bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trigger Point Injections for Chronic Non-Malignant Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scott N. Ann , Guo Bing , Barton Pamela M. , Gerwin Robert D. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective. This systematic review assessed the available published evidence on the efficacy and safety of using trigger point injection (TPI) to treat patients with chronic non-malignant musculoskeletal pain that had persisted for at least 3 months.
Methods. All published systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials detailing the use of TPI in patients with chronic, non-malignant musculoskeletal pain (persisting for &gt;3 months) were identified by systematically searching literature databases and the Websites of various health technology assessment agencies, research registers, and guidelines sites up to July 2006.
Results. Although no systematic reviews were identified, 15 peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. However, deficiencies in reporting, small sample sizes, and marked inter-study heterogeneity precluded a definitive synthesis of the data. TPI is a safe procedure when used by clinicians with appropriate expertise and training. It relieved symptoms when used as a sole treatment for patients with chronic head, neck, shoulder, and back pain or whiplash syndrome, regardless of the injectant used, and may be a useful adjunct to intra-articular injection in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. Although the addition of TPI to stretching exercises augments treatment outcomes, this was also true of other therapies such as ultrasound and laser.
Conclusion. The efficacy of TPI is no more certain than it was a decade ago as, overall, there is no clear evidence of either benefit or ineffectiveness. The only advantage of injecting anesthetic into trigger points may be to reduce the pain of the needling process, which may not be an insignificant benefit.
Nitric Oxide Plays a Crucial Role in the Development/Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in the Choline‐Deficient, l‐Amino Acid‐Defined Diet‐Fed Rat Model
Authors: Fujita Koji , Nozaki Yuichi , Yoneda Masato , Wada Koichiro , Takahashi Hirokazu , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Inamori Masahiko , Saito Satoru , Iwasaki Tomoyuki , Terauchi Yasuo , Maeyama Shiro , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: November 2008

Background: The pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is still unclear. Recently, the 2‐hit hypothesis was proposed, in which nitric oxide production, representing oxidative stress, was proposed as a very important candidate for the second hit.Methods: The total study period was 10 weeks. A total of 20 rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was administered the Choline‐Deficient, l‐Amino Acid‐Defined diet to produce a NASH model, and Group 2 as control received the Choline‐Sufficient, l‐Amino Acid‐defined diet. The blood and tissue concentrations of nitrate + nitrite were measured using the Griess reagent and the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins and mRNA was determined by Western blotting.Results: In regard to nitric oxide (NO) and NO metabolites, there were significant differences in the blood (especially portal venous blood) as well as tissue (liver and visceral fat) concentrations between the 2 animal groups; the amounts of NO metabolites in the tissues were much higher in the NASH models. The level of nitrotyrosine was much markedly higher in the NASH models than in the controls. In regard to the tissue expression of iNOS a significant difference between the 2 groups was found in the visceral fat, especially in the mesenterium.Conclusions: Based on these results, we hypothesize that the iNOS expression and NO levels in the visceral fat increase, with increased diffusion of NO and its metabolites into the liver, resulting in increased nitrotyrosine formation in the liver; this, in turn, induces inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis in the liver, which are one of the characteristic features of NASH.
Adverse Selection With Frequency and Severity Risk: Alternative Risk‐Sharing Provisions
Authors: Ligon James A. , Thistle Paul D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe analysis considers an insurance market with adverse selection where individuals' loss distributions may differ with respect to both the frequency and severity of loss. We show that the combination of deductibles and coinsurance can be used to sort rationed policyholders. Because of their screening properties, coinsurance and deductibles may both be equilibrium forms of risk sharing for a particular insurer facing asymmetric information, with different rationed consumers choosing different risk‐sharing provisions.
Effects of Corporate Diversification: Evidence From the Property–Liability Insurance Industry
Authors: Liebenberg Andre P. , Sommer David W. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractUsing a sample of property–liability insurers over the period 1995–2004, we develop and test a model that explains performance as a function of line‐of‐business diversification and other correlates. Our results indicate that undiversified insurers consistently outperform diversified insurers. In terms of accounting performance, we find a diversification penalty of at least 1 percent of return on assets or 2 percent of return on equity. These findings are robust to corrections for potential endogeneity bias, alternative risk measures, alternative diversification measures, and an alternative estimation technique. Using a market‐based performance measure (Tobin's Q) we find that the market applies a significant discount to diversified insurers. The existence of a diversification penalty (and diversification discount) provides strong support for the strategic focus hypothesis. We also find that insurance groups underperform unaffiliated insurers and that stock insurers outperform mutuals.
