bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Submandible Angle in Nonobese Patients with Difficult Tracheal Intubation
Authors: Suzuki Noriko , Isono Shiroh , Ishikawa Teruhiko , Kitamura Yuji , Takai Yujiro , Nishino Takashi
Published: April 2007

Background

Although functional immobility of craniofacial structures during direct laryngoscopy may cause difficult tracheal intubation (DTI), there may be an unfavorable specific craniofacial feature for successful tracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to identify the specific craniofacial features associated with DTI.

Methods

Digital photographs of nonobese patients with DTI (23 males and 18 females) and age- and body mass index-matched patients with easy tracheal intubation (ETI) (16 males and 16 females) were taken and used for measurements of various craniofacial dimensions. Composite facial pictures of each patient group were constructed for visualization of differences of the craniofacial features.

Results

Mandible position angle was significantly smaller in DTI males than in male patients with ETI. Submandible angle was significantly larger in both male and female DTI patients than in patients with ETI. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the submandible angle was a significant and independent variable associated with DTI among the craniofacial dimensions for both sexes. The specific craniofacial features were visually more evident in the profile in than frontal composites.

Conclusion

Increased submandible angle characterizes craniofacial features of patients with DTI.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Propofol Microemulsion and Lipid Emulsion after an Intravenous Bolus and Variable Rate Infusion
Authors: Kim Kye-Min , Choi Byung-Moon , Park Si-Won , Lee Soo-Han , Christensen Lane V. , Zhou Jiaye , Yoo Byung-Hoon , Shin Hye-Won , Bae Kyun-Seop , Kern Steven E. , Kang Sung-Hong , Noh Gyu-Jeong
Published: April 2007

Background

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the induction and recovery characteristics of microemulsion propofol (Aquafol; Daewon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea). Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile were investigated. Lipid emulsion propofol (Diprivan; AstraZeneca, London, United Kingdom) was used as a comparator.

Methods

Thirty-one healthy volunteers aged 20-79 yr were given an intravenous bolus of propofol 2 mg/kg, followed by variable rate infusion for 60 min. Each volunteer was studied twice with different formulations at an interval of 1 week. Arterial concentrations of propofol were measured, and Bispectral Index was used as a surrogate measure of propofol effect. The induction and recovery characteristics including bioequivalence were evaluated by noncompartmental analysis. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were investigated using a population approach with mixed effects modeling. The rate, severity, and causal relation of adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Both formulations were bioequivalent. The observed time to peak effect after a bolus of both formulations was 1.5 min. Plasma concentration of propofol at loss of consciousness, time to loss of consciousness after a bolus, and time to recovery of consciousness after discontinuation of infusion did not show significant differences. The population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics revealed a variety of differences between two formulations. Aquafol showed similar safety profile to Diprivan.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of Aquafol were not different from those of Diprivan within the dose range in this study.
Scopolamine Prevents Dreams during General Anesthesia
Authors: Toscano Adelchi , Pancaro Carlo , Peduto Vito Aldo
Published: April 2007

Background

Dreaming during anesthesia is not a well-understood phenomenon. Anticholinergic drugs are used in anesthesia as premedication, but their use to decrease the incidence of dreams and psychological adverse reactions after anesthesia is not well established. The authors therefore studied the efficacy of intramuscular atropine and scopolamine for the prevention of dreams during general anesthesia with propofol and nitrous oxide.

Methods

Healthy women undergoing minor gynecologic surgery were randomly assigned to receive 2.5 microg/kg scopolamine or 10 microg/kg atropine intramuscularly (n = 50/group). In both groups, anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol as a 2.5-mg/kg bolus, followed by 12 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) as a continuous infusion and 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Two interviews regarding dreaming activity and characteristics were conducted at 20 min and 6 h after surgery.

Results

None of the patients in the scopolamine group and 47% of the patients in the atropine group reported the occurrence of dreams 20 min after recovery. The results were similar at 6 h: 6% of the scopolamine group and 43% of the atropine group reported dream activity. No differences in sedation or anesthetic requirements were found.

Conclusions

Previous studies in animals and humans suggest that dreams are affected by drugs acting on the central cholinergic system. The current results suggest that intramuscular scopolamine prevents dreams or dream recall in healthy young women undergoing short elective surgery with propofol-nitrous oxide anesthesia.
Myocardial Depressant Effects of Desflurane
Authors: Park Wyun Kon , Kim Myung Hee , Ahn Duck Sun , Chae Jee Eun , Jee Young Seok , Chung Namsik , Lynch Carl
Published: April 2007

Background

The authors determined whether desflurane altered myocardial excitation-contraction coupling and electrophysiologic behavior in the same manner as isoflurane and sevoflurane.

Methods

The effects of desflurane on isometric force in guinea pig ventricular papillary muscles were studied in modified standard and in 26 mM K(+) Tyrode solution with 0.1 microm isoproterenol. Desflurane effects on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release were also determined by examining its actions on rat papillary muscles, guinea pig papillary muscles in low-Na(+) Tyrode solution, and rapid cooling contractures. Normal and slow action potentials were recorded using a conventional microelectrode technique. Ca(2+) and K(+) currents of guinea pig ventricular myocytes were examined.

