bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning foreign labels from a foreign speaker: the role of (limited) exposure to a second language
Authors: AKHTAR NAMEERA , MENJIVAR JENNIFER , HOICKA ELENA , SABBAGH MARK A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThree- and four-year-olds (N = 144) were introduced to novel labels by an English speaker and a foreign speaker (of Nordish, a made-up language), and were asked to endorse one of the speaker's labels. Monolingual English-speaking children were compared to bilingual children and English-speaking children who were regularly exposed to a language other than English. All children tended to endorse the English speaker's labels when asked ‘What do you call this?’, but when asked ‘What do you call this in Nordish?’, children with exposure to a second language were more likely to endorse the foreign label than monolingual and bilingual children. The findings suggest that, at this age, exposure to, but not necessarily immersion in, more than one language may promote the ability to learn foreign words from a foreign speaker.
The Political Economy of Social Organization Registration in China
Authors: Hildebrandt Timothy 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Chinese government uses legal registration to manage and control the rise of social organizations. To avoid negative government attention, organizations might be expected to actively pursue such registration. However, in-depth field research of Chinese NGOs in three issue areas (environmental protection, HIV/AIDS prevention, and gay and lesbian rights) reveals that this is not always the case. There are many conflicting political and economic incentives for both NGOs and government, complicating understandings of social organization registration in China. By shedding light on the process of registration, this article reveals the complexities of state–society relations and demonstrates the difficulties for social organizations to avoid significant government interference.
Q fever: baseline monitoring of a sheep and a goat flock associated with human infections
Authors: EIBACH R. , BOTHE F. , RUNGE M. , FISCHER S. F. , PHILIPP W. , GANTER M. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYAnimal losses due to abortion and weak offspring during a lambing period amounted up to 25% in a goat flock and up to 18% in a sheep flock kept at an experimental station on the Swabian Alb, Germany. Fifteen out of 23 employees and residents on the farm tested positive forCoxiella burnetiiantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Ninety-four per cent of the goats and 47% of the sheep were seropositive forC. burnetiiby ELISA. Blood samples of 8% of goats and 3% of sheep were PCR positive.C. burnetiiwas shed by all tested animals through vaginal mucus, by 97% of the goats and 78% of the sheep through milk, and by all investigated sheep through faeces (PCR testing). In this outbreak human and animal infection were temporally related suggesting that one was caused by the other.
Continence aids in the management of urinary incontinence
Authors: Browning J , Zaheer Z , Orzechowska A , Mistri A 
Published: January 2012

SummaryUrinary incontinence is a common problem, more so in older people and those in residential or nursing homes. Guidelines promote a structure to the management of incontinence, recommending non-pharmacological measures (including continence aids) as first-line options. Anticholinergic medications are used widely for urge incontinence, and surgical measures employed in selective cases.Whilst other treatments are being tried, or where incontinence is refractory to treatment (about 30% of cases), it is important to promote continence or contain incontinence with continence aids in order to minimize psychological complications. What can be a bewildering array of aids is available and choosing the right type of aid requires knowledge of these. Here, we suggest a classification of continence aids, describing individual characteristics and appropriate situations for use.
What's in it for me? The utility of psychiatric treatments from the perspective of the person in recovery
Authors: Davidson Larry , Miller Rebecca , Flanagan Elizabeth 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe aim of this contribution is to explore how different treatments are experienced from the perspective of individu-als with mental illnesses. We used data drawn from qualitative, narrative interviews. When asked to discuss their lives, people rarely discuss their psychiatric treatment. When asked about treatment, they describe hospitalization and medication but not out-patient care. What is described as most helpful are relationships with others, especially in 24-hour centers, clubhouses, and user-run organizations; places where they report feeling that they are accepted, understood, and cared about. Also important are experiences of “giving back” to others and employment as ways of increasing participants’ sense of self-worth and value. Participants also indicated the importance of med-ication, but described protracted processes of having to find the right prescriber, the right medication, at the right dosage, and taking the medication long enough to derive its benefits. For others, symptoms were described as being an integral part of who they were and not something they wanted to eliminate. Traditional treatments (e.g., medication), if given by a practitioner who understands the person and is willing to try to find the right medication and dosage, may serve as a foundation for instrumental experiences of being accepted, understood, valued, and being able to give back to others.
Genetic opportunities for psychiatric epidemiology: on life stress and depression
Authors: Danese Andrea 
Published: January 2012

