bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re‐articulating Identity: The Shifting Landscape of Indigenous Politics and Power on the Ecuadorian Coast
Authors: BAUER DANIEL ERIC
Published: December 2009

The Levantamiento Indígena of 1990 was a defining moment in the advancement of indigenous politics in Ecuador. Following the uprising of 1990, scholars have paid close attention to the politics of identity and indigenous representation in Ecuador with the main focus being placed on the highland and Amazonian regions of the country. Based on fieldwork conducted in Ecuador's Manabí province, this article provides preliminary insight into the growth of an indigenous discourse on the Ecuadorian coast. I focus on the process of re‐indigenisation in the coastal community of Macaboa. This research is significant because while a great deal of scholarly attention has been paid to indigenous movements in Ecuador's highland and Amazonian regions, indigenous politics on the coast have gone largely unnoticed. The case outlined in this article is emblematic of the shifting nature of identity and the way in which ethnic discourses are increasingly being adopted by marginalised groups in their attempts to negotiate with the state.
A novel choline cotransporter sequestration compartment in cholinergic neurons revealed by selective endosomal ablation
Authors: Ivy Michael T. , Newkirk Robert F. , Wang Yilun , Townsel James G.
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1295–1304.

The sodium‐dependent, high affinity choline transporter – choline cotransporter – (ChCoT, aka: cho‐1, CHT1, CHT) undergoes constitutive and regulated trafficking between the plasma membrane and cytoplasmic compartments. The pathways and regulatory mechanisms of this trafficking are not well understood. We report herein studies involving selective endosomal ablation to further our understanding of the trafficking of the ChCoT. Selective ablation of early sorting and recycling endosomes resulted in a decrease of ∼75% of [3H]choline uptake and ∼70% of [3H]hemicholinium‐3 binding. Western blot analysis showed that ablation produced a similar decrease in ChCoTs in the plasma membrane subcellular fraction. The time frame for this loss was approximately 2 h which has been shown to be the constitutive cycling time for ChCoTs in this tissue. Ablation appears to be dependent on the intracellular cycling of transferrin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase and the selective deposition of transferrin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase in early endosomes, both sorting and recycling. Ablated brain slices retained their capacity to recruit via regulated trafficking ChCoTs to the plasma membrane. This recruitment of ChCoTs suggests that the recruitable compartment is distinct from the early endosomes. It will be necessary to do further studies to identify the novel sequestration compartment supportive of the ChCoT regulated trafficking.
Cholesterol modulates ion channels via down‐regulation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate
Authors: Chun Yoon Sun , Shin Sora , Kim Yonjung , Cho Hana , Park Myoung Kyu , Kim Tae‐Wan , Voronov Sergey V. , Di Paolo Gilbert , Suh Byung‐Chang , Chung Sungkwon
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1286–1294.

Ubiquitously expressed Mg2+‐inhibitory cation (MIC) channels are permeable to Ca2+ and Mg2+ and are essential for cell viability. When membrane cholesterol level was increased by pre‐incubating cells with a water‐soluble form of cholesterol, the endogenous MIC current in HEK293 cells was negatively regulated. The application of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) recovered MIC current from cholesterol effect. As PIP2 is the direct modulator for MIC channels, high cholesterol content may cause down‐regulation of PIP2. To test this possibility, we examined the effect of cholesterol on two exogenously expressed PIP2‐sensitive K+ channels: human Ether‐a‐go‐go related gene (HERG) and KCNQ. Enrichment with cholesterol inhibited HERG currents, while inclusion of PIP2 in the pipette solution blocked the cholesterol effect. KCNQ channel was also inhibited by cholesterol. The effects of cholesterol on these channels were blocked by pre‐incubating cells with inhibitors for phospholipase C, which may indicate that cholesterol enrichment induces the depletion of PIP2 via phospholipase C activation. Lipid analysis showed that cholesterol enrichment reduced γ‐32P incorporation into PIP2 by approximately 35%. Our results suggest that cholesterol may modulate ion channels by changing the levels of PIP2. Thus, an important cross‐talk exists among two plasma membrane‐enriched lipids, cholesterol and PIP2.
Treating water as an economic good: policies and practices in irrigation agriculture in Xinjiang, China
Authors: YULING SHEN , LEIN HAAKON
Published: December 2009

