bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farmers’ Preferences for Production Practices: A Choice Experiment Study in the Rhone River Delta
Authors: Jaeck Mélanie , Lifran Robert 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article examines farmers' preferences for both cropping and management practices, which are of policy interest because of their environmental impact. We present the results of a choice experiment survey of all agricultural decision makers in the Camargue region. A latent class model identified three classes. The main class encompasses farmers complying with the norms of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): Riz de Camargue. We estimated the monetary value of each of the relevant agricultural practices. Our results make a strong case for differentiating incentives to encourage environmentally friendly practices and identify the diversity of values attached to the main components of rice cropping technology in the area. Estimates of the implicit prices indicate that most rice growers can be persuaded to adopt environmentally friendly practices. These findings could help in designing targeted contracts according to farmers' preferences, in line with conservation or environmental objectives.
Feasibility and outcomes of screening for cardiovascular risk factors in the emergency department
Authors: Tan Natalie , Taylor David McDonald 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe present study aimed to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed and undertreated hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension (HT) among ED patients and to evaluate the effects of a formal referral back to the general practitioner (GP) for further management.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of ED patients with follow up, if indicated. Patients aged ≥35 years, without substantial illness or communication difficulties, were enrolled. Data were collected using a researcher‐administered questionnaire, a point‐of‐care Accutrend® Plus System machine (Roche Diagnostic Australia Pty Ltd, Castle Hill, NSW, Australia) and digital sphygmomanometer. Patients with total cholesterol (TC) ≥6.0 mmol/L and/or BP ≥140/90 were given a referral letter and advised to consult their GP. The investigators made follow‐up telephone calls 5 weeks later.ResultsOf 827 presentations, 534 patients were enrolled (mean age 56.7 ± 13.3 years, 300 [56.2%] male). One hundred and eleven patients (20.7%, 95% CI 17.5–24.5) had TC ≥6.0 mmol/L. Patients with/without elevated TC differed significantly (P < 0.05) in regard to age, gender, GP ownership and attendance, and previous screening. Sixty‐six patients consulted with their GP. Thirty had their TC levels retested, 18 received dietary/lifestyle advice and four had lipid‐lowering medication prescribed or adjusted. Ninety‐six patients (18.0%, 95% CI 14.9–21.6) had HT. Whereas 53 consulted their GP, no action was taken in 43 cases. Investigations were ordered for three and nine had antihypertensive medication prescribed or adjusted.ConclusionSubstantial proportions of ED patients have undiagnosed and undertreated hypercholesterolaemia and/or HT. GP referral initiated interventions for many patients with hypercholesterolaemia, but fewer with HT. The ED has potential as a useful venue for the opportunistic screening of hypercholesterolaemia.
Blind prescribing: A study of junior doctors' prescribing preparedness in an Australian emergency department
Authors: Starmer Katrina , Sinnott Michael , Shaban Ramon , Donegan Elizabeth , Kapitzke Daniel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe present study examined junior residents' and registrars' preparedness to prescribe in an Australian ED. It measured the medication knowledge of participants and identified antecedent factors relevant to prescribing practice.MethodsThis is a prospective, exploratory study of the prescribing practices of 40 junior doctors. Data collection consisted of a participant questionnaire with three parts. Part A comprised demographic information; Part B comprised questions regarding prescribing practices; and Part C was an objective assessment of the doctor's knowledge of the most recently and most commonly prescribed medications.ResultsOne hundred percent (n = 40) of doctors in the study had inadequate knowledge about at least one medication when an accuracy threshold of <80% correct was used. Seventy percent (n = 28) of the participants had inadequate knowledge of at least one medication when the lower accuracy threshold of <50% correct was used. Comparisons between medication knowledge score and Likert confidence scales showed that even though a doctor reported being completely sure about an individual medication, they most commonly only answered between four and six of the eight questions correctly for that medication. Their use of reference materials was also lacking in relation to their knowledge and level of confidence. The reported reasons for this included instructions by senior staff and time constraints.ConclusionsThe majority of participants in the study had inadequate knowledge on medications they had most recently prescribed and medications most commonly prescribed in the ED. Junior doctors' perceptions of their medication knowledge were inflated in relation to their actual knowledge.
