bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silence, power and communication in the operating room
Authors: Gardezi Fauzia , Lingard Lorelei , Espin Sherry , Whyte Sarah , Orser Beverley , Baker G. Ross
Published: May 2009

Title.  Silence, power and communication in the operating room.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to explore whether a 1‐ to 3‐minute preoperative interprofessional team briefing with a structured checklist was an effective way to support communication in the operating room.

Background.  Previous research suggests that nurses often feel constrained in their ability to communicate with physicians. Previous research on silence and power suggests that silence is not only a reflection of powerlessness or passivity, and that silence and speech are not opposites, but closely interrelated.

Methods.  We conducted a retrospective study of silences observed in communication between nurses and surgeons in a multi‐site observational study of interprofessional communication in the operating room. Over 700 surgical procedures were observed from 2005–2007. Instances of communication characterized by unresolved or unarticulated issues were identified in field notes and analysed from a critical ethnography perspective.

Findings.  We identified three forms of recurring ‘silences’: absence of communication; not responding to queries or requests; and speaking quietly. These silences may be defensive or strategic, and they may be influenced by larger institutional and structural power dynamics as well as by the immediate situational context.

Conclusions.  There is no single answer to the question of why ‘nobody said anything’. Exploring silences in relation to power suggests that there are multiple and complex ways that constrained communication is produced in the operating room, which are essential to understand in order to improve interprofessional communication and collaboration.
Plasma HCV‐RNA decline in the first 48 h identifies hepatitis C virus mono‐infected but not HCV/HIV‐coinfected patients with an undetectable HCV viral load at week 4 of peginterferon‐alfa‐2a/ribavirin therapy
Authors: Arends J. E. , Stuart J. Cohen , Baak L. C. , Van Der Ende M. E. , Van Erpecum K. J. , Simons C. P. M. , Boland G. J. , Van Baarle D. , Hoepelman A. I. M.
Published: May 2009

Summary.  During peginterferon‐alfa‐2a/ribavirin therapy, plasma hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA decreases with a rapid first phase and a slower second phase. We compared the viral load decrease and slope in the first 48 h in patients with a rapid viral response (RVR, i.e. HCV‐RNA < 50 IU/mL at week 4) with patients not achieving an RVR. From 23 HCV‐infected (14 mono‐infected and nine HCV/HIV‐coinfected) genotype 1 or 4 positive peginterferon‐alfa‐2a/ribavirin‐treated patients, plasma HCV‐RNA was determined at baseline, 48 h, weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 48 and 72. The HCV viral load decrease (Δ0–48), the slope (λ1) and the efficiency factor (ε) were determined in the first 48 h after the start of therapy. Five (36%) HCV mono‐infected patients and three (33%) HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients achieved an RVR whereas six (43%) HCV mono‐infected patients and five (56%) HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients reached a sustained viral response (SVR). In contrast to HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients, five HCV mono‐infected patients with an RVR showed both a larger Δ0–48 and steeper λ1 (−1.77log10 IU/mL ± 0.66 and −2.04/day ± 0.76) compared to nine non‐RVR patients (−0.66log10 IU/mL ± 0.39; P = 0.019 and −0.76/day ± 0.41; P = 0.019). When divided by SVR, a greater Δ0–48 and steeper λ1 were also seen in both HCV mono‐infected and HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients. Thus, in the first 48 h after the start of therapy, HCV mono‐infected patients with an RVR have a larger viral load decrease, steeper viral slope and a higher efficiency factor as compared with non‐RVR patients.
The sequences of Arabidopsis GA‐INSENSITIVE RNA constitute the motifs that are necessary and sufficient for RNA long‐distance trafficking
Authors: Huang Nien‐Chen , Yu Tien‐Shin
Published: May 2009

In higher plants a number of physiological processes are regulated by systemic RNA signaling molecules. This phloem‐mediated remote‐control system provides specific and efficient regulation to fine‐tune many plant developmental programs. However, the molecular mechanism underlying long‐distance movement of RNA remains to be elucidated. To this end, we examined the long‐distance movement of GA‐insensitive (GAI) RNA by Arabidopsis inflorescence grafting and RT‐PCR analysis. Our results demonstrated that long‐distance movement of RNA only occurred in specific transcripts. In addition, the sequences of GAI RNA are necessary and sufficient to target GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN (GFP) RNA for long‐distance movement, which indicates that the trafficking of GAI RNA is mediated by specific RNA motifs. Further analyses revealed that the motifs at coding sequences and 3′ untranslated regions of GAI RNA play important roles during RNA movement. In addition, the structure of the RNA rather than its specific sequence may also be important in GAI RNA trafficking. However, the secondary structure of GAI RNA is not the only factor to target RNA for long‐distance movement, because recovery of the secondary structure of movement‐defective GAI RNA only partially rescued RNA movement. Taken together, our results show that long‐distance movement of non‐cell autonomous RNA operates by specific RNA mobile elements.
Comparison of conventional and molecular detection of respiratory viruses in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Kuypers J. , Campbell A.P. , Cent A. , Corey L. , Boeckh M.
Published: May 2009

Background. Sensitive detection of respiratory viruses is important for early diagnosis of infection in patients following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). To evaluate the relative sensitivity of respiratory virus detection in specimens from HCT recipients, we compared the results of conventional and quantitative molecular methods.

