bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does fish oil protect renal function in cyclosporin‐treated psoriasis patients?
Authors: STOOF T. J. , KORSTANJE M. J. , BILO H. J. G. , STARINK TH. M. , HULSMANS R. F. H. J. , DONKER A. J. M. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract Stoof TJ, Korstanje MJ, Bilo HJG, Starink THM, Hulsmans RFHJ, Donker AJM (Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, and Department of Dermatology, Academic Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands). Does fish oil protect renal function in cyclosporin‐treated psoriasis patients?In order to study the influence of fish oil on CyA‐induced renal dysfunction, 13 patients with psoriasis (CyA group) received cyclosporin A (CyA) alone, and seven patients (CyA/EPA + DHA group) received a combination of cyclosporin A and fish oil (6 g eicosapentaenoic acid, C20:5 omega‐3, and docosahexaenoic acid, C22:6 omega‐3, daily) for 3 months. The glomerular filtration rate fell by 18.0 ± 9.6% in the CyA group compared with 8.7 ± 6.8% in the CyA/EPA + DHA group (mean ± SD, P < 0.05). The effective renal plasma flow fell by 10.6 ± 8.9% in the CyA group and did not change in the CyA/EPA + DHA group (P < 0.05). The calculated total renal vascular resistance increased by 19.8 ± 14.5% in the CyA group and did not change in the CyA/EPA + DHA group (P < 0.01). The results of this pilot study suggest that fish oil can reduce CyA‐associated renal dysfunction in psoriasis patients.
The clinical spectrum of hypocalcaemia associated with bone metastases
Authors: RIANCHO J. A. , ARJONA R. , VALLE R. , SANZ J. , GONZÁLEZ‐MACÍAS J. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract Riancho JA, Arjona R, Valle R, Sanz J, González‐Macías I (Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain). The clinical spectrum of hypocalcaemia associated with bone metastases.Malignancy‐related hypocalcaemia has received less attention in the literature than the opposite perturbation, hypercalcaemia. Only, scarce and contradictory data exist about hypocalcaemia associated with bone metastases (BMH). We have reviewed the clinical records of 155 patients with bone metastases of solid tumours, 122 of which were followed during the whole course of the disease until death. The frequency of hypocalcaemia ranged from 5 to 13%, depending on the formula used to correct calcium values for protein concentration. BMH was almost exclusively limited to patients with osteoblastic metastases. The frequency of BMH among patients with prostate carcinoma was 13–27%, depending on the formula used. Only two of 60 patients with lytic bone lesions presented hypocalcaemia, and in both cases it was rather mild. The development of hypocalcaemia did not seem to imply a worse prognosis, at least in patients with carcinoma of the prostate. Thus, the prevalence of BMH appears to be higher than is usually considered. Adequate attention should be given to this disorder because of the potentially deleterious effects on several organ systems.
Agaricus blazei Murrill and Inflammatory Mediators in Elderly Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lima C. U. J. O. , Souza V. C. , Morita M. C. , Chiarello M. D. , de Oliveira Karnikowski M. G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThere is scientific evidence to suggest that the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) has immunomodulatory effects on cytokine synthesis, both in vitro and in vivo. This study was the first randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial designed to investigate these purported actions in elderly women. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of AbM intake on serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in community‐living seniors. The sample consisted of 57 elderly females who were carriers or homozygous for the majority allele of functional polymorphisms for the chosen cytokines. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive placebo (n = 29) or AbM dry extract (n = 28), 900 mg/day for 60 days. Body mass index, abdominal girth, body composition, blood pressure and cytokine (IL‐6, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α) levels were measured, and food intake was assessed as a possible confounder. Analysis of these parameters showed the sample was characterized by overweight and excess adiposity. After the study period, no changes from baseline were detectable for any parameter in either group. In this study, AbM extract had no modulating effect on IL‐6, IFN‐γ or TNF‐α levels in elderly females.
