bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elementary school teachers' ICT use in the classroom and their motivators for using ICT
Authors: Uluyol Çelebi , Şahin Sami 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTeachers play a significant role in integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in schools, and motivated teachers reflect higher levels of ICT use in their classroom. In this study, we used semistructured interviews to investigate elementary school teachers' ICT use and their motivators for doing so. The participants consisted of 101 elementary school teachers from 24 elementary schools located in the Turkish capital. We discuss and analyze our findings in order to understand the current state of teachers' ICT use and their motivations for using ICT. An overall conclusion from the results is that more concrete encouragement, support and opportunities must be developed to increase teachers' motivation to improve the level and quality of ICT use in classrooms.
Effects of root canal preparation, various filling techniques and retreatment after filling on vertical root fracture and crack formation
Authors: Capar Ismail Davut , Saygili Gokhan , Ergun Hazal , Gok Tuba , Arslan Hakan , Ertas Huseyin 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the incidence of cracks in root dentin after rotary instrumentation and filling with cold lateral condensation (CL), single‐cone obturation (SC), and warm vertical compaction (WV) and retreatment of each filling system.MethodologyOne‐hundred sixty mandibular incisors were selected. Twenty teeth were left unprepared and served as a control, and the remaining 140 teeth were instrumented. Twenty teeth were assigned to an only prepared group. The remaining 120 teeth were assigned to three root canal filling groups and three retreatment groups (n = 20), as follows: CL, WV, SC, and retreatment of each filling system. All the roots were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm from the apex, and the sections were then observed under a stereomicroscope. The absence/presence of cracks and vertical root fractures were recorded, and the data were analyzed with a Pearson's chi‐square test (P = 0.05).ResultsNo complete vertical root fractures were observed in the unprepared and only prepared groups. However, vertical fractures were observed in the filling and retreatment groups. There were significantly more cracks in the retreatment after WV group than the other groups, with the exception of the retreatment after SC, WV, and CL resulted in significantly more cracks than the only prepared and SC.ConclusionsThe filling techniques (except SC) caused more cracks than preparation only. The SC caused fewer cracks compared to the other filling techniques. The retreatment following the different filling techniques (except CL) caused more cracks than the original fillings.
The Efficacy and Safety of Cilostazol in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (SPAD): Protocol of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Trial
Authors: Jeng Jiann-Shing , Sun Yu , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Lin Ruey-Tay , Chen Chih-Hung , Po Helen L. , Lin Huey-Juan , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Sun Ming-Hui , Sun Mu-Chien , Chern Chang-Ming , Lien Li-Ming , Chiu Hou-Chang , Hu Han-Hwa , Chiou Hung-Yi , Chen Sien-Tsong , Ma Henry , Hsu Chung Y. ,   the SPAD Study Investigators
Published: November 2014

