bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Today's learning objective is to have a party: playing research with students in a secondary school special needs unit
Authors: Greenstein Anat 
Published: February 2013

The use of creative methods has been advocated within disability and childhood research as a means of including voices of inarticulate participants in research, as it can support and supplement the use of conventional language. This paper draws on a research project aimed at designing ‘the best school in the world’ with five students in a special needs unit of a secondary school in a socially deprived community in England, to suggest the use of playful creative methods in generating and representing data in inclusive education research. Play, as an activity occurring in an actual social reality yet not completely governed by its rules, offers an interesting starting point for researchers interested not only in describing the existing world but also in imagining viable alternatives to it. This paper discusses how using a playful methodology had an impact on power relations and provided an accessible context to foster participants' engagement in reflexive discussions about social norms and values. Creative and playful methodology was also useful in transgressing the primacy of language in educational research, thus opening spaces for other aspects of experience to be included in the analysis.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/Lt9l1eab6rQ.
Ideology matters: Why decentralisation has a differentiated effect on regionalist parties' fortunes in Western democracies
Authors: Massetti Emanuele , Schakel Arjan H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article addresses the effects of decentralisation reforms on regionalist parties' electoral strength. It takes up the debate between ‘accommodatists’ (i.e., electoral loss due to policy accommodation) and ‘institutionalists’ (i.e., electoral gain due to institutional empowerment). These effects depend on the electoral venue considered – regional or national – and on the ideological radicalism of a given regionalist party – secessionist or autonomist. This study finds that increases in the level of decentralisation are positively associated with higher scores for autonomist parties in regional elections, while they are not statistically significantly correlated with secessionist parties' electoral performances. In contrast, in national elections, decentralisation reforms seem to penalise autonomist parties more than secessionist ones. These findings are based on the analysis of a novel dataset which includes regional and national vote shares for 77 regionalist parties in 11 Western democracies from 1950 until 2010.
Age‐related changes in maxillary and mandibular cortical bone thickness in relation to temporary anchorage device placement
Authors: Sathapana S , Forrest A , Monsour P , Naser‐ud‐Din S 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between alveolar bone cortical thickness (ABCT) and age in the maxillae and mandible in humans. This information could then be translated into clinical application with temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in orthdontics.MethodsSamples comprised 82 post‐mortem CT datasets (41 males and 41 females) aged between 11 to 50 years, and were divided into five different age groups and gender. Alveolar ABCT was measured in the labial/buccal and palatal/lingual sides of the incisor, canine, premolar, molar and tuberosity/retromolar regions of the maxillae and mandible. Correlations between ABCT and age and gender were analysed with linear regression analysis.ResultsStrong correlation between ABCT and age was found for the maxilla on the labial side of the maxillary incisor region (p < 0.001). On the palatal aspect, significant correlations between ABCT and age were found in the maxillary incisor and maxillary premolar regions (p = 0.01 and p = 0.047 respectively). Significant correlation between ABCT and gender was found only at the buccal aspect of the maxillary molar region (p = 0.022). In the mandible, a statistically significant correlation between ABCT and age was found in the cortical bone of the labial side of the mandibular incisor region (p = 0.017). However, statistically significant negative correlation between ABCT and age was found in the mandibular canine region (p = 0.033). The only site to demonstrate a significant difference in change in ABCT with age between males and females was the lingual side of the retromolar region, in which female ABCT increased more than in males (slope = 0.015).ConclusionsThere is minimal clinically significant correlation between ABCT and age at the alveolar bone level. Although investigations show statistically significant correlations, these may not be clinically significant as those regions are not ideal for anchorage reinforcement with TADs in orthodontic practice.
Why Do Some Firms Go Debt Free?
Authors: Byoun Soku , Xu Zhaoxia 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper examines debt‐free firms. We find that favorable equity market valuation and borrowing constraints contribute to these firms' extreme debt conservatism. Small debt‐free firms with little access to credit markets are seen to raise equity while paying high dividends. Large debt‐free firms, generating more cash flows relative to their investment needs, often pay off their debt while paying high dividends. The results suggest that high dividends for small debt‐free firms help them establish good reputations in equity markets, while high dividends for large debt‐free firms reduce the agency costs of free cash flow.
