bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial adjustment to diabetes‐related lower limb amputation
Authors: Coffey L. , Gallagher P. , Horgan O. , Desmond D. , MacLachlan M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  To examine psychosocial adjustment in persons with lower limb amputations related to diabetes.Methods  Thirty‐eight participants with diabetes‐related lower limb amputations, recruited from two limb‐fitting centres, completed three psychological self‐report assessments: the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); and the Amputation Body Image Scale—Revised (ABIS‐R).Results  Over 18% of participants scored above the normal range (> 8) for depression on the HADS and 18.5% scored above the normal range for anxiety. Both depression (ρ = 0.75, P < 0.01) and anxiety (ρ = 0.62, P < 0.01) scores were significantly associated with body image disturbance, as measured using the ABIS‐R. Significant relationships were also observed between body image disturbance and three TAPES subscales measuring psychosocial adjustment [general adjustment (ρ = −0.48, P < 0.01), social adjustment (ρ = −0.51, P < 0.01), adjustment to limitations (ρ = −0.45, P < 0.05)].Conclusions  Individuals with diabetes‐related amputations may be at elevated risk for psychological distress as a result of their co‐morbid medical condition. Regular screening for anxiety and depression and the provision of appropriate follow‐up care may therefore be advisable in this population.
Insulin resistance is not coupled with defective insulin secretion in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Tassone F. , Procopio M. , Gianotti L. , Visconti G. , Pia A. , Terzolo M. , Borretta G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAims  An increased frequency of both impaired glucose tolerance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), thus we sought to investigate insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in a large series of pHPT patients.Subjects and methods  One hundred and twenty‐two consecutive pHPT patients without known DM were investigated [age (mean ± sd) 59.3 ± 13.6 years, body mass index (BMI) 25.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2; serum calcium 2.8 ± 0.25 mmol/l; PTH 203.2 ± 145.4 ng/l]. Sixty‐one control subjects were matched, according to the degree of glucose tolerance, in a 2 : 1 patient:control ratio. Fasting‐ and oral glucose tolerance test‐derived estimates of insulin sensitivity and secretion were determined by means of the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) composite.Results  Both the QUICKI and ISI composite were lower in pHPT patients than control subjects (P < 0.03 and P < 0.05, respectively) after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure and BMI. Conversely, all insulin secretion estimates were significantly increased in pHPT patients than in control subjects (P < 0.04 and P < 0.03, respectively) and after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure and BMI. Log serum calcium levels were negatively associated with the QUICKI and log ISI composite (R = −0.30, P = 0.001; R = −0.23, P = 0.020, respectively) in pHPT patients. Serum calcium levels significantly and independently contributed to impaired insulin sensitivity in multivariate analysis (QUICKI as dependent variable: β = −0.31, P = 0.004, R2 = 0.15; log ISI composite as dependent variable: β = −0.29, P = 0.005, R2 = 0.16).Conclusions  Our study confirms a reduction in both basal and stimulated insulin sensitivity in primary hyperparathyroidism, in spite of increased insulin secretion. Moreover, our data show for the first time a significant relationship between hypercalcaemia and insulin sensitivity in this condition.
Decision Comprehensiveness and Corporate Entrepreneurship: The Moderating Role of Managerial Uncertainty Preferences and Environmental Dynamism
Authors: Heavey Ciaran , Simsek Zeki , Roche Frank , Kelly Aidan 
Published: August 2009

abstractAlthough comprehensiveness is considered among the most salient and enduring strategic decision‐making characteristics in organizations, its influence on firm behaviour has remained elusive. As a first step, our study builds and tests a model that specifies the influence of comprehensiveness on the firm's pursuit of corporate entrepreneurship. Our core argument is that while comprehensiveness helps decision‐makers gain the knowledge needed to escape the ignorance and overcome doubt associated with this pursuit, this beneficial influence is conditional upon managerial uncertainty preferences, together with the level of dynamism in the external environment. Findings from a large sample study of CEOs from 349 SMEs provide general support for this argument and associated hypotheses.
