bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionalized magnetonanoparticles for MRI diagnosis and localization in epilepsy
Authors: Akhtari Massoud , Bragin Anatol , Cohen Mark , Moats Rex , Brenker Frank , Lynch Mattew D. , Vinters Harry V. , Engel Jr Jerome 
Published: May 2008

Summary
Purpose: The development of nonradioactive and targeted magnetonanoparticles (MNP) capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and of concentrating in the epileptogenic tissues of acute and chronic animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy to render these tissues visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods: Nonradioactive alpha methyl tryptophan (AMT) was covalently attached to MNP composed of iron oxide and dextran. A rodent model of temporal lobe epilepsy was prepared by injecting kainic acid into the right hippocampus. AMT‐MNP or plain MNP was injected in the tail‐vein of two animals during the acute stage 3 days after status epilepticus, and AMT‐MNP in five animals during the chronic stage. MRIs were obtained before and after particle injection in all animals. Intracranial EEGs were obtained in all chronic animals after completion of MRI studies.
Results: AMT‐MNP crossed the BBB and intraparenchymal uptake was visible on MRI. In the acute condition, AMT‐MNP appeared to localize to both hippocampi, whereas plain MNP only identified unilateral, presumably inflammatory, changes. In the chronic condition, AMT‐MNP uptake correlated with the occurrence of spontaneous seizures, and the location of uptake appeared to agree with bilateral or unilateral epileptogenicity confirmed by subsequent intracranial EEG.
Discussion: Nonradioactive AMT‐MNP can cross the BBB and may accurately localize epileptogenic cerebral regions. The MNP‐MRI approach is potentially applicable to the use of any bioactive molecules as ligands for imaging normal and abnormal localized cerebral functions, accurately, safely, and inexpensively.
Price determinants in top‐quality e‐auctioned specialty coffees
Authors: Donnet M. Laura , Weatherspoon Dave D. , Hoehn John P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe analyze the price determinants of specialty coffees traded at e‐auctions. We hypothesize that since specialty coffees are a highly differentiated product, prices will be determined by both sensory and reputation attributes. To test our hypotheses, we estimate a hedonic price function using data from Central and South American e‐auctions and calculate the implicit prices of sensory and reputation attributes. The results show that market clearing prices are a function of sensory characteristics and reputation variables including third‐party quality ranking, country of origin, coffee variety, and quantity. The additional attribute information disclosed at e‐auctions results in substantially higher prices relative to conventional commodity coffee market prices.
Dynamics of rice prices and agricultural wages in the Philippines
Authors: Lasco Christine D. , Myers Robert J. , Bernsten Richard H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRice trade liberalization in the Philippines should decrease domestic rice prices impacting both agricultural wages and the welfare of agricultural wage earners. This study examines the short‐run and long‐run relationship between rice prices and agricultural wages in the Philippines using a neoclassical wage determination model. Three empirical frameworks are used—a cointegration/error correction framework, which assumes nonstationary variables in long‐run equilibrium, a first difference model that assumes nonstationary variables but no long‐run equilibrium, and an OLS framework that assumes the model variables are stationary. Conclusions are reasonably robust across the three empirical frameworks with wages adjusting positively to rice price changes with a short‐run elasticity of 0.29 to 0.57, and a long‐run elasticity of 0.70 to 1.0 in preferred models. An analysis of welfare implications suggests that although households that are heavily reliant on agricultural wages for income will be adversely affected by rice price decreases, other households will benefit.
Introduction of Chlamydia trachomatis screening for young women in Germany
Authors: Mund Monika , Sander Gabriele , Potthoff Peter , Schicht Helga , Matthias Katja 
Published: May 2008

SummaryScreening for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections for young sexually active women was incorporated into routine medical care of German statutory health insured patients starting in January 2008.The primary goal of this new preventive measure is the reduction of severe sequelae for women such as tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancies. The course of the deliberations leading to the Federal Joint Committee's decision is summarized in this review.
