bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The responsiveness and validity of the CAMPHOR Utility Index
Authors: Meads D. M. , McKenna S. P. , Doughty N. , Das C. , Gin-Sing W. , Langley J. , Pepke-Zaba J. 
Published: September 2008

The aim of the present study was to validate and determine the mininal important difference (MID) and responsiveness of the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) Utility Index, a new tool enabling cost utility analyses.CAMPHOR, 6-min walking test (6MWT) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) data for 869 pulmonary hypertension patients (545 (63%) female; mean±sdage 56.6±15.4 yrs) from three centres were analysed. Utility was correlated with 6MWT data and calculated by NYHA class to assess validity. Effect sizes were calculated for those with two CAMPHOR assessments. Distribution and anchor-based MIDs were calculated. Analyses were carried out in patients receiving bosentan in order to determine whether or not those remaining in NYHA class III following treatment improved.The Utility Index distinguished between adjacent NYHA classes and correlated with 6MWT results. CAMPHOR subscales and utility were as responsive as the 6MWT (effect sizes ranged 0.31–0.69 for the CAMPHOR and 0.16–0.34 for the 6MWT). The within-group MID for the Utility Index was estimated to be ∼0.09. Patients remaining in NYHA class III experienced, on average, a significant improvement (CAMPHOR Utility Index and functioning), which exceeded the MID.The CAMPHOR Utility Index is valid and responsive to change. Patients can experience significant and important improvements even if they do not improve on the basis of traditional outcomes, such as NYHA functional class.
Steroids augment relengthening of contracted airway smooth muscle: potential additional mechanism of benefit in asthma
Authors: Lakser O. J. , Dowell M. L. , Hoyte F. L. , Chen B. , Lavoie T. L. , Ferreira C. , Pinto L. H. , Dulin N. O. , Kogut P. , Churchill J. , Mitchell R. W. , Solway J. 
Published: September 2008

Breathing (especially deep breathing) antagonises development and persistence of airflow obstruction during bronchoconstrictor stimulation. Force fluctuations imposed on contracted airway smooth muscle (ASM)in vitroresult in its relengthening, a phenomenon called force fluctuation-induced relengthening (FFIR). Because breathing imposes similar force fluctuations on contracted ASM within intact lungs, FFIR represents a likely mechanism by which breathing antagonises bronchoconstriction. While this bronchoprotective effect appears to be impaired in asthma, corticosteroid treatment can restore the ability of deep breaths to reverse artificially induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects. It has previously been demonstrated that FFIR is physiologically regulated through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway. While the beneficial effects of corticosteroids have been attributed to suppression of airway inflammation, the current authors hypothesised that alternatively they might exert their action directly on ASM by augmenting FFIR as a result of inhibiting p38 MAPK signalling.This possibility was tested in the present study by measuring relengthening in contracted canine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) strips.The results indicate that dexamethasone treatment significantly augmented FFIR of contracted canine TSM. Canine tracheal ASM cells treated with dexamethasone demonstrated increased MAPK phosphatase-1 expression and decreased p38 MAPK activity, as reflected in reduced phosphorylation of the p38 MAPK downstream target, heat shock protein 27.These results suggest that corticosteroids may exert part of their therapeutic effect through direct action on airway smooth muscle, by decreasing p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and thus increasing force fluctuation-induced relengthening.
