bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female and Male Transgender Quality of Life: Socioeconomic and Medical Differences
Authors: Motmans Joz , Meier Petra , Ponnet Koen , T’Sjoen Guy 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Studies show a positive impact of gender reassignment treatment on the quality of life (QOL) of transgender persons, but little is known about the influence of their socioeconomic status.

Aim
First, to assess health-related QOL of transgender men and women and compare it with a general population sample, second, to investigate the differences between transgender men and transgender women, and third, to analyze how their levels of QOL differ according to socioeconomic and transition data.

Methods
One hundred forty-eight current and former transgender patients of a gender identity clinic participated in a large QOL study.

Main Outcomes Measures
Health-related QOL was measured using the Short Form 36-Item Questionnaire.

Results
The QOL of transgender women did not differ significantly from the general Dutch female population, although transgender men showed reduced mental health-related QOL compared with the general Dutch male sample. Transgender women had a lower QOL than transgender men for the subscales physical functioning and general health, but better QOL for bodily pain. Time since start of hormone use was positively associated for transgender women with subscales bodily pain and general health, and negatively associated for transgender men with the subscale role limitations due to physical health problems. There was no significant difference in QOL between the group who had undergone genital surgery or surgical breast augmentation and the group who did not have these surgeries. Transgender men with an erection prosthesis scored significantly better on the subscales vitality and (at trend level) on role limitations due to emotional problems. A series of univariate analyses revealed significantly lower QOL scores for transgender persons that were older, low educated, unemployed, had a low household income, and were single.

Conclusions
Specific social indicators are important in relation to health-related QOL of transgenders in a context of qualitative and adequate medical care.
The Value of Knowledge
Authors: Olsson Erik J 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA problem occupying much contemporary epistemology is that of explaining why knowledge is more valuable than mere true belief. This paper provides an overview of this debate, starting with historical figures and early work. The contemporary debate in mainstream epistemology is then surveyed and some recent developments that deserve special attention are highlighted, including mounting doubts about the prospects for virtue epistemology to solve the value problem as well as renewed interest in classical and reliabilist‐externalist responses.
Joseph Raz’s Theory of Authority
Authors: Ehrenberg Kenneth 
Published: December 2011

AbstractJoseph Raz’s theory of authority has become influential among moral, political, and legal philosophers. This article will provide an overview and accessible explanation of the theory, guiding those coming to it for the first time as to its theoretical ambitions within the wider issues of authority, and through its intricacies. I first situate the theory among philosophical examinations of authority, and then explain the theory itself in detail.
The Philosophy of Comics
Authors: Meskin Aaron 
Published: December 2011

AbstractComics have been around since the 19th century, but it is only just recently that they have begun to receive philosophical attention as an art form in their own right. This essay begins by exploring the reasons for their comparative neglect by philosophers of art and then provides an overview of extant work on the philosophy of comics. The primary issues discussed are the definition of comics, the ontology of comics, the relationship between comics and other art forms, the relationship between text and image in comics, and the connection between comics and cartooning.
Three species of the subfamily Campopleginae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) new to Korea
Authors: CHOI Jin‐Kyung , JEONG Jong‐Chul , LEE Jong‐Wook 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe report three species that are new to Korea, Dusona falcator (Fabricius, 1775), Phobocampe yasumatsuiUchida, 1954 and Venturia longipropodeum (Uchida, 1942). Among them, the genus Venturia is recorded for the first time in Korea. Descriptions and photographs of diagnostic characteristics are provided.
