bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Buccal films as a dressing for the treatment of aphthous lesions
Authors: Daněk Zdeněk , Gajdziok Jan , Doležel Petr , Landová Hana , Vetchý David , Štembírek Jan 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundBuccal flexible films in the form of solid, thin, mucoadhesive patches can be used as dressings separating aphthous lesions from the environment of the oral cavity, which can in turn shorten the treatment period and reduce the pain perception.MethodsThe clinical study was performed on 36 volunteers suffering from aphthous lesions. The first group was treated using standard means—by application of an oral gel containing cholin salicylate (Mundisal) on the aphthous lesion. The second group was treated with the same preparation; however, the lesion was covered with a mucoadhesive film following the application of the gel. The criteria for statistical evaluation were the size of lesions in relation to the length of the treatment and the subjective perception of the treatment results.Results and conclusionsThe application of buccal films covering aphthous lesions during the treatment significantly increased the rate of healing when compared with the standard methods of treatment. While the pain improvement was statistically significant as soon as Day 3 in the experimental group, it was only apparent on Day 5 in the control group, and the number of successfully treated patients (pain perception improving tovisual analogue scale2 or less) was at all time points higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The results imply that the use of buccal films for treatment of aphthous lesions is very promising and can lead to a significant reduction in the duration of patients’ discomfort.
Multinucleated giant cell reaction in lower lip squamous cell carcinoma: a clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Santos Hellen Bandeira de Pontes , Miguel Márcia Cristina da Costa , Pinto Leão Pereira , Gordón‐Núñez Manuel Antonio , Alves Pollianna Muniz , Nonaka Cassiano Francisco Weege 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundMultinucleated giant cell (MGC) reactions have been identified in several malignancies, but their frequency and significance in lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are not established. This study evaluated the MGC reactions and their association with clinicopathological parameters in lower lip SCCs. The polarization profile of these cells (M1 or M2 macrophages) was also assessed.MethodsThe presence and distribution of MGC reactions in high‐power fields (400×) were evaluated in hematoxylin/eosin‐stained histological sections of 91 lower lip SCCs. The histopathological grade of malignancy was evaluated using two grading systems (World Health Organization [WHO] and Malignancy Grading of the Deep Invasive Margins). The histiocytic nature (CD68) and polarization profile (M1‐HLA‐DR+ or M2‐CD163+) of MGCs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.ResultsMultinucleated giant cell reaction was identified in 36 (39.6%) cases, and its frequency was 3.3 times higher in well/moderately differentiated tumors than in poorly differentiated tumors (WHO grading system) (P = 0.006). For Malignancy Grading of the Deep Invasive Margins, the frequency was 2.03 times higher in highly/moderately keratinized tumors than in tumors with minimal/no keratinization (P = 0.012). No significant associations were observed between the presence/distribution of MGCs and clinical parameters (tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and clinical stage) (P > 0.05). All MGCs were positive for CD68 and there was a predominance of HLA‐DR+ over CD163+ MGCs (P = 0.031).ConclusionsMultinucleated giant cell reactions may not be involved in tumor progression in lower lip SCCs. In this microenvironment, MGCs tend to exhibit a predominantly M1 phenotype and may represent a foreign body reaction to SCC keratin pearls.
Melatonin prevents obesity through modulation of gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Wang Jialin , Hong Fan , Wang Sheng , Jin Xi , Xue Tingting , Jia Li , Zhai Yonggong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractExcess weight and obesity are severe public health threats worldwide. Recent evidence demonstrates that gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to obesity and its comorbidities. The body weight‐reducing and energy balancing effects of melatonin have been reported in several studies, but to date, no investigations toward examining whether the beneficial effects of melatonin are associated with gut microbiota have been carried out. In this study, we show that melatonin reduces body weight, liver steatosis, and low‐grade inflammation as well as improving insulin resistance in high fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice. High‐throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA demonstrated that melatonin treatment significantly changed the composition of the gut microbiota in mice fed an HFD. The richness and diversity of gut microbiota were notably decreased by melatonin. HFD feeding altered 69 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) compare with a normal chow diet (NCD) group, and melatonin supplementation reversed 14 OTUs to the same configuration than those present in the NCD group, thereby impacting various functions, in particular through its ability to decrease the Firmicutes‐to‐Bacteroidetes ratio and increase the abundance of mucin‐degrading bacteria Akkermansia, which is associated with healthy mucosa. Taken together, our results suggest that melatonin may be used as a probiotic agent to reverse HFD‐induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and help us to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms governing the various melatonin beneficial effects.
