bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audible in Utero Sound Caused by the Ultrasonic Radiation Force from a Real‐Time Scanner
Authors: Arulkumaran Sabaratnam , Talbert David G. , Nyman Margareta , Westgren Magnus , Su Hsu Tar , Ratnam Shan S.
Published: August 2010

While investigating in utero sound levels during vibro‐acoustic stimulation on the maternal abdomen it was noticed that noise level increased when the real‐time ultrasonic scanner beam was directed at the sensing hydrophone. The noise was recorded and later analysed for frequency content and waveform. It appeared related to the scanning and frame rate frequencies of the scanner used. Sounds may originate from radiation pressure produced when the ultrasound beam is absorbed by tissue or reflected from bone or the metal hydrophone. This implies that although ultrasound cannot be heard per se, any modulation of its intensity will produce vibrations in the maternal tissues or reflecting structures such as skull bone, and especially stapes, malleus and incus, that would be heard as sound by the fetus. The intensity of the sound produced varied with orientation of the transducer beam and this may itself produce a stimulation. Based on our recordings (Fig. 1), it was calculated (please see Appendix) that the fetus would hear a sound corresponding to 84dB noise pressure level in air.
Urinary Levels of Nitric Oxide Metabolites in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Authors: Begum Sultana , Yamasaki Mineo , Mochizuki Matsuto
Published: August 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study is to clarify the physiological role of nitric oxide (NO) in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Study Design: Thirty normotensive women (1st trimester, n = 7; 2nd trimester, n = 6; 3rd trimester, n=10; puerperal period, n = 1) and 19 patients with preeclampsia (3rd trimester, n = 9; puerperal period, n = 10) were studied. Urinary and blood samples were obtained from each participant who was designed to be under the same condition. Urinary NOx (nitrate/nitrite) was measured with Greiss method after nitrate reduction. Urinary cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cGMP), creatinine clearance, serum triglyceride, uric acid, albumin and blood cell count were also determined.

Results: 1) Urinary NOx levels in 2nd and 3rd trimester of normal pregnancy tended to be higher than those in 1st trimester. There was also a tendency of decreased urinary NOx in puerperal period. Urinary NOx in antepartum preeclampsia was significantly lower than that of normal pregnancy in 3rd trimester. 2) Urinary cGMP was significantly higher in 2nd trimester of normal pregnancy than in 1st trimester. There was also a tendency of decreased urinary cGMP in puerperal period. In preeclampsia the values in 3rd trimester were significantly higher than those in puerperium. 3) A significant positive correlation was observed between urinary NOx and cGMP only in 3rd trimester of normal gestation. 4) In normal pregnancy of 3rd trimester, significant negative correlations were observed between urinary NOx and either of mean blood pressure or serum triglyceride. In preeclampsia of antepartum, urinary excretion of NOx was significantly correlated positively with creatinine clearance and negatively with mean blood pressure or serum uric acid. Urinary excretion of NOx in both of normal pregnant and preeclamptic women in 3rd trimester was significantly correlated with serum triglyceride.

Conclusion: It is suggested that NO may modulate the cardiovascular changes during pregnancy and impaired production of the molecule may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Sertoli Leydig Cell Tumor with Malignant Heterologous Elements and Raised Alpha‐Fetoprotein: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Zeba N. , Singh Manoj K. , Chopra Prem
Published: August 2010

A case of a Sertoli Leydig cell tumor in a young female with virilizing symptoms and an androgenic endocrine profile with raised serum alpha‐fetoprotein is presented. The tumor consisted predominantly of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal heterologous elements. Such a combination in the same tumor has to the best of our knowledge not been previously reported in English literature. The Leydig cells were immnohistochemically positive for alpha‐fetoprotein. Sertoli Leydig cell tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumors with raised alpha‐fetoprotein. Chemotherapy in addition to surgery has been recommended for these tumors.
Psychiatric Consultations in Obstetric Inpatients
Authors: Tsai Shih‐Jen , Lee Ying‐Chiao , Yang Chen‐Hong , Sim Cho‐Boon
Published: August 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychiatric consultation condition in the obstetric ward with particular attention paid to the reasons for referral, psychiatric diagnoses and recommendations.

Methods: This study was conducted in a medical center with 73 obstetric beds. All psychiatric consultations of obstetric inpatients during a 3‐year period were included in this study. Data were derived from clinical charts and consultation records that included demographic data, reasons for referral, psychiatric diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

Results: Within the 3 ‐year period, 28 patients were referred for psychiatric consultation, or 0.3% of the 9,972 obstetric admissions. The obstetric group represented 0.7% of all the psychiatric consultations. The most common reason for the referral was anxiety. Many obstetric problems, medical histories and psychiatric histories were found in these 28 patients. The most common diagnoses were depression or dysthymia, and schizophrenia. The diagnosis of organic mental disorders was rarely found. The vast majority of the psychiatric consultants were likely to recommend medication and psychological intervention.

