bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pragmatism, Pluralism, and World Hypotheses:
Authors: Stroud Scott R. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThis article addresses the ongoing debate between pluralistic and monistic approaches to dealing with critical disagreement. I return to the theory of world hypotheses advanced by Stephen C. Pepper, an understudied figure in aesthetics and pragmatism, to enunciate a version of pluralism that centers on the nature of critical evidence and its functioning in social settings of argument. I argue that Pepper's expansive philosophy holds interesting implications for what can be called the metaphysics of criticism, a point missed by partisans of standard views of pluralism and monism. Building on his analysis of equally autonomous (but noncommensurable) world hypotheses, this study enunciates an explicit notion of rhetorical pluralism that goes beyond simple relativism. This account can be labeled “evidentiary pluralism,” since it internalizes standards for evaluation to specific worldviews and recognizes their changeable nature in the context of critical disagreement.
Anatomical and functional outcome after bilateral scrotal flap in penile reconstruction
Authors: Pungrasmi Pornthep , Chayasadom Anon , Angspatt Apichai 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Injection of alloplastic material underneath the penile skin for penile augmentation causes many complications such as inflammation, infection, ulceration, and pain during sexual activity. One of the treatments for complications after these penile augmentation procedures is surgical excision of the foreign body granuloma followed by penile skin coverage with bilateral scrotal flaps. There are no prior prospective studies published about anatomical and functional outcomes.
Objective: To study the anatomical and functional outcome of one-stage bilateral scrotal flap reconstruction in patients after surgical removal of paraffinoma from penile shafts.
Methods: Patients who suffered from complications of penile foreign body granuloma were treated by surgical excision and reconstruction with bilateral scrotal flaps. The penile lengths and circumferences when flaccid and erect were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. The patients were interviewed using questionnaires and satisfaction scored to determine their sexual experiences were recorded before and after surgery.
Results: Thirteen patients were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up time was 23.5 (11.5-40.5) weeks. The mean erectile length and the maximal circumference were 11.8 (9-15) cm, 14.5 (11.5-17) cm preoperatively, and 11.7 (10-14) cm, 11.8 (10-13) cm postoperatively. Satisfaction scores of sexual activity is 6.84 (0-9) preoperatively, and 8.38 (5-10) postoperatively.
Conclusion: One-stage bilateral scrotal flap coverage is a good option for penile skin reconstruction. This technique can achieve satisfactory results both anatomically and functionally.
Early interdisciplinary intensive rehabilitation significantly improves the quality of life of stroke survivors: a multi-center study
Authors: Piravej Krisna , Konjen Nipaporn , Cowintaveewat Vasana , Kuptniratsaikul Vilai , Kuptniratsaikul Patcharawimol Srisa-an 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Interdisciplinary and intensive stroke rehabilitation programs have been shown to be positively correlated with improved functional outcomes. However, data regarding their combined use on the quality of life (QOL) of stroke survivors appears scant.
Objective: To evaluate whether interdisciplinary intensive rehabilitation programs for stroke survivors can improve their health-related QOL (HRQOL) scores and whether the timing of the interdisciplinary intensive rehabilitation has a significant effect on HRQOL scores.
Materials and Methods: This was a multi-center, prospective study. Patients were retrospectively selected from the Thai Stroke Rehabilitation Registry database. Three hundred seventy-six stroke patients from nine main tertiary hospitals in Thailand who had received acute stroke rehabilitation were screened between March and December 2006. Two hundred seven patients completed World Health Organization Quality of Life scale abbreviated Thai version (WHOQOL-BREF-Thai) questionnaires and were divided into two groups based on the time after onset of stroke to start interdisciplinary intensive rehabilitation: sub-acute (<1 month) and chronic (≥1 month). WHOQOL-BREF-Thai questionnaires were composed of four domains (physical health, psychological well being, social relationships and environment satisfaction), which were administered to the patients before and after interdisciplinary intensive rehabilitation to assess QOL.
