bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rituals of Infant Death: Defining Life and Islamic Personhood
Authors: Shaw Alison 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis article is about the recognition of personhood when death occurs in early life. Drawing from anthropological perspectives on personhood at the beginnings and ends of life, it examines the implications of competing religious and customary definitions of personhood for a small sample of young British Pakistani Muslim women who experienced miscarriage and stillbirth. It suggests that these women's concerns about the lack of recognition given to the personhood of their fetus or baby constitute a challenge to customary practices surrounding burial as a Muslim. The article suggests that these women's concerns cannot be adequately glossed as a clash of Islamic belief versus Western medicine. Rather, they represent a renegotiation of Islamic opinion and customary practices within the broader context of changes in the medical and social norms surrounding pregnancy loss and infant death in multi‐ethnic British society.
Assessing the crossdisciplinarity of technology‐enhanced learning with science overlay maps and diversity measures
Authors: Kalz Marco , Specht Marcus 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis paper deals with the assessment of the crossdisciplinarity of technology‐enhanced learning (TEL). Based on a general discussion of the concept interdisciplinarity and a summary of the discussion in the field, two empirical methods from scientometrics are introduced and applied. Science overlay maps and the Rao‐Stirling diversity index are used to analyze the TEL field with a scientometric analysis. The science overlay maps show that a wide variety of disciplines contributes to research in the field. The analysis reveals that the field has been operating on a relatively high level of crossdisciplinarity in the last 10 years compared with six other fields of reference. Only in 2004 a decrease in the level of crossdisciplinarity could be identified.
A multi‐centre retrospective study of rituximab use in the treatment of relapsed or resistant warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Maung Su W. , Leahy Maeve , O'Leary Hilary M. , Khan Irfan , Cahill Mary R. , Gilligan Oonagh , Murphy Philip , McPherson Suzanne , Jackson Fred , Ryan Mary , Hennessy Brian , McHugh Johnny , Goodyer Matthew , Bacon Larry , O'Gorman Peter , Nee Aisling , O'Dwyer Michael , Enright Helen , Saunders Jean , O'Keeffe Denis 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThis retrospective analysis assessed the response, safety and duration of response to standard dose rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for four weeks as therapy for patients with primary or secondary warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (WAIHA), who had failed initial treatment. Thirty‐four patients received rituximab for WAIHA in seven centres in the Republic of Ireland. The overall response rate was 70·6% (24/34) with 26·5% (9/34) achieving a complete response (CR). The time to response was 1 month post‐initiation of rituximab in 87·5% (21/24) and 3 months in 12·5% (3/24) of patients. The median duration of follow‐up was 36 months (range 6–90 months). Of the patients who responded, 50% (12/24) relapsed during follow up with a median time to next treatment of 16·5 months (range 6–60 months). Three patients were re‐treated with rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for four weeks at relapse and responded. There was a single episode of neutropenic sepsis. Rituximab is an effective and safe treatment for WAIHA but a significant number of patients will relapse in the first two years post treatment. Re‐treatment was effective in a small number of patients, suggesting that intermittent pulse treatment or maintenance treatment may improve long‐term response.
Serum Cystatin C as a Biomarker of Cardiac Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Cardiac Disease and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Nosaka Kazumasa , Nakamura Kazufumi , Kusano Kengo , Toh Norihisa , Tada Takeshi , Miyoshi Toru , Doi Masayuki , Kohno Kunihisa , Morita Hiroshi , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: August 2013