Prognostic factors for survival in a Chinese population presenting with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with an emphasis on smoking status: A regional, single‐institution, retrospective analysis of 4552 patients
Authors: Hu Qiong , Li Bing , Garfield David , Ren Shengxiang , Li Aiwu , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhou CaiCun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Lung cancer ranks as the top of cancer‐related mortality in the world. Approximately 85–90% of all lung cancer cases are non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For advanced NSCLC patients, the five‐year survival rate is less than 5%. Previous studies have attempted to determine prognostic factors, such as smoking status, gender, ethnicity, age, and histological type. However, the results are controversial and conflict. In this study, we investigated prognostic factors in a Chinese population presenting with advanced NSCLC.Methods:  Medical records of patients with advanced NSCLC (AJCC Stage IIIB/IV) who received treatment at our institution were reviewed. Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox Proportional Hazards model were performed in both univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:  A total of 4552 patients were entered. Among them, 1320 (29.0%) were female, 2408 non‐smokers (52.9%), and all had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) = 0/1. Univariate analysis suggested that female gender (P < 0.001), adenocarcinoma histology (P < 0.001), age <70 (P < 0.001), and non‐smoker status (P < 0.001) were associated with better survival. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (hazard ratio [HR]= 1.173, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.085–1.268, P < 0.001), smoking status (vs. non‐smokers, HR = 1.212, 95% CI: 1.123–1.308, P < 0.001), and histological type (non‐adenocarcinoma vs. adenocarcinoma, HR = 1.104, 95% CI: 1.031–1.181, P = 0.004), but not gender, were independent prognostic factors.Conclusions:  Smoking status, age, and histological type are independent prognostic factors in Chinese NSCLC patients presenting with advanced disease. Non‐smoking status is associated with better overall survival in Chinese NSCLC patients.
REGIONAL BUSINESS CYCLE PHASES IN TAIWAN
Authors: LIU DE‐CHIH 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper uses both univariate and multivariate Markov‐switching models to explore the characteristics of the regional business cycle phases in Taiwan. In particular, this paper provides novel evidence regarding the “turning‐point identification” puzzle in Taiwan that to date has not been fully resolved. We find that the regime‐switching behaviour of the common regional business cycle is consistent (or even precedes recession) with the business cycle expansion and contraction indicators used by the Council for Economic Planning and Development. This finding suggests that the common regional business cycle identifies the turning point after the 1990s. This finding also suggests that the employment growth index would be a great indicator for monitoring the business cycle in Taiwan.
SMALL TRADE FLOWS AND PREFERENCE UTILISATION: THE CASE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: NILSSON LARS 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA significant number of preference eligible goods are imported into the European Union (EU) from developing countries at relatively low values. In 2008, more than 90% of the number of preferential import flows (at eight‐digit level) represented together about 5% of the value of EU preferential imports from developing countries. While the overall utilisation of EU trade preferences is high, preference utilisation rates of these low‐value imports are markedly lower. This fact is unobserved in the aggregate figures, and thus rarely noticed. This paper examines the extent and the importance of this phenomenon. It attempts to identify exporting countries and products that are particularly affected, and relate these findings to the preferential margin offered on the EU market as well as to the requirements of rules of origin.
The mediators of minority ethnic underperformance in final medical school examinations
Authors: Woolf Katherine , McManus I. Chris , Potts Henry W. W. , Dacre Jane 
Published: December 2011

Background.  UK‐trained medical students and doctors from minority ethnic groups underperform academically. It is unclear why this problem exists, which makes it difficult to know how to address it.Aim.  To investigate whether demographic and psychological factors mediate the relationship between ethnicity and final examination scores.Sample.  Two consecutive cohorts of Year 5 (final year) UCL Medical School students (n= 703; 51% minority ethnic). A total of 587 (83%) had previously completed a questionnaire in Year 3.Methods.  Participants were administered a questionnaire in 2005 and 2006 that included a short version of the NEO‐PI‐R, the Study Process Questionnaire, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) as well as socio‐demographic measures. Participants were then followed up to final year (2007–2010). White and minority ethnic students’ questionnaire responses and final examination grades were compared using univariate tests. The effect of ethnicity on final year grades after taking into account the questionnaire variables was calculated using hierarchical multiple linear regression.Results.  Univariate ethnic differences were found on age, personality, learning styles, living at home, first language, parental factors, and prior education. Minority ethnic students had lower final exam scores, were more likely to fail, and less likely to achieve a merit or distinction in finals. Multivariate analyses showed ethnicity predicted final exam scores even after taking into account questionnaire factors.Conclusions.  Ethnic differences in the final year performance of two cohorts of UCL medical students were not due to differences in psychological or demographic factors, which suggests alternative explanations are responsible for the ethnic attainment gap in medicine.
