bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Label performance and the willingness to pay for Fair Trade coffee: a cross‐national perspective
Authors: Basu Arnab K. , Hicks Robert L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate how label information detailing the performance of the Fair Trade labelling programme with respect to coffee affect consumers' willingness to pay in the US and in Germany. We provide respondents (university students in the US and Germany) information regarding the hypothetical benefits of the Fair Trade coffee programme on its intended beneficiaries on the production side [the revenue gains to participating marginal farmers (scope of the programme)] and, using stated preference conjoint methods, test how this performance criterion relates to the willingness to pay for Fair Trade coffee. Our empirical results identify a ‘threshold’ property of performance‐based labels. In effect, the willingness‐to‐pay for performance‐based Fair Trade labelled coffee exhibits an inverted U shape in the sense that the willingness to pay is positively related to the scope of the programme, but only up to a critical level. Thereafter, the willingness to pay declines as the income gains to participating growers increase further. Interestingly, this inverted U property is exhibited by both the US and German respondents with different critical thresholds.
Is the urban Indian consumer ready for clothing with eco‐labels?
Authors: Goswami Paromita 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIndia has witnessed rapid strides of development at sustained growth rates of more than 8% and has seen a huge spurt in consumption. Consequently, it has been estimated that the increased consumption may result in the country becoming one of the leading offenders relating to environmental pollution. The textiles industry in India is traditionally one of the worst offenders of pollution, with its small units following outdated technology processes. One opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of clothing industry in India is to concentrate textile production within environmentally certified or eco‐labelled clothing. In the absence of existing research, this study investigates whether the urban Indian population would be interested in clothing with eco‐labels. The results suggest the existence of a segment of consumers who are positively motivated towards eco‐labelled garments. This segment profile is described in terms of demographic and psychographic variables. Managerial implications and future directions are suggested.
A computer literacy skills profile of pharmacists residing in two counties of England
Authors: Thomas Peter , Rutter Paul M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  Pharmacy is an information intensive profession and a pharmacist has to be proficient in health care information management. The advance in information technology and the use of computers to access, retrieve and analyse this information is increasingly important. Yet little is known about pharmacists’ computer literacy or information technology skills.Objectives:  To gain a better understanding of pharmacists’ basic computer skills and their ability to use standard software.Methods:  Self‐administered postal survey to 747 registered pharmacists residing in two counties of England.Results:  A total of 386 (52%) pharmacists responded after two mailings. Most responding pharmacists used computers at work and at home. They believed their basic computing skills to be high, although acknowledged that they were skill deficient in using certain software packages. Internet use at work was low (43%) as too was awareness and use of online medical databases; this was reflected in online medical database training being identified as of greatest need.Conclusions:  Pharmacists were confident in operating computer systems but identified a training need for particular software applications. Of concern is the limited knowledge they possessed and access they had on medical databases.
The value and impact of information provided through library services for patient care: developing guidance for best practice
Authors: Weightman Alison , Urquhart Christine , Spink Siân , Thomas Rhian ,   on behalf of the National Library for Health Library Services Development Group
Published: August 2008

AbstractIntroduction:  Previous impact tool‐kits for UK health libraries required updating to reflect recent evidence and changes in library services. The National Knowledge Service funded development of updated guidance.Methods:  Survey tools were developed based on previous impact studies and a systematic review. The resulting draft questionnaire survey was tested at four sites, and the interview schedule was investigated in a fifth area. A literature search in assia, Google Scholar, intute, lisa, lista, scirus, Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Knowledge), and the major UK University and National Libraries Catalogue (copac), identified ways to improve response rates. Other expert advice contributed to the guidance.Results:  The resulting guidance contains evidence‐based advice and a planning pathway for conducting an impact survey as a service audit. The survey tools (critical incident questionnaire and interview schedule) are available online. The evidence‐based advice recommends personalizing the request, assuring confidentiality, and using follow‐up reminders. Questionnaires should be brief, and small incentives, such as a lottery draw should be considered. Bias is minimized if the survey is conducted and analysed by independent researchers.Conclusion:  The guidance is a starting point for a pragmatic survey to assess the impact of health library services.
Improving health communication Supporting the practice of health communication
Authors: Miranda Giovanna F. , Vercellesi Luisa , Pozzi Edoardo , Bruno Flavia 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  Health authorities, hospitals, commercial enterprises, and mass media all deliver health and medical communication in different forms. With such a vast amount of biomedical and clinical information available, any action to ensure the spread of clinically relevant news items is welcome.Objectives:  This paper tries to define a new role for health science librarians in improving medical communication and reporting.Methods:  Literature relating to the health and medical reporting is analysed to identify major difficulties encountered by health communicators.Results:  There are two areas where health science librarians can develop new roles in health communication: (i) supporting journalists and health communicators in selecting sources and understanding scientific papers, and (ii) directly translating scientific information into news items, supplying a list of products in this direction (i.e. targeted newsletters, media releases, news items). New skills and competencies needed to cope with the new roles are described in detail in a suggested academic curriculum for health communicators.Conclusions:  A better understanding of the mass media's needs can provide much needed support in the field of health communication.
