bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual relationships in adults with intellectual disabilities: understanding the law
Authors: O’Callaghan A. C. , Murphy G. H. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIntroduction  Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are known to be very vulnerable to sexual abuse. This may result partly from their lack of sexual knowledge and their powerless position in society. It could also be exacerbated by an ignorance of the law. This study investigates their understanding of the law relating to sexuality.Method  Understanding of the law regarding sexual relationships, consent and abuse was assessed in 60 adults with IDs (mean age 37.6 years) and 60 young people aged 16–18 years (deemed in law capable of consenting to a sexual relationship). Questions were wide ranging, including general laws around sexuality and abuse, as well as the law relating to sexual relationships and ID.Results  There were significant differences between the two groups: adults with IDs had a very limited understanding of the general laws relating to sexuality (e.g. age of consent, incest, abuse), as well as the law relating to sexuality and IDs (e.g. whether they could have sexual relationships, whether they were allowed to marry, what protection they should expect from the law). Young people without disabilities showed a better understanding, both for general laws and for those relating specifically to adults with IDs.Conclusions  These findings show that there is a need to educate people with IDs about the laws relating to sexuality. It is important for people to understand the law and, given the high rates of sexual abuse perpetrated against people with ID, it is essential for them to benefit from the protection the law affords. The new law in England (Sexual Offences Act 2003) post‐dated this study. It will be interesting to see whether the new legislation is easier for people with and without disabilities to understand.
Involvement of the xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases encoded by celery XTH1 and Arabidopsis XTH33 in the phloem response to aphids
Authors: DIVOL FANCHON , VILAINE FRANÇOISE , THIBIVILLIERS SANDRA , KUSIAK CHANTAL , SAUGE MARIE HELENE , DINANT SYLVIE 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTDuring infestation, phloem‐feeding insects induce transcriptional reprogramming in plants that may lead to protection. Transcripts of the celery XTH1 gene, encoding a xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH), were previously found to accumulate systemically in celery (Apium graveolens) phloem, following infestation with the generalist aphid Myzus persicae. XTH1 induction was specific to the phloem but was not correlated with an increase in xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET) activity in the phloem. XTH1 is homologous to the Arabidopsis thaliana XTH33 gene. XTH33 expression was investigated following M. persicae infestation. The pattern of XTH33 expression is tightly controlled during development and indicates a possible role in cell expansion. An xth33 mutant was assayed for preference assay with M. persicae. Aphids settled preferentially on the mutant rather than on the wild type. This suggests that XTH33 is involved in protecting plants against aphids; therefore, that cell wall modification can alter the preference of aphids for a particular plant. Nevertheless, the ectopic expression of XTH33 in phloem tissue was not sufficient to confer protection, demonstrating that modifying the expression of this single gene does not readily alter plant–aphid interactions.
Central venous catheter placement by an interventional radiology unit: An Australian experience
Authors: Lee MKS , Mossop PJ , Vrazas JI 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the outcomes of central venous catheter (CVC) placement carried out by an interventional radiology unit. A review of our hospital records identified 331 consecutive patients who underwent insertion of a tunnelled or non‐tunnelled CVC between January 2000 and December 2004. Key outcome measures included the technical success rate of CVC insertion and the percentage of immediate (<24 h), early (24 h–30 days) and late (>30 days) complications. A total of 462 CVCs were placed under radiological guidance, with an overall success rate of 98.9%. Immediate complications included one pneumothorax, which was diagnosed 7 days after subclavian CVC insertion, and eight episodes of significant haematoma or bleeding within 24 h of CVC insertion. No cases were complicated by arterial puncture or air embolus. Catheter‐related sepsis occurred in 2% of non‐tunnelled CVC and 8.9% of tunnelled CVC. The overall incidence of catheter‐related sepsis was 0.17 per 100 catheter days. As the demand for chemotherapy and haemodialysis grows with our ageing population, interventional radiology suites are well placed to provide a safe and reliable service for the placement of central venous access devices.
Diabetes risk in British adults in mid life: a national prevalence study of glycated haemoglobin
Authors: Thomas C. , Hyppönen E. , Power C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims  Information on the population at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the UK is scarce. We used data from the 1958 British birth cohort to estimate geographical and socio‐economic variations in HbA1c in mid life.Methods  Participants (n = 7799) born in England, Scotland and Wales and currently living in the UK. Individuals were classified according to the presence of Type 2 diabetes and by thresholds of HbA1c. HbA1c≥ 5.5 was used as an indicator for possible subclinical alterations in glucose metabolism.Results  The majority of the population had HbA1c < 5.5% (79.3%); 16.7% had HbA1c 5.5–5.9%, 2.0% 6.0–6.9% and 0.6% had HbA1c≥ 7.0%. Individuals from manual socio‐economic groups and those living in the East of England and Scotland had a higher prevalence of HbA1c at or above the upper normal range (5.5%).Conclusions  Estimates from this nationwide sample suggest that a proportion of Britons are likely to have subclinical alterations in glucose metabolism by their mid 40s, and this proportion is greater in some socio‐economic groups and geographical regions than in others.
