bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potentially inappropriate medication use in Indian elderly: Comparison of Beers' criteria and Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions
Authors: Nagendra Vishwas Hunsur , Harugeri Anand , Parthasarathi Gurumurthy , Ramesh Madhan 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  To compare Beers' criteria (BC) and Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) for prevalence, specificity, sensitivity and predictors for potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use.Methods:  Patients aged ≥60 years from medicine wards of a tertiary care hospital were included. Comparisons between BC and STOPP were made using Pearson's χ2‐test for categorical variables and Mann–Whitney U‐test for continuous variables. Specificity and sensitivity were assessed by using 2 × 2 contingency table. Bivariate analysis and subsequent multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of PIM use.Results:  In the 540 patients included, prevalence of PIM use as per BC and STOPP was 24.6% and 13.3%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of BC in detecting PIM was 0.65 and 0.53, respectively. Considering the diagnoses/conditions, sensitivity and specificity of BC was 0.12 and 0.48, respectively, whereas independent of diagnoses/conditions, corresponding values were 0.75 and 0.54. PIM as per BC and STOPP accounted for 11 and 6 adverse drug reactions (ADR), respectively. Medications not listed in BC or STOPP were more likely to be associated with ADR. Multiple diseases (≥4) and use of more drugs during hospital stay (10–14) predicted PIM use as per BC, whereas age (60–74 years) predicted PIM use as per STOPP.Conclusion:  Overall, BC is useful in the detection of PIM use independent of diagnoses/conditions, whereas STOPP is useful in detection of PIM use considering the diagnoses/conditions. There is a need for consensus on using the tool for detection of PIM use in Indian elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 506–514.
Prospective analysis of the invasive potential of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schiff.) in California
Authors: Gutierrez Andrew P. , Ponti Luigi , Cooper Monica L. , Gilioli Gianni , Baumgärtner Johann , Duso Carlo 
Published: January 2012

The polyphagous European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schiff.) is the principal native pest of grape berries in the Palearctic region. It was found in Napa County, California, in 2009, and it has subsequently been recorded in an additional nine counties, despite an ongoing eradication programme. The present study aimed to assess prospectively its potential geographical distribution and relative abundance in California and the continental U.S.A. A subsidiary goal was to provide explanation for timing control measures.
Data from the European literature were used to formulate and parameterize a holistic physiologically‐based demographic model for L. botrana. This model was linked to an extant mechanistic model of grapevine phenology, growth and development that provides the bottom‐up effects of fruiting phenology, age and abundance on L. botrana dynamics. Fruit age affects larval developmental rates, and has carryover effects on pupal development and adult fecundity. Also included in the model were the effects of temperature on developmental, survival and fecundity rates.
Observed daily weather data were used to simulate the potential distribution of the moth in California, and the continental U.S.A. The relative total number of pupae per vine per year was used as the metric of favourability at all locations. The simulation data were mapped using grass gis (http://grass.osgeo.org/).
The model predicts L. botrana can spread statewide with the highest populations expected in the hotter regions of southern California and the lower half of the Central Valley. In the U.S.A., areas of highest favourability include south Texas, and much of the southeast U.S.A.
The effects of a warmer climate on pest abundance were explored by increasing observed mean temperatures 2° and 3 °C. L. botrana abundance is expected to increase in northern California and in the agriculturally rich Central Valley but to decrease in the hot deserts of southern California where summer temperatures would approach its upper thermal limit.
Analysis of the timing of mating disruption pheromone for control of L. botrana suggests the greatest benefit would accrue by targeting adults emerging from winter diapause pupae and the flight of first summer adults.
