bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequent and long-term absence as a risk factor for work disability and job termination among employees in the private sector
Authors: Koopmans P C , Roelen C A M , Groothoff J W 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:Frequent and long-term absentees were monitored over 5 years with regard to the risk of work disability and job termination.Methods:A prospective longitudinal cohort study in 53 990 employees of Dutch postal and telecommunications companies. In the first year of the study, employees who were absent four times or more (frequent absentees; n = 4126), for 6 weeks or more (long-term absentees; n = 3585), and combined frequent and long-term absentees (n  =  979) were distinguished, together with a reference population consisting of 45 300 employees. The disability rate (defined as the number of employees who were absent for >1 year per 100 employee-years) and the risk of job termination were determined over a period of 4 years.Results:In the reference population, women had a higher disability rate (2.2 per 100 employee-years) than men (0.8 per 100 employee-years). Frequent absentees had a disability rate amounting to 2.5 per 100 employee-years in men and 4.2 per 100 employee-years in women. Long-term absentees had a disability rate of 6.7 per 100 employee-years in men and 9.1 per 100 employee-years in women. Combined frequent and long-term absentees had an even higher disability rate. The risk of employment being terminated (involuntarily) was higher in prior absentees as compared with the reference population (RR = 1.2–2.1 for job termination and RR = 1.5–2.5 for involuntary job termination). In men, absences due to neoplasms, mental disorders and respiratory disorders were associated with an increased disability risk as compared with musculoskeletal disorders. Neoplasms and mental disorders were also associated with a higher risk of job termination in men, whereas infectious and neurological diseases were associated with a higher risk of job termination in women.Conclusions:Prior frequent and/or long-term absentees show high work disability in a 4-year follow-up period. Moreover, they are at higher risk of (involuntary) job termination.
Airborne particulate matter exposure and urinary albumin excretion: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: O’Neill M S , Diez-Roux A V , Auchincloss A H , Franklin T G , Jacobs D R , Astor B C , Dvonch J T , Kaufman J 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:Understanding mechanistic pathways linking airborne particle exposure to cardiovascular health is important for causal inference and setting environmental standards. We evaluated whether urinary albumin excretion, a subclinical marker of microvascular function which predicts cardiovascular events, was associated with ambient particle exposure.Methods:Urinary albumin and creatinine were measured among members of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis at three visits during 2000–2004. Exposure to PM2.5and PM10(μg/m3) was estimated from ambient monitors for 1 month, 2 months and two decades before visit one. We regressed recent and chronic (20 year) particulate matter (PM) exposure on urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR, mg/g) and microalbuminuria at first examination, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, sex, smoking, second-hand smoke exposure, body mass index and dietary protein (n = 3901). We also evaluated UACR changes and development of microalbuminuria between the first, and second and third visits which took place at 1.5- to 2-year intervals in relation to chronic PM exposure prior to baseline using mixed models.Results:Chronic and recent particle exposures were not associated with current UACR or microalbuminuria (per 10 μg/m3increment of chronic PM10exposure, mean difference in log UACR = −0.02 (95% CI −0.07 to 0.03) and relative probability of having microalbuminuria = 0.92 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.08)) We found only weak evidence that albuminuria was accelerated among those chronically exposed to particles: each 10 μg/m3increment in chronic PM10exposure was associated with a 1.14 relative probability of developing microalbuminuria over 3–4 years, although 95% confidence intervals included the null (95% CI 0.96 to 1.36).Conclusions:UACR is not a strong mechanistic marker for the possible influence of air pollution on cardiovascular health in this sample.
A NEW ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURE OF FINITE QUANTUM SYSTEMS AND THE MODIFIED BESSEL FUNCTIONS
Authors: FUJII KAZUYUKI 
Published: November 2007