Results

Desflurane (5.3% and 11.6%) decreased peak force to approximately 70% and 40% of the baseline, respectively, similar to the effects of equianesthetic isoflurane concentrations. With isoproterenol in 26 mM K(+) Tyrode solution, desflurane markedly depressed late peaking force and modestly depressed early peak force. The rested state contractions of rat myocardium or guinea pig myocardium in low-Na(+) Tyrode solution were modestly depressed, whereas rapid cooling contractures were virtually abolished after desflurane administration. Desflurane significantly prolonged the action potential duration. Desflurane reduced L-type Ca(2+) current and the delayed outward K(+) current but did not alter the inward rectifier K(+) current.

Conclusions

Myocardial depression by desflurane is due to decreased Ca(2+) influx, whereas depolarization-activated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release is modestly depressed, similar to the actions of isoflurane and sevoflurane. Desflurane depressed the delayed outward K(+) current associated with significant lengthening of cardiac action potentials.
Molecular Interaction of Droperidol with Human Ether-a-go-go -related Gene Channels
Authors: Schwoerer Alexander P. , Blütner Carmen , Brandt Sven , Binder Stephan , Siebrands Cornelia C. , Ehmke Heimo , Friederich Patrick
Published: April 2007

Background

The cardiac safety of droperidol given at antiemetic doses is a matter of debate. Although droperidol potently inhibits human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channels, the molecular mode of this interaction is unknown. The role of amino acid residues typically mediating high-affinity block of HERG channels is unclear. It is furthermore unresolved whether droperidol at antiemetic concentrations induces action potential prolongation and arrhythmogenic early afterdepolarizations in cardiac myocytes.

Methods

Molecular mechanisms of HERG current inhibition by droperidol were established using two-electrode voltage clamp recordings of Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing wild-type and mutant channels. The mutants T623A, S624A, V625A, Y652A, and F656A were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. The effect of droperidol on action potentials was investigated in cardiac myocytes isolated from guinea pig hearts using the patch clamp technique.

Results

Droperidol inhibited currents through HERG wild-type channels with a concentration of half-maximal inhibition of 0.6-0.9 microM. Droperidol shifted the channel activation and the steady state inactivation toward negative potentials while channel deactivation was not affected. Current inhibition increased with membrane potential and with increasing duration of current activation. Inhibition of HERG channels was similarly reduced by all mutations. Droperidol at concentrations between 5 and 100 nM prolonged whereas concentrations greater than 300 nm shortened action potentials. Early afterdepolarizations were not observed.

Conclusions

Droperidol is a high-affinity blocker of HERG channels. Amino acid residues typically involved in high-affinity block mediate droperidol effects. Patch clamp results and computational modeling allow the hypothesis that interaction with calcium currents may explain why droperidol at antiemetic concentrations prolongs the action potential without inducing early afterdepolarizations.
Isoflurane Activates Sarcolemmal Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channels in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Tanaka Katsuya , Kawano Takashi , Nakamura Akiyo , Nazari Hossein , Kawahito Shinji , Oshita Shuzo , Takahashi Akira , Nakaya Yutaka
Published: April 2007

Background

Recent evidence indicates that vascular adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels in vascular smooth muscle cells are critical in the regulation of vascular tonus under both physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. Studies of the interaction of volatile anesthetics with vascular K(ATP) channels have been limited. In the current study, the authors investigated the molecular mechanism of isoflurane's action on vascular K(ATP) channels.

Methods

Electrophysiologic experiments were performed using cell-attached and inside-out patch clamp techniques to monitor native vascular K(ATP) channels, and recombinant K(ATP) channels comprised of inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits (Kir6.1) and the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR2B). Isometric tension experiments were performed in rat thoracic aortic rings without endothelium.

Results

Application of isoflurane (0.5 mM) to the bath solution during cell-attached recordings induced a significant increase in K(ATP) channel activity, which was greatly reduced by pretreatment with a selective inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), Rp-cAMPS (100 microM). In inside-out patches, isoflurane did not activate K(ATP) channels. Isoflurane significantly activated wild-type recombinant SUR2B/Kir6.1 in cell-attached patches. Isoflurane-induced activation of wild-type channels was diminished in the PKA-insensitive mutant SUR2B-T633A/Kir6.1, SUR2B-S1465A/Kir6.1, and SUR2B/Kir6.1-S385A. In addition, the authors demonstrated that isoflurane-induced PKA activation was associated with isoflurane-induced decreases in isometric tension in the rat aorta.

Conclusion

These results indicate that isoflurane activates K(ATP) channels via PKA activation. PKA-dependent vasodilation induced by isoflurane also was observed in isometric tension experiments. Analysis of expressed vascular-type K(ATP) channels suggested that PKA-mediated phosphorylation of both Kir6.1 and SUR2B subunits plays a pivotal role in isoflurane-induced vascular K(ATP) channel activation.
A Prospective, Randomized Comparison between Ultrasound and Nerve Stimulation Guidance for Multiple Injection Axillary Brachial Plexus Block
Authors: Casati Andrea , Danelli Giorgio , Baciarello Marco , Corradi Maurizio , Leone Stefania , Di Cianni Simone , Fanelli Guido
Published: April 2007

Background

This prospective, randomized, blinded study tested the hypothesis that ultrasound guidance can shorten the onset time of axillary brachial plexus block as compared with nerve stimulation guidance when using a multiple injection technique.