The significance of itraconazole for treatment of fungal infections of skin, nails and mucous membranes
Authors: Korting Hans Christian , Schöllmann Claudia 
Published: May 2008

SummaryItraconazole is an antifungal drug from the triazole group with distinct in vitro activity against dermatophytes, yeasts and some molds. Itraconazole has a primarily fungistatic activity. Itraconazole accumulates in the stratum corneum and in nail material due to its high affinity to keratin, as well as in sebum and vaginal mucosa. Together with terbinafine and fluconazole, itraconazole belongs to the modern highly effective systemic antifungal drugs with a favorable risk‐benefit ratio and for this reason is a preferred therapy option for fungal infections of skin, nails and mucous membranes. Compared to terbinafine in the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungal infections, itraconazole offers the advantage of a broad antifungal spectrum and better effectiveness against onychomycosis caused by yeasts yet appears inferior with regard to the more common dermatophyte infections. Itraconazole constitutes an important therapy option, along with fluconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole and griseofulvin, for the treatment of dermatophyte infections of glabrous skin (tinea pedis, tinea manuum, tinea corporis and tinea cruris) in adults following unsuccessful topical therapy. In the oral therapy of tinea capitis, itraconazole plays an especially important role, in particular for disease caused by Microsporum canis (for children, however, only off‐label use is feasible currently). In the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, candidiasis of the skin and vulvovaginal candidiasis, itraconazole and fluconazole are the preferred treatment options in cases in which topical therapy has proven unsuccessful.
Vitiligo and melanoma‐associated hypopigmentation (MAH):shared and discriminative features
Authors: Hartmann Anke , Bedenk Christina , Keikavoussi Petra , Becker Jürgen C. , Hamm Henning , Bröcker Eva‐Bettina 
Published: May 2008

Summary Background: It is unclear if differences between melanoma‐associated hypopigmentation (MAH) and classical vitiligo exist. Patients and Methods: Hypopigmented areas and associated lesions (halo nevi, hypopigmented scars) in 15 melanoma patients and 31 patients with classical vitiligo were analyzed by digital photography. The activity of the respective lesions was assessed by the vitiligo disease activity (VIDA) score.Associated diseases were recorded by history and serological tests;genotyping of HLA class I antigens as well as histology/immunohistology were performed. Results: MAH were diagnosed in 12 of 15 melanoma patients;mean onset was 4.8 years after the primary diagnosis of the melanoma. Three melanoma patients reported hypopigmentation more than 15 years before diagnosis of melanoma. In the history and family history of vitiligo patients, autoimmune diseases were much more frequent and haplotype HLA‐A2 was twice as common compared to MAH patients.MAH lesions were most often distributed in a bilateral symmetrical pattern,corresponding to vitiligo.MAH was less progressive compared to classical vitiligo;however,it was more often associated with other acquired leukodermas. In both groups hypopigmentation spread centripetally to the trunk. Histological and immunohistological differences were not found. Conclusions: Whereas differences exist concerning associated autoimmune dis‐eases,MAH and vitiligo shared many common clinical and histological features. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical relevance of vitiligo‐like alterations in melanoma patients.
Children with chronic organ failure possibly ending in organ transplantation: a survey in an Italian region of 5 000 000 inhabitants
Authors: Camilla R , Magnetti F , Barbera C , Bignamini E , Riggi C , Coppo R ,   On behalf of the core group of the Children with Chronic Organ disease Network
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: The Italian Piedmont region sponsored in 2005 a population‐based registry to assess the epidemiology of childhood chronic organ failure involving kidneys, liver, heart or lungs.Methods: Patients in chronic organ failure who were younger than 18 years were selected, and entered the registry when accomplishing the standard failure criteria for each organ. The cases were reported by the general paediatricians of the region and integrated with the data gathered by the Children University Hospital, a tertiary care centre.Results: In Piedmont (647 727 inhabitants < 18 years), a total of 146 children (217 cases per million of paediatric population) were found to be affected by chronic organ failure (mean age 10 years; range 0–17). The organ failure involved kidneys in 68 subjects (48%), liver in 24 (17%), heart in 21 (15%) and lungs in 28 (20%), and was severe in 32 subjects (6 on transplantation waiting list). The most represented disease leading to chronic renal failure was renal hypodysplasia (79%). Chronic liver failure was mostly caused by biliary atresia (30%), autoimmune hepatitis (25%) and Wilson's disease (21%). Dilated cardiomyopathy (62%) and surgically treated congenital cardiopathy were the two leading causes of chronic heart failure. The most represented disease leading to chronic lung failure was cystic fibrosis (89%).Conclusion: This is the first report of the literature focusing on the epidemiology of chronic organ failure in children encompassing a region of 4 000 000 inhabitants. This clinical condition is rare, but medically and socially very demanding not only in childhood but the life along, as most of these patients will need solid organ transplantation decades later.
