bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mounce and Winch on Understanding (or Not Understanding) an Indigenous Society
Authors: Burley Mikel 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHoward Mounce and Peter Winch both made novel and illuminating contributions to discussions about how, or whether, we can understand societies very different from our own – societies that would, these days, be referred to as “indigenous,”“tribal,”“traditional” or “small‐scale.” This paper aims to elucidate some disagreements between Mounce and Winch while also critically engaging in the debate. The concepts of “practice” and “language‐game” are considered in connection with magic‐related activities among the Azande of north‐central Africa, and Mounce's contention that the Azande's whole way of speaking about magic and witchcraft is “hardly intelligible” is examined. I challenge Mounce's interpretations of certain analogies that he uses, and propose that his argument relies on what is probably an underestimation of the degree to which magic and witchcraft are integral to Azande culture as a whole.
Exchange Rates and Long‐Term Bonds*
Authors: Alexius Annika , Sellin Peter 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThere is tentative evidence to suggest that the well‐documented empirical failure of uncovered interest parity (UIP) is confined to short‐term interest rates. However, tests of UIP for long‐term bonds are thwarted by various data problems. These data problems can be avoided by focusing on short investments in long‐term bonds. This paper concerns the relationship between changes in the US dollar–Deutsche Mark exchange rate and returns to short investments in US and German long‐term government bonds. The hypothesis that expected returns to investments in bonds denominated in the two currencies are equal is not rejected, and the estimated slope coefficients are positive. For corresponding short‐term interest rates, the typical finding of negative and large Fama coefficients is confirmed. We conclude that it is the maturity of the asset, rather than the investment horizon, that matters for the results.
Organisation‐level policy towards older workers in Poland
Authors: Perek‐Białas Jolanta , Turek Konrad 
Published: April 2012

Perek‐Białas J, Turek K. Organisation‐level policy towards older workers in PolandThis article presents the results of studies on organisation‐level strategies towards older workers in Poland. The analyses were based on a national and representative sample survey of 1,037 companies (public and private sectors) – the first of its kind in Poland. The question of the survey was: How do Polish employers deal with an ageing workforce and how can management tap into their potential through various measures? The analyses revealed three different strategies: (i) improvement of productivity – trying to improve the skills and competencies of older workers, increase their effective use of and adjustment to the workplace, plan individual career moves and avoid work burn‐out; (ii) the pushing out of older workers – attempting to rid the workplace of older workers as quickly as possible; (iii) accommodation and reduction of labour costs – slowly preparing senior workers for retirement and creating conditions that would meet their actual needs.
Early menopause and risk of osteoporosis, fracture and mortality: a 34‐year prospective observational study in 390 women
Authors: Svejme O , Ahlborg HG , Nilsson J‐Å , Karlsson MK 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Svejme O, Ahlborg H, Nilsson J, Karlsson M. Early menopause and risk of osteoporosis, fracture and mortality: a 34‐year prospective observational study in 390 women. BJOG 2012;119:810–816.Objective  A prospective evaluation of the long‐term effects of early menopause on mortality, risk of fragility fracture and osteoporosis.Design  Prospective population‐based observational study.Setting  Malmö, Sweden.Population  A total of 390 white north European women aged 48 years at the start of the study.Methods  At baseline, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by single‐photon absorptiometry (SPA) in the distal forearm and menopausal status was noted. Menopause was determined according to the World Health Organization criterion of a minimum of 12 months of continuous amenorrhoea. Women were divided into early menopause (occurring before age 47 years) and late menopause (occurring at age 47 years or later). At age 77, forearm BMD was re‐measured by SPA and proximal femur and lumbar spine BMD were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). The prevalence of osteoporosis was determined using the DXA data. Mortality rate and the incidence of fractures were registered up until age 82. Data are presented as means with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).Main outcome measures  Incidence of fragility fractures, mortality, prevalence of osteoporosis at age 77.Results  Women with early menopause had a risk ratio of 1.83 (95% CI 1.22–2.74) for osteoporosis at age 77, a risk ratio of 1.68 (95% CI 1.05–2.57) for fragility fracture and a mortality risk of 1.59 (95% CI 1.04–2.36).Conclusions  Menopause before age 47 is associated with increased mortality risk and increased risk of sustaining fragility fractures and of osteoporosis at age 77.
