bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Screening Practices of Unaffected Noncarriers under 40 and between 40 and 49 in BRCA1/2 Families
Authors: Duprez Christelle , Christophe Véronique , Milhabet Isabelle , Krzeminski Aurélie , Adenis Claude , Berthet Pascaline , Peyrat Jean‐Philippe , Vennin Philippe 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to 1) compare the cancer screening practices of unaffected noncarrier women under 40 and those aged 40 to 49, following the age‐based medical screening guidelines, and 2) consider the way the patients justified their practices of screening or over‐screening. For this study, 131 unaffected noncarriers—77 women under age 40 and 54 between 40 and 49, all belonging to a BRCA1/2 family—responded to a questionnaire on breast or ovarian cancer screenings they had undergone since receiving their negative genetic test results, their motives for seeking these screenings, and their intentions to pursue these screenings in the future. Unaffected noncarriers under age 40 admitted practices that could be qualified as over‐screening. Apart from mammogram and breast ultrasounds, which the women under 40 reported seeking less often, these women's screening practices were comparable to those of women between 40 and 49. Cancer prevention and a family history of cancer were the two most frequently cited justifications for pursuing these screenings. We suggest that health care professionals discuss with women under 50 the ineffectiveness of breast and ovarian cancer screenings so that they will adapt their practices to conform to medical guidelines and limit their exposure to the potentially negative impacts of early cancer screening.
The sympatric occurrence of two genetically divergent lineages of sucking louse,Polyplax arvicanthis(Phthiraptera: Anoplura), on the four-striped mouse genus,Rhabdomys(Rodentia: Muridae)
Authors: DU TOIT NINA , MATTHEE SONJA , MATTHEE CONRAD A. 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYWithin southern Africa, the widely distributed four-striped mouse genus (Rhabdomys) is parasitized by, amongst others, the specific ectoparasitic sucking louse,Polyplax arvicanthis. Given the presence of significant geographically structured genetic divergence inRhabdomys, and the propensity of parasites to harbour cryptic diversity, the molecular systematics ofP. arvicanthiswas investigated. Representatives ofP. arvicanthiswere sampled fromRhabdomysat 16 localities throughout southern Africa. Parsimony and Bayesian gene trees were constructed for the mitochondrial COI, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and nuclear CAD genes. Our findings support the existence of 2 genetic groups withinP. arvicanthisseparated by at least 25% COI sequence divergence, which is comparable to that observed among recognizedPolyplaxspecies. We therefore propose that these 2 genetic lineages probably represent distinct species and that the apparent absence of clear morphological differences may point to cryptic speciation. The 2 taxa have sympatric distributions throughout most of the sampled host range and also occasionally occur sympatrically on the same host individual. The co-occurrence of these genetically distinct lineages probably resulted from parasite duplication via host-associated allopatric divergence and subsequent reciprocal range expansions of the 2 parasite taxa throughout southern Africa.
Factors influencing income level of (agro‐) pastoral communities
Authors: Adunga Eneyew 
Published: January 2013

PurposeMost of the studies done on pastoralists in Ethiopia either rely on qualitative data or mainly focus on descriptive analysis and thus lack rigorous econometric measures. As a result, very little is known about the economics of household level activities in pastoral production systems. Thus, the aim of this paper is to use analysis factors influencing household income among (agro‐) pastoralists of southern Ethiopia. This information therefore can contribute to more evidence‐based decision making occurring across pastoral areas and inform policy decisions regarding the design of income generating strategies in pastoral areas.Design/methodology/approachMulti stage sampling technique was followed to select 197 household heads. Descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to explain the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents. The relationship between the household income and the independent variables were estimated using multiple regression procedure.FindingsThe finding shows that wealth and income are highly skewed; agro‐pastoralists earned two‐fold more than pastoralists by virtue of their crop activity. The variables explaining the variations in income level are family size, market distance, land size, education level and livelihood diversification status. Households with larger family members, farm land, nearer to market centres, diversification status and literate heads have earned larger income than their counterparts.Practical implicationsImproving market access and developing marketing opportunities are essential to (agro‐) pastoralists to get the best value for their products; alongside the expansion of crop cultivation and creation of alternative livelihood opportunities and access to education should be emphasized.Originality/valueThe paper presents an analysis of original survey conducted by the author from December to January 2010/11.
Consumer decision making styles in retailing: evolution of mindsets and psychological impacts
Authors: Lysonski Steven , Durvasula Srinivas 
Published: January 2013

Purpose
– India has undergone dramatic change in its retail markets since economic liberalization in 1992. The authors aim to use the framework of consumer decision making styles to investigate longitudinally how these styles have changed from 1994 to 2009. They also conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2009 data to determine whether decision making styles are shaped by psychological variables: perceived time pressure, shopping opinion leadership, shopping self-confidence, consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence, and materialism.