Methods

Sixty American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I-III patients receiving axillary brachial plexus block with 20 ml ropivacaine, 0.75%, using a multiple injection technique, were randomly allocated to receive either nerve stimulation (group NS, n = 30), or ultrasound guidance (group US, n = 30) for nerve location. A blinded observer recorded the onset of sensory and motor blocks, the need for general anesthesia (failed block) or greater than 100 microg fentanyl (insufficient block) to complete surgery, procedure-related pain, success rate, and patient satisfaction.

Results

The median (range) number of needle passes was 4 (3-8) in group US and 8 (5-13) in group NS (P = 0.002). The onset of sensory block was shorter in group US (14 +/- 6 min) than in group NS (18 +/- 6 min) (P = 0.01), whereas no differences were observed in onset of motor block (24 +/- 8 min in group US and 25 +/- 8 min in group NS; P = 0.33) and readiness to surgery (26 +/- 8 min in group US and 28 +/- 9 min in group NS; P = 0.48). No failed block was reported in either group. Insufficient block was observed in 1 patient (3%) of group US and 2 patients (6%) of group NS (P = 0.61). Procedure-related pain was reported in 6 patients (20%) of group US and 14 patients (48%) of group NS (P = 0.028); patient acceptance was similarly good in the two groups.

Conclusion

Multiple injection axillary block with ultrasound guidance provided similar success rates and comparable incidence of complication as compared with nerve stimulation guidance.
A Review of Neuraxial Epidural Morbidity
Authors: Cameron Christie M. , Scott David A. , McDonald Wendy M. , Davies Michael J.
Published: April 2007

Background

The true incidence of serious neuraxial complications such as epidural hematoma or abscess after postoperative epidural infusions is still uncertain, in part due to inconsistencies in multicenter data collection.

Methods

Prospective data were collected over 16 yr from the authors' Acute Pain Service, which is based in a large tertiary teaching institution with a nonobstetric general surgical population.

Results

Over this period, 8,210 epidural catheters were inserted for postoperative analgesia and 32 computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans were undertaken to exclude potential neuraxial complications. From these, two spinal hematomas (1:4,105) and six epidural abscesses (1:1,368) were diagnosed. Only one patient required surgical decompression. There were no long-term neurologic sequelae in any patient. In the past 6 yr, the frequency of investigation and diagnosis of epidural abscess has increased. Overall, the combined rate of epidural abscess or hematoma was 1:1,026, (0.1%; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.19%) with a need for operative intervention of 1:8,210 (0.01%; 95% confidence interval, 0.0-0.07%).

Conclusions

Spinal hematoma was very rare (< 0.05%). Epidural abscess was also rare (< 0.1%) but remains a potentially serious complication. Early diagnosis, using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with appropriate clinical indicators, before the onset of neurologic signs, enables conservative therapy in many cases and may help to prevent the development of serious neurologic sequelae.
Risk Factors for Chronic Pain after Hysterectomy
Authors: Brandsborg Birgitte , Nikolajsen Lone , Hansen Charlotte T. , Kehlet Henrik , Jensen Troels S.
Published: April 2007

Background

Women scheduled to undergo hysterectomy for benign indications frequently have preoperative pelvic pain, but it is largely unknown why pain in some cases persists or even develops after surgery. This nationwide questionnaire and database study describes pain and identifies risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain 1 yr after hysterectomy for benign indications.

Methods

A pain questionnaire was mailed to 1,299 women 1 yr after hysterectomy. The response rate was 90.3%, and the presence of persistent pain was correlated to indication for surgery, surgical procedure, type of anesthesia, and other perioperative data.

Results

Pain was reported by 31.9% 1 yr after hysterectomy (chronic pain), and 13.7% had pain more than 2 days a week. Pain was not present before surgery in 14.9% of women with chronic postsurgical pain. Risk factors for chronic pain were preoperative pelvic pain (odds ratio [OR], 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.40-4.41), previous cesarean delivery (OR, 1.54; CI, 1.06-2.26), pain as the main indication for surgery (OR, 2.98; CI, 1.54-5.77), and pain problems elsewhere (OR, 3.19; CI, 2.29-4.44). Vaginal hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy was not significantly associated with a lower risk of chronic pain (OR, 0.70; CI, 0.46-1.06). Importantly, spinal versus general anesthesia was associated with less chronic pain (OR, 0.42; CI, 0.21-0.85).

Conclusions

Thirty-two percent had chronic pain after hysterectomy, and risk factors were comparable to those seen in other operations. Interestingly, spinal anesthesia was associated with a lower frequency of chronic pain, justifying prospective study of spinal anesthesia for patients with a high risk for development of chronic postsurgical pain.
Constitutive Cyclooxygenase-2 Is Involved in Central Nociceptive Processes in Humans
Authors: Martin Frédéric , Fletcher Dominique , Chauvin Marcel , Bouhassira Didier
Published: April 2007

Background

Prostaglandins play a major role in inflammation and pain. They are synthesized by the two cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms: COX-1, which is expressed constitutively in many cell types, and COX-2, which is induced at the site of inflammation. However, unlike peripheral tissues, COX-2 is expressed constitutively in the central nervous system and may play a role in nociceptive processes. The current study aimed to investigate the role of constitutive COX-2 in the spinal transmission of nociceptive signals in humans.

