bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender relations and grass‐roots urban movements
Authors: Hainard François , Verschuur Christine 
Published: June 2009

This article, based on the work of a network of seven teams from countries of the South and countries in transition, presents research findings on the themes of the environment, cities, and social relationships between men and women. The research is predicated on the view that a crosswise look at these three topics brings a useful new perspective to bear on each of these issues as such. It starts from the twofold observation that women and men are not involved in the same way in the urban environment, and that innovative approaches often emanate from women's movements concerned to change the environmental situation in cities as well as women's place and role in the decision‐making process. However, research on urban issues, apart from recent research on employment and the labour market, has turned a blind eye to distinctions between men's and women's needs.The urban environment and gender relations bring into play several variables: the environment, the urban dimension, and gender. While the intermeshing of these approaches undoubtedly constitutes a large part of the originality of the work, it does not make the task any the less complex, for its impact is evident neither in methodological nor in conceptual terms. The personal motivation necessarily built into any research‐action presupposes that the analysis is founded on specific experiences and not upon strictly theoretical principles, though the need for conceptual concordance between the different research teams should not be overlooked. We shall here focus on the governance of which women may be the agents or actors in cities, a focus that brings into play the different approaches to empowerment and gender relations in the context of social change, the analysis of grass‐roots organisations and of men's and women's identities and roles, and the changing balance of power between men and women, whether in the domestic or the public arena.
Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation during isotretinoin treatment: a 12‐week follow‐up study of male Finnish military conscripts
Authors: Rehn LMH , Meririnne E , Höök‐Nikanne J , Isometsä E , Henriksson M 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjective  To investigate the putative association between isotretinoin treatment and depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation among Finnish male military conscripts.Methods  Consecutive acne patients were enrolled into an uncontrolled, prospective 12‐week follow‐up study conducted at the Central Military Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Of the 135 patients prescribed isotretinoin, 126 (93.3%) completed the follow‐up. Depression and suicidal ideation were investigated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline, weeks 4–6, and weeks 10–12.Results  BDI mean score was low at baseline and declined further significantly (p < 0.001) during the follow‐up from 3.0 (SD 3.948) to 1.8 (SD 3.783) among patients on isotretinoin. Moreover, the proportion of patients with clinically significant depressive symptoms (BDI ≥ 10) declined non‐significantly from 7.1 % to 3.2 %. Suicidal ideation was reported by 17 (13.5 %) patients at baseline and 9 (7.1%) patients at the end of the follow‐up (NS). During the follow‐up, one non‐depressed patient attempted suicide while intoxicated by alcohol.Conclusion  On group level, isotretinoin seems not to be typically associated with treatment‐emergent depression or suicidal ideation among young men. However, the possibility that individual patients may be susceptible for mood effects of isotretinoin as a rare idiosyncratic reaction can not be excluded.
A broad‐spectrum sunscreen prevents cumulative damage from repeated exposure to sub‐erythemal solar ultraviolet radiation representative of temperate latitudes
Authors: Seité S , Christiaens F , Bredoux C , Compan D , Zucchi H , Lombard D , Fourtanier A , Young AR 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  We have previously shown the detrimental effects of 19 sub‐erythemal exposures to daily ultraviolet radiation (DUVR, which mimics non‐extreme exposure conditions), delivered over 4 weeks to volunteers. This source had UVA (320‐400 nm) to UVB (290–320 nm) irradiance ratio of 25, instead of that close to 10 that is typically the case with solar‐simulated radiation (SSR) that represents summer global sunlight with a clear sky and quasi‐zenith solar irradiance.Objective  Here, we report on an extension of this previous study, in which we evaluated the photoprotection afforded by a broad‐spectrum daily‐care product with a low–sun protection factor (SPF 8, UVA‐PF 7 and 3* rated UVA protection). We assessed cellular and molecular markers of photodamage that are relevant to skin cancer and photoageing.Results  This study shows that biological effects of repeated exposure to DUVR can be prevented by a broad‐spectrum daily‐care product and that the level of protection afforded varies with the studied endpoint.Conclusion  Efficient daily UVR protection, as provided by a broad‐spectrum daily‐care product, is necessary to prevent the ‘silent’ sub‐erythemal cumulative effects of UVR from inadvertent sun exposure.
Is there any relationship between serum and urine neopterin and serum interferon‐γ levels in the activity of Behcet's disease?
