bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose in the gastrointestinal tract of the tick Ixodes ricinus; possible relationship with red meat allergy
Authors: Hamsten C. , Starkhammar M. , Tran T. A. T. , Johansson M. , Bengtsson U. , Ahlén G. , Sällberg M. , Grönlund H. , van Hage M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPatients with IgE antibodies against the carbohydrate epitope galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose (α‐Gal) have reported severe allergic reactions after consumption of red meat. Investigations have revealed associations between IgE to α‐Gal and tick bites. We provide the first direct evidence that α‐Gal is present within ticks thus potentially explaining the relationship between tick exposure and sensitization to α‐Gal, with development of red meat allergy as a secondary phenomena. Serum from Swedish patients with delayed severe reactions to red meat was included in the study. A dose‐dependent inhibition of IgE responses to α‐Gal by the tick Ixodes ricinus is demonstrated. Furthermore, using cryostat‐cut sections of I. ricinus, we show that both a monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody against α‐Gal stains the gastrointestinal tract of the tick. The same pattern is seen when staining with patient sera IgE positive to α‐Gal. These results confirm that the α‐Gal epitope is present in I. ricinus and imply host exposure to α‐Gal during a tick bite. This provides further evidence that tick bites are associated with IgE responses to α‐Gal and red meat allergy.
Augmenting pancreatic anastomosis during whipple operation with fibrin glue: a beneficial technical modification?
Authors: Conaglen Paul J. , Collier Neil A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIntroductionVarious techniques have been described to try and reduce the rate of anastomotic leak following pancreaticoduodenectomy, which remains a challenge for pancreatic surgeons worldwide. We outline a technique to reinforce the pancreatic anastomosis with a double layer of fibrin glue between suture lines.MethodsOur technique for pancreatic anastomosis is described in detail. A review of consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies by a single surgeon (NAC) since introduction of fibrin glue anastomosis reinforcement was compared with a historical control cohort performed by the same surgeon.ResultsThirty‐two consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies were undertaken between March 2008 and March 2012 by a single surgeon, 30 patients had fibrin glue augmentation of the pancreatico‐gastrostomy anastomosis. Median length of stay was 12 days. There were no pancreatic leaks or mortality since adopting fibrin glue for the pancreatic anastomosis; however; this single surgeon series is not large enough to provide statistical evidence of a difference since glue was adopted.DiscussionOur results since the incorporation of this step in pancreaticoduodenectomy are encouraging. Selective use of glue is worthy of consideration in difficult cases, although confirmation of a reduction in pancreatic leak rate is not yet established, and we advocate a multi‐institution randomized controlled trial to explore this.
Paediatric normative data for urine NGAL/creatinine ratio
Authors: Rybi–Szumińska Agnieszka , Wasilewska Anna , Litwin Miecyslaw , Kułaga Zbigniew , Szumiński Michal 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to establish age‐dependent urine NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin)/creatinine ratio values in healthy children and adolescents.MethodsThe study was performed using a random sample of 172 healthy children and adolescents (M–88, F–84), aged median 9.75 (0.2–17.9) years. Urine NGAL concentration was measured using a commercially available ELISA kit (R&D Systems, USA).ResultsMedian concentrations of urine NGAL/creatinine in particular age groups were analysed using anova. The differences between the youngest group of children under the age of 6 years and the rest of examined population were statistically significant. There were no differences in urine NGAL/creatinine between other age groups. Statistically significant negative correlation between urine NGAL/creatinine and age of subjects was found (r = −0.29, p < 0.05).ConclusionIn the study, normative values of urine NGAL/creatinine for subjects aged 0.2–17.9 years have been established. These data may help clinicians and researchers to improve the interpretation of urine NGAL/creatinine ratio in children and adolescents. However, further studies using numerous data should be conducted to add reference values for urine NGAL partitioned by age and gender.