Effect of tillage and crop on arbuscular mycorrhiza colonization of winter wheat and triticale under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Brito I. , Goss M. J. , De Carvalho M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractLarge‐scale inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is generally impractical in most regions and we have little understanding of the factors that determine inoculation success. Nevertheless, the ability to take full advantage of indigenous AMF for sustainable production needs to be developed within cropping systems. We used part of a long‐term field experiment to understand the influence of tillage and the preceding crop on AMF colonization over the growing season. Arbuscular mycorrhiza colonization rate was more affected by treatment (tillage or the combination of crop and preceding crop) than by the total number of AMF spores in the soil. Conventional tillage (CT) had a statistically significant negative effect (P ≤ 0.05) on spore numbers isolated from the soil, but only in the first year of study. However, the AMF colonization rate was significantly reduced by CT, and the roots of wheat, Triticum aestivum, L, cv. Coa after sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., were less well colonized than were those of triticale, X Triticosecale Wittmack, cv. Alter after wheat, but the affect of tillage was more pronounced than was the effect of crop combination. Under no‐till there was a significant increase in AMF colonization rate throughout the sampling period in both wheat and triticale, indicating that the extraradical mycelium previously produced acted as a source of inoculum. In general, triticale showed greater AMF colonization than wheat, despite the preceding crop being less mycotrophic. Under these experimental conditions, typical of Mediterranean agricultural systems, AMF colonization responded more strongly to tillage practices than to the combination of crop and preceding crop.
Characterization of DDRI‐18 (3,3′‐(1H,3′H‐5,5′‐bibenzo[d]imidazole‐2,2′‐diyl)dianiline), a novel small molecule inhibitor modulating the DNA damage response
Authors: Jun DW , Jeong YS , Kim HJ , Jeong K‐C , Kim S , Lee C‐H 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSERecently, the DNA damage response (DDR) has emerged as a promising target for anticancer drug development. In our previous study, we identified several DDR‐inhibiting compounds via high‐content screening of a small molecule library using γH2AX foci as a biomarker. Here, we studied the effects of the DNA damage response inhibitor DDRI‐18 (3,3′‐(1H,3′H‐5,5′‐bibenzo[d]imidazole‐2,2′‐diyl)dianiline) on DDR.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHOsteosarcoma U2OS cells were treated with etoposide to induce DDR. The nuclear foci of γH2AX and other signalling molecules in DDR were visualized by immunofluorescence and quantified using an IN Cell Analyzer. The DNA repair capacity of cells was analysed using the comet assay and in vivo DNA end‐joining assay. Cell survival after drug treatment was quantified using the MTT assay, and apoptotic cell death was analysed by Annexin V staining and flow cytometry.KEY RESULTSDDRI‐18 inhibited the non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) DNA repair process and delayed the resolution of DNA damage‐related proteins (γH2AX, ATM and BRCA1) from DNA lesions at a later phase of DDR. Furthermore, DDRI‐18 enhanced the cytotoxic effects of anticancer DNA‐damaging drugs, including etoposide, camptothecin, doxorubicin and bleomycin. This synergistic effect on cell death was shown to be due to caspase‐dependent apoptosis.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSWe identified a chemical compound, DDRI‐18, that has chemosensitization activity. Although the target molecule and mechanism of action of DDRI‐18 remain unknown, DDRI‐18 is an effective chemosensitizing agent and may improve the therapy with classical anticancer drugs.
