bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted delivery of oligomannose‐coated liposome to the omental micrometastasis by peritoneal macrophages from patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Matsui Makoto , Shimizu Yoshitaka , Kodera Yasuhiro , Kondo Eisaku , Ikehara Yuzuru , Nakanishi Hayao
Published: April 2010

We recently developed a novel drug delivery system (DDS) using oligomannose‐coated liposomes (OMLs), which are effectively taken up by mouse peritoneal macrophages to carry anticancer drugs to omental milky spots known as initial metastatic sites in the peritoneal cavity in mice. However, the feasibility of the clinical application of this DDS to gastric cancer patients remains essentially unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) and human peritoneal macrophages (PEMs) could successfully uptake OMLs and deliver them to the micrometastatic foci in the mouse omentum and resected omentum from cancer patients ex vivo. When OMLs were incubated with the PBMs from four healthy volunteers in vitro, an average 88% of CD14‐positive PBMs, most of which also express CD206, took up OMLs, and this uptake was significantly inhibited by α‐methylmannoside. In the experiment using PEMs obtained from peritoneal washes of five gastric cancer patients, the average uptake rate (63%) of OML by CD14‐positive PEMs was somewhat lower than that of PBMs, but in three advanced gastric cancer patients the uptake rate of OMLs was 76% which was comparable to that of mouse PEMs. Oligomannose‐coated liposome (OML)‐incorporated PBMs and PEMs were successfully accumulated at the micrometastatic foci at the omentum formed after intraperitoneal injection of GFP‐tagged gastric cancer cells into mice. Furthermore, OML‐incorporated PBMs substantially accumulated to tumor foci in the surgically resected human omentum ex vivo. These results suggest that OMLs using human monocytes/macrophages as a cellular vehicle have the potential to target peritoneal micrometastasis in the omentum of gastric cancer patients. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Maternal and abiotic effects on egg mortality and hatchling size of turtles: temporal variation in selection over seven years
Authors: Warner Daniel A. , Jorgensen Christopher F. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: April 2010

1. Maternal and environmental factors influence embryo development and offspring phenotypes in ways that are likely to impact fitness. Most studies that address this issue, however, fail to mimic the complexities of natural environmental parameters and only quantify selection during a single season.

2. In this study, we examined year‐to‐year variation in how maternal factors (egg mass, nesting phenology and nest‐site choice) and external abiotic factors (temperature and precipitation) impact egg survival and hatchling morphology in the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) over seven nesting seasons in the field. In addition, we quantify annual variation in the strength and form of selection operating on maternal factors.

3. Overall, our results demonstrated very low, if any, consistency in how maternal and environmental factors impact egg survival and hatchling size in the field. That is, different variables had different effects in different years. Accordingly, the strength and form of natural selection operating on egg size, nesting phenology and nest‐site choice were inconsistent across years, suggesting low potential for substantive or directional evolutionary shifts in these maternal effects.

4. These results may partially explain why traits like egg size and nest‐site choice exhibit variation (i.e. are not perfectly optimized), and highlight the importance of multiyear field studies in gaining a more complete picture of the factors driving variation in critical early life‐history events and demographic parameters.
Lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression of TRAIL promotes dendritic cell differentiation
Authors: Cho Young S. , Challa Sreerupa , Clancy Lauren , Chan Francis K.‐M.
Published: April 2010

Tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death‐inducing cytokine whose physiological function is not well understood. Here, we show that TRAIL has a role in programming human dendritic cell (DC) differentiation. TRAIL expression was strongly induced in DCs upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Polyinosine‐polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) stimulation. Blockade of TRAIL with neutralizing antibody partially inhibited LPS‐induced up‐regulation of co‐stimulatory molecules and the expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) p70. In addition, neutralization of TRAIL in LPS‐treated DCs inhibited the DC‐driven differentiation of T cells into interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) ‐producing effectors. The effects of TRAIL neutralization in poly(I:C)‐treated DCs were similar, except that IL‐12 production and the differentiation of effector T cells into IFN‐γ producers were not inhibited. Strikingly, TRAIL stimulation alone was sufficient to induce morphological changes resembling DC maturation, up‐regulation of co‐stimulatory molecules, and enhancement of DC‐driven allogeneic T‐cell proliferation. However, TRAIL alone did not induce inflammatory cytokine production. We further show that the effects of TRAIL on DC maturation were not the result of the induction of apoptosis, but may involve p38 activation. Hence, our data demonstrate that TRAIL co‐operates with other cytokines to facilitate DC functional maturation in response to Toll‐like receptor activation.
The anti‐inflammatory effects of interleukin‐4 are not mediated by suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 (SOCS1)
Authors: Woodward Eleanor A. , Prêle Cecilia M. , Nicholson Sandra E. , Kolesnik Tatiana B. , Hart Prue H.
Published: April 2010

