bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical relevance of RET variants G691S, L769L, S836S and S904S to sporadic medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Machens Andreas , Frank‐Raue Karin , Lorenz Kerstin , Rondot Susanne , Raue Friedhelm , Dralle Henning 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBackground  Based on reports of higher frequencies among patients with sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) relative to external controls, the RET (REarranged during Transfection) variants G691S, L767L, S836S and S904S have been considered disease modifiers, suggesting greater lifetime risks of MTC. Other studies, employing different external controls, failed to confirm this association. Using a complementary approach, this study aimed at exploring differences in clinico‐pathological characteristics among patients with sporadic MTC carrying no (wildtype), one (heterozygotes) or both (homozygotes) homologue RET variants in the germline, with wildtype cases acting as internal controls.Methods  Included in this investigation were 150 patients with complete genetic information on G691S, L769L, S836S and S904S RET alleles operated on for sporadic MTC at a tertiary referral centre.Results  Not one statistically significant dose–response relationship was identified between any RET variant (wildtype vs RET heterozygotes vs homologue RET homozygotes) and patient age at MTC diagnosis, gender, primary tumour size, extrathyroidal extension, numbers of involved and removed lymph nodes, or distant metastasis. L769L and S836S homozygotes, unlike G691S and S904S homozygotes, were either rare or absent, limiting the analyses to comparisons of heterozygosity versus wildtype. On time‐to‐event analysis, G691S, L769L, S836S or S904S carriers and noncarriers developed MTC at similar rates.Conclusions  In carriers and noncarriers of the RET variants G691S, L767L, S836S and S904S, sporadic MTC appeared clinically and pathologically indistinguishable. This observation, along with the inconclusive evidence of previous association studies, calls for larger longitudinal association studies with age‐ and sex‐matched external controls and additional functional studies of RET biology.
Effects of mashing on total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of malts and worts
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Mouming 
Published: November 2011

SummaryEffects of mashing on total phenolic contents (TPC), radical‐scavenging activity, reducing power and metal chelating activity of malts and corresponding worts were clarified in this study. Results showed that there were significant variations in TPC and antioxidant activity across malts and worts. An 8.8% of increase in TPC was observed during the early stage of mashing, accompanied by an increase in antioxidant activity. However, 2.6% of decrease in TPC and inconsistent changes in antioxidant activity were found during the mashing at higher temperature. Overall, mashing resulted in 6.0% and >10.0% of increases in TPC and antioxidant activity, respectively. Moreover, Pearson correlation analysis revealed that there were good correlations (ranging from 0.622 to 0.735, P < 0.01) between TPC and antioxidant activity of malts and worts. Additionally, mashing resulted in more positive correlations between TPC and antioxidant activity, emphasising the key role of malt phenolic compounds for wort antioxidant activity.
Who needs admission among infants with acute otitis media?
Authors: Bitar Mohamed A , Baz Rami , Sabra Omar 
Published: November 2011

Aim:  Management of acute otitis media (AOM) in infants younger than 2 months old is controversial. It varies between treatment on an outside basis, and hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and sepsis work‐up based on variability of the reported AOM pathogens in this particular group. Our aim is to identify clinical indicators that may suggest a need for an invasive medical work‐up and/or hospitalization of these young patients, and compare their management to that of older infants.Methods:  Retrospective chart review. Admitted infants with AOM and a random sample of infants presenting to the emergency room with AOM over a 20‐year period. Infants younger than 2 months were designated as ‘young infants’, and those older as ‘older infants’. Demographic data, relevant history, physical examination, laboratory studies and treatment were reviewed.Results:  Twenty‐nine admitted infants were included (13 young infants). A sample of 58 outpatients was studied, including two young infants. Compared to older inpatient infants, admitted young infants were less febrile (P < 0.05), had more benign white cell count (P < 0.05) but had more otorrhea (P < 0.05). These grew gram‐negative organisms. Sepsis work‐up was negative. Young infants were more likely to be admitted (P < 0.05). Admitted older infants had more otorrhea than outpatients (P < 0.05) or a complication (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Young infants often need admission for intravenous antibiotics, until middle ear culture is out. Sepsis work‐up may be necessary only in toxic patients. Older infants need admission when severely ill or have a complication.
