bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion phenotypes and polymorphisms in adiponectin and adiponectin receptor genes in the Quebec Family Study
Authors: Ruchat S.‐M. , Loos R. J. F. , Rankinen T. , Vohl M.‐C. , Weisnagel S. J. , Després J.‐P. , Bouchard C. , Pérusse L. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims  Studies suggest that adiponectin (APM1) and its receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) play an important role in the development of insulin resistance (IR). Our objective was to examine associations between APM1 (+45T>G, +276G>T and –3971A>G), AdipoR1 (−100G>T and −3882T>C) and AdipoR2 (−35361A>G and –1352G>A) genes single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and adiponectin plasma levels, indicators of glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin secretion.Methods  Six hundred and twenty‐two non‐diabetic subjects from the Quebec Family Study (QFS) underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with measurement of fasting adiponectin, glucose, insulin and C‐peptide levels. Indices of glucose tolerance, IS and insulin secretion were derived from fasting and OGTT measurements.Results  Significant evidence of association was found between indices of IS and APM1 and AdipoR1 SNPs. The APM1 –3971G/G homozygotes exhibited a reduced area under the curve of insulin during the OGTT (P = 0.007) and higher Cederholm index (P = 0.01) compared to the A/A homozygotes. The APM1+45T>G variant was also associated with fasting (P = 0.002) and 2‐h (P = 0.007) glucose values as well as with higher Cederholm index (P = 0.04) and disposition index (P = 0.02). Finally, the AdipoR1−3882T>C SNP was associated with fasting glucose (P = 0.03), the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (P = 0.04) and an index of insulin secretion (P30/G30, P = 0.02). No evidence of association was found with plasma adiponectin levels.Conclusions  These results provide evidence for an influence of common SNPs in the APM1 and AdipoR1 genes on different phenotypes of glucose and insulin metabolism associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
SELECTING POTENTIAL CHILDREN AND UNCONDITIONAL PARENTAL LOVE
Authors: DAVIS JOHN 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTFor now, the best way to select a child's genes is to select a potential child who has those genes, using genetic testing and either selective abortion, sperm and egg donors, or selecting embryos for implantation. Some people even wish to select against genes that are only mildly undesirable, or to select for superior genes. I call this selection drift– the standard for acceptable children is creeping upwards. The President's Council on Bioethics and others have raised the parental love objection: Just as we should love existing children unconditionally, so we should unconditionally accept whatever child we get in the natural course of things. If we set conditions on which child we get, we are setting conditions on our love for whatever child we get. Although this objection was prompted by selection drift, it also seems to cover selecting against genes for severe impairments.I argue that selection drift is not inconsistent with the ideal of unconditional parental love and, moreover, that the latter actually implies that we should practise selection drift – in other words, we should try to select potential children with the best genetic endowments. My endowment argument for the second claim works from an analogy between arranging an endowment prior to conception to fund a future child's education, and arranging a genetic endowment by selecting a potential child who already has it, where in both cases the child would not have existed without the endowment. I conclude with some programmatic remarks about the nonidentity problem.
Foreign Currency Derivatives versus Foreign Currency Debt and the Hedging Premium
Authors: Clark Ephraim , Judge Amrit 
Published: February 2008

Abstract This paper compares the effect on firm value of different foreign currency (FC) financial hedging strategies identified by type of exposure (short‐ or long‐term) and type of instrument (forwards, options, swaps and foreign currency debt). We find that hedging instruments depend on the type of exposure. Short‐term instruments such as FC forwards and/or options are used to hedge short‐term exposure generated from export activity while FC debt and FC swaps into foreign currency (but not into domestic currency) are used to hedge long‐term exposure arising from assets located in foreign locations. Our results relating to the value effects of foreign currency hedging indicate that foreign currency derivatives use increases firm value but there is no hedging premium associated with foreign currency debt hedging, except when combined with foreign currency derivatives. Taken individually, FC swaps generate more value than short‐term derivatives.
The sexual lives of men with mild learning disability: a qualitative study
Authors: Yacoub Evan , Hall Ian 
Published: February 2008

Accessible summary

We talked to some men with learning disability about sex and relationships. Some people lived in the community, and some people lived in hospital.
The men knew quite a lot about sex. Most people said they got good support from their keyworkers.
Some people were asked for sex when they did not want it. Some people were made to have sex that was not safe.
We have some ideas about how men with learning disabilities can speak up for themselves about sex and relationships.