Oestradiol is a protective factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in healthy men
Authors: Tian G‐X. , Sun Y. , Pang C‐J. , Tan A‐H. , Gao Y. , Zhang H‐Y. , Yang X‐B. , Li Z‐X. , Mo Z‐N. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryVisceral fat is a risk factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A reduction in sex hormones is associated with increased abdominal fat. Thus, we investigated whether reduced testosterone (T) or oestradiol (E2) levels in men are associated with NAFLD and central obesity. The study involved a survey of 1,882 men between 20 and 60 years of age. We detected hepatic fat infiltration by ultrasound. Early morning serum was analyzed for total testosterone (TT), E2, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Free testosterone (FT) was calculated using the Vermeulen method. In the studied population, the prevalence of NAFLD, FSH, LH and SHBG increased with age, TT and FT declined with age, and E2 remained stable. However, in the NAFLD group, TT remained stable, FT and E2 declined, and hepatic fat infiltration increased (P < 0.001 for both). Using multivariate analysis, a correlation was found between E2 and NAFLD, with an odds ratio of 0.954 (95% confidence interval: 0.946–0.967). E2 is one of the protective factors against NAFLD in healthy men. T has no significant correlation with NAFLD. Further investigation would be required to assess the clinical consequences of reduced E2 in men with NAFLD, particularly for men whose TT remained stable.
Using self‐made drawings to support modelling in science education
Authors: Leenaars Frank A. J. , van Joolingen Wouter R. , Bollen Lars 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe value of modelling in science education is evident, both from scientific practice and from theories of learning. However, students find modelling difficult and need support. This study investigates how self‐made drawings could be used to support the modelling process. An experiment with undergraduate students (n = 37) at a predominantly technical university led to three conclusions. 1. Most learners created realistic rather than schematic drawings of real world systems. Furthermore, learners who represented situations realistically identified a greater number of important aspects of these situations than learners who represented them purely schematically. 2. Access to simulations during the construction of these drawings led to increased insight into the effects of variables that can be manipulated. However, participants with access to simulations thought of fewer important variables that were not explicitly available in the simulation than participants without this access. 3. Participants almost never drew multiple objects with a single stroke and generally drew objects sequentially. These patterns in the digital drawing process can simplify automatic sketch segmentation, which can be used to support learners in creating models from drawings.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic
Modelling plays a key role in scientific discovery and reasoning.
Computer modelling in science education allows for a focus on the processes as well as the products of science.
Students encounter difficulties during the modelling process and need to be supported.
What this paper adds
Self‐made drawings could be a good way to support the modelling process, because creating an informal drawing allows students to use their prior domain knowledge more easily than creating a formal model.
Students who created a realistic drawing showed more prior knowledge activation than students who created an abstract drawing.
Compared to students who only had access to a text, students who had access to a simulation during the creation of a drawing showed more insight into some variables of the system they represented, but found it more difficult to think of variables not adjustable in the simulation.
Implications for practice and/or policy
Before students are asked to create a formal model of some domain, their prior domain knowledge may be activated by the creation of an informal drawing.
When asking students to study a domain using a simulation, attention must be paid to the prevention of a focusing effect. This focusing effect may be attenuated by asking students to express their prior domain knowledge in a drawing before using the simulation.
EXPLAINING POLARISATION IN THE EU 27'S INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION DISTRIBUTION
Authors: HIERRO MARÍA , MAZA ADOLFO , VILLAVERDE JOSÉ 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper is aimed at analysing the European Union's international migration distribution (EUIMD) for the period 1990–2010. Besides some relevant aspects of the distribution, such as inequality and dynamics, it mainly focuses on trends in polarisation and in exploring some key factors that might be behind these trends. The results of the study reveal that polarisation in EUIMD has followed a decreasing path and that factors like geographic location and government expenditure on health are those which better explain the polarisation phenomenon.
A SOCIAL‐NETWORK BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH TO OVERSEAS CHINESE AND OVERSEAS NON‐CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN CHINA
Authors: LU JIANTAO 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on an ethnic dimension of Chinese FDI and non‐Chinese FDI in China. It seeks to highlight social‐network behavioural approach as a method for understanding the differences between the two types of investors. It examines the effect ofguanxion the locational and sectoral choices of FDI.Guanxiis the natural advantage and competitive advantage of Chinese FDI. Based on probability sampling, questionnaire surveys conducted in China are used to verify the expected significance ofguanxinetworks for overseas Chinese investors. Survey analysis results indicate thatguanxinetworks have played a significant role in the locational and sectoral choices of Chinese FDI compared with non‐Chinese FDI. This study also explains how small‐ and medium‐sized overseas Chinese investment can gain competitive advantage.
