bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A look at the potential association between PICOT framing of a research question and the quality of reporting of analgesia RCTs
Authors: Borg Debono Victoria , Zhang Shiyuan , Ye Chenglin , Paul James , Arya Aman , Hurlburt Lindsay , Murthy Yamini , Thabane Lehana 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Methodologists have proposed the formation of a good research question to initiate the process of developing a research protocol that will guide the design, conduct and analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and help improve the quality of reporting such studies. Five constituents of a good research question based on the PICOT framing include: Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Time-frame of outcome assessment. The aim of this study was to analyze if the presence a structured research question, in PICOT format, in RCTs used within a 2010 meta-analysis investigating the effectiveness of femoral nerve blocks after total knee arthroplasty, is independently associated with improved quality of reporting.

Methods
Twenty-three RCT reports were assessed for the quality of reporting and then examined for the presence of the five constituents of a structured research question based on PICOT framing. We created a PICOT score (predictor variable), with a possible score between 0 and 5; one point for every constituent that was included. Our outcome variable was a 14 point overall reporting quality score (OQRS) and a 3 point key methodological items score (KMIS) based on the proper reporting of allocation concealment, blinding and numbers analysed using the intention-to-treat principle. Both scores, OQRS and KMIS, are based on the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine if PICOT score was independently associated with OQRS and KMIS.

Results
A completely structured PICOT score question was found in 2 of the 23 RCTs evaluated. Although not statistically significant, higher PICOT was associated with higher OQRS [IRR: 1.267; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.984, 1.630; p = 0.066] but not KMIS (1.061 (0.515, 2.188); 0.872). These results are comparable to those from a similar study in terms of the direction and range of IRRs estimates. The results need to be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size.

Conclusions
This study showed that PICOT framing of a research question in anesthesia-related RCTs is not often followed. Even though a statistically significant association with higher OQRS was not found, PICOT framing of a research question is still an important attribute within all RCTs.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma with massive metastasis in the uterine corpus: a case report
Authors: Wang Jian-hong , Yu Jing , Ning Chun-ping , Sun Yong-mei , Fang Shi-bao 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Distant metastases stemming from a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are quite rare. Here we report an exceptional case of PTC presenting with cervical lymphatic and uterine metastases. This is the first case report of a PTC with uterine involvement.

Case presentation
A 60-year-old Chinese woman came to our hospital complaining of discomfort in the throat that she had been experiencing for about half a month. PTC and cervical lymphatic metastasis were diagnosed after ultrasound examinations. A massive heterogeneous mass was found beside the uterus during the pre-operative checkup and a diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma was suspected after a thorough case discussion. However, it proved to be a metastasis from the PTC as determined by pathological and immunohistochemical examinations after the operation. The patient declined further treatments. She was followed for 22 months with no sign of recurrence detected.

Conclusions
In this report, an unusual case of PTC was presented. The patient had not only regional lymphatic metastasis, but also had a massive metastasis in the uterine corpus, which was initially misdiagnosed as ovarian carcinoma. This case is of interest because of its rarity and exceptionally good prognosis. The reason for the misdiagnosis was attributed to overlooking the possibility of a distant metastasis coming from a PTC. This case raises the issue that completing an iodine-131 scan before operating on patients with PTC may be warranted.
Polyphenol extract of Phyllanthus emblica (PEEP) induces inhibition of cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Xinxian , Wang Jianjun , Ou Yang , Han Weiwei , Li Huaifang 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of polyphenol extract from Phyllanthus emblica (PEEP) on cervical cancer cells and to explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods
MTT assay was used to measure inhibition of proliferation of cervical cancer (HeLa) cells after treatment with PEEP at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/ml for 48 hours. HeLa cells were treated with PEEP (150 mg/ml) for 48 hours in the following analysis. Karyomorphism was assessed by immunofluorescence using DAPI staining, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed using flow cytometry. Three apoptotic marker proteins, namely, Fas, FasL, and cleaved caspase-8, were assessed by western blotting.

