bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family‐based association study in Tunisian familial psoriasis
Authors: Ammar Myriam , Bouchlaka‐Souissi Chiraz , Zaraa Ines , Helms Cindy , Doss Nejib , Bouazizi Fatma , Dhaoui Raouf , Ossman Amel Ben , Ammar‐el Gaied Amel Ben , Mokni Mourad 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  The pathogenesis of all forms of psoriasis remains obscure. Segregation analysis and twin studies together with ethnic differences in disease frequency all point to an underlying genetic susceptibility to psoriasis, which is both complex and likely to reflect the action of a number of genes.Materials and methods  In the present study, we performed a family‐based association study, and a transmission dysequilibrium test using the PLINK program, in a set of seven Tunisian multiplex families using a panel of 96 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms localized in several regions across the genome. Ninety‐five of them were reported to be associated with psoriasis in different populations.Results  Besides the confirmation of association between previous associated regions: 6p, 1p, 2p, 13q, 14q, and 20p, and cutaneous psoriasis, we identified a new association with the rs1249564 in the IL17RD gene.Conclusion  Our results support the complex genetic basis of psoriasis.
Factor structure in the Camberwell Assessment of Need–Patient Version: The correlations with dimensions of illness, personality and quality of life of schizophrenia patients
Authors: Ritsner Michael S. , Lisker Alexander , Arbitman Marina , Grinshpoon Alexander 
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To investigate the factor structure underlying the Camberwell Assessment of Need–Patient Version (CANSAS‐P) items in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.Method:  Factor, correlation and regression analyses were performed for dimensions of CANSAS‐P, illness, personality and quality of life (QOL) related variables in 95 stabilized patients with chronic schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.Results:  Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four‐factor model that explains 50.4% of the total variance of the 20 CANSAS‐P items. The factors ‘Social disability’, ‘Information processing disability’, ‘Emotional processing disability’, and ‘Coping disability’ showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient 0.67–0.77). The CANSAS‐P subscale scores positively correlated with severity of symptoms, distress (r ranged from 0.34 to 0.45), while negatively associated with general functioning (r = −0.34), friend (r = −0.46) and family support (r = −0.41), satisfaction with medicine (r = −0.35), general activities (r = −0.40), and general QOL (r = −0.35) (all P < 0.001). Severity of illness, symptoms, emotional distress and emotion‐oriented coping were positive predictors; friend support, QOL general activities, life satisfaction and satisfaction with medicine were negative predictors of the CANSAS‐P subscale scores. The effect size (f2) for these predictors ranged from medium to quite large (f2 = 0.28–1.13), and they explain from 23% to 46% of the variability in CANSAS‐P subscales.Conclusions:  A four‐factor structure mode, including social and cognitive functioning, emotion responsivity and coping with daily challenges, appears to fit CANSAS‐P items. These subscales may contribute to research and improve treatment of psychiatric patients.
Prolactin concentrations during aripiprazole treatment in relation to sex, plasma drugs concentrations and genetic polymorphisms of dopamine D2 receptor and cytochrome P450 2D6 in Japanese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Nagai Goyo , Mihara Kazuo , Nakamura Akifumi , Suzuki Takeshi , Nemoto Kenji , Kagawa Shoko , Ohta Ikuya , Arakaki Hajime , Kondo Tsuyoshi 
Published: October 2012

AimsThe authors investigated the correlation between prolactin concentrations during aripiprazole treatment and various factors, including age, sex, plasma concentrations of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydroaripiprazole, and genetic polymorphisms of dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and cytochrome P450(CYP)2D6.MethodsThe subjects were 70 inpatients with schizophrenia (36 men and 34 women), receiving fixed doses of aripiprazole (24 mg in 45 cases and 12 mg in 25 cases) for periods of between 2 and 30 weeks. Prolactin concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Plasma concentrations of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole were measured using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. The genotypes of Taq1A, −141C Ins/Del DRD2 and CYP2D6 were detected by polymerase chain reaction methods.ResultsProlactin concentrations were significantly higher in women than in men (8.9 ± 7.5 vs 3.4 ± 3.0 ng/mL, P < 0.001). No correlations were found between prolactin concentrations and plasma concentrations of aripiprazole, dehydroaripiprazole or the sum of the two compounds. Prolactin concentrations were not affected by any polymorphism.ConclusionThe present study suggests that only sex plays a significant role in prolactin concentrations during aripiprazole treatment.