The health‐related quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 and their families: Analysis of narratives
Authors: Draucker Claire Burke , Nutakki Kavitha , Varni James W. , Swigonski Nancy L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeProvide an in‐depth description of the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in youth diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and their families.Design and MethodsData were drawn from qualitative interviews conducted for a larger study aimed at developing the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) NF1 module.ResultsYouth with NF1 and their families experience a wide range of concerns related to HRQoL due to the varied symptom expression and uncertain trajectory of the disorder.Practice ImplicationsPediatric nurses should routinely assess for HRQoL in this population and develop strategies tailored to those concerns that require intervention.
Nurses perceptions of barriers to implementing family‐centered care in a pediatric setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Boztepe Handan , Kerimoğlu Yıldız Gizem 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeThis was a qualitative study conducted to explore the views of nurses regarding the practice of family‐centered care (FCC).Design and MethodsEighteen nurses working in different units of a children's hospital in Turkey were included in the study. In‐depth interviews were conducted with the nurses to obtain detailed information about their perspectives on FCC activities.ResultsTwo main themes emerged from the data, each with subthemes. The first theme pertained to the nurses’ opinions on FCC, and the second theme included their views on parents’ participation during nursing rounds.Practice ImplicationsThis study indicated that nurses had positive views of FCC activities and that they recognized the need for the family's continuing presence in the child's life, which were important findings. However, they stated that families’ cultural characteristics were an obstacle. Therefore, to better implement this model, nurses should not only understand the model conceptually but also understand the rights, roles, and responsibilities of parents. To practice FCC appropriately, nurses need to have sufficient resources, appropriate education, and support from their managers.
Can Origen Help Us Understand Adam?
Authors: Opderbeck David W. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper examines Origen's views of “Adam” and considers whether aspects of Origen's views might prove helpful in contemporary debates about Adam and original sin. The question “who was Adam” presents difficult issues for Christian theology. In response to these concerns, many contemporary theologians suggest that “Eastern” traditions, which are less connected to the “Western”/Augustinian view of original sin, can more easily manage these tensions. These gestures towards “Eastern” thought are helpful in the sense that they do highlight the “mythic” dimensions of the Biblical creation narratives and the irreducibly social construction of human identity. They tend, however, towards broad generalizations that often do not account for the more nuanced and complex philosophical matrix that informed many of the Eastern Church Fathers as they thought about creation, humanity, and the Fall. In this regard, Origen is an interesting figure to study because of the historic anathemas against his supposedly aberrant neo‐Platonic views about the pre‐existence of souls. Origen did indeed draw heavily on Platonism, but his views about Adam and the Fall were far more subtle than is often supposed. Elements of Origen's views could be useful to a contemporary Christian theology of Adam and original sin.
Can nursing epistemology embrace p‐values?
Authors: Ou Christine H. K. , Hall Wendy A. , Thorne Sally E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe use of correlational probability values (p‐values) as a means of evaluating evidence in nursing and health care has largely been accepted uncritically. There are reasons to be concerned about an uncritical adherence to the use of significance testing, which has been located in the natural science paradigm. p‐values have served in hypothesis and statistical testing, such as in randomized controlled trials and meta‐analyses to support what has been portrayed as the highest levels of evidence in the framework of evidence‐based practice. Nursing has been minimally involved in the rich debate about the controversies of treating significance testing as evidentiary in the health and social sciences. In this paper, we join the dialogue by examining how and why this statistical mechanism has become entrenched as the gold standard for determining what constitutes legitimate scientific knowledge in the postpositivistic paradigm. We argue that nursing needs to critically reflect on the limitations associated with this tool of the evidence‐based movement, given the complexities and contextual factors that are inherent to nursing epistemology. Such reflection will inform our thinking about what constitutes substantive knowledge for the nursing discipline.
Cuffed endotracheal tubes in children: the effect of the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube on intracuff pressure
Authors: Krishna Senthil G. , Hakim Mumin , Sebastian Roby , Dellinger Heather L. , Tumin Dmitry , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundIn children, the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube is based on various age‐based formulas. However, such formulas may over or underestimate the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube. There are no data on the impact of different‐sized cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT) on the intracuff pressure in children.AimThe current study measures intracuff pressure with different‐sized cuffed ETT.MethodThe study was conducted in an in vitro and in vivo phase. For the in vitro phase, 10 cuffed ETT of size 4.0, 4.5, and 5 mm internal diameter (ID) each were randomly placed inside a 1.0 cm ID plastic tube (mimicking the trachea), which was in turn connected to a 1 l test lung. After inflation of the cuff using the air leak test at a continuous positive airway pressure of 20 cmH2O, the intracuff pressure was measured. The in vivo phase was conducted in 100 children (4–8 years) and were randomly divided into two groups to receive either a cuffed endotracheal tube based on the Khine formula (Group R) or a cuffed endotracheal tube that was a half‐size (0.5 mm ID) smaller (Group S). Following the inflation of the cuff to seal the trachea, the intracuff pressure was measured.ResultsIn the in vitro phase, the intracuff pressure was 45 ± 6, 23 ± 1, and 14 ± 6 cmH2O with size 4.0, 4.5, and 5 mm ID cuffed ETT, respectively (F‐test P < 0.001 for difference among three groups). In the in vivo phase, the mean intracuff pressure in Group R was 25 ± 19 cmH2O vs 37 ± 35 cmH2O in Group S (95% CI of difference: 1, 23; P = 0.039).ConclusionIf the cuffed endotracheal tube is too small, the trachea can still be sealed by inflating the cuff with additional air. However, this transforms the cuff from the intended high‐volume, low‐pressure cuff to an undesirable high‐volume, high‐pressure cuff.