Maturation of rapid auditory temporal processing and subsequent nonword repetition performance in children
Authors: Fox Allison M. , Reid Corinne L. , Anderson Mike , Richardson Cassandra , Bishop Dorothy V.M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAccording to the rapid auditory processing theory, the ability to parse incoming auditory information underpins learning of oral and written language. There is wide variation in this low‐level perceptual ability, which appears to follow a protracted developmental course. We studied the development of rapid auditory processing using event‐related potentials (ERPs) elicited by tone pairs presented at varying inter‐stimulus intervals (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ms) in a sample of children (N = 103) aged 7–9 years initially and again at 9–11 years. We also assessed their ability to repeat nonsense words at both time‐points. The amount of difference between the ERP to single tones and paired tones (as assessed by the intra‐class correlation coefficient, ICC) provided a measure of the brain’s capacity to discriminate auditory information delivered at different presentation rates. Results showed that older children showed greater neural discrimination to tone pairs than younger children at rapid presentation rates, although these differences were reduced at slower presentation rates. The ICC at time 1 significantly predicted nonword repetition scores two years later, providing support for the view that rapid auditory temporal processing ability affects oral language development in typically developing children.
Insulin resistance and bariatric surgery
Authors: Rao R. S. , Yanagisawa R. , Kini S. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe objective of this article is to systematically review the changes in insulin resistance after various types of bariatric surgical procedures. A Pubmed and EMBASE search for studies measuring insulin resistance before and after bariatric surgery was done and all original research articles from 1980 to present (2011) were included. Only the currently widely performed bariatric procedures were included. A meta‐analysis of change in HOMA‐IR was conducted, grouping studies with similar duration of follow‐up. The percentage decrease in HOMA‐IR at <=2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and >16–18 months was found to be (mean ± standard error) −33.48 ± 5.78, −46.43 ± 6.99, −38.79 ± 9.64, −58.62 ± 7.38, −44.91 ± 7.98 and −67.04 ± 10.78%, respectively. RYGB (gastric bypass) and BPD (biliopancreatic diversion) produced a significant decrease in insulin resistance at 2 weeks after surgery, while LSG (sleeve gastrectomy) was strongly trending. LSG produced an earlier decrease in insulin resistance when compared to LAGB (gastric banding). RYGB, BPD and LSG produce an early decrease in insulin resistance through yet unknown mechanisms.
Assessing Sustainability Perspectives in Rural Innovation Projects Using Q‐Methodology
Authors: Hermans Frans , Kok Kasper , Beers Pieter J. , Veldkamp Tom 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn this article we investigate the different perspectives of sustainable agriculture held by participants of a Dutch innovation programme called TransForum. Using Q‐methodology we have systematically elicited individual perspectives on agricultural innovation and extracted their common elements. We have compared these perspectives with existing discourses of rural and sustainable development. Our results show that the use of technology and the agricultural production function of rural landscapes are among the two most contested elements between perspectives. The more radical perspectives reject technology and support a multifunctional landscape in the countryside, while the prosaic perspectives do the complete opposite with a positive attitude towards technology and a preference of the use of the countryside for agricultural production alone. Surprisingly, there is no ecological modernisation perspective of sustainable agriculture. In this article we propose the concept of ‘metropolitan agriculture’ to fill this void.
