bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Coalition government's reforms to employment tribunals and statutory employment rights—echoes of the past
Authors: Dickens Linda 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe current Coalition government's reforms of Employment Tribunals (ETs) and statutory rights echo the articulated rationale and argument, the underpinning deregulation ideology and the content of reforms initiated by Conservative governments of the 1980s and 1990s. The changes, while generally adverse for workers, are not necessarily positive for employers and risk adding to, rather than alleviating, the regulatory ‘burden’. A declared emphasis on alternative dispute resolution and workplace dispute settlement distinguishes the current reform agenda, but the potential this offers is unlikely to be realised given the short‐term policy focus on cost reduction, an emphasis on suppressing and deterring legal actions rather than on improving workplaces and the absence of such facilitating features as workplace representation and institutions, a continuing legacy of the 1979–1997 period.
Comparing the effects of nebivolol and dexpanthenol on wound healing: an experimental study
Authors: Ulger Burak V , Kapan Murat , Uslukaya Omer , Bozdag Zubeyir , Turkoglu Ahmet , Alabalık Ulas , Onder Akın 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWound healing is a dynamic, interactive process that is initiated in response to injury. A number of investigations and clinical studies have been performed to determine new approaches for the improvement of wound healing. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dexpanthenol, a molecule that is widely used for improving wound healing, and nebivolol, a molecule that increases nitric oxide release, on wound healing. A total of 30 rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 10). A linear 2 cm incision was made in the rats' skin. No treatment was administered in the first (control) group. Dexpanthenol cream was administered to the rats in the second group and 5% nebivolol cream was administered to the rats in the third group. The wound areas of all of the rats were measured on certain days. On the 21st day, all wounds were excised and histologically evaluated. The wound healing rates of the dexpanthenol and nebivolol groups were higher than those of the control group (P < 0·05). However, the wound healing rates of the dexpanthenol and nebivolol groups were not significantly different. Nebivolol and dexpanthenol have comparable effects on wound healing.
Changes in the expression of epidermal differentiation markers at sites where cultured epithelial autografts were transplanted onto wounds from burn scar excision
Authors: Kadoya Kuniko , Amano Satoshi , Nishiyama Toshio , Inomata Shinji , Tsunenaga Makoto , Kumagai Norio , Matsuzaki Kyoichi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the recovery process during which grafted cultured epithelium formed normal epidermis. The subjects were 18 patients whose burn scars were excised at a depth not exposing the fat layer and who subsequently received cultured epithelial autografts. A total of 24 samples were obtained from the grafted sites: 6 samples within 6 weeks (stage 1), 5 samples after 6 weeks and within 6 months (stage 2), 6 samples after 6 months and within 18 months (stage 3) and 7 samples beyond 18 months (stage 4) after transplantation. These samples were stained for monoclonal antibodies against filaggrin, transglutaminase (TG), cytokeratin 6 and involucrin. Their expressions were examined in the epidermis. The expression patterns were classified using a six‐grade scale. The grades of filaggrin and TG were significantly higher at stage 3 and 4 compared with stage 1. There was a marginally significant increase in the grade of cytokeratin 6 at stage 3 and it was significantly higher at stage 4 compared with stage 1. These results showed that wound healing continued at a molecular level until the end of stage 3. The recovery of involucrin was delayed compared with that of other markers. TG and involucrin are thought to be regulated independently at the grafted sites.