Arthur, James et al ed (2012) Research methods and methodologies in educationSage (London & Thousand Oaks CA) isbn 978‐0‐85702‐039‐0 456 pp £26.99 (paper and e‐versions; boards £75) http://www.sagepub.co.uk/arthur
Authors: El‐Farargy Nancy 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAimed at postgraduates within education and educational research methods courses, this book integrates the theoretical and practical aspects of educational research. It journeys through designing, planning and conducting research to analytical techniques, impact and dissemination. Whether you are a new educational researcher or more established, you might find your own copy of this book useful for in‐depth study or for reference: borrow a copy to help you decide.Nancy El‐Farargy
Kidd, Terry T & Chen, Irene ed (2011) Ubiquitous learningIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐436‐6 337 pp £41.95 (boards £77.95) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Ubiquitous‐Learning
Authors: Martin Marie 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThis book is a stimulating read. It aims to alert educators, particularly in higher education, to the potential of ubiquitous learning and offers a range of practical suggestions and strategies for teaching in this emerging environment If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you arrange to borrow a copy for a while.Marie Martin
Ovens, Peter et al (2012) Developing inquiry for learningRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐59877‐4 226 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415598774/
Authors: Smyth Robyn 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe authors provide some useful ideas and a bridge from face‐to‐face into blended learning contexts which teachers interested in an inquiry pedagogy may find useful. There are various scaffolds and exemplars as well as exploration of appropriate digital tools which can be used for critical inquiry. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I advise that you will probably find only parts of it of interest or use.Robyn Smyth
Thouësny, Sylvie & Bradley, Linda ed (2011) Second language teaching and learning with technology (Research‐publishing.net, Dublin) isbn 978‐1‐908416‐00‐1 217 pp Free of charge http://research‐publishing.net/publication/978‐1‐908416‐00‐1.pdf
Authors: Laborda Jesús García 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThis ten‐chapter volume aims to approach a number of current issues “from well‐established web‐based learning environments to mobile learning, through current web 2.0 applications such as blogs, which foster intercultural contexts and/or diverse means of computer‐mediated interaction”. In this sense, this valuable book aims to enable readers to gain a deep understanding of the field and to provide research procedures and processes to facilitate the learning of foreign languages through the use of information technology. If the content of this book is likely to be important to you, I recommend you buy a copy.Jesús García Laborda
Evaluation of Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation (H3K27me3) and Enhancer of Zest 2 (EZH2) in Pediatric Glial and Glioneuronal Tumors Shows Decreased H3K27me3 in H3F3A K27M Mutant Glioblastomas
Authors: Venneti Sriram , Garimella Mihir T. , Sullivan Lisa M. , Martinez Daniel , Huse Jason T. , Heguy Adriana , Santi Mariarita , Thompson Craig B. , Judkins Alexander R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractH3F3A mutations are seen in ∼30% of pediatric glioblastoma (GBMs) and involve either the lysine residue at position 27 (K27M) or glycine at position 34 (G34R/V). Sixteen genes encode histone H3, each variant differing in only a few amino acids. Therefore, how mutations in a single H3 gene contribute to carcinogenesis is unknown. H3F3A K27M mutations are predicted to alter methylation of H3K27. H3K27me3 is a repressive mark critical to stem cell maintenance and is mediated by EZH2, a member of the polycomb‐group (PcG) family. We evaluated H3K27me3 and EZH2 expression using immunohistochemistry in 76 pediatric brain tumors. H3K27me3 was lowered/absent in tumor cells but preserved in endothelial cells and infiltrating lymphocytes in six out of 20 GBMs. H3K27me3 showed strong immunoreactivity in all other tumor subtypes. Sequencing of GBMs showed H3F3A K27M mutations in all six cases with lowered/absent H3K27me3. EZH2 expression was high in GBMs, but absent/focal in other tumors. However, no significant differences in EZH2 expression were observed between H3F3A K27M mutant and wild type GBMs, suggesting that EZH2 mediated trimethylation of H3K27 is inhibited in GBM harboring K27M mutations. Our results indicate that H3F3A K27M mutant GBMs show decreased H3K27me3 that may be of both diagnostic and biological relevance.