Methods

The authors used 12 healthy volunteers to compare the effects of the specific COX-2 inhibitor sodium parecoxib (1 mg/kg) or placebo, administered intravenously in a double-blind and crossover fashion, on the electrophysiologic recordings of the nociceptive flexion (RIII) reflex. The RIII reflex is an objective psychophysiologic index of the spinal transmission of nociceptive signals and was recorded from the biceps femoris after electrical stimulation of the sural nerve. Two experiments, 7 days apart, were conducted in each volunteer. On each experimental day, the effects of parecoxib or placebo were tested on (1) the RIII reflex threshold, (2) the stimulus-response curves of the reflex up to the tolerance threshold (frequency of stimulation: 0.1 Hz), and (3) the progressive increase of the reflex and pain sensations (i.e., "windup" phenomenon) induced by a series of 15 stimulations at a frequency of 1 Hz (intensity 20% above RIII threshold).

Results

Parecoxib, but not placebo, significantly reduced the slope of the stimulus-response curve, suggesting a reduction in the gain of the spinal transmission of nociceptive signals. By contrast, the windup phenomenon was not significantly altered after administration of parecoxib or placebo.

Conclusions

This study shows that constitutive COX-2 modulates spinal nociceptive processes and that the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive actions of COX-2 inhibitors are not necessarily related.
Up and down with the Extreme Right in Germany, 1949–1996
Authors: Saalfeld Thomas
Published: April 2007

In the post-war period, (West) Germany has witnessed several cycles of extreme right-wing protest. In this article, the dynamics of these cycles will be studied. What are the causes of the cyclical ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ in the extreme right's electoral fortunes? Are the cycles of violent activity related to the cycles of electoral success? In order to address these questions, the extreme right will be analysed as a social movement whose activities are a result of the interplay between the political opportunity structure and the strategic choices made by extreme right-wing activists
Revisiting children ‘home on trial’ in the context of current concerns about the costs and effectiveness of the looked‐after children system: findings from an exploratory study
Authors: Broadhurst Karen , Pendleton Tamara
Published: April 2007

Statute and practice relating to s.31 part IV of The Children Act 1989 allow children subject to care orders to be placed at home with their parent(s). It is not uncommon for the courts to accept a plan for children to return home at the final hearing of care proceedings at which full care orders are granted. In such instances, children retain looked‐after status but, in terms of their day‐to‐day care, are looked after by parent(s). Whilst there are a small number of studies conducted in the 1990s relating to children ‘home on trial’, there is a much more limited recent literature. It is important to revisit this population of children, given current concerns about the burgeoning costs of child care proceedings and the looked‐after children system (LAC). This paper reports on a small‐scale exploratory study in one north‐west local authority area. Consisting of a file study and interviews with parents and professionals, the study examines the factors that contributed to initial removal of children to public care, the impact of the LAC system for children ‘home on trial’, stability of placements at home, as well as issues to do with the discharge of care orders. Particular attention is drawn to lone father headed households, a social group over‐represented in our sample. The study aims to inform further multi‐location studies.
Atopic dermatitis: quality of life of young Italian children and their families and correlation with severity score
Authors: Ricci Giampaolo , Bendandi Barbara , Bellini Federica , Patrizi Annalisa , Masi Massimo
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the ways in which atopic dermatitis (AD) affects the lives of young Italian children and their families, in terms of quality of life, and correlate it with AD severity and the perception of severity as estimated by the family. The parents of 45 children aged 3–84 months affected by AD were asked to complete two validated questionnaires after clinical examination. The first questionnaire was about the child's quality of life (Infants’ Dermatitis Quality of Life Index); the second regarded the family's quality of life (Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire). In a further question parents were asked to estimate the severity of the disease of the child. Children's quality of life appeared slightly‐moderately altered (mean score 10.2) compared with the value of a control group (3.3), and itching, sleep problems and the influence of the disease on the child's mood were the cause of greatest discomfort for the child. Family quality of life appeared moderately altered (mean score 11) compared with the value of the control group (7.4). The greatest problem was the disturbed sleep of the family members. Other important problems were the economic cost for the management of the disease and the tiredness and irritability caused by the disease in parents. Analysis of the responses confirms the incorrect estimation of the severity of the disease perceived by the family. In our opinion, the two questionnaires may be useful in clinical practice to understand better the difficulties suffered by a family with a child affected by AD. They also provide data that may help to improve the clinical approach for the child and the family, and to assess the degree of under‐/overestimation of the disease by the family.
Time trend of asthma prevalence among school children in Taiwan: ISAAC phase I and III surveys*
Authors: Lee Yung‐Ling , Hwang Bing‐Fang , Lin Ying‐Chu , Guo Yueliang Leon ,   Taiwan ISAAC Study Group
Published: April 2007

