bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The experience of carers of patients with severe mental illness: a comparison between London and Bologna
Authors: Tarricone Ilaria , Leese Morven , Szmukler George I. , Bassi Mariano , Berardi Domenico 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose.The experience of care giving inventory (ECI) is a self-reported measure of the caregiving experience as seen by the carer of a person with a serious mental illness. It comprises eight negative subscales and two positive subscales; positive and negative scores are obtained from these (ECI total positive and ECI total negative). This study aims to assess the validity and the reliability of the Italian version of the ECI and to compare the experience of carers in London and Bologna as measured by the ECI.Method.The sample consisted of 95 Bologna carers and 69 London carers of patients suffering from a functional psychotic disorder. The internal consistency of the Italian ECI and correlation between the Italian ECI total negative and the GHQ-12 (external validity) were estimated. Independent t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare sample characteristics and mean ECI scores. Regression analyses were used to control for confounders.Results.Internal consistency and validity of the Italian ECI were similar to these previously found. The Bologna caregivers had a higher ECI total negative than London carers; this difference was partially explained by worse patients' functioning and by a higher proportion of parents in Bologna. Bologna carers scored significantly lower on ECI total positive after controlling for relationship and patient functioning.Conclusions.The Italian ECI is a well-accepted and valid instrument to describe caregiving experiences. The similar scores in ECI total negative between London and Bologna underline a cross-cultural consistency of negative experience of caregiving and re-emphasise the importance of patients functioning in different cultural contexts. The differences found for ECI total positive suggest area for further research.
The implications of socialization and integration in supply chain management
Authors: Cousins Paul D. , Menguc Bulent 
Published: December 2005

AbstractFor many years, firms have been organizing supplier conferences, conducting on‐site visits, and talking about the concept of joint buyer/supplier teams. It is believed that the implementation of these concepts enhances inter‐firm relationships. Furthermore, as firms move towards closer and more integrated supply chains it is argued that socialization is an increasingly important mechanism in facilitating and enhancing the supply integration process. This paper has taken these activities and embedded them in the theory of ‘socialization’ and supply chain integration. The authors propose and test a model on how buyers can use the concepts of supply chain integration and socialization to achieve improved supplier communication and operational performance, and therefore, to improve the buyer's perceived level of the supplier's contractual conformance. The findings reveal that socialization is essential for the development of any significant business relationship and the enhancement of a supply integration strategy.
Cytoskeletal and motor proteins facilitate trafficking of AQP1‐containing vesicles in cholangiocytes
Authors: Tietz Pamela S. , McNiven Mark A. , Splinter Patrick L. , Huang Bing Q. , LaRusso Nicholas F. 
Published: December 2005

Background information. We have previously showed that: (i) cholangiocytes contain AQP1 (aquaporin 1) water channels sequestered in intracellular vesicles; and (ii) upon stimulation with choleretic agonists such as secretin or dibutyryl‐cAMP (dbcAMP), the AQP1 vesicles move via microtubules to the apical cholangiocyte membrane to facilitate osmotically driven, passive water movement (i.e. ductal bile secretion). The aim of the present study was to determine which proteins and mechanisms regulate AQP1 trafficking in cholangiocytes.Results. Using polarized cultured NMCs (normal mouse cholangiocytes) or NRCs (normal rat cholangiocytes) and affinity‐purified antibodies, we performed immunofluorescent confocal microscopy on fixed cells or immunoblotting on cell lysates for actin, tubulin, kinesin and dynein, proteins known to regulate intracellular vesicle trafficking. By immunostaining, the appropriate orientation of the actin (i.e. sub‐apical) and tubulin (i.e. generalized) cytoskeleton was apparent; kinesin and dynein displayed a homogeneous punctate distribution. Immunoblotting showed kinesin and dynein to be present in both cholangiocyte lysates and in isolated AQP1‐containing vesicles. We utilized real‐time fluorescence confocal microscopy of NMCs transfected with a GFP (green fluorescent protein)–AQP1 fusion construct in the presence and absence of dbcAMP.Conclusions. Our results provide additional insights into the potential molecular mechanisms of ductal bile secretion.
Identifying and explaining epochs of internationalization: a case study
Authors: Eckert Stefan , Mayrhofer Ulrike 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis research investigates the internationalization process of multinational corporations. The authors identify international epochs that profoundly characterize the internationalization process of companies and explain their emergence. Based on a longitudinal case study of the German company Hoechst and its merger with the French company Rhône‐Poulenc to Aventis, the empirical analysis reveals that international epochs are initiated by significant changes in the power structure of the corporation, such as the appointment of a new CEO or a corporate merger.
New ventures' inward licensing: examining the effects of industry and strategy characteristics
Authors: Zahra Shaker A , Keil Thomas , Maula Markku 
Published: December 2005

