bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence‐based prevention: a comparison of oral hygiene advice given by dental and dental care professional students
Authors: Morgan MZ , Verkroost S , Hunter L 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimThis study aimed to examine the oral hygiene advice given by student dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs), focussing on adherence to evidence‐based recommendations provided by the Department of Health and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.MethodA self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to 121 fourth‐ and fifth‐year dental undergraduates and 38 hygiene/combined dental hygiene and dental therapy students at a UK dental school.ResultsCompleted questionnaires were returned by 39/64 fourth‐year and 36/57 fifth‐year dental students and 23/38 student DCPs, an overall response rate of 61.6%. Only 48% (36) of dental undergraduates in comparison with 95.7% (22) of DCP students stated that they would give oral hygiene advice to every adult patient (P < 0.001). In addition, only 24 (32%) responding dental students were able to accurately state the recommended fluoride toothpaste concentration for adult use; this contrasts with 18 (78.3%) student DCPs. Dental undergraduates tended to accord less importance to oral hygiene advice when compared with student DCPs, only providing it when they felt it was clinically necessary.ConclusionsThe role of the dental practitioner in providing oral health education requires greater emphasis in the undergraduate curriculum. Given the unfavourable comparison between the attitude and knowledge of dental students and that of DCPs, prequalification training for the dental team should be integrated wherever possible. The apparent lack of awareness of current guidelines is of concern.
Prediction of organ transplant rejection by HLA‐specific and non‐HLA antibodies – brief literature review
Authors: Slavcev A. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe application of solid‐phase assays for detection and definition of Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐specific antibodies has significantly facilitated the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR). There is, however, a major discussion in the literature concerning the clinical relevance of the use of the Luminex technique for the prediction of cellular and/or AMR and survival. This may be explained on one hand by the complexities of the method and on the other by variations in patient demographic characteristics, immunosuppression and other factors. As far as non‐HLA antibodies, it is clear that they may induce AMR; nevertheless, a difficult problem in their definition remains the fact that most of the non‐HLA antigens still remain to be identified. Hereby is a short literature review of several recent publications discussing the role of HLA‐ and non‐HLA‐specific antibodies in organ transplant rejection and survival.
Antioxidant Activities and Phenolic Compounds of Pigmented Rice Bran Extracts
Authors: Jun Hyun‐Il , Song Geun‐Seoup , Yang Eun‐In , Youn Young , Kim Young‐Soo 
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activities and phenolic compounds of pigmented rice (black, red, and green rice) and brown rice brans. Antioxidant activity was determined by using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, 2,2‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylenebenzothiozoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation assay, reducing power, and chelating ability. Phenolic compounds were measured by using HPLC. Pigmented rice brans were extracted by using aqueous mixtures of acetone, ethanol, and methanol to determine the most effective extraction solvent. Of all solvents examined, extract from 40:60 acetone–water mixtures (v/v) provided the highest DPPH radical assay as well as the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content. We finally selected 40% acetone as an extraction solvent for antioxidant study of pigmented rice bran. Antioxidant activities of 40% acetone extracts of pigmented rice bran, measured in the range of 0 to 1500 μg/mL. At 500 μg/mL concentration, red rice bran, which had the highest total phenolic (259.5 μg/mg) and total flavonoid (187.4 μg/mg) contents, showed the highest antioxidant activity: 83.6%, 71.5%, 1.2%, and 16.4% for DPPH radical assay, ABTS radical cation assay, reducing power, and chelating ability, respectively. Red rice bran showed a lower EC50 value (112.6 μg/mL) than that of butylated hydroxytoluene (144.5 μg/mL) from the DPPH radical assay. The major phenolic acids of red rice bran were ferulic, vanillic and p‐coumaric acids. The results indicated pigmented rice bran might be used as a natural antioxidant.Practical Application:  The present study revealed black and red rice bran shows high antioxidant activities and they contain high amount of phenolic compounds. Indeed, black and red rice bran could be better raw materials for manufacturing the food with high antioxidant activity.