Epidemiology of end‐stage renal disease and hemodialysis treatment in Serbia at the turn of the millennium
Authors: Djukanović Ljubica , Aksić‐Miličević Biserka , Antić Miodrag , Baković Jovan , Varga Željko , Gojaković Biljana , Dimković Nada , Ðorđević Verica , Ðorđević Vidojko , Ðurić Stevan , Ðurić Sunčica , Zec Nenad , Jelačić Rosa , Kovačević Zoran , Lazarević Tatjana , Ležaić Višnja , Mandić Milan , Marić Ivko , Milenković Srboljub , Milićević Olivera , Mišković Milena , Mitić Igor , Nikolić Zora , Pilipović Draga , Plješa Stevo , Radaković Miroslava , Rakić Nenad , Rangelov Vanja , Stojanović Radivoje , Stojanović‐Stanojević Marina , Tirmenštajn‐Janković Biserka , Haviža‐Lilić Branimir , Hadžibulić Edvin , Hrvačević Rajko , Cvetičanin Anica 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe study presents the epidemiological features of patients treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Serbia from 1997 to 2009 and compares the results of hemodialysis treatment in 1999 and 2009. Epidemiological data were obtained from the National Registry of RRT patients and data on hemodialysis treatment from special surveys conducted in 1999 and 2009. Within the period 1997–2009 the incidence of patients on RRT increased from 108 to 179 per million population (pmp), prevalence rose from 435 to 699 pmp, while mortality rate fell from 20.7% to 16.7%. The frequency of patients with glomerulonephritis decreased, while that of patients with diabetes and hypertensive nephropathy increased. In late 2009 there were 5208 patients receiving RRT in Serbia. Within the examined period new hemodialysis and reverse osmosis equipment were purchased, high‐flux dialyzers with synthetic membranes were increasingly used and the number of patients receiving hemodiafiltration increased to 17.6%. Kt/V greater than 1.2 was recorded in 16% of the patients in 1999 but 52% in 2009. Options for correction of anemia and mineral disorders have also improved. The percentage of patients with HbsAg (13.8% vs. 4.8%) as well as anti‐hepatitis C virus antibodies positive patients (23.2% vs. 12.7%) was significantly lower in 2009 than in 1999. Both the incidence and prevalence of RRT patients in Serbia are rising continuously, while the mortality rate is falling. More favorable conditions for dialysis treatment have brought about significant improvement in the results over the last 10 years.
Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and lipoprotein(a) levels in chronic kidney disease patients under hemodialysis: Influence of adiponectin and of a polymorphism in the apolipoprotein(a) gene
Authors: Ribeiro Sandra , Faria Maria do Sameiro , Silva Gil , Nascimento Henrique , Rocha‐Pereira Petronila , Miranda Vasco , Vieira Emília , Santos Rosário , Mendonça Denisa , Quintanilha Alexandre , Costa Elísio , Belo Luís , Santos‐Silva Alice 
Published: April 2012

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with an abnormal lipid profile. Our aim was to study the interplay between oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), adiponectin, and blood lipids and lipoproteins in Portuguese patients with CKD under hemodialysis (HD); the influence of the pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism in the apolipoprotein(a) (apo [a]) gene upon lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels in these patients. We studied 187 HD patients and 25 healthy individuals. ox‐LDL and adiponectin were measured using enzyme‐linked immunoassays. Apo(a) genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction, followed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. Compared with controls, patients presented with significantly higher levels of adiponectin, Lp(a), and ox‐LDL/low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) ratio; significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDLc, apo A‐I, apo B, ox‐LDL, and TC/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) ratio were also observed. Similar changes were observed for patients with or without statin therapy, as compared with controls, except for Lp(a). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body mass index, HDLc, time on HD, and triglycerides (TG) were independent determinants of adiponectin levels, and that apo B, TG and LDLc were independent determinants of ox‐LDL concentration. Concerning the apo(a) genotype, the homozygous (TTTTA)8/8 repeats was the most prevalent (50.8%). A raised proportion of LDL particles that are oxidized was observed. Adiponectin almost doubled its values in patients and seems to be an important determinant in HDLc and TG levels, improving the lipid profile in these patients. Apo(a) alleles with a lower number of repetitions are more frequent in patients with higher Lp(a).
