bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumers' perception of corporate social responsibility in a developing country
Authors: Arli Denni I. , Lasmono Hari K. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) increasingly receives attention from managers and researchers, especially in the area of consumer perception and response of CSR. However, most of this research was conducted in the context of developed countries. It shows that research on consumer perception towards CSR in developing countries needs to be developed. This paper will examine consumer perception in the developing country of Indonesia. This research produced mixed results, suggesting that CSR is still a concept waiting to be applied in the developing country. Consumers are often unaware and unsupportive towards CSR. This is the opposite finding of consumer perception in developed countries, where most consumers are willing to support CSR launched by corporations. Nevertheless, there is an interesting finding: When consumers have to buy similar products with the same price and quality, CSR could be the determining factor. They would buy from the firm that has a socially responsible reputation.
Religiosity and consumers' use of product information source among Korean consumers: an exploratory research
Authors: Choi Youngtae , Kale Rahul , Shin Jongkuk 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn response to the lack of research on the impact of religion on consumer behaviour, this study investigates how consumers' use of various product information sources can differ depending on their levels of religiosity (high, low and none). Data were collected from Korean consumers in Korea. The findings from data analyses indicate that the usages of product information sources among Korean consumers generally vary based upon their levels of religiosity. Limitations and suggestions for future research to further understand the effects of religiosity on consumer behaviour were addressed.
Microbiology and geochemistry of Little Hot Creek, a hot spring environment in the Long Valley Caldera
Authors: VICK T. J. , DODSWORTH J. A. , COSTA K. C. , SHOCK E. L. , HEDLUND B. P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA culture‐independent community census was combined with chemical and thermodynamic analyses of three springs located within the Long Valley Caldera, Little Hot Creek (LHC) 1, 3, and 4. All three springs were approximately 80 °C, circumneutral, apparently anaerobic and had similar water chemistries. 16S rRNA gene libraries constructed from DNA isolated from spring sediment revealed moderately diverse but highly novel microbial communities. Over half of the phylotypes could not be grouped into known taxonomic classes. Bacterial libraries from LHC1 and LHC3 were predominantly species within the phyla Aquificae and Thermodesulfobacteria, while those from LHC4 were dominated by candidate phyla, including OP1 and OP9. Archaeal libraries from LHC3 contained large numbers of Archaeoglobales and Desulfurococcales, while LHC1 and LHC4 were dominated by Crenarchaeota unaffiliated with known orders. The heterogeneity in microbial populations could not easily be attributed to measurable differences in water chemistry, but may be determined by availability of trace amounts of oxygen to the spring sediments. Thermodynamic modeling predicted the most favorable reactions to be sulfur and nitrate respirations, yielding 40–70 kJ mol−1 e− transferred; however, levels of oxygen at or below our detection limit could result in aerobic respirations yielding up to 100 kJ mol−1 e− transferred. Important electron donors are predicted to be H2, H2S, S0, Fe2+ and CH4, all of which yield similar energies when coupled to a given electron acceptor. The results indicate that springs associated with the Long Valley Caldera contain microbial populations that show some similarities both to springs in Yellowstone and springs in the Great Basin.