Efficacy of Different Sanitizing Agents and Their Combination on Microbe Population and Quality of Fresh‐cut Chinese Chives
Authors: Dai Xiaomei , Luo Haibo , Jiang Li , Ling Li , Xue Yanjun , Yu Zhifang 
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of individual sanitizing agents (sodium hypochlorite, SH; peracetic acid, PA; chlorine dioxide, CD) and the combination of CD and PA on reducing the total aerobic bacteria, coliforms as well as their effects on ascorbic acid (Vc), chlorophyll, and a* value of Chinese chives. All sanitizing treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced microorganisms compared to the control. After treatment with single SH, PA, and CD, the reduction of the total aerobic bacteria on Chinese chives was <1.0 log CFU/g (where colony‐forming units is CFU), approximately 1.68 to 2.22 log CFU/g, and approximately 0.99 to 2.85 log CFU/g, respectively. The greatest reduction of total aerobic bacteria achieved by the combination of 40 ppm CD, 150 ppm PA for 8 min, was 2.45 log CFU/g. This treatment had a slight discoloration effect as indicated by a* value and chlorophyll content; and is therefore the optimal combination for reducing microorganisms on Chinese chives.Practical Application:  Fresh‐cut vegetables are known to be susceptible to contamination; and subsequent growth of microorganisms result in quality concerns. Chinese chive leaves are hollow, cylindrical, and are more inclined to accumulate microbes. Currently, there is limited information on the decontamination of Chinese chives. This research focused on the evaluation of sanitation options for fresh‐cut Chinese chives; and the information obtained should be applicable and useful in other fresh‐cut vegetables.
Mechanism of thrombocytopenia in chronic hepatitis C as evaluated by the immature platelet fraction
Authors: ZUCKER M. L. , HAGEDORN C. H. , MURPHY C. A. , STANLEY S. , REID K. J. , SKIKNE B. S. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryIntroduction:  Thrombocytopenia occurs frequently in chronic hepatitis C. The mechanism of this association was investigated utilizing the immature platelet fraction (IPF%) as an index of platelet production together with assay of thrombopoietin (TPO).Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, 47 patients with chronic hepatitis C were studied, 29 with thrombocytopenia and 18 without thrombocytopenia (six patients in each group were on interferon therapy).Results:  IPF% was elevated in the thrombocytopenic compared with the nonthrombocytopenic group (9.0 ± 4.8%vs. 4.7 ± 2.4%, P < 0.001), and an increase in IPF% was significantly associated with thrombocytopenia on multivariable analysis (P < 0.05). Splenomegaly was more common in thrombocytopenic than in nonthrombocytopenic subjects (66%vs. 6%, P < 0.001), and on multivariable analysis, splenomegaly was the factor associated with the highest relative risk of thrombocytopenia (RR = 1.9, P < 0.05). IPF% values were elevated in a similar proportion of thrombocytopenic patients with and without splenomegaly (58% and 60%, respectively). There was no difference in TPO levels between thrombocytopenic and nonthrombocytopenic patients, and TPO levels were not related to the risk of thrombocytopenia on multivariable analysis. Significantly more thrombocytopenic than nonthrombocytopenic subjects had abnormal liver function tests, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension, and a decrease in serum albumin was significantly associated with thrombocytopenia (P < 0.005) on multivariable analysis.Conclusions:  Factors associated with liver disease in general are associated with thrombocytopenia in chronic hepatitis C. Peripheral platelet destruction or sequestration is the major mechanism for thrombocytopenia, with hypersplenism being an important cause. Low TPO levels were not related to the occurrence of thrombocytopenia in this study.