Authors: Erturan I , Basak PY , Ozturk O , Ceyhan AM , Akkaya VB 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem vasculitic disorder. There is no reliable laboratory marker that indicates disease activity. Neopterin is an immunological marker of cellular immune activation, which is secreted by monocytes/macrophages as a result of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) secretion by activated T lymphocytes.Objective  We aimed to investigate serum and urine neopterin levels in BD patients.Methods  Forty‐five patients who were diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Study Group for BD and 45 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was considered by clinical findings. Serum and urine neopterin levels and serum IFN‐γ levels were measured.Results  The mean values of serum and urine neopterin levels were 12.68 ± 4.87 nmol/L and 167.53 ± 148.73 µmol/mol creatinine, respectively, in BD patients (P = 0.000 and P = 0.008, respectively), which were statistically significantly different from the control group. However, there was no significant statistical difference between serum and urine neopterin levels of the clinically active and inactive patients. It was also found that the mean value of serum IFN‐γ levels was higher in healthy controls than in BD patients (P = 0.000).Conclusions  We conclude that serum and urinary neopterin measurement can not be used as a reliable laboratory marker as the BD patients’ serum and urinary neopterin levels do not increase in the active stage even though these levels increase when compared to healthy controls.
Giant cell arteritis on 18F‐FDG PET/CT
Authors: Heston Thomas F. , Szabo Zsolt 
Published: June 2009

SummaryPurpose:  We present a case of incidentally noted giant cell arteritis in a patient undergoing 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging. The patient was originally referred to PET/CT for staging of his renal transitional cell carcinoma.Methods:  The patient was injected intravenously with 370 MBq of 18F‐FDG. After a 60 min uptake period, PET/CT imaging was performed from the skull base to the mid thighs.Results:  A small para‐aortic node in the region of the surgical bed showed increased tracer uptake of concern for malignancy. In addition, there were several non‐calcified pulmonary nodules present, also concerning for malignancy. Incidentally noted was diffusely increased tracer uptake throughout the aorta and a thickened aortic wall on CT images. Diffuse tracer uptake was also present in the proximal branches of the aorta, including the carotid, iliac, femoral, and subclavian arteries. The patient had biopsy proven giant cell arteritis.Conclusion:  Increased 18F‐FDG uptake by the aorta on PET/CT imaging is an abnormal finding that prompts a more thorough assessment for malignancy, and also can indentify important co‐morbidities in cancer patients. Evaluation of aortic uptake should be a routine practice in the interpretation of 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans.
MUTUAL FUND DAILY CONDITIONAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Coggins Frank , Beaulieu Marie‐Claude , Gendron Michel 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe empirical finance literature reveals that conditional models estimated with monthly data generally improve fund performance. Furthermore, it has been shown that using daily instead of monthly returns in an unconditional framework increases the proportion of abnormal performances relative to timing. In this article, we study conditional performance estimated with daily data in a bivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) framework. Our daily conditional alphas and global performances with GARCH are significantly better than those estimated with other parametrizations and they persist over time. Finally, the proportion of abnormal timing performances diminishes significantly when conditional parametrizations are used.
DOES PRIVATIZATION FOSTER CHANGES IN THE QUALITY OF LEGAL INSTITUTIONS?
Authors: Boubakri Narjess , Cosset Jean‐Claude , Smaoui Houcem 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe analyze the effect of privatization on the quality of legal institutions of governance. Our findings suggest that large‐scale privatization (in terms of progress and volume) increases the risk of corruption in developing countries but has no effect on the legal institutions of governance (i.e., law and order and investor protection). The method of privatization (public share issues versus private sales) helps curb corruption and improve the quality of law enforcement and of investor protection. In developed countries, the progress and volume of privatization reduce the risk of corruption, and the method of privatization enhances the quality of law enforcement.
TAKEOVER EXPOSURE, AGENCY, AND THE CHOICE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DEBT
Authors: Arena Matteo P. , Howe John S. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe examine how governance characteristics are related to the corporate choice between public and private debt. We find that firms with fewer takeover defenses and larger outside blockholder ownership are more likely to borrow from banks and to issue 144A debt. We also document that public debt cost is more sensitive to takeover exposure than bank debt cost. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that banks mitigate the expected negative effect of takeovers on debt value through covenants and debt renegotiations. Moreover, we show that firms with weaker internal monitoring are less likely to borrow from banks.
