bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of aChinese version of the Quality of Well‐Being Scale–Self‐Administered (QWB‐SA) in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Gao Lan , Xia Li , Pan Song‐Qing , Xiong Tao , Li Shu‐Chuen 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPurposeGeneric preference‐basedhealth‐relatedquality oflife (HRQoL) instruments are increasingly used to estimate thequality‐adjustedlifeyears (QALYs) in cost‐effectiveness/utility studies. However, no such tool has been used and validated in epilepsy patients inChina. This study was conducted to validate a generic preference‐basedHRQoLinstrument, namely theQuality ofWell‐Being Scale–Self‐Administered (QWB‐SA) inChinese patients with epilepsy.MethodsAccepted translation procedures were followed to develop theChineseQWB‐SA. An epilepsy group (adults with established diagnosis of epilepsy) and a control group (adults without manifested cognitive problems) were recruited between July and October, 2012, from two tertiary hospitals inChina. After giving informed consent, each subject completed both theQWB‐SAand theEuroQol (EQ‐5D) as well as provided sociodemographic data. Construct validity was examined by six (convergent) and two (discriminative) a priori hypotheses. Sensitivity was compared by ability to differentiate epilepsy‐specific variable‐based subgroups. Agreement between theQWB‐SAandEQ‐5Dwas assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) andBland‐Altman plot.Key FindingsOne hundred forty‐four epilepsy patients and 323 control subjects were enrolled, respectively. The utility medians (interquartile range,IQR) for theQWB‐SAandEQ‐5Dwere 0.673 (0.172), 0.848 (0.275) for epilepsy group and 0.775 (0.258), 1.000 (0.152) for control group, respectively. The difference in utilities between the two measures were significant (p < 0.0001). Construct validity was demonstrated by six a priori hypotheses. In addition, theQWB‐SAwas able to discriminate across different seizure frequency and antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment subgroups. Agreement between theQWB‐SAandEQ‐5Dwas demonstrated byICC(0.725). Finally, the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that group and theEQ‐VAShad influences on the utility difference of these two measures, whereas seizure frequency and number ofAEDs were predictors ofHRQoLas measured by theQWB‐SA.SignificanceTheQWB‐SAis a valid and sensitiveHRQoLmeasure inChinese patients with epilepsy. Compared to theEQ‐5D, theQWB‐SAshowed superiority in coverage of health dimensions, sensitivity, and ceiling effects. However, future study is still needed to ascertain its responsiveness.
Global characterization of signalling networks associated with tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Browne Brigid C. , Hochgräfe Falko , Wu Jianmin , Millar Ewan K. A. , Barraclough Jane , Stone Andrew , McCloy Rachael A. , Lee Christine S. , Roberts Caroline , Ali Naveid A. , Boulghourjian Alice , Schmich Fabian , Linding Rune , Farrow Lynn , Gee Julia M. W. , Nicholson Robert I. , O'Toole Sandra A. , Sutherland Robert L. , Musgrove Elizabeth A. , Butt Alison J. , Daly Roger J. 
