bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal dose of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker for renoprotection
Authors: HOU FAN FAN , ZHOU QIU GEN 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAngiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as numerous lines of evidence have shown that these agents have a blood pressure lowing independent anti‐proteinuric effect. However, despite the benefits of ACEI or ARB therapy, a substantial proportion of patients still experience renal morbidity and mortality. Considering the prognostic impact of proteinuria reduction, it is currently assumed that titration of ACEI or ARB for optimal anti‐proteinuric effect would be a logical step towards improvement of renoprotection. Recent published studies, performed with higher than recommended doses of either ACEI or particularly ARB, suggest that the approach is associated with a further decrement in urinary protein excretion and probably improved renal outcome. Although most patients achieve their maximum benefit at standard doses, there is a residual group of patients who may do so at higher doses of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors. Because patients who would benefit from higher doses are not identifiable a priori, a titration process might be cogent in order to provide more robust anti‐proteinuric benefit to such patients.
Timely initiation of dialysis for chronic kidney disease: Perspective from four Asian countries
Authors: HARRIS DAVID CH , CHEN YUNG‐MING , SAITO AKIRA , YU ALEX WY 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTRecommendations about when to initiate dialysis for end‐stage kidney failure have been made by a number of expert groups. These recommendations have led to changes in clinical practice, yet they are not based on high level evidence. In fact, most reported studies argue that dialysis should be started early rather than late, many are confounded and a number have reached the opposite conclusion. Probably more important than a prescribed level of renal function at which dialysis is initiated is the widespread adoption of a structured approach to pre‐dialysis care and the recognition of the importance of pre‐dialysis patient education. One of the main determinants of optimal initiation of dialysis is the time of referral of the patient to a nephrologist or a renal unit. In particular, early referral of patients with chronic kidney disease allows a planned initiation of dialysis, using from the start permanent vascular or peritoneal dialysis access.
Knowledge and involvement of nurses regarding health policy development in Thailand
Authors: Kunaviktikul Wipada , Nantsupawat Raymoul , Sngounsiritham Udomrat , Akkadechanunt Thitinut , Chitpakdee Bunpitcha , Wichaikhum Orn‐Anong , Wonglieukirati Rawiwan , Chontawan Ratanawadee , Keitlertnapha Pongsri , Thungaraenkul Petsunee , Abhicharttibutra Kulwadee , Sanluang Cattaliya Siripattarakul , Lirtmunlikaporn Sumalee , Chaowalaksakun Praneetsin 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this descriptive study was to explain the levels of knowledge about and involvement in national health policy development by nurses in Thailand. The study used quantitative and qualitative means to gather data about the topic from two groups of professional nurses: 2121 nurses who worked in hospitals around the country and 26 nurse leaders who were members of steering committees in nursing professional organizations. A self‐administered questionnaire and an interview guide regarding knowledge and involvement in national health policy were used for collecting the data. The content validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assured. The results showed that almost two‐thirds of the sample had a high level of knowledge about national health policy development but that almost three‐quarters of the sample had no involvement in national health policy development. The interviews of the nurse leaders showed that some of them had been involved directly in formulating health policy but most of them thought that they had not been involved directly. The results demonstrated that it is essential that nurses understand and be actively involved in national health policy development.
Self‐management practices of Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Xu Yin , Pan Wei , Liu Hong 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the level of diabetes self‐management and its association with demographic and diabetes‐related characteristics in Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes. A questionnaire that measured diabetes self‐management and diabetes‐related characteristics was administered to a sample of 211 Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes living in America. The results indicated that the participants were likely to take medications but less likely to carry out diet, physical activity, self‐monitoring of blood glucose, and foot care behaviors. Associations between diabetes self‐management and demographic and diabetes‐related characteristics were observed. For example, individuals who had less education and were employed were less likely to engage in diabetes self‐management than those with higher education and who were retired, while individuals who had a longer duration of diabetes and used insulin as a treatment more frequently carried out self‐monitoring than those who had a shorter duration of diabetes and used oral hypoglycemic agents. These findings indicate that the self‐management practices among the participants are suboptimal. Research on developing culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions to promote diabetes self‐management for Chinese Americans is warranted.
