bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooled Radiofrequency System for the Treatment of Chronic Pain from Sacroiliitis: The First Case‐Series
Authors: Kapural Leonardo , Nageeb Fady , Kapural Miranda , Cata Juan P , Narouze Samer , Mekhail Nagy
Published: September 2008

▪ Abstract:  Sacroiliitis and sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction are frequent causes of the chronic lower back pain. Therapeutic solutions include intra‐atricular injections with short‐term pain relief and surgical fusion, which appears ineffective. Radiofrequency (RF) of the joint capsule or lateral branches has been previously reported with variable successes. Cooling tissue adjacent to the electrode (cooled RF) increases the radius of lesion. We present here the first retrospective data on pain relief and changes in function after such RF denervation.

We reviewed electronic records of 27 patients with chronic low back pain (median 5 years) who underwent cooled RF of S1, S2, and S3 lateral branches and of dorsal ramus (DR) L5 following two diagnostic SI joint blocks (>50% of pain relief). Patient sample consisted of 20 women and 7 men, 38 to 92 years old. Pain disability index (PDI), visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, global patient satisfaction (GPE) and opioid use before and 3–4 months after the procedure were analyzed. One patient had an incomplete chart.

Observed were improvements in function (PDI) from 32.7 ± 9.9 to 20.3 ± 12.1 (P < 0.001) and VAS pain scores 7.1 ± 1.6 to 4.2 ± 2.5 (P < 0.001) at 3–4 months after the procedure. Opioid use decreased from median 30 to 20 mg morphine equivalent. Eighteen patients rated their improvement in pain scores using GPE as improved or much improved, while eight claimed minimal or no improvement.

The majority of patients with chronic SI joint pain experienced a clinically relevant degree of pain relief and improved function following cooled RF of sacral lateral branches and DR of L5 at 3–4 months follow‐up. ▪
What Accounts for the Changes in U.S. Fiscal Policy Transmission?
Authors: BILBIIE FLORIN O. , MEIER ANDRÉ , MÜLLER GERNOT J.
Published: September 2008

Using vector autoregressions on U.S. time series for 1957–79 and 1983–2004, we find government spending shocks to have stronger effects on output, consumption, and wages in the earlier period. We try to account for this observation within a DSGE model featuring price rigidities and limited asset market participation. Specifically, we estimate the structural parameters of the model for both periods by matching impulse responses. Model‐based counterfactual experiments suggest that most of the changes in fiscal policy transmission are accounted for by increased asset market participation and the more active monetary policy of the Volcker–Greenspan period.
Testing Term Structure Estimation Methods: Evidence from the UK STRIPS Market
Authors: STEELEY JAMES M.
Published: September 2008

Prices and yields of UK government zero‐coupon bonds are used to test alternative yield curve estimation models. Zero‐coupon bonds permit a more pure comparison, as the models are providing only the interpolation service and also not making estimation feasible. It is found that better yield curves estimates are obtained by fitting to the yield curve directly rather than fitting first to the discount function. A simple procedure to set the smoothness of the fitted curves is developed, and a positive relationship between over‐smoothness and the fitting error is identified. A cubic spline function fitted directly to the yield curve provides the best overall balance of fitting error and smoothness, both along the yield curve and within local maturity regions.
Political Regimes and the Cost of Disinflation
Authors: CAPORALE BARBARA , CAPORALE TONY
Published: September 2008

This study investigates, using data from 1960 to 1998, whether the nature of political regimes can help explain cross‐national and intertemporal variations in the cost of disinflationary policies, as measured by the sacrifice ratio. We show that, ceteris paribus, right‐wing governments have lower costs of disinflations than left‐wing governments. We argue this is due to a superior credibility, resulting from their stronger anti‐inflation reputations. In addition (and in marked contrast to previous studies), we find that when we control for political regimes, trade openness, and other standard factors in this literature, central bank independence has no significant effect on the sacrifice ratio.
Effects of field cage colour and supplementary shade on environmental conditions and mating behaviour of Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni
Authors: Collins S. R. , Weldon C. W. , Taylor P. W.
Published: September 2008

The mating performance field cage test is a required periodic quality‐control assessment for factory‐reared fruit flies used for the sterile insect technique. The FAO/IAEA/USDA guidelines for assessing fly quality state that if during tests a large proportion of flies call and mate on cage walls, away from host trees, then environmental conditions within the cage need to be adjusted and tests repeated. Here we test effects of cage design, specifically mesh colour (green, white) and addition of supplementary shade, on the mating behaviour of Queensland fruit fly (Q‐fly), Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt (Diptera: Tephritidae). Observations were made over a 4‐h period at dusk when these flies mate. Changes in environmental conditions in each cage over the dusk period varied with cage design. We recorded the highest proportion of matings taking place on trees as opposed to cage walls (>90%) in the unshaded white cage, the shaded white and un‐shaded green cages being intermediate (ca. 70%), and the shaded green cage had the least (ca. 40%). The effects of field cage colour and supplementary shade on mating behaviour are discussed. We recommend that Q‐fly field cage tests should be conducted in cages with a light coloured mesh, and that supplementary shading should only be applied if there is a need to adjust temperature and light within the cage.
Identification and field testing of sex pheromone components of a Korean population of the allium leafminer, Acrolepiopsis sapporensis
Authors: Yang Chang Yeol , Cho Jum Rae , Kang Taek Jun , Jeon Heung Yong
Published: September 2008