A novel approach to enhancing cellular glutathione levels
Authors: Maher Pamela , Lewerenz Jan , Lozano Carles , Torres Josep Lluís 
Published: August 2008

AbstractGSH and GSH‐associated metabolism provide the major line of defense for the protection of cells from oxidative and other forms of toxic stress. Of the three amino acids that comprise GSH, cysteine is limiting for GSH synthesis. As extracellularly cysteine is readily oxidized to form cystine, cystine transport mechanisms are essential to provide cells with cysteine. Cystine uptake is mediated by system xc−, a Na+‐independent cystine/glutamate antiporter. Inhibition of system xc− by millimolar concentrations of glutamate, a pathway termed oxidative glutamate toxicity, results in GSH depletion and nerve cell death. Recently, we described a series of compounds derived from the conjugation of epicatechin (EC) with cysteine and cysteine derivatives that protected nerve cells in culture from oxidative glutamate toxicity by maintaining GSH levels. In this study, we characterize an additional EC conjugate, cysteamine‐EC, that is 5‐ to 10‐fold more potent than the earlier conjugates. In addition, we show that these EC conjugates maintain GSH levels by enhancing the uptake of cystine into cells through induction of a disulfide exchange reaction, thereby uncoupling the uptake from system xc−. Thus, these novel EC conjugates have the potential to enhance GSH synthesis under a wide variety of forms of toxic stress.
Functional Role of Metaplastic Paneth Cell Defensins in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Stomach
Authors: Tanabe Hiroki , Sato Tomonobu , Watari Jiro , Maemoto Atsuo , Fijiya Mikihiko , Kono Toru , Ashida Toshifumi , Ayabe Tokiyoshi , Kohgo Yutaka 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Chronic gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, and gastritis is classified as inflammation, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia. Detailed pathologic studies have shown that H. pylori settles on the surface of gastric mucosa, and that it is eliminated from metaplastic mucosa. However, its mechanism of natural protection is not well known.Methods:  Antimicrobial human enteric defensin expression was determined in the RNA and protein levels. Recombinant enteric defensins were produced with a bacterial expression system and their anti‐H. pylori activities were assessed by bactericidal assay.Results:  Human enteric defensin (HD)‐5 and HD‐6 were detected in Paneth cells, which are observed in the gastric metaplastic mucosa as well as small intestinal epithelia. HD‐5 protein was coexpressed with trypsin, which is considered to be an activating enzyme of HD‐5. Less H. pylori was observed in the intestinal metaplasia with HD‐5 expressing Paneth cells. The recombinant defensins showed killing activity against H. pylori at a low concentration in vitro.Conclusions:  The human defensins that are expressed in the metaplastic Paneth cells eliminate H. pylori. Metaplastic change may be a purposive development of the human stomach.
Role ofMDR1gene polymorphisms in gingival overgrowth induced by cyclosporine in transplant patients
Authors: De Iudicibus S. , Castronovo G. , Gigante A. , Stocco G. , Decorti G. , Di Lenarda R. , Bartoli F. 
Published: August 2008

Background and Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the association between genotypes of theMDR1gene, encoding P‐glycoprotein, and gingival overgrowth in transplant patients treated with cyclosporine, and to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment in these patients.Material and Methods: Fifty transplant patients receiving therapy with cyclosporine and suffering from gingival overgrowth were subjected to nonsurgical periodontal treatment and received oral hygiene instructions. Hyperplastic index, periodontal probing depths, bleeding and plaque scores were recorded at baseline and after 3 and 6 mo. Patients were dichotomized into two groups: those with a hyperplastic index of < 30% (minimal gingival overgrowth) and those with a hyperplastic index of ≥ 30% (clinically significant gingival overgrowth).MDR1C3435T and G2677T polymorphisms were evaluated in all patients and in 100 controls.Results: At baseline, 32 patients (64%) had minimal gingival overgrowth and 18 patients (36%) had clinically significant gingival overgrowth. The mutated C3435T genotype was significantly more frequent in the second group (p < 0.019). The significant association between gingival overgrowth and the 3435TT genotype was confirmed by logistic regression analysis (p < 0.031). The differences in hyperplastic index, observed at baseline between patients with the TT genotype and those with the CC/CT genotype disappeared in the second and third evaluation. The mean monthly change of the square root of the gingival overgrowth scores for all patients, assessed using linear models, was significantly different from baseline (−0.17 points per month,p < 0.00001); and this was particularly evident in subjects with renal transplant (−1.62,p < 0.01).Conclusion: Aetiological periodontal and self‐performed maintenance therapy is effective in reducing gingival overgrowth, particularly in subjects with the 3435TT genotype and in patients with renal transplant.
