bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the efficacy of orange roughy (Hoplostetbus atlanticus) oil in subjects with dry skin
Authors: Domoto N. , Koriyama T. , Chu B.‐S. , Tsuji T. 
Published: April 2012

SynopsisMoisturizers have beneficial effects in treating dry skin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) oil, a marine‐derived wax ester, on skin dryness in comparison with a reference commercially available petrolatum‐based moisturizer (Vaseline) and untreated control. Subjects (n = 24) with moderate to severe skin dryness at the lower limb of legs (Study 1) and with certain degree of skin dryness on the face and the forearms (n = 22, Study 2) were treated twice a day for 42 consecutive days with the test products in randomized clinical trials. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured at the beginning and the end of Study 1, whereas skin hydration was measured at the beginning, after 3 and 6 weeks of the application (the end of the study) in Study 2. Changes in the skin dryness were assessed by a dermatologist using a video microscopy. In Study 1, the dryness score of skin applied with orange roughy oil improved significantly (P < 0.01) in 6 weeks. The skin looked smooth with no or little dry scaly skin. Orange roughy oil was evaluated with a 60% efficacy in treating skin dryness by the expert, which comparable to that of petrolatum (68%). No significant change in TEWL was found either in orange roughy oil or petrolatum treatment, although the values showed a tendency to improve in both cases. Similarly, the results of the skin capacitance in Study 2 showed a significant improvement of the skin symptoms after 3 and 6 weeks. These results showed that the performance of orange roughy oil in treating skin dryness was comparable to that of petrolatum.
Modulation of gene expression during early stages of reconnection of the turtle spinal cord
Authors: García Gabriela , Libisch Gabriela , Trujillo‐Cenóz Omar , Robello Carlos , Russo Raúl E. 
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 996–1006.AbstractThe spinal cord of the freshwater turtle Trachemys dorbignyi regenerates after complete transection (Rehermann et al. J. Comp. Neurol. 515, 2009, 197–214). This remarkable ability may be related to the persistence around the central canal (CC) of progenitors functionally clustered via connexin 43 (Cx43) that express brain lipid binding protein (BLBP) and the transcription factor Pax6 (Russo et al. J. Neurosci. 28, 2008, 8510–8516). Indeed, because BLBP+ cells appear in the bridge joining the rostral and caudal stumps, we speculated that progenitors contacting the central canal may play a key part in spinal cord regeneration. To test this hypothesis, we designed degenerated primers pairing conserved regions for key proteins synthesized in progenitors (BLBP, Cx43, and Pax6) and the neuronal protein HuB. Fragments of these proteins were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. Based on these sequences, we analyzed the changes in the expression levels using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR with specific primers, comparing the injured spinal cord at different times after injury (4, 12, 20, and 60 days) with uninjured spinal cords. We found a transient, early increase of BLBP, Cx43 and HuB mRNA, with Pax6 remaining unchanged. These results suggest that the selected genes – active in progenitor cells – play an important part in early mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration.
The Fringes of Empires: Recent Scholarship on Colonial Frontiers and Borderlands in Latin America
Authors: Prado Fabricio 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article examines recent historical literature on colonial frontiers and borderlands in Latin America. The article explores definitions and subtleties related to the translation of the terms frontier and borderlands from Spanish/Portuguese into English. Moreover, special attention is paid the scholarship on African and Indigenous slavery in frontiers, the interaction between indigenous groups and colonists, the social importance of mestizos and go betweens, and the relationship between social groups and the environment. Most of the works reviewed present interdisciplinary approaches, including but not limited to ethnohistory, environmental studies, anthropology, sociology, cartography, humans geography, Atlantic World history.
