bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex ratio and the role of mild relative humidity in mating behaviour of red date palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) gamma‐irradiated adults
Authors: Al‐Ayedh H. Y. , Rasool K. G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe influence of gamma radiation on the mating behaviour of the red date palm weevil (RDPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), and the efficacy of sterile insect technique (SIT) under different levels of relative humidity (RH) were studied. No adverse effects of gamma radiation were observed on the mating behaviour parameters of the RDPW, such as mate recognition time, mating duration, mating frequency within a 30‐min period and duration between consecutive matings. However, the weevils were sexually stimulated during aggregation. RH significantly affected egg laying as well as egg hatching. Significantly lower egg laying and hatching were recorded at 25% RH than at higher humidity levels, suggesting that low humidity conditions are better for successful SIT manipulations in the field. Lifespan of irradiated RDPW males was significantly shorter than that of un‐irradiated controls, irrespective of RH level.
Humour as experienced by patients and nurses in aged nursing in Finland
Authors: Isola Arja , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi 
Published: October 2009

Isola A & Åstedt‐Kurki P. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 29–33 Humour as experienced by patients and nurses in geriatric nursing in Finland Humour is an integral part of everyday life and therefore a component of the care and treatment of elderly patients in the modern health care. This article deals with the role of humour in aged nursing from the perspective of the nursing home residents. It also describes some preliminary results of our study on the meaning of humour to professional nurses. The chief motivation for the study is to provide a deeper understanding of humour as a part of aged nursing and as a ‘phenomenon’, which should also help us in the continuing challenge to improve the quality of nursing care. In this study the qualitative approach was used because the focus of interest was on an issue that has received only little attention in earlier research. The research material consists of data from patients and nurses. The data were collected via interviews and essay‐type responses. The data obtained were analysed using the qualitative method of content analysis. In the light of our findings here, humour can be described as a joie de vivre which manifests itself in human interaction in the form of fun, jocularity and laughter. The assumption is supported by earlier research results which indicated that humour is an individual and personal matter and, in aged nursing care it is also very much a context‐bound phenomenon. Humour makes it easier for some of the elderly patients to experience a positive, human relationship with the nurse. According to the results it seems to us that research should be continued and intensified into the role and use of humour in elderly people’s everyday life and particularly in gerontological nursing care.
Nursing and researching
Authors: Fitzgerald Mary 
Published: October 2009

Fitzgerald M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 53–56 Nursing and Researching An example from an interpretive phenomenological study of the experience of chronic illness in rural Australia is used to describe aspects of the nursing researcher relationship with study participants and to draw some comparisons between this relationship and the nurse and client relationship. Nurses are bound to serve their clients; however, the researcher’s principal purpose is to come to know and understand. These different principal purposes do not necessarily mean that the two relationships are completely different processes. There is a case for making the most of some overlapping skills and to see the results as positive ‘by‐products’. The question as to whether, or to what extent it is possible for the researcher to help participants intentionally is an issue worthy of discussion.
Oral buffered esomeprazole is superior to i.v. pantoprazole for rapid rise of intragastric pH: A wireless pH metry analysis
Authors: Banerjee Rupa , Reddy D Nageshwar , Guda Nalini M , Kalpala Rakesh , Mahurkar Swapna , Darisetty Santosh , Rao G Venkat 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  A pH of more than 6 is required for clot stability and hemostasis. Intravenous proton pump inhibitors have a rapid onset of action compared to oral and have been preferred for management of non‐variceal bleeding. Intravenous pantoprazole has been used extensively. Buffered esomeprazole (BE) is an oral preparation consisting of an inner core of non‐enteric‐coated esomeprazole with a shell of sodium bicarbonate. The buffer protects against acid degradation of esomeprazole in addition to immediate antacid action. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of BE for raising and maintaining an intragastric pH of more than 6 in comparison to i.v. pantoprazole in equivalent dosing.Methods:  A randomized two‐way cross‐over study was conducted. Ten healthy volunteers were randomized to twice daily BE 40 mg or pantoprazole 40 mg i.v. bolus. Intragastric pH was measured with a wireless pH radiotelemetry capsule (Bravo, Medtronic). A 2‐week washout period was given between doses.Results:  BE achieved a steady pH of more than 6 in a median time of 2 min (range 1–5 min) after the first dose. The mean % time that intragastric pH was more than 6.0 for BE was 96%, and 90% of the 24‐h period compared to pantoprazole (47% and 18%), P = 0.000. A median pH (interquartile range) for the BE group was 6.2 (6.175–6.2) which was higher than i.v. pantoprazole 4.60 (4.5–5.0) (P = 0.005).Conclusion:  BE achieves and maintains a pH of more than 6 within minutes of administration. It was significantly superior to i.v. pantoprazole in equivalent dosing. This finding could have implications in the management of non‐variceal bleed where a rapid and sustained pH of more than 6 is desirable.
