bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disorienting Fictions: Antje Rávic Strubel and Post‐Unification East German Identity
Authors: Jeremiah Emily
Published: March 2009

This article explores the work of Antje Rávic Strubel (b. 1974), setting it in the context of recent debates concerning post‐unification East German identity. Drawing on the work of Rosi Braidotti and Sara Ahmed, it defines Strubel's work as ‘nomadic’ and ‘queer’, and explores the novel Offene Blende (2001) in this light. It goes on to examine two male characters in later works by Strubel, Kältere Schichten der Luft and Vom Dorf (both 2007), before briefly investigating Strubel's 2008 guidebook to Sweden. Avoiding both ‘Ostalgie’ and self‐effacement, Strubel's work explores the ‘homelessness’ of the East German in today's Berlin Republic – in particular, that of the older, East German man – but it also suggests the liberating possibilities of this condition, in a manner reminiscent of Braidotti. In addition, Strubel offers a dual challenge to nationalism and heterosexism, paving the way for new understandings of Germanness.
Social behaviour of spitting spiders (Araneae: Scytodidae) from Singapore
Authors: Yap L.‐M. Y. L. , Li D.
Published: March 2009

The social organization of Scytodes sp., a spitting spider from Singapore, was investigated in the field and in the laboratory. The characteristics considered were colony structure, maternal care, prey capture, prey sharing, adults provisioning with prey and how feeding regime influences the level of tolerance expressed by juveniles that were living together. The characteristics of this species were compared with those of other Scytodes species that have been studied previously. Based on our findings, we conclude that in this species, social organization is ‘periodic‐social’, with extended maternal care, this being a type of ‘subsociality’. The females of Scytodes sp. wrapped their eggs in a silk egg sac and used their chelicerae to hold the eggs until they hatched. Spiderlings tended to remain in their mother's web until the fourth instar (i.e. after the third moult) but they were also highly aggressive and cannibalistic towards conspecifics after the third instar. Females carried prey to their spiderlings and either fed alongside the brood or left them to feed alone. Spiderlings also captured large prey cooperatively by spitting onto, biting and feeding on it together. The occurrence of cannibalism among her juveniles did not appear to be influenced by whether the adult female was present or not, nor did it appear to be influenced by prey abundance.
Unsettling connections: transnational networks, development and African home associations
Authors: MERCER CLAIRE , PAGE BEN , EVANS MARTIN
Published: March 2009

With the transnational turn in the social sciences attention has now turned to ‘global civil society’, ‘transnational civil society’, ‘transnational networks’ and, most recently, ‘migrant’ or ‘diasporic civil society’. Claims are being made about the developmental potential of these new configurations of civil society, and the global connections forged by migrant and diaspora associational life have been reified into things called ‘networks’ for the purpose of enrolling them into development policy. In this article, we challenge the network model through an analysis of transnational Cameroonian and Tanzanian home associations. The idea of a network suggests an overly robust and ordered set of linkages for what are in effect often loose and transient connections. African home associations draw attention to the historically‐embedded and mundane ways in which forms of associational life can be ‘transnational’ outside the formalized structures and Eurocentric development hierarchies created by international NGOs and other development institutions. Although they form largely invisible connections operating outside these hierarchies, African home associations unsettle assumptions about the geography of civil society and its relationship with development. Close attention to the histories and geographies of African home associations reveals that power and agency more often lie with migrants and elites within Africa than with the transnational diaspora.
Diaspora and development? Nigerian organizations in London and the transnational politics of belonging
Authors: LAMPERT BEN
Published: March 2009

Through a particular focus on the politics of belonging, I explore in this article the extent to which London‐based Nigerian organizations perform the progressive role expected of them in globalizing discourses of diaspora and development. The interplay between national and sub‐national, geo‐ethnic visions of belonging and development has fundamental implications for viability of the Nigerian state. In the ways they mobilize identity ‘abroad’ and make transnational interventions at ‘home’, London‐based Nigerian diaspora organizations can reproduce a pervasive and insidiously divisive politics of belonging that is widely seen to undermine the Nigerian project. However, these organizations and their transnational interventions can also transcend the ethnicized boundaries of belonging to articulate and pursue visions of Nigeria's national development. While they are involved in the politics of belonging and the progress of ‘home’ in ways that are clearly much more ambivalent than globalizing discourses of diaspora and development might hope, their potential for contributing to a unified and prosperous Nigeria should not be dismissed.
Associational links with home among Zimbabweans in the UK: reflections on long‐distance nationalisms
Authors: MCGREGOR JOANN
Published: March 2009