Since the 1990s, the idea that water should be treated as an economic good has become a widely acclaimed but also disputed principle. In Xinjiang, a dry region in north‐west China, the idea has been translated into government water management policies and practices. Based on investigations in the Kaidu‐Kongque River Basin, this paper describes how the idea is interpreted in concrete water fee policies and practices in local water management in irrigation agriculture, and discusses what problems exist in current water fee collection practices and expenditure, as well as in water management in irrigation agriculture. The main argument is that water management is deeply tied to the political, social and economic conditions of the state, and water pricing is part of the complex, diverse and changing social reality. In the study area, the interpretation of treating water as an economic good has not contributed to a fairer and more efficient use of scarce water resources, but rather it has been applied to achieve other political and economic goals as well as to strengthen a powerful and rapidly growing bureaucracy.
How political parties frame European integration
Authors: HELBLING MARC , HOEGLINGER DOMINIC , WÜEST BRUNO
Published: December 2009

This article analyses how political parties frame European integration, and gauges the consistency of their argumentation. Over the course of investigation, one can see how actors' positions are justified, and how the European Union is perceived (i.e., what forces give rise to Euroscepticism and Europeanism). It is argued here that the parties' framing of issues depends on the interests they traditionally defend at the national level, their general positions on European integration, and whether or not they belong to the established political actors in their respective countries. The coding approach enables the relation of frames to actors and positions, moving beyond the techniques employed by existing studies that analyse the media presentation of European integration. Sophisticated frame categorisations are provided to capture the complex structure of argumentation, going beyond a simple dichotomy of economic and cultural frames. Relying on a large and original media dataset covering the period 2004–2006, six Western European countries are investigated.
Employers, the state and the politics of institutional change: Vocational education and training in Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Authors: TRAMPUSCH CHRISTINE
Published: December 2009

An in‐depth comparison of Austria, Germany and Switzerland shows that the employers' constellation and the elites of the public education administration affect patterns of institutional change. If large firms are the dominant actors and collaborate with elites in the public education administration, institutional change follows a transformative pattern. If small and medium‐sized firms are in a strong position and have the power to influence public elites according to their interests, self‐preserving institutional change results. The article also shows that it is not so much trade unions as small and medium‐sized firms that act as a brake on transformative change. The article adds to the literature of institutional change by arguing that specifying and explaining patterns of institutional change requires that sufficient scope be allowed for actors' creative handling of institutions. It also suggests that in order to differentiate between self‐preserving and transformative change, one has to specify the important institutional dimensions that sustain an institution. The article combines Mill's method of agreement and difference.
A tool to evaluate state capacity in post‐communist countries, 1989–2006
Authors: FORTIN JESSICA
Published: December 2009

In an attempt to bring together the research on state capacity, this article proposes a five‐item index to operationalise and measure the concept of state capacity. The index was constructed for 26 post‐communist countries on a yearly basis from their first year of independence from communist rule to 2006. Different states unavoidably display dissimilar levels of aptitude in the different domains of state capacity, but the aggregated index of state capacity presented is high in both validity and reliability. With the help of this index, the starting conditions as well as the evolution of state capacity within the countries included in this study are explored, with three conclusions. First, post‐communist countries emerged displaying very contrasting levels of state capacity. Second, the level of state capacity has remained relatively stable within most countries between 1989–1991 and 2006, which ties in the last conclusion that the initial level of state capacity is the strongest determinant of subsequent levels of state capacity. All three conclusions carry important implications for research using state capacity either as an independent or as a dependent variable.
Effect of Cocaine Use on Buprenorphine Pharmacokinetics in Humans
Authors: McCance‐Katz Elinore F. , Rainey Petrie M. , Moody David E.
Published: December 2009