The standardized International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) is a valid tool in assessing prevalence of asthma indices. In order to determine the time trends of childhood asthma in Taiwan, we compared data from nationwide ISAAC surveys from a very large sample of Taiwanese 12‐ to 15‐year‐old school children, using ISAAC core written and video questionnaires. The number of participants was 44,104 in 1995–96 (phase I) and 11,048 in 2001 (phase III). We found a general tendency towards an increase in lifetime prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma and asthma symptoms between two surveys, more marked for girls than for boys. Most of the 12‐month prevalence of asthma symptoms decreased among boys but stabilized among girls. When comparing different severity levels, we also noted that the decreasing trends of current symptoms were more marked with regard to severe symptoms than mild symptoms in both sexes. A combination of both improved awareness and management of asthma might in part explain this circumstance. Over the past decade in Taiwan, the lifetime prevalence of childhood asthma was increasing, more marked among girls; however, the 12‐month prevalence of asthma symptoms was decreasing, mostly among boys. The exact reasons for such trends remain to be explored.
Gender‐specific differences in the prevention of asthma‐like symptoms in high‐risk infants
Authors: Van Merode Tiny , Maas Tanja , Twellaar Mascha , Kester Arnold , Van Schayck Constant P.
Published: April 2007

The prevalence of asthma in children has increased in the last decades, and gender‐specific differences in asthma development have recently been suggested. The present study investigates whether gender differences are present in a population of young children (0–2 yr) with a high risk for the development of asthma on the basis of the presence of asthma in first‐degree relative(s). The study was performed on 222 children (118 boys, 104 girls) with a familial predisposition of asthma, which received standardized recommendations to reduce exposure to allergens (dust mite, pets and food allergens) and to passive smoking. Health outcome (wheezing episodes and shortness of breath) and compliance with allergen‐reducing measures were studied by means of multiple regression analyses. Boys suffered more from asthma‐like complaints than girls, as diagnosed by the general practitioner (32% vs. 18%, respectively, p = 0.023). Compliance with intervention measures was similar for boys and girls for most allergens, but food allergen reduction was better applied for girls: duration of exclusive breastfeeding was longer in girls (median 9 wk vs. 4 wk, p = 0.009). Further analysis showed that 4 wk of longer breastfeeding reduced the number of wheezing episodes and shortness of breath in boys by 19% and 15%, respectively, but not in girls, suggesting sex as an effect modifier in the relationship between breastfeeding and asthma‐like symptoms. The present findings indicate that application and effects of prevention strategies for children with a high risk for developing asthma might be gender‐specific and suggest a special importance of breastfeeding boys.
Increased sensitization in urban vs. rural environment – Rural protection or an urban living effect?
Authors: Priftis Kostas N. , Anthracopoulos Michael B. , Nikolaou‐Papanagiotou Alexandra , Mantziou Vasiliki , Paliatsos Athanasios G. , Tzavelas George , Nicolaidou Polyxeni , Mantzouranis Eva
Published: April 2007

In a population‐based longitudinal cohort study, we tested the hypothesis that children growing up in a high‐traffic polluted urban area (UA) in the Athens’ basin have higher prevalence of allergies and sensitization when compared with those growing up in a Greek provincial rural area (RA). We recruited 478 and 342 children aged 8–10 living in the UA and the RA, respectively. Respiratory health was assessed by a parent‐completed questionnaire in three phases: 1995–96 (phase 1), 1999–2000 (phase 2), 2003–04 (phase 3) and skin‐prick testing to common indoor and outdoor aeroallergens was performed at phases 1 and 2. Reported asthma and eczema did not differ between the two areas, whereas reported hay fever was persistently more prevalent in the UA than in the RA (16.5%, 17.0%, 18.2% vs. 7.0%, 8.3%, 9.6%, respectively). Sensitization was more prevalent in the UA at both phases (19.0% vs. 12.1% in phase 1, 20.0% vs. 14.1% in phase 2). Residential area contributed independently to sensitization to ≥1 aeroallergens (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13–0.66; p = 0.003) and to polysensitization (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10–0.82; p = 0.020) in phase 1. These associations were independent of farming practices. No significant contributions were found in phase 2. Our results suggest that long‐term exposure to urban environment is associated with a higher prevalence of hay fever but not of asthma or eczema. The negative association between rural living and the risk of atopy during childhood, which is independent of farming practices, implies that it is mainly driven by an urban living effect.
Combining skin prick, immediate skin application and specific‐IgE testing in the diagnosis of peanut allergy in children
Authors: Wainstein Brynn Kevin , Yee Anthony , Jelley Donna , Ziegler Mary , Ziegler John B.
Published: April 2007