Cellular interactions in prostate cancer
Authors: LEE C. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThis article will review the different modes of action of soluble growth factors in the growth of benign and malignant prostatic cells. Cellular proliferation, growth arrest or even apoptosis requires the participation of appropriate growth factors [1], Proliferative activities of Prostatic epithelial cells, like other cells, are governed by the action of a variety of growth factors. Prostatic growth is traditionally considered to be regulated by androgen, as the prostate is an androgen‐sensitive organ, in that the growth and maintenance of the structure and functional integrity are dependent upon the presence of circulating androgen [2,3]. A depletion of this androgenic support, e.g. by bilateral orchidectomy in the host, results in massive apoptosis in prostatic epithelial cells, leading to a rapid rate of tissue involution [4], Subsequent androgen replacement therapy reactivates Prostatic growth. Therefore, androgen is the most potent mitogen to the prostate. It is now apparent that this autogenic effect of androgen on the prostate is mediated through the action of various growth factors as a consequence of an intricate cell‐to‐cell interaction, a characteristic feature of benign prostatic growth [5,6].On the other hand, malignant prostatic growth is characterized by additional mechanisms of cellular proliferation that provide a distinct growth advantage over that of their benign counterparts. Cancer develops as a result of a series of genetic mutations [7]. Prostatic cancer is no exception; however, its progression seems to follow a relatively predictable course, from an androgen‐sensitive state to an autonomous state [8]. Sensitivity to androgen in prostatic cancer is mainly due to the presence of androgen receptors in malignant cells, which retain some properties of the benign prostatic cells. However, the manner in which androgen interacts with prostatic cancer cells can be drastically different from that in which it reacts with benign cells. Despite androgen playing an important role in the progression of prostatic cancer, eventually these cancer cells are able to convert from an androgen‐responsive growth mode to an androgen‐independent mode. Often, a conversion from one state to another is associated with a poorer prognosis and is preceded by the acquisition of new growth advantages within the cancer cells. Again, soluble growth factors are the underlying mechanisms of androgen‐sensitive and androgen‐insensitive malignant growth. The abnormal growth behaviour in prostatic cancer cells can be manifested by an over‐expression of growth‐stimulating factor(s) and/or a loss of expression (or function) of growth‐suppressive factor(s). The production and action of growth factors in the context of benign and malignant growth of prostatic cells will be the focus of the present discussion.
The cadherin cell—cell adhesion pathway in prostate cancer progression
Authors: PAUL R. , EWING C.M. , JARRARD D.F. , ISAACS W.B. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryCadherins are a family of calcium‐dependent cell—cell adhesion molecules involved in cell—cell aggregation and morphoregulatory cell function. Dysfunction of the cadherin pathway is involved in tumour invasiveness and disease progression for a variety of carcinomas. E‐cadherin is a prognostic marker in prostatic cancer, based on the correlation of the grade of E‐cadherin expression and tumour grade, stage, metastasis and survival, as well as recurrence after radical prostatectomy. P‐cadherin was shown to be lost in all prostatic cancers, although this most likely reflects loss of the basal cell population rather than a transcriptional down‐regulation, suggesting that loss of P‐cadherin expression is an early event in the tumorigenesis of prostatic carcinomas. Catenins, particularly α‐catenin, also play an important role in the dysfunction of the cell adhesion complex. Mechanisms of inactivation of the cadherin—catenin pathway include LOH, gene deletions and gene promoter hypermethylation. Therapeutic strategies have been investigated in tumour models, i.e. the use of demethylating agents for the hypermethylated promoter region of E‐cadherin or gene transfer in PC‐3 cells with homozygous deletion of the α‐catenin gene. The complexity of neoplastic changes cannot be explained by alterations of cell adhesion molecules alone; but as demonstrated, cadherins and catenins play an important role in this process.
Effect of Migration on Children's Self‐esteem in Rural China
Authors: Zhan Xuefeng , Li Shaoping , Liu Chengfang , Zhang Linxiu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractChina's rapid economic growth has been facilitated by its large volume of rural to urban migration. China's projected future development, especially increasing urbanization, implies that such migration will further intensify. However, migration does not come without cost. There are concerns about the potential negative impacts of migration on children's care, education, and, in particular, the self‐esteem of children left behind in villages where one or both parents have out‐migrated to cities. In this paper, we employ unique survey data collected from Shaanxi Province, where more than 4700 ninth grade students from 36 rural junior high schools in five counties were surveyed in late 2011. The results show that having both parents migrate into cities significantly reduced children's self‐esteem. The effects are also gender sensitive. Girls that had a father or both parents who had out‐migrated were inclined to have lower self‐esteem than boys. Moreover, our study findings indicate that parental migration decreased children's self‐esteem more for individuals with initial low self‐esteem.
Impact of cigarette smoking on histone (H2B) to protamine ratio in human spermatozoa and its relation to sperm parameters
Authors: Hamad M. F. , Shelko N. , Kartarius S. , Montenarh M. , Hammadeh M. E. 
