bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Negotiations of Nigerian Seamen in the Transition from Colonialism to Independence: Smuggling to Make Ends Meet
Authors: Schler Lynn 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:This article examines the economic and cultural opportunities Nigerian seamen exploited in the context of their work and travels throughout the colonial era, and the impact of decolonization on their livelihoods and self-conception. During the colonial era, Nigerian seamen resisted colonial categorizations of them as a cheap and docile source of labor for British shipping companies, and maneuvered to supplement low wages through smuggling enterprises. The processes of decolonization and the transition to independence, though initially greeted with enthusiasm, resulted in the loss of their economic independence and ultimately their vocational identities as seamen.
Democracy and Peace in the Age of Globalization: Old Problems, New Challenges for Africa
Authors: Selassie Bereket Habte 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:This article considers the impact of globalization on peace and democracy, especially in Africa. Peace is essential for orderly life and democracy is the paramount political value of our epoch. Are democracy and globalization compatible? They can be under certain conditions. Can globalization guarantee peace? Yes, if it can help in addressing the problems of poverty. The Constitutive Act of African Union enjoins African leaders to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and to consolidate democratic insiiuilions and culture. It also requires the promotion of peace, security and stability in the continent. The conclusion: Globalization must be controlled and global institutions democratized.
The Politics of Government Expenditures in Tanzania, 1999–2007
Authors: Weinstein Laura 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:What allocation strategy do hegemonic party regimes pursue in order to increase their level of electoral support? Although the literature has established that targeting resources to marginally supportive districts is the most effective distributive strategy for competitive democracies, it has not been possible to make a clear prediction about the best strategy for hegemonic party regimes. This article seeks to address this puzzle by examining the patterns by which expenditures were distributed by the Tanzanian ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), across the country's 114 mainland districts from 1999 through 2007. Overall, this study finds that CCM targeted expenditures toward those districts that elected the party with the highest margin of victory.
Potential role of multidrug resistant proteins in refractory epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs interactions
Authors: Lazarowski Alberto , Czornyj Liliana 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder. About one-third of epilepsy patients have a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype and develop refractory epilepsy (RE). Changes in the properties of the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) targets resulting in reduced drug sensitivity, can’t explain the MDR phenotype. This particular refractoriness is now attributed to overexpression of multidrug transporters in brain, leading to impaired access of AEDs to CNS targets, and it was documented in both human as well as in experimental models of RE. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified in the MDR1-ABCB1gene (C3435T/CC-genotype) is associated with increased intestinal expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) that affects levels of AEDs in plasma. The functional studies of P-gp using P-gp inhibitors could show the still unclear clinical impact of ABCB1 polymorphisms on AEDs resistance. Some drug-drug interactions previously believed to be cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated are now also considered to be due to the modulation of multidrug-transporters. Because in certain cases pharmacoresistance can be overcome by add-on therapy, co-administered P-gp inhibitors could contribute to the effectiveness of AEDs treatment in RE. And in this regard, perhaps we can postulate to P-gp as a new clinical therapeutic target in multidrug-refractory epilepsy.
A Novel Nonoperative Technique in the Initial Management and Treatment of Congenital Microstomia
Authors: Rezak Kristen M. , Bouvier Amy , Olack Brian , Larumbe Jose C. , Stelnicki Eric 
Published: May 2011

Congenital microstomia in the newborn can result in poor functional and aesthetic outcomes. In the past, treatment options have included surgical methods such as commissurotomies and z-plasties as well as nonsurgical treatments using oral splints. In severe microstomia, a surgical release may be required to permit splint placement. Because of the small diameter of the stoma, such surgical releases are not optimal and frequently must be repeated. We devised a nonoperative technique for the initial treatment of congenital microstomia that will slowly enlarge the stomal diameter without the need for surgical release. The patient is a newborn male born with multiple congenital anomalies including severe mandibular hypoplasia and retrusion, microstomia, and microglossia. The size of his oral cavity was less than 1 cm at birth with no clinical signs of a tongue. After initial dilation in the operating room with Hagar dilators, the oral stoma was serially dilated using Boston Scientific esophageal balloons. Once full dilation was achieved, we fabricated oral splints to continue the dilation process while maintaining oral competence with no surgical intervention.
