bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Circulating Adiponectin in Humans
Authors: Ando Takashi , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Imamoto Eiko , Kishimoto Etsuko , Okajima Akira , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Handa Osamu , Yagi Nobuaki , Kokura Satoshi , Naito Yuji , Mizuno Shigeto , Asakawa Akihiro , Inui Akio , Yoshikawa Toshikazu 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic syndrome is not well understood. Adiponectin is an adipose‐derived protein considered to play a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of H. pylori infection on circulating adiponectin in humans.MethodsIn a prospective study, 456 patients underwent endoscopy and H. pylori testing. All of the 338 H. pylori ‐positive patients received eradication therapy. Treatment was successful in 241 patients. Circulating adiponectin and other metabolic parameters were measured at baseline in all patients and 12 weeks after eradication therapy in those initially positive for H. pylori.ResultsCirculating adiponectin levels were not different between H. pylori ‐positive and H. pylori ‐negative patients. In the group with successful eradication, levels of total adiponectin and each multimer form were significantly increased after therapy. Conversely, the levels of total adiponectin and high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin, but not middle‐molecular‐weight and low‐molecular‐weight adiponectin, were increased in the group with unsuccessful eradication after the therapy.ConclusionsEradication therapy of H. pylori increased circulating adiponectin levels in Japanese individuals and could be beneficial for preventing metabolic syndrome conditions.
Human rights, cultural practices, and state policies: Implications for global social work practice and policy
Authors: Katiuzhinsky Anna , Okech David 
Published: November 2012

Effective practice in a global world requires knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures. Most social workers around the world are committed to values and policies that enhance the well‐being of especially vulnerable populations and that protect their human rights. However, not all cultural practices or policies place the same value on human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations, a situation that may result in conflicts for social workers, who have an ethical obligation to advocate for human rights as well as to be sensitive to their clients' cultural contexts. Based on multidisciplinary research and contemporary examples of gender discrimination, forced marriages, child labor, and female genital mutilation, this article proposes resolutions to this conflict. It concludes by suggesting practices and policies that might help social workers to strike an effective balance between cultural diversity and the promotion of human rights.Key Practitioner Message: ● Social workers are best placed to understand individuals and communities within their various cultural contexts; ● Social work practice and policy should be sensitive to cultural practices that may undermine human rights and the well‐being of vulnerable populations; ● Guided by professional values and ethics, social workers can assume the roles of educator and advocate in enhancing the rights of individuals.
Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with Niigata Minamata disease: A case–control study 50 years after methyl mercury pollution
Authors: Hara Noboru , Saito Hisashi , Takahashi Kota , Takeda Masayuki 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo clarify the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder in patients with chronic methyl mercury poisoning.MethodsA total of 151 patients (61 men and 90 women; mean age 72.1 years) with Niigata Minamata disease were enrolled. An age‐ and sex‐matched group of 150 participants was used as control. Patients reported their International Prostate Symptom Score and overactive bladder symptom score.ResultsIn men, the total, storage and voiding International Prostate Symptom Score scores were higher in the Niigata Minamata disease group than in the control group (10.6 ± 7.8 vs 5.0 ± 5.0, 4.5 ± 3.3 vs 2.4 ± 2.4 and 6.1 ± 5.1 vs 2.7 ± 3.1, respectively, P < 0.001 in all). In women, these scores were also higher in the Niigata Minamata disease group than in the control group (8.9 ± 7.3 vs 4.0 ± 4.0, 4.4 ± 3.2 vs 2.8 ± 2.4 and 4.5 ± 5.0 vs 1.3 ± 2.0, respectively, P < 0.001 in all). The prevalence of overactive bladder was more frequent in the Niigata Minamata disease group compared with that in the control group (51.7% vs 26.7%, P < 0.001). In both men and women, the overactive bladder symptom score was higher in the Niigata Minamata disease group than in the control group (4.1 ± 3.0 vs 2.4 ± 2.9, P = 0.002 and 4.6 ± 3.6 vs 2.7 ± 2.9, P < 0.001, respectively). The International Prostate Symptom Score and overactive bladder symptom score in the Niigata Minamata disease group were highest in patients aged 60–69 years (P < 0.001 in both), whereas these increased in an age‐dependent manner in the control group.ConclusionsLower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder are severe and highly prevalent conditions among patients with methyl mercury poisoning. The higher prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms among patients aged 60–69 years might be related to the fact that they were exposed to methyl mercury during their childhood/development.
