bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes of aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and pigment epithelium‐derived factor following intravitreal bevacizumab for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Park Sung P , Ahn Jae K 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  To investigate sequential changes of aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) in macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) following intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB).Methods:  We recruited 10 healthy controls and 40 patients with BRVO. Aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF were measured by ELISA at the time of IVB and 6 weeks later. Non‐response to IVB was defined as showing persistent macular oedema based on reduction of central macular thickness by less than 20% from baseline measurements by optical coherence tomography and vision improvement by <0.3 logMAR at 6 weeks after IVB. Fluorescein angiography was performed after resolution of foveal haemorrhage. We compared aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF between responders and non‐responders.Results:  The aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF were significantly higher in 16 non‐responders than in 24 responders at baseline measurements (491 ± 231 pg/mL vs. 250 ± 112 pg/mL, P < 0.001; 32 ± 4 ng/mL vs. 25 ± 5 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). Six weeks after IVB, the aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF were still higher in non‐responders than in responders (388 ± 141 pg/mL vs. 104 ± 40 pg/mL, P < 0.001; 30 ± 8 ng/mL vs. 18 ± 5 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). Fluorescein angiography revealed that non‐responders showed higher frequencies of macular ischaemia and ischaemic BRVO.Conclusions:  Our results indicate that aqueous VEGF levels are associated with persistent macular oedema secondary to ischaemic BRVO following IVB.
Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis: the possible role of nasal allergy
Authors: Pelikan Zdenek 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  There is a link between conjunctiva and nose. Nasal allergy is suspected to be involved in some cases of conjunctivitis. This work aims to investigate the possible role of nasal allergy in seasonal (SAC) and perennial (PAC) allergic conjunctivitis and the value of nasal challenges with allergens (nasal provocation tests [NPTs]) for the diagnostic procedures of the conjunctivitis.Methods:  In 61 adults suffering from SAC or PAC with a positive history and skin tests, but responding insufficiently to the local treatment, 122 NPTs and 61 control nasal challenges with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) were performed using rhinomanometry combined with recording of ocular response. In 16 control subjects suffering only from allergic rhinitis without a history of conjunctivitis, 16 positive NPTs were repeated and supplemented with registration of ocular features.Results:  Of the 61 patients, 55 developed 103 positive nasal responses of various types (P < 0.01), 82 of which were accompanied by significant conjunctival response (P < 0.01) without any corneal involvement. No significant ocular responses were recorded during 61 control PBS challenges (P > 0.05) as well as during 16 challenges in control subjects (P > 0.1).Conclusions:  These results illustrate a possible involvement of nasal allergy in some patients with allergic conjunctivitis (SAC and PAC) and the value of the nasal challenges with allergen combined with registration of the ocular features in the diagnostic approach to these disorders.
Social Cynicism and Job Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Leung Kwok , Ip Olivia K.M. , Leung Kwan‐Kwok 
Published: May 2009

Social cynicism, a negative view about people and social institutions, was found to show a negative correlation with job satisfaction across societies. A preliminary study in Hong Kong showed that social cynicism and job satisfaction correlated negatively across individuals as well. To confirm the causal effect of social cynicism on job satisfaction, a longitudinal study in Shanghai, China, with three waves of surveys, was conducted. Results showed that social cynicism correlated negatively with job satisfaction measured concurrently, and was predictive of job satisfaction measured subsequently. Consistent with the buffering hypothesis, perceived well‐being was a significant moderator in that the negative relationship between social cynicism and job satisfaction was significant only when perceived well‐being was low.On s'est aperçu que le cynisme social (une vision négative des gens et des institutions sociales) entretenait une corrélation négative avec la satisfaction professionnelle quelle que soit la société. Une étude préliminaire à Hong‐Kong a montré que le cynisme social et la satisfaction professionnelle présentaient également une corrélation négative au niveau de l'individu. Dans le but de confirmer le statut causal du cynisme social sur la satisfaction professionnelle, on a mené une étude longitudinale en Chine, à Shanghai, avec trois enquêtes successives. Les résultats montrent que le cynisme social est négativement reliéà la satisfaction professionnelle mesurée au même moment et prédit la satisfaction professionnelle mesurée ultérieurement. En accord avec l'hypothèse portant sur la résistance aux aléas de l'existence, le bien‐être perçu est un modérateur actif dans la mesure où la relation négative entre le cynisme social et la satisfaction professionnelle n'est significative que lorsque le bien‐être perçu est médiocre.
