bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OSTEOLYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH A METAL‐ON‐METAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Carr Ashley M. , DeSteiger Richard
Published: February 2008

Background:  Despite design and manufacturing improvements in contemporary metal‐on‐metal hip replacements, the problem of wear particles persists. The local and systemic biological consequences of this ionic debris have been the subject of much investigation and it has become clear that cell‐mediated delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions are a discrete mode of osteolysis in susceptible patients.

Methods:  We have carried out a consecutive series of 125 primary hip replacements using the Metasul (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) bearing couple. The radiographs, periprosthetic tissue and retrieved implants of patients undergoing revision for osteolysis were analysed.

Results:  Three patients underwent revision procedures during a follow‐up period of 3–9 years. Histological analysis showed a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate of the pseudocapsule. Infection was excluded in each patient, there was no implant loosening and no evidence of impingement between trunion and acetabular component.

Conclusion:  We report a prevalence of 2.6% of patients displaying femoral osteolysis associated with characteristic clinical and histological findings.
SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY IN LARGER OR MULTIFOCAL BREAST CANCERS: TO DO OR NOT TO DO
Authors: Behm Eirene C. , Buckingham John M.
Published: February 2008

Background:  The use of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in breast cancer patients with large and/or multifocal tumours is controversial.

Methods:  A review of clinical records was undertaken for 213 consecutive patients undergoing SNB for invasive breast cancer from September 2000 to February 2006. The results of SNB and axillary dissection were compared for patients with unifocal or multifocal tumours less than 3 cm and 3 cm or larger. Patient outcomes were also assessed.

Results:  The mean number of sentinel nodes removed per patient increased from 2.33 in 2000 to 4.17 in 2006. For patients with unifocal tumours less than 3 cm, 47 of 147 (32.0%) were sentinel node positive compared with 15 of 30 (50%) for multifocal tumours less than 3 cm (P = 0.04), 19 of 28 (67.9%) for unifocal tumours 3 cm or larger (P < 0.001) and 7 of 8 (87.5%) for multifocal tumours 3 cm or larger (P = 0.003). Following axillary dissection, 20 of 48 (41.7%) patients with sentinel node macrometastases were found to have positive non‐sentinel nodes, compared with 4 of 20 (20.0%) and 1 of 8 (12.5%) for patients with sentinel node micrometastases and isolated tumour cells. The mean total number of positive nodes was 1.74 compared with 4.21 for unifocal tumours less than or greater than 3 cm, respectively (P = 0.004). No axillary recurrences were detected during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion:  Although patients with large and/or multifocal tumours were more likely to have a positive sentinel node, the findings provide some indication that SNB may be reliable for staging the axilla in these patients.
DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF SEBACEOUS CARCINOMA: AN AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Dowd Michael B. , Kumar Rohit J. , Sharma Raghwa , Murali Rajmohan
Published: February 2008

Background:  Cutaneous sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare malignancy derived from adnexal epithelium of sebaceous glands. Periorbital SC is approximately three times more common than extraorbital SC. To date, there are few data from an Australian source to document the prevalence or clinical outcome of this tumour.

Methods:  A retrospective review was undertaken of the cases from the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research using their histopathology database for patients with a diagnosis of SC. Patients were identified over a period of 34 years from 1971–2005 and their management and follow up are reported.

Results:  There were 25 patients in all. Seventeen were men and eight were women. Of the 25 cases, 12 were extraorbital and 13 were periorbital. Three metastases and one tumour showed extensive local invasion. There were nine cases of incomplete excisions and 13 patients were reoperated on for either incomplete excisions, to obtain a wider margin or for local recurrences. Adjuvant radiotherapy was used on five patients, three of whom had lymph node deposits.

Conclusion:  Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare tumour. Extraorbital SC is an aggressive and invasive malignancy. Excision margins may need to be wider than previously thought. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) may play a role in the aetiology. Wide excision and selective use of radiotherapy remain the treatment of choice.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE OF VAGUS NERVE‐PRESERVING GASTRECTOMY WITH D2 LYMPHADENECTOMY FOR GASTRIC CANCER
Authors: Ando Shigemitsu , Tsuji Hideki
Published: February 2008

Preservation of the vagus nerve in curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer is important to maintain postoperative quality of life. We developed a vagus nerve‐preserving gastrectomy with D2 dissection for patients with early gastric cancer and for selected patients with T2 cancer. Following lymph node dissection along the left gastric artery, the root of the left gastric artery was isolated and divided. The coeliac branch was followed retrogradely, and the posterior gastric branches were cut at their origins. The hepatic branch was also preserved. A total of 136 patients, including 27 cases of T2 cancer, underwent the vagus nerve‐preserving gastric operation, and surgical anatomy of the coeliac branch was studied. In 110 cases, variations in the course of the coeliac branch were classified into three types according to its relationship with the left gastric artery: close to the artery (43 cases, 39.1%), intermediate (47 cases, 42.7%) and away from the artery (20 cases, 18.2%). In 115 patients who underwent vagus nerve‐preserving distal gastrectomy (n = 93) or pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy (n = 22), the postoperative bodyweight was 95.6 ± 5.2% of the preoperative bodyweight, and the incidence of gallstone formation was 1.8% (2 of 113). A D2 dissection comparable with conventional D2 gastrectomy could be carried out using the vagus nerve‐preserving technique. The coeliac branch could be preserved regardless of its anatomy, resulting in improvements in postoperative quality of life.
QUADRAPOD MESH FOR POSTERIOR WALL RECONSTRUCTION IN ADULT INGUINAL HERNIAS
Authors: Wu Shih‐Chung , Wang Chih‐Chi , Yong Chee‐Cheng
Published: February 2008

