bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The consequences of job insecurity for employees: The moderator role of job dependence
Authors: SORA Beatriz , CABALLER Amparo , PEIRÓ José María 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.With globalization and increased international competition have come more flexible forms of employment and increased job insecurity. The authors address the impact of perceived job insecurity on employees' work attitudes and intentions. After reviewing relevant research on stress theory and the relationship between job insecurity and its consequences, they test two hypotheses on 942 employees in Spain, namely: first, that job insecurity relates negatively to job satisfaction and organizational commitment and positively to intention to leave; and, second, that job insecurity, economic need and employability interact in the prediction of these outcomes.
The cost of “doing business” and labour regulation: The case of South Africa
Authors: BENJAMIN Paul , BHORAT Haroon , CHEADLE Halton 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.The “Employing Workers” indices compiled from the World Bank's Doing Business (DB) survey for 2006 presented mixed results as to the nature and extent of labour regulation in South Africa. Arguing that these measures – with their narrow focus on legislation – provide only a partial picture, the authors suggest and investigate three possible extensions to the DB framework with the aim of achieving a more realistic representation of labour regulation in practice, namely: “micro‐legislation”, labour market institutions and judicial interpretation. They conclude with a plea for taking account of the crucial importance of these features in the assessment of labour regulation frameworks.
Post‐employment covenants in the United States: Legal framework and market behaviours
Authors: Hannah Richard L. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.In response to fundamental market changes that are giving labour a much more central role in product market competition, employers often seek to extend their control over human capital beyond termination of the employment relationship. Although empirical studies are scarce, the use of restrictive post‐employment covenants is indeed believed to be widespread. But to what extent can employers lawfully restrict the freedom of their former employees? The author examines the criteria that courts in the United States have considered in balancing employers' legitimate economic interests against labour market efficiency and workers' post‐employment freedom and mobility.
A randomized controlled trial of positioning treatments in infants with positional head shape deformities
Authors: Hutchison B Lynne , Stewart Alistair W , De Chalain Tristan B , Mitchell Edwin A 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Randomized controlled trials of treatment for deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have been lacking in the literature.Methods:  Infants (n = 126) presenting to a plagiocephaly clinic were randomized to either positioning strategies or to positioning plus the use of a Safe T Sleep™ positioning wrap. Head shape was measured using a digital photographic technique, and neck function was assessed. They were followed up at home 3, 6 and 12 months later.Results:  There was no difference in head shape outcomes for the two treatment groups after 12 months of follow‐up, with 42% of infants having head shapes in the normal range by that time. Eighty per cent of children showed good improvement. Those that had poor improvement were more likely to have both plagiocephaly and brachycephaly and to have presented later to clinic.Conclusions:  Most infants improved over the 12‐month study period, although the use of a sleep positioning wrap did not increase the rate of improvement.
Early sexual debut and associated factors among in‐school adolescents in eight African countries
Authors: Peltzer Karl 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjective:  This report examines early sexual debut (<age 15) among 15‐year‐old in‐school adolescents in eight African countries.Participants:  The total sample included 10 070 school children aged 15 years from nationally representative samples from eight African countries.Methods:  Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between early sexual debut and alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, mental distress, physical activity, protective factors and socioeconomic status variables.Results:  A total of 27.3% had experienced sexual debut before age 15, 38.1% among boys and 15.8% among girls. Boys and girls with sexual debut at less than age 15 were more likely to report alcohol, tobacco and drug use, truancy, poor parental or guardian connectedness, sedentary behaviour, having been in a physical fight and seriously injured, while for girls, mental distress and poor economic status and for boys, bullied and poor parental or guardian supervision were associated with early coital debut. In multivariable analysis, early sexual debut was among boys associated with currently smoking (OR = 4.45, p = 0.002) and truancy (OR = 2.02, p = 0.007) and, among girls, associated with lower education (OR = 0.22, p = 0.004), ever drunk (OR = 3.94, p = 0.016), having no close friends (OR = 3.36, p = 0.014) and poor parental connectedness (OR = 2.43, p = 0.037).Conclusion:  The study found a high prevalence of early sexual debut among 15‐year‐olds in eight African countries. Risk factors identified were consistent with problem behaviour theory in which early onset of adolescent sexual behaviour is shared with other problem behaviours. Prevention programmes should broaden sexual health promotion including problem behaviour such as substance use and mental distress for boys and girls in the preteen years, before sexual debut.