In this paper we present a new algebraic structure (a superhyperbolic system in our terminology) for finite quantum systems, which is a generalization of the usual one in the two-level system. It fits into the so-called generalized Pauli matrices, so they play an important role in theory. Some deep relation to the modified Bessel functions of integer order is pointed out. By taking a skillful limit finite quantum systems become quantum mechanics on the circle developed by Ohnuki and Kitakado.
Activation of Thromboxane Receptor Upregulates Interleukin (IL)-1β–Induced VCAM-1 Expression Through JNK Signaling
Authors: Bayat Hossein , Xu Shanqin , Pimentel David , Cohen Richard A. , Jiang Bingbing 
Published: November 2007

Objective—Activation of thromboxane receptors (TPr) is implicated in atherosclerosis and inflammation. This study examined how activation of TPr modulates IL-1β–induced vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Methods and Results—In VSMCs, activation of TPr with U46619, a stable thromboxane A2mimetic, alone did not induce VCAM-1 expression, but enhanced that caused by IL-1β. The enhancement of VCAM-1 expression caused by U46619 occurred at the transcriptional level and was inhibited either by SP600125, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, or by overexpression of a dominant-negative JNK1, but not by SB203580, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor. The activation of JNK by U46619 resulted in enhanced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of c-Jun associated with an enhanced activation of activator protein (AP)-1, which were abolished by SQ29548, a TPr antagonist, or the JNK inhibitor. Treatment of the cells with U46619 alone did not induce NF-κB activation. Furthermore, U46619 enhanced IL-1β–induced THP-1 monocyte binding to VSMCs, which was inhibited by SQ29548 or SP600125.Conclusion—This study demonstrates that activation of TPr upregulates IL-1β–induced VCAM-1 expression by enhancing the activation of JNK pathway that leads to enhanced AP-1 activation.
Diabetes and the risk of tuberculosis: a neglected threat to public health?
Authors: Stevenson Catherine R. , Critchley Julia A. , Forouhi Nita G. , Roglic Gojka , Williams Brian G. , Dye Christopher , Unwin Nigel C. 
Published: November 2007

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health problem. In the past, a relationship between TB and diabetes mellitus (DM) was recognized, and its importance was acknowledged through joint treatment clinics. However, this is rarely highlighted in current research or control priorities. This paper aims to evaluate the evidence for an association between these two diseases. Methods: A Medline literature search was undertaken, supplemented by checking references and contacting experts. We critically appraised studies that quantified the association between TB and DM, and were published after 1995. We assessed study quality according to criteria such as sample size, method of selection of cases and controls, losses to follow-up, quality and method of control of confounding, and summarized the results narratively and in tabular form. Results: All studies identified statistically significant and clinically important associations, with the increase in risk or odds of TB varying between 1.5- and 7.8-fold for those with DM. Risk was highest at younger ages. Most studies had not measured and controlled adequately for potential major confounders. Discussion: There is strong evidence for an association between TB and DM, which has potential public health implications. Further well-designed studies are needed to assess the magnitude precisely.
Initiating oral breathing in response to nasal loading: asthmaticsversushealthy subjects
Authors: Hallani M. , Wheatley J. R. , Amis T. C. 
Published: November 2007

Factors influencing nasalversusoral breathing in asthmatics are not well understood. The current authors hypothesised that asthmatic subjects have enhanced perception of nasal threshold loads, and switch from nasal to oral breathing at a lower load than healthy subjects.In total, 15 mild asthmatic and 20 healthy control subjects breathed nasallyviaan inspiratory threshold loading device. Nasal loading was progressively increased until subjects switched to oral breathing. Load perception at switching was rated using a Borg scale. Nasal resistance was measured using posterior rhinomanometry. The protocol was repeated before and after nasal decongestant administration in subgroups of 10 healthy control and six asthmatic subjects.Inspiratory nasal resistance was within normal limits for most subjects and was not significantly different between asthmatics and healthy controls. Compared with controls, asthmatics switched to oral breathing at a significantly lower nasal load but rated “difficulty breathing in” at the same level. Decongestant significantly lowered nasal resistance but did not change the nasal load initiating switching in either subgroup.Enhanced perception of nasal loading may trigger increased oral breathing in asthmatics, potentially enhancing exposure to nonconditioned inhaled gas and contributing to the occurrence and/or severity of bronchoconstrictive exacerbations.
Respiratory effects of occupational exposures in a milk powder factory
Authors: Sripaiboonkij P. , Phanprasit W. , Jaakkola M. S. 
Published: November 2007