Published: July 2014

SummarySmoking is strongly associated with abnormalities in histone‐to‐protamine transition and with alteration of protamine expression in human spermatozoa. A proper protamine to histone ratio is, however, essential for sperm chromatin maturity and DNA integrity. Alterations in these sperm nuclear proteins were observed in infertile men. The present prospective study is aimed at evaluating the possible relationship among smoking, semen quality and the histone‐to‐protamine transition ratio in mature spermatozoa. Histone H2B and protamine 1 (P1) and 2 (P2) were quantified using acid‐urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the spermatozoa of 35 smokers and 19 non‐smokers. Levels of lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in seminal plasma by thiobarbituric acid assay. Cotinine concentrations were determined in seminal plasma using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Histone H2B levels in smokers (292.27 ± 58.24 ng/106) were significantly higher (p = 0.001) than that of non‐smokers (109.1 ± 43.70 ng/106), besides, a significant difference (p > 0.0001) was found for the P1 and P2 ratio between smokers (1.71 ± 0.071) and non‐smokers (1.05 ± 0.033). The H2B/(H2B+P1 + P2) ratio (0.29 ± 0.71) of smokers were significantly higher (p = <0.0001) than that of non‐smokers (0.12 ± 0.01). The concentrations of MDA (μm) (7.13 ± 1.15) and cotinine (ng/mL) (60.44 ± 31.32) in seminal plasma of smokers were significantly higher (p = 0.001) than those in the samples of the non‐smoker group (4.42 ± 1.16 and 2.01 ± 2.84 respectively). In addition, smokers showed significantly (p ≤ 0.002) lower sperm count, motility (p = 0.018), vitality (p = 0.009) and membrane integrity (p = 0.0001) than non‐smokers. These results reveal that patients who smoke possess a higher proportion of spermatozoa with an alteration of the histone to protamine ratio than patients who do not smoke, and suggest that cigarette smoking may inversely affect male fertility.
Ultra‐Low Fire Glass‐Free Li3FeMo3O12 Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Liao Qingwei , Wang Yunli , Jiang Feng , Guo Dong 
Published: July 2014

A new ultra‐low fire glass‐free microwave dielectric material Li3FeMo3O12 was investigated for the first time. Single phase ceramics were obtained by the conventional solid‐state route after sintering at 540°C–600°C. The atomic packing fraction, FWHM of the Ag oxygen‐octahedron stretching Raman mode and Qf values of samples sintered at different temperatures correlated well with each other. The sample with a Lower Raman shift showed a higher dielectric constant. Interestingly, the system also showed a distinct adjustable temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (from −84× 10−6/°C to 25 × 10−6/°C).
Uncontrolled Hypertension in Uganda: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Musinguzi Geofrey , Van Geertruyden Jean‐Pierre , Bastiaens Hilde , Nuwaha Fred 
Published: July 2014

In a community survey, 4432 persons aged 15 years and older in two districts in Uganda were studied. Blood pressure was measured and predictors for subtypes of uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling. Prevalence of uncontrolled HTN was 20.2% and the subgroups of isolated systolic HTN (ISH), isolated diastolic HTN (IDH), and systolic‐diastolic HTN (SDH) were 7.2%, 4.2%, and 8.8%, respectively. No difference was observed between the sexes. For all HTN subtypes, middle (35–49 years) and older age (50+) groups had a higher prevalence compared with younger subjects (15–34 years) (all P<.001). IDH prevalence in older age was not higher compared with younger age (P=.417). After multivariate analysis, middle age predicted all subtypes of HTN and old age predicted ISH and SDH. Alcohol consumption predicted IDH and SDH. Uncontrolled HTN in this population increases in the order IDH, ISH, and SDH, with more than 1 in 5 having uncontrolled HTN.