Greek young men grow taller
Authors: Papadimitriou Anastasios , Fytanidis Grigorios , Douros Konstandinos , Papadimitriou Dimitrios T , Nicolaidou Polyxeni , Fretzayas Andreas 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To examine whether a secular trend for greater height is still observed in young Greek men.Method: Height and weight of 3982 Greek conscripts, aged 18–26 years, were measured and correlated with the level of education and place of residence. Our data were collected from May 2006 to May 2007 from pre‐selected army camps all over Greece. The data were compared with those of a similar study performed in 1990.Results: Mean height (±SD) of the conscripts was 178.06 (±7.05) cm. From 1990 until 2006, mean height increased from 175.7 cm to 178.06 cm (p < 0.001), corresponding to 1.47 cm/decade. Height was positively correlated with the place of residence (p = 0.007) and the level of education (p < 0.001) of the conscripts.Conclusions: Our data show a further increase in the stature of young Greek men in the last 16 years. It appears that the male Greek population has still not exhausted its growth potential.
Evaluation of IL10, IL19 and IL20 gene polymorphisms and chronic hepatitis B infection outcome
Authors: Truelove Ann L. , Oleksyk Taras K. , Shrestha Sadeep , Thio Chloe L. , Goedert James J. , Donfield Sharyne M. , Kirk Gregory D. , Thomas David L. , O’Brien Stephen J. , Smith Michael W. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious global health problem despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine. Approximately 5% of HBV‐infected adults develop chronic hepatitis B, which may result in liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Variants of interleukin‐10 (IL10) have been previously associated with chronic hepatitis B infection and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; n = 42) from the IL10, IL19 and IL20 gene regions were examined for an association with HBV infection outcome, either chronic or recovered, in a nested case–control study of African Americans and European Americans. Among African Americans, three nominally statistically significant SNP associations in IL10, two in IL20, and one haplotype association were observed with different HBV infection outcomes (P = 0.005–0.04). A SNP (rs1518108) in IL20 deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in African Americans, with a large excess of heterozygotes in chronic HBV‐infected cases (P = 0.0006), which suggests a strong genetic effect. Among European Americans, a nominally statistically significant SNP association in IL20 and an IL20 haplotype were associated with HBV recovery (P = 0.01–0.04). These results suggest that IL10 and IL20 gene variants influence HBV infection outcome and encourage the pursuit of further studies of these cytokines in HBV pathogenesis.
Declining Youth In‐migration in Rural Western Australia: the Role of Perceptions of Rural Employment and Lifestyle Opportunities
Authors: DAVIES AMANDA 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOver the last two decades there has been a steady decline in youth migration to Australian rural communities. Generally, inland agricultural communities are the most seriously impacted by this trend. Coupled with high rates of youth out‐migration, many rural communities face difficulties in attracting young people to fill skilled job vacancies and apprentice positions. Declining youth in‐migration also has social consequences, effectively reducing the capacity of rural communities to replenish their skill base and social networks. This research identifies how urban‐based youth perceive rural lifestyles and employment opportunities and how this is linked to their willingness to move to rural areas. The study reveals that young people attach undesirable aesthetic values to the physical environment of inland rural communities and perceive them as socially isolating and as having minimal opportunities for career advancement. However, the perceptions of those who live, or had lived, in rural areas are far more positive than those who have had little experience in rural communities. Accordingly, those who had previously lived in inland regions were far more likely to move to rural areas than those who had limited lived experience of rural communities. Overall, the research found that perceptions of lifestyle and employment opportunities were important influences on young people's willingness to move to rural communities.