AbstractNew ventures compete by creating innovative products. Liabilities of newness and inexperience, limited resources, rapid technological obsolescence and constantly changing market conditions often encourage new ventures to license other companies' technologies to complement and augment their internally developed innovations. Building on the knowledge‐based view of the firm, we propose that the intensity of new ventures' use of inward licensing reflects the demands of their industries and competitive strategies. The results of an empirical study of 361 US new ventures show that industry characteristics and competitive strategy influence their inward licensing as a means of lowering costs and maintaining strategic flexibility while building their capabilities.
Pneumothorax in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: de Lassence Arnaud , Timsit Jean-François , Tafflet Muriel , Azoulay Élie , Jamali Samir , Vincent François , Cohen Yves , Garrouste-Orgeas Maïté , Alberti Corinne , Dreyfuss Didier 
Published: December 2005

Background
The risk factors and outcomes of critically ill patients with iatrogenic pneumothorax (IP) have not been studied in a large unselected intensive care unit (ICU) population.

Methods
The authors studied a prospective cohort of adults admitted for more than 24 h. Data were collected at ICU admission and daily by senior physicians until ICU discharge. Risk factors for IP were identified in the entire cohort. A matched nested case-control study was used to evaluate the excess risk of IP in decedents.

Results
Of the 3,499 patients, 69 with pneumothorax before ICU admission were excluded. Of the remaining 3,430 patients, 94 experienced IP within 30 days (42 due to barotrauma and 52 due to invasive procedures). The cumulative incidence of IP was 1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.8) on day 5 and 3.0% (95% CI, 2.4-3.6) on day 30. Risk factors for IP (hazard ratio [95% CI]) were body weight less than 80 kg (2.4 [1.3-4.2]), history of adult immunodeficiency syndrome (2.8 [1.2-6.4]), diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (5.3 [2.6-11]) or cardiogenic pulmonary edema at admission (2.0 [1.1-3.6]), central vein or pulmonary artery catheter insertion (1.7 [1.0-2.7]), and use of inotropic agents during the first 24 h (2.1 [1.3-3.4]). Excess risk of IP in decedents was 2.6 (95% CI, 1.3-4.9; P = 0.004).

Conclusion
Iatrogenic pneumothorax is a life-threatening complication seen in 3% of ICU patients. Incorporating risk factors for IP into preventive strategies should reduce the occurrence of IP.
Effects of Increasing Concentrations of Propofol on Jugular Venous Bulb Oxygen Saturation in Neurosurgical Patients under Normothermic and Mildly Hypothermic Conditions
Authors: Iwata Masato , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Inoue Satoki , Takahashi Masahiro , Horiuchi Toshinori , Sakaki Toshisuke , Furuya Hitoshi 
Published: December 2005

Background
Recent evidence suggested that propofol can deteriorate the cerebral oxygen balance compared with inhalational anesthetics. However, dose-related influences of propofol on cerebral oxygen balances were not clearly investigated. In the current study, the authors investigated the effects of increasing concentrations of propofol on jugular venous bulb oxygen saturation (Sj(O2)) in neurosurgical patients under normothermic and mildly hypothermic conditions.

Methods
After institutional approval and informed consent were obtained, 30 adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to either normothermic or hypothermic group (n = 15 in each group). In the normothermic and hypothermic groups, tympanic membrane temperature was maintained at 36.5 degrees and 34.5 degrees C, respectively. Sj(O2) was measured at predicted propofol concentrations of 3, 5, and 7 microg/ml using a target-controlled infusion system in both groups.

Results
At a predicted propofol concentration of 3 microg/ml, there were no significant differences in Sj(O2) values between the normothermic and hypothermic groups, although the incidence of desaturation (Sj(O2) < 50%) was significantly higher in the normothermic group than in the hypothermic group (30% vs. 13%; P < 0.05). Sj(O2) values and the incidence of desaturation remained unchanged during the changes in predicted propofol concentration from 3 to 7 microg/ml both in the normothermic and hypothermic groups.

Conclusion
The results indicated that the increasing concentrations of propofol did not affect Sj(O2) values in neurosurgical patients under normothermic and mildly hypothermic conditions.
Comparison of Two Techniques for Retrograde Tracheal Intubation in Human Fresh Cadavers
Authors: Lenfant François , Benkhadra Mehdi , Trouilloud Pierre , Freysz Marc 
Published: December 2005

Background
During retrograde tracheal intubation, the short distance existing between the cricothyroid membrane and vocal cords may be responsible for accidental extubation. The insertion of a catheter into the trachea before the removal of the guide wire may help to cope with this problem. This work was conducted to study the impact of such a modification on the success rate and the duration of the procedure.

