bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equine herpesvirus type 1 infection induces procoagulant activity in equine monocytes
Authors: Yeo Wee Ming , Osterrieder Nikolaus , Stokol Tracy 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The alphaherpesvirus, equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), is a highly prevalent cause of equine infectious abortion and encephalomyelopathy. These syndromes have been attributed to ischemic necrosis from thrombosis in placental and neural vessels, although the mechanisms underlying thrombosis are unknown. After inhalation, EHV-1 establishes a peripheral blood mononuclear cell-associated viremia, with monocytes being a target of infection. Monocytes are also the main source of tissue factor (TF) in diseased states. Since TF is the primary activator of coagulation, increased monocyte TF expression could be involved in EHV-1-associated thrombosis. We hypothesized that EHV-1 infection would induce TF-dependent procoagulant activity in equine monocytes. Monocyte-enriched fractions of blood were infected with abortigenic (RacL11, NY03) and neuropathogenic (Ab4) EHV-1 strains. All strains induced procoagulant activity, to variable degrees, within 1 to 4 h, with maximal activity at 24 h, after infection. Virus-induced procoagulant activity was similar to that seen with lipopolysaccharide, a known stimulant of TF-mediated procoagulant responses. Virus-induced procoagulant activity was factor VIIa-dependent and temporally associated with TF gene transcription, implicating TF as the main driver of the activity. Procoagulant activity was mildly decreased (30-40%) when virus was inactivated by ultraviolet light or when infected cells were treated with aphidicolin, a virus DNA polymerase inhibitor, suggesting early events of virus infection (attachment, entry or intracellular trafficking) are the primary stimulus of procoagulant activity. Our results indicate that EHV-1 rapidly stimulates procoagulant activity in equine monocytes in vitro. The EHV-1-induced procoagulant activity in monocytes may contribute to clinical thrombosis in horses with EHV-1 infection.
Impact of prenatal care provider on the use of ancillary health services during pregnancy
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Grabowska Kristen , Weller Carol , Tough Suzanne C 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent declines in the provision of prenatal care by family physicians and the integration of midwives into the Canadian health care system have led to a shift in the pattern of prenatal care provision; however it is unknown if this also impacts use of other health services during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the impact of the type of prenatal care provider on the self-reported use of ancillary services during pregnancy.

Methods
Data for this study was obtained from the All Our Babies study, a community-based prospective cohort study of women’s experiences during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to assess the association between type of prenatal care provider and use of ancillary health services in pregnancy.

Results
During pregnancy, 85.8% of women reported accessing ancillary health services. Compared to women who received prenatal care from a family physician, women who saw a midwife were less likely to call a nurse telephone advice line (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.18-0.50) and visit the emergency department (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.89), but were more likely receive chiropractic care (OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 2.49-6.67). Women who received their prenatal care from an obstetrician were more likely to visit a walk-in clinic (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.05) than those who were cared for by a family physician.

Conclusions
Prenatal care is a complex entity and referral pathways between care providers and services are not always clear. This can lead to the provision of fragmented care and create opportunities for errors and loss of information. All types of care providers have a role in addressing the full range of health needs that pregnant women experience.
Evaluation of a community intervention program in Japan using Framingham risk score and estimated 10-year coronary heart disease risk as outcome variables: a non-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Bing , Haruyama Yasuo , Muto Takashi , Yamasaki Akiko , Tarumi Fumiko 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Community-based programs are being widely adopted in the struggle to prevent cardiovascular diseases. No study has been conducted in Japan to evaluate the effects of a community-based health promotion program by using the Framingham risk score and 10-year CHD risk as outcome variables. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a program involving 6-month intervention and 18-month follow-up using such outcomes.

Methods
Participants (n = 1,983, 39.5% women, mean age 63.4 years) were selected for the study in 2008. Of these 1,983, 347 (42.4% women) subjects received the 6-month intervention. The intervention included individual counseling and group sessions, among others. After 18 months, 1,278 participants (intervention group: 238, control group: 1,040) were followed up. Changes in the Framingham risk score and 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk were evaluated. ANCOVA and multiple logistic models adjusted for baseline value, age, sex and intervention times were used.

Results
The results showed that the differences in the Framingham risk score and mean 10-year CHD risk were significant in the intervention group compared with the control group after 6-month follow-up (-0.46 and -1.12, respectively) and were also significant after 18-month follow-up (-0.39 and -0.85, respectively). The proportion of those with intermediate 10-year CHD risk (> = 10%) was significantly lower at 6 months (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12-0.74) and at 18 months (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.92).

