bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐Port Versus Four‐Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Sun Shaoliang , Yang Kehu , Gao Mingtai , He Xiaodong , Tian Jinhui , Ma Bin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundSince the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was reported, the four‐trocar laparoscope has become the golden standard procedure. Some surgeons, however, thought that the three‐port technique may be safe, effective, and economic. Our meta‐analysis compared the three‐port technique to the four‐port technique.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Quality assessment and data extraction were done by two reviewers independently. The statistical analysis was performed by RevMan4.2.10 software.ResultsA total of five publications comprising 591 patients met the inclusion criteria. The result showed that three‐port technique could not reduce the analgesia requirements: the sample mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were –0.28 (–0.66, 0.10). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operating time [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 2.08, 95% CI (–3.63, 7.79)], success rate [odds ratio (OR) = 0.99,95% CI (0.31, 3.12)], or postoperative hospital stay [OR = –0.52,95% CI (–1.22, 0.17)].ConclusionsThe current evidence showed that the two groups had similar operating times, success rates, analgesia requirements, and postoperative hospital stays. The methodological qualities of studies are not high, so more high‐quality studies are needed for further analysis.
Addressing the Challenges Faced by Early Adolescents: A Mixed‐Method Evaluation of the Benefits of Peer Support
Authors: Ellis Louise A. , Marsh Herbert W. , Craven Rhonda G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn this article, we describe a mixed‐methods study used to examine the effectiveness of a widely‐used peer support program designed to facilitate the transition to adolescence and high school by enhancing self‐concept and other desirable outcomes. For the quantitative component, a longitudinal design was employed (930 Grade 7 students, 3 schools, 2 years), with control group and baseline (i.e., pre‐program) data against which to compare the effects. Using a multilevel approach, the results provide evidence to suggest that the program was largely successful in achieving its aims of enhancing students’ school self‐concept, school citizenship, sense of self and possibility, connectedness, and resourcefulness. A sub‐sample of students from the experimental group participated in the qualitative component, which included open‐ended survey results (n = 408 Grade 7 students, n = 75 peer support leaders) and focus groups (n = 119 Grade 7 students, n = 44 peer support leaders) to identify students’ personal perspectives of the program. The qualitative results confirmed the quantitative findings that the program has important benefits for Grade 7 students and provided rich and valuable insights into students’ views of the intervention. The findings of this research have important implications and suggest that the provision of peer support has the potential to a make significant contribution to schools’ efforts to orchestrate positive outcomes for adolescents.
Mortality and cause of death in mucopolysaccharidosis type II—a historical review based on data from the Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS)
Authors: Jones S. A. , Almássy Z. , Beck M. , Burt K. , Clarke J. T. , Giugliani R. , Hendriksz C. , Kroepfl T. , Lavery L. , Lin S.‐P. , Malm G. , Ramaswami U. , Tincheva R. , Wraith J. E. ,   on behalf of the HOS Investigators
Published: July 2009

SummaryMucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II or Hunter syndrome) is a progressive, multisystemic disease caused by a deficiency of iduronate‐2‐sulfatase. Patients with the severe form of the disease have cognitive impairment and typically die in the second decade of life. Patients with the less severe form do not experience significant cognitive involvement and may survive until the fifth or sixth decade of life. We studied the relationship of both severity of MPS II and the time period in which patients died with age at death in 129 patients for whom data were entered retrospectively into HOS (Hunter Outcome Survey), the only large‐scale, multinational observational study of patients with MPS II. Median age at death was significantly lower in patients with cognitive involvement compared with those without cognitive involvement (11.7 versus 14.1 years; p = 0.024). These data indicate that cognitive involvement is indicative of more severe disease and lower life expectancy in patients with MPS II. Median age at death was significantly lower in patients who died in or before 1985 compared with those who died after 1985 (11.3 versus 14.1 years; p α 0.001). The difference in age at death between patients dying in or before, relative to after, the selected cut‐off date of 1985 may reflect improvements in patient identification, care and management over the past two decades. Data from patients who died after 1985 could serve as a control in analyses of the effects of enzyme replacement therapy with idursulfase on mortality in patients with MPS II.