Efficacy of preventing hemodialysis catheter infections with citrate lock
Authors: Silva Jorge , Antunes Jorge , Carvalho Telmo , Ponce Pedro 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPrevalent use of tunneled dialysis catheters can reach 30%. Infection remains the most serious catheter‐related problem. Catheter locks are increasingly used for prevention, but are not yet recommended either by the Food and Drug Association or European Medicines Agency, on the basis of increasing bacterial resistance or lock toxicity. The aim was to test safety and effectiveness of citrate. A prospective, interventional study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of a 30% citrate lock in preventing catheter‐related bacteremia (CRB). A total of 157 prevalent tunneled catheters were locked with citrate and prospectively followed during a 1‐year period. The primary endpoint was first CRB diagnosed according to two of the diagnostic criteria for Catheter Infection of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), namely definite and probable infection. The CDC criterion of possible but not proved infection was not considered. This citrate lock cohort (n = 157) had 10 episodes of CRB. We observed 0.49 CRB episodes/1000 patient‐days and the mean infection‐free catheter day was 130.6 ± 100.9. No clinically relevant adverse events were observed. No proved tunnel or exit site infection was observed and no patients died because of CRB. Catheter obstruction episodes were reported on 69 occasions out of 14 catheters. These results were compared with an historical cohort from a previous study of catheter locking with low‐dose gentamicin and did not show significant difference in efficacy. Citrate lock is effective in preventing CRB. No toxicity was observed. The use of citrate lock may have advantages over antibiotic locks: No reported bacterial resistance, lower industrial cost, and less manipulation.
Selecting volatiles to protect brassicaceous crops against the cabbage root fly,Delia radicum
Authors: Kergunteuil Alan , Dugravot Sébastein , Mortreuil Alice , Le Ralec Anne , Cortesero Anne Marie 
Published: April 2012

AbstractVolatiles resulting from plant–herbivore interactions play an important role in the behavioral decisions of phytophagous, predatory, and parasitoid insects and could be used for managing pest insects. However, to date and after about 40 years of research, documented studies on applications in the field remain extremely scarce.Delia radicumL. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), the cabbage root fly, is a major pest of brassicaceous crops for which classical control strategies are currently lacking. Our previous studies showed that dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), a compound emitted by roots heavily infested byD. radicumlarvae, was attractive for the fly’s main natural enemies and could lead to a reduction of 60% in number of eggs laid on treated plants in the field. As a follow‐up of this work, we conducted another field study to select additional volatiles that could be used in a push–pull approach. Several synthetic herbivore‐induced plant volatiles, selected on the basis of their potential action on the behavior of both the fly and its natural enemies, were placed in odor dispensers in experimental broccoli plots and their influence on oviposition byD. radicumand egg predation by ground‐dwelling predators was assessed. Our results confirmed the role of DMDS in reducingD. radicumegg numbers on broccoli plants and revealed that (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, a green leaf volatile released by recently damaged plants, strongly stimulated fly oviposition. Also, two of the compounds tested slightly modified predation activity of ground‐dwelling predators: acetophenone decreased the proportion of predated patches, whereas methyl salicylate increased it. This study is a first step in designing a push–pull strategy to control the cabbage root fly.
Cost‐effectiveness of an individually tailored oral health educational programme based on cognitive behavioural strategies in non‐surgical periodontal treatment
Authors: Jönsson Birgitta , Öhrn Kerstin , Lindberg Per , Oscarson Nils 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA), performed from a societal perspective, was to compare costs and consequences of an individually tailored oral health educational programme (ITOHEP) based on cognitive behavioural strategies integrated in non‐surgical periodontal treatment compared with a standard treatment programme (ST).Material and MethodsA randomized (n = 113), evaluator‐blinded, controlled trial, with two different active treatments, was analysed with respect to their costs and consequences 12 months after non‐surgical treatment. Costs referred to both treatment costs and costs contributed by the patient. Consequences (outcome) were expressed as the proportion of individuals classified as having reached the pre‐set criteria for treatment success after non‐surgical treatment (“successful‐NSPT”).ResultsMore individuals in theITOHEPgroup reached the pre‐set criteria for treatment success than individuals in theSTgroup did. TheCEArevealed an incremental cost‐effectiveness ofSEK1724 [€191.09; SEK9.02 = €1 (January 2007)] per “successful‐NSPT” case, of which treatment costs representedSEK1189 (€131.82), using the unit cost for a dental hygienist.ConclusionThe incremental costs per “successful‐NSPT” case can be considered as low and strengthens the suggestion that an ITOHEP integrated into non‐surgical periodontal treatment is preferable to a standardized education programme.
