bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of methodology used in ultrasound studies aimed at creating charts of fetal size
Authors: Ioannou C , Talbot K , Ohuma E , Sarris I , Villar J , Conde‐Agudelo A , Papageorghiou AT 
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Ioannou C, Talbot K, Ohuma E, Sarris I, Villar J, Conde‐Agudelo A, Papageorghiou A. Systematic review of methodology used in ultrasound studies aimed at creating charts of fetal size. BJOG 2012;119:1425–1439.Background  Reliable ultrasound charts are necessary for the prenatal assessment of fetal size, yet there is a wide variation of methodologies for the creation of such charts.Objective  To evaluate the methodological quality of studies of fetal biometry using a set of predefined quality criteria of study design, statistical analysis and reporting methods.Search strategy  Electronic searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL, and references of retrieved articles.Selection criteria  Observational studies whose primary aim was to create ultrasound size charts for bi‐parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length in fetuses from singleton pregnancies.Data collection and analysis  Studies were scored against a predefined set of independently agreed methodological criteria and an overall quality score was given to each study. Multiple regression analysis between quality scores and study characteristics was performed.Main results  Eighty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria. The highest potential for bias was noted in the following fields: ‘Inclusion/exclusion criteria’, as none of the studies defined a rigorous set of antenatal or fetal conditions which should be excluded from analysis; ‘Ultrasound quality control measures’, as no study demonstrated a comprehensive quality assurance strategy; and ‘Sample size calculation’, which was apparent in six studies only. On multiple regression analysis, there was a positive correlation between quality scores and year of publication: quality has improved with time, yet considerable heterogeneity in study methodology is still observed today.Conclusions  There is considerable methodological heterogeneity in studies of fetal biometry. Standardisation of methodologies is necessary in order to make correct interpretations and comparisons between different charts. A checklist of recommended methodologies is proposed.
Transfection of a human glioblastoma cell line with liver‐type glutaminase (LGA) down‐regulates the expression of DNA‐repair gene MGMT and sensitizes the cells to alkylating agents
Authors: Szeliga Monika , Zgrzywa Agata , Obara‐Michlewska Marta , Albrecht Jan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractO6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA‐repair protein promoting resistance of tumor cells to alkylating chemotherapeutic agents. Glioma cells are particularly resistant to this class of drugs which include temozolomide (TMZ) and carmustine (BCNU). A previous study using the RNA microarray technique showed that decrease of MGMT mRNA stands out among the alterations in gene expression caused by the cell growth‐depressing transfection of a T98G glioma cell line with liver‐type glutaminase (LGA) [Szeliga et al. (2009) Glia, 57, 1014]. Here, we show that stably LGA‐transfected cells (TLGA) exhibit decreased MGMT protein expression and activity as compared with non‐transfected or mock transfected cells (controls). However, the decrease of expression occurs in the absence of changes in the methylation of the promoter region, indicating that LGA circumvents, by an as yet unknown route, the most common mechanism of MGMT silencing. TLGA turned out to be significantly more sensitive to treatment with 100–1000 μM of TMZ and BCNU in the acute cell growth inhibition assay (MTT). In the clonogenic survival assay, TLGA cells displayed increased sensitivity even to 10 μM TMZ and BCNU. Our results indicate that enrichment with LGA, in addition to inhibiting glioma growth, may facilitate chemotherapeutic intervention.
Eye movement analysis of reading from computer displays, eReaders and printed books
Authors: Zambarbieri Daniela , Carniglia Elena 
Published: August 2012

Citation information: Zambarbieri D & Carniglia E. Eye movement analysis of reading from computer displays, eReaders and printed books. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 390–396.. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00930.xAbstractPurpose:  To compare eye movements during silent reading of three eBooks and a printed book. The three different eReading tools were a desktop PC, iPad tablet and Kindle eReader.Methods:  Video‐oculographic technology was used for recording eye movements. In the case of reading from the computer display the recordings were made by a video camera placed below the computer screen, whereas for reading from the iPad tablet, eReader and printed book the recording system was worn by the subject and had two cameras: one for recording the movement of the eyes and the other for recording the scene in front of the subject.Results:  Data analysis provided quantitative information in terms of number of fixations, their duration, and the direction of the movement, the latter to distinguish between fixations and regressions. Mean fixation duration was different only in reading from the computer display, and was similar for the Tablet, eReader and printed book. The percentage of regressions with respect to the total amount of fixations was comparable for eReading tools and the printed book.Conclusions:  The analysis of eye movements during reading an eBook from different eReading tools suggests that subjects’ reading behaviour is similar to reading from a printed book.
