bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why We Shouldn't Swallow Worm Slices: A Case Study in Semantic Accommodation
Authors: Moyer Mark 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA radical metaphysical theory typically comes packaged with a semantic theory that reconciles those radical claims with common sense. The metaphysical theory says what things exist and what their natures are, while the semantic theory specifies, in terms of these things, how we are to interpret everyday language. Thus may we “think with the learned, and speak with the vulgar.” This semantic accommodation of common sense, however, can end up undermining the very theory it is designed to protect. This paper is a case study, showing in detail how one popular version of temporal parts theory is self‐undermining. This raises the specter that the problem generalizes to other metaphysical theories.The traditional flavor of temporal parts theory, Worm Theory, claims that everyday objects are four‐dimensional space‐time worms. An alternative flavor, Slice Theory, claims that objects are not space‐time worms but are instead momentary slices of these worms. The differences, we find, are not nearly as great as advertised. In fact, the differences in the two metaphysical theories are entirely masked by compensating differences in the accompanying semantic theories. As a result, the two theories generate exactly the same truth conditions. Common sense says that I was born years ago. Slice Theory adopts a semantic theory that accommodates such claims, but in doing so, it also endorses the claim that I, like other everyday objects, persist and thus do not exist for a mere moment. That is, the metaphysical claims constitutive of Slice Theory are denied by the very semantic theory Slice Theory adopts to accommodate common sense. Slice Theory thus undermines itself.
Genomewide Linkage Scan for Combined Obesity Phenotypes using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: He L.‐N. , Liu Y.‐J. , Xiao P. , Zhang L. , Guo Y. , Yang T.‐L. , Zhao L.‐J. , Drees B. , Hamilton J. , Deng H.‐Y. , Recker R. R. , Deng H.‐W. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryTraditional whole genome linkage scans for obesity were usually performed for a number of correlated obesity related phenotypes separately without considering their correlations. The purpose of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying variations in multiple correlated obesity phenotypes.We performed principal component analysis (PCA) for four highly correlated obesity phenotypes (body mass index [BMI], fat mass, percentage of fat mass [PFM], and lean mass) in a sample of 427 pedigrees (comprising 3,273 individuals) and generated two independent principal components (PC1 and PC2). A whole genome linkage scan (WGS) was then conducted for PC1 and PC2.For PC1, the strongest linkage signal was identified on chromosome 20p12 (LOD = 2.67). For PC2, two suggestive linkages were found on 5q35 (LOD = 2.03) and 7p22 (LOD = 2.18).This study provided evidence supporting several previously identified linkage regions for obesity (e.g., 1p36, 6p23 and 7q34). In addition, our approach by linear combination of highly correlated obesity phenotypes identified several novel QTLs which were not found in genome linkage scans for individual phenotypes.
POTENTIAL INITIATORS OF HIV‐RELATED STIGMATIZATION: ETHICAL AND PROGRAMMATIC CHALLENGES FOR PMTCT PROGRAMS
Authors: THORSEN VIVA C. , SUNDBY JOHANNE , MARTINSON FRANCIS 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTHIV/AIDS continues to constitute a serious threat to the social and physical wellbeing of African mothers and their babies. In the hardest hit countries of sub‐Saharan Africa, more than 60% of all new HIV infections are occurring in women, infants and young children. Mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) constitutes 90% of new HIV infections among infants and young children. Most of these infections can be prevented. However, the social stigma of HIV/AIDS insidiously continues to undermine the success of prevention programs.Ironically, some attributes or characteristics of prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) programs may in fact serve as catalysts to the stigmatization process. This paper identifies and discusses six potential initiators: (1) Routine HIV testing, (2) Six months exclusive breastfeeding, (3) Incentives, (4) Home visits, (5) Location of PMTCT program, and (6) PMTCT terminology. In all these areas, there are practical strategies that may be applied to reduce the chances of being stigmatized. These strategies are introduced and discussed.
Multiple Perspectives on the Psychological Functioning of Children With and Without Migraine
Authors: Vannatta Kathryn , Getzoff Elizabeth A. , Powers Scott W. , Noll Robert B. , Gerhardt Cynthia A. , Hershey Andrew D. 
