bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rising Food Prices and Household Welfare: Evidence from Brazil in 2008
Authors: Ferreira Francisco H. G. , Fruttero Anna , Leite Phillippe G. , Lucchetti Leonardo R. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFood price inflation in Brazil in the 12 months to June 2008 was 18%, whereas overall inflation was 7%. Using spatially disaggregated monthly data on consumer prices and two different household surveys, we estimate the welfare consequences of these food price increases, and their distribution across households. Because Brazil is a large food producer, with a predominantly wage‐earning agricultural labour force, our estimates include general equilibrium effects on market and transfer incomes, as well as the standard estimates of changes in consumer surplus. Although the expenditure (or consumer surplus) effects were large, negative and markedly regressive everywhere, estimates of the market‐income effect were positive and progressive, particularly in rural areas. Because of this effect on the rural poor, and of the partial protection afforded by increases in two large social assistance benefits, the overall impact of higher food prices in Brazil was U‐shaped, with middle‐income groups suffering larger proportional losses than the very poor. Nevertheless, as Brazil is 80% urban, higher food prices still led to a greater incidence and depth of poverty at the national level.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication with Ecabet Sodium, Omeprazole, Amoxicillin, and Clarithromycin Versus Bismuth, Omeprazole, Amoxicillin, and Clarithromycin Quadruple Therapy: A Randomized, Open‐Label, Phase IV Trial
Authors: Liang Jie , Li Jun , Han Ying , Xia Jielai , Yang Yunsheng , Li Wen , Zhang Shutian , Wu Yongdong , Yuan Yaozong , Li Zhaoshen , Du Yiqi , Chen Minhu , Chen Baili , Jiang Bo , Bai Yang , Wen Qinsheng , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection is a substantial public health problem and plays etiological role in the pathogenesis of many gastroduodenal disorders. The addition of ecabet sodium is proven to improve the efficacy of the standard triple therapy. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of ecabet sodium–containing quadruple therapy versus 10‐day bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication.Materials and MethodsWe did a randomized, open‐label, phase IV trial in four cities (eight sites) in China, comparing the efficacy and safety of 10‐days ecabet sodium–containing versus bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy in adults with H. pylori infection. Eligible patients were randomly assigned treatment and monitored H. pylori eradication by negative [13C]/[14C] urea breath test 28 days after the treatment as the primary outcome. Symptoms improvement and side effects were the secondary outcome.ResultsA total of 311 H. pylori‐positive subjects were enrolled: 155 were assigned ecabet sodium quadruple therapy and 156 bismuth quadruple therapy. The eradication rates with ecabet sodium–containing and bismuth‐containing quadruple regimens were 68.4% (106/155) and 68.0% (106/156) p = .9339 intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and 75.4% (104/138) and 77.0% (104/135) p = .7453 per‐protocol (PP), respectively. The eradication rates for the ecabet sodium quadruple regimen differed significantly between cities (e.g., 81.2% ITT and 89.6% PP in Shanghai and 50% ITT and 53.5% PP in Xi'an). The symptom improvements and safety profiles were also similar for both treatments.ConclusionsNeither 10‐day Ecabet sodium–containing quadruple therapy or 10‐day bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy can be recommended as empiric therapy in cities with high antibiotic resistance rate of China.
The Diagnostic Utility of Cardiac Biomarkers in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Angela Yee‐Moon , Wai‐Kei Lam Christopher 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMortality in dialysis patients remains high due to excessive cardiovascular disease burden from coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. Thus, cardiovascular risk stratification is an important aspect in managing dialysis patients; it may enable early identification of high‐risk patients to optimize therapeutic interventions that may ultimately lower their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In particular, serum cardiac biomarkers that are readily measured, inexpensive, reproducible with high sensitivity and specificity, may have potential for cardiovascular risk prediction and stratification. Cardiac troponin represents a highly sensitive and specific marker of myocardial damage and is a current gold standard test for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction in the general population. On the other hand, natriuretic peptides, released from the heart secondary to increased left ventricular wall stress, have emerged as a diagnostic marker for heart failure in the general population. These two biomarkers reflect unique pathology of the myocardium and are powerful prognostic markers in the dialysis population. This article reviews the diagnostic potentials of these two cardiac biomarkers and their clinical application in the dialysis population.
