bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localization of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I (IGF‐I) and IGF‐I Receptor (IGF‐IR) in Equine Testes
Authors: Yoon MJ , Berger T , Roser JF 
Published: June 2010

ContentsThe insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) is a key regulator of reproductive functions. IGF‐I actions are primarily mediated by IGF‐IR. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of IGF‐I and IGF‐I Receptor (IGF‐IR) in stallion testicular tissue. The hypotheses of this study were (i) IGF‐I and IGF‐IR are present in stallion testicular cells including Leydig, Sertoli, and developing germ cells, and (ii) the immunolabelling of IGF‐I and IGF‐IR varies with age. Testicular tissues from groups of 4 stallions in different developmental ages were used. Rabbit anti‐human polyclonal antibodies against IGF‐I and IGF‐IR were used as primary antibodies for immunohistochemistry and Western blot. At the pre‐pubertal and pubertal stages, IGF‐I immunolabelling was present in spermatogonia and Leydig cells. At post‐pubertal, adult and aged stages, immunolabelling of IGF‐I was observed in spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and spermatozoa) and Leydig cells. Immunolabelling of IGF‐IR was observed in spermatogonia and Leydig cells at the pre‐pubertal stage. The immunolabelling becomes stronger as the age of animals advance through the post‐pubertal stage. Strong immunolabelling of IGF‐IR was observed in spermatogonia and Leydig cells at post‐puberty, adult and aged stallions; and faint labelling was seen in spermatocytes at these ages. Immunolabelling of IGF‐I and IGF‐IR was not observed in Sertoli cells. In conclusion, IGF‐I is localized in equine spermatogenic and Leydig cells, and IGF‐IR is present in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Leydig cells, suggesting that the IGF‐I may be involved in equine spermatogenesis and Leydig cell function as a paracrine/autocrine factor.
Efficacy and safety of modified sequential three‐step empirical therapy for chronic cough
Authors: WEI Weili , YU Li , WANG Yu , LI Xin , QIU Zhihong , WANG Lan , LIU Bo , LIANG Siwei , LÜ Hanjing , QIU Zhongmin 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Sequential three‐step empirical therapy is useful for the management of chronic cough. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified sequential three‐step empirical therapy.Methods:  Consecutive patients (n = 240) with chronic cough were recruited and randomly assigned to receive modified (modified group) or primary (primary group) sequential three‐step empirical therapy. The primary end‐point was the overall rate of control of chronic cough. Secondary end‐points were the rate of control of chronic cough at each step of therapy, the duration of treatment required, changes in cough symptom score, health‐related quality of life and possible adverse effects.Results:  The study was completed by 106 patients in the modified group and 108 patients in the primary group. The overall rate of control of chronic cough was 88.7% in the modified group and 91.7% in the primary group (χ2 = 0.54, P > 0.05). There were no obvious differences in the rate of control of cough at each step of therapy, the duration of treatment required, patterns of cough symptom scores or improvements in the health‐related quality of life between the modified and primary groups. However, the incidence of drowsiness was significantly lower in the modified group than in the primary group (11.7% vs 21.7%, χ2 = 4.32, P = 0.04).Conclusions:  Modified three‐step empirical therapy was as efficacious as primary three‐step therapy for chronic cough, but was preferable because it had fewer side‐effects.
Dendritic spines, synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival: activity shapes dendritic spines to enhance neuronal viability
Authors: Segal Menahem 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAn emerging view of structure–function relations of synapses in central spiny neurons asserts that larger spines produce large synaptic currents and that these large spines are persistent (‘memory’) compared to small spines which are transient. Furthermore, ‘learning’ involves enlargement of small spine heads and their conversion to being large and stable. It is also assumed that the number of spines, hence the number of synapses, is reflected in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). Consequently, there is an assumption that the size and number of mEPSCs are closely correlated with, respectively, the physical size of synapses and number of spines. However, several recent observations do not conform to these generalizations, necessitating a reassessment of the model: spine dimension and synaptic responses are not always correlated. It is proposed that spines are formed and shaped by ongoing network activity, not necessarily by a ‘learning’ event, to the extent that, in the absence of such activity, new spines are not formed and existing ones disappear or convert into thin filopodia. In the absence of spines, neurons can still maintain synapses with afferent fibers, which can now terminate on its dendritic shaft. Shaft synapses are likely to produce larger synaptic currents than spine synapses. Following loss of their spines, neurons are less able to cope with the large synaptic inputs impinging on their dendritic shafts, and these inputs may lead to their eventual death. Thus, dendritic spines protect neurons from synaptic activity‐induced rises in intracellular calcium concentrations.