Effects of water temperature on development and heavy metal toxicity change in two midge species of Chironomus riparius and C. yoshimatsui in an era of rapid climate change
Authors: Mo Hyoung‐ho , Yoo DongHun , Bae Yeon Jae , Cho Kijong 
Published: March 2013

AbstractClimate change is the most significant stressor that is anticipated increasingly to affect human and global ecosystems. Arthropods, including insects, are particularly vulnerable to global warming and this group is often used for various ecotoxicological tests. In addition, temperature is one of the most important toxicity‐modifying factors in ecotoxicology. Therefore, temperature dependent toxicological research is required to obtain ecologically relevant conclusions during the current era of rapid climate change. This study shows that two midge species (Chironomus riparius Meigen and C. yoshimatsui Martin et Sublette) exhibit different developmental characteristics and responses to cadmium and lead heavy metals with temperature. The former species is an internationally standardized test species in ecotoxicological studies, whereas the latter species is native to Korea. Hence, even though these two species belong to the same genus, Chironomus, their development differs with temperature, which leads to different responses to heavy metals. There was a decline in developmental time (from egg and larva to pupa) for both species with temperature; however, there was a species difference in the rate of decline. In the acute toxicity test, the 48‐hr LC50 values for cadmium and lead decreased with temperature for both species. In the chronic toxicity test, emergence rates tended to decrease with temperature, except for when C. yoshimatsui was exposed to cadmium.
Adaptive morphology of the heart of Southern‐Fur‐Seal (Arctocephalus australis– Zimmermamm, 1783)
Authors: Guimarães Juliana P. , Mari Renata B. , Le Bas Alfredo , Watanabe Ii‐Sei 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Southern‐fur‐seal belongs to the order Carnivora, suborder Pinnipedia, and Otariidae family. This species inhabits aquatic and terrestrial environments, thus presenting important morphophysiological adaptive changes, especially in the cardiac system. For this purpose, Southern‐fur‐seal (Arctocephalus australis) hearts were used from animals that died from natural causes. Gross morphology observations were supported by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The heart was long and flat; it was lined by pericardium and partly covered by lungs. Structurally, atrium and ventricle muscle fibers exhibit typical features of cardiac fibers revealing myofibrils bundles, mitochondria, plate‐shaped junctions, anastomosis between myofibrils bundles, and electron‐dense granule natriuretic around the nucleus and mitochondria of atrium muscle cells. The Southern‐fur‐seal heart was structurally similar to other mammals; however, it presented morphological changes that assist in their adaptation to their environment.
Kolaviron, a Natural Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Phytochemical Prevents Dextran Sulphate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Farombi Ebenezer O. , Adedara Isaac A. , Ajayi Babajide O. , Ayepola Omolola R. , Egbeme Ewomazino E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe beneficial effects of kolaviron, a natural biflavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola, have been attributed mainly to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. This study investigated these effects on dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Sulfasalazine served as standard reference in this study. Kolaviron and sulfasalazine were separately co‐administered orally at 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively, to dextran sulphate sodium‐exposed rats for 5 days. The result indicated that kolaviron or sulfasalazine significantly prevented DSS‐induced body weight loss as well as the incidence of diarrhoea and bleeding in DSS‐exposed rats. Kolaviron suppressed the DSS‐mediated increase in colonic nitric oxide concentration and myeloperoxidase activity and significantly prevented the increase in inflammatory mediators, interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor alpha, in the colon of DSS‐treated rats. The significant depletion in colonic antioxidant status in rats exposed to DSS alone was evident by marked reduction in colonic catalase and glutathione S‐transferase activities as well as glutathione content, leading to elevated hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels. Histopathologically, DSS alone resulted in severe epithelial erosion, total absence of goblet cells, destruction of the crypts, necrotic and distorted glands, accompanied by marked cellular mononuclear cells infiltration. However, administration of kolaviron and sulfasalazine ameliorated DSS‐induced colitis by increasing the antioxidant status decreased hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels and attenuated the adverse effect of DSS on colon architecture. In conclusion, the anti‐colitis effect of kolaviron is related to its intrinsic anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties.
