bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mark L. Warner. The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's Proofing Your Home. West Lafayette IN: Purdue University, 1998.
Authors: Gnaedinger Nancy
Published: November 2010

The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's Proofing Your Home est un guide complet et bien structuré, en langage de tous les jours, enrichi de citations de soignants et illustré. Il présente un bref historique de la maladie d'Alzheimer et en décrit les étapes; il incite également les soignants à prendre soin d'eux-mêmes. De plus, le livre fournit une liste des produits (appareils fonctionnels), de noms d'entreprises et de numéros sans frais où placer les commandes, une brève description des étapes de régression de la maladie d'Alzheimer, un lexique et des suggestions de lecture. Le guide s'insère bien dans la collection des ouvrages de référence destinés aux soignants oeuvrant auprès de patients atteints de démence. On devrait le retrouver dans les organismes de soutien aux soins à la maison ainsi que dans les bibliothèques des universités et les collèges.
Seed oil content and fatty acid profiles of five Euphorbiaceae species from arid regions in Argentina with potential as biodiesel source
Authors: Aranda-Rickert Adriana , Morzán Laura , Fracchia Sebastián
Published: November 2010

Five Euphorbiaceae species (Jatropha macrocarpa, J. hieronymi, J. excisa, Cnidoscolus tubulosus and Manihot guaranitica) were analysed for seed oil content and fatty acid profiles in order to evaluate their potential as sources of biodiesel. The five species are perennial shrubs adapted to arid and semi-arid environments of north-western Argentina. The seed oil content for all species ranged from 27.9 to 38.7% by dry weight. Fatty acid composition consisted mainly of linolenic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, oleic and linoleic acids, with linoleic and oleic acid being the most abundant. Among the five species analysed, J. macrocarpa has the best potential to be used as a biodiesel source. The average total seed oil content (35.8%) and a high value of oleic acid (27.3%) together with the lowest values of linoleic acid (55.8%) make this species a promising crop as a source of biodiesel in arid and semi-arid regions.
Dependency-based n-gram models for general purpose sentence realisation
Authors: GUO YUQING , WANG HAIFENG , VAN GENABITH JOSEF
Published: November 2010

This paper presents a general-purpose, wide-coverage, probabilistic sentence generator based on dependency n-gram models. This is particularly interesting as many semantic or abstract syntactic input specifications for sentence realisation can be represented as labelled bi-lexical dependencies or typed predicate-argument structures. Our generation method captures the mapping between semantic representations and surface forms by linearising a set of dependencies directly, rather than via the application of grammar rules as in more traditional chart-style or unification-based generators. In contrast to conventional n-gram language models over surface word forms, we exploit structural information and various linguistic features inherent in the dependency representations to constrain the generation space and improve the generation quality. A series of experiments shows that dependency-based n-gram models generalise well to different languages (English and Chinese) and representations (LFG and CoNLL). Compared with state-of-the-art generation systems, our general-purpose sentence realiser is highly competitive with the added advantages of being simple, fast, robust and accurate.
Climate change, natural disasters and displacement: a multi-track approach to filling the protection gaps
Authors: Kolmannskog Vikram , Trebbi Lisetta
Published: November 2010

Millions are displaced by climate-related disasters each year, and this trend is set to increase as climate change accelerates. It raises important questions about how well existing instruments actually protect people driven from their homes by climate change and natural disasters. This article first examines current protection instruments and points out gaps in them. There follows an exploration of various proposals for filling those protection gaps, with the focus on cross-border natural-disaster-induced displacement. A multi-track approach is recommended, including context-oriented and dynamic interpretation of existing law, and creation of new law. Adhering to the principle of non-refoulement, and focusing on whether return is possible, permissible, or reasonable, could be a realistic way to begin developing protection regimes for victims of natural-disaster-induced displacement.
Simulating the global distribution of nitrogen isotopes in the ocean
Authors: Somes Christopher J. , Schmittner Andreas , Galbraith Eric D. , Lehmann Moritz F. , Altabet Mark A. , Montoya Joseph P. , Letelier Ricardo M. , Mix Alan C. , Bourbonnais Annie , Eby Michael
Published: November 2010

We present a new nitrogen isotope model incorporated into the three‐dimensional ocean component of a global Earth system climate model designed for millennial timescale simulations. The model includes prognostic tracers for the two stable nitrogen isotopes, 14N and 15N, in the nitrate (NO3−), phytoplankton, zooplankton, and detritus variables of the marine ecosystem model. The isotope effects of algal NO3− uptake, nitrogen fixation, water column denitrification, and zooplankton excretion are considered as well as the removal of NO3− by sedimentary denitrification. A global database of δ15NO3− observations is compiled from previous studies and compared to the model results on a regional basis where sufficient observations exist. The model is able to qualitatively and quantitatively reproduce many of the observed patterns such as high subsurface values in water column denitrification zones and the meridional and vertical gradients in the Southern Ocean. The observed pronounced subsurface minimum in the Atlantic is underestimated by the model presumably owing to too little simulated nitrogen fixation there. Sensitivity experiments reveal that algal NO3− uptake, nitrogen fixation, and water column denitrification have the strongest effects on the simulated distribution of nitrogen isotopes, whereas the effect from zooplankton excretion is weaker. Both water column and sedimentary denitrification also have important indirect effects on the nitrogen isotope distribution by reducing the fixed nitrogen inventory, which creates an ecological niche for nitrogen fixers and, thus, stimulates additional N2 fixation in the model. Important model deficiencies are identified, and strategies for future improvement and possibilities for model application are outlined.
Gone with the wind: Eolian erasure of the Mars Rover tracks
Authors: Geissler P. E. , Sullivan R. , Golombek M. , Johnson J. R. , Herkenhoff K. , Bridges N. , Vaughan A. , Maki J. , Parker T. , Bell J.
Published: November 2010