Design/methodology/approach
– The eight different consumer decision making styles were measured with instrument by Sproles and Kendall. The psychological variables were measured with established instruments with adequate reliabilities. The survey was administered to young adults. The Indian samples from 1994 and 2009 were matched allowing for comparisons.

Findings
– The longitudinal analysis showed that four of the eight decision making styles changed statistically between 1994 and 2009; there were increases for brand consciousness, novelty-fashion consciousness, and impulsive-careless shopping while perfectionist-quality consciousness decreased. The cross sectional analysis of the psychological variables showed that perceived time pressure had minimal impact while shopping opinion leadership and shopping self confidence had a major impact. Materialism and consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence had a moderate impact.

Research limitations/implications
– The authors used an urban sample; a rural sample would also be useful. Future research could examine other emerging markets such as Brazil and Vietnam to identify the impact of the psychological variables on decision making styles in those countries.

Practical implications
– The study shows that decision making styles do change as an emerging economy becomes more developed. The study also shows that psychological variables can explain some of the differences in decision making styles among consumers. Retailers and marketers can use this information to be more strategic in the way they develop their planning.

Social implications
– Changes in decision making styles show that consumers are now more brand and fashion conscious while being more impulsive and careless in their shopping. These changes may signal that Indians are becoming more materialistic and more focused on brands and fashion which can lead to excessive buying and debt.

Originality/value
– The paper offers a longitudinal view of changes in decision making and a cross sectional analysis of how psychological variables affect decision making styles. This study focuses on issues not presently discussed in the literature.
The complexity of GP commissioning
Authors: Geyer Robert 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to explore the implications of GP commissioning through the lens of complexity theory. The key point that the article attempts to rise is that GP commissioning does imply greater freedom, responsibility and ability to move the English NHS in a more public oriented, locally responsive and public health oriented direction. At the same time, as demonstrated by the Stacey diagram, it forces GPs into difficult, complex situations that lie outside of their traditional skill range and experiences and implores them to deal with a much wider range of actors and institutions that they are unfamiliar with and are well beyond their control.Design/methodology/approachThis is a discussion paper that explores the recent proposals for GP commissioning from a complexity framework, and in particular the “Stacey diagram”.FindingsThe commissioning reforms may represent a healthy organisational transformation of the NHS and over time generate a number of positive outcomes. Nevertheless, with a complexity perspective, one can begin to understand why this reform is so challenging for GPs, and that it will take a whole new range of GP skills and decision‐making strategies (and maybe even a shift in the overall GP culture) in order to make it work.Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge this is the first attempt to use complexity theory to explore the strengths and weaknesses of GP commissioning.
Inns and hotels in fiction
Authors: Ingram Hadyn 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the way in which fiction written in English has portrayed establishments which provide accommodation and food: namely inns and hotels. This personal mental portrayal contributes to the image of hotels by readers of fiction and ultimately to hospitality and tourism buying behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe author reviews the increasing visibility of inns and hotels in fiction in the last 700 years and focuses upon six selected texts which the researcher considers important.FindingsThe paper offers some conclusions as to the way in which authors perceive the way in which inns and hotels operate: people, places, plots, products and principles.Practical implicationsThere may be few direct practical implications which might follow immediately from this exploratory study. The paper seeks to explore some of ways in which the image of inns and hotels is expressed in fictional literature, so as to better understand and market hospitality and tourism products more effectively in future.Originality/valueThis is a topic which has, to date, been little, if ever, researched. Fiction is increasing in popularity and it has influenced the way in which readers think, feel and react. This paper addresses this gap and opens the field for more interdisciplinary research.
Migration, remittances, and agricultural productivity in small farming systems in Northwest China
Authors: Li Lihua , Wang Chenggang , Segarra Eduardo , Nan Zhibiao 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between migration, remittances and agricultural productivity by applying the new economics of labor migration model in the context of north‐west China. The specific objectives are to examine the impacts of rural out‐migration on agricultural productivity in various farming systems, and whether remittances have been reinvested in agriculture.Design/methodology/approachCross‐sectional household survey data from three townships were analyzed with the three‐stage least squares (3SLS) regression model.FindingsIn multi‐cropping small farming systems, at least in the short run, the loss resulting from losing family labour on lower‐return grain crop production is likely to be offset by the gain from investing in capital‐intensive and profitable cash crop production.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence for the MELM theory. It expands Taylor et al.'s studies by comparing investment behavior and production choices among multiple farm activities, and enriches previous studies by showing that the relation between remittances and agricultural investment depends on the farm activities' profitability.
Cellular immune function monitoring after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation: evaluation of a new assay
Authors: Israeli M , Klein T , Herscovici C , Ram R , Shpilberg O , Sredni B , Yeshurun M 
Published: January 2013

