bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The biosurgical wound debridement: Experimental investigation of efficiency and practicability
Authors: Blake Felix A. S. , Abromeit Norbert , Bubenheim Michael , Li Lei , Schmelzle Rainer 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThe use of maggot therapy is experiencing a revival in the treatment of problem wounds. Although this alternative therapy is ancient, little scientific research has been aimed at standardizing this therapy. The purpose of our investigation was to determine the debridement efficiency of this therapy, i.e., to compare the use of freely crawling maggots with maggots in a Biobag and to estimate the amount of maggots needed for debridement. We designed an artificial wound model and investigated the rate of decomposition of porcine tissue. Two application alternatives were compared, each being carried out either for 3 or for 4 days, (1) maggots that were allowed to crawl freely over the substrate and (2) maggots confined to a Biobag with no direct contact with the wound. We found that a single maggot was capable of debriding approximately 0.15 g of dead tissue per day. Assuming an absolute difference of <0.05 g per day and maggot as clinically irrelevant, the debridement efficiency of free maggots appears to be similar to those in a Biobag. We were able to determine for the first time the average debriding ability of maggots and thus provide the clinician with data that may help to optimize the maggot therapy by facilitating more exact approximations of the number of maggots needed. Furthermore, the result that the maggots in the Biobag are equal to free maggots in their debriding efficiency will promote its use, especially with respect to the time saved for changing of the dressings. Also, we were able to show that no direct contact is necessary between the maggots and the wound surface, proving that the mechanical crawling effect appears to be neglectable. Because significantly more tissue was metabolized after 4 than after 3 days, application intervals of 4 days appear more appropriate than those of 3 days.
A dermal equivalent developed from fibroblast culture alone: Effect of EGF and insulin
Authors: Lee Dong‐Youn , Yang Jun‐Mo , Park Kwan‐Hyun 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTWe have recently developed a new dermal equivalent without exogenous materials by culturing dermal fibroblasts alone in serum‐containing medium treated with several supplements. In this study, we investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin on the formation of a dermal equivalent. After cultured dermal fibroblasts reached a confluence in serum‐containing medium, they were treated with EGF or insulin. The combined effects of EGF and insulin were also studied. Macroscopically, in contrast to the culture without supplement, the addition of EGF or insulin produced a fibrous sheet. The combination of EGF and insulin showed a more marked effect than a single factor. Histologically, EGF or insulin alone induced a three‐dimensional tissue containing several layers of fibroblasts. The combination of EGF and insulin produced a thicker tissue. It was composed of abundant extracellular matrix containing fibroblasts, suggesting a dermis‐like tissue. It revealed collagen fibers by Masson‐trichrome staining. Immunohistochemically, the components of dermal extracellular matrix such as type 1 collagen, elastin, and fibrillin‐1 were diffusely expressed. Ultrastructurally, a large number of collagen fibrils with cross‐striated patterns were found around the fibroblasts. These results showed that a dermal equivalent could be formed by culturing dermal fibroblasts alone postconfluently in serum‐containing medium with EGF and insulin. They suggest that the two factors play an important role in the formation of a dermal equivalent.