While it is known that the anti‐inflammatory effects of interleukin (IL)‐4 require new protein synthesis, the exact mechanisms by which IL‐4 suppresses the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by human monocytes and macrophages is unclear. IL‐4 rapidly induced suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 (SOCS1) mRNA and protein, which peaked at 60 min, much earlier than lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced SOCS1 mRNA and protein which were consistently maximal 4 hr post‐exposure. SOCS1 is a molecule generally considered to be induced for negative feedback of inflammatory processes. We investigated whether the early induction of SOCS1 by IL‐4 was responsible for the suppression of LPS‐induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production by IL‐4. IL‐4 suppressed LPS‐induced TNF‐α in freshly isolated monocytes at the level of transcription but acted by a different, possibly translational, mechanism in monocytes cultured overnight in macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF). Despite different modes of regulation by IL‐4, the kinetics and magnitude of induction of SOCS1 mRNA and protein by IL‐4 in the two cell types were identical. There was no significant difference in the suppression by IL‐4 of LPS‐induced TNF‐α production by bone‐marrow derived macrophages from wild‐type mice, Ifnγ−/− mice and mice lacking SOCS1 (Socs1−/−Ifnγ−/−). These data suggest that SOCS1 is not involved in the suppression of LPS‐induced TNF‐α production by IL‐4.
The oral health of children considered very high risk for infective endocarditis
Authors: BALMER RICHARD , BOORAS GEORGIA , PARSONS JONATHAN
Published: April 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 173–178

Background.  Children with previous experience of infective endocarditis or with prosthetic heart valve are considered at very high risk for infective endocarditis.

Aim.  The aim of this study was to compare the dental health of a group of these children with a group of healthy controls and to determine parental awareness of the importance of good oral health.

Design.  Oral examination was carried out in 28 children with previous infective endocarditis or a prosthetic heart valve to assess oral health. Findings were compared to a healthy control group of 28. Questionnaires were distributed to the parents to assess awareness of oral health.

Results.  There was no significant difference in DMFT scores of study and control group (2.43 +/‐ 3.72 and 1.36 +/‐ 2.5 respectively) or in DMFT scores of study and control group (1.5 +/‐ 1.73 and 1.15 +/‐ 1.42 respectively), 36% of the study group had untreated caries. Parental knowledge of the link between oral health and infective endocarditis was excellent.

Conclusions.  There were no significant differences between the oral health of cardiac children and healthy children although the dmft and DMFT scores of the study group were high. Of concern was the proportion of children with untreated caries in spite of good dental awareness and attendance.
Oral health in pre‐school children with asthma – followed from 3 to 6 years
Authors: STENSSON MALIN , WENDT LILL‐KARI , KOCH GÖRAN , NILSSON MATS , OLDAEUS GÖRAN , BIRKHED DOWEN
Published: April 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 165–172

Objective.  The aim of this study was to investigate caries and its determinants in preschool children with and without asthma, followed from 3 to 6 years.

Methods and subjects.  Caries, plaque, and gingivitis were examined at 3 and 6 years of age in 64 asthmatic children and 50 matched, healthy control children. Furthermore, at 6 years radiographic examination and saliva sampling were conducted. The parents were interviewed about various oral health‐related factors.

Results.  Initial caries increment between 3 and 6 years of age was statistically significant higher for children with asthma compared with children without asthma (P < 0.05). Asthmatic children had more bleeding gingivitis and a higher consumption of sugary drinks than healthy children at 3 years of age (P < 0.05). At both 3 and 6 years of age, the asthmatic children were more frequently mouth breathers than healthy children, only statistically significant for 6‐year olds (P < 0.05).

Conclusion.  Preschool children with asthma at 3 years of age run a higher risk of developing caries lesions until 6 years of age compared with children without asthma. Children with asthma have a higher prevalence of bleeding gingivitis, a higher intake of sugary drinks and are more frequently mouth breathers than preschool children without asthma.
Long‐term follow up of root canal treated primary molars
Authors: MOSKOVITZ MOTI , YAHAV DANA , TICKOTSKY NILI , HOLAN GIDEON
Published: April 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 207–213

Background.  Root canal treatment (RCT) is commonly performed to preserve primary molars with an infected or necrotic pulp.

Aim.  This study evaluates the long‐term effects of RCT in primary molars on the development and eruption of their permanent successors.

Methods.  This is a retrospective study of treatment of pulpectomised primary molars in a public dental clinic. All teeth were treated by the same operator using the same material (Endoflas F.S.) and the same method. Records of 194 patients with 242 pulpectomised primary molars (124 in 97 boys and 118 in 97 girls) met the inclusion criteria. The children’s age at the time of treatment ranged from 5 to 11 years (mean 6.72). Follow‐up time ranged from 6 to 113 months (mean 33.5).

Results.  Eight (3.3%) of the 242 primary molars presented a new radiolucent defect or enlargement of existing periapical radiolucency. Of the 106 molars followed until eruption of the permanent successor, none had radiographic pathological signs. Of 17 permanent teeth evaluated clinically, three were erupted into a rotated alignment, and one premolar presented hypocalcified defect in the enamel.

Conclusions.  Failure of root canal treatment in primary molars may be evident from development of new radiolucent defects or enlargement of existing defects. No relationship was found between RCT in the primary molars and the appearance of enamel defects or the ectopic eruption of following permanent teeth.
Using non‐nutritive sucking and oral glucose solution with neonates to relieve pain: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Mei‐Fang , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chou Yi‐Hung , Lee Tzu‐Ying
Published: April 2010

Aim.  To compare the efficacies of non‐nutritive sucking and glucose solution as pain‐relief interventions for neonates undergoing a venipuncture procedure.