Ingestion of milk powder is a known cause of allergies in children, but the risks to respiratory health from exposure to inhaled milk powder have not been studied previously. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of occupational exposures in a milk powder factory on respiratory symptoms and lung function.A cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 milk powder factory workers (response rate 77%) and 76 office workers (73%) from four factories in Thailand. All participants answered a questionnaire and performed spirometry. Measurements of concentrations of dust were used to give additional information on exposures.Mean respirable dust concentrations in the factory were 0.02–2.18 mg·m−3. The risk of breathlessness and nasal symptoms were significantly increased in production and packing staff. The risk of skin symptoms was significantly increased in those adding vitamin mixture to milk powder. Factory workers showed significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second measured as percentage of predicted value.The present study provides new evidence that workers exposed to milk powder by inhalation are at an increased risk of nasal symptoms, wheezing and breathlessness, and exhibit reduced spirometric lung function, even at relatively low air concentrations of milk dust.
Sequence diversity and natural selection at domain I of the apical membrane antigen 1 among Indian Plasmodium falciparum populations
Authors: Garg Sheena , Alam Mohammad T , Das Manoj K , Dev Vas , Kumar Ashwani , Dash Aditya P , Sharma Yagya D 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Background
The Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is a leading malaria vaccine candidate antigen. The complete AMA1 protein is comprised of three domains where domain I exhibits high sequence polymorphism and is thus named as the hyper-variable region (HVR). The present study describes the extent of genetic polymorphism and natural selection at domain I of the ama1 gene among Indian P. falciparum isolates.

Methods
The part of the ama 1 gene covering domain I was PCR amplified and sequenced from 157 P. falciparum isolates collected from five different geographical regions of India. Statistical and phylogenetic analyses of the sequences were done using DnaSP ver. 4. 10. 9 and MEGA version 3.0 packages.

Results
A total of 57 AMA1 haplotypes were observed among 157 isolates sequenced. Forty-six of these 57 haplotypes are being reported here for the first time. The parasites collected from the high malaria transmission areas (Assam, Orissa, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) showed more haplotypes (H) and nucleotide diversity π as compared to low malaria transmission areas (Uttar Pradesh and Goa). The comparison of all five Indian P. falciparum subpopulations indicated moderate level of genetic differentiation and limited gene flow (Fixation index ranging from 0.048 to 0.13) between populations. The difference between rates of non-synonymous and synonymous mutations, Tajima's D and McDonald-Kreitman test statistics suggested that the diversity at domain I of the AMA1 antigen is due to positive natural selection. The minimum recombination events were also high indicating the possible role of recombination in generating AMA1 allelic diversity.

Conclusion
The level of genetic diversity and diversifying selection were higher in Assam, Orissa, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands populations as compared to Uttar Pradesh and Goa. The amounts of gene flow among these populations were moderate. The data reported here will be valuable for the development of AMA1-based malaria vaccine.
CoryneCenter – An online resource for the integrated analysis of corynebacterial genome and transcriptome data
Authors: Neuweger Heiko , Baumbach Jan , Albaum Stefan , Bekel Thomas , Dondrup Michael , Hüser Andrea T , Kalinowski Jörn , Oehm Sebastian , Pühler Alfred , Rahmann Sven , Weile Jochen , Goesmann Alexander 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Background
The introduction of high-throughput genome sequencing and post-genome analysis technologies, e.g. DNA microarray approaches, has created the potential to unravel and scrutinize complex gene-regulatory networks on a large scale. The discovery of transcriptional regulatory interactions has become a major topic in modern functional genomics.