Inguinal hernia repairs are the most frequently carried out operations worldwide, and open‐mesh herniorrhaphies have gained wide acceptance for advantages of little tension, less pain and lower recurrence rates. Even so, potential drawbacks of original open‐mesh repairs exist, and we accordingly make some modifications, suggesting a new ‘quadrapod' marlex mesh as an alternative. From July 2002 to March 2004, we carried out 288 consecutive inguinal hernia repairs using quadrapod mesh in 273 patients, all of them were male and aged older than 35 years. Patient demographics, operative parameters, morbidity and outcomes were collected in detail. After surgery, patients were followed up every 6 months at one surgeon's clinic and any major abnormality was recorded. Mean age of the 273 patients was 58.7 years. Twenty‐eight patients had recurrent hernias and 15 bilateral hernias. Mean surgical duration was 50.7 min. One patient suffered from major wound infection and needed prolonged hospitalization for parenteral antibiotics. Owing to old age and benign prostatic hyperplasia, 11 patients receiving spinal anaesthesia had temporary postoperative urine retention and needed short‐term urinary catheter insertion. Most patients were discharged 1 day following surgery. Acute wound pain generally improved within days, and no patients complained of chronic pain or debility necessitating special interventions. With a mean follow up of 40.7 months, no case of recurrent herniation was detected to date. Open‐mesh herniorrhaphy using quadrapod mesh provides a cheap, feasible and effective alternative choice in centres with limited resources. Preliminary results are encouraging, and a formal prospective study may be warranted.
COMMON FACIAL VEIN: AN ALTERNATIVE PATCH MATERIAL IN CAROTID ANGIOPLASTY
Authors: Abeysekara Abeywardana M. S. , Siriwardana H. P. Priyantha , Prabaharan Balasingham , Tiwari Alok , Madipolagedara Nissanka , Jacob Sabu
Published: February 2008

Patch angioplasty is a popular adjunct to carotid endarterectomy to facilitate arteriotomy closure. The long saphenous vein is the common autogenous patch in use. We tested the feasibility of using the ipsilateral common facial vein (CFV), which is usually sacrificed during exposure of the carotid bifurcation. A consecutive series of 17 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy was examined to show the use of CFV patch in arteriotomy closure in 18 procedures. During exposure of the carotid bifurcation, the facial vein was harvested and distended with heparinized saline to assess the size of the vein. If the vein had an adequate diameter, it was everted and used as a double‐layered patch. Patients were followed up postoperatively with serial duplex scanning at 3, 6 and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. The median (range) age of the patients in the series was 66 years (52–72 years). Of the 18 CFV harvested, 2 were rejected because of small calibre. The median (range) length of the vein harvested was 5 cm (4–6 cm). The average diameter of harvested vein was 5 mm. The median (range) time taken for harvesting, distending and everting the vein was 10 min (8–12 min). There were no perioperative deaths or strokes. There was no significant re‐stenosis during the follow up of 24 months (18–36 months), with a mean peak velocity of 0.86 m/s (0.58–1.29 ). The use of everted CFV patch in carotid angioplasty is safe, quick, convenient and durable, whereas saphenous veins are spared and lower limb incisions avoided.
Translocation of aprotinin, a therapeutic protease inhibitor, into the thylakoid lumen of genetically engineered tobacco chloroplasts
Authors: Tissot Ghislaine , Canard Hélène , Nadai Marie , Martone Aris , Botterman Johan , Dubald Manuel
Published: February 2008

Aprotinin, a bovine protease inhibitor of important therapeutic value, was expressed in tobacco plastid transformants. This disulphide bond‐containing protein was targeted to the lumen of thylakoids using signal peptides derived from nuclear genes which encode lumenal proteins. Translocation was attempted via either the general secretion (Sec) or the twin‐arginine translocation (Tat) pathway. In both cases, this strategy allowed the production of genuine aprotinin with its N‐terminal arginine residue. The recombinant protease inhibitor was efficiently secreted within the lumen of thylakoids, accumulated in older leaves and was bound to trypsin, suggesting that the three disulphide bonds of aprotinin are correctly folded and paired in this chloroplast compartment. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that translocation via the Sec pathway, unlike the Tat pathway, led predominantly to an oxidized protein. Translocation via the Tat pathway was linked to a slightly decreased growth rate, a pale‐green leaf phenotype and supplementary expression products associated with the thylakoids.
INCENTIVE CONTRACTS UNDER IMPERFECT AUDITING*
Authors: CHEN HSIAO‐CHI , LIU SHI‐MIIN
Published: February 2008