Pyruvate Effects on Red Blood Cells During In Vitro Cardiopulmonary Bypass With Dogs’ Blood
Authors: Gou DaMing , Tan HongJing , Cai HuiJun , Zhou FangQiang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTo investigate the effects of pyruvate (Pyr) on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and nitric oxide (NO) in red blood cells (RBCs) during the cardiopulmonary bypass procedure (CPB), blood, 500 mL, was collected from each of 10 healthy dogs (weight 12–18 kg). The blood was divided into two parts (250 mL each) and randomly assigned into the control group (Group C, n = 10) or the Pyr group (Group P, n = 10). The blood was commingled with an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl and pyruvated isotonic solution (Pyr 50 mM) in the extracorporeal circuit in the two groups, respectively. The CPB procedure was fixed at 120 min, and the transferring flow was 4 L/min. Contents of ATP in RBCs, eNOS activities, and NO productions in plasma were measured before CPB and during CPB at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min in both groups. The ATP level, eNOS activity, and NO production were not different prior to CPB between the two groups. A decline of ATP levels was shown in both groups but remained significantly higher in Group P than in Group C at the same time points during in vitro CPB (P < 0.01). Values of eNOS and NO were significantly increased in Group C but markedly reduced in Group P during CPB, compared with pre‐CPB (P < 0.01). The CPB procedure significantly damaged dogs’ RBCs in the ATP level, eNOS activity, and NO production, in vitro, but Pyr effectively protected RBCs in these functions during CPB. Pyr would be clinically protective for RBCs during CPB.
Fully Automatable, Reproducible, Noninvasive Simple Plethysmographic Optimization: Proof of Concept and Potential for Implantability
Authors: KYRIACOU ANDREAS , PABARI PUNAM A. , WHINNETT ZACHARY I. , ARRI SATPAL , WILLSON KEITH , BARUAH RESHAM , STEGEMANN BERTHOLD , MAYET JAMIL , KANAGARATNAM PRAPA , HUGHES ALUN D. , FRANCIS DARREL P. 
Published: July 2012

Background:

Hemodynamic optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can be achieved reproducibly and—with bulky, nonimplantable equipment—noninvasively. We explored whether a simple photoplethysmogram signal might be used instead.
Method:

Twenty patients (age 65 ± 12) with CRT underwent automatic atrioventricular (AV) delay optimization, using a multiple‐transitions protocol, at two atrially paced heart rates: just above sinus rate (“slow ApVp,” 77 ± 11 beats per minute [bpm]) and 100 bpm (“fast ApVp”). We then retested to assess short‐term reproducibility.
Results:

All 80 optimizations identified an optimum (correctly oriented parabola). At 100 bpm, the simple photoplethysmogram had wider scatter between repeat optimizations than did Finometer: standard deviation of difference (SDD) 22 ms versus 14 ms, respectively, P = 0.028. The simple photoplethysmogram improved in reproducibility when slope (instead of peak) of its signal was used for optimization, becoming as reproducible as Finometer (SDD 14 ms vs 14 ms, P = 0.50).
At slow heart rate, reproducibility of simple photoplethysmogram‐based optimization worsened from 14 to 22 ms (P = 0.028), and Finometer‐based optimization from 14 to 26 ms (P = 0.005).
Increasing the number of replicates averaged improved reproducibility. For example, SDD of simple photoplethysmogram optimization (using peak) fell from 62 ms with two replicates to 22 ms with eight replicates (P < 0.0001).At 100 bpm, the eight‐replicate protocol takes ∼12 minutes.
