bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Islamic financing/banking in the Nigerian economy
Authors: Clifford Obiyo Ofurum 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of Islamic banking in Nigeria, against the backdrop of the country's peculiar socio‐cultural background and economy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews related issues and prospects in the context of Islamic banking in the Nigerian economy.FindingsImplementation and success of Islamic banking in Nigeria would require: re‐shaping the society, restructuring of the economic system and re‐framing of the laws according to the dictates of Islam. This will not be easy in Nigeria, given her multi‐religious nature. The most difficult and important task, however, is the reformation of society, which has to be undertaken as an on‐going process. The paper recommends a dual banking system, where the conventional system will run side by side with the Islamic banking system.Originality/valueThe paper offers some useful suggestions that may lead to effective interest‐free banking operations in Nigeria.
Factors influencing intention to use diminishing partnership home financing
Authors: Fauziah  , Ramayah T. , Abdul Razak Dzuljastri 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the acceptance level of a new Islamic home financing concept, diminishing partnership (DP), by consumers in Malaysia using the theory of reasoned action as the guiding principle.Design/methodology/approachCross sectional data were collected through a survey and analysed by means of factor analysis, correlation and regression analysis.FindingsPositive attitude or degree of favorableness towards the DP concept and religious and social influence are jointly responsible in determining the intention to engage in DP though the former commands greater influence.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of convenience sampling and postgraduate students may not sufficiently capture the variations that could potentially exist in the market.Practical implicationsIntroducing a leading Islamic finance product requires more than just a mere Shariah Board approval as customers are far more critical than has often been assumed. Demand for the home diminishing product has clearly been substantiated. It is a challenge for bankers to devise products that use the spirit of the concept very closely without compromising its salient features. Marketing strategies to consumers with different religious backgrounds have also been identified.Originality/valueThis study examines customers' acceptance level of a new Islamic home financing concept among multi ethnic/religion consumers with growing interest and consciousness about Islamic financial products.
Readiness assessment of Islamic micro‐finance institution to implement micro‐insurance concept (case of Iran)
Authors: Saleh Torkestani Mohammad , Ahadi Pari 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess readiness of Iranian micro‐finance institutes (MFIs) to perform micro‐insurance activities.Design/methodology/approachA five‐variable model was used. Each variable was assessed using a special dimension of readiness. Row data were gathered through a closed interview containing 34 questions using the Likert scale. Interviewees included 30 experts working as top managers in 15 selected Iranian MFIs (consisting of banks, finance and credit institutes and Qarzol‐hasane).FindingsThe score for general readiness of MFIs in Iran revealed a remarkable figure. Accordingly, it is suggested that these institutes should enter this business field incrementally and invest in this particular domain.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was not truly random, as the professionals in this field are not easily accessible. The factors that were used for the study were based on a review of past researches and the factors were chosen after deliberation and reliability tests. However, this study may not have chosen all possible factors. The research findings are limited to MFIs of Iran. The findings cannot be generalized to other institutions or industries.Originality/valueThe paper reveals the importance of the readiness assessment in successful microinsurance implementation by Islamic MFIs and introduces a basic model for this type of readiness assessment that can be used in other countries.
Review article: new drug formulations, chemical entities and therapeutic approaches for the management of ulcerative colitis
Authors: NG S. C. , KAMM M. A. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  Treatment options for ulcerative colitis (UC) are expanding with the development of novel drug formulations and dosing regimens and new chemical entities. Although the goals of medical therapy for UC remain unchanged, that is to induce and to maintain remission, focus has also centred on improving patient compliance, modifying the natural course of disease and healing the mucosa.Aim  To examine novel formulations, new chemical entities and novel therapeutic approaches to the management of UC.Methods  Searches for all studies related to UC treatment in Medline and abstracts from major national and international meetings published in the last 10 years.Results  5‐Aminosalicylic acids (5‐ASA) remain the standard first‐line treatment for patients with mild to moderately active UC. New formulations with altered delivery, and new dosing regimens have demonstrated possible improvements in efficacy compared with historically available preparations and dosing patterns. Once‐daily dosing, micropellet formulations, and high‐dose tablets offer enhanced efficacy and improved compliance. 5‐ASA is now recognized as a ligand for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) and it has a role as a chemo‐preventive agent in long‐standing UC. New colonic release corticosteroid formulations help to limit systemic toxicity; turmeric, tacrolimus and infliximab have shown promising results. New anti‐inflammatory targeted therapies include an anti‐CD3 antibody, selective integrin blockers, anti‐IL‐2 antibody and PPAR‐γ agonists.Conclusion  The evolution of novel oral 5‐ASA formulations and dosage regimens, and recent development of new molecules have expanded the therapeutic armamentarium of UC.
