bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Growth and Impact of Agricultural Tenancy in Jewish Palestine (III BCE-I CE)
Authors: Kloppenborg John 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAlthough there is little evidence of private farm tenancy in the Tanak, examination of documents from the third century BCE to the early second century CE suggests that this economic system became an important instrument of agricultural exploitation in Jewish Palestine sometime in the third or second century BCE. The growth of large estates, the implementation of tenancy, and shifts from polyculture to export-oriented monoculture had important effects on the structure of labor, creating classes of underemployed day laborers (ergatai) and 'free' tenants, who made their first literary appearances in the Septuagint, the parables of Jesus, and the Mishnah. Il n'existe guère dans le Tanak d'attestations de 'métayage agricole indépendant'. Néanmoins, l'examen de documents datant du IIIe siècle av. J.-C. jusqu'au début du IIe après, suggère que ce système économique devint un important instrument dans l'exploitation des campagnes en Palestine juive au cours du IIIe ou IIe siècle av. J.-C. L'accroissement des grands domaines au détriment des petites exploitations, l'établissement de métairies et le passage d'une polyculture à une monoculture orientée vers l'exportation eurent des conséquences notables sur la structure du travail. Des catégories de journaliers sous-employés (ergatai) et de métayers 'libres' furent ainsi générées, dont les premières mentions apparaissent dans la version des Septante, les Paraboles de Jésus et la Mishnah.
Redefining social work standards in the context of globalization
Authors: Alphonse Mary , George Purnima , Moffatt Ken 
Published: March 2008

English Globalization impacts on all countries, adversely affecting developing countries such as India. Global and national standards for social work education should develop appropriate perspectives addressing the negative feelings of communities. The conception of 'self' as defined by the west needs to be seen in the context of communal relations of the east. French La mondialisation affecte toutes les nations, mais a un impact défavorable dans des pays en développement tels que l'Inde. Les normes mondiales et nationales de formation en travail social devraient développer des perspectives permettant d'en réduire les effets négatifs ressentis par les communautés. La conception du 'soi' (définie par l'occident) nécessite d'être vue dans le contexte des relations communales de l'orient. Spanish La globalización impacta a todos los países, afectado negativamente a naciones en desarrollo como la India. Los estÁndares globales y nacionales para la educación del Trabajo Social deberían desarrollar perspectivas para denunciar los efectos negativos que afectan a las comunidades. La concepción del "ser" (definida por el Occidente) necesita ser vista en el contexto de las relaciones comunales con el Oriente.
Reflections on social work's identity
Authors: Fargion Silvia 
Published: March 2008