Social relationships and subsequent health‐related behaviours: linkages between adolescent peer status and levels of adult smoking in a Stockholm cohort
Authors: Almquist Ylva B. , Östberg Viveca 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimsPeer status reflects the extent to which an individual is accepted by the group. Some studies have reported that low peer status in adolescence is associated with a higher risk of smoking, while others found the reverse. No studies have investigated peer status influences on adult smoking. The aim of the study was therefore to examine the relationship between adolescents' peer status and the intensity of smoking in adulthood.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingStockholm, Sweden.ParticipantsA subsample (n = 2329) of the cohort with information about adult smoking.MeasurementsPeer status was assessed sociometrically at age 13 and information on smoking was gathered through a questionnaire at age 32. Relative risks (RR) for self‐reported level of smoking were calculated using multinomial logistic regression. Several family‐related and individual variables were included as control variables.FindingsLower peer status in adolescence was associated with smoking of any intensity in adulthood. For example, the risk of heavy smoking was more than threefold (RR = 3.67) among individuals in the lowest status positions. The association with occasional smoking was abolished by controlling for factors related to adolescents' attitude to school and cognitive ability. For regular and heavy smoking the relationship was attenuated by controlling for these factors.ConclusionsLow peer status in adolescence appears to be a risk factor for smoking in adulthood. Part of this association may be explained by adolescents' feelings towards school and cognitive ability. However, being unpopular in adolescence remains a strong risk factor for regular and heavy smoking in adulthood.
Bigotry and Religious Belief
Authors: Ramsey William M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAttacks on religious doctrines are often characterized as a form of bigotry and traditional analyses of the concept support this view. I argue that regarding such attacks as bigotry is inconsistent with a variety of contemporary moral attitudes and social goals. I offer an improved account of when we should ascribe bigotry – one that is more coherent with views on tolerance and the importance of open debate. This account focuses upon the justification for hostile attitudes and also limits the target of bigoted thought to persons, not to doctrines, religious or otherwise. I argue that while it is indeed possible to adopt bigoted attitudes toward people classified on the basis of their religious beliefs, it is not possible to hold bigoted attitudes against the beliefs themselves.
Quantifying rural livelihood strategies in developing countries using an activity choice approach
Authors: Nielsen Øystein Juul , Rayamajhi Santosh , Uberhuaga Patricia , Meilby Henrik , Smith‐Hall Carsten 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article uses a quantitative activity choice approach, based on identification of activity variables and application of latent class cluster analysis, to identify five major rural livelihood strategies pursued by households (n= 576) in Bolivia, Nepal, and Mozambique. Income sources and welfare outcomes are compared across strategies and household differences in asset holdings are analyzed using multinomial logit regression. Findings reveal that income diversification is the norm, that a higher degree of specialization does not characterize more remunerative livelihood strategies, that nonfarm income significantly contributes to higher income earnings, that environmental reliance does not vary across strategies, and that small‐scale farmers are the largest and poorest livelihood group. Some livelihood strategies are superior to all other strategies in terms of income earned; access to more remunerative livelihood strategies is determined by land ownership, education, and ethnic affiliation. Finally, the article also highlights that additional work is required to determine the most suitable methods for livelihood strategy identification.
Triaging in dietetics: Do we prioritise the right patients?