In this paper we analyze the optimal incentive contracts under imperfect auditing. Both principal's commitment and no commitment to auditing cases are investigated. In the commitment case, the Baron–Besanko‐type (RAND Journal of Economics, Vol. 15 (1984), pp. 447–470) contract would fail under imperfect auditing. In the no‐commitment case, the Baron–Myerson (Econometrica, Vol. 50 (1982), pp. 911–930) and the Khalil‐type (RAND Journal of Economics, Vol. 28 (1997), pp. 629–640) contracts could survive under specific misjudging probabilities. In addition, there exists a separate equilibrium with the agent's full compliance and the principal's sure ex post auditing.
SMALL FIRM CEOS AND OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS: TENURE, DEMONSTRATION AND SYNERGY EFFECTS*
Authors: COWLING MARC
Published: February 2008

We investigate the determinants of the number of outside directorships held by chief executive officers (CEOs) of small, unquoted companies. CEOs of growth‐oriented firm's hold more outside directorships, as do CEOs of more complex firms. This reflects the need to acquire external resources and develop internal human capital. Synergy effects were also evident in particular industries. On balance there was little evidence of perquisite consumption and some evidence that boards do have a disciplining role.
ENDOGENOUS INFORMATION FRICTIONS, STOCK MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH*
Authors: CAPASSO SALVATORE
Published: February 2008

The aim of this paper is to provide further insights into the linkages between stock market development and economic growth. Under information asymmetries, higher return projects tend to be penalized since these projects are valued at the average, and lower than fair, price. This informational cost, or dilution cost, depends on the degree of informational asymmetry in the market, as well as on the type of financial contract issued by the firms—typically, equity or debt. Growth occurring, informational costs decrease and so does the cost of equity relative to debt financing which spurs the development of stock markets.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND BANK PERFORMANCE: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON FOR OECD COUNTRIES*
Authors: PASTOR JOSÉ MANUEL , TORTOSA‐AUSINA EMILI
Published: February 2008

Over the last few years the literature on social capital and bank efficiency analysis has expanded rapidly. We merge them by analysing how social capital affects bank efficiency in OECD countries. We use activity analysis techniques to measure efficiency, and social capital, which is related to the concept of generalized trust, is considered an environmental variable. Results suggest that the effect of social capital is more relevant for those financial institutions operating in low‐social‐capital environments. In these cases, inefficiencies are biased upwards, and controlling for social capital enables these banks to move up in the efficiency rankings.
Hunger: The Silent Epidemic Among Asylum Seekers and Resettled Refugees
Authors: Piwowarczyk Linda , Keane Terence M. , Lincoln Alisa
Published: February 2008

Refugees and asylum seekers face challenges after arriving in a host country. They carry the trauma that they may have experienced in their countries of origin, during fight, and in countries of asylum. Other stressors impact on their adjustment after arriving in the United States including basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. This is a retrospective review of data collected as part of a needs assessment by a program, which serves survivors of torture and refugee trauma. Asylum seekers (n=65) and refugees were compared (n=30). Asylum seekers were more apt to be from Africa (p<.001), need family reunification (p=.027), speak more languages (p<.001), suffer from political persecution (p<.001), move from place to place due to not having a permanent place to live (p=.031), and be unable to contribute to the rent (p<.001). Unadjusted, asylum seekers were also more likely than refugees to have gone to bed hungry in the previous two weeks (p<.001) or since arriving in the United States (p<.001). Refugees were more likely to be eating more food now than before feeing, and asylum seekers the opposite (p<.001). Being an asylum seeker made one 3.7 times more likely to suffer from food insecurity than being a refugee, and 5.3 times more likely to not have work authorization. Among asylum seekers, adjusting for gender, age, education, lack of permanent housing, English fluency, and self‐reported health status, not having work authorization made one 5.6 times more likely to suffer from hunger. Independently, being a torture survivor made one 10.4 times more likely to suffer from hunger. Asylum seekers must wait 150 days before applying for asylum in the United States. For humanitarian reasons, mandatory‐waiting periods for work authorization for asylum seekers should be eliminated.
Gender and Migration in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey H. , Rodriguez Leila , Fox Margaret
Published: February 2008

In this paper, we examine the gendered nature of international and internal migration that originates in the central valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico. Our goals are to define migration patterns and outcomes for Oaxacan women from the central valleys region and note the differences that mark migrant men and women. We use ethnographic data from anthropological research in 12 of Oaxaca's central valley communities to argue that local concepts of what defines correct behaviour (for both men and women) are critical to the outcomes and the differences that exist in the practices of migrant men and women.
Remittances in Ghana: Origin, Destination and Issues of Measurement
Authors: Mazzucato Valentina , Van Den Boom Bart , Nsowah‐Nuamah N.N.N.
Published: February 2008

