bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term metabolic change is associated with improvement in measures of diabetic neuropathy: a 1‐year placebo cohort analysis
Authors: Perkins B. A. , Dholasania A. , Buchanan R. A. , Bril V. 
Published: August 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1271–1279 (2010)AbstractAims  Randomized clinical trials have frequently shown improvement in diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy in placebo‐treated participants, counter to the prevailing concept that it deteriorates with time. We aimed to determine the variables associated with this paradoxical nerve function improvement.Methods  Participants with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy randomized to placebo in a multi‐centre, double‐blind study were evaluated for the primary outcome of 1‐year change in the summed sensory nerve conduction velocity of the bilateral sural and non‐dominant median nerves. Association with clinical and biochemical variables measured at 13 time points were examined.Results  The 134 participants had mild to moderate diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy of 4.6 years’ duration and mean 1‐year improvement of 2.0 ± 8.0 m/s. Primary outcome measures were available for 122 participants (91%). In multivariate analyses, the change in HbA1c and serum triglycerides from baseline to 2 months demonstrated the strongest association, even independent of baseline and end‐of‐study levels. According to quintiles of change, we determined thresholds: participants with salutary improvement in HbA1c (exceeding a drop of –0.8%) or whose triglycerides did not increase (by 0.32 mmol/l or more) experienced significant improvement (2.9 m/s), while those with salutary levels of both these variables had an exaggerated improvement (5.1 m/s). In comparison, those with non‐salutary changes in both variables experienced a loss of –4.9 m/s (ANOVA P = 0.0014).Conclusions  In mild to moderate diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy, short‐term improvements in glycaemic control and serum triglyceride levels have an independent, additive and durable effect on restoration of nerve function.
Telephone follow‐up to improve glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Wu L. , Forbes A. , Griffiths P. , Milligan P. , While A. 
Published: August 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1217–1225 (2010)AbstractObjective  To examine the impact of telephone follow‐up interventions on glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  This was a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials using The Cochrane Library, including the Cochrane central register of controlled trials; MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINHAL, together with citation searching. The included studies were randomized controlled trials examining the effect of a telephone follow‐up intervention on glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. All the included trials were subject to critical appraisal. Data were extracted on study design, characteristics of patients, exact nature of the telephone intervention and details of comparison. Pooled standardized effects were calculated for the primary outcome. Glycaemic control was measured by HbA1c.Results  HbA1c levels reported in the reviewed studies were pooled using random effects models. The standardized effect of telephone follow‐up was equivocal, with endpoint data showing weighted mean differences of –0.44 (95% CI –0.93 to 0.06) (Z = –1.72, P = 0.08) in favour of the telephone follow‐up intervention. Subgroup analysis of more intensive interventions (interactive follow‐up with health professional plus automated follow‐up or non‐interactive follow‐up) showed (n = 1057) a significant benefit in favour of the treatment group, with a standardized mean difference of –0.84 (95% CI –1.67 to 0.0) (Z = 1.97, P = 0.05), indicating that more intensive (targeted) modes of follow‐up may have better effects on glycaemic control.Conclusions  The analysis suggested that telephone follow‐up interventions following a more intensive targeted approach could have a positive impact on glycaemic control for Type 2 diabetes.
Generalized Use of Non‐Terminal Symbols for Procedural Modeling
Authors: Krecklau L. , Pavic D. , Kobbelt L. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract We present the new procedural modeling language  (Generalized Grammar), which adapts various concepts from general purpose programming languages to provide high descriptive power with well‐defined semantics and a simple syntax which is easily readable even by non‐programmers. The term ‘Generalized’ reflects two kinds of generalization. On the one hand, we extend the scope of previous architectural modeling languages by allowing for multiple types of non‐terminal objects with domain‐specific operators and attributes. On the other hand, the language accepts non‐terminal symbols as parameters in modeling rules and thus enables the definition of abstract structure templates for flexible re‐use within the grammar. By deriving  from the well‐established programming language Python, we can make sure that our modeling language has a well‐defined semantics. For illustration, we apply  to architectural as well as plant modeling to demonstrate its descriptive power with some complex examples.