Meta‐analysis: narrow band imaging for lesion characterization in the colon, oesophagus, duodenal ampulla and lung
Authors: EAST J. E. , TAN E. K. , BERGMAN J. J. , SAUNDERS B. P. , TEKKIS P. P. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  Narrow band imaging is a new endoscopic technology that highlights mucosal surface structures and microcapillaries, which may be indicative of neoplastic change.Aim  To assess the diagnostic precision of narrow band imaging for the diagnosis of epithelial neoplasia compared to conventional histology both overall and in specific organs.Methods  We performed a meta‐analysis of studies which compared narow band imaging‐based diagnosis of neoplasia with histopathology as the gold standard. Search terms: ‘endoscopy’ and ‘narrow band imaging’.Results  Five hundred and eighty‐two patients and 1108 lesions in 11 studies were included. Overall, sensitivity was 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.92–0.95), specificity 0.83 (0.80–0.86); weighted area under the curve was 0.96 (standard error 0.02), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 72.74 (34.11–155.15). DORs were 66.65 (25.84–171.90), 61.19 (7.09–527.97), 69.74 (8.04–605.24) for colon, oesophagus and lung respectively. Studies with more than 50 patients had higher diagnostic precision, relative DOR 4.96 (1.28–19.27), P = 0.022. There was no difference in accuracy between microvessel and mucosal (pit) pattern based measures, relative DOR 1.29 (0.05–35.16), P = 0.87. There was significant heterogeneity overall between studies, Q = 31.2, P = 0.003.Conclusion  Narrow band imaging is accurate with high diagnostic precision for in vivo diagnosis of neoplasia across a range of organs, using simple microvessel‐based measures.
Incidence and case fatality for acute pancreatitis in England: geographical variation, social deprivation, alcohol consumption and aetiology – a record linkage study
Authors: ROBERTS S. E. , WILLIAMS J. G. , MEDDINGS D. , GOLDACRE M. J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  Regional studies in the UK indicate that the incidence of acute pancreatitis increased from the 1940s to the 1990s, while case fatality fell until the 1970s but has levelled‐off since.Aims  To establish incidence and case fatality for acute pancreatitis in England from 1998 to 2003, to study geographical variation and recent trends in incidence and to study associations with social deprivation and alcohol consumption.Methods  Use of national record linkage of in‐patient and mortality data for 52 096 people.Results  Overall incidence was 22.4 per 100 000 population, increasing by 3.1% annually, with largest increases for women aged under 35 years (11% per year) and for men aged 35 to 45 (5.6%). Incidence was higher in northern regions than in southern regions and in areas with high social deprivation and binge drinking. Case fatality was 6.7% at 60 days, higher for alcoholic than gallstones aetiology and was associated with social deprivation and geography.Conclusions  Acute pancreatitis is a growing problem in England, particularly among younger women. The findings indicate strongly that alcohol consumption is the main reason for recent increases in incidence, the higher incidence in socially‐deprived areas and for the lack of recent improvement in prognosis.