Methods. We tested 688 nasal wash samples collected prospectively from 131 patients during the first 100 days after HCT by viral culture, fluorescent antibody staining (FA), and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus types A (FluA) and B (FluB), and parainfluenza virus types 1 (PIV1) and 3 (PIV3). Testing for human metapneumovirus (MPV) was performed only by PCR. Data regarding 10 respiratory symptoms were collected with each sample.

Results. By any method 37 specimens were positive for a respiratory virus; 34 were positive by PCR, 15 by culture, and 6 by FA. Four specimens were positive by all 3 methods (3 RSV, 1 FluA). One specimen was positive for PIV1, and 2 were positive for rhinovirus by culture alone. Specimens positive by PCR alone included 2 RSV, 2 PIV1, 8 PIV3, and 8 MPV. In 10 specimens positive for RSV, PIV, or influenza virus collected from patients reporting no respiratory symptoms, 9, 4, and 1 specimen were positive by PCR, culture, and FA, respectively. Overall, specimens positive only by PCR had significantly fewer viral copies/mL (mean log10=4.32) than specimens positive by both PCR and culture (mean log10=5.75; P=0.002) or PCR and FA (mean log10=6.83; P<0.001).

Conclusions. FA testing alone did not detect a significant proportion of respiratory virus‐positive samples in HCT recipients, especially in patients with no respiratory symptoms and patients with PIV detection. PCR increased the yield of positive specimens 2 times relative to culture and more than 4 times relative to FA. Detection of respiratory viruses by PCR alone was associated with lower virus quantities and with fewer reported respiratory symptoms compared with concomitant detection by both PCR and conventional methods, indicating that PCR may be important to detect asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic stages of respiratory viral infections.
Infectious complications in patients receiving autologous CD34‐selected hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe autoimmune diseases
Authors: Kohno K. , Nagafuji K. , Tsukamoto H. , Horiuchi T. , Takase K. , Aoki K. , Henzan H. , Kamezaki K. , Takenaka K. , Miyamoto T. , Teshima T. , Harada M. , Akashi K.
Published: May 2009

Abstract: Long‐term analysis of infectious complication after high‐dose immunosuppressive therapy with CD34‐selected autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with severe autoimmune diseases (AD) was performed. Theoretically, CD34 selection can reduce the risk of reinfusion of autoreactive lymphocytes. However, it is also associated with a significant reduction in T cells, natural killer cells, and monocytes, which in turn may compromise immune reconstitution, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Moreover, AD compromises host immunity and causes organ damage resulting in dysfunction of the cutaneous or mucosal barrier. In this study, the incidence rate of infections is reported in 14 patients who underwent high‐dose (200 mg/kg) cyclophosphamide therapy followed by reinfusion of CD34‐selected autologous peripheral blood stem cells. Bacterial complication occurred in 3 of 14 (21%) patients. Cytomegalovirus reactivation and adenovirus hemorrhagic cystitis were observed in 9 (64%) and 2 (14%) patients, respectively. As for late infectious complications, 7 patients (50%) developed dermatomal varicella zoster virus infection. No infection‐related mortality was seen in this case series. Because the risk for infections approaches that seen in allogeneic transplant recipients, infection surveillance, diagnostic workup, and prophylactic strategies similar to those applicable to allogeneic recipients are warranted.
HIV screening reactivity due to donor participation in HIV vaccine trials
Authors: Kitchen A. D. , Hewitt P. E.
Published: May 2009

We report two instances of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serological screening reactivity in blood donations which were subsequently determined to be due to donor participation in HIV vaccine trials. Both donations were screen reactive with atypical patterns on confirmation; no definitive conclusion could be given for either donor. Subsequent questioning identified that both donors had been involved in HIV vaccine trials. In both cases the screening and confirmation identified the presence of HIV antibodies, although vaccine induced. While clinical trials of vaccines are important, the implications of some need careful consideration if they are not to adversely impact other areas of healthcare.
A randomized study of buffy coat platelets in platelet additive solution stored 1–5 versus 6–7 days prior to prophylactic transfusion of allogeneic haematopoietic progenitor cell transplant recipients
Authors: Diedrich B. , Ringdén O. , Watz E. , Shanwell A.
Published: May 2009

Background and Objective  Storage of platelets > 5 days provides improved availability, logistical management and decreased outdating. Promising results on in vitro parameters and on in vivo post‐transfusion recovery and survival of autologous platelets in healthy volunteers have earlier been shown. To provide additional verification, randomized patient transfusion studies are needed.