Understanding the parietal lobe syndrome from a neurophysiological and evolutionary perspective
Authors: Caminiti Roberto , Chafee Matthew V. , Battaglia‐Mayer Alexandra , Averbeck Bruno B. , Crowe David A. , Georgopoulos Apostolos P. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn human and nonhuman primates parietal cortex is formed by a multiplicity of areas. For those of the superior parietal lobule (SPL) there exists a certain homology between man and macaques. As a consequence, optic ataxia, a disturbed visual control of hand reaching, has similar features in man and monkeys. Establishing such correspondence has proven difficult for the areas of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). This difficulty depends on many factors. First, no physiological information is available in man on the dynamic properties of cells in the IPL. Second, the number of IPL areas identified in the monkey is paradoxically higher than that so far described in man, although this issue will probably be reconsidered in future years, thanks to comparative imaging studies. Third, the consequences of parietal lesions in monkeys do not always match those observed in humans. This is another paradox if one considers that, in certain cases, the functional properties of neurons in the monkey’s IPL would predict the presence of behavioral skills, such as construction capacity, that however do not seem to emerge in the wild. Therefore, constructional apraxia, which is well characterized in man, has never been described in monkeys and apes. Finally, only certain aspects, i.e. hand directional hypokinesia and gaze apraxia (Balint’s psychic paralysis of gaze), of the multifaceted syndrome hemispatial neglect have been described in monkeys. These similarities, differences and paradoxes, among many others, make the study of the evolution and function of parietal cortex a challenging case.
The Diabetes UK Mozambique Twinning Programme. Results of improvements in diabetes care in Mozambique: a reassessment 6 years later using the Rapid Assessment Protocol for Insulin Access
Authors: Beran D. , Silva Matos C. , Yudkin J. S. 
Published: June 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 855–861 (2010)AbstractObjective  To assess improvements in diabetes care in Mozambique between 2003 and 2009 following the implementation of the Diabetes UK Twinning Programme.Methods  As in 2003, a Rapid Assessment Protocol was implemented from August to September 2009 in order to assess the improvements in diabetes care and impact of the Diabetes UK Twinning Programme. One hundred and eighty‐four interviews were carried out at different levels of the health system in different areas of Mozambique.Results  The Diabetes UK Twinning Programme in Mozambique allowed the development of the first comprehensive non‐communicable disease plan in sub‐Saharan Africa. The other main improvements include a strengthening of the diabetes association with an 8‐fold increase in membership, 265 health workers trained in diabetes care in all provinces, the development of patient education materials inspired by some Diabetes UK tools and the expansion of public awareness, particularly from events associated with World Diabetes Day.Conclusions  Much progress has been made in Mozambique with regard to diabetes and non‐communicable diseases. Besides the direct impact of specific activities supported by Diabetes UK, this project allowed for ‘collateral’ benefits in the overall provision of diabetes care. As diabetes and non‐communicable diseases have a low profile on the global health agenda, twinning partnerships based on rigorous needs assessment have the capacity to make significant improvements in diabetes care at a relatively low level of investment. Moreover, this study suggests that the tool used might be of value in assessing progress in health system strengthening as well as in conducting the initial needs assessment.
Active classroom participation in a Group Scribbles primary science classroom
Authors: Chen Wenli , Looi Chee‐Kit 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA key stimulus of learning efficacy for students in the classroom is active participation and engagement in the learning process. This study examines the nature of teacher–student and student–student discourse when leveraged by an interactive technology—Group Scribbles (GS) in a Primary 5 Science classroom in Singapore which supports rapid collaborative knowledge building (RCKB). We envisaged nine design principles for RCKB in the design of lessons and postulated a logic model that links and explains the effects of our design principles to the ultimate goal of learning efficacy. We presented a case study of a GS lesson which shows that GS affordances leveraged by good lesson and activity design could enable the students to have more epistemic agency. Students had opportunities to participate spontaneously in class discussions by fully expressing their ideas without inhibition. The technology effect is used to support instant formative feedback and interactions among students effectively.
