bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet-rich plasma gel composited with nondegradable porous polyurethane scaffolds as a potential auricular cartilage alternative
Authors: Wang Zhongshan , Qin Haiyan , Feng Zhihong , Zhao Yimin 
Published: September 2015

Total auricular reconstruction is still a challenge, and autologous cartilage transplant is the main therapy so far. Tissue engineering provides a promising method for auricular cartilage reconstruction. However, although degradable framework demonstrated excellent initial cosmetic details, it is difficult to maintain the auricular contour over time and the metabolites tended to be harmful to human body. In this study, biocompatible and safe nondegradable elastic polyurethane was used to make porous scaffold in specific details by rapid prototyping technology. Platelet-rich plasma contains fibrin and abundant autologous growth factors, which was used as cell carriers for in vitro expanded cells. When crosslinking polyurethane framework, platelet-rich plasma and cells together, we successfully made polyurethane/platelet-rich plasma/cell composites, and implanted them into dorsal subcutaneous space of nude mice. The results showed that this method resulted in more even cell distribution and higher cell density, promoted chondrocyte proliferation, induced higher level expressions of aggrecan and type II collagen gene, increased content of newly developed glycosaminoglycans, and produced high-quality cartilaginous tissue. This kind of cartilage tissue engineering approach may be a potential promising alternative for external ear reconstruction.
The association between visiting a primary care provider and uptake of periodic mammograms as women get older
Authors: Sutradhar R , Gu S , Glazier RH , Paszat LF 
Published: September 2015

Objective To determine whether visits to a primary care provider (PCP) are associated with the uptake of periodic mammograms as women get older. Methods The cohort consisted of 2,389,889 women resident in Ontario, Canada, aged 50 to 79 at any point from 2001 to 2010, who were cancer-free and eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan prior to study entry. Non-parametric estimation was used to describe the mean cumulative number of periodic mammograms for women with and without recent exposure to a PCP, as a function of age. Using age as the time scale, a recurrent event regression model was also implemented to examine the association between exposure to a PCP and rate of periodic mammograms, adjusted for income quintile and comorbidity. Results The mean observation window was 7.0 years. Uptake of periodic mammograms was significantly higher for women with recent exposure to a PCP compared with those without. This trend remained consistent as women aged, and the magnitude of the association increased for women aged 65 or older. The relative rate of periodic mammograms was lower than 1 and consistently decreased as women from lower income quintiles were compared with women from the wealthiest quintile. Conclusion Visits to a PCP play an important role in uptake of periodic mammograms, and this association increases as women age.
A comparative numerical study between the adaptive finite-impulse-response and Fourier transform techniques to monitor structural integrity
Authors: Lamb Matthew J , Rouillard Vincent 
Published: September 2015

It is often desirable to describe the rate and manner in which structures deteriorate when subjected to random excitation. Oftentimes, structural deterioration is reflected by variations in the system’s stiffness or equivalently, natural frequency. This paper compares the performance of two continuous structural integrity assessment techniques in monitoring variations in the natural frequency of single degree-of-freedom systems when subjected to random loads. The first technique makes use of the Fourier transform and the second is an adaptive finite-impulse-response technique developed by the authors. The effectiveness and limitations of the techniques are evaluated using numerically simulated single degree-of-freedom vibratory systems subjected to random base excitation. The influence of damping, noise, and damage progression type (sudden and gradual) is evaluated and the results compared. The results show that, despite a greater sensitivity to noise and damping ratio, the digital finite-impulse-response technique is able to more precisely determine the natural frequency of the system and the time at which any changes occurred for a range of damage scenarios and extraneous noise levels when compared to the more conventional Fourier-based analysis techniques. This is significant as it allows for the accurate measurement of stiffness for systems that undergo rapid structural deterioration under random loading.
Characterization of the Langendorff Perfused Isolated Mouse Heart Model of Global Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Rossello Xavier , Hall Andrew R. , Bell Robert M. , Yellon Derek M. 
Published: September 2015

