bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coverage by smoke‐free workplace policies by race/ethnicity and health outcomes
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R.B. , Wheeler Anthony R.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The present research has three goals: to examine the prevalence of smoke‐free workplace policies; to examine how coverage by a smoke‐free workplace policy differs among racial/ethnic groups; and to examine the impact of smoke‐free workplace policy (SFWP) coverage on health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses secondary analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 1998‐2006.

Findings

It was found that SFWP coverage is below government goals – especially for Hispanic workers and that SFWP coverage was associated with health outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively slow progress in coverage by smoke‐free workplace policies during the last eight years suggests the possibility that a ceiling has been reached in smoke‐free workplace policy coverage. Limitations include factors that might negatively influence SFWP reporting (e.g. lack of knowledge about SFWP; language barriers), availability of data after 2006, and a cross‐sectional design for health outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that there is health value in SFWP, but that coverage is not at 100 percent and a federal‐level mandate might be necessary to reach that level. In situations where customers are allowed to smoke, it may be more difficult to justify and enforce a smoke‐free workplace policy.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine SFWP coverage by race over time. This study allows for examination of progress toward published SFWP goals.
Loss and grief in the workplace
Authors: O'Connor Margaret , Watts Jennifer , Bloomer Melissa , Larkins Kevin
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how Australian workplaces, their managers and employees respond to those who are grieving at work, as a result of chronic or terminal illness, or caring for those with chronic or terminal illness. The review draws on Australian and relevant international literature and seeks to answer this question.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was undertaken in preparation for an Australian study examining workplace supports for people who are grieving – because they are carers, have experienced a death, or are balancing their own illness with their work. Using a range of search terms, the literature was searched for relevant work between 1980 and 2010. The search found examples of workplace supports throughout the world and some developing Australian literature.

Findings

Despite illness and death occurring at any stage of a person's life, there is little research that identifies workplace issues associated with grief and loss. And while workplace legislation allows for minimal supports, there was evidence that some workplaces have begun to offer flexibility for work life balance.

Practical implications

Effective workplace supports will involve individual and workplace responses, but also require legislative approaches in order to effect broad‐based system change.

Originality/value

The paper compares Australian and international literature about workplace supports and provides an overview of the issues arising.
The organizational benefits of investing in workplace health
Authors: Zwetsloot Gerard I.J.M. , van Scheppingen Arjella R. , Dijkman Anja J. , Heinrich Judith , den Besten Heleen
Published: July 2010

Purpose

A healthy and vital workforce is an asset to any organization. Workplace health management and health promotion are therefore increasingly relevant for organizations. This paper aims to identify the organizational benefits companies strive for, and analyzes the ways companies use and manage data in order to monitor, evaluate and improve the achievement of organizational benefits through workplace health management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was carried out in four frontrunner organizations in health management in The Netherlands. The benefits the companies strived for were systematically investigated, as were the ways in which the companies used and managed their relevant data.

Findings

The organizations had many data that were potentially useful for managing and evaluating the realization of the intended health and business benefits. However, these data were only available and usable in a fragmented manner. As a result, the business impact of health interventions was neither properly evaluated nor consistently managed.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to four frontrunner companies in The Netherlands. The results presented are predominantly qualitative.

Practical implications

Suggestions for improving the management of organizational benefits from workplace health interventions are given here; they were formulated though an iterative process with the companies involved.

Originality/value

Research on the combination of health and business benefits of workplace health management has been rather limited thus far. The present paper provides a complete picture of the benefits strived for by four Dutch frontrunner organizations, as well as the data available to them, which are or could be used for guiding and improving workplace health management.
Designing a new rental housing law for Romania
Authors: Amann Wolfgang , Mundt Alexis
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the outcome of a research program carried out by the Austrian IIBW to support the Romanian Government in redesigning its national housing law in order to cope with specific problems on the Romanian housing market, such as the absence of tenure choice and affordable and tenure‐secure rental housing.

Design/methodology/approach

Specific housing problems and requirements of legal changes were identified by policy makers and in previous studies. Solutions are provided by an international team of experts with the target to include European best practice concerning rental and limited‐profit rental law.

Findings

This paper concentrates on three major topics within the restructuring of the Romanian housing law that permit integrating European best practice in the field of housing policy. First, Romanian rental housing legislation is reconsidered and a market‐based relative price control based on the German experience and on written contracts is proposed. Second, a new public‐private‐partnership (PPP) housing law, building on the framework of PPP social housing providers in Europe, and especially Austria, is considered. A rigid frame of checks and balances and public compensation of social service obligations are core elements. Third, special attention is paid to the compliance of proposed measures with European Union legislation on competition, which is of major importance for any legal recommendations to be applicable.

Practical implications

The proposed legal changes are designed to foster the development of a functional long‐term private and social rental market in order to meet the housing needs of the Romanian population.

