bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expectativas de estudiantes del nivel secundario bonaerense sobre el nivel superior en la pandemia: entre la ampliación, la reconfiguración y las desigualdades
Authors: Di Piero Emilia , Garriga Olmo Santiago , Marchel Ana Laura
Published: January 2024

El artículo analiza la articulación entre los niveles secundario y superior mediante una investigación cualitativa en distintas escuelas secundarias de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, durante la pandemia. Se centra en tres cuestiones: la comparación de las expectativas de estudiantes del último año de escuelas secundarias de diferente sector de gestión que, a su vez, atienden a distintos sectores sociales respecto de la continuidad de estudios en el nivel superior; la incidencia de la pandemia en el proceso de decisión sobre dicha continuidad; y las estrategias institucionales que llevan adelante las escuelas secundarias para fomentarla, vistas desde la perspectiva estudiantil. Para ello se realizaron 29 entrevistas semiestructuradas a estudiantes en el año 2021. Los hallazgos muestran que las expectativas en relación con la continuidad de los estudios variaron en relación con la clase social y el trabajo institucional, conformando circuitos diferenciados, al tiempo que, en un contexto atravesado por la pandemia, fueron reconfiguradas y mediadas por la incertidumbre.
Representações sociais e formação docente nos campos da Pedagogia e da Sociologia da Educação: entre conceitos e pesquisas da UFRN
Authors: De Almeida Cibele Lucena , Do Nascimento Melo Elda Silva
Published: January 2024

O estudo apresenta as principais investigações realizadas sob a orientação dos precursores da teoria moscoviciana no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte - Brasil, por meio de dissertações e teses envolvendo a interface formação de professores e Teoria das Representações Sociais – TRS nos campos da Pedagogia e da Sociologia da Educação. Para a concretização do artigo, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica de natureza qualitativa e como procedimentos para a construção de dados, a pesquisa documental e o registro em diário de campo. Adotou-se como referencial teórico as discussões de Abric (1998), Farr (1998; 1994), Flament (2001), Jodelet (2001) e Moscovici (2012). Os resultados da pesquisa indicam o quantitativo de 24 obras da UFRN da Educação da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - vinculadas à tríade Pedagogia, RS e formação de professores. No que se refere aos estudos que abordam o entrelaçamento com a Sociologia da educação os resultados apontam apenas a existência de 3 dissertações de mestrado.  Ademais, explicitou-se a interlocução com as atuais pesquisas desenvolvidas no âmbito do grupo de pesquisa Representações Sociais e Formação Docente (ReSForD) do Programa de Pós-Graduação da UFRN, a partir do qual passou-se a refletir sobre a importância da universidade no construto teórico e metodológico em torno da TRS. Também permitiu reflexões profícuas a respeito da proximidade entre os teóricos europeus e os pesquisadores locais evidenciando a contribuição deste grupo acadêmico para a propagação da Teoria no Nordeste, no Brasil, na América Latina e no mundo.
Thermal Impact on Heavy Metal Bioavailability in Burnt Rocks of Waste Heap of Chervonohradska Coal-preparation Plant (Lviv Region, Ukraine)
Authors: Kochmar Iryna , Karabyn Vasyl , Stepova Kateryna , Stadnik Vitalii , Sozanskyi Martyn
Published: January 2024

For effective waste management of mining industries is important to investigate their physical and mineralogical changes. For this purpose, X-raydiffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) methods were used. Changes in the contents of mobile forms of heavy metals in rocks were investigated using an acetate-ammonium buffer solution with a pH of 4.8 after burning rocks at a temperature of 800–850°C. The obtained data indicated the significant role of the mineral composition in the thermal behavior of the rock samples and the subsequent influence of the thermal processes on the changes in the bioavailability of heavy metals.
Tumor purity-related genes for predicting the prognosis and drug sensitivity of DLBCL patients
Authors: Ye Zhenbang , Huang Ning , Fu Yongliang , Tian Rongle , Wang Liming , Huang Wenting
Published: January 2024

Background:

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the predominant type of malignant B-cell lymphoma. Although various treatments have been developed, the limited efficacy calls for more and further exploration of its characteristics.

Methods:

Datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used for identifying the tumor purity of DLBCL. Survival analysis was employed for analyzing the prognosis of DLBCL patients. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect the important factors that influenced the prognosis. Drug-sensitive prediction was performed to evaluate the value of the model.

Results:

VCAN, CD3G, and C1QB were identified as three key genes that impacted the outcome of DLBCL patients both in GEO datasets and samples from our center. Among them, VCAN and CD3G+ T cells were correlated with favorable prognosis, and C1QB was correlated with worse prognosis. The ratio of CD68 + macrophages and CD8 + T cells was associated with better prognosis. In addition, CD3G+T cells ratio was significantly correlated with CD68 + macrophages, CD4 + T cells, and CD8 +T cells ratio, indicating it could play an important role in the anti-tumor immunity in DLBCL. The riskScore model constructed based on the RNASeq data of VCAN, C1QB, and CD3G work well in predicting the prognosis and drug sensitivity.

