bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local Anaesthetic Inguinal Hernia Repair Performed Under Supervision: Early and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Sanjay P , Woodward A 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION Local anaesthetic inguinal hernia repair may be technically demanding. There are minimal data regarding the outcomes of local anaesthetic hernia repair by trainees in comparison with consultants. PATIENTS AND METHODS All consecutive local anaesthetic repairs performed by trainees and one consultant over a 9-year period were reviewed. Operation time, volume of local anaesthetic used, early and long-term complications were assessed. A postal survey was conducted to assess chronic groin pain and satisfaction rates. RESULTS A total of 369 repairs were reviewed of which 265 repairs were performed by the consultant and 104 by trainees. The male-to-female ratio was 25:1 and the median age of the study group was 61 years (range, 18–93 years). The volume of local anaesthetic used was significantly higher for trainees than the consultant (42 ml versus 69 ml; P = 0.03). The operative time for the consultant and the trainees was 35 min and 40 min (P = 0.8). The day-case rate was higher for the consultant than the trainees (84% versus 69%; P = 0.02). Three patients operated by trainees required conversion to a general anaesthetic repair. No difference was noted in chronic groin pain (consultant 28% versus trainees 32%; P = 0.52) on the postal survey. The median follow-up was 5 years (range, 2–7 years). CONCLUSIONS Local anaesthetic inguinal hernia repair can be performed safely by surgical trainees under consultant supervision with minimal short- and long-term morbidity. A large volume dilute solution of Lignocaine and Marcaine is recommended when hernia repair is undertaken by trainees.
The Central Urology Multidisciplinary Team – Is it Time to Change the Referral Criteria? An Audit of Practice in a District General Hospital in London
Authors: Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Dick John A , Thompson Alan C , Morley Roland 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION All cancer patients are discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs). Certain patients are referred to the Central MDT based on specific national criteria. We wanted to see whether the Central MDT aided in the decision-making process above that of the Local MDT alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS All MDT forms (local and central) for 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS A total of 217 patients were reviewed at the Local MDT. Of these 217 cases, 102 (47.0%) cases were referred to the Central MDT and 15 of the 102 (14.7%) cases were awaiting investigations at the time of the Local MDT and were, therefore, excluded. For the prostate cancer cases (n = 67), the Central MDT did not change outright the Local MDT decision in any case, but in 6 of 67 (9.0%), advised/excluded patients from clinical trials. For bladder cancer cases (n = 19), 4 of 19 (21.0%) patients had their management changed by the Central MDT. The one kidney cancer case had its Local MDT decision changed by the Central MDT. CONCLUSIONS This audit suggests that the Central MDT plays a useful role in the decision-making process for bladder and kidney cancers, and helps determine eligibility for clinical trials in metastatic prostate cancer patients. Its value over the Local MDT alone in the decision-making process for non-metastatic prostate cancer is questionable.
Spontaneous implementation intentions and impulsivity: Can impulsivity moderate the effectiveness of planning strategies?
Authors: Churchill Sue , Jessop Donna 
Published: October 2009

Objective. Self‐initiated plans relating to when, where, and how behaviour will be performed have been shown to be effective in promoting goal progress. The current study (N =256) explored whether any impact of self‐initiated implementation intentions on the avoidance of snacking was moderated by impulsivity.Design and methods. The study employed a prospective design. At Time 1, participants reported the extent to which they had formed self‐initiated implementation intentions to avoid eating high‐calorie snacks. At Time 2, participants reported their snack consumption over the preceding 2 weeks and completed a measure of impulsivity.Results. Impulsivity (urgency) moderated the effect of self‐initiated implementation intentions on snack consumption. Specifically, self‐initiated implementation intentions benefited the avoidance of snacking most for those low in impulsivity and least for those high in impulsivity.Conclusion. The findings suggest that impulsivity might form an important boundary condition to the effectiveness of self‐initiated implementation intention formation in relation to snacking.
The Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS): Development and evaluation of a brief measure assessing illness‐related couple communication
Authors: Arden‐Close Emily , Moss‐Morris Rona , Dennison Laura , Bayne Louise , Gidron Yori 
Published: October 2009

Objectives. When one member of a couple has a chronic illness, communication about the illness is important for both patient and partner well‐being. This study aimed to develop and test a brief self‐report measure of illness‐related couple communication.Design. A combination of correlations and multiple regression were used to assess the internal consistency and validity of the Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS).Methods. A scale to provide insight into both patient and partner illness communication was developed. The CICS was then tested on patients with ovarian cancer (N =123) and their partners (N =101), as well as patients with early stage multiple sclerosis (MS) who had stable partnerships (N =64).Results. The CICS demonstrated good acceptability, internal consistency, convergent validity (correlations with general couple communication and marital adjustment), construct validity (correlations with intrusive thoughts, social/family well‐being, emotional impact of the illness, and psychological distress), and test–retest reliability.Conclusions. The CICS meets the majority of psychometric criteria for assessment measures in both a life‐threatening illness (ovarian cancer) and a chronic progressive disease (MS). Further research is required to understand its suitability for use in other populations. Adoption of the CICS into couple‐related research will improve understanding of the role of illness‐related communication in adjustment to illness. Use of this short, simple tool in a clinical setting can provide a springboard for addressing difficulties with illness‐related couple communication and could aid decision making for referrals to couple counselling.
Bone microstructure at the distal tibia provides a strength advantage to males in late puberty: An HR-pQCT study
Authors: Burrows Melonie , Liu Danmei , Moore Sarah , McKay Heather 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Bone is a complex structure with many levels of organization. Advanced imaging tools such as high-resolution (HR) peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) provide the opportunity to investigate how components of bone microstructure differ between the sexes and across developmental periods. The aim of this study was to quantify the age- and sex-related differences in bone microstructure and bone strength in adolescent males and females. We used HR-pQCT (XtremeCT, Scanco Medical, Geneva, Switzerland) to assess total bone area (ToA), total bone density (ToD), trabecular bone density (TrD), cortical bone density (CoD), cortical thickness (Cort.Th), trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular spacing standard deviation (Tb.Sp SD), and bone strength index (BSI, mg2/mm4) at the distal tibia in 133 females and 146 males (15 to 20 years of age). We used a general linear model to determine differences by age- and sex-group and age × sex interactions (p &lt; 0.05). Across age categories, ToD, CoD, Cort.Th, and BSI were significantly lower at 15 and 16 years compared with 17 to 18 and 19 to 20 years in males and females. There were no differences in ToA, TrD, and BV/TV across age for either sex. Between sexes, males had significantly greater ToA, TrD, Cort.Th, BV/TV, Tb.N, and BSI compared with females; CoD and Tb.Sp SD were significantly greater for females in every age category. Males' larger and denser bones confer a bone-strength advantage from a young age compared with females. These structural differences could represent bones that are less able to withstand loads in compression in females. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Capacity of omega-3 fatty acids or eicosapentaenoic acid to counteract weightlessness-induced bone loss by inhibiting NF-κB activation: From cells to bed rest to astronauts
Authors: Zwart Sara R , Pierson Duane , Mehta Satish , Gonda Steve , Smith Scott M 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