Authors: PORTER Judi , JAMIESON Rachel 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAim:  Triage, or prioritisation, is a process used to assign patients to treatment categories for clinical management and to support the allocation of staffing resources. The literature is limited regarding dietetic triage processes, and evaluation of their validity and reliability. The aims of this study were to compare the dietetic triage guidelines used in a sample of Australian hospitals; acquire demographic information describing the dietetic department and its services; and obtain feedback from dietetic managers on the benefits/disadvantages of their triage guidelines.Methods:  A questionnaire was developed to elicit demographic data and qualitative comments from a convenience sample of two hospitals in each Australian state and territory. Data collection occurred electronically and results were analysed qualitatively.Results:  Ten responses were received (62.5% response rate). The number of inpatient beds at each hospital ranged from 180 to 980. Dietetic staffing ranged from 3.3 to 27.25 equivalent full‐time positions. All participating hospitals had triage guidelines in use with prioritisation categories similar for inpatients but not outpatients. Validity and inter‐rater reliability were poorly evaluated. Strengths and weaknesses identified by dietetic managers were consistent with those reported in other disciplines.Conclusions:  Both consensus and lack of consistency within current dietetic triage practices were highlighted in this exploratory study. The lack of evaluation of validity and reliability shows a limited evidence base in this area of practice and these areas need to be addressed. Consideration should also be given to changes in priority and focus of dietetic practice which will impact on triage categories.
Parental perceptions of the oral health‐related quality of life of autistic children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Pani Sharat Chandra , Mubaraki Sarah Ali , Ahmed Yasmine Tarek , AlTurki Rana Yousef , Almahfouz Sarah Fahad 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to use parental perception to assess the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children with Autism. A total of 59 families of children with Autism who had an unaffected sibling were cross‐matched for age and gender of the affected child with families with no autistic children. The parents were administered the Parental Perception Questionnaire (P‐CPQ) and the Family impact scale (FIS) components of and Arabic version of the Child Oral Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire (COHRQL). The P‐CPQ scores of Children with Autism were compared with those of their unaffected siblings and those of children from families with no autistic child, while the FIS scores were compared between families with and without an autistic child. Regression models were constructed to show the association of sociodemographic factors on the OHRQoL of autistic children. The results of this study seem to suggest that childhood autism results in a reduced OHRQoL for both the affected child as well as the family. The apparent reduced parental concern with unaffected siblings of autistic children, when compared to parental concern towards children in families with no autistic child is an area that could merit further research.
A Novel Magneto‐Dielectric Solid Solution Ceramic 0.25LiFe5O8–0.75Li2ZnTi3O8 with Relatively High Permeability and Ultra‐Low Dielectric Loss
Authors: He Li , Zhou Di , Yang Haibo , Guo Jing , Wang Hong 
Published: November 2012

In this study, a 0.25LiFe5O8–0.75Li2ZnTi3O8 solid solution ceramic was developed via the solid‐state reaction method. Its phase evolution, microstructure, and sintering behavior were investigated and it was found that the 25 mol.% LiFe5O8 phase is almost fully soluble in Li2ZnTi3O8, and only the Li2ZnTi3O8 type spinel phase was formed in the 0.25LiFe5O8–0.75Li2ZnTi3O8 ceramic. The ceramic sample sintered at 1050°C for 2 h was found to possess both good magnetic properties and dielectric properties in the frequency range from 1 to 10 MHz, with permeability between 38.2 and 15 and magnetic loss tangent between 0.25 and 0.75, permittivity between 19.6 and 19.3 and dielectric loss tangent between 8 × 10−3 and 2 × 10−3. The sample also possesses good microwave dielectric properties with a relative permittivity of 19.1, a high quality factor (Qf) ~11,770 GHz (at 6.84 GHz). The ceramic is a novel magneto‐dielectric ceramic with both high permeability and good dielectric properties, which might be a good candidate for the applications in novel electronic devices.