Conclusions:

VCAN, CD3G, and C1QB were three key genes that influenced the tumor purity of DLBCL, and could also exert certain impact on drug sensitivity and prognosis of DLBCL patients.

Funding:

This work is supported by the Shenzhen High-level Hospital Construction Fund and CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS) (2022-I2M-C&T-B-062).
Identification and Characterization of Market Garden Crops Grown Near Landfills in Abidjan District
Authors: Assy Harding Charlemagne , Dan Ghislaine Chépo , Yapi Désiré Yapi Assoi , Don Ohouo Régina Antoinette
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Market garden crops constitutes an important source of food and is one of the most income-generating activities in Côte d'Ivoire. In the Abidjan district, several market gardening sites are located near illegal landfill sites, therefore representing a danger for consumers.

Aims: This study was carried out to map these different sites, inventory the plant species cultivated and characterize the cultivation practices with a view to highlighting the constraints and identifying prospects for improvement.

Methodology: Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out in 4 communes of Abidjan (Abobo, Bingerville, Cocody and Port-bouët) to collect information from 400 residents including 280 men and 120 women. The statistical analysis of the survey results was carried out using Google Form and Excel software.

Results: The results revealed six (6) market garden sites with landfills distributed in four (4) different communes (Abobo - Akeikoi village; Bingerville - Bingerack city; Cocody - M'pouto village and M'badon village; Port-bouët - 4th bima and Mafiblé village). Thirteen (13) market garden species which are divided into eight families. Lettuce and basil are grown on all identified sites and represent the most cultivated species (40%). Market garden crops is practiced by young people aged 10 to 30 (70%) with a relatively low level of education. Pests (insects, rodents, fungi) and heavy metals from illegal dumps constitute the main obstacles to production and are vectors of frequent diseases.

Conclusion: It would be wise to adopt an integration policy for market gardening, in urban development plans, and to combat the proliferation of uncontrolled landfill sites, this will help to improve the quality and yield of market garden crops in Abidjan.
Scientific Nursing Production about Alzheimer's Disease: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Carvalho Dayara de Nazaré Rosa de , Maciel Thanaira Aicha Fernandes , Gomes Bárbara Leticia Corrêa , Gouveia Amanda Ourqiues de , Bendelaque Dandara de Fátima Ribeiro , Silveira Kelly de Cássia Peixoto de Oliveira , Aguiar Viviane Ferraz Ferreira de , Orlandi Fabiana de Souza , Bonfim Camila Almeida , Peixoto Ivonete Vieira Pereira
Published: January 2024

Aims: to analyze and map the international scientific production of Nursing on Alzheimer's Disease, in the historical series from January 2016 to November 2021.

Methodology: This is a study of a basic nature, with a mixed approach and under the light of procedures methodological, configures itself as research of the Bibliometric type. Data collection took place in July 2021 through institutional online access to the CAPES Journal Portal, in the Scopus (Elsevier) database, using the combination of the following MESHs: "Alzheimer's disease", "Elderly", "Very Old" and “Nursing”, all mediated by the Boolean operators “AND” and/or “OR”. The final sampling resulted in 189 publications.

Results: n=189 publications were identified, distributed in n=66 journals, divided into 30 countries. It was evidenced that the year 2016 has the highest number of publications with n=44 (23.28%), followed by the year 2017 with n=42 (22.22%) articles and 2018 with n=38 (20.11) %) articles, these being the years with the highest number of publications. From the analysis of the included studies, it was observed that the publications that made up this Bibliometric review addressed 4 large distinct thematic groups: 1) Difficulties encountered by family caregivers with elderly people with Alzheimer's disease; 2) Nursing in Home Care for the Elderly with Alzheimer's Disease in Palliative Care; 3) Behaviors Observed in Elderly People with Severe Dementia and 4) Quality of Life in Elderly People with Cognitive Disabilities.

Conclusion: Despite the few publications in the database, it is observed that the publications are at a high level of quality when we look at the evaluation metrics of the selected studies. It can be seen that the main research centers on the subject are in countries such as France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the various gaps that need to be addressed and deepened on the subject that require scientific investigation.
Climate Change Impacts on the Livelihood of North Eastern Zone Tribes of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Arunachalam R. , Arunachalam A. , Aarthi S.
Published: January 2024

The present study was conducted in the North eastern zone of Tamil Nadu during July – September 2023, with the objectives to assess the awareness and perception level of the local tribes on the impact of climate change on their livelihood, to assess the extent of the climate change impacts on their livelihood activities and to study their present adaptation strategies. It is an Ex-post facto research conducted in Tiruvannamalai district of the North eastern zone of Tamil Nadu considering its large volume of tribal population. Two tribal dominant villages viz., Nammiyampattu and Kovilur were identified for this study. The sample size was sixty active tribal respondents selected from the above study villages. Data were collected using structured and standardised interview schedule. Percentage analysis was done to get meaningful interpretation of the results. The respondents were having good level of awareness and perception on the local climate based livelihood issues. They incurred a remarkable income loss on their livelihood activities viz., from farming, livestock management, honey bee collection, construction work, business and field labour. The respondents have not followed any scientific adaptation strategies. Government intervention in price fixing, providing interest free loans, subsidies and educational training programmes are suggested
Impact of Seed Rhizome Size on Growth and Yield of Turmeric
Authors: Narendhiran V. , Gangadharan S. , Muthulakshmi K.
Published: January 2024