Capitalizing on Catastrophe: Short Selling Insurance Stocks Around Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Van Ness Robert A. , Wade Chip 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe develop several hypotheses regarding short‐selling activity around Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We find that abnormal short selling does not increase until 2 trading days after the landfall of Katrina and that short‐selling activity is much more significant around Rita. We find a substantial increase in short‐selling activity in the trading days prior to the landfall of Rita and relatively less short‐selling activity in the trading days after landfall. There is little evidence that suggests that traders short insurance stocks with more potential exposure in the Gulf region than other insurance stocks in the days before landfall.
Mortality Heterogeneity and the Distributional Consequences of Mandatory Annuitization
Authors: Gong Guan , Webb Anthony 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article investigates the distributional consequences of mandatory annuitization. Using Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data and accounting for longevity risk pooling within marriage and preannuitized wealth, we find substantial redistribution away from disadvantaged groups in expected utility terms. Using HRS data on subjective survival probabilities, we construct a subjective life table for each individual in the HRS. We calculate the value each household would place on annuitization, based on the husband and wife's subjective life tables, and the household's degree of risk aversion and proportion of preannuitized wealth. A significant minority would perceive themselves as suffering a loss from mandatory annuitization.
Irradiation does not affect field dispersal ability in the West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus
Authors: Kumano Norikuni , Kawamura Futoshi , Haraguchi Dai , Kohama Tsuguo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe effect of irradiation on the dispersal ability of males and females of the flightless West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a major sweet potato pest, was examined in the field using mark–release–recapture techniques. To evaluate the dispersal ability of the weevil, we released 7 619 weevils in two replicates (July and August 2007). Each replicate lasted 5 days from release to sampling and consisted of one weevil release and two weevil samplings. Thirty‐two traps were placed in lines corresponding to eight compass directions and in four distance classes (8, 12, 16, and 20 m) in each replicate. We captured 709 (9.3%) weevils in the two replicates. Weevils dispersed at least 20 m from the release point in 2 days, regardless of sex or irradiation. Dispersal was strongly affected by wind direction, and in both replicates most weevils were recaptured in upwind directions. The mean dispersal distance for non‐irradiated weevils was about 11 m per 2 days. Although there were some differences between sexes in recapture rate and dispersal distance, there was no consistent difference between irradiated and non‐irradiated weevils in dispersal distance. We conclude that irradiation does not affect the dispersal ability of flightless E. postfasciatus in the field.
High‐protein meals may benefit fat oxidation and energy expenditure in individuals with higher body fat
Authors: BATTERHAM Marijka , CAVANAGH Rachael , JENKINS Arthur , TAPSELL Linda , PLASQUI Guy , CLIFTON Peter 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  Fat oxidation is impaired in obesity. The aim of the present study was to determine if fat oxidation, seen in a high‐protein meal response, was influenced by body composition.Methods:  Subjects were provided with control (14% protein, glycaemic index, GI 65), high‐protein high‐GI (33% protein, GI 74) and high‐protein low‐GI (35% protein, GI 45) meals. Substrate oxidation and energy expenditure were measured in room calorimeters over eight hours in 18 subjects. Results were compared using a repeated‐measures anova with a customised post‐hoc analysis (to compare the protein diets averaged vs control and to compare the low‐ and high‐GI diets) and covariates in a linear model of the form: y = α + β1 × fat‐free mass (kg) + β2 × loge fat mass (kg).Results:  The full model found significant meal effects on fat oxidation (0.21 ± 0.21 kcal/minute high‐protein high‐GI, 0.34 ± 0.11 kcal/minute high‐protein low‐GI, 0.55 ± 0.2 kcal/minute control, F = 3.50, P = 0.007). The effect on energy expenditure (1.67 ± 0.07 kcal/minute high‐protein high‐GI, 1.61 ± 0.08 kcal/minute high‐protein low‐GI, 1.67 ± 0.08 kcal/minute control) approached significance (F = 2.45, P = 0.070). Post‐hoc analysis revealed a protein effect (P = 0.004 for fat oxidation and P = 0.030 for energy expenditure). Significant interactions indicated that meal response was influenced by body composition. The high‐protein meals eliminated the negative relationship between body fat and fat oxidation (α = −4.7, β2 = 2.23, P < 0.01) and between body fat and energy expenditure, which were evident in the control meal (α = −1.5, β2 = 0.63, P < 0.05). No effect of GI was evident.Conclusion:  High‐protein intakes may ameliorate an obesity‐induced decline in fat oxidation.