Few studies on remittances have focused on sub‐Saharan Africa. This paper analyses a nationwide survey of 5,998 households to determine the characteristics of both internal and overseas remittances in Ghana. Particular attention is paid to the poverty‐alleviation potential of remittances. Furthermore, this study uses a smaller scale pilot project with a matched sample of senders and receivers of remittances to identify some problems with using household‐level surveys to assess the volume and impact of overseas remittances, and offers some suggestions as to how to handle these problems. The paper estimates that foreign remittances may be three times as large as Bank of Ghana estimates, bringing Ghana on par with large remittance receiving countries such as the Philippines and Mexico. The paper concludes that while foreign remittances are larger in value, locally sent remittances reach poorer segments of the population. Both foreign and local remittances are unevenly geographically distributed, being received more in the centre and southern regions than in northern Ghana where the poorest regions are. The paper argues a need to study multiplier effects of foreign remittances, as these can be large and eventually accrue to rural populations.
The Role of Emigration in Foreign Aid Policies: The Case of Spain and Morocco
Authors: Lacomba Joan , Boni Alejandra
Published: February 2008

This article analyses the relationships between emigration and Official Development Aid (ODA) policies, taking the cases of Spain and Morocco as the backdrop to the study. It discusses the principal characteristics of both the Spanish state and non‐governmental cooperation in Morocco, the underlying motivations of the principal stakeholders, and the way international cooperation policies now encompass the phenomenon of emigration. The paper compares the field of co‐development, which encompasses a rather limited understanding of immigration, with ODA policies, in which immigration is an increasingly important agenda item for both the central government and the Spanish autonomous communities. The article then examines the relationship between migration and development, and considers necessary changes of perspective required to enhance the development and emigration policies in both Spain and Morocco. Lastly, we conclude with a series of recommendations, based on our analysis, aimed at Spanish and Moroccan stakeholders, both state institutions and non‐governmental organizations.
Rural Residence as a Determinant of Attitudes Toward US Immigration Policy
Authors: Fennelly Katherine , Federico Christopher
Published: February 2008

Between 1990 and 2000, the foreign‐born population in the United States increased by 57 per cent, compared to a 13 per cent increase in the native‐born population. This growth has fueled considerable media attention and has fomented some anti‐immigrant sentiments. Although a number of authors have charted changes in support for restrictionist immigration policies, few have examined their determinants. In this paper, we focus on region of residence and use data from a 2004 telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of 1888 adults to test the hypothesis that rural Americans are more likely to support restrictive immigration policies than individuals in urban and suburban communities. In a series of regression analyses, this hypothesis is confirmed; rural residents hold the most restrictionist views. Additional analyses indicate that this effect of rural residence on policy attitudes is mediated by attitudes toward multiculturalism, the perceived traits of immigrants, and perceptions about the costs of immigration. Ultimately, the analyses indicate that the perceived cost of immigration is the single strongest predictor of support for restrictive immigration policies, and that it best accounts for rural residents’more restrictionist views.
The Right to Return in China
Authors: Liu Guofu
Published: February 2008

The right to return has been affirmed as a fundamental human right in several international instruments. While being a fundamental human right, each state has the sovereign right to regulate the right to return in accordance with its own laws. The regulation of the right to return, however, is not only an attribute of sovereignty but an issue with important political, economic and security implications for the state. Given its significance, it is understandable and desirable that states regulate the right to return. The regulation must however take account of both the interests of the state and the human rights dimension of the right. A careful and well‐coordinated returning strategy with a well‐defined the right to return focus could enhance China's economic progress as well as its international human rights image.

China's current policies on the right to return still reflect a closed culture. Few among the 5 million Huaqiao lodge applications to return to China for permanent residence or employment. Eleven million illegal migrants have difficulty meeting the impracticable requirements of passport re‐issue, replacement and extension. The Chinese government's behaviour in imposing limitations on citizens from returning to China is unacceptable. China may have some justifications for its restrictive approach, but on balance, has more to gain from adopting a more liberal approach. The issue of the right to return in China is crucial both for the future of China, and for development of the right to return in the world.
Spatial Analysis and Surname Analysis: Complementary Tools for Shedding Light on Human Longevity Patterns
Authors: Montesanto A. , Passarino G. , Senatore A. , Carotenuto L. , De Benedictis G.
Published: February 2008

Starting from the observation that human longevity patterns show regional variations, we applied Spatial Analysis (using the Geographic Information System) and Surname Analysis to highlight the effect of the population genetic structure on such patterns. The study was carried out in Calabria, a southern Italian region which is characterized by a wide variability of geographic features (high mountains and deep valleys which created geographic isolates in the past). We identified three zones of high longevity: a male and a female longevity zone were located near the town of Cosenza (northern Calabria), while a male longevity zone was located in a mountainous and quite isolated part of the province of Reggio Calabria (southern Calabria). The latter zone was characterized by the lowest Female/Male ratio in nonagenarians observed to date. By applying surname analysis (Fisher's alpha) we found a significant negative correlation between surname abundance and index of longevity, showing that this isolated zone of male longevity presents a high level of inbreeding. On the whole, the results showed the effectiveness of spatial analysis in revealing geographical longevity patterns, and highlighted the importance of the population genetic structure in shaping such patterns.
Shared Genomic Segment Analysis. Mapping Disease Predisposition Genes in Extended Pedigrees Using SNP Genotype Assays
Authors: Thomas A. , Camp N. J. , Farnham J. M. , Allen‐Brady K. , Cannon‐Albright L. A.
Published: February 2008