Diastolic dysfunction of the heart is correlated with cardiac mortality. Serum cystatin C (CysC) is an endogenous marker of kidney function. It is not clear whether serum CysC is associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with varying cardiac conditions with concomitant diastolic abnormalities and preserved ejection fraction (EF). The authors measured serum CysC levels in patients with cardiac diseases and examined the relationships between serum CysC levels and diastolic function. Serum CysC was measured and echocardiography was performed in 124 consecutive patients with cardiac diseases. Transmitral flow (TMF) patterns surrogating diastolic function were categorized into two groups: a normal group and an abnormal group. Serum CysC and BNP showed a significant positive correlation. There were no significant differences in serum CysC among those cardiac diseases. Seventy‐eight patients with cardiac disease and preserved EF (left ventricular EF ≥50%) and without renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2) were examined. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that left atrium diameter and abnormal TMF patterns were independent determinants of serum CysC. Furthermore, patients with elevated serum CysC levels had poor prognosis. Serum CysC is associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with various cardiac diseases and preserved EF. Serum CysC might be a biomarker of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in patients with preserved EF.
Usage test with palladium‐coated earrings in patients with contact allergy to palladium and nickel
Authors: Tillman Cecilia , Engfeldt Malin , Hindsén Monica , Bruze Magnus 
Published: August 2013