Originality/value

The overarching research program this paper builds on was commissioned by the Romanian Government and was intended to address specific and current problems on the Romanian housing market.
Legal challenges in ensuring regular maintenance and repairs of owner‐occupied apartment blocks
Authors: Lujanen Martti
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare different apartment ownership systems and analyze how to enhance the regular maintenance and repair of owner‐occupied apartment buildings. The dwellings themselves are often in fairly good condition, but the common parts (e.g. walls, roofs, stairwells, and technical installations) are often poorly maintained.

Design/methodology/approach

Apartment ownership systems in ten European countries (Austria, England, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) are analyzed, along with Canada, China, Russia, and the USA, and some of the main findings from each country are presented. The material studied is primary legal sources together with the relevant literature.

Findings

It seems that there are severe obstacles in the legislation of many countries. Some of these obstacles are: the non‐existence of a proper decision‐making body (e.g. homeowners' association); the wide use of a qualified majority, or even the use of consensus, which makes it difficult to reach decisions; serious difficulties in getting loan financing for major repairs because of a lack of collateral and means to enforce the collection of payments; a lack of transparency and insufficient auditing procedures. Overall, it can be concluded that there are great variations between different countries. At the same time, many legal solutions are similar across certain groups of countries.

Social implications

Weaknesses in the legislation is one of the main reasons for the continuous deterioration of an important part of the housing stock in many countries. If this deterioration continues, the quality of life of millions of occupants will gradually worsen.

Originality/value

The paper provides a theoretical well‐based analysis, combined with concrete suggestions.
Improving the prerequisites for customer satisfaction and performance
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Gustafsson Anders , Roos Lars‐Uno
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper aims primarily to describe and analyze how the strategic and operational relationship with independent dealers has been improved and controlled. The paper also aims to describe and analyze the improvement program that the dealerships have designed, adopted and implemented, and the improvements that have resulted from them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used an explorative, qualitative research approach using in‐depth interviews. In order to achieve a prior understanding of Volvo Trucks North America's (VTNA) quality improvements at the dealerships, three in‐depth interviews were conducted with dealers in the USA. One interview was held with a business manager responsible for five dealerships in the Chicago area, and another with the person in charge of the quality improvement program at the corporate level.

Findings

The key to success lies in the strategic and systematic implementation of the tools and programs with which VTNA has provided its dealerships. The following six factors were identified as key issues in VTNA's improvement program: customer focus, product quality, service experience, employees, information and communication technology, and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates how a large company such as Volvo is able to positively influence a large number of smaller companies using a small number of policies.
Saipa Group, Iran – using strategic brand extensions to build relationships
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J. , Hollensen Svend
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into how branding is used in an innovative manner, when looking to generate equity and strengthen stakeholder relations – by a global car manufacturing company, governed by Iranian Islamic law. Following this, suggested areas of discussion are offered, in the interests of stimulating new thinking and further knowledge – surrounding marketing and branding in a Muslim context; Iranian culture; and the differences between Arab and Persian‐centric approaches, towards an adherence to Islamic ethic.

Design/methodology/approach

Inductive reasoning and syllogisms, as a basis for conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis. Evidence was gathered via in‐depth interviews, personal observations and experiences; as a result of meetings and the in‐house training of senior decision makers, over a three‐year period. This is further supported by anecdotal evidence; systematic literature reviews; and existing empirical data.

Findings

In the face of strict regulations from the Iranian Government, Iranian religious clergy and wider socio‐political factors, the Saipa Group has developed an innovative approach to generate commercial gains and brand equity. This has been achieved through a brand‐extension strategy, which seeks to engage a wide spectrum of stakeholders, through activities which permeate their working and social lives. From this, a platform is created which enables Saipa to market their core offering of vehicles.

Originality/value

Currently, there exists little academic material examining marketing theory, within the context of organisations seeking to comply with Islamic law and Muslim customs. Furthermore, analysis which is reflective of examining the nuances among different Muslim nations remains scarce. To this end, the following case attempts to highlight and address some of these issues.
Voluntary disclosure by Shariah approved companies: an exploratory study
Authors: Ousama A.A. , Fatima A.H.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of voluntary disclosure (EVD) (i.e. overall, conventional, and Islamic disclosure) in the annual reports of Shariah Approved Companies (ShAC) listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A disclosure index was developed, which consists of 59 items (including items related to the Shariah, i.e. Islamic items), to measure the EVD in the annual reports of ShAC. Secondary data from annual reports were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t‐test.

Findings

ShAC disclosed on average 19, 21 and 17 percent of overall, conventional, and Islamic items, respectively. The EVD of conventional items is comparable to prior studies, and higher than Islamic items.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only used one‐year annual reports for the year 2003, but it provides a starting point for future research on the issue of voluntary disclosure by ShAC.

Practical implications

The findings provide evidence that ShAC still lack voluntary disclosure, especially, Islamic disclosure items. Such findings could be useful to regulation authorities in Malaysia for the improvement of overall disclosure practices by ShAC.