Methods
Procedures of retrograde tracheal intubation following the classic and modified techniques were randomly performed in cadavers (n = 70). The duration of the procedure from the puncture of the cricothyroid membrane to the inflation of the balloon of the endotracheal tube was measured, and, at the end of the procedure, the position of the endotracheal tube was checked under laryngoscopy. The procedure was considered to have failed if it had taken more than 5 min or when the endotracheal tube was not positioned in the trachea.

Results
The mean time to achieve tracheal intubation was similar in both groups (123 +/- 51 vs. 127 +/- 41 s; not significant), but intubation failed significantly more frequently with the classic technique (22 vs. 8 failures; P < 0.05). All failures were related to incorrect positioning of the endotracheal tube. In four cases, both techniques failed.

Conclusions
This efficient, simple modification of the technique significantly increases the success rate of the procedure, without prolonging its duration. These data should be confirmed in clinical conditions but may encourage a larger use of the retrograde technique in cases of difficult intubation.
Ultralong Peripheral Nerve Block by Lidocaine:Prilocaine 1:1 Mixture in a Lipid Depot Formulation
Authors: Söderberg Lars , Dyhre Henrik , Roth Bodil , Björkman Sven 
Published: December 2005

Background
The aim of this study was to develop stable and easily injectable lipid depot preparations of local anesthetics in which the drug concentration can be varied according to desired duration of action.

Methods
The formulations contained a 2.0, 5.0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100% eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine base in medium-chain triglyceride. Duration of sciatic nerve block and local neurotoxicity was investigated in rats with 2.0% lidocaine:prilocaine HCl solution and 99.5% ethanol as controls. The rate of release of local anesthetic from the site of administration and the possibility to predict in vivo depot characteristics from in vitro release data were investigated for the 20 and 60% formulations.

Results
The duration of sensory sciatic block was prolonged 3 times with the 20% formulation and approximately 180 times with the 60% formulation, in comparison with the 2% aqueous solution. With the 80 and 100% formulations, all animals still showed nerve block after 2 weeks. The in vivo release of local anesthetic could be approximately predicted from in vitro data for the 20% but not for the 60% formulation. The formulations of 60% or greater and ethanol showed neurotoxic effects.

Conclusions
The pharmaceutical properties of these formulations compare favorably with those of other depot preparations. The high-percentage ones showed the longest duration of action yet reported for sciatic nerve block in rats. The possibility of using a high-concentration local anesthetic depot formulation as an alternative to ethanol or phenol for long-term nerve blocks in chronic pain merits further investigation.
Increased Susceptibility to Ventilator-associated Lung Injury Persists after Clinical Recovery from Experimental Endotoxemia
Authors: Schreiber Torsten , Hueter Lars , Schwarzkopf Konrad , Hohlstein Sylvia , Schmidt Barbara , Karzai Waheedullah 
Published: December 2005

Background
Endotoxin, when delivered shortly before or during mechanical ventilation, increases susceptibility to ventilation-associated lung injury. However, it is unclear whether increased susceptibility to ventilator-associated lung injury is still present after clinical recovery from a transient endotoxin challenge.

Methods
Anesthetized rats were submitted to a 4-h period of mechanical ventilation with low (8 ml/kg) or high (24, 27, or 30 ml/kg) tidal volumes (VTs) 24 h after transient illness had been provoked by a single nonlethal intravenous injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin. Control animals were injected with phosphate-buffered saline and underwent the same protocol.

Results
At 24 h, endotoxin-treated nonventilated animals showed no symptoms of clinical illness, and oxygenation was comparable with that of controls, but lung neutrophil counts were increased. Compared with controls, mechanical ventilation with high VT induced a stronger pulmonary inflammatory response and more severe lung injury in endotoxin-treated animals, as indicated by impaired oxygenation, increased lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, and increased levels of protein, neutrophils, and cytokines in lung lavage fluid. In addition, the highest VT resulted in increased mortality in endotoxin-treated animals. Low VT after endotoxin treatment did not cause functional pulmonary impairment but induced an inflammatory response.

Conclusions
In this animal model, a 24-h delay after a single systemic injection of endotoxin resulted in clinical recovery and preserved pulmonary function but did not prevent increased susceptibility to ventilator-associated lung injury provoked by high VT. Residual pulmonary inflammation and neutrophilic infiltration at initiation of mechanical ventilation probably contribute to these findings.
Thoracic Epidural versus Intravenous Patient-controlled Analgesia after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Hansdottir Vigdis , Philip Julia , Olsen Monika Fagevik , Eduard Christina , Houltz Erik , Ricksten Sven-Erik 
Published: December 2005

Background
Perioperative thoracic epidural analgesia reduces stress response and pain scores and may improve outcome after cardiac surgery. This prospective, randomized trial was designed to compare the effectiveness of patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia with patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine on postoperative hospital length of stay and patients' perception of their quality of recovery after cardiac surgery.