Introduction: The Langendorff perfused isolated mouse heart model is commonly used to assess the efficacy of cardioprotective therapies, although the duration of ischemia and reperfusion vary considerably between different laboratories. We aimed to provide a thorough characterization of the model with different durations of ischemia and reperfusion by means of 2 different end points—infarct size (IS) using triphenyltetrazolium staining and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Methods: C57/BL6 mice hearts were retrograde perfused on a Langendorff apparatus and allocated into 9 groups in a 3 × 3 factorial design—3 ischemic durations (25, 35, and 45 minutes) matched by 3 reperfusion durations (60, 120, and 180 minutes). A protocol of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) was applied to investigate IS and LDH kinetics with different ischemic durations. Results: Infarct size progressively increased with the duration of both ischemia and reperfusion and was found to be independently associated with both determinants. In terms of LDH release kinetics, a peak was observed within the first 10 to 15 minutes of reperfusion and steadily declined thereafter, although a second smaller peak was observed in the 25-minute ischemia group. Only LDH peak release was associated with the ischemia length, with area under the curve (AUC) failing to follow ischemic duration. Interestingly, while IPC reduced IS in all ischemic durations investigated, a significant attenuation of LDH AUC was only observed in the 25-minute index ischemia group. Only a moderately positive correlation was observed between IS and LDH peak ( R = .547, P = .006) and AUC ( R = .664, P < .001). Conclusion: Myocardial IS measured by triphenyltetrazolium staining depends on both the duration of ischemia and the length of the reperfusion period. The LDH assessment may not be the most reliable tool to assess IS and/or to examine cardioprotective effectiveness at various times of ischemia.
Physical education initial teacher educators’ expressions of critical pedagogy(ies)
Authors: Philpot Rod 
Published: September 2015

While an emphasis on social justice has emerged as a theme in initial teacher education (ITE) over the past decade, there is much debate about how to engage ITE students in foregrounding issues of equity and social justice in their own teaching. One strategy, the introduction of critical pedagogy in ITE, has been promoted in teacher education literature since the early 1970s. In subsequent decades it has become apparent that there is a lack of consensus on what critical pedagogy is, and what it means to teach from a critical perspective. Drawing on the ‘big tent’ of critical pedagogies, the purpose of this paper is to focus attention on the evolution and/or devolution of critical pedagogy in physical education initial teacher education (PETE). This paper reports on findings from a research project that explored how six health and physical education teacher educators (PETEs), who teach in a single PETE programme that is underpinned by a critical orientation, understand and enact critical pedagogy. Data were collected through 60-minute semi-structured interviews. A six-step process of inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. This study suggests there is a commitment to social justice from all six of the PETEs. It is evident, however, that there are differences in their understanding of critical pedagogy. These differences reveal each teacher educator’s own valued theoretical perspectives, and manifest themselves in teaching practices in the PETE programme.
Skin involvement in Dupuytren’s disease
Authors: Wade R. , Igali L. , Figus A. 
Published: September 2015

Whether the palmar skin has a role in the development, propagation or recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease remains unclear. Clinical assessment for skin involvement is difficult and its correlation with histology uncertain. We prospectively biopsied the palmar skin of consecutive patients undergoing single digit fasciectomy (for primary Dupuytren’s disease without clinically involved skin) and dermofasciectomy (for clinically involved skin or recurrence) in order to investigate this relationship. We found dermal fibromatosis in 22 of 44 patients (50%) undergoing fasciectomy and 41 of 59 patients (70%) undergoing dermofasciectomy. Dermal fibromatosis appeared to be associated with greater preoperative angular deformity, presence of palmar nodules and occupations involving manual labour. Dermal fibromatosis exists in the absence of clinical features of skin involvement and we hypothesize that the skin may have a greater role in the development and propagation of Dupuytren’s disease than previously thought. Level of evidence: III
Biomechanical analysis of spasticity treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wininger Michael , Craelius William , Settle Jill , Robinson Stephanie , Isaac Bobbi , Maloni Heidi , Moradi Minoosh , Newby Nicki Ann , Wallin Mitchell 
Published: September 2015