In this article, I provide an overview of the character of associations formed in Britain by Zimbabweans in the context of the mass exodus that gathered pace from the late 1990s. I discuss the politicization of the Zimbabwe diaspora, which infuses many aspects of associational life beyond specifically political organizations, and also emphasize the importance of Zimbabwean church fellowships. I offer an historical explanation for the strength of nationalism expressed in the diaspora and the absence of ‘translocal’ associations characteristic of other African diaspora groups, such as hometown associations, and explore reasons why burial societies, which have been centrally important for Zimbabwean migrants in other periods and contexts, are less prevalent in Britain. I build my argument on an historical discussion of continuities and changes in the associational forms characteristic of labour migrancy and urbanization within the southern African region. I emphasize the legacies of a strong segregationist settler state, the mobilizations and international solidarities of the protracted struggle for independence, the Christianization of elite African culture in Zimbabwe's cities, and the international politics of the recent multifaceted crisis. My discussion of the associational expression of ‘long distance nationalisms’ is based on interviews conducted in 2004–5, participation in diaspora meetings and events, and reading of diaspora media and websites. In the article I aim to highlight the specific social histories of association and the political context of diaspora formation, which are essential for understanding the nature of institutions connecting with home, and ideas about home itself.
Igbo professional migratory orders, hometown associations and ethnicity in the USA
Authors: REYNOLDS RACHEL
Published: March 2009

In this article I examine ethnographically the discursive means by which Igbo speakers in hometown associations in the USA are crafting lives and communities abroad to express a territory‐bound sense of ethnic group membership. I contend that Igbo speakers living abroad are undergoing a process of ethnic formation or ethnification that is structured by increased rates of immigration and recent historical and political change in Nigeria. In response to these events, shifting representations of self and group identity incur an essentialist quality from abroad. Such essentialism is a paradoxical earmark of globalization for the brain‐drain Igbo professional.
Small is beautiful: the micro‐politics of transnational relationships between Ghanaian hometown associations and communities back home
Authors: MAZZUCATO VALENTINA , KABKI MIRJAM
Published: March 2009

In this article we investigate why some hometowns in Ghana are more successful than others in mobilizing resources for community development projects from their hometown associations (HTAs) abroad. We analyse the praxis of HTA‐financed development by studying all actors involved in the process – HTAs and migrants abroad and local community leaders and their populations in Ghana. We find there is a relationship between the size of the community and the effectiveness of HTA mobilization. From a matched sample of five villages and towns in Ghana and their respective HTAs in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, we conclude that three important factors are at play in the relationship between size and effectiveness – the micro‐politics of relationships between migrant and local leaders; the institutions that exist at the village/town level to create incentives or sanctions for migrants; and the relationships of trust between the different actors involved.
Migration status and transnational mothering: the case of Filipino migrants in France
Authors: FRESNOZA‐FLOT ASUNCION
Published: March 2009

Recent studies on transnational mothering have explored the various strategies migrant women use to negotiate their absence from home; however, there is limited knowledge on how migration status diversifies transnational mothering practices. To fill this gap, I conducted in‐depth interviews and observations of Filipino migrant mothers working in the domestic service sector in and around Paris. The consequences of migration include the prolongation of a planned stay in France, emotional difficulties due to family separation, and distant mother–child relationships. Transnational family life appears more complicated and difficult to manage for undocumented migrant mothers since they cannot easily visit their family back home, which they try to compensate by resorting to more intense transnational communication and gift‐giving practices. Hence, migration status plays an important role in shaping transnational motherhood.
Choosing ‘stereotypes’: debating the efficacy of (British) disability‐criticism
Authors: Mallett Rebecca
Published: March 2009

This paper considers how, by paying attention to the divergent use of ‘stereotypes’ as a methodological tool, we concomitantly pay attention to the capacities of contemporary disability‐criticism. First, the search for negative stereotypes is described in terms of how it enables the repeated citation of common examples. However, as some areas of disability‐criticism have begun to acknowledge that ‘stereotypes’ are not exclusively a negative form, the second part of the paper uses the US cartoon series South Park to explore what sort of interpretations such a troublesome recognition allows. While critical discourse on disability is discussed as a whole, the ultimate aim is to draw some conclusions about the past, present and future of British disability‐criticism. The paper concludes by suggesting that recognising the contingency of where we are on how we choose to read representations of disability strengthens debates about how we want to go on.
Informing the public? UK newspaper reporting of autism and Asperger's syndrome
Authors: Robertson John W.
Published: March 2009

An extensive survey of five leading UK newspapers reveals wide‐ranging variation in coverage, from a tendency to rely on medical establishment sources in some to an apparently pro‐choice, anti‐establishment campaign in others but, generally, a neglect of the perspective of articulate autistics themselves. Based on an enhanced content analysis of all (179) reports on autism or Asperger's syndrome, over the 12 months of 2006, in The Daily Telegraph (London), Daily Mail (London), The Sun (London), Herald (Glasgow) and Daily Record (Glasgow), the findings are discussed using Hermann and Chomsky's Propaganda Model and Shoemaker and Reese's Hierarchy of Influences Model.
‘What lay ahead ...’: a media portrayal of disability and assisted suicide
Authors: Schwartz Karen D. , Lutfiyya Zana M.
Published: March 2009

