bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AN AFRICAN THEORY OF BIOETHICS: REPLY TO MACPHERSON AND MACKLIN
Authors: METZ THADDEUS 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTIn a prior issue of Developing World Bioethics, Cheryl Macpherson and Ruth Macklin critically engaged with an article of mine, where I articulated a moral theory grounded on indigenous values salient in the sub‐Saharan region, and then applied it to four major issues in bioethics, comparing and contrasting its implications with those of the dominant Western moral theories, utilitarianism and Kantianism. In response to my essay, Macpherson and Macklin have posed questions about: whether philosophical justifications are something with which bioethicists ought to be concerned; why something counts as ‘African’; how medicine is a moral enterprise; whether an individual right to informed consent is consistent with sub‐Saharan values; and when thought experiments help to establish firm conclusions about moral status. These are important issues for the field, and I use this reply to take discussion of them a step or two farther, defending my initial article from Macpherson's and Macklin's critical questions and objections.
Familial longevity is marked by enhanced insulin sensitivity
Authors: Wijsman Carolien A. , Rozing Maarten P. , Streefland Trea C. M. , le Cessie Saskia , Mooijaart Simon P. , Slagboom P. Eline , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Pijl Hanno , van Heemst Diana ,   On behalf of the Leiden Longevity Study group
Published: November 2010

SummaryInsulin resistance is a risk factor for various age‐related diseases. In the Leiden Longevity study, we recruited long‐lived siblings and their offspring. Previously, we showed that, compared to controls, the offspring of long‐lived siblings had a better glucose tolerance. Here, we compared groups of offspring from long‐lived siblings and controls for the relation between insulin and glucose in nonfasted serum (n = 1848 subjects) and for quantitation of insulin action using a two‐step hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp (n = 24 subjects). Groups of offspring and controls were similar with regard to sex distribution, age, and body mass index. We observed a positive bi‐phasic linear relationship between ln (insulin) levels and nonfasted glucose with a steeper slope from 10.7 mU L−1 insulin onwards in controls compared to offspring (P = 0.02). During the clamp study, higher glucose infusion rate was required to maintain euglycemia during high‐dose insulin infusion (P = 0.036) in offspring, reflecting higher whole‐body insulin sensitivity. After adjustment for sex, age, and fat mass, the insulin‐mediated glucose disposal rate (GDR) was higher in offspring than controls (42.5 ± 2.7 vs. 33.2 ± 2.7 μmol kg−1 min−1, mean ± SE, P = 0.025). The insulin‐mediated suppression of endogenous glucose production and lipolysis did not differ between groups (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, GDR was significantly correlated with the mean age of death of the parents. In conclusion, offspring from long‐lived siblings are marked by enhanced peripheral glucose disposal. Future research will focus on identifying the underlying biomolecular mechanisms, with the aim to promote health in old age.
The Friars Preachers: The First Hundred Years of the Dominican Order
Authors: Prudlo Donald S. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe first 100 years of the Dominican order witnessed the transition from a small group of men dedicated to preaching against the Albigensian heresy in southern France, to a transnational order with thousands of members affecting nearly every area of Latin Christendom. This essay is a short bibliographical overview of the state of Dominican studies for the first 100 years of their existence. It touches briefly upon the foundation, the idea of poverty, University study, preaching, inquisitions, female spirituality, and the Dominican relationship to the papacy. It offers a look both at the necessary sources for a study of the Dominicans, as well as a look at new directions in scholarship about the order.
