bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A critical first assessment of the new pre‐market approval regime for new psychoactive substances (NPS) in New Zealand
Authors: Wilkins Chris 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundNew Zealand has recently attempted to address the underlying drivers of the escalating new psychoactive substances (NPS) (‘legal highs’) problem by establishing the world's first pre‐market approval regulatory regime for NPS. NPS products which can be shown with clinical trial data to pose a ‘low risk’ of harm will be approved for legal manufacture and sale.Aims and methodThis paper critically assesses the new regime, drawing on experience of the pharmaceutical sector and legal BZP market.FindingsA number of characteristics of the recreational use of NPS may not be well addressed by standard medical clinical trials, including binge use, polydrug use, use by vulnerable groups and high‐risk modes of administration. The overt advertising and covert promotion of approved NPS products on the internet may make them fairly visible to young people. The black market for unapproved NPS may be difficult to suppress given that unapproved NPS will be physically identical to approved NPS. If the legal market for NPS encourages the use of NPS, alcohol and other drugs there may be an increase in drug‐related harm. Alternatively, if the legal NPS market reduces the use of more harmful drugs, there may be a considerable public health benefit.ConclusionsThe clinical trials required for NPS products should address the characteristics of recreational NPS use. Enforcement resources and technical solutions are required to clearly distinguish legal NPS products. The impact the new NPS regime has on other drug use is a key issue and demands further study.
Evaluation of a novel approach in the prevention of white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets
Authors: Yap J , Walsh LJ , Naser‐ud Din S , Ngo H , Manton DJ 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of a resin fissure sealant, nano‐filled self‐adhesive protective coating, resin infiltrant, glass ionomer cement (GIC), and GIC containing casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) in preventing the formation of subsurface lesions of enamel (SLE) adjacent to orthodontic brackets by acting as an enamel surface sealant (ESS).MethodsEighty‐five enamel specimens with molar tubes bonded at their centre were randomly divided into five groups, each treated with a different material at the bracket's periphery. Specimens were stored in an acetate demineralization solution at pH 4.5 for 7 days at 37 °C then imaged using quantitative light‐induced fluorescence (QLF) to determine the difference in fluorescence (∆F) between sound‐ and acid‐exposed enamel. Lesion cross‐sections were then examined using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to measure lesion depth.ResultsThe use of GIC alone or incorporating CPP‐ACP significantly reduced ∆F compared with other materials. Backscattered SEM images showed no measurable demineralization for enamel treated with either GIC material in contrast with other groups, which showed statistically significant demineralization levels.ConclusionsThe fluoride‐releasing effects and CPP‐ACP benefits of the GIC materials show promise as an effective ESS in inhibiting enamel demineralization adjacent to orthodontic brackets.
Wettability of chlorhexidine treated non‐carious and caries‐affected dentine
Authors: Ricci HA , Scheffel DLS , de Souza Costa CA , dos Santos FJ , Jafelicci M , Hebling J 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe wettability of a surface is a prerequisite for adhesion and the type of dentine plays an important role in this property. This study evaluated the effect of different excipients of chlorhexidine (CHX) on sound and caries‐affected dentine wettability.MethodsFlat dentine surfaces were prepared (n = 100) and artificial caries was induced in half of the sample. For each substrate, sound and caries‐affected dentine, surfaces were assigned to five groups: (1) smear‐covered dentine; (2) smear‐free dentine saturated with water; (3) ethanol; (4) 1% CHX in water; or (5) 1% chlorhexidine in ethanol. The infected dentine was ground with 320‐grit silicon carbide paper to the level of affected dentine. The smear layer was removed with acid, followed by rinsing, blot drying and the application of each solution (60 seconds). Single Bond 2 was applied to each surface and contact angles were measured using a goniometer. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Student–Newman–Keuls (α = 0.05).ResultsContact angles were higher on sound dentine, regardless of the treatment. For sound and caries‐affected dentine significantly higher angles were obtained on smear‐covered dentine. Acid‐etched dentine saturated with ethanol and ethanol/CHX resulted in significantly lower angles but only for sound dentine. Neither water and water/CHX nor ethanol and ethanol/CHX solutions differ with respect to dentine wettability.ConclusionsCaries‐affected dentine wettability is higher than sound dentine, and chlorhexidine does not influence this property.