SummaryBackgroundSince theEU NickelDirective came into force, concern has been raised that palladium may increasingly replace nickel in alloys used in jewellery and dentistry, and that it may cause as many allergy problems as nickel.Objectives(i) To investigate the clinical relevance of contact allergy to palladium resulting from the wearing of palladium‐coated earrings, and (ii) to evaluate the concordance in test results between palladium chloride (PdCl2), sodium tetrachloropalladate (Na2PdCl4), and nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO4.6H2O), as well as variability in patch test reactivity.Materials/methodsForty female patients with pierced earlobes and previously known contact allergy to palladium and nickel were patch tested with dilution series of nickel and palladium salts. They wore earrings covered with palladium and titanium for 9 weeks to monitor the appearance of any clinical manifestations.Result/conclusionThere is a low risk of eczema in palladium‐allergic and nickel‐allergic individuals when they wear jewellery coated with pure palladium, but further studies are needed to determine whether palladium, when present in alloys, could cause allergic reactions.PdCl2, likeNiSO4.6H2O, shows variability in patch test reactivity over time. Furthermore, Na2PdCl4seems to be a more sensitive test substance thanPdCl2for the detection of palladium allergy.
Topical botanically derived products: use, skin reactions, and usefulness of patch tests. A multicentre Italian study
Authors: Corazza Monica , Borghi Alessandro , Gallo Rosella , Schena Donatella , Pigatto Paolo , Lauriola Maria Michela , Guarneri Fabrizio , Stingeni Luca , Vincenzi Colombina , Foti Caterina , Virgili Annarosa 
Published: August 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe evidence on the safety of topical preparations containing botanical extracts is limited.ObjectivesTo assess (i) the use of botanically derived compounds in a large population, (ii) the incidence of cutaneous side‐effects, and (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing.MethodsA questionnaire was used in 2661 patients to assess both the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used, and the occurrence of adverse skin reactions. Patients declaring adverse reactions were patch tested with (i) the Italian (SIDAPA) baseline series, (ii) an additional botanical series, and (iii) the patients' own products.ResultsOf the patients, 1274 (48%) reported the use of topical botanical products; 139 patients (11%) commented on adverse cutaneous reactions; 75 (54%) showed positive reactions with the Italian baseline series. Among the 122 patients tested with the botanical series, 19 (16%) showed positive reactions, in many cases with concomitant relevant positivity to at least one allergen of the Italian series connected with cosmetics. The commonest botanically derived allergens were propolis, Compositae extracts, and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil.ConclusionsContact allergy is a possible adverse effect of natural products. Baseline series supplemented with the commonest botanical allergens may be adequate for detecting most of the cases of contact allergy to natural topical products.
Do we need animal hands‐on courses for transplantation surgery?
Authors: Golriz Mohammad , Hafezi Mohammadreza , Garoussi Camelia , Fard Nassim , Arvin Jalal , Fonouni Hamidreza , Nickkholgh Arash , Kulu Yakob , Frongia Giovani , Schemmer Peter , Mehrabi Arianeb 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTransplantation surgery requires many years of training. This study evaluates and presents the results of our recent four‐yr animal hands‐on courses of transplantation surgery on participants' training.MethodsSince 2008, five two‐d hands‐on courses of transplantation surgery were performed on swine models at our department. Sixty‐one participants were asked to answer three questionnaires (pre‐course, immediate post‐course, subsequent post‐course). The questions pertained to their past education, expectations, and evaluation of our courses, as well as our course's effectiveness in advancing their surgical abilities. The results were analyzed, compared and are presented herein.ResultsOn average, 1.8 multiorgan procurements, 2.3 kidney, 1.5 liver, and 0.7 pancreas transplantations were performed by each participant. 41.7% of participants considered their previous practical training only satisfactory; 85% hoped for more opportunities to practice surgery; 73.3% evaluated our courses as very good; and 95.8% believed that our courses had fulfilled their expectations. 66% found the effectiveness of our course in advancing their surgical abilities very good; 30% good, and 4% satisfactory.ConclusionAnimal hands‐on courses of transplantation surgery are one of the best options to learn and practice different operations and techniques in a near to clinical simulated model. Regular participation in such courses with a focus on practical issues can provide optimal opportunities for trainees with the advantage of direct mentoring and feedback.
Factors limiting organ donation in Baden‐Württemberg
Authors: Fischer‐Fröhlich Carl‐Ludwig 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn the German state of Baden‐Wurttemberg, the number of deceased donors from whom organs have been recovered has been decreasing over the past several years. We questioned whether changing donor age and/or cause of death (COD) were contributing to this trend.MethodsAll potential donors who reported to our regional Baden‐Württemberg organ procurement organization were reviewed (2006–2010, n = 1771). Changes in age distribution and COD were analyzed, factors we thought might have affected the conversion from potential to successful organ donation.ResultsBetween 2006 and 2010, the annual number of reported cases with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as the COD decreased from 117 to 65, while the number of deaths from other reasons increased from 264 to 294. Conversion rates were higher in the SAH group (56%) compared with the other reasons group (37%).DiscussionMortality rates are changing in certain devastating brain injuries. This, and other factors, may contribute adversely to organ donation rates.
Accounting for Big‐City Growth in Low‐Paid Occupations: Immigration and/or Service‐Class Consumption
Authors: Gordon Ian Richard , Kaplanis Ioannis 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe growth of “global cities” in the 1980s was supposed to have involved an occupational polarization, including the increase in low‐paid service jobs. Although held to be untrue for European cities at the time, some such growth did emerge in London a decade later than first reported for New York. The question is whether there was simply a delay before London conformed to the global city model or whether another distinct cause was at work in both cases. This article proposes that the critical factor in both cases was actually an upsurge of immigration from poor countries that provided an elastic supply of cheap labor. This hypothesis and its counterpart based on the growth in elite jobs are tested econometrically for the British case with regional data spanning 1975–2008, finding some support for both effects, but with immigration from poor countries as the crucial influence in late 1990s London.
Suitability of four palm species for the development of the invasive pest Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the field