Materials and Methods  Sixty allogeneic haematopoietic progenitor cell transplant recipients were randomized to receive buffy‐coat (BC) platelets stored in platelet additive solution (PAS) for 1–5 days the first time a prophylactic transfusion was needed after transplantation, followed the second time by platelets stored for 6–7 days or vice versa. The corrected count increment (CCI) for 1 and 24 h were calculated.

Results  CCI 1 h and CCI 24 h were higher for platelets stored 1–5 days as compared to 6–7 days, 10·4 ± 5·1 vs. 7·4 ± 3·8 (P < 0·001) and 5·4 ± 4·1 vs. 2·6 ± 2·6 (P < 0·001), respectively. Time to next platelet transfusion was significantly longer after a transfusion of platelets stored for 1–5 days as compared to platelets stored for 6–7 days: 2·2 ± 1·1 vs. 1·6 ± 0·8 days, respectively (P < 0·005). No differences in bleeding events and no transfusion reaction were recorded.

Conclusion  The advantage of an extension of platelet storage time beyond day 5 should be balanced against the increased need for platelet transfusions that may occur and the conceivable risk of transfusion failure.
Static and Dynamic Facial Images Cue Similar Attractiveness Judgements
Authors: Roberts S. Craig , Saxton Tamsin K. , Murray Alice K. , Burriss Robert P. , Rowland Hannah M. , Little Anthony C.
Published: May 2009

Approaches to the study of human mate preferences commonly involve judgements of facial photographs and assume that these judgements provide a reasonable reflection of how individuals would be perceived in real encounters. However, three recent studies have each reported non‐significant correlations between judgements using photos (static images) and those using videos (dynamic images). These results have led previous authors to conclude that static and dynamic faces are judged according to different evaluative standards and that this may call into question the validity of findings from experiments using static images. However, the extent of the discrepancy in judgements between image formats remains unknown, and may be influenced by different experimental designs. Here, we tested the effects of several experimental design factors on the strength of correlations between image presentation formats. Using both male and female targets, we compared observed static–dynamic judgement correlations when (1) judgements were made by the same or different raters, or (2) by raters of the same‐ or opposite‐sex to the targets, and (3) when dynamic stimuli were collected under different contextual scenarios. For (1) and (2), we also measured correlations when order of presentation of static and dynamic stimuli was alternated. Our results suggest that each design feature has independent effects on the strength of static–dynamic correlations. Correlations were stronger when static and dynamic stimuli were rated by the same raters. They were weakest for judgements of males by females, when based on seeing photos before videos. This interaction with sex is consistent with previous studies, indicating that females are especially responsive to male dynamic cues. However, in contrast to previous findings and in all cases, static–dynamic correlations were strongly and significantly positive, indicating that judgments based on static images provide an accurate representation of someone’s attractiveness during prolonged encounters.
Influence of Inter‐Lake Variation in Natural Nest Predation Pressure on the Parental Care Behaviour of Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
Authors: Gravel Marie‐Ange , Cooke Steven J.
Published: May 2009

Predation risk has the ability to greatly influence the behaviour of reproducing individuals. In large long‐lived species with low risk of predation for parents, reproductive behaviours often involve caring for offspring (i.e. defending broods from predators) and these behaviours are essential for offspring survival. Our objectives were to test for the presence of natural variation in nest predation pressure in an aquatic environment for a species that provides sole‐paternal care, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and to determine if natural variation in predation pressure influences parental care behaviour. We used snorkeler observations and a series of metrics to assess predation pressure and parental care behaviour in six lakes within a narrow geographical range. Lakes differed in all predation pressure metrics: number of predators in proximity to nest when males were present, time to predator arrival and number of predators that consumed eggs when males were absent and total number of nests that was preyed upon. Similarly, parental behaviour varied between lakes. Parental smallmouth bass spent more time engaged in anti‐predator defences in lakes with high predation pressure, while males from low predator pressure lakes remained close to their nest. Conversely, males from lakes with low and high predation pressure showed a similar willingness to defend their nests during simulated nest predation events. Our results show that natural variation in aquatic nest predation pressure across multiple lakes can be significant and has the ability to influence baseline parental care behaviour. Such variation provides opportunities to study the costs and consequences of parental care and to evaluate how this could influence demography and community interactions in aquatic systems.
Method for estimating density of Cryphalus piceae (Ratz.) brood galleries using a regression model
Authors: Podlaski R. , Borkowski A.
Published: May 2009