Methods
One hundred thirteen patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to receive either combined thoracic epidural analgesia and general anesthesia followed by patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia or general anesthesia followed by to patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine. Postoperative length of stay, time to eligibility for hospital discharge, pain and sedation scores, degree of ambulation, lung volumes, and organ morbidities were evaluated. A validated quality of recovery score was used to measure postoperative health status.

Results
Length of stay and time to eligibility for hospital discharge were similar between the groups. Study groups differed neither in postoperative global quality of recovery score nor in five dimensions of quality of recovery score. Time to extubation was shorter (P < 0.001) and consumption of anesthetics was lower in the patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia group. Pain relief, degree of sedation, ambulation, and lung volumes were similar between the study groups. There was a trend for lower incidences of pneumonia (P = 0.085) and confusion (P = 0.10) in the patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia group, whereas cardiac, renal, and neurologic outcomes were similar between the groups.

Conclusions
In elective cardiac surgery, thoracic epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia followed by patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia offers no major advantage with respect to hospital length of stay, quality of recovery, or morbidity when compared with general anesthesia alone followed by to patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine.
Capture of monomeric refolding intermediate of human muscle creatine kinase
Authors: Li Sen , Bai Ji‐Hong , Park Yong‐Doo , Zhou Hai‐Meng 
Published: December 2005

AbstractHuman muscle creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme that plays an important physiological role in the energy metabolism of humans. It also serves as a typical model for studying refolding of proteins. A study of the refolding and reactivation process of guanidine chloride–denatured human muscle CK is described in the present article. The results show that the refolding process can be divided into fast and slow folding phases and that an aggregation process competes with the proper refolding process at high enzyme concentration and high temperature. An intermediate in the early stage of refolding was captured by specific protein molecules: the molecular chaperonin GroEL and αs‐casein. This intermediate was found to be a monomer, which resembles the “molten globule” state in the CK folding pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first monomeric intermediate captured during refolding of CK. We propose that aggregation is caused by interaction between such monomeric intermediates. Binding of GroEL with this intermediate prevents formation of aggregates by decreasing the concentration of free monomeric intermediates, whereas binding of αs‐casein with this intermediate induces more aggregation.
Parasitoids use herbivore‐induced information to adapt patch exploitation behaviour
Authors: Tentelier Cédric , Wajnberg Eric , Fauvergue Xavier 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  1. Optimal foraging models ultimately predict that female parasitoids should exploit rich host patches for longer than poorer ones. At the proximate level, mechanistic models and experimental studies show that parasitoids use both chemicals produced by their hosts and direct encounters with their hosts to estimate patch quality. Although it has been extensively studied in the context of host location, the use of herbivore‐induced plant response by insect parasitoids has never been considered in the context of patch time allocation.2. In this study, the respective roles of herbivore‐induced plant response and direct contact with hosts on the foraging behaviour of Lysiphlebus testaceipes females on an aphid patch were quantified. For this, the level of herbivore‐induced plant response and the number of aphids on the leaf bearing the patch were manipulated independently. Different levels of plant response were obtained by varying the duration of infestation on another leaf.3. Parasitoid residence time and number of attacks increased with both the level of plant response and the number of aphids.4. These results suggest that L. testaceipes females use the combination of herbivore‐induced response of plants and direct encounters with hosts to assess patch quality and adjust their patch use behaviour.
Selection for discontinuous life‐history traits along a continuous thermal gradient in the butterflyAricia agestis
Authors: Burke Steve , Pullin Andrew S. , Wilson Robert J. , Thomas Chris D. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract. 1. Voltinism may be conceptualised as the product of development rate and the timing of diapause – two components that together translate gradual environmental variation, through periods of growth and development, into ‘generational units’. This may result in very different selection pressures on diapause induction and development time in populations with different numbers of generations per year.2. Developmental data from univoltine and bivoltine populations of the butterflyAricia agestis(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in North Wales were used to examine larval development time and the timing of diapause, and their contribution towards voltinism in populations that occur at the same latitude and in geographic proximity to one another along a thermal gradient.3. The critical photoperiod for diapause induction in univoltines and bivoltines from the same latitude differed by more than 1.5 h.4. Development time also differed significantly between these populations, in line with predictions that bivoltines would need to exhibit shorter development times in order to achieve two complete generations per year. Shorter development times for bivoltines result in lower pupal weights, suggesting a trade‐off exists between generation number and body size that may dictate the position of the transition zone between the two life‐history strategies. Analysis of development times in a third population, from southern England, with greater thermal availability than those from North Wales, further supports this hypothesised trade‐off.5. To achieve the conversion of a continuous thermal gradient into the binary biological response from univoltism to bivoltism, bivoltines speed up development, reduce adult body size and shift their diapause induction response.