Serum albumin level predicts initial intravenous immunoglobulin treatment failure in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Kuo Ho‐Chang , Liang Chi‐Di , Wang Chih‐Lu , Yu Hong‐Ren , Hwang Kao‐Pin , Yang Kuender D 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives:  Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting children who are <5 years old. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the standard therapy for KD. However, many patients with KD still show poor response to initial IVIG treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for initial IVIG treatment failure in KD.Methods:  Children who met KD diagnosis criteria and were admitted for IVIG treatment were retrospectively enrolled for analysis. Patients were divided into IVIG‐responsive and IVIG‐resistant groups. Initial laboratory data before IVIG treatment were collected for analysis.Results:  A total of 131 patients were enrolled during the study period. At 48 h after completion of initial IVIG treatment, 20 patients (15.3%) had an elevated body temperature. Univariate analysis showed that patients who had initial findings of high neutrophil count, abnormal liver function, low serum albumin level (≤2.9 g/dL) and pericardial effusion were at risk for IVIG treatment failure. Multivariate analysis with a logistic regression procedure showed that serum albumin level was considered the independent predicting factor of IVIG resistance in patients with KD (p = 0.006, OR = 40, 95% CI: 52.8–562). There was no significant correlation between age, gender, fever duration before IVIG treatment, haemoglobin level, total leucocyte and platelet counts, C‐reactive protein level, or sterile pyuria and initial IVIG treatment failure. The specificity and sensitivity for prediction of IVIG treatment failure in this study were 96% and 34%, respectively.Conclusion:  Pre‐IVIG treatment serum albumin levels are a useful predictor of IVIG resistance in patients with KD.
Clinico‐pathological spectrum of gallbladder disease in children
Authors: Punia RPS , Garg Shailja , Bisht Bhumika , Dalal Usha , Mohan Harsh 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  Because of wide variation in clinico‐pathological spectrum of gallbladder disease in children the world over, the data of gallbladder disease from this stone belt of India were analysed.Methods:  Children who underwent cholecystectomy over a period of 8 years January 2002–December 2009 were reviewed.Results:  Out of 7076 cholecystectomies, 56 (0.79%) were in children. Thirty‐nine (69.6%) children were 11–16 years of age. Thirty‐seven (66.07%) children were girls and nineteen (33.9%) were boys. In 12 (21.4%) children, cholecystitis was acalculus. Five (8.9%) children had associated haemolytic disease and 4 (7.1%) children had congenital anomaly in the form of choledochal cyst. Ultrasound findings were available in 44 cases and showed cholelithiasis in 36 cases. Twenty‐two (39.3%) children had mixed cholelithiasis, 8 (14.2%) pigment cholelithiasis, 10 (17.8%) combined cholelithiasis and 4 (7.1%) patients had small concretions. Microscopically, changes of chronic cholecystitis were seen in 98.2% while 1.7% showed acute on chronic cholecystitis. There was single unusual case of cysticercus in the wall of the gallbladder.Conclusions:  The frequency of gallstone disease is 0.79%. Nonhaemolytic type of cholelithiasis is more common than haemolytic type in this region. Presence of cysticercus in the gallbladder wall in one case was an unexpected finding.
Circulating cardiac troponins levels and cardiac dysfunction in children with acute and fulminant viral myocarditis
Authors: Al‐Biltagi Mohammed , Issa Mona , Hagar Hamdi Abo , Abdel‐Hafez Maher , Aziz Nahla Abdul 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives:  To study the correlation between cardiac Troponins blood levels and degrees of cardiac dysfunction in children with acute and fulminant viral myocarditis and to study their prognostic role in predicting the outcomes and risk of having dilated cardiomyopathy.Methodology:  Troponin I & T blood levels were measured in 65 children with acute or fulminant viral myocarditis. The cardiac functions of RV & LV were assessed by Doppler echocardiography.Results:  The levels of cTnI & CTnT were significantly higher in patients with fulminant myocarditis than in controls and children with acute myocarditis (p < 0.05 & <0.001* respectively). The cardiac functions were significantly impaired in fulminant myocarditis than in acute myocarditis (p < 0.001*). There were negative correlations between the cardiac troponins levels and the cardiac functions measured by echocardiography in children with acute and fulminant myocarditis. There were 3 deaths (7.5%), and 10 (25%) children developed dilated cardiomyopathy in acute myocarditis while there were eight deaths (32%) and one patient (4%) who developed dilated cardiomyopathy in fulminant myocarditis group.Conclusion:  Cardiac troponins levels can predict the severity of myocarditis and the prognosis on the short‐term level. Fulminant myocarditis was associated with higher levels of both cTn I & cTn T than acute myocarditis. Despite that fulminant myocarditis has a more aggressive course, the risk of developing cardiomyopathy was less than in acute myocarditis.
Influence of Progesterone on Sexual Performance in Male Rats
Authors: Alvarenga Tathiana A. , Andersen Monica L. , Tufik Sergio 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
It has been documented that copulatory experience can alter or improve sexual performance in male rats. However, the hormonal basis and the number of sexual encounters needed for a rat to acquire sufficient performance remains unclear.