Our society treats people with disabilities in an inequitable manner when compared with non‐disabled people. This marginalisation is especially telling in the area of end‐of‐life issues. The confounding of disability with terminal illness can support practices of encouraging death via assisted suicide and other means for people who, although vulnerable, are not at the end of their lives. The purpose of this paper is to examine a series of news articles covering a Canadian story of assisted suicide. From 2004–2006, newspapers followed the case of Marielle Houle, a mother accused of assisting her son in committing suicide. Although he had a disabling condition at the time of his death, Fariala was not at the end of his life. We use the analytical framework of critical discourse analysis to understand what role, if any, the press played in creating and reinforcing larger societal assumptions about living and dying with a disability.
Breaking into the business: experiences of actors with disabilities in the entertainment industry
Authors: Raynor Olivia , Hayward Katharine
Published: March 2009

The pursuit of an acting career is a difficult one for anybody. However, studies have yet to factor how disability affects casting opportunities. This study describes the employment of actors with disabilities, along with the unique barriers they encounter in the audition and casting process. Actors with disabilities from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) were recruited to participate in focus groups and complete a questionnaire. The results indicate having a disability amplifies difficulties in gaining employment, particularly for females. Participants aged 40 years and over were more likely to work in a lead or supporting role compared to those under 40. Participants identified several barriers to employment in the entertainment industry including industry attitudes about working with actors with disabilities; being restricted to disability specific roles; and fears about requesting an accommodation.
This car seems to be alive – perspectives on the documentary, Plan F
Authors: Quinlan Margaret M. , Smith J. Webster , Hayward Casey
Published: March 2009

Ed Marko redefines what it means to be not only an auto mechanic but also a person who is blind. At the age of 20 years, he lost his sight from a degenerative disease called infantile glaucoma. However, he has surpassed what we traditionally think of as the capabilities of blind people. Now in his late 60s, he was once a rehabilitation counsellor, but he also enjoyed working on cars. Then he decided to open his own shop, Community Car Care, in Columbus, Ohio. Plan F, a 27‐minute documentary awarded the 2007 Oxford International Film Festival Award in cinematography and nominated for best short documentary at the Southern Winds Film Festival, takes us through a day in Ed's life as we watch him work on cars and interact with his partner Brad and his cat. Ed teaches us that one does not need to see to work on cars as he uses his fingers and tongue to manipulate bolts, nuts and bearings. The ways Ed navigates the auto shop demonstrate how he approaches life. If Plan A does not work, he moves on to Plan B. Flexibility and a sense of humour allow him to switch to a new plan when the first one does not work out. In this review of Plan F, we begin with summaries of the nine major scenes of the documentary, followed by reviews by a blind and a sighted person. The piece concludes with comments from the director.
The Parkinson disease‐associated protein kinase LRRK2 exhibits MAPKKK activity and phosphorylates MKK3/6 and MKK4/7, in vitro
Authors: Gloeckner Christian Johannes , Schumacher Annette , Boldt Karsten , Ueffing Marius
Published: March 2009

Autosomal dominant mutations in the human Leucine‐Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene represent the most common monogenetic cause of Parkinson disease (PD) and increased kinase activity observed in pathogenic mutants of LRRK2 is most likely causative for PD‐associated neurotoxicity. The sequence of the LRRK2 kinase domain shows similarity to MAP kinase kinase kinases. Furthermore, LRRK2 shares highest sequence homology with mixed linage kinases which act upstream of canonical MAPKK and are involved in cellular stress responses. Therefore, we addressed the question if LRRK2 exhibits MAPKKK activity by systematically testing MAPKKs as candidate substrates, in vitro. We demonstrate that LRRK2 variants phosphorylate mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKK), including MKK3 ‐4, ‐6 and ‐7. MKKs act upstream of the MAPK p38 and JNK mediating oxidative cell stress, neurotoxicity and apoptosis. The disease‐associated LRRK2 G2019S and I2020T mutations show an increased phosphotransferase activity towards MKKs correlating with the activity shown for its autophosphorylation. Our findings present evidence of a new class of molecular targets for mutant LRRK2 that link to neurotoxicity, cellular stress, cytoskeletal dynamics and vesicular transport.
Lack of CB1 receptor activity impairs serotonergic negative feedback
Authors: Aso Ester , Renoir Thibault , Mengod Guadalupe , Ledent Catherine , Hamon Michel , Maldonado Rafael , Lanfumey Laurence , Valverde Olga
Published: March 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 109, 935–944.