Results
PEEP inhibited the growth of HeLa cells, and the optimum concentration of PEEP was 150 mg/ml. In addition, the karyomorphism of HeLa cells after treatment with PEEP was abnormal. Furthermore, PEEP induced arrest of the HeLa cell cycle at G2/M phase, and triggered apoptosis. PEEP also induced significant Fas and FasL activation, and cleavage of caspase-8.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that PEEP is effective in inhibiting HeLa cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and inducing apoptosis.
Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Neurodevelopment in Boys and Girls
Authors: Suarez-Lopez Jose R. , Himes John H. , Jacobs David R. , Alexander Bruce H. , Gunnar Megan R. 
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND:
Organophosphate exposures can affect children’s neurodevelopment, possibly due to neurotoxicity induced by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and may affect boys more than girls. We tested the hypothesis that lower AChE activity is associated with lower neurobehavioral development among children living in Ecuadorian floricultural communities.

METHODS:
In 2008, we examined 307 children (age: 4–9 years; 52% male) and quantified AChE activity and neurodevelopment in 5 domains: attention/executive functioning, language, memory/learning, visuospatial processing, and sensorimotor (NEPSY-II test). Associations were adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and height-for-age, flower worker cohabitation, and hemoglobin concentration.

RESULTS:
Mean ± standard deviation AChE activity was 3.14 ± 0.49 U/mL (similar for both genders). The range of scores among neurodevelopment subtests was 5.9 to 10.7 U (standard deviation: 2.6–4.9 U). Girls had a greater mean attention/executive functioning domain score than boys. In boys only, there were increased odds ratios of low (&lt;9th percentile) neurodevelopment among those in the lowest tertile versus the highest tertile of AChE activity (odds ratios: total neurodevelopment: 5.14 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84 to 31.48]; attention/executive functioning domain: 4.55 [95% CI: 1.19 to 17.38], memory/learning domain: 6.03 [95% CI: 1.17 to 31.05]) after adjustment for socioeconomic and demographic factors, height-for-age, and hemoglobin. Within these domains, attention, inhibition and long-term memory subtests were most affected.