Micro/Nanoscale Parallel Patterning of Functional Biomolecules, Organic Fluorophores and Colloidal Nanocrystals
Authors: Sabella S. , Brunetti V. , Vecchio G. , Torre A. Della , Rinaldi R. , Cingolani R. , Pompa P. P. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We describe the design and optimization of a reliable strategy that combines self-assembly and lithographic techniques, leading to very precise micro-/nanopositioning of biomolecules for the realization of micro- and nanoarrays of functional DNA and antibodies. Moreover, based on the covalent immobilization of stable and versatile SAMs of programmable chemical reactivity, this approach constitutes a general platform for the parallel site-specific deposition of a wide range of molecules such as organic fluorophores and water-soluble colloidal nanocrystals.
Structural Characterization of Mesoporous Silica Nanofibers Synthesized Within Porous Alumina Membranes
Authors: Gong Zhihong , Ji Guangbin , Zheng Mingbo , Chang Xiaofeng , Dai Weijie , Pan Lijia , Shi Yi , Zheng Youdou 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanofibers were synthesized within the pores of the anodic aluminum oxide template using a simple sol–gel method. Transmission electron microscopy investigation indicated that the concentration of the structure-directing agent (EO20PO70EO20) had a significant impact on the mesostructure of mesoporous silica nanofibers. Samples with alignment of nanochannels along the axis of mesoporous silica nanofibers could be formed under the P123 concentration of 0.15 mg/mL. When the P123 concentration increased to 0.3 mg/mL, samples with a circular lamellar mesostructure could be obtained. The mechanism for the effect of the P123 concentration on the mesostructure of mesoporous silica nanofibres was proposed and discussed.
The life skills program IPSY: Positive influences on school bonding and prevention of substance misuse
Authors: Wenzel Victoria , Weichold Karina , Silbereisen Rainer K. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated whether a life skills program (LSP) for the prevention of adolescent substance misuse can have positive influences on a school context and on school bonding. The study also explored whether effects on alcohol use are mediated by positive effects on school bonding resulting from program participation. The LSP IPSY (Information + Psychosocial Competence = Protection) was implemented over a 3‐year period via specially trained teachers. Analyses were based on a German evaluation study utilizing a quasi‐experimental design (intervention/control) with school‐wise assignment to the respective groups. Analyses were based on four measurement points (N = 952, 10 years at pre‐test). Results indicated that IPSY was well implemented, highly accepted by teachers and students, and that teachers profited regarding their teaching methods. ANCOVAS revealed positive program effects on alcohol use and school bonding. Multiple regressions indicated that positive influences on school bonding following program participation partially mediated effects on alcohol use.
Spinal cord long‐term potentiation (LTP) is associated with increased dorsal horn gene expression of IL‐1β, GDNF and iNOS
Authors: Pedersen Linda M. , Jacobsen Line M. , Mollerup Steen , Gjerstad Johannes 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPrevious data show that spinal cord long‐term potentiation (LTP) can be induced by electrical high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) conditioning applied to the sciatic nerve. It has been suggested that the cellular events leading to this form of plasticity may contribute to central hyperalgesia. In the present study, extracellular recordings from single dorsal horn neurons and quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) on rat dorsal horn tissue were used to examine whether maintenance of spinal LTP is associated with changes in gene expression of the proinflammatory interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The data demonstrated that the HFS conditioning induced a robust increase in the dorsal horn C‐fibre responses, which outlasted the duration of the experiments of 6 h (p < 0.05, HFS vs. control). Moreover, a significant increase in the expression of mRNA for IL‐1β, GDNF and iNOS were observed 6 h following the HFS conditioning (p < 0.05, HFS vs. control). For the first time we show that spinal cord LTP is associated with an increased dorsal horn expression of the genes for IL‐1β, GDNF and iNOS.
Trials of Residual Insecticides against Anophelines in African-type Huts
Authors: Burnett G. F. 