SummaryWe aimed to explore in detail the sexual lives and behaviour of men with mild learning disabilities living both in community and in secure hospital settings. We wanted to generate hypotheses about them and identify potential unmet needs. We used a narrative interview that focused on areas such as relationships, sex education, contraception and the attitudes of others towards the participants’ sexual lives and orientation. We used the constant comparative method to analyse transcribed interviews. Several clients reported engaging in unsafe practices despite being aware of the risks. Participants generally felt that services had shifted from a paternalistic to a more supportive approach towards their sexual lives and orientation. Experiences with other men were commonly reported. Several participants reported being pressurised into sex as adults. In our sample, sexual knowledge did not lead to safe sexual practices. The good rapport with services reported by the participants may be utilised to provide further education and empowerment to improve the safety of sexual practices in this group. Other ways of improved service delivery are suggested.
Docosahexaenoic acid‐dependent iron accumulation in oligodendroglia cells protects from hydrogen peroxide‐induced damage
Authors: Brand Annette , Schonfeld Eldi , Isharel Ilanit , Yavin Ephraim 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIron, a transition metal and essential nutrient, is a typical pro‐oxidant forming free radicals, lipid peroxides and causing cell damage when added at high (≥ 50 μM) concentrations to oligodendroglia‐like OLN‐93 cells that have been enriched for 3 days with 10 μM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 : 6 n‐3). At low (5 μM) iron concentrations lipid peroxides were still formed, but cells turned resistant to 250 μM H2O2, a secondary genotoxic stress. This has been attributed most likely to a time‐dependent (16 h preconditioning) increase of cellular antioxidant enzyme activities i.e., glutathione peroxidase (38%) and glutathione reductase (26%). DHA but not arachidonic acid (20 : 4 n‐6) supplements induced 3‐fold increase in gene expression of divalent metal transporter‐1, a transporter protein presumably responsible for the increase in intracellular iron. Elevated iron levels triggered a transient scrambling of membrane lipid asymmetry as evident by an accelerated ethanolamine phosphoglyceride translocation to the outer cell surface. Ethanolamine phosphoglyceride reorientation is proposed to activate certain signaling cascades leading to changes in nuclear transcription, a reaction that could represent a mechanism of preconditioning. These findings may have important implications for understanding the interactive role of iron and DHA in nutritional deficiencies, losses of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the aging brain or excessive iron accumulation in degenerative disorders.
Characterization of 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐d‐arabinitol (DAB) as an inhibitor of brain glycogen shunt activity
Authors: Walls Anne B. , Sickmann Helle M. , Brown Angus , Bouman Stephan D. , Ransom Bruce , Schousboe Arne , Waagepetersen Helle S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe pharmacological properties of 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐d‐arabinitol (DAB), a potent inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase and synthase activity in liver preparations, were characterized in different brain tissue preparations as a prerequisite for using it as a tool to investigate brain glycogen metabolism. Its inhibitory effect on glycogen phosphorylase was studied in homogenates of brain tissue and astrocytes and IC50‐values close to 400 nM were found. However, the concentration of DAB needed for inhibition of glycogen shunt activity, i.e. glucose metabolism via glycogen, in intact astrocytes was almost three orders of magnitude higher. Additionally, such complete inhibition required a pre‐incubation period, a finding possibly reflecting a limited permeability of the astrocytic membrane. DAB did not affect the accumulation of 2‐deoxyglucose‐6‐phosphate indicating that the transport of DAB is not mediated by the glucose transporter. DAB had no effect on enzymes involving glucose‐6‐phosphate, i.e. glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucoisomerase and hexokinase. Furthermore, DAB was evaluated in a functional preparation of the isolated mouse optic nerve, in which its presence severely reduced the ability to sustain evoked compound action potentials in the absence of glucose, a condition in which glycogen serves as an important energy substrate. Based on the experimental findings, DAB can be used to evaluate glycogen shunt activity and its functional importance in intact brain tissue and cells at a concentration of 300–1000 μM and a pre‐incubation period of 1 h.
Inadequate Sleep and Unintentional Injuries in Young Children
Authors: Koulouglioti Christina , Cole Robert , Kitzman Harriet 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between adequacy of sleep and injuries sustained by children between 18 months and 4 years of age.Design, sample, and measures: Data from a descriptive, longitudinal study of 278 mothers and their preschool children were collected in Rochester, NY, from September 2002 to December 2004. Participants were recruited from 4 pediatric practices. The number of medically attended injuries that each child sustained between 18 months and 4 years of age served as the dependent variable. Data on injuries were collected through maternal report and medical record abstraction. Mothers reported on the child's sleep. The relationships among variables were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients and Poisson regression analysis.Results: Children who did not get enough sleep sustained a higher number of medically attended injuries. The results were significant even after controlling for key demographic variables and child's temperament.Conclusions: The present findings provide support for a relationship between children's sleep and injuries. Improving children's sleep hygiene may be an important component of parental interventions to reduce preschoolers' unintentional injuries.