New Sensitive Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using a Monoclonal Antibody against Nonstructural Protein 1 of West Nile Virus NY99
Authors: Hirota Jiro , Shimoji Yoshihiro , Shimizu Shinya 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAn anti-West Nile virus (anti-WNV) monoclonal antibody, SHW-7A11, was developed for competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (c-ELISAs). SHW-7A11 reacted with nonstructural protein 1 in Western blot analysis. SHW-7A11 was relatively specific for the WNV strain NY99 and recognized Kunjin and Eg101 strains in indirect ELISAs. Two c-ELISAs were developed for sera diluted 10 and 100 times and named c-ELISA10 and c-ELISA100, respectively. Both c-ELISAs detected antibodies against WNV NY99 and Kunjin strains. Little cross-reactivity was observed for antibodies against Japanese encephalitis virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus in these assays. Using the cutoff point for the St. Louis encephalitis virus, all WNV-infected chickens were found to be positive on day 21 after infection in both c-ELISAs. On the other hand, all infected chickens were found to be positive on day 35 after infection in a virus neutralization test. Our newly developed SHW-7A11-based c-ELISA can detect WNV infection with sera diluted 10 to 100 times. Therefore, this c-ELISA can be used for WNV serosurveillance of chickens and wild birds.
Effects of Different Adjuvants in the Context of Intramuscular and Intranasal Routes on Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Induced by Detergent-Split A/H3N2 Influenza Vaccines in Mice
Authors: Baz Mariana , Samant Mukesh , Zekki Hakima , Tribout-Jover Pascale , Plante Martin , Lanteigne Anne-Marie , Hamelin Marie-Eve , Mallett Corey , Papadopoulou Barbara , Boivin Guy 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTInfluenza A/H3N2 viruses have caused the most severe epidemics since 1968 despite current immunization programs with inactivated vaccines. We undertook a side-by-side preclinical evaluation of different adjuvants (Alum, AS03, and Protollin) and routes of administration (intramuscular [i.m.] and intranasal [i.n.]) for assessing their effect on the immunogenicity and cross-reactivity of inactivated split vaccines (A/H3N2/New York/55/2004). Humoral and T cell-mediated immune responses against the homologous virus and a heterologous drifted strain (A/H3N2/Wisconsin/67/2005) were measured in BALB/c mice at 2, 6, and 19 weeks postboost. The AS03- and Alum-adjuvanted i.m. vaccines induced at least an 8-fold increase over the nonadjuvanted vaccine in functional antibody titers against both the homotypic and heterotypic strains and low IgG2a and high IgG1 levels, suggesting a mixed Th1/Th2 response with a Th2 trend. The Protollin-adjuvanted i.n. vaccine induced the lowest IgG1/IgG2a ratio, which is indicative of a mixed Th1/Th2-type profile with a Th1 trend. This adjuvanted vaccine was the only vaccine to stimulate a mucosal IgA response. Whatever the timing after the boost, both hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and microneutralization (MN) titers were higher with the AS03-adjuvanted i.m. vaccine than with the protollin-adjuvanted i.n. vaccine. Finally, the Alum-adjuvanted i.m. vaccine and the lower-dose Protollin-adjuvanted i.n. vaccine elicited significantly higher CD4+Th1 and Th2 responses and more gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing CD8+T cells than the nonadjuvanted vaccine. Our data indicate that the adjuvanted vaccines tested in this study can elicit stronger, more persistent, and broader immune responses against A/H3N2 strains than nonadjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccines.
