bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertility issues in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Steinsvik Eivind A. , Fosså Sophie D. , Lilleby Wolfgang , Eilertsen Karsten 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo describe fertility issues, only rarely discussed with patients with prostate cancer, although paternity after treatment might be an important component of quality of life for some, as exemplified by two of our patients.PATIENTSDuring pretreatment counselling two patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer initiated the discussion of paternity after treatment. Patient 1 then opted for radiotherapy as the treatment least likely to damage fertility, whereas patient 2 had semen cryopreservation before external beam radiotherapy combined with 6 months adjuvant hormone treatment.RESULTSPatient 1 became a father to a healthy child 9 months after starting radiotherapy, with conception two days after he had received one session of brachytherapy with 192Ir (total dose 10 Gy, testicular dose, 0.1 Gy). Patient 2 fathered a child 36 months after completing external beam radiotherapy (total dose 74 Gy, testicular dose 1.2–2.3 Gy), which was combined with medical castration of 6 months’ duration.CONCLUSIONFertility issues should be considered in patients before curative treatment of prostate cancer.
Angiogenic gene modification of skeletal muscle cells to compensate for ageing‐induced decline in bioengineered functional muscle tissue
Authors: Delo Dawn M. , Eberli Daniel , Williams J. Koudy , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Atala Anthony , Soker Shay 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of ageing on the viability of bioengineered striated muscle tissue in vivo, and if this viability can be enhanced by concurrent neovascularization, as its utility for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) might be reduced if muscle cells are derived from old patients.MATERIALS AND METHODSMyoblasts were obtained and expanded in culture from young (2 weeks), mature (3 months) and old (24 months) mice, and were engineered to express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to stimulate neovascularization. Myoblasts were injected subcutaneously into male nude mice and after 2 and 4 weeks, the engineered muscle tissues were harvested.RESULTSBioengineered muscle tissues were formed in all groups, but the engineered muscles formed by myoblasts from old mice were smaller and less contractile. However, the bioengineered muscles expressing VEGF had a greater mass and better contractility in all age groups.CONCLUSIONThis pilot study showed that there was an age‐related decline in the size and function of bioengineered muscle; however, there was an improvement in volume and function when the muscle cells were expressing VEGF.
Less weight gain and hypoglycaemia with once‐daily insulin detemir than NPH insulin in intensification of insulin therapy in overweight Type 2 diabetes patients—The PREDICTIVE™ BMI clinical trial1
Authors: Montañana C. Fajardo , Herrero C. Hernández , Fernández M. Rivas 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  To assess weight change when once‐daily insulin detemir (detemir) or neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin (NPH) are used in already overweight Type 2 diabetes patients requiring intensified insulin therapy.Research design and methods  This 26‐week randomized, controlled trial included adults with Type 2 diabetes [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.5–11.0%, body mass index (BMI) 25–40 kg/m2] who had received two daily doses of insulin (at least one a premix) for ≥ 3 months. Subjects received either detemir (n = 125) or NPH (n = 146) once daily in the evening and insulin aspart at main meals. Concomitant treatment with metformin was allowed. Basal insulin was titrated to a pre‐breakfast plasma glucose target of 6.1 mmol/l without unacceptable hypoglycaemia. Insulin aspart was also titrated (target, postprandial glucose ≤ 10.0 mmol/l without unacceptable hypoglycaemia).Results  At 26 weeks, weight had increased significantly less with detemir (0.4 kg) than with NPH (1.9 kg; difference 1.5 kg, P < 0.0001). BMI increase was also less with detemir than with NPH (difference 0.6 kg/m2, P < 0.0001). HbA1c decreased from 8.9 to 7.8% (detemir) and from 8.8 to 7.8% (NPH; not significant for between‐treatment difference). Incidence of hypoglycaemia was lower with detemir [relative risks 0.62 (all events) and 0.43 (nocturnal); P < 0.0001 for both].Conclusions  PREDICTIVE™ BMI was the first study to examine the effect of once‐daily detemir with weight as the primary endpoint in a large population of overweight Type 2 diabetes patients. Use of once‐daily detemir for intensification of insulin therapy resulted in less weight gain, less hypoglycaemia and equivalent glycaemic control compared with NPH.