Aim
The aim of this study was to examine whether levels of testosterone and progesterone are associated with sexual performance in male rats.

Methods
Adult male Wistar Hannover rats were exposed to a receptive female for 15 minutes every other day for 9 days for acquiring sexual experience.

Main Outcome Measures
After training protocol, rats were scored as low or high sexual performers. Hormonal levels (testosterone and progesterone) were evaluated in both trained and non-trained control groups.

Results
Our results showed that a 9-day training period was not sufficient for some male rats to acquire a good level of sexual performance. While 42.5% of the rats displayed excellent sexual performance during the training sessions, 17.5% showed adequate performance, 7.5% had low sexual activity, and 32.5% of the rats did not display any sexual behaviors whatsoever. Additionally, after 4 days of training, rats with excellent/adequate performance showed a significant decrease in ejaculation latency relative to the first day of training. The rats with low or no sexual activity had lower progesterone levels relative to those displaying the highest sexual performance after 9 days of training. Testosterone, in turn, was also significantly reduced in animals with low/no sexual performance compared with excellent/adequate rats.

Conclusion
In conclusion, progesterone may be a limiting factor to promoting sexual performance in male rats.
Persistent Sexual Dysfunction Impairs Quality of Life after Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Phan Anita , IsHak Waguih William , Shen Biing-Jiun , Fuess Justin , Philip Kiran , Bresee Catherine , Czer Lawrence , Schwarz Ernst R. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The impact of sexual dysfunction (SD) on mental and physical health after heart transplantation (HTx) has not been established.

Aim
We investigated the relationship of SD on quality of life (QoL), physical and mental health, and depressive symptoms after HTx.

Main Outcome Measures
We evaluated SD according to the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction and the Female Sexual Function Index. QoL, physical and mental health were assessed using: 1) Short Form 12 Health Survey Questionnaire, 2) Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire—Short Form, and two depressive symptoms questionnaires: 1) Beck Depression Inventory-II and 2) Quick Inventory Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report.

Methods
We enrolled patients who were greater than 6 months post HTx. Patients unable to read English, had pelvic surgery or trauma, urogenital abnormalities, or sexually inactive were excluded.

Results
Out of 79 subjects that were screened, 33 men and 6 women participated (mean age 61.4+11.4). Response rates were at least 82% for all questionnaires. Overall prevalence of SD was 61%, with 78% of men being affected and 50% of women. There was no significant difference in measures between genders. HTx recipients with SD reported significantly worse QoL on measures of physical health when compared to those without SD. After HTx, patients suffering from SD had significantly worse general health (P = 0.02) and physical health (P = 0.02), including physical functioning (P = 0.01) and physical role limitation (P = 0.01). In contrast, mental health and depressive symptoms after HTx were not significantly different between those with and without SD.