Rectal tacrolimus in the treatment of resistant ulcerative proctitis
Authors: LAWRANCE I. C. , COPELAND T.‐S. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Resistant ulcerative proctitis can be extremely difficult to manage. Oral tacrolimus can be effective, but may have numerous adverse effects. Topically administered tacrolimus, however, may also be effective in proctitis.Aim  To undertake a pilot study to assess a potential role for topical tacrolimus in the management of resistant ulcerative proctitis.Methods  Patients with resistant ulcerative proctitis were assessed prospectively by the colitis activity index (CAI) and Modified Mayo score. Topical rectal tacrolimus ointment was commenced at 0.3 mg/mL 3 mL b.d. and increased depending on clinical response. CAI and modified Mayo scores were assessed at 0 and 8 weeks, as were steroid usage and adverse effects.Results  Eight patients (five male/three female) with inflammation to a maximum of 30 cm from the anus were included. All patients had failed disease control with 5‐aminosalicylic acids, steroids, immunosuppressants and infliximab therapy. The mean initial CAI was 12.1 (range 9–16) and the mean modified Mayo score was 8.0 (range 6–9). After 8 weeks, six of eight patients achieved remission with steroids reduced or ceased in five of six. There were no significant adverse effects.Conclusions  This prospective pilot study demonstrated that topical rectal tacrolimus ointment can be effective in ulcerative proctitis. The preparation was well tolerated with no significant adverse effects. Further controlled studies are required.
The modified glucose clearance test: a novel non‐invasive method for differentiating non‐erosive reflux disease and erosive oesophagitis
Authors: FUJINAMI H. , KUDO T. , MIYAZAKI T. , HOSOKAWA A. , MIHARA H. , ANDO T. , SUGIYAMA T. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Impaired salivary secretion has been reported to cause abnormal acid clearance from the oesophagus in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, few studies have explained the differences between non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive oesophagitis (EO) with respect to salivary secretion.Aim  To elucidate these differences, we measured salivary secretion by using the modified glucose clearance test (mGCT).Methods  All subjects completed endoscopic examinations, the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD questionnaire and the mGCT comprising a resting GCT (measured as RGC time) and a chewing‐stimulated GCT (SGC time).Results  Resting glucose clearance time was 18.5 min in control group and significantly longer in NERD and EO groups (28.5 and 39.0 min respectively). SGC time was 6.1 min in control group and 7.2 min in NERD group and significantly longer in EO group (10.2 min) than in the control and NERD groups.Conclusions  In the EO group, both resting and stimulated salivary secretions were less than in control group. However, in the NERD group, resting salivary secretion was decreased, but stimulated salivary secretion was similar to that of the control group. Therefore, these results may help in explaining the differences in the pathogenesis of NERD and EO.
Azathioprine treatment during lactation
Authors: CHRISTENSEN L. A. , DAHLERUP J. F. , NIELSEN M. J. , FALLINGBORG J. F. , SCHMIEGELOW K. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Thiopurines are widely used to maintain remission in inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment during pregnancy is generally recommended to improve the chance of a normal birth outcome, but advice concerning breastfeeding is conflicting.Aim  To estimate the exposure of breastfed infants to 6‐mercaptopurine, as a metabolite of azathioprine, from maternal milk.Methods  Eight lactating women with inflammatory bowel disease receiving maintenance therapy with azathioprine 75–200 mg daily were studied. Milk and plasma samples were obtained 30 and 60 min after drug administration and hourly for the following 5 h.Results  The variation in the bioavailability of the drug was reflected in a wide range of peak plasma values of 6‐mercaptopurine within the first 3 h. A similar curve, but with an hour’s delay and at significantly lower concentrations varying from 2–50 μg/L, was seen in maternal milk. After 6 h an average of 10% of the peak values were measured.Conclusions  The major part of 6‐mercaptopurine in breast milk is excreted within the first 4 h after drug intake. On the basis of maximum concentration measured, the infant ingests mercaptopurine of <0.008 mg/kg bodyweight/24 h. The findings confirm that breastfeeding during treatment with azathioprine seems safe and should be recommended, considering the extensive beneficial effects.