Post‐introduction observation of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Varela‐Lema Leonor , Queiro‐Verdes Teresa , Baz‐Alonso José A. , Cuenca‐Castillo José J. , Durán‐Muñoz Darío , Gónzalez‐Juanatey José R. , Herrera Noreña José M. , Iñiguez‐Romo Andrés , López‐Otero Diego , Pradas‐Montilla Gonzalo , Rubio‐Álvarez José , Salgado‐Fernández Jorge , Trillo Nouche Ramiro , Vázquez‐González Nicolás , López‐García Marisa 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTranscatheter aortic valve implantation constitutes an example of a technology introduced into the Galician Health Care System basket and subjected to a post‐introduction observational study after coverage. This paper aims to describe the process and results of this experience, illustrating the main challenges and opportunities in using these studies for supporting decision making.MethodsThe study protocol was developed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of experts from the Galician HTA Agency (avalia‐t), interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Together they agreed on the information that was relevant and feasible for collection, and planned the study design, data collection and analysis of results.ResultsDuring the 1‐year recruitment period, 94 patients underwent percutaneous aortic valve replacement in the three authorized centres. Implantation rate and prosthesis models differed substantially across the centres. Overall, procedural success rate was 96.8% and hospital mortality was 7.4%. Complications during post‐surgical admission were recorded in 40.4% of patients. Moderate residual aortic regurgitation was observed in 10% of patients, and the procedure was associated with a stroke rate of 3.3% at 30 days and 5.3% at 1 year.ConclusionsPost‐introduction observation has made it feasible to determine the use of this procedure within the SERGAS context and has enabled the assessment of performance in real‐life conditions. The proposed strategic actions and interventions have been drawn up based upon the collective judgement of a group of experienced professionals, and have served to establish recommendations on further research that would be required to optimize health benefits.
High Arterial Pulse Wave Velocity Is a Risk Factor for Falls in Community‐Dwelling Older People
Authors: Wong Alfred K. W. , Lord Stephen R. , Trollor Julian N. , Sturnieks Daina L. , Delbaere Kim , Menant Jasmine , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder S. , Close Jacqueline C. T. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo examine whether arterial stiffness is a risk factor for falls in community‐dwelling older people.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingCommunity population, Sydney, Australia.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older adults (mean age 79.8 ± 4.4, 52.2% female; N = 481).MeasurementsCarotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured in the supine position after lying for 10 minutes. Demographic, medical, and medication characteristics and levels of physical activity were obtained in clinical interviews and questionnaires, and falls were recorded with monthly falls diaries for 12 months.ResultsParticipants in the top quintile of PWV (high PWV) were more likely to have higher seated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate, unsatisfactory control of blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and lower physical activity levels. These participants were also more likely to be male and taking cardiovascular medications. Of the 473 participants available for follow‐up, 212 (44.8%) reported one or more falls. In modified Poisson regression analyses, high PWV was a risk factor for falls (relative risk = 1.37, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.78) after adjusting for use of psychotropic and cardiovascular medications, age, sex, body mass index, seated SBP, heart rate, and diabetes status.ConclusionIn community‐dwelling older people, high PWV (as a measure of arterial stiffness) was a risk factor for falls after adjusting for potential demographic, anthropometric, disease, and medication confounders. Further research is required to investigate mediators for this association and the effect of lowering arterial stiffness on falls in older people.
Tau‐targeting passive immunization modulates aspects of pathology in tau transgenic mice
Authors: Ittner Arne , Bertz Josefine , Suh Lisa S. , Stevens Claire H. , Götz Jürgen , Ittner Lars M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractImmunization is increasingly recognized as a suitable therapeutic avenue for the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Tau is a key molecular player in these conditions and therefore represents an attractive target for passive immunization approaches. We performed such an approach in two independent tau transgenic mouse models of tauopathy, K369I tau transgenic K3 and P301L tau transgenic pR5 mice. The antibodies we used were either specific for full‐length tau or tau phosphorylated at serine 404 (pS404), a residue that forms part of the paired helical filament (PHF)‐1 phosphoepitope that characterizes tau neurofibrillary tangles in tauopathies. Although both pS404 antibodies had a similar affinity, they differed in isotype, and only passive immunization with the IgG2a/κ pS404‐specific antibody resulted in a lower tangle burden and reduced phosphorylation of tau at the PHF1 epitope in K3 mice. In pR5 mice, the same antibody led to a reduced phosphorylation of the pS422 and PHF1 epitopes of tau. In addition, histological sections of the hippocampal dentate gyrus of the immunized pR5 mice displayed reduced pS422 staining intensities. These results show that passive immunization targeting tau can modulate aspects of tau pathology in tau transgenic mouse models, in an antibody isotype‐specific manner.