Serotonergic and endocannabinoid systems are important substrates for the control of emotional behaviour and growing evidence show an involvement in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. In the present study, the absence of the activity of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor impaired serotonergic negative feedback in mice. Thus, in vivo microdialysis experiments revealed increased basal 5‐HT extracellular levels and attenuated fluoxetine‐induced increase of 5‐HT extracellular levels in the prefrontal cortex of CB1 knockout compared with wild‐type mice. These observations could be related to the significant reduction in the 5‐HT transporter binding site density detected in frontal cortex and hippocampus of CB1 knockout mice. The lack of CB1 receptor also altered some 5‐HT receptors related to the 5‐HT feedback. Extracellular recordings in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) revealed that the genetic and pharmacological blockade of CB1 receptor induced a 5‐HT1A autoreceptor functional desensitization. In situ hybridization studies showed a reduction in the expression of the 5‐HT2C receptor within several brain areas related to the control of the emotional responses, such as the DRN, the nucleus accumbens and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, whereas an over‐expression was observed in the CA3 area of the ventral hippocampus. These results reveal that the lack of CB1 receptor induces a facilitation of the activity of serotonergic neurons in the DRN by altering different components of the 5‐HT feedback as well as an increase in 5‐HT extracellular levels in the prefrontal cortex in mice.
Identification of a cis‐acting element involved in the regulation of BACE1 mRNA alternative splicing
Authors: Mowrer Karen R. , Wolfe Michael S.
Published: March 2009

β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the transmembrane aspartyl protease that catalyzes the first cleavage step during proteolysis of the β‐amyloid precursor protein, a process involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. BACE1 pre‐mRNA undergoes complex alternative splicing, and cis‐acting elements important for its regulation have not been identified. We constructed and compared several BACE1 minigenes and found that BACE1 sequence from exon 3 through exon 5 was required for minigenes to undergo correct splicing. Minigene splicing was validated by showing specific splicing inhibition upon splice site mutation. Furthermore, we showed that mutation of the minigene at a predicted exonic splicing enhancer in exon 4 of BACE1 increased exon 4 skipping. Therefore, we have for the first time found evidence of a regulatory site involved in BACE1 alternative splicing, and these data indicate that minor sequence changes can dramatically alter BACE1 alternative splicing.
Study on the impact of caregivers in an Italian high specialization hospital: presence, costs and nurse’s perception
Authors: Quattrin Rosanna , Artico Carlo , Farneti Federico , Panariti Mateo , Palese Alvisa , Brusaferro Silvio
Published: March 2009

The study analysed two key questions: (i) the prevalence of informal caregiving in medical and surgical wards of a high specialization hospital; (ii) the reasonable cost for the structure that would have to pay to replace informal caregiving? The study was conducted in June 2006 as a prevalence survey, using a questionnaire administered to informal caregivers and nurses working in medical and surgical wards of a high specialization hospital by ad hoc trained personnel. Questionnaire consisted in three sections: the first focused on patient’s characteristics, the second on caregivers and the third on nurses’ perception on caregiving phenomenon. One hundred and twenty‐four eligible caregivers were identified. During the study patients admitted to hospital medical and surgery wards were 520. Among these 16.5% (86/520) was assisted by one or more caregivers. Caregivers’ response rate was 69.4% (86/124), corresponding to 66 patients. This study yielded an average of 455.9 minutes per day (SD = 370.2; range = 120–1440) or 52.9 hours per week. Caregiver’s presence was recognized in 88.9% (56/63) of patients. Despite the societal perspective, the costs and effects of informal caregiving to the informal caregiver are often ignored in economic evaluation. The costs of informal care are an important extent related to time inputs by relatives and friends of the care recipients. Our approach has been to monetize the informal activity care contribution of family members and/or caregivers.
Perceived health status as measured by the SF‐36 in patients with multiple sclerosis: a review
Authors: Krokavcova Martina , Van Dijk Jitse P. , Nagyova Iveta , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Gavelova Miriam , Gdovinova Zuzana , Groothoff Johan W.
Published: March 2009

This review of literature gives an overview of recent studies about perceived health status as measured by the Short‐Form‐36 (SF‐36) Health Survey in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The SF‐36 is one of the tools measuring health status in patients used in international research and clinical practice. It measures two main health concepts – physical and mental. The SF‐36 represents a valid instrument able to detect differences in perceived health status in patients. A computer‐aided search in Medline and PsycINFO resulted in 504 articles in English published from 1996 to August 2006. After the screening process on the basis of abstracts, eight articles consisting of empirical studies remained in which perceived health status was evaluated using the SF‐36 Health Survey. Seven studies focused on disability and perceived health status in the SF‐36. Two studies focused on the relationship between depression and perceived health status. These studies showed that MS patients with low disability and minor depression scored significantly better than patients with high disability and major depression in the SF‐36 health dimensions. Gender seems to have no influence on perceived health status in MS patients. The longer the disease duration and the more severe the disease, the lower the patients scored in perceived health status. The more disabled, the more depressive and the older the patients, the poorer their perceived health status was. Health providers supporting appropriate treatment might pay more attention to more disabled and more depressive patients, with longer disease duration. Perceived health status can be a predictor of prognosis and intervention outcomes. The study shows the importance of measuring perceived health status in MS patients with implications for their quality of life and provision of care.
Maximal explosive muscle power in obese and non‐obese prepubertal children
Authors: Lazzer Stefano , Pozzo Renzo , Rejc Enrico , Antonutto Guglielmo , Francescato Maria Pia
Published: March 2009

Objective:  The objectives of the present study was to compare the maximal explosive muscle power developed by the lower limbs in obese and non‐obese prepubertal children.