Peer support for parents of children with chronic disabling conditions: a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies
Authors: Shilling Val , Morris Christopher , Thompson‐Coon Jo , Ukoumunne Obioha , Rogers Morwenna , Logan Stuart 
Published: February 2013

AIMTo review the qualitative and quantitative evidence of the benefits of peer support for parents of children with disabling conditions in the context of health, well‐being, impact on family, and economic and service implications.MethodWe comprehensively searched multiple databases. Eligible studies evaluated parent‐to‐parent support and reported on the psychological health and experience of giving or receiving support. There were no limits on the child's condition, study design, language, date, or setting. We sought to aggregate quantitative data; findings of qualitative studies were combined using thematic analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data were brought together in a narrative synthesis.ResultsSeventeen papers were included: nine qualitative studies, seven quantitative studies, and one mixed‐methods evaluation. Four themes were identified from qualitative studies: (1) shared social identity, (2) learning from the experiences of others, (3) personal growth, and (4) supporting others. Some quantitative studies reported a positive effect of peer support on psychological health and other outcomes; however, this was not consistently confirmed. It was not possible to aggregate data across studies. No costing data were identified.ConclusionQualitative studies strongly suggest that parents perceive benefit from peer support programmes, an effect seen across different types of support and conditions. However, quantitative studies provide inconsistent evidence of positive effects. Further research should explore whether this dissonance is substantive or an artefact of how outcomes have been measured.
Electrical resistivity tomography to detect the effects of tillage in a soil with a variable rock fragment content
Authors: Rossi R. , Amato M. , Pollice A. , Bitella G. , Gomes J. J. , Bochicchio R. , Baronti S. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryElectrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a promising non‐destructive tool to characterize agricultural soils where management effects are superimposed on natural variability. The aim of our study was to test whether ERT was capable of detecting stones and tillage effects in a soil with a variable rock fragment content. Field experiments were conducted by performing a set of three two‐dimensional (2D) resistivity tomographies across two management systems (tillage/no tillage) replicated twice on each transect, using dipole‐dipole configuration and 0.25‐m inter‐electrode spacing. Soil texture, bulk density and water content were measured destructively. Greater average electrical resistivity (ER) was found in tilled plots, with maximum values of up to 1700 Ohm m. However, when the spatial correlation structure was considered in a mixed‐effects model, no significant difference in ER was found between tilled and untilled plots. Empirical semivariograms showed less spatial continuity and more noise in tilled plots. Resistivity was strongly correlated with rock fragment content (r = 0.68), with greater average values in ploughed plots, which may possibly be linked to kinetic sieving after ploughing. ERT was able to identify the position of gravel lenses and was also sensitive to the presence of clay (r = −0.45): a linear trend in resistivity across the field (r = 0.80) was consistent with a decreasing clay content (r = −0.68). Resistivity was correlated with rock fragments, clay and an interaction variable (water × rock fragments). There was a poor fit for the tilled plot where resistivity peaks could be linked to the presence of voids, but their detection would have required a resolution greater than that which we adopted.
Leukocyte counts in cerebrospinal fluid and blood following firategrast treatment in subjects with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Grove R. A. , Shackelford S. , Sopper S. , Pirruccello S. , Horrigan J. , Havrdova E. , Gold M. , Graff O. 