The effect of chronic cocaine use on buprenorphine pharmacokinetics was investigated to identify drug interactions and potential toxicities. In a retrospective analysis, pharmacokinetics were compared for 16 studies completed on subjects who were regular cocaine users and 74 studies on subjects who used cocaine only occasionally or not at all. All participants were stably maintained on buprenorphine/naloxone 16/4 mg daily. Participants who used cocaine regularly had lower buprenorphine exposure (AUC 34% lower; Cmax27% lower and C2437% lower; p ≤ .001 for all comparisons). Regular cocaine users were younger (p = .0007), and used more heroin (p = .004) and cocaine (p < .0001). Regular cocaine use may result in lower buprenorphine plasma concentrations with potential for adverse clinical outcomes. (Am J Addict 2009;19:38–46)
Methadone and Buprenorphine Toxicity in Children
Authors: Boyer Edward W. , McCance‐Katz Elinore F. , Marcus Steven
Published: December 2009

Recent years have seen very large increases in the prescribing of methadone and buprenorphine formulations for treatment of opioid addiction as well as the increasing utilization of methadone for the treatment of chronic pain. Coincident with the rise in the prescribing of these drugs has been a substantial increase in pediatric opioid toxicities and adverse events. This review will address the current state of methadone‐ and buprenorphine‐related adverse events in children in the United States. We will also discuss treatment of opioid toxicity in pediatric populations and make recommendations aimed at reducing these occurrences. (Am J Addict 2009;19:89–95)
The Association between Cocaine Use and Treatment Outcomes in Patients Receiving Office‐Based Buprenorphine/Naloxone for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence
Authors: Sullivan Lynn E. , Moore Brent A. , O'Connor Patrick G. , Barry Declan T. , Chawarski Marek C. , Schottenfeld Richard S. , Fiellin David A.
Published: December 2009

Cocaine use in patients receiving methadone is associated with worse treatment outcomes. The association between cocaine use and office‐based buprenorphine/naloxone treatment outcomes is not known. We evaluated the association between baseline and in‐treatment cocaine use, treatment retention, and urine toxicology results in 162 patients enrolled in a 24‐week trial of primary care office‐based buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance. Patients with baseline cocaine metabolite‐negative urine toxicology tests compared with those with cocaine metabolite‐positive tests had more mean weeks of treatment retention (18.3 vs. 15.8, p = .04), a greater percentage completed 24 weeks of treatment (50% vs. 33%, p = .04) and had a greater percentage of opioid‐negative urines (47% vs. 34%, p = .02). Patients with in‐treatment cocaine metabolite‐negative urine toxicology tests compared with cocaine metabolite‐positive patients had more mean weeks of treatment retention (19.0 vs. 16.5, p = .003), a greater percentage completed 24 weeks of treatment (60% vs. 30%, p < .001), and had a greater percentage of opioid‐negative urines (51% vs. 35%, p = .001). We conclude that both baseline and in‐treatment cocaine use is associated with worse treatment outcomes in patients receiving office‐based buprenorphine/naloxone and may benefit from targeted interventions. (Am J Addict 2009;19:53–58)
Interactions between Buprenorphine and Antiretrovirals: Nucleos(t)ide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTI) Didanosine, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir
Authors: Baker Jennifer , Rainey Petrie M. , Moody David E. , Morse Gene D. , Ma Qing , McCance‐Katz Elinore F.
Published: December 2009

To improve outcomes among injection drug users with HIV and/or chronic hepatitis B, it is important to identify drug interactions between antiretroviral and opiate therapies. We report the results of a study designed to examine the interaction between buprenorphine and the nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) didanosine (ddI), lamivudine (3TC), and tenofovir (TDF). Opioid‐dependent, buprenorphine/naloxone‐maintained, HIV‐negative volunteers (n = 27) participated in two 24‐hour sessions to determine (1) pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine alone and (2) pharmacokinetics of both buprenorphine and either ddI, 3TC, or TDF. Among buprenorphine/naloxone‐maintained study participants, no significant changes in buprenorphine pharmacokinetics were observed following ddI, 3TC, or TDF administration. Buprenorphine had no significant effect on NRTI concentrations. Concomitant use of buprenorphine with ddI, 3TC, or TDF results in neither a significant pharmacokinetic nor pharmacodynamic interaction. (Am J Addict 2009;19:17–29)
Benzodiazepines, Methadone and Buprenorphine: Interactions and Clinical Management
Authors: Lintzeris Nicholas , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: December 2009