Conclusion: Even though there is a low psychiatric consultation rate among the obstetric inpatients, it does not mean that the prevalence rate of mental disorders is low in the obstetric patients. Psychiatric problems may be neglected or happen after patients are discharged. Organic mental disorders were rarely found in the obstetric patients which suggested a different pattern of mental disorders in the obstetric patients compared to other patients. The stress during child delivery needs further study for it may exacerbate or predispose a mental disorder. It is suggested that collaboration between obstetric staff and the consultation‐liaison psychiatrists may provide better care for pregnant women patients.
Hybrid Capture™ Method for Detection of Human Papillomavirus DNA in Clinical Specimens: A Tool for Clinical Management of Equivocal Pap Smears and for Population Screening
Authors: Lörincz Attila T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Key Words

High‐ and intermediate‐risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in concert with cofactors are responsible for over 90% of cervical cancers world‐wide. While the Pap smear is a valuable cancer prevention tool, its subjective nature leaves it error prone. As a result, HPV DNA testing appears to be a needed adjunct to the Pap smear. Hybrid Capture is a simple DNA test with high specificity and sensitivity which appears useful for clinical management of equivocal Pap tests and shows promise for mass screening.
Detection of Herpes Simplex DNA in Semen and Menstrual Blood of Individuals Attending an Infertility Clinic*
Authors: Borai Nadia El , Inoue Masato , Lefèvre Christophe , Naumova Elena N. , Sato Bunzo , Yamamura Masaichi
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine a possible link between herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV) and infertility.

Method: A specifically designed polymerase chain reaction with nested primers, was developed and used to test for HSV in 153 men and 20 women attending an infertility clinic.

Results: HSV DNA was detected in 37 (24%) out of 153 semen samples and in 11 (55%) out of 20 menstrual blood samples. However, HSV DNA (0%) was not detected in the semen of 16 males with children.

A significant association between the evidence for infertility and an HSV positive test was observed in men (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.024), and a stronger effect was found in females after failed in vitro fertilization (Fisher's exact test p = 0.0086).

Conclusion: This is the first report of the detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in semen and menstrual blood.

Encouraging preliminary results justify antiviral therapy in case of a positive test.
Pregnancy and Delivery in Patients with von Willebrand's Disease
Authors: Ito Masazumi , Yoshimura Kouichi , Toyoda Nagayasu , Wada Hideo
Published: August 2010

Objective: To explore the obstetrical problems that are encountered in women with von Willebrand's disease (vWD).

Methods: Case histories of 6 women whose pregnancies were complicated by vWD were reviewed retrospectively over an 11‐year period. The disease had been diagnosed before pregnancy in only 2 cases. The 6 women had a total of 10 deliveries, 3 induced abortions, and 1 spontaneous abortion.

Results: Although all 6 women had Type‐I vWD, their laboratory data and bleeding symptoms varied. The 10 full‐term deliveries were all vaginal. Heat‐treated concentrated Factor‐VIII preparations were administered in 2 cases, in both of which abortions were induced during the 2nd trimester. Genital bleeding persisted in the second case, so that the administration of Factor VIII was repeated, and the patient underwent uterine curettage on the 12th day after abortion. Desmopressin was administered before the early induction of abortion in 1 case. The patient with persistent genital bleeding after spontaneous abortion received Factor VIII for 5 consecutive days.

Conclusion: Bleeding problems occurred about 1 week after delivery or at the time of induced abortion in the 6 women with vWD. Thus, such patients require special care during pregnancy.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Management of Urethral Obstruction
Authors: Rani Reddi , Cameron Alan , Munro Fraser
Published: August 2010

Eighteen cases of bladder outlet obstruction were diagnosed at Queen Mother's Haspital, Glasgow, over a period of 6 years. Commonest cause was posterior urethral valve in 11 cases (61%). Oligohydramnios was present in 78% of cases with a mortality of 67% mainly due to pulmonary hypoplasia. The 6 surviving infants (33%) underwent early postnatal surgery. Two of these have chronic renal failure on follow‐up.
A Case of Uterine Choriocarcinoma with Spontaneous Rupture Twenty‐Three Years following the Antecedent Pregnancy
Authors: Okamoto Tomomitsu , Nomura Seiji , Nakanishi Toru , Yamada Satoru , Tomoda Yutaka
Published: August 2010

A 53‐year‐old woman went into shock with a spontaneous uterine rupture due to choriocarcinoma that occurred 23 years after an elective abortion in the first trimester, and she underwent an emergency hysterectomy. After 4 courses of uneventful postoperative chemotherapy, she suffered from severe pneumonia. Fortunately, however, she recovered and has remained in complete remission at 2.5 years follow‐up. This is a case of uterine choriocarcinoma with a spontaneous rupture after the longest latent period yet reported.
Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Fetal Cholelithiasis
Authors: Nishi Takenori
Published: August 2010

A case of opacity in the fetal gallbladder was diagnosed by ultrasound. The lesion resolved spontaneously in the postnatal period. Careful follow‐up ultrasound examinations are necessary for fetal cholelithiasis in the pre‐ and postnatal periods, and conservative management is mandatory.
Factors Influencing an Ultrasound‐Estimated Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ino Yasushi , Mizuno Kimio , Suzuki Akihiko , Tamakoshi Akiko , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Tomoda Yutaka
Published: August 2010

Objective: There are various methods for determining bone‐mineral density for diagnosing osteoporosis. The most accurate method among them is dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and the simplest one utilizes an ultrasound bone densitometer. We investigated factors influencing the correlation between bone‐density values determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and by the use of an ultrasound bone densitometer.