English Can we identify common themes characterizing the social work profession across cultures? Using Italian social workers' representations of their profession three core issues are identified that recur in international debates. Reconciling contradictory elements might be one of the common characteristics of the social work project across different countries. French Peut-on identifier des thèmes communs caractérisant les professions sociales à travers les cultures? En utilisant les représentations des travailleurs sociaux italiens sur l'identité de leur profession j'identifie trois questions centrales récurrentes dans les débats internationaux. Réconcilier des éléments contradictoires peut être une des caractéristiques communes du projet du travail social à travers différents pays. Spanish Podemos identificar temas comunes que caracterizan la profesión del trabajo social en diferentes culturas? Utilizando las representaciones que hacen los trabajadores sociales italianos de su profesión, yo identifico tres asuntos principales que son recurrentes en debates internacionales. Reconciliar elementos contradictorios es probablemente una de las características mÁs comunes de los proyectos de trabajo social alrededor del mundo.
Predicting muscle forces of individuals with hemiparesis following stroke
Authors: Kesar Trisha M , Ding Jun , Wexler Anthony S , Perumal Ramu , Maladen Ryan , Binder-Macleod Stuart A 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundFunctional electrical stimulation (FES) has been used to improve function in individuals with hemiparesis following stroke. An ideal functional electrical stimulation (FES) system needs an accurate mathematical model capable of designing subject and task-specific stimulation patterns. Such a model was previously developed in our laboratory and shown to predict the isometric forces produced by the quadriceps femoris muscles of able-bodied individuals and individuals with spinal cord injury in response to a wide range of clinically relevant stimulation frequencies and patterns. The aim of this study was to test our isometric muscle force model on the quadriceps femoris, ankle dorsiflexor, and ankle plantar-flexor muscles of individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis.MethodsSubjects were seated on a force dynamometer and isometric forces were measured in response to a range of stimulation frequencies (10 to 80-Hz) and 3 different patterns. Subject-specific model parameter values were obtained by fitting the measured force responses from 2 stimulation trains. The model parameters thus obtained were then used to obtain predicted forces for a range of frequencies and patterns. Predicted and measured forces were compared using intra-class correlation coefficients, r2values, and model error relative to the physiological error (variability of measured forces).ResultsResults showed excellent agreement between measured and predicted force-time responses (r2>0.80), peak forces (ICCs>0.84), and force-time integrals (ICCs>0.82) for the quadriceps, dorsiflexor, and plantar-fexor muscles. Themodel errorwas within or below the +95% confidence interval of thephysiological errorfor >88% comparisons between measured and predicted forces.ConclusionOur results show that the model has potential to be incorporated as a feed-forward controller for predicting subject-specific stimulation patterns during FES.
Pharmacogenomic and Pharmacokinetic Determinants of Erlotinib Toxicity
Authors: Rudin Charles M. , Liu Wanqing , Desai Apurva , Karrison Theodore , Jiang Xuemin , Janisch Linda , Das Soma , Ramirez Jacqueline , Poonkuzhali Balasubramanian , Schuetz Erin , Fackenthal Donna Lee , Chen Peixian , Armstrong Deborah K. , Brahmer Julie R. , Fleming Gini F. , Vokes Everett E. , Carducci Michael A. , Ratain Mark J. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeTo assess the pharmacogenomic and pharmacokinetic determinants of skin rash and diarrhea, the two primary dose-limiting toxicities of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib.Patients and MethodsA prospective clinical study of 80 patients with non–small-cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and ovarian cancer was performed. Detailed pharmacokinetics and toxicity of erlotinib were assessed. Polymorphic loci in EGFR, ABCG2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were genotyped, and their effects on pharmacokinetics and toxicities were evaluated.ResultsA novel diplotype of two polymorphic loci in the ABCG2 promoter involving −15622C/T and 1143C/T was identified, with alleles conferring lower ABCG2 levels associated with higher erlotinib pharmacokinetic parameters, including area under the curve (P = .019) and maximum concentration (P = .006). Variability in skin rash was best explained by a multivariate logistic regression model incorporating the trough erlotinib plasma concentration (P = .034) and the EGFR intron 1 polymorphism (P = .044). Variability in diarrhea was associated with the two linked polymorphisms in the EGFR promoter (P < .01), but not with erlotinib concentration.ConclusionAlthough exploratory in nature, this combined pharmacogenomic and pharmacokinetic model helps to define and differentiate the primary determinants of skin and gastrointestinal toxicity of erlotinib. The findings may be of use both in designing trials targeting a particular severity of rash and in considering dose and schedule modifications in patients experiencing dose-limiting toxicities of erlotinib or similarly targeted agents. Further studies of the relationship between germline polymorphisms in EGFR and the toxicity and efficacy of EGFR inhibitors are warranted.
Prognostic Stratification of Stage IIIA-N2 Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer After Induction Chemotherapy: A Model Based on the Combination of Morphometric-Pathologic Response in Mediastinal Nodes and Primary Tumor Response on Serial 18-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Dooms Christophe , Verbeken Eric , Stroobants Sigrid , Nackaerts Kris , De Leyn Paul , Vansteenkiste Johan 
Published: February 2008