Retracted: Prevalence and Burden of Headache Disorders: A Comparative Regional Study in China
Authors: Luo Ning , Fang Yannan , Tan Feng , Zhang Qian , Zou Daliang , Cao Xiutang , Xu Xuehua , Bai Hua , Ou Jiangang , Wu Haike , Chen Zilong , Zhou Yane , Wan Saiying , Hong Yan , Wang Jingliang , Ding Minghui , Zhang Aiwu , Zhu Daoyuan , Dun Jun 
Published: November 2010

Background.— Since the early 1990s, no study has been undertaken examining the prevalence and burden of headache disorders in China.Objective.— We conducted a one‐year survey on the prevalence and burden of primary headache in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi. Our study also evaluated the factors behind similarities and differences affecting prevalence in the 2 regions of study.Methods.— Random samples of 372 local residents in Guangdong and 182 local residents in Guangxi aged 18‐65 years were invited to a face‐to‐face interview.Results.— The one‐year prevalence of primary headache was 22.6% (84/372) in Guangdong and 41.2% (75/182) in Guangxi. The prevalence of migraine (14.3%, n = 26) in Guangxi was higher than prevalence of migraine (8.3%, n = 31) in Guangdong (P = .03). The ratio of headache cost and household income was 2.1% in Guangdong and 3.7% in Guangxi, the ratio in Guangdong was less than that in Guangxi (P = .001). The diagnostic confirmation rate of migraine was low. No migraineur used triptans drugs to treat migraine in either region.Conclusion.— Migraine prevalence was higher in the lower‐income region that also contains a higher proportion of ethnic minorities. Although there was no difference of headache cost between the 2 regions, the headache populations in the lower‐income region would relatively suffer a greater financial burden if taking the economic differences between the 2 regions into account. The improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic levels for the treatment of headache, especially migraine, in the 2 regions may be a matter of urgency.
Prevalence of visual field loss following exposure to vigabatrin therapy: A systematic review
Authors: Maguire Melissa J. , Hemming Karla , Wild John M. , Hutton Jane L. , Marson Anthony G. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Vigabatrin is an efficacious antiepileptic drug licensed as add‐on therapy in refractory epilepsy and used in infantile spasms. Eight years after licensing, there emerged a strong and possibly causative association with bilateral visual field loss. We report a systematic review ascertaining the magnitude of risk of vigabatrin associated visual field loss (VAVFL) and any clinical predictors of risk.Methods:  Electronic searches, including MEDLINE (1966–2009), EMBASE (1974–2009), and CINAHL (1982–2009), were conducted. Reports, published in full, of observational studies investigating the prevalence of visual field loss in patients with partial epilepsy treated with vigabatrin were included. Outcomes were the proportion with visual field loss, and the relative risk of VAVFL compared to similar nonexposed patients with epilepsy.Key Findings:  Thirty‐two studies were identified, which included 1,678 patients exposed to vigabatrin and 406 controls. Of the 1,678 exposed patients, 738 (44%) had visual field loss compared to just 30 (7%) among the 406 controls. The random‐effects estimate for the proportion of adults with visual field loss was 52% [95% confidence interval (CI) 46–59]. The estimate for children was lower at 34% (95% CI 25–42). The relative risk for field loss in vigabatrin‐exposed patients was 4.0 (95% CI 2.9–5.5). Larger mean cumulative dose of vigabatrin and increasing age were associated with a higher proportion of patients with visual field loss.Significance:  Vigabatrin should be reserved for patients with epilepsy for whom there is no other alternative or for patients who have determined the benefit of ongoing treatment to outweigh the risk of VAVFL.
Mesothelial cell differentiation into osteoblast‐ and adipocyte‐like cells
Authors: Lansley Sally M. , Searles Richelle G. , Hoi Aina , Thomas Carla , Moneta Helena , Herrick Sarah E. , Thompson Philip J. , Mark Newman , Sterrett Gregory F. , Prêle Cecilia M. , Mutsaers Steven E. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractSerosal pathologies including malignant mesothelioma (MM) can show features of osseous and/or cartilaginous differentiation although the mechanism for its formation is unknown. Mesothelial cells have the capacity to differentiate into cells with myofibroblast, smooth muscle and endothelial cell characteristics. Whether they can differentiate into other cell types is unclear. This study tests the hypothesis that mesothelial cells can differentiate into cell lineages of the embryonic mesoderm including osteoblasts and adipocytes. To examine this, a functional assay of bone formation and an adipogenic assay were performed in vitro with primary rat and human mesothelial cells maintained in osteogenic or adipogenic medium (AM) for 0–26 days. Mesothelial cells expressed increasing levels of alkaline phosphatase, an early marker of the osteoblast phenotype, and formed mineralized bone‐like nodules. Mesothelial cells also accumulated lipid indicative of a mature adipocyte phenotype when cultured in AM. All cells expressed several key osteoblast and adipocyte markers, including osteoblast‐specific runt‐related transcription factor 2, and demonstrated changes in mRNA expression consistent with epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, these studies confirm that mesothelial cells have the capacity to differentiate into osteoblast‐ and adipocyte‐like cells, providing definitive evidence of their multipotential nature. These data strongly support mesothelial cell differentiation as the potential source of different tissue types in MM tumours and other serosal pathologies, and add support for the use of mesothelial cells in regenerative therapies.