The wheel tracks left by the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity are unique artificial markings on the surface of Mars. The tracks stretch several kilometers across diverse terrain in two widely separated regions of the planet. The initial appearance and characteristics of the tracks were well documented by the science and navigation cameras aboard the vehicles at the time the tracks were formed. Orbital observations by Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter document the erasure of the tracks over a period of more than 2 Mars years. Close‐up examinations of track crossings, where the rovers encountered tracks made hundreds of Martian solar days earlier, provide insights into the mechanisms and time scales of eolian alteration on Mars. These observations suggest that fallout of atmospheric dust plays only a minor role in obscuring rover tracks over time. Instead, track erasure is dominated by sediment that is transported by surface winds. Both deposition and erosion act to erase the rover tracks. The length scales for eolian sediment transport are hundreds of meters at least, much larger than the size of the tracks. Gradual processes such as dust devils and sand saltation have minor effects that can nonetheless erase rover tracks over long time periods. However, short‐lived strong wind events associated with seasonal dust storms have much more pronounced effects, significantly altering the tracks on time scales of days. These episodic strong winds tend to occur annually during the perihelion season. The time scale for track erasure is typically only 1 Martian year.
Attentional control adjustments in Eriksen and Stroop task performance can be independent of response conflict
Authors: Lamers Martijn J. M. , Roelofs Ardi
Published: November 2010

In the Eriksen flanker and colour-word Stroop tasks, the response time (RT) difference between incongruent and congruent trials is smaller following incongruent trials than following congruent trials: the “Gratton effect” (Gratton, Coles, & Donchin, 1992). According to the prevailing conflict-monitoring theory (Botvinick, Braver, Barch, Carter, & Cohen, 2001), the Gratton effect reflects attentional control adjustment following response conflict on incongruent trials. However, because previous studies compared incongruent and congruent trials, it remains unclear to what extent the Gratton effect is driven by incongruent rather than congruent trials. To resolve this issue, we included neutral trials in addition to incongruent and congruent trials in the Eriksen (Experiment 1) and Stroop (Experiment 2) tasks. Participants responded manually and vocally in both tasks. Moreover, we assessed responding to Stroop stimuli that were preceded by neutral cues or by incongruent- or congruent-predicting cues (Experiment 3). In all three experiments, the RT difference between incongruent and congruent trials was larger for postcongruent trials than for postincongruent and postneutral trials. These findings suggest that control adjustments can be independent of response conflict, challenging conflict-monitoring theory.
Protocadherin-19 and N-cadherin interact to control cell movements during anterior neurulation
Authors: Biswas Sayantanee , Emond Michelle R. , Jontes James D.
Published: November 2010

The protocadherins comprise the largest subgroup within the cadherin superfamily, yet their cellular and developmental functions are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that pcdh19 (protocadherin 19) acts synergistically with n-cadherin (ncad) during anterior neurulation in zebrafish. In addition, Pcdh19 and Ncad interact directly, forming a protein–protein complex both in vitro and in vivo. Although both molecules are required for calcium-dependent adhesion in a zebrafish cell line, the extracellular domain of Pcdh19 does not exhibit adhesive activity, suggesting that the involvement of Pcdh19 in cell adhesion is indirect. Quantitative analysis of in vivo two-photon time-lapse image sequences reveals that loss of either pcdh19 or ncad impairs cell movements during neurulation, disrupting both the directedness of cell movements and the coherence of movements among neighboring cells. Our results suggest that Pcdh19 and Ncad function together to regulate cell adhesion and to mediate morphogenetic movements during brain development.
Mammalian models of extended healthy lifespan
Authors: Selman Colin , Withers Dominic J.
Published: November 2010

Over the last two centuries, there has been a significant increase in average lifespan expectancy in the developed world. One unambiguous clinical implication of getting older is the risk of experiencing age-related diseases including various cancers, dementia, type-2 diabetes, cataracts and osteoporosis. Historically, the ageing process and its consequences were thought to be intractable. However, over the last two decades or so, a wealth of empirical data has been generated which demonstrates that longevity in model organisms can be extended through the manipulation of individual genes. In particular, many pathological conditions associated with the ageing process in model organisms, and importantly conserved from nematodes to humans, are attenuated in long-lived genetic mutants. For example, several long-lived genetic mouse models show attenuation in age-related cognitive decline, adiposity, cancer and glucose intolerance. Therefore, these long-lived mice enjoy a longer period without suffering the various sequelae of ageing. The greatest challenge in the biology of ageing is to now identify the mechanisms underlying increased healthy lifespan in these model organisms. Given that the elderly are making up an increasingly greater proportion of society, this focused approach in model organisms should help identify tractable interventions that can ultimately be translated to humans.
Systems biology of ageing and longevity
Authors: Kirkwood Thomas B. L.
Published: November 2010