Improved barrier function observed in cultured skin substitutes developed under anchored conditions
Authors: Barai Namrata D. , Boyce Steven T. , Hoath Steven B. , Visscher Marty O. , Kasting Gerald B. 
Published: August 2008

Background/purpose: The current method of producing cultured skin substitutes (CSS) is focused on providing treatments for severe skin wounds/burns. We have developed a modified growth method to make them more suitable for in vitro product‐testing/toxicity‐testing purposes.Method: CSS grown in Petri dishes were either transferred to Franz diffusion cells on day 5 (modified method) or left in the Petri dish (standard method) and maintained in these environments for the remainder of the growth phase. Mitochondrial metabolism (MTT assay) was measured on days 5, 10 and 14 and histology was studied on days 5, 10 and 14. Barrier function for all tissues was evaluated by transferring them to Franz cells (standard method) and measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), 3H2O penetration and 14C‐niacinamide permeability on days 7, 14 and 21.Results: CSS grown by the standard and modified methods showed comparable cell viability and tissue morphology. Barrier function, however, was markedly improved in CSS grown by the modified method. The average improvement at days 7 and 14 was 1.3‐fold for TEWL, 2.1‐fold for 3H2O penetration and 6.4‐fold for 14C‐niacinamide permeability. The barrier function of CSS grown by the modified method was still significantly lower than that of human cadaver skin tested by the same methods.Conclusions: CSS developed using the anchored multi‐cell system showed similar cell viability and morphology and improved barrier function compared with CSS produced by the standard Petri dish method, thereby improving its potential as an in vitro skin permeability and toxicity model.
Use of digital photography and image analysis techniques to quantify erythema in health care workers
Authors: Canning Jennifer , Barford Brian , Sullivan David , Wickett Randy , Visscher Marty 
Published: August 2008

Background/aims: Nosocomial infections affect up to 26% of ICU patients. Compliance with the required hand hygiene procedures remains low, rarely exceeding 50%, with skin irritation as one of the main reasons for lack of conformity. The aim was to quantify the epidermal barrier effects, particularly erythema, from repetitive exposure to hand hygiene procedures among health care workers (HCWs) using an objective, reliable clinical method that could evaluate the entire hand surface.Methods: The hand skin of HCWs was evaluated before the initial scrub and at the end of multiple 2–3 days work cycles during spring (n=54) and winter (n=60) trials. The skin condition was measured with live visual skin evaluation (LSG), digital image analysis (DIA) of high‐resolution digital images, and visual perception evaluation (VPS) of image pairs.Results: The HCWs had significantly higher values of erythema than the non‐HCW control group with all methods. Knuckle erythema increased over the cycle in both seasons. It decreased during recovery in spring and continued to increase during recovery in winter. For the DIA area of excess redness, the quantitative measure of erythema, the decrease over the cycle in spring was significantly different than the increase over the cycle in winter. Minimal changes in area of excess redness occurred during recovery in both seasons. With the VPS, both judges found a decrease in erythema during recovery in spring and an increase during recovery in winter, indicating significant differences for spring vs. winter (P<0.05). No differences in VPS erythema were seen for either product set over the work cycle during spring. Correlations were observed for (1) results for the VPS vs. the LSG method and (2) between excess erythema (μ+σ) from DIA and the VPS erythema scores. Relatively low correlations were found between the DIA and VPS methods, i.e., knuckle μ+σ and VPS erythema.Conclusions: Significant work cycle effects for spring vs. winter were observed with DIA, while significant effects were found during the recovery period with VPS. DIA produced an objective quantitative measure of erythema that was not limited or influenced by other aspects of skin irritation (e.g., dryness, scaling) or texture encountered in the visual methods of LSG and VPS. The DIA method minimizes the difficulty in differentiating erythema severity. Standardization of image capture and processing allows assessment of skin condition across clinical locations. The VPS is a more reliable way to compare skin condition at different times, i.e. beginning vs. the end of a treatment cycle, because images are viewed simultaneously and can be carefully examined for differences.