The allium leafminer, Acrolepiopsis sapporensis Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), is a pest of Allium species (Liliaceae) in Asia and Hawaii, USA. We identified candidate sex pheromone components in pheromone gland extracts of female moths and field tested the response of male moths to blends with different components and ratios. Gas chromatographic comparison of abdominal tip extracts from both sexes showed three female‐specific components: (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal (Z11‐16:Ald), (Z)‐11‐hexadecenyl acetate (Z11‐16:OAc), and (Z)‐11‐hexadecen‐1‐ol (Z11‐16:OH). These compounds were identified by mass spectral analysis of natural pheromone components and dimethyldisulfide adducts, and retention index comparisons with synthetic standards. The average ratio of three components, Z11‐16:Ald, Z11‐16:OAc, and Z11‐16:OH, in female extract was 33:100:14. Field trapping experiments indicated that all three components were essential for maximal attraction of male moths. Traps baited with a ternary blend mimicking the blend found in the pheromone gland extracts caught significantly more males than traps baited with caged live females. Increasing doses of the pheromone blend in the lures from 0.01 to 1.0 mg increased catches of male A. sapporensis.
Dormancy and surgery‐driven escape from dormancy help explain some clinical features of breast cancer
Authors: RETSKY M. W. , DEMICHELI R. , HRUSHESKY W. J. M. , BAUM M. , GUKAS I. D.
Published: September 2008

To explain bimodal relapse patterns observed in breast cancer data, we have proposed that metastatic breast cancer growth commonly includes periods of temporary dormancy at both the single cell phase and the avascular micrometastasis phase. The half‐lives of these states are 1 and 2 years respectively. We also suggested that surgery to remove the primary tumor often terminates dormancy resulting in accelerated relapses. These iatrogenic events are very common in that over half of all metastatic relapses progress in that manner. Assuming this is true, there should be ample and clear evidence in clinical data. We review here the breast cancer paradigm from early detection, through treatment and follow‐up, and consider how dormancy and surgery‐driven escape from dormancy would be observed. We examine mammography data, effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy, heterogeneity and aggressiveness, timing of surgery within the menstrual cycle and racial differences in outcome. Dormancy can be identified in these diverse data but most conspicuous is the sudden escape from dormancy following primary surgery. These quantitative findings provide linkage between experimental studies of tumor dormancy and clinical efforts to improve patient outcome.
Cellular interactions in the vascular niche: implications in the regulation of tumor dormancy
Authors: FAVARO ELENA , AMADORI ALBERTO , INDRACCOLO STEFANO
Published: September 2008

Angiogenesis plays an established role in the promotion of growth of dormant micrometastasis, because blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tumor microenvironment. In addition to this feeding function, however, there is accumulating evidence suggesting that endothelial cells—and perhaps other cellular components of the microenvironment—could communicate both positive and negative signals to tumor cells. This cross‐talk between heterogeneous cell types could turn out to be important in the regulation of cancer cell behavior. Normal cells recruited during the angiogenic process, or attracted to future sites of metastasis by soluble products released by cancer cells, have been shown to create a niche favorable to tumor cell proliferation and survival. In addition, following an exogenous angiogenic spike, as may occur during inflammation, the same mechanisms could lead to re‐activation of poorly angiogenic tumor cells seeded into tissues. In this review, we discuss the possible implications of this hypothesis for our understanding of the phenomenon of tumor dormancy.
Cancer micrometastasis and tumour dormancy
Authors: WIKMAN HARRIET , VESSELLA ROBERT , PANTEL KLAUS
Published: September 2008

Many epithelial cancers carry a poor prognosis even after curative resection of early stage tumours. Tumour progression in these cancer patients has been attributed to the existence and persistence of disseminated tumour cells (DTC) in various body compartments as a sign of minimal residual disease. Bone marrow (BM) has been shown to be a common homing organ and reservoir for DTC. A significant correlation between the presence of DTC in BM and metastatic relapse has been reported in various tumour types. However, only a portion of patients with DTC in BM at primary surgery relapse. Thus far, little is known about the conditions required for the persistence of dormancy or the escape from the dormant phase into the active phase of metastasis formation. Thereby, this peculiar stage of conceivably balanced tumour cell division and death may last for decades in cancer patients. Most likely, the ability of a dormant DTC to “be activated” is a complex process involving (i) somatic aberrations in the tumour cells, (ii) the interaction of the DTC with the new microenvironment at the secondary site, and (iii) hereditary components of the host (i.e., cancer patient). In this review, we will summarize the key findings of research on micrometastatic cancer cells and discuss these findings in the context of the concept of tumour dormancy.
Tumor dormancy and oncogene addiction
Authors: FELSHER DEAN W.
Published: September 2008