Published: February 2008

Objective.— To use a case–control design to evaluate the emotional and behavioral functioning of children with migraine.Background.— Research has indicated that children with migraine are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems such as depression and anxiety; however, methodological limitations in sample definitions, measurement strategies, and comparison groups remain problematic.Method.— Forty‐seven participants diagnosed with migraine at a pediatric headache center participated in a home‐based study of child functioning using standardized measures. Mothers and fathers of these children participated, as did control families recruited from among classmates.Results.— Indications of increased emotional and behavioral difficulties for children with migraine were found, primarily from the perspective of mothers. Exploratory analyses found several associations between mother and child perceptions of difficulties and persistence of headache symptoms following initiation of multidisciplinary headache treatment.Conclusions.— Continued concern regarding emotional well‐being of children with migraine is warranted, but more work is needed to understand the differing perspectives of family members. Particular attention to emotional well‐being is needed for children whose headache symptoms persist despite multidisciplinary treatment.
Treatment of 94 Outpatients With Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain with the DRX9000: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Macario Alex , Richmond Charlotte , Auster Martin , Pergolizzi Joseph V. 
Published: February 2008

▪ AbstractBackground:  This study's goal was a retrospective chart audit of 100 outpatients with discogenic low back pain (LBP) lasting more than 12 weeks treated with a 2‐month course of motorized spinal decompression via the DRX9000 (Axiom Worldwide, Tampa, FL, U.S.A.).Methods:  Patients at a convenience sample of four clinics received 30‐minute DRX9000 sessions daily for the first 2 weeks tapering to 1 session/week. Treatment protocol included lumbar stretching, myofascial release, or heat prior to treatment, with ice and/or muscle stimulation afterwards. Primary outcome was verbal numerical pain intensity rating (NRS) 0 to 10 before and after the 8‐week treatment.Results:  Of the 100 initial subjects, three withdrew their protected health information, and three were excluded because their LBP duration was less than 12 weeks. The remaining 94 subjects (63% female, 95% white, age = 55 (SD 16) year, 52% employed, 41% retired, LBP median duration of 260 weeks) had diagnoses of herniated disc (73% of patients), degenerative disc disease (68%), or both (27%). Mean NRS equaled 6.05 (SD 2.3) at presentation and decreased significantly to 0.89 (SD 1.15) at end of 8‐week treatment (P < 0.0001). Analgesic use also appeared to decrease (charts with data = 20) and Activities of Daily Living improved (charts with data = 38). Follow‐up (mean 31 weeks) on 29/94 patients reported mean 83% LBP improvement, NRS of 1.7 (SD 1.15), and satisfaction of 8.55/10 (median 9).Conclusions:  This retrospective chart audit provides preliminary data that chronic LBP may improve with DRX9000 spinal decompression. Randomized double‐blind trials are needed to measure the efficacy of such systems. ▪
Fibromyalgia: Its prevalence and impact on the quality of life on a hemodialyzed population
Authors: COUTO Cláudio I. , NATOUR Jamil , CARVALHO Aluízio B. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. It has negative effects on quality of life and has been poorly investigated in specific populations. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of FMS in Brazilian hemodialysis (HD) patients and to investigate its effects on the quality of life. We investigated 311 patients on HD who were submitted to physical examination towards the classification of FMS. All subjects from FMS and control groups were submitted to laboratorial investigation and completed questionnaires of quality of life. The prevalence of FMS was 3.9%, which was close to that of the general population. Most patients were females and from non‐Caucasian races. No difference between FMS and control groups was observed regarding race, dialysis adequacy, nutritional status and level of schooling. Ionized calcium was higher in the FMS group than in the control group. There was no association between FMS and secondary hyperparathyroidism. On the other hand, FMS was associated with worse quality of life, depression and anxiety. In conclusion, the prevalence of FMS in HD patients was similar to that of the general population. It was associated with decreasing quality of life in HD patients, in addition to higher degrees of depression and anxiety. No laboratory tests could identify FMS patients on HD. Fibromyalgia syndrome subsequently follows without a well‐established mechanism of pathogenesis, and seems to be due to multifactorial causes. Its true impact on the quality of life of HD patients deserves more attention by nephrologists.