Academic Procrastination in Two Settings: Motivation Correlates, Behavioral Patterns, and Negative Impact of Procrastination in Canada and Singapore
Authors: Klassen Robert M. , Ang Rebecca P. , Chong Wan Har , Krawchuk Lindsey L. , Huan Vivien S. , Wong Isabella Y.F. , Yeo Lay See 
Published: May 2009

Two studies are reported examining academic procrastination and motivation in 1,145 university students from Canada and Singapore. In Study 1, relationships between procrastination and motivation variables were found to be similar across contexts, with self‐efficacy for self‐regulated learning most strongly associated with procrastination in both contexts. In Study 2, patterns of procrastinating behavior and the negative impact of procrastination were examined and compared in Canadian and Singaporean undergraduates. Participants in both contexts reported writing to be the academic task most prone to procrastination. More Singaporeans than Canadians were classified as negative procrastinators (i.e. rated procrastination as a negative influence on academic functioning). In both contexts, negative procrastinators spent more time procrastinating than neutral procrastinators and displayed lower self‐efficacy for self‐regulated learning.On décrit deux recherches portant sur la motivation et la procrastination universitaire (tendance à remettre au lendemain) de 1145 étudiants du Canada et de Singapour. Dans la première étude, les relations entre la motivation et la procrastination sont apparues être analogues dans les deux pays, la variable la plus fortement associéà la procrastination étant l'auto‐efficience pour l'apprentissage autorégulé. Dans la deuxième étude, les schémas comportementaux de procrastination et son impact négatif ont été analysés et comparés chez les étudiants de 1° cycle canadiens et singapouriens. Les sujets des deux pays ont mentionné la rédaction comme étant la tâche universitaire la plus soumise à la procrastination. Davantage de Singapouriens que de Canadiens été classés en procrastinateurs négatifs (c'est‐à‐dire que la procrastination est considérée comme étant un handicap pour les études). Dans les deux cas, les procrastinateurs négatifs gaspillaient plus de temps que les procrastinateurs neutres et manifestaient une moindre auto‐efficience pour l'apprentissage autorégulé.
The experience of puberty in adolescent boys: an Iranian perspective
Authors: Ahmadi F. , Anoosheh M. , Vaismoradi M. , Safdari M.‐T. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  The process of puberty is a normal physiological event for adolescents. Studies show that there is not enough knowledge about boys' puberty experiences. In spite of physiological similarities of puberty characteristics in different societies, social, cultural and religious factors have an important influence on puberty process.Aim:  To begin to explore the experiences of adolescents and parents about puberty within the Iranian cultural context.Methods:  Qualitative research was adopted using thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews carried out with 16 adolescent boys (13–17 years old) and 12 parents. All studies were transcribed verbatim and analysed.Findings:  The analysis of the transcripts showed four main themes including shame and embarrassment, anxiety, transition, puberty orientation and management.Conclusion:  Development of knowledge about puberty issues is important; additionally meeting health and educational needs of this transient period is one of the main priorities of the healthcare system and society. Knowledge of puberty is important for nurses and counsellors who work with adolescents for planning primary prevention programmes related to sexual health education and adolescent mental health.Limitations:  Boy's embarrassment about describing puberty changes was a hindrance to their full engagement in the interviews; therefore in some situations the interviews were not as deep as was wished. This limitation is related to the subject itself, not the method used for data gathering.
Turkish nurses' perspectives on a programme to reduce burnout
Authors: Günüşen N.P. , Üstün B. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Burnout is a serious problem among nurses. Programmes to prevent and reduce burnout have been described, but nurses report that they have difficulty attending such programmes and the dropout rate is substantial.Aim:  To investigate the perspectives of nurses on burnout and the barriers and facilitators affecting attendance at a burnout reduction programme offered in their institution.Methods:  A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted with 18 nurses who had volunteered to attend a burnout intervention programme at a University Hospital in Izmir, Turkey. Six of the nurses had not attended any sessions, six attended four or less of the seven and six attended all sessions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results:  Nurses attributed burnout to their heavy workload and a lack of recognition for their work. Most stated that they need work‐directed rather than person‐directed interventions to reduce stress and burnout. Attendance at the intervention programme was impeded by such issues as a perceived lack of institution support and the possibility of being seen by other nurses as unable to cope with stress.Conclusion:  Researchers planning burnout intervention programmes should consider ways of increasing cooperation between the administration and the staff that facilitate attendance at such programmes. A holistic approach involving work‐directed and person‐directed interventions is recommended.
Institutional Reforms and Investor Reactions to CSR Announcements: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Arya Bindu , Zhang Gaiyan 
Published: May 2009

abstractThis study contributes to the limited established empirical research on the impact and relevance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the capital markets of emerging economies. We conducted an event study to demonstrate how the timing of CSR announcements by firms that have aligned their strategies to newly instituted social regulations in South Africa influenced stock prices. Using a unique dataset of publicly listed South African enterprises that undertook CSR initiatives during the ten year period from 1996 to 2005, we found that investor reactions to CSR announcements concluded during the late phase of institutional reforms are viewed positively by investors. Furthermore, CSR announcements of substantive monetary value result in significantly higher shareholder returns.