CONCLUSIONS:
Low AChE activity was associated with deficits in neurodevelopment, particularly in attention, inhibition, and memory in boys but not in girls. These critical cognitive skills affect learning and academic performance. Added precautions regarding secondary occupational pesticide exposure would be prudent.
Media Use and Sleep Among Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development
Authors: Engelhardt Christopher R. , Mazurek Micah O. , Sohl Kristin 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:The current study examined the relationships between media use (television, computer, and video games) and sleep among boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or with typical development (TD).METHODS:Participants included parents of boys with ASD (n = 49), ADHD (n = 38), or TD (n = 41) (ages 8–17 years). Questionnaires assessed daily hours of media use, bedroom access to media, and average sleep hours per night.RESULTS:Bedroom media access was associated with less time spent sleeping per night, irrespective of diagnostic group. Bedroom access to a television or a computer was more strongly associated with reduced sleep among boys with ASD compared with boys with ADHD or TD. Multivariate models showed that, in addition to bedroom access, the amount of time spent playing video games was uniquely associated with less sleep among boys with ASD. In the ASD group only, the relationship between bedroom access to video games and reduced sleep was mediated by hours of video game play.CONCLUSIONS:The current results suggest that media-related variables may be an important consideration in understanding sleep disturbances in children with ASD. Further research is needed to better characterize the processes by which media use may affect sleep among individuals with ASD. Overall, the current findings suggest that screen-based media time and bedroom media access should be routinely assessed and may be important intervention targets when addressing sleep problems in children with ASD.
Modulation of Voltage-Dependent and Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels by 15-Epi-Lipoxin-A4 in Activated Murine Macrophages: Implications in Innate Immunity
Authors: Moreno Cristina , Prieto Patricia , Macías Álvaro , Pimentel-Santillana María , de la Cruz Alicia , Través Paqui G. , Boscá Lisardo , Valenzuela Carmen 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Potassium channels modulate macrophage physiology. Blockade of voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) by specific antagonists decreases macrophage cytokine production and inhibits proliferation. In the presence of aspirin, acetylated cyclooxygenase-2 loses the activity required to synthesize PGs but maintains the oxygenase activity to produce 15R-HETE from arachidonate. This intermediate product is transformed via 5-LOX into epimeric lipoxins, termed 15-epi-lipoxins (15-epi-lipoxin A4 [e-LXA4]). Kv have been proposed as anti-inflammatory targets. Therefore, we studied the effects of e-LXA4 on signaling and on Kv and inward rectifier potassium channels (Kir) in mice bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDM). Electrophysiological recordings were performed in these cells by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Treatment of BMDM with e-LXA4 inhibited LPS-dependent activation of NF-κB and IκB kinase β activity, protected against LPS activation–dependent apoptosis, and enhanced the accumulation of the Nrf-2 transcription factor. Moreover, treatment of LPS-stimulated BMDM with e-LXA4 resulted in a rapid decrease of Kv currents, compatible with attenuation of the inflammatory response. Long-term treatment of LPS-stimulated BMDM with e-LXA4 significantly reverted LPS effects on Kv and Kir currents. Under these conditions, e-LXA4 decreased the calcium influx versus that observed in LPS-stimulated BMDM. These effects were partially mediated via the lipoxin receptor (ALX), because they were significantly reverted by a selective ALX receptor antagonist. We provide evidence for a new mechanism by which e-LXA4 contributes to inflammation resolution, consisting of the reversion of LPS effects on Kv and Kir currents in macrophages.
Molar size and shape in the estimation of biological ancestry: A comparison of relative cusp location using geometric morphometrics and interlandmark distances
Authors: Kenyhercz Michael W. , Klales Alexandra R. , Kenyhercz William E. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTHuman molars exhibit varying shapes when viewed from the occlusal surface. Available methods for quantifying molar occlusal shape have historically been confined to qualitative descriptions. The present study utilized geometric morphometric analyses to capture molar shape as defined through relative cusp locations. Cusp apices of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars were digitized from 190 American Blacks and Whites to estimate biological affinity through the shape of relative cusp locations. The coordinate data were subjected to a Generalized Procrustes Analysis to generate Procrustes coordinates and calculate centroid sizes. Procrustes coordinates were then subjected to a principal component analysis to examine the direction and magnitude of shape change inherent in the sample. Centroid size and major shape component group means were compared with t‐tests. Interlandmark distances were then calculated from the raw coordinate information and also subjected to a principal components analysis. Procrustes coordinates and the principal components derived from them with and without centroid size, along with the interlandmark distances and the principal components derived from them, were each subjected to a discriminant function analysis to examine which methods yielded the highest correct classification between population groups. Total correct classifications ranged from 62.7% to 87.9% depending on the variables forward stepwise selected for each analysis. Using a combination of the second maxillary molar and first mandibular molar yielded the most optimistic results and corroborates theoretical models of molar development. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:269–279, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dependence of alcohol vapor‐induced crystallization on gas and vapor permeabilities of poly(lactic acid) films
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Wada Takayuki , Ido Ryohei , Murakoshi Yoshiyuki , Kanehashi Shinji , Nagai Kazukiyo 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThe effects of methanol and ethanol vapor‐induced crystallization on vapor and gas permeabilities and on the structure of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films were systematically investigated. At high temperature conditions, the vapor permeability of PLA films decreased with increasing exposure time. The PLA films that were exposed to alcohol vapor became slightly cloudy, and no changes in chemical structure were observed. Alcohol vapor‐induced crystallization formed α‐crystal structure. The vapor permeability decreased with increasing crystallinity. However, nitrogen permeability slightly increased after vapor‐induced crystallization. The dependence of crystallinity on vapor and gas permeabilities was different from each penetrant. Total crystalline structures, including continuous crystal structures, remaining amorphous regions, and their interface depend on vapor and gas permeabilities. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40140.
Optimization of slow cooling cryopreservation for human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Miyazaki Takamichi , Nakatsuji Norio , Suemori Hirofumi 
Published: November 2013