Missionaries and Indigenous Education in the 19th‐Century British Empire. Part II: Race, Class, and Gender
Authors: Jensz Felicity 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMissionaries were major providers of education to Indigenous peoples in the colonial world. They hoped both to convert their pupils to Christianity as well as to ensure that their converts had a Christian environment in which aspects of Western education were taught within the class room. The relationship between missionaries, Governments and Indigenous peoples was, however, often strained as has been demonstrated in Part I of this two‐part article, which examined various responses in different geopolitical and social settings to missionary education. Part II examines some of the scholarly debates and research directions surrounding how missionaries, as some of the first as well as the longest serving providers of education to Indigenous peoples, transmitted and instilled Western notions of race, class and gender to those peoples amongst whom they worked. Although the study of missions has received increased attention in the last few decades within areas such as anthropology, gender studies, post‐colonial studies and area studies, there are still many aspects of missionary schooling that remain understudied. This research overview therefore also provides some future directions for the study of missionaries and their education of Indigenous and non‐European peoples in the long 19th century.
Age and Sex Variation in Prevalence of Chronic Medical Conditions in Older Residents of U.S. Nursing Homes
Authors: Moore Kelly L. , Boscardin W. John , Steinman Michael A. , Schwartz Janice B. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate patterns in prevalences of chronic medical conditions over the age span of long‐term stay nursing home residents and between the sexes with data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS).DesignRetrospective, cross‐sectional study.SettingU.S. nursing homes.ParticipantsNationally representative sample comprising 11,788 long‐term stay residents (3,003 (25%) men, 8,785 (75%) women) aged 65 and older.MeasurementsClinical Classifications Software was used to group International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes to identify the 20 most‐prevalent chronic medical conditions. SAS survey procedures were used to account for design effects of stratification and clustering to generate nationally representative estimates of prevalences of medical conditions.ResultsAverage age was 84, with women older than men (85 vs 81, P = .02) and 67% of women aged 80 to 95. Women required more assistance with activities of daily living. The most frequent chronic medical conditions were hypertension (men 53%, women 56%), dementia (men 45%, women 52%), depression (men 31%, women 37%), arthritis (men 26%, women 35%), diabetes mellitus (men 26%, women 23%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (men 23%, women 23%), atherosclerosis (men 24%, women 20%), congestive heart failure (CHF) (men 18%, women 21%), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (men 24%, women 19%), and anemia (men 17%, women 20%). Sex differences in prevalences existed for all but constipation, GERD, and hypertension. Diabetes mellitus, CVD, and lipid disorders decreased with age in men and women. Atrial fibrillation, anemia, arthritis, CHF, dementia, and thyroid disease increased with age in men and women. Age‐related patterns differed between the sexes for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and Parkinson's disease.ConclusionThe profile of chronic medical conditions varies over the age span of nursing home residents and differs between men and women. This knowledge should guide educational and care efforts in long‐term care.
Systematic Review: Individuals' Goals for Surrogate Decision‐Making
Authors: Kelly Brenna , Rid Annette , Wendler David 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesTo determine to what extent current practice promotes the goals of individuals who did not designate a surrogate while competent with respect to decision‐making during periods of decisional incapacity.DesignSystematic literature search for studies published in English and listed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, or PsycINFO. Studies were eligible if they provided quantitative or qualitative empirical data on how adults want treatment decisions to be made for them during periods of incapacity.SettingPrimarily United States, with six other countries.ParticipantsFourteen qualitative articles, representing 11 distinct data sets, and 26 quantitative articles, representing 25 distinct data sets, providing data on the views of 22,828 individuals, met the inclusion criteria. Most of the respondents were elderly or seriously ill.MeasurementsQuantitative surveys and qualitative interview studies assessing individuals' goals.ResultsThe majority wanted close family members to act as their surrogate. The most common reason for preferring family members was the belief that they know which treatments the patient would want. Individuals also wanted to reduce the burden on their families. There was significant variation in the extent to which respondents wanted their surrogates to have leeway when making treatment decisions.ConclusionIndividuals have three primary goals with respect to making treatment decisions for them during periods of incapacity: involve their family, treat them consistently with their own treatment preferences, and reduce the burden on their family. Unfortunately, prior systematic reviews have found that family members often are not able to determine which treatment patients want, and family members frequently experience substantial distress when acting as surrogates. These findings suggest that current practice frequently fails to promote individuals' primary goals for treatment decision‐making. Future research should evaluate ways to better promote individuals' goals. In the meantime, clinicians should be aware of these findings and should encourage patients to document their own goals, including their treatment preferences and their preferences regarding how they want decisions to be made for them during periods of decisional incapacity.