Conclusions
: A 12‐minute protocol of simple photoplethysmographic AV optimization can be processed fully automatically. Blinded test‐retest reproducibility of the optimum AV is good and improves with more replicates. If benefits to some patients are not to be neutralized by harm to others, endpoint studies should first test check narrowness of “within‐patient error bars.” (PACE 2012; 35:948–960)
Sustainability of interdisciplinary secondary prevention in patients with occupational hand eczema: a 5‐year follow‐up survey
Authors: Wilke Annika , Gediga Günther , Schlesinger Tanja , John Swen M. , Wulfhorst Britta 
Published: July 2012

Background. Occupational hand eczema (OHE) is common in ‘wet work’ occupations. Thus, effective and sustainable prevention strategies are needed.Objectives. To investigate the long‐term effectiveness (sustainability) of an interdisciplinary secondary prevention programme.Methods. One hundred and thirty‐four patients with OHE consecutively participated in an outpatient skin protection seminar comprising dermatological and educational interventions. Data were obtained at baseline (T0) and at 9 months (T1) and 5 years (T2) after participation. A cohort of 84 patients was available for analysis of the outcomes ‘job continuation’, ‘skin condition’, ‘skin protection behaviour’, and ‘disease management'.Results. At T2, 71.4% of patients remained in their occupation. The prevalence and severity of self‐reported OHE were significantly reduced as compared with T0 (p = 0.007, p = 0.002). Of the patients, 13.1% gave up work because of OHE at T2. The intervention was most successful in patients suffering from milder forms of OHE, and there was less success in patients with severe OHE. The results showed a significant reduction in the frequency of ‘hand washing’ (p = 0.003) but no measurable change in the use of skin care products (p = 1.000).Conclusions. The intervention showed sustainable long‐term effects. Early detection and reporting of OHE in the initial stages of the disease is of utmost importance for the effectiveness of secondary prevention. In cases of severe OHE, inpatient programmes may be indicated.
Urban grassland restoration: which plant traits make desired species successful colonizers?
Authors: Fischer Leonie K. , von der Lippe Moritz , Kowarik Ingo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractQuestionsWhich plant traits characterize successful and failed target species in urban grassland restoration? Do traits of successful target species differ from those of resident species? How do plant traits relate to environmental constraints?Location
In‐situ experimental sites on wastelands in shrinking residential areas in Berlin, Germany.MethodsWe established grassland restoration treatments and explored plant traits of successful and failed target species (plant height, specific leaf area, seed mass, seed shape, seed longevity index, CSR strategy type, plant life form). To shed light on mechanisms that shape restoration success, we also analysed the same traits of species originating from the soil seed bank and species immigrating from the surroundings. We compared both trait sets to those of resident species. With RLQ analyses we related the trait data to abundance data of species and to variables describing the environmental setting of the sites.ResultsIn the third year after treatment, several plant traits differed between the successful or failed target species and the resident vegetation, e.g. successful target species tended to be as tall as resident species, whereas failed target species were smaller, suggesting insufficient competitive ability of the latter. Species that successfully recruited from the soil seed bank were taller than resident species. Small specific leaf area was important for the establishment success of target species. Trait composition of the species assemblage clearly related to the environmental setting: mean specific leaf area and the proportion of annuals increased and the proportion of C‐strategists decreased with increasing human‐mediated impacts on the restoration sites.ConclusionsOur results reveal clear trait differences between successful and failed target species in grassland restoration on urban wasteland sites, demonstrating that high competitive ability is crucial for success in target species. Grassland species that are successfully integrated into urban wasteland vegetation may thus fill well‐defined vacant niches, while resembling the traits of the resident species in other ways. Our results may allow generalizations and transfer to similar urban settings, as the analysed trait states were assessed as relative values compared to resident species.