Ageing is intrinsically complex, being driven by multiple causal mechanisms. Each mechanism tends to be partially supported by data indicating that it has a role in the overall cellular and molecular pathways underlying the ageing process. However, the magnitude of this role is usually modest. The systems biology approach combines (i) data-driven modelling, often using the large volumes of data generated by functional genomics technologies, and (ii) hypothesis-driven experimental studies to investigate causal pathways and identify their parameter values in an unusually quantitative manner, which enables the contributions of individual mechanisms and their interactions to be better understood, and allows for the design of experiments explicitly to test the complex predictions arising from such models. A clear example of the success of the systems biology approach in unravelling the complexity of ageing can be seen in recent studies on cell replicative senescence, revealing interactions between mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere erosion and DNA damage. An important challenge also exists in connecting the network of (random) damage-driven proximate mechanisms of ageing with the higher level (genetically specified) signalling pathways that influence longevity. This connection is informed by actions of natural selection on the determinants of ageing and longevity.
OTP70 is a pentatricopeptide repeat protein of the E subgroup involved in splicing of the plastid transcript rpoC1
Authors: Chateigner‐Boutin Anne‐Laure , des Francs‐Small Catherine Colas , Delannoy Etienne , Kahlau Sabine , Tanz Sandra K. , de Longevialle Andéol Falcon , Fujii Sota , Small Ian
Published: November 2010

Over 20 proteins of the pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) family have been demonstrated to be involved in RNA editing in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts. All of these editing factors contain a so‐called ‘E’ domain that has been shown to be essential for editing to occur. The presumption has been that this domain recruits the (unknown) editing enzyme to the RNA. In this report, we show that not all putative E‐class PPR proteins are directly involved in RNA editing. Disruption of the OTP70 gene leads to a strong defect in splicing of the plastid transcript rpoC1, leading to a virescent phenotype. The mutant has a chloroplast transcript pattern characteristic of a reduction in plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase activity. The E domain of OTP70 is not required for splicing, and can be deleted or replaced by the E domain from the known editing factor CRR4 without loss of rpoC1 splicing. Furthermore, the E domain of OTP70 is incapable of inducing RNA editing when fused to the RNA binding domain of CRR4. We conclude that the truncated E domain of OTP70 is no longer functional in RNA editing, and that the protein has acquired a new function in promoting RNA splicing.
A eukaryotic LOV‐histidine kinase with circadian clock function in the picoalga Ostreococcus
Authors: Djouani‐Tahri El‐Batoul , Christie John M. , Sanchez‐Ferandin Sophie , Sanchez Frédéric , Bouget François‐Yves , Corellou Florence
Published: November 2010

The marine environment has unique properties of light transmission, with an attenuation of long wavelengths within the first meters of the water column. Marine organisms have therefore evolved specific blue‐light receptors such as aureochromes to absorb shorter‐wavelength light. Here, we identify and characterize a light, oxygen, or voltage sensing (LOV) containing histidine kinase (LOV‐HK) that functions as a new class of eukaryotic blue‐light receptor in the pico‐phytoplanktonic cell Ostreococcus tauri. This LOV‐HK is related to the large family of LOV‐HKs found in prokaryotes. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the LOV domains from LOV‐HKs, including O. tauri LOV‐HK, and phototropins (phot; plant and green algal LOV serine/threonine kinases) have different evolutionary histories. Photochemical analysis shows that the LOV domain of LOV‐HK binds a flavin cofactor and absorbs blue light with a fast photocycle compared with its prokaryotic counterparts. Ostreococcus tauri LOV‐HK expression is induced by blue light and is under circadian control. Further, both overexpression and downregulation of LOV‐HK result in arrhythmia of the circadian reporter CCA1:Luc under constant blue light. In contrast, photochemical inactivation of O. tauri LOV‐HK is without effect, demonstrating its importance for function of the circadian clock under blue light. Overexpression/downregulation of O. tauriLOV‐HK alters CCA1 rhythmicity under constant red light, irrespective of LOV‐HK’s photochemical reactivity, suggesting that O. tauri LOV‐HK also participates in regulation of the circadian clock independent of its blue‐light‐sensing property. Molecular characterization of O. tauri LOV‐HK demonstrates that this type of photoreceptor family is not limited to prokaryotes.
Enteric conversion after pancreatic transplantation: resolution of symptoms and long‐term results
Authors: Kleespies Axel , Mikhailov Michael , Khalil Philipe N. , Preissler Gerhard , Rentsch Markus , Arbogast Helmut , Illner Wolf‐Dieter , Bruns Christiane J. , Jauch Karl‐Walter , Angele Martin K.
Published: November 2010

Kleespies A, Mikhailov M, Khalil PN, Preissler G, Rentsch M, Arbogast H, Illner W‐D, Bruns CJ, Jauch K‐W, Angele MK. Enteric conversion after pancreatic transplantation: resolution of symptoms and long‐term results. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 549–560. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Purpose: Bladder drainage (BD) of pancreatic transplants is associated with a unique set of complications. We intended to analyze the incidence, indications, complications and long‐term results of enteric conversion procedures (EC).