Technologies of truth in the anthropology of conflict: AES/APLA Presidential Address, 2013
Authors: MERRY SALLY ENGLE , COUTIN SUSAN BIBLER 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTScience and technology studies can help to unveil invisible modes of power that are embedded in the ways conflicts are known, debated, and resolved. Legal forms of adjudication, reporting systems used by international commissions, and data gathering on the part of governmental and nongovernmental agencies shape how conflicts are fought out on the ground and in policy arenas. Assumptions about evidence, categorization, adjudication, and measurement privilege certain forms of suffering over others, even as they omit phenomena that defy categorization. Using two examples—a global survey of violence against women and a U.S. government initiative to defer the deportation of certain undocumented immigrants—we bring insights from science and technology studies to bear on sociolegal phenomena. In so doing, we highlight tensions between measurement and invention, visibility and invisibility, and objectivity and discretion that are intrinsic to new forms of governance. We thus examine what measurement initiates and precludes, the reactive and proactive nature of technologies, and how new practices reproduce established techniques.
Commentary on Andrew Orta's “Managing the Margins”: The anthropology of transnational capitalism, neoliberalism, and risk
Authors: HO KAREN 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTEthnographic examinations of neoliberalism are increasingly nuanced and varied, intersecting vertical power relations to enter such sites as MBA curricula and the training and cultivation of business executives. Andrew Orta's “Managing the Margins” exemplifies such research. In it, he investigates how professionalizing business subjects are socialized to approach “the market” and showcase their business expertise through commensurating techniques such as executive summaries and value‐chain analyses. At the same time, the distinctiveness of their education is often forged through singular, seemingly incommensurable study‐abroad trips to “emerging markets,” where the experiences and adventure of encountering “risky” margins construct the self as daring and enterprising. Incommensurable experiences at the margins are translated and reabsorbed into the normative production of professional selves. Careful attention is required, in ethnographic projects such as these, not to reinscribe dominant assumptions of what constitutes capitalist motivations and approaches to risk, not to mention, the very context of capitalism itself.
True life, real lives: Revisiting the boundaries between ethnography and fiction
Authors: FASSIN DIDIER 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTEthnography and fiction have long been in dialogue in their common endeavor to understand human life and through their shared foundation on writing. Recently, anthropologists and sociologists have expressed concern that the worlds they study might be depicted more compellingly, accurately, and profoundly by novelists or filmmakers than by social scientists. Discussing my work on the embodiment of history in South Africa and on urban policing in France in light of, respectively, J. M. Coetzee's novel The Life & Times of Michael K and David Simon's television series The Wire, I analyze their commonalities and singularities. Using Marcel Proust's meditation on life and suggesting the heuristic value of distinguishing true life from real lives, I propose, first, to differentiate horizontal and vertical approaches to lives and, second, to complicate the dichotomy associating ethnography with the former and fiction with the latter. This reflection, which borrows from Georges Perec's rumination on the puzzle‐maker, can be read as a defense of ethnography against a certain prevailing pessimism.
Economy in practice: Islamic finance and the problem of market reason
Authors: RUDNYCKYJ DAROMIR 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTProponents of Islamic finance are working to make Kuala Lumpur the “New York of the Muslim World”: the central node in a global Islamic alternative to the conventional financial system. Amidst this ambitious project, I document how Islamic finance experts represent economic rationality as an object of reflection and I examine their responses to the economism intrinsic to market reason. Islamic finance is not wholly opposed to economic rationality, but the market calculations endemic to what experts term “conventional finance” serve as an unavoidable point of reference, comparison, and differentiation. I refer to reflection on economic rationality as “economy in practice,” a conceptualization that seeks to illuminate the various techniques through which humans are made economic subjects.