Originality/value

The paper is the first empirical study to investigate the EVD, both Islamic and conventional, in the annual reports of ShAC.
Serum prolactin levels in psoriasis and correlation with cutaneous disease activity
Authors: Dilmé-Carreras E. , Martín-Ezquerra G. , Sánchez-Regaña M. , Umbert-Millet P.
Published: July 2010

Background. Prolactin (PRL), a neuropeptide secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, possesses a variety of physiological actions. It has been implicated as an important immunomodulator and exerts a proliferative effect in cultured human keratinocytes via specific receptors. Some studies have indicated an increase in serum PRL levels in psoriasis and exacerbation of psoriasis when a prolactinoma is present.

Aim. To evaluate the correlation between serum PRL levels and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Methods. Serum PRL levels were measured in 20 patients (10 mean, 10 women, age range 18–88 years) with plaque-type psoriasis before and after a 6-week period of topical treatment with tacalcitol ointment. Results were compared with a group of 20 healthy volunteers.

Results. Serum PRL levels were significantly increased in the psoriatic group compared with the control group (P < 0.001) and were significantly reduced after treatment (P = 0.001). There was a correlation between pretreatment serum PRL levels and PASI (r = 0.33; P = 0.02).

Conclusions. These results indicate that serum PRL levels may serve as a biological marker of psoriatic disease activity.
Impact of rainfall manipulations and biotic controls on soil respiration in Mediterranean and desert ecosystems along an aridity gradient
Authors: TALMON YIFTACH , STERNBERG MARCELO , GRÜNZWEIG JOSÉ M.
Published: July 2010

Spatially heterogeneous ecosystems form a majority of land types in the vast drylands of the globe. To evaluate climate‐change effects on CO2 fluxes in such ecosystems, it is critical to understand the relative responses of each ecosystem component (microsite). We investigated soil respiration (Rs) at four sites along an aridity gradient (90–780 mm mean annual precipitation, MAP) during almost 2 years. In addition, Rs was measured in rainfall manipulations plots at the two central sites where ∼30% droughting and ∼30% water supplementation treatments were used over 5 years. Annual Rs was higher by 23% under shrub canopies compared with herbaceous gaps between shrubs, but Rs at both microsites responded similarly to rainfall reduction. Decreasing precipitation and soil water content along the aridity gradient and across rainfall manipulations resulted in a progressive decline in Rs at both microsites, i.e. the drier the conditions, the larger was the effect of reduction in water availability on Rs. Annual Rs on the ecosystem scale decreased at a slope of 256/MAP g C m−2 yr−1 mm−1 (r2=0.97). The reduction in Rs amounted to 77% along the aridity gradient and to 16% across rainfall manipulations. Soil organic carbon (SOC) decreased with declining precipitation, and variation in SOC stocks explained 77% of the variation in annual Rs across sites, rainfall manipulations and microsites. This study shows that rainfall manipulations over several years are a useful tool for experimentally predicting climate‐change effects on CO2 fluxes for time scales (such as approximated by aridity gradients) that are beyond common research periods. Rainfall reduction decreases rates of Rs not only by lowering biological activity, but also by drastically reducing shrub cover. We postulate that future climate change in heterogeneous ecosystems, such as Mediterranean and deserts shrublands will have a major impact on Rs by feedbacks through changes in vegetation structure.
Medical Aid service overuse assessed by case managers in Korea
Authors: Shin Sun Mi , Kim Mi Ja , Kim Eui Sook , Lee Hee Woo , Park Chang Gi , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: July 2010

shin s.m., kim m.j., kim e.s., lee h.w., park c.g. & kim h.k. (2010) Medical Aid service overuse assessed by case managers in Korea. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2257–2265.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe characteristics of overusers of the Medical Aid service, assess appropriateness of overusers’ medical service use, and determine contributing factors to medical aid overuse in Korea.

Background.  Medical Aid use in Korea has increased in recent years, but no systematic studies reported the characteristics of overusers and appropriateness of their medical service use.

Method.  In a cross‐sectional study, case managers conducted interviews, evaluated participants’ insurance claim data, and determined overusers by the case managers’ determination of the appropriateness of their medical service use and their expenditures during the year of 2006. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Result.  Most heavy users were elderly, female, less educated, and had stress, lower perceived health status and multiple clinic visits. Twenty‐five per cent of inpatients and 63·9% of outpatients were classified as overusers. The average total cost per capita of an overuser was 43·3% higher than that of an optimal user. Age, education, stress, arthritis, multiple clinic visits and frequent clinic visit recommendations by providers were statistically significant contributing factors to the overuse.

Conclusion.  Preventive measures are needed to decrease the overuse of Medical Aid in Korea; such measures should focus on characteristics contributing to overuse, including the provider‐induced demand for more clinic visits. Case managers could play an important role as gatekeepers, managers, and educators for optimal use of Medical Aid in Korea and elsewhere in the world that faces similar problems.
Timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing
Authors: RASMUSSEN J , MATHIASEN H , BIBBY B M
Published: July 2010

Rasmussen J, Mathiasen H & Bibby BM (2010). Timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing. Weed Research50, 436–446.

The timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing was evaluated for two years in spring barley with crop‐weed selectivity and crop recovery as the key parameters measured. Selectivity describes the relationship between weed control and crop soil cover immediately after harrowing, with crop soil cover as the percentage of the crop that has been covered by soil due to harrowing. Crop recovery describes the relationship between crop yield loss and crop soil cover in the absence of weeds. Neither selectivity nor crop recovery was affected by timing within a period of two weeks in the early growth stages of spring barley. Selectivity was unaffected by year and 80% weed control was associated with crop soil cover in the range of 23–33%, for all combinations of year and growth stage. Crop recovery was affected by year, with an average crop yield loss of 3.5% caused by 25% crop soil cover in 2007 and complete recovery in 2008. A detailed study of crop growth and weed density in the period just after harrowing, showed that the recovery processes of crop and weeds were influenced by timing of harrowing, but this had no impacts on crop yield. In conclusion, timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing was not found to be crucial, given the condition that the aggressiveness of cultivation was adjusted to the growth stage.
Indicator of paleosalinity: Sedimentary sulfur and organic carbon in the Jurassic–Cretaceous Tetori Group, central Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Hibino Tsuyoshi , Hori Shunji
Published: July 2010

A simple geochemical technique using the ratio of total sulfur (TS) to total organic carbon (TOC) was successfully used to reconstruct paleoenvironments in the Jurassic–Cretaceous Tetori Group, central Japan. The TS to TOC ratio is often employed as an effective parameter to separate modern marine or brackish sediments from freshwater deposits. To test the TS/TOC method for paleoenvironmental interpretation of the Tetori Group, we first analyzed TS/TOC for samples for which depositional conditions (i.e. marine, brackish or freshwater) had been recognized paleontologically. The results indicate that the method can effectively separate sedimentary rocks deposited under freshwater from marine and brackish settings. Once we had established the effectiveness of this method, we applied it to three sections of the Tetori Group, central Japan. Stratigraphic fluctuations in TS/TOC values revealed episodic incursions of marine or brackish conditions in the dominantly freshwater depositional sequence in the middle of the Jobu Formation of the Itoshiro Subgroup at the Izumi section, Fukui Prefecture. The same paleoenvironment is also suggested to occur at the top of the Tetori Group in the Tateyama section, Toyama Prefecture. This research provides important information to paleogeographers who currently lack evidence from facies fossils to indicate if the uppermost part of the Tetori Group represents marine or brackish settings. A chemostratigraphy of TS/TOC parameters potentially could provide a correlation among Jurassic–Cretaceous sequences along continental margins over East Asia.
Effects of proteasome inhibitors on rat renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: SAKAIRI TORU , HIROMURA KEIJU , TAKAHASHI SATOSHI , HAMATANI HIROKO , TAKEUCHI SHIGERU , TOMIOKA MAI , MAESHIMA AKITO , KUROIWA TAKASHI , NOJIMA YOSHIHISA
Published: July 2010

Aim:  Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is involved in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Recently, the ubiquitin proteasome system was shown to participate in the TGF‐β signalling pathway. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of proteasome inhibitors on TGF‐β‐induced transformation of renal fibroblasts and tubular epithelial cells in vitro and on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in vivo.

Methods:  Rat renal fibroblasts NRK‐49F cells and tubular epithelial cells, NRK‐52E, were treated with TGF‐β in the presence or absence of a proteasome inhibitor, MG132 or lactacystin. Rats were subjected to UUO and received MG132 i.p. for 7 days.

Results:  In cultured renal cells, both MG132 and lactacystin inhibited TGF‐β‐induced α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) protein expression according to both western blotting and immunofluorescent study results. MG132 also suppressed TGF‐β‐induced mRNA expression of α‐SMA and upregulation of Smad‐response element reporter activity. However, MG132 did not inhibit TGF‐β‐induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2. In contrast, MG132 increased the protein level of Smad co‐repressor SnoN, demonstrating that SnoN is one of the target molecules by which MG132 blocks the TGF‐β signalling pathway. Although the proteasome inhibitor suppressed TGF‐β‐induced transformation of cultured fibroblasts and tubular epithelial cells, MG132 treatment did not ameliorate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the rat UUO model.