The UK Diabetes Research Network—an opportunity and a challenge
Authors: Matthews D. R. , Kennedy E. D. , Darbyshire J. H. , Johnston D. G. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe Department of Health has funded a national diabetes network to support clinical research. The network will facilitate recruitment into clinical trials and has been widely welcomed by clinicians. However, if the network is to reach its full potential, all those involved will need to advocate a change in attitude towards clinical trials and research, encouraging participation and contribution of data. Clinicians need to be willing to take a proactive view about research studies, and to encourage patients to adopt a positive and altruistic attitude towards trial participation. The future of trials and other important clinical research in the UK may depend on it.
Asymmetrical dimethylarginine is related to renal function, chronic inflammation and macroangiopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes and albuminuria
Authors: Krzyzanowska K. , Mittermayer F. , Shnawa N. , Hofer M. , Schnabler J. , Etmüller Y. , Kapiotis S. , Wolzt M. , Schernthaner G. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims  Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and micro‐ and macroalbuminuria are at increased cardiovascular risk. The endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is increased in renal failure and could promote atherosclerosis. To determine the relationship between ADMA, renal albumin excretion rate (AER) and cardiovascular risk, we studied 103 T2DM patients.Methods  ADMA, symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA) and L‐arginine were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography in plasma from 36 normo‐, 40 micro‐ and 27 macroalbuminuric patients with T2DM (age 64 ± 11 years; 38 women) who had comparable age, sex and metabolic parameters. Forty‐six patients had macrovascular disease (MVD).Results  ADMA was significantly increased in patients with micro‐ and macroalbuminuria [median 0.61 (interquartile range 0.55–0.70) µmol/l and 0.62 (0.50–0.79) µmol/l, respectively] compared with those with normoalbuminuria [0.55 (0.48–0.63) µmol/l; both P < 0.05]. SDMA was elevated in micro‐ and macroalbuminuria [0.57 (0.42–0.80) µmol/l and 0.64 (0.50–0.96) µmol/l] compared with normoalbuminuric subjects [0.44 (0.37–0.53) µmol/l; both P < 0.01]. Patients with increased AER and MVD had higher ADMA and SDMA compared with those without MVD (both P < 0.001). L‐arginine was comparable between all groups. ADMA correlated significantly with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) but not with the extent of albumin excretion, body mass index, fasting glucose, HbA1c or plasma lipids.Conclusions  Increased ADMA in T2DM patients with albuminuria is linked to cardiovascular disease and is associated with renal dysfunction and subclinical inflammation.
Association of diabetes‐related emotional distress with diabetes treatment in primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Delahanty L. M. , Grant R. W. , Wittenberg E. , Bosch J. L. , Wexler D. J. , Cagliero E. , Meigs J. B. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims  To characterize the determinants of diabetes‐related emotional distress by treatment modality (diet only, oral medication only, or insulin).Methods  A total of 815 primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes completed the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) Scale and other questions. We linked survey data to a diabetes clinical research database and used linear regression models to assess the associations of treatment with PAID score.Results  PAID scores were significantly higher among insulin‐treated (24.6) compared with oral‐treated (17.8, P < 0.001) or diet‐treated patients (14.7, P < 0.001), but not different between oral‐ vs. diet‐treated patients (P = 0.2). Group scores remained similar, but the statistical significance of their differences was reduced and ultimately eliminated after sequential adjustment for diabetes severity, HbA1c, body mass index, regimen adherence, and self‐blood‐glucose monitoring. Insulin‐treated patients reported significantly higher distress than oral‐ or diet‐treated patients on 16 of 20 PAID items. ‘Worrying about the future’ and ‘guilt/anxiety when … off track with diabetes’ were the top two serious problems (PAID ≥ 5) in all treatment groups. Not accepting diabetes diagnosis was a top concern for oral‐ and diet‐treated patients, and unclear management goals distressed diet‐treated patients.Conclusions  Primary care patients treated with insulin reported higher diabetes‐related emotional distress compared with oral‐ or diet‐treated patients. Greater distress was largely explained by greater disease severity and self‐care burdens. To improve diabetes‐specific quality of life, clinicians should address patients’ sense of worry and guilt, uncertain acceptance of diabetes diagnosis, and unclear treatment goals.
Up Against a Wall: Europe's Options for Regulating Biotechnology through Regulatory Anarchy
Authors: Ostrovsky Aaron A. 