Methods: Sixty‐seven postmenopausal Japanese women aged from 31 to 68 years old were enrolled in the study. Bone‐mineral densities (BMDs) of the lumbar spine (L2–4) measured by DEXA and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the right os calcaneus measured by an ultrasound bone densitometer were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: Multivariate analysis indicated that the patient's exercise history was useful — following the number of years since menopause and body weight — for determining lumbar spine bone‐mineral density. The influence of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mass in postmenopausal women is also considered to be marked, but the results of the present multivariate analysis showed almost no influence on BUA or the L2–4 BMD.

Conclusions: The patient's exercise history should be taken into consideration when lumbar spine bone‐mineral density is estimated using an ultrasound bone densitometer instead of DEXA.
A Phenotypically Normal Liveborn Male after Prenatal Diagnosis of Trisomy 20 Mosaicism
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Miharu Norio , He Hu , Honda Hiroshi , Samura Osamu , Nakaoka Yoshiharu , Ohama Koso
Published: August 2010

We report on a case of prenatally diagnosed trisomy 20 mosaicism. Conventional cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a chromosome 20 specific probe were performed on the lymphocytes and extra‐embryonic tissues after birth. All of them revealed normal karyotypes. The baby is developing normally at the age of 2 years.
Evaluation of Patients with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis for Genital Involvement
Authors: Aka Nurettin , Vural E. Zeynep Tuzcular
Published: August 2010

Fifty‐seven women hospitalized for active pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated for genital involvement using menstrual blood culture, curettage and hystero‐salpingography. Seven patients (12.3%) were diagnosed as genital tuberculosis. Infertility was present in 71.4% of our patients.
Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis of St14 (DXS52) VNTR: Carrier Detection of Hemophilia A
Authors: Yang Young Ho , Song Kyung Soon , Kim In Kyu , Cha Dong Hyun
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine the frequency of St14 VNTR allele in Koreans as a marker of the hemophilia A and to evaluate the efficacy of this marker for carrier detection of hemophilia A

Methods: PCR amplified RFLP analysis of St14 VNTR was done in 312 X‐chrombsomes of 122 unrelated Korean males and 95 females and the same method was applied to carrier detection in the 2 hemophilia A families.

Results: There were 13 alleles of different sizes of St14 VNTR locus appeared in 312 X‐chromosomes of unrelated Koreans.

For carrier detection of hemophilia A, in the family A, the mother showed 1390/1330 bp alleles and the father showed 700 bp allele. The affected son has inherited 1390 bp allele from his mother. The daughter at risk showed 1330/700 bp alleles. In family B, the mother showed 1280/700 bp alleles and the stepfather showed 1390 bp allele. The affected son has inherited 1280 bp allele. The daughter at risk showed 1390/700 bp alleles. And so the daughters of the 2 families were not carriers for hemophilia A.

Conclusion: PCR analysis of St14 VNTR was a useful tool for carrier detection of hemophilia A.
Secular Rates of Twinning in Asia: Recent Observations and Review of Literature*
Authors: Shek Yuhang , Huang Amy , Shek Yuanfu , Keith Louis
Published: August 2010

Objective: To study the rates of twinning in Asian countries using the most recent data available.

Method: A Medline search was performed and all primary and secondary references obtained.

Results: Data was obtained from 5 Asian countries from reports published between 1983 and 1993. Total twinning rates varied.

Conclusion: Twinning among Asians is much more variable than had been reported previously. Further documentation in this area is indicated.
A Study of Tubo‐Ovarian and Ovarian Abscesses, with a Focus on Cases with Endometrioma
Authors: Kubota Takeyoshi , Ishi Kazuhisa , Takeuchi Hisaya
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine the incidence and causes of endometrioma‐associated tubo‐ovarian abscesses (TOAs) and ovarian abscesses.

Methods: The medical records of 6,557 gynecologic inpatients were reviewed, and the data were analyzed using the median test and χ2 test.

Results: The incidence of TOAs was 2.3% (5/218) in patients with endometrioma, and 0.2% (11/6,339) in patients without endometrioma (p = 0.0001). Among the TOA cases (n = 16), no significant differences in age, parity, history of pelvic surgery, or isolated organisms were observed between the subgroups with (n = 5) and without endometrioma (n = 11). There were only 2 cases of ovarian abscess, and both were associated with endometrioma. The causes of the abscesses in the 7 cases with endometrioma were contamination during surgery (1 case), contamination during a transvaginal endometrioma aspiration (1 case), and ascending infection (1 case), and unknown in 4 cases.

Conclusions: The presence of endometrioma is a risk factor for the development of a TOA or an ovarian abscess.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever during Pregnancy: Antepartum, Intrapartum and Postpartum Management
Authors: Bunyavejchevin Suvit , Tanawattanacharoen Somchai , Taechakraichana Nimit , Thisyakorn Usa , Tannirandorn Yuen , Limpaphayom Kobchitt
Published: August 2010

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a common tropical disease in Thailand that nowadays has an increasing incidence during adulthood.