Pedagogical applications of Vlogs: An investigation into ESP learners' perceptions
Authors: Hung Shao‐Ting 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis study set out to examine the implementation of a video blog (vlog) project in an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course that aimed to increase students' opportunities to use the target language. Specifically, it explored students' perceptions towards vlogs and analysed the advantages and disadvantages of vlogs as identified by the students. Data sources included an attitude survey, an open‐ended questionnaire, student interviews, written peer feedback, video clips in vlogs and reflective journals. The results indicated that firstly, the students favourably perceived the vlog project because vlogs not only helped them organise and reflect on their learning products, but also allowed them to archive their learning processes. Second, they reported a number of advantages associated with vlogging, such as visual representation, relief from time constraints, self‐evaluation, professional development, wider audience, peer learning and technical capability. Third, in the opinion of the students, the challenges compromising the effectiveness of the vlog project involved technical difficulties, affective interferences, weak linkage to real‐time communication and time issues. In light of these findings, the researcher proposes two pedagogical implications for ESP instructional practices.
Competencies for learning design: A review of the literature and a proposed framework
Authors: MacLean Piers , Scott Bernard 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe term ‘learning design’ is used in this paper to refer to the process of designing effective learning experiences for a variety of contexts: in the classroom or laboratory, in the field, online and via standalone packages using a range of media. Learning design involves a wide set of knowledge, skills and competencies, including: learning theory and its applications, course design principles and procedures, use of media, use of different technologies, relevant business processes and so on. This paper briefly introduces a research project that investigated the field of learning design in the UK and elsewhere, and describes the production of a competency framework derived from the results of that research.
Genital candidosis in heterosexual couples
Authors: Lisboa C , Costa AR , Ricardo E , Santos A , Azevedo F , Pina‐Vaz C , Rodrigues AG 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Evidence suggests that Candida can be sexually transmitted; however, the contribution of sexual transmission to the pathogenesis of genital candidosis needs further elucidation.Objective  The aim was to evaluate genital candidosis and its transmissibility in heterosexual couples.Methods  Heterosexual couples were recruited among attendees of an Sexually Transmitted Diseases clinic. Specimens for yeast culture were collected from the glans penis and inner preputial layer using direct impression on CHROMagar Candida medium; vaginal exudates were collected using a cotton swab with subsequent inoculation on CHROMagar Candida medium. Mitochondrial DNA restriction analysis was performed to compare Candida isolates from both partners.Results  A total of 64 couples were enrolled in the study. Frequency of sexual intercourse was significantly higher in couples where both partners yielded positive cultures and with at least one having genital candidosis (Odds ratios: 6.844; 95% CI 1.408–33.266). The same Candida species was found in both partners in 25% (16/64) of all couples but only 17.2% (11/64) were genetically similar. In total 12 of the 34 women suffering from vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) had recurrent VVC (RVVC); two sexual partners of RVVC women (16.7%) had candida positive cultures, compared with 15 (68.2%) sexual partners of non RVVC women (Odds ratios: 0.093; 95% CI 0.016–0.544).Conclusions  Only in a few heterosexual couples a genetic similarity of Candida species recovered from both partners was found. RVVC women were more likely to have an asymptomatic candida negative sexual partner. This study suggests that male genitalia do not represent a relevant reservoir for RVVC; thus, the relevance of sexual transmission should not be emphasized.
Forensic learning disability nursing role analysis
Authors: Mason Tom , Phipps Dianne , Melling Kat 
Published: June 2010

Accessible summary

For nurses working with people with a learning disability in forensic settings (possibly having committed a criminal act), it is thought that they need different skills than those nurses in general learning disability settings.
Research in forensic nurses working in mental health secure settings suggest that they nurse according to six themes.
This research study tested this six theme framework for forensic learning disability nursing.
Whilst some of the themes were relevant for nurses working in forensic learning disability services, some were not relevant.

SummaryThis article reports on a study carried out on the role constructs of forensic and nonforensic Learning Disability Nursing in relation to six binary themes. The aims were to identify if there were differences in perceptions of forensic learning disability nurses and nonforensic learning disability nurses in relation to the six binary themes of the role construct framework and then to establish if there were differences between the two groups of nurses. The method was a survey design with the sample drawn from high, medium and low security settings and nonsecure settings in the UK. From 400 questionnaires distributed, response rates of 46% and 49% were achieved from secure and nonsecure settings, respectively. The results indicate that the forensic nurses group show a significant difference between ranked scores on a number of themes but no significant difference was found between scores on one of the themes. The nonforensic nurses group also showed a significant difference between scores on a number of the themes but no significant difference was found between scores on a number of themes. Finally, the results of the between group analysis show a significant difference between forensic and nonforensic groups scores on several themes but these are few in number. The conclusions drawn are that whilst there is some support for the relevance of the themes in relation to learning disabilities in the forensic setting, there is less support for nonforensic settings.