Employment Status, Depressive Symptoms, and the Mediating/Moderating Effects of Single Mothers' Coping Repertoire
Authors: Samuels‐Dennis Joan 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: Single mothers, especially those on social assistance, report significantly more depressive symptoms than the general public. This article examines the relationships among employment status, stressful life events, and depressive symptoms among single mothers, with a special focus on the potential mediating and moderating roles of coping repertoire.Design: Cross‐sectional survey design.Sample: Ninety‐six single mothers (48 employed and 48 single mothers on social assistance) who were the primary caregiver for at least 1 child 4–18 years old.Measurements: Mailed questionnaires that included an adapted version of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the Coping Strategy Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd ed. were completed by study participants.Results: Coping repertoire did not mediate the relationship between either employment status or stress exposure and depressive symptoms. Coping had an antagonistic and differential moderating effect on the association between employment status and depressive symptoms for employed single mothers and mothers receiving social assistance.Conclusion: Effective strategies aimed at promoting single mothers' mental health need to address both the severity of depressive symptoms found among single mothers, and the social‐system factors that threaten single mothers' psychological well‐being. The implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Prevalence and Correlates of Insufficient Calcium Intake in a Swedish Population
Authors: Angbratt Marianne , Timpka Toomas , Blomberg Carina , Kronhed Ann‐Charlotte , Waller John , Wingren Gun , Möller Margareta 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine associations between calcium intake in the diet, lifestyle factors, and forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in order to identify population subgroups for targeting by screening programs.Methods: A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 15% of the inhabitants aged 20–79 years from 2 Swedish municipalities, and the subsample from one of the municipalities was invited to measurement of BMD. The survey response rate was 74% (n=1,112/1,510) and participation in BMD measurements was 68% (n=448/659).Results: Only a tendency ( p=.085) toward direct association between calcium intake and forearm BMD was found, and the best multiple regression model was retained to explain BMD excluded calcium intake. Low calcium intake was, instead, in complementary analyses, found to be correlated with the factors old age, female sex, and urban residence in the best multiple regression model.Conclusions: Population subgroups whose calcium intake is in a range that justifies preventive action could be identified. Screening programs staffed by public health nurses can thereby be informed regarding the subgroups of the population that are at the highest risk of insufficient calcium intake.
Health Promotion Health Center Project
Authors: Lee Tae Wha , Lee Chung Yul , Kim Hee Soon , Ham Ok Kyung 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objectives: As part of a major government support for health promotion, a health promotion health center (HPHC) project was launched at the national level in Korea. The purpose of the study was to describe this 2‐year HPHC project within the framework of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and to evaluate the preliminary outcomes of the community residents.Design: A cross‐sectional design was used.Sample: A total of 2,261 community residents participated in the survey, with 792 in HPHC sites and 1,469 in non‐HPHC sites.Measurement: The instrument included questions on participants' demographic characteristics, awareness, participation, health behavior (smoking, exercise, meat consumption, and blood pressure checkup), and satisfaction with the health promotion programs.Results: The 5 main health promotion strategies of the Ottawa Charter were evident in the HPHCs. HPHCs were successful in enhancing awareness, participation, and satisfaction through their health promotion programs, although health behaviors were not significantly different between the 2 groups, except exercise.Conclusion: Ottawa Charter strategies embedded within the practice of the community health promotion activities were effective in increasing the short‐term outcomes (awareness, participation, and satisfaction with health promotion programs), which is a promising finding for the development of health promotion behaviors in the future.
Maternal Perception of Their Overweight Children
Authors: Hackie Mary , Bowles Cheryl L. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To assess maternal perception of their preschool child's overweight at an urban Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serving primarily Hispanic families. To compare the mothers' perceptions with selected demographic variables of the sample and compare the results with a similar study conducted previously.Design: Replication descriptive survey.Sample: Mothers of overweight 2–5‐year‐old children enrolled in 2 Southern Nevada WIC programs (n=38).Measurements: Face‐to‐face interviews where 5 survey questions and 4 demographic questions were read to mothers by the investigator.Results: Sixty‐one percent of mothers did not recognize their children as being overweight. The perception of their child's overweight was independent of age as well as educational level of the mother. Half of the mothers (50%) had taken no steps to control what their child ate.Conclusions: Hispanic mothers of overweight children may not perceive their children as being overweight. Nursing intervention is not likely to be effective if it is assumed that a mother recognizes her child's weight as a problem. Nurses must be aware of the impact of social and cultural beliefs on childhood overweight and make adjustments in their educational approaches based on the client's belief system and cultural background.