Youthful Creativity in Regional Australia: Panacea for Unemployment and Out‐Migration?
Authors: GIBSON CHRIS 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper addresses the theme of youth out‐migration from rural Australia, in the context of recent policy discussions about creativity and its role in regional development. Ethnographic fieldwork in one rural location – the New South Wales Far North Coast – is drawn upon to highlight how creative industries are being cast as a potential way of promoting cultural activities and jobs for young people, and in turn, how they might be imagined as a means to mitigate youth out‐migration. Yet, creative industries have contradictory employment and social outcomes. Creative industries are likely to generate higher rates of youth participation in economic activities than public data reveal. However, strategies for future job growth should also consider the limitations and instabilities of creative industry employment. Second, and more broadly, the paper discusses those socio‐cultural dimensions of nascent creative industries that may have a more substantial impact when conceived as part of strategies to stem youth exodus from rural areas. Creative activities may contribute to rural development in indirect ways, especially if linked to policy goals of increased tolerance of youth activities, better provision of cultural services, and improved well‐being for young people. While formal job‐creation may be limited, creative industries could mitigate some of the impacts of youth migration to cities by enriching regional social life and mediating perceptions of the advantages and drawbacks of rural versus urban life. This kind of policy imagination requires a shift in attitudes towards young people and a more genuine commitment to encourage young people to feel that they belong in non‐metropolitan areas.
Role of Infragravity Energy in Bar Formation in a Strong‐Wind Bay: Observations from Seaford Beach, Port Phillip Bay, Australia
Authors: GOODFELLOW B.W. , STEPHENSON W.J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMeasurements of the surf zone wave field and morphology were obtained from a multi‐barred beach in a fetch‐limited, strong‐wind bay (Seaford, southeastern Australia) during both low‐ and high‐energy conditions. Analysis of the infragravity energy present during high‐energy events (onshore winds >7 ms−1) revealed that it was broad‐banded, consisting of a mixture of standing and progressive motions and displaying daily variations in standing wave length scales. Infragravity standing waves were therefore not considered significant to the formation and migration of bars at Seaford during this study, with bar behaviour during high energy events potentially attributable to either breaking wave‐bed return flow and/or self‐organisational mechanisms.
The Accident Case—V. The Diagnosis of Thoracic Injuries
Authors: Hall L. W. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract— Diagnosis of thoracic injuries must be prompt and be made without unduly disturbing the animal. The clinical signs are detected by inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation of the thorax.Radiographic examination is complementary to the physical examination. The severity and extent of trauma to the thorax may sometimes only be assessed by the response to treatment.Résumé— Le diagnostic des traumatismes thoraciques doit être établi rapidement et sans trop agiter l'animal. Les signes cliniques sont mis en valeur par inspection, palpation, percussion et auscultation du thorax.L'examen radiographique complète l'examen clinique. La gravité et l'importance du traumatisme thoracique ne peuvent parfois être évaluées que par l'épreuve thérapeutique.Zusanrmenfassung—Die Diagnosis von thorakalen Verletzungen muss sofort gestellt werden, wobei das Tier nicht mehr als unbedingt nötig gestört werden darf. Die klinischen. Anzeichen können durch Untersuchen, Befühlen, Beklopfen und Abhorchen des Brustkorbes festgestellt werden.Zusätzjich zu der körperlichen Untersuchung kann auch eine röntgenologische Untersuchung ausgeführt werden. Die Schwere und das Ausmass der thorakalen Verletzung kann manchmal nur nach der Art, wie die Behandlung angschlägt, beurteilt werden.