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely used by heroin users not in treatment, and by patients in methadone and buprenorphine (BPN) treatment. This review examines the epidemiology of BZD use by opioid users, and the range of harms that are associated with BZD use in this group, including the association of BZD use with opioid‐related mortality. Preclinical and clinical data regarding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between methadone, buprenorphine, and BZDs are reviewed. An overview of treatment approaches for managing BZD use in this population is presented, including strategies for minimizing abuse and addressing BZD dependence. (Am J Addict 2009;19:59–72)
A selective broth enrichment combined with real‐time nuc‐mecA‐PCR in the exclusion of MRSA
Authors: PASANEN TANJA , KORKEILA MAIJA , MERO SOINTU , TARKKA EVELIINA , PIIPARINEN HELI , VUOPIO‐VARKILA JAANA , VAARA MARTTI , TISSARI PÄIVI
Published: December 2009

Pasanen T, Korkeila M, Mero S, Tarkka E, Piiparinen H, Vuopio‐Varkila J, Vaara M, Tissari P. A selective broth enrichment combined with real‐time nuc‐mecA‐PCR in the exclusion of MRSA. APMIS 2010; 118: 74–80.

We analyzed the performance of a selective enrichment broth combined with Taqman‐based real‐time duplex nuc‐mecA‐PCR to expedite the screening of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We found the broth to be able to select MRSA strains (oxacillin MIC range 4–256 μg/ml) from MSSA strains. A total of 31 MRSA strains were found from 1250 clinical samples screened. The nuc‐mecA‐PCR was positive from all enrichment broths containing MRSA. From the remaining 1219 samples negative for MRSA on culture/subculture, 138 samples were nuc+/mecA+ in PCR. The sensitivity of the test was 93.5%, specificity 88.6%, positive predictive value 17.3%, and negative predictive value 99.8% as compared to culture. Thus, with this method, the negative MRSA results can be reliably reported within 24–48 h from sampling. The method is a practical additional alternative to those already described for the same purpose.
Beta‐lactam antibiotics: from antibiosis to resistance and bacteriology
Authors: KONG KOK‐FAI , SCHNEPER LISA , MATHEE KALAI
Published: December 2009

Kong K‐F, Schneper L, Mathee K. Beta‐lactam antibiotics: from antibiosis to resistance and bacteriology. APMIS 2010; 118: 1–36.

This review focuses on the era of antibiosis that led to a better understanding of bacterial morphology, in particular the cell wall component peptidoglycan. This is an effort to take readers on a tour de force from the concept of antibiosis, to the serendipity of antibiotics, evolution of beta‐lactam development, and the molecular biology of antibiotic resistance. These areas of research have culminated in a deeper understanding of microbiology, particularly in the area of bacterial cell wall synthesis and recycling. In spite of this knowledge, which has enabled design of new even more effective therapeutics to combat bacterial infection and has provided new research tools, antibiotic resistance remains a worldwide health care problem.
Maternal periodontitis and the causes of preterm birth: the case–control Epipap study
Authors: Nabet Cathy , Lelong Nathalie , Colombier Marie‐Laure , Sixou Michel , Musset Anne‐Marie , Goffinet François , Kaminski Monique ,   for the Epipap Group
Published: December 2009

Aim: To analyse the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation) according to the causes of preterm birth.