Conclusion:  Proteasome inhibitors attenuate TGF‐β signalling by blocking Smad signal transduction in vitro, but do not inhibit renal interstitial fibrosis in vivo.
GABAergic neurons intermingled with orexin and MCH neurons in the lateral hypothalamus discharge maximally during sleep
Authors: Hassani Oum Kaltoum , Henny Pablo , Lee Maan Gee , Jones Barbara E.
Published: July 2010

The lateral hypothalamus (LH), where wake‐active orexin (Orx)‐containing neurons are located, has been considered a waking center. Yet, melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH)‐containing neurons are codistributed therein with Orx neurons and, in contrast to them, are active during sleep, not waking. In the present study employing juxtacellular recording and labeling of neurons with Neurobiotin (Nb) in naturally sleeping–waking head‐fixed rats, we identified another population of intermingled sleep‐active cells, which do not contain MCH (or Orx), but utilize γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a neurotransmitter. The ‘sleep‐max’ active neurons represented 53% of Nb‐labeled MCH‐(and Orx) immunonegative (−) cells recorded in the LH. For identification of their neurotransmitter, Nb‐labeled varicosities of the Nb‐labeled/MCH− neurons were sought within sections adjacent to the Nb‐labeled soma and immunostained for the vesicular transporter for GABA (VGAT) or for glutamate. A small proportion of sleep‐max Nb+/MCH− neurons (19%) discharged maximally during slow‐wave sleep (called ‘S‐max’) in positive correlation with delta electroencephalogram activity, and from VGAT staining of Nb‐labeled varicosities appeared to be GABAergic. The vast proportion of sleep‐max Nb+/MCH− neurons (81%) discharged maximally during paradoxical sleep (PS, called ‘P‐max’) in negative correlation with electromyogram amplitude, and from Nb‐labeled varicosities also appeared to be predominantly GABAergic. Given their discharge profiles across the sleep–wake cycle, P‐max together with S‐max GABAergic neurons could thus serve to inhibit other neurons of the arousal systems, including local Orx neurons in the LH. They could accordingly dampen arousal with muscle tone and promote sleep, including PS with muscle atonia.
Cancer risk among patients hospitalized for Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a population‐based cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Shu X. , Ji J. , Li X. , Sundquist J. , Sundquist K. , Hemminki K.
Published: July 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 791–797 (2010)

Aims  Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease with potential mechanistic links to immune‐related cancers. We aimed at examining the overall and specific cancer risks among hospitalized T1DM patients from the national registers in Sweden.

Methods  A T1DM research cohort was created by identifying T1DM patients from the Hospital Discharge Register and linking them with the Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for subsequent cancers were calculated among patients with T1DM compared with those without T1DM.

Results  Two hundred and fifty‐eight cases were ascertained with subsequent cancers during the follow‐up duration from 1964 to 2006, with an increased overall SIR of 1.17 (95% CI 1.04–1.33) among 24 052 T1DM patients identified at baseline. Significant excess was noted for gastric and skin (squamous cell carcinoma) cancers and for leukaemia. Increased risk of acute lymphatic leukaemia accounted for most of the variation of leukaemia risk (SIR = 5.31, 95% CI 3.32–8.05). Cancer risk varied with sex, age at first hospitalization and numbers of hospitalizations. The risk was higher in women compared with men and in those hospitalized for T1DM at age over 10 years compared with the younger patients. Higher risks were also found among those with more hospital visits.

Conclusion  By quantifying the variations of overall and site‐specific cancer risks after T1DM, the current study provides novel associations between T1DM and subsequent cancers, the mechanisms of which remain to be established.
An Investigation of Tertiary Assessment Policy and Practice: Alignment and Contradictions
Authors: Meyer Luanna H. , Davidson Susan , McKenzie Lynanne , Rees Malcolm , Anderson Helen , Fletcher Richard , Johnston Patricia M.
Published: July 2010

Tertiary assessment policy and practice address multiple purposes that can both complement and contradict one another. This mixed‐method study employing both quantitative and qualitative data builds on the results of a large‐scale survey of academic staff and student conceptions of assessment with a follow‐up analysis of staff comments, systematic review of institutional policy documents and individual interviews with senior academic managers. Institutional policy patterns are evaluated in light of issues emerging from the survey data as well as the international research literature. Based on the findings, the article concludes with recommendations for the design of quality policy and practice guidelines to ensure that tertiary assessment is manageable, valid, equitable and has the integrity required by stakeholders in higher education institutions.
Study and description of hydrogels and organogels as vehicles for cosmetic active ingredients
Authors: Morales M. E. , Gallardo V. , Clarés B. , García M. B. , Ruiz M. A.
Published: July 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
60, 627–636 (November/December 2009)

