bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of self‐test items in tape‐slide instruction
Authors: JONES HAZEL C. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryTwo tape‐slide sequences in general pathology were used in an experiment to assess the value of self‐test items and to determine whether it is better to intersperse the self‐test items in the programme or place them all at the end of the sequence. The programmes were presented to a random sample of thirty‐six students from a class of 149 in one of three forms: version 1, tape‐slide programme without self‐test items; version 2, tape‐slide programme with self‐test items interspersed between sections of the sequence; and version 3, tape‐slide programme with all self‐test items at the end of the sequence.Each student worked a pre‐test before studying versions 1, 2 or 3 of a programme. A week later they worked through the post‐test which was identical to the pre‐test. At the same time they filled in a short attitude questionnaire on the teaching method.All students learned from the programmes. There was improvement in the post‐test on the mean pretest scores for all versions of both programmes. For one programme there was no significant difference between the mean post‐test scores for students studying versions 1, 2 or 3, but for the other programme there was a significant difference between the versions. In this case the inclusion of self‐test items was better for learning than no self‐test items, and it was better if the self‐test items were placed at the end of the sequence. A highly favourable attitude to the method is reported.
Married women doctors' training and re‐employment schemes in the West Midlands Region, with particular reference to psychiatry
Authors: BLUGLASS KERRY , DUNN T. LESLIE , GASTON F. W. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe response of one region to the Department of Health and Social Security recommendations on reemployment of women doctors contained in H.M. 69(6) is described. In many specialities there has been an encouraging return of married women doctors to medical practice within the hospital service. In the field of psychiatry the experience in a local subregional training scheme suggests that graduates of a high calibre can be attracted back to this speciality on a part‐time basis for training; the training has been acceptable for full qualification and the exami‐ nation success rate is high; part‐time appointments, including senior registrar and consultant posts, can be obtained; it would not appear that training need, in the first instance, be confined to those people working in a main teaching centre; the satisfactory resolution of any conflict between trainees' domestic and professional commitments is important, as is a flexible approach to the individual professional needs of the trainees. Such schemes appear to tap a valuable source of potential manpower which hitherto has not been fully utilized.
An economic evaluation of NIOX MINO airway inflammation monitor in the United Kingdom
Authors: Price D. , Berg J. , Lindgren P. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), a marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation, is easily measured by noninvasive means. The objective of this study was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of FENO measurement using a hand‐held monitor (NIOX MINO), at a reimbursement price of £23, for asthma diagnosis and management in the UK.Methods:  We constructed two decision trees to compare FENO measurement with standard diagnostic testing and guideline recommendations for management. For asthma diagnosis, we compared FENO measurement with lung function and reversibility testing, bronchial provocation and sputum eosinophil count. For asthma management, we evaluated the impact on asthma control, including inhaled corticosteroid use, exacerbations and hospitalizations, of monitoring with FENO measurement vs symptoms and lung function as in standard care. Resource use and health outcomes were evaluated over a 1‐year time frame. Direct costs were calculated from a UK health‐care payer perspective (2005 £).Results:  An asthma diagnosis using FENO measurement cost £43 less per patient as compared with standard diagnostic tests. Asthma management using FENO measurement instead of lung function testing resulted in annual cost‐savings of £341 and 0.06 quality‐adjusted life‐years gained for patients with mild to severe asthma and cost‐savings of £554 and 0.004 quality‐adjusted life‐years gained for those with moderate to severe asthma.Conclusions:  Asthma diagnosis based on FENO measurement with NIOX MINO alone is less costly and more accurate than standard diagnostic methods. Asthma management based on FENO measurement is less costly than asthma management based on standard guidelines and provides similar health benefits.