SummaryAims– Genetics can offer new resources to epidemiology. This review will consider recent findings regarding the link between stress and depression as an example to illustrate the added value of employing genetics in epidemiological studies.Methods– Systematic review of medical and psychological databases.Results– Genetic and environmental factors may correlate. This suggests the potential for genetic mediation of the exposure to the environment. Gene-environment correlations can help epidemiologists to better understand causal pathways and suggest effective therapeutic strategies. Genetic and environmental factors may also interact. This suggests the potential for genetic modification of environmental effects on disease risk. Gene-environment interactions can help epidemiologists to identify vulnerable individuals and strata-specific environmental effects.Conclusions– New models of disease based on the interplay between genes and environments are providing epidemiology with a new set of testable hypotheses that will advance our understanding of mental health and illness.Declaration of Interest:Dr. Danese is holder of the Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellowship in Clinical Science.
Understanding antipsychotic non-classical prescriptions: a quantitative and qualitative approach
Authors: Veronese Antonio , Vivenza Valerio , Nosè Michela , Cipriani Andrea , Tansella Michele , Barbui Corrado 
Published: January 2012

SummaryAims– To date only a few studies investigated the clinical reasons supporting and explaining non-classical antipsychotic prescriptions. The present study was carried out to develop concepts which help understand this phenomenon in a natural setting, giving emphasis to views of clinicians according to quali – quantitative research methodologies.Subjects– From the South-Verona Psychiatric Case Register all antipsychotic prescriptions issued during 2005 were extracted. Concurrent prescribing of two or more antipsychotics, prescribing antipsychotic drugs outside the licensed indications, and outside the licensed ranges of doses reported in the Italian National Formulary, were considered non-classical prescriptions. Reasons for non-classical prescriptions were collected by means of brainstorming sessions with clinicians. Non-classical prescriptions and the corresponding reasons were grouped according to whether they were “clinically sound” or “clinically not sound”.Results– During 2005 a total of 259 patients received 376 non-classical prescriptions. The most frequently reported reasons for non-classical prescribing were that prescriptions were inherited from another clinician with or without benefit, and that prescriptions were motivated by the need of reducing psychotic symptoms. More than 60% of these non-classical prescriptions were categorised as “clinically sound”. Clinically not sound prescriptions were related with negative clinicians’ views and opinions about the patient/clinician relationship.Conclusion– Clinically not sound prescriptions appeared just a reflection of a problematic doctor/patient relationship, where no individual treatment plan existed and psychiatric visits had the only goal of monitoring ongoing prescriptions.Declaration of Interest: This study received no funding. We have no conflicts of interest.
A public health genetic approach for schizophrenia
Authors: Danese Andrea 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYBackground– Schizophrenia is a complex disease resulting from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. However, psychiatric genetics and epidemiology have often worked as independent research fields.Aims– To review the evidence about the gene-environment interplay involved in the development of schizophrenia.Methods– Systematic review of medical and psychological databases.Results– On one hand, quantitative and molecular genetics showed high heritability for schizophrenia and identified genes likely to be involved in its pathophysiology. The strength of the association between candidate genes and schizophrenia is however modest, and the need for a more appropriate conceptualization of the genetic risk has been claimed. On the other hand, psychiatric epidemiology described several environmental factors liked with the onset or the course of schizophrenia. The observational nature of epidemiology, however, may hamper inference on causation. Gene-environment correlations and interactions influence the exposure and the vulnerability to the environment, respectively. Current findings suggest that gene-environment correlations and interactions may be common phenomena in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The consideration of gene-environment interplay may help to overcome many limitations of genetic and epidemiological studies in psychiatry and suggest innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies.Conclusions– Taking into account the complexity of schizophrenia pathophysiology, mental health genetics may provide a comprehensive and heuristic model of disease.Declaration of Interest: none.
Mental health system and services in Albania
Authors: Keste Dévora , Lazer Ledia , Demi Neli , Severoni Santino , Lora Antonio , Saxena Shekhar 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYAims — To describe the mental health system in Albania. Methods — Data were gathered in 2003 and in 2004 using a new WHO instrument, World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental health Systems (WHO-AIMS), designed for collecting essential information on the mental health system of low and middle income countries. It consists of 6 domains, 28 facets and 156 items. Results — The information collected through WHO AIMS covered the key aspects of mental health system in Albania: the mental health policy and the legislative framework, the network of mental health services and the characteristics of the users, the role of the primary health care, the human resources, the public education and the links with other governmental sectors, monitoring and research. Conclusions — The data collection through WHO AIMS represented a needed step for a better in-depth knowledge of the system and for implementing actions to strengthen the system. Examples of planned actions were the improvement of the mental health component in primary care, a clear shift of resources from mental hospitals to community facilities, an increase of the outpatient care and an expansion of the mental health information system.Declaration of Interest: none.
Lessons learned from a family-focused weight management intervention for obese and overweight children
Authors: Twiddy Maureen , Wilson Inga , Bryant Maria , Rudolf Mary 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTreatment for childhood obesity is characterised by high attrition rates and failure to achieve weight maintenance. It is therefore important to develop more effective programmes. The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore the views of parents, children and health trainers to identify issues which can inform the development of more effective programmes.DesignA qualitative study combining in-depth interviews and focus groups. Participants were selected purposively from current and past attendees.SettingWATCH-IT, a UK-based community child weight management programme.SubjectsTwenty-three families who had previously attended (or were currently attending) WATCH-IT were interviewed. Focus groups with ten trainers explored their views of the intervention.ResultsParents and children had different goals for involvement, with parents focusing on psychological benefits, while children concentrated on goals relating to weight loss and physical fitness. Parents were found to struggle to provide consistent support to their children and this was exacerbated by family dynamics. The child's commitment to lose weight, support from their family and a good relationship between the child and their trainer were viewed as important keys to successful weight management.ConclusionsThe study will guide the design of existing and future programmes by providing insights into issues that challenge successful engagement. It highlights the possible value of exploring the therapeutic relationship between trainers and participants.
Combination effect of PectaSol and Doxorubicin on viability, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in DU‐145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Tehranian Najmeh , Sepehri Houri , Mehdipour Parvin , Biramijamal Firouzeh , Hossein‐Nezhad Arash , Sarrafnejad Abdolfattah , Hajizadeh Ebrahim 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe effect of PectaSol on Dox (Doxorubicin) cytotoxicity in terms of apoptosis and cell cycle changes in PCa (prostate cancer) cell lines (DU‐145 and LNCaP) has been investigated. Combination of PectaSol and Dox resulted in a viability of 29.4 and 32.6% (P<0.001) in DU‐145 and LNCaP cells. The IC50 values decreased 1.5‐fold and 1.3‐fold in the DU‐145 and LNCaP cells respectively. In the DU‐145 cells, combination of PectaSol and Dox resulted in a reduction in p27 gene and protein expression (P<0.001). In LNCaP cells, this combination increased p53, p27 and Bcl‐2 expression. Treatment with both drugs in DU‐145 cells led to an increase in sub‐G1 arrest (54.6% compared with 12.2% in Dox). In LNCaP cells, combination of the drugs led to an increased in G2/M arrest (61.7% compared with 53.6% in Dox). Based on these findings, progressive cytotoxicity effect of Dox and PectaSol together rapidly induce cell death in DU‐145 through apoptosis and in LNCaP cells through cell cycle arrest (G2/M arrest).
Talker Differences in Clear and Conversational Speech: Vowel Intelligibility for Older Adults With Hearing Loss
Authors: Ferguson Sarah Hargus 
Published: January 2012