Nutritional management of cystic fibrosis in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: KING Susannah J. , COLLINS Clare E. , CROWDER Tory , MATSON Angela G. , VOLDERS Evelyn 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  To document current practice in the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis in Australia and New Zealand and to examine changes in practice since 1996.Methods:  Thirty‐four cystic fibrosis services in Australia and New Zealand responded to a survey that examined current nutritional management practices and dietetic staffing levels. The questionnaire was based on a previous survey conducted in 1996.Results:  Cystic fibrosis dietetic staffing levels were low. No service met the staffing level recommended by the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Minor practice variations existed in nutrition assessment and monitoring: nutrition support and vitamin supplementation. Changes in the management of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes were reported since 1996.Conclusion:  This survey highlights that improvements in consistency of nutrition management have been achieved since 1996 and reflect adherence to available clinical guidelines for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. While there are many areas of agreement in nutrition care for people with cystic fibrosis around Australia and New Zealand, there are still practice differences, implying that Australian‐ and New Zealand‐specific clinical guidelines are warranted. The implementation of the Australasian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis will be important in standardising and improving cystic fibrosis care.
Does intervention by the dietitian and diabetes educator of a More Allied Health Services program improve glycosylated haemoglobin levels for those with type 2 diabetes? Implications for rural dietetic practice
Authors: CUSACK Monique , ASYO Noor , FROST Catherine , O'BRIEN Kerryn , O'KANE Gabrielle 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the number and intensity of visits to the More Allied Health Services (MAHS) clinics and a change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in people with type 2 diabetes.Methods:  Data on subjects accessing diabetes clinics in rural southern New South Wales were analysed retrospectively. Data included age at the end of the data collection period, sex, number and dates of visits to the MAHS dietitian and diabetes educator, weights and heights, HbA1c and cholesterol levels.Results:  Sixty‐four patient records were analysed. The median period of clinic attendance was 32.5 months; median number of combined visits to MAHS dietitian and diabetes educator was three. Older subjects were significantly more likely to show a reduction in HbA1c than younger subjects. Subjects visiting the MAHS program more regularly than once every eight months were significantly more likely to achieve a reduction in HbA1c than those who were seen by MAHS staff once every eight months or more. Sixty per cent of those subjects with four or more visits to the MAHS program showed a reduction in HbA1c, while 38% of those with fewer than four visits showed a reduction in HbA1c, but this association did not reach significance.Conclusions:  Older subjects and those attending the MAHS diabetes clinics more intensively were significantly more likely to show a reduction in HbA1c than younger subjects and those attending the clinic once every eight months or more. Future, larger studies using additional outcome measures will allow for an improved evaluation of interventions by dietitians and diabetes educators for those with type 2 diabetes.
The Ashele Deposit: A Recently Discovered Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Cu‐Zn Deposit in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Denghong , Chen Yuchuan , Mao Jingwen 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The Ashele Cu‐Zn deposit is a recently discovered volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in Xinjiang, Northwestern China. It is the largest Cu‐Zn deposit in this type of deposits in China, which were formed in the early period of later Palaeozoic Era. This deposit is hosted within a suit of bimodal submarine volcanic rocks of the Ashele Formation of Lower‐Middle Devonian System formed in an environment of paleocontinental margin rift setting. Lensoid orebodies occur between spilitic rocks developed at footwall and quartz‐keratophyric tuff at hanging wall. Zonation of metal elements in the Ashele mine is one of typical volcanic‐related exhalative Cu‐Zn sulfide deposits in the world. Black ores enriched in Pb, Zn and Ag occurs on the top of the No. 1 orebody in the Ashele deposit, yellow ores enriched in Cu in the middle part, and the chalcopyritization stringer below the massive sulfide ores. Zonation of ore‐structure in the No. 1 orebody is also apparent and corresponds to the zoning of elements, i. e. lamellar and/or banded sulfide‐sulfate ores on the top, massive sulfide ores in the middle, and stockwork veinlets associated with altered breccia pipe on the bottom. Four epochs of mineralization in the Ashele deposit has been recognized. The first period of syngenetic‐exhalative deposition of sulfides is the main epoch of mineralization, and the ores deposited subsequently subjected to thermo‐metamorphism at the second epoch, superimposed by hydrothermal mineralization at the third epoch, and weathered or oxidized at the fourth epoch.More than 100 categories of minerals have been recognized in the Ashele mine, but only pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, galena, barite, quartz, chlorite, sericite, and calcite are dominant, making up various types of ores, and alteration pipes or horizons. Studies of ore petrology suggest that the massive ores were volcanogenic and deposited by exhalative process.