We managed three cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever during pregnancy which developed during the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods. We diagnosed dengue hemorrhagic fever during pregnancy with clinical pictures of fever, hemoconcentration and thrombocytopenia with serological proof in all cases. All cases were treated conservatively except for the second one, in which cesarean delivery was inevitable due to severe preeclampsia with unfavorable cervix. All patients and their babies were in good condition before discharge.

With increasing incidence during adulthood, more cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever in pregnancy can be found. Conservative treatment should be conducted in all cases. We believe that this is the first case report of intrapartum dengue hemorrhagic fever during pregnancy.
The Immunotherapy during in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Cycles in Infertile Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Kim Chung‐Hoon , Chae Hee‐Dong , Kang Byung‐Moon , Chang Yoon Seok , Mok Jung‐Eun
Published: August 2010

Objective: To investigate if the immunotherapy with corticosteroids would improve the pregnancy rate in infertile patients with endometriosis who undergo in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET).

Methods: Forty‐two infertile patients with endometriosis plus tubal factor and 87 pure tubal infertility patients who underwent IVF‐ET in our unit were allocated randomly to the corticosteroid treatment group and the control group.

Results: The prevalence of autoantibodies (antinuclear antibody, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, rheumatoid factor) was elevated significantly in patients with endometriosis plus tubal factor compared with pure tubal infertility patients (38.1% vs 2.3%). Twenty‐one patients with endometriosis plus tubal factor underwent 54 cycles of IVF‐ET, receiving corticosteroids. Forty‐three patients with pure tubal factor underwent 81 cycles of IVF‐ET, receiving corticosteroids. Twenty‐one patients with endometriosis plus tubal factor who underwent 57 cycles of IVF‐ET and 44 patients with pure tubal factor who underwent 84 cycles of IVF‐ET served as controls, not receiving corticosteroids. In patients with endometriosis plus tubal factor, there was a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate per cycle in the treatment group, with 42.6% (23/54) compared with 22.8% (13/57) in the control group but no differences between 2 groups in spontaneous abortion rate (21.7% vs 15.4%) and multiple pregnancy rate (17.4% vs 15.4%). In patients with pure tubal infertility, there were no significant differences between the treatment group and control group in clinical pregnancy rate (40.7% vs 34.5%), spontaneous abortion rate (12.1% vs 10.3%) or multiple pregnancy rate (18.2% vs 10.3%). In the endometriosis plus tubal infertility group with autoantibodies, the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle was significantly higher in the treatment group at 40.9% compared with 14.8% in the control group. In endometriosis plus tubal infertility group without autoantibodies, there was no significant difference between 2 groups with respect to the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle (43.8% vs 30.0%).

Conclusions: This study suggests that immunotherapy with corticosteroids could improve the clinical pregnancy rate in endometriosis patients undergoing IVF‐ET and may be more effective in patients with positive autoantibodies.
Integrin Adhesion Molecules in the Endometrial Glandular Epithelium in Patients with Endometriosis or Adenomyosis
Authors: Ota Hirotaka , Tanaka Toshinobu
Published: August 2010

Objective: To assess the role of β1 ‐integrin and E‐cadherin molecules in the eutopic glandular epithelium in patients with endometriosis or adenomyosis.

Study Design: Twenty‐four patients with endometriosis, and 22 patients with adenomyosis diagnosed histologically were selected as subjects. The controls consisted of 29 fertile women. Eutopic endometria were obtained by curettage or immediately after the operation. The samples were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of very late activation antigen‐2 (VLA‐2), VLA‐3, VLA‐4, VLA‐5, VLA‐6, and E‐cadherin.

Results: The expression of each VLA molecule and E‐cadherin except VLA‐4, VLA‐5, and VLA‐6 was significantly increased throughout the menstrual cycle in endometria in both the endometriosis and adenomyosis groups. In contrast, the expression of VLA‐4 in the adenomyosis group was significantly reduced in the secretory phase.

Conclusion: Altered expression of β1‐integrins and E‐cadherin was observed throughout the menstrual cycle in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis, suggesting the defective microenvironment of the endometrium.
Cancer of the Cervix in Pregnancy: A 31‐Year Experience at the Philippine General Hospital
Authors: Manuel‐Limson Genara A. , Ladines‐Llave Cecilia A. , Sotto Luciano S. J. , Manalo Augusto M.
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine whether pregnancy, manner of delivery, the type and timing of therapy would affect the course of cervical cancer.

Methods: Records of cervical cancer cases at the Philippine General Hospital from 1961 to 1990 were reviewed.

Results: Survival rate (SR) for cancer of the cervix in pregnancy was not different from that of the non‐pregnant. Those who delivered abdominally and treated by surgery posted a higher SR compared to those delivered vaginally and treated by radiotherapy. Majority of those delivered abdominally or had surgery were in Stage I while majority of those delivered vaginally or had radiotherapy were in the late stages. Nodal metastasis was associated with poorer prognosis.