What is Reflection‐In‐Action? A Phenomenological Account
Authors: Yanow Dvora , Tsoukas Haridimos 
Published: August 2009

abstractBuilding on the work of Donald Schön and phenomenological treatments of practice, we propose a phenomenological theory of reflection‐in‐action that develops this concept further, thereby transcending a number of limitations we find in his theorizing. Our theory includes: an appreciation for the evaluative dimensions built into competent practice that encourage, if not require, reflecting; a further theorizing of the character of surprise; and a fuller delineation of the character of improvisation in relation to practice and its surprises. We begin with a phenomenological account of cognition in relation to work, especially in its form of professional practice. We reframe Schön's arguments in phenomenological, especially Heideggerian, terms and take account of relatively recent theorizing about knowledge‐based work, illustrating these discussions with a vignette drawn from field research in the world of practice. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these arguments for practitioners as well as for further theorizing.
Development of aptitude at altitude
Authors: Hogan Alexandra M. , Virues‐Ortega Javier , Botti Ana Baya , Bucks Romola , Holloway John W. , Rose‐Zerilli Matthew J. , Palmer Lyle J. , Webster Rebecca J. , Baldeweg Torsten , Kirkham Fenella J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMillions of people currently live at altitudes in excess of 2500 metres, where oxygen supply is limited, but very little is known about the development of brain and behavioural function under such hypoxic conditions. We describe the physiological, cognitive and behavioural profile of a large cohort of infants (6–12 months), children (6–10 years) and adolescents (13–16 years) who were born and are living at three altitude locations in Bolivia (∼500 m, ∼2500 m and ∼3700 m). Level of haemoglobin oxygen saturation and end‐tidal carbon dioxide were significantly lower in all age groups living above 2500 metres, confirming the presence of hypoxia and hypocapnia, but without any detectable detriment to health. Infant measures of neurodevelopment and behaviour yielded comparable results across altitude groups. Neuropsychological assessment in children and adolescent groups indicated a minor reduction in psychomotor speed with increasing altitude, with no effect of age. This may result from slowing of underlying brain activity in parallel with reduced cerebral metabolism and blood flow, evidenced here by reduced cerebral blood flow velocity, particularly in the basilar artery, in children and adolescents. The proportion of European, Native American and African genetic admixture was comparable across altitude groups, suggesting that adaptation to high altitude in these children occurred in response to chronic hypoxic exposure irrespective of ethnic origin. Thus, psychomotor slowing is proposed to be an adaptive rather than a deficient trait, perhaps enabling accuracy of mental activity in hypoxic conditions.
OUTLINING ETHICAL ISSUES IN NANOTECHNOLOGIES
Authors: SPAGNOLO ANTONIO G. , DALOISO VIVIANA 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTNanotechnologies are an expression of the human ability to control and manipulate matter on a very small scale. Their use will enable an even and constant monitoring of human organisms, in a new and perhaps less invasive way. Debates at all levels – national, European and international – have pointed out the common difficulty of giving a complete, clear definition of nanotechnologies. This is primarily due to the variety of their components, to the fact that there is not just one technology but several.The most significant medical applications of nanotechnologies are in the diagnostic and the therapeutic fields, eg biosensors and molecular imaging, providing diagnosis and drug delivery with no invasive methods involved.Like any other emerging field, such technologies imply new possibilities for improving health but, on the other hand, they are still at an experimental stage and therefore should be implemented under rigorous safety testing before going on general release. For this purpose, the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of nanotechnologies have been elaborated by study groups, in order to develop solutions before the results of the tests are diffused into medical practice.The aim of this paper is to define some of the ethical issues concerning biomedical applications and to evaluate whether there is a need for new or additional guidelines and regulations.
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL METHOD PATENTS, INNOVATION, AND POLICY
Authors: Hall Bronwyn H. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTCourt decisions in the 1990s are widely viewed as having opened the door to a flood of business method and financial patents at the US Patent and Trademark Office, and to have also impacted other patent offices around the world. A number of scholars, both legal and economic, have critiqued both the quality of these patents and the decisions themselves. This paper reviews the history of business method and financial patents briefly and then explores what economists know about the relationship between the patent system and innovation, in order to draw some tentative conclusions about their likely impact. It concludes by finding some consensus in the literature about the problems associated with this particular expansion of patentable subject matter, highlighting the remaining areas of disagreement, and reviewing the various policy recommendations.