The Sterilization of Surgical Materials*
Authors: Vaughan L. C. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract— The advantages and disadvantages of various methods of sterilization of surgical materials are reviewed. The methods discussed are boiling, hot air, steam under pressure, chemicals and gamma rays.Résumé— Les avantages et désavantages des differentes méthodes der stvrilisation du matériel chirurgical sont passés en revue. Les méthodes discutées sont l'ébullition, I'air chaud, la vapeur sous pression, les produits chimiques et les rayons gamma.Zusammenfassung— Es wird ein Überblick über die Vor‐ und Nachteile der verschiedenen Methoden zur Sterilisierung aller in der Chirurgie verwendeten Gegenstände gegeben. Folgende Methoden werden besprochen: Kochen, die Verwendung von Heissluft, von unter Druck stehendem Dampf, von aktischen Strahlen und Gammastrahlen.
Intrapulmonary Anaesthesia with Pentobarbitone Sodium in Cats
Authors: Strande Anders 
Published: May 2008

Abstract— Intrapulmonary anaesthesia with pentobarbitone sodium was carried out on a total of sixty cats. The injection was performed in the 8th and 9th intercostal space over the middle of the diaphragmatic lobe. In most cases both lungs were used with an intervening period. A total of ninety‐five injections were given. The drug was given in doses varying from 30–45 mg/kg body weight. The cats were destroyed from 10 to 180 days after the injection. The changes in the lung were investigated. They were significant and long lasting. Many cats died in connection with the injections, indicating that the method is too dangerous to be recommended in practice.Resume— Det er foretatt en intrapulmonal anestesi med pentobarbitone sodium på ialt 60 katter. Injeksjonen er foretatt i 8. og 9. intercostalrom midt over diafragmalappen. En har for det meste brukt begge lunger med et tidsintervall. Ialt er det foretatt 95. injeksjoner. Midlet er gitt i doser varierende fra 30–45 mg/kg legemsvekt. Kattene er avlivet fra 10 ti1 180 dager etter injeksjonen. En har undersøkt de forandringer som er oppstått i lungen. Disse forandringene var såpass store og langvarige og for mange katter døde i tilknytning ti1 injeksjonen slik at metoden er for risikalbel ti1 å bli anbefalt brukt i praksk.Résumé— L'anesthésie au pentothal par voie intrapulmonaire a été administrée à un groupe de soixante chats. L'injection a été pratiquée dans la 8ème ou 9ème espace intercostal au‐dessus du milieu du lobe diaphragmatique. Dans la plupart des cas l'injection a été pratiquée dans les deux poumons avec un intervalle entre les deux injections. Un total de quatre‐vingt‐quinze injections a été pratiqué. La dose pratiquée variait entre 30 et 45 mg par kilo. Les chats ont été sacrifiés 10 à 180 jours après l'injection. Les modifications pulmonaires ont été ttudiées. Ces modifications étaient appréciables et prolongées. De nombreux chats ant succombéà l'injection, ce qui indique que la méthode comporte trop de risques pour que l'on puisse la préconiser en pratique.Zusammenfassung— Es wurde bei insgesamt sechzig Katzen eine intrapulmonäre Anästhesie mit phenobarbitone sodium ausgeführt. Die Einspritzung erfolgte im 8. und 9. Interkostalraum, über der Mitte des Zwerchfellappens. In den meisten Fällen wurde erst der eine und nach einer gewissen Zeit auch der zweite Lungenflügel anasthesiert. Im Ganzen wurden fünfundneunzig Injektionen gegeben. Die Dosen des eingespritzten Medikamentes variierten von 30 bis zu 45 mg pro kg Körper‐gewicht. Die Katzen wurden innerhalb von 10 bis zu 180 Tagen nach der Injektion getötet. An‐schliessend wurden die Veränderungen in der Lunge untersucht, und es stellte sich heraus, dass diese bedeutend und von dauerhafter Natur waren. Viele Katzen starben anlässlich der Injektion, was darauf hinweist, dass diese Methode zu gefahrvoll ist, als dass sie der medizinischen Praxis empfohlen werden könnte.