Laser‐assisted depigmentation for resistant vitiligo: a retrospective case series with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Boukari F. , Lacour J.P. , Ortonne J.P. , Bahadoran P. , Passeron T. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackground  Blanching creams are used to depigment and to achieve uniform skin tone in widespread vitiligo. Length of the treatment and side‐effects strongly limit their use in common practice.Objectives  To assess the long‐term efficacy and tolerance of Q‐Switched (QS) lasers for depigmenting the remaining unaffected skin in vitiligo.Methods  Retrospective study of vitiligo patients treated with QS lasers in the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Nice, France, from 2002 to 2011. Localizations and the percentage of body surface area of treated lesions, the total number of sessions and the possible relapses and side‐effects, were analysed. Global satisfaction of the patients was evaluated on a visual analogical scale.Results  Sixteen areas of normally pigmented skin were treated in six patients. The median number of sessions to achieve a complete depigmentation was 2 (1–6). The mean duration of follow‐up was 36 months (19–120). One third of the patients had no relapse. A complete repigmentation was observed after 21 months in one patient; a 50% repigmentation was noted in one patient, 7 months after the end of the treatment. Two patients showed a minimal repigmentation (<25%), 18 months and 9 years after the first laser treatments. The repigmentations were effectively treated with a maintenance session. The mean total number of sessions performed during this period was 3 (1–20). Side‐effects were limited to transient purpura and crusts. The satisfaction of the patients was excellent (mean 9/10).Conclusions  QS lasers appear as an efficient and safe modality for depigmenting normal skin in vitiligo.
Transmission of lymphocystis disease virus to cultured gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L., larvae
Authors: Cano I , Valverde E J , Garcia‐Rosado E , Alonso M C , Lopez‐Jimena B , Ortiz‐Delgado J B , Borrego J J , Sarasquete C , Castro D 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe transmission of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) to gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L., larvae was investigated using fertilized eggs from a farm with previous reports of lymphocystis disease. LCDV genome was detected by PCR‐hybridization in blood samples from 17.5% of the asymptomatic gilthead seabream broodstock analysed. Using the same methodology, eggs spawned from these animals were LCDV positive, as well as larvae hatched from them. The presence of infective viral particles was confirmed by cytopathic effects development on SAF‐1 cells. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed the presence of LCDV in the epidermis of larvae hatched from LCDV‐positive eggs. When fertilized eggs were disinfected with iodine, no viral DNA was detected either in eggs (analysed by PCR‐hybridization) or in larvae (PCR‐hybridization and ISH). These results suggest the vertical transmission of LCDV, the virus being transmitted on the egg surface. Larvae hatched from disinfected eggs remain LCDV negative during the endotrophic phase, as showed by PCR‐hybridization, ISH and IHC. After feeding on LCDV‐positive rotifers, viral antigens were observed in the digestive tract, which suggests that viral entry could be achieved via the alimentary canal, and that rotifers can act as a vector in LCDV transmission to gilthead seabream larvae.
CpG inclusion in feed reduces sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, numbers following re‐infection
Authors: Purcell S L , Friend S E , Covello J M , Donkin A , Groman D B , Poley J , Fast M D 
Published: November 2012

AbstractLepeophtheirus salmonis infections in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, have been characterized by little to no hyperplastic response and a biphasic immune response that results in chronic inflammation with tissue repair as the infection progresses. We hypothesized that CpG administration with prior lice exposure would enhance epithelial inflammatory mechanisms and boost the Atlantic salmon immune response to L. salmonis, leading to greater protection against infection. We administered multiple exposures of L. salmonis to two groups of Atlantic salmon and compared responses against first‐time exposed Atlantic salmon. Following re‐exposure, CpG fed fish exhibited increased skin expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐12 β compared to control previously exposed (CPE) and control first‐time exposed (CFE) animals, respectively. This inflammatory enhancement occurred with significantly lower expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP 9), both systemically (spleen) and locally (skin). Reduced MMP 9 expression was a hallmark of the re‐infected fish (occurred in both tissues at both times). When significant differences were present in the skin or spleen, the two re‐exposed groups showed greater similarity than with the first exposure group. Lice numbers on CpG fed fish were significantly lower than CFE fish at 7 days post‐re‐infection (dpri), and although they were not significantly different at 17 dpri, the trend of lower lice levels remained. CpG fed fish also showed nearly twofold greater protection than CPE when compared to the CFE group (48.5% vs. 27.0% reductions at 7 dpri and 27.2% vs. 13.1% reductions at 17 dpri, respectively). The enhanced protection of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide administration to previous exposure was consistent across all body surfaces and suggests that CpG can not only enhance innate responses to L. salmonis in Atlantic salmon, but also further stimulate adaptive responses.