NF-κB is a transcriptional activator of many genes, including some that lead to muscle atrophy and bone resorption—significant concerns for astronauts. NF-κB activation is inhibited by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but the influence of this omega-3 fatty acid on the effects of weightlessness are unknown. We report here cellular, ground analogue, and spaceflight findings. We investigated the effects of EPA on differentiation of RAW264.7 monocyte/macrophage cells induced by receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and on activation of NF-κB by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) or exposure to modeled weightlessness. EPA (50 µM for 24 hours) inhibited RANKL-induced differentiation and decreased activation of NF-κB induced by 0.2 µg/mL of TNF-α for 30 minutes or by modeled weightlessness for 24 hours (p &lt; .05). In human studies, we evaluated whether NF-κB activation was altered after short-duration spaceflight and determined the relationship between intake of omega-3 fatty acids and markers of bone resorption during bed rest and the relationship between fish intake and bone mineral density after long-duration spaceflight. NF-κB was elevated in crew members after short-duration spaceflight, and higher consumption of fish (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids) was associated with reduced loss of bone mineral density after flight (p &lt; .05). Also supporting the cell study findings, a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with less N-telopeptide excretion during bed rest (Pearson r = –0.62, p &lt; .05). Together these data provide mechanistic cellular and preliminary human evidence of the potential for EPA to counteract bone loss associated with spaceflight. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Enhanced insulin sensitivity after acute exercise is not associated with changes in high-molecular weight adiponectin concentration in plasma
Authors: Magkos Faidon , Mohammed B Selma , Mittendorfer Bettina 
Published: October 2009

Background and objectiveThe effect of exercise on the plasma concentration of high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin (i.e. the biologically active form of circulating adiponectin) and the possible role of HMW adiponectin in mediating the exercise-induced enhancement of insulin action are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the post-exercise increase in insulin sensitivity and plasma HMW adiponectin concentration.Design and methodsWe measured total and HMW adiponectin concentrations in plasma using an ELISA kit, and insulin sensitivity using the updated homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-IS) score in the basal, overnight fasted state, once ∼12 h after a single bout of moderate-intensity endurance exercise and once after an equivalent period of rest, in 27 healthy men and women (age: 29±1 years and body mass index: 24.7±0.8 kg/m2).ResultsThe HOMA2-IS score was 18±7% greater after exercise than after rest (229±20 and 196±17 respectively;P=0.006), whereas the concentrations of total adiponectin (7.8±0.5 and 7.7±0.5 mg/l respectively;P=0.597) and HMW adiponectin (3.0±0.3 and 3.0±0.3 mg/l respectively;P=0.625) were not different. The exercise-induced change in HOMA2-IS score was not related to changes in total and HMW adiponectin concentrations (P>0.3).ConclusionsChanges in HMW adiponectin concentration are not involved in the acute exercise-induced enhancement of insulin action.
Revision of the Southern African Pollen Beetle GenusAnthystrix(Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Meligethinae)
Authors: Audisio P , Cline A R , Lamanna F , Trizzino M , Antonini G , Mancini E , Biase A De 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe pollen beetle genus AnthystrixKirejtshuk, 1981 previously included six South African species characterized by unusual dimorphic development of male antennal characters. The genus is revised and three new species are described from South Africa, including Anthystrix endroedyi new species, Anthystrix flabellicornis new species, and Anthystrix megalocera new species. Anthystrix luculentaKirejtshuk & Easton 1988, Anthystrix rotundiclavaKirejtshuk & Easton 1988, and Anthystrix martini (Grouvelle, 1899) need to be transferred to two new undescribed genera. These new genera will globally include ≈20 species, most of which remain undescribed or previously attributed to the unrelated genus Meligethinus Grouvelle, 1906. One new synonymy is proposed: Meligethinus uhligiKirejtshuk & Easton, 1988, = Pria martiniGrouvelle, 1899, syn. nov. Larval host plants of Anthystrix species are reported as dioecious Asteraceae trees within the tribe Tarchonantheae (Tarchonanthus). An identification key to all Anthystrix species is provided.