In India, spices occupy an important place among the agro products exported. Spices are the low volume and high value crop. Spices can improve the palatability and appeal of dull diets and they have anti-bacterial and preservative action. Spices are not only used for culinary purpose, most of the spice crops are used as a medicine as they posses high medicinal value. Curcuma longa known as yellow turmeric (Manjal in Tamil) is an important, sacred and ancient spice of India. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant belonging to the family Zingeberaceae. Curcumin is the pigment that lends the bright stunning yellow colour to turmeric which can be used as a dye. Because of its brilliant yellow colour, it is also known as “Indian saffron”. It is a sterile triploid and it is vegetatively propagated by dibbling the seed rhizomes [1]. Rhizome is of two types’ viz., mother rhizomes and finger rhizomes also known as daughter rhizomes. The traditional method of propagation using 15g mother or seed rhizomes. Traditional method requires the seed rate of 2000-2500 kg ha-1 of rhizomes if it is sown as a sole crop. It makes the cultivation expensive for large scale production. The cost of planting material amounts to 50% of crop production in turmeric. Since rhizome multiplication is slow and maintenance of planting material is expensive, there is a need to review the effect of size of seed rhizomes on growth and yield of turmeric to reduce the cost of cultivation.
Exploring the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Embelia Keniensis Leaf Extracts against Selected Microbial Strains
Authors: Githinji Henry , Njenga Peter K
Published: January 2024

The pursuit of novel bioactive compounds from natural sources has prompted an assessment of the antimicrobial properties and phytochemical composition of Embelia keniensis leaf extracts. Embelia keniensis is one of the five Myrsinaceae species endemic to Kenya. The interest in the scientific investigation of Embelia keniensis crude extracts is based on the claims of their effective use for the treatment of many diseases such as chest pains, common cold and stomach ailments. The plants used in this study were derived from Brackenhurst Botanical Garden Limuru sub-county, Kiambu County, central Kenya. The study was conducted from January to March 2023 at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of crude extracts of this plant against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity was determined through the disc diffusion method. Both methanol and water were employed for extraction; however, neither demonstrated promising activities against the test organisms. Notably, the water extract exhibited greater potency compared to the methanolic extract against Escherichia coli. The water extract displayed a maximum inhibition zone of 9mm at a concentration of 1mg/ml. similar findings were observed for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans with inhibition zones of 9mm and 7 mm, respectively, at the same concentration. Preliminary phytochemical screening identified the presence of bioactive agents such as saponins and flavonoids, while tannins and terpenoids were absent. Despite the observed zones of inhibition, the plant extract fell short of meeting the clinical and laboratory standards institute breakpoints for susceptibility and intermediate levels. Instead, they exhibited resistance breakpoints, rendering the plant extracts ineffective for antimicrobial activities. Nevertheless, this outcome does not negate the potential of the plant extract. Factors like mode of action and microorganism susceptibility could influence their effectiveness. Further evaluation is warranted to fully comprehend the potential of Embelia keniensis extracts. This study provides insight into their antimicrobial activity and a preliminary phytochemical profile.
Sustainable Commercial Sod Production of Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda Grass) in Ghana: Assessing Growth, Visual, and Physical Quality
Authors: Owusu S. E. , Atuah L. , Idun I. , Ntekor I. , Appiah E.
Published: January 2024

Despite health and environmental concerns associated with the use of artificial grass, there is a noticeable shift towards its usage. Using natural sod remains a more sustainable approach to maintain pitch quality in the country, though it is not commercially available. This study evaluated the growth, visual, and physical quality of Bermuda grass for commercial sod production using both seed and sprigs in Ghana. The experiment employed a 3x3 factorial randomized complete block design with three replications, considering fertilizer and base netting as factors. Fertilizer levels included chicken manure (10 tons/ha), Harvestmore® foliar fertilizer (460 kg/ha), and no fertilizer. Base netting consisted of window net, jute fibre mat, and no base netting. Parameters such as tiller length, clipping biomass, chlorophyll content index (CCI), color, smoothness, coverage, tensile strength, and handling quality were measured. For seeded sod, chicken manure without base netting resulted in the highest tiller length (27.62 cm), while the foliar fertilizer and no net interaction recorded 33.13 cm for sprigged sod. The combination of chicken manure with netting and without base netting exhibited the highest CCI, with values of 37.51 and 40.53 for seeded and sprigged sod, respectively. Treatments with fertilizer displayed the best genetic color performance, and treatments with window netting also showed the best results for handling and tensile strength. Overall, the application of chicken manure and foliar fertilizer with window netting significantly improved the growth, visual appearance, and physical strength of both seeded and sprigged sod, meeting commercial standards.
A Systematic Review on the Prospective Significance and Recommendations of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) for Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Raju Bairi , Rani K. Sudha , Gawande Kunal Nitin , Pandey Pramod Kumar , Nengparmoi Th. , Reddy Katkuri Bhargavi , Avinash Gosangi , Sharma Yagyavalkya
Published: January 2024