Rationale It is not uncommon for patients with ischemic stroke to have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients with polyvascular diseases carry greater burden of atherosclerosis and higher risks of developing vascular events and death. More effective regimens, such as dual antiplatelet agents, may be more effective for controlling progression of atherosclerosis in secondary prevention. Aim This study aims to evaluate whether cilostazol plus aspirin is more efficacious than aspirin alone for preventing progression of atherosclerosis in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) who also have peripheral arterial disease. Design The Safety and Efficacy of Cilostazol in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (SPAD) study is a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Patients with previous ischemic stroke or TIA who had been taking aspirin (100 mg per day), aged 50 years or older, with PAD in the lower limbs based on ankle-brachial index (ABI) <1·0 will be randomized into the treatment group with cilostazol (200 mg/day) or the placebo group on 1:1 basis. Study outcomes Patients will be evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after randomization. The primary endpoint is difference in change in ABI between groups. The secondary and tertiary endpoints are the difference between groups in change in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and incidence rate of major cardiovascular events, including recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, other vascular events, and death; and the safety measures, including major bleeding events, hemorrhagic stroke and death of any cause. Conclusion The SPAD trial is the first study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dual antiplatelet agents, aspirin plus cilostazol, in comparison with aspirin alone in patients with both ischemic stroke or TIA and PAD. Results from this trial will provide important information on the merit of adding cilostazol to aspirin for slowing down progression of atherosclerosis in patients with ischemic stroke and PAD.
Age‐related prevalence and morphological appearance of facial skin tumours: a prospective, cross‐sectional, observational, multicentre study with special emphasis on melanocytic tumours
Authors: Moscarella E. , Kyrgidis A. , Sperduti I. , Abramavicus A. , Argenziano G. , Cota C. , Eibenschutz L. , De Simone P. , Longo C. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. , Zalaudek I. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical and histopathological diagnosis of skin tumours arising on the face may be challenging.ObjectiveAn improved knowledge about the age‐related patterns of facial skin tumours may aid the correct diagnosis and management.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, cross‐sectional morphological study to investigate the age‐related frequency and morphological variability in facial skin tumours in a cohort of consecutive subjects attending two skin lesion clinics in Italy between June and September 2011. A total of 454 consecutive subjects (249 women; 55.5%) presenting with a total of 1866 facial tumours were enrolled in the study. Of the entire cohort, 54 (11.9%) subjects had no facial lesion.ResultsTotal body naevus count correlated significantly with the mean number of facial lesions (ρ = 0.289, P < 0.001). The majority of flat lesions were pigmented (1056; 75.70%), compared to palpable (233; 17.40%) and raised lesions (93; 6.90%), the association being statistically significant (Pearson's chi square, P < 0.001. Considering melanocytic tumours only, the frequency of flat lesions significantly decreased with increasing age, while the number of palpable and raised lesions increased with increasing age (chi‐square, P < 0.001). This trend was mainly due to naevi, whereby pigmented melanocytic naevi decreased with increasing age. Conversely, the percentage of non‐ pigmented naevi increased with increasing age (chi‐square, P < 0.001).LimitationsThe study was conducted in skin lesion clinics in Italy, thus any general conclusions with respect to common traits or features based on the phenotypic and genetic diversity within the European population cannot be stated.Conclusions and relevanceOur study suggests that a high number of facial naevi could predict a high total naevus count. Moreover, naevi present a different morphological appearance during lifetime being initially flat, small and pigmented and becoming later raised, large and hypopigmented. Instead, lentigo maligna is an intraepidermal proliferation that typically presents as flat, large pigmented macule. A given histopathological diagnosis of a junctional naevus of a flat, facial pigmented macule of an elderly should be critically reviewed and treated with caution.
The normal sensibility of the hand declines with age – a proclamation for the use of delta two‐point discrimination values for sensibility assessment after nerve reconstruction
Authors: Schmauss Daniel , Finck Tom , Megerle Kai , Machens Hans‐Guenther , Lohmeyer Joern A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe scores used to evaluate sensibility after digital nerve reconstruction do not take the patient's age into consideration, although there is evidence that the outcome after digital nerve reconstruction is age‐dependent. However, it is not clear if the normal sensibility of the hand is also age‐dependent, as the existing studies have major limitations. We evaluated the normal sensibility of the hand in 232 patients using static and moving two‐point discrimination (2PD) tests and the Semmes–Weinstein‐monofilament test. We found the climax of sensibility in the third decade with age‐dependent deterioration afterwards in all three tests. Mean 2PD values of the radial digital nerve of the index finger (N3) showed to be significantly lower than values of the ulnar digital nerve of the small finger (N10). To overcome shortcomings of classification systems that do not consider the patient's age and inter‐individual differences, we suggest using the difference of the static 2PD values of the injured to the uninjured contralateral nerve (delta 2PD) for assessment of sensibility after digital nerve reconstruction.
Age, Insulin Requirements, Waist Circumference, and Triglycerides Predict Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Chillarón Juan J. , Fernández-Miró Mercè , Albareda Mercè , Vila Lluís , Colom Cristina , Fontserè Sara , Pedro-Botet Juan ,   on behalf of the TEST-DM1 Study Group, Flores-Le Roux Juana A. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The prevalence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is higher than in the general population and leads to detrimental effects on metabolic control, lipid profile, and body composition. Few studies have examined its role in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Aim
To determine the prevalence of HH in patients with type 1 diabetes and associated risk factors.

Main Outcome Measures
Clinical and biochemical parameters were gathered on initial evaluation. An HH score creating different experimental models was devised to calculate the risk of HH for an individual with type 1 diabetes.

Methods
Cross-sectional study of 181 male patients with type 1 diabetes consecutively admitted to the Diabetes outpatient clinics of three urban hospitals. All participants were Caucasians aged ≥ 18 years with type 1 diabetes duration of more than 6 months.