Early male maturity explains a negative correlation in reproductive success between hatchery‐spawned salmon and their naturally spawning progeny
Authors: Ford Michael , Murdoch Andrew , Howard Sharon 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAdaptation of plants or animals to captivity is a risk associated with any captive breeding program that has the intent of returning organisms to the wild. The risk is particularly acute for species that are captively bred and released on a large scale, as is the case for many species of fish. Several studies, particularly in salmonids, have reported rapid adaptation of populations to captivity, but the mechanisms of such adaptations are not always clear. We evaluated a large three‐generation pedigree of an artificially supplemented salmon population, and found that the fish with the highest reproductive success in captivity produce early maturing male offspring that have lower than average reproductive success in the wild. In contrast to an earlier study of steelhead trout, we found little evidence that parental origin of the captive spawners influenced the subsequent reproductive success of their naturally spawning progeny.
NATURAL RESOURCE ABUNDANCE, INSTITUTIONS AND TAX REVENUE MOBILISATION IN SUB‐SAHARA AFRICA
Authors: BOTLHOLE THUTO , ASAFU‐ADJAYE JOHN , CARMIGNANI FABRIZIO 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe contribution of natural resources to tax revenues has generally yielded mixed results in the literature. This study asserts that the missing link to explaining these differences is the quality of institutions. More resource revenues reduce tax revenues when institutions are poor. Using an interaction term for natural resources and institutional quality, we show that institutions are decisive for the contribution of natural resources to tax revenue mobilisation. The interaction effect is statistically significant after controlling for per capita gross domestic product (GDP), an alternative measure of quality of institutions and additional regressors. This finding is robust to different econometric specifications and the type of natural resources.
Diagnostic Yield and Adverse Effects of MRI‐Guided Free‐Hand Brain Biopsies through a Mini‐Burr Hole in Dogs with Encephalitis
Authors: Flegel T. , Oevermann A. , Oechtering G. , Matiasek K. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundThe diagnosis of encephalitis is usually presumptive based onMRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, or both. A definitive diagnosis based on histopathology, however, is required for optimizing treatment strategies.ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic yield and adverse effects of minimally invasive brain biopsies in dogs with encephalitis.AnimalsSeventeen dogs with suspected encephalitis, based onMRimaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.MethodsRetrospective study. Minimally invasive, free‐hand brain biopsy specimens were taken from forebrain lesions through a 4‐mm burr hole using a Sedan side‐cutting needle. Routine histopathological examination was performed. The adverse effects were assessed byMRIevaluations after biopsy procedure (12/17) and by sequential neurological examinations.ResultsThe overall diagnostic yield with regard to a specific type of encephalitis was 82%. Encephalitis was evident in an additional 12%, but a specific disease could not be determined. There were no deaths caused by the biopsy procedure itself, but the indirect case fatality rate was 6%. Morbidity was 29%, including stupor, seizures, tetraparesis, hemiparesis, ataxia, and loss of conscious proprioception. All these signs resolved within 3–14 days.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMinimally invasive brain biopsy in dogs with suspected encephalitis leads to a definite diagnosis in the majority of dogs, allowing for a specific treatment. The advantages of a definite diagnosis outweigh potential case fatality rate and temporary neurological deficits.
De Antwerpse 'witter ende paneelmaker' Melchior de Bout (werkzaam 1625/26-1658): leverancier van 'ready-made' panelen voor de Parijse markt
Authors: Koopstra Anna 
Published: June 2012

AbstractOn the back of several paintings on panel in the oeuvre of Willem Kalf, the panelmakers mark of Melchior de Bout has been found. Like his father Philip, De Bout was registered in Antwerp as a 'witter ende paneelmaker'. He thus seems to have specialised in producing panels that were covered, on both sides of the wooden support, with a preparatory (ground) layer consisting of chalk and glue. Occasionally, an imprimatura was also applied. De Bout's 'ready-made' panels were not only used by Willem Kalf, but also by Sebastian Stosskopf, Charles Le Brun, Jacques Linard, Lubin Baugin and Willem van Aelst. Since these artists were all working in Paris around the middle of the seventeenth century, it seems justified to conclude that for a certain time, the Antwerp panel maker specifically produced his panels for distribution in the French capital. The popularity of the panels of this highly specialised Antwerp panelmaker illustrates the strong appeal that the dynamic art market in Paris had for artists, art dealers and buyers from France and abroad.
