bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of tolterodine 2 mg and 4 mg combined with an α‐blocker in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Tae Heon , Jung Wonho , Suh Yoon Seok , Yook Soonhyun , Sung Hyun Hwan , Lee Kyu‐Sung 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐dose (2 mg) tolterodine extended release (ER) with an α‐blocker compared with standard‐dose (4 mg) tolterodine ER with an α‐blocker for the treatment of men with residual storage symptoms after α‐blocker monotherapy.Patients and MethodsThe study was a 12‐week, single‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group, non‐inferiority trial that included men with residual storage symptoms despite receiving at least 4 weeks of α‐blocker treatment. Inclusion criteria were total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥12, IPSS quality‐of‐life item score ≥3, and ≥8 micturitions and ≥2 urgency episodes per 24 h. The primary outcome was change in the total IPSS score from baseline. Bladder diary variables, patient‐reported outcomes and safety were also assessed.ResultsPatients were randomly assigned to addition of either 2 mg tolterodine ER (n = 47) or 4 mg tolterodine ER (n = 48) to α‐blocker therapy for 12 weeks. Patients in both treatment groups had a significant improvement in total IPSS score (−5.5 and −6.3, respectively), micturition per 24 h (−1.3 and −1.7, respectively) and nocturia per night (−0.4 and −0.4, respectively). Changes in IPSS, bladder diary variables, and patient‐reported outcomes were not significantly different between the treatment groups. All interventions were well tolerated by patients.ConclusionsThese results suggest that 12 weeks of low‐dose tolterodine ER add‐on therapy is similar to standard‐dose tolterodine ER add‐on therapy in terms of efficacy and safety for patients experiencing residual storage symptoms after receiving α‐blocker monotherapy.
Risk factors for recurrence after surgery in non‐metastatic RCC with thrombus: a contemporary multicentre analysis
Authors: Abel E. Jason , Margulis Vitaly , Bauman Tyler M. , Karam Jose A. , Christensen William P. , Krabbe Laura‐Maria , Haddad Ahmed , Golla Vishnukamal , Wood Christopher G. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the predictors of post‐surgical recurrence for patients with non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and venous thrombus.MethodsRecords from consecutive patients with non‐metastatic RCC with tumour thrombus, treated surgically between 2000 and 2012 at one of three centres, were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable analysis were used to evaluate the association of risk factors for post‐surgical recurrence.ResultsA total of 465 patients with non‐metastatic RCC were identified, including patients with thrombus present in the renal vein (257 patients, 55.3%), infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC; 144 patients, 31.0%) and suprahepatic IVC (64 patients, 13.8%). The median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 28.3 (12.2–56.4) months, with metastatic RCC developing in 188 patients (40.5%). Independent predictors of recurrence included: body mass index ≤20 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–5.49), low preoperative haemoglobin (HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.07–2.20), perinephric fat invasion (HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.09–2.10), IVC thrombus height (HR 2.64; 95% CI 1.47–4.74), tumour diameter (HR 1.04 95% CI 1.00–1.09), nuclear grade (HR 1.56 95% CI 1.12–2.15) and non‐clear‐cell histology (HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.30–3.50). Independently predictive variables were used to create a recurrence model for three risk groups based on 0, 1–2, or >2 risk factors, respectively. The 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rate was significantly different in patients with favourable‐risk (79.1%) compared with intermediate‐ (55.1%) or high‐risk (22.1%) disease (P < 0.001).ConclusionsSeven risk factors for recurrence were identified for patients with non‐metastatic RCC with thrombus, which can be used to select patients who may benefit from increased surveillance or adjuvant therapy clinical trials.