Metformin Induces Cytotoxicity by Down‐Regulating Thymidine Phosphorylase and Excision Repair Cross‐Complementation 1 Expression in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Ko Jen‐Chung , Huang Yu‐Ching , Chen Huang‐Jen , Tseng Sheng‐Chieh , Chiu Hsien‐Chun , Wo Ting‐Yu , Huang Yi‐Jhen , Weng Shao‐Hsing , Chiou Robin Y. Y. , Lin Yun‐Wei 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMetformin is an antidiabetic drug recently shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and growth, although the involved molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. In many cancer cells, high expression of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and Excision repair cross‐complementation 1 (ERCC1) is associated with poor prognosis. We used A549 and H1975 human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines to investigate the role of TP and ERCC1 expression in metformin‐induced cytotoxicity. Metformin treatment decreased cellular TP and ERCC1 protein and mRNA levels by down‐regulating phosphorylated MEK1/2‐ERK1/2 protein levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The enforced expression of the constitutively active MEK1 (MEK1‐CA) vectors significantly restored cellular TP and ERCC1 protein levels and cell viability. Specific inhibition of TP and ERCC1 expression by siRNA enhanced the metformin‐induced cytotoxicity and growth inhibition. Arachidin‐1, an antioxidant stilbenoid, further decreased TP and ERCC1 expression and augmented metformin's cytotoxic effect, which was abrogated in lung cancer cells transfected with MEK1/2‐CA expression vector. In conclusion, metformin induces cytotoxicity by down‐regulating TP and ERCC1 expression in NSCLC cells.
Dexamethasone‐eluting Vascular Stents
Authors: Hämäläinen Mari , Nieminen Riina , Uurto Ilkka , Salenius Juha‐Pekka , Kellomäki Minna , Mikkonen Joonas , Kotsar Andres , Isotalo Taina , LJ Teuvo Tammela , Talja Martti , Moilanen Eeva 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPercutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with stenting is widely used in the treatment of vascular disorders, but restenosis remains a significant problem. Drug‐eluting stents (DES) have been developed as an attempt to reduce the intimal response leading to restenosis. Drugs used in DES include mainly immunosuppressive and anti‐proliferative compounds. Glucocorticoids are also an interesting possibility for those purposes because they have anti‐proliferative effects in vascular smooth muscle cells and down‐regulate the production of cytokines and growth factors driving inflammation and fibrosis. In this MiniReview, feasibility and safety of drug‐eluting metal and biodegradable vascular stents are discussed with special emphasis on dexamethasone‐eluting stents.
Use of emollients in dry-skin conditions: consensus statement
Authors: Moncrieff G. , Cork M. , Lawton S. , Kokiet S. , Daly C. , Clark C. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Emollients can perform an important role in the treatment of a number of dermatological conditions. Currently, the use of emollient therapy in the UK is supported only by limited guidelines and a best-practice statement, although guidelines do exist for specific conditions such as childhood eczema. To address this need, a group of clinical professionals covering acute community-care settings and medicines management met to review current data and practice. Their aim was to support other professionals in their approach to the use of emollient therapies in dry-skin conditions.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and inflammatory bowel disease: a review of the literature
Authors: Reddy H. , Shipman A. R. , Wojnarowska F. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryWe present a review of all previously reported cases of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We found 42 cases of coincident EBA and IBD in the literature: 35 cases of Crohn disease (CD) and 7 of ulcerative colitis (UC). The clinical and immunopathological features of the cases are described and the demographics collected. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis of IBD predated the development of the skin condition. The association between EBA and IBD was more common for CD than for UC. We discuss the immunopathogenesis of IBD and EBA, and also the link between them, namely type VII collagen.