Phase II clinical trial of phlebotomy for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Beaton M. D. , Chakrabarti S. , Levstik M. , Speechley M. , Marotta P. , Adams P. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundElevated iron indices are described in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and iron reduction has been suggested as a potential therapy.AimTo determine whether phlebotomy is an effective therapy for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.MethodsPatients with biopsy proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease underwent baseline evaluation to determine severity of metabolic and liver disease. A Phase II trial of phlebotomy was carried out to achieve near‐iron depletion (serum ferritin ≤50 μg/L or haemoglobin 100 g/L). Repeat liver biopsy, anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed 6 months following the end of treatment. Primary outcome was improvement in liver histology, assessed using the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score.ResultsThirty‐one patients completed follow‐up. Iron reduction resulted in a significant improvement in the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (−0.74 ± 1.83, P = 0.019). Reductions in individual histological features of lobular inflammation (−0.29 ± 1.07, P = 0.182), steatosis (−0.26 ± 0.82, P = 0.134), hepatocyte ballooning (−0.19 ± 0.70, P = 0.213) did not achieve significance nor did the score for fibrosis (−0.32 ± 0.94, P = 0.099).ConclusionsThis prospective Phase II study of phlebotomy with paired liver biopsies evaluating phlebotomy therapy in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients suggests that iron reduction may improve liver histology. However, the effect size of phlebotomy raises questions of whether treatment could have sufficient clinical significance to justify a definitive Phase III trial. This trial has been registered with the US National Institute of Health (clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT 00641524).
Supra‐physiological efficacy at GPCRs: superstition or super agonists?
Authors: Langmead Christopher J , Christopoulos Arthur 
Published: February 2013

The concept of ‘super agonism’ has been described since the discovery of peptide hormone analogues that yielded greater functional responses than the endogenous agonists, in the early 1980s. It has remained an area of debate as to whether such compounds can really display greater efficacy than an endogenous agonist. However, recent pharmacological data, combined with crystal structures of different GPCR conformations and improved analytical methods for quantifying drug action, are starting to shed light on this phenomenon and indicate that super agonists may be more than superstition.Linked ArticleThis article is a commentary on Schrage et al., pp. 357–370 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12003
Effect of the TRPV1 antagonist SB‐705498 on the nasal parasympathetic reflex response in the ovalbumin sensitized guinea pig
Authors: Changani Kumar , Hotee Sarah , Campbell Simon , Pindoria Kashmira , Dinnewell Laura , Saklatvala Paula , Thompson Sally‐Anne , Coe Diane , Biggadike Keith , Vitulli Giovanni , Lines Marion , Busza Albert , Denyer Jane 
Published: February 2013

Background and PurposeNasal sensory nerves play an important role in symptoms associated with rhinitis triggered by environmental stimuli. Here, we propose that TRPV1 is pivotal in nasal sensory nerve activation and assess the potential of SB‐705498 as an intranasal therapy for rhinitis.Experimental ApproachThe inhibitory effect of SB‐705498 on capsaicin‐induced currents in guinea pig trigeminal ganglion cells innervating nasal mucosa was investigated using patch clamp electrophysiology. A guinea pig model of rhinitis was developed using intranasal challenge of capsaicin and hypertonic saline to elicit nasal secretory parasympathetic reflex responses, quantified using MRI. The inhibitory effect of SB‐705498, duration of action and potency comparing oral versus intranasal route of administration were examined.Key ResultsSB‐705498 concentration‐dependently inhibited capsaicin‐induced currents in isolated trigeminal ganglion cells (pIC50 7.2). In vivo, capsaicin ipsilateral nasal challenge (0.03–1 mM) elicited concentration‐dependent increases in contralateral intranasal fluid secretion. Ten per cent hypertonic saline initiated a similar response. Atropine inhibited responses to either challenge.SB‐705498 inhibited capsaicin‐induced responses by ∼50% at 10 mg·kg−1 (oral), non‐micronized 10 mg·mL−1 or 1 mg·mL−1 micronized SB‐705498 (intranasal) suspension.Ten milligram per millilitre intranasal SB‐705498, dosed 24 h prior to capsaicin challenge produced a 52% reduction in secretory response. SB‐705498 (10 mg·mL−1, intranasal) inhibited 10% hypertonic saline responses by 70%.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe paper reports the development of a guinea pig model of rhinitis. SB‐705498 inhibits capsaicin‐induced trigeminal currents and capsaicin‐induced contralateral nasal secretions via oral and intranasal routes; efficacy was optimized using particle‐reduced SB‐705498. We propose that TRPV1 is pivotal in initiating symptoms of rhinitis.