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and associated metabolic complications. Dietary management is a cornerstone in the control and treatment of diabetes, with increasing focus on the role of whole grains in diabetic diets. This systematic review explores the prospective significance of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a traditionally important but often underutilized grain, in the management of DM. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and nutritional analyses, this review assesses the impact of pearl millet on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and overall metabolic health in the context of diabetes. The nutritional profile of pearl millet, particularly its low glycemic index, high fiber content, and rich micronutrient composition, positions it as a potentially beneficial dietary component for individuals with DM. The review also addresses practical considerations for incorporating pearl millet into diabetic diets, alongside recommendations for portion sizes and preparation methods. Despite promising findings, the review identifies gaps in current research, particularly the need for more extensive clinical trials to establish conclusive evidence. This review culminates in recommendations for future research directions, emphasizing pearl millet’s potential as a functional food in diabetes management and the necessity for greater scientific exploration into its specific benefits.
Configurational Insights into Achieving Future Sustainability through Green Human Resource Management Practices
Authors: Asghar Urooj , Abbas Youreed , Khan Naeem Ullah , Wahla Shahbaz Sharif , Javed Arbab , Basharat Usama , Naveed Tayyab , Asghar Sumbal , Javed Kashif
Published: January 2024

This study explores the ways in which green human resource management (GHRM) practices, by encouraging environmentally conscious behavior among staff members, contribute to the attainment of future sustainability in organizations. Engaging employees in green projects and implementing eco-friendly practices have become increasingly important as firms look to gain a competitive edge. The effect of GHRM procedures on workers' opinions of their company's dedication to sustainability and pro-environmental conduct, however, has not received much attention from researchers. In particular, the study focuses at the way three important GHRM elements green recruiting, green training, and green compensation affect pro-environmental behavior in businesses. Data from 328 employees in the manufacturing and service industries was gathered via online surveys conducted with Google Forms. Sophisticated analytical methods such as fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and Smart-PLS were employed. The findings emphasize the importance that green hiring, green training, and green pay are to obtaining a competitive edge and attaining sustainability in the future. It has been determined that all three of the GHRM practices are essential to the survival of businesses, especially in light of the growing social and environmental issues. Businesses must incorporate Green HRM (GHRM) principles into their daily operations to create practices and policies that support environmental objectives. Pro-environmental conduct on the part of employees is recognized as a critical means of encouraging staff members to adopt green practices while preserving organizational resources, which in turn makes a substantial contribution to the sustainability of the business. It highlights the value of GHRM as a tool for businesses to advance ecological and societal well-being while accomplishing long-term sustainability objectives.
Parameter Estimation for Partially Complete Time and Type of Failure Data
Authors: Kundu Debasis
Published: April 2004

The theory of competing risks has been developed to asses a specific risk in presence of other risk factors. In this paper we consider the parametric estimation of different failure modes under partially complete time and type of failure data using latent failure times and cause specific hazard functions models. Uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimators and maximum likelihood estimators are obtained when latent failure times and cause specific hazard functions are exponentially distributed. We also consider the case when they follow Weibull distributions. One data set is used to illustrate the proposed techniques. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Mixed Model Approach to Discriminant Analysis with Longitudinal Data
Authors: Wernecke K.‐D. , Kalb G. , Schink T. , Wegner B.
Published: April 2004

In medical diagnostics data are often characterized by repeated observations on the same subject (patient), particularly in form of time series, dose‐response curves etc. If the aim is an individual allocation of patients into one of different groups (diagnoses), a discriminant analysis has to be applied. In a first attempt, Tomasko et al., 1999 [5] modified the well‐known linear discriminant analysis using the mixed model MANOVA for the estimation of fixed effects and for a determination of various structures of covariance matrices, including unstructured, compound symmetry, and autoregressive of order 1. We extended that approach by a random subject effect (Azzalani, 1995 [1]), validated error estimations, and cross‐validated feature selection (Wernecke, 2002 [9]). In this paper, we complete the investigations of the new method with a cross‐validated selection of the adequate model (covariance structure) and extensive Monte‐Carlo simulations. An application to contrast‐enhanced breast MRI signals in a multicenter study is also given. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Empirical models of cadmium accumulation in maize, rye grass and soya bean plants
Authors: Tudoreanu Liliana , Phillips Clive JC
Published: April 2004