Published: February 2013

Background and purposeFirategrast is an orally bioavailable alpha4 beta1/alpha4 beta7 integrin antagonist designed to reduce trafficking of lymphocytes into the central nervous system (CNS). This could decrease multiple sclerosis (MS) activity, but may compromise CNS immune surveillance. We aimed to quantitate the effect of firategrast treatment on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocyte count and the extent/speed of recovery after its discontinuation.MethodsForty‐six subjects with relapsing forms of MS were treated for up to 24 weeks with open‐label firategrast, 900 (females) or 1200 (males) mg twice daily. CSF and blood cell counts, and lymphocyte composition were determined using flow cytometry.ResultsMedian (n, range) CSF lymphocyte counts (cells/µl) at weeks 0, 24, 28 and 36 were: 5.3 (44, 0.3–70.2), 3.3 (31, 0.0–99.0), 3.0 (32, 0.0–58.2) and 3.5 (29, 0.0–274.8). CD4+, CD8+ T‐ and CD19+ B‐lymphocyte counts followed a similar pattern. Minimal changes were observed for CD3−CD16+CD56+ natural killer cells. Median CD4 : CD8 ratios were: 2.9 (41, 1.1–10.9), 2.2 (29, 0.6–5.9), 3.8 (28, 1.6–9.0) and 3.8 (21, 2.1–9.4). Blood lymphocyte counts were elevated at weeks 4 and 24, consistent with the mechanism of firategrast, and returned to baseline when firategrast was discontinued. There were minimal changes in CD4 : CD8 ratios.ConclusionsFirategrast treatment was associated with modest decreases in median CSF total, CD4, CD8 and CD19 lymphocyte counts. The generally small magnitude of decreases suggests that sufficient numbers of lymphocytes can access the subarachnoid space, preserving CNS immune surveillance.
Using flow guilds of freshwater fish in an adaptive management framework to simplify environmental flow delivery for semi‐arid riverine systems
Authors: Baumgartner Lee J , Conallin John , Wooden Ian , Campbell Bruce , Gee Rebecca , Robinson Wayne A , Mallen‐Cooper Martin 
Published: February 2013

AbstractFreshwater rivers have been substantially altered by development and flow regulation. Altered hydrological regimes have affected a range of biota, but impacts are often most obvious on freshwater fish. Flow largely influences the range of physical habitat available to fish at various life history stages. Biological rhythms are therefore often linked to flow and optimized so that opportunities for spawning, growth and dispersal are synchronized. Assuming that flow therefore becomes the main factor which structures freshwater fish communities, the use of species specific biological information should be able to inform adaptive flow delivery strategies from the river reach to catchment scale. A test of this assertion was performed as a case study of native fish within the Edward‐Wakool River system (New South Wales, Australia). Fish within the system were assigned to one of four groups based on biological similarity. Aspects of reproductive and movement ecology were then reviewed to generate optimal flow release strategies for each group. Life expectancy and hydrological constraints were then investigated and used to develop a possible 10‐year flow delivery program that could generate ecological outcomes within a strategic adaptive management framework that considered potential impacts on third parties. The approach could be used to develop flow characteristics to benefit biota in any watercourse provided enough data are available to link potential outcomes with flow delivery.
A systematic review of reviews of systematic reviews of acupuncture
Authors: Gilbey Andrew , Ernst Edzard , Tani Kawtar 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcupuncture is one of the more popular forms of complementary and alternative medicine. Whilst the therapy has been the subject of many published trials, systematic reviews and reviews of reviews, the conclusions of these publications often have been inconsistent.ObjectivesTo systematically review reviews of reviews of acupuncture in an attempt to better understand existing contradictions in the literature.MethodsThe databases MEDLINE, Scopus and EbscoHost were searched using the keywords (systematic review) AND (acupuncture OR acupressure) for the period January 1991 to December 2011. The methodological quality of included reviews was assessed using a nine‐item measure developed by the authors.ResultsEighteen reviews of reviews met the inclusion criteria; two reviews did not assess the methodological quality of the included reviews and only two rigorously assessed the quality of the primary studies included in the reviews. Quality of the reviews of reviews ranged from poor to excellent. Conclusions were positive for nausea and vomiting and some types of pain, but negative for smoking cessation.ConclusionsOnly two reviews of reviews allowed definitive conclusions to be drawn; that is, there is insufficient evidence to make positive recommendations. Further reviews, or reviews of reviews, are unlikely to break this impasse, owing to the combination of new and existing reviews or primary studies upon which they can draw. We therefore recommend that high‐quality RCTs should be conducted in the areas where most promise has already been shown.