Severe hypoglycaemia and glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes: meta‐analysis of multiple daily insulin injections compared with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Authors: Pickup J. C. , Sutton A. J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims  Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is a recommended treatment for reducing severe hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes, but the change in hypoglycaemia compared with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) is unclear. We therefore conducted a meta‐analysis comparing severe hypoglycaemia and glycaemic control during CSII and MDI.Methods  Databases and literature (1996–2006) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and before/after studies of ≥ 6 months’ duration CSII and with severe hypoglycaemia frequency > 10 episodes/100 patient years on MDI.Results  In 22 studies (21 reports), severe hypoglycaemia during MDI was related to diabetes duration (P = 0.038) and was greater in adults than children (100 vs. 36 events/100 patient years, P = 0.036). Severe hypoglycaemia was reduced during CSII compared with MDI, with a rate ratio of 2.89 (95% CI 1.45 to 5.76) for RCTs and 4.34 (2.87 to 6.56) for before/after studies [rate ratio 4.19 (2.86 to 6.13) for all studies]. The reduction was greatest in those with the highest initial severe hypoglycaemia rates on MDI (P < 0.001). The mean difference in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between treatments was less for RCTs [0.21% (0.13–0.30%)] than in before/after studies [0.72% (0.55–0.90%)] but strongly related to the initial HbA1c on MDI (P < 0.001).Conclusions  The severe hypoglycaemia rate in Type 1 diabetes was markedly less during CSII than MDI, with the greatest reduction in those with most severe hypoglycaemia on MDI and those with the longest duration of diabetes. The biggest improvement in HbA1c was in those with the highest HbA1c on MDI.
Fluorescent protein fusions to a human immunodeficiency virus monoclonal antibody reveal its intracellular transport through the plant endomembrane system
Authors: Irons Sarah L. , Nuttall James , Floß Doreen M. , Frigerio Lorenzo , Kotzer Amanda M. , Hawes Chris 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn order to further understand the production and intracellular trafficking of pharmaceutical proteins in plants, the light and heavy chains (LC and HC) of the human immunodeficiency virus neutralizing monoclonal antibody 2G12 were fused to fluorescent proteins [Venus and monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)] to enable the visualization of their passage through the plant cell. Co‐expression of LC and HC with various markers of the endomembrane system demonstrated that LC fusions were found in mobile punctate structures, which are likely to be pre‐vacuolar compartments (PVCs) as a proportion of the LC fusions were found to be located in the vacuole. In addition, apoplast labelling was also observed with a 2G12LC‐RFP fusion. The HC fusion expressed alone was found only in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). When the LC and HC fusions were expressed together, they were found to co‐locate to larger punctate structures, which were morphologically distinct from any observed on expression of LC or HC alone. These structures appeared to be in close association with the ER and their labelling partially overlapped with PVC marker fluorescence, but no increase in apoplast labelling was observed. Co‐immunoprecipitation data demonstrated that the presence of the fluorescent proteins did not affect the assembly of the antibody, and also showed the association of BiP with the antibody chains. The antigen‐binding activity of the Venus‐fused 2G12 antibody was confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
MEGADEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA: FROM HERITAGE LANDSCAPES TO “LEISURESCAPES” IN MELAKA'S TOURISM SECTOR
Authors: Cartier Carolyn 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTIn Malaysia, state promotion of tourism as a main component of service sector expansion and foreign exchange earnings has compelled government at all levels to facilitate leisure industry development. Even in the relatively small state of Melaka, where its historic landscapes constitute significant heritage tourism resources, development projects for theme parks and golf resorts have proliferated. This analysis examines Malaysian tourism development through an evaluation of the diverse tourism sectors in Melaka town and state—heritage, theme park, golf resort, and ecotourism—to demonstrate how the developmental contexts of national and international economic restructuring, combined with regional tourism demand for activity‐oriented leisure, have rationalised large‐scale, high‐cost, environmentally‐sensitive real estate development projects. In the process, authentic natural and historic landscapes have been rapidly forsaken for ersatz “leisurescapes” where both domestic and foreign tourists consume representations of diverse symbolic worlds.