Conclusions: Survival rates were not affected by pregnancy nor by the manner of delivery, the mode and timing of treatment, but were still largely determined by the stage and by the presence of nodal metastasis.
Maternal Perception of Sound Provoked Fetal Movement for Antepartum Assessment of Fetal Well‐being
Authors: Chittacharoen A. , Herabutya Y. , Tungsagonwattana S. , Suthutvoravut S.
Published: August 2010

Objective: To assess the reliability and application of maternal perception of sound provoked fetal movement for antepartum assessment of fetal well‐being.

Methods: Six hundred singleton high risk pregnant women of at least 32 weeks gestation were studied on 684 occasions. The response was compared with a nonstress test (NST) performed before a 3 second vibroacoustic stimulation with an electronic artificial larynx. The result of maternal perception of sound provoked fetal movement was compared to the NST and the perinatal outcome using sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy.

Results: On 684 occasions, a positive response to sound stimulation, recorded as a fetal movement by the mother, occurred on 642 occasions (93.9%) and was accompanied by a reactive NST on 630 occasions; giving a specificity of 97.1% and a negative predictive value of 98.1%. Results of maternal perception of sound provoked fetal movement and NST, performed within a week of delivery, in 560 women were compared with perinatal outcome. The maternal perception of sound provoked fetal movement test had better sensitivity (64.7%) for poor perinatal outcome than the NST (58.8%). Both tests were not different in specificity (96.3% vs 96.5%), positive predictive value (35.5% vs 34.5%), negative predictive value (98.9% vs 98.7%), and accuracy (95.4% vs 95.4%).

Conclusion: The findings suggested that maternal perception of sound provoked fetal movement may be an effective screening test to identify fetal compromise in antepartum period. This test is a simple and inexpensive test for evaluating fetal well‐being in primary health care setting.
Ovarian Pregnancy Diagnosed in the Third Trimester: A Case Report
Authors: Seki Hiroyuki , Kuromaki Ken‐ichi , Takeda Satoru , Kinoshita Katsuyuki
Published: August 2010

We observed a patient with a primary ovarian pregnancy complicated by severe preeclampsia and a presumed fetal anomaly. Diagnosis was made at cesarean section at 30 weeks of gestation. Etoposide, given intravenously at a dose of 100 mg daily for 5 days, prevented massive bleeding during the procedure that was subsequently performed to separate the placenta.
Decoupled leaf and stem economics in rain forest trees
Authors: Baraloto Christopher , Timothy Paine C. E. , Poorter Lourens , Beauchene Jacques , Bonal Damien , Domenach Anne‐Marie , Hérault Bruno , Patiño Sandra , Roggy Jean‐Christophe , Chave Jerome
Published: August 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1338–1347

Cross‐species analyses of plant functional traits have shed light on factors contributing to differences in performance and distribution, but to date most studies have focused on either leaves or stems. We extend these tissue‐specific analyses of functional strategy towards a whole‐plant approach by integrating data on functional traits for 13 448 leaves and wood tissues from 4672 trees representing 668 species of Neotropical trees. Strong correlations amongst traits previously defined as the leaf economics spectrum reflect a tradeoff between investments in productive leaves with rapid turnover vs. costly physical leaf structure with a long revenue stream. A second axis of variation, the ‘stem economics spectrum’, defines a similar tradeoff at the stem level: dense wood vs. high wood water content and thick bark. Most importantly, these two axes are orthogonal, suggesting that tradeoffs operate independently at the leaf and at the stem levels. By simplifying the multivariate ecological strategies of tropical trees into positions along these two spectra, our results provide a basis to improve global vegetation models predicting responses of tropical forests to global change.
Influence of caspases 8 and 9 gene promoter polymorphism on prostate cancer susceptibility and early development of hormone refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Kesarwani Pravin , Mandal Raju K. , Maheshwari Ruchir , Mittal Rama Devi
Published: August 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Earlier, role of caspases in cancer initiation and progression was documented. However, our paper is the first to find association of caspase gene polymorphism in PCa progression (CASP 8 ‐652) and metastasis (CASP 9‐1263 G). Moreover, our paper shows that the gene polymorphisms in the promoter region of the gene can play a major role in development of hormone refectory prostate cancer (CASP 8‐652). Results from this pilot study may be revaluated, and may be applicable in clinical practice. The PCa subjects with presence of CASP 8 ‐652 (‐/‐) allele may not be good subjects for hormone therapy, therefore these patients can be given any other alternative therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate, by genotyping CASP8 (−652 6N del/ins) and CASP9 (−1263 A > G; −293 19N del/ins), whether inactivation of apoptosis by genetic polymorphism of caspases 8 and 9 play an integral role in the mechanism of cancer development.

To investigate the role of these polymorphisms in susceptibility to early development of hormone refractory prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 175 histologically confirmed cases of prostate cancer and 198 age and ethnicity matched healthy controls.

CASP9−1263 A > G polymorphism was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

CASP9−293 del/ins and CASP8−652 del/ins polymorphisms were genotyped and the deletion pattern analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that presence of CASP9−1263 G allele was associated with reduced risk for prostate cancer (odds ratio 0.6, 95%CI 0.39–0.92, P= 0.02). Other variant CASP9 was not associated with prostate cancer risk.