Marked improvement in bone metabolism parameters after increasing the dialysate calcium concentration from 2.5 to 3 mEq/L in nonhypercalcemic hemodialysis patients
Authors: MOLINA VILA Pablo , SÁNCHEZ PÉREZ Pilar , GARRIGÓS ALMERICH Enrique , PERIS DOMINGO Ana 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe optimal dialysate calcium (Ca) concentration for hemodialysis (HD) patients is set at 2.5 mEq/L according to Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K‐DOQI) guidelines. This recommendation is opinion‐based and could negatively affect secondary hyperparathyroidism. Studies have suggested that a dialysate Ca of 3.0 mEq/L is a compromise between bone protection and cardiovascular risk. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect on bone metabolism parameters after increasing the dialysate Ca concentration from 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L. The dialysate Ca concentration in our patients was increased from 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L. Patients with hypercalcemia, normal‐high Ca levels with a high Ca‐Phosphorus product (Ca × P), excessively suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH), or a past medical history of calciphylaxis were excluded. Twenty‐two patients were studied over 20 weeks. Parathyroid hormone levels decreased significantly (442 ± 254 vs. 255 ± 226 pg/mL; p=0.000), without significant changes in serum Ca, P, and Ca × P levels at any sampling point. Better control of secondary hyperparathyroidism allowed us to decrease the paracalcitol dosage in 6 of the 12 patients who had been treated with this drug at the beginning of the study. Other potential factors involved in PTH secretion were not modified. A significant improvement in the rate of patients with 3 or more K‐DOQI parameters within the target ranges (8 [36%] vs. 12 [55%]; p=0.026) was observed. In the absence of hypercalcemia or excessively suppressed PTH, an increase from 2.5 mEq to 3.0 mEq/L in dialysate Ca concentration resulted in better control of secondary hyperparathyroidism without affecting Ca, P, and Ca × P levels, thus enabling us to reduce the dosage of vitamin D metabolites.
The genomic response of the ipsilateral and contralateral cortex to stroke in aged rats
Authors: Buga A.‐M. , Sascau M. , Pisoschi C. , Herndon J. G. , Kessler C. , Popa‐Wagner A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAged rats recover poorly after unilateral stroke, whereas young rats recover readily possibly with the help from the contralateral, healthy hemisphere. In this study we asked whether anomalous, age‐related changes in the transcriptional activity in the brains of aged rats could be one underlying factor contributing to reduced functional recovery. We analysed gene expression in the periinfarct and contralateral areas of 3‐month‐ and 18‐month‐old Sprague Dawley rats. Our experimental end‐points were cDNA arrays containing genes related to hypoxia signalling, DNA damage and apoptosis, cellular response to injury, axonal damage and re‐growth, cell lineage differentiation, dendritogenesis and neurogenesis. The major transcriptional events observed were: (i) Early up‐regulation of DNA damage and down‐regulation of anti‐apoptosis‐related genes in the periinfarct region of aged rats after stroke; (ii) Impaired neurogenesis in the periinfarct area, especially in aged rats; (iii) Impaired neurogenesis in the contralateral (unlesioned) hemisphere of both young and aged rats at all times after stroke and (iv) Marked up‐regulation, in aged rats, of genes associated with inflammation and scar formation. These results were confirmed with quantitative real‐time PCR. We conclude that reduced transcriptional activity in the healthy, contralateral hemisphere of aged rats in conjunction with an early up‐regulation of DNA damage‐related genes and pro‐apoptotic genes and down‐regulation of axono‐ and neurogenesis in the periinfarct area are likely to account for poor neurorehabilitation after stroke in old rats.
