bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Health Costs due to Farmers’ Exposure to Pesticides: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Athukorala Wasantha , Wilson Clevo , Robinson Tim 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPesticide spraying by farmers has an adverse impact on their health. However, in studies to date examining farmers’ exposure to pesticides, the costs of ill health and their determinants have been based on information provided by farmers themselves. Some doubt has therefore been cast on the reliability of these estimates. In this study, we address this by conducting surveys among two groups of farmers who use pesticides on a regular basis. The first group is made up of farmers who perceive that their ill health is due to exposure to pesticides and have obtained at least some form of treatment (described in this article as the ‘general farmer group’). The second group is composed of farmers whose ill health has been diagnosed by doctors and who have been treated in hospital for exposure to pesticides (described here as the ‘hospitalised farmer group’). Cost comparisons are made between the two groups of farmers. Regression analysis of the determinants of health costs show that the most important determinants of medical costs for both samples are the defensive expenditure, the quantity of pesticides used per acre per month, frequency of pesticide use and number of pesticides used per hour per day. The results have important policy implications.
War Legacies, Welfare and Livelihoods in Rural Areas: The Case of Kosovo
Authors: Douarin Elodie , Litchfield Julie , Sabates‐Wheeler Rachel 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis article examines the effects of war on livelihood choices and welfare outcomes of rural households in Kosovo using the 2000 Kosovo Living Standards Measurement Survey. We analyse the extent of the legacy of war on livelihood activities and welfare. We first identify livelihood portfolio clusters of households pursuing similar combinations of activities. These clusters are comparable to those described in more qualitative studies in the immediate post‐conflict period. We then examine the determinants of livelihood portfolio choice and the consequences of these for welfare outcomes. Our results provide evidence of a relationship between a household’s experience of war and livelihood choice. We also identify significant selection effects on welfare for three out of four livelihood clusters, highlighting the fact that selecting into a specific livelihood portfolio changes welfare relative to expected levels. Our results show that war not only affects livelihood choices but also changes the returns to these activities.
Processing Optimization of Lead Magnesium Niobate‐Lead Titanate  Thin Films for Piezoelectric MEMS Application
Authors: Bastani Yaser , Bassiri‐Gharb Nazanin 
Published: January 2012

We report processing conditions and electromechanical properties of highly textured, 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) films, processed via chemical solution deposition on platinized silicon substrates. Textured perovskite seed layers, optimization of heat treatment conditions and Pb content control were studied to obtain pure perovskite PMN–PT films with dense, columnar grains. Highly (100)‐ and (111)‐oriented films, with Lotgering factors between 91% and 97%, and average grain size up to ~430 nm were synthesized on thin PbTiO3 and Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 seed layers. Overall, (100)‐textured films showed higher dielectric permittivity and saturated d33,f piezoelectric coefficients. Dense, submicron‐thick, (100)‐oriented films showed low‐field, relative dielectric permittivity of up to ~2850 (tan δ = 0.02) at 1 kHz, and remnant polarization values up to 17.5 μC/cm2. The films showed saturated d33,f piezoelectric coefficients as high as 210 pm/V.
Structures and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba[Ti1−x(Co0.5W0.5)x]O3 (x = 0.40–0.90) Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Tian Cailan , Yue Zhenxing , Meng Siqin , Zhou Yuanyuan 
Published: January 2012

Perovskite ceramics of Ba[Ti1−x(Co0.5W0.5)x]O3 (x = 0.40–0.90) were synthesized by a conventional solid‐state reaction method. Crystal phase, microstructure, and microwave dielectric property of the ceramics were investigated. A phase transition from simple cubic (x = 0.40–0.55) to hexagonal and then to cubic double pervoskite (x = 0.75–0.90) was detected. A single hexagonal perovskite structure (P63/mmc) was obtained at 1425°C and stabilized at room temperature only at x = 0.61. For ceramics x = 0.55–0.60 and x = 0.62–0.75, they are mixtures that consisted of cubic and hexagonal perovskites. With increasing x, Qxf increased from 2800 to 20 700 GHz, whereas dielectric constant (εr) decreased from 65 to 18, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τƒ) decreased from 44 to −17 ppm/°C. Hexagonal perovskite (εr = 18, Qxf = 7700 GHz, τƒ = −14 ppm/°C) had decreased εr, τƒ and increased Qxf values, compared with the cubic perovskite phases. The phase formation and the relationship between structures and microwave dielectric properties were discussed.