Coincidentally, the presence of CASP9−1263 G allele was associated with increased risk for progression of prostate cancer to bone metastasis (odds ratio −2.28, 95%CI 1.14–4.53, P= 0.02).

CASP8–652 (+/−) genotype was associated with increased hazard for early development of hormone refractory prostate cancer (hazard ratio 2.44, 95%CI 1.2–5.85, P= 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Our results support the hypothesis that variants of CASP9 may influence the susceptibility to prostate cancer and its progression to bone metastasis.

CASP8 polymorphism may influence the progression of prostate cancer disease to a hormone refractory state.
Age‐related properties of the tumour vasculature in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Meehan Brian , Appu Sree , St Croix Brad , Rak‐Poznanska Krystyna , Klotz Laurence , Rak Janusz
Published: August 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (case series) Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Little is known about the impact of vascular ageing on the angiogenic features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a disease in which antiangiogenic therapy currently has a well established role. It is also rather surprising that this question has not been raised in a disease context where patients’ age may differ by several decades. We provide the first glimpse in to the related vasclar changes, including morphology and some of the molecular features.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether ageing processes influence angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) we carried out a pilot study of vascular properties in a series of archival primary kidney tumours in patients of different ages.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of patients with RCC was identified restrospectively, with an age range of 35–84 years.

Paraffin‐embedded, formalin‐fixed sections of surgical tumour specimens were stained for endothelial (CD31, von Willebrand factor [vWF]), pericyte (alpha smooth muscle actin [SMA]) and leucocytic (CD45) markers, as well as for proliferative (Ki67) and angiogenic activity (tumour endothelial markers [TEMs], delta‐like 4 [Dll4], Dll1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]).

Vascular properties were compared between patients above and below 65 years of age.

RESULTS

Microvascular density (MVD) within capillary hot spots was generally higher in patients with non‐metastatic clear‐cell RCC (ccRCC; n= 21) than in those with metastatic RCC (mRCC; n= 9).

Patients with ccRCC who were more than 65 years old showed significantly higher MVD than their younger (<65 years) counterparts. There were dividing (Ki67‐positive) endothelial and mural cells in both small (<20 µm) capillary and large (>20 µm), pre‐capillary vessels, suggesting the involvement of both angiogenic and remodelling/arteriogenic processes.

Tumour endothelial markers (TEM1, TEM7, TEM8), Notch ligands (Dll1, Dll4), and other molecular characteristics (eNOS) were analysed. Age‐related differences were observed in the frequency of pre‐capillary vessels expressing Dll1, which was significantly higher in tumours of younger patients (<65 years), while eNOS was more prevalent among capillaries associated with ccRCC in older patients (>65 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that age influences the structural and molecular properties of the tumour vasculature in ccRCC.

We postulate that vascular ageing could also be relevant in the context of anti‐angiogenic therapy.
THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE WORKWEEK IN THE UNITED STATES: EVIDENCE FROM THE FIFA WORLD CUP
Authors: LOZANO FERNANDO A
Published: August 2010

In this paper, I explore the flexibility of the workweek in the United States, using the FIFA Soccer World Cup as a natural experiment. My empirical strategy exploits the exogenous variation that arises due to which country hosts the World Cup, as this will determine the time games are broadcast across different time zones in the United States. The hour of the day when games are broadcast differentially affects hours of work across different time zones. Further, the calendar timing of the World Cup allows me to compare labor market outcomes in June/July for a worker in World Cup year t, with the outcomes in June/July for a worker in non‐World Cup years t + 1, t + 2 and t + 3. My results highlight the importance of the worker's pay frequency in their workweek flexibility, as all differences in weekly hours of work due to the World Cup are concentrated among salary paid workers. Also, my results show that after controlling for observable demographic characteristics as well as year and month fixed effects, a worker reduces on average his hours of work during the World Cup by statistically significant estimates that range from 9 weekly minutes to 28 weekly minutes, depending on specification choice and time of the day during which World Cup games are broadcast live in the United States.(JELJ22)
CARROTS AND STICKS: PRIZES AND PUNISHMENTS IN CONTESTS
Authors: MOLDOVANU BENNY , SELA ANER , SHI XIANWEN
Published: August 2010

We study optimal contest design in situations where the designer can reward high performance agents with positive prizes and punish low performance agents with negative prizes. We link the optimal prize structure to the curvature of distribution of abilities in the population. In particular, we identify conditions under which, even if punishment is costly, punishing the bottom is more effective than rewarding the top in eliciting effort input. If punishment is costless, we study the optimal number of punishments in the contest. (JEL D44, D82, J31, J41)
SOCIAL SAVINGS
Authors: Leunig Tim
Published: August 2010