On the monopoly: Speculation, pharmaceutical markets, and intellectual property law in Nigeria
Authors: PETERSON KRISTIN 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe drug patent monopoly has been described as a key deterrent to Africans’ access to brand‐name, life‐saving drugs. Research in Nigeria, however, shows that another factor restricts access in that country: Brand‐name pharmaceutical companies’ pricing and marketing strategies keep patented drugs off the market. In this article, I retheorize the question of monopoly in the pharmaceuticals industry. I first track the historical precedents of this particular iteration of the drug monopoly. I then situate the monopoly in the context of ethnographic research I conducted on pharmaceutical markets and drug marketing (2005–10) as well as on Nigeria's compliance struggles with the WTO's Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPs) Agreement (1999–2003). TRIPs enforces patent holders’ rights and mandates intellectual property harmonization across nation‐states. In analyzing these two ethnographic sites together, I argue that rather than its purported short‐term legal existence, the current drug monopoly operates as though it has an indefinite life.
Bringing Kierkegaard into anthropology: Repetition, absurdity, and curses in Fiji
Authors: TOMLINSON MATT 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard offers two concepts that can strengthen anthropological analyses of Christianity. The first is “repetition,” or the act of “recollecting forward,” which provides a model of transformation that depends neither on deep continuity nor on decisive break. The second is “absurdity,” the faithful but painful acceptance of paradox as irreducible to logical resolution, which challenges eudemonic understandings of Christianity as a religion oriented toward comfort and satisfaction. I demonstrate the usefulness of Kierkegaard's concepts through an analysis of indigenous Fijian Methodists’ interest in repeatedly engaging with curses from ancestors as a way to overcome them.
Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy in South Australia: a case for ‘centralized decentralization’
Authors: Tu Chen Gang , Khurana Sanjeev , Couper Richard , Ford Andrew W. D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecent follow‐up studies have demonstrated significant improvement in overall survival as well as survival with native liver following geographic centralization of services to three centres in the UK. However, this model has not been replicated in countries with relatively low population density such as Australia and Canada.MethodsRetrospective evaluation of all patients born with biliary atresia (BA) in South Australia from 1989 to 2010 was performed. Thirty‐one patients with BA were discovered. Two patients were excluded because the initial Kasai procedure (KP) was performed interstate. Outcome parameters measured were (i) clearance of jaundice (bilirubin of less than 20 μmol/L, by 6 months); (ii) survival with native liver; and (iii) overall survival. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted for both survival with native liver and overall survival.ResultsThe incidence of BA in South Australia between 1989 and 2010 was 7.48 per 100 000 live births. Following KP, clearance of jaundice was achieved in 42.9% of patients. Five‐year actuarial survival with native liver was 55.2%, and overall 5‐year actuarial survival was 89.3%.ConclusionsThe results of KP performed at Women's and Children's Hospital from 1989 to 2010 can be considered comparable with international benchmarks. Based on these results, we propose the creation of a ‘centralized’ pool of surgeons in Australia to help continue providing ‘decentralized’ care of BA.