Regional cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism during propofol anaesthesia in healthy subjects studied with positron emission tomography
Authors: SCHLÜNZEN L. , JUUL N. , HANSEN K. V. , COLD G. E. 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundGeneral anaesthetics can alter the relationship between regional cerebral glucose metabolism rate (rGMR) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). With the present study, we wanted to assess quantitatively the effects of propofol on rCBF and rGMR in the same healthy volunteers measured with positron emission tomography (PET).Methods15O‐labelled water and 18F fluorodeoxyglucose were used as PET tracers to determine rCBF and rGMR, respectively, in eight healthy volunteers during the waking state (baseline) and during propofol anaesthesia. Propofol was titrated to keep a constant hypnotic depth (Bispectral Indes 35–40) throughout the anaesthesia. Changes in rGMR and rCBF were quantified using region‐of‐interest and voxel‐based analyses.ResultsThe measured mean propofol concentration was 4.1 ± 0.8 μg/ml during anaesthesia. Compared with the conscious state, total CBF and GMR decreased during the anaesthetic state with 47% and 54%, respectively. In the white and grey matter, rCBF and rGMR were reduced by 37% and 49%, and by 45% and 57%, respectively. Propofol decreased rCBF in all brain structures by 46–55% (P ≤ 0.01) with highest significant decreases in the thalamus and parietal lobe. Regional GMR was reduced in all brain areas to 48–66% (P ≤ 0.01) with highest significant reductions in the occipital lobe, the lingual gyrus, parietal lobe, temporal lobe and thalamus. No increases in rCBF or rGMR happened anywhere.ConclusionsGeneral anaesthesia with propofol is associated with a global metabolic and vascular depression in the human brain, with significant shifts in regional blood flow and metabolism indicating marked metabolic and vascular responsiveness in some cortical areas and thalamus.
Therapeutic hypothermia in adult cardiac arrest because of drowning
Authors: CHOI S. P. , YOUN C. S. , PARK K. N. , WEE J. H. , PARK J. H. , OH S. H. , KIM S. H. , KIM J. Y. 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundTherapeutic hypothermia in adult victims who suffer cardiac arrest following drowning has been applied in only a small number of cases. In the last 4 years, we have employed therapeutic hypothermia to decrease hypoxia‐induced brain injury in these patients. The purpose of the present study was to report the results of the treatment of these patients.MethodsThis study investigated the utilisation of therapeutic hypothermia on consecutive patients with cardiac arrest because of drowning between 2005 and 2008. The study was conducted retrospectively, collecting data by reviewing medical records. Hypothermia, with a target temperature of 32–34°C, was induced for 24 h. Neurological outcomes were classified using the cerebral performance categories (CPCs). The primary outcome was neurological function at discharge.ResultsTwenty patients were treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Four patients (20%) exhibited a favourable neurological outcome (CPC 1–2). Two patients (10%) remained in a vegetative state at discharge (CPC 4), and 14 patients (70%) died (CPC 5). The most common complications during therapeutic hypothermia were pancreatitis and rhabdomyolysis. A longer duration of advanced cardiac life support (P = 0.035), an absence of motor response to pain after 3 days (P = 0.003), an abnormal brain imaging (P = 0.005) and a lack of cortical response to somatosensory evoked potential (P = 0.008) were related to an unfavourable outcome (CPC 3–5).ConclusionThe present study did not demonstrate an advantage of therapeutic hypothermia in adult cardiac arrest after drowning compared with previous studies treated with conventional therapy. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the effects of therapeutic hypothermia.