Applying a knowledge‐to‐action framework for primary prevention of spina bifida in tropical Africa
Authors: Claude Kasereka M. , Juvenal Kwibuka L. , Hawkes Michael 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMaternal periconceptual folate supplementation reduces the incidence of neural tube defects; however, in settings where population‐level food fortification is not available, it is not clear how best to promote this prevention strategy. Guided by a knowledge‐to‐action methodology, we used mixed quantitative and qualitative methods to define the local disease burden, then designed, implemented and evaluated a culturally tailored educational intervention in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where resource limitations and threats to human security contribute to restricted capacity for the prevention and management of congenital malformations. A descriptive case series of 27 patients undergoing surgery for spina bifida demonstrated a short‐term mortality of 15% and long‐term disability in survivors. A survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices demonstrated a low level of folate awareness (53%) among women of reproductive age. Focus group discussions revealed exotic aetiologic views, significant gender issues and several barriers to folate use. A culturally tailored radio broadcast and an educational video were designed and produced locally based on qualitative and quantitative findings. Evaluation of the video documented high levels of viewer satisfaction and unequivocal knowledge gain (P ≤ 0.001). We conclude that spina bifida poses a significant burden on affected patients and their families in the African context, but folate is underutilized as a prevention strategy. Patient education through video media results in increased awareness and understanding of spina bifida and folate, a first step in empowering women to reduce the risk of spina bifida in their children in the absence of population‐wide food fortification.
Conserved Residues in the Subunit Interface of tau Glutathione S‐transferase Affect Catalytic and Structural Functions
Authors: Wang Cai‐Ling , Yang Hai‐Ling 
Published: November 2010

Abstract The tau class glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) have important roles in stress tolerance and the detoxification of herbicides in crops and weeds. Structural investigations of a wheat tau GST (TaGSTU4) show two subunit interactions: a hydrogen bond between the Tyr93 and Pro65 from another subunit of the dimer, and two salt bridges between residues Glu78 and side chains of Arg95 and Arg99 in the opposite subunit. By investigating enzyme activities, kinetic parameters and structural characterizations, this study showed the following results: (i) the hydrogen bond interaction between the Tyr93 and Pro65 was not essential for dimerization, but contributed to the enzyme's catalytic activity, thermal stability and affinity towards substrates glutathione and 1‐chloro‐2, 4‐dinitrobenzene; and (ii) two salt bridges mainly contributed to the protein structure stability and catalysis. The results of this study form a structural and functional basis for rational design of more selective and environmentally friendly herbicides.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou); Functional and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Geirsdottir Margret , Sigurgisladottir Sjofn , Hamaguchi Patricia Y. , Thorkelsson Gudjon , Johannsson Ragnar , Kristinsson Hordur G. , Kristjansson Magnus M. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Functional and biochemical properties of fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) from blue whiting (BW) were studied. FPH (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15% degree of hydrolysis [DH]) were made from isolated proteins from headed and gutted BW with Alcalase 2.4 L. The properties of dried BW mince and protein isolate compared to 4 reference proteins (soy and milk protein) were studied: color, solubility, water‐holding capacity (WHC), oil‐binding capacity (OBC), emulsion capacity (EC), and emulsion stability (ES). The angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of the soluble fraction of BW powders were also investigated. Furthermore, the products were characterized by analyzing their chemical composition. Chemical composition, solubility, OBC, and EC of the BW powders was significantly (P < 0.05) different with different DH, while color, ES, and WHC were not significantly (P > 0.05) different. Salt content of the FPH was high (4% to 19%) and increased with increased DH. Protein solubility varied from 10% to 70% and increased with increased DH. WHC of the FPH was around 97% and was higher than that of all the reference proteins tested. OBC decreased with increased DH (from 3.5 to 2.1 g oil/g protein) and was higher than OBC of the soy and milk proteins (1.6 to 1.9 g oil/g protein). EC of FPH was similar or lower than the reference proteins. ES of FPH (60% to 90%) was similar to or lower than soy and whey proteins (60% to 98%) but higher than casein (20%). ACE inhibition activity increased as DH was increased.Practical Application:  The results from this study demonstrate that a functional bioactive hydrolysate can be produced from BW, which is an underutilized fish species, and may aid the industry in better utilizing this raw material. The novelty of this research was the use of BW as a raw material where the protein has been isolated with the pH shift method. Furthermore, it was novel that bioactivity and functionality was measured in the same samples.