Published: January 2007

Entre les forts et les faibles, c’est la liberté qui supprime et c’est la loi qui libère François La Rochefoucauld
Abstract:  Based on the current state of EU law and the political sentiment surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms, this article argues that the best approach to regulating the import and export of GMOs into the Community and between Member States is by what I will call ‘regulatory anarchy’. Applied in the context of GMOs, regulatory anarchy envisions integration not coming solely from Community rules conceived by the Commission, but by Member State negotiated rules accomplished at the level of regulatory civil servants negotiating among each other. Greater centralisation will occur in the regulation of GMOs because the risk of defection in this area by an individual regulatory body imposes very high costs on other national regulators, to the point where they are willing to relinquish some of their own enforcement authority for assurances against collective action problems. As a result of the current gridlock caused by recalcitrant Member States, the GMO regime may be more effectively and efficiently handled by a system that employs regulatory anarchy; whereby 25 interested parties are initially brought to the table to approve a release (rather than one Member State), leaving less opportunities for regulatory capture by one Member State and still leaving room for Community supervision.
Reactions to social security retirement reform proposals in the United States
Authors: Becker Fred W. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract For some time the actuarial imbalance between revenues and benefit payments in the Social Security retirement programme in the United States has been a concern for decision makers, professional analysts, and the public. In response to this actuarial imbalance, President George W. Bush proposed in 2004 that changes be made in the method whereby Social Security benefits are determined and that individual investment accounts be established under the rubric of Social Security. The debate over the issue was intense, but it was effectively stilled by the middle of 2005. The probable legacy of the 2004‐05 debate is that limits have been placed upon future options to deal with the Social Security programme's financial difficulties. This article identifies those constraints which, together, constitute the new public policy “template” for future debates relating to the Social Security retirement programme in the United States.
An open‐label pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topically applied pimecrolimus cream for the treatment of steroid‐induced rosacea‐like eruption
Authors: Chu C‐Y 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Steroid‐induced rosacea‐like eruption is characterized by facial rosacea‐like dermatitis in patients that have been treated with topical steroids for relatively long periods.Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of 1% pimecrolimus topical cream for steroid‐induced rosacea‐like eruption.Methods  In an open‐label pilot study, 40 patients were enrolled and instructed to apply 1% pimecrolimus cream twice daily for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated by a rosacea clinical score, investigator's global assessment, overall erythema severity, and tolerability at weeks 0, 2, and 6.Results  In 35 patients, the rosacea clinical score decreased significantly from 16.0 ± 4.3 at baseline to 8.1 ± 3.3 at week 2 and 4.2 ± 2.5 at week 6 (P < 0.0001). Investigator's global assessment was 4.1 ± 1.1 (baseline), then decreased to 1.4 ± 0.8 (week 2) and 0.5 ± 0.6 (week 6) (P < 0.0001). By week 6, 48.6% of the patients were clear. Overall erythema severity was 2.4 ± 0.7 (baseline), 0.9 ± 0.4 (week 2), and 0.3 ± 0.4 (week 6) (P < 0.0001). Cutaneous adverse events (local burning, stinging, and itching) occurred in 17.5%.Conclusion  Pimecrolimus cream might be efficacious, safe, and well tolerated for steroid‐induced rosacea‐like eruption. The small sample size and open label nature of this study is its limitation. Further double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled studies are needed.
Randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy of same‐day administration of mifepristone and misoprostol for termination of pregnancy with the standard 36 to 48 hour protocol
Authors: Guest J , Chien PFW , Thomson MAR , Kosseim ML 
Published: January 2007

Objective  To determine the efficacy of oral mifepristone followed by vaginal misoprostol 6 hours later compared with the standard 36‐ to 48‐hour regimen for medical termination of pregnancy.Design  Single centre, two arm, parallel, open randomised controlled trial.Setting  Medical termination service at a teaching hospital.Sample  Four hundred and fifty women undergoing medical termination of pregnancy at up to 63 days of gestation.Methods  Eligible women were randomised to receive mifepristone 200 mg orally followed by vaginal misoprostol 800 micrograms either 6 hours (n= 225) or 36–48 hours (n= 225) later. All participants were invited to attend for a follow‐up pelvic ultrasound scan within 7 days following the misoprostol administration. For those women in whom products of conception remained at the follow‐up ultrasound scan, expectant management ensued with weekly follow‐up ultrasound scans until the termination was complete. They could elect to undergo an evacuation of uterus at any stage following the scan. Those women with a nonviable gestation sac at the follow‐up scan were offered a further dose of vaginal misoprostol 800 micrograms or suction termination of pregnancy. Women with a continuing pregnancy were managed with surgical termination.Main outcome measure  Successful medical abortion defined as no requirement for medical or surgical intervention beyond the initial dose of misoprostol.Results  One hundred and sixty‐five women (79%) in the 6‐hour group and 197 women (92%) in the 36‐ to 48‐hour group had a successful termination at first follow‐up ultrasound or presumed on the basis of other considerations (those not seen for ultrasound but deemed successful by negative pregnancy test, products passed on ward or long‐term assessment of notes). Twenty‐two women (10%) in the 6‐hour regimen required up to three further ultrasound scans after 7 days following the mifepristone administration in order to ensure that the termination process was complete. None of these women required a suction evacuation of uterus. In the 36‐ to 48‐hour regimen, ten (5%) women had up to two further ultrasound scans to confirm a complete termination without the need for a surgical evacuation of uterus. Therefore, the overall successful termination rate in the 6‐hour regimen was 89% (187/210) compared with 96% (207/215) in the 36‐ to 48‐hour regimen (relative risk = 0.92, 95% CI 0.84–0.98). Repeat administration of misoprostol or surgical treatment was required in 23 women (11%) in the 6‐hour group and 8 women (4%) in the 36‐ to 48‐hour group. A viable pregnancy was found in five women (2%) in the 6‐hour group and in three women (1%) in the 36‐ to 48‐hour group.Conclusions  Oral mifepristone 200 mg followed by vaginal misoprostol 800 micrograms after 6 hours is not as effective at achieving a complete abortion compared with the 36‐ to 48‐hour protocol.
Isolation and characterization of 17 new microsatellite markers for the ember parrotfish Scarus rubroviolaceus, and cross‐amplification in four other parrotfish species
Authors: CARLON DAVID B. , LIPPÉ CATHERINE 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe describe the isolation and characterization of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the ember parrotfish Scarus rubrioviolaceus. In a Hawaiian sample of 69 fish, we found between three and 20 alleles per locus, and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.283 to 0.896. Four of these loci consistently cross‐amplified in the stareye parrotfish Calotomus carolinus, the spectacled parrotfish Chlorurus perspicillatus, the palenose parrotfish Scarus psittacus, and the bullethead parrotfish Chlorurus sordidus, but others gave mixed results. These loci will be useful for describing mating systems and population structure in marine species with broad dispersal potential that play key ecological roles in tropical environments.
TALCOTT PARSONS: PROBLEMS OF THEORY CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Habermas Juergen 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTAccording to Professor Habermas, Parsons's later system paradigm is in conflict, to some extent, with his earlier action paradigm, as Menzies contended; but Parsons concealed the conflicts from himself, Habermas thinks, and retained his “cultural determinism” and “secret idealism.” According to Habermas, Parsons lacked any adequate equivalent of the concept of a “life world” built up on the basis of intersubjective communication. Parsons's unrealistic assumption of harmony between actors' orientations on the one hand and functional requirements of systems on the other prevented him, according to Habermas, from seeing what Marx for example saw, namely that in modern society the symbolic life worlds of actors suffer distortion because of their subordination to the rationalizing tendencies of money and power. (Professor Habermas did not provide an abstract for this translation of his address on Parsons, which he delivered to the German Sociological Association in 1980. Readers are urged to regard this abstract as only suggestive and as inadequately reflecting a complex argument.‐Editor.)
EMPIRICAL APPLICATIONS OF PARSONIAN THEORY
Authors: Klausner Michael , Groves Mary Ann 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTA common criticism of Parsonian theory has been that it is really not a theory but only a classificatory scheme. Critics claim that its concepts are not amenable to operationalization and that low‐level empirically testable hypotheses cannot be derived from the theory. We argue that: (I) These criticisms are based upon a limited concept of theory, one that neglects other important functions that theory performs. (2) Many concepts in Parsonian theory can and have been operationalized. (3) Empirically testable propositions can be deduced from Parsons's theory. Examples from the areas of social evolution, criminology, small groups, and the self are discussed.
Bystander Apathy and the Territorial Imperative*
Authors: Gillis A. R. , Hagan John 
Published: January 2007

This research focuses on the relationship between persons, places, and social control. Specifically, the study examines territoriality and social distance as factors affecting individuals' thoughts concerning the prevention of crime. The data show that both territoriality and social distance are significant predictors of respondents' willingness to prevent criminal behaviors. Consistent with theory in urban sociology and psychology, people report that they are far more likely to extend aid to family members and friends than to strangers. However, people also report that they are more likely to intervene on behalf of a stranger the nearer to home the offense occurs.Hypothetical situations concerning specific crimes against persons and property were used to elicit responses from 835 adolescents who were the subjects of the research. Analysis of variance is used to analyze the data.