A randomized trial on elderly laypersons' CPR performance in a realistic cardiac arrest simulation
Authors: NESET A. , BIRKENES T. S. , FURUNES T. , MYKLEBUST HE. , MYKLETUN R. J. , ODEGAARD S. , OLASVEENGEN T. M. , KRAMER‐JOHANSEN J. 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundBystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is important for survival after cardiac arrest. We hypothesized that elderly laypersons would perform CPR poorer in a realistic cardiac arrest simulation, compared to a traditional test.MethodsSixty‐four lay rescuers aged 50–75 were randomized to realistic or traditional test, both with ten minutes of telephone assisted CPR. Realistic simulation started suddenly without warning, leaving the test subject alone in a confined and noisy apartment. Traditional test was conducted in a spacious and calm classroom with a researcher present. CPR performance was recorded with a manikin with human like chest properties. Heart rate and self‐reported exhaustion were registered.ResultsCPR quality was not different in the two groups: compression depth, 43 mm ± 7 versus 43 ± 4, P = 0.72; compressions rate, 97 min−1 ± 11 versus 93 ± 15, P = 0.26; ventilation rate, 2.4 min−1 ± 1.7 versus 2.8 ± 1.1, P = 0.35; and hands‐off time 273 s ± 50 versus 270 ± 66, P = 0.82; in realistic (n = 31) and traditional (n = 33) groups, respectively. No fatigue was evident in the repeated measures analysis of variance. Work load was not different between the groups; attained percentage of age predicted maximum heart rate, 73% ± 9 and 76 ± 11, P = 0.37, reported exhaustion 43 ± 21 (scale: 0 to 100) and 37 ± 19, P = 0.24.ConclusionsElderly lay people are capable of performing chest compressions with acceptable quality for ten minutes in a realistic cardiac arrest simulation. Ventilation quality and hands‐off time were not adequate in either group.
First Report of Calonectria ilicicola Causing a New Disease on Laurus (Laurus nobilis) in Europe
Authors: Polizzi Giancarlo , Vitale Alessandro , Aiello Dalia , Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Crous Pedro , Lombard Lorenzo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCrown and root rot has been detected on potted Laurus nobilis plants in a nursery located in the Catania province (Italy). Perithecia referable to a Calonectria species were consistently detected on crowns and stems of symptomatic plants. Based on morphology, cultural features and molecular analysis, the species was identified as Calonectria ilicicola. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled by pathogenicity tests carried out on potted Laurus nobilis seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of a disease caused by Ca. ilicicola on Laurus nobilis.
Latitudinal patterns and regionalization of plant diversity along a 4270‐km gradient in continental Chile
Authors: BANNISTER JAN R. , VIDAL OSVALDO J. , TENEB ERNESTO , SANDOVAL VICTOR 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAccording to the global latitudinal diversity gradient, a decrease in animal and plant species richness exists from the tropics towards higher latitudes. The aim of this study was to describe the latitudinal distribution patterns of Chilean continental flora and delineate biogeographic regions along a 4270‐km north–south gradient. We reviewed plant lists for each of the 39 parallels of continental Chile to build a database of the geographical distribution of vascular plant species comprising 184 families, 957 genera and 3787 species, which corresponded to 100%, 94.9% and 74.2% of the richness previously defined for Chile, respectively. Using this latitudinal presence–absence species matrix, we identified areas with high plant richness and endemism and performed a Cluster analysis using Jaccard index to delineate biogeographic regions. This study found that richness at family, genus and species levels follow a unimodal 4270‐km latitudinal distribution curve, with a concentration of richness in central Chile (31–42°S). The 37th parallel south (central Chile) presented the highest richness for all taxonomic levels and in specific zones the endemism (22–37°S) was especially high. This unimodal pattern contrasts the global latitudinal diversity gradient shown by other studies in the Northern hemisphere. Seven floristic regions were identified in this latitudinal gradient: tropical (18–22°S), north Mediterranean (23–28°S), central Mediterranean (29–32°S), south Mediterranean (33–37°S), north temperate (38–42°S), south temperate (43–52°S) and Austral (53–56°S). This regionalization coincides with previous bioclimatic classifications and illustrates the high heterogeneity of the biodiversity in Chile and the need for a reconsideration of governmental conservation strategies to protect this diversity throughout Chile.