Purpose
To establish the range of talker variability for vowel intelligibility in clear versus conversational speech for older adults with hearing loss and to determine whether talkers who produced a clear speech benefit for young listeners with normal hearing also did so for older adults with hearing loss.

Method
Clear and conversational vowels in /bVd/ context produced by 41 talkers were presented in noise for identification by 40 older (ages 65–87 years) adults with sloping sensorineural hearing loss.

Results
Vowel intelligibility within each speaking style and the size of the clear speech benefit varied widely among talkers. The clear speech benefit was equivalent to that enjoyed by young listeners with normal hearing in an earlier study. Most talkers who had produced a clear speech benefit for young listeners with normal hearing also did so for the older listeners with hearing loss in the present study. However, effects of talker gender differed between listeners with normal hearing and listeners with hearing loss.

Conclusion
The clear speech vowel intelligibility benefit generated for listeners with hearing loss varied considerably among talkers. Most talkers who produced a clear speech benefit for normal-hearing listeners also produced a benefit for listeners with hearing loss.
Counselling in the workplace: How time‐limited counselling can effect change in well‐being
Authors: Collins Jill , Gibson Alison , Parkin Sarah , Parkinson Rosemary , Shave Diana , Dyer Colin 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground: Many employers provide counselling support on work and personal issues for their employees, but in times of economic pressure such services can be at risk if their effectiveness is not demonstrated. Aim: To evaluate whether time‐limited counselling in a workplace can effect sustained change in well‐being. Method: The study was carried out by a staff counselling team in a university setting. The Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (WEMWBS) was completed by clients at the beginning and end of counselling, and at three and six months following. A non‐treatment comparison group completed the survey at the same intervals. Results: The results of our investigation show clearly that the effect of time‐limited counselling (average seven sessions) on distressed clients is positive. The evidence of our treatment group suggests that they acquire an increased sense of well‐being as a result of the experience of counselling with a significant statistical difference between pre‐and post‐counselling treatment group scores on the WEMWBS and consistently higher scores found post counselling. The improvement was maintained at the same level for at least six months following the end of counselling. Conclusions: The provision of time‐limited counselling by employers is an effective support for personal difficulties affecting work.
Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1)2009 in Hospital Healthcare Workers in New Zealand
Authors: Raymond Nigel J. , Berry Neville , Blackmore Tim K. , Jefferies Sarah , Norton Katherine , Perrin Kyle , Beasley Richard 
Published: January 2012