Purpose Surgical resection in patients with stage IIIA-N2 non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually reserved for patients with mediastinal downstaging after induction chemotherapy (IC). However, clinical restaging is often inaccurate, and there are insufficient data to conclude that all patients with persistent mediastinal disease will not benefit from surgery, or that all patients with mediastinal clearance benefit from surgery. We created a data-based restaging strategy combining morphometric tissue analysis of mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs) and 18-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) response monitoring in the primary tumor. Patients and Methods Baseline and repeat FDG-PET after IC, as well as complete resection specimens of both mediastinal LNs and primary tumor, were available in 30 patients. Histologic response grading was performed by means of conventional morphometric procedures. Mediastinal response grading combined with the percentage decrease of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on the primary tumor was correlated with survival. Results Patients with persistent major mediastinal LN involvement have a 5-year overall survival rate of 0%. The 5-year overall survival rate for patients with cleared or persistent minor mediastinal LN involvement was significantly higher in patients with a more than 60% decrease in SUVmax on the primary tumor as compared with patients with a less than 60% decrease in SUVmax (62% v 13%; log-rank P = .002). Conclusion These data may suggest that (1) persistent mediastinal disease after IC does not always exclude favorable outcome after surgery; (2) serial FDG-PET may select surgical candidates among patients with mediastinal downstaging or persistent minor disease; (3) persistent major mediastinal disease has a poor prognosis and such patients should not be considered for surgery.
Cardiac troponin I measurement using the ACS:180 to predict four-year cardiac event rate
Authors: Collinson Paul O , Gaynor Gloria H , Gaze David C 
Published: March 2008

Background This study aimed at evaluating the ability of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measurement on the ACS:180 for prognostic risk stratification. Sequential admissions to the coronary care unit of a busy district general hospital were studied. All patients were followed up for a maximum of 4.3 years and cardiac events, either cardiac death, readmission with acute myocardial infarction or admission with acute unstable angina were documented. Methods Blood samples were taken on admission and at 4 and 12 h. A serum aliquot was taken and stored frozen at −70oC. The frozen aliquots were subsequently analysed for cTnI by chemiluminescent immunoassay using an ACS:180. Patients were categorized into those with or without ST segment elevation on the presenting electrocardiogram. The optimized decision threshold for mortality and event prediction was then determined by log-rank analysis and by construction of Kaplan-Meier survival plots. Results A total of 289 patients (196 men) median age 65.3 years, range 27.4–87.9 years were studied. Out of this, 139 had ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 150 had suspected non-STEMI (NSTEMI). Full data were available from 278 patients. Admission cTnI did not predict any of the endpoints in the STEMI group. In patients admitted with suspected NSTEMI, admission and peak cTnI predicted increased risk of death or readmission with acute myocardial infarction. In addition, peak cTnI predicted increased risk of death. Conclusion A cTnI exceeding 0.16 μg/L on admission or during hospital stay predicted an increased cardiac event rate at four years in patients admitted with suspected NSTEMI.
Production and certification of four frozen human serum certified reference materials containing creatinine and electrolytes
Authors: Barbagallo Romina P , Boley Nick , Holcombe Gill , Merson Sheila , Mussell Chris , Pritchard Caroline , Stokes Peter , Wood Steve , Ducroq David , Thomas Annette 
Published: March 2008