Phenotypic characterisation of RAB6A knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Bardin Sabine , Miserey‐Lenkei Stéphanie , Hurbain Ilse , Garcia‐Castillo Daniela , Raposo Graça , Goud Bruno 
Published: August 2015

Background InformationRab6 is one of the most conserved Rab GTPaes throughout evolution and the most abundant Rab protein associated with the Golgi complex. The two ubiquitous Rab isoforms, Rab6A and Rab6A′, that are generated by alternative splicing of the RAB6A gene, regulate several transport steps at the Golgi level, including retrograde transport between endosomes and Golgi, anterograde transport between Golgi and the plasma membrane, and intra‐Golgi and Golgi to endoplasmic reticulum transport.ResultsWe have generated mice with a conditional null allele of RAB6A. Mice homozygous for the RAB6A null allele died at an early stage of embryonic development. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were isolated from RAB6AloxP/loxPRosa26‐CreERT2 and incubated with 4‐hydroxy tamoxifen, resulting in the efficient depletion of Rab6A and Rab6A′. We show that Rab6 depletion affects cell growth, alters Golgi morphology and decreases the Golgi‐associated levels of some known Rab6 effectors such as Bicaudal‐D and myosin II. We also show that Rab6 depletion protects MEFs against ricin toxin and delays VSV‐G secretion.ConclusionsOur study shows that RAB6 is an essential gene required for normal embryonic development. We confirm in MEF cells most of the functions previously attributed to the two ubiquitous Rab6 isoforms.
‘Through my eyes’: health‐promoting factors described by photographs taken by children with experience of cancer treatment
Authors: Einberg E.‐L. , Nygren J. M. , Svedberg P. , Enskär K. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundHealth promotion for children with cancer should be based on the children's own needs and desires. Because there is a lack of knowledge in this area, the aim of this study was to explore what promotes health from the perspective of children with experience of cancer treatment.MethodsFifteen children between 8 and 12 years of age participated in focus groups with three children in each group. The children were given a camera and instructions to photograph subjects that promote their health. Focus group discussions were based on the photographs and the children's own description of those photographs. The analysis of focus group discussions and photographs was conducted using inductive content analysis.ResultsAccording to the children, health‐promoting factors are defined asmeaningful relationships,recreational activitiesand atrustful environment. Meaningful relationships includetogetherness within the family,affection for petsandfriendship with peers. Recreational activities includeengagement in play and leisure,withdrawal for relaxationandfeeling enjoyment. Trustful environment includesconfidence in significant othersandfeeling safe.ConclusionsKnowledge from this study can contribute to health promotion interventions and quality improvements in the health care of children with experience of cancer treatment. Children's experiences with what promotes health in their everyday lives provide a better understanding of the type of support children prefer when promoting their own health.
Legal Systems, Capital Structure, and Debt Maturity in Developing Countries
Authors: Turk Ariss Rima 
Published: August 2015

AbstractManuscript typeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper analyzes the importance of two aspects of the legal system in shaping firm leverage and debt maturity structure across developing countries.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a larger number of developing countries compared to prior research, four main findings are obtained. First, whereas corruption increases firm debt financing, its effect is moderated when considering the impact of stronger laws. Second, the common versus civil law distinction does matter for firm financing in developing countries, but in the opposite direction documented for developed countries. Third, less corruption combined with stronger laws increases reliance on long‐term debt. Finally, by listing on a developed exchange abroad, firms in developing countries are able to raise equity and extend the maturity of their debt.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe findings on the relative importance of the legal system for firm financing decisions in developing countries do not necessarily agree with prior findings for developed countries. Future research focusing exclusively on developing countries may be warranted to better understand the drivers of private sector‐led growth in these economies.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study reinforces the importance of strengthening public governance and laws as well as deepening capital markets in developing countries to improve financing conditions.