Rheology and Microstructure of Carrot and Tomato Emulsions as a Result of High‐Pressure Homogenization Conditions
Authors: Lopez‐Sanchez Patricia , Svelander Cecilia , Bialek Lucy , Schumm Stephan , Langton Maud 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  High‐pressure homogenization, as a way to further mechanically disrupt plant cells and cell walls compared to conventional blending, has been applied to thermally treated and comminuted carrot and tomato material in the presence of 5% olive oil. Mixes of both vegetables in a 1:1 ratio were also included. Both the effect of homogenization pressure and the effect of multiple process cycles were studied. The different microstructures generated were linked to different rheological properties analyzed by oscillatory and steady state measurements. The results showed that while carrot tissue requires a high shear input to be disrupted into cells and cell fragments, tomato cells were broken across the cell walls already at moderate shear input, and the nature of the tomato particles changed to amorphous aggregates, probably composed of cell contents and cell wall polymers. All the plant stabilized emulsions generated were stable against creaming under centrifugation. While for tomato a low‐pressure multiple cycle and a high‐pressure single‐cycle process led to comparable microstructures and rheological properties, carrot showed different rheological properties after these treatments linked to differences in particle morphology. Mixes of carrot and tomato showed similar rheological properties after homogenizing in a single or in a split‐stream process.Practical Application:  Following consumers’ demand, the food industry has shown a growing interest in manufacturing products free of gums and stabilizers, which are often perceived as artificial. By tailored processing, fresh plant material could be used to structure food products in a more natural way while increasing their nutritional quality.
Refrigerated Dough Quality: Effect of Environment and Genotypes of Hard Red Spring Wheat
Authors: Simsek S. , Whitney K.L. , Ohm J.B. , Anderson J. , Mergoum M. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Refrigerated dough products use wheat flour as their primary ingredient, so the quality and chemical composition of the flour determine the quality of the final product. Six varieties of hard red spring wheat, grown in 3 locations in Minnesota, U.S.A., were evaluated for use in refrigerated dough products. Total arabinoxylan percentages in the flours ranged from 0.97 to 1.54. Xylanase activity of the flour was measured and ranged from 0.20 to 0.84 mU/g. An important factor in the suitability for refrigerated dough is the syruping during storage. A large amount of variability in dough syruping was observed among the varieties and locations when the extent of dough syruping was measured over a period of 10 d. The mean dough syruping on day 10 ranged from 2.05% to 14.83%. Despite the significant interaction effect of genotype and environment, 2 varieties, Glenn and Oklee, had lower dough syrup formation with greater stability across growing locations and storage days than other varieties.Practical Application:  Refrigerated dough production is one of the fastest growing segments of the ready‐to‐use food industry. Well‐formulated and processed refrigerated doughs are practical to consume and should stay fresh during extended periods of storage; thus, maintenance of dough quality during refrigeration is critical. This study was designed to perform the research on genotypic and environmental effects on variations in dough syruping during refrigeration storage of doughs from hard red spring wheats.