Linear regression of published values for soil parameters and cadmium concentrations in plant tissues offers the opportunity to develop uptake coefficients that can be applied in a wide range of circumstances. A widespread literature search was performed which identified publications from the last 20 years containing information on cadmium uptake by maize and rye grass plants. After discarding experiments with inadequate data or parameters, 10 and eight papers were chosen for maize and rye grass respectively to develop linear models that related pH and cadmium concentration in the growth media (soil in pots or nutrient solution) to cadmium concentration in maize or rye grass plants (excluding roots). Cadmium concentrations in both maize and rye grass were positively correlated with soil cadmium concentration, and in the case of maize negatively correlated with soil pH. They were also negatively correlated with the product of soil cadmium concentration and soil pH, demonstrating that at high soil cadmium concentration a high soil pH reduced plant cadmium concentration. A further model of data generated from one experiment with soya beans demonstrated that other factors, such as soil temperature, can have a major influence on uptake. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Antiprotozoal effect of crude extracts and flavonoids isolated from Chromolaena hirsuta (asteraceae)
Authors: Taleb‐Contini S. H. , Salvador M. J. , Balanco J. M. F. , Albuquerque S. , de Oliveira D. C. R.
Published: April 2004

Phytochemical study of Chromolaena hirsuta (Hook. & Arn.) R. King & H. Robinson crude extract (collected in Furnas, MG‐Brasil) produced ﬁfteen ﬂavonoids, two triterpenes and ﬁve steroids. IR, UV, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and GC analysis were used for the identiﬁcation of these compounds.

The dichloromethanic and ethanolic crude extracts (ﬂowers and leaves) and six ﬂavonoids isolated from this specie have been assayed for antiprotozoal activity against tripomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. The crude extracts signiﬁcantly reduced the viability of T. cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis, and the six ﬂavonoids showed considerable antiproliferative effect of development of two parasites evaluated. This is the ﬁrst report of antiprotozoal activity of extracts of C. hirsuta. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Digest to implement the pathway participation method for detecting inﬂuential system structure
Authors: Mojtahedzadeh Mohammad , Andersen David , Richardson George P.
Published: April 2004

This article brieﬂy deﬁnes and describes the pathway participation metric (PPM), a mathematical calculation that can help to identify the linkages between the structure and behavior of a dynamic system. PPM has been implemented in an experimental piece of software called Digest, which we then present. Digest is not a simulation language, but rather a companion to any commercial system dynamics package, which accepts a text version of a simulation model and performs post formulation analysis of the model. Digest detects and displays which feedback loops are most inﬂuential in explaining a selected pattern of behavior in a model. Output from a sample Digest run is presented and described. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resection of Peritoneal Implantation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatic Resection: Risk Factors and Prognostic Analysis
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Nan , Chen Miin‐Fu
Published: April 2004

Peritoneal implantation from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatic resection is infrequent, and information on risk factors and long‐term survival of such patients is lacking. The clinicopathologic features and risk factors of 16 HCC patients after hepatic resection who developed peritoneal implantation from an HCC and the prognosis after surgical resection of these HCC implants were assessed. The clinical features of 16 HCC patients after hepatic resection undergoing resection of peritoneal HCC implants (P‐HCC) from 1986 and 2000 were reviewed. The clinical features and outcomes of 195 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy without recurrence (NR‐HCC) were used for comparison. During 1986 and 2000 a total of 749 HCC patients underwent hepatic resection. Of these 749 patients, 465 (62.1%) had HCC recurrence after hepatic resection during the follow‐up period (median 26 months). Of the 465 patients, 26 (5.6%) developed peritoneal implants, and 16 of them underwent resection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a high α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level and capsular invasion by the tumor cells may predispose posthepatectomy patients to peritoneal implantation from their HCCs. The overall survival of the P‐HCC patients after peritoneal implant resection was similar to that of the NR‐HCC patients. An elevated AFP level might be regarded as a significant prognostic factor for poor overall survival (p = 0.0577) after resection of peritoneal implants from HCCs. Peritoneal implantation occurs infrequently in posthepatectomy patients with an HCC. Elevated AFP values and capsule invasion by tumor cells may predispose posthepatectomy patients to peritoneal implantation from HCCs. Surgical resection of peritoneal implants from HCCs may prolong survival in selected patients. Elevated AFP levels may be regarded as a possibly significant prognostic factor for poor overall survival after resection of peritoneal HCC implants.
Young stroke and basal plasma and post‐methionine load homocysteine and cysteine levels 1 year after the acute event: do plasma folates make the difference?
Authors: Beccia M. , Mele M. C. , Ferrari M. , Ranieri M. , Barini A. , Rasura M.
Published: April 2004

We conducted a case–control study to evaluate the relationship between ischemic stroke in young adults (<45 years of age) and plasma homocysteine (Hcy), plasma folate and vitamin B12, after a methionine load. We studied 42 patients with a history of ischemic stroke and 29 controls with a negative clinical history of cardio‐ or cerebrovascular diseases, venous thrombosis and renal disease. A fasting blood sample was drawn from each participant; the second and third samples were collected, respectively, 120 and 240 min after the methionine load. Whilst there was no difference between controls and patients in basal total homocysteine (tHcy), we found a statistically significant difference in both the 120‐ and 240‐min samples. We compared the basal and 240‐min tHcy in patients and controls. We obtained a median value of 17.8 and 11.6 μmol/l in patients and controls, respectively. The difference between these two values was highly significant. The methionine loading test (MLT) reveals Hcy metabolism abnormalities that were not revealed by the basal sample. MLT may help identify and treat this new risk factor, which seems to be both atherogenic and prothrombotic, and is hypothesized to operate through various mechanisms.
Use of PFGE to characterize clonal relationships among Belgian clinical isolates of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Yde Marc , Genicot Annie
Published: April 2004