A Pilot Study to Prevent Hearing Loss in Farmers
Authors: Gates Donna M. , Jones M. Susan 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: Determine the feasibility and outcome of a pilot program to increase farm workers' use of hearing protection when performing activities with high noise exposure.Design: The study was a quasi‐experimental study.Sample: Eight intervention farmers and 17 comparison farmers participated in the study.Measures: Before and after the intervention, farmers completed a survey to identify their frequency of use of hearing protection, and their beliefs about hearing loss and use of hearing protection.Intervention: The intervention consisted of noise assessments, educational sessions, mailed reminders with brochures, and placement of hearing protection on the farm.Results: The intervention was effective in increasing the use of hearing protection 1 and 2 months after the implementation of the program.Conclusions: Hearing loss is a serious problem with farmers, and yet many farmers neglect to protect their hearing with the use of protection. The pilot study findings indicate that efforts to increase the use of hearing protection by farmers can be effective.
Domestic Violence: Comparative Analysis of German and U.K. Research Findings*
Authors: Smartt Ursula , Kury Helmut 
Published: November 2007

Objective. This article examines the notion of the family and within its postmodern definition the research undertaken in the field of domestic violence and its consequences for criminal justice agencies in the United Kingdom and Germany. Has the notion of the family changed in Western culture? How has legislation changed regarding domestic violence in line with criminologists' and social scientists' hypotheses, reflections, and recommendations? How are victims and witnesses protected from perpetrators?Methods. The authors discuss how legislation in both countries has changed to meet the needs of victims and witnesses of domestic violence. The article looks at different forms of law enforcement in domestic violence and how the agencies assess future dangerousness.Results. Research analyses show that domestic violence is now taken seriously in both countries' legislation. But what is the impact on policing domestic violence in both countries? It is argued that U.K. law enforcement agencies are more advanced that the German police in dealing with domestic violence in a practical and pragmatic fashion.Conclusions. The authors explore the shift in cultural beliefs affecting male dominance in the family setting, how public attitudes to domestic violence have changed, and how law enforcement agencies are now dealing with violence within the family in both countries.
Race, Roll‐Off, and Racial Transition: The Influence of Political Change on Racial Group Voter Roll‐Off in Urban Elections*
Authors: Vanderleeuw James M. , Sowers Thomas E. 
Published: November 2007

Objectives. Many cities in the United States have undergone or are undergoing racial transition from a majority white to a majority black population. Accompanying this is a change in the racial makeup of elections and officeholders. This article seeks to explain racial patterns in voter roll‐off as a city undergoes racial transition.Methods. Using a fixed‐effects regression model, we analyze the level of voter roll‐off (from the top‐of‐the‐ballot mayoral contest) among black and white voters across Memphis City Council elections, from 1967 through 2003.Results. The level of voter roll‐off among racial groups is sensitive to the racial aspect of political change. Black voters are most likely to continue to vote in council contests when there is a racial choice among candidates, when blacks have previously been elected, and when blacks occupy the mayoralty and a majority of council seats. Whites are most likely to vote in racially competitive council contests, as well as when there are a large number of white candidates, and when whites hold a majority of the council seats.Conclusions. In settings such as Memphis, where race has played a pronounced historic role, the racial context of political empowerment has a strong influence on electoral participation. Elections below the top‐of‐the‐ballot become more salient, and political efficacy grows among racial group members when that cohort occupies institutional positions, particularly the majority of positions in a governing institution.