We examine the utility of high density genotype assays for predisposition gene localization using extended pedigrees. Results for the distribution of the number and length of genomic segments shared identical by descent among relatives previously derived in the context of genomic mismatch scanning are reviewed in the context of dense single nucleotide polymorphism maps. We use long runs of loci at which cases share a common allele identically by state to localize hypothesized predisposition genes. The distribution of such runs under the hypothesis of no genetic effect is evaluated by simulation. Methods are illustrated by analysis of an extended prostate cancer pedigree previously reported to show significant linkage to chromosome 1p23. Our analysis establishes that runs of simple single locus statistics can be powerful, tractable and robust for finding DNA shared between relatives, and that extended pedigrees offer powerful designs for gene detection based on these statistics.
Hypomutability at the Polyadenine Tract in SMN Intron 3 Shows the Invariability of the a‐SMN Protein Structure
Authors: Gunadi  , Sasongko T. H. , Yusoff S. , Lee M. J. , Nishioka E. , Matsuo M. , Nishio H.
Published: February 2008

Recently, the axonal‐SMN (a‐SMN) protein, which is generated by the gene responsible for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), SMN, has been reported. Surprisingly, the a‐SMN transcript includes the entire sequence of SMN intron 3. We had expected a high frequency of insertion/deletion mutations at a polyadenine tract in this intron, since simple repetitive sequence motifs are prone to mutations. Such mutations could change the C‐terminal structure of the a‐SMN protein. However, our study showed that almost all individuals, including healthy individuals, SMA patients and SMA‐like patients, carried only alleles with a normal polyadenine tract. Hypomutability of the polyadenine tract in SMN intron 3 suggests the existence of transcriptional mechanisms preventing alterations to the open reading frame of axonal SMN and not allowing variability in the protein structure of a‐SMN.
Study of Regions of Extended Homozygosity Provides a Powerful Method to Explore Haplotype Structure of Human Populations
Authors: Curtis D. , Vine A. E. , Knight J.
Published: February 2008

Previous investigations have reported linkage disequilibrium occurring between nearby polymorphisms, a block‐like structure for such relationships, some instances where surprisingly few haplotypes are found and regions of extended homozygosity which are especially marked around centromeres and which are especially common on the X chromosome. We investigated the distribution and nature of regions of extended homozygosity in a sample of 1411 subjects included in a genome wide association study. Regions of extended homozygosity over 1Mb are common, with an average of 35.9 occurring per subject, and containing on average 73 homozygous markers. They have a markedly non‐random distribution. They are relatively common on the X chromosome and are seen at centromeres but are also concentrated at other chromosomal regions where presumably recombination is rare. They seem to be a consequence of some haplotypes being very common in the population and although sometimes this reflects the effect of a very common haplotype we also note that there are examples of two or three common haplotypes, each very different from each other, underlying this effect. Regions of extended homozygosity are commoner than previously appreciated. They result from the presence of extended haplotypes with high population frequency. Such regions concentrate in particular locations. The haplotypes involved are sometimes markedly disparate from each other. These regions offer a valuable opportunity for further investigation, in particular with regard to their ancestral history.
Close Genetic Relationship Between Semitic‐speaking and Indo‐European‐speaking Groups in Iran
Authors: Nasidze I. , Quinque D. , Rahmani M. , Alemohamad S. A. , Stoneking M.
Published: February 2008

As part of a continuing investigation of the extent to which the genetic and linguistic relationships of populations are correlated, we analyzed mtDNA HV1 sequences, eleven Y chromosome bi‐allelic markers, and 9 Y‐STR loci in two neighboring groups from the southwest of Iran who speak languages belonging to different families: Indo‐European‐speaking Bakhtiari, and Semitic‐speaking Arabs. Both mtDNA and the Y chromosome, showed a close relatedness of these groups with each other and with neighboring geographic groups, irrespective of the language spoken. Moreover, Semitic‐speaking North African groups are more distant genetically from Semitic‐speaking groups from the Near East and Iran. Thus, geographical proximity better explains genetic relatedness between populations than does linguistic relatedness in this part of the world.
Differential Y‐chromosome Anatolian Influences on the Greek and Cretan Neolithic
Authors: King R. J. , Özcan S. S. , Carter T. , Kalfoğlu E. , Atasoy S. , Triantaphyllidis C. , Kouvatsi A. , Lin A. A. , Chow C‐E. T. , Zhivotovsky L. A. , Michalodimitrakis M. , Underhill P. A.
Published: February 2008