Results: After interdisciplinary intensive rehabilitation, patients from both groups showed significant improvement in their quality of life in all domains, sex life and family relationships. However, patients from the sub-acute group had more significant improvement in their environment domain, family relationships and overall WHOQOL scores than those in the chronic group.
Conclusion: Early interdisciplinary intensive stroke rehabilitation can significantly improve environment domain, family relationships and overall WHOQOL of stroke patients.
The effect of the Thai “Eye Drop Guide” on success rate of eye drop self-instillation by glaucoma patients
Authors: Sakiyalak Darin , Maneephagaphun Krissana , Metheetrairat Ankana , Ruangvaravate Ngamkae , Kitnarong Naris 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Noncompliance can mislead clinicians regarding the efficacy of therapy and result in more aggressive, but inappropriate treatment. Improper techniques used for eye drop instillation frequently occurs in chronic glaucoma patients. The Thai Eye Drop Guide (EDG) device has been developed to ensure precise instillation. However, whether the EDG is more effective than the traditional technique when careful instructions for both techniques are given is still unknown.
Objective: To compare success rates of eye drop self-instillation by chronic glaucoma patients using a traditional technique and the EDG when careful instructions for both are given.
Methods: Fifty-nine chronic glaucoma patients were instructed to instill eye drops using the EDG or a traditional technique in a randomized sequence. A two week practice period was assigned before groups were crossed-over. The instillation performance was VDO recorded after each practice period. Three criteria of success: time taken to instill an eye drop into the eye; instillation of only one drop; and without the bottle tip touching lids, lashes, periocular tissues, or the other hand, were scored by three independent readers from video-records. The readers were blinded to the sequence to which the patients were randomized.
Results: There were no significant differences in success rates between the EDG and traditional technique (61.0% and 66.1% respectively, p = 0.607) and the number of drops dispensed per application (median of 1 drop in both groups, p = 0.89). The time taken to instill eye drops with the EDG was significantly longer than using the traditional technique (median of 19 and 9 s respectively, p < 0.001). Older age (p = 0.049, OR 4.23) and more education (p = 0.025, OR 0.19) were found to be significantly associated with failure of the EDG.
Conclusion: EDG is not more effective than a traditional technique in terms of improving dispensing accuracy and decreasing the drops dispensed per application even when careful instructions are given. The results suggest that, if good instructions are provided, experienced glaucoma patients can improve their eye drop instillation performance.
Burns in Tehran: demographic, etiological, and clinical trends
Authors: Bahar Mohammad Ali , Pakyari Mohammadreza , Bahar Rayeheh 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Burns are a major public health problem. They often require intensive care and long periods of hospitalization. In Tehran, about 5% of all hospitalized injuries are burns. There are no published long-term epidemiological studies regarding burn injuries of adults in Iran.
Objective: To identify risk factors for burn injuries and provide a starting point for the establishment of an effective prevention plan.
Methods: We analyzed the demographic, etiological, and clinical data of 1860 burn patients admitted to a major acute care hospital in Tehran between March 2010 and April 2011. Data were obtained from the registry recorded in Shahid Motahari Trauma Hospital and evaluated using a chi-square test.
Results: Males were more than twice as likely to be burn patients than females (72.0% vs. 28.0%). Second and third-degree burns with a body surface area of 21%-30% constituted the highest injury reported (75.3%). The most common causes of the recorded burns were natural gas, gasoline (42%) and open fire (10.2%). Unintentional burns were reported in 85% of the cases, and 15% of the burn victims were suicide-related incidents; mainly among women. In 75% of suicide attempts, women set themselves on fire to commit suicide. The mean duration of hospitalization was 25 days and the mortality rate was 10.7%. Mean age of reported deaths was 38.6 years; with a mean of 30 years among women and 51.5 years among men.
Conclusion: The group at highest risk was young men 21-30 years old. However, an astonishing finding was that 75% of suicidal-related incidents involved women setting themselves on fire. Those with the highest mortality rate were victims of burns with gas, gasoline, and kerosene; with a mean age of 30 years of death among women.