Conclusions
The six-month intervention program effectively decreased estimated 10-year CHD risk and the effects were still present at 18-month follow-up.

Trial registration
UMIN-CTR: UMIN000008163
Effects of behavioural exercise therapy on the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation for chronic non-specific low back pain: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hofmann Jana , Peters Stefan , Geidl Wolfgang , Hentschke Christian , Pfeifer Klaus 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
In Germany, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation named “behavioural medical rehabilitation” (BMR) is available for treatment of chronic low back pain (clbp). A central component of BMR is standard exercise therapy (SET), which is directed mainly to improve physical fitness. There is a need to address psychosocial factors within SET and therefore to improve behavior change with a focus on the development of self-management skills in dealing with clbp. Furthermore, short-term effectiveness of BMR with a SET has been proven, but the impact of a behavioural exercise therapy (BET) for improvement of the long-term effectiveness of BMR is unclear.

Methods/design
To compare the effectiveness of two exercise programs with different approaches within BMR on the effects of BMR a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) in two rehabilitation centres will be performed. 214 patients aged 18–65 with clbp will be, based on an "urn randomisation"-algorithm, randomly assigned to a BMR with SET (function-oriented, n=107) and BMR with BET (behaviour-oriented, n=107). Both exercise programs have a mean duration of 26 hours in three weeks and are delivered by a limited number of not-blinded study therapists in closed groups with six to twelve patients who will be masked regarding study group. The main differences of BET lie in its detailed manualised program with a theory-based, goal-orientated combination of exercise, education and behavioural elements, active participation of patients and consideration of their individual preferences and previous experiences with exercise. The primary outcome is functional ability assessed with the Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire directly before and after the rehabilitation program, as well as a six and twelve-month follow-up.

Discussion
This RCT is designed to explore the effects of BET on the effectiveness of a BMR compared to a BMR with SET in the management of patients with clbp. Methodological challenges arise from conducting a RCT within routine health care as well as from ensuring high treatment integrity. Findings of this study might contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of BMR and the special effects of BET and may be used to improve the quality of these interventions in routine care, therefore reducing the burden to patients with disabling clbp.

Trial registration
Current controlled trials NCT01666639
Molecular typing of PPRV strains detected during an outbreak in sheep and goats in south-eastern Gabon in 2011
Authors: Maganga Gael D , Verrier Delphine , Zerbinati Rodrigo M , Drosten Christian , Drexler Jan F , Leroy Eric M 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Peste des petits ruminanats (PPR) is an economically important viral disease affecting goats and sheep. Four genetically distinct lineages of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) have been identified. In Gabon, the virus has not so far been detected.

Findings
Epidemiological investigations of Aboumi PPR outbreak revealed a high case fatality rate in sheep (98.9%). We detected and characterized peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), in October 2011, during the suspected outbreak in sheep and goats in Aboumi village located in the south-eastern. PPRV RNA was detected in 10 of 14 samples from three sick animals. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PPRV strain belonged to lineage IV and was closely related to strain circulating in neighboring Cameroon.

Conclusions
This is the first molecular detection and typing of the PPRV strain associated with fatal PPR infection in these small ruminants and concrete evidence that PPRV is present and circulating in Gabon.
Correlates of Co-Sourcing/Outsourcing of Internal Audit Activities
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Mohammad 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARY:
I use responses from 1,059 chief audit executives (CAEs) of organizations located in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K./Ireland, and the U.S. to investigate several correlates of co-sourcing and/or outsourcing (hereafter, simply “outsourcing”) of internal audit activities. An important finding of the study is that audit committee involvement is positively and significantly associated with outsourcing of internal audit activities. Interactions of audit committee involvement with organization size and location generally indicate that medium and large international/multinational organizations with audit committee involvement outsource more than medium and large local/national organizations with no audit committee involvement. Analysis of control variables produces significance for an inverse relationship between outsourcing and value-added activities of the internal audit function, and for positive relationships between outsourcing and missing skill set and audit staff vacancies. Other control variables, such as CAE age, college degree (graduate/undergraduate), major (accounting versus others), internal audit certification, and regular meetings with the audit committee do not show significant associations with outsourcing. Also, country of residence (U.S. versus other Anglo-culture countries) is not significant, but for-profit organizations outsource significantly more of their internal audit activities than not-for-profit/governmental organizations.
Data Availability: Please contact the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation, which owns the CBOK (2010) database used in this study.
The Marketability of Options for Meeting the 150-Hour Requirement: An Empirical Analysis of Public Accounting Firm Recruiting Intentions
Authors: Mauldin D. Shawn , Braun Robert L. , Viosca R. Charles , Chiasson Michael A. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT:Students are often concerned with, and advisors are often confronted with, questions about the best way to obtain the 150 hours required for CPA licensure in most states and jurisdictions. This research provides insight through an experiment in which CPAs in public accounting provide assessments about how actively their organization would recruit job candidates whose profile descriptions differ only as to how they met the 150-hour requirement. By manipulating, at seven levels, the independent variable describing the method by which a hypothetical student obtained 150 hours, the study indicates that, in general, CPAs tend to value more accounting-specific coursework leading toward a degree, preferably an advanced degree. The study also provides suggested courses of action for students who do not have the option of pursuing a graduate degree.
The role of the golden proportion in the evaluation of facial esthetics
Authors: Rossetti Alberto , De Menezes Marcio , Rosati Riccardo , Ferrario Virgilio F. , Sforza Chiarella 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To demonstrate if one or more golden relationships between different measurements of the human face exist.

