bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review of Effective Methods of Delivery of Care: Skill-Mix and Service Transfer to Primary Care Settings
Authors: Williams David M , Medina Jibby , Wright Desmond , Jones Kate , Gallagher Jennifer E 
Published: March 2010

Aims Health policy in England is seeking to minimise hospital use and provide access to services in a primary healthcare setting and maximise skill-mix, driven by issues such as cost and access. The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of increased use of skill-mix and service transfer within general and oral healthcare. Secondary outcome measures were related to cost, quality, access, health outcomes and satisfaction. Methods Data sources were the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination DARE, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO from 1996 to August 2008. The reference lists of relevant papers were scanned to identify additional studies. Data selection A rapid appraisal of systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, controlled trials and service evaluations in relation to specialist services, practitioners with a special interest, medical and dental, nursing and dental care professionals, together with evidence of service shifts from secondary to primary care was undertaken. Results A total of 206 papers were reviewed. All titles and abstracts of articles and papers found were extracted and validated according to predefined criteria. They were screened for relevance by two researchers, who assessed trial quality and extracted data. Twenty-six papers met the inclusion criteria. The literature demonstrated limited evidence of the cost-effectiveness and health outcomes associated with changes in setting and skill-mix. However, there was evidence of improved access, patient and professional satisfaction. Conclusions There is an overwhelming need for well-designed interventions with robust evaluation to examine cost-effectiveness and benefits to patients and the health workforce.
Recurrent acute pancreatitis as the first and sole presentation of undiagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lanitis Sophocles , Sivakumar Sivahamy , Zaman Nabeela , Westerland Olwen , Al Mufti Ragheed , Hadjiminas Dimitri J 
Published: March 2010