Standardization of allergen products: 1. Detailed characterization of GMP‐produced recombinant Bet v 1.0101 as biological reference preparation
Authors: Himly M. , Nony E. , Chabre H. , Van Overtvelt L. , Neubauer A. , Van Ree R. , Buchheit K.‐H. , Vieths S. , Moingeon P. , Ferreira F. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Standardization of allergen extracts requires the availability of well‐characterized recombinant allergens, which can be used as reference standards provided by the European regulatory authorities. The objective of this study was the detailed physicochemical and immunological characterization of rBet v 1.0101, which shall be used in a ring trial within the framework of the Biological Standardization Programme BSP090 of the European Directorate for Quality of Medicines and Healthcare.Methods:  Recombinant Bet v 1.0101 Y0487 was produced under good manufacturing practice conditions and analysed by an array of physicochemical and immunological methods for identity, quantity, homogeneity, folding and denaturation, aggregation state and stability in solution, as well as biological activity.Results:  Batch Y0487 was shown to contain monomeric and well‐folded protein being identical with rBet v 1.0101, as determined by mass spectrometry. SDS‐PAGE, isoelectric focusing, deamidation analysis and size‐exclusion chromatography with light scattering revealed sample homogeneity of >99.9%. Upon storage at +4°C batch Y0487 retained the monomeric state up to 3 months. Protein quantification determined by amino acid analysis was found coinciding with half‐maximal inhibition of serum IgE in ELISA. Biological activity of batch Y0487 was shown to be comparable to natural Bet v 1 by IgG and IgE immunoblotting, as well as basophil and T‐cell activation.Conclusion:  Recombinant Bet v 1.0101 Y0487 was characterized extensively by physicochemical and immunological methods. It was shown highly stable, monomeric and immunologically equivalent to its natural counterpart. Thus, it represents an appropriate candidate reference standard for Bet v 1.
Effects of Alendronate on A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs Expression in the Developing Epiphyseal Cartilage in Rats
Authors: Kim M. S. , Kim J. H. , Lee M. R. , Kang J. H. , Kim H. J. , Ko H. M. , Choi C. H. , Jung J. Y. , Koh J. T. , Kim B. K. , Oh H. K. , Kim W. J. , Lee E. J. , Kim S. H. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryA disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) have been reported to play a role in the degradation of aggrecan, a major component of cartilage. This study was performed to examine the effects of alendronate on the expression of ADAMTS in developing femoral epiphyseal cartilage. Primary cultured chondrocytes from this cartilage were treated with alendronate in vitro and postnatal day 1 rats were injected subcutaneously with alendronate (1 mg/kg) every second day in vivo. The number of cultured chondrocytes and their aggrecan mRNA levels were unaffected by the alendronate treatment at 10−6 to 10−4 m concentrations. The mRNA levels of ADAMTS‐1, ‐2 and ‐9 in chondrocytes were also unaffected. However, the levels of ADAMTS‐5 and ‐4 were reduced significantly by the same treatment. The thickness of the proliferating chondrocyte layers and the aggrecan mRNA levels in the epiphysis were unaffected by the alendronate treatment in vivo. However, the hypertrophied chondrocyte layers became significantly thicker, and the size of the secondary ossification centre was reduced significantly by the same treatment (P < 0.05). Both ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5 mRNA expressions were also reduced significantly in vivo. The immunoreactivity against ADAMTS‐4 was seen in hypertrophied chondrocytes and reduced significantly by the alendronate treatment. These results suggested that alendronate can inhibit the degradation of aggrecan in the articular cartilage by downregulating the expression of matrix enzymes such as ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5.
