bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Belonging to a community‐based football team: An ethnographic study
Authors: Mynard Lorrae , Howie Linsey , Collister Laura 
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  This study considered the benefits derived from participation in a community‐based Australian Rules Football league in Melbourne, Australia. The RecLink league deliberately tackles the social and occupational disadvantages associated with mental illness, addictions, unemployment and homelessness. Methods:  An ethnographic methodology was used to study one team from the RecLink football league throughout an entire season. Fieldnotes were written following participant observation at training, games and events, and five in‐depth interviews were conducted and transcribed. A constant comparative approach to data analysis was adopted. Results:  Three major themes were identified: a spirit of inclusion, team‐building and meaning of team involvement. The first describes how members were accepted, welcomed and given the opportunity for team involvement, with the expectation that they ‘had a go’, and ‘tried their best’. The second illustrates how the team collectively fostered a culture of friendship, cooperation and support. The third examines the significance of being part of the team, incorporating personal contributions and gains, and meanings attributed to team involvement.Conclusions:  These findings demonstrated how football can be used as non‐clinical, community‐based occupational therapy: enabling participation in a personally meaningful and culturally valued occupation. Occupational therapists are challenged to explore further how such community‐based sports programs may complement existing clinical and welfare‐based approaches to social disadvantage.
Prenatal diagnosis of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2
Authors: Chen Szu‐Ta , Chen Huey‐Ling , Su Yi‐Ning , Liu Yu‐Jung , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Hsu Hong‐Yuan , Chu Chia‐Shiang , Wang Nai‐Yu , Chang Mei‐Hwei 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) results from genetic defects of the hepatobiliary bile salt export pump (BSEP, ABCB11) at chromosome 2q24. Patients with progressive cholestasis and liver cirrhosis usually need liver transplantation in the first decade. Mutations in ABCB11 are also associated with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in adult patients. We aimed to make the prenatal diagnosis of PFIC2.Methods:  Genetic diagnosis was performed by genomic DNA analysis. Prenatal genetic diagnosis was made by fetal amniotic DNA and chorionic DNA analysis.Results:  We report on two families of PFIC2 with inherited compound heterozygous mutations of ABCB11 (M183V and R303K in Family 1, V284L and 1145delC in Family 2) from the parents. An infant with heterozygous M183V mutation was later born healthy in Family 1. A fetus with compound heterozygous missense mutation V284L and 1145delC was terminated in Family 2.Conclusion:  Prenatal diagnosis of PFIC2 was helpful to prevent further affected children in families with this fatal disease.
8‐Hydroxy‐2′‐deoxy‐guanosine is a risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Chuma Makoto , Hige Shuhei , Nakanishi Mitsuru , Ogawa Koji , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Yamamoto Yoichi , Asaka Masahiro 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Increased production of reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative DNA damage, is considered to be related to hepatocarcinogenesis. 8‐Hydroxy‐2′‐deoxy‐guanosine (8‐OHdG) is a useful marker of DNA damage induced by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of 8‐OHdG is a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.Methods:  The expression of 8‐OHdG in liver biopsy specimens was assessed immunohistochemically. In total, 104 patients with chronic HCV infection who were diagnosed on liver biopsy between January 1987 and December 2002 were studied retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses using age, gender, habitual drinking, tobacco exposure, diabetes mellitus, serum alanine aminotransferase level, HCV genotype, hepatic fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and 8‐OHdG expression in liver biopsy specimens were conducted to identify factors related to the development of HCC.Results:  On multivariate analysis, 8‐OHdG and fibrosis were independent and significant risk factors for HCC development (relative risk, 2.48; P = 0.023; relative risk, 5.35; P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the cumulative incidence rate of HCC in 39 patients with high 8‐OHdG expression levels was significantly greater than that in 65 patients with low 8‐OHdG expression levels (P = 0.043). In addition, liver 8‐OHdG expression was correlated with hepatic inflammation.Conclusions:  8‐OHdG is a risk factor for the development of HCC in patients with chronic HCV infection. Patients with chronic HCV who express 8‐OHdG should be monitored carefully for the development of HCC.
Molecular mechanisms of pancreatitis: Current opinion
Authors: Vonlaufen Alain , Wilson Jeremy S , Apte Minoti V 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPancreatitis (necroinflammation of the pancreas) has both acute and chronic manifestations. Gallstones are the major cause of acute pancreatitis, whereas alcohol is associated with acute as well as chronic forms of the disease. Cases of true idiopathic pancreatitis are steadily diminishing as more genetic causes of the disease are discovered. The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis has been extensively investigated over the past four decades; the general current consensus is that the injury is initiated within pancreatic acinar cells subsequent to premature intracellular activation of digestive enzymes. Repeated attacks of acute pancreatitis have the potential to evolve into chronic disease characterized by fibrosis and loss of pancreatic function. Our knowledge of the process of scarring has advanced considerably with the isolation and study of pancreatic stellate cells, now established as the key cells in pancreatic fibrogenesis. The present review summarizes recent developments in the field particularly with respect to the progress made in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of acute and chronic pancreatic injury secondary to gallstones, alcohol and genetic factors. It is anticipated that continued research in the area will lead to the identification and characterization of molecular pathways that may be therapeutically targeted to prevent/inhibit the initiation and progression of the disease.