Be yourself, believe in yourself, and be happy: Self‐efficacy as a mediator between personality factors and subjective well‐being
Authors: STROBEL MARIA , TUMASJAN ANDRANIK , SPÖRRLE MATTHIAS 
Published: May 2010

Strobel, M., Tumasjan, A. & Spörrle, M. (2011). Be yourself, believe in yourself, and be happy: Self‐efficacy as a mediator between personality factors and subjective well‐being. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 43–48.Research has shown close connections between personality and subjective well‐being (SWB), suggesting that personality traits predispose individuals to experience different levels of SWB. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that self‐efficacy is related to both personality factors and SWB. Extending previous research, we show that general self‐efficacy functionally connects personality factors and two components of SWB (life satisfaction and subjective happiness). Our results demonstrate the mediating role of self‐efficacy in linking personality factors and SWB. Consistent with our expectations, the influence of neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness on life satisfaction was mediated by self‐efficacy. Furthermore, self‐efficacy mediated the influence of openness and conscientiousness, but not that of neuroticism and extraversion, on subjective happiness. Results highlight the importance of cognitive beliefs in functionally linking personality traits and SWB.
Downturn Credit Portfolio Risk, Regulatory Capital and Prudential Incentives*
Authors: RÖSCH DANIEL , SCHEULE HARALD 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes the level and cyclicality of bank capital requirement in relation to (i) the model methodologies through‐the‐cycle and point‐in‐time, (ii) four distinct downturn loss rate given default concepts, and (iii) US corporate and mortgage loans. The major finding is that less accurate models may lead to a lower bank capital requirement for real estate loans. In other words, the current capital regulations may not support the development of credit portfolio risk measurement models as these would lead to higher capital requirements and hence lower lending volumes. The finding explains why risk measurement techniques in real estate lending may be less developed than in other credit risk instruments. In addition, various policy recommendations for prudential regulators are made.
Financial Liberalization and Banking Crises: A Cross‐Country Analysis*
Authors: ANGKINAND APANARD P. , SAWANGNGOENYUANG WANVIMOL , WIHLBORG CLAS 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTSeveral studies indicate that financial liberalization contributes to the likelihood of a financial crisis. We focus on banking crises and argue that they are most likely to occur after an intermediate degree of liberalization. Using a recently updated dataset for financial reforms in 48 countries between 1973 and 2005, we find an inverted U‐shaped relationship between liberalization and the likelihood of crisis. We ask whether the relationship remains when institutional characteristics of countries and dynamic effects of liberalization are considered. The empirical results indicate that the relationship between liberalization and banking crises depends strongly on the strength of capital regulation and supervision. With very weak regulation and supervision, the probability of banking crises is increasing with liberalization but this relationship is reversed as regulation and supervision become stricter. The most important type of liberalization in relation to banking crises seems to be behavioral (a relaxation of interest and credit controls). A policy implication is that positive growth effects of liberalization can be achieved without increasing the risk of a banking crisis if appropriate institutions are developed.
First‐trimester ultrasound dating of twin pregnancy: are singleton charts reliable?