Materials and Methods:
To make our measurements, we used three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry, which has proved to be the “gold standard” in the field of facial anthropometry. We obtained 3D stereophotogrammetric facial acquisitions of 400 healthy young adult subjects, then had them scored by an Evaluation Jury. Each subject received an esthetic evaluation ranging from 0 to 40. Individuals with a score larger than 28 were considered very attractive (VA), and individuals with a score lower than 12 were considered not attractive (NA). Fifteen subjects per group were chosen by chance, with a final total group of 60 subjects: 15 VA males, 15 NA males, 15 VA females, and 15 NA females. For each subject, a set of facial distances was obtained from the stereophotogrammetric facial reconstruction, and 10 ratios were computed. The effects of sex and attractiveness were tested by analysis of variance. Additionally, Student's t-tests verified if the ratios were statistically different from the golden ratio.

Results:
For nine ratios, no significant effects of sex or attractiveness were found. Only the eye-mouth distance/height of the mandible ratio was significantly influenced by sex (P  =  .035) and attractiveness (P  =  .032). Seven out of 10 ratios were statistically different from the hypothetical value of 1.618, and only three of them were similar to the golden ratio.

Conclusions:
Ratios between 3D facial distances were not related to attractiveness. Most of the facial ratios were different from the golden ratio.
Competitive Location Assessment – the MCI Approach
Authors: Oruc Nermin , Tihi Boris 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we have investigated the list of determinants that influence customers to create a short-term preference to a particular store. A survey among 240 households in Sarajevo was conducted in order to reveal their preferences. The results of the MCI model have identified several main stores’ characteristics which have a key influence on customers’ patronage decisions. The findings also suggest that customers, in making their patronage decisions, and hence making their preferences to a particular store, choose among a limited list of alternatives, which implies that competition among outlets is more space limited than had been expected.
Two Decades of Croatian Transition: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Stojcic Nebojsa 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Over the past two decades many Central and South East European countries underwent the process of transition from a centrally-planned towards a market economy. Among them, the case of Croatia stands out as particularly interesting. Owing to a number of reasons Croatia had the potential to be among the forerunners of transition. However, in realising this potential the country was constrained by numerous political and social turbulences which made its transition path somewhat unique. The objective of this paper is to explore to what extent the favourable initial conditions of Croatian transition have been exploited over the past two decades. The focus of the analysis is on four dimensions of transition: institutional reforms, macroeconomic performance, changes in economic structure and international trade. The general message yielded by the analysis is that much of Croatia’s initial advantage was lost over the past two decades because of war, the unfavourable political climate in the 1990s, late integration into regional, European and global economic institutions and the slow restructuring of enterprises.
Distribution of opiate alkaloids in brain tissue of experimental animals
Authors: Djurendic-Brenesel Maja , Pilija Vladimir , Mimica-Dukic Neda , Budakov Branislav , Cvjeticanin Stanko 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
The present study examined regional distribution of opiate alkaloids from seized heroin in brain regions of experimental animals in order to select parts with the highest content of opiates. Their analysis should contribute to resolve causes of death due to heroin intake. The tests were performed at different time periods (5, 15, 45 and 120 min) after male and female Wistar rats were treated with seized heroin. Opiate alkaloids (codeine, morphine, acetylcodeine, 6-acetylmorphine and 3,6-diacetylmorphine) were quantitatively determined in brain regions known for their high concentration of μ-opiate receptors: cortex, brainstem, amygdala and basal ganglia, by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The highest content of opiate alkaloids in the brain tissue of female animals was found 15 min and in male animals 45 min after treatment. The highest content of opiates was determined in the basal ganglia of the animals of both genders, indicating that this part of brain tissue presents a reliable sample for identifying and assessing contents of opiates after heroin intake.
Effects of hydrogen peroxide on diazepam and xylazine sedation in chicks