High acceptability of HIV voluntary counselling and testing among female sex workers: impact of individual and social factors
Authors: Aho J , Nguyen V‐K , Diakité SL , Sow A , Koushik A , Rashed S 
Published: November 2011

ObjectivesVoluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV infection is an important tool for prevention of HIV infection and AIDS in high‐risk groups. Our goal was to describe the acceptability and consequences of VCT among a stigmatized and vulnerable group, female sex workers (FSWs), in Conakry, Guinea.MethodsAcceptance of the test and return for test results at baseline and consequences of testing 1 year later were described. The perceived risk of HIV infection and perceived benefits and barriers to testing were examined using quantitative and qualitative methods.ResultsAll 421 FSW participants agreed to undergo VCT and most participants (92%) returned for their results. The main reason cited for VCT acceptance was the wish to know their HIV status. However, some managers of FSW worksites urged FSWs to be tested, curtailing FSWs' free decision‐making. One year later, status disclosure was common (90% of the 198 individuals who knew their results among those who participated in the follow‐up part of the study). Positive consequences of testing were far more frequently reported than negative consequences (98% vs. 2%, respectively). Negative life events included banishment from the worksite (one case) and verbal abuse (two cases).ConclusionAcceptability of VCT appears high in the FSW population in Conakry as a consequence of both perceptions of high individual risk and social pressures.
Conflicting Green Landscape Ideologies in a Tai Rural Town in Thailand
Authors: NASONGKHLA SIRIMA TONGSUPA , SINTUSINGHA SIDH 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article discusses the conflict in ideologies between centralized policies, influenced by City Beautification and top‐down comprehensive planning, and a local participatory approach taking account of multiple ethnic livelihoods, as played out at the municipal level of Mae Hong Son town. These conflicting, complex urban–rural ideologies and cultural mixes are sharply revealed in this small town's first formal public participatory process conducted by the municipality for a proposed development along Nam Pu Creek to the north of the town. The process also publicly situated the debate on what defines a socially constructed ‘green’ planning policy for public open spaces, who decides and who benefits? The article argues that the participatory process opens up planning and resource management to more sustainable, democratic and equitable practices, mitigating the adverse effects of conflicts in urban landscape development between local government and the inhabitants.RésuméCette analyse porte sur le conflit d’idéologies entre, d’une part, les politiques publiques centralisées, influencées par les plans d’Embellissement urbain et d’aménagement global imposés d’en haut et, d’autre part, une approche participative locale intégrant les divers moyens d’existence ethniques, telles qu’elles s’appliquent au niveau municipal de la ville de Mae Hong Son. Ces mélanges culturels et ces idéologies complexes et antagonistes urbaines‐rurales se révèlent clairement dans la première démarche participative publique officielle menée par la municipalité pour l’aménagement proposé vers le nord, le long de la rivière Nam Pu. De plus, elle est l’occasion d’aborder ouvertement ce qui définit une politique d’aménagement ‘verte’ socialement construite pour les espaces publics ouverts, mais aussi qui décide et qui en profite. Le processus participatif ouvre la planification et la gestion des ressources à des pratiques plus durables, démocratiques et équitables, qui atténuent les effets négatifs des conflits entre gouvernement local et habitants en matière d’aménagement du paysage urbain.
The Moral Status of Nonresponsible Threats
Authors: HANNA JASON 
Published: November 2011

abstractMost people believe that it is permissible to kill a nonresponsible threat, or someone who threatens one's life without exercising agency. Defenders of this view must show that there is a morally relevant difference between nonresponsible threats and innocent bystanders. Some philosophers, including Jonathan Quong and Helen Frowe, have attempted to do this by arguing that one who kills a bystander takes advantage of another person, while one who kills a threat does not. In this paper, I show that the proposals offered by Quong and Frowe have unacceptable implications. I then argue that those who claim that nonresponsible threats may be killed face a dilemma generated by the possibility of a stationary threat, or someone who endangers another person's life without moving. Unless we arbitrarily distinguish between stationary and moving nonresponsible threats, it is unclear how the permission to kill nonresponsible threats is to be explicated. I conclude that nonresponsible threats are not legitimate targets of self‐defence.
Dialysis Composite Rate Bundling: Potential Effects on the Utilization of Home Hemodialysis, Daily and Nocturnal Hemodialysis, and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Blagg Christopher R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHome hemodialysis was introduced because it was less expensive than center dialysis, so allowing more patients to be treated with the limited funds available in the 1960s. The start of the Medicare ESRD Program in July 1973, with almost universal entitlement, removed the financial barriers, and had many other effects including reducing the use of home dialysis. Bundled payment for dialysis, including necessary dialysis supplies and laboratory tests, was introduced as the “composite” rate in 1983. Over the ensuing years, the costs of providing dialysis treatment increased, and expensive new drugs were introduced, particularly erythropoietin. As a result, the government introduced a more extensive bundle at the beginning of this year, aimed at better control of costs. This article considers the potential effect of this reimbursement change on home dialysis.
