bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repetitive and ritualistic behaviour in children with Prader–Willi syndrome and children with autism
Authors: Greaves N. , Prince E. , Evans D. W. , Charman T. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  Recent research has shown that the range of repetitive behaviour seen in individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) extends beyond food‐related behaviour.Methods  The presence and intensity of repetitive, rigid and routinized behaviour in children with PWS was compared with that seen in children with another neurodevelopmental condition in which repetitive behaviour is common: children with autism. Parents completed the Childhood Routines Inventory (CRI).Results  Contrary to our predictions, controlling for developmental level, children with PWS and children with autism showed similar levels of repetitive and ritualistic behaviour overall and on the two CRI factors measuring ‘just right’ and ‘repetitive’ behaviour. Indeed, the majority of the sample of parents of children with PWS endorsed most items on the CRI. However there was some specificity at the level of individual items with parents of children with PWS more frequently endorsing an item on ‘collecting and storing objects’ and parents of children with autism more frequently endorsing ‘lining up objects’, ‘has a strong preference for certain foods’ and ‘seems aware of detail at home’.Conclusions  These findings confirm the range of repetitive behaviours that form part of the behavioural phenotype of PWS, including insistence on sameness and ‘just right’ behaviours, and uncover a surprising overlap with those seen in children with autism. Clinical management for children with PWS should include advice and education regarding management of repetitive and rigid behaviour. Future research should investigate whether the repetitive behaviours that form part of the behavioural phenotype of both PWS and autism are associated with a common neuropsychological, neurotransmitter or genetic origin.
Parasite density and serum cytokine levels in Plasmodium vivax malaria in Turkey
Authors: YILDIZ ZEYREK F. , KURCER M. A. , ZEYREK D. , SIMSEK Z. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARY We aimed to investigate the relationship between quantitative Plasmodium vivax parasitaemia and serum cytokine levels in a highly endemic region of Turkey, where such a relation has not been investigated before. Active screening was done in a total of 1316 people residing in 33 villages of Sanliurfa province, Turkey. The study population consisted of 79 consecutive patients with P. vivax malaria, and a control group included 89 healthy subjects. Thick blood smears were examined for malaria parasite and parasite count. Serum samples were analysed for IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and IL‐12 by the ELISA method. Compared to controls, levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, i.e. IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐12, were significantly higher in patients with parasitaemia. There was a significant positive correlation between serum IL‐10 and IL‐12 levels and the parasite burden (r = 0·264, P = 0·024 and r = 0·264, P = 0·024, respectively). Serum IL‐8 levels showed a significant negative correlation with parasite burden (r =–0·356, P = 0·002). There was a positive correlation between IL‐8 levels and age, while the opposite was observed for IL‐12. High fever was correlated with IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels. Compared to controls, patients with a parasite count greater than 5000/µL had a significantly higher IL‐1β and IL‐10 levels (P < 0·05), while the difference was not significant for patients with a parasite count less than 1000/µL. Thus, we can conclude that pro‐inflammatory response against P. vivax gains more importance during periods of increased parasite burden.
IgE sensitization, respiratory allergy symptoms, and heritability independently increase the risk of otitis media with effusion
Authors: Chantzi F. M. , Kafetzis D. A. , Bairamis T. , Avramidou C. , Paleologou N. , Grimani I. , Apostolopoulos N. , Papadopoulos N. G. 
Published: January 2006

Background and aims:  Epidemiological evidence examining the role of atopy and/or allergy in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME) is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess any increased risk for OME attributable to allergy‐related factors, in a well‐characterized population using a case‐control design and multivariate analysis.Subjects and methods:  Eighty‐eight 1–7‐year‐old children with OME, diagnosed by clinical and tympanometric evaluation and 80 matched controls were enrolled. A standardized questionnaire was completed, in order to assess factors related to OME and allergy‐related symptoms and diagnoses using strict clinical definitions. Specific IgE was measured by skin‐prick tests and/or CAP‐FEIA.Results:  The patient and control groups were well matched. Factors conferring increased risk for OME in the univariate analysis included IgE sensitization, dyspnea, wheezing, asthma, paroxysmal sneezing, rhinitis, eczema, ‘any allergic disease,’ family history of otitis media, and family history of allergy. After multivariate analysis IgE sensitization, wheezing, nasal obstruction, family history of otitis, and child‐care attendance remained as independent risk factors for development of OME.Conclusion:  IgE sensitization and respiratory allergy symptoms are independent risk factors for the development of OME, suggesting that both immunological and mechanical pathways may contribute to the development of the disease. Otitis heritability provides additional risk, as well as frequent exposure to viral upper respiratory tract infections in children attending daycare. Treatment and/or prevention of OME using anti‐allergic medications should be further examined.
Acute allergic reactions in children with AEDS after prolonged cow's milk elimination diets
Authors: Flinterman A. E. , Knulst A. C. , Meijer Y. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. , Pasmans S. G. M. A. 
Published: January 2006