Reapplication Improves the Amount of Sunscreen, not its Regularity, Under Real Life Conditions†
Authors: De Villa Damiê , da Silva Nagatomi Aline Rodrigues , Paese Karina , Guterres Silvia , Cestari Tania Ferreira 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens is determined using samples applied with a thickness of 2 mg cm−2. Sunscreen users, however, typically apply sunscreen nonuniformly and in smaller amounts. The objective of our study was to verify whether sunscreen reapplication increases the amount and regularity of the product on the skin. Volunteers were asked to apply an SPF 6 sunscreen on their forearms and reapply it 30 min later on one forearm. Tape‐strips were used to collect five samples from two different sites on each forearm. The concentration of benzophenone‐3 in the samples was measured and the total amount of sunscreen was estimated using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The median amount of sunscreen film was 0.43 mg cm−2 (0.17–1.07) after one application and 0.95 mg cm−2 (0.18–1.91) after two applications (P = 0.002). No significant difference was found in the film uniformity. Though sunscreen reapplication increases the amount of product on the skin, levels are still lower than the recommended amount, confirming that the protection level is less than the product‐stated SPF. Our results are the first in the literature to support the recommendation for reapplying sunscreens. Based on our results, we recommend that sunscreens be labeled using qualitative measures.
Posterior resin composite restorations with or without resin‐modified, glass‐ionomer cement lining: a 1‐year randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Banomyong Danuchit , Harnirattisai Choltacha , Burrow Michael F. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigate the effect of resin‐modified, glass‐ionomer cement lining on the quality of posterior resin composite restorations, bonded with a two‐step, total‐etch or self‐etching adhesive, at 1 year.Methods:  Patients with 1–4 moderate‐to‐deep, primary occlusal caries in molars were informed and recruited. A total of 110 composite restorations were placed in 75 participants, with one of four restorative procedures: (a) bonded with a total‐etch adhesive (Single Bond 2); (b) lined with glass‐ionomer cement (Fuji Lining LC), and then bonded with total‐etch adhesive; (c) bonded with a self‐etching adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond); and (d) lined with glass‐ionomer cement, and then bonded with self‐etching adhesive.Results:  At 1 year, 57 patients (86 restorations) attended the recall. Each of the restorations was evaluated and scored from 1 (clinically excellent) to 5 (clinically poor) using the following criteria: (a) patient satisfaction; (b) fracture and retention; (c) marginal adaptation; (d) recurrent caries; and (e) post‐operative sensitivity. At 1 year, the qualities of the restorations were not significantly affected by the placement of glass‐ionomer cement lining, regardless of the adhesive used (P > 0.05). Most of the restorations were scored 1 for all criteria.Conclusions:  The benefit of placing a glass‐ionomer cement liner in resin composite restoration is questionable.
Esophageal changes in oral submucous fibrosis using fiber‐optic endoscopy
Authors: Shilpa Busnur Jayadevappa , Ashok Lingappa , Veerendra Swamy Sanganal Mat 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to determine the extent of esophageal involvement and the association between the clinical and functional stages of oral submucous fibrosis and esophageal changes in oral submucous fibrosis patients.Methods:  Thirty of 35 biopsied patients with proven oral submucous fibrosis, and 20 patients with no evidence of disease, underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Biopsies were taken from upper third, middle third, and lower third of the esophagus and sent for histopathological evaluation. The esophageal changes in the clinical and functional stages were studied both endoscopically and histopathologically.Results:  We found that most patients had blanching in clinical stage 2, functional stage B, and functional stage C. In most patients, blanching was found in the upper third of the esophagus, followed by the middle third and lower third. Fibrosis in the middle third of the esophagus was found in most patients.Conclusion:  The present study concludes that oral submucous fibrosis is not only confined to the oral cavity, but also extends to the esophagus. We found that there is an inverse relationship between the opening of the mouth and esophageal involvement.