The Role of Maternal Behavior in the Relation between Shyness and Social Reticence in Early Childhood and Social Withdrawal in Middle Childhood
Authors: Hane Amie Ashley , Cheah Charissa , Rubin Kenneth H. , Fox Nathan A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe moderating effect of maternal behavior in the relations between social reticence and shyness in preschool and subsequent social withdrawal was investigated. Eighty children (47 females) were judged for degree of social reticence during play with unfamiliar peers at the age of four and mothers completed the Colorado child temperament inventory (CCTI). At the age of seven, the children were coded for degree of social withdrawal during peer play and mothers and children were observed during structured and unstructured activities. Two significant interaction effects indicated that maternal report of shyness was a positive predictor of age‐seven social withdrawal when mothers lacked positivity; whereas observed social reticence was associated with higher degrees of social withdrawal when mothers were highly negative. Maternal positivity and negativity differentially influenced the development of social withdrawal in childhood, such that maternal negativity is associated with poor social functioning in children who have an established history of social withdrawal; whereas maternal positivity is associated with better social outcome for preschoolers who are viewed as temperamentally shy.
AS‐AD REVISITED: OVERSHOOTING ADJUSTMENT DYNAMICS UNDER NAÏVE EXPECTATIONS
Authors: Badinger Harald , Kubin Ingrid 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTWe analyse the adjustment dynamics from a short‐term to a medium‐term equilibrium in a standard AS‐AD model à la Blanchard (2006, Macroeconomics, 4th edn, Prentice‐Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ) for an open economy with fixed and flexible exchange rates. An explicit analysis suggests the local stability of the medium‐term equilibrium. However, an overshooting adjustment dynamics is possible for the exchange rate, a result that directly relates to the famous Dornbusch (1976, Journal of Political Economy, 84, pp. 1161–1176) analysis. In contrast to the latter, in the Blanchard framework it is obtained without assuming rational expectations and without relying upon saddle‐path stability.
Estimation of Engel Curves from Survey Data with Zero Expenditures*
Authors: Hasegawa Hikaru , Ueda Kazuhiro , Mori Kunie 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe objective of this article is to propose a Bayesian method for estimating a system of Engel functions using survey data that include zero expenditures. We deal explicitly with the problem of zero expenditures in the model and estimate a system of Engel functions that satisfy the adding‐up condition. Furthermore, using Markov chain Monte Carlo method, we estimate unobservable parameters, including consumption of commodities, total consumption and equivalence scale, and use their posterior distributions to calculate inequality measures and total consumption elasticities.
Technological Change and Transition: Relative Contributions to Worldwide Growth During the 1990s*
Authors: Badunenko Oleg , Henderson Daniel J. , Zelenyuk Valentin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this paper we use the Kumar and Russell [American Economic Review(2002) Vol. 92, pp. 527–548] growth‐accounting procedure to examine cross‐country growth during the 1990s. Using a data set comprising developed, newly industrialized, developing and transitional economies, we decompose the growth of output per worker into components attributable to technological catch‐up, technological change and capital accumulation. In contrast to the study by Kumar and Russell, which concludes that capital deepening is the major force of growth and change in the world income per worker distribution over the 1965–90 period, our analysis shows that, during the 1990s, the major force in the further divergence of the rich and the poor is due to technological change, whereas capital accumulation plays a lesser and opposite role. Finally, although on average we find that transitional economies perform similar to the rest of the world, the procedure is able to discover some interesting patterns within the set of transitional countries.