Doing sensory ethnography in consumer research
Authors: Valtonen Anu , Markuksela Vesa , Moisander Johanna 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper is a contribution to sensory‐aware cultural consumer research. It suggests that while the audio‐visual domain is unquestionably a crucial ingredient of contemporary consumer culture, there is a pressing need to explore the role of the other senses as well. The study works towards a practice‐based culturalist approach to sensory ethnography, a perspective that allows consumer scholars to empirically account for the cultural aspects of the senses. Through an empirical case study on sport fishing, the paper scrutinizes the challenges and opportunities related to conducting sensory ethnography. In addition, it discusses the benefits of this approach in consumer research.
Self‐reporting vs. observation: some cautionary examples from parent/child food shopping behaviour
Authors: Gram Malene 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMost studies on decision‐making in relation to consumption are based on self‐reported behaviour. This approach assumes that consumers can account for their decision‐making processes. However, several studies show that consumers are not always aware of what happens when they purchase goods because of the role of habit and routines, or a lack of willingness to account accurately for their purchases. A clear example of this is family decision‐making about food shopping. It is well documented that parents know that their children influence what they buy in supermarkets but it is also found that parents and children do not agree on just how much influence children have. Thus, a gap exists in the knowledge about what is actually happening in this grey zone of grocery shopping which seemingly cannot be solved through retrospective data collection. Family shopping is neither a completely rational nor conscious process, which makes the use of self‐reported behaviour problematic. This study discusses the limits of survey and interview approaches to parents' and children's shopping decisions in comparison with observations. An observational study of parent/child supermarket shopping in Denmark is used to exemplify the strengths of observation. Findings show that both parents and children are juggling a number of roles and apply a range of negotiation strategies which can explain why it is hard to account for who decided what afterwards. The article concludes that mapping certain types of consumer actions calls for other methods than self‐reported behaviour.
Information seeking by female apparel consumers in South Africa during the fashion decision‐making process
Authors: van Staden Johanna , van Aardt Annette Marie 
Published: June 2010

AbstractFashion information is sought during the fashion decision‐making process and can be obtained from various sources such as magazines, fashion consultants, websites and store displays. Various levels and methods such as internal and external search for information are used to assist the consumer in making informed fashion decisions. The broad research aim of this study was to determine which methods, sources and economics of fashion information are sought and used by female educators in Vanderbijlpark (South Africa) during the fashion decision‐making process, and to which extent.A self‐administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Section A measured methods of information seeking, section B determined the economics of information search and section C investigated sources of fashion information. Demographic information was investigated in Section D. A random cluster sample of eight schools was chosen from the female educating staff of 22 schools.The biggest group of the educators (40.18%) was between the ages of 41 and 50, which according to a South African categorization represents baby boomers. Almost all (95.5%) had a higher education qualification obtained at a university and most (82.14%) were married. Regarding the methods of information seeking, the respondents depended on internal information seeking more than on external methods and were moderately involved in the process. Shopping in stores was regarded the most important source of fashion information. Cluster analysis revealed that four clusters of respondents could be distinguished, each with a specific disposition towards the methods and economics of search as well as sources used during the fashion decision‐making process.
Calcite and aragonite seas and thede novoacquisition of carbonate skeletons
Authors: PORTER S. M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA longstanding question in paleontology has been the influence of calcite and aragonite seas on the evolution of carbonate skeletons. An earlier study based on 21 taxa that evolved skeletons during the Ediacaran through Ordovician suggested that carbonate skeletal mineralogy is determined by seawater chemistry at the time skeletons first evolve in a clade. Here I test this hypothesis using an expanded dataset comprising 40 well‐defined animal taxa that evolved skeletonsde novoin the last 600 Myr. Of the 37 taxa whose mineralogy is known with some confidence, 25 acquired mineralogies that matched seawater chemistry of the time, whereas only two taxa acquired non‐matching mineralogies. (Ten appeared during times when seawater chemistry is not well constrained.) The results suggest that calcite and aragonite seas do have a strong influence on carbonate skeletal mineralogy, however, this appears to be true only at the time mineralized skeletons first evolve. Few taxa switch mineralogies (from calcite to aragonite or vice versa) despite subsequent changes in seawater chemistry, and those that do switch do not appear to do so in response to changing aragonite–calcite seas. This suggests that there may be evolutionary constraints on skeletal mineralogy, and that although there may be increased costs associated with producing a mineralogy not favored by seawater, the costs of switching mineralogies are even greater.