The earliest Neolithic sites of Europe are located in Crete and mainland Greece. A debate persists concerning whether these farmers originated in neighboring Anatolia and the role of maritime colonization. To address these issues 171 samples were collected from areas near three known early Neolithic settlements in Greece together with 193 samples from Crete. An analysis of Y‐chromosome haplogroups determined that the samples from the Greek Neolithic sites showed strong affinity to Balkan data, while Crete shows affinity with central/Mediterranean Anatolia. Haplogroup J2b‐M12 was frequent in Thessaly and Greek Macedonia while haplogroup J2a‐M410 was scarce. Alternatively, Crete, like Anatolia showed a high frequency of J2a‐M410 and a low frequency of J2b‐M12. This dichotomy parallels archaeobotanical evidence, specifically that while bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is known from Neolithic Anatolia, Crete and southern Italy; it is absent from earliest Neolithic Greece. The expansion time of YSTR variation for haplogroup E3b1a2‐V13, in the Peloponnese was consistent with an indigenous Mesolithic presence. In turn, two distinctive haplogroups, J2a1h‐M319 and J2a1b1‐M92, have demographic properties consistent with Bronze Age expansions in Crete, arguably from NW/W Anatolia and Syro‐Palestine, while a later mainland (Mycenaean) contribution to Crete is indicated by relative frequencies of V13.
Segmental Copy‐Number Variation Observed in Japanese by Array‐CGH
Authors: Takahashi N. , Tsuyama N. , Sasaki K. , Kodaira M. , Satoh Y. , Kodama Y. , Sugita K. , Katayama H.
Published: February 2008

Segmental copy‐number variations (CNVs) may contribute to genetic variation in humans. In this study, we examined 80 unrelated Japanese individuals using a microarray (2,238 Bac‐clones) based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) assay. We found a total of 251 CNVs at 30 different regions in the genome; of these, 14 (termed ‘rare’ CNVs) were found individually located within distinct genomic regions of 14 individuals, while the remaining 16 CNV regions (termed ‘polymorphic’ CNVs) were observed in two or more individuals. The rare CNVs were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reactions, and characterized more precisely than in previous reports using array CGH. Distinctive features of these CNVs were observed: most prominent was that the majority of the rare CNVs presented on Bac‐clones that did not overlap with regions of segmental duplication. About 90% of the polymorphic CNVs observed in this population had been previously identified, with the majority of those polymorphic CNVs located in regions of segmental duplication. It is likely, therefore, that rare and polymorphic CNVs arise through different genetic mechanisms. Since more than half of the rare CNVs are novel, it is also likely that different human populations bear different CNVs, as is the case for single‐nucleotide‐polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion‐deletion (indel) polymorphisms.
Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Genes on Chromosome 1q21–24
Authors: Hasstedt S. J. , Chu W. S. , Das S. K. , Wang H. , Elbein S. C.
Published: February 2008

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been linked to chromosome 1q21–24 in multiple samples, including a Utah family sample. Variants in 13 of the numerous candidate genes in the 1q region were tested for association with T2D in a Utah case‐control sample. The most promising, 19 variants in 6 candidates, were genotyped on the Utah family sample. Herein, we tested the 19 variants individually and in pairs for an effect on T2D risk in family members using a logistic regression model that accounted for gender, age, and BMI and attributed residual genetic effects to a polygenic component. Seven variants increased risk significantly through 5 pairs of interactions. The significant variant pairs were apolipoprotein A‐II (APOA2) rs6413453 interacting with calsequestrin 1 (CASQ1) rs617698, dual specificity phosphatase 12 (DUSP12) rs1503814, and retinoid X receptor γ (RXRG) rs10918169, a poly‐T insertion‐deletion polymorphism in liver pyruvate kinase (PKLR) interacting with APOA2 rs12143180, and DUSP12 rs1027702 interacting with RXRG rs10918169. Genotypes of these 5 variant pairs accounted for 25.8% of the genetic variance in T2D in these pedigrees.
Genetic Polymorphism ofCYP2C19Gene in the Stanislas Cohort. A link with Inflammation
Authors: Bertrand‐Thiébault C. , Berrahmoune H. , Thompson A. , Marie B. , Droesch S. , Siest G. , Foernzler D. , Visvikis‐Siest S.
Published: February 2008

CYP2C19, a member of the cytochrome P450 family, metabolises arachidonic acid to produce epoxyeicosanoid acids, which are involved in vascular tone and inflammation. Thus, this study describes the possible relationship between aCYP2C19polymorphism (681G>A) and three inflammatory markers: interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) in healthy individuals.

In a sub‐sample of 178 men and 181 women from the Stanislas study, we quantified plasma IL‐6 and TNF‐α concentrations by using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and serum hs‐CRP concentration by immunonephelometry. TheCYP2C19681G>A polymorphism was genotyped using the kinetic thermocycling allele specific PCR method.

In the Stanislas cohort, the frequency of the alleleCYP2C19*2(681A) was 17.8%. Circulating levels of inflammatory factors were increased in individuals homozygous for the defective alleleCYP2C19*2(A) notably IL‐6 in the whole sample (P= 0.0008) and hs‐CRP only in women (P= 0.008), with a significant interaction with sex (P= 0.005), in comparison to carriers of one copy or more of the wild type allele CYP2C19*1 (G). Only a trend of association (P= 0.089) was found between this polymorphism and TNF‐α concentration in the whole sample.