Objectives: New metrics for clinical spasticity are needed to assess motor performance, since scales such as the Ashworth and Tardieu are unreliable. Here, we assessed outcomes of baclofen treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using biomechanical analysis of voluntary movements. Methods: Patients with MS and symptomatic limb spasticity were recruited for a pre–post baclofen titration study, along with age-matched healthy controls. Oral baclofen was titrated to optimize spasticity symptoms in all MS cases over 4 weeks. Clinical assessments included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Tardieu Scale (TS); elbow kinematics were measured via the Transient Acceleration Measurement Interface (TAMI); performance was measured as the score at 4 weeks minus the baseline score in all measures. Movement proficiency within TAMI was quantified through a scale-free smoothness measure, according to the regional excursion deviation (RED) from a constant-velocity approximant. Results: Twelve patients with MS [age: 47.8 ± 9.8 years; women: 4; disease duration: 20 ± 10 years; disease-modifying therapy use: 7; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 6.8 ± 1.4] and eight age-matched healthy controls were evaluated concurrently (mean age: 49.5 ± 13.1 years; women = 3). In MS cases, no significant improvement in arm spasticity was observed with main effects: MAS: −41.6 ± 72.6 ( p = 0.09); EDSS: −1.6 ± 10.4% ( p = 0.49); and TS: −8.3 ± 2.1% ( p = 0.32), −24.9 ± 63.6% ( p = 0.42), and −30.7 ± 79.9% ( p = 0.06), at slow, moderate, and fast speeds, respectively. However, voluntary motion smoothness, as measured by TAMI: RED, decreased significantly: 0.62 ± 0.08 versus 0.54 ± 0.09, p < 0.001, indicating significant increase in movement smoothness post treatment. Conclusion: A simple biomechanical analysis of voluntary movements revealed a significant reduction of spasticity after 30 days of baclofen therapy in patients with MS that was not detected by clinical assessments.
Fundus Autofluorescence Captured With a Nonmydriatic Retinal Camera in Vegetarians Versus Nonvegetarians
Authors: Kommana Sumana S. , Padgaonkar Pooja , Mendez Nicole , Wu Lesley , Szirth Bernard , Khouri Albert S. 
Published: September 2015

Background: A baseline level of lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is inevitable with age, but increased levels due to increased oxidative stress can result in deleterious vision loss at older ages. As earlier detection of differences in levels can lead to superior preventative management, we studied the relationship between lipofuscin accumulation and dietary lifestyle (vegetarian vs. nonvegetarian) in the younger, healthy South Asian population using retinal fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Methods: In this pilot study, we examined 37 healthy subjects (average age 23 years ± 1) all undergoing similar stress levels as medical students at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Levels of lipofuscin concentrations were imaged using a FAF retinal camera (Canon CX-1). Two images (color and FAF) were captured of the left eye and included in the analysis. FAF quantitative scoring was measured in 2 regions of the captured image, the papillo-macular region (P) and the macula (M), by determining the grayscale score of a 35.5 mm2 rectangle in the respective regions. Standardized scores (corrected to remove baseline fluorescence) were then obtained. Means, standard deviations, and t tests were performed for comparisons. Results: Fundus autofluorescence scores of regions P and M were significantly different ( P < .05) between groups. Region P was further standardized and results remained significant. Conclusions: Our preliminary results show that in this cohort, vegetarians had statistically significant lower levels of autofluorescence. These findings can have potential implications regarding long-term retinal health and risk for developing certain diseases over decades in subjects at risk for vision-threatening diseases.
Impact of Frequent and Persistent Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) on Hypoglycemia Fear, Frequency of Emergency Medical Treatment, and SMBG Frequency After One Year
Authors: Chamberlain James J. , Dopita Dana , Gilgen Emily , Neuman Annie 
Published: September 2015