GENT: Gene Expression Database of Normal and Tumor Tissues
Authors: Shin Gwangsik , Kang Tae-Wook , Yang Sungjin , Baek Su-Jin , Jeong Yong-Su , Kim Seon-Young 
Published: May 2011

Background Some oncogenes such as ERBB2 and EGFR are over-expressed in only a subset of patients. Cancer outlier profile analysis is one of computational approaches to identify outliers in gene expression data. A database with a large sample size would be a great advantage when searching for genes over-expressed in only a subset of patients. Description GENT (Gene Expression database of Normal and Tumor tissues) is a web-accessible database that provides gene expression patterns across diverse human cancer and normal tissues. More than 40000 samples, profiled by Affymetrix U133A or U133plus2 platforms in many different laboratories across the world, were collected from public resources and combined into two large data sets, helping the identification of cancer outliers that are over-expressed in only a subset of patients. Gene expression patterns in nearly 1000 human cancer cell lines are also provided. In each tissue, users can retrieve gene expression patterns classified by more detailed clinical information. Conclusions The large samples size (>24300 for U133plus2 and >16400 for U133A) of GENT provides an advantage in identifying cancer outliers. A cancer cell line gene expression database is useful for target validation by in vitro experiment. We hope GENT will be a useful resource for cancer researchers in many stages from target discovery to target validation. GENT is available at http://medicalgenome.kribb.re.kr/GENT/ or http://genome.kobic.re.kr/GENT/ .
Efficiency of Post-Dilution Hemodiafiltration with a High-Flux α-Polysulfone Dialyzer
Authors: Pedrini Luciano A. , Gmerek Andreas , Wagner Jurgen 
Published: May 2011

Purpose Intra-individual comparison of technical and clinical characteristics of two hemodiafiltration (HDF) strategies, namely, post-dilution HDF (post-HDF) with a high-flux α-polysulfone hemodiafilter and reverse mid-dilution HDF (MD-HDF). Methods Fifteen patients who were stable on RRT were randomly submitted to both HDF techniques under matched operational conditions. Removal of small and middle molecular compounds was compared. The pressure regimen within the dialyzers and the hydraulic and solute permeability indexes of the membrane were monitored on-line during the sessions. Results Urea removed was not statistically different between post-HDF and MD-HDF (41.7±10.2 vs. 39.9±8.2 g/session). High and comparable removal of phosphate (KDQ,132±30 vs. 138±21 ml/min) and middle molecules (β2-m KDQ, 79.1±6.1 vs. 74.1±13.5 ml/min) was shown in post-HDF and MD-HDF. Albumin leakage tended to be lower after post-HDF (914±370 vs. 1313±603 mg/session, p=0.075). There were no cases of blood circuit clotting, hypotensive episodes, or other clinical or technical problems. In post-HDF, a very high ultrafiltration rate (QUF, 7.4 l/h) and filtration fraction of 59% were maintained through the sessions with safe trans-membrane pressure (TMP) values strictly retained within the planned range (280–350 mmHg). Larger volume exchange (10 l/h) was obtained in MD-HDF, but the very high QUF established high and risky TMP in the post-dilution section of the MD 220 dialyzer. Conclusions The hemodiafilter tested in this study proved its high efficiency when used in post-dilution HDF with the application of an automatic ultrafiltration/pressure feedback, which guaranteed maximal convection within controlled hydraulic conditions.
Estudo histológico da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas utilizando a banha de bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.)
Authors: Santos Júnior Reginaldo Queiroz dos , Soares Lícia Candido , Maia filho Antonio Luís Martins , Sousa Karinne Araujo de , Santos Ísidra Manoela Sousa Portela , Costa Júnior Joaquim Soares da , Saffi Jenifer 
Published: May 2011

Introdução: O processo de cicatrização é uma sequência de reações para reconstituir o tecido. O bacurizeiro (Platonia insignis Mart.) é nativo da Amazônia e é usado como cicatrizante e antibiótico. Objetivo: Analisar a cicatrização de feridas cutâneas tratadas com a banha de bacuri. Metodologia: Utilizaram-se 46 ratos Wistar, machos. Confeccionou-se uma ferida de 2 cm de diâmetro no dorso dos animais e em seguida foram distribuídos em dois grupos: controle e tratado com banha de bacuri. Foram avaliados no 4º, 7º e 14º dias do pós-operatório. Resultados: A inflamação aguda reduziu a partir do sétimo dia nos dois grupos, sendo mais evidente no grupo experimental. No quarto dia, ambos os grupos não mostraram reepitelização, já no sétimo, os animais tratados com a banha demonstraram reepitelização considerável. Conclusão: A banha de bacuri foi eficiente no sétimo dia de tratamento. Os ácidos graxos presentes nessa substância favorecem o processo cicatricial.