Efficacy of 3,5‐dibromo‐L‐phenylalanine in rat models of stroke, seizures and sensorimotor gating deficit
Authors: Cao W , Shah HP , Glushakov AV , Mecca AP , Shi P , Sumners C , Seubert CN , Martynyuk AE 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Abnormal glutamatergic activity is implicated in neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Selective glutamate receptor antagonists were highly effective in animal models of stroke and seizures but failed in further clinical development because of serious side effects, including an almost complete set of symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, the novel polyvalent glutamatergic agent 3,5‐dibromo‐L‐phenylalanine (3,5‐DBr‐L‐Phe) was studied in rat models of stroke, seizures and sensorimotor gating deficit.Experimental approach:  3,5‐DBr‐L‐Phe was administered intraperitoneally as three boluses after intracerebral injection of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) adjacent to the middle cerebral artery to cause brain injury (a model of stroke). 3,5‐DBr‐L‐Phe was also given as a single bolus prior to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection to induce seizures or prior to the administration of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK‐801) to cause disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle (sensorimotor gating deficit).Key results:  Brain damage caused by ET‐1 was reduced by 52%, which is comparable with the effects of MK‐801 in this model as reported by others. 3,5‐DBr‐L‐Phe significantly reduced seizures induced by PTZ without the significant effects on arterial blood pressure and heart rate normally caused by NMDA antagonists. 3,5‐DBr‐L‐Phe prevented the disruption of PPI measured 3 days after the administration of ET‐1. 3,5‐DBr‐L‐Phe also eliminated sensorimotor gating deficit caused by MK‐801.Conclusion and implications:  The pharmacological profile of 3,5‐DBr‐L‐Phe might be beneficial not only for developing a therapy for the neurological and cognitive symptoms of stroke and seizures but also for some neuropsychiatric disorders.
Novel effects mediated by bradykinin and pharmacological characterization of bradykinin B2receptor antagonism in human synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Bellucci F , Cucchi P , Catalani C , Giuliani S , Meini S , Maggi CA 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Bradykinin (BK) and B2receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA), and synovitis is one of its hallmarks. Here, the selective B2receptor antagonists MEN16132 and icatibant have been pharmacologically characterized in human synovial cells.Experimental approach: Radioligand and functional studies (inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 release) were performed in cultured synoviocytes.Key results: [3H]‐BK saturation studies indicated receptor density (Bmax) and Kdvalues of 121 550 sites per cell and 1.14 nM respectively. In synoviocytes, MEN16132 (pKi8.9) was threefold more potent than icatibant (pKi8.4). Both antagonists showed competitive antagonism in the BK‐induced IP assay (control EC500.45 nM), with pKBvalues of 9.9 (MEN16132) and 8.1 (icatibant). 24h incubation with BK induced IL‐6 (EC50216 nM) and IL‐8 (EC5053 nM) release. Both MEN16132 (IL‐6: pIC508.1; IL‐8: pIC508.4) and icatibant (IL‐6: pIC506.6; IL‐8: pIC506.7) completely prevented this BK‐induced release. Indomethacin did not affect the basal or the IL‐6/IL‐8 release induced by BK, whereas nordihydroguaiaretic acid decreased the basal release, although BK still increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 production. BK‐induced IL‐8 release was attenuated by inhibitors of phospholipase C (U73122), p38 (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), ERK 1/2 (PD98059) MAPKs, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (LY294002), NF‐κb(BAY‐117085) and by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone.Conclusions and implications: Bradykinin via B2receptors can participate in inflammatory events in synovitis. MEN16132 is a highly potent B2receptor antagonist capable of blocking pro‐inflammatory responses to BK evoked in human synoviocytes.
Health care resource utilization in patients with active epilepsy
Authors: Kurth Tobias , Lewis Barbara E. , Walker Alexander M. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To evaluate health care resource utilization (HRU) in active epilepsy.Methods:  Thomson‐Reuters insurance databases included 14 million persons in 2005–2007. We extracted information for individuals with insurance claims suggestive of epilepsy. Using iterative expert classification, we sorted patients by type of epilepsy. For each type we calculated prevalence and HRU. A distance analysis identified closely similar types, and a principal components analysis revealed dimensions of variation in HRU.Results:  The prevalence of active epilepsy was 3.4 per 1,000. Most common diagnoses among 46,847 patients were generalized convulsive epilepsy (33.3%) and complex partial seizures (24.8%). Patients averaged 10 physician visits per year, 24 diagnostic tests/procedures per year, >30 drug dispensings per year, and <1 emergency room (ER) visit per year, the minority of each of these being related to epilepsy. Female patients generally had more HRU, and HRU increased with age. Patients were hospitalized most frequently for disorders other than epilepsy. HRU was similar for most epilepsy types, excepting grand mal status, epilepsia partialis continua, and infantile spasms. The first principal components of HRU variation was nonepilepsy HRU, followed by components of epilepsy‐related medications, other epilepsy/emergency care, and epilepsy visits/diagnostic procedures.Discussion:  The prevalence of active epilepsy in the United States is substantially less than the prevalence of any history of recurrent seizure. Nonepilepsy‐related HRU dominated HRU in epilepsy patients and was the principal source of variation. There is a core set of epilepsy diagnoses, the HRU patterns of which are indistinguishable, whereas patients with grand mal status, epilepsia partialis continua, and infantile spasms all have distinct patterns. To provide more specific insights into the economic impact of the condition, studies of HRU in epilepsy should make a distinction about epilepsy‐related and unrelated care.
