate for poor overall survival in patients with NSCLC.
Efficacy and safety of gemigliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with combination treatment of metformin and sulphonylurea: a 24‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (TROICA study)
Authors: Ahn Chang Ho , Han Kyung Ah , Yu Jae Myung , Nam Joo Young , Ahn Kyu Jeung , Oh Tae Keun , Lee Hyoung Woo , Lee Dae Ho , Kim Jaetaek , Chung Choon Hee , Park Tae Sun , Kim Byung Joon , Park Seok Won , Park Hyeong Kyu , Lee Kwang Jae , Kim Sang‐Wook , Park Jeong Hyun , Ko Kwan Pyo , Kim Chong Hwa , Lee Hyunjin , Jang Hak Chul , Park Kyong Soo 
Published: December 2016

AimsTo assess the efficacy and safety of gemigliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, added to metformin and sulphonylurea in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Materials and methodsWe conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in 219 Korean patients inadequately controlled with metformin and glimepiride. Participants were randomized to gemigliptin 50 mg once daily or placebo added to metformin and glimepiride. The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level from baseline to week 24.ResultsThe baseline HbA1c was 8.2% in both groups. The addition of gemigliptin to metformin and glimepiride significantly reduced HbA1c levels at week 24 compared with placebo (between‐group difference in adjusted mean change −0.87%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.09% to −0.64%). Fasting plasma glucose level was also significantly reduced with gemigliptin (−0.93 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.50 to −0.35 mmol/L), and a higher proportion of participants achieved an HbA1c level of <7% (39.3% vs 5.5%;
P
<.001) in the gemigliptin group than in the placebo group. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were modestly but significantly reduced in the gemigliptin group compared with the placebo group (−0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.38 to −0.03 mmol/L for total cholesterol, −0.18 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.34 to −0.01 mmol/L for LDL cholesterol). The incidence of hypoglycaemia was 9.4% in the gemigliptin group and 2.7% in the placebo group.ConclusionsGemigliptin significantly improved glycaemic control in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin and sulphonylurea. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was higher with gemigliptin than with placebo, which highlights the importance of optimal dose adjustment for sulphonylurea.
A comprehensive assessment of cognitive function in the common genetic generalized epilepsy syndromes
Authors: Loughman A. , Bowden S. C. , D'Souza W. J. 
Published: December 2016

Background and purposeConsidered to be benign conditions, the common genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) syndromes are now known to be frequently accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. However, unresolved issues impede clinical management of this common comorbidity, including which cognitive abilities are most affected, whether there are differences between syndromes and how seizure type and mood symptoms affect cognitive dysfunction. We provide a detailed description of cognitive ability and evaluate factors contributing to cognitive dysfunction.MethodsA total of 76 adults with GGE were assessed with the Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities.ResultsScores on tests of overall cognitive ability, acquired knowledge, long‐term retrieval and speed of information processing were significantly below the normative mean. Long‐term retrieval was a pronounced weakness with a large reduction in scores (d = 0.84). GGE syndrome, seizure type and the presence of recent psychopathology symptoms were not significantly associated with cognitive function.ConclusionsThis study confirms previous meta‐analytic findings with a prospective study, offers new insights into the cognitive comorbidity of these common epilepsy syndromes and reinforces the need for cognitive interventions in people with GGE.
Can the Informal Economy Be “Managed”?: Comparing Approaches and Effectiveness of Day‐Labor Management Policies in the San Diego Metropolitan Area
Authors: Crotty Sean M. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTDay‐labor hiring sites are found in more than 120 municipalities across the U.S., there is limited research examining the specific drivers that generate direct interventions into the day‐labor market, nor is there any research examining the effectiveness of day‐labor management policies. In what follows, I draw on examples from the San Diego Metropolitan Area (SDMA) to address this gap in policy‐research. The findings demonstrate the pervasiveness of neoliberal ideology in day‐labor management, from policing strategies to social service provision. In each case examined, local governments only took direct action when they believed day‐labor activity threatened local commercial activity or when residents' fear of “illegal immigrant” day‐laborers made them question the state's ability to control space effectively. In each case, I also evaluate the effectiveness and cost of the management strategy. The results of this analysis clearly demonstrate that attempts to eliminate day‐labor activity are costly and expensive while efforts to formalize day‐labor cost less and have a higher success rate.
Use of the UKHCDO Database for a postmarketing surveillance study of different doses of recombinant factor VIIa in haemophilia
Authors: Hay C. R. M. , Sharpe T. , Dolan G. ,   UKHCDO
Published: December 2016

IntroductionRecombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is recommended in Europe at standard (3 × 90 μg kg−1) or high (1 × 270 μg kg−1) doses. When granting the license for the high dose, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) requested postmarketing surveillance for thrombosis. This was conducted by the United Kingdom National Haemophilia Database (NHD) on behalf of Novo Nordisk and the EMA.AimTo assess the use and safety of rFVIIa utilizing prospective data collected by the NHD (1 January 2008 to 30 June 2011).ResultsData were obtained from 67 haemophilia A/B patients with inhibitors treated for 1057 bleeds and 31 acquired haemophilia patients treated for 70 bleeds. Initial rFVIIa dose was categorized post hoc as low (<90 μg kg−1), intermediate (≥90–<180 μg kg−1) or high (≥180–<270 or ≥270 μg kg−1). For haemophilia A/B, high and lower initial rFVIIa dose was used for 38.4% and 51.4% of episodes, respectively, while for acquired haemophilia, the values were 11.4% and 77.1% respectively. Median initial doses were higher for haemophilia A/B (146.3 μg kg−1) than acquired haemophilia (90.5 μg kg−1). A single administration of rFVIIa was the most frequently used regimen for haemophilia A/B, in contrast with standard recommendations and previous reports. For acquired haemophilia, most episodes were treated with multiple doses. No adverse drug reactions or thromboembolic events were reported for any rFVIIa dose.ConclusionThe novel use of a national database for postmarketing surveillance has demonstrated acceptable safety for all recommended doses of rFVIIa.
Measurement properties of the Haem‐A‐QoL in haemophilia clinical trials
Authors: von Mackensen S. , Eldar‐Lissai A. , Auguste P. , Krishnan S. , von Maltzahn R. , Yu R. , Wyrwich K. W. 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionPatients with haemophilia on long‐acting prophylactic treatment may experience an improvement in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) through reductions in breakthrough bleeds and associated complications, including long‐term joint damage, compared with episodic treatment.AimThis analysis examined clinical trial data to understand the psychometric characteristics (reliability, validity and sensitivity to change over time) of the Haem‐A‐QoL Questionnaire in adult males with haemophilia.MethodsTwo recent, multinational, Phase 3 clinical trials of new, long‐acting factor concentrates (A‐LONG:rFVIIIFc; B‐LONG:rFIXFc) assessedHRQoL in adolescent and adult males with severe haemophilia A or B respectively. The adults’ baseline assessments, via the 46‐item Haem‐A‐QoL Questionnaire, and change over time at the 6‐month assessment were used in the psychometric analyses.ResultsInternal consistency reliability was adequate (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70) for nine of the 10 Haem‐A‐QoL domains and for ‘Total Score’ in both trials at baseline (A‐LONG,n= 133; B‐LONG,n= 73). At baseline, several Haem‐A‐QoL domains and ‘Total Score’ demonstrated known‐groups and convergent validity when compared with other trial measures, including theEQ‐5D (items and total scores) and joint impairment. Change score correlations (baseline to 28 weeks) between theEQ‐5D and the Haem‐A‐QoL ‘Total Score’, and ‘Physical Health’ and ‘Feelings’ domains were moderate in magnitude (│r│ ≥ 0.33;P< 0.03), demonstrating sensitivity to change for these outcome measures in A‐LONG.ConclusionThese psychometric analyses provide evidence of the reliability, validity and ability to detect change of the Haem‐A‐QoL to assess theHRQoL of adult males with severe haemophilia A and B in longitudinal clinical trials.
L'architecture de la gouvernance mondiale du travail
Authors: HENDRICKX Frank , MARX Axel , RAYP Glenn , WOUTERS Jan 
Published: December 2016

RésuméDans ce texte destiné à introduire notre numéro spécial, les auteurs replacent les différents éléments de la gouvernance mondiale du travail dans le contexte de la mondialisation. Ils soulignent les limites d'un encadrement des droits au travail par les seuls États‐nations, ainsi que le potentiel des formes de régulation «hybrides», mettant à contribution des partenaires privés, qui semblent propres à étayer ou remplacer le droit international du travail au sens traditionnel. Ils analysent pour conclure les causes des lacunes dans l'application de ces droits dans le monde, pointant du doigt le caractère «sélectif» des normes consacrées et la faible efficacité des mécanismes de contrôle.