Published: July 2013

Acquired resistance to the anti‐estrogen tamoxifen remains a significant challenge in breast cancer management. In this study, we used an integrative approach to characterize global protein expression and tyrosine phosphorylation events in tamoxifen‐resistant MCF7 breast cancer cells (TamR) compared with parental controls. Quantitative mass spectrometry and computational approaches were combined to identify perturbed signalling networks, and candidate regulatory proteins were functionally interrogated by siRNA‐mediated knockdown. Network analysis revealed that cellular metabolism was perturbed in TamR cells, together with pathways enriched for proteins associated with growth factor, cell–cell and cell matrix‐initiated signalling. Consistent with known roles for Ras/MAPK and PI3‐kinase signalling in tamoxifen resistance, tyrosine‐phosphorylated MAPK1, SHC1 and PIK3R2 were elevated in TamR cells. Phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase Yes and expression of the actin‐binding protein myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate (MARCKS) were increased two‐ and eightfold in TamR cells respectively, and these proteins were selected for further analysis. Knockdown of either protein in TamR cells had no effect on anti‐estrogen sensitivity, but significantly decreased cell motility. MARCKS expression was significantly higher in breast cancer cell lines than normal mammary epithelial cells and in ER‐negative versus ER‐positive breast cancer cell lines. In primary breast cancers, cytoplasmic MARCKS staining was significantly higher in basal‐like and HER2 cancers than in luminal cancers, and was independently predictive of poor survival in multivariate analyses of the whole cohort (P < 0.0001) and in ER‐positive patients (P = 0.0005). These findings provide network‐level insights into the molecular alterations associated with the tamoxifen‐resistant phenotype, and identify MARCKS as a potential biomarker of therapeutic responsiveness that may assist in stratification of patients for optimal therapy.
Theory of Critical Distances versus Gradient Mechanics in modelling the transition from the short to long crack regime at the fatigue limit
Authors: Susmel L. , Askes H. , Bennett T. , Taylor D. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTExamination of the state of the art shows that over the last three decades, much work has been carried out to formalise specific methods suitable for accurately modelling the transition from the short to long crack regime, the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) offering a suitable alternative to those methods based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts. The TCD takes as a starting point the assumption that the propagation of fatigue cracks occurs when an effective stress range, depending on a material characteristic length, exceeds the material plain fatigue limit. Adopting a similar philosophy, gradient mechanics (GM) postulates that the relevant linear elastic stress fields can be determined by directly incorporating the material length scale into the stress analysis itself. The most remarkable feature of GM is that singular stress fields are smoothened. Thus, a finite value of the crack tip stress is obtained even if the constitutive law is linear elastic. In the present investigation then, after establishing an explicit theoretical link between the material intrinsic lengths calculated according to the TCD and GM, respectively, it is shown, through numerous experimental results taken from the literature, that the smoothened linear elastic crack tip stresses are successful in modelling the transition from the short to long crack region.
Influence of boron in organic red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) seed production
Authors: Stoltz E. , Wallenhammar A‐C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe effect of boron (B) on flower development, nectar production, seed yield and germination in organic red clover was investigated in soils with <1 mg B kg−1. Different techniques for application of a liquid B product were studied in four field experiments in 2009–2011. The treatments were as follows: control (no B); three rates of B application to the soil at sowing; and three rates of B as foliar application in the harvest year. The effects of B application varied between the fields and included increased seed yield, seed weight of fifty inflorescences (IFs), number of florets IF−1 and nectar volume IF−1. The greatest effects on seed yield were found in treatments with low B rates. Boron application increased seed B concentration in only one experiment and had no effect on shoot B concentration. The percentage of seeds with normal germination increased with increasing seed B concentration (R2 = 0·73). Seed weight of fifty IFs and number of IFs m−2 increased with increasing shoot B concentration. Boron is therefore an important element for red clover seed production. Further knowledge on improving the B uptake of red clover plants is required to improve seed yield and quality.
Erythrocyte folate status and serum iron levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Palabiyik Saziye Sezin , Baydar Terken , Cetinkaya Ramazan , Dolgun Anil Barak , Sahin Gönül 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe present study was aimed to evaluate erythrocyte folate and the iron levels in diabetes and hypertension patients treated with/without hemodialysis. The effects of erythropoietin and iron treatment as well as vitamin supplementation on measured parameters were considered. The 67 controls consisted of healthy subjects (n = 22), hypertensive subjects (n = 22), and diabetic subjects (n = 23) without any renal disorder. According to primary renal disorders, the patients undergoing hemodialysis (n = 68) were classified into four groups as diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, reflux nephropathy or interstitial nephritis, and renal insufficiency depending on other causative factors. The mean value of erythrocyte folate levels of all patients undergoing hemodialysis was higher than the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Erythrocyte folate levels in hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy patients were higher than their own hypertensive or diabetic controls and also healthy controls (both, P < 0.05). Serum iron levels of all subgroups in hemodialysis patients were found to be similar with healthy controls (all, P > 0.05). The only significance observed within the subgroups was between diabetic controls and diabetic nephropathy patients (P < 0.05). None of the treatment or supplementation of erythropoietin, iron and vitamin affected erythrocyte folate levels (all, P > 0.05). The increase in erythrocyte folate status of patients with end stage renal diseases might be the result of sum or individual effects of causative factors such as renal pathology, compensation mechanism against renal anemia, or routine folate supplementation.