SummaryHuman pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have the potential for unlimited expansion and differentiation into cell types of all three germ layers. Cryopreservation is a key process for successful application of hPSCs. However, the current conventional method leads to poor recovery of hPSCs after thawing. Here, we demonstrate a highly efficient recovery method for hPSC cryopreservation by slow freezing and single‐cell dissociation. After confirming hPSC survivability after freeze‐thawing, we found that hPSCs that were freeze‐thawed as colonies showed markedly decreased survival, whereas freeze‐thawed single hPSCs retained the majority of their viability. These observations indicated that hPSCs should be cryopreserved as single cells. Freeze‐thawed single hPSCs efficiently adhered and survived in the absence of a ROCK inhibitor by optimization of the seeding density. The high recovery rate enabled conventional colony passaging for subculture within 3 days post‐thawing. The improved method was also adapted to a xeno‐free culture system. Moreover, the cell recovery postcryopreservation was highly supported by coating culture surfaces with human laminin‐521 that promotes adhesion of dissociated single hPSCs. This simplified but highly efficient cryopreservation method allows easy handling of cells and bulk storage of high‐quality hPSCs. genesis 52:49–55, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Group 8 Transition Metal Complexes of the Tripodal Triphosphino Ligands PhSi(CH2PR2)3 (R = Ph, iPr)
Authors: Neumeyer Felix , Lipschutz Michael I. , Tilley T. Don 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA series of group 8 transition metal complexes of new tridentate phosphine ligands with Fe, Ru, and Os were prepared. The new complexes were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography.
An Approach to the Carbon Backbone of Bielschowskysin, Part 1: Photocyclization Strategy
Authors: Himmelbauer Martin , Farcet Jean‐Baptiste , Gagnepain Julien , Mulzer Johann 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSeveral macrocyclization reaction attempts of highly advanced precursors toward a total synthesis of marine diterpene bielschowskysin are disclosed. Biomimetic [2+2]‐photocyclization reactions were applied to construct the cyclobutane core in these intermediates, which could be accessed along scalable high‐yielding reaction sequences from cheap enantiopure starting‐materials.
The Effects of Outsourcing and Devolvement on the Strategic Position of HR Departments
Authors: Reichel Astrid , Lazarova Mila 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article critically examines how outsourcing and devolvement of HR activities influence the strategic position of HR departments. Past research has offered conflicting predictions about their impact, ranging from a very positive move of HR departments to powerful strategic positions to a rather negative move toward marginality as their tasks are being taken over by either external providers or line managers. In an effort to resolve existing inconsistencies in the literature, we base our propositions on the strategic contingency theory of subunit power (Hickson, Hinings, Lee, Schneck, & Pennings, 1971). Our results suggest that the strategic position of HR departments is negatively influenced by devolvement to line management and positively influenced by outsourcing of noncore HR tasks. No significant effect of outsourcing core HR activities was found. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolutionarily dynamic roles of a PUF RNA‐binding protein in the somatic development of Caenorhabditis briggsae
Authors: Liu Qinwen , Haag Eric S. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTGene duplication and divergence has emerged as an important aspect of developmental evolution. The genomes of Caenorhabditis nematodes encode an ancient family of PUF RNA‐binding proteins. Most have been implicated in germline development, and are often redundant with paralogs of the same sub‐family. An exception is Cbr‐puf‐2 (one of three Caenorhabditis briggsae PUF‐2 sub‐family paralogs), which is required for development past the second larval stage. Here, we provide a detailed functional characterization of Cbr‐puf‐2. The larval arrest of Cbr‐puf‐2 mutant animals is caused by inefficient breakdown of bacterial food, which leads to starvation. Cbr‐puf‐2 is required