bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Cross‐National Examination of Self‐Efficacy as a Moderator of Autonomy/Job Strain Relationships
Authors: Nauta Margaret M. , Liu Cong , Li Chaoping 
Published: December 2008

This study evaluated the cross‐national validity of cognitive appraisal theories (e.g. Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) of stress by examining differences in the interaction of job autonomy and generalised self‐efficacy in the prediction of psychological and physical strains among US and Chinese employees. As posited by cognitive appraisal theories, high self‐efficacy served as a buffer against low job autonomy in the prediction of psychological and physical strains among US employees. However, the buffering effect of self‐efficacy was unclear among Chinese employees. For Chinese employees with high self‐efficacy, job autonomy was negatively related to job strains, but for Chinese employees with low self‐efficacy, job autonomy was positively related to job strains. The results highlight the importance of attending to culture in examinations of stressor–strain relations.Cette étude porte sur la validité transnationale des théories de l’évaluation cognitive du stress (par exemple: Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) par l’analyse de différences dans l’interaction entre l’autonomie dans le travail et l’auto‐efficience globale dans la prédiction des tensions physiques et psychologiques chez des salariés américains et chinois. Comme les théories de l’évaluation cognitive le prévoient, un niveau élevé d’auto‐efficience compense le manque d’autonomie dans la prédiction de tensions physiques et psychologiques chez les salariés américains. Toutefois, l’effet compensatoire de l’auto‐efficience n’apparaît pas clairement chez les salariés chinois. Pour les salariés chinois disposant d’une forte auto‐efficience, l’autonomie dans le travail était négativement corrélée aux tensions professionnelles, mais chez ceux qui étaient dotés d’une auto‐efficience faible, l’autonomie était positivement liée aux tensions professionnelles. Ces résultats mettent en évidence la nécessité de prendre la culture en considération dans l’étude de la relation entre les facteurs de stress et les tensions.
HbA1c levels in non‐diabetic Dutch children aged 8–9 years: the PIAMA birth cohort study
Authors: Jansen H. , Wijga A. H. , Smit H. A. , Scholtens S. , Kerkhof M. , Koppelman G. H. , De Jongste J. C. , Stolk R. P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim  Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is considered the best index of glycaemic control in established diabetes. It may also be useful in the diagnosis of diabetes and as a screening tool. Little is known about the distribution of HbA1c in healthy children and its predictors. The aim of this study is to describe the distribution of HbA1c in non‐diabetic Dutch children aged 8–9 years and to investigate potential associations of HbA1c in this group.Methods  HbA1c was measured in 788 non‐diabetic children aged 8–9 years participating in the PIAMA birth cohort study. Data on parents and children were collected prospectively by questionnaires. Weight, height and waist and hip circumference of the children were measured when blood samples were taken.Results  Mean (sd) HbA1c was 4.9 ± 0.33%, range 3.5–6.0%. HbA1c was significantly higher in boys (4.9 ± 0.31 vs. 4.9 ± 0.33%) and in children of mothers with gestational diabetes (5.0 ± 0.37 vs. 4.9 ± 0.32%). We found a significant inverse association between HbA1c and haemoglobin (regression coefficient: −0.169 (95% CI −0.221 to −0.118), P < 0.001). HbA1c was not significantly associated with age, body mass index, waist circumference, parental diabetes or maternal body mass index.Conclusions  We found no significant relation between known risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and HbA1c at age 8–9 years. Moreover, there was a significant inverse association between haemoglobin and HbA1c. These results suggest that HbA1c may not only reflect the preceding blood glucose levels, but seems to be determined by other factors as well.
Glucose sensors: a review of current and emerging technology
Authors: Oliver N. S. , Toumazou C. , Cass A. E. G. , Johnston D. G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGlucose monitoring technology has been used in the management of diabetes for three decades. Traditional devices use enzymatic methods to measure glucose concentration and provide point sample information. More recently continuous glucose monitoring devices have become available providing more detailed data on glucose excursions. In future applications the continuous glucose sensor may become a critical component of the closed loop insulin delivery system and, as such, must be selective, rapid, predictable and acceptable for continuous patient use. Many potential sensing modalities are being pursued including optical and transdermal techniques. This review aims to summarize existing technology, the methods for assessing glucose sensing devices and provide an overview of emergent sensing modalities.