Mental health nursing and physical health care: A cross‐sectional study of nurses' attitudes, practice, and perceived training needs for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness
Authors: Robson Debbie , Haddad Mark , Gray Richard , Gournay Kevin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMental health nurses have a key role in improving the physical health of people with a serious mental illness, however, there have been few studies of their attitudes or the extent of their involvement in this work. The aim of this study was to examine mental health nurses' attitudes to physical health care and explore associations with their practice and training. A postal questionnaire survey including the Physical Health Attitude Scale for mental health nurses (PHASe) was used within a UK mental health trust. The 52% (n = 585) of staff who responded reported varying levels of physical health practice; this most frequently involved providing dietary and exercise advice and less frequently included advice regarding cancer screening and smoking cessation. Having received post‐registration physical health‐care training and working in inpatient settings was associated with greater reported involvement. More positive attitudes were also evident for nurses who had attended post‐registration physical health training or had an additional adult/general nursing qualification. Overall, the attitudes of mental health nurses towards physical health care appear positive and the willingness of nurses to take on these roles needs to be recognized. However, there are areas where nurses in our sample were more ambivalent such as cancer screening and smoking cessation.
Activities of daily living independence in Iranian blind war survivors: A cross sectional study, 2008
Authors: Amini Reza , Sahaf Robab , Kaldi Alireza , Haghani Hamid , Davatgaran Keyvan , Masoumi Mehdi , Hayatbakhsh Reza , Rassafiani Mehdi 
Published: October 2012

AimAssessment of activities of daily living (ADL) can be helpful for designing individualized rehabilitation programs for disabled individuals. Measuring and comparing the basic ADL (BADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) independence between middle aged and senior Iranian blind war survivors (IBWS) was the aim of this study.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study assessed BADL and IADL of 312 blind war survivors, using the Barthel Index and the Lawton–Bordy scale. Data collection was carried out in a recreational event for the blind war survivors in Mashhad, Iran, 2008.ResultsThe majority of the participants were male (99%), and more than 80% had multiple injuries. None of them were independent in all BADL and IADL. Older groups were more dependent in IADL such as telephone use, drug management, financial management, and BADL such as walking on uneven surfaces, bed/chair transfer and using stairs. The functional status and activities’ level differences between those aged younger than 50 years and those aged older than 50 years were significant (P < 0.05).DiscussionIn the present study, all the IBWS were dependent in at least one ADL. Multiple physical injuries could be one of the main reasons for the dependency in this group. IBWS aged older than 50 years were considerably more dependent in their BADL and IADL than the younger group. It appears that starting the fifth decade of age in IBWS might cause some considerable decrease in their function. Training and individualized rehabilitation programs are warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 741–750.
Bilateral parotid duct transposition for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a Connemara stallion
Authors: Montgomery Keith , Ortved Kyla , DeVries James , Hackett Richard , Kern Tom , Irby Nita , Ducharme Norm 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA 7‐year‐old Connemara stallion was presented with a 4 month history of blepharospasm, recurrent corneal ulcerations, mucopurulent ocular discharge, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in both eyes unresponsive to medical therapy. Ophthalmic examination revealed lackluster corneas, axial corneal scarring and pigmentation with associated neovascularization, and absolute KCS in both eyes. Computed tomography scan and endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway and guttural pouches revealed no structural abnormalities to indicate neurogenic KCS. The stallion was diagnosed with immune‐mediated dacryoadenitis as all other causes of KCS were excluded. Parotid duct transposition (PDT) was performed in the right eye followed by PDT in the left eye 4 weeks later. The right PDT was functional 2 years post‐operatively with significant improvement in ocular comfort and reduced corneal fibrosis and neovascularization. The left PDT developed a salivary‐cutaneous fistula over the left masseter muscle post‐operatively due to avascular necrosis of the distal parotid duct (PD). Surgical reconstruction of the PDT using an expanded‐polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) tube graft, an e‐PTFE tube graft to autogenous caudal auricular vein graft, and an autogenous saphenous vein graft were all unsuccessful. Tear production in the left eye improved at 1 year post‐surgery as a result of long term lacrostimulant therapy, and a permanent PD‐cutaneous fistula was performed on the left PD at the level of the ventral mandible. Bilateral PDT in the horse is effective in resolving clinical signs associated with KCS; however, morbidity associated with avascular necrosis of the transposed PD may be significant and can result in surgical failure.