Estimation of the severity of infestation by the bark beetle (Cryphalus piceae Ratz.) on silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is commonly done using methods that lack satisfactory statistical foundations. The object of this study was to develop a statistical method for estimating stem infestation density which permits calculation of the estimation error and which also does not require debarking of the entire stem. The study was carried out in the near‐natural forests of the Świętokrzyski National Park in central Poland. Two general patterns (A and B) of distribution of C. piceae brood galleries on stems of A. alba were observed. In pattern A, brood galleries occurred on the 1st 1‐m length of stem (measured from the base), and the probability of infestation on successive 1‐m lengths further up the tree was also very high (above 90%). In pattern B, brood galleries were absent from the 1st 1‐m length but the probability of infestation in successive 1‐m lengths increased as the distance from the base increased. In a statistical analysis of linear correlations between the numbers of C. piceae brood galleries in selected 1‐m‐long stem lengths and the total density of infestation, the most significant correlations for pattern A were found for the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th 1‐m lengths (counting from the base). Here, mean relative errors of estimation did not exceed 35%. For pattern B, the most significant correlations were found for the 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th 1‐m lengths, where mean relative errors of estimation did not exceed 42%. The method described is only mildly invasive and therefore may be used in strictly protected areas of reserves and national parks.
Viability of OPS Vitrified Sheep Embryos After Direct Transfer
Authors: Green RE , Santos BFS , Sicherle CC , Landim‐Alvarenga FC , Bicudo SD
Published: May 2009

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability in the effect of open pulled straw (OPS) vitrification procedure of sheep embryos after direct transference. Embryos were produced in vivo and cryopreserved in slow freezing or OPS vitrification. The survival rates of cryopreserved embryos were compared to non‐frozen standard pattern. In a first set of experiments, embryos at morula and blastocyst stages were dived in ethylene glycol (1.5 M) and frozen in an automatic freezer. After being thawed, they were directly or indirectly transferred to ewes recipient. A second group of embryos were drawn into OPS and plunged into liquid nitrogen after being exposed at room temperature for 1 min and 45 s in 10% EG plus 10% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), then again for 30 s in 20% EG + 20% DMSO + 0.5 M sucrose. After being warmed, embryos were also directly transferred using a French mini straw as the catheter for the transplantation process or after in vitro dilution of cryoprotectants (two‐step‐process). No significant difference was observed among fresh, frozen or vitrified embryos on pregnancy rate (50.0%, 38.6% and 55.8%). However, when we evaluated only the direct transference, the pregnancy rate of OPS vitrified embryos was higher than that of frozen embryos (57.1% vs 34.8%) (p = 0.07). In addition, vitrified morulae had a higher pregnancy rate than the one with frozen embryos (64.0% vs 38.9%) (p = 0.07). Finally, our results indicate that OPS vitrification technique in association with direct transference improves the viability of sheep embryos with potential applications to field conditions.
Evaluation of Trypsin Treatment on the Inactivation of Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 on In Vitro Produced Pre‐implantation Embryos
Authors: D’Angelo M , Visintin JA , Richtzenhain LJ , Gonçalves RF
Published: May 2009

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of trypsin treatment on the inactivation of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV‐1) on in vitro produced by fertilization and artificially infected bovine embryos. Bovine embryos on day 7 were exposed with 10 μl of BoHV‐1, Los Angeles strain 107.5 TCID. These embryos and control embryos were divided in two groups: submitted to the sequential washes or to the trypsin treatment according to the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) guidelines. The embryos and the last washing drop of each group were used as inoculum to infect Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells and submitted to nested PCR reaction using the primer that encodes the gene conserved region of virus glycoprotein gB. The data have shown that the control embryos and their last washing drop were negative. The exposed embryos that were treated with trypsin have shown positive results on the n‐PCR and MDBK culture, and their last washing drop were negative. Our data have demonstrated that the trypsin treatment was not able to eliminate the BHV‐1 of the embryos, suggesting an interaction between virus and embryo.
Review article: Chronic kidney disease‐mineral bone disorder: Have we got the assays right?
Authors: ZIDEHSARAI MIRIAM P , MOE SHARON M
Published: May 2009

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D [calcidiol or 25(OH)D] assays are used to diagnose chronic kidney disease‐mineral bone disorder, and to guide and monitor interventions. Unfortunately, both assays have limitations. These limitations include analytical variability because of a lack of assay standardization, different calibrators used for each kit and differences in antibody specificity. For PTH assays, this leads to variability in the assessment of fragments and differences between results among kits from different manufacturers. For vitamin D, this leads to differences in the ability to detect D2 and D3 derivatives and differences among assays. For PTH, these problems are amplified by collection and handling differences and, for vitamin D, by diurnal and seasonal variation. Understanding these limitations should help clinicians to appropriately interpret results; attempts to develop universal standards to minimize these limitations may enhance the ability of these hormone measurements to predict underlying disease states.
High‐definition imaging of trabeculectomy blebs using spectral domain optical coherence tomography adapted for the anterior segment
Authors: Singh Mandeep , See Jovina LS , Aquino Maria C , Thean Lennard SY , Chew Paul TK
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background:  The aim of this work was to image trabeculectomy blebs using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT).

Methods:  In this prospective cross‐sectional study, patients who had undergone trabeculectomy with at least 3 months of follow up were included. Blebs were imaged using an adapted SDOCT system (Cirrus HD‐OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA) and time domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) (Visante OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc.). An observer masked to clinical data assessed the utility of SDOCT and ASOCT in visualizing structures in successful and failed blebs.