A Val227Ala substitution in the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) gene associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and decreased waist circumference and waist‐to‐hip ratio
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Li Youming , Li Shengjie , Yu Chaohui 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  This study analyzes the effect of the val227ala variant of the peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPAR‐α) on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.Methods:  79 patients with NAFLD and 63 healthy counterparts were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI), hip, waist, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), the percentage of body fat, total protein, albumin, ALT, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and fasting blood glucose were assessed. The genotypes were analyzed using oligonucleotide microarray. Logistic model was used to perform the multi‐factors synthetical analysis on the data obtained to screen the risk factors closely associated with Val227Ala polymorphism of PPAR‐α gene.Results:  There were 6.33% (5/79) subjects with CC/CT genotype (ala227ala and val227ala) and 93.67% (74/79) subjects with TT genotype (val227val) in patients with NAFLD, and there were 20.63% (13/63) with CC/CT genotype and 79.37% (50/63) subjects with TT genotype. The distribution of PPAR‐α val227ala polymorphism between NAFLD and healty subjects was significant (p = 0.011). The level of weight, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist‐hip ratio, percentage of body fat, abdominal wall fat thickness in subjects with Val227Ala variant were significantly lower than that in Val227wide type. The results showed that waist circumference and WHR were related with the PPAR‐α val227ala polymorphism.Conclusion:  PPAR‐α val227ala polymorphism may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and play a protective role in obesity.
Green epi‐endophytes in Hymenena falklandica (Rhodophyta) from the Patagonian coasts of Argentina: Preliminary observations
Authors: Gauna M. Cecilia , Parodi Elisa R. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThe occurrence of epi‐endophyte algae in Hymenena falklandica J. G. Ag. Ex Kylin (Rhodophyta) is reported in Argentina. Epicladia heterotricha (Yarish) Nielsen (Chlorophyceae) revealed a 100% prevalence of occurrence, particularly in the basal region of the host. Low (14%), moderate (28%) and high (58%) severity degrees of infection were also registered for E. heterotricha. Pseudendoclonium submarinum Wille (Chlorophyceae) exhibited a lower frequency of occurrence, close to 3%. The developmental morphology and dynamics of E. heterotricha and P. submarinum were investigated under unialgal as well as bialgal culture conditions. The experimental infection of H. falklandica by E. heterotricha demonstrated that E.  heterotricha initially behaves as epiphytic but with endophytic filaments growing into the cortex of the host during late infection. P. submarinum was found to be exclusively epiphytic, with no development of endophytic filamentous systems. The present study reports the first lines of evidence of an epidemiological study conducted with the purpose of comparing both the prevalence and effects of algal epi‐endophytic organisms in H. falklandica in the southern coasts of Argentina.
Comparative culture experiments with filamentous members of the Bangiales (Rhodophyta) from New Zealand: Insights into ecologic adaptation and biogeography
Authors: Boedeker Christian , Farr Tracy J. , Nelson Wendy A. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYGametophyte cultures of seven genetically distinct, filamentous members of the Bangiales were grown under a range of temperatures (10°C, 12°C, 15°C and 20°C) and photoperiods, as well as lowered salinity (5 psu), in order to compare their responses to differing environmental regimes, and to evaluate the utility of a range of morphological, physiological and life history characters for distinguishing these entities. Significant differences in morphological characters such as filament width and cell size were found between some lineages. While these may have some regional diagnostic value, it was concluded that the practical use of these morphometric analyses is limited given the experimental growth period and replication required. The most useful characters for delineating filamentous Bangiales taxa were found to be the germination rates of spores, growth rates of filaments, timing and amount of spore release, and mortality of filaments. Different lineages appear to be adapted to particular environmental conditions, here represented by temperature/photoperiod, and salinity. The results of these comparative culture experiments provide some explanation for the seasonal occurrence and biogeographic distribution of the tested lineages around New Zealand.
