bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of application possibility of water containing organic acids for chemical denture cleaning for older adults
Authors: Izumi Sachi , Ryu Masahiro , Ueda Takayuki , Ishihara Kazuyuki , Sakurai Kaoru 
Published: March 2015

AimThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the application possibility of water containing organic acids (WOA), made by some organic acids used as food additives, for chemical denture cleaning for older adults by microbial investigation.MethodsUsing an in vitro biofilm study, we determined the effects of WOA on Streptococcus sanguinis, S. pneumoniae and Candida albicans attached to heat‐cured acrylic resins. Specimens were divided into three groups as follows: control group (TW), commercial denture cleaner group (DC) and WOA group (WOA). Specimens were treated with each for 5 min, 30 min or 8 h, and the numbers of attached microbes were determined by counting colony‐forming units or adenosine triphosphate analysis. Using an in vivo biofilm study, we studied the effects of these same solutions on 60 complete dentures. The dentures were divided randomly and blindness into three groups as described above, and treated for 10 min. The numbers of microbes attached to dentures before and after treatment were determined by counting colony‐forming units.ResultsFor the in vitro biofilm study, there were significant differences in the numbers of microbes between WOA and TW, although there were no significant differences between WOA and DC except for C. albicans. For the in vivo biofilm study, there were significant differences between WOA, DC and TW, although there was no significant difference between WOA and DC.ConclusionWe conclude that water containing organic acids exerts antimicrobial effects as strong as commercial denture cleaner, and it has an application possibility of use for safe chemical denture cleaning for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 300–306.
Biodiversity of Coleoptera and other invertebrates in urban gardens: a case study in a New Zealand city
Authors: Barratt Barbara I. P. , Dickinson Katherine J. M. , Freeman Claire , Porter Stephan , Johnstone Peter D. , Wing Janine , van Heezik Yolanda 
Published: March 2015

AbstractInvertebrate biodiversity was investigated in 55 domestic gardens in the city of Dunedin in southern New Zealand. The influence of habitat types within the gardens (lawns, open beds, and closed canopy beds) on invertebrate community structure was investigated by pitfall trapping. Species richness of Coleoptera, the proportion of native species, and effects of pesticide use by householders was examined.The most abundantly trapped taxa were Collembola, Amphipoda, and Diptera. Most taxa were represented in all three habitat types, but Collembola, Diptera, and Araneae were most frequently collected in lawns and Isopoda in open beds.The use of pesticides had no effect on total trap catch, but detritivore numbers were higher in gardens where no insecticide had been used. Opiliones and Acarina were captured in greater numbers in gardens where herbicides had not been used.Over 1400 Coleoptera were identified to 164 species/morphospecies. Species richness averaged 12 species per garden. Staphylinidae, Curculionidae, and Carabidae were the most abundantly collected Coleoptera, both for species and individuals. Species richness was not affected by vegetation type. The coleopteran fauna was predominantly native (80–90%) for species and individuals.The capture of a new to New Zealand weevil species (Exomias pellicidus(Boheman)) suggests that urban studies could play a role in alerting authorities to biosecurity incursions. The study stimulated considerable interest in invertebrates from householders, which might help fill the gap between acquiring environmental awareness and encouraging changes in behaviour towards support for native biodiversity.
Chironomids as indicators in freshwater ecosystems: an assessment of the literature
Authors: Nicacio Gilberto , Juen Leandro 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Freshwater assessment studies have been used changes on individuals and populations of Chironomidae assemblages as bioindicators to assay aquatic ecosystems changes and environmental quality. To assess the contribution of the studies with this family to response aquatic environmental changes, we carried out a scientometric analysis of the papers published from 1992 to 2012.

We imported papers from ISI Web of Knowledge database (Thomson Reuters) in November 2013. A total of 2967 papers were evaluated and we carried out descriptive analysis to assay the main trends on Chironomidae research in freshwater assessments.

The main ideas and approaches in these studies were related to the impact of human influence on aquatic ecosystems and the status of conservation of this environments, as well as to limitations and difficulties in the applications of the assessments.

In view of our results, we suggest some ideas to contribute to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, mainly in threatened environments in southern Hemisphere countries. However, Chironomidae identification for assessing aquatic environments, as well as the limitations of suitable tools and metrics, which still are strong issues that need more attention to make more robust approaches to assay aquatic ecosystems.