Background.  Neonates may be subjected to painful procedures. The individual efficacies of non‐nutritive sucking or oral glucose solution used alone on pain‐relief for neonates still remain controversial.

Design.  A randomised, parallel‐group controlled trial was designed.

Methods.  A total of 105 neonates were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: non‐nutritive sucking, glucose solution, or control group. When a neonate underwent a venipuncture during a newborn screening test, his/her pain manifestations were videotaped and subsequently measured using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Both the stability analysis and the analysis of repeated relationships were performed by generalised estimating equations.

Results.  The level of pain was regressed over the study variables (time and group) and covariate (gestational age). Both the non‐nutritive sucking and glucose solution groups had significantly lower pain scores than the control group during the venipuncture and recovery phases. Furthermore, non‐nutritive sucking seemed to be more effective than glucose solution.

Conclusion.  Nurses can use a pain assessment tool and the pain‐relief intervention to improve the quality of neonatal care in clinical practice. This study indicates that either non‐nutritive sucking or glucose solution can effectively decrease the level of pain.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If a painful procedure on neonates is inevitable, simple, convenient and effective pain‐relief methods such as non‐nutritive sucking or glucose solution can be provided alone. Based on a neonate’s condition, nurses can provide 2 ml of 25% glucose solution through a syringe for a breastfeeding infant before an invasive procedure if nipple confusion is the concern.
Nod1, Nod2 and Nalp3 receptors, new potential targets in treatment of allergic rhinitis?
Authors: Bogefors J. , Rydberg C. , Uddman R. , Fransson M. , Månsson A. , Benson M. , Adner M. , Cardell L. O.
Published: April 2010

To cite this article: Bogefors J, Rydberg C, Uddman R, Fransson M, Månsson A, Benson M, Adner M, Cardell LO. Nod1, Nod2 and Nalp3 receptors, new potential targets in treatment of allergic rhinitis? Allergy 2010; 65: 1222–1226.

Background:  Recently, a new set of pattern‐recognition receptors, the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (Nod)‐like receptors (NLRs), have emerged. Their activation, either by allergens or microbes, triggers an inflammatory response. The knowledge about NLRs in human airways is limited.

Aim of the study:  To investigate presence of NLRs in the human nose of healthy individuals and patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis outside and during pollen season.

Methods:  The expression of Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 in nasal biopsies was determined with real‐time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cultured primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were analyzed using real‐time RT‐PCR and flow cytometry to further verify the presence of NLRs in the epithelium.

Results:  Immunohistochemical analysis revealed presence of Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 in the nasal epithelium. This was corroborated in cultured HNECs. Patients suffering from symptomatic allergic rhinitis exhibited lower Nod1 and Nalp3 mRNA levels than both controls and patients during pollen season. Nod2 expression was found in all specimens tested, but no differences were seen between the three groups.

Conclusion:  Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 receptors were found to be present in the human nose. The expression of Nod1 and Nalp3 were down‐regulated during pollen season among patients with allergic rhinitis. This opens up for new insights and novel therapeutic strategies in inflammatory airway disease.
Type III hereditary angio‐oedema: clinical and biological features in a French cohort
Authors: Vitrat‐Hincky V. , Gompel A. , Dumestre‐Perard C. , Boccon‐Gibod I. , Drouet C. , Cesbron J. Y. , Lunardi J. , Massot C. , Bouillet L.
Published: April 2010

To cite this article: Vitrat‐Hincky V, Gompel A, Dumestre‐Perard C, Boccon‐Gibod I, Drouet C, Cesbron JY, Lunardi J, Massot C, Bouillet L. Type III hereditary angio‐oedema: clinical and biological features in a French cohort. Allergy 2010; 65: 1331–1336.

Background:  Hereditary angio‐oedema (HAE) has been associated with C1inhibitor deficiency. The first cases of type III HAE were described in patients with normal C1Inh antigenic protein level and function and normal C4 levels in 2000. This finding has been reported mostly in women with a family history and may be influenced by exogenous oestrogen exposure.

Objectives:  The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical, biological and genetic characteristics of a French population suffering from type III HAE.

Patients and Methods:  We conducted a retrospective analysis of angio‐oedema (AE) cases seen in the National Reference Centre of AE between 2000 and 2009.

Results:  We found 26 patients (from 15 unrelated families) with type III HAE. All but four were women and presented with typical AE attacks, exacerbated by pregnancy or oral contraceptives containing oestrogens (OC). We also found that 54.5% of women were worsened with oestrogen and 23% were oestrogen dependent. All patients improved on long‐term prophylactic tranexamic acid treatment; some acute attacks improved with C1Inh concentrate infusion. All of the patients had normal C1Inh and C4 levels. C1Inh function was also normal, except in women receiving OC or during a pregnancy: transient, moderately low levels (32–74% of the normal range) were found in 18 patients tested (67%). No SERPING1 gene mutation was found. Six patients from three unrelated families were heterozygous for an F12 gene variant.