Published: July 2009

Since November 1951, trials of residual insecticides have been carried out at Taveta, Kenya, against Anopheles gambiae Giles and A. funestus Giles in native-type huts fitted with exit traps.DDT wettable powder at over 2·5 g. DDT per sq. metre in a hut with plaster of absorbent mud gave, for eight months, kills of over 50 per cent. of the female Anophelines that entered.BHC wettable powder in huts with absorbent walls at 0·24 g. γ isomer per sq. metre gave kills of over 50 per cent. for nine months or more. On non-absorbent walls the kill fell rapidly during the third month and was negligible by the fifth. Insecticide persisted in walls of active material after the roof of inactive materials had become relatively innocuous.Wettable powders combining DDT and BHC were not effective unless the deposit of DDT was at least 2·1 g./m.2. For an equivalent cost, BHC alone was more effective on active walls and dieldrin on inactive ones.BHC in urea-formaldehyde resin at 2·5 g. γ BHC per sq. metre was persistent but the persistence was not commensurate with the cost of the material and difficulty of application. The insecticide persists longest on mud surfaces, presumably because it is absorbed from the skin of resin and later released as vapour. Absorption would render permanently innocuous a nonvolatile insecticide.Aldrin wettable powder was found considerably less persistent than BHC on absorbent walls.
Studies concerning the Uptake of Contact Insecticides
Authors: Lewis C. T. , Hughes J. C. 
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the results of an investigation of certain processes taking place when flies of the species Phormia (Protophormia) terraenovae R.-D. are exposed to finely particulate deposits. Information is advanced concerning the precise sites of uptake of particles on the tarsi and pretarsi, the effects of “cleaning” reflex movements on the location and retention of particles and the influence of lipoid solubility (a fundamental property of contact insecticides) on the adhesion of dry particles to the lipophilic surfaces of insect and leaf cuticle.A technique for the controlled exposure of active blowflies of the species P. terraenovae to particulate deposits is described.
The Activity Cycle of domestic Aëdes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Dipt., Culicid.) in Southern Province, Tanganyika
Authors: Lumsden W. H. R. 
Published: July 2009

The population of the Makonde plateau, Newala district, Tanganyika, underwent a severe epidemic of a virus disease in 1952–55, and during an investigation of the epidemic the opportunity was taken to define the biting activity cycle of Aëdes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.), a mosquito that was extremely common in native huts on the plateau.Continuous baited catches, lasting for 49 hours, were made by teams of four native catchers, inside a hut and on its verandah. The intensity of attack is expressed as the geometric-mean numbers of A. aegypti alighting on such a team per hour. The catches are recorded on a 24-hour system in which sunset is near to 1800 hr.
Studies of Crop Loss following Insect Attack on Cotton in East Africa
Authors: Coaker T. H. 
Published: July 2009

The study of crop loss following insect attack on cotton in Uganda, described in Part I of this work, was continued for two further seasons (1954–56), using the same experimental procedure, except that half the DDT in the spray formulation was replaced by toxaphene, only three periods of protective treatment were used for each date of sowing, and the late-season ones were continued until boll-opening was complete, so as to give maximum control of boll worm.Methods are described of estimating an index of leaf damage caused by Lygus spp., based on comparisons with standard grades. At Serere (Eastern Province), the index of leaf damage was closely related to Lygus populations in the crop, and at Namulonge (Buganda) it was markedly reduced on plots protected from Lygus attack, but in the 1954–56 experiments no relationship could be found between the mean seasonal index and the loss of fruiting bodies attributable to Lygus attack, or the final yield.Analysis of the cause and incidence of shedding of developing fruit bodies (flower buds or young bolls, the latter predominating among those recovered) showed that the total amount of shedding was roughly the same whatever the treatment, that due to insect damage tending to be balanced by that due to other causes, which were probably physiological in nature. There was thus some over-riding factor, other than pest attack, that governed the crop finally held by the plant.Damage caused by insects to older bolls, which do not shed, constitutes a real loss that is reflected in the final harvest. The proportion of clean seed cotton was higher in the treated plots, particularly in the early-sown cotton, in which analysis of the harvested locules showed that the damage was predominantly due to bollworm, but there were no significant differences in yield between the various treatments in either date of sowing or in either season.It is concluded that under such conditions as those experienced at the Research Station in the three seasons of the experiments, insect damage to cotton is small in relation to other environmental factors governing crop production.