Complications impaired endothelial progenitor cell function in Type 2 diabetic patients with or without critical leg ischaemia: implication for impaired neovascularization in diabetes
Authors: Chen M.‐C. , Sheu J.‐J. , Wang P.‐W. , Chen C.‐Y. , Kuo M.‐C. , Hsieh C.‐J. , Chen J.‐F. , Chang H.‐W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAims  This study tested the hypothesis that migratory function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is impaired in Type 2 diabetic patients with or without critical leg ischaemia.Methods  Seventy‐four patients were classified into four groups: Type 2 diabetic (n = 21) and non‐diabetic patients (n = 10) with critical leg ischaemia and Type 2 diabetic patients without lower extremity vascular disease (n = 30) and healthy subjects (n = 13). The number and functional activity of circulating and cultured EPCs were determined.Results  The migratory function of cultured EPCs was significantly impaired in diabetic patients without (median, 48, interquartile range, 46, 49 count/view/well) and with (median, 51, interquartile range, 46, 60 count/view/well) critical leg ischaemia and non‐diabetic patients with critical leg ischaemia (median, 49, interquartile range, 47, 55 count/view/well) compared with healthy subjects (median, 63, interquartile range, 57, 65 count/view/well) (P < 0.0001). The number of circulating EPCs was lower in Type 2 diabetic patients without lower extremity vascular disease (median, 3500, interquartile range, 1600, 6600/106 cytometric events) than Type 2 diabetic patients with critical leg ischaemia (median, 5300, interquartile range, 2400, 11 100/106 cytometric events), non‐diabetic patients with critical leg ischaemia (median, 5550, interquartile range, 2000, 32 100/106 cytometric events) and healthy subjects (median, 5400, interquartile range, 2700, 8700/106 cytometric events) (P = 0.413).Conclusions  The migratory function of EPCs is impaired in patients with Type 2 diabetes, even in those without critical leg ischaemia. These findings present an important new insight into the pathogenesis of impaired neovascularization and critical limb ischaemia in diabetic patients and provide avenues of future clinical study.
An intergenerational reminiscence programme for older adults with early dementia and youth volunteers: values and challenges
Authors: Chung Jenny C. C. 
Published: December 2008

Aim:  To examine the values of a reminiscence programme, adopting an intergenerational approach, on older persons with early dementia and youth volunteers.Method:  A pre‐ and post‐ one group design was adopted. Forty‐nine elderly participants with early dementia and 117 youth volunteers participated in the study. Each elderly participant was assigned to two youth participants. This dyad group participated in a 12‐session reminiscence programme. The youth participants acted as facilitators to prompt the elderly participants to share and discuss past events and experiences, and to support them to fabricate a personalized life‐story book. An occupational therapist provided ongoing support and monitoring. The elderly participants were evaluated by the Chinese version of Mini‐mental State Examination, Quality of Life‐Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL‐AD), and Chinese version of Geriatric Depression Scale (CGDS) before and after the programme. Dementia Quiz (DQ), Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale and a 20‐item feedback questionnaire on the programme were used to evaluate the youth participants.Results:  Significant pre‐ and postprogramme differences were found for QoL‐AD (mean change = −1.91; 95% CI = −3.18, −0.64) and CGDS (mean change = 1.86; 95% CI = 0.92, 2.80) among the elderly participants, and for DQ (mean change = −1.14; 95% CI = −2.11, −0.17) among the youth participants. Volunteers also showed positive appreciation of older persons and opined that this community service provided them an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with elderly relatives. Some volunteers, however, commented the heavy workload of the reminiscence programme.Conclusion:  The intergenerational reminiscence programme suggests mutually beneficial values for both groups of participants. Whilst it is feasible to involve trained volunteers in the implementation of dementia‐related programmes, it is essential that they are adequately trained and that ongoing support and monitoring are provided.