Background: We assessed the impact of “almost daily” use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in adults with type 1 diabetes who had at least 1 year of CGM experience. Methods: In this single-center survey, we utilized a 16-item questionnaire to assess changes hypoglycemia fear, incidence of emergency medical treatment and utilization of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) before and after 1 year of CGM use. Participation was restricted to individuals who used the same brand of CGM system to avoid confounding responses due to differences between commercial devices. Participants were recruited on an “as-seen” basis from a major, urban internal medicine clinic and associated diabetes education center. The questionnaire was completed during the clinic visit. Responses to the survey were analyzed by standard descriptive statistics. Results: Seventy-four patients completed the survey: 42.9 years (range: 23-71 years), 38 (51%) female, 59 current insulin pump users. Most (84%) reported wearing their devices “almost daily” (n = 58) or 3 weeks per month (n = 4). “Almost daily” users reported an 86% reduction in incidence of emergency medical treatment events ( P = .0013) and >50% reduction in daily SMBG frequency ( P < .0001). Reductions in hypoglycemia fear were apparent but not statistically significant ( P = .7359). Conclusions: “Almost daily” use of CGM with the Dexcom G4 system reduced incidence of emergency treatment events and daily SMBG utilization among survey respondents and a trend toward reduced hypoglycemia fear. This may indicate cost savings in reduction of emergency medical intervention and likely improved quality of life without increasing safety concerns related to hypoglycemia.
Born abroad and educated here: examining the impacts of education and skill mismatch among immigrant graduates in Europe
Authors: McGuinness Seamus , Byrne Delma 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the wage and job satisfaction effects of over-education and overskilling among migrants graduating from EU-15 based universities in 2005. Female migrants with shorter durations of domicile were found to have a higher likelihood of overskilling. Newly arrived migrants incurred wage penalties which were exacerbated by additional penalties resulting from overskilling in the male labour market and overeducation in the female labour market. Established migrants were found to enjoy wage premia, with no evidence of disproportionate wage impacts arising as a consequence of mismatch. Female migrants were found to have a lower probability of being job satisfied.
The role of peri-traumatic stress and disruption distress in predicting post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following exposure to a natural disaster
Authors: Boden Joseph M. , Fergusson David M. , Horwood L. John , Mulder Roger T. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundFew studies have examined the contribution of specific disaster-related experiences to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.AimsTo examine the roles of peri-traumatic stress and distress due to lingering disaster-related disruption in explaining linkages between disaster exposure and PTSD symptoms among a cohort exposed to the 2010–2011 Canterbury (New Zealand) earthquakes.MethodStructural equation models were fitted to data obtained from the Christchurch Health and Development Study at age 35 (n=495), 20–24 months following the onset of the disaster. Measures included: earthquake exposure, peri-traumatic stress, disruption distress and PTSD symptoms.ResultsThe associations between earthquake exposure and PTSD symptoms were explained largely by the experience of peri-traumatic stress during the earthquakes (β=0.189,P<0.0001) and disruption distress following the earthquakes (β=0.105,P<0.0001).ConclusionsThe results suggest the importance of minimising post-event disruption distress following exposure to a natural disaster.
Pre-surgery status determines inflammation levels post-elective surgery
Authors: Barman Pijus , Mukherjee Ratnadeep , Mohapatra Jatasankar , Ravindran Balachandran 
Published: September 2015