Conclusion:  Diagnosis of type III HAE should be based on clinical (typical attacks, often hormonally influenced), laboratory (normal C1Inh antigenic protein) and genetic (F12 gene mutation) evidence.
Risk factors and consequences of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus
Authors: Demirci Meltem Sezis , Toz Huseyin , Yılmaz Filiz , Ertilav Muhittin , Asci Gulay , Ozkahya Mehmet , Zeytinoglu Aysin , Nart Deniz , Ok Ercan
Published: April 2010

Demirci MS, Toz H, Yılmaz F, Ertilav M, Asci G, Ozkahya M, Zeytinoglu A, Nart D, Ok E. Risk factors and consequences of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01247.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical course as well as risk factors and prognosis of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM).

Methods:  Five hundred fifty‐five kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively evaluated. PTDM was defined as fasting blood glucose ≥140 mg/dL on at least two consecutive measurements or requirement of oral antidiabetic drug or insulin. Patients with PTDM were divided into subgroups according to time of onset (early; <90 d vs. late, ≥90 d) and duration of diabetes (transient, <90 d vs. sustained ≥90 d).

Results:  The frequency of PTDM was 18.3%. In multivariate analysis age (p < 0.001), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (p < 0.05) and tacrolimus use (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors. Among 220 HCV+ patients, liver biopsy was performed in 158, the histological grade (3.3 ± 2.8 vs. 4.4 ± 3.1) and stage (0.9 ± 1.1 vs. 1.4 ± 1.2) were significantly more severe in patients with PTDM than in non‐diabetics. Incidence of PTDM in patients with severe fibrosis was 46.7%; 19.2% in nil or mild fibrosis (p < 0.05). Patient and graft survival were significantly worse, and cardiovascular events and life‐threatening infection episodes were more frequent in PTDM. Half of the patients had early PTDM, while 30.3% of patients with PTDM showed transient nature. Five‐ and 10‐yr death censored graft survival rates were worse in transient subgroup compared with sustained patients with diabetes (log rank 0.025) whereas there was no difference in outcome between early and late subgroups.

Conclusions:  Age, tacrolimus, and HCV are independent risk factors for PTDM. PTDM has a negative impact on both patient and graft survival, irrespective of the time of onset and duration of diabetes.
Testing the interactive effects of testosterone and parasites on carotenoid‐based ornamentation in a wild bird
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐PADILLA J. , MOUGEOT F. , WEBSTER L. M. I. , PÉREZ‐RODRÍGUEZ L. , PIERTNEY S. B.
Published: April 2010

Abstract Testosterone underlies the expression of most secondary sexual traits, playing a key role in sexual selection. However, high levels might be associated with physiological costs, such as immunosuppression. Immunostimulant carotenoids underpin the expression of many red‐yellow ornaments, but are regulated by testosterone and constrained by parasites. We manipulated testosterone and nematode burdens in red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) in two populations to tease apart their effects on carotenoid levels, ornament size and colouration in three time‐step periods. We found no evidence for interactive effects of testosterone and parasites on ornament size and colouration. We showed that ornament colouration was testosterone‐driven. However, parasites decreased comb size with a time delay and testosterone increased carotenoid levels in one of the populations. This suggests that environmental context plays a key role in determining how individuals resolve the trade‐off between allocating carotenoids for ornamental coloration or for self‐maintenance needs. Our study advocates that adequately testing the mechanisms behind the production or maintenance of secondary sexual characters has to take into account the dynamics of sexual trait expression and their environmental context.
Epidemiology of invasive fungal infections and rationale for antifungal therapy in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Hoenigl M. , Zollner‐Schwetz I. , Sill H. , Linkesch W. , Lass‐Flörl C. , Schnedl W. J. , Krause R.
Published: April 2010

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with haematological malignancies are difficult to diagnose and outcome is often fatal. Over the 7‐month study period, 117 cases with haematological malignancies receiving systemic antifungal treatment were included. Data regarding antifungal agents, dosage and reason for administration were recorded. Fungal infections in study patients were classified as possible, probable or proven according to recent European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. During the study period, 690 cases with haematological malignancies were admitted. A total of 117 cases received systemic antifungal therapy. Twenty‐four of 117 patients (21%) had possible, six (5.1%) had probable and four (3.4%) had proven IFI. Seven of 10 probable and proven infections were caused by Candida spp., 2 by Aspergillus spp. and 1 by a fungus belonging to Zygomycetes. Fifty‐two of 117 patients (44%) received antifungal prophylaxis, 81 of 117 (69%) received empirical (31/117; 26%) or pre‐emptive (50/117; 43%) antifungal therapy and four of 117 patients (3.4%) directed antifungal therapy. Mostly, systemic antifungal therapy was administered empirically or pre‐emptively. Twenty‐nine per cent of cases receiving systemic antifungal treatment met the international consensus criteria of mostly possible IFI, whereas 71% did not. Proven invasive fungal infections were rare.
Neocortical synaptophysin asymmetry and behavioral lateralization in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Sherwood Chet C. , Duka Tetyana , Stimpson Cheryl D. , Schenker Natalie M. , Garrison Amy R. , Schapiro Steven J. , Baze Wallace B. , McArthur Mark J. , Erwin Joseph M. , Hof Patrick R. , Hopkins William D.
Published: April 2010