Contribution of Pathogens to Peach Fruit Rot in Northern Greece and their Sensitivity to Iprodione, Carbendazim, Thiophanate‐methyl and Tebuconazole Fungicides
Authors: Thomidis Thomas , Michailides Themis , Exadaktylou Efstathia 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study identified the main pathogens causing fruit rots of mature peaches in northern Greece, the major peach producing area of Greece. The brown rot pathogen Monilinia laxa was responsible for approximately 70% and 78% of rotted peaches in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Serious damage (up to 5%) was also caused with the fungus Phomopsis amygdali. Other pathogens isolated from rotted peaches at a low percentage were Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium spp., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Rhizopus stolonifer and Gilbertella persicaria. Most fungal isolates originated from the rotted peaches were tested for their sensitivity to the fungicides iprodione, carbendazim, thiophanate methyl and tebuconazole at label recommended concentrations. All fungicides inhibited the growth of M. laxa, A. niger, A. flavus, S. sclerotiorum, P. amygdali and B. cinerea on poisoned agar. Apart from iprodione, all other fungicides inhibited the mycelium growth of the pathogen Fusarium sp. The mycelium growth of Fusarium sp. was significantly less with iprodione than control. Only iprodione and tebuconazole were effective against A. alternata and R. stolonifer. Tebuconazole inhibited the mycelium growth of R. stolonifer, while iprodione reduced significantly in comparison to control. The mycelium growth of the fungus C. gloeosporioides was inhibited by tebuconazole and reduced significantly by the fungicides thiophanate methyl, carbendazim and iprodione. Among all the fungi tested, only M. laxa and B. cinerea isolates were found resistant to benzimidazoles [the EC50 (50% effective concentration) value was 100–200 mg/l and 200–300 mg/l for the largest number of thiophanate methyl‐ and carbendazim‐resistant M. laxa isolates respectively, while the biggest number of B. cinerea thiophanate methyl‐ and carbendazim‐resistant isolates showed EC50 value 200–300 mg/l and 300–400 mg/l, respectively]. However, these strains were sensitive to tebuconazole and iprodione. Therefore, these fungicides can be used as an alternative method to control benzimidazole‐resistant Monilinia and Botrytis isolates.
Safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography during pregnancy
Authors: Bani Hani Mohammed N. , Bani‐Hani Kamal E. , Rashdan Abdullah , AlWaqfi Nizar R. , Heis Hussein A. , Al‐Manasra Abdel‐Rahman A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground:  The risk of choledocholithiasis is expected to be higher during pregnancy. This is attributed to alteration in bile composition as well as biliary stasis that take place during gestation. There is significant concern regarding application of endoscopic procedures especially the more invasive ones for treatment of choledocholithiasis during pregnancy. Our aim was to provide an additional support to the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of biliary diseases during pregnancy.Methods:  The medical records of 10 pregnant patients who underwent ERCP at King Abdullah University Hospital, during the period from 2002 to 2007 were reviewed. Pregnancy course and outcomes were followed up in all cases. Results were analysed and compared with published data on safety and efficacy of this procedure.Results:  The mean age for mothers was 24.3 years. The mean duration of gestation was 18.4 weeks. Two patients were in the first trimester, five were in their second trimester and another three in the third trimester. The main indication for ERCP was obstructive choledocholithiasis on ultrasound and liver function tests. Fetal radiation exposure was not routinely measured. During, or after, the procedure there was no need for tocolytic agents. Also there was no intrauterine fetal distress. Screening for congenital anomalies was negative in all cases.Conclusion:  Major complications of biliary obstruction have been prevented through this procedure. Short‐term follow up for all neonates whom mothers underwent ERCP during pregnancy supports its safety. However, specific long‐term fetal complications of radiation exposure have not been investigated yet.
Intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of mountain pine beetle population growth
Authors: Trzcinski M. Kurtis , Reid Mary L. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract1 Mountain pine beetleDendroctonus ponderosaepopulations have large, economically significant outbreaks. Density dependence and environmental variability are expected to have important effects on their dynamics. We analysed time series data from an outbreak in the 1930s to determine the relative importance of population density and environmental variability on local population growth rates.2 Resource depletion occurred rapidly at the scale of 0.4 ha and population growth rates were strongly density dependent. Annual environmental changes did not have detectable effects on population growth rates, leading to the conclusion that intrinsic processes influenced local population density more than extrinsic factors during this outbreak.3 Our calculated value ofrmax(1.16) does not suggest intrinsically cyclic population dynamics. Our estimate ofrmaxand density dependence will be useful in developing applied models of mountain pine beetle outbreaks, and the subsequent evaluation of management strategies.