Summary
Managing the patient's immune system after haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a challenge, mainly in the unstable period immediately after the transplant. Currently there is no standardized non-invasive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of immunological complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and for managing the cellular immune function of the transplant recipient. The ImmuKnow assay for cellular immune function monitoring has been incorporated successfully into the clinical follow-up routine of solid organ transplant recipients. This study aims to explore the relevance and potential contribution of immune monitoring using the assay in the setting of HCT. We found that ImmuKnow-level measurement can distinguish between states of immune function quiescence and between events of acute GVHD. ImmuKnow levels were significantly higher in patients going through GVHD than the levels measured for the same patients during immunological stability. Moreover, we demonstrate a patient case where longitudinal monitoring using the ImmuKnow assay provided a trustworthy depiction of the patient's cellular immune function post-HCT. In conclusion, we provide evidence for the potential contribution of the ImmuKnow assay for longitudinal individualized cellular immune function monitoring of patients following HCT. Further studies are necessary in order to establish the optimal practice for utilizing the assay for this purpose.
Choline treatment affects the liver reticuloendothelial system and plasma fatty acid composition in diabetic rats
Authors: Al‐Saeedi Fatma J. , Cheng Behling 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPurposeThis study investigated effects of choline treatment on hepatic reticuloendothelial and biliary functions and plasma fatty acid composition in diabetic rats.MethodsDiabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Choline was administered to untreated rats and a portion of STZ‐treated rats for two sequences of five consecutive days, separated by a 2‐day interval. Hepatic functions were studied using 99mTc Tin (II) colloid (TIN) and 99 mTc mebrofenin [bromo‐iminodiacetic acid (BrIDA)] imaging. The TIN‐uptake ratios (organ/whole body) of heart, liver and spleen, and the BrIDA‐uptake ratios (organ or tissue/whole body) of liver, biliary tree and abdomen were obtained following imaging studies. Fatty acids were analysed by GC/MS.ResultsCholine treatment did not attenuate hyperglycaemic development. Diabetic rats showed (i) a decreased TIN‐uptake ratio in liver with co‐increased ratios in heart and spleen; choline treatment diminished these changes, (ii) elevated BrIDA‐uptake ratios in biliary tree and abdomen but not in liver; choline treatment did not attenuate the elevations and (iii) decreases in plasma palmitoleic acid and oleic acid, reflecting an impaired stearoyl‐CoA desaturase function; choline treatment did not affect the diminutions, but caused a decrease in arachidonic acid with a co‐increase in linoleic acid. Some rats developed hypoproteinemia (HPO). HPO rats also exhibited decreases in plasma palmitoleic acid and oleic acid. Diabetes caused almost absence of palmitoleic acid in HPO rats. Choline treatment exerted no effect on the plasma fatty acid composition of diabetic HPO rats.ConclusionsCholine treatment affected hepatic reticuloendothelial function and plasma fatty acid composition, but not hepatobiliary function, in diabetic rats. Whether choline treatment is beneficial requires further studies.
Multiple infections and the evolution of virulence
Authors: Alizon Samuel , de Roode Jacobus C. , Michalakis Yannis 
Published: January 2013

AbstractInfections that consist of multiple parasite strains or species are common in the wild and are a major public health concern. Theory suggests that these infections have a key influence on the evolution of infectious diseases and, more specifically, on virulence evolution. However, we still lack an overall vision of the empirical support for these predictions. We argue that within‐host interactions between parasites largely determine how virulence evolves and that experimental data support model predictions. Then, we explore the main limitation of the experimental study of such ‘mixed infections’, which is that it draws conclusions on evolutionary outcomes from studies conducted at the individual level. We also discuss differences between coinfections caused by different strains of the same species or by different species. Overall, we argue that it is possible to make sense out of the complexity inherent to multiple infections and that experimental evolution settings may provide the best opportunity to further our understanding of virulence evolution.
Exposure to anaesthetic agents does not affect multiple sclerosis risk
Authors: Hedström A. K. , Hillert J. , Olsson T. , Alfredsson L. 
Published: January 2013