Development of Specific Sequence-Characterized Amplified Region Markers for Detecting Histoplasma capsulatum in Clinical and Environmental Samples
Authors: Frías De León María Guadalupe , Arenas López Gabina , Taylor Maria Lucia , Acosta Altamirano Gustavo , Reyes-Montes María del Rocío 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers, generated by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR, were developed to detect
Histoplasma capsulatum
selectively in clinical and environmental samples. A 1,200-bp RAPD-PCR-specific band produced with the 1281-1283 primers was cloned, sequenced, and used to design two SCAR markers, 1281-1283
220
and 1281-1283
230
. The specificity of these markers was confirmed by Southern hybridization. To evaluate the relevance of the SCAR markers for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis, another molecular marker (M antigen probe) was used for comparison. To validate 1281-1283
220
and 1281-1283
230
as new tools for the identification of
H. capsulatum
, the specificity and sensitivity of these markers were assessed for the detection of the pathogen in 36 clinical (17 humans, as well as 9 experimentally and 10 naturally infected nonhuman mammals) and 20 environmental (10 contaminated soil and 10 guano) samples. Although the two SCAR markers and the M antigen probe identified
H. capsulatum
isolates from different geographic origins in America, the 1281-1283
220
SCAR marker was the most specific and detected the pathogen in all samples tested. In contrast, the 1281-1283
230
SCAR marker and the M antigen probe also amplified DNA from
Aspergillus niger
and
Cryptococcus neoformans
, respectively. Both SCAR markers detected as little as 0.001 ng of
H. capsulatum
DNA, while the M antigen probe detected 0.5 ng of fungal DNA. The SCAR markers revealed the fungal presence better than the M antigen probe in contaminated soil and guano samples. Based on our results, the 1281-1283
220
marker can be used to detect and identify
H. capsulatum
in samples from different sources.
Identification of Host Genes Linked with the Survivability of Chickens Infected with Recombinant Viruses Possessing H5N1 Surface Antigens from a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Uchida Yuko , Watanabe Chiaki , Takemae Nobuhiro , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Oka Takehiko , Ito Toshihiro , Saito Takehiko 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Seventeen recombinant viruses were generated by a reverse genetic technique to elucidate the pathogenicity of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in chickens. The recombinant viruses generated possessed hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from an HPAIV. Other segments were combinations of the genes from an HPAIV and two low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) derived from chicken (LP) and wild bird (WB). Exchange of whole internal genes from an HPAIV with those of an LPAIV resulted in a significant extension of the survival time following intranasal infection of the chickens with the recombinants. Survival analysis demonstrated that the exchange of a gene segment affected survivability of the chickens with statistical significance. The analysis revealed three groups of recombinants with various gene constellations that depended upon the survivability of the infected chickens. Recombinants where the PA gene was exchanged from LP to WB in the LP gene background, LP (W/PA), did not kill any chickens. LP (W/PA) replicated less efficiently both
in vitro
and
in vivo
, suggesting that the intrinsic replication ability of LP (W/PA) affects pathogenicity; however, such a correlation was not seen for the other recombinants. Microarray analysis of the infected chicken lungs indicated that the expression of 7 genes,
CD274
,
RNF19B
,
OASL
,
AC3HAV1
,
PLA2G6
,
GCH1
, and
USP18
, correlated with the survivability of the chickens infected (
P
< 0.01). Further analysis of the functions of these genes in chickens would aid in the understanding of host gene responses following fatal infections by HPAIVs.
Use and usefulness of guidelines for sickness certification: results from a national survey of all general practitioners in Sweden
Authors: Skånér Ylva , Nilsson Gunnar H , Arrelöv Britt , Lindholm Christina , Hinas Elin , Wilteus Anna Löfgren , Alexanderson Kristina 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesDiagnoses-specific sickness certification guidelines were recently introduced in Sweden. The aim of this study was to investigate to which extent general practitioners (GPs) used these guidelines and how useful they found them, 1 year after introduction.DesignA cross-sectional questionnaire study. A comprehensive questionnaire about sickness certification practices in 2008 was sent to all physicians living and working in Sweden (n=36 898, response rate 60.6%). In all, 19.7% (n=4394) of the responders worked as GPs.SettingPrimary healthcare in all Sweden.ParticipantsThe participating GPs who had consultations concerning sickness certification at least a few times a year (n=4278, 97%).Main outcome measuresDescriptive statistics and prevalence ratios for the 11 questionnaire items about the use and usefulness of the sickness certification guidelines.ResultsA majority (76.2%) of the GPs reported that they used the guidelines. In addition, 65.4% and 43.5% of those GPs reported that the guidelines had facilitated their contacts with patients and social insurance officers, respectively. The guidelines also helped nearly one-third (31.5%) of the GPs to develop their competence and improve the quality of their management of sickness certification consultations (33.5%). About half experienced some problems when using the guidelines and 43.7% wanted better competence in using them. A larger proportion of non-specialists and of GPs with fewer sickness certification consultations had benefitted from the guidelines.ConclusionsThe national sickness certification guidelines implemented in Sweden were widely used by GPs already a year after introduction. Also, the GPs consider the guidelines useful in several respects, for example, in patient contacts and for competence development.