Background:  Food allergy is not always correctly diagnosed in children with atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) and treatment with an avoidance diet is not without danger.Methods:  After admission to our clinic, 11 children with a prolonged cow's milk (CM) elimination diet because of AEDS and sensitization underwent double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Retrospectively, the exposure to CM, sensitization and reactions to accidental ingestion were carefully documented. The DBPCFC was used to evaluate the childrens’ current status.Results:  Before the elimination period (median 2.3 years; started before the admission) all 11 children with AEDS were sensitized and had ingested CM (four bottle‐fed; seven breast‐fed without CM diet of the mother) without the development of acute reactions. The diagnosis of CM allergy was not confirmed by DBPCFC previously. After elimination the AEDS had not improved, but nevertheless the diet was continued. During the elimination period, eight of 11 children developed severe acute allergic reactions to CM after accidental ingestion. In evaluation, in our clinic all 11 children experienced acute allergic reactions to CM during DBPCFC.Conclusion:  There is a considerable chance of developing acute allergic reactions to CM after elimination in children with AEDS without previous problems after CM intake.
Fossil-calibrated molecular phylogenies reveal that leaf-mining moths radiated millions of years after their host plants
Authors: Lopez-vaamonde C. , Wikström N. , Labandeira C. , Godfray H. C. J. , Goodman S. J. , Cook J. M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCoevolution has been hypothesized as the main driving force for the remarkable diversity of insect–plant associations. Dating of insect and plant phylogenies allows us to test coevolutionary hypotheses and distinguish between the contemporaneous radiation of interacting lineages vs. insect ‘host tracking’ of previously diversified plants. Here, we used nuclear DNA to reconstruct a molecular phylogeny for 100 species of Phyllonorycter leaf-mining moths and 36 outgroup taxa. Ages for nodes in the moth phylogeny were estimated using a combination of a penalized likelihood method and a Bayesian approach, which takes into account phylogenetic uncertainty. To convert the relative ages of the moths into dates, we used an absolute calibration point from the fossil record. The age estimates of (a selection of) moth clades were then compared with fossil-based age estimates of their host plants. Our results show that the principal radiation of Phyllonorycter leaf-mining moths occurred well after the main radiation of their host plants and may represent the dominant associational mode in the fossil record.
What do we mean by sustainable rural health services? Implications for rural health research
Authors: Humphreys John S. , Wakerman John , Wells Robert 
Published: January 2006

Abstract The concept of health service sustainability, endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers as a key dimension of the National Performance Framework, is particularly important in rural and remote communities. To date, however, few Australian studies have demonstrated how the real drivers of sustainability inter‐relate or are translated into sustainable rural and remote health services. This article highlights the need for a systemic approach in which the integrated nature of sustainability components are recognised and evaluated in terms of access to rural and remote health services, quality of care and cost of provision.
Blockade of the receptor for advanced glycation end products attenuates acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Ekong Udeme , Zeng Shan , Dun Hao , Feirt Nikki , Guo Jiancheng , Ippagunta Nikalesh , Guarrera James V , Lu Yan , Weinberg Alan , Qu Wu , Ramasamy Ravichandran , Schmidt Ann Marie , Emond Jean C 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Severe injury to the liver, such as that induced by toxic doses of acetaminophen, triggers a cascade of events leading to hepatocyte death. It is hypothesized that activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) might contribute to acetaminophen‐induced liver toxicity by virtue of its ability to generate reactive oxygen species, at least in part via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, and thereby activate downstream signaling pathways leading to cellular injury.Methods:  A model was employed in which toxic doses of acetaminophen (1125 mg/kg) were administered to C57BL/6 mice. To block RAGE, mice received murine soluble (s) RAGE, the extracellular ligand binding domain of the receptor that acts as a decoy to interrupt ligand‐RAGE signaling.Results:  Animals treated with sRAGE displayed increased survival compared with vehicle treatment, and markedly decreased hepatic necrosis. Consistent with an important role for RAGE‐triggered oxidant stress in acetaminophen‐induced injury, a significant reduction of nitrotyrosine protein adducts was observed in hepatic tissue in sRAGE‐treated versus vehicle‐treated mice receiving acetaminophen, in parallel with significantly increased levels of glutathione. In addition, pro‐regenerative cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 were increased in sRAGE‐treated versus vehicle‐treated mice.Conclusion:  These findings implicate RAGE‐dependent mechanisms in acetaminophen‐induced liver damage and suggest that blockade of this pathway may impart beneficial effects in toxin‐induced liver injury.
Extrapolation of load histories and spectra
Authors: JOHANNESSON P. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTIn fatigue life assessments, both the material properties and the load characteristics are essential parameters. The life of a component can be experimentally found by performing fatigue tests. In order to get reliable predictions of the life in service, the tests should be performed using variable amplitude loadings that are representative for the service loads. This paper concentrates on the problem of extrapolating a measured load history to a longer time period, for example to a full design life. Using statistical extreme value theory, a new method for extrapolation in the time domain is presented. The extrapolated load spectrum, obtained from the extrapolated time signal, is compared to the result using a method for extrapolating the rainflow matrix.
Use of traditional healers and modern medicine in Ghana
Authors: Tabi M. M. , Powell M. , Hodnicki D. 
Published: January 2006