Adeno‐associated virus‐mediated human acidic fibroblast growth factor expression promotes functional recovery of spinal cord–contused rats
Authors: Huang Wen‐Cheng , Kuo Huai‐Sheng , Tsai May‐Jywan , Ma Hsu , Chiu Chuan‐Wen , Huang Ming‐Chao , Yang Lin‐Hsue , Chang Pei‐Teh , Lin Yi‐Lo , Kuo Wen‐Chun , Lee Meng‐Jen , Liu Jiang‐Chuan , Cheng Henrich 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundFollowing spinal cord injury, the delivery of neurotrophic factors to the injured spinal cord has been shown to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery. In previous studies, we showed that acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is a potent neurotrophic factor that promotes the regeneration of axotomized spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion neurones.MethodsWe constructed a recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector to express human aFGF and evaluated aFGF expression and function in AAV‐aFGF‐infected PC12 cells. We analyzed AAV‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) tropism and AAV‐mediated aFGF expression in contused spinal cords. Animals received behavioural testing to evaluate the functional recovery.ResultsOverexpression of aFGF was shown in AAV‐aFGF‐infected PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Concurrently, neurite extension and cell number were significantly increased in AAV‐aFGF infected cells. AAV‐mediated GFP expression persisted for at least 5 weeks in contused spinal cords, and the most prominently transduced cells were neurones. Contusive injury reduced endogenous aFGF expression in spinal cords. Overexpression of aFGF was demonstrated in AAV‐aFGF transduced spinal cords compared to AAV‐GFP transduced spinal cords at 3 and 14 days post‐injury. Evaluation of motor function revealed that the improvement of AAV‐aFGF‐treated rats was prominent. Both AAV‐aFGF‐ and recombinant human aFGF‐treated rats revealed significantly better recovery at 5 weeks post‐injury, compared to vehicle‐ and AAV‐GFP‐treated rats.ConclusionsThese data suggest that supplement of aFGF improve the functional recovery of spinal cord‐contused rats and that AAV‐aFGF‐mediated gene transfer could be a clinically feasible therapeutic approach for patients after nervous system injuries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of Glycerides and Free Fatty Acid in Oils Extracted From Various Seeds from the Indian Region by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Bansal Veena , Tiwari A. K. , Sharma Meeta , Puri S. K. , Patel M. B. , Sarpal A. S. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe present study is focused on the quantification of glycerides and free fatty acid in oils extracted from various seeds for biodiesel production from Indian territory. A new method based on 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopic techniques was developed in order to estimate triglycerides (TG), diglycerides, monoglycerides, free fatty acids (FFA) and various other components such as para‐substituted phenols, silylated methyl esters, aromatic acids, naphthalenes, etc. Iodine values of the extracted oils were estimated using the developed 1H‐NMR spectroscopic method, which was correlated with the TG content present in the sample. Results by the NMR method were validated by the blend preparation, fatty acid composition determined by the GC and from the iodine value of the samples. The developed method is direct, rapid and no sample treatment is required. The results from these comprehensive studies indicated that NMR spectroscopic technique is useful for the quantification of extracted oils and can be used effectively for the development and monitoring of biodiesel production and determining the fuel quality.
Social context in school: Its relation to adolescents’ depressive mood
Authors: Boulard Aurore , Quertemont Etienne , Gauthier Jean‐Marie , Born Michel 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThis study examined the impact of various school‐related factors on adolescents’ depressive mood, including prosocial behavior, verbal aggression, and relationships with teachers. The data used in this study were collected in the context of a larger survey on victimization in secondary schools from the French Community of Belgium. Participants were 2896 secondary school students (1520 males; 1376 females) aged 12–18 years. Results showed that for both genders, the three strongest predictors of depressive mood were age, feeling of exclusion, and verbal aggression. This study focusing on school‐related predictors of depressive mood confirmed the importance of the social context in school as a predictor of depression in both girls and boys.
Potential risk factors associated with risk for drop‐out and relapse during and following withdrawal of opioid prescription medication
Authors: Heiwel Susanne , Lönnquistl Ingeborg , Källménl Håkan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground: Withdrawal of opioid medication in patients with chronic pain has a drop‐out and relapse problem. Aim: To evaluate if depressive symptoms, anxiety and pain intensity are potential risk factors for drop‐out or relapse during the withdrawal process. Further, to assess internal consistency of scales for assessment of these potential risk factors. Methods: Twenty‐nine patients were included. After 2 years 28 of these were followed‐up. Results: Those with depressive symptoms at baseline had a significant risk for drop‐out from the withdrawal program (odds ratio 1.37) and relapse into use of opioids at follow‐up (odds ratio 1.44). Drop‐outs rated depressive symptoms significantly higher before detoxification. Those who relapsed rated significantly higher for pain intensity, depressive symptoms and abstinence prior to withdrawal. All scales had high reliability. Perspective: To avoid drop‐out and relapse clinical practice need to screen for depressive symptoms, pain intensity, and abstinence. This article presents significant reliability of scales useful within dependency centers. They can be used to identify these risk factors for drop‐out and relapse, respectively, when initiating the withdrawal process. Taking these risk factors into consideration could improve the outcome of the withdrawal process by preventing drop‐out and relapse.