Chorioallantoic placentation in Galea spixii (Rodentia, Caviomorpha, Caviidae)
Authors: Oliveira Moacir F , Mess Andrea , Ambrósio Carlos E , Dantas Carlos AG , Favaron Phelipe O , Miglino Maria A 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundPlacentas of guinea pig-related rodents are appropriate animal models for human placentation because of their striking similarities to those of humans. To optimize the pool of potential models in this context, it is essential to identify the occurrence of characters in close relatives.MethodsIn this study we first analyzed chorioallantoic placentation in the prea, Galea spixii, as one of the guinea pig's closest relatives. Material was collected from a breeding group at the University of Mossoró, Brazil, including 18 individuals covering an ontogenetic sequence from initial pregnancy to term. Placentas were investigated by means of histology, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry (vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, cytokeration) and proliferation activity (PCNA).ResultsPlacentation in Galea is primarily characterized by an apparent regionalization into labyrinth, trophospongium and subplacenta. It also has associated growing processes with clusters of proliferating trophoblast cells at the placental margin, internally directed projections and a second centre of proliferation in the labyrinth. Finally, the subplacenta, which is temporarily supplied in parallel by the maternal and fetal blood systems, served as the center of origin for trophoblast invasion.ConclusionPlacentation in Galea reveals major parallels to the guinea pig and other caviomorphs with respect to the regionalization of the placenta, the associated growing processes, as well as trophoblast invasion. A principal difference compared to the guinea pig occurred in the blood supply of the subplacenta. Characteristics of the invasion and expanding processes indicate that Galea may serve as an additional animal model that is much smaller than the guinea pig and where the subplacenta partly has access to both maternal and fetal blood systems.
A new electromechanical trainer for sensorimotor rehabilitation of paralysed fingers: A case series in chronic and acute stroke patients
Authors: Hesse Stefan , Kuhlmann H , Wilk J , Tomelleri C , Kirker Stephen GB 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe functional outcome after stroke is improved by more intensive or sustained therapy. When the affected hand has no functional movement, therapy is mainly passive movements. A novel device for repeating controlled passive movements of paralysed fingers has been developed, which will allow therapists to concentrate on more complicated tasks. A powered cam shaft moves the four fingers in a physiological range of movement.MethodsAfter refining the training protocol in 2 chronic patients, 8 sub-acute stroke patients were randomised to receive additional therapy with the Finger Trainer for 20 min every work day for four weeks, or the same duration of bimanual group therapy, in addition to their usual rehabilitation.ResultsIn the chronic patients, there was a sustained reduction in finger and wrist spasticity, but there was no improvement in active movements. In the subacute patients, mean distal Fugl-Meyer score (0–30) increased in the control group from 1.25 to 2.75 (ns) and 0.75 to 6.75 in the treatment group (p < .05). Median Modified Ashworth score increased 0/5 to 2/5 in the control group, but not in the treatment group, 0 to 0. Only one patient, in the treatment group, regained function of the affected hand. No side effects occurred.ConclusionTreatment with the Finger Trainer was well tolerated in sub-acute & chronic stroke patients, whose abnormal muscle tone improved. In sub-acute stroke patients, the Finger Trainer group showed small improvements in active movement and avoided the increase in tone seen in the control group. This series was too small to demonstrate any effect on functional outcome however.
Multiplex SNaPshot Genotyping for Detecting Loss of Heterozygosity in the Mismatch-Repair Genes MLH1 and MSH2 in Microsatellite-Unstable Tumors
Authors: Bujalkova Maria , Zavodna Katarina , Krivulcik Tomas , Ilencikova Denisa , Wolf Brigitte , Kovac Michal , Karner-Hanusch Judith , Heinimann Karl , Marra Giancarlo , Jiricny Josef , Bartosova Zdena 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Background: In the workup of patients with suspected hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) could help pinpoint the mismatch-repair (MMR) gene carrying the germline mutation, but analysis of microsatellite markers has proved unreliable for this purpose. We developed a simple, low-cost method based on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and capillary electrophoresis for the assessment of LOH at 2 MMR loci simultaneously.
Methods: We used the Applied Biosystems SNaPshot® Multiplex Kit with meticulously selected primers to assess 14 common SNPs in MLH1 [mutL homolog 1, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 2 (E. coli)] and MSH2 [mutS homolog 2, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 1 (E. coli)] and optimized the protocol for DNA isolated from peripheral blood and fresh/frozen or archival microsatellite-unstable tumors from patients with confirmed (n = 42) or suspected (n = 25) HNPCC. The 42 tumors from patients with confirmed MLH1 or MSH2 germline mutations were used to validate the method’s diagnostic accuracy against results obtained with DNA sequencing or multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.