Authors: Dias T , Mahsud‐Dornan S , Thilaganathan B , Papageorghiou A , Bhide A 
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Dias T, Mahsud‐Dornan S, Thilaganathan B, Papageorghiou A, Bhide A. First‐trimester ultrasound dating of twin pregnancy: are singleton charts reliable? BJOG 2010;117:979–984.Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the performance of validated singleton crown–rump length (CRL) formulae in dating twin pregnancies at 11–14 weeks of gestation.Design  Retrospective cohort study.Setting  Fetal medicine unit of a London teaching hospital.Sample  Three hundred and eighty‐four pregnancies with known dates of conception.Methods  Retrospective analysis of 266 singletons and 118 twin pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with a known date of conception. The gestation calculated from the date of conception was compared with the expected gestation from fetal size using a number of different CRL formulae.Main outcome measures  Difference in gestational age computed from fetal size (CRL) of the bigger and smaller fetus in twin pregnancies and singleton pregnancies using three formulae.Results  Two of the three studied CRL formulae systematically underestimated the mean gestational age and size of singleton IVF pregnancies (Robinson formula: gestation = 1.4 days, size = 2.7 mm). Twin CRL measurements straddled those of singletons, regardless of the CRL formula used (Robinson formula: larger twin gestation = 2.4 days, size = 4.7 mm; smaller twin gestation = 0.8 days, size = 1.7 mm). These underestimates in gestation and size for IVF singleton and twin pregnancies are well within the known limits of accuracy of first = trimester ultrasound measurements, and are of limited clinical significance.Conclusions  Currently available CRL charts underestimate both the age and size of IVF singleton pregnancies by a clinically insignificant amount. This difference is similar for twin pregnancies, suggesting that singleton CRL charts can be used to date twin pregnancies accurately.
Pentobarbital inhibition of human recombinant α1AP/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels involves slow, open channel block
Authors: Schober A , Sokolova E , Gingrich KJ 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPre‐synaptic neurotransmitter release is largely dependent on Ca2+entry through P/Q‐type (CaV2.1) voltage‐gated Ca2+channels (PQCCs) at most mammalian, central, fast synapses. Barbiturates are clinical depressants and inhibit pre‐synaptic Ca2+entry. PQCC barbiturate pharmacology is generally unclear, specifically in man. The pharmacology of the barbiturate pentobarbital (PB) in human recombinant α1APQCCs has been characterized.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHPB effects on macroscopic Ca2+(ICa) and Ba2+(IBa) currents were studied using whole‐cell patch clamp recording in HEK‐293 cells heterologously expressing (α1A)human(β2aα2δ‐1)rabbitPQCCs.KEY RESULTSPB reversibly depressed peak current (Ipeak) and enhanced apparent inactivation (fractional current at 800 ms,r800) in a concentration‐dependent fashion irrespective of charge carrier (50% inhibitory concentration:Ipeak, 656 µM;r800, 104 µM). Rate of mono‐exponentialIBadecay was linearly dependent on PB concentration. PB reduced channel availability by deepening non‐steady‐state inactivation curves without altering voltage dependence, slowed recovery from activity‐induced unavailable states and produced use‐dependent block. PB (100 µM) induced use‐dependent block during physiological, high frequency pulse trains and overall depressed PQCC activity by two‐fold.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThe results support a PB pharmacological mechanism involving a modulated receptor with preferential slow, bimolecular, open channel block (Kd= 15 µM). Clinical PB concentrations (<200 µM) inhibit PQCC during high frequency activation that reduces computed neurotransmitter release by 16‐fold and is comparable to the magnitude of Ca2+‐dependent facilitation, G‐protein modulation and intrinsic inactivation that play critical roles in PQCC modulation underlying synaptic plasticity. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that PB inhibition of PQCCs contributes to central nervous system depression underlying anticonvulsant therapy and general anaesthesia.
The Indian informal sector: The impact of globalization and reform
Authors: Siggel Eckhard 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.Globalization and economic reforms typically affect the formal sector, the informal sector existing outside regulation. Yet, numerous links between them mean the informal sector is variously affected. Traditionally, the model used to explain the impact of these forces was labour market segmentation and migration: workers laid off in the formal sector increase informal labour supply, leading to wage decline and increased poverty. The author examines whether this pattern applies in India following economic reforms in the 1990s, and finds a more appropriate model, driven by expansion both in labour supply and in demand, through outsourcing, skill transfers and new enterprises.