Materials and Methods: Epipap is a case–control multi‐centre study of singleton livebirths. One thousand one hundred and eight women with preterm deliveries and 1094 with deliveries at term (37 weeks) at six French maternity units were included. Periodontal examinations after delivery identified localized and generalized periodontitis. Cases were classified according to four causes of preterm birth. Polytomous logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounders (maternal age, parity, nationality, educational level, marital status, employment during pregnancy, body mass index before pregnancy, smoking status) and the examiner.

Results: Localized periodontitis was identified in 129 (11.6%) cases and in 118 (10.8%) control women and generalized periodontitis in 148 (13.4%) and 118 (10.8%), respectively. A significant association was observed between generalized periodontitis and induced preterm birth for pre‐eclampsia [adjusted odds ratio 2.46 [95% confidence intervals (95% CI)1.58‐3.83]. Periodontitis was not associated with spontaneous preterm birth or preterm premature rupture of membranes or with the other causes.

Conclusion: Maternal periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of induced preterm birth due to pre‐eclampsia.
Epithelial cell pro‐inflammatory cytokine response differs across dental plaque bacterial species
Authors: Stathopoulou Panagiota G. , Benakanakere Manjunatha R. , Galicia Johnah C. , Kinane Denis F.
Published: December 2009

Aim: The dental plaque is comprised of numerous bacterial species, which may or may not be pathogenic. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) respond to perturbation by various bacteria of the dental plaque by production of different levels of inflammatory cytokines, which is a putative reflection of their virulence. The aim of the current study was to determine responses in terms of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 secretion induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus gordonii in order to gauge their virulence potential.

Materials and Methods: HGECs were challenged with the four bacterial species, live or heat killed, at various multiplicity of infections and the elicited IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 responses were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Primary HGECs challenged with live P. gingivalis produced high levels of IL‐1β, while challenge with live A. actinomycetemcomitans gave high levels of IL‐8. The opportunistic pathogen F. nucleatum induces the highest levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, while the commensal S. gordonii is the least stimulatory.

Conclusion: We conclude that various dental plaque biofilm bacteria induce different cytokine response profiles in primary HGECs that may reflect their individual virulence or commensal status.
Regenerative treatment with platelet‐rich plasma combined with a bovine‐derived xenograft in smokers and non‐smokers: 12‐month clinical and radiographic results
Authors: Yilmaz Selcuk , Cakar Gokser , Ipci Sebnem Dirikan , Kuru Bahar , Yildirim Burak
Published: December 2009

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the healing response of intrabony defects following regenerative treatment with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) combined with a bovine‐derived xenograft (BDX) in smokers and non‐smokers.

Materials and Methods: A total of 24 advanced chronic periodontitis patients, 12 smokers and 12 non‐smokers, with 113 intrabony defects with an intrabony component of 3 mm were included in this study. Defects were surgically treated with PRP/BDX. At baseline and 12 months after surgery, the following parameters were recorded: plaque and sulcus bleeding indices, probing depth (PD), relative attachment level, marginal recession, probing and radiographic bone levels.

Results: Considering the soft tissue measurements, smokers and non‐smokers presented a mean PD reduction of 3.97 ± 0.76 and 4.63 ± 0.52 mm, recession of 0.76 ± 0.44 and 0.50 ± 0.12 mm and attachment gain of 3.26 ± 0.42 and 4.06 ± 0.40 mm, respectively. Evaluation of the hard tissue findings revealed that the mean clinical and radiographic bone gains in smokers and non‐smokers were 2.83 ± 0.47 and 3.63 ± 0.38 mm, 2.98 ± 0.38 and 3.67 ± 0.48 mm, respectively. Inter‐group differences for PD reduction (p<0.05), attachment (p<0.001), clinical (p<0.001) and radiographic bone gains (p<0.001) were found to be significant between smokers and non‐smokers.

Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, the results indicate that treatment outcome following PRP/BDX application in intrabony defects is impaired with smoking.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: STAT3 Polymorphisms Linked with Idiopathic Recurrent Miscarriages
Authors: Finan Ramzi R. , Mustafa Fekriya E. , Al‐Zaman Intissar , Madan Samira , Issa Abdalla A. , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: December 2009

Problem  We investigated the association of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)3 gene variants with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage (RM).