Leg‐attached data loggers do not modify the diving performances of a foot‐propelled seabird
Authors: Ropert‐Coudert Y. , Kato A. , Poulin N. , Grémillet D. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGlobal location sensors (GLS) are increasingly being used to determine animal position at sea. Their small size and weight means that they can be attached to the leg of volant birds with supposedly little impact on the flight ability. However, very few studies have investigated the impact that foot‐attached devices may have on the diving ability of foot‐propelled seabirds. We compared the diving activity of two groups of free‐ranging great cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo carbo, both groups carrying identical time‐depth recorders attached to the tail, and one group also having leg‐attached GLS. Our results showed that there were no differences between the two groups in any of the diving parameters investigated, at least over the short term. Caution should be exercised when extrapolating to other species, especially those smaller than great cormorants, and also when deploying GLS over longer periods.
Calcineurin dephosphorylates glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta at serine‐9 in neuroblast‐derived cells
Authors: Kim Yeni , Lee Yun‐Il , Seo MiRan , Kim So‐Young , Lee Ji‐Eun , Youn Hong‐Duk , Kim Yong‐Sik , Juhnn Yong‐Sung 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study examined the role of calcineurin, a major calcium‐dependent protein phosphatase, in dephosphorylating Ser‐9 and activating glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β). Treatment with calcineurin inhibitors increased phosphorylation of GSK‐3β at Ser‐9 in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The over‐expression of a constitutively active calcineurin mutant, calcineurin A beta (1–401), led to a significant decrease in phosphorylation at Ser‐9, an increase in the activity of GSK‐3β, and an increase in the phosphorylation of tau. Km of calcineurin for a GSK‐3β phosphopeptide was 469.3 μM, and specific activity of calcineurin was 15.2 nmol/min/mg. In addition, calcineurin and GSK‐3β were co‐immunoprecipitated in neuron‐derived cells and brain tissues, and calcineurin formed a complex only with dephosphorylated GSK‐3β. We conclude that in vitro, calcineurin can dephosphorylate GSK‐3β at Ser‐9 and form a stable complex with GSK‐3β, suggesting the possibility that calcineurin regulates the dephosphorylation and activation of GSK‐3βin vivo.
Acute‐phase proteins as indicators of bacterial infection in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Tsiakalos Aristotelis , Karatzaferis Aggelos , Ziakas Panayiotis , Hatzis Gregorios 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground: Cirrhosis is associated with elevated levels of acute‐phase proteins (APP), irrespective of the presence of infection. This condition limits the clinical application of APP determination in cirrhotic patients with bacterial infections.Aims: To weigh the diagnostic value of several APP in cirrhotics with or without bacterial infection, and to correlate them with the clinical outcome.Methods: We investigated 88 consecutive cirrhotic patients (67 males, 21 females; range 28–85 years) with mean age (SD) 58.9 (13.8) on admission, according to a standard protocol for infection. We measured the following APP: C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), haptoglobin (Hpt), ferritin (Fer), β2‐microglobulin (β2‐mg), C3, C4 and C1 inhibitor.Results: From the 88 patients, 19 (21.6%) had documented infection at the entry based on clinical, radiological and microbiological data. This group of patients did not differ in basic demographics from those without infection. CRP [17.5 (20.7) vs 77.1 (43.9), P<0.001], β2‐mg [4.4 (4.1) vs 5.6 (2.2), P<0.001] and ferritin [461.2 (776.4) vs 825.8 (870), P=0.03] were significantly higher in infection, whereas C3 was significantly lower. No significant differences were noted in the remaining APP levels between the two groups. After receiver operating characteristic curves were fitted, CRP was the best diagnostic test for infection (area under the curve 0.91), followed by β2‐mg, ferritin, FIB, C1 inhibitor, C4, Hpt and C3.Conclusions: Serum CRP is the best test, among the examined APP, to discriminate bacterial infection in cirrhotics. A cut‐off value of >55.8 mg/L has high sensitivity (79%) and specificity (96%), with the best diagnostic accuracy (92%).