Oxytocin during labour and risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage: a population-based, cohort-nested case–control study
Authors: Belghiti Jérémie , Kayem Gilles , Dupont Corinne , Rudigoz René-Charles , Bouvier-Colle Marie-Hélène , Deneux-Tharaux Catherine 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesPostpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Experimental studies support the hypothesis that oxytocin administration during labour, a common although not evidence-based practice, may increase the risk of atonic PPH. The clinical studies, however, are inconclusive. The objectives of this study was to investigate the association between the level of oxytocin exposure during labour and the risk of severe PPH and to explore whether the prophylactic use of oxytocin after birth modifies this association.DesignPopulation-based, cohort-nested case–control study.Setting106 French hospitals from December 2004 through November 2006.ParticipantsWomen with term singleton vaginal deliveries, after an uncomplicated pregnancy. Cases were 1483 women with severe PPH, defined by peripartum change in haemoglobin of ≥4 g/dl or need for blood transfusion. Controls were 1758 women from a random sample of parturients without PPH.Main outcome measuresThe independent association between the level of oxytocin during labour and the risk of severe PPH was tested and quantified with ORs through two-level multivariable logistic regression modelling.ResultsOxytocin was administered during labour to 73% of cases and 61% of controls (crude OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.0). After adjustment for all potential confounders, oxytocin during labour was associated with a significantly higher risk of severe PPH (adjusted OR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.6) in women who did not receive prophylactic oxytocin after delivery; the OR for haemorrhage increased from 1 to 5 according to the level of oxytocin exposure. In women who had prophylactic oxytocin after delivery, this association was significant only for the highest exposure categories.ConclusionsOxytocin during labour appears to be an independent risk factor for severe PPH. The results emphasise the need for guidelines clarifying the evidence-based indications for this procedure and the minimal useful regimens.
An observational survey of child car safety practices in private pre-primary and primary schools in two local government areas of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Olufunlayo T F , Odeyemi K A , Ogunnowo B E , Onajole A T , Oyediran M A 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveTo describe child car safety practices among children aged 0–8 years. Eight schools from two local government areas (LGAs) were selected by simple random sampling. Passenger cars were observed for child seating position and restraint use at each selected school as children were being dropped off in the morning.ResultsObserved child restraint use was very low, as was the rate of appropriate restraint for age (10.8% and 4.2%, respectively, in Eti-Osa, and 7.0% and 1.8% in Ikeja). Child restraint use decreased with increasing age group from 25% in those below 1 year, to 12% in those aged 1–3 years, and 7.4% in those aged 4–8 years. A large proportion of restrained passengers were inappropriately restrained in a seatbelt alone. Front seating among observed child passengers was not as high as in studies from similar environments (9.4% and 17.5% in Eti-Osa and Ikeja, respectively). Factors associated with child restraint use were number of child passengers in car, and whether or not the driver wore a seatbelt. Seating position of the child was significantly associated with the relationship of the driver to the child, and driver's gender.ConclusionThe level of child restraint use observed in this study is unacceptably low. The relatively low prevalence of front seating while riding in cars should however be further reduced. The study recommends the enactment of specific country legislation on the use of child restraints, accompanied by multifaceted intervention programmes to improve the availability and use of child car safety seats and booster seats.