Results
One hundred and eighty-one male patients with a mean age of 44.2 ± 13.2 years and a type 1 diabetes duration of 18.9 ± 12.7 years were included. Fifteen patients had HH, representing a prevalence of 8.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.3–12.3%). Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.066 [95% CI: 1.002–1.134]), waist circumference (OR 1.112 [95% CI: 1028–1203]), and insulin requirements ([IU/Kg] ×10 [OR 1.486 {95% CI: 1052–2.098}]) were independently associated with the presence of HH. The model that best predicted HH generated this formula: HH-score = (1.060 × age) + (1.084 × waist circumference) + (14.00 × insulin requirements) + triglycerides, where age was expressed in years, waist circumference in cm, insulin requirements in IU/kg/d, and triglycerides in mg/dL. An HH score &gt; 242.4 showed 100% sensitivity and 53.2% specificity for HH diagnosis; positive and negative predictive values were 17.0 % and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions
One in 10 men with type 1 diabetes presents HH. This condition is associated with age, waist circumference, and insulin requirements. A simple formula based on clinical parameters can rule out its presence.
From Mirroring to World‐Making: Research as Future Forming
Authors: Gergen Kenneth J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAfter decades of acrimonious debate on the nature of scientific knowledge, researchers in the human or social sciences are reaching a state of relative equanimity, a condition that may be characterized as a reflective pragmatism. Yet, even while the context has favored the development of new forms of research, the longstanding ocular metaphor of inquiry remains pervasive. That is, researchers continue the practice of observing what is the case, with the intent to illuminate, understand, report on, or furnish insight into given states of affairs. And, while selectively useful, such an orientation is not only limited in potential but subject to a receding span of application. As I will propose, when the logics of reflective pragmatism are fully extended, we enter a new territory of understanding, one in which the vision of research is radically altered. We replace the captivating gaze on the world as it is with value based explorations into what it could be. This conception of a future forming orientation to research opens the way to new aims, practices, and reflections.
Effect of VRN‐1 and PPD‐D1 genes on heading time in European bread wheat cultivars
Authors: Shcherban Andrey B. , Börner Andreas , Salina Elena A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe variation of the vernalization (VRN‐1) and photoperiod (PPD‐1) genes offers opportunities to adjust heading time and to maximize yield in crop species. The effect of these genes on heading time was studied based on a set of 245 predominantly spring cultivars of bread wheat from the main eco‐geographical regions of Europe. The genotypes were screened using previously published diagnostic molecular markers for detecting the dominant or recessive alleles of the major VRN‐1 loci such as: VRN‐A1, VRN‐B1, VRN‐D1 as well as PPD‐D1. We found that 91% of spring wheat cultivars contain the photoperiod sensitive PPD‐D1b allele. Photoperiod insensitive PPD‐D1a allele has been found mainly in southern region of Europe. For this region the monogenic control of vernalization by VRN‐B1 or VRN‐D1 dominant alleles is common, whereas in the remaining part of Europe, the combination of photoperiod sensitive PPD‐D1b allele with dominant VRN‐A1, VRN‐B1 and recessive vrn‐D1 alleles represents the most frequent genotype. Also, we revealed a significantly later (5–8 days) heading of the monogenically dominant genotypes at VRN‐B1 as compared to the digenic VRN‐A1 VRN‐B1 genotypes.
Influence of flower and flowering characteristics on seed yield in diploid and tetraploid red clover
Authors: Vleugels Tim , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Cnops Gerda 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTetraploid red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) often produces insufficient seed to be economically interesting. Numerous studies have identified poor pollination due to long corolla tubes as its cause, but other studies disagree. Therefore, we investigated seed yield, corolla tube length and flowering traits in 244 plants from five diploid and five tetraploid cultivars during 2 years. Tetraploids produced fewer seeds, fewer flower heads and fewer seeds per head, but an equal number of flowers per head when compared to diploids. Although corolla tubes were longer in tetraploid than in diploid red clover (P < 0.001), no correlation between corolla tube length and seed yield was detected. Therefore, the corolla tube length is likely neither the main nor only cause of low seed yield in tetraploid red clover. Instead, three putative causes for low seed yield were identified: tetraploids produced less inflorescences per plant, possessed a lower degree of determinacy and had markedly less seeds per head when compared to diploids. Possible causes for such differences include lower pollen viability and higher rates of embryo abortion.
Beyond Xeroderma Pigmentosum: DNA Damage and Repair in an Ecological Context. A Tribute to James E. Cleaver
Authors: Karentz Deneb 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe ability to repair DNA is a ubiquitous characteristic of life on Earth and all organisms possess similar mechanisms for dealing with DNA damage, an indication of a very early evolutionary origin for repair processes. James E. Cleaver's career (initiated in the early 1960s) has been devoted to the study of mammalian ultraviolet radiation (UVR) photobiology, specifically the molecular genetics of xeroderma pigmentosum and other human diseases caused by defects in DNA damage recognition and repair. This work by Jim and others has influenced the study of DNA damage and repair in a variety of taxa. Today, the field of DNA repair is enhancing our understanding of not only how to treat and prevent human disease, but is providing insights on the evolutionary history of life on Earth and how natural populations are coping with UVR‐induced DNA damage from anthropogenic changes in the environment such as ozone depletion.
The clinical application of Doppler ultrasound in obstetrics
Authors: Mone Fionnuala , McAuliffe Fionnuala M , Ong Stephen 
Published: November 2014

Key content

Current UK guidance advocates the use of uterine artery Doppler for screening and Doppler of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus for surveillance and timing of delivery of the growth‐restricted fetus.

This article examines available evidence concerning the clinical application of Doppler ultrasound in obstetrics, with the aim of guiding clinicians in its application.