We evaluated A/H1N1 influenza in healthcare workers (HCWs) and in a flu room during the 2009 pandemic. The flu room aided HCW care and management by facilitating rapid diagnosis and treatment. Absence of fever was common, and symptoms were nonspecific. A higher rate of H1N1 occurred in HCWs deployed in acute services.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2012;33(2):196-199
Prior Vancomycin Use Is a Risk Factor for Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility in Methicillin-Susceptible but Not Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Mascitti Kara B. , Edelstein Paul H. , Fishman Neil O. , Morales Knashawn H. , Baltus Andrew J. , Lautenbach Ebbing 
Published: January 2012

Objective.Staphylococcus aureus is a cause of community- and healthcare-acquired infections and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs. Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) among S. aureus have increased, and reduced vancomycin susceptibility (RVS) may be associated with treatment failure. We aimed to identify clinical risk factors for RVS in S. aureus bacteremia.Design.Case-control.Setting.Academic tertiary care medical center and affiliated urban community hospital.Patients.Cases were patients with RVS S. aureus isolates (defined as vancomycin E-test MIC >1.0 μg/mL). Controls were patients with non-RVS S. aureus isolates.Results.Of 392 subjects, 134 (34.2%) had RVS. Fifty-eight of 202 patients (28.7%) with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates had RVS, and 76 of 190 patients (40.0%) with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates had RVS (P = .02). In unadjusted analyses, prior vancomycin use was associated with RVS (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–4.32; P = .046). In stratified analyses, there was significant effect modification by methicillin susceptibility on the association between vancomycin use and RVS (P = .04). In multivariate analyses, after hospital of admission and prior levofloxacin use were controlled for, the association between vancomycin use and RVS was significant for patients with MSSA infection (adjusted OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.11–14.50) but not MRSA infection (adjusted OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.36–2.13).Conclusions.A substantial proportion of patients with S. aureus bacteremia had RVS. The association between prior vancomycin use and RVS was significant for patients with MSSA infection but not MRSA infection, suggesting a complex relationship between the clinical and molecular epidemiology of RVS in S. aureus.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(2):160-166
Electroacupuncture Improves Survival in Rats with Lethal Endotoxemia via the Autonomic Nervous System
Authors: Song Jian-gang , Li Hong-hai , Cao Yun-fei , Lv Xin , Zhang Ping , Li Ye-sheng , Zheng Yong-jun , Li Qi , Yin Pei-hao , Song Shao-li , Wang Hong-yang , Wang Xiang-rui 
Published: January 2012

Background
Recent advances have indicated a complex interplay between the autonomic nervous system and the innate immune system. Targeting neural networks for the treatment of sepsis is being developed as a therapeutic strategy. Because electroacupuncture at select acupoints can modulate activities of the autonomic nervous system, we tested the hypothesis that electroacupuncture at specific acupoints could modulate systemic inflammatory responses and improve survival via its impact on the autonomic nervous system in a rat model of sepsis.

Methods
Sprague-Dawley male rats received electroacupuncture for 45 min before and at 1, 2, or 4 h after a lethal dose of intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide injection (6 mg/kg). Outcomes included survival and systemic cytokine responses. Also, the possible roles of neural circuitry, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system, were evaluated.

Results
Electroacupuncture pretreatment at the Hegu acupoints significantly attenuate systemic inflammatory responses and improve survival rate from 20% to 80% in rats with lethal endotoxemia. Such a site-specific effect requires the activation of muscarinic receptors in the central nervous system, but not increasing central sympathetic tone. In the periphery synergistic, rather than independent, action of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems is also necessary.

Conclusions
Electroacupuncture pretreatment has a dramatic survival-enhancing effect in rats with lethal endotoxemia, which involves the activation of efferent neural circuits of the autonomic nervous system (e.g., cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway). This approach could be developed as a prophylactic treatment for sepsis or perioperative conditions related to excessive inflammation.