Participation in Urban Contention and Deliberation
Authors: SILVER HILARY , SCOTT ALAN , KAZEPOV YURI 
Published: August 2010

AbstractParticipation is a popular buzzword in contemporary urban studies. For some, it implies a deepening of democratic deliberation; for others, it represents grassroots resistance to powerful elites and neoliberalization. Rather than seeing participation as either consensus‐building or conflicts of interest, as either a top‐down or bottom‐up process, the evidence suggests that it can be all of these. By adopting a more dynamic, pragmatic, and empirically informed perspective, seemingly opposite normative conceptions of democratic participation may be theorized as different ‘moments’ in the democratic process. Bottom‐up mobilization may coincide with and complement top‐down initiatives, each dominating different political phases of policymaking, implementation and monitoring. Case studies from Belfast, Berlin, Durban, Philadelphia and São Paulo illustrate the approach and provide insight into the urban as a social laboratory in which other scales of social life and multiple ways to perform democracy are constructed.Résumé La participation est un terme qui revient très souvent dans les études urbaines contemporaines. Pour certains, elle implique une réflexion démocratique approfondie, pour d'autres, une résistance des citoyens face à la puissance des élites et au néolibéralisme. Si la participation peut être vue comme un moyen de bâtir des consensus ou l'expression de conflits d'intérêts, ou comme un processus imposé par le haut ou bien par la base, les faits suggèrent qu'elle peut être tout cela. En adoptant une perspective pragmatique plus dynamique reposant sur des éléments empiriques, des concepts normatifs de la participation apparemment opposés sont susceptibles d'être formulés en tant que “moments” différents du processus démocratique. La mobilisation par la base peut venir en coïncidence et complément d'initiatives imposées par le haut, chaque forme dominant des phases politiques distinctes dans la prise de décision, la mise en œuvre et le suivi. Des études de cas portant sur Belfast, Berlin, Durban, Philadelphie et São Paulo illustrent la démarche et font apparaître l'urbain comme un laboratoire où s'élaborent d'autres dimensions de la vie sociale et de multiples modalités d'exercice de la démocratie.
Resurgence of bedbugs in southern France: a local problem or the tip of the iceberg?
Authors: Levy Bencheton A , Berenger JM , Del Giudice P , Delaunay P , Pages F , Morand JJ 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground  Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) have been feeding on sleeping human beings since prehistory. In Europe, bed bugs were common and endemic until World War II when improved body and home hygiene, and widespread use of insecticides led to almost complete eradication. Current evidence indicates that bedbugs are making a comeback in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. In our practice in Southern France, we observed several cases within a period of only 1 year.Objectives  Based on this experience, we conducted an epidemiological study to evaluate the status of bedbugs in France.Methods  During summer 2009, we mailed a short questionnaire to all hospital professors in the CEDEF (Collège des Enseignants de Dermatologie de France) asking four questions: number of suspected diagnosis of bedbugs in the year 2009, and number of certain positive diagnosis, difficulties in treatment, use of a pest control professional for treatment, and finally personal opinion on actual incidence of bedbugs, compared with past years.Results  Of the 84 questionnaires sent, there were only 26 responses despite two reminders. The responses were predominantly southern France, probably as a result of intensive immigration and increased travel and trade. Difficulties encountered during diagnosis and treatment are also mentioned. Utilizing the services of entomological experts and pest control professionals is essential.Conclusions  France has the same experience regarding the resurgence of bedbugs as several European countries, USA, Canada and Australia, especially the southern regions. This emerging health problem has to be known by dermatologists. A national programme has been launched in France to assess actual incidence and study C. lectularius‐ related diseases.
Canada’s national initiative to advance access to electronic journals*
Authors: Groen Frances 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper describes a national experiment in the licensing of full text information in journals, primarily in the fields of science, technology and medicine. It discusses the initiative of the federal government of Canada through the creation of the Canada Foundation for Innovation as a new funding agency, with an objective of improving research and creativity in Canadian science. The successful efforts initiated by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries/Association des bibliothèques de recherche du Canada to create a funding opportunity to develop the ‘information infrastructure’ for Canadian researchers and the resulting Canadian National Site Licensing Project (CNSLP) progress is discussed.The evolution of a project governance structure to maintain the support of the 64 participating institutions is reviewed and the need to develop an appropriate exit strategy at the conclusion of the federal funding is also considered.
Light touch induces ERK activation in superficial dorsal horn neurons after inflammation: involvement of spinal astrocytes and JNK signaling in touch‐evoked central sensitization and mechanical allodynia
Authors: Gao Yong‐Jing , Ji Ru‐Rong 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 505–514.AbstractActivation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in spinal cord neurons could serve as a marker for sensitization of dorsal horn neurons in persistent pain. ERK is normally activated by high‐threshold noxious stimuli. We investigated how low‐threshold mechanical stimuli could activate ERK after complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)‐induced inflammation. Unilateral injection of CFA induced ipsilateral heat hyperalgesia and bilateral mechanical allodynia. CFA‐induced ERK activation in ipsilateral dorsal horn neurons declined after 2 days. Interestingly, low‐threshold mechanical stimulation given by light touch either on the inflamed paw or the contralateral non‐inflamed paw dramatically increased ERK phosphorylation in the dorsal horn ipsilateral to touch stimulation. Notably, light touch induced ERK phosphorylation mainly in superficial neurons in laminae I–IIo. Intrathecal administration of the astroglial toxin L‐α‐aminoadipate on post‐CFA day 2 reversed CFA‐induced bilateral mechanical allodynia but not heat hyperalgesia. Furthermore, L‐α‐aminoadipate, the glial inhibitor fluorocitrate, and a peptide inhibitor of c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase all reduced light touch‐evoked ERK activation ipsilateral to touch. Collectively, these data suggest that (i) ERK can be activated in superficial dorsal horn neurons by low‐threshold mechanical stimulation under pathological condition and (ii) ERK activation by light touch is associated with mechanical allodynia and requires an astrocyte network.