Abstract ‘Social savings’ is a cliometric concept to measure the benefit to society of technological improvements. The terms are defined, and the relationship between social savings and consumer surplus, total factor productivity and growth accounting measures is discussed. We critically outline Fogel's original application of social savings to American railroads in 1890, before looking at subsequent uses of the concept, both to other transport improvements and to other technological changes more generally. The paper concludes by setting out areas to which social savings could be applied, as well as setting out guidelines that future economic historians should use when applying the technique, in order to maximize the likely usefulness of any such work.
Comparative analysis of drought‐responsive transcriptome inIndicarice genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance
Authors: Lenka Sangram K. , Katiyar Amit , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Bansal Kailash C.
Published: August 2010

Genetic improvement in drought tolerance in rice is the key to save water for sustainable agriculture. Drought tolerance is a complex trait and involves interplay of a vast array of genes. Several genotypes of rice have evolved features that impart tolerance to drought and other abiotic stresses. Comparative analysis of drought stress‐responsive transcriptome between drought‐tolerant (DT) landraces/genotypes and drought‐sensitive modern rice cultivars will unravel novel genetic regulatory mechanisms involved in stress tolerance. Here, we report transcriptome analysis in a highly DT rice landrace, Nagina 22 (N22), versus a high‐yielding but drought‐susceptible rice variety IR64. Both genotypes exhibited a diverse global transcriptional response under normal and drought conditions. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that drought tolerance of N22 was attributable to the enhanced expression of several enzyme‐encoding genes. Drought susceptibility of IR64 was attributable to significant down‐regulation of regulatory components that confer drought tolerance. Pathway analysis unravelled significant up‐regulation of several components of carbon fixation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and flavonoid biosynthesis and down‐regulation of starch and sucrose metabolism in both the cultivars under drought. However, significant up‐regulation of α‐linolenic acid metabolic pathway observed in N22 under drought appears to be in good agreement with high drought tolerance of this genotype. Consensuscis‐motif profiling of drought‐induced co‐expressed genes led to the identification of novelcis‐motifs. Taken together, the results of the comparative transcriptome analysis led to the identification of specific genotype‐dependent genes responsible for drought tolerance in the rice landrace N22.
The acquisition of phonetic categories in bilingual infants: new data from an anticipatory eye movement paradigm
Authors: Albareda‐Castellot Bàrbara , Pons Ferran , Sebastián‐Gallés Núria
Published: August 2010

Contrasting results have been reported regarding the phonetic acquisition of bilinguals. A lack of discrimination has been observed for certain native contrasts in 8‐month‐old Catalan‐Spanish bilingual infants (Bosch & Sebastián‐Gallés, 2003a), though not in French‐English bilingual infants (Burns, Yoshida, Hill & Werker, 2007; Sundara, Polka & Molnar, 2008). At present, the data for Catalan‐Spanish bilinguals constitute an exception in the early language acquisition literature. This study contributes new findings that show that Catalan‐Spanish bilingual infants do not lose the capacity to discriminate native contrasts. We used an adaptation of the anticipatory eye movement paradigm (AEM; McMurray & Aslin, 2004) to explore this question. In two experiments we tested the ability of infants from Catalan and Spanish monolingual families and from Catalan‐Spanish bilingual families to discriminate a Spanish‐Catalan common and a Catalan‐specific vowel contrast. Results from both experiments revealed that Catalan‐Spanish bilingual infants showed the same discrimination abilities as those shown by their monolingual peers, even in a phonetic contrast that had not been discriminated in previous studies. Our results demonstrate that discrimination can be observed in 8‐month‐old bilingual infants when tested with a measure not based on recovery of attention. The high ratio of cognates in Spanish and Catalan may underlie the reason why bilinguals failed to discriminate the native vowels when tested with the familiarization‐preference procedure but succeeded with the AEM paradigm.
SAMPLING AND ESTIMATION IN THE PRESENCE OF CUT‐OFF SAMPLING
Authors: Haziza David , Chauvet Guillaume , Deville Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2010

Cut‐off sampling consists of deliberately excluding a set of units from possible selection in a sample, for example if the contribution of the excluded units to the total is small or if the inclusion of these units in the sample involves high costs. If the characteristics of interest of the excluded units differ from those of the rest of the population, the use of naïve estimators may result in highly biased estimates. In this paper, we discuss the use of auxiliary information to reduce the bias by means of calibration and balanced sampling. We show that the use of the available auxiliary information related to both the variable of interest and the probability of being excluded enables us to reduce the potential bias. A short numerical study supports our findings.
Taxation Reform and Income Distribution in Australia
Authors: Meagher G. A. , Agrawal Nisha
Published: August 2010

This article contains an analysis of the effects of changes in the existing tax mix on the distribution of income in Australia. Shifts from direct to indirect taxes, similar to ‘Option C’ in the Government's Draft White Paper on tax reform, are considered. The general equilibrium effects of the policy changes are analysed using an extended version of the ORANI model of the Australian economy. The Shorrocks I0 index is then used to identify the sources of inequality in the pre‐ and post‐change distributions. The results are based on data from the ABS Income and Housing Survey for 1981–82.
Inside the Crystal Ball of Finance: Understanding Financial Economists' Attitudes to Market and Society
Authors: Bryan Dick , Wilson Shaun
Published: August 2010