The association betweenCYP2C19*2polymorphism and inflammatory markers' concentrations could suggest thatCYP2C19may be considered as a new candidate gene for cardiovascular risks via inflammation.
Gene‐Gene Interaction Between FGF20 and MAOB in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Gao X. , Scott W. K. , Wang G. , Mayhew G. , Li Y. J. , Vance J. M. , Martin E. R.
Published: February 2008

The fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20) and monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) genes are associated with Parkinson Disease (PD) risk and both are in the dopamine bio‐pathway. Therefore, we investigated the joint effect between polymorphisms in the FGF20 and MAOB genes for evidence of interaction contributing to PD risk. Fourteen polymorphisms (eight for FGF20, six for MAOB) were genotyped in 736 families and analyzed using conditional logistic regression (CLR). Significant two‐locus interactions were found in females between the polymorphisms rs1721100 of FGF20 and rs1799836 of MAOB, and between the polymorphisms rs1721082 of FGF20 and rs1799836 of MAOB. The risk alleles for each SNP identified from CLR, rs1721100 C, rs1721082 T and rs1799836 A, are consistent with previous reports. Using indicator variables for the SNP genotypes, rs1721100 GC with rs1799836 AA showed significant interaction (P = 0.021), compared with the reference group rs1721100 GG with rs1799836 GG. Using an allele‐dose model for the risk alleles, rs1721100 and rs1799836 showed significant interaction (P = 0.019). We found similar interaction results between rs1721082 and rs1799836. In conclusion, variants in FGF20 and MAOB show evidence of statistical interactions, which emphasizes the importance of considering them jointly in genetic analysis of PD and illustrates potential patterns of biological interaction contributing to PD risk.
A Perspective on the History of the Iberian Gypsies Provided by Phylogeographic Analysis of Y‐Chromosome Lineages
Authors: Gusmão A. , Gusmão L. , Gomes V. , Alves C. , Calafell F. , Amorim A. , Prata M. J.
Published: February 2008

The European Gypsies, commonly referred to as Roma, are represented by a vast number of groups spread across many countries. Although sharing a common origin, the Gypsy groups are highly heterogeneous as a consequence of genetic drift and different levels of admixture with surrounding populations. With this study we aimed at contributing to the knowledge of the Roma history by studying 17 Y‐STR and 34 Y‐SNP loci in a sample of 126 Portuguese Gypsies. Distinct genetic hallmarks of their past and migration route were detected, namely: an ancestral component, shared by all Roma groups, that reflects their origin in India (H1a‐M82; ∼17%); an influence from their long permanence in the Balkans/Middle‐East region (J2a1b‐M67, J2a1b1‐M92, I‐M170, Q‐M242; ∼31%); traces of contacts with European populations preceding the entrance in the Iberian Peninsula (R1b1c‐M269, J2b1a‐M241; ∼10%); and a high proportion of admixture with the non‐Gypsy population from Iberia (R1b1c‐M269, R1‐M173/del.M269, J2a‐M410, I1b1b‐M26, E3b1b‐M81; ∼37%). Among the Portuguese Gypsies the proportion of introgression from host populations is higher than observed in other groups, a fact which is somewhat unexpected since the arrival of the Roma to Portugal is documented to be more recent than in Central or East Europe.
Parents’ knowledge and choice of paracetamol dosing forms in 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children
Authors: Helgadóttir Helga Lára , Wilson Margaret E.
Published: February 2008

Paracetamol is one of the most common medicines administered to children and is available in suppositories, mixtures, drops and tablets. Orally administered paracetamol is more rapidly and completely absorbed and is, in general, more acceptable to children. In Iceland, the most common route of paracetamol administration is per rectum. The purpose of the study was to explore parents’ knowledge and usage of paracetamol for 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children. Parents (n = 103) of children in four playschools in Reykjavík participated in this survey research. Paracetamol was most commonly administered via suppository. Some parents were unaware of oral forms of paracetamol and had been advised by doctors, nurses or pharmacy staff to use suppositories. This study provides basic information needed to design appropriate parental education in pain and fever management.
Psychosocial intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia reduces caregiver's burden: development and effect after 6 and 12 months
Authors: Signe Andrén , Elmståhl Sölve
Published: February 2008