Becoming Transnational Through Assimilation: Emergence of National/Ethnic Identity Among Chinese Migrants in Late Nineteenth‐Century Chicago
Authors: Ooi Yuki 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:This paper explores the transnationalism seen among Chicago's Chinese migrants in tandem with their Americanization in the late 19th century. While migrants’ transnationalism has several dimensions, the focus of this paper has been placed on their political practices, so‐called “long‐distance nationalism.” Previous studies on migrants’ transnationalism tended to assume marginalization in and a failure to assimilate into a host society as a reason for migrants’ maintaining their ties to their countries of origin. A historical study of the migrants, however, showed another picture: transnationalism and assimilation processes could be reconciled. In order to explain how this is possible, this paper provides in the first part a background on the Chinese enclave in Chicago. Here the paper illustrates how seriously divided the Chinese community was over the difference of clan. The second part is divided into three sections and shows the process by which migrants became politically transnational. First, it deals with the emerging “Chinese” consciousness of migrants, elaborating on how such an inclusive awareness began to appear while they mobilized into a movement demanding naturalization and citizenship rights. In the course of such a movement, they promoted the Americanization of Chinese migrants. Second, how such processes, that is, the emergence of “Chinese” consciousness and assimilation proceeded at the same time is explained. Third, the paper shows how and when Chinese Chicagoans became politically involved in homeland politics. Throughout the paper, the idea of transnationalism is considered in relation to assimilation.
A novel hepatitis B virus surface antigen immunoassay as sensitive as hepatitis B virus nucleic acid testing in detecting early infection
Authors: Matsubara Naoko , Kusano Osamu , Sugamata Yasuhiro , Itoh Tetsuo , Mizuii Masaaki , Tanaka Junko , Yoshizawa Hiroshi 
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: The aim was to considerably enhance the sensitivity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) detection and investigate whether the window period for HBV detection could be reduced.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A high‐sensitivity chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) was developed for quantitative HBsAg detection by a combination of monoclonal antibodies, each one for a specific epitope of HBsAg, and by improving the conjugation technique. The sensitivity of the assay was compared with that of the existing chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). Commercially available seroconversion panels and samples of HBV‐infected chimpanzees were tested with the developed prototype to assess whether the window period for HBsAg detection could be reduced to that for DNA detection.RESULTS: Compared to the existing CLIA, the CLEIA prototype detected HBsAg with approximately 230‐fold higher sensitivity and showed a reduced window period. HBsAg detection by the CLEIA prototype and HBV DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) occurred simultaneously. The mean time for the CLEIA prototype to first detect HBsAg was approximately 17.4 days less than that for the existing systems. Further, CLEIA prototype enabled HBsAg detection even in anti‐HBs–positive seroconversion samples. In the inoculated chimpanzees the HBsAg and HBV DNA became detectable simultaneously and concentrations increased in parallel, whereas HBsAg remained detectable longer than HBV DNA in the declining phase of viremia.CONCLUSION: The CLEIA prototype yielded results comparable with those of HBV DNA PCR. This novel high‐sensitivity assay may be useful for early detection of HBV infection and monitoring patients with a history of infection.