Prognosticating acute symptomatic seizures using two different seizure outcomes
Authors: Leung Howan , Man Celeste B. L. , Hui Andrew C. F. , Kwan Patrick , Wong Ka S. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryPurpose:  This study examined the profiles and prognosis of first acute symptomatic seizure (ASS). Because seizure recurrences may occur in the setting of a persisting or reemerging acute symptomatic cause or in the setting of an unprovoked seizure, we documented the prognosis of ASS in terms of acute symptomatic seizure (AS) or unprovoked seizure (US) recurrence.Methods:  We conducted a prospective study of patients with suspected seizures between April 2004 and December 2005. Patients were classified according to medical history taking, routine clinical evaluation, and expert adjudication, and they were followed for a minimum of 2 years or until death. The Kaplan‐Meier method and univariate/multivariate statistical analysis were used to determine prognosis.Results:  One hundred five patients with first‐ever ASS were identified. For many, first ASS was associated with status epilepticus (29.5%), multiple‐onset (>1 seizure within 24 h on day of presentation) (35.2%), and multiple etiologies (22.9%), with a mortality of 30% at 2 years (Kaplan‐Meier method). Using AS as outcome, the risk of recurrence following an ASS was 32% at 2 years [mean time to recurrence 20.5 days with epileptiform electroencephalography (EEG) being an independent predictor; p = 0.005, odds ratio (OR) 16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.09–62.7]. Using US as outcome, the risk of recurrence following an ASS was 12% at 2 years.Discussion:  Although ASS did not associate with a high rate of US recurrence, we demonstrated that ASS was often followed by another AS. This may have implication for short‐ to medium‐term antiepileptic agent therapy, especially when the acute symptomatic cause takes a long time to treat, is prone to reemergence, or is irreversible.
Involvement of the thalamocortical network in TLE with and without mesiotemporal sclerosis
Authors: Mueller Susanne G. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Barakos Jerome , Cheong Ian , Finlay Daniel , Garcia Paul , Cardenas‐Nicolson Valerie , Weiner Michael W. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryPurpose:  The thalamus plays an important role in seizure propagation in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This study investigated how structural abnormalities in the focus, ipsilateral thalamus and extrafocal cortical structures relate to each other in TLE with mesiotemporal sclerosis (TLE‐MTS) and without hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐no).Methods:  T1 and high‐resolution T2 images were acquired on a 4T magnet in 29 controls, 15 TLE‐MTS cases, and 14 TLE‐no. Thalamus volumes were obtained by warping a labeled atlas onto each subject’s brain. Deformation‐based morphometry was used to identify regions of thalamic volume loss and FreeSurfer for cortical thickness measurements. CA1 volumes were obtained from high‐resolution T2 images. Multiple regression analysis and correlation analyses for voxel‐ and vertex‐based analyses were performed in SPM2 and FreeSurfer.Results:  TLE‐MTS had bilateral volume loss in the anterior thalamus, which was correlated with CA1 volume and cortical thinning in the mesiotemporal lobe. TLE‐no had less severe volume loss in the dorsal lateral nucleus, which was correlated with thinning in the mesiotemporal region but not with extratemporal thinning.Discussion:  The findings suggest that seizure propagation from the presumed epileptogenic focus or regions close to it into the thalamus occurs in TLE‐MTS and TLE‐no and results in circumscribed neuronal loss in the thalamus. However, seizure spread beyond the thalamus seems not to be responsible for the extensive extratemporal cortical abnormalities in TLE.