The Early Modern City as a Resonating Box: Media, Public Opinion, and the Urban Space of the Holy Roman Empire, Cologne, and Hamburg ca. 1700
Authors: Bellingradt Daniel 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The article analyzes the media logic of urban acts of communication in early modern German cities. As is demonstrated by Cologne and Hamburg in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, the growing use of print (particularly pamphlets) moved local conflict away from face-to-face confrontation into progressively more multifaceted modes of communication, increasingly expressed in both manuscript and print. In highlighting the mediality of early modern urban culture, the changing relationship between the urban community, public opinion, and forms of communication is addressed. The resulting effect from the interplay and complementation of oral, written, and printed means of communication is described as echoes that formed an urban resonating box—a constant polyphonic state including both the literate and illiterate.
Leonardo and the “Chemical Arts”
Authors: Bernardoni Andrea 
Published: June 2012

Our traditional vision of Leonardo da Vinci is based principally on his studies of mechanics, hydraulics, optics, geology, meteorology, and anatomy. However, a perusal of his manuscripts reveals his lifelong interest in chemistry and metallurgy, fields to which he contributed both as an innovator and as a reliable chronicler of the technological inventions of others. He conducted studies on various types of materials (including glass, paper, and le terre di fusione, the clay used in the lost wax process) and sought to develop more efficient alembics and metallurgical furnaces, as well as ingenious devices to study the elements and the dynamics of the transformation of matter. Leonardo’s atelier therefore could be viewed as a veritable ‘technical laboratory’ in which he conducted experiments not only on the techniques and materials required for his art, but also to satisfy his thirst for knowledge by engaging in the heuristic study of natural and artificial phenomena.
Ending Impunity: The Case for War Crimes Trials in Liberia
Authors: Jalloh Chernor , Marong Alhagi 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
This article argues that Liberia owes a duty under both international humanitarian and human rights law to investigate and prosecute the heinous crimes, including torture, rape and extra-judicial killings of innocent civilians, committed in that country by the warring parties in the course of fourteen years of brutal conflict. Assuming that Liberia owes a duty to punish the grave crimes committed on its territory, the article then evaluates the options for prosecution, starting with the possible use of Liberian courts. The authors argue that Liberian courts are unable, even if willing, to render credible justice that protects the due process rights of the accused given the collapse of legal institutions and the paucity of financial, human and material resources in post-conflict Liberia. The authors then examine the possibility of using international accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court, an ad hoc international criminal tribunal as well as a hybrid court for Liberia. For various legal and political reasons, the authors conclude that all of these options are not viable. As an alternative, they suggest that because the Special Court for Sierra Leone has already started the accountability process for Liberia with the indictment of Charles Taylor in 2003, and given the close links between the Liberian and Sierra Leonean conflicts, the Special Court would be a more appropriate forum for international prosecutions of those who perpetrated gross humanitarian and human rights law violations in Liberia.
Genomics, Insurance and Human Rights: Is there a Place for Regulatory Frameworks in Africa?
Authors: Nmehielle Vincent O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis article examines the human rights dimension of genetic discrimination in Africa, exploring the place of regulatory frameworks while taking into account the disadvantaged position of the average African. This is in response to the tendency of insurance companies toward making health insurance decisions on the basis of individual genetic information, which could result in genetic discrimination or health insurance discrimination based on a person's genetic profile. The author considers such questions as the intersection between human rights (right to life, health, privacy, human dignity and against genetic discrimination) in relation to the insurance industry, as well as the obligations of state and non-state actors to promote, respect, and protect the enjoyment of these rights. The article argues that African nations should not stand aloof in trying to balance the competing interests (scientific, economic and social) presented by the use of genetic information in the health care context and that ultimately it is the responsibility of states to develop domestic policies to protect their most vulnerable citizens and to prevent entrenched private discrimination based on an individual's genes.