Statutory union recognition in the UK: a work in progress
Authors: Brodtkorb Tor 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe 1999 scheme for statutory union recognition has been criticised for being too complex, and for leaving important matters unclear, for doing too little for workers and unions and for requiring too much from employers. The similarity to the US system has also been criticised. There were fears that attempts to achieve statutory union recognition would redirect the energy of trade unions in the UK to fruitless limbs, forcing unions and employers into antagonistic litigation. Although some of these criticisms are tenable, legislation seldom satisfies all parties affected by it, and all new legislation is haunted by the spectre of unintended consequences. Nevertheless, the system of statutory union recognition adopted in the UK strikes a reasonable balance between the interests of the rival parties and appears to function efficiently and, for the most part, fairly.
The main organizational changes in dermatological practice in the Lombardy Region, Italy, from 2001 to 2009
Authors: Calzavara‐Pinton P.G. , Rossi M.T. , Piovanelli P. , Naldi L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Changes in financing health care delivery, including the adoption of diagnosis‐related groups (DRG), has deeply influenced dermatological practice across Europe.Objective  To define the current status of dermatological care in the Lombardy Region, Italy, and compare the status of 2009 to that of 2001.Methods  Data were analysed from the annual reports of the Healthcare General Department of the Lombardy Region; legislative and administrative data were taken into consideration.Results  Beds for inpatients in Dermatologic Wards decreased from 251.7 (2001) to 49.07 (2009). In 2009, a large proportion of inpatients with skin diseases were admitted to non‐dermatological departments. Beds for day‐hospital activities increased from 55.9 (2001) to 61.0 (2009), and the proportion of admissions for surgical purposes progressively increased. In addition, the complexity and quality of surgical procedures increased, in view of the need to justify a day‐hospital admission. The total number of services for outpatients increased from 1 090 052 (2001) to 1 503 692 (2009); in addition, the weighted numbers (an indicator of complexity) increased from 2 117 000 (2001) to 3 644 032 (2009). The number of dermatologists with unlimited contracts decreased, and the number of low paid scholarship recipients and external consultants increased. Three of six medical faculties currently do not have a university department of Dermatology.Conclusion  Over the last decade, the number of patients hospitalized in Dermatological Departments has declined; moreover, patients hospitalized with dermatological disorders have been increasingly admitted to wards with a non‐dermatologist attending physician.
Dermatological emergencies: a comparative study of activity in 2000 and 2010
Authors: Mirkamali A. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S. , Valeyrie‐Allanore L. , Bouvresse S. , Duong T.‐A. , Chosidow O. , Wolkenstein P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground and objective  Studies of dermatological emergencies (DE) are few. We evaluated the activity in our DE unit in a 1‐month retrospective study and compared the results with a similar study performed in the same department in 2000.Methods  We reviewed the charts of all outpatients seen in the DE unit in January 2010, collecting data on age, sex, place of residence, referral mode, day and hour of consultation, true emergency or non‐emergency, diagnosis and follow‐up.Results  In January 2010, we serviced 605 patients (58% males, mean age 40 ± 21 years), 21% more than in 2000; 43.5% were seen during off‐duty hours vs. 49% in 2000 (P = 0.066), 49% were considered true emergencies vs. 43% in 2000 (P = 0.046), and 14% were referred by a physician vs. 23% in 2000 (P = 0.0001). In total, 35.2% of cases were infectious dermatoses in 2010 vs. 29% in 2000 (P = 0.026). Other diagnoses were eczema, urticaria and drug‐related eruptions. Follow‐up was suggested to 53.3% of the patients.Conclusions  Our DE unit satisfies a genuine need. Its activity increased over 10 years, most likely because of the decrease in the number of dermatologists in France. Although our results are close to those reported in the literature, comparison with previously published studies is difficult because of the heterogeneity of the definition of DE.
Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule modulates neurotrophin signaling
Authors: Wade Anna , Thomas Claire , Kalmar Bernadett , Terenzio Marco , Garin Jerome , Greensmith Linda , Schiavo Giampietro 
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 575–586.AbstractCell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgCAMs) have been shown to modulate growth factor signaling and follow complex trafficking pathways in neurons. Similarly, several growth factors, including members of the neurotrophin family, undergo axonal retrograde transport that is required to elicit their full signaling potential in neurons. We sought to determine whether IgCAMs that enter the axonal retrograde transport route co‐operate with neurotrophin signaling. We identified activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), a protein involved in axon pathfinding and development of the neuromuscular junction, to be associated with an axonal endocytic compartment that contains neurotrophins and their receptors. Although ALCAM enters carriers that are transported bidirectionally in motor neuron axons, it is predominantly co‐transported with the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR toward the cell body. ALCAM was found to specifically potentiate nerve growth factor (NGF)‐induced differentiation and signaling. The extracellular domain of ALCAM is both necessary and sufficient to potentiate NGF‐induced neurite outgrowth, and its homodimerization is required for this novel role. Our findings indicate that ALCAM synergizes with NGF to induce neuronal differentiation, raising the possibility that it functions not only as an adhesion molecule but also in the modulation of growth factor signaling in the nervous system.
Microglial neurotransmitter receptors trigger superoxide production in microglia; consequences for microglial–neuronal interactions
Authors: Mead Emma L. , Mosley Angelina , Eaton Simon , Dobson Lucianne , Heales Simon J. , Pocock Jennifer M. 
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 287–301.AbstractMicroglia express three isoforms of the NADPH oxidase, Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4, with the potential to produce superoxide (O2˙−). Microglia also express neurotransmitter receptors, which can modulate microglial responses. In this study, microglial activity of Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 in primary rat cultured microglia or the rodent BV2 cell line were altered by microglial neurotransmitter receptor modulation. Glutamate, GABA or ATP triggered microglial O2˙− production via Nox activation. Nox activation was elicited by agonists of metabotropic mGlu3 receptors and by group III receptors, by GABAA but not GABAB receptors, and by purinergic P2X7 or P2Y2/4 receptors but not P2Y1 receptors, and inhibited by metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonists. The neurotransmitters also modulated Nox mRNA expression and NADPH activity. The activation of Nox by BzATP or GABA promoted a neuroprotective phenotype whilst the activation of Nox by glutamate promoted a neurotoxic phenotype. Taken together, these data indicate that microglial neurotransmitter receptors can signal via Nox to promote neuroprotection or neurotoxicity. This has implications for the subsequent neurotoxic profile of microglia when neurotransmitter levels may become skewed in neurodegeneration.
Comparison of Geonics EM38 and Dualem 1S electromagnetic induction sensors for the measurement of salinity and other soil properties
Authors: Urdanoz V. , Aragüés R. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe electromagnetic induction (EMI) Geonics EM38 (G‐EM38) and Dualem 1S (D‐1S) sensors are used frequently for assessment of soil salinity and other soil characteristics in irrigated agriculture. We compared these two sensors to determine whether they could be used interchangeably for the measurement of apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) in horizontal (ECa‐h) and vertical (ECa‐v) coil receiver modes. Readings were taken at 201 locations identified in three irrigation districts in both modes, and statistical comparisons were made on the raw data and from maps of a 2‐ha irrigated field made using 1680 horizontal mode readings. Both sensors gave the same ECa‐v readings (mean G‐EM38 and D‐1S difference = 0), whereas the ECa‐h readings were slightly greater with the Geonics EM38 than with the Dualem D‐1S (mean difference = 0.075 and 0.05 dS/m for the 201 and 1680 observations, respectively). The degree of coincidence between both sensors for soil profile ECa classification was acceptable: 82% for normal profiles (i.e. ECa‐h/ECa‐v < 0.9) and 90% for inverted profiles (i.e. ECa‐h/ECa‐v > 1.1). In practical terms, Geonics EM38 and Dualem 1S sensors could be used interchangeably with similar or very close results.