Current state of allocation of oral health human resources in northern China and future needs
Authors: Zhang Y , Lu Z , Cheng R , liu L 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present investigation was to describe the distribution, structure and allocation of oral health services personnel, evaluate oral health service capacity and predict the needs for oral health services in northern China over the coming 10 years.MethodsThe questionnaires were sent to all the dental medical institutions included in this study directly from the Sanitation Bureau and the Health Supervision Station. All the institutions and dental personnel were asked to fill out the questionnaires, and then, the questionnaires were collected through postal service and email.ResultsIn Liaoning Province, which is in northern China, there are a total of 5617 dentists in total, 87.8% of whom are located in urban areas. Dentists in rural areas were found to be less educated and specialized. The ratio of dentists to nurses to technicians was about 6:2:1, and the ratio of dentists to total population was 1:7682. It was predicted that, in 2020, the number of dentists could reach 13 207. This would meet the area's needs for oral health services.ConclusionCurrently, in northern China, the oral health infrastructure suffers from an insufficient number of dental professionals, disproportionate distribution and inappropriate structure. To improve social equity, it is necessary to adjust the distribution of dental personnel capable of performing for oral health services.
The risk of tuberculosis in patients with psoriasis treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents
Authors: Ergun Tulin , Seckin Dilek , Baskan Bulbul Emel , Onsun Nahide , Ozgen Zuleyha , Unalan Pemra , Alpsoy Erkan , Karakurt Sait 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundTumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) antagonist treatment is associated with 1.6 to 27 times higher risk of tuberculosis (TB).ObjectiveTo find TB incidence of psoriasis patients treated with TNF‐ α antagonists and define risk factors related with this condition in a country with moderately high risk of TB.MethodsThree hundred seventy psoriasis patients treated by anti‐TNF agents in four referral centers were included. The data on the characteristics of the patients, TB history, tuberculosis skin test results, anti‐TNF agent type and exposure time, localization of TB, and isoniazide prophylaxis state were analyzed.ResultsFour patients (1.08%) developed TB, three pulmonary and one gastrointestinal, 2–23 months after initiating anti‐TNF agents. Other than the patient with gastrointestinal TB, who was using methotrexate and corticosteroid concomitantly, none had contributing risk factors for TB. Two patients developed pulmonary TB in spite of chemoprophylaxis. Three patients with pulmonary TB completely recovered following antiTB treatment whereas patients with gastroinrestinal TB developed renal failure.LimitationsThe major limitation of the study is the lack of a diseased control group, which enables us to compare the risk of psoriatics with that of patients having other inflammatory diseases.ConclusionTuberculosis is a rare but a severe complication of anti‐TNF treatment and may develop in spite of chemoprophylaxis. The risk of TB in psoriasis patients in the present study is comparable to literature mostly based on rheumatology patients.
Effect of high moisture extrusion cooking on protein–protein interactions of pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein isolates
Authors: Osen Raffael , Toelstede Simone , Eisner Peter , Schweiggert‐Weisz Ute 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis study focuses on protein alterations in fibrous meat substitutes produced by high moisture extrusion cooking of pea protein isolates. Three commercially available pea protein isolates and their respective extrudates were evaluated regarding their amino acid composition, molecular weight distribution and protein–protein interactions. Extrusion had no effect on the degree of hydrolysis and amino acid composition indicating that the thermal and mechanical energy during extrusion did not cause the formation of peptide bonds or the degradation of amino acids due to Maillard reactions. Decrease of protein solubilised from extrudates in a buffered solution containing urea indicated that the structural integrity of extrudates could be attributed mainly to covalent disulphide bonding and, to a smaller extent, to non‐covalent interactions. Additionally, the disappearance of legumin bands in extrudates as determined by electrophoresis could be explained by its participation in a macromolecular network that was aggregated and cross‐linked via disulphide bonds. This study contributes to a better understanding of the way the proteins interact during extrusion of pea protein isolates.