Enforcing Fundamental Rights in Nigerian Courts – Processes and Challenges
Authors: Nwafor Anthony O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractFundamental rights provisions have continued to feature very prominently in the successive constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The enforcement procedure, however, remains identical to the one provided in 1979, in the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules. The parliament has remained aloof to these obvious realities of the procedural complications. Social, political and economic factors have continued to constitute the greatest hindrances to the citizens' desire to seek redress for the infringement of their rights. This article evaluates the provisions on fundamental rights in the Nigerian constitution, and considers the extent of enforceability under the rules and jurisdiction of courts as provided in the constitution. Alternative dispute resolution may be the panacea for the legal and economic hindrances on rights enforcement. Recommendations are accordingly made for the government to facilitate and encourage the citizens to have recourse to mediatory process in less difficult cases.
The Foundations of Rights in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child: A Historical and Philosophical Account
Authors: Kaime Thoko 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis article examines the cultural-based critiques of the international human rights paradigm generally and children's rights in particular, with specific reference to Africa. In this regard, the paper attempts to identify gaps in the analyses of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Towards that end, the paper proceeds in three parts. In the first section, it situates the discussion within the general framework of children's rights at international law. In the next section, it turns to an examination of the culture-based critiques of the idea of universal rights. Finally, in the fourth and fifth sections, it analyses the documents and literature that focus on the rights and welfare of the child. In the concluding section, the author raises several important questions regarding the propriety of this special category of human rights in the African context.
Regelung von Straßenfahrzeugen: Ein Zeitzeugenbericht aus dem Institut von Prof. W. Oppelt, TH Darmstadt
Authors: Hartwich Erwin , Zimdahl Walter 
Published: June 2012

Zusammenfassung
Die Verfasser dieses Beitrags waren Studierende an der TH Darmstadt und nach Abschluss ihres Studiums wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter am Institut für Regelungstechnik (IRT) der TH Darmstadt, das im Oktober 1956 als erstes Institut in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland auf diesem Fachgebiet unter der Leitung von Prof. Winfried Oppelt gegründet wurde. Sie nehmen den 100. Geburtstag ihres Lehrers und Förderers zum Anlass, als Zeitzeugen beispielhaft über ihre automobiltechnischen Arbeiten aus den Anfangsjahren des Instituts zu berichten und einige Schlaglichter auf die weitere Entwicklung bis heute zu werfen.
Menstrual blood transplantation for ischemic stroke: Therapeutic mechanisms and practical issues
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Carolina O. , Dmitriev Dmitriy , Rodrigues Antonio , Glover Loren E. , Sanberg Paul R. , Allickson Julie G. , Kuzmin-Nichols Nicole , Tajiri Naoki , Shinozuka Kazutaka , Garbuzova-Davis Svitlana , Kaneko Yuji , Borlongan Cesar V. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCerebrovascular diseases are a major cause of death and long-term disability in developed countries. Tissue plasmin activator (tPA) is the only approved therapy for ischemic stroke, strongly limited by the short therapeutic window and hemorrhagic complications, therefore excluding most patients from its benefits. The rescue of the penumbra area of the ischemic infarct is decisive for functional recovery after stroke. Inflammation is a key feature in the penumbra area and it plays a dual role, improving injury in early phases but impairing neural survival at later stages. Stem cells can be opportunely used to modulate inflammation, abrogate cell death and, therefore, preserve neural function. We here discuss the possible role of stem cells derived from menstrual blood as restorative treatment for stroke. We highlight the availability, proliferative capacity, pluripotentiality and angiogenic features of these cells and explore their present and future experimental and clinical applications.