Microstructural and functional MRI studies of cognitive impairment in epilepsy
Authors: Braakman Hilde M. H. , van der Kruijs Sylvie J. M. , Vaessen Maarten J. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Debeij‐van Hall Mariette H. J. A. , Vles Johan S.H. , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Backes Walter H. , Hofman Paul A. M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryCognitive impairment is the most common comorbidity in children with epilepsy, but its pathophysiology and predisposing conditions remain unknown. Clinical epilepsy characteristics are not conclusive in determining cognitive outcome. Because many children with epilepsy do not have macrostructural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities, the underlying substrate for cognitive impairment may be found at the microstructural or functional level. In the last two decades, new MRI techniques have been developed that have the potential to visualize microstructural or functional abnormalities associated with cognitive impairment. These include volumetric MRI, voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI). All of these techniques have shed new light on various aspects associated with, or underlying, cognitive impairment, although their use in epilepsy has been limited and focused mostly on adults. Therefore, in this review, the use of all these different MRI techniques to unravel cognitive impairment in epilepsy is discussed both in adults and children with epilepsy. Volumetric MRI and VBM have revealed significant volume losses in the area of the seizure focus as well as in distant areas. DTI adds evidence of loss of integrity of connections from the seizure focus to distant areas as well as between distant areas. MRS and fMRI have shown impaired function both in the area of the seizure focus as well as in distant structures. For this review we have compiled and compared findings from the various techniques to conclude that cognitive impairment in epilepsy results from a network disorder in which the (micro)structures as well as the functionality can be disturbed.
Patients with Tombstoning Pattern on the Admission Electrocardiography Who Have Undergone Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Anterior Wall ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: In‐Hospital and Midterm Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ayhan Erkan , Isık Turgay , Uyarel Huseyin , Ergelen Mehmet , Cicek Gokhan , Altay Servet , Eren Mehmet , Michael Gibson Charles 
Published: August 2012

Background: A tombstoning pattern (T‐pattern) is associated with in‐hospital poor outcomes patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but no data are available for midterm follow‐up. We sought to determine the prognostic value of a T‐pattern on admission electrocardiography (ECG) for in‐hospital and midterm mortality in patients with anterior wall STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods: After exclusion, 169 consecutive patients with anterior wall STEMI (mean age: 55 ± 12.9 years; 145 men) undergoing primary PCI were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were classified as a T‐pattern (n = 32) or non–T‐pattern (n = 137) based upon the admission ECG. Follow‐up to 6 months was performed.Results: In‐hospital mortality tended to be higher in the T‐pattern group compared with non–T‐pattern group (9.3% vs 2.1% respectively, P = 0.05). All‐cause mortality was higher in the T‐pattern group than non–T‐pattern group for 6 month (P = 0.004). After adjusting the baseline characteristics, the T‐pattern remained an independent predictor of 6‐month all‐cause mortality (odds ratio: 5.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.25–21.47, P = 0.02).Conclusion: A T‐pattern is a strong independent predictor of 6‐month all‐cause mortality in anterior STEMI treated with primary PCI. Therefore, it may be an indicator of high risk among patients with anterior wall STEMI.
Processing Route to Fully Dense Nanostructured HAp Bioceramics: From Powder Synthesis to Sintering
Authors: Lukić Miodrag J. , Škapin Srečo Davor , Marković Smilja , Uskoković Dragan 
Published: August 2012

The study is devoted to the processing of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowder to develop fully dense nanostructured bioceramics by pressureless sintering. The sintering behavior of stoichiometric HAp prepared by hydrothermal processing was investigated by nonisothermal, two‐step, and conventional sintering. By low‐temperature two‐step sintering (TSS), at 900°C and 850°C, with appropriate dwell time, dense bioceramics without final‐stage grain growth and average grain size of 75 nm was obtained. A concept of master sintering curve was applied, enabling control of sintering process, estimation of effective activation energy for sintering of HAp nanopowder, and qualitative understanding of sintering mechanisms. According to estimated activation energy of 412.6 kJ/mol, low sintering temperature and particles' microstructure as the dominant sintering mechanism we proposed diffuse‐viscous flow controlled by grain boundary diffusion. HAp nanoparticles comprising of different interior and boundary regions as ordered/disordered microstructure are found to be of an advantage for low‐temperature sintering.