Identification of Helicobacter pylori infected patients, using administrative data
Authors: THIRUMURTHI S. , DESILVA R. , CASTILLO D. L. , RICHARDSON P. , ABRAHAM N. S. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent organism implicated in peptic ulcer disease.Aim  To validate administrative data for diagnosis of H. pylori‐infected patients.Methods  Administrative data identified patients with ICD‐9 code for H. pylori (041.86) or prescription of eradication therapy; diagnosis was confirmed by chart abstraction. Multivariable regression assessed predictors of infection considering drug therapy, ICD‐9 code 041.86, procedure code, in‐patient or out‐patient diagnostic code, age, gender and race to generate an algorithm for validation.Results  The test cohort of 531 patients (361 potential cases; 170 random controls) was primarily male (94%), Caucasian (59%) and elderly [67 years (s.d. 10)]. The positive predictive value (PPV) of ICD‐9 code 041.86 was 100% and 97.4% if from an in‐patient or out‐patient encounter, respectively. Eradication drug therapy had a PPV of 73.7% (triple therapy) and 97.7% (quadruple therapy). The strongest predictors were out‐patient ICD‐9 code 041.86 (OR 8.1; 95% CI: 7.0–9.1); eradication drug therapy (OR 7.4; 95% CI: 6.6–8.3); oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OR 3.5; 95% CI: 3.3–3.6); and age ≥70 (OR 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1–1.4). An algorithm including these data elements yielded a c‐statistic of 0.93 and PPV of 97.9%.Conclusions  Administrative data can diagnose H. pylori‐infected patients. The diagnostic algorithm includes presence of eradication drug therapy overlapping with an out‐patient ICD‐9 code 041.86 among elderly adults.
Alluvial fan development and morpho‐tectonic evolution in response to contractional fault reactivation (Late Cretaceous–Palaeocene), Provence, France
Authors: Leleu S. , Ghienne J.‐F. , Manatschal G. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTAlong‐strike variability within a Late Cretaceous to early Palaeocene contractional growth structure and associated alluvial fan deposits is documented at the northern margin of the Arc Basin (Provence, SE France). This contribution shows that alluvial fans can be used as high‐resolution proxies to reconstruct structural segmentation and palaeo‐geomorphological evolution of a source/basin margin system. Facies‐based reconstruction allows the spatial and temporal distribution of alluvial fan bodies to be mapped. Relationships between fan area and catchment size from modern alluvial fan systems were used to estimate palaeo‐catchment size. Combining alluvial fan morphologies with catchment area, pebble provenance analysis and growth structure reconstruction, we show that: (1) fan distribution and related depositional processes were strongly influenced by intrinsic parameters such as drainage basin evolution, local structural inheritance and lateral facies changes in source area lithologies; (2) Inherited structures trending N100 effectively controlled the first‐order location of the fold and thrust structures (Montagne Sainte‐Victoire Range) and adjacent depositional areas (Arc Basin); (3) Syn‐sedimentary faults trending N010‐030 influenced the source/basin margin development and interacted with developing growth structures; (4) Facies changes in Jurassic carbonates controlled fold development and consequently the structural evolution of the source area; and (5) the N010‐030 faults and along‐strike variability of the source/basin margin system were ultimately controlled by basement structures that controlled where Late Cretaceous deformation nucleated. The overall architecture of the source/basin margin system reflects segmentation and strain partitioning along strike, as demonstrated by diachronous alluvial fan distribution.
Women’s stories of their experiences as overweight patients
Authors: Merrill Emily , Grassley Jane 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  Women’s stories of their experiences as overweight patients. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to illuminate the meaning of women’s experiences as overweight patients in their encounters with healthcare services and healthcare providers.Background.  Overweight and obesity are increasingly important issues for women’s health internationally. Overweight or obese women may delay or avoid health care if care providers have previously reacted negatively to them based on weight. However, studies focusing on the meaning of women’s experiences as overweight patients and as recipients of healthcare services are lacking.Method.  A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted in the United States of America in 2007 with eight women volunteers who self‐identified as being overweight patients. The framework of van Manen’s lifeworld existentials of lived space, lived body, lived time and lived relation‐guided reflection for data analysis.Findings.  The essence of women’s experiences was a battle to fit into the world of healthcare services. Four major themes were identified. ‘Struggling to fit in’ consisted of trying to fit into limited physical space (examination rooms, equipment), limited time, and limited satisfaction and support in relationships with healthcare providers. ‘Being dismissed’ consisted of demeaning and embarrassing interactions with providers. ‘Feeling not quite human’ involved the stigma of being different because of body size. ‘Refusing to give up’ consisted of persistence in seeking support and advice from professionals despite negative past experiences.Conclusion.  Awareness of these findings could reform understanding of women’s experiences as overweight patients and raise the consciousness of nurses worldwide to develop sensitive communication strategies and healthcare environments that support holistic care.