In‐Center Nocturnal Hemodialysis Performed Thrice‐Weekly—A Provider’s Perspective
Authors: Lacson Eduardo , Diaz‐Buxo Jose 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFavorable clinical outcomes related to morbidity, mortality, patient well‐being, laboratory biomarkers, and medication use have been reported with in‐center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD); nevertheless, it is not entirely clear how much patient selection or physiologic mechanisms related to better fluid management and phosphorus (and calcium) metabolism may explain these outcomes. There are indications that INHD may be a preferred treatment option in specific cases, such as in patients with high interdialytic weight gain, poor tolerance to high ultrafiltration rate, hyperphosphatemia, or for those patients who work or go to school during the day. In the era of the new prospective payment system where quality standards become intertwined with reimbursement, an INHD program may be a useful method to help attain quality goals in facilities that have patients with unfavorable case‐mix. The experience of the past decade has shown INHD to be safe and well tolerated by patients. The growth of INHD therapy is a testament to sustainability and feasibility of this treatment option. Prospective clinical trials are needed in this area. If the promise of INHD is fulfilled, it may also prove to be a valuable option for potential success of Accountable Care Organizations where providers need to assume responsibility for more patient‐centered care and improvement in clinical outcomes. In summary, based on the current experience, INHD is a viable and valuable option as an additional, alternative hemodialysis (HD) regimen to conventional HD.
A Theory of the Demand for Underwriting
Authors: Browne Mark J. , Kamiya Shinichi 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe examine the demand for underwriting and its effect on equilibrium in an insurance market in which insureds know their risk type, but insurers do not. Our analysis indicates that a set of policies including one that requires buyers to take an underwriting test can constitute a full coverage Nash equilibrium when perfect classification is possible. We also find that underwriting equilibria, in which low risks obtain greater coverage than they would without underwriting, widely exist in a Wilsonian market with nonmyopic insurers. Our findings provide a potential explanation for why empirical evidence on adverse selection is mixed.
Thermodynamics of NiAl2O4–NiFe2O4 Spinel Solid Solutions
Authors: Lilova K. I. , Shih K. , Pao C.‐W. , Lee J.‐F. , Navrotsky A. 
Published: November 2011

NiAl2O4, NiFe2O4, and their solid solution Ni(FezAl1−z)2O4 have been studied using high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry in molten 2PbO·B2O3 at 973 K. X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy investigation of the cation distribution showed that the Ni fraction in octahedral sites increases with increasing iron content. Despite the zero heat of mixing, the solid solution is not thermodynamically ideal in the sense of Raoult's law. The entropies of mixing are similar to those for a solid solution of two inverse spinels and the activities are approximated as the square of the mole fractions. The stability of the solid solutions relative to oxide components (NiO, Al2O3, Fe2O3) increases with increasing iron content. The solid solution is a suitable waste form for nickel from industrial processing with higher iron content potentially beneficial to its stability.
Fabrication and Laser Behavior of Composite Yb:YAG Ceramic
Authors: Tang Fei , Cao Yongge , Huang Jiquan , Liu Huagang , Guo Wang , Wang Wenchao 
Published: November 2011

Fifteen layers’ composite YAG/Yb:YAG/YAG laser ceramic with grain size of about 5 μm was fabricated through tape casting process together with vacuum sintering technology, and its microstructure, optical properties, and laser performance were investigated. The experimental results showed that annealing in oxygen atmosphere could remove the lattice distortion and improve the optical transmittance. The in‐line transmittance was 83% at 800 nm. The laser study indicated that the threshold pump power was 5.5 W with output coupler transmission of 6% and slope efficiency achieved 12%. The maximum output power of 0.53 W was achieved at the absorbed pump power of 10 W.