Poor adherence to HIV monitoring and treatment guidelines for HIV‐infected injection drug users
Authors: Wood E , Kerr T , Zhang R , Guillemi S , Palepu A , Hogg RS , Montaner JSG 
Published: May 2008

ObjectivesThere is growing concern about access to HIV/AIDS care among injection drug users (IDUs). We examined rates of CD4 cell count monitoring and correlates among HIV‐infected IDUs.MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study of 460 community‐recruited HIV‐infected IDUs was situated in a Canadian city where all medical care is provided free of charge. Over a median follow‐up period of 76 months, we evaluated factors associated with CD4 cell count monitoring through a linkage with a centralized CD4 registry.ResultsOverall, <5% of IDUs had CD4 monitoring consistent with local therapeutic guidelines. In multivariate analyses, after adjustment for being on antiretroviral therapy [odds ratio (OR) 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84–2.70, P<0.001] female gender (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.89, P=0.003), non‐White ethnicity (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.94, P=0.014), use of methadone maintenance therapy (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.42–1.94, P<0.001) and daily heroin use (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.61–0.85, P<0.001) were independently associated with CD4 monitoring.ConclusionsStrategies to improve CD4 surveillance among IDUs are critically important, particularly for female and non‐White IDUs. Expanded treatment for heroin dependence appears to have the greatest potential for improved care.
Contribution of Gender‐Specific Genetic Factors to Osteoporosis Risk
Authors: Karasik D. , Ferrari S. L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryCommon diseases result from the complex relationship between genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this review is to provide perspective for a conceptual framework aimed at studying the interplay of gender‐specific genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of complex disease, using osteoporosis as an example.In recent years, gender differences in the heritability of the osteoporosis‐related phenotypes have been reported and sex‐specific quantitative‐trait loci were discovered by linkage studies in humans and mice. Results of numerous allelic association studies also differed by gender. In most cases, it was not clear whether or not this phenomenon should be attributed to the effect of sex‐chromosomes, sex hormones, or other intrinsic or extrinsic differences between the genders, such as the level of bioavailable estrogen and of physical activity. We conclude that there is need to consider gender‐specific genetic and environmental factors in the planning of future association studies on the etiology of osteoporosis and other complex diseases prevalent in the general population.
Falling ill with Guillain‐Barré syndrome: patients’ experiences during the initial phase
Authors: Forsberg Anette , Ahlström Gerd , Holmqvist Lotta Widén 
Published: May 2008

Objective:  Research describing the personal experiences of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is limited, but is important for identifying the patients’ need of support. The aim of this study was to describe experiences of falling ill with GBS, with the focus on the onset of disease, the diagnosis and the illness progress during hospital care.Methods:  The study included 35 persons, 20–78 years old. They were interviewed 2 years after the onset of GBS. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results:  The onset was described as either an incomprehensible, prolonged, increasing deterioration with puzzling sensations or as a frightening, rapid onset with a sudden loss of body control. The majority of the persons relied heavily on the reassurance of a positive prognosis, and expressed immense confidence in being able to recover. During the early phase at the hospital, a rapid and steady course of improvement inspired hope in many persons. In contrast, even in this early phase of hospital care some individuals expressed doubts of a slow recovery. Feelings of fear and insecurity were evident when losing body functions, thus causing helplessness. Sensations of pain, numbness and lost body image increased their vulnerability. Half of the ventilator‐treated persons expressed vivid memories of scary hallucinations.Conclusion:  The onset is characterized by an incomprehensible bodily deterioration or a frightening, rapid paralysis. In the initial phase, there is hope for recovery, which for many individuals is reinforced by a steady recovery. In contrast, early psychosocial support may be necessary for some persons with an alarmingly slow recovery.