Design:  Twenty‐five obese [mean body mass index (BMI) z‐score: 2·4] and 30 non‐obese (mean BMI z‐score: 0) children aged 8–12 years, participated in this study. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and the maximal explosive power of the lower limbs was assessed by the Exercise‐Ergometer (a sledge dynamometer).

Results:  Absolute peak force (Fpeak) was higher in obese than in non‐obese children by 18·2% (P<0·001). Peak speed (vpeak) was not significantly different between groups (P = 0·504). Consequently, absolute peak power (W′peak) was higher in obese than in non‐obese children (+19·3%, P = 0·021). Considering gender differences, absolute Fpeak and vpeak were higher in boys than in girls by +12·3 and +17·4% (P<0·05), respectively, thus yielding higher absolute W′peak values in boys as compared to girls (+26·1%, P<0·001). Finally, W′peak normalized for fat‐free mass (FFM) was not different between obese and non‐obese children but higher in boys than in girls (+24·5%, P<0·001).

Conclusions:  Power generation capability per unit of FFM was similar between obese and non‐obese children but was significantly higher in boys than girls. On the clinical practice it seems important to devote supplementary care to sustain and improve the motor function of obese and non‐obese girls.
Test–retest reliability of the IDEEA system in the quantification of step parameters during walking and stair climbing
Authors: Gorelick Mark L. , Bizzini Mario , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Munzinger Jeannette Petrich , Munzinger Urs
Published: March 2009

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the inter‐ and intra‐session reliability of spatio‐temporal gait variables collected during walking and stair climbing with the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and physical Activity (IDEEA) accelerometer‐based system. Eighteen healthy subjects (10 men, 8 women) completed a standardized indoor circuit comprised of walking and stair climbing. Intra‐and inter‐session reliability was investigated for several pertinent spatio‐temporal gait variables using intraclass correlations [ICC (3,1)]. Intra‐session reliability during walking showed a high reliability of the IDEEA with ICCs ranging between 0·84 (number of steps) and 0·97 (single limb support/double limb support). The ICCs for stair climbing were slightly lower than those during walking with values ranging between 0·74 (step duration) and 0·92 (number of steps). Inter‐session reliability during walking showed a high reliability of the IDEEA between all trials, with values ranging between 0·87 (speed) to 0·98 (step duration). The ICCs of stair climbing were again lower than those during walking with values ranging from 0·64 (swing duration) to 0·79 (number of steps). The IDEEA accelerometer‐based system provided a highly reliable measurement of spatio‐temporal variables, in healthy subjects, during walking with moderately reduced correlations during stair climbing.
The lament of the Swedish language: Sweden's Gothic Renaissance
Authors: Hansson Stina
Published: March 2009

This article argues that just two aspects of the Renaissance became essential to seventeenth‐century Sweden. The first was, of course, Latin Renaissance humanism, which became influential in Sweden from the sixteenth century onwards and was led by a group of scholars who saw themselves as the custodians of literary culture. The second was governed by the Royal Office in Stockholm, and although it was to prove less influential, its scope was ambitiously wide. It wanted to show the rest of Europe that Sweden was the country of the Ancient Goths but not, as one might expect from such origins, a barbarian country on the fringes of the continent, but rather a nation whose cultural history was as long as – and perhaps even more illustrious than – that of other countries. It also wanted to cultivate the native language and literature. This endeavour was closely tied to Sweden's status as a major power that the country had begun to attain in the 1610s and 1620s by virtue of its military exploits.

This article sketches the history of these two Renaissances, the initial incompatability between them, and how they came to merge in the 1660s into a Renaissance that was both learned and nationalistic.
Writing life – writing news: representations of Queen Christina of Sweden in early modern literature
Authors: Nivre Elisabeth Wåghäll
Published: March 2009

Queen Christina of Sweden (1626–1689) was one of the most prominent women of her time. Her life was the subject of much speculation; it was reported in the newspapers, it appeared in historic accounts, as well as in less serious tales – as court gossip – already during the first half of her life. The narratives of Christina formed a diverse corpus of texts that circulated in Europe during the second half of the seventeenth century. Most texts originated from a few sources but they were translated, edited, and re‐written and thus helped to shape a textual life of the queen that was highly contradictory. The many anecdotes surrounding Christina grant the queen a life in the spotlight and turn her into an icon, often representing that which the author wants her to be. This paper deals with the representation of the queen in some of the English translations of texts originally published in Italian and French. It focuses on the narration of life, on the gendering of sovereignty, but also on the use of genre for telling a life story written to suit certain purposes rather than to tell the ‘true story’ of a life.
Impaired liver regeneration with humoral and genetic disturbances in urinary trypsin inhibitor‐deficient mice
Authors: Nobuoka Takayuki , Mizuguchi Toru , Oshima Hideki , Shibata Toshihito , Kaji Shinsuke , Nagayama Minoru , Meguro Makoto , Mitaka Toshihiro , Hirata Koichi
Published: March 2009

Background/Aims: Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) is an innate anti‐inflammatory regulator. It can block the release of inflammatory factors, prevent the cascade reaction of cytokines and inhibit excessive activation of leukocytes. Liver regeneration (LR) is a dynamic molecular phenomenon without inflammation. Many cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), have been implicated in regulating LR. However, the role of UTI in LR is totally unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of UTI in LR using genetically UTI‐deficient mice.