Caecal pneumatosis is not an absolute contraindication for endoluminal stenting in patients with acute malignant large bowel obstruction
Authors: Ngu James , Lieske Bettina , Chan Kok Hong Dedrick , Lim Tian Zhi , Cheong Wai‐Kit , Tan Ker‐Kan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe computed tomographic (CT) finding of caecal pneumatosis in patients with malignant large bowel obstruction has been associated with ischaemia and impending perforation. Emergency surgery is then usually performed without consideration of endoluminal stenting. The aim of our study was to correlate caecal viability to the CT finding of caecal pneumatosis in patients with acute malignant large bowel obstruction.MethodsA retrospective review of the CT scans of all patients presenting with acute malignant large bowel obstruction was performed. Patients with CT evidence of caecal pneumatosis were identified and this was correlated with intraoperative and histopathological findings.ResultsThere were 10 patients who had caecal pneumatosis on their CT scans between 2007 and 2010. Five underwent immediate surgery while the other five had emergency endoluminal stenting performed. One failed the stenting procedure and proceeded to emergency surgery. The other four were stented successfully and underwent interval surgery in an elective setting. In the six patients who underwent emergency surgery, four were found to have a viable caecum intra‐operatively and underwent a segmental resection. The remaining two had an ischaemic caecum – one had curvilinear pneumatosis and the other had a predominantly bubbly pattern of pneumatosis on their CT scans.ConclusionCaecal pneumatosis alone is not a reliable predictor of caecal viability in patients with acute malignant large bowel obstruction. Such a finding on CT scan should be correlated clinically before excluding the role of endoluminal stenting.
DNA methyl transferases are differentially expressed in the human anterior eye segment
Authors: Bonnin Nicolas , Belville Corinne , Chiambaretta Frédéric , Sapin Vincent , Blanchon Loïc 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeDNA methylation is an epigenetic mark involved in the control of genes expression. Abnormal epigenetic events have been reported in human pathologies but weakly documented in eye diseases. The purpose of this study was to establish DNMT mRNA and protein expression levels in the anterior eye segment tissues and their related (primary or immortalized) cell cultures as a first step towards future in vivo and in vitro methylomic studies.MethodsTotal mRNA was extracted from human cornea, conjunctiva, anterior lens capsule, trabeculum and related cell cultures (cornea epithelial, trabecular meshwork, keratocytes for primary cells; and HCE, Chang, B‐3 for immortalized cells). cDNA was quantified by real‐time PCR using specific primers for DNMT1, 2, 3A, 3B and 3L. Immunolocalization assays were carried out on human cornea using specific primary antibodies for DNMT1, 2 and 3A, 3B and 3L.ResultsAll DNMT transcripts were detected in human cornea, conjunctiva, anterior lens capsule, trabeculum and related cells but showed statistically different expression patterns between tissues and cells. DNMT2 protein presented a specific and singular expression pattern in corneal endothelium.ConclusionsThis study produced the first inventory of the expression patterns of DNMTs in human adult anterior eye segment. Our research highlights that DNA methylation cannot be ruled out as a way to bring new insights into well‐known ocular diseases. In addition, future DNA methylation studies using various cells as experimental models need to be conducted with attention to approach the results analysis from a global tissue perspective.
Laser iridotomy and the corneal endothelium: a systemic review
Authors: Wang Priscilla X. , Koh Victor T. C. , Loon Seng Chee 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study aims to systemically review the effect of laser iridotomy on the corneal endothelium. Searches were performed for studies that either compared corneal endothelial cell density/count, corneal thickness and morphology pre‐ and postiridotomy, or evaluated the postiridotomy development of corneal decompensation. There were 26 eligible studies. Our review shows that the effect of laser iridotomy on the corneal endothelium has been investigated with varying results. Although it has been demonstrated to be a relatively safe procedure, there is still the potential long‐term risk of corneal decompensation, for which a corneal transplantation may be indicated eventually. The longest interval between laser iridotomy and corneal decompensation reported was 8 years. Mechanisms proposed for endothelial damage include direct focal injury, thermal damage, mechanical shock waves, iris pigment dispersion, transient rise in intraocular pressure, inflammation, turbulent aqueous flow, time‐dependent shear stress on endothelium, chronic breakdown of blood–aqueous barrier and damage from bubbles that settled onto the endothelium. Inherent risk factors identified were iridotrabecular contact, current or prior acute angle closure, pigmented irides, small iris‐to‐endothelium distance, pre‐existing endothelial disease and diabetes. Intervention‐related risk factors include laser type, delivery and quantity. The significance of the risk factors and their direct association with the development of corneal decompensation remain to be determined. Understanding these risk factors may allow physicians to counsel their patients better. They may offer opportunities for preventive strategies, allowing us to ensure that a procedure performed to prevent disease progression and visual loss does not cause further morbidity.