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma of the posterior neck: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gropper Adrienne B. , Girouard Sasha D. , Hojman Lia P. , Huang Susan J. , Qian Xiaohua , Murphy George F. , Vleugels Ruth Ann 
Published: April 2012

Although primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents an extremely common malignancy, metastases derived from BCC are exceedingly rare. The prognosis for metastatic BCC is poor, and little consensus exists regarding predictive factors or optimal treatment strategies. Here, we present the case of a 63‐year‐old man with BCC of the neck who subsequently developed multiple metastases to subcutaneous tissue, lymph nodes, and the parotid gland. Risk factors and clinical features of metastatic BCC are reviewed, as is the relationship of histopathologic subtype to metastatic behavior. Current chemotherapeutic and targeted therapies also are discussed in the context of recent advances in molecular biology.Gropper AB, Girouard SD, Hojman LP, Huang SJ, Qian X, Murphy GF, Vleugels RA. Metastatic basal cell carcinoma of the posterior neck: case report and review of the literature.
Scleromyxedema and the dermato‐neuro syndrome: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fleming Kirsten E. , Virmani Divya , Sutton Evelyn , Langley Richard , Corbin Jessica , Pasternak Sylvia , Walsh Noreen M. 
Published: April 2012

Scleromyxedema is a generalized form of lichen myxedematosus which is characterized by a papular and sclerodermoid skin eruption resulting from dermal fibroblast proliferation and mucin deposition. The majority of patients with scleromyxedema have a monoclonal gammopathy, and other systemic manifestations are common. Herein we describe a case of the ‘dermato‐neuro syndrome’, a rare and sometimes fatal neurologic manifestation of scleromyxedema which consists of fever, convulsions and coma, often preceded by a flu‐like prodrome. In addition, we provide a comprehensive summary of previously published cases of the dermato‐neuro syndrome and discuss the current etiopathogenic theories and treatment options for this rare disease.Fleming KE, Virmani D, Sutton E, Langley R, Corbin J, Pasternak S, Walsh NM. Scleromyxedema and the dermato‐neuro syndrome: case report and review of the literature.
Oral anticoagulant therapy in Italian patients 80 yr of age or older with atrial fibrillation: a pilot study of low vs. standard PT/INR targets
Authors: Cafolla Arturo , Campanelli Melissa , Baldacci Erminia , Potasso Laura , Bochicchio Raffaele , Dragoni Francesco , Foà Roberto 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundOral anticoagulation therapy (OAT), which aims to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), is underused in subjects who are over the age of 80 yr because of the associated bleeding risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OAT with low (2.0) vs. standard (2.5) PT/international normalised ratio (INR) targets in patients over the age of 80.Materials and MethodsOf 233 patients aged 80 yr or older with AF on OAT, 58 had unstable PT/INR values and achieved reduced targets. These patients were enrolled as a group (A) in a case–control study and were treated with a low (2.0) PT/INR target. They were compared with a second group (B) of 58 additional patients who were matched for age and CHADS scores and treated with a standard (2.5) PT/INR target. Group A OAT parameters were also compared before and after the PT/INR reduction. The time in the therapeutic range (TTR%), PT/INR values >5, haemorrhages and strokes were prospectively evaluated in the two groups after 2 yr of follow‐up.ResultsOf the 116 enrolled patients, 55 group A and 57 group B patients were evaluated. The TTR was 72.59% in group A and 64.43% in group B (P < 0.01). The percent of PT/INR values >5 was 0.68% for group A and 1.42% for group B (P < 0.05). Haemorrhages and thromboses occurred only in group B patients. The before and after analysis in group A showed that a low INR target produced an increase in the TTR (53.05% vs. 72.59%; P < 0.0001) and a reduction in the PT/INR values > 5 (1.72% vs. 0.68%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsA low PT/INR target seems effective and safe in Italian patients with AF over the age of 80. Further trials are needed to confirm the hypothesis generated by this study.