Learning experiences of oral hygiene students in the clinical environment
Authors: Gordon NA 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo determine how students used daily and term‐based clinical assessment tools, students' experience of clinical teaching and clinical assessment.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study. The study population included final‐year Degree in Oral Health (BOH) students (n = 34). Data were collected by means of a self‐administered questionnaire using open‐ and closed‐ended questions.ResultsThe response rate was 85% (n = 29). Respondents reported that term‐based assessment tools were more useful than daily assessment tools in preparing for clinical sessions, in guiding their patient management and as a reflection of their competence. Factors influencing student experiences include authentic learning opportunities such as performing a variety of procedures, patient appreciation and positive reinforcement from supervisors; consistent and appropriate feedback on their performance, feedback in the presence of a patient; supervisor qualities of being patient, respectful, non‐threatening and being positive role models; and organizational aspects such as punctuality and availability of supervisors. Inconsistencies were found in student experiences in terms of the quality of feedback received. Assessment experiences include inconsistency between supervisors and not being informed of assessment scores. Regular verbal feedback or being appraised of their assessment scores was reported more frequently for term‐based assessment (77%) than for daily assessment (27%).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that a blueprint defining assessment as a means to drive student learning is inadequate. A more comprehensive approach encompassing all the parameters that impact the learning process may be more useful.
The effect of flow rate and agitation technique on irrigant extrusion ex vivo
Authors: Boutsioukis C. , Psimma Z. , Kastrinakis E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate (i) the effect of irrigant flow rate, needle type, needle insertion depth and apical constriction diameter and (ii) the effect of ultrasonic, sonic and manual dynamic agitation on irrigant extrusion using a recently introduced method.MethodologyThirty‐two human teeth with a straight root canal were prepared to size 35, 0.06 taper and assigned to group A or B. The apical constriction diameter was 0.15–0.25 mm. Specimens were mounted on a plastic vial filled with distilled water to simulate a periapical lesion. A point‐conductivity probe was used to determine the volume of irrigant extruded into the vial. Within group A, NaOCl was delivered at 0.14 or 0.26 mL s−1 by an open‐ended or a closed‐ended needle at 1 or 3 mm short of working length (WL). In group B, NaOCl was agitated at high or low power either by an ultrasonically or sonically oscillating instrument inserted at 1 or 3 mm short of WL or by manual push–pull strokes of a gutta‐percha cone. Results were analysed by repeated‐measures anovas, at 0.05 significance.ResultsAn increase in the flow rate resulted in increased extrusion (P < 0.001). The open‐ended needle extruded significantly more irrigant than the closed‐ended (P < 0.001). Extrusion decreased as needles moved away from WL (P < 0.001). The effect of apical constriction diameter was not significant (P > 0.454). Manual dynamic agitation extruded significantly more irrigant than sonic and ultrasonic agitation (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIrrigant flow rate, needle type and insertion depth and agitation technique had a significant effect on extrusion.