Inhibition of high glucose‐induced inflammatory response and macrophage infiltration by a novel curcumin derivative prevents renal injury in diabetic rats
Authors: Pan Yong , Wang Yi , Cai Lu , Cai Yuepiao , Hu Jie , Yu Congcong , Li Jianling , Feng Zhiguo , Yang Shulin , Li Xiaokun , Liang Guang 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEInflammation is involved in the development and/or progression of many diseases including diabetic complications. Investigations on novel anti‐inflammatory agents may offer new approaches for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy. Our previous bioscreening of synthetic analogues of curcumin revealed C66 as a novel anti‐inflammatory compound against LPS challenge in macrophages. In this study, we hypothesized that C66 affects high glucose (HG)‐induced inflammation profiles in vitro and in vivo and then prevents renal injury in diabetic rats via its anti‐inflammatory actions.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHPrimary peritoneal macrophages (MPM), prepared from C57BL/6 mice, were treated with HG in the presence or absence of C66. Diabetes was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats with streptozotocin, and the effects of C66 (0.2, 1.0 or 5.0 mg·kg−1), administered daily for 6 weeks, on plasma TNF‐α levels and expression of inflammatory genes in the kidney were assessed.KEY RESULTSPretreatment of MPMs with C66 reduced HG‐stimulated production of TNF‐α and NO, inhibited HG‐induced IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐12, COX‐2 and iNOS mRNA transcription, and the activation of JNK/NF‐kB signalling. In vivo, C66 inhibited the increased plasma TNF‐α levels and renal inflammatory gene expression, improved histological abnormalities and fibrosis of diabetic kidney, but did not affect the hyperglycaemia in these diabetic rats.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThe anti‐inflammatory effects of C66 are mediated by inhibiting HG‐induced activation of the JNK/NF‐κB pathway, rather than by reducing blood glucose in diabetic rats. This novel compound is a potential anti‐inflammatory agent and might be beneficial for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in childhood epilepsy: A neuropsychological and functional imaging study
Authors: Bechtel Nina , Kobel Maja , Penner Iris‐Katharina , Specht Karsten , Klarhöfer Markus , Scheffler Klaus , Opwis Klaus , Schmitt‐Mechelke Thomas , Capone Andrea , Weber Peter 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Children with epilepsy have a significant risk for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is often accompanied by deficits in working memory performance. However, it is not yet clear whether there are specific differences in the underlying mechanisms of working memory capability between children with epilepsy‐related ADHD and those with developmental ADHD. There is evidence that methylphenidate can improve the behavioral difficulties in children with developmental ADHD. Whether this medication has the same effect on ADHD symptoms in patients with epilepsy is not yet well understood. The aim of the present study is, therefore, to evaluate whether boys with epilepsy‐related ADHD and developmental ADHD share a common behavioral, pharmacoresponsive, and neurofunctional pathophysiology.Methods:  Seventeen boys with diagnosed combined epilepsy/ADHD, 15 boys with developmental ADHD, and 15 healthy controls (aged 8–14 years) performed on working memory tasks (N‐back) while brain activation was recorded using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Each patient was tested twice: once after the intake of methylphenidate and once without in a counterbalanced order.Key Findings:  On a behavioral level, we show that boys with epilepsy‐related ADHD as well as those with developmental ADHD performed similarly poorly on tasks with high cognitive load when compared to healthy controls, and that intake of methylphenidate improved performance almost to normal levels in both ADHD groups. On the functional level, both patient groups showed similar reductions of activation in all relevant parts of the functional network of working memory when compared to controls. Of interest, intake of methylphenidate did not significantly alter this activity pattern.Significance:  Our data show strong similarities between epilepsy‐related and developmental ADHD on the behavioral, pharmacoresponsive, and neural level, favoring the view that ADHD with and without epilepsy shares a common underlying neurobehavioral pathophysiology.