The Belgian Listeria Reference Centre receives between 30 and 50 human clinical strains of Listeria monocytogenes per year. In general, epidemiological data are absent or incomplete, preventing recognition of episodes of listeriosis. However, data on a clonal relationship between strains can indirectly give an idea of the occurrence of episodes. Human isolates of L. monocytogenes from 2001 were serotyped, their arsenic-cadmium resistance profiles were determined, and they were pulsotyped with the application of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using AscI and ApaI restriction endonucleases. On five occasions, two or more strains presented the same serovar, metal-resistance profile and pulsovar, suggesting a clonal relationship. This is the first report to identify accurately potential listeriosis episodes occurring in Belgium.
Cutaneous cryptococcosis in a diabetic renal transplant recipient
Authors: Gupta R. K. , Khan Z. U. , Nampoory M. R.N. , Mikhail M. M. , Johny K. V.
Published: April 2004

A diabetic renal transplant recipient with cellulitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, serotype A, is described. The diagnosis was based on the demonstration of capsulated, budding yeast cells in the aspirated material and tissue from the cellulitic lesion and isolation of the aetiological agent in culture. The isolate formed well-developed capsules in the brain tissue of experimentally infected mice and produced cherry-brown colonies on niger seed medium. The patient's serum was positive for cryptococcal antigen (titre 1 : 4) with no other evidence of systemic infection. He was successfully treated with AmBisome, followed by fluconazole, resulting in the complete resolution of cellulitis and disappearance of the cryptococcal antigen. This report underscores the fact that patients with cutaneous cryptococcosis should be thoroughly evaluated, as it may be the first manifestation of a systemic disease. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to improve survival.
An inducible surface presentation system improves cellular immunity against human papillomavirus type 16 E7 antigen in mice after nasal administration with recombinant lactococci
Authors: Bermúdez-Humarán Luis G. , Cortes-Perez Naima G. , Le Loir Yves , Alcocer-González Juan M. , Tamez-Guerra Reyes S. , de Oca-Luna Roberto Montes , Langella Philippe
Published: April 2004

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is the major causative agent of cervical cancer. To date, vaccine strategies against HPV-16 are based on the ability of the E7 oncoprotein to elicit an immune response against this virus. In this study, the use of an inducible or a constitutive system to produce the HPV-16 E7 protein in Lactococcus lactis, a non-pathogenic and non-invasive Gram-positive bacterium, was compared. The highest E7 production was obtained with the inducible system. When mice were immunized intranasally with recombinant lactococci expressing either inducible or constitutive E7, an antigen-specific cellular response (i.e. secretion of IL2 and IFN-γ cytokines) was evoked and was substantially higher in mice receiving L. lactis expressing E7 with the inducible system. As bacterial antigen location may influence the immune response, recombinant L. lactis strains that produced E7 in three cellular locations, intracellular, secreted or cell-wall-anchored were evaluated. The highest immune response was elicited by administration of L. lactis producing an inducible cell-wall-anchored form of E7 protein. These promising results represent a step towards the development of a new, safe mucosal vector to treat HPV-related cervical cancer.
Transfection with 4‐hydroxynonenal‐metabolizing glutathione S‐transferase isozymes leads to phenotypic transformation and immortalization of adherent cells
Authors: Sharma Rajendra , Brown David , Awasthi Sanjay , Yang Yusong , Sharma Abha , Patrick Brad , Saini Manjit K. , Singh Sharda P. , Zimniak Piotr , Singh Shivendra V. , Awasthi Yogesh C.
Published: April 2004

4‐Hydroxy‐2‐trans‐nonenal (4‐HNE), one of the major end products of lipid peroxidation, has been shown to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell lines. It appears to modulate signaling processes in more than one way because it has been suggested to have a role in signaling for differentiation and proliferation. We show for the first time that incorporation of 4‐HNE‐metabolizing glutathione S‐transferase (GST) isozyme, hGSTA4‐4, into adherent cell lines HLE B‐3 and CCL‐75, by either cDNA transfection or microinjection of active enzyme, leads to their transformation. The dramatic phenotypic changes due to the incorporation of hGSTA4‐4 include rounding of cells and anchorage‐independent rapid proliferation of immortalized, rounded, and smaller cells. Incorporation of the inactive mutant of hGSTA4‐4 (Y212F) in cells by either microinjection or transfection does not cause transformation, suggesting that the activity of hGSTA4‐4 toward 4‐HNE is required for transformation. This is further confirmed by the fact that mouse and Drosophila GST isozymes (mGSTA4‐4 and DmGSTD1‐1), which have high activity toward 4‐HNE and subsequent depletion of 4‐HNE, cause transformation whereas human GST isozymes hGSTP1‐1 and hGSTA1‐1, with minimal activity toward 4‐HNE, do not cause transformation. In cells overexpressing active hGSTA4‐4, expression of transforming growth factor β1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 2, protein kinase C βII and extracellular signal regulated kinase is upregulated, whereas expression of p53 is downregulated. These studies suggest that alterations in 4‐HNE homeostasis can profoundly affect cell‐cycle signaling events.
Objective assessment of sexual arousal in women with a history of hysterectomy
Authors: Maas C.P. , ter Kuile M.M. , Laan E. , Tuijnman C.C. , Weijenborg Ph.Th.M. , Trimbos J.B. , Kenter G.G.
Published: April 2004