Female mating failure and the failure of ‘mating’ in sterile insect programs
Authors: Pérez‐Staples Diana , Shelly Todd E. , Yuval Boaz 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe sterile insect technique (SIT) involves the inundative release of irradiated (sterile or partially sterile) insects to decrease population levels in a target pest species. The effectiveness of SIT programs depends on sterile males mating successfully and inducing reproductive failure in wild females, or in the F1 generation in the case of lepidopteran species. Thus, from the perspective of insect control, female mating failure involves mating with a mass‐reared, sterilized male, which then results in female reproductive failure. Here, we review female mating failure in the context of SIT at two stages. First, at the pre‐copulatory stage we consider factors that affect female mating failure with sterile males, such as differences between sterile and wild males in terms of male courtship success, male discrimination of females, pheromone production, and dispersal. We emphasize studies with some degree of ecological realism and review certain factors that can affect female sexual development and choice, such as diet, age, and sex ratio. Second, at the post‐copulatory stage we consider factors that functionally result in female reproductive failure, such as ejaculate transfer and control of female remating. Sterile insect technique operations strive to incorporate methods that increase wild female mating with sterile males so that ultimately population‐wide reproductive failure is achieved in the target species.
Do western boxelder bugs sunbathe for sanitation? Inferences from in vitro experiments
Authors: Schwarz Joseph J. , Punja Zamir , Goettel Mark , Gries Gerhard 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWhen western boxelder bugs, Boisea rubrolineata (Barber) (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae), form aggregations in warm sunlight, they release from their posterior dorsal abdominal gland an odorous blend of monoterpenes with heretofore unknown biological function. In laboratory analyses and experiments, we show that bugs in warm sunlight, but not in shade, exude and spread copious amounts of monoterpenes onto their cuticle. These monoterpenes do not serve as a pheromone, but rather as a means of sanitation. They inhibit germination of conidia of the fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales) as well as halt the growth of germinated spores. This prophylactic defense against pathogens appears adaptive for phytophagous insects, like B. rubrolineata, that are prone to infections by microbes thriving on leaf surfaces and in the insects' overwintering microhabitat.
Buccal bone plate in immediately placed and restored implant with Bio‐Oss® collagen graft: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Degidi Marco , Daprile Giuseppe , Nardi Diego , Piattelli Adriano 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to radiographically assess the vertical and horizontal alterations of buccal alveolar bone after the insertion of a post‐extractive implant using Bio‐Oss® Collagen graft.Material and methodsThe study was designed as a prospective study. Adult patients were eligible for the study if they needed one or more immediately inserted and immediately restored implant replacing teeth to be extracted within region 15–25. After the insertion, the buccal gap was carefully grafted using Bio‐Oss® Collagen and the implant immediately restored. Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately after surgery and a series of measurements were made to determine the dimension of the buccal bone plate and the void between implant and extraction socket. A second CBCT was taken and the measurements repeated after 12 months.ResultsAltogether, 69 patients were included in the study; a total of 69 implants were inserted. The study demonstrated that the extraction of a tooth and the immediate insertion of an implant together with an xenograft resulted in alterations of the vertical and horizontal dimension of the buccal bone plate (respectively, 25.6% and 29.3%). Nevertheless, the vertical and horizontal gap reduction was nearly complete (respectively, 99.3% and 99.1%) and the implant was normally in contact with buccal bone.ConclusionsImplant placement into extraction sockets can result in favorable radiological results even in the presence of evident alterations of the buccal bone wall.
Journal‐Based Learning, a new learning experience building on PBL at HKU
Authors: Botelho M. G. , Lo E. C. M. , Bridges S. , McGrath C. , Yiu C. K. Y. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a new journal‐based learning (JBL) programme designed to equip students with skills necessary to understand dental research publications, thereby preparing them for continuing professional development.Materials and MethodsA baseline evaluation of knowledge relating to key research terms was conducted on 52 final‐year BDS students. 11 weekly seminars were conducted from 8 clinical disciplines driven by a reading list of 2–5 journal articles along with a series of ‘guidance’ questions relating to research terms and content knowledge aspects of each paper to focus their reading and learning. Seminars were facilitated by discipline experts with supporting notes. An exit test based on research process and terminologies for the programme was conducted with 4 repeated questions from the baseline assessment. A systematic marking scheme was used and the results analysed. A focus group was run to collect feedback regarding students' views and experiences on the JBL experience.FindingsStudents showed significant improvements over the baseline score. The mean score rose from 3.5 to 11.5 in the repeated questions (P < 0.001). The focus group revealed that students had learnt new information about journal classification, evidence level determination, new research terms and the structure of research papers. From the first 4 years of PBL, students recognized the importance of learning from research papers since year 1. However, JBL gave them a deeper understanding of research and the development of critical appraisal skills.ImplicationsJBL provided final‐year students the opportunity to learn significantly more about dental research, terminologies, paper structure, critical analysis and content knowledge through active‐learning small group seminars.