Results: The SNaPshot assay provided better detection of certain SNPs than DNA sequencing. The MLH1 and MSH2 SNP marker sets were informative in 82% and 76% of the 67 cases analyzed, respectively. The new assay displayed 100% specificity for detecting LOH and predicted the location of the germline mutation in 40% of the cases (54% of those involving MLH1, 22% in MSH2).
Conclusions: Our SNP-based method for detecting LOH in MLH1 and MSH2 is simple to perform with instruments available in most clinical genetics laboratories. It can be a valuable addition to protocols now used to guide mutational screening of patients with suspected HNPCC.
Constitutional Design and the Political Salience of “Community” Identity in Afghanistan: Prospects for the Emergence of Ethnic Conflicts in the Post-Taliban Era
Authors: Adeney Katharine 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
After the defeat of the Taliban, Afghanistan entered a period of constitutional flux. The 2004 Constitution rejected formal ethnic representation in state institutions. This Constitution, therefore, provides no defense against perceived or actual domination of the state by any one particular ethnic community. This could lead to increased ethnic resentment and conflicts.
Security Community and Southeast Asia: Australia, the U.S., and ASEAN's Counter-Terror Strategy
Authors: Chau Andrew 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
This article evaluates the notion of an ASEAN Security Community. ASEAN's community building initiative is examined in the context of regional, sub-regional, and national policy strategies to address a shared regional threat of transnational terrorism. The article examines under which circumstances constructivist norms and institutions generate denser networks of cooperation.
The effect of acute fenitrothion exposure on a variety of physiological indices, including avian aerobic metabolism during exercise and cold exposure
Authors: Fildes Karen , Astheimer Lee B. , Buttemer William A. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The effect of fenitrothion exposure on birds was examined by measuring aerobic metabolism, blood hemoglobin content, plasma cholinesterases, and body weight for up to 21 d postdose. Peak metabolic rate was measured in a flight chamber in three-dose groups of house sparrows (Passer domesticus; 100 mg/kg = high, 60 mg/kg = medium, 30 mg/kg = low) and one-dose groups of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata; 3 mg/kg) and king quails (Coturnix chinensis; 26 mg/kg). Aerobic metabolism was measured during 1 h of exposure to subfreezing thermal conditions in low-dose house sparrows and king quails (26 mg/kg). Fenitrothion had no effect on metabolic rate during cold exposure or on blood hemoglobin at any time. By contrast, aerobic performance during exercise in sparrows was reduced by 58% (high), 18% (medium), and 20% (low), respectively, 2 d postdose. House sparrows (high) had the longest recovery period for peak metabolic rate (21 d) and plasma cholinesterase activity (14 d). House sparrows (high) and treated king quails had significantly lower myoglobin at 48 h postdose, whereas myoglobin was invariant in zebra finches and house sparrows (medium and low). Cholinesterase was maximally inhibited at 6 h postdose, and had recovered within 24 h, in house sparrows (low), king quails, and zebra finches. Exercise peak metabolic rate in zebra finches and king quails was reduced by 23% at 2 d and 3 d, respectively, despite these birds being asymptomatic in both behavior and plasma cholinesterase activities.
First Evidence of Genetic Association Between AKT2 and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Goodarzi Mark O. , Jones Michelle R. , Chen Yii-Der I. , Azziz Ricardo 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—Insulin resistance has been reported in up to 70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Physiologic and genetic data currently implicate post–insulin receptor signaling defects in substrates such as glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). The AKT2 gene was chosen as a candidate for PCOS because its product affects glucose metabolism and mitogenic signaling, interacts with GSK3β, and mediates cell survival in the ovary.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Subjects were recruited from the reproductive endocrinology clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and control subjects were recruited from the surrounding community; 287 white women with PCOS and 187 white control subjects were genotyped for four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AKT2. Genotyping took place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. SNPs and haplotypes were tested for association with PCOS risk and phenotypic markers of PCOS.