Local Anesthesia and Hydro‐Distension to Facilitate Cystic Calculus Removal in Horses
Authors: Russell Tom , Pollock Patrick J 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo report a technique for improving surgical access to the bladder for removal of cystic calculi in male horses.Study DesignRetrospective case series.Animals or Sample PopulationGeldings (8) with cystic calculi.MethodsAfter catheterization of the bladder through the penis, 100 mL 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution was instilled. After 10 minutes, the bladder was distended with sterile, warmed Hartmann's solution to a pressure of ∼40 cm H2O, using gravity feed. This was left in place until abdominal access was gained at surgery, then the fluid siphoned off via the catheter.ResultsCalculi were 3–11 cm in diameter (median, 6 cm). Bladder capacity ranged from 1.4 to 2.5 L (median, 1.8 L). Exteriorization time from placing a hand in the abdomen to having the bladder in a surgically accessible position was <5 minutes.ConclusionThe described technique facilitates exteriorization of the bladder for removal of cystic calculi.
Walking the Talk: Continuous Improvement of a Quality Management Field Exercise
Authors: Coy Steven , Adams Jeffery 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis article provides results from a three semester case study of the pedagogical efficacy of an innovative quality management field exercise. A series of direct and indirect measures were used to assess the extent to which the field exercise met a set of learning objectives. The results indicate that the assessment framework is useful in identifying areas of improvement for course delivery. Finally, the results have been used to devise modifications to the course.
A Model for Measuring Effectiveness of an Online Course
Authors: Mashaw Bijan 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTAs a result of this research, a quantitative model and a procedure have been developed to create an online mentoring effectiveness index (EI). To develop the model, mentoring and teaching effectiveness are defined, and then the constructs and factors of effectiveness are identified. The model's construction is based on the theory that effectiveness is influenced by motivational factors and results from the total synergy used in the learning process. The validity of the model is checked through component analysis and structural equation modeling. It is shown that the model offers valid, reliable, and useful results for evaluating the relative effectiveness of an online course.
Student Effort in Preparing for Exams: Intertemporal Preferences and Loss Aversion
Authors: Wüst Kirsten , Beck Hanno 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTIn the last two decades, much empirical research has been done in the field of behavioral economics to explain the psychological foundations for economic decisions. In particular, it has been shown that people exhibit time‐inconsistent behavior when making intertemporal decisions, i.e., they demand higher interest rates for a delay of their consumption in the near rather than in the distant future. People also show loss aversion. They demand more compensation for a loss than they are willing to sacrifice for a gain. We analyze these features for the nonmonetary decision of the amount of time invested in learning hours before an exam. Asked at two different points in time, the students were willing to learn more when the time of learning seemed far away than when the learning time had arrived. On the other hand, students were loss averse trying to prevent a deterioration of their grade to a larger extent than when they tried to work for an amelioration.
The impacts of biofuels targets on land‐use change and food supply:  A global CGE assessment
Authors: Timilsina Govinda R. , Beghin John C. , van der Mensbrugghe Dominique , Mevel Simon 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe analyze the long‐term impacts of large‐scale expansion of biofuels on land‐use change, food supply and prices, and the overall economy in various countries or regions using a multi‐country, multi‐sector global computable general equilibrium model augmented with an explicit land‐use module and detailed biofuel sectors. We find that an expansion of biofuel production to meet the existing or even higher targets in various countries would slightly reduce GDP at the global level but with mixed effects across countries or regions. Significant land re‐allocation would take place with notable decreases in forest and pasture lands in a few countries. The expansion of biofuels would cause a moderate decrease in world food supply and more significant decreases in developing countries like India and Sub‐Saharan Africa. Feedstock commodities (sugar, corn and oil seeds) would experience significant increases in their prices in 2020, but other price changes are small.