Eukaryotic expression of extracellular ligand binding domains of murine Tie‐2 and its anti‐angiogenesis effect in SGC‐7901 cell lines
Authors: Yang Hua , Yang Kun , Hu Jian‐Kun , Tang Hong , Zhang Bo , Chen Zhi‐Xin , Wang You‐Juan , Chen Jia‐Ping 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Researches about blocking angiogenesis to treat tumor have become one of the most promising and active fields in anticancer research. This study aimed to investigate the eukaryotic expression of extracellular ligand binding domains of murine Tie‐2 and its anti‐angiogenesis effect.Methods:  A eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1+ integrating with a DNA fragment which encode extracellular ligand binding domains of murine Tie‐2 was transfected into SGC‐7901 gastric cancer cell line. The protein expression was detected by western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry staining. Following the construction of nude mouse tumor xenograft model with and without transfected cells, tumor microvessel density was determined by counting per high power field in the sections stained with an antibody to CD31 to test its inhibition of angiogenesis.Results:  The extracellular ligand binding domains of murine Tie‐2 receptor was highly expressed in SGC‐7901 gastric cancer cells with plasmid transfection. The mean tumor sizes of groups with and without transfection were 1.27 ± 0.35 and 1.75 ± 0.17 cm3, respectively (P = 0.025). The mean inhibitory rate of tumor was 27.18 ± 19.93%. The comparison between highest microvessel density of group with transfection (14.00 ± 3.80) and that of group without transfection (22.30 ± 5.91) was statistically significant at P = 0.030.Conclusion:  The protein of extracellular ligand binding domains of murine Tie‐2 can be expressed at high level in the eukaryotic expression system, and the expressed protein may have the anti‐angiogenesis effect.
Major adverse events, pretransplant assessment and outcome prediction
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chun , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Huo Teh‐Ia 
Published: October 2009

AbstractLiver cirrhosis and portal hypertension pose enormous loss of lives and resources throughout the world, especially in endemic areas of chronic viral hepatitis. Although the pathophysiology of cirrhosis is not completely understood, the accumulating evidence has paved the way for better control of the complications, including gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. Modern pharmacological and interventional therapies have been designed to treat these complications. However, liver transplantation (LT) is the only definite treatment for patients with preterminal end‐stage liver disease. To pursue successful LT, the meticulous evaluation of potential recipients and donors is pivotal, especially for living donor transplantation. The critical shortage of cadaveric donor livers is another concern. In many Asian countries, cultural and religious concerns further limit the number of the donors, which lags far behind that of the recipients. The model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system has recently become the prevailing criterion for organ allocation. Initial results showed clear benefits of moving from the Child–Turcotte–Pugh‐based system toward the MELD‐based organ allocation system. In addition to the MELD, serum sodium is another important prognostic predictor in patients with advanced cirrhosis. The incorporation of serum sodium into the MELD could enhance the performance of the MELD and could become an indispensable strategy in refining the priority for LT. However, the feasibility of the MELD in combination with sodium in predicting the outcome for patients on transplant waiting list awaits actual outcome data before this becomes standard practice in the Asia–Pacific region.
Disaster response: The University of Texas School of Nursing experience
Authors: Pattillo Marilyn M. , O'Day Trish M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractNurses comprise the largest group of health‐care providers and should be key partners for any disaster response in their community. An often untapped resource in many communities is the contingent of nurse faculty, staff and students in schools of nursing across the country. In an effort to provide guidance on how schools and colleges of nursing link with their community and provide real‐world experience for students, the present paper: (i) outlines how a Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Austin and the University of Texas at Austin was created; and (ii) describes an example of how a school of nursing could become organized to respond to a community's call for help.
Management of idiopathic anal fistula using cross‐linked collagen: a prospective phase 1 study
Authors: Hammond T. M. , Porrett T. R. , Scott S. M. , Williams N. S. , Lunniss P. J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim  Fibrin glue and porcine intestinal submucosa are used in novel sphincter‐preserving techniques to heal anal fistulae. However, their success is highly variable and decreases with the length of follow up. The aim of this study was to assess the safety, feasibility and potential efficacy of another novel agent, cross‐linked collagen, in two different physical formats, to heal anal fistulae.Method  Prospectively recruited patients underwent symptom, continence and anal physiology assessments and magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with secondary tracts or acute sepsis were excluded. At operation, participants were randomized to receiving a solid collagen implant or collagen fibres suspended in fibrin glue. Follow up included repeat symptom, continence and physiological assessments at 3 months, and regular clinical review thereafter.Results  Twenty‐nine of 43 entrants were eligible for inclusion. Thirteen patients received the collagen implant, and 16 collagen–fibrin glue. Three months postoperation, no patient experienced acute sepsis or continence disturbance, and sphincter function and integrity were unchanged. At 29 months, 12 of 15 (one lost to follow up) patients treated with collagen–fibrin glue were healed, compared with seven of 13 who received the implant.Conclusion  In the short‐to‐medium term, both techniques are safe and equally effective. The results justify continued research into the use of biomaterials to heal anal fistulae.