Objective The potential contribution of psychological and anatomical changes to sexual dysfunction following hysterectomy is not clear. Radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer causes surgical damage to the autonomic nerves which are responsible for the increased vaginal blood flow during sexual arousal. Simple hysterectomy causes more limited nerve disruption. Photoplethysmographic assessment of vaginal pulse amplitude objectively measures vaginal blood flow during sexual arousal. We hypothesised that damage of the autonomic nerves results in a disrupted vaginal blood flow response during sexual stimulation.

Design Between‐groups comparison of vaginal pulse amplitude.

Setting University hospital.

Sample Twelve women with a history of radical hysterectomy, 12 women with a history of simple abdomonal hysterectomy and 17 aged‐matched controls.

Methods Photoplethysmographic assessment of vaginal pulse amplitude during sexual stimulation by erotic films. Self‐reported ratings of subjective sexual arousal were collected after each erotic stimulus condition.

Main outcome measure Maximum vaginal pulse amplitude.

Results Maximum vaginal pulse amplitude differed between the three groups (P= 0.043). Women with a history of radical hysterectomy had a lower response than controls (P= 0.015). Women in the radical hysterectomy group and controls reported an equally strong subjective arousal. Women with a history of simple hysterectomy showed an intermediate maximum vaginal pulse amplitude.

Conclusions Radical hysterectomy seems associated with a disturbed vaginal blood flow response during sexual arousal. This cannot be explained solely by uteric extirpation, since it was not observed to the same extent after simple hysterectomy, but might be related to a denervation of the vagina which increases with increasing radicality of surgery.
The urine protein heat coagulation test—a useful screening test for proteinuria in pregnancy in developing countries: a method validation study
Authors: Dissanayake Vajira H.W. , Morgan Linda , Pipkin Fiona Broughton , Vathanan Veluppillai , Premaratne Samanthi , Jayasekara Rohan W. , Seneviratne Harshalal R.
Published: April 2004

In many parts of the developing world, the urine protein heat coagulation test is routinely used to screen for proteinuria in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine whether ≥1+ on a standardised heat coagulation test reliably detects significant proteinuria and to compare it with the dipstick test for urinary protein. Heat coagulation test, dipstick test and 24‐hour urine protein excretion results of 102 women were compared. ≥1+ on heat coagulation test is as sensitive and specific as ≥2+ on the dipstick test in detecting proteinuria of ≥500 mg/day. The heat coagulation test, however, is less sensitive than ≥1+ on dipstick in detecting lesser degrees of proteinuria.
Nursing Management of Second Stage Labor
Authors: McKeon Valerie A. , O'Reilly Maureen
Published: April 2004

(1) Despite considerable research into nursing management of second stage labor, traditional approaches continue to predominate. Women are still encouraged to deliver in a recumbent position using sustained, closed‐glottis pushing. Current research suggests that utilizing an upright position with pushing that is open glottis and complementary with the involuntary bearing‐down reflex produces good maternal/fetal outcomes. Issues such as position, second stage phases, and bearing‐down techniques are discussed in view of recent research findings. Gaps in knowledge are identified and practice implications are clearly defined. Now is the time to apply research‐based knowledge to nursing management of second stage labor.
Sibling Visitation: Research Implications for Pediatric and Neonatal Patients
Authors: Andrade Tonya M.
Published: April 2004

(1) Little research has been published addressing the effects of sibling visitation on the nonhospitalized sibling. This integrative review synthesizes the studies and has been summarized to include findings, gaps, and limitations. The majority of research regarding the benefits of sibling visitation has come from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This summary, however, includes one study set in the NICU, one set in an adult ICU, two on a postpartum floor, and one based on siblings of pediatric patients. Findings indicate that children who visited their sibling exhibited improved activity levels, spoke more about their siblings, and did not increase the frequency of infectious signs and symptoms in the newborn siblings. Implications for research utilization include the identified benefits and minimal risks of sibling visitation. Nurses have a vital role initiating and implementing policies that incorporate more liberal sibling visitation.
Family Foundations: High Risk, High Reward
Authors: Ylvisaker Paul N.
Published: April 2004