Diaphragmatic disease of the colon: systematic review
Authors: Munipalle P. C. , Garud T. , Light D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimDiaphragmatic disease is rare. This review aims to increase awareness of this condition and its management.MethodA literature search was conducted using the key terms ‘colon’ or ‘colonic’ in combination with ‘diaphragm’ or ‘diaphragm disease’ for publications until August 2012. All cases of colonic diaphragm syndrome were identified and the required data were collected.ResultsForty‐five cases of colon diaphragm disease were included. The highest incidence was in the seventh decade of life, with a female preponderance (40F:5M). Most patients presented with chronic (median 3 months) and multiple symptoms. The median use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was 5 years including diclofenac as the most commonly used NSAID. Colonoscopy was the most informative investigation and the ascending colon was the most common site of diaphragm disease. Nearly two‐thirds of the patients were treated by discontinuing NSAID treatment combined with other forms of treatment, mostly surgery.ConclusionDiaphragm disease of the colon is a rare condition associated with long‐term use of NSAIDs with a range of presentations and symptoms. Based on this review, when colon diaphragm disease is diagnosed we would recommend a trial cessation of NSAIDs. Therapeutic endoscopic techniques should be considered but surgery may be required for definitive treatment.
The use of eculizumab in renal transplantation
Authors: Barnett A. Nicholas R. , Asgari Elham , Chowdhury Paramit , Sacks Steven H. , Dorling Anthony , Mamode Nizam 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe complement system plays a vital role in mediating disease processes within renal allografts. Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets complement protein C5, inhibiting cleavage into C5a and C5b, and therefore preventing formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). It has been used primarily within renal transplantation to treat atypical hemolytic‐uremic syndrome (aHUS) and antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) post‐transplant, and also as prophylaxis in transplants at high risk for these conditions. Eculizumab appears to be effective in protecting renal allografts when post‐transplant aHUS or AMR occur, although the published cases report relatively short follow‐up. It is unclear how long treatment should continue (a particularly important issue given the expense of the drug), or whether eculizumab contributes to the development of accommodation in humans. When used for prophylaxis, eculizumab also appears to be effective. Some highly sensitized patients have developed either acute AMR or features of chronic AMR despite administration of the drug – this suggests that complement activation is not the only mechanism responsible for AMR. All patients should receive vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis prior to receiving eculizumab. Clinical trials, predominantly in antibody‐incompatible renal transplantation, are ongoing to determine the optimal use of C5 inhibition.
Recipient‐related predictors of kidney transplantation outcomes in the elderly
Authors: Hatamizadeh Parta , Molnar Miklos Z. , Streja Elani , Lertdumrongluk Paungpaga , Krishnan Mahesh , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundIt is not clear whether in old people with end‐stage renal disease kidney transplantation is superior to dialysis therapy.MethodsWe compared mortality rates between kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and the general population across different age categories. We also examined patient and allograft survival in 15 667 elderly KTRs (65–<90 yr old, 36% female) within three age subgroups (65–<70, 70–<75, and ≥75 yr).ResultsThe rise in the relative risk of death in older age groups was substantially less in KTRs than in the general population, that is, 1.8 and 2.0 vs. 21.4 and 76.6 in those aged 65–<75 and ≥75 yr, respectively, compared with 15‐ to <65‐yr‐old people (reference group). In 65‐ to <70‐yr‐old KTRs, obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) was associated with 19% higher risk of graft failure (HR: 1.19 [1.07–1.33], p = 0.002). Diabetes was a predictor of worse patient survival in all age groups but poorer allograft outcome in the youngest age group (65–<70 yr old) only. None of the examined risk factors affected allograft outcome in the oldest group (≥75 yr old) although there was a 49% lower trend of graft failure in very old Hispanic recipients (HR: 0.51 [0.26–1.01], p = 0.05).ConclusionsKidney transplantation may attenuate the age‐associated increase in mortality, and its superior survival gain is most prominent in the oldest recipients (≥75 yr old). The potential protective effect of kidney transplantation on longevity in the elderly deserves further investigation.