Previous studies have suggested various diagnostic cut‐offs of allergy tests for the diagnosis of clinical peanut allergy in children. There are few data relating to the use of combinations of these tests in children. We aimed to determine the validity of previously reported diagnostic cut‐off levels of peanut allergen skin tests and peanut specific‐immunoglobulin (Ig) E, as well as the usefulness of combinations of these, for predicting clinical peanut allergy in our Allergy Clinic. Children attending the Allergy Clinic with a positive peanut skin prick test (SPT; n = 84) were included in the study. Immediate skin application food tests (I‐SAFT) using 1 g of peanut butter (positive if any wheals were detected at 15 min), peanut specific‐IgE levels and open‐label peanut food challenges were performed. Fifty‐two of 85 peanut challenges were positive. Skin prick test specificity was 67% at ≥8 mm and 100% at ≥15 mm. The I‐SAFT was 82% specific. A peanut specific‐IgE level of 0.37 kU/l was 98% sensitive but 33% specific. A level of 10 kU/l was 100% specific. Combinations of a SPT of ≥8 mm with a positive I‐SAFT and a peanut specific‐IgE ≥0.37 kU/l were 88% specific with a sensitivity of 38%. Using challenge outcomes as the standard, available in vitro and in vivo diagnostic tests for peanut allergy have poor sensitivity and specificity and combining them does not significantly improve their clinical usefulness. Previously described diagnostic cut‐off levels do not have general applicability. Allergy practitioners may need to interpret results of allergy tests in the context of their own practices.
Skin prick testing predicts peanut challenge outcome in previously allergic or sensitized children with low serum peanut‐specific IgE antibody concentration
Authors: Nolan Richard C. , Richmond Peter , Prescott Susan L. , Mallon Dominic F. , Gong Grace , Franzmann Annkathrin M. , Naidoo Rama , Loh Richard K. S.
Published: April 2007

Peanut allergy is transient in some children but it is not clear whether quantitating peanut‐specific IgE by Skin Prick Test (SPT) adds additional information to fluorescent‐enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) in discriminating between allergic and tolerant children. To investigate whether SPT with a commercial extract or fresh foods adds additional predictive information for peanut challenge in children with a low FEIA (<10 kUA/L) who were previously sensitized, or allergic to peanuts. Children from a hospital‐based allergy service who were previously sensitized or allergic to peanuts were invited to undergo a peanut challenge unless they had a serum peanut‐specific IgE>10 kUA/L, a previous severe reaction, or a recent reaction to peanuts (within two years). SPT with a commercial extract, raw and roasted saline soaked peanuts was performed immediately prior to open challenge in hospital with increasing quantity of peanuts until total of 26.7 g of peanut was consumed. A positive challenge consisted of an objective IgE mediated reaction occurring during the observation period. 54 children (median age of 6.3 years) were admitted for a challenge. Nineteen challenges were positive, 27 negative, five were indeterminate and three did not proceed after SPT. Commercial and fresh food extracts provided similar diagnostic information. A wheal diameter of ≥7 mm of the commercial extract predicted an allergic outcome with specificity 97%, positive predictive value 93% and sensitivity 83%. There was a tendency for an increase in SPT wheal since initial diagnosis in children who remained allergic to peanuts while it decreased in those with a negative challenge. The outcome of a peanut challenge in peanut sensitized or previously allergic children with a low FEIA can be predicted by SPT. In this cohort, not challenging children with a SPT wheal of ≥7mm would have avoided 15 of 18 positive challenges and denied a challenge to one out of 27 tolerant children.
Molecular phylogeny of pontobdelline leeches and their place in the descent of fish leeches (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae)
Authors: Utevsky Serge Y. , Utevsky Andrei Y. , Schiaparelli Stefano , Trontelj Peter
Published: April 2007

Phylogenetic relationships of all genera of the fish leech subfamily Pontobdellinae were investigated using mitochondrial (12S rDNA, COI, tRNA‐Leu, ND1) and nuclear (28S rDNA) DNA sequences under maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and parsimony. All methods resulted in trees that corroborated the monophyly of the family Piscicolidae, but recovered their subfamily Pontobdellinae as non‐monophyletic. Based on the basal position of the giant Antarctic Megaliobdella szidati, it is hypothesized that the putative ancestor of fish leeches was a free‐ranging, large bodied, muscular leech. The next branch contains parasites of cartilaginous fishes, Pontobdella muricata and Pontobdella macrothela. Two remaining genera of the subfamily (the Arctic Oxytonostoma and the Antarctic Moorebdellina) showed weak affinities to other piscicolid taxa. The obtained phylogenetic hypothesis suggests a possible transition from an ancestral free‐ranging life style and temporary parasitism, to parasitism on cartilaginous fishes, followed by parasitism on bony fishes.
Reconsidering Respect: Its Role in Her Majesty's Prison Service
Authors: BUTLER MICHELLE , DRAKE DEBORAH H.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:This article examines the meaning of respect in the interpersonal relationships within Her Majesty's Prison Service. It is argued that respect‐as‐esteem and respect‐as‐consideration are often confused and unequally emphasised in modern society. This confusion is especially evident within the prison context where, due to the prison service's ‘decency agenda’, the respectful treatment of inmates has become a topical issue. What does respect mean in prison? Why is it important? How can respectful relationships be established between staff and inmates? This article discusses these questions and proposes that there are different forms of respect possible between people. It is argued that there needs to be a recognition of the nuances of meaning when we use the word respect and that ‘respect‐as‐consideration’ may be the form of respect most consistently achievable, at the present time, within interpersonal relationships in English and Welsh prisons.
Institutional Racism, Pre‐Emptive Criminalisation and Risk Analysis
Authors: FITZGIBBON DIANA WENDY
Published: April 2007