Study of Phase Transformation of Rapid‐Thermal‐Annealed TiOx Films and Their Photo‐Induced Hydrophilicity
Authors: Chung Chen‐Kuei , Liao Ming‐Wei 
Published: January 2012

Crystalline structure and bonding behavior of promising titanium oxide material strongly influenced the performance of photocatalysis or photovoltaics devices in application. A novel method to control phase formation of sputtered TiOx films was investigated by various as‐sputtered nonstoichiometry x of TiOx and followed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 550°C–750°C for 2 min in air. The as‐deposited TiOx films were amorphous with no X‐ray diffraction peak whereas the significant crystalline peaks of anatase or rutile phases were detected after RTA at 550°C–750°C. The nonstoichiometry x of TiOx films greatly influenced formation of crystalline TiO2 phase structures as annealed at 750°C. Pure anatase was detected in nonstoichiometry x > 1.97 specimens whereas pure rutile phase was detected in x < 1.61 specimens, respectively. An anatase‐rutile mixture obtained at 1.61 < x < 1.97 showed highly photo‐enhanced hydrophilic property after UV irradiation. Different crystalline phase structures of TiO2 films including the rutile, anatase, and mixture can be prepared by reactive sputtering and post RTA for enhancing performance of films. The relationship between process and phase transformation mechanism was also correlated and discussed.
Are CT Angiography Source Images Accurate for Evaluating Infarct Volume?
Authors: Watanabe Masaki , Qureshi Adnan I. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTNoncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) has been considered the standard test for determining eligibility for thrombolysis from the beginning of the thrombolytic era. CT angiography (CTA) reveals the cranio‐cervical vessel and the occlusion site. Furthermore, the source image (SI) of the CTA (CTA‐SI) reflects cerebral blood volume and can detect the infarct core as hypoattenuated areas with higher sensitivity than ischemic changes on NCCT. However, it was recently reported that the CTA‐SI using fast acquisition protocol significantly overestimated the infarct core mostly on the basis of the poor collaterals. On the other hand, CTA‐SI using standardized protocol was reported to be good predictor for final infarct extension. Imaging used in the setting of acute stroke should accurately address the presence and size of an irreversible ischemic core. Further studies are required to confirm whether another measure or adjustment in CTA‐SI values can be more reliable for evaluating the infarct core.
Antenatal exercise to improve outcomes in overweight or obese women: A systematic review
Authors: SUI ZHIXIAN , GRIVELL ROSALIE M. , DODD JODIE M. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract Background. Women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy are at increased risk of a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Objective. To review the literature systematically to assess the benefits and harms of an exercise intervention for pregnant women who are overweight or obese. Search strategy. A literature search of PUBMED, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) and the Australian and International Clinical Trials Registers was performed, as well as an additional hand search through bibliographies of various publications. There were no date or language restrictions. Selection criteria. Studies included were randomized controlled trials comparing supervised antenatal exercise intervention with routine standard antenatal care in women who were overweight or obese during pregnancy. The primary outcome was maternal gestational weight gain. The quality of each study was assessed utilizing standard Cochrane systematic review methodology. Data collection and analysis. Six randomized controlled trials and one quasi‐randomized trial were identified and included, involving a total of 276 women who were overweight or obese during pregnancy. Results. Provision of a supervised antenatal exercise intervention was associated with lower gestational weight gain (five trials, 216 participants, mean difference of −0.36 kg, 95% confidence interval −0.64 to −0.09 kg) when compared with standard antenatal care. Conclusions. A monitored physical activity intervention appears to be successful in limiting gestational weight gain; however, the effect on maternal and infant health is less certain.