Phenotypic variability in Meesmann's dystrophy: clinical review of the literature and presentation of a family genetically identical to the original family
Authors: Ehlers Niels , Hjortdal Jesper , Nielsen Kim , Thiel H.‐J. , Ørntoft Torben 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the phenotypic variability in Meesmann's microcystic dystrophy of the corneal epithelium based on a review of the literature and the presentation of a Danish family.Methods:  We carried out a clinical examination of the family and genetic sequencing of DNA.Results:  Subjective symptoms often include blurred vision and ocular irritation. Typical cases may be entirely free of complaints. Intermittent pain episodes, such as occur in recurrent erosion syndrome, are not the rule. Genetic sequencing indicated a familial relationship with the originally described Meesmann family. Clinical variability was similar. Approximately 85% of cases showed microcysts in the entire epithelium. The remaining 15% demonstrated variants with microcysts in the upper or lower part of the cornea, or in the central or peripheral cornea, as well as subepithelial opacities.Conclusions:  Meesmann's dystrophy occurs worldwide. The largest family described is the original German one, now supplemented with a Danish branch. Despite the presence of an identical genetic defect, the clinical phenotype varies. This suggests that non‐KRT12‐related mechanisms are responsible for the variation.
Estimation of the carcass composition from a cross‐section of the rib‐loin from crossbred Japanese Black × Limousin F2 cattle by computer image analysis
Authors: NADE Toshihiro , SABURI Jun‐ichi , ABE Tsuyosi , NAKAGAWA Tetsuo , OKUMURA Toshiaki , MISUMI Satsuki , SAITO Kunihiko , KAWAMURA Tadashi , FUJITA Kazuhisa 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThe carcass composition of crossbred Japanese Black × Limousin F2 cattle was examined in order to find an accurate carcass composition equation. The test animals included 17 steers and 17 heifers. The 28 image measurements from the area encircling the vertical line to the thoracic vertebra and the line from the thoracic vertebra between the sixth and seventh rib‐bones were measured by computer image analysis. The relationships between the 29 parameters that added the carcass left side weight of the animal and the carcass composition were suggested. The carcass composition included muscle weight, muscle ratio, fat weight and fat ratio. The carcass composition from steers was estimated by an equation composed of these three or four parameters (R2 = 90.80%, 79.30%, 90.75% and 73.70%, respectively). The selected parameters were measured without cutting the thoracic vertebra. The carcass composition from heifers was estimated by an equation composed of two to four parameters (R2 = 96.15%, 90.98%, 93.60% and 88.22%, respectively). The parameters for the estimation of the muscle and fat weight, and muscle and fat ratio are very similar. Furthermore, the equations using the parameters could estimate the carcass composition from the Japanese Black × Limousin cattle resource population.
Changes in histone modification upon activation of dormant mouse blastocysts
Authors: MATSUHASHI Tamako , AKIYAMA Tomohiko , AOKI Fugaku , SAKAI Senkiti 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTGene expression in the implanting blastocyst is altered by stimulation with estrogen secreted from maternal ovaries. In the present study, to understand the mechanism regulating the changes in gene expression, diverse histone modifications in blastocysts were studied using a delayed implantation model, in which embryos were kept in a dormant state in the uterus by maternal ovariectomy and progesterone treatment, and then activated by injection with estrogen. Total transcriptional activity increased markedly in activated embryos, and immunocytochemistry with antibodies recognizing specific histone modifications revealed differential modification of several histones in the trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) of dormant and activated embryos. High levels of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation, which suppresses gene expression, were observed in the ICM, but not in the TE, of dormant embryos, and the levels decreased when the embryos were activated, consistent with changes in transcriptional activity. Substitution of histone H3.3, a variant of H3, for dominant H3.1 increased in activated embryos, suggesting that histone substitution is involved in inducing gene expression associated with activation. In the nucleus, H3.3 was mainly localized in the nucleoli of activated embryos but not in those of dormant ones. In contrast, there were no obvious differences in the trimethylation of histone H3K9 or the acetylation of histones H3K9, H3K18 and H4K12 between dormant and activated embryos. These results suggest that a decrease in H3K9 dimethylation contributes to the acquisition of implantation competence by releasing genes from suppression. In addition, histone H3.3 substitution seems to be involved in global gene activation and facilitates the prompt recovery of dormant blastocysts to the active state by inducing rRNA synthesis, resulting in an increase in translational activity.