With increasing acceptance of the concept of ‘inversion of the pyramid of antenatal care’, the use of Doppler in the first trimester is also discussed.

Learning objectives

To understand the physiological mechanisms of umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, uterine artery, ductus venosus and tricuspid valve Doppler assessments.

To appreciate existing clinical evidence for the use of Doppler in specific situations.

To understand the clinical application of Doppler ultrasound in specific clinical situations.

To appreciate the emerging clinical application of Doppler in the first trimester.

Ethical issues

Non‐tertiary centres may not have access to sonographers or equipment required to perform advanced Doppler ultrasound.
Smooth muscle acid‐sensing ion channel 1: pathophysiological implication in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Jernigan Nikki L. 
Published: November 2014

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
An increase in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell intracellular Ca2+ levels facilitates the enhanced vasoconstrictor and vascular remodeling responses associated with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Identifying the mechanisms of altered Ca2+ homeostasis will advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension and identify potential therapeutic targets.

What advances does it highlight?
Acid sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1), present in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, contributes to enhanced Ca2+ entry and is an important constituent to the active vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy associated with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) belong to the amiloride‐sensitive, degenerin/epithelial sodium channel superfamily. Acid‐sensing ion channels are voltage‐independent, proton‐gated cation channels, and their activity has been linked to a variety of physiological and pathological functions in the central and peripheral nervous system. Nonetheless, ASICs are expressed in a variety of tissues. In this review, we describe a novel role for ASIC1 in regulating pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) Ca2+ influx in both physiological and pathophysiological settings. Through a store‐operated mechanism, ASIC1 contributes to pulmonary vasoconstriction elicited by various agonists and alveolar hypoxia. The ASIC1‐mediated Ca2+ entry in PASMCs is a central component of the active vasoconstriction, vascular remodelling and right ventricular hypertrophy associated with the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Despite the requirement for ASIC1 to enhance Ca2+ influx in the pulmonary hypertensive circulation, these responses are not dependent on an increase in PASMC ASIC1 protein expression, suggesting that hypoxia promotes activation of ASIC1 through other regulatory mechanism(s). Here, I describe some of the correlations between hypoxia‐induced changes in homeostasis of reactive oxygen species with that of ASIC1 function. Ultimately, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which ASICs are regulated will help to elucidate their mechanism of action and identify potential therapeutics that specifically target ASICs.
Antioxidant treatments do not improve force recovery after fatiguing stimulation of mouse skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Cheng Arthur J. , Bruton Joseph D. , Lanner Johanna T. , Westerblad Håkan 
Published: November 2014

Key points
Increased free radical production may contribute to decreased muscle force production during fatiguing exercise, and might delay recovery from fatigue.
We exposed mouse fast‐twitch single fibres to antioxidants targeting specific cellular sites to determine whether these compounds delay fatigue development and/or improve the recovery from fatigue.
Antioxidants had no effect on the fatigue‐induced decrease in contractile force.
During recovery from fatigue, a mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant, SS‐31, restored the fatigue‐induced decrease in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, but did not improve force recovery.
We conclude that antioxidants cannot counteract the force decline during or after induction of muscle fatigue, although they may affect the underlying mechanisms.
AbstractThe contractile performance of skeletal muscle declines during intense activities, i.e. fatigue develops. Fatigued muscle can enter a state of prolonged low‐frequency force depression (PLFFD). PLFFD can be due to decreased tetanic free cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) and/or decreased myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. Increases in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) may contribute to fatigue‐induced force reductions. We studied whether pharmacological ROS/RNS inhibition delays fatigue and/or counteracts the development of PLFFD. Mechanically isolated mouse fast‐twitch fibres were fatigued by sixty 150 ms, 70 Hz tetani given every 1 s. Experiments were performed in standard Tyrode solution (control) or in the presence of: NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2 inhibitor (gp91ds‐tat); NOX4 inhibitor (GKT137831); mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant (SS‐31); nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (l‐NAME); the general antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC); a cocktail of SS‐31, l‐NAME and NAC. Spatially and temporally averaged [Ca2+]i and peak force were reduced by ∼20% and ∼70% at the end of fatiguing stimulation, respectively, with no marked differences between groups. PLFFD was similar in all groups, with 30 Hz force being decreased by ∼60% at 30 min of recovery. PLFFD was mostly due to decreased tetanic [Ca2+]i in control fibres and in the presence of NOX2 or NOX4 inhibitors. Conversely, in fibres exposed to SS‐31 or the anti ROS/RNS cocktail, tetanic [Ca2+]i was not decreased during recovery so PLFFD was only caused by decreased myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. The cocktail also increased resting [Ca2+]i and ultimately caused cell death. In conclusion, ROS/RNS‐neutralizing compounds did not counteract the force decline during or after induction of fatigue.