Cost‐effectiveness of interventions for children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN): a review using the Drummond and Jefferson (1996) ‘Referee's Checklist’
Authors: Law James , Zeng Biao , Lindsay Geoff , Beecham Jennifer 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground: Although economic evaluation has been widely recognized as a key feature of both health services and educational research, for many years there has been a paucity of such studies relevant to services for children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), making the application of economic arguments to the development of services difficult.Aims: The study has two aims, namely to review systematically the cost‐effectiveness literature related to services for children with SLCN and to highlight key issues that need to be included in future economic effectiveness studies.Methods & Procedures: A comprehensive search of the international literature for the last 30 years was completed and the studies were evaluated against the ‘gold standard’ criteria developed by Drummond and colleagues in 1996 and 2005.Outcomes & Results: Five studies met the review inclusion criteria. All focused on young (2–11 years) children with SLCN and most compared clinic‐based and parent‐administered interventions. The studies provide variable levels of detail on the key elements needed, but few provided sufficient details of costs to draw comparisons across studies. Only two studies attempted to bring together costs and effectiveness data.Conclusions & Implications: The studies point to the importance of home‐based and indirect intervention and, in many cases, emphasize the parental perspective. There is a need for intervention studies to include a cost dimension based on readily comparable methods of establishing unit costs and for greater use to be made of cost‐effectiveness analysis more generally.
Operative experience of urological trainees in the UK
Authors: Gill Jonathan D. , Stewart Lianne F. , George Nicholas J.R. , Eardley Ian 
Published: October 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?One of the main components of surgical training is the development of operative skills which, in part, is related to the extent of the practical operative experience. The operative experience of urological trainees in the UK has not being previously published.We examine trainees' current operative experience and analyse the changes over recent years. With a notable decrease in experience of certain procedures, we highlight the possible reasons and discuss the implications for future training.We have examined the operative experience of urological trainees in the UK over a 6‐year period. Between 2004 and 2009, urological trainees submitting their operative logbooks to the Specialist Advisory Committee for the award of Certificate of Completion of Training were analysed. We recorded trainees' experience in eight operative procedures; transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP, including bipolar TURP), transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT), radical nephrectomy (RN, open and laparoscopic), radical cystectomy (RC), radical prostatectomy (RP), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopy (flexible and rigid). In all, 251 logbooks were identified over the 6‐year period. In 2008/2009, the mean (range) number of cases ‘performed’ and ‘supervised’ were as follows; TURP 189 (41–516), TURBT 190 (50–432), open RN 21 (2–78), RC 10 (0–70), RP 13 (0–80), PCNL 19 (0–125), ureteroscopy 131 (14–465), laparoscopic RN 11 (0–97). Latterly there has been a significant reduction in the numbers of TURP, open RNs and RCs. There has been an increase in the use of trainees as assistants for RC, RP and open RN. There was a large variation in numbers of procedures performed between trainees. In summary there has been a recent decline in the numbers of TURP, open RNs and RCs performed. For all procedures, significant variability exists between trainees.
The Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities project: project overview and methods
Authors: Swinburn B. A. , Millar L. , Utter J. , Kremer P. , Moodie M. , Mavoa H. , Snowdon W. , McCabe M. P. , Malakellis M. , de Courten M. , Waqa G. , Fotu K. F. , Roberts G. , Scragg R. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryObesity is increasing worldwide with the Pacific region having the highest prevalence among adults. The most common precursor of adult obesity is adolescent obesity making this a critical period for prevention. The Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities project was a four‐country project (Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia) designed to prevent adolescent obesity. This paper overviews the project and the methods common to the four countries. Each country implemented a community‐based intervention programme promoting healthy eating, physical activity and healthy weight in adolescents. A community capacity‐building approach was used, with common processes employed but with contextualized interventions within each country. Changes in anthropometric, behavioural and perception outcomes were evaluated at the individual level and school environments and community capacity at the settings level. The evaluation tools common to each are described. Additional analytical studies included economic, socio‐cultural and policy studies. The project pioneered many areas of obesity prevention research: using multi‐country collaboration to build research capacity; testing a capacity‐building approach in ethnic groups with very high obesity prevalence; costing complex, long‐term community intervention programmes; systematically studying the powerful socio‐cultural influences on weight gain; and undertaking a participatory, national, priority‐setting process for policy interventions using simulation modelling of cost‐effectiveness of interventions.