Synopsis

Cellulite, a clinical syndrome mainly affecting women, involves specific changes in conjunctive dermic and subcutaneous tissue, leading to vascular and hypertrophic alterations in adipose tissues and the consequent alteration of tissue structure. This paper describes the design of hydrogels and pluronic‐lecithin organogels elaborated as vehicles of Aloe vera (Aloe vera linné) and Hydrocotyle asiatica (Centella asiatica) for the treatment of cellulite. The objective of this work was to carry out a complete evaluation of the proposed formulae through the study of the organoleptic and rheological properties of the formulae. Our work revealed that, in appearance, hydrogels show better organoleptic characteristics than organogels. On the other hand, from a rheological point of view, both hydrogels and organogels display a plastic behavior. However, the main difference between the two is that the more complex internal structure of the organogel bestows it with more viscosity. Finally, in vitro tests with Franz‐type diffusion cells revealed that the release of cosmetic active principle from the tested excipients was appropriate, both in terms of magnitude and velocity.
Does Cost Effectiveness Analysis Unfairly Discriminate against People with Disabilities?
Authors: BOGNAR GREG
Published: July 2010

abstract

Cost effectiveness analysis is a tool for evaluating the aggregate benefits of medical treatments, health care services, and public health programs. Its opponents often claim that its use leads to unfair discrimination against people with disabilities. My aim in this paper is to clarify the conditions under which this might be so. I present some ways in which the use of cost effectiveness analysis can lead to discrimination and suggest why these forms of discrimination may be unfair. I also discuss some proposals for avoiding discrimination without rejecting cost effectiveness analysis altogether. I argue that none of these proposals is ultimately convincing. I describe a different approach to the problem and conclude by answering the question in the title.
ABCG2 reduces ROS‐mediated toxicity and inflammation: a potential role in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shen Shanshan , Callaghan Debbie , Juzwik Camille , Xiong Huaqi , Huang Peilin , Zhang Wandong
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1590–1604.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by accumulation and deposition of Aβ peptides in the brain. Aβ deposition generates reactive‐oxygen species (ROS), which are involved in Alzheimer’s inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathology. We have previously observed that, in Alzheimer’s disease brain, ABCG2 is up‐regulated and AP‐1 is activated, but NF‐κB is not activated. In the present study, we examine the roles and mechanism of ABCG2 on ROS generation, inflammatory gene expression and signaling, heme homeostasis and Aβ production in cell models and on inflammatory signaling and Aβ deposition in Abcg2‐knockout and wild‐type mice. Our results show that ABCG2 plays a protective role against oxidative stress by decreasing ROS generation, enhancing antioxidant capacity, regulating heme level, and inhibiting inflammatory response in cell models. ABCG2 inhibits NF‐κB activation but has less effect on AP‐1 activation induced by ROS. This results in inhibition of interleukin‐8 and growth‐related oncogene (GRO) expression induced by ROS via NF‐κB pathway. Abcg2 deficiency increased Aβ deposition and NF‐κB activation in the brains of Abcg2‐knockout mice compared with controls. These findings suggest that ABCG2 may relieve oxidative stress and inflammatory response via inhibiting NF‐κB signaling pathway in cell models and brain tissues and thus may play a potential protective role in Alzheimer’s neuroinflammatory response.
‘The New Suffrage History: Voting Rights in International Perspective’
Authors: Sneider Allison
Published: July 2010

Scholars of the U.S. woman suffrage movement are paying increased attention to its international dimensions. International organizations like the International Council of Women (1888) and the International Woman Suffrage Alliance (1904) have begun to receive the kind of scrutiny that has traditionally been reserved for domestic suffrage organizations such as the American Woman Suffrage Association (1869), the National Woman Suffrage Association (1869), and the National American Woman Suffrage Association (1890). This attention to suffragists’ international organizing, cross‐border travel, and imperial commitments, including those of individual suffrage activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, has made visible the connections between struggles for women’s rights within U.S. borders and at the margins of U.S. territory including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Philippines. In turn, suffrage historians are now contributing to broader disciplinary efforts to internationalize the field of U.S. history and to map the contours of American Empire.
Islam in Northern Mozambique: A Historical Overview
Authors: Bonate Liazzat
Published: July 2010

This article is a historical overview of two issues: first, that of the dynamics of Islamic religious transformations from pre‐Portuguese era up until the 2000s among Muslims of the contemporary Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and to a certain extent, Niassa provinces. The article argues that historical and geographical proximity of these regions to East African coast, the Comoros and northern Madagascar meant that all these regions shared a common Islamic religious tradition. Accordingly, shifts with regard to religious discourses and practices went in parallel. This situation began changing in the last decade of the colonial era and has continued well into the 2000s, when the so‐called Wahhabis, Sunni Muslims educated in the Islamic universities of the Arab world brought religious outlook that differed significantly from the historical local and regional conceptions of Islam. The second question addressed in this article is about relationships between northern Mozambican Muslims and the state. The article argues that after initial confrontations with Muslims in the sixteenth century and up until the last decade of the colonial era, the Portuguese rule pursued no concerted effort in interfering in the internal Muslim religious affairs. Besides, although they occupied and destroyed some of the Swahili settlements, in particular in southern and central Mozambique, other Swahili continued to thrive in northern Mozambique and maintained certain independence from the Portuguese up until the twentieth century. Islam there remained under the control of the ruling Shirazi clans with close political, economic, kinship and religious ties to the Swahili world. By establishing kinship and politico‐economic ties with the ruling elites of the mainland in the nineteenth century, these families were also instrumental in expanding Islam into the hinterland. Only at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Portuguese rule took full control of the region as a result of military conquests of the ‘effective occupation’, and imposed new legal and administrative colonial system, called Indigenato, impacting Muslims of northern Mozambique to a great extent. After the independence in 1975, and especially since 1977, the post‐independence Frelimo government adopted militant atheism and socialist Marxism, which was short‐lived and was abolished in 1983 owing to popular resistance and especially, because of government’s perception that its religious policies were fuelling the opposition groups to take arms and join the civil war. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by an acute rivalry and conflicts between the two emerging national umbrella Islamic organizations, the Islamic Council and the Islamic Congress, each representing largely pro‐Sufi and anti‐Sufi positions. In the 2000s, these organizations became overshadowed by new and more dynamic organizations, such as Ahl Al‐Sunna.
Therapeutic approaches to epileptogenesis—Hope on the horizon
Authors: Pitkänen Asla
Published: July 2010