Authors: Takano Shun‐ichiro , Takasu Keiji , Fushimi Tsutomu , Ichiki Ryoko T. , Nakamura Satoshi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe coconut hispine beetle Brontispa longissima (Gestro) supposedly originated in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is a serious invasive pest of the coconut palm Cocos nucifera L. in Southeast and East Asia. In Japan, it has established itself using Satakentia liukiuensis (Hatushima) H.E. Moore as a main host on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands where C. nucifera is rare. To assess the probability of further establishment of B. longissima in novel habitats where C. nucifera and S. liukiuensis are not available, we examined the suitability of four common palm species in Japan for oviposition and immature development of B. longissima: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Bory) H. Wendl., Phoenix roebelenii O'Brien, S. liukiuensis and Washingtonia filifera (Linden ex André) H. Wendl. When seedlings of the four palm species were placed in pots in an experimental field on Ishigaki Island, all four species were inhabited and infested by wild B. longissima adults. Oviposition and immature development were observed on P. roebelenii and S. liukiuensis but not on C. lutescens and W. filifera. When field‐collected adults were released into mesh bags enclosing the potted seedlings, they oviposited on all four species. The eggs developed into adults on P. roebelenii, S. liukiuensis and W. filifera. On C. lutescens, however, hatched larvae died during the first or second instar.
Development of new treatment approaches for epilepsy: Unmet needs and opportunities
Authors: French Jacqueline A. , White H. Steve , Klitgaard Henrik , Holmes Gregory L. , Privitera Michael D. , Cole Andrew J. , Quay Ellinor , Wiebe Samuel , Schmidt Dieter , Porter Roger J. , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Trinka Eugen , Perucca Emilio 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA working group was created to address clinical “gaps to care” as well as opportunities for development of new treatment approaches for epilepsy. The working group primarily comprised clinicians, trialists, and pharmacologists. The group identified a need for better animal models for both efficacy and tolerability, and noted that animal models for potential disease‐modifying or antiepileptogenic effect should mirror conditions in human trials. For antiseizure drugs (ASDs), current animal models have not been validated with respect to their relationship to efficacy in common epilepsy syndromes. The group performed an “expert opinion” survey of perceived efficacy of the available ASDs, and identified a specific unmet need for ASDs to treat tonic–atonic and myoclonic seizures. No correlation has as yet been demonstrated between animal models of tolerability and adverse effects (AEs), versus tolerability in humans. There is a clear opportunity for improved therapies in relation to dose‐related AEs. The group identified common and rare epilepsy syndromes that could represent opportunities for clinical trials. They identified opportunities for antiepileptogenic (AEG) therapies in both adults and children, acknowledging that the presence of a biomarker would substantially improve the chances of a successful trial. However, the group acknowledged that disease‐modifying therapies (given after the first seizure or after the development of epilepsy) would be easier to study than AEG therapies.
Proposal for a “phase II” multicenter trial model for preclinical new antiepilepsy therapy development
Authors: O'Brien Terence J. , Ben‐Menachem Elinor , Bertram Edward H. , Collins Stephen D. , Kokaia Merab , Lerche Holger , Klitgaard Henrik , Staley Kevin J. , Vaudano Elisabetta , Walker Matthew C. , Simonato Michele 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThere is a pressing need to address the current major gaps in epilepsy treatment, in particular drug‐resistant epilepsy, antiepileptogenic therapies, and comorbidities. A major concern in the development of new therapies is that current preclinical testing is not sufficiently predictive for clinical efficacy. Methodologic limitations of current preclinical paradigms may partly account for this discrepancy. Here we propose and discuss a strategy for implementing a “phase II” multicenter preclinical drug trial model based on clinical phase II/III studies designed to generate more rigorous preclinical data for efficacy. The goal is to improve the evidence resulting from preclinical studies for investigational new drugs that have shown strong promise in initial preclinical “phase I” studies. This should reduce the risk for expensive clinical studies in epilepsy and therefore increase the appeal for funders (industry and government) to invest in their clinical development.
European Economic Governance and Parliamentary Representation. What Place for the European Parliament?
Authors: Fasone Cristina 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis article aims to analyse the European Parliament's (EP) position in the reform of the European economic governance, in particular after the adoption of the ‘six‐pack,’ the ‘two‐pack’ and the ‘fiscal compact.’ References are made to the involvement of the EP in the decision‐making process that led to the adoption of the new measures as well as to the substantive role assigned to this institution in the new regulatory framework. The article argues that the new provisions, which undermine the budgetary authority of national parliaments while, at the same time, designing a limited role for the EP—though strengthened compared to the previous version of the Stability and Growth Pact—can jeopardise the effectiveness of the landmark principle of ‘no taxation without parliamentary representation’ in the EU.
Preliminary evidence on the Feldenkrais Method as an alternative therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ramli Ayiesah , Leonard Joseph H , Harun Roslan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Feldenkrais Method (FM) is an alternative therapy used by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, evidence of the effectiveness of the FM among persons with COPD is lacking.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of the FM in patients with COPD.MethodsAn observational pilot study was conducted in 11 COPD patients attending a university teaching hospital. The FM was administered for a period of 8 weeks. The 6‐min walking test (6MWT) was used to measure functional capacity; forced expiratory volume in 1‐s, predicted percent (FEV1 pred %) was used to evaluate lung function, and the Health‐Related Quality of Life questionnaire was used to measure QoL before and after the intervention.ResultsPaired t‐tests showed significant improvements in 6MWT from baseline to 8 weeks post‐FM [P=0.01, t=−4.869, difference (Df)=10, 95% confidence interval (CI): −113.9, 42.4] with a large effect size (d=0.72). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in the FEV1 pred % (P=0.01, t=6.278, Df=10, 95% CI: 17.9, −37.6) with a large effect size (d=−2.0).ConclusionThe FM improve functional capacity and lung function among patients with COPD.
Cell cycle‐dependent formation of Cdc45–Claspin complexes in human cells is compromized by UV‐mediated DNA damage
Authors: Broderick Ronan , Rainey Michael D. , Santocanale Corrado , Nasheuer Heinz P. 
Published: August 2013