Although behavioral lateralization is known to correlate with certain aspects of brain asymmetry in primates, there are limited data concerning hemispheric biases in the microstructure of the neocortex. In the present study, we investigated whether there is asymmetry in synaptophysin‐immunoreactive puncta density and protein expression levels in the region of hand representation of the primary motor cortex in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Synaptophysin is a presynaptic vesicle‐associated protein found in nearly all synapses of the central nervous system. We also tested whether there is a relationship between hand preference on a coordinated bimanual task and the interhemispheric distribution of synaptophysin as measured by both stereologic counts of immunoreactive puncta and by Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that synaptophysin‐immunoreactive puncta density is not asymmetric at the population level, whereas synaptophysin protein expression levels are significantly higher in the right hemisphere. Handedness was correlated with interindividual variation in synaptophysin‐immunoreactive puncta density. As a group, left‐handed and ambidextrous chimpanzees showed a rightward bias in puncta density. In contrast, puncta densities were symmetrical in right‐handed chimpanzees. These findings support the conclusion that synapse asymmetry is modulated by lateralization of skilled motor behavior in chimpanzees.
Differential representation of dynamic and static power grip force in the sensorimotor network
Authors: Keisker Birgit , Hepp‐Reymond Marie‐Claude , Blickenstorfer Armin , Kollias Spyros S.
Published: April 2010

Previous studies investigating the blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal in the human sensorimotor cortex during static force (maintained for a few seconds) and dynamic force (repetitive force pulses) resulted in contradictory findings. Therefore, we conducted a whole‐brain functional magnetic resonance imaging study during a visuomotor task requiring the production of either dynamic or static power grip force. Thereby we aimed at clarifying whether the BOLD signal behaves differently with dynamic and static force in the primary motor cortex, and whether it behaves in the same way in all areas and regions involved in force production. In the static condition, participants applied visually guided, isometric grip force on a dynamometer of 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and held this force for 21 s. In the dynamic condition, self‐paced force pulses of 20% MVC were produced at a rate of 0.5 Hz. Static and dynamic force production activated an overlapping network of sensorimotor cortical and subcortical regions. However, the production of a significantly higher mean static force compared with the dynamic force resulted in a significantly smaller BOLD signal in the contralateral motor cortex, confirming observations of an earlier investigation. In addition, we found that the ipsilateral anterior cerebellum behaved similar to the motor cortex, whereas in all other activated regions the activation during static and dynamic force did not significantly differ. These findings demonstrate that various regions of the sensorimotor network participate differentially in the production and control of low static and dynamic grip force, and raise important questions concerning the interpretation of the BOLD signal with respect to mechanisms of neurovascular coupling.
A BRAIN GAIN OR A BRAIN DRAIN? MIGRATION, ENDOGENOUS FERTILITY, AND HUMAN CAPITAL FORMATION
Authors: CHEN HUNG‐JU
Published: April 2010

This study develops an endogenous growth model of migration to analyze the impact of international migration on the economic growth of a source country. When making their fertility and education decisions, adults may have the option of migrating to a foreign country. We find that changes in the migration probability or the extent of migration costs will lead to a trade‐off between the quality and the quantity of children. When a host country cannot differentiate between the abilities of migrants, an increase in migration probability will raise a source country’s economic growth. When low‐ and high‐skilled workers are faced with different migration probabilities, allowing more low‐skilled workers to emigrate will cause a “brain gain” in both the short run and the long run. However, relaxation of restrictions on the emigration of high‐skilled workers will damage economic growth in the long run, although a brain gain may occur in the short run.(JEL F22, J24, O15)
Body mass index and waist circumference in Mozambique: urban/rural gap during epidemiological transition
Authors: Gomes A. , Damasceno A. , Azevedo A. , Prista A. , Silva‐Matos C. , Saranga S. , Lunet N.
Published: April 2010

In 2005 we evaluated a nationally representative sample of the Mozambican adult population (n = 2913; 25–64 years old) following the STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance to estimate urban–rural differences in overweight and obesity and waist circumferences. The prevalences of obesity and overweight were, respectively, 6.8% (95% CI: 5.1–8.6) and 11.8% (95% CI: 8.4–15.4) among women, and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.1–3.6) and 9.4% (95% CI: 5.7–13.1) among men. Overweight/obesity was more frequent in urban settings (age‐, income‐ and education‐adjusted prevalence ratios; women, 2.76, 95% CI: 1.82–4.18; men, 1.76, 95% CI: 0.80–3.85). The average waist circumference in Mozambique was 75.2 cm (95% CI: 74.3–76.0) in women, significantly higher in urban than rural areas (age‐, income‐ and education‐adjusted β = 3.6 cm, 95% CI: 1.6–5.5) and 76.1 cm (95% CI: 75.0–77.3) in men, with no urban–rural differences (adjusted β = 1.3 cm, 95% CI: −0.9 to 3.5). Our results show urban–rural differences, as expected in a country under epidemiological transition, with urban areas presenting a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, but age‐ and education‐specific estimates suggesting a trend towards smaller divergences. The development and implementation of strategies to manage the foreseeable obesity‐related healthcare demands are needed.
MISPLACED MONUMENTS?: A REVIEW OF CEREMONY AND MONUMENTALITY IN FIRST MILLENNIUM CAL BC CORNWALL
Authors: JONES ANDY M.
Published: April 2010