Conclusions
After HTx a high prevalence of SD remains among both men and women. Patients with SD had worse general and physical health but not depressive symptoms when compared to those without SD. The contributing factors may be more related to physical rather than psychological causes.
Evaluation of the weight‐increasing effects of biphasic analog and regular NPH insulin mixtures in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: TEMİZEL Mustafa , MERT Meral , BOZBEY Celal , ARMAN Yücel , CEVIZCI Ertan , ALTINTAŞ Nejat , ÇETIN ÖLEK Ali 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Weight gain is a significant problem in diabetic patients in terms of worsening glycemic control, increasing diabetic and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and contributing to social and psychological problems. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a biphasic analog and regular NPH insulin mixtures on weight gain in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over 1 year.Methods:  Group I consisted of 71 patients (29 men and 42 women) being treated with analog mixtures (insulin lispro 75/25 mix and biphasic insulin aspart 70/30 mix) twice daily; Group II consisted of 69 patients (23 men and 46 women) being treated with a regular insulin mixture (70/30) twice daily. Starting weight, body mass index, HbA1c, and hypoglycemic episodes were evaluated after 6 and 12 months.Results:  Weight gain in Group I at 6 and 12 months was 1.41 ± 2.70 and 2.08 ± 3.74 kg, respectively. In Group II, weight gain at 6 and 12 months was 1.5 ± 3.0 and 2.29 ± 3.85 kg, respectively. Intragroup comparisons indicated that, for both groups, weight gain at 6 and 12 months differed significantly from the starting weight. However, no significant differences in weight gain were found between the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions:  The weight‐increasing effects of an analog mixture of insulin and the NPH regular mixture of insulin appear to be similar. This should be taken into account when determining the type of insulin to use in treating T2DM patients.
Correlation of fundus autofluorescence with photoreceptor morphology and functional changes in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Wakabayashi Taku , Sawa Miki , Gomi Fumi , Tsujikawa Motokazu 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess and correlate fundus autofluorescence (FAF) characteristics with photoreceptor morphology and functional features in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).Methods:  Thirty‐four eyes of 17 patients with RP were examined. We compared FAF images obtained by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy with Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and retinal function assessed by microperimetry.Results:  Normal FAF surrounded by a ring of increased FAF at the macular area was detected in 32 (94%) eyes. The diameter of the normal FAF was correlated significantly with the preserved area of the photoreceptor inner segment and outer segment (IS/OS) junction on SD‐OCT (R = 0.939, p < 0.001). The area outside the ring was associated with loss of IS/OS junction and external limiting membrane (ELM). The ring of increased FAF demarcated the border between the central retina with preservation of the IS/OS junction and ELM, and the adjacent eccentric retina with loss of these bands. In two eyes of one patient, there was no preservation of normal FAF at the macula and the photoreceptor IS/OS junction was not detected on SD‐OCT. The mean retinal sensitivity derived from microperimetry was correlated significantly with the area of normal FAF (R = 0.929, p = 0.007) and the preserved area of the IS/OS junction (R = 0.851, p = 0.032). Ten eyes had progressive reduction in size of the normal FAF inside the ring accompanied by decreased area of preserved IS/OS during 3.1 years.Conclusion:  FAF appears to reflect the integrity of the photoreceptor layer. It may serve as a secondary outcome measure for novel therapeutic strategies for RP.
SURVEY ON VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN EUROPEAN RENAL UNITS
Authors: Zampieron Alessandra , Saraiva Maria , Pranovi Rebecca , Laskari Anastasia , Buja Alessandra 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARY Goals: This descriptive survey aims to explore strategies for the prevention and management of violence and aggression in renal units in 12 European countries. Method: The convenience sample consisting of dialysis, nephrological and transplantation units in European countries was used. A questionnaire, developed with the collaboration of National Associations, was used. Data were analysed using STATA software. A preliminary descriptive variable analysis was performed followed by a verification of the association between variables; values of p < 0.002 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 436 completed questionnaires were received (participation rate: 22%). Written policies and procedures regarding violence and aggression are present in 18% of units. Educational strategies are available in less than 20% of units. Incidents are prevented by security staff (48%) or pharmacological treatment (66%). Incident reporting is mandatory for any violent and aggressive behaviour in 66% of units. There are differences between European countries. Discussion and conclusion: Violence and aggression prevention and management strategies are not widely implemented throughout Europe. The dissemination of information on the prevention and management of violence and aggression is vital.
CORRELATION OF PERISCREEN STRIP RESULTS AND WHITE CELL COUNT IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PERITONITIS
Authors: Fan Stanley , Lane Catherine , Punzalan Sally 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARY Introduction: Monitoring of peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis can be difficult for visually impaired patients. PeriScreen strips measure leukocyte esterase activity and this might be a useful objective test that can be performed by patients at home. Methods: A prospective study of 138 episodes of peritonitis was undertaken. Effluent samples were analysed for white cell count (WCC) and PeriScreen score on days 3 and 5. Co‐morbidity data were collated from these patients. Results: Effluent WCC and PeriScreen results were found to correlate with the gold standard assessment of microbiology WCC count. A positive PeriScreen result on day 5 predicted that the episode of peritonitis would relapse after treatment with a sensitivity of 80% but with a poor specificity of 45%. Patients who cleared or relapsed their peritonitis could not be differentiated based on their burden of co‐morbidity, Karnofsky scores, age, dialysis vintage or infective organism. Conclusion: PeriScreen strip analysis correlated with microscopic WCC of PD. However, analysis of PD effluent on day 5 of treatment is not a good test to risk stratify patients for relapsing peritonitis.
CARDIAC REHABILITATION FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Byrne Gobnait , Murphy Fiona 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYCardiac Rehabilitation programmes are an integrated part of the total care of the patient and are delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Cardiac Rehabilitation is usually organised in four phases and has shown to reduce the morbidly and mortality associated with cardiac disease. Chronic Kidney Disease patients who are at risk of, or already have, Cardiovascular Disease should be monitored, educated and managed through close working relationships between the renal and cardiac multidisciplinary teams. One mechanism by which this may be achieved is through the use of cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS AND SUDDEN DEATH IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Green Darren , Roberts Paul R. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYOne in four dialysis patients will die suddenly. Most do not fall into the high‐risk categories that are associated with sudden death in the general population. The cause of sudden death in the dialysis population is unknown. It may be related to factors associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) itself, for example, inflammation, vascular stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, electrolyte/fluid abnormalities or autonomic dysfunction. Studies of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators have shown that patients with CKD are more likely to use their devices for ventricular arrhythmias but in spite of this still have a high associated mortality. Until a comprehensive risk stratification strategy is understood, minimising risk by good control of basic parameters such as fluid balance, electrolytes and blood pressure, along with careful assessment of all patients for evidence of coronary artery disease and heart failure is the mainstay of management of the CKD patient.