Background This paper describes the preparation, analysis and certification of four frozen human serum certified reference materials (CRMs) containing creatinine and the electrolytes calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. These materials have been prepared to give concentrations of these analytes that cover the currently accepted analytical range. Methods The analysis of the materials for certification purposes has been carried out using methodology traceable to primary standards, and which is acceptable as a reference method. The certification methods include liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with exact-matching isotope dilution calibration (EM-IDMS) for creatinine, inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), ICP-MS and isotope-dilution inductively-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ID-ICP-MS) for the electrolytes. Results The uncertainties estimated for these certified values include a component from the characterization measurements, as well as contributions from possible inhomogeneity and long-term instability. The certified values have been corroborated by measurements obtained in a major UK External Quality Assessment scheme, which have, with the exception of the determination of creatinine at a particularly low concentration, given excellent agreement. Conclusions The materials are intended for use by pathology laboratories and manufacturers of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) kits for validation of existing routine methodology to a traceable standard, which will promote harmonization between the different methods, instruments and IVD kits used in these laboratories.
A retrospective clinical study of the treatment of high-grade anal dysplasia by infrared coagulation in a population of HIV-positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Cranston R D , Hirschowitz S L , Cortina G , Moe A A 
Published: March 2008

Summary HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of developing human papillomavirus-associated anal squamous cell cancer. Similar to the management of cervical dysplasia, clinicians are treating high-grade anal dysplasia to prevent progression to cancer. Initial treatments such as cold scalpel excision and electrofulguration have shown limited efficacy in a HIV-positive population. Infrared coagulation (IRC) is an outpatient treatment for high-grade anal dysplasia. This retrospective clinical study reports on 68 HIV-positive MSM with 78 biopsy proven high-grade anal lesions. Each lesion was treated with the IRC with re-biopsy of the treatment site a mean of 140 days later. Of the 74 evaluable lesions; 39 had anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 1, 20 had AIN 2, seven had AIN 3, and eight had normal epithelium. The IRC showed 64% efficacy per treated lesion and shows promise as a treatment modality for high-grade anal dysplasia in this population.
Sexual risk behaviour and HAART: a comparative study of HIV-infected persons on HAART and on preventive therapy in Kenya
Authors: Sarna A , Luchters S M F , Geibel S , Kaai S , Munyao P , Shikely K S , Mandaliya K , van Dam J , Temmerman M 
Published: March 2008

Summary Unprotected sex (UPS) among persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) remains a concern because of the risk of HIV-transmission. A cross-sectional study comparing the sexual risk behaviour of 179 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) receiving HAART with that of 143 PLHA receiving preventive therapy (PT) with cotrimoxazole/isoniazid was conducted in Mombasa, Kenya. Forty-five percent of all participants were sexually active in the last six months. Participants receiving PT were more likely to report ≥2 partners (13% vs.1%; P = 0.006). Participants receiving PT reported more UPS with regular partners (odds ratio [OR]: 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–8.4) and also more sexually transmitted infections (STI) symptoms (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0–2.8; P = 0.059). More than 40% of all participants did not know the HIV-status of regular partners. Therefore, HAART was not associated with increased sexual risk behaviours though considerable risk of HIV-transmission remains. HIV-care services need to emphasize partner testing and consistent condom use with all partners.
Psychosocial determinants of HIV-related quality of life among HIV-positive military in Nigeria
Authors: Olley B O , Bolajoko A J 
Published: March 2008

Summary There is a paucity of research regarding the role played by psychosocial and HIV-related factors on quality of life (QoL) among military in developing countries. On presentation to a military hospital-based HIV clinic, 125 air-force personnel, 56 seropositive (none of whom had AIDS) and 69 seronegative were interviewed. At the interview, participants were assessed using the Medical Outcome QoL and other psychosocial measures. The overall QoL was less among seropositive compared with seronegative air-force personnel. Seropositive personnel also reported a greater number of negative life events and trauma symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD). Seronegative military personnel reported more sexual risk behaviours compared with seropositive personnel. Multivariate analysis showed that trauma symptoms (PTSD) were a significant contributor to QoL and explained of the variance in physical, mental, role and social functioning among HIV-infected air-force personnel. Other variables that predicted QoL, but to a lesser extent, included age, number of negative life events and increased symptomatology. These findings highlight the importance of evaluation of QoL in HIV-infected military personnel.
An audit of the interval to treatment of anogenital Chlamydia trachomatis at Scottish genitourinary medicine clinics
Authors: Steedman N , Oroz C , Fernando I , Baguley S 
Published: March 2008