Correlation between corneal sensitivity and quantity of reflex tearing in cows, horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs
Authors: Wieser Barbara , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective Guinea pigs have a very low threshold of corneal sensitivity and at the same time nearly no reflex tearing compared to dogs, cats, and horses. The question arose whether there is a general correlation between corneal sensitivity and the quantity of reflex tearing.Animals studied Totally 160 animals of 8 different species (20 animals per species) were investigated.Procedures The corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured with a Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer. The palpebral fissure length (PFL) was measured with a calliper ruler. The Schirmer tear test (STT) was modified by adapting the width of the STT strip to the PFL of every species. For the STT II, 0.4% oxybuprocaine was applied.Results Corneal touch threshold:Cows (1.67 g/mm2), horses (1.23 g/mm2), sheep (1.13 g/mm2), goats (1.44 g/mm2), dogs (2.16 g/mm2), and cats (1.33 g/mm2) show similar CTT values. In contrast, rabbits (6.21 g/mm2) and guinea pigs (7.75 g/mm2) show a significantly lower CTT.Tear Production Difference STT I − STT II:Rabbits have the greatest decline in tear production with 38.4%, followed by sheep (33.3%), dogs (31.1%), cats (24.7%), cows (23.7%), horses (18.0%), and goats (14.0%). Guinea pigs have no decline, but a slight increase of −16.0%.Correlation CTT and STT II − STT I Difference:Pearson’s correlation coefficient shows a small, but significant correlation. The coefficient of determination can only forecast a value with 7.1% certainty.Conclusions The high variance and low reproducibility of results suggest that the measuring devices are inappropriate to assess the evaluated parameters. Therefore, no assured correlation between the corneal sensitivity and the quantity of reflex tearing could be found.
Light microscopic evaluation and scanning electron microscopic analysis of horse eyes following deep anterior lamellar keratectomy
Authors: Martins Bianca C. , Brooks Dennis E. , Plummer Caryn E. , Samuelson Don A. , Mangan Brendan G. , Laus José L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective  To describe the technique of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with Descemet’s membrane (DM) exposure in horse eyes. Also, to compare the efficacy and safety of viscodissection and big‐bubble techniques for DALK.Animals studied  Thirty‐four ex vivo horse eyes.Procedure  Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was performed in 34 ex vivo horse eyes. Two groups (Group V – viscodissection – 2% sodium hyaluronate; Group A – air – big‐bubble) of 17 eyes were studied. Other than the substance used, the surgical technique was similar for both groups. Nonperforated eyes were submitted for light microscopic histologic evaluation and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis.Results  Group V – Perforations occurred in 18% of the eyes during surgery. Light microscopy revealed exposure of DM in 28% of the eyes with mean thickness of the remaining stroma being 70.4 μm. Group A – Perforations occurred in 42% of the eyes. Light microscopy revealed exposure of DM in 60% of the eyes with mean thickness of the remaining stroma being 23.3 μm. No significant differences in safety, efficacy and thickness of the remaining stroma (including all eyes or excluding those with DM exposure) were observed. SEM of the surgical site revealed a more even surface in those eyes with DM exposure compared to eyes with thicker remaining stroma in both groups.Conclusions  We describe two DALK techniques (viscodissection and big‐bubble) for use in horses. No significant differences in safety, efficacy and thickness of the remaining stroma were observed. However, a nonsignificant trend toward the big‐bubble technique being more efficacious but less safe was observed.