Probing the mechanisms underlying modulation of quinidine sensitivity to cardiac IKsblock by protein kinase A‐mediated IKsphosphorylation
Authors: Yang Tao , Kanki Hideaki , Zhang Wei , Roden Dan M 
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose: Cardiac IKsis enhanced by protein kinase A (PKA) stimulation. And PKA‐stimulated IKsis about threefold less sensitive to quinidine block than basal current. In this study, we further tested two competing hypotheses: IKsphosphorylation either (i) modulates access of blocking drugs to a binding site; or (ii) destabilizes the drug–channel interaction.Experimental approach: To distinguish between these hypotheses, we studied quinidine block of IKschannels in which three PKA site residues of the α‐subunit KCNQ1 were mutated with a bulky negative charged aspartic acid (D). To study alleviation of IKsblock by quinidine, we compared activating current at +60 mV, either with or without 5 s hyperpolarizing prepulses to −120 mV.Key results: Without PKA stimulation, quinidine (100 µM) blocked wild‐type current to a similar extent with and without the prepulse (93 ± 2% of pre‐drug current at +60 mV vs. 95 ± 1%). With PKA‐stimulated wild‐type channels, however, there was less block with the hyperpolarization to −120 mV: at +60 mV, block was 71 ± 2% (−prepulse) versus 58 ± 3% (+prepulse). Individual D‐mutations and the triple‐D mutant were resistant to quinidine block similar to that seen with PKA‐stimulated wild‐type IKs.Conclusions and implications: We conclude that phosphorylation‐induced insertion of bulky negative charges alleviates quinidine block and that PKA‐induced stimulation, by conferring negative charges to the channels, blunts IKsblock as the interaction between the channels and blockers becomes destabilized. These effects would be of clinical significance in providing protective mechanisms against pro‐arrhythmias caused by drug‐induced inhibition of IKsand IKr.
Editorials: Thigh Grafts: A Preferable Alternative to Catheters when Upper Extremity Access Sites are Exhausted
Authors: Abreo Kenneth D. , Ram Sunanda J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHemodialysis patients with failed upper extremity (arm) access sites comprise 5–10% of the dialysis population. In these patients, arm vessels are either unsuitable for access placement due to trauma or peripheral vascular disease, or have been exhausted following dialysis usage. Synthetic grafts in the lower extremity (thigh) would benefit these patients, but surgeons are often reluctant to place them, due to concerns of infection and vascular complications. As a result, these patients receive tunneled central venous catheters as their permanent dialysis access. Recent studies have shown, however, that survival and complication rates of thigh grafts are similar to arm grafts and fistulas. Moreover, thigh grafts have lower infection and mortality rates than catheters and provide higher blood flows and dialysis adequacy. In this editorial we argue that thigh grafts are the better option in patients who have lost all arm access sites; they should be placed in preference to tunneled central venous catheters.
Provisional Prosthetic Management of Mobile Teeth in Conjunction with a Removable Partial Denture Using Orthodontic Wire
Authors: Oh Won‐suk , Saglik Berna 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPrecision attachment‐retained removable partial dentures eliminate the use of visible clasps and improve the esthetic appearance of the smile; however, terminal abutment teeth may be subject to unfavorable stresses under function when misused. A provisional prosthetic management technique that incorporates an orthodontic wire to assist cross‐arch support and stability of the periodontally weakened abutment teeth is described. This technique is simple, reversible, does not alter the esthetic appearance of the smile, and controls the mobility of the abutment teeth until a definitive treatment plan is established.
Effect of vegetation density, height, and connectivity on the oviposition pattern of the leaf beetle Galeruca tanaceti
Authors: Randlkofer Barbara , Jordan Florian , Mitesser Oliver , Meiners Torsten , Obermaier Elisabeth 
Published: June 2009

AbstractVegetation structure can profoundly influence patterns of abundance, distribution, and reproduction of herbivorous insects and their susceptibility to natural enemies. The three main structural traits of herbaceous vegetation are density, height, and connectivity. This study determined the herbivore response to each of these three parameters by analysing oviposition patterns in the field and studying the underlying mechanisms in laboratory bioassays. The generalist leaf beetle, Galeruca tanaceti L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), preferentially deposits its egg clutches on non‐host plants such as grasses. Earlier studies revealed that oviposition within structurally complex vegetation reduces the risk of egg parasitism. Consequently, leaf beetle females should prefer patches with dense, tall, or connected vegetation for oviposition in order to increase their reproductive success. In the present study, we tested the following three hypotheses on the effect of stem density, height, and connectivity on oviposition: (1) Within habitats, the number of egg clutches in areas with high stem densities is disproportionately higher than in low‐density areas. The number of egg clutches on (2) tall stems or (3) in vegetation with high connectivity is higher than expected for a random distribution. In the field, stem density and height were positively correlated with egg clutch presence. Moreover, a disproportionately high presence of egg clutches was determined in patches with high stem densities. Stem height had a positive influence on oviposition, also in a laboratory two‐choice bioassay, whereas stem density and connectivity did not affect oviposition preferences in the laboratory. Therefore, stem height and, potentially, density, but not connectivity, seem to trigger oviposition site selection of the herbivore. This study made evident that certain, but not all traits of the vegetation structure can impose a strong influence on oviposition patterns of herbivorous insects. The results were finally compared with data on the movement patterns of the specialised egg parasitoid of the herbivore in comparable types of vegetation structure.
Immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects of chondroitin sulphate
Authors: du Souich Patrick , García Antonio G. , Vergés Josep , Montell Eulàlia 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBiochemistry of chondrotin sulphateMechanism of action of chondroitin sulphateHuman use of chondroitin sulphateConclusionsChondroitin sulphate (CS) is a natural glycosaminoglycan present in the extracellular matrix and is formed by the 1–3 linkage of D‐glucuronic acid to N‐acetylgalactosamine. In chondrocytes, CS diminishes interleukin‐1p(IL‐1p)‐induced increases in p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) phosphorylation, and decreases nuclear factor‐KB (NF‐kB) nuclear translocation and as a consequence, reduces the formation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1pand TNF‐a, and pro‐inflammatory enzymes, such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) and nitric oxide synthase‐2 (NOS‐2). The mechanism of action of CS explains its beneficial effect on the cartilage, synovial membrane and subchondral bone. On the other hand,in vivo, CS given orally prevents hepaticNF‐kBnuclear translocation, suggesting that systemic CS may elicit an anti‐inflammatory effect in many tissues besides the articulation. There is preliminary evidence showing that in human beings, CS may be of benefit in other diseases where inflammation is an essential marker, such as psoriasis and atherosclerosis. The review of the literature suggest that CS might also be of interest for the treatment of other diseases with an inflammatory and/or autoimmune character, such as inflammatory bowel disease, degenerative diseases of the central nervous system and stroke, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.
Survival following an acute coronary syndrome: a pet theory put to the test
Authors: Parker G. B. , Gayed A. , Owen C. A. , Hyett M. P. , Hilton T. M. , Heruc G. A. 
Published: June 2009

Objective:  The aim of this study was to revisit findings from previous studies reporting that pet ownership improves outcome following an admission for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Method:  Four hundred and twenty‐four patients admitted to a cardiac unit with an ACS completed questions regarding pet ownership in hospital. Rates of cardiac death and readmission were assessed 1 year following hospitalization.Results:  Pet owners were more likely to experience a death or readmission following their hospitalization, after controlling for key psychosocial and medical covariates. When dog and cat owners were considered separately, cat ownership was significantly associated with increased risk of death or readmission.Conclusion:  In this independent study, pet ownership at baseline, and cat ownership in particular, was associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality in the year following an admission for an acute coronary syndrome, a finding contrary to previous reports.
Script‐driven imagery of self‐injurious behavior in patients with borderline personality disorder: a pilot FMRI study
Authors: Kraus A. , Valerius G. , Seifritz E. , Ruf M. , Bremner J. D. , Bohus M. , Schmahl C. 
Published: June 2009

Objective: Self‐injurious behavior (SIB) is one of the most distinctive features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and related to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.Method: Female patients with BPD (n = 11) and healthy controls (n = 10) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while listening to a standardized script describing an act of self‐injury. Experimental sections of the script were contrasted to the neutral baseline section and group‐specific brain activities were compared.Results: While imagining the reactions to a situation triggering SIB, patients with BPD showed significantly less activation in the orbitofrontal cortex compared with controls. Furthermore, only patients with BPD showed increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during this section and a decrease in the mid‐cingulate while imagining the self‐injurious act itself.Conclusion: This pattern of activation preliminary suggests an association with diminished emotion regulation, impulse control as well as with response selection and reappraisal during the imagination of SIB.
Child to adult continuities of psychopathology: a 24‐year follow‐up
Authors: Reef J. , Diamantopoulou S. , Van Meurs I. , Verhulst F. , Van Der Ende J. 
Published: June 2009

Objective:  To determine continuities of mental health problems of children across a 24‐year follow‐up period.Method:  In 1983, parent ratings of emotional and behavioral problems were collected with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in a general population sample of 2076 children. Twenty‐four years later, 1365 participants completed Adult Self‐Reports (ASR) to assess emotional and behavioral problems.Results:  Of the participants who were classified as deviant in childhood, 22.2% were also classified as deviant in adulthood. Both homotypic and heterotypic continuity was found. Childhood aggressive, delinquent, and anxious/depressed problems were associated with most adult psychopathology. Attention problems did not predict later problems independently.Conclusion:  Even though assessed with parent‐reports in childhood and analogous self‐reports in adulthood, and over a large period of 24 years, continuity of psychopathology was found from childhood into adulthood. Anxious/depressed problems, delinquent behavior and aggressive behavior in childhood are core predictors for adult psychopathology.