Establishing and functional testing of a canine corneal construct
Authors: Werner Anke , Braun Michael , Reichl Stephan , Kietzmann Manfred 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurpose  To provide a model to be used for in vitro studies on drug effects in dogs, this study was conducted to establish a protocol for the construction of a three‐dimensional corneal construct. Primary canine corneal cells and a rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE) cell line were used in comparison.Methods  The corneal construct was assembled step by step in membrane inserts of a six‐well plate over a total of 5 weeks, including culture at the air–liquid interface to allow a differentiation of the epithelial cells. The constructs were studied histologically.Single cell cultures of canine corneal cells as well as RCE cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Treatment with different concentrations of dexamethasone was used to test its effects on the cellular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. The same experiments were repeated with the corneal constructs and the reactions compared. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the constructs was studied using immunohistochemistry.Results  A protocol for the construction of a vital corneal construct was established and the morphological similarity to the canine cornea in vivo shown. The GR protein was detected in all three cell types of the constructs. Stimulation with LPS and SDS led only in the corneal constructs to a significantly increased PGE2 production, which could be reduced by dexamethasone.Conclusions  The corneal construct is an interesting system to test drug effects on corneal cells. It allows studies on a cornea‐like system including all three major cell types.
An analysis of majority owner‐managed companies in the UK
Authors: Hillier David , McColgan Patrick 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper investigates the characteristics of 73 UK companies in which managers have an ownership stake of greater than 50 per cent. We find that majority owner‐managed companies make less use of alternative corporate control systems and are less likely to remove their chief executive officer or other board members following poor performance. However, our sample firms actually outperform diffusely held companies of similar size in the same industry. The determinants of majority control appear more closely related to the characteristics of the controlling shareholders rather than the firm's operating environment. Changes in the ownership structure of our sample companies owe more to changes in owner‐specific characteristics and security issuance than they are related to changes in the company's operating environment or company performance. We conclude that despite the obvious agency costs of managerial entrenchment for closely held companies, for the present sample at least the incentive alignment benefits of large director shareholdings are beneficial to outside shareholders.
Accounting irregularities, management compensation structure and information asymmetry
Authors: Elayan Fayez A. , Li Jingyu , Meyer Thomas O. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe discovery of accounting irregularities is an important negative event for a company. The restatement resulting from the irregularity represents an average of 364 per cent of net income for the 152‐firm sample and the irregularities are predominantly revenue enhancing. The irregularity firms exhibit both lower transparency and visibility compared to a matched sample of non‐irregularity firms. Furthermore, prior to the announcement, these firms experienced poorer operating performance and their executive compensation structure is found to be significantly more equity‐based. Therefore, firms that have greater opportunity and incentive are shown to be more likely to commit accounting irregularities.
Endogenous Lobbying Positions
Authors: Qiu Larry D. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper develops a two‐country, two‐firm model to study equilibrium lobbying positions in intra‐industry trade. A firm chooses either a protectionist position or a free‐trade position. The model predicts that taking the free‐trade lobbying position is an efficient firm's dominant strategy. If two firms have high costs (or when the demand is very weak), there exist two equilibria: either both firms take the free‐trade position or both take the protectionist lobbying position. In other cases, both firms taking the free‐trade lobbying position is a unique equilibrium.
Sovereign Debt Capacity and the Distribution of Domestic Wealth: A Common Agency Model*
Authors: Di Gioacchino Debora , Ginebri Sergio , Sabani Laura 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper proposes a stylized two‐period, two‐country model illustrating the role of distribution of domestic wealth in determining a country's level of access to international lending. We model sovereign debt redemption policy in a common agency framework. Within this framework, policy is the outcome of the interaction between government and local and foreign interest groups with conflicting preferences on debt repayment. Our main result is that in full lobby competition, when all interests are represented, the only equilibrium solution is repudiation and the consequent inability of government to access international capital markets. Conversely, when the ability to lobby depends on wealth, governments can access international credit up to a given maximum external debt capacity, determined by the skew in the distribution of domestic wealth.
To what extent does frontal type executive impairment affect coping strategies in Parkinson’s disease?
Authors: Montel S. , Bungener C. 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:  Given the frequency of executive dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD), we wonder to what extent this fact might influence the coping strategies which are used.Methods:  A total of 135 PD patients with no dementia were divided into two groups according to their cognitive status (‘with frontal type executive impairment’ or ‘without frontal type executive executive impairment’). All patients were seen for a semi‐structured interview to collect sociodemographic and clinical information and to assess their cognitive and mental states (DSM‐IV‐TR, frontal assessment battery and Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale). Then, all patients completed two self‐report questionnaires concerning their coping strategies (Ways of Coping Checklist and Coping with Health, Injuries and Problems Scale).Results:  After controlling the depression, we noticed a significant effect of cognitive status on positive re‐evaluation (P = 0.02). Interestingly, except for instrumental strategies, patients with frontal type executive impairment used significantly more coping strategies than did patients without frontal type executive impairment.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that neither executive impairment nor depression prevents patients from using coping strategies extensively.