Effects of urea treatment of potato pulp and inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in supplements on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers
Authors: SUGIMOTO Masahito , CHIBA Takuya , KANAMOTO Masayo , HIDARI Hisashi , KIDA Katsuya , SAITO Waka , OOI Motoki , SATO Yukinobu , SAITO Toshiro 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTSix Wagyu (Japanese Black) steers fitted with a ruminal cannula were used in a split‐plot design experiment comprising a 3 × 3 Latin square design (whole plot) and a randomized blocks design (subplot) to determine the effect of the treatment of potato pulp (PP) with urea and the effect of inclusion levels of PP silage in feed supplement on digestibility, ruminal in situ degradation and ruminal fermentation. The whole plot consisted of 20%, 50% and 80% PP silage (dry matter (DM) basis), with PP silage replacing formula feed. The subplot included untreated or 0.5% (on an as‐fed basis) urea‐treated PP. The treatment of PP with urea showed no effect on DM intake and digestibility. The percentage of the rapidly degradable DM fraction of the urea‐treated PP silage was higher (P < 0.01) and the percentage of its slowly degradable DM fraction was lower (P < 0.01) than for the untreated PP silage. Ruminal ammonia concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed urea‐treated PP silage than that for steers fed the untreated PP silage. The treatment of PP with urea caused a decrease in the molar proportion of acetate and an increase in the proportion of propionate in ruminal fluid after feeding. The rate of DM degradations in hay (linear, P < 0.01) and in PP silage decreased (linear, P < 0.01) as the inclusion level of PP silage increased. Increasing the inclusion level of PP silage in supplement decreased the effective degradability of DM in hay (linear, P < 0.05) and in PP silage (linear, P < 0.05). An increase in the amount of PP silage increased the molar proportion of acetate (linear, P < 0.01) and decreased the butyrate proportion (linear, P < 0.05) in ruminal fluid. The results suggest that urea treatment of PP facilitates microbial access to starch of PP silage in the rumen and that surplus level of PP silage in supplement have adverse effect on ruminal digestion.
Comparison of carcass and meat characteristics of Brahman grade cattle (Bos indicus) and crossbred water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: LAPITAN Rosalina M. , DEL BARRIO Arnel N. , KATSUBE Osamu , BAN‐TOKUDA Tomomi , ORDEN Edgar A. , ROBLES Alberto Y. , FUJIHARA Tsutomu , CRUZ Libertado C. , HOMMA Hideya , KANAI Yukio 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to determine and compare the live traits, carcass yield and the physical, chemical, processing and sensory properties of meat from 20 Brahman grade cattle (crossbred cattle) and crossbred water buffalo (Philippine carabao × Murrah, Bulgarian or Indian) with an average age and weight of 29 months and 434 kg, respectively. The animals were fed a similar diet for 180 days before slaughter. A survey was performed to establish consumer meat preference between the two species. Live weights before slaughter of the two species were found to be different (P < 0.05) with the crossbred water buffalo showing higher bodyweight. However, the crossbred water buffalo had a lower (P < 0.05) dressing yield based on hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight. The lower dressing yield of crossbred water buffalo can be attributed to its higher (P < 0.05) weights of edible and non‐edible slaughter by‐products. The chilled carcass yield of the forequarters and hindquarters from crossbred cattle and crossbred water buffalo were comparable when expressed as percent of live weight and chilled carcass weight. The estimated lean yield was higher in crossbred cattle than crossbred water buffalo. Crude protein, ash, fat, cholesterol, myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic and insoluble protein contents of the beef and carabao meat were all similar. Water holding capacity, pH, muscle fiber diameter, tenderness, firmness and marbling score in carabeef were all comparable to the beef. Redness was found to be higher (P < 0.05) in carabeef than the beef as measured with a color meter. The consumer meat preference survey showed that 55.9% selected the beef while 44.1% preferred carabeef. The color and amount of fat on the outside of the beef sample were primary in buyer selection.