Dynamic Capability Building in Service Value Networks for Achieving Service Innovation
Authors: Agarwal Renu , Selen Willem 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTService organizations increasingly create new service offerings that are the result of collaborative arrangements operating on a value network level. This leads to the notion of “elevated service offerings,” our definition of service innovation, implying new or enhanced service offerings that can only be eventuated as a result of partnering, and one that could not be delivered on individual organizational merits. Using empirical data from a large telecommunications company, we demonstrate through structural equation modeling (SEM) that higher‐order dynamic capabilities in services are generated as a result of collaboration between stakeholders. Furthermore, it is through collaboration and education of the stakeholders that additional higher‐order capabilities emerge (customer engagement [CuE], collaborative agility [CA], entrepreneurial alertness [EA], and collaborative innovative capacity), all of which influence the service innovation outcome. Our study also reveals empirical evidence for an ongoing process of continuous dynamic capability building in accordance with the changing dynamics of business. Managers of service organizations should recognize the potential embedded in these higher‐order skill sets, starting from collaboration, learning, and management of creative ideas for both strategic and operational benefits. Moreover, the capabilities of CA, EA, and CuE are even more important in managing the flexibility, timely delivery, and reliability of service offerings. Managers should take measures to inculcate, promote, and manage these dynamic capability skill sets to foster innovation in services.
Montelukast does not prevent reactive airway disease in young children hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis
Authors: Proesmans M , Sauer K , Govaere E , Raes M , De Bilderling G , De Boeck K 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the long‐term effect of montelukast on symptoms of cough and wheeze following RSV bronchiolitis.Methods:  Fifty eight patients (aged ≤ 24 months) hospitalized with a first episode of RSV bronchiolitis were enrolled in this double blind prospective randomized trial comparing montelukast (n = 31) vs placebo (n = 27).Results:  During the 3‐month treatment period, there were no statistical significant differences between the two groups for symptom‐free days and nights (48.5 [interquartile range 33.0.0–66.0] for montelukast vs 57.0 [29.0–71.0] for placebo p = 0.415) nor disease‐free days and nights (44.5 days [26.0–54.0] vs 53.0 [22.3–71.0]; p = 0.266). During the 1 year follow‐up, there were 41 exacerbations in the montelukast group vs 54 exacerbations in the placebo group (p = 0.57). Time to first exacerbation was not different. Number of unscheduled visits and need to start inhaled steroids were comparable in the two groups.Conclusion:  Treatment with montelukast after hospital admission for RSV bronchiolitis in children younger than 2 years of age did not reduce symptoms of cough and wheeze. We cannot exclude that a subgroup of children may, however, benefit from this treatment.
Oligomerization is required for the activity of recombinant soluble LOX‐1
Authors: Cao Wei , Calabro Valerie , Root Adam , Yan Grace , Lam Khetemenee , Olland Stephane , Sanford Jocelyn , Robak Angela , Zollner Richard , Lu Zhijian , Ait‐Zahra Mostafa , Agostinelli Rita , Tchistiakova Lioudmila , Gill Davinder , Harnish Douglas , Paulsen Janet , Shih Heather H. 