Introduction We highlight the pitfalls in delaying the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) in patients with acute pancreatitis as the sole clinical presentation. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a recognised, but rare, cause of acute pancreatitis. Hypercalcaemia caused by undiagnosed pHPT may be the only causative factor of recurrent acute pancreatitis. Patients and methods Three patients with multiple admissions for acute pancreatitis were diagnosed having pHPT during the work-up to identify possible causative factors. None of the patients had any other common predisposing factor for acute pancreatitis as revealed by clinical examination, blood tests and imaging. In retrospect, all had abnormally elevated calcium during previous admissions which was not further assessed. Results After diagnosis of pPTH, patients underwent bilateral neck exploration and parathyroidectomy. Histology confirmed parathyroid adenomas. The blood calcium level returned to normal and the patients remain well and asymptomatic after operation. Conclusions The role of pHPT as a causative factor is underestimated when managing patients with acute pancreatitis, and frequently the underlying disease remains undiagnosed for a long time. Proper early diagnosis and management prevent unnecessary morbidity.
γ′ Fibrinogen: Evaluation of a New Assay for Study of Associations with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Lovely Rehana S , Kazmierczak Steven C , Massaro Joseph M , D'Agostino Ralph B , O'Donnell Christopher J , Farrell David H 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: Studies of disease associations with γ′ fibrinogen, a newly emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease, have been hampered by the lack of a standardized and well-characterized assay.Methods: We developed an immunometric technique to measure γ′ fibrinogen concentrations in plasma and studied the clinical utility of this test in samples from healthy individuals enrolled in the Framingham Offspring Study and in a separate case/control study of coronary artery disease (CAD). Monoclonal antibody 2.G2.H9, specific for the unique carboxyl terminal peptide of the fibrinogen γ′ chain, was used as capture antibody. Sheep antihuman fibrinogen/horseradish peroxidase conjugate was used for detection, with 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine as substrate. We evaluated the linearity, imprecision, analytical specificity, and lower limit of quantification of the assay. We determined the reference interval for γ′ fibrinogen in healthy individuals from the Framingham Offspring Study (n = 2879) and quantified associations between γ′ fibrinogen and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The sensitivity and specificity of γ′ fibrinogen in evaluating CAD patients (n = 133) was determined with ROC curve analysis.Results: The γ′ fibrinogen ELISA had within-run CVs of 13.4% at 0.127 g/L and 4.8% at 0.416 g/L. The limit of quantification at an imprecision of 20% was 0.10 g/L. The reference interval for healthy individuals was 0.088–0.551 g/L. ROC curve analysis of results from patients with CAD yielded an area under the curve of 0.76, with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.78 at a decision threshold of 0.30 g/L.Conclusions: γ′ Fibrinogen shows excellent utility for cardiovascular risk analysis.
Quantification of Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyltransferase Enzyme Activity by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Yijun , Ptolemy Adam S , Harmonay Lauren , Kellogg Mark , Berry Gerard T 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of galactosemia usually involves the measurement of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) activity. Traditional radioactive and fluorescent GALT assays are nonspecific, laborious, and/or lack sufficient analytical sensitivity. We developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)–based assay for GALT enzyme activity measurement.
Method: Our assay used stable isotope-labeled α- galactose-1-phosphate ([13C6]-Gal-1-P) as an enzyme substrate. Sample cleanup and separation were achieved by reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography, and the enzymatic product, isotope-labeled uridine diphosphate galactose ([13C6]-UDPGal), was detected by MS/MS at mass transition (571 &gt; 323) and quantified by use of [13C6]-Glu-1-P (265 &gt; 79) as an internal standard.
Results: The method yielded a mean (SD) GALT enzyme activity of 23.8 (3.8) μmol · (g Hgb)−1 · h−1 in erythrocyte extracts from 71 controls. The limit of quantification was 0.04 μmol · (g Hgb)−1 · h−1 (0.2% of normal control value). Intraassay imprecision was determined at 4 different levels (100%, 25%, 5%, and 0.2% of the normal control values), and the CVs were calculated to be 2.1%, 2.5%, 4.6%, and 9.7%, respectively (n = 3). Interassay imprecision CVs were 4.5%, 6.7%, 8.2%, and 13.2% (n = 5), respectively. The assay recoveries at the 4 levels were higher than 90%. The apparent Km of the 2 substrates, Gal-1-P and UDPGlc, were determined to be 0.38 mmol/L and 0.071 mmol/L, respectively. The assay in erythrocytes of 33 patients with classical galactosemia revealed no detectable activity.
Conclusions: This LC-MS/MS–based assay for GALT enzyme activity will be useful for the diagnosis and study of biochemically heterogeneous patients with galactosemia, especially those with uncommon genotypes and detectable but low residual activities.
Potential biomarkers for esophageal carcinoma detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Li-Hua , Shan Bao-En , Tian Zi-Qiang , Sang Mei-Xiang , Ai Jun , Zhang Ze-Feng , Meng Jun , Zhu Hui , Wang Shi-Jie 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background: Currently, no satisfactory biomarkers are available to screen for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The goal of this study was to find biomarkers and establish a serum protein fingerprint model for early diagnosis of ESCC using the ClinProt protocol of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 62 patients with ESCC, nine patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) and 38 healthy individuals. Proteomic spectra of mass to charge ratio (m/z) were generated following the application of plasma to weak cationic-exchanger magnetic beads (WCX-MB). The spectral data were analyzed using a support vector machine, and potential biomarkers were chosen for system training and used to construct diagnostic models.

Results: Three differential patterns were established using MALDI-TOF MS. Pattern 1, consisting of 11 protein peaks, separated ESCC patients from the healthy individuals with a sensitivity of 90.0% and a specificity of 88.4%. Pattern 2, consisting of eight protein peaks, separated ESCC in stage I and stage II from stage III and stage IV with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 82.3%. Pattern 3, consisting of seven protein peaks, separated ESCC from EA with a sensitivity of 91.3% and a specificity of 80.0%.

Conclusions: These results suggested that MALDI-TOF MS combined with MB separation yields significantly higher sensitivity and specificity for the detection of serum protein in patients with ESCC.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:855–61.
Hyperhomocysteinemia is not associated with reduced bone quality in humans with hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Holstein Joerg H. , Herrmann Markus , Splett Christina , Herrmann Wolfgang , Garcia Patric , Histing Tina , Klein Moritz , Kurz Karsten , Siebel Thomas , Pohlemann Tim , Menger Michael D. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background: Recent clinical and animal studies suggest that increased serum homocysteine (HCY) concentrations may be a risk factor for osteoporosis. In vitro studies showed that increasing HCY concentrations stimulate the activity of human osteoclasts. However, there is no data demonstrating that circulating HCY is related to structural and biomechanical properties of human bones. This study investigated the relationship between morphological as well as biomechanical bone properties and HCY serum concentrations in humans suffering from hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Fasting blood samples and femoral heads were obtained from 94 males and females who underwent hip arthroplasty due to OA. Bones were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), biomechanical testing (indentation method), and histomorphometry. Blood was collected for measurement of HCY, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Subjects were classified as hyperhomocysteinemic (>12 μmol/L, n=47) and normohomocysteinemic (<12 μmol/L, n=47) according to their serum HCY concentrations.