In the present study we quantified a panel of systemic inflammation parameters in patients undergoing elective surgery with a view to evaluate pre-surgical inflammation status in relation to consequences post-surgery. The investigation revealed significantly decreased levels of plasma TNF-α, IL1-β, IL7, IL-8, MIP-1a and IL-1Ra in 79% of patients at 6 hrs post-surgery which have been designated by us a ‘hypo-responsive’ cases and the balance 21% of patients displayed significantly elevated levels of the above cytokines in plasma that have been designated a ‘hyper-responsive’ phenotype by us. Expression of HLA-DR, CD40, CD80, TLR-2, TLR-4 and CD36 on circulating monocytes as shown by multicolour flow-cytometry was significantly decreased post-surgery in hypo-responsive patients. Similarly, PBMCs of hypo-responsive cases responded very poorlyin vitrowhen stimulated with toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. There was an inverse association between levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines pre-surgery and hypo-responsive consequences post-surgery. Similarly, patients displaying the hyper-responsive phenotype were found to express very low levels of inflammatory cytokines pre-surgery. Taken together the current study offers two novel findings: a) a bimodal inflammatory response post-elective surgery viz., one major cohort displaying hypo-responsive state and another minor group a hyper-responsive phenotype and b) pre-surgery inflammation status determining the direction of inflammation consequence post-surgery. These findings seem to offer laboratory tools for predicting onset of inflammation post-surgery – considering that SIRS and sepsis are consequences of surgery induced inflammation this study offers predictive indicators for clinical complications post-surgery.
Kondratiev Cycles in Norwegian Economy
Authors: Коржов  , Korzhov Vladimir 
Published: September 2015

The article presents the results of studies of the formation and development of
the Kondratiev cycles in the Norwegian economy, which is one of the most
industrialized countries of the continent. At the beginning of the XXI century
Norway one of the three largest oil exporters in the world, along with Saudi
Arabia and Russia. The research operates The data on real per capita GDP
during 1830–2008. Economic-mathematical modeling revealed the stages of
Kondratiev cycles’ formation in the economy of Norway. The data showed that
Kondratievcycles can be observed in Norwegian economy during the formation
and development of post-industrial economy.
Magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic drug targeting
Authors: Lyer Stefan , Singh Raminder , Tietze Rainer , Alexiou Christoph 
Published: September 2015

AbstractNanomedicine and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are thought to have an important impact on medicine in the future. Especially in cancer therapy, SPIONs offer the opportunity of improving the effectivity of the treatment and reduce side effects by magnetic accumulation of SPION-bound chemotherapeutics in the tumor area. Although still some challenges have to be overcome, before the new treatment concept of magnetic drug targeting will reach the patients, substantial progress has been made, and promising results were shown in the last years.
編纂與修訂詞典的大中華視野
Authors: 小琳 田 , 斐 李 , 毛朋 馬 
Published: September 2015

摘要
在現代資訊時代, 編纂和修訂詞典須具有大中華視野。所謂大中華視野，即詞典應記錄、反映兩岸四地和海外華人社區的語言現象。我們受香港三聯書店委託, 將《現代漢語學習詞典》(商務印書館, 2010) 由簡體字版改為繁體字版。本文從語音、詞彙、語法、文字等方面歸納、總結了我們對原詞典所做的增補和刪減工作, 並對詞典的編纂和修訂等問題提出了自己的看法。
Obesity and public health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: DeNicola Erica , Aburizaiza Omar S. , Siddique Azhar , Khwaja Haider , Carpenter David O. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOverweight and obesity are now a global epidemic, with more than one in five people qualifying as obese worldwide. These conditions are accompanied by excessive rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) related to overweight, like type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Saudi Arabia, which has become increasingly westernized over the past few decades now has one of the highest prevalence rates of overweight and obesity, even in children. This puts the population at great risk for increased rates of NCD mortality. Competing cultures is partly to blame, as the combination of persisting traditional Saudi cultural practices, modern cultural changes, and economic prosperity has created an obesogenic environment that promotes unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyles, and weight gain. Overweight and obesity are more prevalent in Saudi women than in Saudi men. Interventions targeting the environment are needed in order to promote greater health through healthy eating decisions and increased physical activity or exercise (especially for women).