Methods: We performed 68% hepatectomy, comparing UTI (−/−) and UTI (+/+) mice. Recovery of liver weight was recorded and we calculated labelling indices after 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. A DNA microarray was used to examine gene expression followed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Serum IL‐6, IL‐10, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (MIP‐1β) were measured.

Results: LR in UTI (−/−) mice was delayed at 36 h after hepatectomy, at which time the DNA profile was different. One hundred and fourteen genes were upregulated and 100 genes were downregulated in UTI (−/−) mice at 36 h after hepatectomy among the 21, 977 mRNAs examined. Furthermore, serum IL‐6, IL‐10, MCP‐1 and MIP‐1β levels at 36 h after hepatectomy in the UTI (−/−) mice were significantly higher than in the UTI (+/+) mice.

Conclusion: UTI appears to important cytokine and chemokine regulation in normal liver regeneration.
Primary cultures of human hepatocytes isolated from hepatitis C virus‐infected cirrhotic livers as a model to study hepatitis C infection
Authors: Raymond Valérie‐Ann , Selliah Subajini , Éthier Chantal , Houle Robert , Jouan Loubna , Maniere Thibaut , Lamarre Daniel , Willems Bernard , Bilodeau Marc
Published: March 2009

Background/Aim:Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV), researchers have encountered difficulties within vitromodels. The aim of this study was to determine whether HCV‐infected human primary hepatocytes, isolated from cirrhotic livers at liver transplantation, can be used as a model to study HCV infection.

Methods:Hepatocytes were isolated with collagenase and cultured over a 20‐day period on different matrices. Viral kinetics was monitored with/without treatment by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:Cell yield and viability were higher with uninfected/non‐cirrhotic livers (77.2±1.8%) in comparison with HCV‐infected cirrhotic livers (68.8±12%). HCV‐infected hepatocytes behaved similar to non‐infected cells and expressed albumin and cytochrome P4502E1. HCV‐positive strand was identified in supernatants and cell lysates. HCV‐negative strand was only found inside cells and correlated with viral RNA recovery in the medium. Improvement in the degree of hepatocyte differentiation was associated with better HCV recovery. Antiviral treatment with interferon‐α, EX4 and cyclosporine A induced significant reductions in HCV RNA.

Conclusion:Primary cultures of HCV‐infected human hepatocytes from end‐stage cirrhotic livers is feasible, represents an excellent model to study specific virus–host interactions and can be used to assess viral replication.
Clinical predictive factors for preterm birth in women with threatened preterm labour or preterm premature ruptured membranes?
Authors: YONEYAMA Keiichiro , KIMURA Aiko , KOGO Mari , KIUCHI Yuji , MORIMOTO Taro , OKAI Takashi
Published: March 2009

Background: Independent predictive factors of preterm delivery were evaluated using clinical data at hospitalisation by multivariate analysis.

Aim: The aim of this study was to clarify independent predictive factors related to preterm delivery by multivariate analysis of clinical data at hospitalisation of patients with threatened preterm delivery or premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and to realise the early and highly reliable prediction of preterm delivery in pregnant women at risk.

Methods: The subjects were 200 patients, which diagnosed with threatened preterm delivery or PROM and admitted at gestational ages of 22–35 weeks. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed; 20 factors were evaluated concerning clinical data, and we extracted prognostic factors using logistic regression analysis.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 30.5 years, and the mean gestational age at admission was 30.0 weeks. Preterm delivery was observed in 55 (27.5%), and term delivery in 145 (72.5%). On multivariate analysis, haemorrhage, prepregnancy body mass index, fetal fibronectin and cervical length were extracted as independent predictive factors related to preterm delivery.

Conclusions: If the reliable and reproducible prediction of preterm delivery becomes possible using the four factors extracted in this study, further evaluation of these factors may lead to clarification of the mechanism of preterm delivery.
Low‐dose mifepristone in treatment of uterine leiomyoma: A randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: BAGARIA Madhu , SUNEJA Amita , VAID Neelam B. , GULERIA Kiran , MISHRA Kiran
Published: March 2009

Aims: To evaluate the effect of low‐dose mifepristone on leiomyoma‐related symptoms, uterine and leiomyoma in women with symptomatic leiomyomata.

Methods: In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, 40 patients with symptomatic leiomyoma and normal endometrial histology were randomised to receive 10 mg mifepristone (group 1) or placebo (group 2) daily for three months. Leiomyoma‐related symptoms, uterine, leiomyoma and largest leiomyoma volumes were assessed at baseline and every month for three months. Endometrial biopsy was repeated at the end of therapy.