Examining the prevalence of epilepsy and delivery of epilepsy care in Ireland
Authors: Linehan Christine , Kerr Mike P. , Walsh Patricia N. , Brady Gerry , Kelleher Cecily , Delanty Norman , Dawson Frances , Glynn Mike 
Published: December 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To examine the prevalence of epilepsy and delivery of epilepsy care in Ireland.Methods:  A multiple case ascertainment methodology was employed examining five nationwide data sources. Data were obtained via (1) a nationwide population‐based health survey, (2) secondary data analysis of all reimbursements for prescriptions of antiepilepsy medication nationwide from 2002 to 2005, (3) a nationwide survey of primary care community‐based physicians, (4) a nationwide survey of specialist care hospital‐based neurologists, and (5) secondary data analysis of inpatient discharges from acute hospitals nationwide for persons with a diagnosis of epilepsy between 2000 and 2005.Results:  The findings indicate that nationwide approximately (1) 10 per 1,000 persons (n = 31,000) 18 years and older have self‐reported lifetime prevalence of epilepsy, (2) 8.3–9 per 1,000 (approximately 33,000–36,000) persons 5 years and older are being treated for epilepsy using antiepilepsy medication, (3) the typical general practitioner provides care to an average of 13 patients with active epilepsy and epilepsy in remission with treatment, (4) specialist care is provided on a weekly basis to approximately 442 persons with active epilepsy and epilepsy in remission with treatment, and (5) approximately 67 discharges for persons with a primary or secondary diagnosis of epilepsy are reported from acute hospitals weekly.Discussion:  This study is distinguished as the first nationwide prevalence study of epilepsy in Europe and provides previously unavailable data on this population in Ireland. Moreover, this study illustrates the merits of secondary data analysis of existing sources when access to clinical sources for the purpose of identifying epidemiologic samples is limited.
Rapid and transient response of soil respiration to rain
Authors: Lee Xuhui , Wu Hui‐Ju , Sigler Jeffrey , Oishi Christopher , Siccama Thomas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe influence of rainstorm on soil respiration of a mixed forest in southern New England, USA was investigated with eddy covariance, rain simulation and laboratory incubation. Soil respiration is shown to respond rapidly and instantaneously to the onset of rain and return to the prerain rate shortly after the rain stops. The pulse‐like flux, most likely caused by the decomposition of active carbon compounds in the litter layer, can amount to a loss of 0.18 t C ha−1 to the atmosphere in a single intensive storm, or 5–10% of the annual net ecosystem production of midlatitude forests. If precipitation becomes more variable in a future warmer world, the rain pulse should play an important part in the transient response of the ecosystem carbon balance to climate, particularly for ecosystems on ridge‐tops with rapid water drainage.
Current Practices and Perspectives on Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment in Older Women with Dementia
Authors: Smyth Kathleen A. 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To explore the nature of breast cancer screening and treatment decisions in older women with dementia.DESIGN: Thematic analysis of semistructured telephone interviews.SETTING: Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Registry.PARTICIPANTS: Twenty‐three family caregivers (CGs) of women with dementia (WWD).MEASUREMENTS: Semistructured questions regarding CGs' perceptions of current and predementia beliefs held by the WWD about the importance of regular screening mammograms, CGs' views about the importance of obtaining regular screening mammograms for the WWD and whether dementia stage of the WWD influenced these views, and CGs' view of what level of treatment would be appropriate if WWD they were caring for were to be diagnosed with breast cancer.RESULTS: In CGs of women with mild to moderate (but not severe) dementia, mammogram importance ratings reflected perceived predementia importance levels (generally high). Most CGs of women with mild to moderate dementia planned to continue screening regardless of dementia severity of the WWD, but CGs of women with severe dementia at the time of the interview did not generally consider screening important. Physician recommendations were frequently found to influence screening practices. CGs' views on appropriate treatment if the WWD developed breast cancer varied widely except in the case of severe dementia, in which case comfort care was consistently preferred.CONCLUSION: Breast cancer screening and treatment in dementia are active areas for healthcare decision‐making, and supportive interventions involving physicians, CGs, and WWD are needed.