The importance of ‘student voice’ in dental education
Authors: Subramanian J. , Anderson V. R. , Morgaine K. C. , Thomson W. M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAlthough much published school and higher education research have established a strong conceptual foundation for eliciting student feedback, this element is relatively poorly developed in dental education research. This paper examines ‘student voice’ as a conceptual/theoretical framework and justification for attending to students' perspectives in dental education. The aims of this review paper were: to explore the concept of student voice, including some pragmatic considerations and key critiques of listening to student feedback; to critically analyse key debates about the importance of a research focus on student perceptions using themes from the seminal and contemporary educational literature on student voice from the school, higher and dental educational sectors; to identify gaps in the dental education literature in relation to students' perceptions of their learning, and highlight some practical implications drawn from the ‘student voice’ literature for dental education; and to assist dental educational researchers in developing a strong rationale for listening to student voice in dental educational institutions. This paper is intended to assist dental educational researchers in justifying future research projects which require eliciting dental student feedback/perceptions.
Effective and ineffective supervision in postgraduate dental education: a qualitative study
Authors: Subramanian J. , Anderson V. R. , Morgaine K. C. , Thomson W. M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Research suggests that students' perceptions should be considered in any discussion of their education, but there has been no systematic examination of New Zealand postgraduate dental students' learning experiences. This study aimed to obtain in‐depth qualitative insights into student and graduate perceptions of effective and ineffective learning in postgraduate dental education.Methods: Data were collected in 2010 using semi‐structured individual interviews. Participants included final‐year students and graduates of the University of Otago Doctor of Clinical Dentistry programme. Using the Critical Incident Technique, participants were asked to describe atleast one effective and one ineffective learning experience in detail. Interview transcripts were analysed using a general inductive approach.Results: Broad themes which emerged included supervisory approaches, characteristics of the learning process, and the physical learning environment. This paper considers students' and graduates' perceptions of postgraduate supervision in dentistry as it promotes or precludes effective learning. Effective learning was associated by participants with approachable and supportive supervisory practices, and technique demonstrations accompanied by explicit explanations. Ineffective learning was associated with minimal supervisor demonstrations and guidance (particularly when beginning postgraduate study), and aggressive, discriminatory and/or culturally insensitive supervisory approaches.Conclusion: Participants' responses provided rich, in‐depth insights into their reflections and understandings of effective and ineffective approaches to supervision as it influenced their learning in the clinical and research settings. These findings provide a starting point for the development of curriculum and supervisory practices, enhancement of supervisory and mentoring approaches, and the design of continuing education programmes for supervisors at an institutional level. Additionally, these findings might also stimulate topics for reflection and discussion amongst dental educators and administrators more broadly.
A perceptually oriented method for contrast enhancement and segmentation of dermoscopy images
Authors: Abbas Qaisar , Garcia Irene Fondón , Emre Celebi M. , Ahmad Waqar , Mushtaq Qaisar 
Published: August 2012

Background/PurposeDermoscopy images often suffer from low contrast caused by different light conditions, which reduces the accuracy of lesion border detection. Accordingly for lesion recognition, automatic melanoma border detection (MBD) is an initial as well as crucial task.MethodIn this article, a novel perceptually oriented approach for MBD is presented by combing region and edge‐based segmentation techniques. The MBD system for color contrast and segmentation improvement consists of four main steps: first, the RGB dermoscopy image is transformed to CIE L*a*b* color space, lesion contrast is then enhanced by adjusting and mapping the intensity values of the lesion pixels in the specified range using the three channels of CIE L*a*b*, a hill‐climbing algorithm is used later to detect region‐of‐interest (ROI) map in a perceptually oriented color space using color channels (L*,a*,b*) and finally, an adaptive thresholding is applied to determine the optimal lesion border. Manually drawn borders obtained from an experienced dermatologist are utilized as a ground truth for performance evaluation.ResultsThe proposed MBD method is tested on a total of 100 dermoscopy images. A comparative study with three state‐of‐the‐art color and texture‐based segmentation techniques (JSeg, dermatologists‐like tumor area extraction: DTEA and region‐based active contours: RAC), is also conducted to show the effectiveness of our MBD method using measures of true positive rate (TPR), false positive rate (FPR), and error probability (EP). Among different algorithms, our MBD algorithm achieved TPR of 94.25%, FPR of 3.56%, and EP of 4%.ConclusionsThe proposed MBD approach is highly accurate to detect the lesion border area. The MBD software and sample of dermoscopy images can be downloaded at http://cs.ntu.edu.pk/research.php.