Stimulating Strategically Aligned Behaviour Among Employees
Authors: Van Riel Cees B. M. , Berens Guido , Dijkstra Majorie 
Published: May 2009

abstractStrategically aligned behaviour (SAB), i.e. employee action that is consistent with the company's strategy, is of vital importance to companies. This study provides insights into the way managers could promote such behaviour among employees (who can be managers as well) by stimulating employee motivation, by informing employees, and by stimulating the development of their capabilities. The results of surveys conducted in three organizations suggest that, first, perceived efforts by management aimed at motivating and informing employees (both managers and non‐managers), and at developing their capabilities, each are related to SAB. Second, among the perceived efforts to stimulate motivation among employees, providing a rationale for the strategy and an open communication climate have a stronger relationship with SAB than participation in decision making and supportiveness. Third, the perceptions of the different types of managerial effort are related to each other. For this reason, the efforts have direct as well as indirect relationships to SAB. Fourth, each of the perceived efforts seems to be complementary to the others, in the sense that the relationship of one type of effort to SAB is stronger when other types of effort are perceived to be higher.
Union Organizing as a Mobilizing Strategy: The Impact of Social Identity and Transformational Leadership on the Collectivism of Union Members
Authors: Cregan Christina , Bartram Timothy , Stanton Pauline 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis article investigates the effect of union organizing as a mobilizing strategy on the collectivism of union members. We examine the impact of a worker's social identification with fellow members and the transformational leadership qualities of the local union representative. We employ regression analysis with tests of mediation to analyse the survey responses of c. 1,000 rank and file members of a major professional union, collected in July 2004 during a mobilization campaign. Social identification and transformational leadership were associated with members' union loyalty and willingness to work for the union. Social identification acted as a mediating variable in both cases.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in pregnancy and prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV‐1: is it time to move on from zidovudine?
Authors: Foster C , Lyall H , Olmscheid B , Pearce G , Zhang S , Gibb DM 
Published: May 2009

Objectives
Zidovudine (ZDV) has been the cornerstone of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for pregnant women infected with HIV‐1 in the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) and remains the only licensed ARV for use in pregnancy. We explored the current and future roles of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in the prevention of MTCT of HIV‐1.Methods
We reviewed the published literature by conducting database searches of in vitro, animal and clinical studies, reported in journals and at conferences, using the search terms Tenofovir/gs4331/viread, pregnant/pregnancy, lactate, lactation, natal, reproduce/reproduction, placenta/placental, malformation, and teratogenicity/teratogenic.Results
In a macaque model, perinatal exposure to very high dose tenofovir resulted in bone toxicity in some offspring. However, perinatal use of TDF, both single dose and as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy in women, has been well tolerated in the short term by mothers and their infants. Further, the addition of single‐dose TDF to single‐dose nevirapine (SD‐NVP) during delivery following maternal ZDV use during pregnancy significantly reduces the frequency of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance.Conclusions
The addition of TDF to SD‐NVP reduces NNRTI resistance. The role of TDF in this setting and during pregnancy for reducing rates of MTCT requires investigation. While short‐term toxicity data are encouraging, long‐term follow‐up of exposed mothers and infants is required.
Perception of stroke in Croatia – knowledge of stroke signs and risk factors amongst neurological outpatients
Authors: Vuković V. , Mikula I. , Kesić M. J. , Bedeković M. R. , Morović S. , Lovrenčić‐Huzjan A. , Demarin V. 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  The aim of this hospital‐based survey was to determine baseline stroke knowledge in Croatian population attending the outpatient services at the Department of Neurology.Methods:  A multiple choice questionnaire was designed, divided into three sections: (i) demographic data, (ii) knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke signs and (iii) actions the patients would undertake if confronted with risk of stroke and information resources regarding health.Results:  The analysis included 720 respondents (54.9% women). The respondents most frequently indicated stroke symptoms as following: speech disorder 82%, paresthesiae on one side of the body 71%, weakness of arm or leg 55%, unsteady gait 55%, malaise 53%, monocular loss of vision 44%. The risk factors most frequently identified were hypertension 64%, stress 61%, smoking 59%, elevated lipids 53%, obesity 52%, coagulation disorder 47%, alcoholism 45%, low‐physical activity 42%, elderly age 39%, cardiac diseases 38%, weather changes 34%, drugs 33% and diabetes 32%. If confronted with stroke signs 37% of respondents would consult the general practitioner and 31% would call 911 or go to a neurologist. Amongst patients with a risk factor, only diabetics were aware that their risk factor might cause stroke (P < 0.001). Respondents with lowest education had the least knowledge regarding stroke signs (P < 0.01).Discussion:  The results of this study indicate that respondents showed a fair knowledge about stroke signs and risk factors for stroke. The results of our study will help to create and plan programmes for improvement of public health in Croatia.