Comparison of the international normalized ratio levels obtained by portable coagulometer and laboratory in a clinic specializing in oral anticoagulation
Authors: Meneghelo Z. M. , Barroso C. M. Q. , Liporace I. L. , Cora A. P. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryIntroductionTherapy with Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is effective in reducing thromboembolic events in various diseases. There are limitations however, which limit clinical handling and maintaining INR within therapeutic range. Studies have shown that portable coagulometers, when compared to laboratory tests, are more practical and provide better patient adherence and involvement toward treatment which results in better INR control. This study aimed to evaluate laboratory obtained INR results compared to two different portable coagulometers.MethodsA prospective study which monitored 1009 patients using VKA in the Anticoagulation Clinic at the Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology in São Paulo between July and September 2012. Patient INR values were obtained by the laboratory through venipuncture and then compared to INR values obtained by capillary puncture from two different portable coagulometers.ResultsOverall, 1009 patients were included in the study; among these, 520 (51.5%) are male with average age of 59.6 years (13–91). The more common indications were atrial fibrillation (49.9%) and mechanical prosthesis (33.7%). The correlation coefficient was of 0.95 with and 0.88 with INRatio PT Monitor® compared to laboratory. In patients with INR < 2 (lower than therapeutic range), the coefficient was 0.92 and 0.81 for CoaguChek XS plus® and INRatio PT Monitor® respectively. In patients within therapeutic range (INR 2–3), the coefficient was 0.86 with CoaguChek XS Plus® and 0.76 with INRatio PT Monitor®. For INR above therapeutic range (INR > 3.0) the correlation was 0.80 with CoaguChek XS Plus® and 0.54 with INRatio PT Monitor®. As for concordance between methods, the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were slightly smaller than those previously stated (ICC = 0.899 with CoaguChek XS Plus® and ICC = 0.716 with INRatio PT Monitor®).ConclusionThe use of portable coagulometers was comparable to laboratory tests and better correlation coefficients were observed with CoaguChek XS Plus® and in patients with INR lower or within therapeutic range. Portable coagulometers proved to be a useful and reliable tool for INR control in patients using VKA.
On a Problem of Robbins
Authors: Gu Jiaying , Koenker Roger 
Published: March 2015

SummaryAn early example of a compound decision problem of Robbins (1951) is employed to illustrate some features of the development of empirical Bayes methods. Our primary objective is to draw attention to the constructive role that the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator for mixture models introduced by Kiefer & Wolfowitz (1956) can play in these developments.
Base‐rates of Negative Traits: Instructions for Use in Criminal Trials
Authors: Picinali Federico 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDecision‐makers in institutional and non‐institutional contexts are sometimes confronted with the issue of whether to use generalisations expressing the statistical incidence of a negative trait in a disadvantaged and discriminated‐against social group in order to draw an inference concerning a member of that group. If a criminal court were confronted with such a question, what answer should it give? First, the article argues that, our qualms notwithstanding, morality does not demand that these generalisations be disregarded. In doing so, the article addresses the relationship between factual accuracy and the demands of morality in criminal trials. Second, the article considers the implications of this conclusion for the legal question as to whether the evidence at issue should be excluded, in particular, on grounds of unfairness — pursuant to section 78(1) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Exploring Carers’ Judgements of Responsibility and Control in Response to the Challenging Behaviour of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Williams Sophie , Dagnan Dave , Rodgers Jacqui , Freeston Mark 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThis study examines Weiner's recent cognitive emotional model which makes a distinction between judgements of control and responsibility and emphasizes the moderation of control by ‘mitigating’ factors.MethodIn response to four vignettes describing two conditions of control (high or low) and mitigating factors (present or absent), questionnaires rating judgements of responsibility and emotional responses (anger and sympathy) were completed by 52 care staff.ResultsAnalysis of the data for sympathy demonstrated that attributions of control were moderated by communication ability and that the effect of control upon sympathy was mediated by the judgement of responsibility.ConclusionsThe data offer tentative support Weiner's account of the mitigation of control attributions in making responsibility judgements and their subsequent effects on emotional responses. Implications for research and clinical work are discussed.
The Characteristics of Local Support Systems, and the Roles of Professionals, in Supporting Families where a Mother has an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Weiber Ingrid , Eklund Mona , Tengland Per‐Anders 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThere might be a need for support for families where the mother has an intellectual disability, in order to counteract the effects of potential parental inadequacy and other detrimental aspects of the family situation. The purpose of this study was to describe how professionals characterized such support and the collaboration required.Materials and methodsFocus group interviews involving 29 professionals were conducted and analysed using content analysis.ResultsFive themes were identified: The roles and activities of the professionals involved; ways in which needs of support are identified; problems in identifying mothers with an intellectual disability; how professionals coordinate their support and work together; and the dilemma concerning legislative actions.ConclusionsBy identifying both fruitful and problematic aspects of professional support, the findings may be used to enhance future support. More efficient chains of information and improved inter‐sector collaboration between professions may further enhance the support practices.