The replication factor Cdc45 has essential functions in the initiation and elongation steps of eukaryotic DNA replication and plays an important role in the intra‐S‐phase checkpoint. Its interactions with other replication proteins during the cell cycle and after intra‐S‐phase checkpoint activation are only partially characterized. In the present study, we show that the C terminal part of Cdc45 may mediate its interactions with Claspin. The interactions of human Cdc45 with the three replication factors Claspin, replication protein A and DNA polymerase δ are maximal during the S phase. Following UVC‐induced DNA damage, Cdc45–Claspin complex formation is reduced, whereas the binding of Cdc45 to replication protein A is not affected. We also show that treatment of cells with UCN‐01 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐like kinase inhibitors does not rescue the UV‐induced destabilization of Cdc45–Claspin interactions, suggesting that the loss of the interaction between Cdc45 and Claspin occurs upstream of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3‐related activation in the intra‐S‐phase checkpoint.Structured digital abstract

Clapsin physically interacts with Cdc45 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

Cdc45 physically interacts with RPA32, Clapsin and p125 Pol delta by pull down (View interaction)

Cdc45 physically interacts with RPA32 by pull down (View interaction)

Cdc45 physically interacts with Clapsin by pull down (View interaction)

Cdc45 physically interacts with Clapsin and RPA32 by pull down (View interaction)

RPA32 physically interacts with Cdc45 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Mutations of the domain forming the dimeric interface of the ArdA protein affect dimerization and antimodification activity but not antirestriction activity
Authors: Roberts Gareth A. , Chen Kai , Bower Edward K. M. , Madrzak Julia , Woods Arcadia , Barker Amy M. , Cooper Laurie P. , White John H. , Blakely Garry W. , Manfield Iain , Dryden David T. F. 
Published: August 2013

ArdA antirestriction proteins are encoded by genes present in many conjugative plasmids and transposons within bacterial genomes. Antirestriction is the ability to prevent cleavage of foreign incoming DNA by restriction‐modification (RM) systems. Antimodification, the ability to inhibit modification by the RM system, can also be observed with some antirestriction proteins. As these mobile genetic elements can transfer antibiotic resistance genes, the ArdA proteins assist their spread. The consequence of antirestriction is therefore the enhanced dissemination of mobile genetic elements. ArdA proteins cause antirestriction by mimicking the DNA structure bound by Type I RM enzymes. The crystal structure of ArdA showed it to be a dimeric protein with a highly elongated curved cylindrical shape [McMahon SA et al. (2009) Nucleic Acids Res 37, 4887–4897]. Each monomer has three domains covered with negatively charged side chains and a very small interface with the other monomer. We investigated the role of the domain forming the dimer interface for ArdA activity via site‐directed mutagenesis. The antirestriction activity of ArdA was maintained when up to seven mutations per monomer were made or the interface was disrupted such that the protein could only exist as a monomer. The antimodification activity of ArdA was lost upon mutation of this domain. The ability of the monomeric form of ArdA to function in antirestriction suggests, first, that it can bind independently to the restriction subunit or the modification subunits of the RM enzyme, and second, that the many ArdA homologues with long amino acid extensions, present in sequence databases, may be active in antirestriction.Structured digital abstract

ArdA and ArdA bind by molecular sieving (1, 2)

ArdA and ArdA bind by cosedimentation in solution (1, 2)