Summary Timely treatment of sexually transmitted infections can reduce complications and prevent onward transmission. Several audit standards exist in this area. We audited the timeliness of treatment of 538 episodes of chlamydia at 12 Scottish genitourinary medicine clinics against a national standard and against a local best practice target. Three clinics treated 95% of patients within two weeks and 10 clinics treated 95% of patients within four weeks. All clinics treated 60% of patients within four weeks. Overall, all clinics performed well against published standards, but less well against the best practice target.
Reciprocal Comparison and African History: Tackling Conceptual Eurocentrism in the Study of Africa's Economic Past
Authors: Austin Gareth 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:This article argues for constructive responses to the dominance, in the analysis of African economic history, of concepts derived from Western experience. It reviews the existing responses of this kind, highlighting the fact that some of the most influential ideas applied to African economies, past and present, have been coined in the context not of Europe or North America but rather of other relatively poor regions formerly under European colonial rule. These “Third World” contributions have been enriching for African studies, though they have been duly criticized in African contexts, in accordance with the usual scholarly pattern. It is argued here that the main requirement for overcoming conceptual Eurocentrism in African history, in the interests of a more genuinely “general” social science and “global” history, is reciprocal comparison of Africa and other continents—or, more precisely, of specific areas within Africa with counterparts elsewhere. Pioneering examples of such comparisons are reviewed and, to illustrate the possibilities, a set of propositions is put forward from African history that may be useful for specialists on other parts of the world. The article concludes with suggestions for ways in which Africanists can best pursue the project of reciprocal comparison, and with a plea for us to be more intellectually ambitious.
Friends and Interests: China's Distinctive Links with Africa
Authors: Sautman Barry , Hairong Yan 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:China's expanded links to Africa have created a discourse of how to characterize those ties. Western political forces and media have criticized every aspect of China's activities in Africa, while Chinese, with significant support from Africans, have mounted a spirited defense. This article examines several factors that make China's links with Africa distinctive, including China's aid and migration policies, the distinctive “Chinese model” of foreign investment and infrastructure loans, and the development model known as the “Beijing Consensus.” It argues that particular aspects of China's links with Africa make the People's Republic of China (PRC) seem a lesser evil than the West in terms of support for Africa's development and respect for African nations.
Implications of HIV/AIDS for Rural Livelihoods in Tanzania: The Example of Rungwe District
Authors: Mwakalobo Adam B. S. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:HIV/AIDS is disrupting household livelihood security in Tanzania's rural communities and contributing to rural impoverishment by claiming the lives of the most productive young adults who make up the bulk of the labor force in those areas. This article presents results of a case study based on a survey of 119 households conducted in three villages of Rungwe district in Tanzania. The results reveal that households with HIV/AIDS deaths spend less on food than those without AIDS deaths, and that households with HIV and AIDS-related deaths are more likely to fall below the poverty line.
Constituting the Unsafe: Nigerian Sex Workers' Notions of Unsafe Sexual Conduct
Authors: Izugbara Chimaraoke O. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:This article reports findings of a qualitative inquiry on representations of unsafe sexual conduct among female sex workers in Aba, Nigeria. Participating sex workers viewed their work as a form of business, a survival imperative in the face of poverty, and they generally considered it both risky and disgraceful. However, they frequently framed unsafe sexual behavior in terms of poorly remunerated unprotected sex with clients. Sex workers in the study were not only generally willing to grant, but also confirmed regularly granting, unprotected sex to clients offering to pay a premium for it. Receiving “good money” for unprotected sex made higher degrees of risk acceptable to these women and was considered an effective way to avoid clients assumed to be carriers of infections. In their struggle for sexual health, sex workers in Nigeria are hindered by poverty, powerlessness, and marginality. Future programs must aim, inter alia, at supporting sex workers' willingness to insist on condoms no matter what clients offer them to do otherwise.