Leg Regeneration Trade-Offs in the Twostriped Walkingstick (Phasmatodea: Pseudophasmatidae)
Authors: Maginnis Tara L , Redmond Christopher R 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAppendage regeneration is a unique tool to study resource allocation trade-offs; the resources allocated to grow an appendage a second time can come at the expense of other structures. We studied the effects of both front and hind leg regeneration on a suite of traits in Anisomorpha buprestoides (Stoll) (Phasmatodea: Pseudophasmatidae), the twostriped walkingstick. This species is ideal for resource allocation questions because it has a relatively long life history as well as a large group of traits to measure for any potential trade-offs (including large defensive glands in the thorax that are used to deter predators). For females, there were no apparent trade-offs with respect to antennae, eyes, defensive glands, nonregenerated legs, cerci, genital plates, and/or body size. In males, there were no also no apparent trade-offs with respect to antennae, eyes, defensive glands, nonregenerated legs, cerci, or testes, but males that regenerated a leg were larger (but not heavier) than nonregenerating males. Future work at the physiological level will hopefully elucidate the nature of acquisitionallocation trade-offs in phasmids, and how such trade-offs may have shaped their evolution.
Saliva or Regurgitated Nectar? What Heliconius Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Use for Pollen Feeding
Authors: Eberhard Stefan H , Hikl Anna L , Boggs Carol L , Krenn Harald W 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The Neotropical Heliconius butterflies are well known to supplement their nectar diet by active pollen collecting. They extract proteins and free amino acids from pollen grains, exhibiting a particular behavior that involves the use of a fluid of uncertain origin. It has been assumed that this fluid is either regurgitated nectar or saliva, because for anatomical reasons a butterfly is able to release only these two fluids through its proboscis. In an experimental approach, 27 individuals of Heliconius melpomene (L.) were given red-dyed sugar solution and subsequently we observed whether the fluid used in pollen feeding was dyed or not dyed. Because regurgitated nectar should contain sugar, fluid samples were taken from the proboscis of butterflies from natural populations in Costa Rica. Samples of 44 individuals from seven species were tested for the presence of fructose and glucose with the aid of aniline phthalate. This study is the first detailed investigation of the origin of the fluid used by Heliconius butterflies in pollen feeding. The results are discussed in terms of already existing hints in literature concerning the true nature of that fluid.
Population Structure of Porthetes hispidus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a Pollinator of the African Cycad Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi
Authors: Downie D A , Williams J G 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Porthetes hispidus (Roheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Amorphocerini) is thought to be the primary pollinator of and is completely host specific to Encephalartos firiderici-guilielmi Lehmann, which is considered threatened. It is distributed across the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Here, genetic diversity and structure of a cycad-associated weevil, P. hispidus, was investigated using the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and elongation factor la genes (EF-1α). Samples were taken from nine populations on isolated colonies of the host plant from across its known range. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity were moderate to high. Little to no phylogeographic structure was found, and very low values of FST and high values of Nm (COI: FST = 0.0759, Nm = 3.04; EF-1α: FST = -0.0175, Nm = ∞) indicated high levels of gene flow despite current geographical disjunctions. These data suggest that isolated colonies of E.friderici-guilielmi maintain a viable population of pollinators. However, more rapidly evolving markers may reveal current genetic differentiation that did not exist in the past.
Evolutionary Differentiation of Fitness Traits Across Multiple Geographic Scales inAedes albopictus(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: O'Donnell Deborah , Armbruster Peter 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) is an invasive, container-inhabiting mosquito that was introduced into North America from Japan in 1985. Although previous studies using neutral biochemical markers have found high levels of population differentiation across both the North American and global distribution of Ae. albopictus, relatively little is known regarding evolutionary differentiation of life history traits underpinning fitness. We performed common-garden and line-cross experiments to examine the genetic differentiation of fitness (r')and underlying performance traits at three spatial scales: 1) local (among populations within Florida), 2) regional (between populations from Florida and New Jersey), and 3) long distance (between populations from Florida and Hawaii, Malaysia, and Japan). We found that North American populations (Florida and New Jersey) had lower fitness (r') than populations from outside North America (Hawaii, Malaysia, and Japan). Bivariate means of female, but not male, pupal mass and developmental time differed among regions (Florida, New Jersey, outside North America). Larval survivorship did not differ among regions nor among populations within regions, whereas size-specific fecundity varied among populations within regions but not among regions. Population crosses resulted in significant heterosis and outbreeding depression Of F1 hybrids but the results of crossing did not depend on the geographic distance separating parental populations in a consistent manner. Together, our results imply a role for local genetic drift affecting the life-history differentiation of Ae. albopictus populations. These conclusions corroborate previous studies of population structure based on neutral biochemical markers.