Method of Study  A case–control study involving 189 RM patients and 244 control women was carried out. STAT3 (rs1053004 and rs1023023) genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination/real‐time PCR method.

Results  STAT3 rs1053004 C allele [OR (95% CI) = 1.60 (1.22–2.10)] and C/C genotype [OR (95% CI) = 3.42 (1.70–6.92)] were positively associated with RM. Two‐locus (rs1053004/rs1053023) haplotype analysis revealed increased frequency of CG and CA haplotypes in RM patients, of which only CA haplotype (Pc = 0.020) remained positively associated with RM after applying the Bonferroni correction. This was confirmed by multivariate regression analysis (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.17–2.46) after adjusting for a number of covariates.

Conclusion  STAT3 rs1053004 variant is significantly associated with idiopathic RM. Replication studies on other racial groups and other STAT3 gene variants are warranted.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Isolation of Non‐Activated Monocytes from Human Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Normann Erik , Lacaze‐Masmonteil Thierry , Winkler‐Lowen Bonnie , Guilbert Larry J.
Published: December 2009

Problem  Methods for monocyte purification are common but few work with umbilical cord monocytes that do not activate the cell for subsequent culture analysis.

Methods of study  The collection procedure avoids use of needles and procedures that variably activate blood clotting and uses a purification procedure that involves diluted Ficoll, autologous serum to remove platelets and 42% and 51% Percoll step gradients for the final purification. The resulting monocytes were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and formalin‐treated bacteria Escherichia coli and group B streptococci (GBS) to secrete TNF‐α and IL‐1β, measured by ELISA.

Results  The purification procedure results in non‐active but stimulation‐competent monocytes with high yields (2.3–9 × 107 cells) and purity (from 70% to 98%).

Conclusion  We describe a procedure that is easy, uses common reagents and provides a uniformly high yield and purity of non‐activated fetal monocytes for studies of innate defense responses.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Transcriptome of the Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Madsen‐Bouterse Sally A. , Romero Roberto , Tarca Adi L. , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Espinoza Jimmy , Kim Chong Jai , Kim Jung‐Sun , Edwin Samuel S. , Gomez Ricardo , Draghici Sorin
Published: December 2009

Problem  The fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) is considered the counterpart of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), but similarities in their regulatory mechanisms are unclear. This study characterizes the fetal mRNA transcriptome of peripheral leukocytes to identify key biological processes and pathways involved in FIRS.

Method of study  Umbilical cord blood from preterm neonates with FIRS (funisitis, plasma IL‐6 >11 pg/mL; n = 10) and neonates with no evidence of inflammation (n = 10) was collected at birth.

Results  Microarray analysis of leukocyte RNA revealed differential expression of 541 unique genes, changes confirmed by qRT‐PCR for 41 or 44 genes tested. Similar to SIRS and sepsis, ontological and pathway analyses yielded significant enrichment of biological processes including antigen processing and presentation, immune response, and processes critical to cellular metabolism. Results are comparable with microarray studies of endotoxin challenge models and pediatric sepsis, identifying 25 genes across all studies.

Conclusion  This study is the first to profile genome‐wide expression in FIRS, which demonstrates a substantial degree of similarity with SIRS despite differences in fetal and adult immune systems.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Inflammation and Implantation
Authors: Dekel Nava , Gnainsky Yulia , Granot Irit , Mor Gil
Published: December 2009