Results:  Fifty‐one eyes were imaged, of which 43 (84.3%) were successful. SDOCT showed wall thickening (93.0% vs. 67.4%, P = 0.006) and discrete hyporeflective spaces in the wall (88.4% vs. 14.0%, P < 0.0001) in a greater proportion of successful blebs than ASOCT. SDOCT showed the bleb cavity (23.3% vs. 48.8%, P = 0.02), scleral flap (34.9% vs. 90.7%, P < 0.0001), subflap space (20.9% vs. 72.1%, P < 0.0001) and ostium (9.3% vs. 88.4%, P < 0.0001) in fewer successful blebs than ASOCT. The internal ostium was not visualized in any failed bleb using SDOCT, whereas ASOCT showed the ostium in 87.5% of failed blebs (P = 0.001). SDOCT showed cystic spaces in the bleb wall in a greater proportion of successful blebs than failed blebs (88.4% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.005).

Conclusions:  SDOCT imaging was able to show fine superficial features in the bleb wall. However, SDOCT had limited clinical utility in that it did not provide useful information about deep features such as flap position, bleb cavity formation or patency of the subflap space and internal ostium.
An exploratory study of operational reasons to budget
Authors: Sivabalan Prabhu , Booth Peter , Malmi Teemu , Brown David A.
Published: May 2009

Budgets are used widely but criticized, mainly for performance evaluation reasons. We find that organizations regard budgets as more important for planning and control than evaluation, thus proposing a rationale for their continued use irrespective of evaluation‐based criticisms. This finding is also important, because most extant budget research focuses on evaluation, suggesting a potential disconnect between budget research and practice. We also find that rolling forecasts are used in tandem with the annual budget in most organizations, and for the same reasons. This was unexpected, as coexistence suggests their adoption for different reasons.
Anti‐obesity effects of long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Buckley J. D. , Howe P. R. C.
Published: May 2009

Animal studies suggest that increased consumption of the long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, can protect against the development of obesity in animals exposed to an obesogenic diet and reduce body fat when already obese. There is also evidence that increased intakes of these fatty acids can reduce body fat in humans, but human studies are relatively few and have generally been conducted over short time periods with small sample sizes, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Reported reductions in body fat may result from appetite‐suppressing effects, adipocyte apoptosis and changes of gene expression in skeletal muscle, heart, liver, intestine and adipose tissues that suppress fat deposition and increase fat oxidation and energy expenditure. We conclude that increased intakes of long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids may improve body composition, but longer‐term human studies are needed to confirm efficacy and determine whether increasing omega‐3 intakes might be an effective strategy to combat obesity.
Contributing factors to weight gain during long‐term treatment with second‐generation antipsychotics. A systematic appraisal and clinical implications
Authors: Gentile S.
Published: May 2009

The increased rates of both overweight and obesity reported in severely mentally‐ill patients are prevalently due to the use of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Hence, the main purpose of this article is to analyze systematically potential patient‐ and drug‐related factors which may increase the risk of weight gain during long‐term treatment with such medications. Literature information published in English since 1966 and last updated on 17 January 2009 was identified through different databases and using various combinations of search terms. Searches provided 242 articles, whereas 6 additional references were identified manually. Peer‐reviewed articles focusing on the risk of weight gain during SGA‐chronic treatment (at least 52 weeks, N = 81) were acquired. Data were extracted from the 39 peer‐reviewed articles which investigated factors potentially associated with an increased risk of this event. Evidence‐based information suggests that a number of factors, either patient‐ (age, baseline BMI/bodyweight, recent onset of psychotic episodes, need of concomitant psychotropic medications) or drug‐specific (relative receptorial affinity, timing of weight changes plateau, daily dose, iatrogenic concomitant changes in biochemical metabolic parameters) may contribute to increase either rates and/or magnitude of this effect during long‐term treatments with specific SGAs. All contributors and their relationship with specific drugs should be taken into consideration when designing a long‐term therapy with SGAs. Among the best studied agents (clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone) of this class, the latter seems to be the most susceptible drug to the amplifying effects of both patient‐ and drug‐related factors on the risk of inducing weight changes during chronic treatments.
Diabetes, pre‐diabetes and associated risks on Minnesota code‐indicated major electrocardiogram abnormality among Chinese: a cross‐sectional diabetic study in Fujian province, southeast China
Authors: Lin L. , Chen G. , Zou X. , Zhao J. , Zhu F. , Tu M. , Xu S. , Lin W. , Yang S. , Zhang Y. , Lin M. , Chen N. , Huang H. , Liang J. , Li L. , Yao J.
Published: May 2009