Methods: Using a prospective database, 32 EC patients out of 433 simultaneous pancreas–kidney‐transplant (SPK) recipients were identified. Graft and patient survival rates were compared with those after primary enteric drainage (ED).

Results: The mean SPK‐EC interval was 5.0 yr, and the mean patient follow‐up was 13.8 yr. Indications for EC were genitourinary symptoms (62.5%), duodenal complications (15.6%), graft pancreatitis (12.5%), pyelonephritis (6.3%), and metabolic acidosis (3.1%). All patients reported significant long‐term resolution of symptoms. Surgical complications, reoperations, early graft loss, and 30‐d mortality occurred in 31.3%, 25.0%, 6.3%, and 3.1% of cases, respectively. Pancreatic graft and patient survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 yr after SPK were comparable between EC patients and ED patients at the same institution.

Conclusion: For the treatment of symptoms associated with BD, EC results in excellent long‐term graft function and significant resolution of symptoms even years after SPK. Postoperative morbidity after EC including early reoperation and graft loss, however, has to be considered.
Hypocholesterolemic effect of karaya saponin in Japanese laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Afrose S. , Hossain M. S. , Tsujii H.
Published: November 2010

The effect of karaya saponin supplementation on the serum and egg yolk cholesterol and fatty acid composition in egg yolk were investigated in Japanese quails. A total of 80 Japanese quails aged 5 weeks were equally divided into four groups of 20. Four levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg feed) of karaya saponin were included in the basal diet and experiment was lasted for 6 weeks. The cholesterol fractions in the egg yolk and serum were measured by enzymatic assay, and the fatty acid composition in egg yolk was determined by gas chromatography. The results revealed that the supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin significantly reduced (p < 0.05) cholesterol and triglycerides concentration in serum and egg yolk. High‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol was increased, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and the atherogenic index were decreased (p < 0.05) by the dietary supplementations. Hepatic cholesterol was reduced (p < 0.05) by the 25 mg/kg karaya saponin. A higher degree of yolk colour was improved (p < 0.05) when 75 mg/kg saponin was supplemented in the diet. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in egg yolk was increased (p < 0.05) in a dose‐dependent manner in quails fed the supplemented diet than the control diet. The ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids in egg yolk was improved (p < 0.05) by 75 mg/kg feed karaya saponin‐supplemented diet. Therefore, the dietary supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin may be a feasible means of producing quail eggs with lower cholesterol and higher PUFA content for health conscious consumers.
Endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan improves the dermal sclerosis in a patient with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Nishibu Akiko , Sakai Erika , Oyama Noritaka , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: November 2010

We report a case of systemic sclerosis with interstitial pneumonia and severe pulmonary hypertension treated with bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist. Within a short period of administration of the bosentan the skin sclerosis improved.
Challenges in containing the burden of hepatitis B infection in dialysis and transplant patients in India
Authors: POTSANGBAM GULIVER , YADAV ASHOK , CHANDEL NIRUPAMA , RATHI MANISH , SHARMA ASHISH , KOHLI HARBIR S , GUPTA KRISHAN L , MINZ MUKUT , SAKHUJA VINAY , JHA VIVEKANAND
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Whether or not completing the hepatitis B vaccination in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation in the middle of incomplete vaccination schedule leads to development of protective antibody titres is not known. This study was designed to determine whether the strategy of completing hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination after transplantation is efficacious.

Methods:  Sixty‐four end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs), hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA. HBsAg negative patients received four doses of 40 µg recombinant HBV vaccine. Schedule was continued in after transplantation period if it was incomplete before transplant. Anti‐Hbs titres were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Results:  Past HBV infection was noted in 12 patients: 10 by serology plus viraemia and two by viraemia alone. Of the 46 patients without current or past HBV infection who had received at least two doses of the vaccine before transplant, 17 each had received two and three doses and 12 had completed the schedule. Seventeen (37%) exhibited protective titres. Patients who had completed vaccination were more likely to have protective titres than those incompletely vaccinated (P = 0.02). Five patients responded to post‐transplant vaccination.