Three‐years clinical outcome of immediate provisionalization of single Osseospeed™ implants in extraction sockets and healed ridges
Authors: De Bruyn Hugo , Raes Filiep , Cooper Lyndon F. , Reside Glenn , Garriga Joan S. , Tarrida Luís G. , Wiltfang Jörg , Kern Matthias 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAimThe purpose of this prospective multicenter clinical study was to compare 3 years implant survival, bone and soft tissue changes following immediate loading using single Osseospeed™ implants (Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) installed in healed ridges or extraction sockets.Material and methodsImplants were provisionally restored the day of surgery using cemented acrylic crowns out of full occlusion. The provisional crowns were replaced after 12 weeks by full‐ceramic crowns. Implant survival, bone levels, soft tissue levels and peri‐implant health were monitored up to 3 years.Results55 patients (22 men, 33 women; mean age 45) had the implant installed in extraction sockets and 58 patients (25 men, 33 women; mean age 42) received conventional implant treatment in healed ridges. Three implants failed in the extraction group and one implant failed in the healed group, all failures occurred before the final crown placement. No further losses occurred during 3 years, giving a statistically comparable survival rate of 94.6% and 98.3%, respectively. The total bone loss after 3 years, compared to implant placement was 0.4 mm (SD 1.5) in healed sites, whilst the immediate sites showed a bone gain of 1.6 mm (SD 2.4) due to bone fill in the alveolus. Papillae retracted with 0.3 and 0.0 mm in the period of provisionalization, but grew back after final crown was placed with 0.3 and 0.5 mm in extraction and healed sites respectively after 3 years. Plaque and inflammation scores were very low throughout the study time, irrespective of treatment modality.ConclusionsImmediate implants restored at the day of surgery show comparable risk for implant failure, bone loss and midfacial soft tissue recession compared to conventionally installed implants. The 3‐years results suggest both hard and soft tissue stability.
Health‐related quality of life in elderly, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated with VMP vs. MP: results from the VISTA trial
Authors: Delforge Michel , Dhawan Ravinder , Robinson Don , Meunier Juliette , Regnault Antoine , Esseltine Dixie‐Lee , Cakana Andrew , van de Velde Helgi , Richardson Paul G. , San Miguel Jesús F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe phase 3 VISTA study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00111319) in transplant‐ineligible myeloma patients demonstrated superior efficacy with bortezomib‐melphalan‐prednisone (VMP; nine 6‐wk cycles) vs. melphalan‐prednisone (MP) but also increased toxicity. Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL; exploratory endpoint) was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ‐C30).The phase 3 VISTA study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00111319) in transplant‐ineligible myeloma patients demonstrated superior efficacy with bortezomib‐melphalan‐prednisone (VMP; nine 6‐wk cycles) vs. melphalan‐prednisone (MP) but also increased toxicity. Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL; exploratory endpoint) was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ‐C30).MethodsEORTC QLQ‐C30 was administered at screening, on day 1 of each cycle, at the end‐of‐treatment visit, and every 8 wk until progression. EORTC QLQ‐C30 scores were evaluated among patients with a valid baseline and at least one post‐baseline HRQoL assessment.ResultsAt baseline, domain scores were similar between arms. By cycle 4, mean differences were clinically meaningful for most domains, indicating poorer health status with VMP. From cycle 5 onwards, improvements relative to baseline/MP were observed for all domains with VMP. Mean scores were generally improved by the end‐of‐treatment assessment vs. baseline in both arms. Among responding patients, mean scores generally improved from time of response to end‐of‐treatment assessment, substantially driven by patients achieving complete response (CR). Multivariate analysis showed a significant impact of duration of response/CR on improving global health status, pain, and appetite loss scores. Analyses by bortezomib dose intensity indicated better HRQoL in patients receiving lower dose intensity.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate clinically meaningful, transitory HRQoL decrements with VMP and relatively lower HRQoL vs. MP during early treatment cycles, associated with the expected additional toxicities. However, HRQoL is not compromised in the long term, recovering by the end‐of‐treatment visit to be comparable vs. MP.