Oncostatin M (OSM) protects against cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice by regulating apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Sun Dongdong , Li Shuang , Wu Hao , Zhang Mingming , Zhang Xiaotian , Wei Liping , Qin Xing , Gao Erhe 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOncostatin M (OSM) exhibits many unique biological activities by activating Oβ receptor. However, its role in myocardial I/R injury in diabetic mice remains unknown. The involvement of OSM was assessed in diabetic mice which underwent myocardial I/R injury by OSM treatment or genetic deficiency of OSM receptor Oβ. Its mechanism on cardiomyocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis and insulin sensitivity were further studied. OSM alleviated cardiac I/R injury by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis through inhibition of inositol pyrophosphate 7 (IP7) production, thus activating PI3K/Akt/BAD pathway, decreasing Bax expression while up‐regulating Bcl‐2 expression and decreasing the ratio of Bax to Bcl‐2 in db/db mice. OSM enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial function in db/db mice subjected to cardiac I/R injury. On the contrary, OSM receptor Oβ knockout exacerbated cardiac I/R injury, increased IP7 production, enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose homoeostasis and insulin sensitivity in cardiac I/R injured diabetic mice. Inhibition of IP7 production by TNP (IP6K inhibitor) exerted similar effects of OSM. The mechanism of OSM on cardiac I/R injury in diabetic mice is partly associated with IP7/Akt and adenine mononucleotide protein kinase/PGC‐1α pathway. OSM protects against cardiac I/R Injury by regulating apoptosis, insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial biogenesis in diabetic mice through inhibition of IP7 production.
Identification of miR‐93 as a suitable miR for normalizing miRNA in plasma of tuberculosis patients
Authors: Barry Simone E. , Chan Brian , Ellis Magda , Yang YuRong , Plit Marshall L. , Guan Guangyu , Wang Xiaolin , Britton Warwick J. , Saunders Bernadette M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health issue. New tests to aid diagnoses and monitor the response to therapy are urgently required. There is growing interest in the use of microRNA (miRNA) profiles as diagnostic, prognostic or predictive markers in a range of clinical and infectious diseases, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, however, challenges exist to accurately normalise miRNA levels in cohorts. This study examined the appropriateness of 12 miRs and RNU6B to normalise circulating plasma miRNA levels in individuals with active TB from 2 different geographical and ethnic regions. Twelve miRs (let‐7, miR‐16, miR‐22, miR‐26, miR‐93, miR‐103, miR‐191, miR‐192, miR‐221, miR‐423, miR‐425 and miR‐451) and RNU6B were selected based on their reported production by lung cells, expression in blood and previous use as a reference miRNA. Expression levels were analysed in the plasma of newly diagnosed TB patients from Australia and China compared with individuals with latent TB infection and healthy volunteers. Analysis with both geNorm and NormFinder software identified miR‐93 as the most suitable reference miR in both cohorts, either when analysed separately or collectively. Interestingly, there were large variations in the expression levels of some miRs, in particular miR‐192 and let‐7, between the two cohorts, independent of disease status. These data identify miR‐93 is a suitable reference miR for normalizing miRNA levels in TB patients, and highlight how environmental, and possibly ethnic, factors influence miRNA expression levels, demonstrating the necessity of assessing the suitability of reference miRs within the study population.
Ultrastructure damage of oviduct telocytes in rat model of acute salpingitis
Authors: Yang Jian , Chi Chi , Liu Zhen , Yang Gang , Shen Zong‐Ji , Yang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAcute salpingitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease which causes severe damage to a subset of classically described cells lining in oviduct wall and contributes to interstitial fibrosis and fertility problems. Telocytes (TCs), a newly discovered peculiar type of stromal cells, have been identified in many organs, including oviduct, with proposed multiple potential bio‐functions. However, with recent increasing reports regarding TCs alterations in disease‐affected tissues, there is still lack of evidence about TCs involvement in AS‐affected oviduct tissues and potential pathophysiological roles. We presently identified normal TCs by their characteristic ultrastructural features and immunophenotype. However, in AS‐affected oviduct tissues, TCs displayed multiple ultrastructural damage both in cellular body and prolongations, with obvious loss of TCs and development of tissue fibrosis. Furthermore, TCs lose their interstitial 3‐D network connected by homocellular or heterocellular junctions between TCs and adjacent cells. And especially, TCs connected to the activated immunocytes (mononuclear cells, eosinophils) and affected local immune state (repression or activation). Meanwhile, massive neutrophils infiltration and overproduced Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), COX‐2, suggested mechanism of inflammatory‐induced TCs damage. Consequently, TCs damage might contribute to AS‐induced structural and reproductive functional abnormalities of oviduct, probably via: (i) substances, energy and functional insufficiency, presumably, e.g. TC‐specific genetic material profiles, ion channels, cytoskeletal elements, Tps dynamics, etc., (ii) impaired TCs‐mediated multicellular signalling, such as homeostasis/angiogenesis, tissue repair/regeneration, neurotransmission, (iii) derangement of 3‐D network and impaired mechanical support for TCs‐mediated multicellular signals within the stromal compartment, consequently induced interstitial fibrosis, (iv) involvement in local inflammatory process/ immunoregulation and possibly immune‐mediated early pregnancy failure.