Cancer is caused by genetic changes that activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes. The repair or inactivation of mutant genes may be effective in the treatment of cancer. Indeed, drugs that target oncogenes can be effective in the treatment of cancer. However, it is still unclear why the inactivation of a single cancer‐associated gene would ever result in the elimination of tumor cells. In experimental transgenic mouse models the consequences of oncogene inactivation depend upon the genetic and cellular context. In some cases, oncogene inactivation results in the elimination of all or almost all tumor cells through apoptosis by the phenomenon described as oncogene addiction. In other cases, oncogene inactivation predominantly results in the terminal differentiation or cellular senescence of tumor cells. In yet others, oncogene inactivation results in the apparent loss of the neoplastic properties of tumor cells, which now appear and behave like normal cells; however, upon oncogene reactivation at least some of these cells rapidly recover their neoplastic phenotype. Thus, oncogene inactivation can result in a state of tumor dormancy. Hence, understanding when and how oncogene inactivation induces apoptosis, differentiation, and senescence within a tumor will be important when developing effective strategies for the treatment of cancer.
Tumor dormancy of primary and secondary cancers
Authors: UDAGAWA TATURO
Published: September 2008

Tumor dormancy is a phenomenon whereby cancer cells persist below the threshold of diagnostic detection for months to decades. This condition may arise due to either cell cycle arrest or a dynamic equilibrium state in which cell proliferation is in balance with cells undergoing apoptosis. Tumor dormancy is usually a reference to occult cancer cells that persist for an extended period of time after treatment, but primary cancers can also exhibit extended growth plateaus below the limits of detection. For example, autopsies of individuals who died of trauma reveal that most individuals harbor microscopic primary cancers. Mechanisms that operate independently or successively may restrict tumor expansion throughout tumor progression from incipiency to late‐stage cancer. Proposed mechanisms include cell cycle withdrawal, immune surveillance, and blocked angiogenesis. The precise mechanisms underlying dormancy remain to be established, and relevant models will have an important impact on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for treating cancer. This review summarizes the phenomenon of tumor dormancy, experimental models, and potential mechanisms.
Imaging angiogenesis and the microenvironment
Authors: FUKUMURA DAI , JAIN RAKESH K.
Published: September 2008

Intravital microscopy has provided unprecedented insights into tumor pathophysiology, including angiogenesis and the microenvironment. Tumor vasculature shows an abnormal organization, structure, and function. Tumor vessels are leaky, blood flow is heterogeneous and often compromised. Vascular hyperpermeability and the lack of functional lymphatic vessels inside tumors causes elevation of interstitial fluid pressure in solid tumors. These abnormalities form physiological barriers to the delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors and also lead to a hostile microenvironment characterized by hypoxia and acidosis, which hinders the effectiveness of anti‐tumor treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In addition, host‐tumor interactions regulate expression of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors, resulting in pathophysiological characteristics of the tumor. On the other hand, in a physiological setting, angiogenic vessels become mature and form long‐lasting functional units. Restoring the balance of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors in tumors may “normalize” tumor vasculature and thus improve its function. Administration of cytotoxic therapy during the vascular normalization would enhance its efficacy.
Tumor dormancy and immunoescape
Authors: QUESNEL BRUNO
Published: September 2008

The role of the immune system in tumor dormancy is now well established. In several experimental models it is possible to induce tumor dormancy in immunocompetent hosts by prior immunization against tumor cells. Equilibrium between immune response and tumor cells leads to long‐term tumor dormancy. This equilibrium is also observed early in tumor development and adaptive immunity may help contain tumor outgrowth. However, after variable times, tumor dormancy ends and the disease progresses. As the immune response remains active the tumor cells presumably escape dormancy by becoming resistant. Due to the extreme difficulty of isolating dormant tumor cells from patients, such mechanisms are poorly understood. However, experimental models have shown that dormant tumor cells may overexpress B7‐H1 and B7.1, and inhibit CTL‐mediated lysis. These cells resist apoptosis by methylating SOCS1, and by paracrine production of cytokines. The presence of immunoescape mechanisms in tumor cells from relapsing patients also suggests that the immune equilibrium which maintained dormancy has broken down. Identification of such mechanisms would offer new leads to favor the immune balance, and thus to clear minimal residual disease from patients.
Concordance of chart and billing data with direct observation in dental practice
Authors: Demko Catherine A. , Victoroff Kristin Zakariasen , Wotman Stephen
Published: September 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  The commonly used methods of chart review, billing data summaries and practitioner self‐reporting have not been examined for their ability to validly and reliably represent time use and service delivery in routine dental practice. A more thorough investigation of these data sources would provide insight into the appropriateness of each approach for measuring various clinical behaviors. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of commonly used methods such as dental chart review, billing data, or practitioner self‐report compared with a ‘gold standard’ of information derived from direct observation of routine dental visits.