Conclusion:  Partially vaccinated patients do not mount an adequate antibody response despite continued vaccination in the post‐transplant period, whereas complete vaccination provides protection in 60%. The present study data highlights the need of administration of a full schedule of HBV vaccination before kidney transplantation. Nucleic acid‐based tests can identify occult HBV infection.
Embryo selection or uterine environment: Which plays the greater role in blastocyst transfer cycles?
Authors: Kovacs Peter , Matyas Szabolcs , Kaali Steven G.
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Blastocyst stage embryo transfer (BET) leads to higher pregnancy rates when compared to cleavage stage transfer. Better embryo selection and a more physiologic stage of transfer are possible explanations. We assessed the significance of embryo selection in achieving an improved outcome.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of all BETs from our 2007 IVF database was performed. The BET cycles were grouped based on the number of top‐quality cleavage stage embryos (≤3 or >3). A cut‐off of ≤3 embryos was chosen, because with ≤3 embryos those that will likely make it to the blastocyst stage have already been identified, therefore embryo selection becomes less important. Baseline characteristics, stimulation and embryology parameters, as well as treatment outcome, were compared. The T‐test and χ2‐test were used where appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:  A total of 251 cycles where at least one blastocyst was transferred on day 5 were identified and included in the analysis (≤3 top‐quality cleavage embryos, n = 32; >3 top‐quality cleavage embryos, n = 219). The number of follicles >14 mm and the number of eggs/mature eggs were higher in the group with >3 good quality day 3 embryos. Slightly more embryos were transferred in the ≤3 embryo group. Pregnancy rates (14/32 [43.8%] vs 96/219 [43.8%]; P = NS) and ongoing pregnancy rates (10/32 [31.2%] vs 80/219 [36.5%]; P = NS) were comparable.

Conclusion:  Based on the analysis of our data, the number of top‐quality cleavage stage embryos did not significantly influence BET outcome. Besides embryo selection, other factors such as improved embryo–endometrium synchrony probably play an important role in the higher implantation and pregnancy rates.
Accuracy of the Wallach Endocell endometrial cell sampler in diagnosing endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia
Authors: Kunaviktikul Krida , Suprasert Prapaporn , Khunamornpong Surapan , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Natpratan Apaporn
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To assess the accuracy of the Wallach Endocell endometrial cell sampler in diagnosing endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia.

Methods:  Women aged over 35 years old with abnormal uterine bleeding who came to Chiang Mai University Hospital between June 2008 and June 2009 were invited to participate in this study if they were candidates for the fractional curettage procedure. All patients underwent endometrial sampling prior to endometrial curettage. The endometrial samples from both procedures were separately evaluated by different pathologists. The accuracy of the Wallach Endocell device in diagnosing endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia was calculated by comparison with the final histology. When the results from both procedures were not identical, the final diagnosis was reported according to the consensus of the pathologists. Tissue adequacy was also determined.

Results:  During the study period, 202 patients were recruited into this study. The sensitivity, specificity, false negative rate and false positive rate of the Wallach Endocell in diagnosing endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia were 60.00%, 99.46%, 40.00% and 0.54%, respectively. Of 13 patients with endometrial hyperplasia, six were not detected by the Wallach Endocell device. All endometrial carcinomas were detected by the endometrial sampling procedure. Tissue adequacy from the Wallach Endocell device was 85.6%. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 95.00% and 92.85%, respectively.

Conclusions:  The Wallach Endocell is an effective device for diagnosing endometrial carcinoma; however, the results of endometrial sampling should be interpreted with caution because of a high false negative rate in detecting endometrial hyperplasia.
Pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mandal Debasmita , Mandal Saroj , Mukherjee Dipankar , Biswas Subhash Chandra , Maiti Tapan Kumar , Chattopadhaya Nibedita , Majumdar Biswakes , Panja Manotosh
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To study the clinical profile and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy, and to analyze the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women with this disorder as well as its effect on subsequent pregnancies.

Methods:  All patients admitted with peripartum cardiomyopathy from July 2006 to June 2009 by the Departments of Cardiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology from the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India, were considered for this observational study. Thirty‐six women with 42 pregnancies (36 first pregnancies and six second pregnancies in the same patients) were evaluated.

Results:  Primiparas constituted 39% (14/36) of the total study population. Twenty‐six women (72%) were clinically improved and in 17 (48%) the left ventricular functional status returned to normal. Five cases (14%) developed persistent cardiomyopathy (persistent left ventricular dysfunction beyond six months of presentation), and five women (14%) presented with thromboembolic events and anticoagulation was used as secondary prophylaxis. Maternal mortality was 14% (5/36). Among all live babies two had intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and another two died during the neonatal period. Of the six women with subsequent pregnancies, the patient with persistent cardiomyopathy died after delivering a stillborn baby. The remaining five cases with normal left ventricular functional status had favorable fetal outcomes; however, the mothers experienced morbidities such as symptoms of heart failure (two cases) and one of them progressed to persistent cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:  Subsequent pregnancies should be discouraged as it increases the risk of recurrence of left ventricular dysfunction. Anticoagulation may be considered as a primary prevention of thromboembolism in pregnant mothers with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Acute pelvic inflammatory disease: Diagnostic performance of CT
Authors: Jung Sung Il , Kim Young Jun , Park Hee Sun , Jeon Hae Jeong , Jeong Kyung‐Ah
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To evaluate retrospectively the performance of computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) by the use of clinical and laboratory data as the reference standard.