This article briefly analyzes the social role of family foundations—their attractions, hazards, and rewards—and some of the elements and considerations contributing to the effectiveness of foundations.
Internationalizing the Family Business: Facilitating and Restraining Factors
Authors: Gallo Miguel Angel , Sveen Jannicke
Published: April 2004

Family businesses are faced with many factors that either facilitate or restrain internationalization. The company's strategy, organizational structure, culture, and developmental stage are intertwined with the family's international characteristics, and each area involves different facilitating or restraining factors. This article, based on experience, previous studies, and a series of interviews, examines internationalization in family businesses. The authors suggest that if the company is unable to take advantage of the factors that facilitate internationalization or overcome the factors that restrain it, the process will probably fail.
Families, Firms, and Finance Capital: The Development of U.K. Industrial Firms with Particular Reference to Their Ownership and Control
Authors: Francis Arthur
Published: April 2004

This paper reports findings from the Oxford Growth of Firms project on the ownership and control position of the largest 250 U.K. companies and, in more detail, that of a sample of 21 of these large firms. An analysis is made of the social and economic historical context in which most of today's large firms grew up. A theoretical model is developed of the stages of control through which firms are likely to pass. It is suggested that most firms are unlikely ever to become controlled by their own professional managers and that there is a trend toward firms being controlled by financial institutions. Evidence is then put forward, from an analysis of the current control position of the top 250 U.K. firms and from brief histories of the 21 sample large firms, which supports the previously outlined theory.
Customer Service: Does Family Ownership Make a Difference?
Authors: Lyman Amy R.
Published: April 2004

Customer service policies that prescribe positive thoughts about the customer and aspirations of providing the best service possible are fairly common. Yet the experience of many customers is far different from what is presented as company policy. Where does the discrepancy between policy and performance lie? This article proposes that family ownership plays a role in the creation of positive customer service interactions.
Small Business Succession: The Educational Potential
Authors: Mandelbaum Leonard
Published: April 2004

Small and family-owned businesses play an important role in job creation. In this study, perceived barriers to succession planning are examined. Small business owners (most of whom were family businesses) were asked about these barriers to succession planning and the potential interest in educational programs for small businesses. Based on these data, potential tools and seminars were developed.
Buried at the Crossroads at Midnight with an Oak Stake Through Its Heart: An Entrepreneurial Replication of Ross and Staw'S Extended Temporal Escalation Model
Authors: Hisrich Robert D. , Cahill Dennis J.
Published: April 2004

This article replicates the Ross and Staw research on the Shoreham Nuclear Power Facility in a mid-sized, entrepreneurial, family-owned firm. Although many of the Ross and Staw conclusions are applicable for the present research project involving Info Vision, some modification to their research propositions is necessitated due primarily to the entrepreneurial nature of Info Vision'S owners.
Family Impacts on Emerging Ventures in Poland
Authors: Welsch Harold , Hills Gerald , Hoy Frank
Published: April 2004

This study reports the results of a survey of eighty owners of new ventures in Poland. The purpose of the survey was to assess the problems faced by small business owners and prospective small business owners in this emerging democracy. The sample was almost evenly split between family businesses and nonfamily businesses, which allowed for comparisons between family business issues in Poland and in the United States and between family and nonfamily business in Poland.
Estate Taxes and Asset Accumulation
Authors: Chapman Kenneth , Hariharan Govind , Southwick Lawrence
Published: April 2004

This paper describes changes in the estate tax over the last few decades in the United States and analyzes its motivation and effects on tax revenue and asset accumulation. Utilizing both aggregate and individual data for the last four decades, we find evidence of individuals responding to higher estate tax rates by shifting away from asset accumulation. We also find some weaker evidence that much of it occurs through reductions in the most liquid forms of assets.
Federal Transfer Taxation: The Effect on Saving, Capital Accumulation, and Economic Dissipation
Authors: Wagner Richard
Published: April 2004

The federal government levies taxes on property transfers at death (the estate tax), during life (the gift tax), and to grandchildren or more remote descendants (the generation-skipping tax). Referred to collectively as “transfer taxes,” these taxes attract little interest in the public policy forum because they produce little revenue—only 1% of annual federal tax revenues, and because most Americans have no first-hand experience with transfer taxes. However, transfer taxes have significantly adverse economic effects that are grossly disproportionate to the tax revenues they generate. Transfer taxes penalize success and the creation of wealth. The adverse effects of transfer taxes on saving and capital formation, therefore, are costs imposed on society as a whole.
Estate Taxes and the Investment Decision in Closely Held Firms
Authors: Saposnik Rubin , Tompkins James , Tutterow Roger
Published: April 2004

Closely held businesses differ from their publicly held counterparts in the relative importance assigned to planning for estate taxes. When faced with the prospect of an estate taxes liability, owners of closely held businesses may alter their investment behavior. This essay presents a simple model of the investment decision in a closely held business. While finance theory prescribes that firms maximize their value through funding capital projects with positive net present values, this model suggests that the presence of estate taxes may induce the firm to reject projects which, if funded, would add value to the firm. Further, the propensity to pass on value-adding projects increases with both the estate tax rate and the age of the business owner.