Development and internal validation of an adrenal cortical carcinoma prognostic score for predicting the risk of metastasis and local recurrence
Authors: Freire Daniel Soares , Siqueira Sheila Aparecida Coelho , Zerbini Maria Cláudia Nogueira , Wajchenberg Bernardo Léo , Corrêa‐Giannella Maria Lúcia , Lucon Antônio Marmo , Pereira Maria Adelaide Albergaria 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and internally validate a prognostic score to predict the risk of metastases or recurrence in patients with adrenal cortical carcinomas (ACC).DesignClinical, laboratory and pathological data from 129 ACC patients, treated in a tertiary centre, were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsUsing a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, we developed a prognostic score with five covariates: a functional pattern other than isolated hyperandrogenism, a tumour size >7·5 cm, a primary tumour classified as T3/T4, the presence of microscopic venous invasion and a mitotic index >5/50 high‐power fields. The prognostic score was calibrated according to the Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test (P = 0·9329) and exhibited excellent overall performance (Brier score = 0·0738). Finally, the discriminatory ability of the model, determined by the area under the ROC curve (AROC), was near perfect (AROC, 0·9611; 95% CI, 0·92676–0·99552). The prediction model was internally validated with 200 bootstrap resamples and achieved excellent performance for estimating the risk of metastasis and recurrence in eight additional patients with apparently localized disease at diagnosis.ConclusionWe developed and internally validated a prognostic score based on the clinicopathological data that are readily available to any attending physician. Our model can be used to accurately estimate the risk of unfavourable outcomes in ACC patients. This score could be beneficial for both patient counselling and the identification of patients in whom adjuvant mitotane is justified.
Favourable metabolic effects of a eucaloric lower‐carbohydrate diet in women with PCOS
Authors: Gower Barbara A. , Chandler‐Laney Paula C. , Ovalle Fernando , Goree Laura Lee , Azziz Ricardo , Desmond Renee A. , Granger Wesley M. , Goss Amy M. , Bates G.Wright 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjectiveDiet‐induced reduction in circulating insulin may be an attractive nonpharmacological treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among whom elevated insulin may exacerbate symptoms by stimulating testosterone synthesis. This study was designed to determine whether a modest reduction in dietary carbohydrate (CHO) content affects β‐cell responsiveness, serum testosterone concentration and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.DesignIn a crossover design, two diets (‘Standard,’ STD, 55:18:27% energy from carbohydrate/protein/fat; lower‐carbohydrate, 41:19:40) were provided for 8 weeks in random order with a 4‐week washout between.PatientsThirty women with PCOS.Measurementsβ‐cell responsiveness assessed as the C‐peptide response to glucose during a liquid meal test; insulin sensitivity from insulin and glucose values throughout the test; insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR); and total testosterone by immunoassay.ResultsPaired t‐test indicated that the lower‐CHO diet induced significant decreases in basal β‐cell response (PhiB), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR, total testosterone and all cholesterol measures, and significant increases in insulin sensitivity and dynamic (‘first‐phase’) β‐cell response. The STD diet induced a decrease in HDL‐C and an increase in the total cholesterol‐to‐HDL‐C ratio. Across all data combined, the change in testosterone was positively associated with the changes in fasting insulin, PhiB and insulin AUC (P < 0·05).ConclusionsIn women with PCOS, modest reduction in dietary CHO in the context of a weight‐maintaining diet has numerous beneficial effects on the metabolic profile that may lead to a decrease in circulating testosterone.
Maternal thyroid parameters, body mass index and subsequent weight gain during pregnancy in healthy euthyroid women
Authors: Pop Victor J. , Biondi Bernadette , Wijnen Hennie A. , Kuppens Simone M. , LVader Huib 
Published: February 2013

SummaryContextObesity and too much weight gain during gestation have a negative effect on obstetric and neonatal outcomes.ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between thyroid hormone parameters, body mass index (BMI) and weight gain during gestation.DesignProspective follow‐up study of thyroid parameters and gestational weight gain.SettingHealthy pregnant women, included at first antenatal consultation.PatientsThyroid function (TSH, FT4 and TPO‐Ab) was assessed at 12, 24 and 36 weeks’ gestation in 1035 Dutch Caucasian women who delivered at ≥37 weeks. BMI (WHO criteria) was assessed at eight weeks, and weight gain throughout gestation was also assessed using the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria.MeasurementsPrimary outcome measure: a possible relationship between maternal thyroid parameters and BMI at the first trimester. Secondary outcome measure: the relationship between thyroid parameters and weight gain throughout gestation.ResultsAt 12 weeks’ gestation, BMI correlated with FT4 (r = −0·14, P < 0·001), but not with TSH (r = 0·04, P = 0·89). 415 (40%) of the women met the IOM criteria for appropriate weight gain, 326 (32%) showed less weight gain and 294 (28%) gained too much weight. At all trimesters, the latter group of women showed higher median TSH and lower median FT4 compared with those with normal weight gain. FT4 at 24 weeks’ gestation (OR: 0·84, 95% CI: 0·77–0·91), younger age (OR: 0·97, 95% CI: 0·95–0·99) and primiparity (OR: 0·51, 95% CI: 0·38–0·68) were independently related to too much weight gain.ConclusionsMaternal thyroid parameters are related to both prepregnancy BMI and weight gain throughout gestation.