Compounded disturbances in sub‐alpine forests in western Colorado favour future dominance by quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Authors: Kulakowski Dominik , Matthews Carolyn , Jarvis Daniel , Veblen Thomas T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractQuestionAs the extent, magnitude and/or frequency of various forest disturbances are increasing due to climate change, it is becoming increasingly likely that forests may be affected by more than one type of disturbance in short succession. We studied how compounded disturbances and pre‐fire composition influence post‐fire tree regeneration. Specifically, do compounded disturbances reduce overall regeneration and favour initial dominance of species that regenerate vegetatively?LocationSub‐alpine forests in northwestern Colorado.MethodsThe study region was affected by a severe outbreak of Dendroctonus rufipennis in the 1940s, a severe wind storm in 1997 and severe fires in 2002. Permanent plots to monitor regeneration were established in 2003 and were re‐measured in 2004, 2005 and 2010. Plots were located in stands that varied in long‐term disturbance history (stands that originated following fires in 1879 or 1880 vs older stands), recent disturbance history (fire only; outbreak then fire; blowdown then fire) and pre‐fire forest dominance (Populus tremuloides, Pinus contorta, or Picea engelmannii–Abies lasiocarpa).ResultsCombined density of regeneration of all tree species was highest in stands dominated by P. tremuloides prior to the 2002 fires. In P. contorta stands that were affected only by the 2002 fires, regeneration density was higher in stands that were younger prior to the fire (those that originated in the 1880s), in which cone serotiny is more prevalent, than in older stands (those that originated >200 yr ago). However, the advantage of relatively young P. contorta stands to regenerate following fire was inhibited by compounded disturbances of wind and then fire. Similarly, following compounded disturbances the combined density of conifer seedlings of all species was lower than following only fire. In contrast, the density of P. tremuloides was not lower following compounded disturbances than following fire only, and was higher than that of other species.ConclusionsPre‐fire forest composition and disturbance history influence the abundance and composition of post‐fire regeneration. Compounded disturbances generally reduce the regeneration of conifers, which regenerate exclusively from seed, and appear to favour initial stand dominance by P. tremuloides, which regenerates both sexually and asexually. Such differential effects may thereby alter trajectories of post‐fire regeneration. As P. tremuloides are less susceptible than conifers to fires, bark beetle outbreaks and wind disturbances, increased dominance by P. tremuloides may contribute to a negative feedback that may diminish the probability and/or severity of future disturbances and thus increase overall forest ecosystem resiliency.
A Novel Method for Creating an Optimal Emergence Profile Adjacent to Dental Implants
Authors: BECKER WILLIAM , DOERR JOHN , BECKER BURTON E. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTIn order to establish an optimal esthetic implant result, creation of an optimal emergence profile is necessary. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe a new method for creating an emergence profile starting at the time of immediate implant placement. Clinical steps for creating the emergence profile are described from the time of implant placement to restoration.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPrefabricated abutments that can be modified and used as healing abutments or for provisional restorations offer clinicians the opportunity to create emergence profiles during the healing phase after immediate implant treatment. This procedure eliminates the need for creation of an arbitrary emergence profile in the dental laboratory and eliminates the need for a surgical procedure prior to impression making.
Ratzinger and Aquinas on the Dating of the Last Supper: In Defense of the Synoptic Chronology
Authors: Joy John P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis essay takes up the question of the dating of the Last Supper and the apparent contradiction between the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels with regard to the date of the Passover Feast in the year that Jesus died. Our point of departure is Joseph Ratzinger's consideration of the same problem in the second volume of his recent book Jesus of Nazareth, wherein he ultimately concedes the irreconcilability of the two accounts and concludes in favor of the historical accuracy of the Johannine rather the Synoptic chronology. The second part of this essay then takes up and re-proposes the solution to this apparent contradiction given by St Thomas Aquinas. The intervening centuries of ‘higher criticism’ notwithstanding, Aquinas's solution remains satisfactory inasmuch as it preserves the historical truth of all four Gospel accounts whole and entire, and does so with an historical plausibility and an elegant simplicity that is not forced to rely upon tenuous historical reconstructions. Moreover, there are strong arguments that can be drawn from the Gospel itself and from Jewish laws and customs pertaining to Passover which can be marshaled in favor of Aquinas's interpretation.