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and related metabolic disorders (overweight, obesity and hypertension) in a Chinese population (20–74 years old). An additional goal was to investigate the relationship between glucose metabolism and the Minnesota code‐indicated major abnormal electrocardiogram (MA‐ECG). There were 3960 individuals selected from urban and rural areas of Fujian, China from July 2007 to May 2008 by multistage‐stratified sampling. Ultimately, data from 3208 subjects (20–74 years old) were analysed (including physical measurements, blood biochemical analysis, oral glucose tolerance test and 12‐lead resting ECG). According to World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, the prevalence rates of DM and IGR were 9.51% (male, 10.08%; female, 9.14%) and 14.40% (male, 14.48%; female, 14.35%) respectively. Newly diagnosed DM was found in 53.44% of the diabetic subjects. Based on the 2000 China census, the age‐standardized prevalence rates of DM and IGR were 7.19% (male, 7.74%; female, 6.61%) and 11.96 % (male, 12.35%; female, 11.56%) respectively. The age‐standardized prevalence rates of DM and IGR in urban areas (7.74% and 12.97% respectively) were slightly but no significantly higher than in rural areas (6.67%, 10.86%). The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity and hypertension were 25.50%, 3.52% and 28.52% respectively (age‐ and sex‐ standardized rates: 23.69%, 3.02 % and 22.45 %). After adjusting for other confounding risk factors, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that DM and impaired glucose tolerance were independent risk factors for MA‐ECG. Non‐diabetic subjects with increased 30‐min plasma glucose (PG) after an oral glucose load had a higher risk of MA‐ECG after adjusting for other risk factors, especially in those with normal glucose tolerance but with 30‐min PG ≥ 7.8 mmol L−1 (odds ratio = 1.371 [1.055–1.780]). The prevalence rates of DM and IGR as well as other metabolic disorders have increased dramatically in the last decade in China, especially in rural areas, with many undiagnosed cases of DM. Even slightly elevated PG levels may predict early cardiovascular events.
ROBUST ESTIMATION IN PARAMETRIC TIME SERIES MODELS UNDER LONG‐ AND SHORT‐RANGE‐DEPENDENT STRUCTURES
Authors: Gao Jiti , Li Degui , Lin Zhengyan
Published: May 2009

This paper studies the asymptotic behaviour of an M‐estimator of regression parameters in the linear model when the design variables are either stationary short‐range dependent (SRD), α‐mixing or long‐range dependent (LRD), and the errors are LRD. The weak consistency and the asymptotic distributions of the M‐estimator are established. We present some simulated examples to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed M‐estimation method.
Minimum Wage Regulation under Devolution in Northern Ireland
Authors: Black Boyd
Published: May 2009

This paper assesses the development and functioning of regional minimum wage regulation in Northern Ireland in the interwar period under a federal form of devolution. Unlike current devolution arrangements in Scotland and Wales, this gave the Stormont Parliament powers over employment and minimum wage regulation. Northern Ireland Trade Boards were set up by the Ulster Unionist Government under the Trade Boards (Northern Ireland) Act 1923 and functioned along the same lines as those in Great Britain. Uniquely in the UK in this period, employer opposition resulted in the main Trade Board in the Irish Linen Industry being replaced by voluntary collective bargaining machinery. About one‐quarter of employees were covered by minimum wage regulation, including two‐thirds of females in Belfast, keeping a protective floor under low pay.
The Trade Boards Act of 1909 and the Alleviation of Household Poverty
Authors: Bean Jessica S. , Boyer George R.
Published: May 2009

This article examines the effects of the 1909 Trade Boards Act on women's wage rates and income contributions to poor households. The Act established boards charged with setting minimum hourly wages in selected low‐paid trades, and the majority of workers affected before the First World War were women. Many of the women whose wages were raised by the Act were the wives and daughters of low‐skilled workers, while many others were sole earners who supported children or elderly parents. Our main finding is that the Trade Boards Act was effective in reducing household poverty rates among the women whose wages it would have increased.
Promoting Labour Market Efficiency and Fairness through a Legal Minimum Wage: The Webbs and the Social Cost of Labour
Authors: Kaufman Bruce E.
Published: May 2009

Neoclassical economists, using a competitive demand/supply model of labour markets, typically conclude a legislated minimum wage is harmful to economic efficiency and social welfare. The major theoretical counter‐attack by proponents of a minimum wage is to argue that low‐wage labour markets are better modelled as monopsonistic. This article develops and formalizes a second theoretical defence for a legal minimum wage law. This defence rests on the concept of the social cost of labour, as originally popularized by Sidney and Beatrice Webb and then further developed by American institutional economists. This analysis is unique in that it continues to use the competitive demand/supply model but nonetheless demonstrates that a legislated minimum wage often simultaneously increases both economic efficiency and fairness, unlike the neoclassical prediction.
Haplotype Analysis of the Stromelysin‐1 (MMP3) and Gelatinase B (MMP9) Genes in Relation to Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Wu Naqiong , Lu Xiangfeng , Hua Yihong , Song Li , Ye Jue , Li Jianxin , Meng Xianmin , Gu Dongfeng , Yang Yuejin
Published: May 2009

