bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Following anterior resection for rectal cancer, defunctioning ileostomy closure may be significantly delayed by adjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective study
Authors: Lordan J. T. , Heywood R. , Shirol S. , Edwards D. P. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective  A temporary loop ileostomy is often created to minimize the impact of peritoneal sepsis from an anastomotic dehiscence following colo‐anal or low colorectal anastomosis. These stomas are not without complications. Clinicians tend to advise patients that their loop ileostomy will be reversed within 6–12 weeks of formation. However, factors such as adjuvant chemotherapy may affect the timing of closure. The aim of this study was to review the time between formation and closure of loop ileostomies following total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer.Method  A retrospective study of 50 patients with loop ileostomies to defunction total mesorectal excisions for rectal cancer, between April 2002 and July 2005.Results  Of the 50 patients with defunctioning loop ileostomies, 24 received adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy, and 26 did not. There was a 28% morbidity. The overall median time from formation to closure was 142 days (35–575). Median time from formation to closure in those with adjuvant therapy was 197 days (35–575) and in those with no adjuvant therapy was 133 days (75–395). This was a significant delay (P = 0.049). Sixteen stomas were not closed to date.Conclusion  Time between formation and closure of loop ileostomy following anterior resection of rectum is significantly delayed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Because of their high morbidity, defunctioning ileostomies should be closed as early as medically possible, especially if adjuvant chemotherapy is planned.
Social Conflict and Gradual Political Succession: An Illustrative Model*
Authors: Jack William , Lagunoff Roger 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis paper studies the evolution of political institutions in the face of conflict. We examine institutional reform in a class of pivotal mechanisms—institutions that behave as if the resulting policy were determined by a “pivotal” decision maker drawn from the potential population of citizens and who holds full policy‐making authority at the time. A rule‐of‐succession describes the process by which pivotal decision makers in period t + 1 are, themselves, chosen by pivotal decision makers in period t. Two sources of conflict—class conflict, arising from differences in wealth, and ideological conflict, arising from differences in preferences—are examined. In each case, we characterize the unique Markov‐perfect equilibrium of the associated dynamic political game, and show that public decision‐making authority evolves monotonically downward in wealth and upward in ideological predisposition toward the public good. We then examine rules‐of‐succession when ideology and wealth exhibit correlation.
Bipolar Multicandidate Elections with Corruption
Authors: Myerson Roger B. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe goals of democratic competition are not only to implement a majority's preference on policy questions, but also to provide a deterrent against corrupt abuse of power by political leaders. We consider a simple model of multicandidate elections in which different electoral systems can be compared according to these two criteria. Among a wide class of single‐winner scoring rules, only approval voting is found to satisfy both effectiveness against corruption and majoritarianism for this model.
Are two doses of misoprostol after mifepristone for early abortion better than one?
Authors: Coyaji K , Krishna U , Ambardekar S , Bracken H , Raote V , Mandlekar A , Winikoff B 
Published: January 2007