A veranda-trap hut for studying the house-frequenting habits of mosquitoes and for assessing insecticides. III. The effect of DDT on behaviour and mortality
Authors: Smith A. , Webley D. J. 
Published: July 2009

The effects of DDT on the behaviour and mortality of Anopheles gambiae Giles, A. funestus Giles, Mansonia uniformis (Theo.) and Culex pipiens fatigans Wied., entering experimental huts, have been studied with the assistance of gas-chromatographic techniques.Sixty to 70% of A. gambiae and 70–80% of M. uniformis were deterred from entering verandah-trap huts treated indoors with a nominal dosage of 200 μg/cm2 of DDT active ingredient. Gas chromatographic techniques indicate that the chemical basis of the deterrency was a steadily diminishing outflow of DDT from the hut, either as a dust or vapour, and the build-up of deposit on the untreated overhanging eaves to 0·02 to 0·27 μg/cm2 seven months after treatment. A. funestus was less deterred than A. gambiae and M. uniformis, but the behaviour of C. p. fatigans was almost unaffected by the DDT deposit.Overall mortalities were highest in A. funestus and M. uniformis, lower in A. gambiae and extremely low in C. p. fatigans.There was a marked irritant effect of the DDT deposit on recently blood-fed A. gambiae, some 50–70% being driven out of the treated huts. This behaviour occurred to a lesser degree in A. funestus but was absent in M. uniformis and C. p. fatigans. The chemical basis of the irritant effect was indicated to the extent that surviving mosquitoes, that left the treated hut, showed 1·5 ng/insect of DDT. Mosquitoes that died, whether indoors or after leaving the hut, picked up amounts ranging from 7 to 20 ng/insect.
Further studies of crop loss following insect attack on cotton in Uganda
Authors: Ingram W. R. 
Published: July 2009

Earlier studies of crop loss following insect attack on cotton in the elephant-grass zone of Uganda were followed up for two more seasons (1965–67), using large plots and routine spray schedules with different insecticides. The spray schedules were four or six fortnightly applications of insecticide, beginning at week 8 from emergence in the 1965–66 season, and four fortnightly or eight weekly sprays in the 1966–67 season. The insecticides used were DDT, endrin and dicrotophos in the first season and DDT, endrin and endosulfan in the second.Estimates of Taylorilygus vosseleri (Popp.), Heliothis armigera (Hb.), Earias biplaga Wlk., Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyr.), Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.), Dysdercus spp., Aphis gossypii Glov., Tetranychus sp. and Eotetranychus sp. showed that, although one or other of the insecticides reduced the different pests to very low levels, yield increases were not obtained. In the 1966–67 trial, when the more important pests were present in very low numbers, DDT and endosulfan significantly reduced yields of clean seed cotton and it is suggested that these formulations are slightly phytotoxic to Uganda cottons.The relationship between the shedding of fruiting bodies and the harvesting of the crop showed that sprays applied after week 14 did not affect the total crop in any way. Increased soil fertility caused the plants to form more fruiting bodies and, although many of these were shed, a higher proportion were retained with or without protection from pest damage.It is concluded that the pest damage is too light to affect yields of early-sown cotton where varieties of indefinite growth habit can compensate for early loss of fruiting bodies in the extended growing season. Routine spraying gives no benefit and, in some seasons, can be harmful.
Observations on the armyworm Spodoptera mauritia acronyctoides Gn. (Lep., Noctuidae) in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo)
Authors: Rothschild G. H. L. 