Authors: Mousa Yaareb J. , Mohammad Fouad K. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress may cause various neuronal dysfunctions and modulate responses to many centrally acting drugs. This study examines the effects of oxidative stress produced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on sedation induced by diazepam or xylazine as assessed in 7-14 day-old chicks. Day-old chicks were provided with either plane tap water (control group) or H2O2 in tap water as 0.5% v/v drinking solution for two weeks in order to produce oxidative stress. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine glutathione and malondialdehyde concentrations in plasma and whole brain. Drug-induced sedation in the chicks was assessed by monitoring the occurrence of signs of sedation manifested as drooping of the head, closed eyelids, reduced motility or immotility, decreased distress calls, and recumbency. The latency to onset of sedation and its duration were also recorded. H2O2 treatment for two weeks significantly decreased glutathione and increased malondialdehyde concentrations in plasma and whole brain of the chicks on days 7, 10 and 14 as compared with respective age-matched control groups. H2O2 decreased the median effective doses of diazepam and xylazine for the induction of sedation in chicks by 46% and 63%, respectively. Injection of diazepam at 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.m. or xylazine at 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg, i.m. induced sedation in both control and H2O2-treated chicks in a dose dependent manner, manifested by the above given signs of sedation. H2O2 significantly decreased the latency to onset of sedation in chicks treated with diazepam at 5 and 10 mg/kg, increased the duration of sedation and prolonged the total recovery time in comparison with respective non-stressed control chicks. A similar trend occurred with xylazine in the H2O2-treated chicks, though the differences from control counterparts did not attain the statistical significance, except for the recovery time of the lowest dose of the drug. The data suggest that H2O2-induced oxidative stress sensitizes the chicks to the depressant action of the sedatives diazepam and xylazine. Further studies are needed to examine the potential role of oxidative stress in modulating the actions of therapeutic agents on the brain.
The Influence of Farm Size on Gendered Involvement in Crop Cultivation and Decision-making Responsibility of Moldovan Farmers
Authors: Grigsby Mary , Español Eloi , O’Brien David J. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This research describes the influence that farm size has on gendered involvement in crop cultivation and decision making about what crops to grow where, irrigation and marketing among small and medium-sized farmers in Moldova. Findings reveal that overall crop cultivation is characterized by gendered patterns that vary according to farm size. Overall men have much more input into decision making than do women but women on small farms have more input in decisions than do the women on medium-sized farms. However, women on medium-sized farms are more involved in the diverse range of cultivation activities in terms of labour.
The Non-profit Sector and Employment Expansion in the Rural Areas of Hungary
Authors: Tésits Róbert 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The non-profit sector in Hungary has been studied in connection with its number, spread and regional distribution in the last two decades, but now it is necessary to explore the organizational, functional, employment, financial, co-operation possibilities and limitations of employment-related non-profit organizations. Another new contribution of this paper is that it gives so-called regional need-maps, which can explore unsatisfied demands in services for which employment can be organized. The selection process of the organizations in the study was supported by the list of winners of labour market tenders. These selected organizations are exclusively employment-related ones, and are able to implement labour market programmes. From the point of view of the regional spread of the social economy it is of paramount importance to disclose - even at sub-regional level - the most important unsatisfied needs that would be provided by non-profit organizations. With the non-profit supply of these services in certain small regions up to hundreds of continuous employment problems could be resolved.
Comparison of PCR methods for detection of classical swine fever virus and other pestiviruses
Authors: Podgórska K. , Kamieniecka K. , Stadejek T. , Pejsak Z. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractClassical swine fever (CSF) is a notifiable, highly contagious disease of swine controlled mainly with costly administrative methods. Swine may be infected not only with classical swine fever virus (CSFV), but also with other, non porcine, genetically and antigenically related pestiviruses. Differentiation of infections with CSFV and other pestiviruses is a crucial element of diagnostics.In the present study two real-time PCR methods and conventional one-tube nested PCR for specific detection of CSFV were compared. Additionally, two methods designed for detection of all pestivirus species real-time SYBR Green I and one-tube nested PCR were included into the study. Analyzed methods varied considerably regarding their sensitivity and specificity, what suggests that careful selection of diagnostic methods and their evaluation on a regular basis is necessary.