Sirolimus for Vincristine‐Resistant Kasabach–Merritt Phenomenon: Report of Eight Patients
Authors: Wang Huaijie , Duan Yitao , Gao Ya , Guo Xinkui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe use of sirolimus for patients with multidrug‐resistant Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) has been reported in recent years. We present the experience of a single center in treating vincristine‐resistant KMP using sirolimus alone.MethodsChildren with vincristine‐resistant KMP who were treated with oral sirolimus alone were eligible for inclusion in the study. We evaluated responses according to graded response criteria and acute toxicities according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria.ResultsBetween March 2012 and October 2014, eight patients underwent sirolimus treatment. The response rate of hematologic parameters was 100% (8/8). Three tumors shrank enough to allow excision. The tumors were resected after hematologic parameters normalized. Of the five patients with unresectable vascular lesions, three had complete response, and two had partial response of their tumors at the completion of long‐term (39.7 ± 24.4 wks) sirolimus treatment. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were not documented during treatment or follow‐up. No recurrence or progression of the disease was observed during follow‐up.ConclusionIn this small case series, we found sirolimus to be highly effective, with minimal side effects, for vincristine‐resistant KMP. A larger study to compare sirolimus and vincristine for KMP is warranted.
Analysis of group composition in multimember multigroup data
Authors: LEDERMANN THOMAS , RUDAZ MYRIAM , GROB ALEXANDER 
Published: February 2017

AbstractData from groups often have a multimember multigroup (MMMG) structure. Examples are two‐parent families with a female or male child (three members, two groups), two same‐gender and opposite‐gender peers of different status (two members, four groups), or gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples (two members, three groups). To analyze such data, a framework called MMMG actor–partner interdependence model (MMMG APIM) is presented considering group composition. Three models are discussed in detail: the three‐member two‐group APIM, the two‐member four‐group APIM, and the two‐member three‐group APIM. Structural equation modeling and cross‐sectional and longitudinal data are used to illustrate the approach. To ease the interpretation of APIM findings, a proposal of a general classification scheme is made.
Psychosocial predictors of medication adherence in pediatric heart and lung organ transplantation
Authors: Killian Michael O. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFew studies have identified the psychosocial characteristics of those children and their families associated with future non‐adherence to immunosuppressive medications following a heart or lung transplant. UNOS data and medical records information were used to test the association between patient and family psychosocial characteristics and medication adherence. Medication adherence outcomes were obtained using the physician assessments in the UNOS data and measured through patient‐level standard deviation scores of immunosuppressive medication blood levels. Complete data were collected on 105 pediatric heart and lung transplant recipients and their families. Multivariate, stepwise analyses were conducted with each adherence outcome. Physician reports of adherence were associated with age of the child at transplantation, parental education, two‐parent families, significant psychosocial problems, and the pretransplant life support status of the child. The resulting model (χ2=28.146, df=5, P<.001) explained approximately 39.5% of the variance in physician reports of adherence (Nagelkerke r2=.395). Blood level standard deviation scores were predicted by age at transplant (F=5.624, P=.02, r2=.05). Results point to the difficulties experienced by children and families when undergoing a heart or lung transplantation. Efforts to develop standardized and evidence‐based pretransplant psychosocial assessments in pediatric populations are suggested, especially those surrounding familial risk factors.
Novel Bi2WO6‐coupled Fe3O4 Magnetic Photocatalysts: Preparation, Characterization and Photodegradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Wang Tianye , Zhong Shuang , Zou Shuang , Jiang Fuhuan , Feng Limin , Su Xiaosi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNovel Bi2WO6‐coupled Fe3O4 magnetic photocatalysts with excellent and stable photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline hydrochloride and RhB were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. Through the characterization of the as‐prepared magnetic photocatalysts by X‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, it was found that the as‐prepared magnetic photocatalysts were synthesized by the coupling of Bi2WO6 and Fe3O4, and introduction of appropriated Fe3O4 can improve nanospheres morphology and visible‐light response. Among them, BFe2 (0.16% Fe3O4) exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), reaching 81.53% after 90 min. Meanwhile, the as‐prepared magnetic photocatalysts showed great separation and recycle property. Moreover, the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the well conductivity of Fe3O4 can promote photogenerated charge carriers transfer and inhibit recombination of electron–hole pairs, so that Bi2WO6/Fe3O4 exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity on degradation of TCH and RhB. Hence, this work provides a principle method to synthesize Bi2WO6/Fe3O4 with excellent photocatalytic performance for actual application, in addition, it showed that introduction of Fe3O4 not only can provide magnetism, but also can enhance photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6/Fe3O4 magnetic photocatalysts.