Intracranial haemorrhage is linked to late onset vitamin K deficiency in infants aged 2–24 weeks
Authors: Elalfy MS , Elagouza IA , Ibrahim FA , AbdElmessieh SK , Gadallah M 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimLate vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) can be serious and manifest as early onset intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). This study aimed to determine the frequency of ICH in relation to vitamin K deficiency and the outcome in infants aged two to 24 weeks.MethodA hospital‐based study was conducted in two main tertiary hospitals in Cairo, Egypt, from May 2011 to May 2012 with 40 patients with ICH and 50 age‐matched controls without ICH.ResultsForty patients with ICH were recruited, 19 were excluded for clinical reasons and the remaining 21 had a significantly low vitamin K level. Exclusive breast feeding (81% of patients), diarrhoea lasting more than 1 week (38.1%) and antibiotic consumption within a week before the development of ICH (57.1%) were more common in the patients than in the control group (p value>0.05, <0.01 and <0.01, respectively).ConclusionA high frequency of ICH due to late VKDB was reported in Egyptian infants aged two to 24 weeks, with poorer outcomes than international studies. A national survey is required to evaluate the timing and protective value of a second booster vitamin K dose to reduce ICH, especially in high‐risk patients in this age group.
Left‐behind children in rural China experience higher levels of anxiety and poorer living conditions
Authors: Zhao Xue , Chen Jian , Chen Ming‐Chun , Lv Xiao‐Ling , Jiang Yu‐Hong , Sun Ye‐Huan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimThe number of rural Chinese parents who leave their children with family members to work in the cities has increased dramatically over the last decade. This study compared the social anxiety of left‐behind children (LBC) and children not left behind (non‐LBC).MethodsWe investigated 1694 LBC and 1223 non‐LBC, aged seven to 17 years, in a Chinese province using a structured questionnaire that included questions about socio‐demographic characteristics, social anxiety, family function, quality of life, neglect and physical abuse.ResultsLBC displayed higher social anxiety scores, more neglect, lower parental educational level, lower quality of life, lower family function and lower prevalence of physical abuse than non‐LBC. Multiple linear regression models showed that higher Social Anxiety Scales for Children (SASC) scores in LBC were clearly associated with lower quality of life, poorer family function, physical abuse, being female, having more siblings and minorities. In non‐LBC, they were associated with lower quality of life, poorer family function, neglect, being female and physical abuse.ConclusionLBC have a relatively higher level of social anxiety and poorer living conditions than non‐LBC, and there are differences in social anxiety, and its relevant factors, between the two groups.
Systematic review: the effects of autologous stem cell therapy for patients with liver disease
Authors: Moore J. K. , Stutchfield B. M. , Forbes S. J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBackgroundAs morbidity and mortality from liver disease continues to rise, new strategies are necessary. Liver transplantation is not only an expensive resource committing the patient to lifelong immunosuppression but also suitable donor organs are in short supply. Against this background, autologous stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential treatment option.AimTo evaluate if it is possible to make a judgement on the safety, feasibility and effect of autologous stem cell therapy for patients with liver disease.MethodsMEDLINEandEMBASEwere searched up until July 2013 to identify studies where autologous stem cell therapy was administered to patients with liver disease.ResultsOf 1668 studies identified, 33 were eligible for inclusion evaluating a median sample size of 10 patients for a median follow‐up of 6 months. Although there was marked heterogeneity between studies with regards to type, dose and route of delivery of stem cell, the treatment was shown to be safe and feasible largely when a peripheral route of administration was used. Of the studies which also looked at biochemical outcome, statistically significant improvement in liver function tests was seen in 16 studies post‐treatment.ConclusionAlthough autologous stem cell therapy is a much needed possibility in the treatment of liver disease, further robust clinical trials and collaborative protocols are required.