The influence of fetal head circumference on labor outcome: a population‐based register study
Authors: ELVANDER CHARLOTTE , HÖGBERG ULF , EKÉUS CECILIA 
Published: January 2012

Abstract Objective. To investigate the association between postnatal head circumference and the occurrence of the three main indications for instrumental delivery, namely prolonged labor, signs of fetal distress and maternal distress. We also studied the association between postnatal fetal head circumference and the use of vacuum extraction and emergency cesarean section. Design. Population‐based register study. Setting. Nationwide study in Sweden. Population. A total of 265 456 singleton neonates born to nulliparous women at term between 1999 and 2008 in Sweden. Methods. Register study with data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Main outcome measures. Prolonged labor, signs of fetal distress, maternal distress, use of vacuum extraction and emergency cesarean section. Results. The prevalence of each outcome increased gradually as the head circumference increased. Compared with women giving birth to a neonate with average size head circumference (35 cm), women giving birth to an infant with a very large head circumference (39–41 cm) had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with prolonged labor [odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–1.67], signs of fetal distress (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.49–2.03) and maternal distress (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.96–2.95). The odds ratios for vacuum extraction and cesarean section were thereby elevated to 3.47 (95% CI 3.10–3.88) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.04–1.42), respectively. The attributable risk proportion percentages associated with vacuum extraction and cesarean section were 46 and 39%, respectively among the cases exposed to a head circumference of 37–41 cm. Conclusions. Large fetal head circumference is associated with complicated labor and is etiological to a considerable proportion of assisted vaginal births and emergency cesarean sections.
Psoriasiform pemphigus foliaceus: a report of two cases
Authors: Grekin Sarah J. , Fox Matthew C. , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Fullen Douglas R. 
Published: January 2012

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) represents an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by the disruption of epidermal intercellular adhesion proteins. Clinical findings include superficial crusted erosions in a seborrheic distribution; however, the disease can rarely present as an exfoliative erythroderma. Histopathologic findings include acantholysis with cleavage within the granular layer. Direct immunofluorescence studies show intercellular IgG and complement deposition. We present two patients, to our dermatology department, with a previous diagnosis of psoriasis, with an exfoliative erythroderma, which ultimately proved to be because of PF based on histopathological features, direct immunofluorescence results and levels of antibodies against desmoglein 1. Both patients responded well to oral prednisone and rituximab. This variant of PF should be entertained in both the clinical differential diagnosis of psoriasiform erythroderma and in the microscopic differential diagnosis of psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia with focal acantholysis, particularly in patients for whom the clinical history is not classic for psoriasis or for whom conventional psoriasis therapies have not proven beneficial.Grekin SJ, Fox MC, Gudjonsson JE, Fullen DR. Psoriasiform pemphigus foliaceus: a report of two cases.
Use of an expanded immunohistochemical panel to distinguish cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma from histopathologic imitators
Authors: Cho Raymond J. , McCalmont Timothy H. , Ai Weiyun Z. , Fox Lindy P. , Treseler Patrick , Pincus Laura B. 
Published: January 2012

In lymph nodes, classical Hodgkin lymphoma can typically be distinguished from non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) by the presence of Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells that co‐express CD30 and CD15. However, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can show identical features, and some cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma lack CD15 expression, rendering them difficult to differentiate from CD30‐positive NHL. The differential diagnosis of cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma similarly includes ALCL and DLBCL, and, additionally, tumors of mycosis fungoides. Recent studies have shown that classical Hodgkin lymphoma is of B‐cell origin in virtually all cases, and shows at least focal weak expression of the B‐cell marker PAX5 and often focal weak expression and no expression of the B‐cell markers Oct‐2 and BOB.1, respectively. All three of these markers are almost invariably absent in T‐cell lymphomas and are strongly expressed in B‐cell lymphomas. We report a 40‐year‐old man with classical Hodgkin lymphoma who developed cutaneous nodules. A biopsy from one revealed Hodgkin/Reed‐Sternberg cells with a similar immunophenotype to the diagnostic lymph node biopsy, namely CD30+/CD15+, diffusely but weakly PAX5+, focally weakly Oct‐2+ and lacking BOB.1 expression, thereby confirming a diagnosis of cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the expression pattern of the combination of PAX5, Oct‐2 and BOB.1 in the context of cutaneous involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma.Cho RJ, McCalmont TH, Ai WZ, Fox LP, Treseler P, Pincus LB. Case report demonstrating use of an expanded immunohistochemical panel to distinguish cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma from histopathologic imitators.