Is cooking dead? The state of Home Economics Food and Nutrition education in a Canadian province
Authors: Slater Joyce 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHigh population rates of obesity and nutrition‐related chronic diseases warrant an examination of the role of food and nutrition education in health promotion. Using a mixed‐methods approach, this study explored student enrolment trends in, and perceptions of, Home Economics Food and Nutrition education in a Canadian province. Enrolment in Home Economics Food and Nutrition courses for grades 7–12 was examined from 2000 to 2010 using administrative data. Perceptions of Home Economics Food and Nutrition education by home economics teachers and superintendents were investigated through in‐depth interviews using a grounded theory approach. Results revealed that, although enrolment, including boys, increased slightly over the study period, the majority of children do not take Home Economics Food and Nutrition classes. Further, enrolment decreased significantly from grades 7 (45.77%) to 12 (7.61%). Home Economics Food and Nutrition education faces significant challenges to its future viability. These include: many school administrators, non‐home economics teachers and some parents do not value Home Economics Food and Nutrition education; Home Economics Food and Nutrition education is seen as less valuable than math and science for future career planning; outdated curriculum and teaching infrastructure; reduced numbers of new home economics teachers; decreasing student food knowledge and skills; and changing social norms regarding food and eating (increased use of convenience foods across population groups, a youth ‘fast food culture’ and fewer family meals). Results also indicated that Home Economics Food and Nutrition education is seen as critically important for youth, given that one third of Canadian children are now overweight or obese, fast and highly processed foods make up an increasing proportion of Canadians' diets, and there are increasing dilemmas being faced with food production and food safety. These results signal a growing tension between societal trends towards technological solutions in education and everyday living, and the growing acknowledgement of the externalities associated with these trends including poor health and environmental impacts. Consequently, evidence‐based food and nutrition education that is relevant for today's food environment and busy lifestyles is warranted to improve the health of current and future generations. This should be based on a comprehensive food and nutrition framework including functional, interactive and critical ‘food literacy’. Policy measures are urgently required to ensure all youth have access to food literacy education.
Physicochemical and antioxidative properties of Korean nanopowdered white ginseng
Authors: Lee Su‐Bin , Yoo Sanghun , Ganesan Palanivel , Kwak Hae‐Soo 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThis study was carried out to investigate physicochemical and antioxidative properties of Korean nano white ginseng powder. The particle size of nanopowdered ginseng (NPG) was in the range from 600 to 1000 nm which was significantly smaller than the regular powdered ginseng (PG) which was in the range from 300 to 500 μm. Carbohydrate content was found to be significantly higher in NPG than PG (P < 0.05). Higher L value of NPG was mostly due to the higher light‐scattering effect of bright ginseng powder. In oil‐holding capacity, NPG was significantly higher than PG (P < 0.05). Total polyphenol content was not significantly different between NPG and PG, and it was in the range of 52.5% (P > 0.05). However, DPPH and ABTS studies showed that NPG has higher antioxidative properties than PG. In overall, NPG showed much higher antioxidative properties compared with PG. Thus, NPG enhances the functional value of Korean white ginseng powder.
Effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of cooked cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) varieties
Authors: Hachibamba Twambo , Dykes Linda , Awika Joseph , Minnaar Amanda , Duodu Kwaku G. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryConsumption of diets rich in phenolic compounds has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. The effect of cooking and simulated gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) types was determined. Phenolic acids, flavan‐3‐ols and flavonols were the main groups of phenolic compounds identified. Cooking and simulated enzyme digestion of the cooked cowpea samples rendered some phenolics less extractable (possibly by promoting binding with other food components) or more extractable (possibly by release of bound forms). Total phenolic contents and radical scavenging properties of the cowpeas were reduced upon cooking, but increased upon simulated enzyme digestion. Cowpea extracts inhibited human LDL oxidation at a concentration of 2 mg mL−1 possibly due to their phenolic content. Phenolic compounds in cowpea can potentially protect against cardiovascular diseases for which LDL oxidation is a risk factor.