Carbohydrate mouth rinse enhances time to exhaustion during treadmill exercise
Authors: Fraga Cindy , Velasques Bruna , Koch Alexander J. , Machado Marco , Paulucio Dailson , Ribeiro Pedro , Pompeu Fernando Augusto Monteiro Saboia 
Published: August 2015

SummaryMouth rinsing with a CHO solution has been suggested to improve short (<1 h) endurance performance through central effect. We examined the effects of mouth rinsing with a CHO solution on running time to exhaustion on a treadmill. Six well‐trained subjects ran to exhaustion at 85% VO2max, on three separate occasions. Subjects received either an 8% CHO solution or a placebo (PLA) every 15 min to mouth rinse (MR) or a 6% CHO solution to ingest (ING). Treatments were assigned in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion, with the mouth‐rinsing treatments double‐blinded. Blood samples were taken to assess glucose (Glu) and lactate (Lac), as well as the perceived exertion (RPE). Gas exchange and heart rate (HR) were collected during all trials. Subjects ran longer (P = 0·038) in both the MR (2583 ± 686 s) and ING (2625 ± 804 s) trials, compared to PLA (1935 ± 809 s), covering a greater distance (MR 9685 ± 3511·62 m; ING 9855 ± 4118·62; PLA 7295 ± 3727 m). RER was significantly higher in both ING and MR versus PLA. No difference among trials was observed for other metabolic or cardiovascular variables (VO2, Lac, Glu, HR), nor for RPE. Endurance capacity, based on time to exhaustion on a treadmill, was improved when either mouth rinsing or ingesting a CHO solution, compared to PLA.
Beta blockade increases pulmonary and systemic transit time heterogeneity: evaluation based on indocyanine green kinetics in healthy volunteers
Authors: Weiss Michael , Krejcie Tom C. , Avram Michael J. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryKnowledge of factors influencing the heterogeneity of blood transit times is important in cardiovascular physiology. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of beta‐adrenergic blockade on blood transit time dispersion in awake, anxious volunteers. Recirculatory modelling of the disposition of intravascular markers using parametric forms for transit time distributions, such as the inverse Gaussian distribution, provides the opportunity to estimate the systemic and pulmonary transit time dispersion in vivo. The latter is determined by the flow heterogeneity in the microcirculatory network. Using this approach, we have analysed indocyanine green (ICG) disposition data obtained in four subjects by frequent early arterial blood sampling before and after beta‐adrenergic blockade by propranolol. Propranolol decreased cardiac output from 9·3 ± 2·8 l min−1 to 3·5 ± 0·47 l min−1 (P<0·05). This reduction was accompanied by a 4·5 ± 0·6‐fold and 2·1 ± 0·3‐fold increase (P<0·001) in the relative dispersion (dimensionless variance) of blood transit times through the systemic and pulmonary circulation, respectively.
Gun Violence and the Meaning of American Schools
Authors: Warnick Bryan R. , Kim Sang Hyun , Robinson Shannon 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTIn the United States, targeted school shootings have become a distinct genre of violence. In this essay, Bryan Warnick, Sang Hyun Kim, and Shannon Robinson examine the social meanings that exist in American society that might contribute to this phenomenon, focusing on the question: “Why are schools conceptualized as appropriate places to enact this form of gun violence?” The authors analyze the social meaning of American schooling by using empirical data, everyday observations, films, and poetry, and then connect these points of meaning to stories of individual school shooters. Through this analysis, three aspects of school stand out. First, schools are places of both real and symbolic violence, where force and power often rule the day. Second, schools are places connected to expectations of hope and refuge, friendship and romance, and when these expectations are not met, bitter resentment flows against schools. Third, suburban schools are seen as places of expressive individualism, which, in rare cases, is manifest in terms of “expressive violence.” Together, these points of meaning can make schools, for some youth, seem like appropriate places to express violent intentions. The essay concludes by speculating about how this analysis can be applied to prevent school shootings.
Normative Considerations in the Aftermath of Gun Violence in Schools
Authors: Gereluk Dianne T. , Kent Donlevy, J. , Thompson Merlin B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGun violence in American and Canadian schools is an ongoing tragedy that goes substantially beyond its roots in the interlocking emotional and behavioral issues of mental health and bullying. In light of the need for effective policy development, Dianne T. Gereluk, J. Kent Donlevy, and Merlin B. Thompson examine gun violence in schools from several relevant perspectives in this article. The authors consider the principle of standard of care as it relates to parents, teachers, and community members in a particular school's context. They posit that normative principles may provide a procedural mechanism appropriate for policymakers and practitioners when contemplating and implementing heightened security measures. Finally, they propose Rawlsian reasonableness as an effective and deliberative democratic process that reduces emotional, reactive responses to school shootings. Through these overlapping concepts, the authors advocate for purposeful discussions regarding gun violence in schools based on the unique pragmatic, educational, social, political, and contextual circumstances of individual schools and their surrounding communities.