Results: Folate and vitamin B6, but not vitamin B12, were significantly lower in hyperhomocysteinemic subjects compared with controls. However, DXA, biomechanical testing, and histomorphometry did not reveal significant differences in bone quality between hyperhomocysteinemic subjects and controls.

Conclusions: The results of the present study do not indicate a significant relationship between circulating HCY concentrations and morphological or biomechanical bone properties in humans with OA of the hip.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:821–7.
An exploratory study of the use of a Thai politeness marker by Thai-English bilingual adolescents
Authors: Chanseawrassamee Supamit , Shin Sarah J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis study examines the use of a Thai politeness marker, khráb (ครับ), by two Thai-English bilingual brothers, aged 11 and 15, during their 3-year stay in the U.S. By examining spontaneous speech data collected over eleven months (from Month 15 to Month 25 from time of arrival in the U.S.) in the boys’ home in the U.S., we show that the two brothers used progressively less khráb (ครับ) in speaking to their mother as time passed. The boys’ declining use of the politeness marker is explained in part by their greater use of other casual Thai particles as substitutes and, in the case of the younger brother, the English filler, ‘uh-huh.’ When the boys used khráb (ครับ), it was often for reasons other than for expressing politeness, such as to soften short responses and mitigate potential conflict. This paper argues that the boys’ use of this politeness marker reflects their ability to adapt to a new setting where there is less pressure to supply socially appropriate linguistic forms in Thai. By focusing on the continuing development of the first language of L2 learners of English, this paper presents a critical look at the changing linguistic needs of sojourners.
The Efficacy of Context and Cognitive Expert Patterns in Academic Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Sánchez María Jesús 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis research intends to detect which instruction is most advisable for unknown English academic terms in first course students of English Philology. Fot this purpose it evaluates whether or not the context, with a small number of encounters (6) is superior to the visual help (expert cognitive pattern), obtained with the Pathfinder procedure (Schvaneveldt, Durso and Dearholt, 1989; Schvaneveldt, 1990; Thompson, Gomez and Schvaneveldt, 2000), when learning a complex vocabulary set; in this case, academic vocabulary (Coxhead, 1998). Results confirm that both types of instruction are useful when teaching this vocabulary however, context seems to be superior in spite of the small number of encounters used in the instruction. Bearing in mind the ease of getting appropriate contexts of use, this is the type of instruction that our research points to as the most recommendable.
Vocabulary Learning in Uninstructed Silent Reading and Story Rewriting
Authors: Lee Sandra Siok 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA current issue in L2 reading research is whether extensive reading promotes vocabulary development. This study examined vocabulary acquisition in uninstructed silent reading of a short story with and without a vocabulary list followed by a story rewriting task. Time constraints of a public school setting prevented an extended period of study required for extensive reading research, but vocabulary learning strategies and outcomes of this study are applicable to extensive reading.This study also explored Hinkel’s (2006) recommendation to modify the goal of extensive reading programs to meet the pedagogical ideal of integrated skills learning, that is, reading and vocabulary learning. Questioning the traditional goal of extensive reading to read relatively quickly for general ideas, Hinkel (2006) also proposes that it should draw learner attention to some aspect of language such as vocabulary. Similarly, Nation (2005) emphasizes need for deliberate vocabulary learning in extensive reading which should form a substantial and obligatory part of language courses (p.15). Due to the assumption that uninstructed sustained silent reading encourages students to read widely, I will refer to research on “extensive reading,” using Hinkel’s (2006) and Day, Omura, and Hiramatsu’s (1991) operational definition of sustained silent reading as extensive reading for pleasure over time.
Role of Glutathione in the Multidrug Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Karwicka Ewa 
Published: March 2010