The functional genetic polymorphisms present in the promoters of stromelysin‐1 (MMP3) and gelatinase B (MMP9) have been shown to be associated with angiographically measured atherosclerosis; however, haplotype analysis of the genetic polymorphisms occurring in the promoters and coding regions of MMP3 and MMP9 has been infrequently performed in the past. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of the ‐1612 5A/6A, ‐376C/G, and Glu45Lys polymorphisms of MMP3 and the ‐1562C/T and R279Q polymorphisms of MMP9 and their relation to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD; stenosis ≥50% of the diameter in at least one major coronary artery) in a Chinese Han population. The present study involved 1373 patients with CHD and 695 healthy controls. The Glu45Lys polymorphism of MMP3 was significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD. Compared with the 45Glu homozygotes, 45Lys allele carriers had a significantly elevated risk of CHD (adjusted OR = 1.50; 95%CI 1.11–2.03; p= 0.008). Moreover, haplotype analysis identified both the 6A‐C‐Lys (‐1612 6A, ‐376C, 45Lys) haplotype and the 6A‐G‐Lys (‐1612 6A,‐376G, 45Lys) haplotype of MMP3 as associated with an increased risk of CHD. Our study suggests that common genetic variations in the MMP3 gene may affect the risk of CHD in the Chinese population.
Assessment of the role of the cochlear latency effect in lateralization of click sounds in humans
Authors: Özmen Bülent , Ungan Pekcan
Published: May 2009

Interaural time and intensity disparities (ITD and IID) are the two cues to sound lateralization. “Time‐only” hypothesis claims that an IID is first converted to an interaural afferent delay (Δt), and is then processed by the central ITD mechanism, rendering a separate IID processor unnecessary. We tested this hypothesis by assessing the contribution of the cochlear latency effect to the psychophysical ITD/IID trading ratio. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were used to measure the interaural afferent delays (Δts) that developed with a 20/sec dichotic click train used in the trading experiment. Except for small IIDs at low loudness levels, the physiological Δt delay produced by an IID was significantly smaller than the ITD psychophysically traded for the same IID. We concluded that the cochlear latency effect alone cannot explain the psychophysical ITD/IID trading ratios and a separate IID mechanism must be involved.
Virtual friend or threat? The effects of facial expression and gaze interaction on psychophysiological responses and emotional experience
Authors: Schrammel Franziska , Pannasch Sebastian , Graupner Sven‐Thomas , Mojzisch Andreas , Velichkovsky Boris M.
Published: May 2009

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of facial expression, gaze interaction, and gender on attention allocation, physiological arousal, facial muscle responses, and emotional experience in simulated social interactions. Participants viewed animated virtual characters varying in terms of gender, gaze interaction, and facial expression. We recorded facial EMG, fixation duration, pupil size, and subjective experience. Subject's rapid facial reactions (RFRs) differentiated more clearly between the character's happy and angry expression in the condition of mutual eye‐to‐eye contact. This finding provides evidence for the idea that RFRs are not simply motor responses, but part of an emotional reaction. Eye movement data showed that fixations were longer in response to both angry and neutral faces than to happy faces, thereby suggesting that attention is preferentially allocated to cues indicating potential threat during social interaction.
Elevated dominance of extrafloral nectary‐bearing plants is associated with increased abundances of an invasive ant and reduced native ant richness
Authors: Savage Amy M. , Rudgers Jennifer A. , Whitney Kenneth D.
Published: May 2009

Aim  Invasive ants can have substantial and detrimental effects on co‐occurring community members, especially other ants. However, the ecological factors that promote both their population growth and their negative influences remain elusive. Opportunistic associations between invasive ants and extrafloral nectary (EFN)‐bearing plants are common and may fuel population expansion and subsequent impacts of invasive ants on native communities. We examined three predictions of this hypothesis, compared ant assemblages between invaded and uninvaded sites and assessed the extent of this species in Samoa.

Location  The Samoan Archipelago (six islands and 35 sites).

Methods  We surveyed abundances of the invasive ant Anoplolepis gracilipes, other ant species and EFN‐bearing plants.

Results  Anoplolepis gracilipes was significantly more widely distributed in 2006 than in 1962, suggesting that the invasion of A. gracilipes in Samoa has progressed. Furthermore, (non‐A. gracilipes) ant assemblages differed significantly between invaded and uninvaded sites. Anoplolepis gracilipes workers were found more frequently at nectaries than other plant parts, suggesting that nectar resources were important to this species. There was a strong, positive relationship between the dominance of EFN‐bearing plants in the community and A. gracilipes abundance on plants, a relationship that co‐occurring ants did not display. High abundances of A. gracilipes at sites dominated by EFN‐bearing plants were associated with low species richness of native plant‐visiting ant species. Anoplolepis gracilipes did not display any significant relationships with the diversity of other non‐native ants.