CCM2 expression during prenatal development and adult human neocortex
Authors: Tanriover Gamze , Sozen Berna , Gunel Murat , Demir Necdet 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is one of the most common types of vascular malformations of the central nervous system, affecting nearly one in 200 people. CCM lesions are characterized by grossly dilated vascular channels lined by a single layer of endothelium. Genetic linkage analyses have mapped three CCM loci to CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3. All three causative genes have now been identified allowing new insights into CCM pathophysiology. We focused on the CCM2 protein that might take place in blood vessel formation; we report here the expression patterns of CCM2 in prenatal development and adult human neocortex by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. CCM2 was obviously detected in vascular endothelium and neuroglial precursor cells during development and also observed in arterial endothelium, neurons, some of the glial cells in adult neocortex. The expression patterns suggest that it could be one of the arterial markers whether this is a cause or a consequence of an altered vascular identity. CCM2 might play a role during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during human brain development. Furthermore, with this study, CCM2 have been described for the first time in developing human neocortex.
Use of codeine-containing medicines by patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital
Authors: Agyapong V.O.I. , Sarvage M. , Sighn K. , Farren C. , Mc Loughlin D. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundAnecdotal evidence suggests that the general public including patients with mental health problems are largely unaware of the potential risks of codeine abuse and dependence. Despite this, little research has been done in establishing the public’s level of awareness on this issue.ObjectiveTo assess the extent of use of codeine-containing preparations, as well as the level of knowledge regarding the dependency potential of codeine, in patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital.Method150 patients admitted consecutively to an acute psychiatric hospital over a 2 month period were asked to fill out an anonymous 18-item semi-structured questionnaire. The results were compiled and analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 17.Results116 questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 77% (54% female, mean age 46.7 years, SD = 15 years). 90% of respondents reported that they had ever used codeine-containing medications, 80% have bought them over the counter, 65% always used them without prescription, and 7% reported daily use of such medicines. 14% reported using them for the euphoriant effect, 5% to curb cravings, and the remaining mainly for migraines or aches and pains. 11% of all patients had used a codeine-containing medication as recently as 24 hours prior to their admission and 66% of patients indicated that they were aware of the dependence potential of codeine.ConclusionAwareness among psychiatric patients regarding the dependence potential of codeine is high. Additionally, a considerable proportion of patients indicated use of codeine for euphoriant effects or to curb cravings
Smoking cessation and gender in first psychotic patients after long-term follow-up
Authors: Alberich S. , Martínez-Cengotitabengoa M. , Vega P. , Gutiérrez M. , Valcárcel C. , López P. , García G. , González-Pinto A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder appear to have more difficulties with smoking cessation than the general population. Moreover, gender and unsuccessful smoking cessation are associated with depression and negative emotional experience. Less attention has been given to the association of cigarette smoking in women and the use of other substances.ObjectivesTo determine the influence of gender and substance abuse on smoking cessation in a long-term follow up after a first psychotic episode.MethodPatients were evaluated at years 1, 3, and 5 obtaining information about functional outcome, positive and negative symptoms and substance use. At 8th year, functional outcome and use of substance were recorded. Patients were classified in two groups: those who stopped smoking during follow-up, and those who did not stop.ResultsAt baseline, rates of tobacco smoking were high with no differences between genders. Difficulty with smoking cessation was associated with female (p = 0.017) and typical antipsychotics (p = 0.032). Those who used alcohol continuously were less likely to stop smoking (p = 0.050) controlling for typical antipsychotics. The interaction with gender was not significant. Continuous cannabis use was not associated with smoking cessation, but women who use cannabis continuously were less able to stop smoking than men (adjusted p = 0.036).ConclusionsWomen are less prone to quit smoking than men during long-term follow-up after the development of psychosis. Different treatments should be considered for men and women in relation to tobacco dependence in patients with psychotic disorder. Treatment for women smokers should probably be more supportive and intensive.
Health and risk behaviors of drug addicts in internment situation in therapeutic communities
Authors: Albuquerque C. , Verdasca C. , Franco V. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectivesThis study aims to obtain health and risk behaviors of drug abusers (addicts), when in confinement situation in therapeutic communities;MethodsUsing quantitative methods, the study focused on a group of 75 addicts, all male, with ages 19 to 51 years (average: 34.07), mostly unmarried (77.30%), living in Lisbon (40.00%) and with a past marked mainly by consumption of cocaine (80.00%) and heroin (69.30%). As an instrument to measure the behaviors we used the “Health and Risk Behaviour Scale” (Albuquerque, 2004).ResultsIt was found that addicts in hospital:a) practice little exercise/physical activity,b) care little for the food component,c) the majority continues to use semi-legal drugs, andd) express little concern about the effects associated with consumption of alcohol and tobacco.Conversely, we found that they care a lot about their sexual behavior, adopting preventive behaviors against sexually transmitted diseases.ConclusionsThe evidence presented here should be taken into account by several health professionals (doctors, nurses, psychologists,) in an assistance model reorientation and multidimensional accompanying underlying the internment addict and their families.