Methods:  The study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 190 women of reproductive age (age range, 16−49 years; mean age, 29.3 ± 7.6 years) with complaints of non‐traumatic acute lower abdominal pain underwent subsequent abdominopelvic CT. The diagnosis of acute PID was confirmed by the clinical and laboratory findings. Two radiologists performed a blinded, independent, retrospective review of the CT findings of acute PID. Discordant findings were resolved by a consensus review with a third radiologist. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of each CT finding for the diagnosis of acute PID were determined. Kappa statistics were used to estimate agreement between readers.

Results:  Pelvic inflammatory disease was present in 48 (25.3%) of the 190 patients. The most specific CT finding for the diagnosis of acute PID was tubal thickening of both fallopian tubes (95.1%). The most sensitive CT finding was mid‐pelvic fat stranding (60.4%).

Conclusion:  The CT finding of tubal thickening is highly specific for the diagnosis of acute PID, although overall CT sensitivity is poor.
Defunctioning stomas prior to chemoradiation for anal cancer are usually permanent
Authors: Cooper R. , Mason M. , Finan P. , Byrne P. , Sebag‐Montefiore D.
Published: November 2010

Aim  A few patients with anal cancer will require a defunctioning stoma prior to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The purpose of this retrospective review was to determine the frequency with which a pretreatment stoma was subsequently reversed.

Method  Between 1997 and 2007, 46/344 patients who were treated for anal cancer underwent a defunctioning stoma prior to CRT. Thirty‐five of these were treated with curative intent.

Results  Of the 35 patients, 16 patients had T4, 17 T3 and 2 T2 disease. Sixteen were node positive. The average tumour size was 7 cm. The median interval between stoma formation and CRT was 6 (4–20) weeks. The median follow up was 26 (2–80) months. A defunctioning stoma was performed for rectovaginal fistula or risk of fistula in 18 and severe local symptoms in 17. Seven (20%) patients had the stoma reversed subsequently. The reasons for nonreversal were progressive disease (n = 9), persistent fistula (n = 3), predicted poor function (n = 4), cavity formation (n = 1), fibrosis (n = 3), death from another cause (n = 2), patient choice (n = 3) and salvage surgery (n = 2). The overall 3‐year survival was only 48%, explained by the advanced stage of disease at presentation.

Conclusion  Most patients who undergo a defunctioning stoma before CRT will not undergo subsequent reversal. The patient should therefore be informed that the stoma is likely to be permanent and this should be taken into account when considering the type and site of stoma to be formed.
Generation of chimeric repressors that confer salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and rice
Authors: Mito Tomomi , Seki Motoaki , Shinozaki Kazuo , Ohme‐Takagi Masaru , Matsui Kyoko
Published: November 2010

We show here that transgenic Arabidopsis plants that expressed chimeric repressors derived from the AtMYB102, ANAC047, HRS1, ZAT6 and AtERF5 transcription factors were tolerant to treatment with 400 mm NaCl, which was lethal to wild‐type plants. The transgenic plants grew well, without any apparent differences from the wild‐type plants under normal growth condition. The transgenic lines expressing the AtMYB102, ANAC047 and HRS1 chimeric repressors germinated in the presence of 225 mm NaCl, while those expressing the ZAT6 and AtERF5 did not. However, the latter lines were tolerant to osmotic stress and germinated in the presence of 600 mm mannitol, suggesting a link between responses to salt and osmotic stress. Expression of the AtMYB102, ANAC047, ZAT6 and AtERF5 genes was induced by salt treatment, while that of HRS1 was repressed. HRS1 has transcriptional repressive activity and appears to suppress the expression of factors that negatively regulate salt tolerance. Microarray analysis revealed that the levels of expression of DREB1A, DREB2B and several genes for ZAT transcription factors rose 10‐ to 100‐fold in the AtMYB102 chimeric repressor line under both normal and stress conditions. Elevated expression of DREB‐ and ZAT‐ related genes might be involved in the salt tolerance of the AtMYB102 chimeric repressor line. Transgenic rice plants expressing chimeric repressors derived from Os02g0325600 and Os03g0327800, rice homologues of HRS1 and ANAC047, were tolerant to salinity stress demonstrated by suppression of growth inhibition and ion leakages. Expression of a chimeric repressor provides an effective strategy for enhancing tolerance of plants to abiotic stress.
Tracking speakers’ false beliefs: is theory of mind available earlier for word learning?
Authors: Houston‐Price Carmel , Goddard Kate , Séclier Catherine , Grant Sally C. , Reid Caitlin J.B. , Boyden Laura E. , Williams Rhiannon
Published: November 2010