Effects of daidzein on testosterone secretion in cultured immature mouse testis
Authors: Zhang Liuping , Shao Genbao , Pan Yaoqian 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground: Daidzein is a major isoflavone in soybeans. Several in vivo studies have showed that daidzein can affect immature male testosterone production. However, whether daidzein has direct action on immature male testis is unknown.Objective: We investigated the effects of daidzein on testosterone secretion in 3-day-old and 21-day-old mouse Leydig cells with organotypic culture model.Materials and Methods: The testes were exposed to different concentrations (10-7to 10-4M) of daidzein for 72 h with medium changed every 24 h. From 72 to 75 h of culture, 100 ng/ml human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was added. The testosterone production was determined, and the related mechanisms of daidzein action were also evaluated by measuring the mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD-1) involved in testosterone biosynthesis.Results: The results revealed that in the presence of 100 ng/ml hCG, 10-7to 10-5M daidzein had no significant effect on testosterone secretion in cultured 3-day-old mouse testis. But 10-4M daidzein significantly increased testosterone concentration (p < 0.05). Daidzein in range of studied doses had no obvious influence on testosterone production in cultured 21-day-old mouse testis. RT-PCR results showed that 10-4M daidzein had obvious influence on the mRNA levels of StAR, P450scc and 3β-HSD-1 in cultured 3-day-old mouse testis (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that daidzein mainly influences neonatal mouse testis function, and the influence is partially related to the upregulation of StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD-1 mRNA levels.
Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a review and single-center experience
Authors: Panumatrassamee Kamol , Usawachintachit Manint , Ratchanon Supoj , Santi-ngamkun Apirak 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the preferred approach to adrenal gland tumors.
Objective: To evaluate the perioperative and functional outcomes of transperitoneal LA.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all consecutive patients who underwent transperitoneal LA at our institution between April 2000 and December 2011.
Results: Two hundred two patients with mean age of 46 years were included in the study. There were 109 left, 89 right, and 4 bilateral tumors. Preoperative diagnosis included 126 aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA), 33 patients with Cushing syndrome, 19 pheochromocytomas, 20 nonfunctional tumors, and 4 adrenal metastases. Mean tumor size was 3.3 cm (range 0.4-22 cm). Mean operative time was 109 min and estimated blood loss 90 mL for unilateral adrenalectomy; and 195 min and 300 mL for bilateral adrenalectomy. Four patients with pheochromocytoma required transfusion and 2 required conversion to an open approach. Seven intraoperative complications and 18 30-day postoperative complications occurred. These included 5 major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 3-5). Ninety-seven percent of APA patients had normal serum potassium levels after surgery. Among the patients with functioning endocrine tumors, complete resolution rate from secondary hypertension was significantly higher in the pheochromocytoma group compared with those with APA or Cushing syndrome (82% vs. 48% vs. 68% respectively, p = 0.02). Mean follow up was 35.2 months.
Conclusion: LA is the treatment of choice for most adrenal gland tumors with excellent outcomes and low complication rates. There was a high chance for complete resolution of secondary hypertension after surgery for pheochromocytoma.
Original article. Human dental pulp stem cells as a potential feeder layer for human embryonic stem cell culture
Authors: Chattong Supreecha , Rungsiwiwut Ruttachuk , Yindeedej Wittaya , Sereemaspun Amornpun , Pruksananonda Kamthorn , Virutamasen Pramuan , Setpakdee Anant , Manotham Krissanapong 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are pluripotent, and can differentiate into three germ layers. Traditionally, cultures of hES cells are maintained in a system containing mouse embryonic fibroblasts as a feeder layer for support of undifferentiated growth. However, contamination by animal cells limits the use of hES cells.
Objective: We evaluated the use of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) as a feeder layer for hES cell culture. It should be possible to obtain a new source of human mesenchymal stem cells for feeder cells to maintain undifferentiated growth of hES cells.