Positive direct and indirect antiglobulin tests associated with oxaliplatin can be due to drug antibody and/or drug‐induced nonimmunologic protein adsorption
Authors: Arndt Patricia , Garratty George , Isaak Edahn , Bolger Michael , Lu Qun 
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Two patients were suspected of having immune hemolytic anemia (IHA) due to oxaliplatin. A related drug, cisplatin, is known to cause nonimmunologic protein adsorption (NIPA). Studies were performed to determine the presence of oxaliplatin‐dependent antibodies in addition to oxaliplatin‐induced NIPA.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sera and eluates from the two patients were tested against red blood cells (RBCs) treated with oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and carboplatin (another platinum drug). Sera were also tested against untreated RBCs in the presence of the same drugs. Testing with pooled normal sera and anti‐human albumin was used to demonstrate the presence of NIPA. Oxaliplatin‐treated RBCs sensitized with the patients' sera and pooled normal sera were tested by a monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) to determine potential clinical significance.RESULTS: Both patients had high‐titer antibodies to oxaliplatin in their sera that reacted with oxaliplatin‐treated RBCs and with untreated RBCs in the presence of oxaliplatin. RBCs treated with oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and carboplatin all demonstrated NIPA (pooled normal sera and anti‐human albumin were reactive to low titers). NIPA was also detected in tests with untreated RBCs in the presence of oxaliplatin and cisplatin. Lower‐titer reactivity of both patients' sera with cisplatin may have been due to NIPA and/or cross‐reactivity of anti‐oxaliplatin with cisplatin. MMAs were weakly positive due to NIPA and more strongly positive due to oxaliplatin antibodies.CONCLUSION: Two patients with IHA were demonstrated to have oxaliplatin‐dependent antibodies. Oxaliplatin was also shown to cause NIPA. The drug‐dependent antibody and/or the drug‐induced NIPA could have contributed to the patients' hemolytic anemia.
Downregulation ofCcnd1andHes6in rat hippocampus after chronic exposure to the antidepressant paroxetine
Authors: McHugh Patrick C. , Rogers Geraldine R. , Glubb Dylan M. , Allington Melanie D. , Hughes Mark , Joyce Peter R. , Kennedy Martin A. 
Published: December 2008

Objective:The mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs is not fully understood. Application of genomic methods enables the identification of biochemical pathways that are regulated by antidepressants, and this may provide novel clues to the molecular and cellular actions of these drugs. The present study examined gene expression profiles in the hippocampus of rats exposed to chronic antidepressant treatment.Methods:Animals were treated for 12 days with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine; then, hippocampal ribonucleic acid was recovered, and changes in gene expression were assessed by microarray analysis.Results:A total of 160 genes that showed differential expression after paroxetine exposure were identified. Using functional relevance and observed fold change as selection criteria, the expression changes in a subset of these genes were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Conclusion:Of this subset, only two genes, cyclin D1 (Ccnd1) and hairy and enhancer of split 6 (Hes6), showed robust and consistent changes in expression. Both genes were downregulated by paroxetine, and both have been previously implicated in neurogenesis. Further investigation of these two genes may provide new insight into the mechanism of action of antidepressants.
Functional impairment and previous suicide attempts in bipolar disorder
Authors: Rosa Adriane R. , Franco Carolina , Martínez-Aran Anabel , Sánchez-Moreno Jose , Salamero Manel , Valenti M. , Tabarés-Seisdedos Rafael , González-Pinto Ana , Kapczinski Flávio , Vieta Eduard 
Published: December 2008

Objective:The aim of the present study was to assess the association between previous suicide attempts and functional impairment among euthymic patients with bipolar disorder (BD).Methods:Seventy-one Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) patients with BD and 61 healthy volunteers were recruited from the Bipolar Disorder Program at the Clinic Hospital of Barcelona. Patients with (n = 36, 50.7%) and without (n = 35, 49.3%) previous suicide attempts were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-P). Previous suicide attempts were carefully investigated by means of patient and caregiver interview and by a standard structured interview from the protocol of our BD Program. The Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) was employed to assess functional impairment.Results:Euthymic patients with previous suicide attempts showed functional impairment, particularly in occupational (F = 30.39; p = 0.001) and cognitive functioning (F = 18.43; p = 0.001). In addition, family history of psychiatric illness (χ2: 6.49; degrees of freedom (df) = 2;132; p = 0.010), family history of affective disorders (χ2 = 5.57; p = 0.017), psychotic symptoms (χ2 = 5.88; p = 0.014) and axis II comorbidity were associated with previous suicide attempts (χ2 = 5.16; p = 0.021).Conclusion:Bipolar patients with previous suicide attempts had lower overall functioning than patients who did not attempt suicide. Previous suicide attempts were particularly associated with the occupational and cognitive domains of functioning.