Methods:  A team of trained dental hygienists directly observed 3751 patient visits in 120 dental practices and recorded the behaviors and procedures performed by dentists and hygienists during patient contact time. Following each visit, charts and billing records were reviewed for the performed and billed procedures. Dental providers characterized their frequency of preventive service delivery through self‐administered surveys. We standardized the observation and abstraction methods to obtain optimal measures from each of the multiple data sources. Multi‐rater kappa coefficients were computed to monitor standardization, while sensitivity, specificity, and kappa coefficients were calculated to compare the various data sources with direct observation.

Results:  Chart audits were more sensitive than billing data for all observed procedures and demonstrated higher agreement with directly observed data. Chart and billing records were not sensitive for several prevention‐related tasks (oral cancer screening and oral hygiene instruction). Provider self‐reports of preventive behaviors were always over‐estimated compared with direct observation. Inter‐method reliability kappa coefficients for 13 procedures ranged from 0.197 to 0.952.

Conclusions:  These concordance findings suggest that strengths and weaknesses of data collection sources should be considered when investigating delivery of dental services especially when using practitioner survey data. Future investigations can more fully rely on charted information rather than billing data and provider self‐report for most dental procedures, but nonbillable procedures and most counseling interactions will not be captured with routine charting and billing practices.
The management of incipient or suspicious occlusal caries: a decision‐tree analysis
Authors: Balevi Ben
Published: September 2008

Abstract –  Objective:  To perform a comprehensive decision‐tree analysis for the management of the suspicious/incipient occlusal lesion on a molar tooth.

Methods:  A quantitative decision tree was constructed to assess the expected utility value of three global strategies to dentally manage the incipient or suspicious occlusal carious lesion.

Result:  A preventive strategy offered an optimal expected utility value (0.98 utile) compared with the other two strategies of visual inspection (0.84 utile) or referring to one of four diagnostic tests (0.74–0.82 utile).

Conclusion:  Although the general conclusion of this analysis agrees with current recommendations, this analysis offers a more complete mathematical model that provides a unified value for each strategy (i.e. expected utility value) thus allowing for complex quantitative comparison between strategies. This paper provides a specific example of how decision‐tree analysis can be a powerful tool in guiding dental practice.
Protective CD8+ T cells against Plasmodium liver stages: immunobiology of an ‘unnatural’ immune response
Authors: Overstreet Michael Glen , Cockburn Ian Andrew , Chen Yun‐Chi , Zavala Fidel
Published: September 2008

Summary: Immunization with high doses of irradiated sporozoites delivered by the bites of infected mosquitoes has been shown to induce protective responses against malaria, mediated in part by CD8+ T cells. In contrast, natural transmission involving low exposure to live sporozoite antigen fails to elicit strong immunity. In this review, we examine how irradiated sporozoite immunization breaks the natural host–parasite interaction and induces protective CD8+ T cells. Upon biting, the malaria‐infected mosquitoes deposit parasites in the skin, many of which eventually exit to the bloodstream and infect hepatocytes. However, certain antigens, including the circumsporozoite (CS) protein, remain in the skin and are presented in the draining lymph node. These antigens prime specific CD8+ T cells, which migrate to the liver where they eliminate parasitized hepatocytes. We discuss the relevance of the different tissue compartments involved in the induction and effector phases of this response, as well as the cellular requirements for priming and memory development of CD8+ T cells, which include a complete dependence on dendritic cells and a near absolute need for CD4+ T‐cell help. Finally, we discuss the impact of the immunodominant CS protein on this protection and the implications of these findings for vaccine design.
Humoral and cell‐mediated immunity to the intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis
Authors: Kirimanjeswara Girish S. , Olmos Sofia , Bakshi Chandra S. , Metzger Dennis W.
Published: September 2008

Summary: Francisella tularensis can cause fatal respiratory tularemia in humans and animals and is increasingly being isolated in the United States and several European countries. The correlates of protective immunity against this intracellular bacterium are not known, and currently there are no licensed vaccines available for human use. Cell‐mediated immunity has long been believed to be critical for protection, and the importance of humoral immunity is also now recognized. Furthermore, synergy between antibodies, T cell‐derived cytokines, and phagocytes appears to be critical to achieve sterilizing immunity against F. tularensis. Thus, novel vaccine approaches should be designed to induce robust antibody and cell‐mediated immune responses to this pathogen.
Early T‐cell responses in tuberculosis immunity
Authors: Winslow Gary M. , Cooper Andrea , Reiley William , Chatterjee Madhumouli , Woodland David L.
Published: September 2008

Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) has plagued mankind for millennia yet is classified as an emerging infectious disease, because its prevalence in the human population continues to increase. Immunity to TB depends critically on the generation of effective CD4+ T‐cell responses. Sterile immunity has not been achieved through vaccination, although early T‐cell responses are effective in controlling steady‐state infection in the lungs. Although such early T‐cell responses are clearly protective, the initiation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) T‐cell response occurs much later than is the case following other aerogenic infections. This fact suggests that there is a critical period, before the activation of the T‐cell response, in which Mtb is able to establish infection. An understanding of the factors that regulate early T‐cell activation should, therefore, lead to better control of the disease. This review discusses recent work that has investigated the early development of T‐cell immunity following Mtb infection in the mouse.
Familial and sporadic schizophrenia: a comparison of somatic diseases and abuse in patients and their relatives
Authors: Melkersson Kristina
Published: September 2008

Objective:

Comparing schizophrenia patients on the basis of familial and non-familial forms of the illness provides a promising approach to the identification of genes involved in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to search for somatic factors that discriminate between patients with and without a family history of schizophrenia and between their relatives.