Inactivation and Injury of Listeria monocytogenes under Combined Effect of Pressure and Temperature in UHT Whole Milk
Authors: Mishra Niharika , Puri Virendra M. , Demirci Ali 
Published: November 2012

AbstractInactivation and injury of Listeria monocytogenes was studied under the combined effect of high pressure and temperature. Three pressure levels (400, 500 and 600 MPa) and three temperature levels (27, 43 and 60C) were chosen. In total, seven combinations were tested: (1) 400 MPa at three temperature levels; and (2) 500 and 600 MPa at 27 and 43C, i.e., the treatment times at 60C were too short (<1 s) to obtain reliable data based on machine precision. Comparison of D‐values on both media showed that (1) the D‐values of treatment condition 400 MPa, 27C and 400 MPa, 43C were significantly different (P < 0.05), and from the rest of the five pressure and temperature combinations, (2) the remaining five combinations were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). Injury of L. monocytogenes was evaluated in terms of log reduction value, which was obtained from nonselective and selective media. Treatment temperature played an important role on injury of L. monocytogenes specifically at lower pressure level. At 400 MPa, the injured log reduction values obtained at 27 and 43C were 2.10 and 3.46, respectively, for 15‐min treatment time, whereas at 60C, it was 4.58 for 1 min. This study showed that 6 log10 reductions could be obtained in <2 min using low pressure (400 MPa) and high temperature (60C), which would have industrial relevance in reducing the cost related to high pressure processing of food.Practical ApplicationsListeria monocytogenes is responsible for many foodborne illnesses. Because of its psychrotrophic nature, L. monocytogenes is a potential threat to milk and dairy products as it has the ability to grow under refrigeration temperatures. Inactivation of L. monocytogenes in milk under high pressure has been studied widely. However, few studies have been done to evaluate the injury of the microorganisms, which were limited to low pressure and temperature. Quantification of injured population of L. monocytogenes is important; i.e., after high pressure treatment the sublethally injured cells can recover in the milk medium during the storage period. Hence, there is a great need of quantification of injured population of L. monocytogenes in addition to the inactivation over a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions. The kinetic data on both inactivation and injury of microorganisms will help to establish the safe processing conditions for milk during high pressure and temperature treatment.
Relationships among actions, antecedents, and outcomes of grief care for bereaved caregivers: Surveying visiting nurses throughout Japan
Authors: Ono Wakanako 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimThis research identified and analyzed relationships of grief care by visiting nurses using antecedent factors and grief care outcomes.MethodsA mailed, original, researcher‐developed, self‐administered questionnaire for visiting nurses employed at home‐visit nursing care stations throughout Japan provided data which was then analyzed using multiple regression analyses. Grief care provided by nurses is divided into three scales: (i) grief care from beginning of home care to the terminal period (GCBT); (ii) grief care at deathbed (GCDB); and (iii) grief care after the patient's death (GCAD).ResultsValid responses were provided by 332 (90.7%) administrators and 1442 (76.1%) staff nurses. The data revealed that it was “years of experience as a visiting nurse” and “experience of learning grief care after the patient's death” that were significant to GCBT. Also, nurses' outcomes “learning opportunity” and “confidence in visiting nursing” were significant to GCBT and GCAD.ConclusionSimply being told how to provide care to the patient during the terminal phase is inadequate. The care during this period seemed to require years of experience as a visiting nurse. Nurses should consider more effective educational methods to nurture this skill rather than wait for it to be acquired through experience. Implementation of grief care is an opportunity for receiving feedback on the care nurses provided. Grief care provides motivation for nursing and maintains mental health.