Approximately half of all human embryo implantations result in failed pregnancy. Multiple factors may contribute to this failure, including genetic or metabolic abnormalities of the embryo. However, many of these spontaneous early abortion cases are attributed to poor uterine receptivity. Furthermore, although many fertility disorders have been overcome by a variety of assisted reproductive techniques, implantation remains the rate‐limiting step for the success of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. It has been demonstrated that endometrial biopsies performed either during the spontaneous, preceding cycle, or during the IVF cycle itself, significantly improve the rate of implantation, clinical pregnancies and live births. These observations suggest that mechanical injury of the endometrium may enhance uterine receptivity by provoking the immune system to generate an inflammatory reaction. In strong support of this idea, we recently found that dendritic cells (DCs), an important cellular component of the innate immune system, play a critical role in successful implantation in a mouse model. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that the injury‐derived inflammation in the biopsy‐treated patients generates a focus for uterine DCs accumulation that, in turn, enhances the endometrial expression of essential molecules, which facilitate the interaction between the embryo and the uterine epithelium.
Patterns of analgesia for fractured neck of femur in Australian emergency departments
Authors: Holdgate Anna , Shepherd Shamus A , Huckson Sue
Published: December 2009

Objectives:  Fractured neck of femur is a common ED problem and poor pain management in this patient group can contribute significantly to their morbidity. The present study aims to describe current practices for managing pain in patients with fractured neck of femur in Australian ED and to identify real or potential barriers to providing analgesia.

Methods:  Hospitals were invited to participate in a retrospective medical chart audit of patients with fractured neck of femur. At each site, 20 cases were randomly selected from the previous 12 months. Patient demographics, timing, type and method of analgesia in ED, use of pain scales and perceived barriers to analgesia were extracted from the medical chart.

Results:  Data on 646 patients were collected from 36 hospitals in five Australian states. Most patients were elderly with a preponderance of women. One hundred and eighty‐five (28.6%) patients had no record of analgesia administration in the ED and almost half of these had also not received prehospital analgesia. Intravenous morphine was the most frequently used analgesic and only 45 patients received a nerve block in the ED. The median time to first analgesia was 75 min after ED arrival. The most commonly reported barriers reported were cognitive impairment and language difficulties.

Conclusions:  Oligoanalgesia for fracture neck of femur in Australian ED is common and time to analgesia tends to be relatively slow. Regional techniques are infrequently used despite their recognized efficacy. Strategies for improving pain management in this cohort of ED patients need to be explored.
Dispersion and Rheology of Aqueous Suspensions of Nanosized BaTiO3
Authors: Santacruz Isabel , Binner Jon , Nieto Maria I. , Moreno Rodrigo
Published: December 2009

The zeta potential and the rheological behavior of aqueous suspensions of a commercial nanosized BaTiO3powder were studied. The influence of the volume fraction of solids, the kind and concentration of dispersant, the homogenization technique, and times were investigated. Because the as‐received powder contained ∼5 wt% organics, the powder was calcined to 350°C/0.5 h. After calcination, a good dispersion was achieved for suspensions with up to 80 wt% solids using a polyacrylic‐based dispersant combined with tetramethylammonium hydroxide and 10 min of ultrasound. Green bodies obtained by slip casting had relatively low densities (2.6 g/cm3, 43% TD), but homogeneous, agglomerate‐free microstructures.
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF ARTISAN‐MADE MEXICAN BOTANERO CHEESE IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Authors: VÁZQUEZ‐FONTES CARINA , SANCHEZ‐VERA ERNESTO , CASTELÁN‐ORTEGA OCTAVIO , ESPINOZA‐ORTEGA ANGELICA
Published: December 2009

Artisan‐made Mexican Botanero cheese in the northwest of the state of Mexico in the central highlands is a soft‐paste, fresh product made from raw cow milk. The microbiological quality was determined in cheese from 10 cheese producers. Milk and cheese samples were taken, and the hygienic process was recorded. Milk was analyzed for aerobic mesophil bacteria (AMB) and total coliform bacteria (TC), and in cheese TC and fecal coliforms (FCs) were determined. Results were compared with the Mexican COFOCALEC (milk) and NMX‐462 (cheese). All bacterial counts were above those allowed for AMB (100,000 cfu/mL) and TC (1,000 cfu/mL). The norm allows up to 100 cfu/g of TC, but all cheese samples were above the norm. FC should always be negative, but all cheese samples were also positive. Raw milk is bought in with microbiological problems, and the artisan‐manufacturing process further contaminates the final product, which constitutes a risk for human health. Even more rigorous legislation could not be met by artisan cheese makers in the highlands of central Mexico under the current conditions.