Aquinas on God's Relation to the World
Authors: McWhorter Matthew R. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAquinas’ denial that God has a real relation with the world results in the difficulty of understanding how God creates, knows, wills, and loves the world without entering into a real relation with the world. Because of this perplexity, the contemporary philosopher William Lane Craig argues that Aquinas’ doctrine is ‘extraordinarily implausible.’ After reviewing Aquinas’ teaching in the Summa theologiae, I consider Craig's criticism and then attempt to defend Aquinas’ teaching. In this defense, I consider Aquinas’ teaching as heir to Aristotle, Lombard, and Augustine. I also look at Aquinas’ teaching in relation to his discussions of the divine immutability, knowledge, will, and love.
Analysis of needs of patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: Using focus group interviews
Authors: Habara Minako , Kawabata Hidenobu , Sekine Rikaru , Maezawa Masaji , Majima Tokifumi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim: The current needs of patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head were analyzed for the purpose of seeking effective support programs that would maintain and improve the quality of life of the patients.Methods: A focus group interview method was used to collect data. Interviewees included eight patients. They were asked about their opinions and needs with respect to medicine, health care, and welfare.Results: Overall, four needs were revealed as particularly significant: information needs, decision‐making in the absence of pre‐established treatment, psychological support, and sufficient medical healthcare institutions.Conclusion: These four needs are useful for the foundation of future support systems, whose main concerns will be: counseling support for patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head, currently adopted institutions, and resources that may be required in the future.
Differentiating malignant colorectal tumor patients from benign colorectal tumor patients by assaying morning urinary arylsulfatase activity
Authors: NIU Rungui , JING Hua , CHEN Zhao , XU Junpu , DAI Jie , YAN Zhao 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim:  For several decades urinary arylsulfatase (ARS) activity has been reported to be elevated in many cancers. It has been shown that urinary ARS activity may serve as a marker of tumor progression and therapy surveillance. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical application of detection of urinary ARS activity.Methods:  We used a modified precipitation method to separate ARS from urine samples. This method was easy to use and applicable for a high throughput assay. We tested and analyzed the morning urinary ARS activity in 300 normal controls, 97 patients with benign tumors and 119 with malignant colorectal tumor.Results:  Compared to normal male and female controls, morning urinary ARS activity was significantly higher in malignant colorectal tumor patients. Moreover, morning urinary ARS activity had a relatively high efficacy in distinguishing patients with malignant colorectal tumors from those with benign colorectal tumors. The area under the curve in the receiver operator characteristics curve analysis was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83–0.95) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79–0.94) in male and female colorectal patients, respectively.Conclusion:  These data suggest the potential application of morning urinary ARS activity to conventional clinical use.
Assessment, management, and prevention of childhood temper tantrums
Authors: Daniels Elizabeth , Mandleco Barbara , Luthy Karlen E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPurpose: To provide an overview of normal and abnormal temper tantrum behavior as well as give recommendations nurse practitioners (NPs) can use in counseling families.Data sources: Articles were identified from the following databases: CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic edition, Medline, Social Work Abstracts, Social Science Abstracts, Psych INFO, Psychology and Behavioral Science Collection. Textbook references were also identified using Stat!Ref.Conclusions: Temper tantrums are one of the most common behavior problems in children. Although most children will have tantrums, with NPs’ support and guidance in primary care encounters, most children will not require further intervention.Implications for practice: NPs caring for children will need to identify normal and abnormal tantrum behavior as well as rule out other causes of tantrums in order to help parents handle the tantrum behavior.To obtain CE credit for this activity, go to http://www.aanp.org and click on the CE Center. Locate the listing for this article and complete the post‐test. Follow the instructions to print your CE certificate.