The effects of heparan sulphate mimetic RGTA‐OTR4120 on irradiated murine salivary glands
Authors: Spiegelberg Linda , Djasim Urville M. , van Neck Johan W. , Wolvius Eppo B. , van der Wal Karel G.H. 
Published: January 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 477–483Background:  This study focuses on the potential of ReGeneraTing Agent OTR4120 (RGTA‐OTR4120) to treat radiation‐induced damage of salivary glands. RGTAs are biopolymers designed to mimic the effects of heparan sulphate, thereby stimulation tissue repair and regeneration.Methods:  C3H mice were irradiated with a single dose of 15 Gy in the head and neck region. RGTA‐OTR4120 was injected 24 h after radiotherapy, followed by weekly injections. At 2, 6 and 10 weeks after radiotherapy, salivary flow rates were measured and animals were sacrificed to obtain parotid and submandibular glands for histology. Periodic acid Schiff stain was performed to visualize mucins that are produced by acinar cells. Amylase and total protein content were measured in saliva samples.Results:  Salivary flow rates were increased at 2 weeks, but not at 6 and 10 weeks after radiotherapy with RGTA‐OTR4120 administration, compared to irradiated controls. Two and 10 weeks after radiotherapy, the mucin production activity of acinar cells was increased under influence of RGTA administration. RGTA‐OTR4120 did not influence amylase or total protein secretion.Conclusion:  RGTA‐OTR4120 administration has a positive effect on salivary flow rates in irradiated mice on the short term. The effect was absent 10 weeks after radiotherapy, while at that time point, mucin producing activity of acinar cells was elevated by RGTA‐OTR4120 administration. Given these results and the advantages of RGTA use in irradiated patients, further investigation on the potential of this drug to treat radiation‐induced salivary gland damage, alone or in combination with other drugs, such as amifostine, is suggested.
Discussions on oral health care among elderly Chinese immigrants in Melbourne and Vancouver
Authors: MacEntee Michael I , Mariño Rodrigo , Wong Sabrina , Kiyak Asuman , Minichiello Victor , Chi Iris , Lo Edward CM , Huancai Lin 
Published: January 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00568.xDiscussions on oral health care among elderly Chinese immigrants in Melbourne and VancouverBackground:  This study explored how elderly Chinese immigrants value and relate to how acculturation influences oral health and subsequent service use.Methods:  Elders who had immigrated to Melbourne and Vancouver within the previous 15 years were recruited from local community centres and assigned to focus groups of 5–7 participants in Vancouver (4 groups) or Melbourne (5 groups).Results:  Following an iterative process of thematic analysis, the discussions revealed that immigrants care about the comfort and appearance of their teeth, and they value Western dentistry as a supplement to traditional remedies, but they have difficulty getting culturally sensitive information about oral health care. Accessing dentistry, they explained, is distressing because of language problems and financial costs that impose on their children. Consequently, many immigrants obtain dental treatment in China when they return for occasional visits. They felt that separation of dentistry from national health care programmes in Canada and Australia disregards natural links between oral health and general health.Conclusions:  The similarity of concerns in both cities suggests that dissemination of information and availability of services are the important themes influencing oral health, and that, beliefs developed over a lifetime play an important role in interpreting oral health in the host country.