The cradle of causal reasoning: newborns’ preference for physical causality
Authors: Mascalzoni Elena , Regolin Lucia , Vallortigara Giorgio , Simion Francesca 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPerception of mechanical (i.e. physical) causality, in terms of a cause–effect relationship between two motion events, appears to be a powerful mechanism in our daily experience. In spite of a growing interest in the earliest causal representations, the role of experience in the origin of this sensitivity is still a matter of dispute. Here, we asked the question about the innate origin of causal perception, never tested before at birth. Three experiments were carried out to investigate sensitivity at birth to some visual spatiotemporal cues present in a launching event. Newborn babies, only a few hours old, showed that they significantly preferred a physical causality event (i.e. Michotte's Launching effect) when matched to a delay event (i.e. a delayed launching; Experiment 1) or to a non‐causal event completely identical to the causal one except for the order of the displacements of the two objects involved which was swapped temporally (Experiment 3). This preference for the launching event, moreover, also depended on the continuity of the trajectory between the objects involved in the event (Experiment 2). These results support the hypothesis that the human system possesses an early available, possibly innate basic mechanism to compute causality, such a mechanism being sensitive to the additive effect of certain well‐defined spatiotemporal cues present in the causal event independently of any prior visual experience.
Does Brood Parasitism Induce Paternal Care in a Polygynous Host?
Authors: Grayson Phil , Glassey Barb , Forbes Scott 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRed‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are a polygynous songbird with facultative biparental care, and a common host for brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), an obligate brood parasite. We examined brood parasitism and paternal care in a long‐term study of parental care in red‐winged blackbirds. The presence of a cowbird nestling was associated with a higher likelihood of paternal care by the host male redwing in both naturally and experimentally parasitized nests. This result indicates that it was the presence of the brood parasite that was important and not simply that brood parasites chose hosts where paternal care was more likely. Both male and particularly female redwings increased provisioning to parasitized broods. Our work suggests that brood parasites raise the cost of parental care and push a polygynous host species toward monogamy.
Attitudes of German undergraduate dental students towards the aged
Authors: Nitschke Ina , Clarenbach‐Tran Thanh‐Ha , Schlegel Daphne , Reiber Thomas , Sobotta Bernhard A.J. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo describe attitudes towards the aged and changes in attitudes of dental students during their participation in an undergraduate gerodontology programme.BackgroundAttitudes of dentists have been shown to influence their willingness to provide dental services to the aged.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to 160 (50 men) dental students at Leipzig University aged 19.2–30.5 (mean, 21.7; SD, 2.3) years before entering (T1) and when completing (T2) a gerodontology course. A definition of being young and old and of hopes and fears associated with age was requested. The semantic ageing differential (SAD) was used to measure the students' attitudes towards the aged in three categories. Statistical analysis comprised mean age definitions by gender and mean scores of the SAD at T1 and T2.ResultsOld age was defined as beginning between 56 and 64 years. Female students at T1 regarded a woman as young up to 35.8 years, for male students a woman was young only up to 33.5 years. Male students consider men as old from 60.1 years and women 4.4 years earlier from 55.7 years. Old age fears related mainly to impairment of health and loss of relatives. Hopes for relaxation, rest and serenity were paramount. The SAD results were near neutral in all three dimensions. Minor changes between T1 and T2 occurred.ConclusionStudents' attitudes were well balanced. Specific barriers to the provision of dental care to the aged emanating from dental students' negative attitudes or fears were not identified. Changes in attitudes occurring during the course appeared small.