The application of an ecosystem services framework to estimate the economic value of dung beetles to theU.K.cattle industry
Authors: BEYNON SARAH A. , WAINWRIGHT WARWICK A. , CHRISTIE MICHAEL 
Published: August 2015

1. TheDEFRAecosystem services framework was implemented in an entomological context to provide preliminary estimates of the economic value of four key ecosystem service benefits delivered by dung beetles (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae,Geotrupidae) to theU.K.cattle industry and individual cattle farmers. These benefits included (i) reduced pest flies; (ii) reduced gastrointestinal parasites; (iii) reduced pasture fouling and (iv) increased soil nutrients.2. A mesocosm experiment was carried out to quantify the impacts of anthelmintic treatment on dung removal by dung beetles when (i) cattle were excreting anthelmintics (which affect dung beetles) in a sufficient concentration to impact dung beetles and (ii) when cattle were not excreting dung containing anthelmintics (which affect dung beetles) in a sufficient concentration to impact dung beetles.3. Inferring from our mesocosm experiment and existing data, the value of the benefits of dung beetles under current farming practices (and current anthelmintic usage) was estimated. We estimated the potential economic benefits if dung beetles were protected (i) under all entry‐level agri‐environment schemes; (ii) under organic schemes; or (iii) if farmers stopped treating adult cattle with anthelmintics during the grazing season.4. While these estimates are preliminary, and should not be treated as definitive values, we suggest that dung beetles may be currently saving theU.K.cattle industryc.£367 million each year:c. £354 million in conventional systems andc.£13 million in organic systems. Annual benefits per cow are greater in organic systems (£43.47) compared with conventional systems (£37.42).5. Protecting dung beetles under agri‐environment schemes could save theU.K.cattle industry an additional £40.2 million year−1(£4.36 per cow), while protecting dung beetles under organic schemes could save £378 k year−1(£1.26 per cow). The cessation of, largely unnecessary, treatment of adult cattle with anthelmintics could save theU.K.cattle industry an additional £6.2 million year−1(£1.40 per cow) in addition to savings on the anthelmintics themselves.6. These estimates are based on a large number of underlying assumptions and, thus, may be overestimating or underestimating the economic value of ecosystem services delivered by dung beetles.7. The potential for using theDEFRAecosystem services framework in an entomological context is highlighted. These estimates emphasise the contribution of dung beetles as keyEcosystemServiceProviders (ESP's) within theU.K.cattle sector and, by extension, emphasise the importance of valuing supporting ecosystem services derived from invertebrates.
Modification of insoluble dietary fibres in soya bean okara and their physicochemical properties
Authors: Huang Suya , He Yawen , Zou Yanping , Liu Zhuang 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe changes in physicochemical and physiological properties of modified soluble dietary fibre (mSDF) in the okara using enzymatic [cellulase/substrates ratio of 2.0–6.0% (w/w) at 50 °C for 90–150 min], chemical [water bath of 1–3 h, water bath temperature of 50–90 °C, Na2HPO4 concentration of 0.1–0.9% and sample/reagent radio (S/R) of 1:40–1:60 (w/v)] and physical (homogenised once or twice under the optimal cellulase treatment condition) treatments were evaluated. The mSDF yield with chemical treatment (57.16%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of physical treatment [homogenisation once (16.54%) or twice (42.02%)] in combination with cellulase treatment. All treatments improved swelling capacity of mSDF and promoted bile acid‐ and cholesterol‐absorption capacity, but enzymatic and chemical treatments decreased the total reducing power of mSDF, except homogenisation‐cellulase treatment (141.74 μm TE g−1). Therefore, homogenisation‐cellulase treatment may be the appropriate method to improve the SDF proportion and ameliorate the functionality of okara.