Validation of the Italian version of the Discomfort Scale – Dementia of Alzheimer Type
Authors: Dello Russo Carolina , Di Giulio Paola , Brunelli Cinzia , Dimonte Valerio , Villani Daniele , Renga Giovanni , Toscani Franco 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  Validation of the Italian version of the Discomfort Scale – Dementia of Alzheimer Type. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to validate the Discomfort Scale – Dementia of Alzheimer Type in Italian.Background.  Dementia is a long and highly debilitating illness with a slow course and a steadily rising prevalence. Improving the quality of life of patients with dementia requires instruments to measure their problems and symptoms, because they are unable to communicate and interact with others. In Italy, there are no validated scales to assess discomfort for this population. The Discomfort Scale – Dementia of Alzheimer Type was developed in the USA and has been further tested there as well as in Germany.Methods.  The data were collected by 21 nurses during 2006 in five nursing homes with 71 patients with severe dementia. Face and content validity were evaluated in a focus group. Discriminant validity was assessed with the opposite‐group approach and internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability were measured.Results.  The discriminant validity of the Italian Discomfort Scale – Dementia of Alzheimer Type showed its ability to detect patients with high and low levels of discomfort. Reliability testing gave positive results: the internal consistency level was satisfactory (0·814) and comparisons of overall discomfort scores across nurses show good reliability.Conclusion.  These findings support the use of Discomfort Scale – Dementia of Alzheimer Type in a clinical setting for people with severe dementia for both research and practice. Its ease of use and comprehensibility, and the limited time required to observe patients renders the Discomfort Scale – Dementia of Alzheimer Type a practical instrument for assessment and choosing care interventions.
Proteomic identification of non‐Gal antibody targets after pig‐to‐primate cardiac xenotransplantation
Authors: Byrne Guerard W. , Stalboerger Paul G. , Davila Eduardo , Heppelmann Carrie J. , Gazi Mozammel H. , McGregor Hugh C. J. , LaBreche Peter T. , Davies William R. , Rao Vinay P. , Oi Keiji , Tazelaar Henry D. , Logan John S. , McGregor Christopher G. A. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Background:  Experience with non‐antigenic galactose α1,3 galactose (αGal) polymers and development of αGal deficient pigs has reduced or eliminated the significance of this antigen in xenograft rejection. Despite these advances, delayed xenograft rejection (DXR) continues to occur most likely due to antibody responses to non‐Gal endothelial cell (EC) antigens.Methods: To gauge the diversity of the non‐Gal antibody response we used antibody derived from CD46 transgenic heterotopic cardiac xenografts performed without T‐cell immunosuppression, Group A (n = 4) and Gal knockout (GT‐KO) heart transplants under tacrolimus and sirolimus immunosuppression, Group B (n = 8). Non‐Gal antibody was measured by flow cytometry and by western blots using GT‐KO EC membrane antigens. A nanoLC/MS/MS analysis of proteins recovered from 2D gels was used to identify target antigens.Results: Group A recipients exhibited a mixed cellular and humoral rejection. Group B recipients mainly exhibited classical DXR. Western blot analysis showed a non‐Gal antibody response induced by GT+ and GT‐KO hearts to an overlapping set of pig aortic EC membrane antigens. Proteomic analysis identified 14 potential target antigens but failed to define several immunodominant targets.Conclusions: These experiments indicate that the non‐Gal antibody response is directed to a number of stress response and inflammation related pig EC antigens and a few undefined targets. Further analysis of these antibody specificities using alternative methods is required to more fully define the repertoire of non‐Gal antibody responses.