Methods: hDPSCs from removed impacted wisdom teeth (third molars) were extracted, cultured, and characterized for mesenchymal stem cell properties. Furthermore, hDPSCs were used as a feeder layer for culturing Chula2 and Chula5 hES cell lines. Finally, hES cell lines grown on hDPSCs feeders were examined embryonic stem cell properties.
Results: We found that hDPSCs, which have mesenchymal properties, can support undifferentiated growth of hES cell lines. After prolonged culture (passage 17), these hES cell lines still maintain ES cell properties including typical morphology seen in hES cells, the expression of pluripotency markers (Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Rex1, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81), embryoid body formation and retention of a normal karyotype.
Conclusion: hDPSCs, derived from the pulp tissue of impacted third molars, are a potential source of human feeder cells for the culture of undifferentiated hES cells.
Brief communication (Original). Validity and reliability of Thai version Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS-T)
Authors: Honglertsakul Chavalit 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom-based condition, difficult to evaluate and impairs human related quality of life. A questionnaire is essential for the diagnosis and evaluation of treatment outcomes. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire has been mentioned previously as a useful tool for quantifying symptoms, severity, and treatment outcomes.
Objectives: To examine the psychometric properties of the OABSS in Thai women with overactive bladder.
Methods: Sixty women aged over 18 years, diagnosed with overactive bladder syndrome were recruited. They visited in two sessions at a two-week intervals using an OABSS questionnaire translated into Thai by a group of translators comprised of bilingual doctors and native speakers. OABSS in Thai preserves the original format using seven questions.
Results: Sixty woman aged over 18 years with overactive bladder symptoms were recruited (mean age 56; SD17.8). Content validity revealed a high score of symptoms. Internal consistency of the questionnaire from both visits showed a Cronbach alpha at 0.80 and 0.82 respectively. There was a strong association between the seven-item OABSS score at visit 1 and visit 2 with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.96 (95% CI 0.947-0.981).
Conclusion: The OABSS Thai version is valid, and easily evaluates symptoms and severity of OAB. It could be used not only by urologists, but also by other healthcare providers as a screening tool for OAB in Thailand.
IL28B genotyping and treatment of HCV infected subjects
Authors: Novotny Dalibor , Roubalova Lucie , Aiglova Kvetoslava , Bednarikova Jana , Bartkova Margita 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground: Chronic hepatitis C is a common cause of advanced liver disease and appropriate treatment has been complex and a challenge. Reaction of individual genotypes to classical pegylated interferon-ribavirin therapy differs and no success has been achieved in some even after repeated therapy cycles. New types of so called directly acting antivirals (DAAs) are hopeful, as shown in many recent clinical studies, and triple therapy regimens involving DAA are becoming the new standard of care.Objective: To summarize knowledge about the relationship between HCV therapeutic regimens and the genetic background of the host represented by interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene polymorphisms. In the first part, the host basic mechanisms in specific and innate immunity are introduced. The IL28B genotype and its role in the course of HCV treatment are described in the second part.Methods: We searched and summarized publications on HCV therapeutic regimens and host IL28B polymorphisms.Results: Compared to classical regimens, the association between IL28B polymorphism and treatment outcome of HCV infected patients is weaker in triple therapy using first generation DAAs boceprevir and telaprevir.Conclusions: The association between IL28B polymorphism and treatment outcome is lessened with availability of new therapeutic regimens. Nevertheless, IL28B genotyping may still be useful for individualization of treatment strategies.
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus: comparison between National Diabetes Data Group and Carpenter– Coustan criteria
Authors: Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn , Lertbunnaphong Tripop , Tientong Kamaitorn 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: A 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Carpenter-Coustan (CC) criteria, based on lower threshold plasma glucose values than the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria, result in an apparently increased prevalence of GDM. However, the extent of the increase is not known, and effects on perinatal outcome are not clear.
Objective: To evaluate the increase in the prevalence of GDM if CC criteria are applied to OGTT results, we compared findings with NDDG criteria. Pregnancy outcomes between women without GDM and those with GDM diagnosed by NDDG and CC criteria were compared.