Happé and Loth (2002) describe word learning as a ‘privileged domain’ in the development of a theory of mind. We test this claim in a series of experiments based on the Sally‐Anne paradigm. Three‐ and 4‐year‐old children’s ability to represent others’ false beliefs was investigated in tasks that required the child either to predict the actions of a protagonist in a story or to learn the meaning of a new word used by the protagonist. Experiment 1 replicated previous findings of better performance in a false belief word‐learning task compared to a false belief action‐prediction task. However, systematic manipulation of the task parameters in Experiments 2 and 3 revealed that this performance discrepancy disappeared when tasks were equated in their ‘referential pull’ (Perner, Rendl & Garnham, 2007). We conclude that the notion of a precocious theory of mind for word learning is not required to explain dissociations in performance on false belief tasks.
Changing the rules: Historical conjuncture and transition in Indonesia
Authors: Kimura Ehito
Published: November 2010

After more than three decades of military authoritarian rule, President Suharto resigned from office in May of 1998 and peacefully handed power over to his vice‐president, B.J. Habibie. The ensuing period of transition can be characterised as a ‘critical historical conjuncture’, in that agents wielded a unusually large set of choices about the direction to take the country. This article explores this period, and examines both the roots of the historical conjuncture and its outcomes. It argues that long‐term factors laid the foundations for change, but short‐term factors shaped the timing and way the New Order would fall. It also argues that current outcomes attributable to the historical conjuncture include territorial resilience, a competitive electoral system, and paradoxically, elite entrenchment.
Social dialogue and industrial relations in South Korea: Has the tripartite commission been successful?
Authors: Han Chonghee , Jang Jiho , Kim Sunhyuk
Published: November 2010

This paper analyses the sweeping changes in industrial relations in South Korea that have taken place since democratisation in 1987, which gave workers the right to organise themselves, and critically reviews the development of social dialogue since the financial crisis of 1997. A number of international labour specialists have maintained that social dialogue plays an important role in enhancing economic restructuring and the stability of industrial relations in order to compete in a global economy. Contrary to the positive assessment of social dialogue, the paper argues that the Korean Tripartite Commission has not reduced the antagonism between unions and employer organisations due to the influence of embedded, state‐led economic development. The financial crisis of 1997 merely provided a catalyst to propel the ‘historic compromise’ of February 1998, without creating effective institutional arrangements to maintain social dialogue. It is worth noting that the uncertainty of social dialogue results from the inability of the Korean Tripartite Commission to encourage employers and workers to trade off wage restraint for job security in the context of a lack of social welfare protections. The paralysed Korean Tripartite Commission provides fertile ground for reflecting on the complex relationship between social dialogue and institutional arrangements.
A Literature Review of Randomized Clinical Trials of Intravenous Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) for Acute Postoperative Pain
Authors: Macario Alex , Royal Mike A.
Published: November 2010

Introduction:  This study's objective was to systematically review the literature to assess analgesic outcomes of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen for acute postoperative pain in adults.

Methods:  We searched Medline and the Cochrane library (January 1, 2000 to January 17, 2010, date of last search) for prospective, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of IV acetaminophen vs. either an active comparator or placebo.

Results:  Sixteen articles from 9 countries published between 2005 and 2010 met inclusion criteria and had a total of 1,464 patients. Median sample size = 54 patients (range 25 to 165) and median follow‐up = 1 day (range 1 hour to 7 days). Four of the 16 articles had 3 arms in the study. One article had 4 arms. As a result, 22 study comparisons were analyzed: IV acetaminophen to an active comparator (n = 8 studies) and IV acetaminophen to placebo (n = 14 studies). The RCTs were of high methodological quality with Jadad median score = 5. In 7 of 8 active comparator studies (IV parecoxib [n = 3 studies], IV metamizol [n = 4], oral ibuprofen [n = 1]), IV acetaminophen had similar analgesic outcomes as the active comparator. Twelve of the 14 placebo studies found that IV acetaminophen patients had improved analgesia. Ten of those 14 studies reported less opioid consumption, a lower percentage of patients rescuing, or a longer time to first rescue with IV acetaminophen. Formal meta‐analysis pooling was not performed because the studies had different primary end points, and the IV acetaminophen dosing regimens varied in dose, and duration and timing.