Methods:

Ninety-five schizophrenia patients were structurally interviewed about mental and physical health and alcohol and substance use in themselves and their families. Besides this, complementary information was obtained from the patients’ case records. Patients with (41%) and without (59%) a family history were then compared.

Results:

The main differences were found in the patients’ relatives. Fewer patients with a family history, compared with patients without a family history, had relatives with cancer (p= 0.002). Conversely, there was a tendency towards that more patients with a family history, compared with patients without a family history, had relatives with cardiac infarction (p= 0.05).

Conclusion:

The genetic risk associated with schizophrenia seems to cosegregate into a factor(s) that protects against cancer and possibly also increases the risk for cardiac infarction.
Trolox Down‐Regulates Transforming Growth Factor‐β and Prevents Experimental Cirrhosis
Authors: Galicia‐Moreno Marina , Rodríguez‐Rivera Adriana , Reyes‐Gordillo Karina , Segovia José , Shibayama Mineko , Tsutsumi Víctor , Vergara Paula , Moreno Mario G. , Fernández‐Martínez Eduardo , Pérez‐Álvarez Víctor M. , Muriel Pablo
Published: September 2008

Abstract: Cirrhosis is a very common disease and its treatment is limited due to lack of effective drugs. Some studies indicate that this disease is associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, we decided to study the effect of trolox, an effective antioxidant, on experimental cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was induced by CCl4administration (0.4 g/kg, intraperitoneally, three times per week, for 8 weeks) to Wistar male rats. Trolox was administered daily (50 mg/kg, orally). Fibrosis was assessed histologically and by measuring liver hydroxyproline content. Glutathione, lipid peroxidation and glycogen were measured in liver; serum markers of liver damage were also quantified. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) was determined by Western blot and quantified densitometrically. Alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminotransferase increased in the group receiving CCl4; trolox completely or partially prevented these alterations. Glycogen was almost depleted by CCl4but was partially preserved by trolox. Lipid peroxidation increased while glutathione decreased by CCl4administration; trolox corrected both effects. Histology showed thick bands of collagen, necrosis and distortion of the hepatic parenchyma in the CCl4group, such effects were prevented by trolox. Hydroxyproline content increased 5‐fold by CCl4, while the group receiving both CCl4and trolox showed no significant difference compared to the control group. CCl4increased 3‐fold TGF‐β, while trolox completely prevented this increase. We found that trolox effectively prevented cirrhosis induced with CCl4in the rat. Our results suggest that the beneficial effects of trolox may be associated to its antioxidant properties and to its ability to reduce the profibrogenic cytokine TGF‐β expression.
Medicaid’s Role in Financing Health Care for Children With Behavioral Health Care Needs in the Special Education System: Implications of the Deficit Reduction Act
Authors: Mandell David S. , Machefsky Aliza , Rubin David , Feudtner Chris , Pita Susmita , Rosenbaum Sara
Published: September 2008

Background:  Recent changes to Medicaid policy may have unintended consequences in the education system. This study estimated the potential financial impact of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) on school districts by calculating Medicaid‐reimbursed behavioral health care expenditures for school‐aged children in general and children in special education in particular.

Methods:  Medicaid claims and special education records of youth ages 6 to 18 years in Philadelphia, PA, were merged for calendar year 2002. Behavioral health care volume, type, and expenditures were compared between Medicaid‐enrolled children receiving and not receiving special education.

Results:  Significant overlap existed among the 126,533 children who were either Medicaid enrolled (114,257) or received special education (27,620). Medicaid‐reimbursed behavioral health care was used by 21% of children receiving special education (37% of those Medicaid enrolled) and 15% of other Medicaid‐enrolled children. Total expenditures were $197.8 million, 40% of which was spent on the 5728 children in special education and 60% of which was spent on 15,092 other children.

Conclusions:  Medicaid‐reimbursed behavioral health services disproportionately support special education students, with expenditures equivalent to 4% of Philadelphia’s $2 billion education budget. The results suggest that special education programs depend on Medicaid‐reimbursed services, the financing of which the DRA may jeopardize.
Spatio‐temporal change of water chemical elements in Lake Dianchi, China
Authors: Liu Zhonghan , Liu Xiaohai , He Bin , Nie Jufen , Peng Jiangyan , Zhao Lei
Published: September 2008