Methods: A total of 640 at-risk pregnant women were studied. They were either diagnosed as having GDM by initial testing (145 women), or repeat testing at 24−28 weeks of gestation (495 women). CC criteria were applied to the OGTT results and prevalence of GDM was re-evaluated.
Results: The apparent prevalence of GDM increased by 22.2% using CC criteria. The change was 27.6% at the initial test and 31.5% at repeat tests during 24−28 weeks of gestation. Infant birth weight in GDM diagnosed by either NDDG or CC criteria was significantly higher than in the negative OGTT group (P < 0.001). Rates of macrosomia were comparable. Neonatal hypoglycemia was 14.6% in the NDDG group, 8.2% in CC only group, and 4.6% in negative OGTT group (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The CC criteria identify 22% more cases of GDM than NDDG criteria during initial and repeat tests.
Post-surgical physical activity enhancing program for elderly patients after hip fracture: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suwanpasu Sunee , Aungsuroch Yupin , Jitapanya Chanokporn 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Hip fracture seriously influences an elderly person’s life and mobility, independent living, and causes earlier mortality. Although surgery is generally successful, many of the elderly suffer from decreased physical ability after surgery for hip fracture.
Objectives: To determine the effects of a physical activity enhancing program (PEP) on the level of physical activity of elderly patients after surgical treatment of hip fracture.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 46 elderly patients was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from January 2012 to February 2013 to evaluate the effectiveness of the Resnick self-efficacy model (2009) compared with standard care in improving physical activity. The participants were enrolled on a criteria basis and were block randomized into two groups. The intervention group attended four phases of physical training and efficacy based intervention comprising assessment, preparation, practicing, and evaluation phases with face-to-face contact and five telephone calls during seven weeks post-surgery.
Results: Six weeks after discharge, the physical activity of the intervention group increased by significantly more than the control group (F1,43 = 9.63, P < 0.01), with an effect size of 0.18 after controlling for preoperative physical activity. The ratio of the effect on physical activity induced by the PEP was higher than that induced by usual care (65.2% vs. 47.8%).
Conclusion: PEP is effective at improving physical activity. Efforts to follow up for longer periods and with studies using larger populations are recommended.
‘Please Do not Stand over the Buddha’s Head (Pay Respect)’: Mediations of Tourist and Researcher Experience in Thailand
Authors: Andrew Jocuns  , Ingrid de Saint-Georges  , Nawasri Chonmahatrakul  , Jantima Angkapanichkit  
Published: August 2015

This paper examines signs mediating tourist experience in temples and heritage sites in Thailand, paying particular attention to how language is used on signs, the semiotic make-up of the signs, and the economy of discourses embedded within those signs. Utilizing a geosemiotic approach (Scollon and Scollon 2003), we show that the signs populating tourist spaces in Thailand not only address rather different audiences, but also index distinct orders of discourse (religious, commercial, informational, regulatory). We propose that signs mediate differently the landscape of Thai Buddhist temples for the local Thai audience and for non-Thai Western others, implying for each group not only different kinds of behaviours but also contrasted positions and identities. In that sense, we view signs in this tourist context observed as cultural tools for boundary production between Easterner and Westerner.
The Covalent Functionalization of Graphene on Substrates
Authors: Criado Alejandro , Melchionna Michele , Marchesan Silvia , Prato Maurizio 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe utilization of grown or deposited graphene on solid substrates offers key benefits for functionalization processes, but especially to attain structures with a high level of control for electronics and “smart” materials. In this review, we will initially focus on the nature and properties of graphene on substrates, based on the method of preparation. We will then analyze the most relevant literature on the functionalization of graphene on substrates. In particular, we will comparatively discuss radical reactions, cycloadditions, halogenations, hydrogenations, and oxidations. We will especially address the question of how the reactivity of graphene is affected by its morphology (i.e., number of layers, defects, substrate, curvature, etc.).