Factors associated with ‘stress of conscience’ in healthcare
Authors: Glasberg Ann‐Louise , Eriksson Sture , Norberg Astrid 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  The main purpose of this study was to examine factors related to ‘stress of conscience’ i.e. stress related to a troubled conscience in healthcare.Methods:  A series of questionnaires was completed by 423 healthcare employees in northern Sweden as part of this cross‐sectional study. The series of questionnaires comprised the ‘Stress of Conscience Questionnaire’, ‘Perception of Conscience Questionnaire’, ‘Revised Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire’, Social Interactions Scale, Resilience Scale and a Personal/Work Demographic form.Results:  Nonautomatic stepwise regression analysis with forward inclusion resulted in a model that explained approximately 39.6% of the total variation in stress of conscience. Individual items associated with stress of conscience were; perceiving that conscience warns us against hurting others while at the same time not being able to follow one’s conscience at work and having to deaden one’s conscience to keep working in healthcare. In addition moral sensitivity items belonging to the factor ‘sense of moral burden’ were; one’s ability to sense patient’s needs means that one is doing more than one has strength for, having difficulty to deal with feelings aroused when a patient is suffering and one’s ability to sense patient’s needs means feeling inadequate all added significantly to the model. In addition, deficient social support from superiors, low levels of resilience and working in internal medicine wards were all associated with stress of conscience.Conclusion:  Healthcare employees seem to experience stress of conscience in their everyday practise. Particular contributing factors are not being able to follow one’s conscience at work, and the ‘negative’ dimension of moral sensitivity – moral burden – which is an inability to deal with moral problems. Thus, in order for conscience and moral sensitivity to become an asset instead of a burden, healthcare employees need to be able to express their moral concerns.
Agroindustrialization of the global agrifood economy: bridging development economics and agribusiness research
Authors: Cook Michael L. , Chaddad Fabio R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper examines the agroindustrialization process from two supposedly disparate views: development economics and agribusiness research. The evolution of conceptual and methodological approaches emanating from these fields is explored and general observations are made concerning farm economic interdependence, institutional and organizational change, differing scopes of interest, the causes of agroindustrialization, orientation, and the choice of microanalytic tools, terminology, and unit of analysis. Despite an impressive list of hurdles, disincentives, and disconnects, complementarities between the two fields are identified. The paper concludes by exploring the potential of bridging development economics and agribusiness research to inform the future agroindustrialization research agenda.
Trade and agroindustrialization in developing countries: trends and policy impacts
Authors: Díaz‐Bonilla Eugenio , Reca Lucio 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThere have been important changes in the international trade of processed and high‐value added food products from developing countries over the past several decades. One of them has been the emergence of oilseeds and fruits and vegetables, replacing traditional products such as sugar, coffee, and cocoa as the main exports from developing countries. Another trend has been the collapse of African agroindustrial exports and the increase of exports from Asia. The paper highlights key trends, and explores possible reasons for the trends, focusing on trade policies in less‐developed countries (LDCs) and developed countries (DCs). The paper argues that national trade policies and other economic policies appear to have been relatively supportive of agroindustrial production and exports in Asia. In contrast, policies have had more mixed effects in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and seem to have been just one component in a larger array of forces inhibiting economic development in Africa. The performance of agroindustrial production and exports from LDCs may be now more dependent than ever on the completion of reforms in the agricultural trade policies of DCs. For Africa, however, a more supportive international environment and better macroeconomic and trade policies will not be enough to ensure a thriving agroindustrial sector within a broader process of economic development until military confrontations stop.
Food safety issues and fresh food product exports from LDCs
Authors: Unnevehr Laurian J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFresh food products have a high income elasticity of demand and few traditional trade barriers in high income markets. As such, they represent an important opportunity for less developed country (LDC) exporters. Fresh food product exports account for half of all food and agricultural exports from LDCs to high income countries. But these products may be subject to greater food safety risks and potential trade barriers arising from sanitary regulation. This paper reviews the challenges and issues facing LDCs in meeting food safety standards for export. These issues include: (a) the importance of fresh food product trade by region and the kinds of issues that arise from those products; (b) the role of farm to table approaches and hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) in ensuring safety; (c) the role of the public sector in LDCs in facilitating trade; (d) the potential role of the SPS Agreement in resolving disputes and determining equivalency of standards between high and low income countries.