Both large‐ and small‐scale ceremonial monuments are a well‐known feature of the third and second millennia cal BC. However, from the middle of the second millennium cal BC the character of the evidence changes, firstly with the appearance of widespread settlement remains, and then in the earlier first millennium cal BC with the appearance of hillforts. This paper considers the evidence from a number of newly discovered enclosures in Cornwall, which, given their similarity to much older ceremonial monument forms, have unexpectedly been found to date from the first millennium cal BC. The implications of these discoveries are discussed as well as the evidence for possible Atlantic Connections across the Irish Sea.
Rates of retrograde metamorphism and their implications for crustal rheology
Authors: YARDLEY B. W. D. , HARLOV D. E. , HEINRICH W.
Published: April 2010

Geofluids (2010) 10, 234–240

The rate of reaction of a natural hornblende garnet granulite with water under a range of mid‐ to lower crustal conditions has been investigated experimentally. In runs of between 7 and 84 days small but measurable amounts of water were consumed, and sheet silicates (300°C, 300 MPa and 400°C, 400 MPa) and/or secondary actinolite (400°C, 400 MPa and 500°C, 500 MPa) were observed to have grown. When normalized to the surface area of the starting materials, hydration rates were in the range of 2–5 × 10−8 g m−2 sec−1. These reaction rates imply that a film of water that infiltrated a planar crack with a half width of 100 μm would be completely consumed within c. 100 years. These results imply that where water infiltrates the crust along faults or underlying shear zones in response to a deformation, it will remain as a free phase for only a finite period of time, which in some cases will be less than the repeat time for major earthquakes in the fault system. Thus, the rheology of fault zones and shear zones is likely to be cyclical, with the zone becoming stronger with time as water is consumed, and then weakened by infiltration of water after each rupture.
Positive socialization mechanisms in secure and insecure parent–child dyads: two longitudinal studies
Authors: Kochanska Grazyna , Woodard Jarilyn , Kim Sanghag , Koenig Jamie L. , Yoon Jeung Eun , Barry Robin A.
Published: April 2010

Background:  Implications of early attachment have been extensively studied, but little is known about its long‐term indirect sequelae, where early security organization moderates future parent–child relationships, serving as a catalyst for adaptive and maladaptive processes. Two longitudinal multi‐trait multi‐method studies examined whether early security amplified beneficial effects of children’s willing, receptive stance toward the parent on socialization outcomes.

Methods:  We examined parent–child early attachment organization, assessed in the Strange Situation at 14–15 months, as moderating links between children’s willing stance toward parents and socialization outcomes in Study 1 (108 mothers and children, followed to 73 months) and Study 2 (101 mothers, fathers, and children, followed to 80 months). Children’s willing stance was observed as committed compliance at 14 and 22 months in Study 1, and as responsiveness to the parent in naturalistic interactions and teaching contexts at 25 and 67 months in Study 2. Socialization outcomes included children’s internalization of maternal prohibition, observed at 33, 45, and 56 months, and maternal ratings of children’s externalizing problems at 73 months in Study 1, and mothers’ and fathers’ ratings of children’s oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder symptoms at 80 months in Study 2.

Results:  Indirect effects of attachment were replicated across both studies and diverse measures: Attachment security significantly amplified the links between children’s willing stance to mothers and all outcomes. Secure children’s willing, cooperative stance to mothers predicted future successful socialization outcomes. Insecure children’s willing stance conferred no beneficial effects.

Conclusions:  Implications of early attachment extend to long‐term, indirect developmental sequelae. Security in the first year serves as a catalyst for future positive socialization processes.
White light interferometry to characterize the hydrogel contact lens surface
Authors: Giraldez Maria J. , García‐Resúa Carlos , Lira Madalena , Oliveira M Elisabete CD Real , Yebra‐Pimentel Eva
Published: April 2010

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to characterize, qualitatively and quantitatively, the surface morphology of four unworn conventional hydrogel contact lenses (Omafilcon, Hioxifilcon‐based, Nefilcon A and Ocufilcon B) by White Light Optical Profiling (WLOP). WLOP is an ideal technique for sampling larger areas as well as for higher measurement speed compared with other topography techniques used in contact lens studies.

Methods:  Surface roughness was assessed by WLOP in the Vertical Scanning Mode, with a Wyko® NT1100, which is a non‐contact optical profiling system that provides high vertical resolution. Representative roughness parameters, the Average Roughness (Ra), Root‐mean‐square Roughness (Rms), and Maximum Roughness (Rmax), for areas of 625, 2500, 10829 and 67 646 μm2 were calculated.

Results:  Higher Ra, Rms and Rmax values were obtained for larger areas in all lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses (Nefilcon A and Ocufilcon B) presented the highest Ra, Rms and Rmax values, the larger changes in these parameters becoming apparent with the increase in the measured area. Differences between lenses were less obvious when data from 625 and 2500 μm2 area were compared.