Conclusion:  In aggregate, these data indicate that IV acetaminophen is an effective analgesic across a variety of surgical procedures.
Does Insurance Help to Escape the Poverty Trap?—A Ruin Theoretic Approach
Authors: Kovacevic Raimund M. , Pflug Georg Ch.
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Poverty trapping refers to the fact that poor people in developing countries cannot escape their poverty without help from outside. This is worsened by extreme events, for example, floods or hurricanes, sending people to poverty who have not been poor before. Often, insurance is seen as a way out. This article studies poverty trapping in the context of catastrophic risk and introduces a ruin‐type model, combining deterministic growth with a stochastic loss model. We analyze the properties of the resulting piecewise deterministic Markov process, especially its trapping risk, and discuss for which groups of people insurance can reduce trapping probability.
Transitions: Notes on Sociocultural Anthropology's Present and Its Transnational Potential
Authors: Gingrich Andre
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT  In this article, I address the 2009 AAA conference theme by arguing that sociocultural anthropology is going through a unique process of transitions. Although these transitions do not indicate the “end of anthropology” as such, they certainly highlight that the era of national traditions is coming to a close. In the difficult phases of advanced globalization that we are going through, our field is in a relatively good position to further develop its transnational potential, which is crucial to coping with the emerging challenges of the present and the future. For sociocultural anthropology's continuing transformation along transnational lines, I argue that we have to seriously engage with the transnationalization of two main dimensions: the institutional and the epistemological. This requires the transnationalization of some among the relations of production of anthropological knowledge and also of this field's epistemological foundations.
A Review of Tenure and Promotion Guidelines in Higher Education: Optimistic Signs for Applied, Practicing, and Public Interest Anthropology
Authors: Bennett Linda A. , Khanna Sunil K.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT  Anthropology as a discipline over the past four decades has attracted increasingly more students studying at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the same time, the career expectations of many students have shifted from a primary focus on full‐time academic positions to a multitude of types of positions in the public and private sectors. Many of these positions are in the area of practicing, applied, and public interest anthropology. An essential aspect of the education of students headed for such careers is the experience of working in community‐based and “engaged scholarly endeavors.” The availability of such experiences for students depends, in part, on the tenure and promotion process for faculty. For this review, we have examined tenure and promotion guidelines from five universities with a commitment to educating students in practicing, applied, and public interest anthropology.
Safety of agalsidase alfa in patients with Fabry disease under 7 years
Authors: Ramaswami U , Parini R , Kampmann C , Beck M
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the safety and explore the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease with agalsidase alfa in young children enrolled in the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS).

Methods:  This retrospective chart review identified eight children (mean age = 5.0 ± 1.6 [mean ± SD]) in FOS who began treatment with agalsidase alfa (0.2 mg/kg, i.v., every other week) when <7 years old. Vital signs and adverse events were monitored throughout the study period. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated, and left ventricular mass indexed to height2.7 (LVMi) was assessed with echocardiography. Patients received 1.2–6.7 years of treatment (mean = 4.2 years).

Results:  Infusion reactions occurred in three patients and were of mild or moderate severity. IgG antibodies to agalsidase alfa were found in one patient who experienced two mild and one moderate infusion reactions. Mean GFR was within the normal range at baseline and remained normal. LVMi was above the 75th percentile of age‐matched children in 5 of 6 patients evaluated at baseline. Only two patients exceeded this threshold at their last assessment.

Conclusion:  Long‐term observation will be needed to determine whether early initiation of ERT will prevent major organ dysfunction in these patients.
National guidelines for treatment of jaundice in the newborn
Authors: Bratlid D , Nakstad B , Hansen TWR
Published: November 2010

Jaundice is the most common reason for instituting treatment in otherwise healthy as well as sick newborn infants. Herein, we describe the process employed in Norway to forge agreement on a set of treatment guidelines that are now used across the country. The Norwegian Pediatric Association was a key resource in this process, which involved contacts with all paediatric departments in Norway.

We have also performed an international survey regarding the use of such national guidelines, showing that the majority of those queried confirm having national guidelines.

The evidence base for any neonatal jaundice guideline is weak; therefore, it is not surprising that the various guidelines differ both in format and in specifics. In the Norwegian guidelines, treatment indications are based on bilirubin concentrations and related to birth weight. Postnatal age is also factored in because jaundice develops gradually during the first 3–4 days before it levels off.

Conclusion:  Following the introduction of these guidelines, fewer babies in Norway receive phototherapy, and no cases of chronic kernicterus have been reported during this period.
Prevalence and Correlated Factors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases—Chlamydia, Neisseria, Cytomegalovirus—In Female Rape Victims
Authors: Jo Sion , Shin Jonghwan , Song Kyoung Jun , Kim Jin Joo , Hwang Kyu Ri , Bhally Hasan
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was not well known in female rape victims.

Aim

To assess the prevalence and correlated factors of STIs—especially Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in female rape victims presenting to a dedicated regional referral center in South Korea after settle down of intergrated service center for sexual abuse in study hospital.

Main Outcome Measures

Positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for CT, NG, and CMV.

Methods

A retrospective observational analysis was conducted from December 2008 to February 2010. All females, regardless of age and previous sexual history, who were victims of rape, and self presented or referred to the regional center for medical care and couselling were included. Relevant diagnostic tests for STIs—including PCR by cervical swab—were performed. Analysis for virgin (VIR) and nonvirgin (non-VIR) groups was done separately to compare certain clinical characteristics.

Results

A total of 316 females were included. Overall STI prevalence was 32.91%; CT in a majority (28.85%) followed by NG (6.27%), CMV(1.37%). In VIR group, prevalence of STI was 26.67%; 20.00% in CT, 4.55% in GN, 2.33% in CMV. A small and non-significant difference in STI was noted in VIR and non-VIR groups (26.67% vs. 34.26%, respectively). STI prevalence was higher in young women 20 to 24 years of age and girls 15 to 19 years of age compared with other age groups. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.909, confidence interval [CI]: 0.851–0.971) and pyuria (OR: 3.454, CI: 1.567–7.614) were determined as significant correlated factors after multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

Prevalence of CT and GN in female rape victims was introduced and it was higher than that in the general population. Even in the VIR group, it was high. CMV prevalence in the female genital tract was reported firstly.