Effect of carvacrol and thymol on Salmonella spp. biofilms on polypropylene
Authors: Amaral Viviane C. S. , Santos Patrícia R. , da Silva Alex Fiori , dos Santos Adriele Rodrigues , Machinski Miguel , Mikcha Jane M. Graton 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe present study evaluated the effects of carvacrol and thymol against Salmonella spp. biofilm on polypropylene. The efficacy of the compounds was assessed by quantifying Salmonella spp. cells during and after biofilm formation on polypropylene and performing scanning electron microscopy. During biofilm formation, carvacrol and thymol, at subinhibitory concentrations, reduced bacterial counts about 1–2 log, while established Salmonella spp. biofilms were reduced about 1–5 log by carvacrol and thymol, at MIC or 2× MIC. The greatest reduction in carvacrol‐treated biofilms, about 5 log, was observed with 156 and 312 μg mL−1 (MIC and 2× MIC) in established Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 biofilms. Thymol showed the greatest reduction, about 4 log, at 624 μg mL−1 (2× MIC) against mature Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm. Carvacrol and thymol reduced the number of Salmonella spp. cells on polypropylene, suggesting their potential for the control of Salmonella spp. biofilms.
Pre‐school obesity is inversely associated with vegetable intake, grocery stores and outdoor play
Authors: Kepper M. , Tseng T.‐S. , Volaufova J. , Scribner R. , Nuss H. , Sothern M. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe study determined the association between body mass index (BMI) z score and fruit and vegetable intake, frequency and ratio of fast food outlets and grocery stores in concentric areas around the child's residence, outdoor play and total crime index. Data from 78 Louisiana pre‐school children were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis. Parental‐reported fruit intake was linearly associated with increased number of grocery store counts in concentric areas around the child's residence (P = 0.0406, P = 0.0281). Vegetable intake was inversely (P = 0.04) and the ratio of fast food outlets to grocery stores in a 2‐mile concentric area around the child's residence was positively (P = 0.05) associated to BMI z score after applying Best Model regression analysis (F = 3.06, P = 0.0346). Children residing in neighbourhoods with greater access to fast foods and lower access to fruits and vegetables may be at higher risk for developing obesity during pre‐school years.
Association of plasma fatty acid composition with plasma irisin levels in normal weight and overweight/obese children
Authors: Viitasalo A. , Ågren J. , Venäläinen T. , Pihlajamäki J. , Jääskeläinen J. , Korkmaz A. , Atalay M. , Lakka T. A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundIrisin has been suggested to protect against overweight. There are no previous data on the association of plasma fatty acid (FA) composition with plasma irisin.ObjectivesWe studied the association of FA composition with plasma irisin in normal weight and overweight/obese children.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included pre‐pubertal children (388 normal weight children and 55 overweight/obese children); 6–9 years of age, taking part in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study. After an overnight fast, we measured plasma FA composition by gas chromatography and plasma irisin levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsHigher proportion of total monounsaturated fatty acids in plasma cholesteryl esters (CEs) (β = 0.139, P = 0.003) and phospholipids (PLs) (β = 0.147, P = 0.002) and lower proportion of total polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma CE (β = −0.130, P = 0.006) and PL (β = −0.165, P < 0.001) were associated with higher plasma irisin level in the whole study group. The association of plasma FA composition with plasma irisin level was stronger among overweight/obese children compared to normal weight children. Higher proportion of γ‐linolenic acid (β = 0.324, P = 0.017) and lower proportion of linoleic acid (β = −0.397, P = 0.005) in plasma CE were related to higher plasma irisin level among overweight/obese children, indicating the direct association of estimated D6D activity in plasma CE (β = 0.343, P = 0.011) with plasma irisin. Furthermore, higher proportion of oleic acid in plasma CE (β = 0.345, P = 0.012) and PL (β = 0.292, P = 0.033) and higher proportion of adrenic acid (β = 0.366, P = 0.008) and docosapentaenoic acid (β = 0.351, P = 0.010) in plasma PL were associated with higher plasma irisin level among overweight/obese children.ConclusionMetabolically unfavourable plasma FA profile was associated with higher plasma irisin level especially in overweight/obese children, suggesting that excess body fat might modulate these relationships.