A number of different intervention programmes have been described in the literature for caregivers of people with dementia, but the nature of intervention has varied widely. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial intervention on family caregiver's level of burden and satisfaction, and possible influence of the caregiver's relationship and health and the patient's severity of the disease on the effects of intervention. All persons, 70 years and older, from two districts of a municipality (2721 individuals) who were in receipt of any form of social services were invited to participate in a screening of cognitive decline, and 1656 home visits were made. Those with symptoms of cognitive decline, and having a family caregiver, were invited for a further medical examination. Data were analysed from 308 family caregivers: 153 caregivers who underwent intervention and 155 control caregivers who did not. Repeated measures were carried out 6 and 12 months later. Outcomes were measured using instruments that had been tested for reliability and validity, and all patients were diagnosed according to DSM‐IV dementia criteria. Caregivers who underwent the psychosocial intervention (5‐week programme and 3‐month conversation group) reported significantly lower strain and disappointment after 6 months, and this trend remained after 12 months. Satisfaction, measured in terms of purpose, increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group. The best effect on caregivers in the intervention group was found early in the progression of dementia and in caregivers with impaired health. These findings emphasize the importance of identifying family caregivers early in the caring process to optimize well‐being. This study demonstrates that psychosocial intervention with a clearly defined aim that includes giving information and having a conversation group have significant, positive effects on burden and satisfaction for caregivers of people with dementia.
Living in a state of suspension – a phenomenological approach to the spouse’s experience of oral cancer
Authors: Röing Marta , Hirsch Jan‐Michaél , Holmström Inger
Published: February 2008

The consequences of oral cancer may affect not only the patient, but also their spouses, as the mouth is vital for communication, social interaction and nutrition. Treatment is complex, lengthy and involves a large number of medical and dental professionals. During the treatment of oral cancer spouses are often present when the patients meet the treatment team. While nursing and medical staff have experience of meeting both patients and spouses, dental teams may not. The aim of this phenomenological study was to describe oral cancer and its treatment as experienced by the patient’s spouses. A purposeful sample of seven spouses was interviewed. The existentials of lived relations, lived body and lived space and time were used as interpretive means in analysing the data to illuminate the spouses’ everyday experiences during treatment. The findings reveal that the experience of lived relations changes from being spouse to supportive carer, the lived body is neglected and lived space and time becomes restricted. The essence of their lived experience can be described as living in a state of suspension. This knowledge may be useful in the education and organization of supportive communication for multiprofessional caregivers.
Cooperation between parents and school nurses in primary schools: parents’ perceptions
Authors: Mäenpää Tiina , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: February 2008

Introduction:  Cooperation between pupils’ parents and school nurses is an important part of health promotion in primary schools. Developing frank and trusting relationships contributes to easy and uninhibited cooperation. Cooperation between parents and school nurses has not been widely researched internationally.

Aims:  This article reports on parents’ views on cooperation with school nurses in primary schools. The study aims at contributing to school nurses’ work so that instead of focusing only on the children, family nursing approaches could be improved.

Methods:  Nineteen parents from 13 families from southern Finland were interviewed for the study in 2004. The data were analysed by grounded theory and the constant comparative method was utilized.

Findings: Six concepts describing parents’ views on cooperation were generated on the basis of the data. Cooperation consists of supporting the child’s well‐being. School nurses take children’s and parents’ concerns seriously and intervene effectively if the child’s health is threatened. School nurses’ expertise is not very visible within school communities. Hoping to receive information and desiring parental involvement are important concepts of cooperation with the school nurse. The child’s family is not sufficiently known or taken holistically into consideration when the child’s health is promoted. Parents are the initiators of cooperation within school health care and parents describe this by the concept of one‐sided communication.

Conclusions:  Parents do not know about school nurses’ work and school health services. They would like to be more involved in school nursing activities. When developing children’s health services, parents’ expertise in their children’s well‐being should be paid more attention. This study enhances the knowledge of family nursing by describing Finnish parents’ perceptions of cooperation with school nurses. The findings facilitate the understanding of cooperation in school health services.
Primary Child Health Care Nurses’ assessment of health risks in children of foreign origin and their parents – a theoretical model
Authors: Berlin Anita , Hylander Ingrid , Törnkvist Lena
Published: February 2008

Background:  According to recent studies, intercultural interaction in health care between clients and care‐givers seems to be problematic. A recent Swedish study revealed that a majority of Primary Child Health Care Nurses (PCHNurses) experienced difficulties in their interaction with children and parents of foreign origin. As every third child in the Primary Child Heath Care (PCHC) services is of foreign origin it seem to be of utmost importance to examine in depth how these difficulties could be understood and explained.

Aim:  The present study aimed at a theoretical explanation of the core problem concerning PCHNurses’ interaction with children and parents of foreign origin, as experienced by the PCHNurses.

Methods:  Fifteen PCHNurses working in the PCHC services were interviewed. Grounded Theory was used as research methodology because focus is on social interactions and the aim is to theoretically explain unarticulated social processes.

Results:  Anxiety about missing children, exposed to risks of ill‐health, due to various conditions in the child’s home environment, turned out to be the PCHNurses’ main concern. An assessment of health risks was initiated, when PCHNurses thought that psychosocial conditions in the child’s environment might cause ill health. Some of the psychosocial conditions were difficult to assess, as they were unfamiliar and not understood by the PCHNurses. In such difficult‐to‐assess cases, when the PCHNurses considered the possibility of undefined risk to the child’s health they held on to the assessment of the cases and worked out strategies to learn and understand more about the child and the child’s home environment. A theoretical model grounded in data was created accounting for the variation in the assessment process and the different strategies used. Implications are discussed and recommendations for improvements are given.