Results: Significant change was noticed between the two groups for mean menstrual blood loss (MBL) by first month. Menstrual blood loss declined by 94.8% in group 1 at three months and 84.2% patients attained amenorrhoea in this group. In group 1 complete relief of dysmenorrhoea occurred in significant number of women (80%) but only 33% patients got rid of pelvic pain. There was no change in these symptoms in group 1 Backache, urinary complaints and dyspareunia were not relieved in either group. Uterine, leiomyoma and largest leiomyoma volume declined by 26–32% in group 1 as compared to none in group 2, and this difference was statistically significant only by the end of the third month of therapy. Mean haemoglobin increased from 9.5  to 11.2 g/dL in group 1. In group 1, at the end of therapy, 63.1% of patients had endometrial hyperplasia without atypia.

Conclusions: Ten milligrams mifepristone for three months is effective in reducing MBL, increasing haemoglobin and reducing uterine and leiomyoma volume with side‐effect of endometrial hyperplasia.
Body fat composition and weight changes during pregnancy and 6–8 months post‐partum in primiparous and multiparous women
Authors: TO William W. K. , WONG Margaret W. N.
Published: March 2009

Objective:  To compare changes in maternal weight and body fat composition from early to late pregnancy and 6–8 months postnatally between primiparous and multiparous patients

Methods:  Maternal weight and body fat percentage were assessed in a cohort of low‐risk uncomplicated women in a general antenatal clinic at 14–20 weeks gestation, after 36 weeks, and around six to eight months after delivery using a Tanita TBF 105 Fat Analyser. Maternal epidemiological and anthropometric data, as well as pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcome, were derived from standard antenatal records after delivery. The cohort was stratified into primiparous and multiparous women for comparison.

Results:  In a cohort of 104 women, 55 (52.8%) were primiparous and 49 (47.1%) were multiparous. A relatively good overall correlation between body fat percentage gain and weight gain was observed (correlation coefficient 0.33) from early to late pregnancy. Primiparous women had higher weight gain (12 kg) and higher body fat gain (7.7%) during the pregnancy compared to multiparous women (10.8 kg and 6%, respectively), and they also retained more of the fat accumulated during pregnancy (1.92% vs – 0.44%, P < 0.001) when assessed over six months after their delivery.

Conclusion:  The findings could represent more exaggerated physiological responses to the pregnant state in the primiparous woman as compared to multiparous women.
Early onset, severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow velocity waveform in the umbilical artery: Perinatal and long‐term outcomes
Authors: PETERSEN Scott G. , WONG Shell F. , URS Prashanth , GRAY Peter H. , GARDENER Glenn J.
Published: March 2009

Objective: To assess perinatal and long‐term outcomes for pregnancies complicated by early onset, severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reverse end‐diastolic flow velocity waveform (AREDF) in the umbilical artery.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 36 singleton pregnancies with AREDF when the estimated fetal weight (EFW) is less than 501 g at presentation.

Results: At presentation, the median gestational age and EFW were 24 (18–29) weeks and 364 (167–496) g, respectively. The median interval between presentation and live birth or diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) was 13 (0–60) days. Delivery was for IUFD in 19 cases (53%), fetal indications in 13 cases (36%) and maternal indications in four cases (11%). Caesarean section (CS) was performed for the 17 live births of which 10 (59%) were by classical CS. Of the total cohort, five infants survived to hospital discharge giving an overall perinatal survival rate of 14%. All survivors had short‐term morbidity. The cognitive function in four children was assessed as normal at two years of age. One survivor had developmental delay. None of the surviving children had any evidence of cerebral palsy.

Conclusion: The overall perinatal survival rate for pregnancies complicated by early onset, severe growth restriction with an EFW of < 501 g and AREDF is low. When delivery occurs for fetal indications, the majority of these women require classical CS. Short‐term neonatal morbidity is high though none of the survivors had cerebral palsy.
The selective use of rapid aneuploidy screening in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: DICKINSON Jan E. , HARCOURT Emma , MURCH Ashleigh
Published: March 2009

Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic utility and costing of the selective use of rapid aneuploidy screening (RAS) for chorion villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis specimens.

Methods: CVS and amniocenteses performed between 2000 and 2006 were identified. Cases were subdivided into two groups: (i) RAS in addition to long‐term culture and (ii) long‐term chromosome culture alone. The frequency of RAS, the proportion of abnormal results and the cytogenetic costings were reviewed.

Results: A total of 3315 procedures were performed: 730 CVS and 2585 amniocenteses. An abnormal karyotype culture was present in 366 of 3315 (11%). For CVS an abnormal culture was present in 164 (22.5%). RAS (short‐term culture/direct preparation) was selectively used in 399 cases (54.6%) with an abnormal result in 128 (32% of RAS).

For amniocentesis, 206 chromosome abnormalities were present (8.0% of specimens). RAS (interphase FISH) was selectively used in 580 amniocenteses (22.4%). FISH was requested in 95 (66.4%) of the 143 abnormal cases potentially detectable with standard probes.