Published: July 2009

LOX‐1 is a scavenger receptor that functions as the primary receptor for oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in endothelial cells. The binding of OxLDL to LOX‐1 is believed to lead to endothelial activation, dysfunction, and injury, which constitute early atherogenic events. Because of its potential pathological role in atherosclerosis, LOX‐1 has been proposed as a therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease. In order to antagonize the ligand‐binding function of cell surface LOX‐1, we generated a series of recombinant human LOX‐1–crystallizable fragment (Fc) fusion proteins and subsequently characterized their biochemical properties and ligand‐binding activities in vitro. Consistent with the notion that oligomerization of cell surface LOX‐1 is required for high‐avidity binding of ligands, we found that LOX‐1–Fc fusion protein containing four ligand‐binding domains per Fc dimer, but not the one containing two ligand‐binding domains, exhibited ligand‐binding activity. Optimal ligand‐binding activity could be achieved via crosslinking of LOX‐1–Fc fusion proteins with a polyclonal antibody against Fc. The crosslinked LOX‐1–Fc protein also effectively inhibited the binding and internalization of OxLDL by cell surface LOX‐1. These findings demonstrate that functional oligomerization is required for recombinant LOX‐1–Fc to function as an effective antagonist.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7213199: LOX1 (uniprotkb:P78380) and LOX1 (uniprotkb:P78380) physically interact (MI:0914) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)
Vascular Access in Patients Treated With Chronic Hemodialysis for 30 Years or More
Authors: Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Peršič Vanja , Malovrh Marko , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe aim of our study was to evaluate vascular access in patients treated with chronic hemodialysis for 30 years or more. Patients who had started dialysis in 1978 or earlier were identified from the Slovenian Renal Replacement Therapy Registry. The data on vascular access on April 2008 are presented. Sixteen patients were still alive, seven men and nine women aged 62 ± 12 years (46–84), and they had been treated for 32 ± 1.7 years (30–35), mainly with chronic HD. They had started HD at the age of 30 ± 12 years (13–50), and none had diabetes. The vascular access in nine was a native arteriovenous (AV) fistula, on the forearm in eight patients, and a brachiobasilic fistula in one patient. Four patients had their primary AV fistulas still in use (maximum 35 years). In the remaining five patients, multiple salvage procedures had been performed or new AV fistulas created. The vascular access in four patients was the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft, functioning for 1–8 years. In three patients, a non‐cuffed, single‐lumen hemodialysis catheter (a precurved jugular in two patients and a subclavian in one) locked with 30% citrate, with mupirocin at the exit site, was used for 5–12 years. The catheters were exchanged approximately once every two years over a guide‐wire because of mechanical damage. None of these three patients had had catheter‐related sepsis or exit‐site infection. Before catheters, these patients had had multiple AV fistulas and PTFE grafts. Although native AV fistula is the predominant type of vascular access, a greater than 30‐year survival on hemodialysis is possible with the combined use of AV fistula, PTFE graft, and a non‐cuffed hemodialysis catheter locked with citrate.
Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis in Slovenia
Authors: Lindič Jelka , Rupnik Alijana Trošt , Tomažič Janez , Škoberne Andrej , Guček Andrej , Ferluga Dušan , Pintar Tadeja , Aleš Andreja , Kovač Damjan , Kveder Radoslav , Pajek Jernej , Savicki‐Ponikvar Barbara , Bren Andrej 
Published: July 2009

AbstractEncapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare complication in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), the prevalence of which increases with the time spent on PD. Various causative factors have been proposed, but the pathogenesis still remains unclear. The aim of our retrospective study was to analyze the basic clinical characteristics and outcomes of five patients diagnosed with EPS out of 423 patients treated with PD between January 1983 and December 2003. One patient was admitted due to ultrafiltration failure of the peritoneal membrane, and four patients were admitted for acute peritonitis. All of our patients presented with clinical symptoms suggestive of obstructive ileus. We confirmed the diagnosis of EPS with a computer tomography scan, a diagnostic laparotomy or laparoscopy, and a biopsy of the parietal peritoneum. We treated all of our patients with catheter removal, transferal to hemodialysis, antibiotics, complete parenteral nutrition, methylprednisolone, and tamoxifen for 6 months. One patient was treated with surgical enterolysis and died of septic complications, another patient died of sudden cardiac death during treatment. Three patients were doing well for 4–7 months after the treatment was started. The incidence of EPS was 1.2% and the mortality rate was 40%. EPS is a rare complication in longstanding PD patients in our institution. Despite treatment with hemodialysis, complete parenteral nutrition, steroids, tamoxifen and surgical intervention, the mortality rate is high and comparable to other reports.