A comparison of management options for leatherjacket populations in organic crop rotations using mathematical models
Authors: Blackshaw Rod P. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract1 Pest management in organic systems is challenged by the paucity of options for direct interventions to control damaging populations compared with conventional agriculture. Consequently, a greater emphasis has to be placed on managing pest numbers through a rotation. In the present study, simulation modelling is used to evaluate the effects of different management options on populations of Tipula paludosa (leatherjackets) in organic rotations.2 The growth of leatherjacket populations in grass was simulated over 5 years for different starting numbers. A significant risk of leatherjacket attack to subsequent crops can be avoided by limiting the fertility building phase of a rotation to a maximum of 2 years.3 The effect of cultural control through additional cultivation interventions was compared in rotations comprising a grass/clover fertility building phase with host and/or nonhost crops. It is concluded that the effects are marginal and that prophylactic use cannot be recommended.4 The prophylactic use of biological control agents in permanent grass and grass/arable rotations was investigated. Maximum population reductions in grass were achieved through annual autumn applications but the optimal economic strategy was less frequent than this. Application in the autumn preceding a spring‐sown arable crop provided the best risk reduction.5 A model decision support system for the control of pests in organic systems using data for leatherjacket damage to spring barley is presented. Economic threshold concepts are used to define when cultural control (as additional cultivation) and biocontrol applications should be used.6 The present study shows the potential benefits of simulation modelling for the rapid evaluation of a wide range of pest management options. Any conclusions drawn from such simulations, however, are provisional until they can be tested experimentally.
Individual versus Household Migration Decision Rules: Gender and Marital Status Differences in Intentions to Migrate in South Africa
Authors: Gubhaju Bina , De Jong Gordon F. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis research tests the thesis that the neoclassical microeconomic and the new household economic theoretical assumptions on migration decision‐making rules are segmented by gender, marital status, and time frame of intention to migrate. Comparative tests of both theories within the same study design are relatively rare. Utilizing data from the Causes of Migration in South Africa national migration survey, we analyse how individually held “own‐future” versus alternative “household well‐being” migration decision rules effect the intentions to migrate of male and female adults in South Africa. Results from the gender and marital status specific logistic regressions models show consistent support for the different gender‐marital status decision rule thesis. Specifically, the “maximizing one’s own future” neoclassical microeconomic theory proposition is more applicable for never married men and women, the “maximizing household income” proposition for married men with short‐term migration intentions, and the “reduce household risk” proposition for longer time horizon migration intentions of married men and women. Results provide new evidence on the way household strategies and individual goals jointly affect intentions to move or stay.
Variants in Intron 13 of the ELMO1 Gene are Associated with Diabetic Nephropathy in African Americans
Authors: Leak T. S. , Perlegas P. S. , Smith S. G. , Keene K. L. , Hicks P. J. , Langefeld C. D. , Mychaleckyj J. C. , Rich S. S. , Kirk J. K. , Freedman B. I. , Bowden D. W. , Sale M. M. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryVariants in the engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) gene are associated with nephropathy due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a Japanese cohort. We comprehensively evaluated this gene in African American (AA) T2DM patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Three hundred and nine HapMap tagging SNPs and 9 reportedly associated SNPs were genotyped in 577 AA T2DM‐ESRD patients and 596 AA non‐diabetic controls, plus 43 non‐diabetic European American controls and 45 Yoruba Nigerian samples for admixture adjustment. Replication analyses were conducted in 558 AA with T2DM‐ESRD and 564 controls without diabetes. Extension analyses included 328 AA with T2DM lacking nephropathy and 326 with non‐diabetic ESRD. The original and replication analyses confirmed association with four SNPs in intron 13 (permutation p‐values for combined analyses = 0.001–0.003), one in intron 1 (P = 0.004) and one in intron 5 (P = 0.002) with T2DM‐associated ESRD. In a subsequent combined analysis of all 1,135 T2DM‐ESRD cases and 1,160 controls, an additional 7 intron 13 SNPs produced evidence of association (P = 3.5 × 10−5– P = 0.05). No associations were seen with these SNPs in those with T2DM lacking nephropathy or with ESRD due to non‐diabetic causes. Variants in intron 13 of the ELMO1 gene appear to confer risk for diabetic nephropathy in AA.