Conclusions:  Daily disposable contact lenses showed the highest roughness surface. Analyzing larger areas might be adequate to detect differences between lenses in terms of surface characteristics, which may not be so obvious if smaller areas are studied.
The effect of the YK lens in keratoconus
Authors: Kang Young Seok , Park Young Kee , Lee Jong Soo , Lee Seung Uk , Shin Jong Hun , Han Young Sang , Lee Dong Jun , Choi Hee Young , Oum Boo Sup , Lee Ji‐Eun
Published: April 2010

Purpose:  To report the clinical results of the use of the YK contact lens (Lucid Co., Seoul, Korea) for keratoconus.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty nine keratoconic eyes were fitted with a YK lens which has one base curve and three peripheral curves. A light feather touch fluorescein pattern was obtained based on topographic indices. Visual acuity, comfort, mean wearing time, and ocular tissue changes were evaluated. Mean follow up was 17.5 ± 13.8 months (range 6–75).

Results:  One hundred and twenty six (97.6%) eyes tolerated the contact lenses. A total of 94.5% of the eyes achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better (average 0.79 ± 0.21), and flatter base curve radius (BCR) was related to better visual acuity. One hundred and seventeen (90.7%) eyes reported that the lenses were comfortable. Mean wearing time was 12.1 h per day (range 4–18). Changes in keratometric values were not significant between baseline and final follow‐up visit.

Conclusions:  The YK lens can provide successful visual outcome, with comfort, and no significant influence on the progression of keratoconus.
A prospective study of different test targets for the near point of convergence
Authors: Pang Yi , Gabriel Helen , Frantz Kelly A. , Saeed Faheemah
Published: April 2010

Purpose:  To determine whether different test targets including an accommodative target (AT), a transilluminator (TR), and a transilluminator with a red lens (RL), affect the near point of convergence (NPC) value; and to determine which test target is most sensitive to identify convergence insufficiency (CI) in young adults.

Methods:  Subjects were 36 optometry students from the Illinois College of Optometry, including 18 subjects with normal binocular vision (control group) and 18 subjects with CI. None of the subjects had accommodative insufficiency. The NPC break and recovery were measured by three methods: AT, TR, and RL. Each test method was administered by a different examiner and the test sequence was randomized.

Results:  The mean NPC break values for AT, TR, and RL in the control group were 4.31, 3.76, and 4.08 cm respectively, compared to 10.05, 11.37 and 13.04 cm in the CI group. The mean recovery values were 6.23, 5.56, and 5.95 cm for AT, TR, and RL respectively in the control group, vs 12.21, 14.37, 16.40 cm in the CI group. Significant differences in NPC break and recovery values were detected in the CI group between RL and AT, but not between AT and TR, or TR and RL. There was no significant difference in NPC values using the three targets in the control group. For an NPC cut point of 6 cm (break) and 9 cm (recovery), RL had higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (88.9%) as well as lower false positive (10%) and false negative (0%) values compared to AT.

Conclusion:  NPC with RL is a more sensitive method to identify abnormal findings and assist in diagnosing CI compared to using AT or TR. We recommend that NPC with RL be routinely used to evaluate patients suspected of having CI.
BLACK AND RED GRANITES IN THE EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITY MUSEUM OF TURIN: A MINERO‐PETROGRAPHIC AND PROVENANCE STUDY
Authors: SERRA M. , BORGHI A. , D'AMICONE E. , FIORA L. , MASHALY O. , VIGNA L. , VAGGELLI G.
Published: April 2010

A recent project to investigate the stone artefacts preserved in the Egyptian Antiquity Museum of Turin has been undertaken, with the aim of supplying their systematic classification and suggesting the provenance site of the original raw materials. This paper focuses on seven sculptures dating back to the New Kingdom (18th–19th Dynasties): the statue of Ramses II, three of the 21 sculptures of the goddess Sekhmet, the statue of the goddess Hathor, the Ram‐headed Sphinx and the sarcophagus lid of Nefertari. Petrographic observations have shown that all the sculptures are made of granitoid rocks, with variable composition from granite to granodiorite and tonalite. The observation of strong macroscopic analogies with the so‐called black and red granites outcropping in the Aswan area has suggested a common origin of all the raw materials used for their manufacture. In order to verify this provenance hypothesis, several samples were collected in the Aswan quarry districts. According to results of a minero‐petrographic and geochemical comparison between the statues and the Aswan quarry samples, it was possible to identify the source area of the stone sculptures and finally to highlight the importance of an archaeometric approach to the solution of archaeological problems.
Content clouds as exploratory qualitative data analysis
Authors: Cidell Julie
Published: April 2010

This article proposes the use of content clouds as a method of exploratory qualitative data analysis. Content clouds are a type of visualisation that summarises the contents of a document by depicting the words that appear most often in larger, darker type within the cloud. When utilised as a form of qualitative GIS, content clouds provide a powerful way to summarise and compare information from different places on a single issue. Two examples using different types of documents and differently‐scaled environmental issues demonstrate the possible utility of this method in summarising qualitative data and suggesting avenues for research.
Medicaid Bed‐Hold Policy and Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Rehospitalizations
Authors: Grabowski David C. , Feng Zhanlian , Intrator Orna , Mor Vincent
Published: April 2010

Objective. To analyze the effect of states' Medicaid bed‐hold policies on the 30‐day rehospitalization of Medicare postacute skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents.

Data Sources. Minimum data set assessments were merged with Medicare claims and eligibility files for all first‐time SNF admissions (N=3,322,088) over the period 2000 through 2005; states' Medicaid bed‐hold policies were obtained via survey.