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We show that passive immunization targeting the pathological phosphorylation site pS404 on human tau with a monoclonal IgG2a/κ, but not a IgG1/κ antibody, reduced hyperphosphorylation of tau and tangle burden in two independent mouse models of tau pathology. This shows that both specificity and isotype of phospho‐tau (p‐tau)‐specific antibodies are important for therapeutically ameliorating tau pathology.
Family history of type 2 diabetes increases the risk of both obesity and its complications: is type 2 diabetes a disease of inappropriate lipid storage?
Authors: Cederberg H. , Stančáková A. , Kuusisto J. , Laakso M. , Smith U. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to characterize diabetes risk in relation to amount and distribution of body fat (environmental factors) and genetic risk defined as having first‐degree (FH1) or second‐degree relatives with diabetes.DesignWe analysed the METSIM population of 10 197 middle‐aged, randomly selected men. At baseline, information about family history of diabetes was registered and all individuals underwent extensive phenotyping. A follow‐up study was conducted after 6 years. The metabolic consequences of increased visceral versus subcutaneous fat were characterized in a separate cohort of 158 healthy men (the Kuopio Cohort of the EUGENE2 study).ResultsAt baseline, individuals with a family history of diabetes (FH+) had approximately a twofold increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared with individuals without a family history of the disease (FH−) (18.0% vs. 9.9%; P = 1.3 × 10−31). FH1 individuals were more commonly overweight and obese compared with FH− (69.2% vs. 64.8%; P = 1.3 × 10−4) and, for a given body mass index, showed an increased risk profile for both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as a greater susceptibility to the negative consequences of increased body fat also when nonobese. Subgroup analyses indicated that the metabolic consequences were due primarily to increased ectopic/visceral fat rather than subcutaneous fat. The increased risk profile in FH+ individuals was not altered by adjusting for 43 major diabetes risk genes.ConclusionsFamily history of type 2 diabetes (particularly FH1) is associated with both increased risk of becoming overweight/obese and with a greater susceptibility to the negative consequences of increasing body fat, probably as a consequence of an increased propensity to accumulate ectopic (nonsubcutaneous) fat.
Does breathing type influence electromyographic activity of obligatory and accessory respiratory muscles?
Authors: Gutiérrez M. F. , Valenzuela S. , Miralles R. , Portus C. , Santander H. , Fuentes A. D. , Celhay I. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryCraniomandibular electromyographic (EMG) studies frequently include several parameters, e.g. resting, chewing and tooth‐clenching. EMG activity during these parameters has been recorded in the elevator muscles, but little is known about the respiratory muscles. The aim of this study was to compare EMG activity in obligatory and accessory respiratory muscles between subjects with different breathing types. Forty male subjects were classified according to their breathing type into two groups of 20 each: costo‐diaphragmatic breathing type and upper costal breathing type. Bipolar surface electrodes were placed on the sternocleidomastoid, diaphragm, external intercostal and latissimus dorsi muscles. EMG activity was recorded during the following tasks: (i) normal quiet breathing, (ii) maximal voluntary clenching in intercuspal position, (iii) natural rate chewing until swallowing threshold, (iv) short‐time chewing. Diaphragm EMG activity was significantly higher in the upper costal breathing type than in the costo‐diaphragmatic breathing type in all tasks (P < 0·05). External intercostal EMG activity was significantly higher in the upper costal breathing type than in the costo‐diaphragmatic breathing type in tasks 3 and 4 (P < 0·05). Sternocleidomastoid and latissimus dorsi EMG activity did not show significant differences between breathing types in the tasks studied (P > 0·05). The significantly higher EMG activity observed in subjects with upper costal breathing than in the costo‐diaphragmatic breathing type suggests that there could be differences in motor unit recruitment strategies depending on the breathing type. This may be an expression of the adaptive capability of muscle chains in subjects who clinically have a different thoraco‐abdominal expansion during inspiration at rest.