Objective  The objective of this study was to determine if a repeat dose of misoprostol following mifepristone or a single dose of misoprostol increases the efficacy of medical termination of pregnancy.Design  Randomised, placebo controlled trial.Setting  K.E.M. Hospital, Pune, India, and the Health Centre, Larsen and Toubro Limited, Mumbai, India.Sample  A total of 300 women seeking an abortion with amenorrhoea of 8 weeks or less.Methods  Women were randomised to receive one or two doses of 400 microgram oral misoprostol at the clinic 48 hours after administration of 200 mg mifepristone.Main outcome measure  Complete abortion without surgical intervention.Results  The repeat administration of misoprostol 400 microgram improved the complete abortion rate from 86 to 92% and significantly reduced the rate of continuing pregnancy from 7 to 1%. Almost all the women who were administered the additional dose of misoprostol were either very satisfied (58%) or satisfied (37%) with the method.Conclusion  While an additional oral dose of 400 microgram misoprostol did not significantly increase the rate of complete abortion without surgical intervention, the additional dose did significantly reduce the rate of continuing pregnancies without compromising the acceptability and ease of use of the method.
In vivo induction of heat shock proteins in the substantia nigra following L‐DOPA administration is associated with increased activity of mitochondrial complex I and nitrosative stress in rats: regulation by glutathione redox state
Authors: Calabrese Vittorio , Mancuso Cesare , Ravagna Agrippino , Perluigi Marzia , Cini Chiara , Marco Carlo De , Allan Butterfield D. , Stella Anna Maria Giuffrida 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests a critical role for oxidative and nitrosative stress in the pathogenesis of most important neurodegenerative disorders. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a severe depletion in number of dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra (SN). Administration of L‐DOPA (LD) is the more effective treatment for patients with PD. However, the vast majority of patients suffer LD‐related complications, which represent the major problem in the clinical management of PD. In the present study, LD administration to rats resulted in a significant dose‐dependent increase in Hsp70 synthesis which was specific for the SN. The amount of 70 kDa protein increased after 6 h treatment reaching the maximal induction after 24–48 h. Induction of Hsp70 in the SN was associated with a significant increase in constitutive Hsc70 and mitochondrial Hsp60 stress proteins, and with increased expression of mitochondrial complex I whereas no significant changes were found in the activity of complex IV. In the same experimental conditions, a significant decrease in reduced glutathione was observed, which was associated with an increased content of oxidized glutathione content as well as nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity, NO metabolites and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity. Interestingly, Hsp70 induction, iNOS up‐regulation and nitrotyrosine formation have been confirmed also in SN and striatum of rats treated with LD and carbidopa, this latter being an inhibitor of the peripheral DOPA decarboxylase. Our data are in favor of the importance of the heat shock signal pathway as a basic mechanism of defense against neurotoxicity elicited by free radical oxygen and nitrogen species produced in aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
Host‐associated variation in sexual size dimorphism and fitness effects of adult feeding in a bruchid beetle
Authors: Gianoli Ernesto , Suárez Lorena H. , Gonzáles Wilfredo L. , González‐Teuber Marcia , Acuña‐Rodríguez Ian S. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe studied the effect of larval host (two Convolvulus L. species, Convolvulaceae) on sexual size dimorphism and on the fitness consequences of adult feeding in the bruchid beetle Megacerus eulophus (Erichson) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Whereas Convolvulus chilensis Pers. occurs in low density in semiarid habitats, Convolvulus bonariensis Cav. occurs in less stressful environments and exhibits higher population density. Host plants neither differ in seed mass nor in seed nitrogen content, and there were no consistent host‐associated differences in female fitness. Consequently, host quality was considered to be similar. Sexual size dimorphism, expressed as the female:male ratio of body size, was significantly greater in C. chilensis than in C. bonariensis. A greater female size in the C. chilensis population could be selectively advantageous due to higher survival during host‐plant search in stressful environments. Female longevity was affected by food availability (starvation vs. honey‐pollen solution) and by the interaction between food availability and larval host. Fed females lived longer than starved females. This trend was found in both hosts, but it was of greater magnitude in C. chilensis than in C. bonariensis. Fecundity was significantly affected by adult feeding and larval host, and marginally affected by their interaction. Fed females laid more eggs than starved females. However, the increase in fitness of fed females was greater in C. chilensis. Results might be explained by differential selection on plasticity in life‐history traits in contrasting environments. Females in stressful environments should take a greater advantage of the transient availability of resources.
Treatment modalities for allergic reactions in pigmented tattoos
Authors: Zwad Julia , Jakob Antje , Groß Christof , Rompel Rainer 
Published: January 2007

SummaryDecorative tattoos have become very popular. As a result, a higher number of hypersensitivity reactions are seen, caused by the mostly undeclared tattoo dyes. If local and intralesional therapy with corticosteroids is not effective, total excision was formerly considered the best approach. Selective laser therapy offers an alternative approach for removing the offending pigment. Case reports are used to illustrate the individual treatment options for removal of tattoos.
Sexual Desire in a Nationally Representative Danish Population
Authors: Eplov Lene , Giraldi Annamaria , Davidsen Michael , Garde Karin , Kamper-Jørgensen Finn 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There are only a few studies on the frequency of sexual desire in the general population, whereas studies investigating the frequency of disordered sexual desire are more common.

Aim
The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of sexual desire in a representative sample of the adult Danish population and to analyze the relationships between a number of relevant variables and sexual desire.

Methods
The study population (N=10,458, response rate 84.8%) answered a questionnaire with questions on sexual matters. The representativity of the population was examined. The frequency of self-reported sexual desire and decrease in sexual desire over a 5-year period was calculated for the two genders across age cohorts. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between potential determinants and sexual desire.

Main Outcome Measures
The frequency of self-reported sexual desire and decrease in sexual desire was examined. Factors of importance for sexual desire were tested using two outcome measures: (i) often having sexual desire; and (ii) seldom having sexual desire.