SummaryMultidrug resistance is the main problem in anticancer therapy. Cancer cells use many defense strategies in order to survive chemotherapy. Among known multidrug resistance mechanisms the most important are: drug detoxification inside the cell using II phase detoxifying enzymes and active transport of the drug to the extracellular environment. Cancer cells may be also less sensitive to proapoptotic signals and have different intracellular drug distribution, which makes them more resistant to anticancer drugs. Role of glutathione in multidrug resistance is the object of interest of many scientists, however, defining it’s function in these processes still remains a challenge. In this paper, properties of glutathione and it’s role in multidrug resistance in cancer cells were described.
The Shaping of Reality: Calvin and the Formation of Theological Vision
Authors: Mcgrath Alister E. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract: The first phase of the Protestant Reformation seemed to open the door to unrestricted freedom and diversity in biblical interpretation. A number of strategies were developed to limit the range of interpretative options, including an appeal to the consensus of the early Church. This paper explores the critical role of John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion in stabilizing Protestant biblical interpretation. Calvin developed a hermeneutical tool that offered a secure, defended way of interpreting the Bible, allowing a considerable degree of theological consensus to emerge within Reformed ecclesial communities. This paper contextualizes Calvin's approach, and notes some important applications, including the interpretation of biblical texts of importance to the dialogue between science and religion. Finally, some criticisms of Calvin's approach are noted, including the view that Calvin's clarity of biblical interpretation arose partly from his reading some of his insights into the text, rather than discerning them within it.
My Three Calvins: Religion and Politics Revisited, American Style
Authors: Jones Serene 
Published: March 2010

Abstract: Calvin's influence on the culture and politics of the United States can be seen as taking three distinct forms. Some receive the Reformed inheritance in a conservative, even imperial, way; others in a liberal or progressive way. Still others receive it as a critique of the pretensions of knowledge and thus as a threshold to secular humanism. While these distinct approaches look as if they are opposed to one another, paradoxically they intertwine, overlap, and qualify one another. Such complexity suggests that political conversation in North America on matters like abortion should be far more collaborative and nuanced.
Calvin and Tradition: Tracing Expansion, Locating Development, Suggesting Authority
Authors: Holder R. Ward 
Published: March 2010

Abstract: This article examines one way that Calvin rewrote or edited his works across his various editions, adding patristic material. These patristic expansions represent one of the most significant methods by which the commentaries and the Institutes grew in length. The lengthening was not merely an elongation, but also an addition of authority and gravity. The article analyzes three instances of expansion to demonstrate Calvin's implicit acceptance of the medieval model of authority. While Calvin's use of patristic material was varied and at times nuanced, frequently Calvin's addition of the patristic and sounder medieval source material represented a foundational acceptance and establishment of the tradition's “handing on” of the basic form of right religion. Calvin's use of this practice revealed his acceptance of an orthodoxy in particular fathers, his formation of a traditional theology, and his establishment of correct tradition as a source of theological authority.
Beyond Secularism? Rethinking the “Secular” in a Religiously Plural Context
Authors: Reynolds Thomas E. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract: In global and inter-religious 21st century North America, lines demarcating sacred and secular are becoming increasingly unstable and problematic. Yet in this lies great potential for rethinking the sacred/secular dilemma. The article argues that, contrary to prominent secularization theories, the secular is a particular kind of social space congenial to sacred traditions, defined not so much by anti- or a-religious ideologies (e.g., secularism or neutrality) as by public and democratic processes of interaction. The task, then, is to outline a framework for understanding and evaluating these kinds of processes. Secularity need not require transferring the authority of sacred claims to non-sacred mediums; rather, it means opening such claims to ongoing public conversations in which contestation and potential redefinition can occur. A third discourse emerges in-between parties that is dialogical and inter-religious in character, wherein continuities are forged amidst differences and the best of what sacred traditions have to offer become salient as means to sharing space.
A Different Tenor: Glimpses and Critical Reflections
Authors: Park JungHee 
Published: March 2010

Abstract: Fifty years ago, a young China-born Katharine B. Hockin, a United Church of Canada (UCC) diaconal minister and missionary, reflecting on the harmful implications of “mission to others” through her experience of listening to Chinese Christians and First Nations peoples in Canada, learned that right relations with companions had to start with her own healing, a gift of the spirit received through “listening to others in context,” developed her “missiology of companionship.” Today, a young Korean-born UCC diaconal minister explores the missiology and mission practice of Katharine B. Hockin and two of her former diaconal students and critiques the missiology of the contemporary scholar Robert J. Schreiter's mission as “healing of others” with that of Marilyn J. Legge's mission as “healing ourselves with others.” She finds Hockin's transformation from “mission as healing of others” to “mission as companionship” compellingly appropriate for the diakonia of the UCC today.