There was a progressive increase in utilisation of RAS for amniocentesis (8.9% in 2000 to 43.3% of cases in 2006, P < 0.001). CVS RAS was stable. This liberalisation resulted in a fourfold increase in expenditure for FISH and cost/abnormality detected ($A970 per abnormal result in 2000 to $A4015 per abnormal result in 2006).

Conclusion: The selective use of prenatal RAS results in a reasonably high detection rate for chromosomal anomalies. Liberalisation of RAS, however, is an expensive cytogenetic model. An approach based on some predictive level of risk combined with resource funding levels may be a more pragmatic approach.
Small for gestational age preterm infants and relationship of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler blood flow to perinatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: SHAND Antonia W. , HORNBUCKLE Janet , NATHAN Elizabeth , DICKINSON Jan E. , FRENCH Noel P.
Published: March 2009

Aim: To determine the outcomes of preterm small for gestational age (SGA) infants with abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler studies.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of SGA singleton infants delivered between 24 and 32 weeks gestation at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, who had UA Doppler studies performed within seven days of birth. Main outcomes assessed were perinatal mortality and morbidity, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at ≥ 1 year of age. Outcomes were compared by normality of UA blood flow.

Results: There were 119 infants in the study: 49 (41%) had normal UA Doppler studies, 31 (26%) had an increased systolic–diastolic ratio ≥ 95th centile, 19 (16%) had absent end diastolic blood flow (AEDF) and 20 (17%) had reversed end‐diastolic flow (REDF). Infants in the AEDF and REDF groups were delivered significantly more preterm (P = 0.006) and had lower birthweights (P < 0.001). Ninety four per cent (110 of 117) of live born infants survived. Neurodevelopmental follow‐up at 12 months of age or more (median 24 months) was available on 87 of 108 (81%) of live children. Twenty‐eight per cent (11 of 39) of fetuses who had had AEDF or REDF died or were classified with moderate or severe disability. There was no significant association between abnormality of UA blood flow, perinatal morbidity, perinatal mortality and neurodevelopmental disability after correction for gestational age.

Conclusion: Fetuses that are SGA with abnormal UA Doppler studies remain at significant risk of perinatal death, perinatal morbidity and long‐term neurodevelopmental disability, associated with their increased risk of preterm birth.
Hereditary angioedema and pregnancy
Authors: CHINNIAH Niranthari , KATELARIS Constance H.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a quantitative or functional defect in C1‐esterase inhibitor (C1‐INH). Patients with this deficiency present with episodes of angioedema which can be life‐threatening. Studies examining HAE and pregnancy are scarce with little known about the interrelationship between the two.

Objective:  To examine the effect, and evaluate the clinical manifestations of HAE in pregnancy using retrospective interviews of affected women.

Methods:  Women with HAE who have undergone one of more pregnancies were identified throughout Australia using the national Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy immunodeficiency database. Following informed consent, identified women were interviewed regarding their HAE status during pregnancy and the perinatal period using a questionnaire.

Results:  Seven women with a total of 16 pregnancies were identified. During the first trimester of pregnancy, more than ten attacks of angioedema were experienced in six of 16 pregnancies. During the second trimester only in three of 16 pregnancies did women experience greater than ten attacks. During the post‐partum period, four of seven women experienced increased frequency and severity of attacks as compared to the pre‐pregnancy state. For two of four patients, this impacted on their breast‐feeding routine.

Conclusion:  Our study showed that women with HAE have greatly reduced or absent attacks in the last two trimesters of pregnancy, although, during the post‐partum period, the majority of women experienced increased frequency and severity of attacks.
A comparison of tramadol and pethidine analgesia on the duration of labour: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: KHOOSHIDEH Maryam , SHAHRIARI Ali
Published: March 2009

Background: The ideal obstetric analgesia should provide analgesic efficacy without attenuation of uterine contractions.

Aims: To compare the outcome of intramuscular administration of pethidine and tramadol in labour analgesia.

Methods: One hundred and sixty full‐term parturients were randomly assigned to two equal groups in active labour. Group P received 50 mg pethidine; and group T, 100 mg tramadol intramuscularly.

Primary outcome measure was the duration of the labour. The analgesic efficacy, maternal side‐effects, mode of delivery, maternal satisfaction and Apgar score as the secondary outcome were assessed.

Results: The duration of labour was shorter in group T, for first stage (190 vs 140 min; P < 0.0001) and for second stage (33 vs 25 min; P = 0.001). There were no differences in Groups P and T with respect to median (7 vs 8) and maximum (7.5 vs 8) visual analog scores (VAS) for pain at 10 min and one hour after drug administration. Women in group P had lower VAS pain scores than those in group T in the second stage of labour (8 vs 9; P = 0/009). There was a significantly higher incidence of nausea and vomiting (35% vs 15%; P = 0.003) and drowsiness (80% vs 29%; P < 0.0001) in group P.

Conclusion: Both 100 mg tramadol and 50 mg pethidine provide moderate analgesia in first stage of labour. Tramadol seems to cause a shorter duration of labour and lower incidence of maternal side‐effects. However, its analgesic efficacy was not found to be as effective as pethidine, especially in the second stage of labour.