How active are American adolescents and have they become less active?
Authors: Li S. , Treuth M. S. , Wang Y. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe aim of this study was to systematically examine patterns and time trends in US adolescents' physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours. We examined findings from the nationally representative Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Surveys during 1991–2007, and fit regression models estimating average annual changes and tested time trends, and age, gender and ethnic differences. US adolescents had less PA but more sedentary behaviours than recommended, but showed no clear evidence of becoming less active. In 2007, 24.9% reported on average spending ≥3 h of screen time per day for non‐school work; only 34.7% met the current PA recommendations, and it (25.6%) was even lower in girls. The prevalence of having sufficient vigorous PA changed little between 1993 and 2005 (from 65.8% to 64.1%). Encouraging changes regarding TV viewing time and physical education (PE) were detected. PE daily attendance rate and exercising >20 min during an average PE class increased significantly, while watching TV ≥3 h d−1 decreased significantly in recent years. Considerable sex, age and ethnic differences existed in the patterns and trends. These national data show no clear evidence of declining PA among US adolescents in recent years. Reduced PA is not likely the major explanation of the recent increase in obesity among US adolescents.
Challenging Solidarity? An Analysis of Exit Options in Social Policies
Authors: Fenger Menno 
Published: October 2009

AbstractProcesses of adverse selection are generally considered as challenges to the viability of the solidarity that has been institutionalized in insurance schemes in the social domain. This article analyses to what extent the introduction of free choice in social policies might trigger processes of adverse selection in modern welfare states. Free choice not only concerns the choice between different providers or different types of services, but also creates possibilities to exit or partially exit social policies that previously were mandatory. Free choice in social policies might contribute to increasing responsiveness in service delivery. However, when the decisions to exit social policies are not distributed equally among the participants in social policy schemes but are related to participants' risk profiles, adverse selection might occur. The common response to the challenge of adverse selection is obligatory and universal participation in health insurance schemes, pension schemes and other social policies. The introduction of exit options as part of free choice strategies thus might threaten solidarity. Although the issue of free choice in social policies has received considerable scholarly attention, the introduction of exit options and its consequences have been analysed less extensively. This article sets out to fill this gap by exploring to what extent the introduction of free choice in modern welfare states has created exit options, and to what extent this triggers processes of adverse selection in health policies, unemployment policies and pension schemes in four European countries: the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
Are All Professional Investors Sophisticated?
Authors: Menkhoff Lukas , Schmeling Maik , Schmidt Ulrich 
Published: October 2009

AbstractExisting empirical evidence is inconclusive as to whether professional investors show more sophisticated behavior than individual investors. Therefore, we study two important groups of professional investors and compare them with laymen by means of a survey covering about 500 investors.We find that some professionals, i.e. institutional investors, behave in a more sophisticated manner than laymen, whereas the less researched investment advisors seem to do even worse. Our survey approach complements available evidence due to its design: it compares professionals with (qualified) interested laymen, it covers six measures of sophisticated behavior, uses several control variables and strictly compares investment decisions in the private domain.
Sickness and disability benefit programmes: What is driving policy convergence?
Authors: Prinz Christopher , Tompson William 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this paper we explore the reasons for the apparent convergence in sickness and disability policies across the OECD, asking whether and to what extent policy convergence should be seen as a product of policy learning. We conclude that convergence is the result of policy imitation more than policy learning and that learning (from past mistakes) is more likely within countries than across borders. Given limited evidence on what really “works”, when it comes to designing policies that both provide adequate income security and still encourage labour‐force participation, governments look abroad or to bodies like the OECD for possible models and ideas to underlie a reform. However, translating those ideas into workable policies requires great sensitivity to the institutional and political‐economic context — especially the role of the social partners and the nature of policies in existence. When it comes to policy implementation, such contextual learning may be crucial.