Results
To facilitate the analysis of gene-regulatory networks, we have developed CoryneCenter, a web-based resource for the systematic integration and analysis of genome, transcriptome, and gene regulatory information for prokaryotes, especially corynebacteria. For this purpose, we extended and combined the following systems into a common platform: (1) GenDB, an open source genome annotation system, (2) EMMA, a MAGE compliant application for high-throughput transcriptome data storage and analysis, and (3) CoryneRegNet, an ontology-based data warehouse designed to facilitate the reconstruction and analysis of gene regulatory interactions. We demonstrate the potential of CoryneCenter by means of an application example. Using microarray hybridization data, we compare the gene expression of Corynebacterium glutamicum under acetate and glucose feeding conditions: Known regulatory networks are confirmed, but moreover CoryneCenter points out additional regulatory interactions.

Conclusion
CoryneCenter provides more than the sum of its parts. Its novel analysis and visualization features significantly simplify the process of obtaining new biological insights into complex regulatory systems. Although the platform currently focusses on corynebacteria, the integrated tools are by no means restricted to these species, and the presented approach offers a general strategy for the analysis and verification of gene regulatory networks. CoryneCenter provides freely accessible projects with the underlying genome annotation, gene expression, and gene regulation data. The system is publicly available at http://www.CoryneCenter.de.
Spontaneous corneal melting in pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Arya Sudesh K , Malik Archana , Gupta Sonika , Gupta Hemlata , Sood Sunandan 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Background
To report a case of spontaneous corneal melting in pregnancy. We reviewed the literature on corneal melting and the effect of pregnancy on cornea and collagen containing tissues.

Case presentation
A 29-year-old woman who underwent radial keratotomy in both eyes followed by trabeculectomy in her left eye developed corneal melting in the same eye, in her seventh month of pregnancy. Despite screening, no infectious or immune mediated condition could be identified. She was managed conservatively with cyanoacrylate glue, bandage contact lens, lubricants and antibiotics.

Conclusion
It may not always be possible to find the underlying cause of corneal melting but the more common underlying causes should be ruled out by proper investigations. Pregnancy with its host of hormonal changes could potentially have some effect on corneal collagen leading to corneal melting in compromised corneas.
Prediction of volume response under open-chest conditions during coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Sander Michael , Spies Claudia D , Berger Katharina , Grubitzsch Herko , Foer Achim , Krämer Michael , Carl Matthias , von Heymann Christian 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Adequate fluid loading is the first step of hemodynamic optimization in cardiac patients undergoing surgery. Neither a clinical approach alone nor conventional parameters like central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) are thought to be sufficient for recognizing fluid deficiency or overload. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of CVP, PCWP, global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI), pulse pressure variation (PPV), and stroke volume variation (SVV) for predicting changes in the cardiac index (CI) and stroke volume index (SVI) after sternotomy.

Methods
In 40 patients, CVP, PCWP, GEDVI, PPV, SVV, and the CI were measured at two points of time. One measurement was performed after inducing anesthesia and one after sternotomy.

Results
A significant increase in heart rate, CI, and GEDVI was observed during the study period. CVP, SVV, and PPV decreased significantly. There were no significant correlations between CVP and PCWP and changes in CI. In contrast, GEDVI, SVV, and PPV significantly correlated with CI changes. Only relative changes of GEDVI, SVV, and PPV predicted changes in SVI.