Candidate Gene Association Study for Noise‐induced Hearing Loss in Two Independent Noise‐exposed Populations
Authors: Konings A. , Van Laer L. , Wiktorek‐Smagur A. , Rajkowska E. , Pawelczyk M. , Carlsson P. I. , Bondeson M. L. , Dudarewicz A. , Vandevelde A. , Fransen E. , Huyghe J. , Borg E. , Sliwinska‐Kowalska M. , Van Camp G. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryMillions of people are daily exposed to high levels of noise. Consequently, noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most important occupational health hazards worldwide. In this study, we performed an association study for NIHL based on a candidate gene approach. 644 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in 53 candidate genes were analyzed in two independent NIHL sample sets, a Swedish set and part of a Polish set. Eight SNPs with promising results were selected and analysed in the remaining part of the Polish samples. One SNP in PCDH15 (rs7095441), resulted in significant associations in both sample sets while two SNPs in MYH14 (rs667907 and rs588035), resulted in significant associations in the Polish sample set and significant interactions with noise exposure level in the Swedish sample set. Calculation of odds ratios revealed a significant association of rs588035 with NIHL in the Swedish high noise exposure level group. Our studies suggest that PCDH15 and MYH14 may be NIHL susceptibility genes, but further replication in independent sample sets is mandatory.
Testing for linkage and Hardy‐Weinberg disequilibrium
Authors: Kulinskaya E. , Lewin A. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThis paper concerns several important points when testing for Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) in genetics. First, we challenge the necessity of using exclusively two‐sided tests for LD. Next, we show that the exact 2‐sided tests based on the most popular measures of LD are not equivalent, and neither are the standard statistical tests even though the 1‐sided tests are equivalent. We show how this results in different inference about LD for two data sets consisting of small groups of markers. Finally, we advocate the use of the conditional p‐value for both LD and HWE testing. An important advantage of this p‐value is that equivalent 1‐sided tests are transformed into equivalent 2‐sided tests.
Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome with late‐onset and prominent reflex seizures in trisomy 21 patients
Authors: Ferlazzo Edoardo , Adjien Constant K. , Guerrini Renzo , Calarese Tiziana , Crespel Arielle , Elia Maurizio , Striano Pasquale , Gelisse Philippe , Bramanti Placido , Di Bella Paolo , Genton Pierre 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic condition characterized by multiple seizure types including tonic seizures, slow spike‐and‐wave discharges on electroencephalography (EEG), and cognitive impairment. LGS can occur in apparently healthy subjects or in patients with preexisting brain damage. The onset peaks between 3 and 5 years of age and the prognosis is usually poor. Herein we report 13 subjects with trisomy 21 who developed LGS.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and EEG data of consecutive patients with LGS and trisomy 21 referred to five epilepsy centers over the last 30 years.Results:  Data for 13 patients (8 male, 5 female) were collected. The mean age at onset was 9.1 years (range 5–16). The mean age at last follow‐up was 23.5 years (range 11–43 years). Seizure onset was after age 8 years in eight (62%) patients and between age 5 and 8 in the other five. In none of the cases did a West syndrome precede the onset of LGS. Nine of 13 patients (69%) had unambiguous reflex seizures, mostly precipitated by sudden unexpected sensory stimulations, usually preceding or accompanying the onset of a full‐blown LGS picture. Interictal and ictal EEG findings were typical for LGS. All patients were drug‐resistant.Discussion:  Patients with trisomy 21 may present a peculiar LGS, characterized by late onset and high occurrence of reflex seizures. Mechanisms underlying this particular presentation of LGS may include dendritic rarefaction and decreased interneurons, as well as functional abnormalities leading to overall decreased brain inhibition in these patients.