Daylight photodynamic therapy with methylene blue in plane warts: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Fathy Ghada , Asaad Marwa Kamal , Rasheed Haval Mohamad 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundConventional photodynamic therapy is associated with inconveniently long clinic visits and discomfort during therapy. Daylight‐photodynamic therapy (DL‐PDT) is an effective treatment, nearly pain free and more convenient for both the clinics and patients. There are no published studies of methylene blue (MB) as a photosensitizer (PS) used in DL‐PDT.MethodsForty patients had multiple plane warts; 20 patients were subjected to DL‐PDT with topical 10% methylene blue gel, and 20 patients were subjected to DL‐PDT with hematoxylin (placebo). Improvement was evaluated by change of the number of warts and the dermoscope picture.ResultsA total of 20 (100%) patients in group II showed no response to placebo, 13 patients (65%) in group I showed complete clearance, 2 (10%) patients showed a good response, and 5 (25%) patients had poor response to treatment (P < 0.01). No serious side effects and patients tolerated the pain well. No relapse was detected during the follow‐up period (12 months).Limitation of the studyDaylight exposure was not monitored with a dosimeter.ConclusionDaylight‐PDT using MB is safe, easy to carry out, economic, effective, acceptable cosmetic results with no recurrence, convenient especially for children and nearly painless treatment.
Estimating South Africa's Output Gap and Potential Growth Rate
Authors: Fedderke Johannes W. , Mengisteab Daniel K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper estimates the potential output of the South African economy using several filters. We demonstrate that potential output measures are very sensitive to the different methodologies. We also provide estimates of South Africa's potential growth rate over the 1960–2015 period. Current estimates of the potential growth rate fall in the 1.9%–2.3% range. However, the evidence suggests that the rate is under considerable downward pressure. South African potential growth may be headed toward the 1% range. The strongest decline is in the real sectors of the economy (Manufacturing, Mining), the greatest resilience in the service sectors (financial in particular).
Investigating the level of salivary endothelin‐1 in premalignant and malignant lesions
Authors: Nosratzehi Tahereh , Risbaf Fakour Sirous , Alijani Ebrahim , Salehi Maryam 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the level of salivary endothelin‐1 in premalignant and malignant lesions.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 75 cases were investigated of which 25 cases were healthy, 25 cases had oral lichen planus (OLP), and 25 cases had oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In order to collect the saliva samples, the unstimulated spitting was used. The samples were collected between 9 and 12 a.m. They were sent to the lab shortly after being collected and salivary endothelin‐1 was recorded for each sample according to the instruction of factory by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and optical density at a wavelength of 450 nm. SPSS version 20 and one‐way ANOVA and LSD tests were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe mean of salivary endothelin‐1 level in patients with OSCC was 163.98 pg/ml, in patients with OLP was 160.9 pg/ml, and in healthy people was 137.19 pg/ml. The analysis of one‐way ANOVA suggested that the level of salivary endothelin‐1 in both groups was the same and significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe level of salivary endothelin‐1 in patients with SCC and OLP was higher than that in healthy group. Thus, it can be used as the latest therapeutic protocol for oral premalignant and malignant lesions.
Master Maker: Understanding Gaming Skill Through Practice and Habit From Gameplay Behavior
Authors: Huang Jeff , Yan Eddie , Cheung Gifford , Nagappan Nachiappan , Zimmermann Thomas 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe study of expertise is difficult to do in a laboratory environment due to the challenge of finding people at different skill levels and the lack of time for participants to acquire mastery. In this paper, we report on two studies that analyze naturalistic gameplay data using cohort analysis to better understand how skill relates to practice and habit. Two cohorts are analyzed, each from two different games (Halo Reach and StarCraft 2). Our work follows skill progression through 7 months of Halo matches for a holistic perspective, but also explores low‐level in‐game habits when controlling game units in StarCraft 2. Players who played moderately frequently without long breaks were able to gain skill the most efficiently. What set the highest performers apart was their ability to gain skill more rapidly and without dips compared to other players. At the beginning of matches, top players habitually warmed up by selecting and re‐selecting groups of units repeatedly in a meaningless cycle. They exhibited unique routines during their play that aided them when under pressure.