Acute salivary gland hypofunction in the duct ligation model in the absence of inflammation
Authors: Correia PN , Carpenter GH , Osailan SM , Paterson KL , Proctor GB 
Published: August 2008

Objective:  The commonly associated aetiology of salivary gland inflammation and salivary hypofunction has led to the widely held belief that inflammation causes salivary gland hypofunction. Indeed, our own recent study seemed to support this contention. Here, we tested the hypothesis that, in an acute duct ligation model, eliminating inflammation the submandibular gland would recover normal function.Materials and methods:  Ligation of the rat submandibular gland excretory duct for 24 h was used to induce inflammation and salivary gland hypofunction. A group of duct ligated rats was compared with a second group given dexamethasone, on the day of duct ligation. Twenty‐four hours later salivary gland function was assessed and salivary glands were collected.Results:  Histology and myeloperoxidase activity assay revealed a profound decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration of ligated glands from rats given dexamethasone, compared with ligated glands in the absence of dexamethasone. Salivary flow rate evoked by methacholine was decreased (P < 0.01) by approximately 56% (ligated vs control, 79 ± 9 μl min−1 g−1vs 177 ± 11 μl min−1 g−1) and salivary flow from ligated dexamethasone‐treated and ligated glands was similar.Conclusion:  Despite eliminating the inflammatory reaction in the ligated gland, salivary hypofunction was not reversed, suggesting that other mechanisms must be at work in the ligation‐induced salivary hypofunction.
Microflora in oral ecosystems in subjects with radiation‐induced hyposalivation
Authors: Almståhl A , Wikström M , Fagerberg‐Mohlin B 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To analyse the microbial flora in specific oral sites in 13 dentate subjects, 6–8 months after completed radiation therapy (RT group) and in 13 matched controls.Material and methods:  The microflora on the tongue, buccal mucosa, vestibulum, supragingival plaque and subgingival region was analysed using duplicate sampling and cultivation technique. A clinical examination was also performed.Results:  Candida albicans was found in one or more sites in 54% of the RT subjects and in 15% of the controls. In three RT subjects, C. albicans was found at all four sites analysed. An unexpected finding was that enterococci were found in all RT subjects and in high number in 38%. None of the controls harboured enterococci. In supragingival plaque, Lactobacillus spp. were detected in 92% of the RT subjects and the number and proportion of Lactobacillus spp. were extremely high compared with the controls. Mutans streptococci were detected in high numbers in 31% of the RT subjects, while they were not detected in 23%.Conclusion:  The microbial results explain why some RT subjects have an increased susceptibility to oral diseases and stress that site‐specific microbial analysis is an important diagnostic tool when planning oral health preventive care for RT subjects.
Expression and alterations of the PTEN / AKT / mTOR pathway in ameloblastomas
Authors: Scheper MA , Chaisuparat R , Nikitakis NG , Sauk JJ 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  Recently, an allelic loss of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) was shown to occur in ameloblastomas. In carcinogenesis, loss of PTEN allows for overactivity of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K / AKT) pathway inducing an upregulation of mammalian‐target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream effector ribosomal‐subunit‐6 kinase (S6K); allowing for uncontrolled cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition and cell cycle deregulation.Methods:  Thirty ameloblastomas and five dental follicles were studied, looking at the immunohistochemical expression of total PTEN and AKT, as well as their phosphorylated (p) active forms, and the downstream effector and indicator of mTOR activity p70 ribosomal‐subunit‐6 kinase (pS6K). Also assessed was the expression of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), which cross talks with AKT.Results:  Total PTEN was absent in 33.3% of ameloblastomas, while its stabilized, phosphorylatedser380 / thr382 / thr383 form was absent in 83.3% of tumors. In contrast, AKT was expressed in 83.3% of ameloblastomas, showing high expression of the p‐thr308AKT and p‐ser473 AKT forms in 93.3% and 56.6% of cases, respectively. Further, the mTOR activated pS6Kser240 / 244 was detected in 86.7% of ameloblastomas, while ERK was overexpressed in 70.0% of the cases.Conclusion:  Immunohistochemical analysis of aberrant signaling in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in ameloblastomas may represent a valuable tool for elucidating pathogenesis, aggressiveness and selecting optimal therapeutics.
Oral manifestations of eating disorders: a critical review
Authors: Lo Russo L , Campisi G , Di Fede O , Di Liberto C , Panzarella V , Lo Muzio L 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Eating disorders (ED) are a group of psychopathological disorders affecting patient relationship with food and her/his own body, which manifests through distorted or chaotic eating behavior; they include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and ED not otherwise specified and may be burdened with life‐threatening complications.As oral manifestations of ED can occur in many phases of disease progression, they play a significant role in assessment, characterization and prognosis of ED.Methods:  Mucosal, dental, and salivary abnormalities associated with ED have been reviewed. Relations between oral menifestations and pathogenesis, management and prognosis of ED have been critically analysed.Results:  Oral manifestations of ED include a number of signs and symptoms involving oral mucosa, teeth, periodontium, salivary glands and perioral tissues; differences exist between patients with anorexia and bulimia. Oral manifestations of ED are caused by a number of factors including nutritional deficiencies and consequent metabolic impairment, poor personal hygiene, drugs, modified nutritional habits and underlying psychological disturbances.Conclusion:  Oral manifestations of ED can cause impairment of oral function, oral discomfort and pain, and an overall deterioration of aesthetics and quality of life. Their treatment can contribute to overall patient management and prognosis.