Lake Dianchi is a large lake, which is listed in the ‘Three Important Lakes Restoration Act in China’. The water quality has deteriorated from class II in the 1970s to class V today, with an attendant increase in the frequency and intensity of the formation of blue algae blooms. From 2003 to 2006, a water quality monitoring programme was implemented for eight regional zones in Lake Dianchi. It monitored the following substances: carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), potassium (K), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and chlorine (Cl), together with water temperature, pH, total hardness and total salt content. Data were analysed using regression models to determine the impacts of these substances and conditions for the formation of blue algae bloom, and to assess their relationship with chlorophyll a. The results showed a significant relationship between chlorophyll a and C, P, N, Cl, Fe, Mg, water temperature, pH, total hardness and total salt. There was no significant relationship between chlorophyll a and total manganese (TMn), Mn, sulphate (SO42−), soluble total manganese STMn, Ca, Zn, K, Na and Cu. The study showed that the concentration of chlorophyll a in different regions of the lake was different, indicating that the mix of chemicals in a region has a different impact on pollution levels throughout Lake Dianchi.
Restaurant nutrition and health information in the municipality of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil: expectations of managers with respect to benefits and obstacles
Authors: Maestro Vanessa , Salay Elisabete
Published: September 2008

A survey was conducted, using an instrument with questions aimed at characterising the restaurants and the opinion of the managers in making nutrition and health information available in their establishments. Twenty managers from fast food restaurants and 94 from full service restaurants from the Campinas were interviewed. The chi‐square test and t tests, plus the ANOVA test followed by the least significant difference means test, were performed with the aid of the XLSTAT and MINITAB programs. Among the expected benefits, the factor ‘improve the image of the foodservice’ was significantly more important than factors such as ‘increase revenue’. Of the expected obstacles, the factor ‘increase in operational costs’ was significantly more important than factors such as ‘lack of knowledge’ and ‘lack of time by the employees’. For greater adhesion to the action of providing nutrition information in restaurants, low‐cost alternatives for the implementation of this activity must be created.
Chinese Economy and Excess Liquidity
Authors: Chen Yuanquan
Published: September 2008

This paper considers five indicators of excess liquidity to verify its existence in China. Based on the analysis, we argue that the People's Bank of China and other banks in China are responsible for the excess liquidity in China. Other factors, such as the excess savings resulting from the poor social security network, the asset bubble and the foreign exchange system, fuel banks with abundant liquidity. To tackle the problem of excess liquidity and direct capital into productive sectors, the traditional use of monetary policy alone is not sufficient. The semi‐administrative tool “window guidance” and other macroeconomic control methods are required.
Blue Box Policy Reform in the Doha Round Negotiations: Effects and China's Position
Authors: Cheng Jie , Wu Laping , Dawson Richard W.
Published: September 2008

This paper uses an agricultural trade policy simulation model to quantitatively evaluate the effects of Blue Box policy reform on agricultural production and trade, and further provides specific proposals regarding China's reform position. The results indicate that, if the reform could achieve a reduction in distorting supports in more developed countries, China's total agricultural production would increase, accompanied by a decrease in agricultural imports and a slight increase in exports. In terms of social welfare, producers would gain significantly, consumers would lose and government would not suffer greatly, which is in accordance with current agricultural policies in China. As a core member of G20, China should approve a subsidy level as low as possible required by Blue Box to achieve “substantial reductions in trade‐distorting domestic supports”.
Effects of Maternal Age on Fecundity, Spawning Interval, and Egg Quality of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)
Authors: Tsadik Getinet G.
Published: September 2008

Effects of maternal age on fecundity, spawning interval, and egg quality of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), was examined for four age groups (4, 9, 16, and 24 mo) in circular concrete tanks in a recirculating system. Fecundity (eggs per spawn), weight (g), and egg quality were monitored every 4 d for the 168‐d experimental period. Eggs per spawn correlated with maternal age, while it did not correlate with body weight. Eggs per spawn increased by twofold between 4‐ and 24‐mo‐old females, while eggs per female per d did not differ. Implying that eggs per female per d was influenced by spawn per female as well. Eggs per female per d was 1.8 and 2.4 times higher in 9‐mo‐old females than 16‐ and 24‐mo‐old females, respectively. Eggs per female per d showed a decline concurrent with per spawn per female trend after 18‐mo old. Four‐mo‐old females produced eggs that were more uniform in size and weight than others. While egg size (mm) and weight (mg), and their variations within eggs per spawn increased, percent fertilization and hatchability decreased with age of females. Biological optimum age range for reproducible production of good quality eggs was 6–18 mo. This could be adopted in selecting breeders for better seed production.
Effect of Chronic Ammonia Exposure on Energy Budget of Juvenile Soft‐shelled Turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis
Authors: Jing Runzhen , Niu Cuijuan
Published: September 2008