Assessment and Interpretation of Comorbidity Burden in Older Adults with Cancer
Authors: Koroukian Siran M. 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations between comorbidities, functional limitations, geriatric syndromes, treatment patterns, and outcomes in a population‐based cohort of older patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and receiving home health care.DESIGN: Retrospective study.SETTING: Data from the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System, Medicare claims and enrollment files, and the home health care Outcome and Assessment Information Set.PARTICIPANTS: Ohio residents diagnosed with incident colorectal cancer in 1999 to 2001 and receiving home health care in the 30 days before or after cancer diagnosis (N=957).MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures included receipt of cancer treatment and survival through 2005.RESULTS: Not having surgery was associated negatively with comorbidities but positively with functional limitations and geriatric syndromes. Receipt of chemotherapy was negatively associated with comorbidities and functional limitations. The presence of two or more geriatric syndromes was significantly associated with unfavorable survival outcomes when analyzing overall survival and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Having limitations in two or more activities of daily living was associated with unfavorable overall survival but not with DSS. Comorbity was associated with favorable DSS at borderline level of statistical significance but not with overall survival.CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of incorporating functional limitations and geriatric syndrome data in geriatric oncology outcomes studies.
New hemostatic agents in the combat setting
Authors: Cox E. Darrin , Schreiber Martin A. , McManus John , Wade Charles E. , Holcomb John B. 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is a leading cause of potentially preventable death in both civilian and military trauma patients. Animal data have shown that hemostatic bandages reduce hemorrhage and improve survival. This article reports recent clinical observations regarding the efficacy and evolution of use of two new hemostatic bandages employed in the global war on terrorism.METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort review of soldiers treated with either the QuikClot or HemCon hemostatic bandages between April and October 2006. Hemostatic dressings were placed on wounds either in the field or at the combat support hospital (CSH).RESULTS: During the 6‐month study period, 1691 trauma patients were admitted to the CSH. Fifty uses of hemostatic dressings in 44 patients (2.6% of admissions) were identified. Forty patients were treated with HemCon dressings, three patients with QuikClot, and one with both QuikClot and HemCon. Eighteen percent of the dressings were used in the field, predominantly on extremity wounds (7/8). In contrast, most dressings used in the CSH were for truncal wounds (26/36 patients). Hemostatic dressings were applied to extremity wounds in prehospital and hospital settings, either alone or in conjunction with tourniquets. In surviving patients (95%), the treating surgeon determined that the hemorrhage was either stopped or greatly decreased by use of hemostatic dressings. Two of the four patients treated with QuikClot had burns from exothermic reactions, while no adverse reactions were noted with HemCon.CONCLUSIONS: Hemostatic agents stop or decrease bleeding. Whereas HemCon appears to be safe, QuikClot may produce superficial burns. These new hemostatic agents have a place in the surgical armamentarium to assist in controlling internal hemorrhage from truncal and pelvic hemorrhage, especially during damage‐control surgery.
Thromboembolic complications following trauma
Authors: McLaughlin Daniel F. , Wade Charles E. , Champion Howard R. , Salinas Jose , Holcomb John B. 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Some studies have reported an increased incidence of thomboembolic complications following trauma.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a literature review and queried the National Trauma Data Bank to more closely examine the incidence of a variety of thromboembolic complications following injury.RESULTS: Thromboembolic events are rare, but occur at a greater rate in more severely injured patients. It is unclear, however, whether the incidence of thromboembolic complications in trauma patients is on the rise overall. Differences in study populations, particularly injury severity scores, as well as different methods of screening, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment have led to extreme differences in reported rates.CONCLUSION: While recent research has added to the body of knowledge, continued efforts focusing on risk stratification, diagnosis, screening, prophylaxis, and treatment are necessary to rationally understand the spectrum of thrombotic complications.