Tectono–Magmatic Evolution and Metallogenesis along the Northeast Jiangxi Deep Fault, China
Authors: Ye Ying , Shimazaki Hidehiko , Shimizu Masaaki , Hu Shouxi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: From the southernmost part of Jiangsu province to the northeastern part of Jiangxi province, China, the Northeast Jiangxi Deep Fault runs for about 400 km length with a width of 30 to 40 km. This fault marks the suture zone of two ter‐ranes of Proterozoic age. At the both sides of the fault, Yanshanian granitic activity is recognized. That is, the Dexing‐Wuyuan porphyry belt on the NW side of the fault, and the Damaoshan‐Lingshan granite belt on the SE side. The former activity is characterized by the occurrence of small stocks of granodioritic composition, rich in siderophile elements but poor in LIL elements. No distinct Eu anomaly is recognized in the REE pattern, and a low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio is reported. Magnetite, sphene and apatite are observed as accessory minerals. On the contrary, granitic activity on the SE side of the fault is characterized by the occurrence of composite batholiths, in general of granitic to monzogranitic composition, rich in LIL and alkali elements but poor in siderophile and alkali earth elements. A strong Eu anamaly is recognized in the REE pattern, and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios are as high as 0. 716. Fluorite, zircon and REE minerals are observed as accessory minerals. These two contrasting granitic activities are refered to as syntexis– and transformation–types, respectively, following the classification commonly used in China, and have similar petrochemical characteristics to those defined for the magnetite– and ilmenite–series, and I– and S‐type granitoids.Considering that the above igneous activity occurred far from the supposed subduction zone along the East Coast of China, intracontinental A‐type (continent to continent) subduction is proposed to have occurred northwestwards along the NE Jiangxi Deep Fault during Yanshanian time due to a strong compressional stress from SE to NW. A‐type subduction introduced the continental slab to some depth, and resulted in the production of the paired granitic activity observed on both sides of the fault. Many mineral deposits are associated with both granitic belts. In the Dexing‐Wuyuan porphyry belt, the Dexing porphyry Cu and Yinshan polymetallic deposits are representative, whereas in the Damaoshan‐Lingshan granite belt, several tens of rare metal deposits are known such as the Geyuan Nb–Ta–W–Sn deposits. Metal assemblages of those deposits reflect the source materials of magmas in both granitic belts.
The Origin of the Proterozoic Bidjovagge Gold‐Copper Deposit, Finnmark, Northern Norway, as Deduced from Rare Earth Element and Nd Isotopic Evidences on Calcites
Authors: NIE Feng–Jun , BJφRLYKKE Arne , NILSEN Kjell S. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The Bidjovagge gold‐copper deposit, northern Norway occurs in the lower Proterozoic Kautokeino greenstone belt, and consists of ten ore bodies in albite felsite, graphite schist and meta‐diabase sills, along with a series of syenodiorite dykes. Calcite is one of the most important gangue minerals occurring within the ore veins. The early primary calcite samples from A, C and D ore bodies (copper–rich) show almost flat chondrite‐normalised REE curves, and slightly positive Eu anomalies. A Sm‐Nd isotope age of 1858 ± 72 Ma (2ρ) has been given based on fifteen primary calcite samples. The Sm‐Nd age of calcite is in well agreement with previously published U‐Pb davidite age of 1885 ±18 Ma (2ρ) and Sm‐Nd davidite age of 1886 ± 88 Ma (2ρ). All these isotopic age data indicate that the gold‐copper mineralisation may occur during or slightly after the peak of the Svecokarelian orogeny. Two late primary calcite samples from C and D ore bodies have flat chondrite‐normalised LREE curves, positive HREE curves, and negative Eu anomalies. In contrast, most of the early primary calcite samples from B ore body (gold–rich) show an overall negative chondrite‐normalised REE slope and negative Eu anomalies. Sm‐Nd data on seven primary calcite samples from the B ore body are relatively scattered, and gave an isochrone age of 1809 ± 150 Ma (2ρ), identical to the age of the calcite samples from A, C and D ore bodies. Two late primary calcite samples from the B ore body have almost flat chondrite‐normalised REE slope and negative Eu anomalies.REE patterns and eNd (T) values of calcites suggest that the ore fluids for the calcites from the A, C and D ore bodies derived their metals from mafic igneous rocks (diabase sills). For the secondary calcites from the C ore body, their relative high initial Nd (T) values at 1858 Ma imply that much more radiogenic Nd‐component were incorporated during calcite crystallisation when another ore fluid emplaced. Combined Nd isotope data and REE geochemical features suggest that the isotopically more evolved source such as albite felsite and syn‐genetic high level syenodiorite dykes were probably metal source for these calcites in the B ore body. Three samples of secondary calcite from the B ore body, which obviously deviated from 1809 Ma isochron are easily explained as products of post‐ore hydrothermal events.