Purpose:  To gain understanding of the use of traditional and modern medicine among the people in Ghana, West Africa.Methods:  Data were collected from nine participants using a semi‐structured questionnaire developed by the researchers based on review of the literature.Findings:  Data analysis was performed manually using reduction methodology to develop broad themes. Findings indicated that choices in healthcare modalities by literate Ghanaians included either traditional or modern medicine, or blending of both. Strong influences on these choices were the level of education and related themes, influence of family and friends, and spiritual/religious beliefs.Implications:  Findings indicate that traditional and modern medicines will always be part of Ghanaian healthcare delivery and efforts should be made to integrate traditional practitioners into the national healthcare delivery system.
Critical thinking and learning styles of students in conventional and accelerated programmes
Authors: Suliman W. A. 
Published: January 2006

Aim and purpose:  To assess the difference between the predominant critical thinking disposition(s) and learning styles of nursing students in the conventional (Stream I) and the accelerated (Stream II) baccalaureate nursing education programmes. This study will be beneficial to students, faculty and institutions as it will help them to acquire better understanding of critical thinking potentials and learning styles of nurses, as well as the relationship between learning styles and critical thinking dispositions.Method:  This was a descriptive correlational study. The convenience sample consisted of 80 Stream I and 50 Stream II students. The following instruments were used for data collection: The Learning Styles Inventory of Kolb and the California Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory of Facione and Facione. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.Results:  Overall, Stream II students were significantly more critical thinkers (P = 0.000), inquisitive (P = 0.000) and self‐confident (P = 0.002). The predominant learning styles of Streams I and II were the diverger and the converger, respectively, with no difference except in relation to their learning abilities, namely, concrete experience (P = 0.017), in favour of Stream I. Further, the findings indicate a weak (range of r = 0.209–0.328) though significant (range of P = 0.017–0.000) correlation between learning abilities and various critical thinking dispositions.
More than terminology: using ICNP to enhance nursing's visibility in Italy
Authors: Sansoni J. , Giustini M. 
Published: January 2006

Background:  The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has elaborated an international terminology for nursing practice [International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP)] that can be useful to catalogue the problems of a nursing nature in diagnosis and also find a system for the classification of nursing activities. ICNP is also the reason why the Italian association Consociazione, representing Italian Nurses at ICN, through the School of Advanced Nursing of the University ‘La Sapienza’ of Rome, has set up a working group for the translation and experimentation of the ICNP version Beta 2.Content:  In this article the ICNP beta translation and validation into Italian is considered with some scenarios of how benefit could be derived by its utilization for nursing's visibility. The visibility of nursing care can be measured not only through patient outcomes but also by studying the existing data of patient care documentation. To have a common language and terminology in nursing is important for a universal understanding.Results:  Some philosophical reasoning on the genesis and development of ICNP is discussed along with arguments for and against nursing classification systems. Some findings on Italian experimentation for nursing documentation as well as economical analysis are reported along with a vision for future development and utilization.
Primary health care nursing staff in Crete: an emerging profile
Authors: Markaki A. , Antonakis N. , Philalithis A. , Lionis C. 
Published: January 2006