Why do university students not choose a nursing degree at matriculation? An Italian cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dante A. , Rizzi L. , Ianderca B. , Palese A. 
Published: October 2012

AimThe objectives of this study were to describe (a) the reasons why students about to start university did not choose a nursing degree, (b) the source of information/data on which they based this decision, and (c) the accuracy of this information with regard to the nursing profession in Italy.BackgroundAlthough data are available for students who embark on a degree and the reason(s) why they choose nursing, few data are available for students at the point of matriculation who have not chosen a nursing degree.MethodsA cross‐sectional study design, including six Italian degree programmes randomly selected among the 12 available, was performed. A structured questionnaire was administered to 580 students willing to participate of the 1095 eligible (53%) in their first university lecture in autumn 2011.ResultsSome 507 (87.4%) questionnaires were analysed. The main reason for not having chosen a nursing degree is the lack of interest in nursing (235; 47.2%), followed by not wanting contact with ill or dying people (87; 17.5%), the fear of contact with biological material (71; 14.2%) and the lack of recognition of nursing work (44; 8.8%). Among the participants, personal experience (186; 37.1%) and relatives (124; 24.8%) are the main sources of information on the nursing profession. Moreover, only 340 participants (67.1%) recognized the degree as a necessary qualification for nursing in Italy; the majority know nothing about nursing career opportunities (452; 89.2%) or the initial salary of a nurse (250; 49.3%). Conversely, 447 (88.2%) participants indicated correctly the responsibilities imposed on nurses by the law.DiscussionA considerable proportion of non‐nursing students are not interested in the nursing profession and the information in their possession regarding nursing profession is incorrect.ConclusionsMultiple strategies helping potential candidates to make the best career decision on the basis of valid information should be strengthened and offered during the secondary school, through nursing students, families, teachers and networks, and not just the media. In addition, efforts to improve the working conditions of nurses must be undertaken.
The world and its shades of green: a meta‐analysis on trophic cascades across temperature and precipitation gradients
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castañeda G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo assess effects of current global temperature and precipitation gradients on the trophic function of plant–herbivore–predator interactions. Specifically, I study effects of climatic gradients on factors that control herbivore abundances: top‐down, bottom‐up trophic cascades and plant defences. I include predictions of climate change on shifts in trophic function, under the assumption that temperature and precipitation affect the physiology and performance of plants, herbivores and predators.LocationGlobal.MethodsA search of the relevant experiments on trophic interactions was conducted using the Web of Science and Scielo databases. Strength of trophic interactions from each experiment was studied by the calculation of the log ratio effect size (Ln R) of the control and experimental means. Each study was georeferenced and mean annual temperature (MAT) and total annual precipitation (TAP) were determined for each study location. Effect size of trophic interaction studies across the world were correlated with these environmental variables.ResultsIn total, 387 effect sizes were extracted from the literature. With the exception of bottom‐up trophic cascades, trophic interactions and factors controlling herbivore abundance exhibited significant linear or quadratic relationships with either temperature or precipitation gradients: plant growth, predation and the effect of plant defence on herbivores increased with temperature. In contrast, plant growth and herbivory increased with precipitation across ecosystems. Finally, top‐down trophic cascades increased towards the extremes of MAT and TAP gradients.Main conclusionsThis study shows climatic gradients not only affect species geographic distributions and physiological tolerance but also the strength of their trophic functionality. This is especially true for the main biotic controls of herbivore populations (i.e. predation, top‐down trophic cascades and plant defences). These results suggest future climate change will cause shifts in the strength of trophic interactions, resulting in increased or reduced population control of herbivores across global ecosystems.