Study Design. Regression specification incorporating facility fixed effects to examine changes in Medicaid bed‐hold policies on the likelihood of a 30‐day SNF rehospitalization.

Principal Findings. Using a continuous measure of bed‐hold generosity, state Medicaid bed‐hold was positively related to Medicare SNF rehospitalization. Specifically, the introduction of a bed‐hold policy with average generosity increases Medicare rehospitalizations by 1.8 percent, representing roughly 12,000 SNF rehospitalizations at a cost to Medicare of approximately U.S.$100 million over our study period.

Conclusions. Although facilities do not receive a Medicaid bed‐hold payment for Medicare SNF stays, we found that the adoption of more generous policies led to greater SNF rehospitalizations. This type of spillover is largely ignored in current discussions of Medicare payment reforms such as bundled payment. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid has an incentive to internalize the risks and benefits of its actions as they affect the other.
Improving the Home Health Acute‐Care Hospitalization Quality Measure
Authors: Schade Charles P. , Brehm John G.
Published: April 2010

Objectives. (1) To demonstrate average length of service (ALOS) bias in the currently used acute‐care hospitalization (ACH) home health quality measure, limiting comparability across agencies, and (2) to propose alternative ACH measures.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Secondary analysis of Medicare home health service data 2004–2007; convenience sample of Medicare fee‐for‐service hospital discharges.

Study Design. Cross‐sectional analysis and patient‐level simulation.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. We aggregated outcome and ALOS data from 2,347 larger Medicare‐certified home health agencies (HHAs) in the United States between 2004 and 2007, and calculated risk‐adjusted monthly ACH rates. We used multiple regression to identify agency characteristics associated with ACH. We simulated ACH during and immediately after home health care using patient and agency characteristics similar to those in the actual data, comparing the existing measure with alternative fixed‐interval measures.

Principal Findings. Of agency characteristics studied, ALOS had by far the highest partial correlation with the current ACH measure (r2=0.218, p<.0001). We replicated the correlation between ACH and ALOS in the patient‐level simulation. We found no correlation between ALOS and the alternative measures.

Conclusions. Alternative measures do not exhibit ALOS bias and would be appropriate for comparing HHA ACH rates with one another or over time.
Stereotypy of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Insights from video‐EEG monitoring
Authors: Seneviratne Udaya , Reutens David , D’Souza Wendyl
Published: April 2010

Purpose:  To systematically study the semiology of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) captured by video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (VEM) and categorize the typical patterns observed.

Methods:  VEM records of patients who underwent evaluation from January 2002 to June 2007 were reviewed to identify those who had PNES with or without a background of epilepsy. The semiology of each event was visually analyzed and entered into a statistical database. Type of movement, anatomic distribution, synchrony, symmetry, onset, offset, course, duration, vocalization, hyperventilation, eye movements, and responsiveness were evaluated. PNES were classified into distinct groups according to the predominant motor manifestation.

Results:  A total of 330 PNES from 61 patients were studied. Based on semiology, six different types of PNES were observed as follows: (1) rhythmic motor PNES characterized by rhythmic tremor or rigor‐like movements (46.7%); (2) hypermotor PNES characterized by violent movements (3.3%); (3) complex motor PNES characterized by complex movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, with or without clonic‐like and myoclonic‐like components of varying combinations and anatomic distribution (10%); (4) dialeptic PNES characterized by unresponsiveness without motor manifestations (11.2%); (5) nonepileptic auras characterized by subjective sensations without any external manifestations, marked in the VEM records as “seizure button presses” (23.6%); and (6) mixed PNES where combinations of above seizure types were seen (5.2%). In a given patient, all the seizures belonged to a single type of PNES in 82% of cases.

Discussion:  PNES can be classified into six stereotypic categories. Contrary to common belief, PNES demonstrates stereotypy both within and across patients.
Daily Variations in Objective Nighttime Sleep and Subjective Morning Pain in Older Adults with Insomnia: Evidence of Covariation over Time
Authors: Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Williams Jacob M. , Roditi Daniela , Marsiske Michael , McCoy Karin , McNamara Joseph , Dautovich Natalie , Robinson Michael E. , McCrae Christina S.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between objectively measured nocturnal sleep and subjective report of morning pain in older adults with insomnia; to examine not only the difference between persons in the association between sleep and pain (mean level over 14 days), but also the within‐person, day‐to‐day association.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: North‐central Florida.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty community‐dwelling older adults (mean age±standard deviation 69.1±7.0, range 60–90) with insomnia.

MEASUREMENTS: Daily home‐based assessment using nightly actigraphic measurement of sleep and daily self‐report of pain over 14 consecutive days.

RESULTS: Between persons, average sleep over 14 days was not associated with average levels of rated pain, but after a night in which an older adult with insomnia experienced above‐average total sleep time he or she subsequently reported below‐average pain ratings. The model explained approximately 24% of the within‐person and 8% of the between‐person variance in pain ratings.

CONCLUSIONS: Sleep and pain show day‐to‐day associations (i.e., covary over time) in older adults with insomnia. Such associations may suggest that common physiological systems underlie the experience of insomnia and pain. Future research should examine the crossover effects of sleep treatment on pain and of pain treatment on sleep.