Conflict accompanying the choice of initial treatment in breast cancer patients
Authors: KOKUFU Hiroko 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study is to reveal the state of conflict accompanied by the choice of initial treatment in breast cancer patients, and to clarify the factors affecting conflict.Methods:  The subjects were female breast cancer patients, to whom options for initial treatment were presented by a physician. The data were collected using questionnaires based on the following scales: Psychological Resilience Scale, Japanese Decisional Conflict Scale, satisfaction with decision‐making, and Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale Japanese version.Results:  The mean factor score of decisional conflict was 2.36, indicating moderate conflict. A subscale of the Psychological Resilience Scale “positive future orientation” was weakly related to subscales of the Decisional Conflict Scale, “feeling unsupported by others” (rs = −0.31, P < 0.05) and “lack of advice about the decision” (rs = −0.27, P < 0.05). “Lack of advice about the decision”, “feeling unsupported by others” and “perception of the quality of decision made” were strongly related to satisfaction and “fighting spirit”.Conclusion:  It was speculated that only the fact of information acquisition and clarification of values are not sufficient and that patients need to be sure that they are receiving actual advice and support.
Prospects of Transcript Profiling for mRNAs and MicroRNAs Using Formalin‐Fixed and Paraffin‐Embedded Dissected Autoptic Multiple Sclerosis Lesions
Authors: Eisele Sylvia , Krumbholz Markus , Fischer Marie‐Therese , Mohan Hema , Junker Andreas , Arzberger Thomas , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Bradl Monika , Lassmann Hans , Meinl Edgar 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe elaboration of novel pathogenic aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) requires the analysis of well‐defined stages of lesion development. However, specimens of certain stages and lesion types are either present in small brain biopsies, insufficient in size for further molecular studies or available as formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) material only. Therefore, application of current molecular biology techniques to FFPE tissue is warranted. We compared FFPE and frozen tissue by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and report: (1) FFPE material is highly heterogeneous regarding the utility for transcript profiling of mRNAs; well‐preserved FFPE samples had about a 100‐fold reduced sensitivity compared with frozen tissue, but gave similar results for genes of sufficient abundance; (2) FFPE samples not suitable for mRNA analysis are still highly valuable for miRNA quantification; (3) the length of tissue fixation greatly affects utility for mRNA but not for miRNA analysis; (4) FFPE samples can be processed via a hot water bath for dissection of defined lesion areas; and (5) in situ hybridization for proteolipid protein (PLP) helps to identify samples not suitable for mRNA amplification. In summary, we present a detailed protocol how to use autoptic FFPE tissue for transcript profiling in dissected tissue areas.
The Ideal Spectral Profile of Topical Sunscreens
Authors: Diffey Brian L. , Brown Michael W. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSunscreens were originally designed to prevent sunburn and incorporated active ingredients that absorbed principally in the UVB region. However, over the past 20 years or so new ingredients have been developed that extend absorption across a much wider range of the solar ultraviolet spectrum in the belief that sunscreens should provide balanced spectral absorption. This article develops the rationale for spectral uniformity by showing that this requirement is aligned to more natural forms of photoprotection. It is shown that a modern sunscreen can provide a spectrally balanced absorption profile in line with shade and many types of clothing fabric. Finally, a new metric is introduced that measures how well the spectral absorption profile of topical sunscreens performs against this ideal.
Hypericin‐mediated Photodynamic Antimicrobial Effect on Clinically Isolated Pathogens†
Authors: Yow Christine M. N. , Tang Hi M. , Chu Ellie S. M. , Huang Zheng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the photodynamic antimicrobial effect of hypericin on clinically isolated Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cells. Bacterial cells (108 cells per mL) were incubated with hypericin (0–40 μm) for 30 min and followed by light irradiation of 600–800 nm at 5–30 J cm−2. Cell survival was determined by colony counting, cellular hypericin uptake examined by flow cytometer, and cell membrane damage examined by scanning electron microscopy and leakage assay. The effectiveness of hypericin‐mediated photodynamic killing was strongly affected by cellular structure and photosensitizer uptake. The combination of hypericin and light irradiation could induce significant killing of Gram positive methicillin‐sensitive and ‐resistant S. aureus cells (>6 log reduction), but was not effective on Gram negative E. coli cells (<0.2 log reduction). The difference was caused by different cell wall/membrane structures that directly affected cellular uptake of hypericin.