Main conclusions  Together, these data suggest that EFN‐bearing plants may promote negative impacts of A. gracilipes on co‐occurring ants across broad spatial scales. This study underscores the potential importance of positive interactions in the dynamics of species invasions. Furthermore, they suggest that conservation managers may benefit from explicit considerations of potential positive interactions in predicting the identities of problematic invaders or the outcomes of species invasions.
Australian House Prices: A Comparison of Hedonic and Repeat‐Sales Measures*
Authors: HANSEN JAMES
Published: May 2009

House prices are difficult to measure due to changes in the composition of properties sold through time and changes in the quality of housing. I explore whether these issues affect simple measures of house prices, and whether regression‐based measures provide an accurate alternative to measuring pure house price changes in Australia. Using unit record data for Australia's three largest cities, regression‐based approaches provide a more accurate estimate of pure price changes than a median, and are comparable, with around half of the variation in prices growth explained. These results confirm that regression‐based measures are useful for measuring house price changes in Australia.
A Welfare Analysis of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card*
Authors: SIMINSKI PETER
Published: May 2009

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is a key element of a suite of benefits for Australia's ‘self‐funded retirees’. Its main component is a pharmaceutical concession, which is analysed as a form of public health insurance. The utility gain through risk‐pooling is found to be negligible under conservative assumptions. The deadweight loss through moral hazard may be considerable. Finally, the CSHC may be seen as an inequitable transfer, because CSHC holders are a particularly wealthy population.
Canopy Seed Banks as Time Capsules of Biodiversity in Pasture‐Remnant Tree Crowns
Authors: NADKARNI NALINI M. , HABER WILLAM A.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Tropical pastures present multiple barriers to tree regeneration and restoration. Relict trees serve as “regeneration foci” because they ameliorate the soil microclimate and serve as safe spots for dispersers. Here, we describe another mechanism by which remnant trees may facilitate pasture regeneration: the presence of seed banks in the canopy soil that accumulates from decomposing epiphytes within the crowns of mature remnant trees in tropical cloud forest pastures. We compared seed banks of canopy soils (histosols derived from fallen leaves, fruits, flower, and twigs of host trees and epiphytes, dead bryophytes, bark, detritus, dead animals, and microorganisms, and dust that accumulate on trunks and the upper surfaces of large branches) in pastures, canopy soils in primary forest trees, and soil on the forest floor in Monteverde, Costa Rica. There were 5211 epiphytic and terrestrial plant seeds in the three habitats. All habitats were dominated by seeds in a relatively small number of plant families, most of which were primarily woody, animal pollinated, and animal dispersed. The density of seeds on the forest floor was greater than seed density in either pasture‐canopy or forest‐canopy soils; the latter two did not differ. Eight species in 44 families and 61 genera from all of the habitats were tallied. There were 37 species in the pasture‐canopy soil, 33 in the forest‐canopy soil, and 57 on the forest floor. Eleven species were common to all habitats. The mean species richness in the pasture canopy was significantly higher than the forest canopy (F =83.38; p < 0.02). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination revealed that the communities were distinct. Greenhouse experiments verified that many of these seeds were viable, with 29 taxa germinating (23 taxa in pruned mats [mimic of exposed conditions] and 16 taxa in control mats [intact conditions]) within 2 months of observation. Nearly half the species that germinated were characteristic of primary forests (primary forest samples, 19%; pasture samples, 29%). This supports the idea that canopy seed banks of pasture trees can function as time capsules by providing propagules that are removed in both space and time from the primary forest. Their presence may enhance the ability of pastures to regenerate more quickly, reinforcing the importance of trees in agricultural settings.
FOXP3‐expressing CD4+ T‐cell Numbers Increase in Areas of Duodenal Gastric Metaplasia and are Associated to CD4+ T‐cell Aggregates in the Duodenum of Helicobacter pylori‐infected Duodenal Ulcer Patients
Authors: Kindlund Bert , Sjöling Åsa , Hansson Malin , Edebo Anders , Hansson Lars‐Erik , Sjövall Henrik , Svennerholm Ann‐Mari , Lundin B. Samuel
Published: May 2009

Background: We have previously demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with an increased number of CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells in the gastric and duodenal mucosa. In this study, we determined the number and localization of CD4+ cells expressing the regulatory T‐cell‐specific transcription factor FOXP3 in the antrum and duodenum of duodenal ulcer patients, asymptomatic carriers, and uninfected individuals. We also determined gene expression levels of FOXP3 as well as anti‐ and proinflammatory cytokines before and after H. pylori eradication.

Methods: Cellular FOXP3 expression was studied by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and transcription levels of FOXP3, interleukin (IL)‐10, transforming growth factor‐β, CD4, and interferon‐γ were analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results: We found an increased (6‐fold) frequency of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa; interestingly 26% of these cells did not co‐express CD25. The increase of FOXP3‐expressing T cells in the antrum of infected individuals was dependent on the presence of H. pylori, since eradication therapy resulted in 4‐fold lower levels of FOXP3 and IL‐10 mRNA in the antrum. Furthermore, higher numbers of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells were found in areas of duodenal gastric metaplasia in the duodenum of duodenal ulcer patients compared to duodenal gastric metaplasia of asymptomatic individuals and healthy mucosa in both patient groups. In duodenal ulcer patients, the CD4+FOXP3+ T cells were more highly associated to aggregates in the duodenal mucosa.

Conclusion: The numbers of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells are increased and localized in CD4+ T‐cell aggregates in areas of duodenal gastric metaplasia in duodenal ulcer patients.