bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal NMDA receptor function exacerbates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Grasselli G , Rossi S , Musella A , Gentile A , Loizzo S , Muzio L , Di Sanza C , Errico F , Musumeci G , Haji N , Fresegna D , Sepman H , De Chiara V , Furlan R , Martino G , Usiello A , Mandolesi G , Centonze D 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeGlutamate transmission is dysregulated in both multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. A characteristic of EAE is increased glutamate transmission associated with up‐regulation of AMPA receptors. However, little is known about the role of NMDA receptors in the synaptic modifications induced by EAE.Experimental ApproachThe contribution of NMDA receptors to the alterations of glutamate transmission and disease severity in EAE mice was assessed by means of neurophysiological, morphological, Western blot, metabolic and clinical score assessments.Key ResultsIn our EAE mice, there was an NMDA receptor‐dependent increase of glutamate release, associated with marked activation of the astroglia. Presynaptic NMDA receptors became overactive during EAE, increasing synaptic glutamate release by a mechanism dependent on voltage‐gated sodium channels. By means of NAD(P)H autofluorescence analysis, we also found that EAE has a glutamate and NMDA receptor‐dependent dysfunction of mitochondrial activity, which is known to contribute to the neurodegenerative damage of MS and EAE. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of NMDA receptors in vivo ameliorated both synaptic transmission defects and of the clinical disease course of EAE mice, while EAE induced in mice with a genetically enhanced NMDA receptor signalling had opposite effects.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data, showing both sensitization of NMDA receptors and their involvement in the progression of the EAE disease, supggest that pharmacological impairment of NMDA receptor signalling would be a component of a neuroprotection strategy in MS.
Intact Long‐Type dupA as a Marker for Gastroduodenal Diseases in Okinawan Subpopulation, Japan
Authors: Takahashi Ayaka , Shiota Seiji , Matsunari Osamu , Watada Masahide , Suzuki Rumiko , Nakachi Saori , Kinjo Nagisa , Kinjo Fukunori , Yamaoka Yoshio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori dupA can be divided into two types according to the presence or absence of the mutation. In addition, full‐sequenced data revealed that dupA has two types with different lengths depend on the presence of approximately 600 bp in the putative 5′ region (presence; long‐type and absence; short‐type), which has not been taken into account in previous studies.MethodsA total of 319 strains isolated from Okinawa, the south islands of Japan, were included. The status of dupA and cagA was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The presence of mutations in long‐type dupA was determined by DNA sequencing.ResultsThe prevalence of long‐type dupA was 26.3% (84/319). Sequence analysis showed that there were only six cases (7.1%) with point mutations lead to stop codon among 84 long‐type dupA strains studied. Interestingly, intact long‐type dupA without frameshift mutation, but not short‐type dupA, was significantly associated with gastric ulcer and gastric cancer than gastritis (p = .001 and p = .019, respectively). After adjustment by age, gender, and cagA, the presence of intact long‐type dupA was significantly associated with gastric ulcer and gastric cancer compared with gastritis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.55–7.24 and OR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.23–13.94, respectively).ConclusionsIntact long‐type dupA is a real virulence marker for severe outcomes in Okinawa, Japan. The previous information gained from PCR‐based methods without taking long‐type dupA into account must be interpreted with caution.
The Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP): Feasibility and Efficacy
Authors: Flannery Kelly , Resnick Barbara , Galik Elizabeth , Lipscomb Jane , McPhaul Kathleen , Shaughnessy Marianne 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTest the feasibility and efficacy of the Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP).DesignThe WHHIP was a quasi‐experimental 6‐month pilot performed in 2 long‐term care facilities.SampleThirty‐nine female minority nursing assistants participated in this study with a mean age of 42.39 (SD = 12.79) years.MeasurementsMeasures were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months and included blood pressure, lipid panel, body mass index, physical activity levels, diet behaviors, depressive symptoms, and self‐efficacy outcomes.InterventionThe 3‐month WHHIP intervention included 3 components: environmental and policy assessment; education; and on‐going motivation. The control site received education only.ResultsSubject participation averaged 47% and 58% in exercise and diet related activities, respectively. Generalized estimating equations showed the treatment group showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms (p = .012), systolic blood pressure (p = .028), total cholesterol (p = .002) and triglycerides (p = .011) over time. The treatment group also showed trends for improvement in diet behaviors (p = .069) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .073).ConclusionsThis study provided feasibility evidence for the WHHIP and preliminary evidence that the WHHIP can improve heart healthy behaviors and subsequent outcomes among nursing assistants in long‐term care settings.
Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Intention to Choose a Public Health Career
Authors: Larsen Rachelle , Reif LuAnn , Frauendienst Renee 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective(s)To determine nursing students' public health career intentions, and to determine recruitment strategies and other factors that influence students' public health career intentions.Design and SampleDescriptive, correlational design. 354 junior and senior baccalaureate nursing students.MeasuresStudents completed a researcher developed survey about choosing public health career intentions and recruitment incentives.ResultsStudents indicated that they were likely or very likely to consider a career in public health immediately following graduation (21.1%), 1 year after graduation (26.4%) and more than 1 year after graduation (35%). Significant variables influencing career choice immediately following graduation were enrolling institution [t(3,340) = 2.66, p = .008] and traditional clinical site [t(3,340) = −2.306, p = .022]. One year after graduation, traditional public health clinical site [t(3,340) = −2.648, p = .008], and more than 1 year after graduation enrolling institution [t(4,339) = −2.364, p = .019] and gender [t(4,339) = 2.094, p = .037] were significant variables influencing career intentions. The top three recruitment strategies ranked by students were comparable wages, flexible scheduling, and tuition reimbursement.ConclusionsIdentifying priority recruitment strategies for public health students will enhance the ability of public health leaders to recruit graduate registered nurses to public health. Faculty should continue to evaluate both clinical and classroom experiences to stimulate excitement and interest for public health as a career choice.
Material Flows and Energy Analysis of Glass Containers Discarded in New Jersey, USA
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Ling , Krogmann Uta 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe use of glass cullet (crushed recycled glass containers) as aggregate in construction projects and landfills has increased rapidly even though the use of cullet as feedstock in new glass container and fiberglass production is energetically more sound. The effect of increased use of cullet as aggregate has not yet been thoroughly assessed. The objectives of this study were to model and quantify glass container flows across New Jersey and the associated life cycle energy consumption, and then compare life cycle energy consumption for two different recycling scenarios and three different end‐use/disposal scenarios. The results of a material flow analysis showed that in 2008 only about 11% of the glass containers consumed in New Jersey were used as glass container or fiberglass feedstock, while five times more were used as construction aggregate. However, a lower system energy requirement can be achieved by increased use of cullet as container feedstock compared to construction aggregate, even when the cullet is transported 1,600 miles to a glass container manufacturer. Based on the uncertainty analysis, there is about an 80% probability for the scenario with increased use as container feedstock to have a lower system energy requirement when compared with all other scenarios. To achieve increased use of cullet as glass container feedstock in New Jersey, the quality of the cullet must be improved.
Politics in the City‐Inside‐Out
Authors: BAYAT ASEF 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNeoliberal restructuring has engendered significant economic and social changes. The advent of deregulation, diminished role of the state, and the crisis of social contract have meant that a vast number of subaltern groups are now left on their own to survive and better their lives. Consequently, a strong view in the current debates seems to suggest that neoliberal city is a lost city—where capital rules, the affluent enjoy, and the subaltern is entrapped; it is a city of glaring inequality and imbalance, where the ideal of the “right to the city” is all but vanished. While this conclusion enjoys much plausibility, I want to suggest in this paper that there is more to neoliberal urbanity than elite rule and subaltern's failure. For the new realities of these cities tend to engender a new discrete form of politics. Drawing on the recent urban transformation in the Middle East, the paper elaborates on this distinct politics by discussing how a key spatial feature of neoliberal city, what I call the “city‐inside‐out,” is likely to instigate “street politics” and inform the “political street.”