Results
A significant association between gender and sexual desire was found in all age groups, as men had a significantly higher level of sexual desire than women. In both genders, the frequency of sexual desire was significantly reduced with increasing age. Among the 45- to 66-year-olds, 57% of the men and 47% of the women reported no change in the level of sexual desire over the past 5 years. In general terms, factors related to seldom having sexual desire were age and social, psychological, and physical distress in both genders.

Conclusion
This study shows that overall, men have a higher level of sexual desire than women; sexual desire decreases with increasing age; and social, psychological, or physical distress are associated with low level of sexual desire in both genders.
THE INVESTIGATION OF MICROBIAL SUCCESSION AND COMPARISON AMONG PCA, EMB, MRS AND KANG‐FUNG MEDIUM IN CHINESE PICKLE WITH DIFFERENT SALT CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: WU VIVIAN C.H. , FUNG DANIEL Y.C. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT Using the traditional recipe, Chinese pickle fermentation was studied. Blends of vegetables were placed in 2, 10 and 20° salometer brine (1° salometer = 0.264% NaCl). The pH decreased fastest in the presence of 10° salometer. The salinity increased in 2° salometer, but decreased in 20° salometer by the end of the fermentation. No significant change of salinity in 10° salometer was observed. The viable cell counts on eosin methylene blue agar dropped to zero after 2 days. The counts on deMan Rogosa Sharpe agar (MRS) and Kang‐Fung (KF) medium increased at least 4 logs by the end of the fermentation. KF medium selected more lactic acid bacteria than MRS (47.9 versus 10.4%) in a mixture of bacterial environment. After 1 month of refrigeration, the pickles in 2° salometer salt were soft and had an unacceptable flavor. The 10° salometer of brine was concluded as the best for Chinese pickle in terms of color, flavor and taste.
Specificity of the Immune Response to a Modified Group B Meningococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Moore Samuel , Farley Esmé K. , Fusco Peter C. , Michon Francis 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTAntibodies to a modified group B meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine were examined for antigenic and functional specificities. Bactericidal determinants were investigated by using immunoaffinity columns and competitive inhibition of bactericidal activity in an in vitro killing assay. We conclude that nearly all of the vaccine-induced bactericidal activity is specific for the native polysaccharide.
Identification of the Capsular Polysaccharides in
Staphylococcus aureus
Clinical Isolates by PCR and Agglutination Tests
Authors: Verdier Isabelle , Durand Geraldine , Bes Michele , Taylor Kimberly L. , Lina Gerard , Vandenesch François , Fattom Ali I. , Etienne Jerome 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. The predominance of two capsular polysaccharides, types 5 and 8, on the surface of clinical isolates led to the development of a conjugate vaccine (StaphVAX) based on capsular polysaccharides types 5 and 8 conjugated to a carrier protein. We have studied the capsular phenotypes and genotypes of 195 isolates representative of all clinical syndromes that encompassed both hospital and community-acquired infections. These isolates were mainly detected in France between January 2001 and December 2004. In this population, most of clinical isolates (87%) expressed either capsular polysaccharide type 5 (42%) or 8 (45%), whereas 13% were nontypeable by the serotyping method with antibodies specific to capsular polysaccharide type 5 or 8. These 26 nontypeable strains were further serotyped and were demonstrated to express the cell wall surface antigen 336, a polyribitol phosphate
N
-acetylglucosamine, which resembles cell wall teichoic acid. Among methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains, we found a predominance of serotype 5 for 64% of strains, whereas MSSA isolates were predominantly capsular serotype 8 (60%). All
S. aureus
clinical isolates included in the present study have been investigated by PCR method, demonstrating that all isolates carried either the
cap5
or the
cap8
locus.
Novel β-Barrel Fold in the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Structure of the Replicase Nonstructural Protein 1 from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: Almeida Marcius S. , Johnson Margaret A. , Herrmann Torsten , Geralt Michael , Wüthrich Kurt 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

The nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus has 179 residues and is the N-terminal cleavage product of the viral replicase polyprotein that mediates RNA replication and processing. The specific function of nsp1 is not known. Here we report the nuclear magnetic resonance structure of the nsp1 segment from residue 13 to 128, which represents a novel α/β-fold formed by a mixed parallel/antiparallel six-stranded β-barrel, an α-helix covering one opening of the barrel, and a 3
10
-helix alongside the barrel. We further characterized the full-length 179-residue protein and show that the polypeptide segments of residues 1 to 12 and 129 to 179 are flexibly disordered. The structure is analyzed in a search for possible correlations with the recently reported activity of nsp1 in the degradation of mRNA.
The Merits of a Just-In-Time Knowledge Management (JITKM) Approach to Decision-Making Support
Authors: Conteh Nabie Y. , Forgionne Guisseppi , Schulte William D. , O'Sullivan Kevin J. 
Published: January 2007