Increasing the Dose of Vardenafil on a Daily Basis Does Not Improve Erectile Function After Unilateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Bannowsky Andreas , van Ahlen Hermann , Loch Tillmann 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Several treatment regimens for rehabilitation of erectile function (EF) after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP) are currently discussed. The optimal and most cost-effective therapy is still not found yet.

Aim
To evaluate the effect of vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, dose escalation on recovery of EF after unilateral nsRP.

Methods
Thirty-six sexually active patients received a unilateral nsRP. All patients completed an International Index of Erectile Function—5 items (IIEF-5) questionnaire concerning EF preoperatively. Group 1 (N = 12 patients) received vardenafil 5 mg/day vs. group 2 (N = 12) who received vardenafil 10 mg/day at night beginning the day of catheter removal. A control of 12 patients underwent follow-up without PDE5 inhibitors.

Main Outcome Measure
The IIEF-5 was the primary end point. IIEF-5 questionnaires were completed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after nsRP.

Results
In group 1 (5 mg/day vardenafil) the IIEF-5 score decreased from a preoperative 22.4 mean score to 4.2 at 3 months, 8.9 at 6 months, and 13.4 mean score at 12 months after nsRP vs. preoperative 22.8, 4.1 at 3 months, 7.9 at 6 months, and 12.8 mean score at 12 months in group 2 (10 mg/day vardenafil). In the control group the preoperative IIEF-5 mean score of 21.9 decreased to 3.8 at 3 months, 6.1 at 6 months, and 8.9 at 12 months. Statistical evaluation showed significant difference in IIEF-5 score and time to recovery of EF between groups 1 and 3 and between groups 2 and 3 (P &lt; 0.01). No statistical differences were found between groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions
Daily low-dose vardenafil lead to significant improvement of recovery of EF. In this study doubling the dosage did not improve the recovery of EF further.
Intermittent Granulocyte and Monocyte Apheresis Versus Mercaptopurine for Maintaining Remission of Ulcerative Colitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sakuraba Atsushi , Sato Toshiro , Morohoshi Yuichi , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Okamoto Susumu , Inoue Nagamu , Takaishi Hiromasa , Ogata Haruhiko , Iwao Yasushi , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe effect of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GMA) on prevention of relapse of ulcerative colitis (UC) is not clear. This was a pilot open‐labeled, prospective, randomized, unblinded study to compare the tolerability and efficacy of intermittent GMA (once every 2 weeks) with mercaptopurine to maintain remission of UC. Twenty‐one patients with UC, who had achieved remission by induction therapies were randomly assigned to receive either intermittent GMA (N = 10) or oral mercaptopurine (0.5 mg/kg per day; N = 11). The study period was 24 months. The rate of the patients maintaining remission and the incidences of adverse effects were compared between the two groups. At 24 months, seven of 10 patients (70.0%) on intermittent GMA and seven of 11 patients (63.6%, P = 1.00) on oral mercaptopurine were still in remission. Three patients relapsed in each group. One patient taking mercaptopurine, but none receiving intermittent GMA, dropped out because of adverse effects. Intermittent therapy with GMA was well tolerated and a substantial proportion of patients maintained remission. Intermittent GMA therapy in maintaining remission of UC merits further investigation.