Institutions and Social Structures1
Authors: FLEETWOOD STEVE 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper clarifies the terms “institutions” and “social structures” and related terms “rules”, “conventions”, “norms”, “values” and “customs”. Part one explores the similarities between institutions and social structures whilst the second and third parts explore differences. Part two considers institutions, rules, habits or habitus and habituation, whilst part three critically reflects on three common conceptions of social structures. The conclusion comments upon reflexive deliberation via the internal conversation.
Varieties of Social Cognition
Authors: UHLMANN ERIC LUIS , PIZARRO DAVID A. , BLOOM PAUL 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTRecent work within psychology demonstrates that unconscious cognition plays a central role in the judgments and actions of individuals. We distinguish between two basic types unconscious social cognition: unconsciousness of the influences on judgments and actions, and unconscious of the mental states (i.e., attitudes and feelings) that give rise to judgments and actions. Influence unconsciousness is corroborated by strong empirical evidence, but unconscious states are difficult to verify. We discuss procedures aimed at providing conclusive evidence of state unconsciousness, and apply them to recent empirical findings.
Morphometrical approach for predicting regional lymph node micrometastatic load in canine mast cell tumours: preliminary results
Authors: Marconato L. , Marchetti V. , Francione D. , Masserdotti C. , Gregori M. , Leotta R. , Abramo F. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCanine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) have a variable biologic behaviour, and accurate staging is necessary to dictate therapy and predict outcome. Regional lymph node (RLN) involvement is a relevant prognostic factor. While obvious lymph node (LN) metastases are relatively easy to be diagnosed, micrometastatic disease recognition is challenging. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the number of mast cells (MCs) in the LNs of clinically healthy dogs (n= 4, group 1), dogs with inflammatory diseases (n= 31, group 2) and dogs with cutaneous MCT (n= 27, group 3), including animals with no RLN metastases (subgroup 3.1), those with occasional MCs in RLNs (3.2) and those with obvious RLN metastasis (3.3). MCs also were morphometrically evaluated for the following nuclear parameters: mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), largest to smallest diameter length (LS ratio), mean nuclear form factor and coefficient of variation of nuclear area. The average percentages of MCs were 0.0 and 0.01 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and 0.07, 2.4 and 47.1 in subgroup 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. MNA and MNP were significantly higher in subgroup 3.3 than in group 2 (P< 0.05). MNA and MNP in subgroup 3.2 suggested the presence of neoplastic MCs; this prediction of micrometastatic load correlated with outcome. Analysis of preliminary results shows that nuclear morphometry is useful to detect micrometastatic disease in RLN of dogs bearing cutaneous MCTs.
Evaluation of P‐glycoprotein expression in feline lymphoma and correlation with clinical outcome
Authors: Brenn S. H. , Couto S. S. , Craft D. M. , Leung C. , Bergman P. J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractP‐glycoprotein (Pgp) is a transmembrane protein pump involved in drug resistance in canine and human lymphoma. There are no published clinical studies evaluating Pgp expression in feline lymphoma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of Pgp expression in feline lymphoma and correlate it with clinical outcome. Two human Pgp monoclonal antibodies, C219 and C494, were used to detect Pgp expression in tissue samples from 63 cats with lymphoma. Demographic results appear comparable to recently published feline lymphoma studies. The Kaplan–Meier median remission and survival times were 164 and 571 days, respectively. Fourteen cats had positive expression of Pgp using MAb C219, and 40 were positive with C494. Variables statistically associated with survival included bone marrow involvement, stage, substage, and use of radiation therapy as a part of treatment. Pgp expression as assessed by MAb C219 and C494 is not predictive of remission or survival time in cats with lymphoma.
Teeth for life? Aspects of oral health status influencing the nutrition of older adults
Authors: SMITH Moira B. , PARNELL Winsome 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim:  To examine how dentition status impacts on nutrition status in community‐dwelling older adults.Methods:  A literature search of years 1983 to 2006 was conducted using PubMed with the keywords, older adult, oral health, nutrition status, dentition and dentition status.Results:  Studies consistently suggest a direct and positive relationship between aspects of oral health status and nutrition in older adults. Masticatory disability hinders recommended food choice and often results in nutrient intake levels below recommended levels. The efficacy of replacing missing teeth to improve nutrition status is questionable. Sub‐optimal nutrition in older adults may be reduced by retaining a minimum of five posterior occlusal pairs of teeth or 20 teeth distributed in a functional pattern. Food and nutrition education of denture‐wearing older adults has some benefit.Conclusion:  Though oral health status is unlikely to have a major impact on nutrition status, in combination with other risk factors, it may be enough to tip the balance towards poorer nutritional health. An opportunity exists for health (including oral health professionals) and nutrition professionals to work together to assist older adults to age successfully.