Abstract: In the context of ongoing debate about negative stereotyping and poor risk assessment practices with minority ethnic groups in British society, this article attempts to develop an account of the dynamics of discrimination against black people in the area of mental health policy and practice. It is argued that a framework for the analysis of discrimination can be usefully constructed in terms of the relationship between the processes of pre‐emptive criminalisation, institutional racism and risk analysis.
A Gendered Review of Change within the Probation Service
Authors: ANNISON JILL
Published: April 2007

Abstract:The probation service has undergone a period of upheaval over the recent past. There has been considerable coverage in the literature about the structural reorganisation of the service and the implementation of policy and practice changes, particularly in relation to the ‘What Works’ initiative. However, there has been little discussion about the changing gender composition of the service and, in particular, the rise in the proportion of female staff. This article provides a descriptive overview and applies a gendered analysis, in order to gain a more comprehensive and in‐depth understanding of these organisational changes.
Fifty Years' ‘Hard Labour’1 (A Personal Odyssey)
Authors: PRINS HERSCHEL
Published: April 2007

Abstract: This contribution is essentially a highly selective, personal and anecdotal account of some 55 years' experience of working in the criminal justice and forensic‐psychiatric (mental health) fields. It makes no pretence of being an academic presentation; thus only a modest number of references are cited in the text. The article makes no attempt at being all‐inclusive; for this reason it could be criticised for being somewhat idiosyncratic. Those seeking further information concerning some of the examples cited may care to consult the brief personal bibliography at the end of the text and the references.
PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND LABOR MARKET PERFORMANCE*
Authors: Hörner Johannes , Ngai L. Rachel , Olivetti Claudia
Published: April 2007

This article shows that state control of some industries may have contributed to the increase in European unemployment from the 1970s to the early 1990s. We develop a simple two‐sector model, one privately run and one publicly run, that has risk‐averse workers directing their search into one of the sectors. Assuming that the privately run sector is less able to insure its employees against uncertainty, we show that aggregate unemployment in this economy increases in response to an increase in economic turbulence.
SHAKEOUTS AND MARKET CRASHES*
Authors: Barbarino Alessandro , Jovanovic Boyan
Published: April 2007

This article provides a microfoundation for the rise in optimism that seems to precede market crashes. Small, young markets are more likely to experience stock‐price run‐ups and crashes. We use a Zeira–Rob type of model in which demand size is uncertain. Optimism then grows rationally if traders' prior distribution over market size has a decreasing hazard. Such prior beliefs are appropriate if most new markets are duds and only a few reach a large size. The crash occurs when capacity outstrips demand. As an illustration, for the period 1971–2001 we fit the model to the Telecom sector.
RETIREMENT WEALTH AND LIFETIME EARNINGS*
Authors: Hendricks Lutz
Published: April 2007

This article argues that a satisfactory theory of wealth inequality should account not only for the marginal distribution of wealth, but also for the joint distribution of wealth and earnings. The article describes the joint distribution of retirement wealth and lifetime earnings in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. It then evaluates the ability of a stochastic life‐cycle model to account for key features of this distribution. The life‐cycle model fails to account for three key features of the data. (1) The correlation between lifetime earnings and retirement wealth is too high. (2) The wealth gaps between earnings rich and earnings poor households are too large. (3) Wealth inequality among households with similar lifetime earnings is too small. Models in which households differ in rates of return or time preferences account much better for the joint distribution of retirement wealth and lifetime earnings.
CANDIDATE VALENCE: EVIDENCE FROM CONSECUTIVE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS*
Authors: Degan Arianna
Published: April 2007

This article develops and estimates a dynamic spatial model of voting. The distribution of voters' policy positions and candidates' valence are recovered using individual‐level data on voting decisions in two consecutive presidential elections. The estimated model is used to provide an equilibrium interpretation of observed individual voting profiles and aggregate electoral outcomes as well as to conduct counterfactual experiments that assess the impact of candidates' policy positions, valence, and voters' information on electoral outcomes.
COLLUSION, FLUCTUATING DEMAND, AND PRICE RIGIDITY*
Authors: Hanazono Makoto , Yang Huanxing
Published: April 2007

We study an infinitely repeated Bertrand game in which an i.i.d. demand shock occurs in each period. Each firm receives a private signal about the demand shock at the beginning of each period. At the end of each period, all information but the private signals becomes public. We consider the optimal symmetric perfect public equilibrium (SPPE) mainly for patient firms. We show that price rigidity arises in the optimal SPPE if the accuracy of the private signals is low. We also study the implications of more firms and firms' impatience on collusive pricing.
FOLK THEOREMS FOR INFINITELY REPEATED GAMES PLAYED BY ORGANIZATIONS WITH SHORT‐LIVED MEMBERS*
Authors: Kobayashi Hajime
Published: April 2007

We consider infinitely repeated games played by organizations with short‐lived members. Each member enters the organization with no prior memory. He plays the role of taking actions for stage games in the first half of his lifetime. In the beginning of the second half, when a new member enters the organization, the existing member privately sends a message to the new member. He remains in the organization for the second half, and then retires from the game. We prove that folk theorems hold in this environment; that is, organizations essentially implement Fudenberg and Maskin strategies.
THE CYCLICAL EFFECTS OF MONETARY POLICY REGIMES*
Authors: Dressler Scott J.
Published: April 2007