Neuropeptide S stimulates dopaminergic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Si Wei , Aluisio Leah , Okamura Naoe , Clark Stewart D. , Fraser Ian , Sutton Steven W. , Bonaventure Pascal , Reinscheid Rainer K. 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 475–482.AbstractNeuropeptide S (NPS) is known to produce anxiolytic‐like effects and facilitate extinction of conditioned fear. Catecholaminergic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been suggested to be crucially involved in these brain functions. In the current study, we investigated the effect of NPS on the release of dopamine and serotonin in the mPFC by in vivo microdialysis in rats. Central administration of NPS dose‐dependently enhanced extracellular levels of dopamine and its major metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, with maximal effects lasting up to 120 min. In contrast, no effect on serotonergic neurotransmission was detected. Dopamine release in the mPFC has been previously linked to modulation of anxiety states and fear extinction. The present results may thus provide a physiological and anatomical basis for the reported effects of NPS on these behaviors.
Professional autonomy of nurses in hospital settings – a review of the literature
Authors: Varjus Sirkka‐Liisa , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Suominen Tarja 
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 201–207

Professional autonomy of nurses in hospital settings – a review of the literature Autonomy is regarded as an essential element of professional status. Especially nurse managers have an important role in searching for ways to empower nurses and to provide conditions that promote autonomous practice. This article provides an overview of the empirical research literature on the professional autonomy of nurses in hospital settings. The aim is to clarify the concept and to give information on how the autonomy of nurses has been studied through the decades. The definitions of autonomy and the results of empirical research are reviewed. Further, the article offers a description of the methodologies used in the studies of the autonomy of nurses over the years: data collection methods, samples and research contexts. The review focuses on empirical articles published between 1966 and December 2009 retrieved from the CINAHL and MEDLINE databases. The studies were classified based on a content analysis. This review draws attention to the complexity of the concept of autonomy and its various definitions. Moreover, the data for studies have been collected primarily by questionnaires; the sampling methods have been nonrandomized and the samples varying. It would be necessary to study autonomy in different countries using the same instrument.
Optimization under uncertainty of the integrated oil supply chain using stochastic and robust programming
Authors: Ribas Gabriela P. , Hamacher Silvio , Street Alexandre 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper proposes the development of a strategic planning model for an integrated oil chain considering three sources of uncertainty: crude oil production, demand for refined products and market prices. To deal with these uncertainties, three formulations are proposed: (1) a two‐stage stochastic model with a finite number of realizations, (2) a robust min–max regret model and (3) a max–min model. These models were applied to Brazil's oil chain, comprising 17 refineries and three main petrochemical plants, 16 groups of crude oils, 50 intermediate products, 10 final products, 13 terminals and a logistic network composed of 278 transportation arcs relative to the road, water, rail and pipeline modes. The time horizon analyzed covers 10 years. The results indicate significant financial differences between the three formulations, depending on the agent's risk profile.
Pharmacogenetics of the mycophenolic acid targets inosine monophosphate dehydrogenases IMPDH1 and IMPDH2: gene sequence variation and functional genomics
Authors: Wu T‐Y , Peng Y , Pelleymounter LL , Moon I , Eckloff BW , Wieben ED , Yee VC , Weinshilboum RM 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenases, encoded by IMPDH1 and IMPDH2, are targets for the important immunosuppressive drug, mycophenolic acid (MPA). Variation in MPA response may result, in part, from genetic variation in IMPDH1 and IMPDH2.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We resequenced IMPDH1 and IMPDH2 using DNA from 288 individuals from three ethnic groups and performed functional genomic studies of the sequence variants observed.KEY RESULTS We identified 73 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IMPDH1, 59 novel, and 25 SNPs, 24 novel, in IMPDH2. One novel IMPDH1 allozyme (Leu275) had 10.2% of the wild‐type activity as a result of accelerated protein degradation. Decreased activity of the previously reported IMPDH2 Phe263 allozyme was primarily due to decreased protein quantity, also with accelerated degradation. These observations with regard to the functional implications of variant allozymes were supported by the IMPDH1 and IMPDH2 X‐ray crystal structures. A novel IMPDH2 intron 1 SNP, G > C IVS1(93), was associated with decreased mRNA quantity, possibly because of altered transcription.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results provide insight into the nature and extent of sequence variation in the IMPDH1 and IMPDH2 genes. They also describe the influence of gene sequence variation that alters the encoded amino acids on IMPDH function and provide a foundation for future translational studies designed to correlate sequence variation in these genes with outcomes in patients treated with MPA.