Child Care Health Consultation Programs in California: Models, Services, and Facilitators
Authors: Alkon Abbey , Bernzweig Jane , To Kim , Mackie Joanna F. , Wolff Mimi , Elman Jeremy 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To summarize findings from a descriptive evaluation study of 20 county‐level child care health consultation programs, services provided, and factors that facilitated the development of the programs.Design: A 3‐year intervention study of 20 county‐level child care health consultation programs, selected through a competitive review process, was conducted in California.Sample: Study participants were the child care health consultation program staff, lead agency administrators and health consultants, and early care and education (ECE) staff, including health advocates and directors.Measurement and Intervention: Data collection included focus groups, interviews, consultant activity logs, and surveys. Health consultation intervention services included health and safety assessments, on‐site consultation, and workshops for ECE providers and parents.Results: 4 child care health consultation models were established based on the type of administrative agency. Health consultants and advocates primarily provided on‐site consultation and education and training on child health promotion issues. Consultation programs were facilitated by the linkages formed among agencies, community characteristics, personal relationships, lead agency support, and consultant training and knowledge.Conclusions: Child care health consultation programs can address the health and safety needs for ECE programs, but they need administrative support, trained staff, and sustainable relationships with local ECE programs.
Clinical and Life Quality Differences Between Mexican American Diabetic Patients at a Free Clinic and a Hospital‐Affiliated Clinic in Texas
Authors: García Alexandra A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: This paper explores the contribution of personal, cultural, and disease characteristics, diabetes knowledge, number of symptoms, and 2 specific clinics to the explained variance in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) and quality of life among Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes.Design: This descriptive correlational study used hierarchical multiple regression analysis.Sample: 87 Mexican American patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from 2 clinics, 1 hospital‐affiliated and 1 free clinic, that served a primarily minority and indigent population.Measurements: A language‐based acculturation scale, the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire‐24, Diabetes Symptom Self‐Care Inventory, and Self‐Anchoring Striving Scale were administered in one‐on‐one interviews. Medical records were reviewed for recent A1c and health history.Results: The participants' clinic explained an additional 13% of the variance in A1c and 6% of the variance in quality of life after controlling for gender, acculturation, time since diagnosis, number of diabetes medications, diabetes knowledge, and number of symptoms. Clinics differed in patient characteristics, beyond the variables entered in the regression model, and in their care delivery.Conclusions: Clinic characteristics and their influence on diabetes outcomes should be explored to maximize patients' abilities to steer the course of their diabetes away from complications.
Public Health Nursing Competencies for Public Health Surge Events
Authors: Polivka Barbara J. , Stanley Sharon A. R. , Gordon Deanna , Taulbee Kelly , Kieffer Gloria , McCorkle Sheryl M. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT Objective:To develop consensus regarding public health nursing competencies in the event of a public health surge event related to disaster.Design and methods: Using a 3‐round Delphi approach, public health nurses (PHNs) and directors of nursing from local health departments, state nursing leaders, and national nursing preparedness experts reviewed and commented on 49 draft competencies derived from existing documents.Results: The final 25 competencies were categorized into Preparedness (n=9), Response (n=8), and Recovery (n=7). The Preparedness competencies focus on personal preparedness; comprehending disaster preparedness terms, concepts, and roles; becoming familiar with the health department's disaster plan, communication equipment suitable for disaster situations; and the role of the PHN in a surge event. Conducting a rapid needs assessment, outbreak investigation and surveillance, public health triage, risk communication, and technical skills such as mass dispensing are Response phase competencies. Recovery competencies include participating in the debriefing process, contributing to disaster plan modifications, and coordinating efforts to address the psychosocial and public health impact of the event.Conclusions: Identification of competencies for surge events that are specific to public health nursing is critical to assure that PHNs are able to respond to these events in an effective and efficient manner.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravenous Dexamethasone to Prevent Relapse in Acute Migraine Headache
Authors: Rowe Brian H. , Colman Ian , Edmonds Marcia L. , Blitz Sandra , Walker Alan , Wiens Sheldon 
Published: February 2008