Conclusion
During cardiac surgery and especially after sternotomy, CVP and PCWP are not suitable for monitoring fluid status. Direct volume measurement like GEDVI and dynamic volume responsive measurements like SVV and PPV may be more suitable for monitoring the volume status of patients, particularly under open-chest conditions.
Measuring job satisfaction of UK pharmacists: a pilot study
Authors: Hassell Karen , Seston Elizabeth , Shann Phil 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo review the UK published literature on pharmacy job satisfaction, in order to describe and assess the strengths of their methods and the findings and to validate an existing instrument to measure work satisfaction, with a sample of locum pharmacists.MethodA literature review of relevant databases was used to identify UK studies exploring any aspect of job, role, career or work satisfaction. A search of the grey literature was also undertaken. A satisfaction scale, the Warr-Cook-Wall scale, previously used with general practitioners (GPs), was adapted and administered to a sample of locum pharmacists (n = 175, response rate = 75%). Validity and reliability analyses were undertaken in SPSS v13.Key findingsThree articles, two reports, one thesis abstract and one conference abstract were identified through the search. The findings of the review indicate that the way in which pharmacist satisfaction has been measured to date renders it difficult to determine historical trends or make cross-sectoral comparisons. A Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.90 was obtained for the job satisfaction scale, indicating that the job satisfaction scale is a satisfactory and reliable tool for use with this group of pharmacists. In terms of substantive findings, these suggest that locum pharmacists in general derive high levels of job satisfaction and higher levels than those reported by GPs.ConclusionLimited evidence is available regarding pharmacists' job satisfaction in the UK. The review highlights the need for a universal, multifaceted measure of satisfaction. The findings of this study suggest that the Warr-Cook-Wall satisfaction scale has very high reliability and is suitable for use with pharmacists without any further amendments. Although the study suggests relatively high satisfaction scores in this group of pharmacists, it would be instructive to determine the applicability of the job satisfaction measure and to explore the satisfaction levels of pharmacists in a wide range of roles and sectors, to determine relative levels of satisfaction.
Assessing patient adherence to anti-hypertensive drug therapy: can a structured pharmacist-conducted interview separate the wheat from the chaff?
Authors: Yusuff Kazeem B , Alabi Abdrahman 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo identify determinants of adherence and assess the impact of structured pharmacist-conducted interviews in determining patients' adherence to prescribed anti-hypertensive medications in a secondary care setting in Nigeria.MethodThe study was conducted in a secondary care facility located in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Two methodological approaches were employed. The first phase was pharmacist-conducted, pre-physician consultation, cross-sectional interviews of 400 hypertensive patients who presented at the study site within the 2-month study period. The second phase was a follow-up review of case notes of these patients after they had left the physician's office.Key findingsThe outcome of the pharmacist-conducted pre-physician consultation interview shows that financial difficulty was the most frequently identified factor responsible for patients' non-adherence to anti-hypertensive drug therapy (64%). A drug holiday, varying from 5–14 days per month, was the coping strategy adopted by patients to circumvent this difficulty. Only 48% (192) of patients were aware of the negative consequences of non-adherence with anti-hypertensive drug therapy, and of these, 75% were adherent. The level of awareness was significantly higher in adherent patients (P &lt; 0.001). Sixty-seven per cent (268) of patients use a daily medication reminder (DMR) to assist them in taking their anti-hypertensive drugs, and of these 65.7% were adherent. The use of DMRs was significantly higher among adherent patients (P &lt; 0.01). A meal time was the most frequently used DMR (88%). Forty-one per cent (164) of patients had additional measurement of their blood pressure at pharmacies (65.9%) and neighbourhood private hospital (34.1%), and of these 75.6% were judged to be adherent with their prescribed drug therapy. Additional measurement of blood pressure was significantly higher in adherent patients (P &lt; 0.001). Fifty-one per cent of the cohort were judged by pharmacists as non-adherent during pre-consultation interviews (phase 1), while physicians judged 25% of the same cohort as non-adherent during consultation (phase 2). The structured pharmacist-conducted pre-physician consultation interviews were significantly better at identifying patients who were non-adherent with prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs (P &lt; 0.01).ConclusionA brief structured pharmacist-conducted interview can be a valuable tool in assessing and/or identifying determinants of adherence with anti-hypertensive drug therapy.