Self‐Regulation in Second Language Learning: An Investigation of the Kanji‐Learning Task
Authors: Rose Heath , Harbon Lesley 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis study investigates how students of the Japanese language regulate the learning of kanji (Japanese written characters). Skill in reading kanji has an important effect on learners' progress in interpretive reading. Data collected over one year were drawn from interviews with 12 students. The study highlighted an inability for many students to control emotions, manage commitments, and control boredom and procrastination when studying kanji. Moreover, advanced learners were more prone to a loss of self‐regulation due to frustration caused by a lack of progress in learning, or due to self‐criticism over an inability to reach goals. This study raises an understanding of struggles faced by language learners and offers pedagogical implications for instructors to lessen the burden of kanji learning on students.
Towards resilient recreational fisheries on a global scale through improved understanding of fish and fisher behaviour
Authors: Arlinghaus R. , Cooke S. J. , Potts W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDespite recreational fisheries serving as a prime example of a coupled social–ecological system, much of the research on such fisheries has been monothematic in orientation and focused either on fisheries ecology or human dimensions. An attempt was made to break down some of the barriers to more interdisciplinary research on recreational fisheries at the 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference. The overall conclusion was that future research and management efforts should increasingly focus on the feedbacks between the interacting human and ecological components of recreational fisheries. Doing so promises to improve understanding of how recreational fisheries respond to social–ecological change. In this context, the behaviour of both fishes and humans provides an important, yet often overlooked, integrator of the ecological and social components of recreational fisheries. A better understanding of the behavioural dynamics of recreational fishers as well as exploited fishes will help predict how recreational fisheries change, evolve, adapt and reorganise through time to maintain resilience and achieve sustainability on a global scale.
Growing a Radical Ruralism: Back‐to‐the‐Land as Practice and Ideal
Authors: Wilbur Andrew 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBack‐to‐the‐land migration can be summarised as the intended adoption of a primarily agrarian lifestyle by individuals from non‐agrarian backgrounds. Back‐to‐the‐land has historically served as both an ideal and a set of practices, a set of push‐and‐pull factors that influence rural in‐migration and a range of activities that work in service of this ambition. The radical shift in lifestyle that characterises this kind of migration is often tethered to a political radicalism, but one that is not easily identifiable in visible social movements or organised political action. Rather, it manifests itself in practices of self‐sufficiency, alternative economic structures and experiments in social organisation. This review looks at the historical roots of back‐to‐the‐land as a radical movement, asking what relevance it has for contemporary political issues such as human and non‐human welfare, environmental sustainability and non‐capitalist economic relations. A strong focus on the material dimensions of back‐to‐the‐land is maintained, highlighting the specific potential of rural spaces to host and catalyse radical ambitions. Furthermore, a case is presented for interrogating the relationship between alternative agro‐food networks (AAFNs) and back‐to‐the‐land migrants, since these structures often provide an explicit articulation of their participants’ values and strategies.
Canine visceral leishmaniasis as a systemic fibrotic disease
Authors: Silva Lucelia C. , Castro Rodrigo S. , Figueiredo Maria M. , Michalick Marilene S. M. , Tafuri Washington L. , Tafuri Wagner L. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryWe propose that canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a systemic fibrotic disease, as evidenced by the wide distribution of fibrosis that we have found in the dogs suffering from chronic condition. The inflammatory cells apparently direct fibrosis formation. Twenty‐four cases (symptomatic dogs) were identified from a total of one hundred and five cases that had been naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi and had been documented during an epidemiological survey of CVL carried out by the metropolitan area of the municipality of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. The histological criterion was intralobular liver fibrosis, as has been described previously in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. In addition to the findings in the liver, here we describe and quantify conspicuous and systemic deposition of collagen in other organs, including spleen, cervical lymph nodes, lung and kidney of all the infected symptomatic dogs. Thus we report that there is a systematic fibrotic picture in these animals, where inflammatory cells appear to direct fibrosis in all organs that have been studied. Therefore we propose that CVL is a systemic fibrotic disease.