Abstract.— The present work investigated the effect of chronic ammonia exposure on energy budget of juvenile soft‐shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Turtles (87.14 ± 4.00 g) were exposed to external total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations of C0 (11.01 mg/L), C1 (46.32 mg/L), C2 (68.71 mg/L), and C3 (97.0 mg/L), respectively, for 97 d at 29.5 C, pH 7.76. The ambient ammonia showed no significant influence on any component of the energy budget such as feed consumption, fecal production, excretion, standard metabolism, and growth. There were also no significant differences in body composition of the turtles among different treatments. Chronic exposure to ambient ammonia as high as 97 mg/L TAN did not affect energy budget of juvenile soft‐shelled turtle. The average energy budget for all turtles can be described as follows: 100 C = 9.3 F + 3.0 U + 74.6 R + 13.1 G, where C, F, U, R, and G represent energy intake, fecal energy, excretory energy loss, metabolism energy, and growth energy, respectively.
Factors Affecting Survival of Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, during Simulated Transport
Authors: Colburn Heidi R. , Walker Abigail B. , Berlinsky David L. , Nardi George C.
Published: September 2008

Interest in cobia, Rachycentron canadum, culture has shown significant growth in recent years, but few hatcheries are available to support this developing industry. To facilitate the transport of cobia between facilities, four 24‐h experiments were conducted to examine the effects of density, temperature, and actual versus simulated transport on juvenile cobia (1.5–3.0 g) survival. Mortality during actual transport at fish densities of 5, 10, and 15 kg/m3 (2.9 ± 0.6, 2.9 ± 1.8, and 6.3 ± 0.8%, respectively) did not differ by treatment but was significantly higher than that during simulated transport at each density (0%). No differences in mortality were found following simulated shipping at 19, 21, and 25 C at 15 kg/m3. Significantly greater mortality occurred when juveniles were packed at 25 kg/m3 (10.4 ± 0.7%) than at 20 kg/m3 (1.9 ± 1.6%) and 15 kg/m3 (0.1 ± 0.1%). Recovery following simulated and actual shipping was high in all treatment groups. Under the conditions examined, results indicate that transport density should not exceed 20 kg/m3.
Center‐Based Early Childhood Education and Care in China: Policies, Trends, and Implications
Authors: Zhai Fuhua , Gao Qin
Published: September 2008

The development of early childhood education and care (ECEC) policies and programs in China has been closely intertwined with social, economic, and demographic changes. This article systematically reviews center‐based ECEC policies and programs in China and presents the major trends and implications for future research and policy. The focus of China’s ECEC policy has shifted from health and custodial care to nurturing and child‐centered education since the economic reforms and the one‐child policy were launched in the late 1970s. Empirical data show that the costs of ECEC services have been continuously increasing. Both the number of children enrolled and the overall enrolment rates have declined during the late 1990s but they have increased slightly since 2001. The ECEC programs vary substantially in every regard by urban or rural residence, type of organization, and region. The quality of center‐based ECEC programs in China is still quite low, indicated by their high child–teacher ratios and low levels of education among principals and teachers relative to developed countries. Children living in rural areas or less developed regions and those from low‐income families suffer from fewer resources and lower quality ECEC as compared to their peers. These problems must be addressed by future policy interventions.
Neither Hybrid nor Unique: A Reinterpretation of the East Asian Welfare Regime
Authors: Hong Kyung‐Zoon
Published: September 2008

Some researchers have been convinced that welfare developments in East Asia, especially Japan and Korea, can be fitted into the existing three worlds of welfare model, while others have insisted that existing welfare regime theories are not able to explain East Asian welfare regimes. This article assumes that we need to go beyond both of these traditional explanations. In the welfare state research fields, welfare regime approaches tend to focus on specific contextual conditions and cross‐national differences. As a result, they tend to overemphasize history at the expense of theory. This article tries to combine deductive causal modeling with an institutional–historical context by identifying the contingent rent political game model and deducing important characteristics of East Asian welfare regime from this model. This model opens out the possibility of change in East Asian welfare regimes following the processes of democratization and globalization. Details of this are given in the conclusion.
Development of new lymphatic vessels in alkali‐burned corneas
Authors: Ling Shiqi , Lin Haotian , Liang Lingyi , Xu Jianggan , Xu Chuangchao , Zhao Wei , Liu Zuguo
Published: September 2008

Purpose:  Corneal lymphangiogenesis provides an exit route for antigen‐presenting cells to regional lymph nodes, inducing immune response. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of corneal lymphatic vessels in alkali‐burned corneas.

Methods:  Corneal lymphatic vessels were examined by electron microscopy, 5′‐nase‐alkaline phosphatase (5′‐NA‐ALP) double enzyme‐histochemistry and whole mount immunofluorescence at 6 hr, 1 day, 3 days, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks after rat corneal alkali injury. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C) protein and mRNA was examined 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days after the injury.

Results:  Corneal lymphangiogenesis developed 3 days after alkaline burns, reached its peak 2 weeks after the injury, decreased gradually and disappeared at the end of the fifth week. The expression of VEGF‐C in burned corneas increased dramatically on the third day but disappeared the 14th day after the injury.

Conclusion:  Corneal lymphatic vessels develop after alkaline burns and VEGF‐C may play an important role in corneal lymphangiogensis.
Bevacizumab as adjuvant for neovascular glaucoma
Authors: Beutel Julia , Peters Swaantje , Lüke Matthias , Aisenbrey Sabin , Szurman Peter , Spitzer Martin S. , Yoeruek Efdal ,   the Bevacizumab Study Group, Grisanti Salvatore
Published: September 2008

Purpose:  We aimed to evaluate the longterm effects of intraocular bevacizumab (Avastin®) injections as adjuvant treatment in patients with neovascular glaucoma.