Prevention of epileptogenesis is an unmet need in medicine. During the last 3 years, however, several preclinical studies have demonstrated remarkable favorable effects of novel treatments on genetic and acquired epileptogenesis. These include the use of immunosuppressants and treatments that modify cellular adhesion, proliferation, and/or plasticity. In addition, the use of antiepileptic drugs in rats with genetic epilepsy or proconvulsants in acquired epilepsy models has provided somewhat unexpected favorable effects. This review summarizes these studies, and introduces some caveats when interpreting the data. In particular, the effect of genetic background, the severity of epileptogenic insult, the method and duration of seizure monitoring, and size of animal population are discussed. Furthermore, a novel scheme for defining epileptogenesis‐related terms is presented.
Distinct caspase pathways mediate necrosis and apoptosis in subpopulations of hippocampal neurons after status epilepticus
Authors: Lopez‐Meraz Maria‐Leonor , Niquet Jerome , Wasterlain Claude G.
Published: July 2010

Status epilepticus in the immature brain induces neuronal injury in the hippocampal formation, but the mode and mechanism of death are poorly understood. Our laboratory has recently investigated the role of caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 in neuronal injury, using a lithium–pilocarpine model of status epilepticus in 2‐week‐old rat pups. Our results showed that dying neurons in the dentate gyrus and CA1‐subiculum area do not share the same mechanism of death. In CA1‐subiculum, caspase‐8 upregulation preceded caspase‐3 activation in morphologically necrotic neurons. The pan‐caspase inhibitor Q‐VD‐OPH reduced CA1 damage, showing that caspases contribute to status epilepticus–induced necrosis. In the dentate gyrus, dying neurons were caspase‐9 and ‐3 immunoreactive and morphologically apoptotic. It is not clear why the same seizures cause different types of cell death in neurons that are connected in series along the same hippocampal circuit, but the apoptotic dentate neurons express doublecortin, and do not express calbindin‐D28k, suggesting that their immaturity may be a factor in producing an apoptotic mode of death.
Long β‐Silicon Carbide Necklace‐Like Whiskers Prepared by Carbothermal Reduction of Wood Flour/Silica/Phenolic Composite
Authors: Li Zhong , Shi Tie‐Jun , Tan De‐Xin
Published: July 2010

Long silicon carbide (SiC) microwhiskers with a necklace‐like morphology have been successfully synthesized by a carbothermal reduction process without using any catalyst. In the process, the wood flour/silica (SiO2)/phenolic composite was chosen as both silicon and carbon sources. The morphology and structure were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Studies found that the as‐synthesized whiskers were grown as single crystalline β‐SiC along the (111) direction with the length up to hundreds of micrometers. The whiskers consisted of β‐SiC strings with diameters of 1–2 μm and periodic β‐SiC beads with diameters of 3–5 μm. On the basis of characterization results, a growth mechanism is proposed to clarify the formation of necklace‐like whiskers.
Immunohistochemical characteristics of diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma: comparison with conventional papillary carcinoma
Authors: KOO JA SEUNG , SHIN EUNAH , HONG SOON WON
Published: July 2010

Koo JS, Shin E, Hong SW. Immunohistochemical characteristics of diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma: comparison with conventional papillary carcinoma. APMIS 2010; 118: 744–52.

Diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma (DSVPC) is a rare variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). It shows different clinicopathologic features to the conventional PTC, but the immunohistochemical characteristics of DSVPC are yet to be more clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical features of DSVPC, which are different from those of PTC. Tissue microarray was constructed from the paraffin‐embedded tissue of 49 DSVPC and 50 conventional PTC samples. Immunohistochemical stains for p63, p53, galectin‐3, cytokeratin 19, β‐catenin, Bcl‐2, EMA, E‐cadherin, CD15, and CD56 were performed on each tissue microarray. Immunohistochemical stain for p63 was negative in all conventional PTCs, but 14 (28.6%) cases of DSVPC showed p63 expression (p = 0.000). p53 was expressed in 38 (76.0%) cases of conventional PTC and 21 (42.9%) cases of DSVPC (p = 0.001). Galectin‐3 was expressed in all 50 cases of conventional PTC, but eight (16.3%) cases of DSVPC did not express galectin‐3 (p = 0.003). EMA was expressed more in DSVPC (40.8%) than in conventional PTC (20.0%, p = 0.024). In univariate analyses, Bcl‐2 positivity (p = 0.016) and EMA negativity (p = 0.036) in DSVPC were associated with shorter time interval to tumor recurrence, but there was no significance for the two in multivariate analyses. DSVPC, a rare variant of PTC, has different immunohistochemical features from the conventional PTC, showing higher expression rate of p63 and lower expression rate of p53. It also shows galectin‐3 negativity and EMA positivity.
An international survey of EEG use in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Boylan GB , Burgoyne L , Moore C , O’Flaherty B , Rennie JM
Published: July 2010

Objective:  To examine the extent of EEG monitoring in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and to survey the level of experience and training of those using it.

Study design:  A web‐based survey, the link to which was circulated via e‐mail, personal contact, specialist societies and professional groups. Survey data were exported to SPSS for analysis.

Results:  In total 210 surveys were analysed; 124 from Europe, 54 from the US. Ninety percent of respondents had access to either EEG or aEEG monitoring; 51% had both. EEG was mainly interpreted by neurophysiologists (72%) whereas aEEG was usually interpreted by neonatologists (80%). Only 9% of respondents reported that they felt ‘very confident’ in their ability to interpret aEEG/EEG with 31% reporting that they were ‘not confident’. Half had received no formal training in EEG.

Conclusion:  Both aEEG and conventional EEG were used extensively in the NICUs surveyed for this study. Most of the survey respondents were not confident in their ability to interpret EEGs despite the fact that they used monitoring routinely. There is an urgent need for a structured and appropriately targeted training programme in EEG methodologies and EEG interpretation for neonatal intensive care unit staff.
Experiences and perceptions of oral health and oral health care among a sample of older New Zealanders
Authors: Gregory Jane , Thomson William Murray , Broughton John R. , Cullinan Mary P. , Seymour Gergory J. , Kieser Jules A. , Donaghy Manu‐Aroha , Shearer Dara M.
Published: July 2010

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00402.x

Experiences and perceptions of oral health and oral health care among a sample of older New Zealanders

Background:  Most research on older people’s oral health has been quantitative. A need for more in‐depth understanding of the oral health of that age group has pointed to a need for more qualitative investigations.

Objective:  To explore experiences and perceptions of oral health and oral health care among an ethnically‐mixed sample of older New Zealanders.

Methods:  In‐depth interviews were conducted with 24 older people in two communities in New Zealand’s South Island. Thematic analysis of transcribed data was undertaken.

Results:  Three main themes that emerged were: (1) the processes of negotiating a tension between cost and convenience of access; (2) the experiential constraining of oral health maintenance; and (3) trusting in dental professionals. These serve to organise processes such as normalising, justifying and social comparisons that create an equilibrium or tolerance and acceptance of what might otherwise be considered to be relatively poor oral health.

Conclusions:  We identified a number of shared experiences which affect older people’s ability to maintain their oral health in the face of material and social barriers to oral health care. Because expectations were generally lower, there was greater concordance between experience and expectation, and people tended to be fairly satisfied with their oral health and the care they had received.
Single nucleotide polymorphism rs2229634 in the ITPR3 gene is associated with the risk of developing coronary artery aneurysm in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Huang Y.‐C. , Lin Y.‐J. , Chang J.‐S. , Chen S.‐Y. , Wan L. , Sheu J. J.‐C. , Lai C.‐H. , Lin C.‐W. , Liu S.‐P. , Chen C.‐P. , Tsai F.‐J.
Published: July 2010

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common form of pediatric vasculitis. Though its etiology is unknown, researchers have suggested that it is related to genetics. The inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor type 3 (ITPR3) gene has a strong association with the development of type 1 diabetes and, plays a critical role in the development of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Graves’ disease. The aim of study is to examine the association of ITPR3 polymorphisms with KD risk in Taiwanese children. This study evaluates the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs2229634 in the ITPR3 gene with KD in a case‐control study involving 93 KD patients and 680 healthy, gender‐ and age‐matched controls. The frequency of the rs2229634 T/T genotype was significantly higher in KD patients with coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) than in patients without CAA [odds ratio (OR) = 2.56, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.35–4.88, P = 0.004]. In addition, KD patients with the T/T genotype elevated mean serum levels of C‐reactive protein compared with patients with the C/C or C/T genotype (12.2 mg dL−1 vs. 8.5 mg dL−1, P = 0.036). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the rs2229634 SNP in the ITPR3 gene is associated with the risk of CAA formation in Taiwanese KD patients.