Hungary's experiment in legalizing casual employment
Authors: Tésits Róbert , Szenoradszki Endre 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.Hungary's 1997 Casual Employment Act was originally meant to formalize ad hoc employment relationships entered into by private individual employers through simplified administrative procedures. After being widely abused, however, this flexible regulatory framework was eventually opened up to all employers, with a higher ceiling on the number of days workable on this basis, drastically reduced social security contributions and strong tax incentives. The aim was then to reduce unemployment and the incidence of illegal work by stretching the boundaries of formal employment, but neither of these objectives was attained. Instead, the authors argue, the attempted flexicurity has greatly increased workers' vulnerability.
K16 is a further new candidate for homotypic intermediate filament protein interactions
Authors: Trost Andrea , Costa Ivano , Jakab Martin , Ritter Markus , Haim Martina , Hintner Helmut , Bauer Johann W. , Önder Kamil 
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: K16 is a further new candidate for homotypic intermediate filament protein interactions. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e241–e250.Abstract:  Keratin filaments form obligatory heterodimers consisting of one type I and one type II keratin that build the intermediate filaments (IF). These filaments mediate resilience and mechanical strength to epithelial cells and maintain tissue integrity. Specific type I/type II pairs are co‐expressed in vivo and serve as markers for distinct tissue layers and cell differentiation states. Heterodimerization has been regarded the undisrupted hallmark of IF. We show now that recombinantly expressed cytokeratin 16 (K16) interacts with itself and forms homodimers even in denaturating SDS–PAGE analysis. Detailed FRET experiments in HaCaT keratinocytes were in accordance with our in vitro observations and showed clearly that K16 is able to form strong homodimers. Homotypic keratin interactions has been previously shown for keratin 17 (K17) and keratin 18 (K18) by Schnabel et al. (Biochim Biophys Acta, 1998: 1403: 158), and we now proved K16 to be the third type I keratin that is able to form homodimers.
EPA supplementation improves teacher‐rated behaviour and oppositional symptoms in children with ADHD
Authors: Gustafsson Per A , Birberg‐Thornberg Ulrika , Duchén Karel , Landgren Magnus , Malmberg Kerstin , Pelling Henrik , Strandvik Birgitta , Karlsson Thomas 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  Measure efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods:  Randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 0.5 g EPA or placebo (15 weeks) in 92 children (7–12 years) with ADHD. Efficacy measure was Conners’ Parent/Teacher Rating Scales (CPRS/CTRS). Fatty acids were analysed in serum phospholipids and red blood cell membranes (RBC) at baseline and endpoint with gas chromatography.Results:  EPA improved CTRS inattention/cognitive subscale (p = 0.04), but not Conners’ total score. In oppositional children (n = 48), CTRS total score improved ≥25% in 48% of the children receiving EPA vs. 9% for placebo [effect size (ES) 0.63, p = 0.01]. In less hyperactive/impulsive children (n = 44), ≥25% improvement was seen in 36% vs. 18% (ES 0.41, n.s.), and with both these types of symptoms 8/13 with EPA vs. 1/9 for placebo improved ≥25% (p = 0.03). Children responding to treatment had lower EPA concentrations (p = 0.02), higher AA/EPA (p = 0.005) and higher AA/DHA ratios (p = 0.03) in serum at baseline. Similarly, AA/EPA (p = 0.01), AA/DHA (p = 0.038) and total omega‐6/omega‐3 ratios (p = 0.028) were higher in RBC, probably because of higher AA (p = 0.011).Conclusion:  Two ADHD subgroups (oppositional and less hyperactive/impulsive children) improved after 15‐week EPA treatment. Increasing EPA and decreasing omega‐6 fatty acid concentrations in phospholipids were related to clinical improvement.