Sodium tetrachloropalladate (Na2[PdCl4]) as an improved test salt for palladium allergy patch testing
Authors: Muris Joris , Kleverlaan Cornelis J , Feilzer Albert J , Rustemeyer Thomas 
Published: August 2010

Background:  In the last decades, palladium is widely used in dentistry. Allergic reactions to palladium are rarely diagnosed with patch testing, even when positive results would be expected. Palladium tends to cross‐react with nickel, which should give rise to more positive reactions to palladium dichloride (standard test salt).Objective:  The aim of the study was to test whether or not mono‐nuclear sodium tetrachloropalladate (Na2[PdCl4]) in petrolatum is a better test salt for diagnosing palladium allergy. Positive reactions to the investigated test salt are compared not only with PdCl2(aq.), but also to NiSO4(aq.) and NiSO4(pet.).Patients/Methods:  Concentration series of Na2[PdCl4] were carried out. 164 consecutive patients were patch tested.Results:  3% of Na2[PdCl4](pet.) was found to be the highest non‐irritative concentration. The results show (n = 164) that Na2[PdCl4] covers all reactions to PdCl2 (1.8%) and provokes more positive reactions (14%). From the 164 patients, 18.3% reacted positively to at least 1 of the nickel salts.Conclusion:  The sensitivity of patch testing with Na2[PdCl4] is increased compared with the PdCl2 salt. Therefore, it can be concluded that Na2[PdCl4] is to be a better test salt for diagnosing palladium allergy with patch testing.
Anogenital allergic contact dermatitis, the role of spices and flavour allergy
Authors: Vermaat Hester , Smienk Fiona , Rustemeyer Thomas , Bruynzeel Derk P. , Kirtschig Gudula 
Published: August 2010

Background:  In patients with vulval or anogenital dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis is more common than allergic contact dermatitis. The reported frequency and relevance of contact sensitivity in anogenital dermatitis varies greatly.Objective:  To determine the frequency and relevance of contact sensitization in a Dutch group of female patients with chronic anogenital complaints.Methods:  We reviewed patch test results of 53 women with chronic anogenital complaints, with sole vulval symptoms in 29 women and sole perianal in 5, in whom inflammatory skin diseases like lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, psoriasis, as well as infectious diseases were unlikely or excluded as a cause of their symptoms. All women were tested with the European baseline series plus additional test series according to their personal history.Results:  Thirty‐five patients (66%) showed one or more positive test reactions. Seven of these patients (20%) had one or more clinically relevant positive reactions, most often to flavours and spices.Conclusion:  A considerable number of patients with anogenital dermatitis have a contact sensitization. Clinically relevant reactions were mainly found to spices and flavours. This is in contrast to the data reported in the literature that shows most contact allergies in vulval patients to ingredients of topical medication.
Occupational contact allergy to formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Kuuliala O. , Suuronen K. , Alanko K. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Formaldehyde allergy is common and usually derives from formaldehyde‐releasing biocides in cosmetic and other products.Objectives:  To analyse patterns of patch test reactions to formaldehyde and formaldehyde‐releasing compounds and the sources of sensitization.Patients/Methods:  At the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, we screened the patch test files for allergic reactions to formaldehyde and 12 formaldehyde‐releasing compounds. All patients with contact allergy to any of the substances were included, and their records were reviewed.Results:  Between January 2001 and May 2007, we had patch tested 81 patients with formaldehyde allergy and 18 with independent allergy to some formaldehyde releaser. Of the formaldehyde allergies, 60 were new sensitizations, 25 of which were considered to be occupational. The most common source of occupational sensitization was metalworking fluids followed by creams and related products. Exposure to formaldehyde‐releasing preservatives in liquid soaps and other rinse‐off products was common in both occupational and non‐occupational cases. Reactions to formaldehyde‐releasing compounds were seen in 79% of the formaldehyde‐allergic patients.Conclusions:  Occupational formaldehyde allergy was common and occurred in metalworkers, hairdressers, masseurs, and workers using protective creams, detergents, and liquid soaps. When compared with studies on general dermatological patients, contact allergy to formaldehyde releasers without formaldehyde allergy was rare.