Prolactin in obese children: a bridge between inflammation and metabolic‐endocrine dysfunction
Authors: Chirico Valeria , Cannavò Salvatore , Lacquaniti Antonio , Salpietro Vincenzo , Mandolfino Mattia , Romeo Petronilla Daniela , Cotta Oana , Munafò Caterina , Giorgianni Grazia , Salpietro Carmelo , Arrigo Teresa 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjectiveAdipocytes, regulated by insulin, represent the major peripheral source of prolactin (PRL), which play a pivotal role in energy balance, acting on adipogenesis and lipolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PRL was associated with obesity‐related inflammatory status and metabolic parameters. The diagnostic and prognostic role of PRL for metabolic syndrome (MS) was assessed. The effects of short‐term lifestyle therapy on PRL levels were evaluated.SubjectsProlactin was assessed in 94 obese patients and compared with 40 healthy children (HS).Patients were followed up for 1 year. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was employed to find the best cut‐off values capable of identifying MS in obese children for PRL, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Kaplan–Meier curves were also generated. Adjusted risk estimates for MS were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. An obesity intervention programme was administered for 12 months.ResultsProlactin levels were lower in obese patients than controls (P < 0·0001). PRL was found to be inversely correlated with BMI, IL‐6 and HOMA‐IR, whereas a direct correlation was found with HDL values. At ROC analysis, PRL showed higher sensitivity and specificity than IL‐6 and TNF‐α in identifying MS in obese children. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that PRL predicted MS independently of other potential confounders. The lifestyle intervention improved PRL and metabolic parameters.ConclusionsProlactin represents a prognostic marker for obese children and a predictive factor for progression to MS. PRL measurement may be useful as part of the endocrine work‐up of obese children.
Planning of dental implant size with digital panoramic radiographs, CBCT‐generated panoramic images, and CBCT cross‐sectional images
Authors: Correa Leticia Ruhland , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Stavropoulos Andreas , Schropp Lars , da Silveira Heloísa Emília Dias , Wenzel Ann 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the implant size (width and length) planned with digital panoramic radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐generated panoramic views, or CBCT cross‐sectional images, in four implant systems.Material and methodsSeventy‐one patients with a total of 103 implant sites in the upper premolar and/or lower molar regions were examined with digital panoramic radiography (D‐PAN) and (CBCT). A metal ball 5 mm in diameter was placed in the edentulous area for the D‐PAN. CBCT data sets were reformatted to a 10‐mm thick CBCT panoramic view (CBCT‐pan) and 1‐mm cross‐sections (CBCT‐cross). Measurements were performed in the images using dedicated software. All images were displayed on a monitor and assessed by three observers who outlined a dental implant by placing four reference points in the site of the implant‐to‐be. Differences in width and length of the implant‐to‐be from the three modalities were analyzed. The implant size selected in the CBCT‐cross images was then compared to that selected in the other two modalities (D‐PAN and CBCT‐pan) for each of the implant systems separately.ResultsThe implant‐to‐be (average measurements among observers) was narrower when measured in CBCT‐cross compared with both D‐PAN and CBCT‐Pan. For premolar sites, the width also differed significantly between D‐PAN and CBCT‐pan modalities. The implant‐to‐be was also significantly shorter when recorded in CBCT‐cross than in D‐PAN. In premolar sites, there were no significant differences in implant length among the three image modalities. It mattered very little for the change in implant step sizes whether CBCT‐cross was compared to D‐PAN or CBCT‐pan images.ConclusionOur results show that the selected implant size differs when planned on panoramic or cross‐section CBCT images. In most cases, implant size measured in cross‐section images was narrower and shorter than implant size measured in a panoramic image or CBCT‐based panoramic view.
Effects of Combination Therapy with Levamlodipine and Bisoprolol on Stroke in Rats
Authors: Gui Huan , Guo Yong‐Fei , Liu Xia , Zhang Jing‐Ming , Yang Yan‐Ling , Huang Gao‐Zhong , Liu Jian‐Guo 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAimTo examine the effects of combination with levamlodipine and bisoprolol on stroke in rats.MethodsFor acute study, Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart period (HP) were monitored in conscious stroke prone‐spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR‐SP) and sinoaortic denervation (SAD) rats before and after intragastric administration of either drug at a single dose. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral arterial occlusion (MCAO) half an hour after drug administration; sacrificed 24 h later to measure the infarct size. For long‐term study, drugs (either alone or in combination) were delivered via food to SHR‐SP. The survival time was recorded.ResultsSBP was significantly reduced by combination therapy both in SHR‐SP and SAD rats. Neutralization on heart rate (HR) was observed in combination. The drug combination increased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and reduced SBP variability (SBPV). In chronic experiments, the lifespan of SHR‐SP rats exposed to the drug combination was longer than that in rats exposed to either drug alone. The infarct area was the smallest in subjects receiving drug combination in SD rats both with and without SAD.ConclusionCombined use of levamlodipine and bisoprolol produced better protection against stroke.