Shakespeare and Food: A Review Essay
Authors: Goldstein David B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe study of food in Shakespeare does not constitute a coherent body of criticism; indeed, for some it barely counts as a legitimate one. As of this writing, only one book specifically devoted to the subject has been published; the most important work exists in scattered articles. Yet since at least 1935, authors have noted the ubiquity and power of food in Shakespeare's work. This article reviews the critical literature on the subject, emphasizing recent scholarship, and asks why interest in food as a topic of analysis is, and should be, increasing in Shakespeare studies.
Surveys of rodent‐borne disease in Thailand with a focus on scrub typhus assessment
Authors: Lerdthusnee Kriangkrai , Nigro Joseph , Monkanna Taweesak , Leepitakrat Warisa , Leepitakrat Surachai , Insuan Sucheera , Charoensongsermkit Weerayut , Khlaimanee Nittaya , Akkagraisee Wilasinee , Chayapum Kwanta , Jones James W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe epidemiology of many rodent‐borne diseases in South‐East Asia remains ill‐defined. Scrub typhus and lep‐tospirosis are common and medically significant, while other zoonotic diseases, such as spotted fever group Rickettsiae have been identified, but their overall medical significance is unknown. Rodent surveillance was conducted from June 2002 to July 2004 in 18 provinces from Thailand. Traps were set up for one to three nights. Blood and serum samples and animal tissue samples (liver, spleen, kidney and urinary bladder) were collected. Chiggermites, ticks and fleas were removed from captured rodents. A total of 4536 wild‐caught rodents from 27 species were captured over two years of animal trapping. Rattus rattus was the dominant species, followed by Rattus exulans and Bandicota indica. Almost 43 000 ectoparasites were removed from the captured animals. Approximately 98% of the ectoparasites were chigger‐mites, of which 46% belonged to the genus Leptotrombidium (scrub typhus vector). Other genera included Schoengastia and Blankaartia. Tick and flea specimens together comprised less than 1% of the sample. Among the five species of ticks collected, Haemaphysalis bandicota was the predominant species caught, followed by Ixodes granulatus other Haemaphysalis spp., Rhipicephalus spp. and Dermacentor spp. Only two species of fleas were collected and Xenopsylla cheopis (rat flea) was the predominant species. Using both commercial diagnostic kits and in‐house molecular assays, animal tissue samples were examined and screened for zoonotic diseases. Seven zoonotic diseases were detected: scrub typhus, leptospirosis, murine typhus, tick typhus, bartonella, babesiosis and trypanosomiasis. Most samples were positive for scrub typhus. Other zoonotic diseases still under investigation include borrelosis, ehrlichiosis, the plague, and other rickettsial diseases. Using geographic information systems, global positioning systems and remote sensing technology, epidemiological and environmental data were combined to assess the relative risk in different biotopes within highly endemic areas of scrub typhus in Thailand.
Geographical patterns based on faunal types of breeding birds and mammals in China
Authors: XING Yajun , ZHOU Lizhi , ZHANG Youyu , WANG Xinjian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe collected available chorological data of birds and mammals in China and assigned faunal types. The 19 sub‐regions of the zoogeographical regions of China were used as operative geographical units. Matrices of the geographical units using the species number of each faunal type were then constructed. Based on the matrices we clustered the geographical units using a hierarchical cluster analysis The results of the faunal divisions according to the cluster analysis were illustrated in a geographic information system (GIS). When 19 geographical units were clustered into two clusters, the boundary of the two clusters corresponded to that of the Palearctic and Indomalayan (Oriental) realms in the recent division of Chinese fauna. When the geographical units were clustered into eight clusters, the sub‐region Southern Yunnan Hilly became an idiographic cluster. As a result, Southern Yunnan hilly should be regarded as a region rather than a sub‐region at the same level as Southwest region, Central China region and South China region. The differences in the distribution patterns of birds and mammals among the units in the Indomalayan (Oriental) realm were more complicated than those in Palearctic realm. A few differences of the cluster analysis results based on the faunal types were found between the bird and mammal species. These differences might result from the different ecological and geographical distribution patterns of these two animal categories.