Alcohol as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Baliunas Dolly O. , Taylor Benjamin J. , Irving Hyacinth , Roerecke Michael , Patra Jayadeep , Mohapatra Satya , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE
To clarify the dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A systematic computer-assisted and hand search was conducted to identify relevant articles with longitudinal design and quantitative measurement of alcohol consumption. Adjustment was made for the sick-quitter effect. We used fractional polynomials in a meta-regression to determine the dose-response relationships by sex and end point using lifetime abstainers as the reference group.

RESULTS
The search revealed 20 cohort studies that met our inclusion criteria. A U-shaped relationship was found for both sexes. Compared with lifetime abstainers, the relative risk (RR) for type 2 diabetes among men was most protective when consuming 22 g/day alcohol (RR 0.87 [95% CI 0.76–1.00]) and became deleterious at just over 60 g/day alcohol (1.01 [0.71–1.44]). Among women, consumption of 24 g/day alcohol was most protective (0.60 [0.52–0.69]) and became deleterious at about 50 g/day alcohol (1.02 [0.83–1.26]).

CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis confirms previous research findings that moderate alcohol consumption is protective for type 2 diabetes in men and women.
On Baire measurable solutions of some functional equations
Authors: Baron Karol 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
We establish conditions under which Baire measurable solutions f of $$
\Gamma (x,y,|f(x) - f(y)|) = \Phi (x,y,f(x + \phi _1 (y)),...,f(x + \phi _N (y)))
$$ defined on a metrizable topological group are continuous at zero.
Descriptive set-theoretical properties of an abstract density operator
Authors: Gła̧b Szymon 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Let $$
\mathcal{K}
$$(ℝ) stand for the hyperspace of all nonempty compact sets on the real line and let d
±(x;E) denote the (right- or left-hand) Lebesgue density of a measurable set E ⊂ ℝ at a point x∈ ℝ. In [3] it was proved that $$
\{ K \in \mathcal{K}(\mathbb{R}):\forall _x \in K(d^ + (x,K) = 1ord^ - (x,K) = 1)\}
$$ is ⊓11-complete. In this paper we define an abstract density operator ⅅ± and we generalize the above result. Some applications are included.
Non-Teleological Approaches to Metathesis: Evidence from Dialects of Polish
Authors: Czaplicki Bartłomiej 
Published: October 2009

Non-Teleological Approaches to Metathesis: Evidence from Dialects of Polish
This paper discusses metathesis and other related processes attested in the North Mazovian dialects of Polish. Recently proposed functional approaches to sound change provide a framework for this analysis. It is argued that the transposition of segments with elongated phonetic cues is best analyzed as an instance of phonetically-based sound change. Copying a consonant across a rhotic finds a similar perceptual explanation involving the reinterpretation of the acoustic signal. In addition to perceptual metathesis, I consider cases that fall under coarticulatory metathesis and arise from varying degrees of gestural overlap. In comparison to previous approaches to metathesis, the role of syllable structure in driving metathesis is considerably diminished but not refuted. Structural optimization presumably operates in tandem with phonetic and perceptual factors. Language processing is called to attention in accounting for the long-distance transposition of similar segments. A connectionist approach that makes reference to activation and competition in a neural network of linguistic units is invoked to define this type of metathesis. On the whole, the Polish dialectal data support the hypothesis that sound change is fundamentally diachronic and non-optimizing.