Contributions of phenolics and added vitamin C to the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate and grape juices: synergism and antagonism among constituents
Authors: Bolling Bradley W. , Chen Ya‐Yen , Chen C‐Y. Oliver 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the contribution of sugar, organic acid, neutral phenol, and anthocyanin fractions and added ascorbic acid to grape and pomegranate‐nectarine juice total phenol, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) values. Neutral phenol and anthocyanin fractions contributed ≥75% of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) for both juices. Intrinsic synergy and antagonism among the fractionated constituents occurred inconsistently in each assay. Sugars and organic acids antagonised pomegranate juice neutral phenols and anthocyanins in the DPPH assay by 50% and the grape juice ORAC value by 21%, but were synergistic to the grape juice FRAP value. The added ascorbic acid was dose‐dependently synergistic with pomegranate and grape juice total phenol, DPPH and FRAP assays, but less so in the ORAC assay. Thus, the interactions between grape and pomegranate juice constituents determine TAC and total phenol values, and synergy in these assays could not be attributed solely to polyphenols.
Grape seed removal: effect on phenolics, chromatic and organoleptic characteristics of red wine
Authors: Bautista‐Ortín Ana B. , Busse‐Valverde Naiara , López‐Roca Jose M. , Gil‐Muñoz Rocío , Gómez‐Plaza Encarna 
Published: July 2013

SummaryWinemakers are interested in wines with low bitterness and astringency, and therefore, there is a preference for a higher presence of skin proanthocyanidins in wines. However, the information regarding the effect of reducing or eliminating seed proanthocyanidins from the must or fermenting wine on the characteristics of finished wines is scarce. For this reason, we elaborated a wine using Monastrell grapes from which the seeds had been removed and compared it with a control wine (CW) made from intact grapes. The anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin concentration and profile, and the chromatic and sensory characteristics were studied. The absence of seed proanthocyanidins did not affect anthocyanin concentration, although the proanthocyanidin concentration was 40% lower than in the CW. The copigmentation (CA) study showed that both wines had a similar extent of CA phenomena although colour intensity was higher when seed proanthocyanidins were present. The panellist evaluated the wines elaborated without seeds as being fruitier, less astringent and with an overall higher quality.
Molecular approaches to transfusion medicine in Polynesians and Maori in New Zealand
Authors: Edinur H. A. , Dunn P. P. J. , Lea R. A. , Chambers G. K. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryIn recent years, with the application of genotyping technology, there has been a substantial increase in the number of reported blood group alleles. This survey was designed to evaluate new molecular blood group genotyping methods and compile reference blood group data sets for Polynesian and Maori subjects. Subsequent analyses of these results were used to calculate probability of random match, to trace Polynesian ancestry and migration patterns and to reveal past and present episodes of genetic admixture. Genomic DNA samples from Maori and Polynesian subjects were drawn from the Victoria University of Wellington DNA Bank and genotyped using combination of commercial PCR‐SSP kits, hybridization SNP assay services or sequence‐based typing. This survey also involves compilation of serological ABO and Rhesus blood group data from RakaiPaaka Iwi tribal members for comparison with those generated during our molecular blood group study. We observed perfect consistency between results obtained from all molecular methods for blood group genotyping. The A, O, DCcEe, DCCee, MNs, K−k+, Jk(a+b−), Jk(a+b+), Fy(a+b−), Fy(a+b+), Di(a+b−), Co(a+b−) and Do(a−b+) were predominant blood group phenotypes in both Polynesians and Maori. Overall, our survey data show only small differences in distributions of blood group phenotypes between Polynesian and Maori groups and their subgroups. These differences might be associated with selection, population history and gene flow from Europeans. In each case, we estimate that patients with certain blood groups have a very low probability of an exact phenotypic match, even if the patients were randomly transfused with blood from donors of their own ethnicity. The best way to avoid haemolytic transfusion reaction in such cases is to perform a pretransfusion cross‐match and recruit increased numbers of donors with rare phenotype profiles. The conclusion of this study is that application of molecular method covering as many known variants as possible may help to improve the accuracy blood group genotyping and potentially conserve the routine requirements of transfusion centres.