Diasporic Politics, Transnational Media Circulation, and the Multifocality of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: MORRIS KAREN A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article proposes a framework of “multifocality” to think about the role of place within the national political cultures of postcolonies with active migrant and diasporic communities abroad. I build my argument on an ethnographic exploration of political activism among networks of Ivorians living in North America, Europe, and Africa during the last twelve years of civil strife in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. Tracing media circulation and political party organizing within and across several continents, I show how the political culture of the Ivorian nation arises, exists, and is negotiated within a number of non‐connected places (multiple foci) both within and beyond the official territory of the nation‐state. Activists and government officials travel to, live in, and shape sites within a number of nation‐state territories in order to be in the middle of Ivorian politics. My analysis underscores the need for more theoretical attention to the specific and often uneven ways in which the political structures of many postcolonies are being re‐territorialized through transnational forms of public culture. The recent conflict in Côte d'Ivoire—a conflict centered around questions of national belonging based on people's relationships with the national territory—offers a particularly interesting case study through which to think about relationships between national political communities and nation‐state territories. As participants mobilize resources in certain locations while dodging place‐based limitations of others, the multifocality of Ivorian political discourse emerges as key to its negotiation.
Unemployment, ethnicity and psychosis
Authors: Boydell J. , Bebbington P. , Bhavsar V. , Kravariti E. , van Os J. , Murray R. M. , Dutta R. 
Published: August 2012

Boydell J, Bebbington P, Bhavsar V, Kravariti E, van Os J, Murray RM, Dutta R. Unemployment, ethnicity and psychosis.Objective:  This study describes the incidence of psychosis in unemployed people and determines whether unemployment has a greater impact on the development of psychosis amongst Black minority groups than White groups.Method:  Patients with a first diagnosis of Research Diagnostic Criteria psychosis, in a defined area of London from 1998 to 2004, were identified. Crude and standardised incidence rates of psychosis amongst unemployed people for each ethnic group were calculated. Poisson regression modelling tested for interactions between unemployment and ethnicity.Results:  Hundred cases occurred amongst employed people and 78 cases occurred amongst the unemployed people. When standardised to the employed White population of the area, White unemployed people had a standardised incidence ratio (SIR) of 11.7 (95% CI 6.4–19.7), Black Caribbean people had a SIR of 60.1(95% CI 39.3–88) and Black African people had a SIR of 40.7 (95% CI 25.8–61.1). There was no interaction however between ethnicity and unemployment (Likelihood ratio test P = 0.54).Conclusion:  Rates of psychosis are high amongst unemployed people in south London and extremely high amongst Black Caribbean and Black African unemployed people. There was no evidence however that the minority groups were particularly sensitive to the stresses, limitations or meaning of unemployment.
Influence of Stratum Corneum on the entire skin mechanical properties, as predicted by a computational skin model
Authors: Lévêque Jean Luc , Audoly Basile 
Published: August 2012

Background/PurposeSkin mechanical properties are globally well described. The aim of this paper is to evaluate, by means of a numerical model, the influence of Stratum Corneum (SC) on skin folding resulting from an in‐plane compression.MethodsA computational skin model was developed where skin is divided into three layers (SC, epidermis and upper dermis, and deep dermis) of different thicknesses and elastic moduli. Skin surface deformation, consecutive to the application of a given surface compression, was computed by minimizing the mechanical energy of the multi‐layered tissue. Influence of SC thickness and elastic modulus on skin buckling is presented.ResultsVarying both SC thickness and elastic modulus has a marked influence on both wavelength and amplitude of the skin's surface folds. These two parameters display a logarithmic variation versus SC elastic modulus.ConclusionAlthough representing about one hundredth of the total skin thickness, SC has a marked influence on the skin mechanical properties.