Objectives.— Migraine headache is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). Inflammation is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of migraine and there is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of corticosteroids on reducing early recurrences. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to test the hypothesis that dexamethasone (DEX) reduced headaches after discharge and examine the factors associated with relapse.Methods.— Consenting adults (18 and older) presenting with acute migraine at 4 EDs were enrolled. In addition to standard intravenous (IV) abortive therapy, using concealed allocation patients were randomized to receive IV DEX (15 mg) or placebo (PLA) in a double‐blind fashion. Relapse was defined as a return to the ED, an urgent clinic visit, or a headache that precluded normal activity reported during follow‐up telephone interviews 48‐72 hours and 7 days after ED discharge. Intention to treat was used for all final analyses.Results.— A total of 130 patients were randomized; 126 patients are included in the analysis (one patient left prior to treatment and 3 enrolled twice); 64 received DEX and 62 received PLA. Mean age was 35 years, 81% was female; most (77%) suffered from headaches at least monthly. On a 10‐point visual analog scale (VAS), the median pain scores were 8 at presentation, and 2 at discharge. At 48‐72 hours, relapses occurred in 14/64 (22%) in the DEX group and 20/62 (32%) in the PLA groups (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3‐1.3). By day 7, 18/64 (28%) in the DEX group had relapsed, compared with 25/62 (40%) in the PLA group (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3‐1.3). Controlling for treatment assignment, relapse was more common when headache pain was incompletely relieved (VAS > 2) at ED discharge (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1‐5.4).Conclusions.— The overall relapse rate differed from those previously reported; however, DEX failed to reduce headache relapses after ED discharge. Relapse was closely associated with incomplete pain relief at discharge. Further research is needed to determine the factors associated with migraine relapse.
Effect of Early Intervention With Almotriptan vs Placebo on Migraine‐Associated Functional Disability: Results From the AEGIS Trial
Authors: Freitag Frederick , Smith Timothy , Mathew Ninan , Rupnow Marcia , Greenberg Steven , Mao Lian , Finlayson Gary , Wright Pamela , Biondi David 
Published: February 2008

Objective.— To investigate the effect of early acute migraine intervention with almotriptan vs placebo on functional disability and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) indicators.Design/Methods.— In this multicenter, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial, adults with international classification of headache disorders‐defined migraine, with or without aura, were randomized 1:1 to treat 3 consecutive headaches with either almotriptan 12.5 mg or placebo. Patients were instructed to take their study medication at the first sign of migraine headache pain of any intensity, within 1 hour of onset. Patients recorded level of functional disability (normal, disturbed, bed rest required, emergency room [ER]/hospitalization required) at baseline (pretreatment), 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours posttreatment and at time of pain‐free. Patients completed the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) at randomization and completed the Migraine Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (MQoL) at 24 hours after each attack.Results.— Results are presented for 315 patients (160 almotriptan, 155 placebo) in the evaluable for efficacy population. At 2 hours posttreatment of Attack 1, 54.4%, 32.5%, 13.1%, and 0%, respectively, of almotriptan‐treated patients reported normal function, disturbed function, bed rest required, and ER/hospitalization required compared with 38.1%, 45.2%, 16.1%, and 0.6%, respectively, of placebo‐treated patients. The differences in level of functional disability between the 2 treatment groups were statistically significant at 2 hours (P = .007; Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel, stratified by center) and at 4 hours (P < .001). Resolution of pain was associated with a normal level of function; at 2 hours posttreatment, 91.7% of patients in the total population who achieved pain‐free reported normal function compared with 44.8%, 8.0%, and 0% of patients with mild, moderate, and severe pain, respectively. The absence compared with the presence of photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea at 2 hours also was associated with less disability (P < .0001 for each symptom). Treatment with almotriptan compared with placebo resulted in consistently better 24‐hour MQoL scores with significant results for all 3 migraine headache attacks in the social function and feelings/concern domains. A logistic regression model determined that pretreatment functional level (P = .0117), pretreatment pain intensity (P = .0089), and pretreatment MIDAS score (P = .0152) were significant covariates of the proportion of patients who achieved normal function at 2 hours posttreatment.Conclusions.— Early treatment with almotriptan within 1 hour of migraine pain onset significantly reduced levels of functional disability at 2 and 4 hours posttreatment compared with placebo. Consistency in improvement of HRQoL indicators was observed across 3 headaches treated.
The Italian Contribution to the Problem of Reflex Epilepsy
Authors: VIZIOLI R. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYIn a historical survey the important discoveries of Amantea, Martino, Clementi, Moruzzi and many other Italian scientists and their schools in the field of reflex epilepsy are discussed.RÉSUMÉL'CARauteur jette un coup d'carœil sur l'carhistoire des importantes découvertes d'Amantea, Martino, Clementi, Moruzzi et plusieurs autres savants italiens et leurs écoles dans le domaine de l'carépilepsie réflexe. Il en fait la discussion.