Expression of survivin protein in pterygium and relationship with oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Maxia C. , Perra M. T. , Demurtas P. , Minerba L. , Murtas D. , Piras F. , Corbu A. , Gotuzzo D. C. , Cabrera R. G. , Ribatti D. , Sirigu P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUltraviolet radiation is known to cause oxidative DNA damage and is thought to be a major factor implicated in the pathogenesis of pterygium. Among all the photo‐oxidative DNA products, the 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) is regarded a sensitive and stable biomarker for evaluating the degree of DNA damage. The protein p53 is a major cell stress regulator that acts to integrate signals from a wide range of cellular stresses. UV radiation has a carcinogenic effect resulting in DNA damaged cells with loss of normal growth control. This assumption is supported by the association between UV‐B exposure and activation of survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family (IAP), highly up‐regulated in almost all types of human malignancy. In this study we demonstrate, for the first time in pterygium, the immunohistochemical presence of survivin, and investigate the correlation between survivin, p53 and 8‐OHdG. Our results demonstrate that oxidative stress could lead to a significant activation of survivin expression, suggesting that this might be an important event in the development of pterygium, inducing and supporting a hyperproliferative condition. Survivin expression in pterygium would counteract UV‐B‐induced apoptosis and would cooperate with loss of p53. The co‐operation between survivin and functional loss of p53 might provide a general mechanism for aberrant inhibition of apoptosis that could be responsible for the development of pterygium and its possible progression to neoplasia.
Disruption of the Smad7 gene enhances CCI4‐dependent liver damage and fibrogenesis in mice
Authors: Hamzavi Jafar , Ehnert Sabrina , Godoy Patricio , Ciuclan Loredana , Weng Honglei , Mertens Peter R. , Heuchel Rainer , Dooley Steven 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signalling is induced in liver as a consequence of damage and contributes to wound healing with transient activation, whereas it mediates fibrogenesis with long‐term up‐regulation in chronic disease. Smad‐dependent TGF‐β effects are blunted by antagonistic Smad7, which is transcriptionally activated as an immediate early response upon initiation of TGF‐β signalling in most cell types, thereby providing negative feedback regulation. Smad7 can be induced by other cytokines, e.g. IFN‐γ, leading to a crosstalk of these signalling pathways. Here we report on a novel mouse strain, denoted S7ΔE1, with a deletion of exon I from the endogenous smad7 gene. The mice were viable and exhibited normal adult liver architecture. To obtain insight into Smad7‐depend‐ent protective effects, chronic liver damage was induced in mice by carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) administration. Subsequent treatment, elevated serum liver enzymes indicated enhanced liver damage in mice lacking functional Smad7. CCI4‐dependent Smad2 phosphoryla‐tion was pronounced in S7ΔE1 mice and accompanied by increased numbers of α‐smooth muscle actin positive ‘activated’ HSCs. There was evidence for matrix accumulation, with elevated collagen deposition as assessed morphometrically in Sirius red stained tissue and confirmed with higher levels of hydroxyproline in S7ΔE1 mice. In addition, the number of CD43 positive infiltrating lymphocytes as well as of apoptotic hepatocytes was increased. Studies with primary hepatocytes from S7ΔE1 and wild‐type mice indicate that in the absence of functional Smad7 protein, hepatocytes are more sensitive for TGF‐β effects resulting in enhanced cell death. Furthermore, S7ΔE1 hepatocytes display increased oxidative stress and cell damage in response to CCI4, as measured by reactive oxygen species production, glutathione depletion, lactate dehydrogenase release and lipid peroxidation. Using an ALK‐5 inhibitor all investigated CCI4 effects on hepatocytes were blunted, confirming participation of TGF‐β signalling. We conclude that Smad7 mediates a protective effect from adverse TGF‐β signalling in damaged liver, re‐iterating its negative regulatory loop on signalling.