Outcome results for the Ma'alahi Youth Project, a Tongan community‐based obesity prevention programme for adolescents
Authors: Fotu K. F. , Millar L. , Mavoa H. , Kremer P. , Moodie M. , Snowdon W. , Utter J. , Vivili P. , Schultz J. T. , Malakellis M. , McCabe M. P. , Roberts G. , Swinburn B. A. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryTonga has a very high prevalence of obesity with steep increases during youth, making adolescence a critical time for obesity prevention. The Ma'alahi Youth Project, the Tongan arm of the Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities project, was a 3‐year, quasi‐experimental study of community‐based interventions among adolescents in three districts on Tonga's main island (Tongatapu) compared to the island of Vava'u. Interventions focused mainly on capacity building, social marketing, education and activities promoting physical activity and local fruit and vegetables. The evaluation used a longitudinal design (mean follow‐up duration 2.4 years). Both intervention and comparison groups showed similar large increases in overweight and obesity prevalence (10.1% points, n = 815; 12.6% points, n = 897 respectively). Apart from a small relative decrease in percentage body fat in the intervention group (−1.5%, P < 0.0001), there were no differences in outcomes for any anthropometric variables between groups and behavioural changes did not follow a clear positive pattern. In conclusion, the Ma'alahi Youth Project had no impact on the large increase in prevalence of overweight and obesity among Tongan adolescents. Community‐based interventions in such populations with high obesity prevalence may require more intensive or longer interventions, as well as specific strategies targeting the substantial socio‐cultural barriers to achieving a healthy weight.
Estimating the Return to College in Britain Using Regression and Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Fan Wen 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCollege graduates tend to earn more than non‐graduates but it is difficult to ascertain how much of this empirical association between wages and college degree is due to the causal effect of a college degree and how much is due to unobserved factors that influence both wages and education (e.g. ability). In this paper, I use the 1970 British Cohort Study to examine the college premium for people who have a similar ability level by using a restricted sample of people who are all college eligible but some never attend. Compared with using the full sample, restricting the sample to college‐eligible reduces the return to college significantly using both regression and propensity score matching estimates. The finding suggests the importance of comparing individuals of similar ability levels when estimating the return to college.
The impact of microcredit on self‐employment profits in Vietnam
Authors: Lensink Robert , Pham Thi Thu Tra 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis study examines the impact of microcredit on household self‐employment profits in Vietnam. For two indicators of credit participation – a dichotomous participation dummy and the accumulated amount of microcredit received per household – the analysis reveals a positive effect on household profits. The analysis also reveals that an instrumental variable method within a fixed‐effects framework can control for the possible endogeneity of credit and thereby identify the true effect of credit.
Credit risk assessment in the microfinance industry
Authors: Ayayi Ayi Gavriel 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper discusses credit risk assessment through conventional and specialized credit evaluation metrics. I find that low credit risk is a direct consequence of sound implementation of good governance practices and sustainable financial performance through sound qualitative and quantitative risk management tools. Furthermore, I find that the depth and breadth of outreach and write‐off are by some margin the two most important determinant indicators of a microfinance institutions’ (MFI’s) credit risk control. In addition, I demonstrate that there is no significant statistical difference in terms of risk management among the different types of MFIs. Results also suggest that constructive regulation to promote MFIs has a non‐negligible impact on the risk assessment of MFIs.
Pusey's ‘Lectures on Types and Prophecies of the Old Testament’: Implications for Eucharistic Theology
Authors: DOUGLAS BRIAN 
Published: October 2011

AbstractEdward Pusey's ‘Lectures on Types and Prophecies of the Old Testament’ remain unpublished and little known. Despite this they contain important insights exploring prophecy and sacramental theology based on the philosophical assumptions of moderate realism expressed through the notions of ‘type’ and ‘archetype’. This article explores Pusey's ‘Lectures’ with particular emphasis on sacramental realism. Pusey's philosophical insights concerning a moderate realist view of the Eucharist are discussed and links with eucharistic theology in the wider Anglican and other traditions are made. Links with the reflections of theologians and philosophers are also drawn out in an effort to establish that the ‘Lectures’ continue to be of value in the present and so deserving of wider appreciation and use.