for the normal grinding cycle of the muscular terminal bulb during early larval stages, and is transiently expressed in this tissue. In addition, rescue of larval arrest reveals that Cbr‐puf‐2 also promotes normal vulval development. It is expressed in the anchor cell (which induces vulval fate) and vulval muscles, but not in the vulva precursor cells (VPCs) themselves. This contrasts with the VPC‐autonomous repression of vulval development described for the Caenorhabditis elegans homologs fbf‐1/2. These different roles for PUF proteins occur even as the vulva and pharynx maintain highly conserved anatomies across Caenorhabditis, indicating pervasive developmental system drift (DSD). Because Cbr‐PUF‐2 shares RNA‐binding specificity with its paralogs and with C. elegans FBF, we suggest that functional novelty of RNA‐binding proteins evolves through changes in the site of their expression, perhaps in concert with cis‐regulatory evolution in target mRNAs. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 129–141, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
INTERNATIONAL CRISES AND DEVELOPING ECONOMIES: LINKAGES AND RECENT EXPERIENCES
Authors: Amann Edmund , Lawson David 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article provides the theoretical and empirical context to the papers contained in this special issue. We provide background on the recent developed country financial crisis and perspective via a review of prior shocks and crises. The paper then considers the transmission mechanisms through which economic crises can affect economies and individuals in the developing world. The linkages centre on trade, capital flows and remittances. This section also critically surveys the literature concerning the macroeconomic and microeconomic impact of such crises on developing countries. Finally, we review the papers that comprise the special issue, before providing some policy conclusions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FINANCIAL CRISIS IN ASIA: ITS GENESIS, SEVERITY AND IMPACT ON POVERTY AND HUNGER
Authors: Imai Katsushi S. , Gaiha Raghav , Thapa Ganesh , Annim Samuel Kobina 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBuilding on the recent literature on finance, growth and hunger, we have examined the experience of Asian countries over the period 1960–2010 by dynamic and static panel data models. We have found evidence favouring a positive role of finance—defined as private credit by banks—on growth of GDP and agricultural value added. Private credit as well as loans from the World Bank significantly reduces undernourishment, whereas remittances and loans from microfinance institutions appear to have a negative impact on poverty. Our empirical evidence shows that growth performance was significantly lower during the recent global financial crisis than non‐crisis periods, although the severity is much smaller during the recent financial crisis than Asian financial crisis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polypeptide/Multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrid complexes stabilized through noncovalent bonding interactions
Authors: Lin Yung‐Chih , Kuo Shiao‐Wei 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, we used click chemistry to synthesize new linear polypeptide‐g‐pyrene polymers from a mono‐azido‐functionalized pyrene derivative (N3‐Py) and several poly(γ‐propargyl‐l‐glutamate) (PPLG) oligomers. Incorporating the pyrene units as side chains enhanced the α‐helical conformations of these PPLG oligomers in the solid state, as determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; it also increased the temperature stability of the α‐helical secondary structures of the grafted PPLG oligomers, relative to those of the pure PPLG species, as revealed through temperature‐dependent FTIR spectroscopic analyses. In addition, the thermal properties of the PPLG‐g‐Py polypeptides (e.g., glass transition temperatures increased by ca. 100 °C) were superior to those of pure PPLG oligomers. Mixing the PPLG‐g‐Py oligomers with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in dimethylformamide led to the formation of highly dispersible PPLG‐g‐Py/MWCNT organic/inorganic hybrid complex materials. Fluorescence emission spectra revealed significant π–π stacking between the PPLG‐g‐Py oligomers and the MWCNTs in these complexes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 321–329