Long‐term outcome of resective epilepsy surgery in Norwegian children
Authors: Aaberg KM , Eriksson A‐S , Ramm‐Pettersen J , Nakken KO 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term results of resective surgery on children with difficult‐to‐treat epilepsy in Norway.Methods:  In the period 1995–2004, 64 surgical procedures (54 resections and 10 functional hemispherotomies) were performed in 54 children. The children’s medical records were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. We sent a questionnaire regarding their epilepsy (seizures, usage of antiepileptic drugs) and general functioning (social situation, motor, language, cognition, behavioural or emotional problems, any remedial action) to the children/parents after a mean follow‐up period of 7 years.Results:  55.5% of the children were seizure‐free. The success rate varied according to the type of surgery. Best results were found after functional hemispherotomies and temporal lobe resections, as nine of 10 (90%) and 10 of 19 (53%) of these patients, respectively, became seizure‐free. In addition to a better seizure control, 71% of the children/parents reported of a better cognitive and psychosocial functioning.Conclusion:  The results of epilepsy surgery in this paediatric cohort are very edifying, and it is our impression that this treatment option is underused in Norway.
Advanced snowmelt affects vegetative growth and sexual reproduction of Vaccinium myrtillus in a sub‐alpine heath
Authors: Gerdol Renato , Siffi Chiara , Iacumin Paola , Gualmini Matteo , Tomaselli Marcello 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionIn cold regions, snow cover duration is expected to decrease, especially in spring, as a consequence of climate warming. We investigated effects of changes in timing of snowmelt in relation to weather conditions on Vaccinium myrtillus, a dominant shrub in heath vegetation. We tested the hypothesis that advanced snowmelt will enhance shrub growth in years with few frosts, but will reduce shrub growth in years with frequent frosts.LocationA sub‐alpine heath in the Northern Apennines (Italy).MethodsWe carried out two experiments. In the main experiment, snow was added to (+S) or removed from (−S) experimental plots in spring of three growing seasons (2004–2006), with a mean delay in snowmelt timing of about 2 wk from −S to +S. In a companion experiment, we simulated a freezing event in late spring 2004.ResultsDuring the snowmelt period, the −S plants experienced 6–10 more frost events, compared with +S and unmanipulated controls (C) in 2004 and 2005, but not in 2006. In the first 2 yr leaf production, leaf expansion and flowering were all significantly reduced in the −S plants, while shoot elongation was unaffected. In the companion experiment with artificial frost V. myrtillus presented similar responses. Conversely, the manipulations of snow did not affect either the hydric or nutrient status of plants and soils.ConclusionsThe results overall support our hypothesis, as shown by the differing effects of snow depth and timing of melt on V. myrtillus in the 3 yr. Spring frost was the cause of reduced growth and reduced flower production in 2004 and 2005. However, advanced snowmelt will not decrease the cover of this dominant species. Therefore, the structure and species dominance patterns in sub‐alpine heath are not expected to change significantly in response to reduced snow cover. Support for this conclusion is provided by the capacity of V. myrtillus to recover vegetatively from frost injury through stimulated shoot elongation, and by the low importance of sexual reproduction for propagating dominant ericaceous shrubs in closed heath communities.
Factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in Tanzania
Authors: Victor Rose , Baines Surinder K. , Agho Kingsley E. , Dibley Michael J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractInappropriate complementary feeding is one of the major causes of undernutrition among young children in Tanzania. Prevalence of newly developed World Health Organization complementary feeding indicators and their associated factors were determined among 2402 children aged 6–23 months in Tanzania using data from the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. The survey used a multistage cluster sample of 10 300 households from the eight geographical zones in the country. The prevalence of the introduction of soft, semi‐solid or solid foods among infants aged 6–8 months was 92.3%. Of all the children aged 6–23 months, the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity, meal frequency and acceptable diet were 38.2%, 38.6% and 15.9%, respectively. Results from multivariate analyses indicated that the main risk factors for inappropriate complementary feeding practices in Tanzania include young child's age (6–11 months), lower level of paternal/maternal education, limited access to mass media, lack of post‐natal check‐ups, and poor economic status. Overall, complementary feeding practices in Tanzania, as measured by dietary diversity, meal frequency and acceptable diet, are not adequately met, and there is a need for interventions to improve the nutritional status of young children in Tanzania.