Erectile Dysfunction in the Community: Trends over Time in Incidence, Prevalence, GP Consultation and Medication Use—the Krimpen Study: Trends in ED
Authors: Schouten Boris W.V. , Bohnen Arthur M. , Groeneveld Frans P.M.J. , Dohle Gert R. , Thomas Siep , Ruud Bosch J.L.H. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In the general population, erectile dysfunction (ED) is surrounded by a “taboo.” Epidemiologists studying this problem have to be aware of the phenomenon of the “tip-of-the-iceberg.”

Aims
Our aim is to describe the iceberg phenomenon for ED and their help-seeking behavior in the general population during a period when public interest in ED heightened and waned after the introduction of the drug sildenafil.

Methods
The data were obtained as part of a large longitudinal community-based study, i.e., the Krimpen study. With four rounds of data collection with an approximate 2.1 years interval, the local pharmacists provided data on medication use, whereas abstracts from the medical record and history were provided by the local general practitioners (GPs). The data from the questionnaires were entered into the Krimpen study database but were not communicated to the GPs.

Main Outcome Measures
ED: according to the ICS-questionnaire, GP consultation: search of electronic medical dossier for ED or reports from any specialist, use of ED medication as delivered by the pharmacy.

Results
The age-standardized prevalence of ED is stable, i.e., around 40%. During the period 1995 to 2000, the incidence increased from 5% to 6.5%, then it stabilizes around 5% per year. The first-time use of ED medication increases exponentially between 1995 and 2000, then it stabilizes at about 3.5% per year. The number of GP consultations by men with ED increases up to 1999, after which it stabilizes at about 1.8% per year.

Conclusion
We suggest that the availability and awareness of a new pharmacological option induced a change of behavior among GPs and their patients.
THE CHANGES AND DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY PATIENTS USING STEROIDS
Authors: Alparslan Guler Balcı , Kapucu Sevgi Sun 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARY Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the changes and difficulties experienced by patients because of the side effects of steroids and the effects on their life styles. Method: This descriptive analytical study was carried out through interviews using a questionnaire for data collection. The study was conducted in Rheumatology and Nephrology Polyclinic of Hacettepe University Adult Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. There were 146 rheumatology and nephrology patients in the study. Results: The findings indicated that 68.4% of patients experienced changes in body appearance, and 60.4% of these said they had difficulties. It was determined that changes in the digestive system occurred in 40.4% of the patients, and 44.1% of them had a number of difficulties. Changes occurred in the bone/muscle system of 39% of the patients, and 63.2% of them had difficulties. Psychological changes were observed in 48.6% of the patients, 63.3% of whom said they experienced difficulties. Conclusion: It was determined that patients using steroids had difficulties due to the side effects of the drug.
CE: Continuing Education Article MANAGEMENT OF ANAEMIA IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Chamney Melissa , Pugh‐Clarke Karen , Kafkia Theodora , Wittwer Iain 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYAnaemia is an almost universal issue that develops in the later stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) primarily due to a lack of erythropoietin (EPO) and the depressed EPO response in bone marrow. This can have a profound effect on the patient's lifestyle and quality of life. Knowledge of both the psychosocial and clinical areas of CKD is imperative for healthcare professionals so that they can be at the forefront of improvements of CKD patient care.
EFFECTS OF TEACHING PROGRAMME ON QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS WITH END‐STAGE RENAL DISEASE
Authors: Bayoumi Magda , El‐Fouly Yasmin 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYEnd‐stage renal disease and its treatments negatively affect quality of life. Self‐care is an important approach for helping the patients deal with their problems. The aim of this study was to improve self‐care and quality of life of haemodialysis patients through teaching and evaluating their quality of life. This cross‐section design with pre‐post assessment was conducted in the dialysis unit of Suez Canal University Hospitals, participants were 50 patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Scale Short Form. Statistically the results show significant improvements that were revealed in the scores of many domains of quality of life, p < 0.001, except the physical domain. Statistically significant associations were revealed between pre‐ and postprogramme improvement in the total quality‐of‐life scores. The statistically significant independent predictors of quality‐of‐life improvement were programme attendance, dialysis duration and marital status.