The Case Differential: Syntagmatic Versus Paradigmatic Case – Its Status In Synchrony And Diachrony
Authors: Abraham Werner , Leiss Elisabeth 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn today’s leading discussions on case and its licensing mechanics there is only one approach: thesyntagmatictype of case assignment. In contrast, the present article describes patterns ofparadigmaticcase assignment. Paradigmatic case assignment means that two different m(orphological)‐cases fill one slot licensed for the same theta role, whereas under the strategy of syntagmatic case assignment there is just one case form assigned for one theta property. By paradigmatic case, we mean that the same case‐assigner/licensor may opt for more than one m‐case, depending on a number of factors among which aspect, nominal reference and animacy. Illustrations will be provided from modern languages, mainly Germanic and some Slavic, as well as their older states. See the following case pair (Accvs.Gen) from Middle High German (c.1100)er azdaz brot.accvn tranc dazvo. /eîns wazzers.gendaz er […] vant‘he ate (up) the bread and drank some water that he found‘. While drinking up the water in the bucket is impossible (forbidding telicaustrinken‘out‐drink’), thus justifying the partitive genitiveeîns wazzers,daz brot‘the (piece of) bread’ expressed by the accusative denotes a bounded, telic event (permitting telicaufessen‘up‐eat’). The deeper reason for paradigmatic case is that the alternates encode covert differences of reference and discourse status in languages, or their diachronic states, where the respective functional equivalents (such as (in)definite articles) have not (yet) emerged or are amiss. We argue that such paradigmatic bare case doubling occurs only when the triggering force is an active and powerful aspect system as in Modern Russian and Polish as well as in early states of Germanic (Gothic, Old High German). There are different kinds of paradigmatic case assignment, among which thedifferentialobjectmarking/DOM) in various modern languages. They may be seen as a fossilized trace of this earlier, far more dominant, case‐encoding strategy. In the present discussion we focus on what we label ‘onetheta roletwo barecase forms’ (OTTC).
Die Europäische Fiskalunion Gedanken zur Entwicklung der Eurozone
Authors: Sinn Hans-Werner 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper argues that the European fiscal union and the measures of the ECB constitute a policy of excessively loose budget constraints in the Eurozone. They will slow down or hold back the real devaluation necessary for the southern countries to regain competitiveness and continue to cause capital flight as long as the printing press underbids the capital markets. The paper shows that Europe has the choice between two models: (i) free access to Target credits and eurobonds and (ii) the US model, with annual Target debt redemption and self-liability for any funds borrowed in the market. It suggests creating the United States of Europe following the US model as closely as possible.
Das deutsche Jugendbeschäftigungswunder
Authors: Neumann Michael 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe unemployment among young people in Germany is one of the lowest in Europe. Notably, the relation between the unemployment rate among young people and the standard unemployment rate is rather low compared to other EU member states. How can this phenomenon be explained? We show, that the German vocational education system ensures labour market entry for many graduates, but also, that vocational preparation courses are extensively used by low skilled young people. If we reassess youth unemployment by the number of participants in such courses we obtain a “shadow unemployment rate for young people” which is in line with official international data. Therefore, minimum labour market qualification standards are often not met by young people. To ensure labour market entry for these persons, we suggest that apprenticeship pay should allowed to be differentiated by qualification. Furthermore, vocational preparation courses should be constructed in a way which leads the young people directly into vocational training with certified degrees.
Ökonomische Bewertung des Erneuerbare Energien Gesetzes zur Förderung von Biogas
Authors: Delzeit Ruth , Holm-Müller Karin , Britz Wolfgang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe Renewable-Energy-Source-Act (EEG) promotes German biogas production in order to substitute fossil fuels, protect the environment and prevent climate change. In this paper we quantitatively analyse the EEG-reform in 2008. Results imply that the reform contributes to an expansion of biogas electricity generation and thus to substitution of fossil fuels. However, subsidies, land and transport emissions per unit of electricity produced increase. An alternative analysis shows that an EEG with tariffs independent from plant-types would provide the highest subsidy-efficiency, lower land requirements and higher transport emissions compared to EEG before its reformation.