Published: July 2009

Observations were made on the bionomics of Spodoptera mauritia acronyctoides Gn. in Malaysian Borneo (Sarawak) during an outbreak in 1967. The outbreak was discontinuous over about 6 000 sq. miles, affecting 25 000 acres of lowland and upland rice. In the insectary the durations of the various stages were: egg 2·9 days, first- to seventh-instar larvae respectively 3·1, 1·8, 2·2, 2·1, 2·2, 2·3 and 4·9 days, and pupa 8·4 days. Larval instars could usually be distinguished on head width and the width of the faecal pellets. Food consumption of the larvae was greatest during the final instar. During the outbreak the larvae were found mainly on young rice, and also on young maize; wild host-plants included grasses and sedges, but dicotyledonous plants were not attacked.Females generally mated on the night following emergence, and the pre-oviposition period averaged 2·9 days. Fertilised females laid an average of 1 749 eggs, 80% of the potential total. Virgin females laid only 22% of the potential, and resorbed some of their oocytes. The mean longevity of fertilised females was 5·5 days. Fecundity was directly correlated with pupal weight or length, and the weights of pupae produced in wet-rice fields were significantly heavier than those from dry hill-rice sites. There was a significant correlation between the weight of frass produced (hence food consumed) by the seventh-instar larva and the weight of the pupal stage. Pupae from larvae in crowded cultures were significantly lighter than those reared singly.
Studies on the biology and control of pests of seed beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in northern Tanzania
Authors: Swaine G. 
Published: July 2009

Light-trap catches of Heliothis armigera (Hb.) reach peaks during the wet seasons, April and November–January. Initial infestation of seed beans by H. armigera occurs in April–May at the time of flowering of the early-sown crop, the adults probably originating from an earlier generation on maize. Two generations are completed during the main seed bean season, the first on early-sown beans and the second on later beans, and the dry period July–October may be passed in pupal diapause. Damage, caused by the older larvae eating the seeds in the pod, is prevented by spraying the young larvae with DDT (25% e.c. at 3 pt/2 gal spray/acre) (the standard treatment) or endosulfan (35% e.c. at 1½ pt/2 gal spray/acre) at about six weeks after the beans emerge.Adults of the Pentatomid Nezara viridula (L.) invade bean fields from alternative host-plants at the same time as H. armigera. This species, even in small numbers, causes the loss of young pods and also damages or kills the developing seed. It is not controlled by the standard DDT treatment for H. armigera, but the following insecticides were found to be effective: γBHC 20% e.c. (1¼ pt), dieldrin 18% e.c. (2 pt) and endosulfan 35% e.c. (1½ pt) in 2 gal spray/acre. Where N. viridula and H. armigera are found together, the standard recommendation is endosulfan 35% e.c. (1½ pt/2 gal spray/acre).The Coreids Acanthomia horrida (Germ.) and A. tomentosicollis (Stål) cause damage similar to that of N. viridula, but are serious only when infestations are heavy. They were found to be controlled by DDT, dieldrin or endosulfan at the rates given above.Alatae of the bean aphis Aphis fabae Scop, invade bean fields mainly during the first two weeks of the crop, producing apterae which concentrate on the tip of the plants. Damage (stunting, and loss of flowers and pods) is serious only when large populations of apterae are produced on a high proportion of the young plants. The early infestation demands control measures separate from those for the other pests, the most effective being methyl-demeton 50% e.c. (½ pt/2 gal spray/acre) applied 3–4 weeks after emergence. Endosulfan, although promising and far less toxic than methyl-demeton to larvae of the predator Cheilomenes lunata (F.), was discarded on grounds of cost, as was dimethoate. Aphid populations reached a peak during July and August and decreased with the warmer weather in September. A large number of alternative host-plants is listed, but the source of the primary flight into beans is not known.Melanagromyza phaseoli (Tryon), the life-cycle of which is completed in 23 days, is unimportant on seed beans as it is least abundant during the growing period of the main crop, but may damage plants suffering from water stress. Tunnelling in stems by larvae was controlled by seed dressings of aldrin or heptachlor (both 40% wettable powders mixed with seed at 1:200 w/w).