Background:  In 2001, the newly established Regional Health and Welfare System of Crete commissioned the first needs’ assessment study of nursing personnel employed in the public sector of primary health care (PHC).Aim:  To capture the profile and professional needs of nursing staff working in Health Centers throughout the island of Crete and explore variations in nursing practice by educational preparation.Methods:  A newly developed, psychometrically tested questionnaire, was administered to all nursing staff in 14 rural Health Centers.Findings:  Vacancy rates are high, indicating a serious staffing deficit. The type of degree earned (2‐year vs. 3 or 4‐year program) does not differentiate nursing practice, with only two exceptions (obtaining a patient's history and counselling patients). The majority of respondents assess their existing knowledge and skills as ‘adequate’ while indicating a strong desire for continuing education. Job satisfaction is high in terms of interactions with clients and community recognition, while it is rated ‘low’ in terms of daily interactions with colleagues and support from work environment.Conclusion:  Cretan nursing staff in PHC operate within a restricted and task‐orientated framework. Their educational preparation has little effect in practice role variations and professional needs. The Regional Health and Welfare System of Crete should address daily supervision and support issues, on‐the‐job training, continuing education needs, while taking immediate action to avoid potential turnover of existing staff and to aggressively recruit young, qualified nursing staff who will choose a career in PHC nursing.
Detecting Intraday Periodicities with Application to High Frequency Exchange Rates
Authors: Brooks Chris , Hinich Melvin J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryMany recent papers have documented periodicities in returns, return volatility, bid–ask spreads and trading volume, in both equity and foreign exchange markets. We propose and employ a new test for detecting subtle periodicities in time series data based on a signal coherence function. The technique is applied to a set of seven half-hourly exchange rate series. Overall, we find the signal coherence to be maximal at the 8-h and 12-h frequencies. Retaining only the most coherent frequencies for each series, we implement a trading rule that is based on these observed periodicities. Our results demonstrate in all cases except one that, in gross terms, the rules can generate returns that are considerably greater than those of a buy-and-hold strategy, although they cannot retain their profitability net of transactions costs. We conjecture that this methodology could constitute an important tool for financial market researchers which will enable them to detect, quantify and rank the various periodic components in financial data better.
‘The Suggested Basis for a Russian Federal Republic’: Britain, Anti‐Bolshevik Russia and the Border States at the Paris Peace Conference, 1919
Authors: ALSTON CHARLOTTE 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAllied policy towards Russia at the Paris Peace Conference was confused and uncoordinated. Throughout 1919 civil war continued to rage in Russia and its former borderlands. While piecemeal assistance was being given to the anti‐Bolshevik forces led by Kolchak and Denikin, the Allies also made promises to support the independence of the newly established states on the borders of Russia. At the height of Kolchak's military success in May 1919, they were seriously considering recognition of his Omsk government. This article shows that the British government investigated the possibility of a reconstructed Russian federation based around the Kolchak government. James Simpson, a member of the Foreign Office's Political Intelligence Department, was sent to Paris to negotiate with the parties involved. While his efforts were a short and abortive episode in the history of the Peace Conference, his discussions and the reports he received shed interesting light on the attitudes and actions of the many unrecognized delegations from former parts of Russia at the conference and on their relations with Russia, the Allies, and each other.
Precipitation of lead–zinc ores in the Mississippi Valley‐type deposit at Trèves, Cévennes region of southern France
Authors: LEACH D. , MACQUAR J.‐C. , LAGNEAU V. , LEVENTHAL J. , EMSBO P. , PREMO W. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe Trèves zinc–lead deposit is one of several Mississippi Valley‐type (MVT) deposits in the Cévennes region of southern France. Fluid inclusion studies show that the ore was deposited at temperatures between approximately 80 and 150°C from a brine that derived its salinity mainly from the evaporation of seawater past halite saturation. Lead isotope studies suggest that the metals were extracted from local basement rocks. Sulfur isotope data and studies of organic matter indicate that the reduced sulfur in the ores was derived from the reduction of Mesozoic marine sulfate by thermochemical sulfate reduction or bacterially mediated processes at a different time or place from ore deposition. The large range of δ34S values determined for the minerals in the deposit (12.2–19.2‰ for barite, 3.8–13.8‰ for sphalerite and galena, and 8.7 to −21.2‰ for pyrite), are best explained by the mixing of fluids containing different sources of sulfur. Geochemical reaction path calculations, based on quantitative fluid inclusion data and constrained by field observations, were used to evaluate possible precipitation mechanisms. The most important precipitation mechanism was probably the mixing of fluids containing different metal and reduced sulfur contents. Cooling, dilution, and changes in pH of the ore fluid probably played a minor role in the precipitation of ores. The optimum results that produced the most metal sulfide deposition with the least amount of fluid was the mixing of a fluid containing low amounts of reduced sulfur with a sulfur‐rich, metal poor fluid. In this scenario, large amounts of sphalerite and galena are precipitated, together with smaller quantities of pyrite precipitated and dolomite dissolved. The relative amounts of metal precipitated and dolomite dissolved in this scenario agree with field observations that show only minor dolomite dissolution during ore deposition. The modeling results demonstrate the important control of the reduced sulfur concentration on the Zn and Pb transport capacity of the ore fluid and the volumes of fluid required to form the deposit. The studies of the Trèves ores provide insights into the ore‐forming processes of a typical MVT deposit in the Cévennes region. However, the extent to which these processes can be extrapolated to other MVT deposits in the Cévennes region is problematic. Nevertheless, the evidence for the extensive migration of fluids in the basement and sedimentary cover rocks in the Cévennes region suggests that the ore forming processes for the Trèves deposit must be considered equally viable possibilities for the numerous fault‐controlled and mineralogically similar MVT deposits in the Cévennes region.