Prolonged length of stay in the emergency department in high‐acuity patients at a Chinese tertiary hospital
Authors: Ye Ligang , Zhou Guangju , He Xiaojun , Shen Weifeng , Gan Jianxin , Zhang Mao 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveED overcrowding is a worldwide issue, with most evidence coming from developed countries. Until now, little was known about this subject in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the situation of prolonged lengths of stay (LOS) in the ED for high‐acuity patients in a Chinese tertiary hospital and to identify associated factors.MethodsA retrospective study was performed in a Chinese tertiary hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2010. The primary outcomes were ED LOS and associated factors in overall high‐acuity patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used.ResultsIn this consecutive study period, 7966 high‐acuity patients presenting to the ED were triaged to the resuscitation room. The median LOS in the ED for these patients was 10.6 h (IQR, 3.1–23.1 h). In the multivariate analysis, the most significant factor associated with prolonged LOS was boarding for more than 2 h (OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 4.03–4.57). Patients requiring emergency operation or intensive care unit admission experienced a shorter LOS (OR, 0.56 and 0.76; 95% CI, 0.53–0.60 and 0.71–0.81, respectively). Older patients, night shift arrivals, non‐spring visitors, general internal medicine patients and patients leaving without receiving advanced therapy had longer LOS.ConclusionsWe found an excessive LOS in the resuscitation room in this tertiary hospital. The most significant reason for prolonged LOS was boarding block. Shortage of inpatient beds and reluctance of the wards to admit these patients might be the primary reasons for extremely long boarding.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*13:02:13 allele in a Taiwanese haematopoietic stem cell donor and the probable HLA haplotype in association with B*13:02:13
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lee S. K. , Lin P. Y. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryUsing sequence‐based typing method, we found a new HLA‐B*13:02 variant, B*13:02:13, in a Taiwanese haematopoietic stem cell donor. The DNA sequence of B*13:02:13 is identical to the sequence of B*13:02:01 in exons 2 and 3 except the nucleotide at position 588 where G is replaced by T (codon 172; CTG→CTT). The DNA sequence variation did not alter the amino acid sequence of B*13:02:01. The generation of B*13:02:13 is thought to derive from B*13:02:01 as a result of a silence mutation. The probable HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 haplotype in association with B*13:02:1 may be deduced as HLA‐A*24‐B*13:02:13‐DRB1*07:01 or HLA‐A*02‐B*13:02:13‐DRB1*07:01. The discovery of B*13:02:13 furthers the polymorphism of HLA‐B*13 and HLA‐B*13:02.
Assessment of Low‐Density Polyethylene Squeeze Bottles in Delivering Wine Vapor‐Phase Stimuli: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Hollis Francine H. , Halpern Bruce P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA 118 mL low‐density polyethylene squeeze bottle with a 24‐mm flip‐top cap was compared for its administration potential for human judgments of wine vapor‐phase stimuli with a 414‐mL wine glass, using three measures: (1) perceptual differences for wine incubated for 24 h in the squeeze bottle or the wine glass; (2) discrimination between alcoholic and dealcoholized (less than 0.5% alcohol by volume) wine; and (3) comparison of orthonasal response rates for wines. It was found that wine vapor‐phase stimuli could be discriminated retronasally (P < 2.33 × 10−4) and orthonasally (P < 3.4 × 10−6) using the squeeze bottles. There was no significant difference between correct orthonasal response rates for wines administered in squeeze bottles and wine glasses (P = 0.81). No evidence of polyethylene odorant migration or scalping of wine vapor was found, suggesting that the polyethylene squeeze bottle may be suitable for retronasal and orthonasal studies of aroma for beverages such as wine.Practical ApplicationsThe conducted research may provide a basis for future methodology developments regarding vapor‐phase stimuli administration for smell research and evaluations involving beverages such as wine. Using a delivery container like a polyethylene squeeze bottle to evaluate wine vapor‐phase stimuli allows human smell perceptions to be better understood without taste interactions.