RESULTS—Minor allele carriers of SNPs rs3730051 and rs8100018 had increased odds of PCOS (odds ratio [OR] 2.2, P = 0.004, and 2.4, P = 0.001, respectively). The haplotype T-G-C-T was significantly associated with PCOS (OR 2.0, P = 0.01). Carriers of the risk haplotypes for both AKT2 and GSK3B had a further increased odds of PCOS (OR 3.1, P = 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS—These data suggest that polymorphisms in two components of the insulin signaling pathway, AKT2 and GSK3B, are associated with PCOS. The presence of multiple lesions in a single pathway may confer increased risk.
Impact of White-Coat Hypertension on Microvascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kramer Caroline K. , Leitão Cristiane B. , Canani Luís H. , Gross Jorge L. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of white-coat hypertension (WCH) on microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A cross-sectional study was conducted in normotensive patients and patients with WCH selected from a cohort of 319 type 2 diabetic patients. Normotension was defined by office blood pressure &lt;140/90 mmHg and daytime blood pressure &lt;135/85 mmHg on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). WCH was defined as office blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg and daytime blood pressure &lt;135/85 mmHg on ABPM. Subjects were evaluated for diabetic nephropathy (24-h urinary albumin excretion rate) and diabetic retinopathy (classified according to the Global Diabetic Retinopathy Group).
RESULTS—Forty-six type 2 diabetic patients had WCH (14.4%; mean age 56.6 years; 45.3% men) and 117 had normotension (36.6%; mean age 55.8 years; 37.5% men). These groups did not differ in clinical and main laboratory characteristics. Systolic ABPM (24-h: 124.7 ± 6.7 vs. 121.0 ± 8.5 mmHg, P = 0.01 and daytime: 126.6 ± 7.2 vs. 123.2 ± 8.2 mmHg, P = 0.01) and blood pressure loads were higher in subjects with WCH than in the normotensive subjects. WCH was associated with an increased risk for macroalbuminuria (odds ratio 4.9 [95% CI 1.3–18.7], P = 0.01). On multivariate analysis models, WCH was associated with macroalbuminuria (2.0 [1.3–3.2], P = 0.02) and increased the risk for both nonproliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (2.7 [1.2–6.6], P = 0.02 for any degree of diabetic retinopathy) after adjustments for confounding factors.
CONCLUSIONS—Type 2 diabetic patients with WCH have an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, WCH should not be considered a harmless condition, and treatment should be considered.
Microsphere Surface Protein Determination Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Woods Travis A. , Graves Steven W. , Nolan John P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis unit describes an extrinsic staining protocol using the amine‐reactive CBQCA dye to measure the amount of protein on the surface of a microsphere. This approach is novel in that it allows microspheres bearing proteins without known binding partners to be accurately quantified on a flow cytometer.
Evaluation of Risk Communication Efforts
Authors: Jardine Cynthia G. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Evaluation is a critical component of risk communication. However, it is frequently overlooked when planning and implementing risk communication efforts. The many compelling reasons for conducting evaluation and the various types of evaluation are explored. Some key factors required for successful evaluation are also discussed. Finally, some recognized barriers to conducting evaluation are presented. Evaluation needs to be considered as a required component of any risk communication program, or we doom ourselves to forever repeating the same mistakes instead of building on our successes.
Comparative Risk Assessment
Authors: Ray Rose M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Comparative risk assessment is an analytic process of evaluating and ranking the different factors that contribute to a particular outcome, such as human disease. The term
comparative risk assessment
is most frequently used in the context of environmental risk, but the principles and methodology are applicable in other contexts.