A 1979 change in U.S. monetary policy coincided with a break in the cyclical behavior of monetary aggregates, while the cyclical behavior of all other real and nominal variables remained relatively constant. A model is developed to assess the quantitative importance of a change in monetary policy in accounting for these observations. The monetary authority's reaction function is estimated conditionally on the theoretical model and accounts for upward of 72–95% of all observed changes, including inside money preceding the business cycle and a qualitative change in the cyclical behavior of the monetary base.
ON THE ROLE OF TAX SUBSIDY SCHEME IN MONEY SEARCH MODELS*
Authors: Kamiya Kazuya , Shimizu Takashi
Published: April 2007

This article investigates the roles of policy in search models with divisible money. Recently, real indeterminacy of stationary equilibria has been found in both specific and general search models with divisible money. Thus if we assume the divisibility of money, it would be quite difficult to make accurate predictions of the effects of simple monetary policies. Therefore, in this article, we introduce a certain tax subsidy scheme and show that this is effective in selecting a determinate efficient equilibrium. In other words, for a given efficient equilibrium and for any real number δ > 0, a certain tax subsidy scheme induces a locally determinate equilibrium within the δ‐neighborhood of the given equilibrium. Moreover, the size of the tax subsidy can be arbitrarily small.
THE IMPACT OF TFP GROWTH ON STEADY‐STATE UNEMPLOYMENT*
Authors: Pissarides Christopher A. , Vallanti Giovanna
Published: April 2007

Theoretical predictions of the impact of total factor productivity (TFP) growth on unemployment are ambiguous, and depend on the extent to which new technology is embodied in new jobs. We evaluate a model with embodied and disembodied technology, capitalization, and creative destruction effects. In econometric estimates with a panel of industrial countries we find a large negative impact of TFP growth on unemployment, which implies that embodied technology and creative destruction play no role in the steady‐state dynamics of unemployment. Capitalization effects explain some of the estimated impact but a part remains unexplained.
A MARKET WITH FRICTIONS IN THE MATCHING PROCESS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY*
Authors: Cason Timothy N. , Noussair Charles
Published: April 2007

We construct a laboratory market in which there is a friction in the matching between buyers and sellers. Sellers simultaneously post prices and then buyers simultaneously choose a seller. If more than one buyer chooses the same seller, the seller's single unit is randomly sold to one of them. Our results show a broad consistency with theoretical predictions, although price dispersion exists and is slow to decay. Prices also exceed the equilibrium level when there are only two sellers, and buyers' purchase probabilities are insufficiently responsive to price differences when there are two sellers.
OBSERVABLE REPUTATION TRADING*
Authors: Hakenes Hendrik , Peitz Martin
Published: April 2007

Is the reputation of a firm tradable when the change in ownership is observable? We consider a competitive market in which a share of owners must retire in each period. New owners bid for the firms that are for sale. Customers learn the owner's type, which reflects the quality of the good or service provided, through experience. After observing an ownership change they may want to switch firms. However, in equilibrium, good new owners buy from good old owners and retain high‐value customers. Hence reputation is a tradable intangible asset, although ownership change is observable.
Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers derived from expressed sequence tags of the sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus
Authors: CHEN LIMEI , LI QI
Published: April 2007

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers were identified in expressed sequence tags generated from Stichopus japonicus cDNA libraries. The numbers of alleles ranged from three to 10, and the expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.378 to 0.870 and from 0.077 to 0.690, respectively. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg expectations were observed at eight loci due to homozygote excess, suggesting the widespread occurrence of null alleles. The microsatellite markers will be useful for examining genetic population structure, parentage analysis and mapping studies of S. japonicus.
Microsatellites in the striped ground crickets, Allonemobius (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: BIRGE LEANNA M. , BOGDANOWICZ STEVEN M. , HARRISON RICHARD G. , HOWARD DANIEL J.
Published: April 2007

Polymorphic di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide repeats were examined in Allonemobius to determine whether they could serve as useful markers in studies of sperm precedence, population genetics and hybrid zone structure. Ten microsatellite DNA loci were sufficiently polymorphic to be used for paternity tests and showed no evidence of linkage disequilibrium or deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in Allonemobius socius. Nine of 10 of these microsatellites can be amplified from three other Allonemobius species, suggesting that these markers will have widespread utility in this ground cricket genus.
Development of microsatellite markers in the noxious red tide‐causing dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama (Dinophyceae)
Authors: NAGAI S. , NISHITANI G. , YAMAGUCHI S. , YASUDA N. , LIAN C. L. , ITAKURA S. , YAMAGUCHI M.
Published: April 2007

We isolated 15 polymorphic microsatellites from one of the most noxious red tide‐causing dinoflagellate species, Heterocapsa circularisquama. These loci provide one class of highly variable genetic markers, as the number of alleles ranged from two to six, and the estimate of gene diversity from 0.205 to 0.684 across the 15 microsatellites. These loci have the potential to reveal genetic structure and gene flow among H. circularisquama populations.