Market economists are thought to wield tremendous power—not only over financial markets but over governments that stray from the ‘market way’. Still, there is mystery about what economists think, and how they form their judgements. This article reports results from a survey of over 50 financial market economists from leading financial institutions in Australia conducted in December 2003 and January 2004. It provides insight into the opinions of economists who impact on markets and policy, especially through media commentary. The article identifies their economic and social views, comparing them with the Australian public. We then examine how professional views of economists differ from their personal views. Differences in professional and private views—especially over the role of government and labour markets—are an opportunity to ponder how judgements are formed and used. We offer tentative answers to the question: do these professionals—highly paid for their opinions—occasionally self‐censor?
On the Flexibility of Metropolis–Hastings Acceptance Probabilities in Auxiliary Variable Proposal Generation
Authors: STORVIK GEIR
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  Use of auxiliary variables for generating proposal variables within a Metropolis–Hastings setting has been suggested in many different settings. This has in particular been of interest for simulation from complex distributions such as multimodal distributions or in transdimensional approaches. For many of these approaches, the acceptance probabilities that are used turn up somewhat magic and different proofs for their validity have been given in each case. In this article, we will present a general framework for construction of acceptance probabilities in auxiliary variable proposal generation. In addition to showing the similarities between many of the proposed algorithms in the literature, the framework also demonstrates that there is a great flexibility in how to construct acceptance probabilities. With this flexibility, alternative acceptance probabilities are suggested. Some numerical experiments are also reported.
The role of the instructor in business games: a comparison of face‐to‐face and online instruction
Authors: Hernández Ana Beatriz , Gorjup María Tatiana , Cascón Rosalía
Published: August 2010

This study analyses the role of the instructor in the e‐learning process fostered by a business game. To achieve this objective, a comparative analysis was conducted with two groups of students regarding their perceptions of the instructor's role in a business game. The first group was composed of 33 participants and facilitated by an instructor in a face‐to‐face process. The second group was composed of 23 participants and facilitated by the same instructor online. Our results indicate that the students' assessment of the role of the instructor is clearly different in both cases: the face‐to‐face group valued the relevance of the instructor's role in the learning process more highly than the online group. Our findings also highlight the importance of the instructor's role in improving the students' learning experience and suggest that extra efforts by online instructors are needed to maximize the e‐learning process through business games in management training.
On the effects of a plant extract of Orthosiphon stamineus on sebum‐related skin imperfections
Authors: Vogelgesang B. , Abdul‐Malak N. , Reymermier C. , Altobelli C. , Saget J.
Published: August 2010

Synopsis

Overproduction of sebum is very common and results in an undesirable oily, shiny complexion with enlarged pores. Sebum secretion is basically under the control of 5‐α reductase, and more particularly under that of type 1 isozyme. But it is also highly sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and food. Moreover, in Asia, the edicts of a flawless facial skin turn oily skin into a major concern for Asian women. We identified Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract as an interesting ingredient for reducing the oily appearance of skin thanks to its ability to reduce 5‐α reductase type 1 expression in normal human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. This was confirmed ex vivo, where Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract was shown to reduce 5‐α reductase activity as well as the production of squalene, one of the main components of sebum that was used as a tracer of sebum. To evaluate the efficacy of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract at reducing sebum‐related skin imperfections in vivo, we performed two different clinical studies, one in France on a panel of Caucasian volunteers and the other one in Thailand on a panel of Asian volunteers. Using instrumental techniques as well as clinical evaluation and self‐evaluation, we could highlight that an O/W cosmetic formula containing 2% of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract could visibly reduce the oily appearance of skin as well as the size of pores, thus leading to a significant improvement of complexion evenness and radiance. Overall, the results obtained were better than those observed with the same formula containing 1% of zinc gluconate, an ingredient frequently used in oily skin care products.
Infant skin physiology and development during the first years of life: a review of recent findings based on in vivo studies
Authors: Stamatas G. N. , Nikolovski J. , Mack M. C. , Kollias N.
Published: August 2010

Synopsis

Infant skin is often presented as the cosmetic ideal for adults. However, compared to adult skin it seems to be more prone to develop certain pathological conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Therefore, understanding the physiology of healthy infant skin as a point of reference is of interest both from the cosmetic as well as from the clinical point of view. Clinical research on healthy infants is, however, limited because of ethical considerations of using invasive methods and therefore until recently data has been scarce. Technical innovations and the availability of non‐invasive in vivo techniques, such as evaporimetry, electrical impedance measurement, in vivo video and confocal microscopy, and in vivo fibre‐optic based spectroscopy, opened up the field of in vivo infant skin physiology research. Studies incorporating such methods have demonstrated that compared to adult, infant skin continues to develop during the first years of life. Specifically, infant skin appears to have thinner epidermis and stratum corneum (SC) as well as smaller corneocytes at least until the second year of life. The water‐handling properties are not fully developed before the end of the first year and infant SC contains more water and less amounts of natural moisturizing factors. Such findings re‐evaluate the old notions that skin is fully matured at birth. Armed with this knowledge, we are in a position not only to better understand infant dermatological conditions but also to design better skin care products respecting the distinct qualities of infant skin.