Background and purposeIt has been hypothesized that exposure to anaesthetic agents, some of which are chemically related to organic solvents, may affect the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of occupational exposure to anaesthetic agents on the risk for MS. We further aimed to investigate the impact of general anaesthesia and usage of nitrous oxide.MethodsThis report is based on two population‐based, case–control studies, one with incident cases (1798 cases, 3907 controls) and one with prevalent cases (5216 cases, 4701 controls). Using logistic regression, the occurrence of MS among subjects who have been exposed to anaesthetic agents was compared with that of those who have never been exposed by calculating the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsNo association was found between occupational exposure to anaesthetic agents and risk of developing MS, also general anaesthesia or usage of nitrous oxide had no impact on MS risk.ConclusionsNeither occupational exposure to anaesthetic agents, nor general anaesthesia or usage of nitrous oxide has any impact on MS risk and is safe also for people with a genetic susceptibility to the disease. However, further studies would be valuable in order to clarify whether other forms of organic solvents contribute to the triggering of MS.
Investigating the impact of a community‐based geriatric dentistry rotation on oral health literacy and oral hygiene of older adults
Authors: Hjertstedt Jadwiga , Barnes Stacy L. , Sjostedt Jennifer M. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveThis study investigated the impact of a community‐based geriatric dentistry rotation on older adults' oral health literacy and oral hygiene.Materials and methodsA pre–post study design was used to assess the impact of the educational intervention. The study sample consisted of 67 older adults, who resided in independent or assisted living apartments (age: M = 84, SD = 7.3). Over the course of the programme, participants received patient education pertaining to oral health and oral hygiene. Oral health literacy was assessed using the Rapid Estimation of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (REALD–30) test at baseline and on the final visit. Oral hygiene was measured on four visits using the O'Leary, Drake and Naylor Plaque Control Record (PI).ResultsREALD‐30 scores significantly increased, and PI scores significantly decreased for all subjects following participation in the programme (p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively). Hierarchical multiple regression demonstrated that neither study subjects' individual characteristics nor their health literacy significantly predicted the change in oral hygiene.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a community‐based geriatric dentistry rotation involving multiple interactions with dental students can in the short term significantly and positively impact older adults' oral health literacy and oral hygiene status.
Dimensions of cosmopolitanism and their influence on political consumption: an analysis focused onSpanish consumers
Authors: Llopis‐Goig Ramon 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to confirm the hypothesis thatpolitical consumption– a form of consumerism whose importance has increased during the past few years – can be considered a form of critical action, and thatcosmopolitanismcontributes to its development. The main objective was, first, to analyse an unexplored dimension of political consumption and, second, to obtain a measurement proposal for what some authors have calledordinary cosmopolitanism. The study, based on a survey, was divided into three sections. The first section offers a theoretical introduction to the study proposal. The second describes the hypothesis and the data analysis strategy, and proposes an operationalization of cosmopolitanism in three dimensions – symbolic cosmopolitanism, experiential cosmopolitanism and moral cosmopolitanism – which have been obtained by means of the application of categorical principal components analysis. By applying one‐way analysis of variance andTukey's test, the third section shows the existence of significantly higher scores in these three dimensions for those individuals who have bought or boycotted products for ethical, political or environmental reasons. Finally, an ordinary least squares regression analysis was performed to test the association between cosmopolitanism and political consumerism, controlling the effect of the main socio‐demographic variables. The study confirms the initial hypothesis; therefore, political consumption could be considered a type of consumerism that is clearly related to cosmopolitanism.
Tracking the migratory success of stocked European eels Anguilla anguilla in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Prigge E. , Marohn L. , Hanel R. 
Published: January 2013

To investigate the extent to which European silver eels Anguilla anguilla, originating from stocking programmes in the Baltic Sea tributaries, effectively contribute to the spawning stock, two hundred and seventy‐four formerly stocked A. anguilla. emigrating from the Schwentine River near Kiel, Germany, were tagged with T‐Bar anchor tags. A total of 29 Anguilla spp. were recaptured (c. 11%) up to 14 months after release. Stocking history of recaptured A. anguilla. was confirmed by otolith microchemistry. Recapture locations were concentrated around the outlet of the Baltic Sea (Danish Belt Sea) with 62% of all recaptures reported here or in the Kattegat. Recaptured Anguilla spp. showed a reduction in both LT and mass (mean ± s.d. = −1·5 ± 0·9 cm and −125·3 ± 50·1 g) while average total fat content remained in the order of values previously reported as high enough to provide energy resources to allow successful completion of the spawning migration (mean ± s.d. = 28·4 ± 4·4%). The documented mean rate of travel (0·8 km day−1), however, indicated a delay in the target‐oriented migration that might be interpreted as a delayed initial migration phase of orientation towards the exit of the Baltic Sea.