This paper advances the argument that, a knowledge base, rather than playing a crucial role in expediting the delivery of knowledge, obscures the process. The paper therefore offers an alternative strategy by way of the Just-In-Time knowledge delivery concept. The concept's benefits are demonstrated empirically, and the results are used to recommend strategies for maximising the benefits from the use of knowledge bases. The results of this study confirm that focussed and timely delivery of knowledge through a Just-in-Time Knowledge Management (JITKM) concept may be more effective than traditional decision support systems for decision-making support. This paper offers a novel and innovative information system, the Intelligent Just-in-Time Decision-Making Support System (IJDSS) to implement the JITKM concept in practice. The study also shows that simulation can be used to generate quality data for information system testing and evaluation. Moreover, this study suggests that simulation can be used to replace a subject-based empirical approach. As census studies, the results from such evaluations should be more generalisable in comparison to sample studies that use limited samples of subjects. Adaptations of these simulation models could also be used in diverse sectors.
TPRpred: a tool for prediction of TPR-, PPR- and SEL1-like repeats from protein sequences
Authors: Karpenahalli Manjunatha R , Lupas Andrei N , Söding Johannes 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Solenoid repeat proteins of the Tetratrico Peptide Repeat (TPR) family are involved as scaffolds in a broad range of protein-protein interactions. Several resources are available for the prediction of TPRs, however, they often fail to detect divergent repeat units.

Results
We have developed TPRpred, a profile-based method which uses a P-value-dependent score offset to include divergent repeat units and which exploits the tendency of repeats to occur in tandem. TPRpred detects not only TPR-like repeats, but also the related Pentatrico Peptide Repeats (PPRs) and SEL1-like repeats. The corresponding profiles were generated through iterative searches, by varying the threshold parameters for inclusion of repeat units into the profiles, and the best profiles were selected based on their performance on proteins of known structure. We benchmarked the performance of TPRpred in detecting TPR-containing proteins and in delineating the individual repeats therein, against currently available resources.

Conclusion
TPRpred performs significantly better in detecting divergent repeats in TPR-containing proteins, and finds more individual repeats than the existing methods. The web server is available at http://tprpred.tuebingen.mpg.de, and the C++ and Perl sources of TPRpred along with the profiles can be downloaded from ftp://ftp.tuebingen.mpg.de/ebio/protevo/TPRpred/.
Development of a series of patient information leaflets for constipation using a range of cognitive interview techniques: LIFELAX
Authors: Lake Amelia A , Speed Chris , Brookes Anna , Heaven Ben , Adamson Ashley J , Moynihan Paula , Corbett Sally , McColl Elaine 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Background
The aim of the LIFELAX randomised controlled trial (diet and lifestyle vs. laxatives in the management of chronic constipation) is to develop and evaluate a cost effective intervention to promote diet and lifestyle in the treatment and management of chronic constipation for older people in Primary Care. Constipation affects the quality of life in around 20% of older people in the community. In the 65 years plus population, a significant proportion of men and women both living in institutions (81% and 75% respectively) and free living (30% and 37% respectively) use laxatives.
Approximately £42 million is spent each year on prescribed laxatives in England in addition to laxatives purchased over the counter. Although bowel problems are often multifactorial, diet and lifestyle have an extremely important role in their management. This paper describes one aspect of the main study, the development and piloting of the Patient information leaflets (PILs).

Methods
Following review of the literature and interviews with practitioners and patients, 8 PILs were designed on: constipation, activity, bowel health, fruit and vegetables, fibre, fluid, alternative therapies and laxatives. To check the patient's understanding of terms used in the PILS and the clarity and accessibility of the information understanding, cognitive interviews (CI) were used with nine patients (selected from 3 GP surgeries), aged ≥ 55 years, who had received ≥ 3 prescriptions of laxatives over 12 months. Interviews were recorded and transcribed.

Results
Changes made following the CI process included the lay-out, words used (e.g. 'exercise' was changed to 'activity', 'gut motility' changed to 'bowel movement') and descriptions and examples were adapted to be more appropriate for the target population.

Conclusion
Pilot testing with CIs resulted in improvements in the PILs, which emphasises the need to pilot PILs with the target population before use. The techniques employed are relatively inexpensive and could be routinely used when preparing literature for research or clinical use including those intended for use with healthcare professionals and patients.