Efficacy of pimecrolimus 1 % cream in the long term management of atopic hand dermatitis. A double‐blind RCT
Authors: Bauer Andrea , Lange Nora , Matterne Uwe , Meurer Michael , Braeutigam Matthias , Diepgen Thomas L. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBackground: Efficacy and steroid sparing effects of pimecrolimus 1 % cream in atopic dermatitis have been shown recently, but there is no data on efficacy in long term management of atopic hand dermatitis. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of pimecrolimus 1 % cream as maintenance therapy in patients suffering from atopic hand dermatitis.Patients and Methods: A double‐blind vehicle controlled study in 40 adult patients with atopic hand dermatitis (IGA < 3) comparing the efficacy of twice daily application of pimecrolimus 1 % cream given as maintenance treatment versus vehicle over a 8 week period after clinical response (IGA < 2) to a 1–3 week pre‐treatment with mometasone fuorate 0.1 % was performed. Primary endpoint was the time to relapse (IGA > 3).Results: Thirty‐six out of 40 patients were randomised to receive either pimecrolimus 1 % (P) or vehicle cream (V). The number of patients with stable remission in patients randomised to pimecrolimus (53.8 %) and vehicle (43.8 %) did not achieve statistical significance between the groups (p = 0.41). Subgroup analysis of patients with initially moderate dermatitis (IGA = 3, n = 20) showed a trend towards a better outcome for the pimecrolimus group (stable remission P = 81.8 % versus V = 55.6 %) (p = 0.244).Conclusions: Pimecrolimus 1 % cream twice daily was not superior to vehicle in the sequential maintenance therapy of atopic hand dermatitis, but efficacy in moderate forms should be investigated in further studies.
A Nursing Conceptual Model for Contamination
Authors: Green Pauline M. , Polk Laura V. 
Published: November 2011

PURPOSE:  To propose a nursing model of contamination that describes the key features of contamination at a level of abstraction needed for clinical decision making.DATA SOURCES:  Relevant literature on contamination, biopreparedness, and classic epidemiologic literature were reviewed and analyzed.DATA SYNTHESIS:  A model of contamination was created along with a description of benefits of use in practice, education, and research.DISCUSSION:  The nursing profession is called to respond to contamination incidents on a local, national, and global level. Achieving optimum health outcomes while managing contamination incidents is enhanced by nurses' use of a model that incorporates six elements to identify and name instances of contamination and select suitable outcomes and interventions.
Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Therapy for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: El‐Shafey Eid M , Alsahow Ali E , Alsaran Khalid , Sabry Alaa A , Atia Mohamed 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis study compared the efficacy of a cinacalcet‐based regimen with unrestricted conventional therapy (vitamin D and phosphate binders) for achieving Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) targets for dialysis patients. In this multicenter, prospective study, hemodialysis patients with poorly controlled secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) were randomized to receive a cinacalcet‐based regimen (n = 55) or a conventional therapy (n = 27). Doses of cinacalcet, vitamin D sterols, and phosphate binders were adjusted during a 12‐week dose‐titration phase to achieve intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels ≤ 31.8 pmol/L. The primary end point was the percentage of patients with values in this range during a 24‐week efficacy‐assessment phase. The clinical response to 36‐week cinacalcet treatment was evaluated. A dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry was performed before and after 36 weeks of cinacalcet therapy. Fifty‐eight percent of the cinacalcet group reached the primary end point, as compared with 19% of the conventional therapy group (P = 0.001). A higher percentage of patients receiving the cinacalcet‐based regimen versus conventional therapy achieved the targets for calcium, phosphorus and Ca × P. Achievement of targets was greatest in patients with less severe disease (intact PTH range, 31.8 to 53 pmol/L). Cinacalcet therapy increased proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD), but did not affect the lumbar spine. Itching intensity decreased significantly. Cinacalcet based treatment facilitates achievement of the K/DOQI targets for iPTH and bone mineral metabolism compared with conventional therapy in hemodialysis patients. Suppression of iPTH with cinacalcet reverses bone loss in the proximal femur. Cinacalcet alleviated itching.