Methods:  Twenty eyes of 18 consecutive patients with secondary neovascular glaucoma caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 7), ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion (n = 7), ischaemic ophthalmopathy (n = 2) and retinal ischaemia resulting from persistent detachment (n = 2) were treated with intraocular bevacizumab injections (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) in addition to other treatments. The main outcome measure was the change in degree of iris rubeosis. Secondary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and numbers of additional interventions or antiglaucoma medications administered after injection.

Results:  Mean (± standard deviation) follow‐up was 67.7 ± 13.8 weeks (range 50–93 weeks). At the last follow‐up, complete regression of rubeosis was detectable in five (20%) eyes, incomplete regression in seven (35%), stabilization in six (30%), and an increase in two (10%) eyes. Mean IOP was 26.0 ± 8.9 mmHg at baseline and significantly decreased to 14.75 ± 5.3 mmHg at the last follow‐up visit (p = 0.000005). Mean baseline BCVA (logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution] 1.43 ± 0.89) was stabilized during the follow‐up period (logMAR 1.5 ± 0.98). Patients received an average of 2.75 injections. Additional treatments were laser photocoagulation in 13 (65%) eyes, cyclodestructive procedure in 14 (70%), cryopexy in six (30%), drainage procedures in two (10%), and vitrectomy in five (25%) eyes.

Conclusions:  Bevacizumab may be beneficial as adjuvant treatment in neovascular glaucoma because of its anti‐angiogenic properties and its ability to prevent establishment or progression of angular obstruction. The causative disease inducing the angiogenic process requires treatment in all cases. Antiglaucoma treatment is needed in cases of persistent elevated IOP.
Scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation in migraine patients
Authors: Martinez Antonio , Proupim Norberto , Sanchez Manuel
Published: September 2008

Purpose:  This study aimed to compare scanning laser polarimetry measurements of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in eyes of migraine patients with those in eyes of age‐matched, healthy subjects.

Methods:  The study was designed as an observational, prospective, cross‐sectional study. It included 57 eyes of 57 patients with migraine with or without aura according to the criteria of the International Headache Society and 44 eyes of 44 age‐matched healthy controls. Scanning laser polarimetry images were obtained using a commercial GDx VCC system (Version 5.3.1; Laser Diagnostic Technologies, Inc.). At each sitting, three sets of GDx VCC measurements were acquired for each patient and used in the analysis. Image acquisition was performed in undilated eyes in all subjects.

Results:  The mean ± standard deviation RNFL average thickness parameter in the migraine subjects was significantly lower than in the control group, at 50.4 ± 4.8 μm versus 54.7 ± 3.4 μm, respectively (p < 0.0001). However, there were no differences between migraine subjects and controls in mean RNFL thickness in superior and inferior areas. In the migraine group the mean migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) score was 34.3 ± 15.3 and the mean number of attacks per year was 17.1 ± 6.9 (range 6−28). The mean RNFL average thickness parameter was significantly correlated with MIDAS score (r = − 0.86, p < 0.0001) and frequency of attacks (r = − 0.86, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  The mean RNFL average thickness parameter was found to be thinner in migraine patients. In addition, we found a strong correlation between migraine severity and RNFL average thickness parameters.
Visual fields and optic disc morphology in very low birthweight adolescents examined with magnetic resonance imaging of the brain
Authors: Hellgren Kerstin , Hellström Ann , Martin Lene
Published: September 2008

Purpose:  We aimed to evaluate visual fields (VFs) and optic disc morphology in very low birthweight (VLBW) adolescents compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls, and to relate the findings to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results.

Methods:  Fifty‐nine VLBW adolescents and 55 age‐ and gender‐matched controls with normal birthweight were examined. Visual fields were tested using computerized rarebit perimetry (RB). Optic nerve and retinal vessel morphology were evaluated by digital image analysis of fundus photographs. Brain MRI was conducted in the VLBW subjects.

Results:  Ten of the 57 VLBW subjects (p = 0.022) had subnormal VF results defined as a mean hit rate below the fifth percentile of the controls (i.e. < 89%). All of these also had significantly lower mean hit rates (p = 0.039) in the inferior hemifield. Sixteen of 57 (28%) VLBW subjects had white matter damage of immaturity (WMDI) on MRI. Six of 15 subjects with WMDI (who underwent VF testing) also had subnormal RB results, compared with four of 39 with normal MRI findings (p = 0.02). The mean neural retinal rim area was 9% smaller (p = 0.018) in the VLBW group than in the control group. The VLBW adolescents had a significantly higher index for tortuosity of arterioles than the controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  In the present study, 18% of all VLBW adolescents and 40% of those with WMDI had subnormal RB VF findings. The VLBW group had increased arterial tortuosity and a somewhat smaller (9%) mean neural retinal rim area than the control group. Thus sequels to VLBW appear to persist in adolescence.