Comparative risk assessment is both a scientific and political process. Scientific methods are used to gather data, classify the type and severity of risks, and identify and verify relationships between outcomes and risk factors. As it is a guide to decision making, comparative risk assessment also involves the political functions of defining the scope of the assessment, involving stakeholders in the process, and putting the results into a context that can be used to develop consensus concerning appropriate action.
This article reviews the history of comparative risk assessment for environmental risk, discusses methods of risk ranking used in environmental risk, reviews methods of communicating risk, considers a few examples of comparative risk assessment in nonenvironmental areas, and touches on United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and other regulations as they relate to comparative risk assessment.
History and Examples of Environmental Justice
Authors: Restrepo Carlos E. , Zimmerman Rae 
Published: September 2008

AbstractEnvironmental justice has become an influential policy discourse and analysis tool over the last few decades with particular importance for risk management. This article examines the evolution of the environmental justice movement in the United States, the main research tools used in the field, and their potential use and adaptation for incorporating justice into risk problems. The environmental justice discourse in international policy issues such as climate change and transboundary movements of hazardous and toxic substances, and its use within the sustainable development field are also discussed. Although literature reviews of environmental justice analysis suggest that there is strong evidence of environmental inequities, many research challenges exist related to the measurement of individual and multiple exposures to environmental risks and their link to human health outcomes. Understanding these links among different population groups is an area of active research and represents critical future research directions in the field.
Scenario‐Based Risk Management and Simulation Optimization
Authors: Better Marco , Glover Fred 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTraditional optimization approaches for handling uncertainty and risk typically require severe assumptions that are often not satisfied in complex practical settings. In an effort to overcome such limitations, several methods have been developed to handle uncertainty when the data and associated real‐world parameters do not behave according to classical assumptions. Two of the leading and most widely used examples are scenario optimization and robust optimization, both of which seek high‐quality decisions that are feasible for all scenarios. However, both of these approaches likewise succumb to deficiencies encountered by classical methods, by exhibiting serious limitations in terms of the complexity and size of the models they can handle. Simulation optimization overcomes these limitations, and its flexibility and ease of use has contributed to its popularity as a preferred optimization approach to risk‐management applications.
Risk Management of Construction Defects
Authors: Steffey Duane L. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Risk management of construction defects involves the collection and analysis of data to ascertain the empirical basis for alleged defects and to assess the producer's or consumer's risk regarding possible actions. In the context of a dispute between two or more parties, risk managers also make decisions concerning alternative options for resolution. Defects are usually identified through quality inspections and tests during construction or sometimes through the manifestation of problems after the completion of construction. Statistical sampling and estimation are used to characterize the prevalence of defects. Important considerations include the selection of a suitable sampling design, determination of an adequate sample size, and control of potential sources of bias. Defects attributable to design, materials, and method of construction may require qualitatively different approaches compared to the sampling plans implemented for defects attributable to workmanship. Repair options often vary in scope and unit cost, with implications for the associated financial risks.
Managing Infrastructure Reliability, Safety, and Security
Authors: Zimmerman Rae 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Infrastructure reliability, in its most general sense, refers to whether a system performs as expected. Reliability is relative, depending on the perspective of the infrastructure user. Safety and security are key components for the concept of reliability, since they pertain to basic survival, and are prerequisites for others. Safety and security are defined, and their emergence as core concepts in infrastructure reliability is described. Infrastructure security now relates to a set of critical infrastructures. Factors that potentially compromise infrastructure security include how infrastructure is spatially distributed and interrelated or interdependent with other infrastructures. Risk‐based analytical approaches, and alternatives to these approaches, have arisen to address the likelihood and form of attacks as well as the consequences of attacks on infrastructure. Selected examples of these methodologies are presented. Resource allocation at the federal level emphasizes a risk‐based approach, though the nature of risks faced by critical infrastructures, how these risks should be quantified, what analytical tools should be used to produce such estimates, at what geographic scale, and how they are to be incorporated into prioritization schemes are still a subject of considerable debate.