Old growth and secondary forest site occupancy by nocturnal birds in a neotropical landscape
Authors: Sberze M. , Cohn‐Haft M. , Ferraz G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractHigh rates of old growth (OG) forest destruction and difficult farming conditions result in increasing cover of secondary forests (SF) in the Amazon. In this setting, it is opportune to ask which animals use newly available SF and which stay restricted to OG. This study presents a comparison of SF and OG site occupancy by nocturnal birds in terra firme forests of the Amazon Guianan shield, north of Manaus, Brazil. We tested species‐specific occupancy predictions for two owls (Lophostrix cristata/Glaucidium hardyi), two potoos (Nyctibius leucopterus/Nyctibius griseus) and two nightjars (Caprimulgus nigrescens/Nyctidromus albicollis). For each pair, we predicted that one species would have higher occupancy in OG while the other would either be indifferent to forest type or favor SF sites. Data were collected in 30 OG and 24 SF sites with monthly samples from December 2007 to December 2008. Our analytic approach accounts for the possibility of detection failure and for spatial autocorrelation in occupancy, thus leading to strong inferences about changes in occupancy between forest types and between species. Nocturnal bird richness and community composition were indistinguishable between OG and SF sites. Owls were relatively indifferent to forest type. Potoos followed the a priori predictions, and one of the nightjars (C. nigrescens) favored SF instead of OG as predicted. Only one species, Nyctib. leucopterus, clearly favored OG. The landscape context of our SF study sites, surrounded by a vast expanse of continuous OG forest, partially explains the resemblance between SF and OG fauna but leaves unexplained the higher occupancy for SF than OG sites for several study species. The causal explanation of high SF occupancy remains an open question, but the result itself motivates further comparisons for other groups, as well as recognition of the conservation potential of SF.
Structural and functional characterization of a novel FE65 protein product up‐regulated in cognitively impaired FE65 knockout mice
Authors: Cool Bethany H. , Zitnik Galynn , Martin George M. , Hu Qubai 
Published: October 2009

AbstractFE65 is a multi‐modular adaptor protein that binds the cytoplasmic tail of the β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP). Genetic evidence suggests that APP is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of dementias of the Alzheimer type, neurodegenerative disorders that affect multiple cognitive domains, including learning and memory. Evidence from p97FE65‐specific knockout mice (lacking the 97 kDa full‐length FE65 protein, p97FE65) suggests an important role for FE65 in learning and memory. Interpretation of the learning and memory phenotype, however, is complicated by the up‐regulation (compared with wild‐type mice) of a novel 60 kDa FE65 isoform (p60FE65). Here, we report an evidence that p60FE65 is translated from an alternative methionine, M261, on the p97FE65 transcript. Thus, p60FE65 has a shortened N‐terminus, lacking part of the WW domain that is considered important for nuclear translocation and transactivation of gene expression. Consistently, p60FE65 exhibits an attenuated ability for APP‐Gal4‐mediated transcription as compared with p97FE65. Similar to p97FE65, however, both transfected and endogenous p60FE65 are able to translocate to the nucleus in cultured cells and in neurons. These results are consistent with earlier evidence from our laboratory that reduced FE65 nuclear signaling may contribute, in part, to the phenotypes observed in p97FE65 knockout mice.
Carisbamate as adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in adults in two randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Greenspan Andrew , Cramer Joyce A. , Kwan Patrick , Kälviäinen Reetta , Halford Jonathan J. , Schmitt Jennifer , Yuen Eric , Cook Thomas , Haas Magali , Novak Gerald 
Published: October 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the investigational drug carisbamate as adjunctive treatment for partial‐onset seizures (POS).Methods:  Two identical, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind studies were conducted in adults with POS uncontrolled for ≥1 year. Therapy‐refractory epilepsy patients (≥16 years) remained on stable doses of prescribed antiepileptic drugs (≤2) for an 8‐week prospective baseline phase and were then randomized (1:1:1) to carisbamate 200 mg/day, carisbamate 400 mg/day, or placebo, for a 12‐week double‐blind phase. Primary efficacy end points were percent reduction in seizure frequency and responder rate (patients with ≥50% reduction in POS frequency) during the double‐blind phase compared with the prospective baseline phase.Results:  Of the 565 patients randomized in study 1, 93% completed the study; of the 562 randomized in study 2, 94% completed the study. Patient characteristics were similar across both studies and treatment arms: mean age, 35 years (study 1, range 16–75 years) and 36 years (study 2, range 16–74 years); approximately 50% were men. Treatment with carisbamate 400 mg/day resulted in significant improvement (p < 0.01) in both efficacy measures compared with placebo in study 1 but not in study 2. Carisbamate 200 mg/day did not differ statistically from placebo in either study. Among the most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (≥5% in any group), those with an incidence exceeding placebo (≥3%) were dizziness (400 mg/day group) and somnolence.Conclusions:  Carisbamate 400 mg/day was effective in patients with refractory partial‐onset seizures in one of these global studies. More than 200 mg/day of carisbamate is required for efficacy. Carisbamate was well‐tolerated in both studies.