Measurements of gas permeability and diffusivity of tight reservoir rocks: different approaches and their applications
Authors: CUI X. , BUSTIN A. M. M. , BUSTIN R. M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPermeability and diffusivity are critical parameters of tight reservoir rocks that determine their viability for commercial development. Current methods for measuring permeability and/or diffusivity may lead to erroneous results when applied to very tight rocks including gas shales, coal, and tight gas sands, as well as rocks considered as seals for nuclear waste repositories and strata for geological sequestration of CO2. The use of He as routinely applied to measure porosity, permeability, and diffusivity may result in non‐systematic errors because of the molecular sieving effect of the fine pore structure to larger molecules such as reservoir gases. Utilizing gases with larger adsorption potentials than He, such as N2, and including all reservoir gases to measure porosity or permeability of rocks with high surface area is a viable alternative, but requires correcting for adsorption in the analyses. This study expands several approaches to measure permeability and diffusivity with considerations for gas adsorption, which has not been explicitly considered in previous studies. We present new models that explicitly correct for adsorption during pulse‐decay measurements of core under reservoir conditions, as well as on crushed samples used to approximate permeability or diffusivity. We also present a method to determine permeability or diffusivity from on‐site drill‐core desorption test data as carried out to determine gas in place in coals or gas shales. Our new approach utilizes late‐time data from experimental pressure‐decay tests, which we show to be more reliable and theoretically (and practically) accurate than the early‐time approach commonly used to estimate gas‐transport properties.
Heterogeneous expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 2 (SOCS‐2) in liver tissue
Authors: Zellmer Sebastian , Sickinger Stephan , Schmidt‐Heck Wolfgang , Guthke Reinhard , Gebhardt Rolf 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSuppressor of cytokine signalling 2 (SOCS‐2), a dual effector of growth hormone signalling, was found to be heterogeneously expressed in murine liver parenchyma. Data from Affymetrix gene arrays, confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR using preparations of periportal and pericentral hepatocyte subpopulations as well as immunohistochemical detection, showed a preferential expression of SOCS‐2 in pericentral hepatocytes. Stimulation of cultured periportal and pericentral hepatocyte subpopulations by different concentrations of growth hormone for 1 h resulted at 100 ng mL−1in a 1.6‐fold and 4.3‐fold increase of SOCS‐2 mRNA, respectively. Likewise, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, another physiological target of growth hormone, was stimulated preferentially in pericentral hepatocytes. As growth hormone receptor was found to be homogeneously expressed in mouse liver parenchyma, our data indicate that growth hormone signalling downstream of growth hormone receptor is more sensitive and/or effective in pericentral than in periportal hepatocytes. Presumably, the heterogeneous distribution of SOCS‐2 may contribute to the pericentral preference of growth hormone action via differential feedback.
Water and sodium fluxes and lactational energetics in suckling pups of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii)
Authors: Tedman R. , Green B. 
Published: May 2009

Estimates of the water and sodium fluxes of unrestrained Weddell seal pups were derived from the turnover of tritiated water and 22sodium chloride throughout the nursing period. Milk intake was calculated from water influx. There was a strong correlation between daily body weight gain in pups (x̄= 1·98 ± 0·44 kg/d) and daily weight loss by dams (x̄= 4·55±1·24 kg/d; r= 0·85, p <0·001). The maximum weight loss recorded was 249 kg over 38 days. This considerable drain on the dams' energy reserves amounts to a loss of almost 60 % of the female's body weight after parturition. Mean total body water of pups decreased from 72·5 % at birth to 48·6 % at day 40 of lactation.Total milk consumption was positively correlated with body weight gain by pups (r= 0·87, p < 0.001), with daily milk intake ranging from 2·76 to 5·46 1/day (x̄= 3.54 ± 0·87 1/d). The pups gained 0·51 ± 0·08 kg body weight for each litre of milk consumed, and the efficiency of conversion of milk energy to stored energy was 52·1 ± 7·7 %.Sodium influx rates averaged 2±24 · 0±41 mmol/kg. day. Approximately 70% of sodium intake was derived from milk, with the remainder coming from the ingestion of small amounts of sea water.The high energy content of the milk (20·8 MJ/kg) and reduced milk yield (relative to body weight) means that pups can consume sufficient energy for rapid growth with comparatively brief nursing periods and short lactational duration. The relatively longer duration of lactation in the Weddell seal, during which the dams and pups engage in extensive swimming activities, has resulted in: (a) reduced daily energy intake by pups, and (b) increased percentage weight loss by dams compared to other phocids.