Tracing and Identifying the Impact of Evidence—Use of a Modified Pipeline Model
Authors: Wimpenny Peter , Johnson Neil , Walter Isabel , Wilkinson Joyce E. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT Aim: This paper opens up a discussion about effective ways of tracing and identifying impact of evidence implementation in the field of nursing, through the use of Nutley et al.'s concept of an impact continuum, and Glasziou's Pipeline Model. Approach: Work to date on improving and evaluating the use of evidence in health care settings has tended to focus on evidence implementation as an endpoint or entity, often seen and measured in terms of change in practice. However, the direct application of evidence to practice is not straightforward. Glasziou's Pipeline Model of the different stages through which evidence flows, in the process of implementation, is critically reviewed in relation to five key issues: the type of evidence entering the pipeline; the linearity of the model; leakages and blockages in the pipeline; levels of impact; and impact measurement. The Pipeline Model is then combined with Nutley et al.'s continuum of impacts in order to present a Modified Pipeline Model. Discussion and Conclusions: The Modified Pipeline Model enables evidence implementation to be viewed as a process rather than an entity in itself, which in turn enables longitudinal assessment of barriers and facilitators to evidence “flow.” By flow we mean the way in which evidence is transferred from reporting or publication stages to patient outcomes. It also allows identification of the multiple impacts that can occur through the process of evidence implementation, which may be impact on the way the nurse thinks about practice to the healing rate of a leg ulcer. Finally, the Modified Model raises the issue of impacts beyond the pipeline, that is, those outcomes for patients that result from adherence to evidence‐based care. This Modified Pipeline Model thus has the potential to support individuals and organizations in enhanced implementation planning, evaluation and management.
Effects of a dietary complex of humic and fulvic acids (FeedMAX 15™) on the health and production of feedlot cattle destined for the Australian domestic market
Authors: Cusack PMV 
Published: February 2008

Objective  To examine the effects of a dietary humic and fulvic acid complex, FeedMAX 15™, on the health, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and carcase characteristics of feedlot cattle.Design  Cattle, in eight pens of 125 animals each, were fed either a diet containing a humic and fulvic acid complex (FeedMAX 15™, FeedMAX Industries, Toowoomba, Queensland) or the same diet without the additive. Control or FeedMAX 15™ diets were allocated to each pen at random. Individual cattle were allocated alternately to control or treatment pens based on order of presentation. Comparisons of disease incidence, mortality, feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, fat depth, dressing percentage, meat colour, fat colour and marbling were made at the conclusion of the feeding period.Results  No differences were found between cattle fed FeedMAX 15™ and cattle not fed the additive in entry body weight (P = 0.99), exit body weight (P = 0.91), dressing percentage (P = 0.66), P8 fat depth (P = 0.57), meat colour (P = 0.67), marbling (P = 0.70), all diseases (P = 0.64), bovine respiratory disease (P = 0.91), or mortalities (P = 1.0). Cattle fed FeedMAX 15™ reached the market specifications for body weight and fat depth in fewer mean days (P = 0.0001), had a greater average daily gain (P = 0.05), a lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.05) and whiter fat (P < 0.0001).Conclusions  Feeding the humic and fulvic acid complex, FeedMAX 15™, at 0.055 g per kg body weight per day, can increase growth rate and feed conversion efficiency in feedlot cattle.
INFLUENCE OF pH AND OXYGEN ON 315 mμ INACTIVATION AND THYMINE DIMERIZATION IN MUTANTS OF BACTERIOPHAGE T4
Authors: Haug A. , Sauerbier W. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract— 1. Irradiation with 315 mμ light inactivates phage T4v‐x C, and T4v‐x‐, and forms thymine dimers in their DNA.2. Both the rates of inactivation and of thymine dimerization depend upon pH and gaseous environment during irradiation. The U.V. sensitivities are: 1 (pH 7, N2, 03, 2.2 (pH 3.5, Oz), 3.3 (pH 3–5, N2; and the corresponding rates of thymine dimerization 1: 2.5: 5.2. The number of thymine dimers per lethal hit observed withT4v‐x + are: 5.7 (pH 7, N2, O2, 5.4 (pH 3.5, O2, 10.9 (pH 3.5, N2); and forT4v‐x‐: 4.6, 3.4, and 7.1 with the same sequence of conditions.3. Also the photoreactivable sectors depend upon the environmental conditions at 315 mp inactivation. In T4v‐x f this sector amounts to about 50 per cent at pH 7, 18 per cent at pH 3.5, O., and 29 per cent at pH 3.5, N, respectively.4. The molecular basis of these findings is discussed. It is concluded that, besides thymine dimer, at least one other lethal photoproduct (probably a photoproduct of cytosine) is involved in photoreactivation.