PRACTICAL APLICATIONS

In Mexico, there is an ample variety of artisan‐made cheeses with a potential to be positioned in regional, national and even export markets by obtaining quality certification either as appellation controleé or as collective trademarks. However, in order to obtain this certification, it is necessary to analyze the situation of all the characteristics of the cheeses such as bacteriological quality. Before carrying out this study, the bacteriological quality of the Botanero cheese was unknown. Taking into account the obtained results, it is intended to carry out joint collaboration with cheese producers, so that their products can achieve the required standards and can reach a better position in the market, without being a risk for human health.
Living with a spouse with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the meaning of wives’ experiences
Authors: Boyle Anne H
Published: December 2009

Aim.  To describe and understand the meaning of the experience of living with a spouse who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background.  Living with a spouse with a chronic illness may have a profound effect on women’s lives since society expects families, and especially women, to care for the chronically ill. The family member providing care and support is usually the wife.

Design.  This study investigated the wife’s experience of living with a husband’s chronic illness. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to describe and understand the experience of women living with a spouse who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to determine the meaning this experience has for their lives.

Methods.  In‐depth interviews were conducted with ten women whose husbands had mild to severe obstructive lung disease. Thematic analysis was based on interpretive methods. Data were collected in 1997.

Results.  The findings are presented as two clusters, living with everyday illness and surviving the illness. Everyday illness includes monitoring, regulating activity, integrating illness effects, and managing technologies. Surviving the illness includes riding the roller coaster, keep on going, garnering support and finding explanations.

Conclusions.  The spouse’s illness had a major influence on these women’s lives, and the effects are very complex and interwoven with one another.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals can have a major role in assisting women to both live with the everyday illness and to survive its effects. Women were eager to tell their stories. Health professionals can help women deal with the experience by forming support groups and by asking the ‘How can I help?’ question more often and then actively listening to expressed concerns. Supporting women in their monitoring and regulating role is especially critical.
Synthesis of literature on strategies for chronic disease management post disasters
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kavita , Jacelon Cynthia
Published: December 2009

Aims.  Disasters are devastating events that can overwhelm individuals with chronic diseases and shift their priorities from routine disease management to immediate survival needs. There were fatal consequences to this shift in health management during recent disasters. The following review of literature was conducted to identify strategies to help manage chronic illness during disasters.

Background.  During several recent disasters many people with pre‐existing chronic diseases sought help at disaster shelters. These individuals experienced hardships due to difficulty contacting physicians, lack of medications, insufficient insurance coverage, lack of transportation, and inadequate resources in shelters.

Method.  The Ecological Model of Disaster Management guided the selection and synthesis of research articles focused on the management of adults with chronic diseases during disasters. Articles published between January 2000–May 2009 were included. Research focused on mental illness, children or adolescents was excluded.

Findings.  The sample included five surveys, five retrospective record audit, four qualitative studies and one study with correlational study design. The review yielded recommendations for disaster planning for individuals with chronic diseases.

Conclusions.  Integration of beneficial strategies, informed by the literature and tailored to characteristics of the chronic disease population can provide effective solutions for chronic disease management post disaster. Technology’s role in facilitating chronic disease management during disasters is discussed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Being the most plentiful health care providers and adept at working with individuals with chronic disease, nurses are in an excellent position to take leading roles in disaster planning missions. Educating individuals on self‐management techniques, participating in drills, and familiarising themselves with disaster technology are some of the ways nurses can help and support individuals with chronic diseases during disasters.
An exploration of the practices of nurse prescribers who care for people with diabetes: a case study
Authors: Courtenay Molly , Stenner Karen , Carey Nicola
Published: December 2009

Aim.  To explore the practices of nurse prescribers who care for people with diabetes.

Background.  The use of medicines is an important component of the care of patients with diabetes. However, education and support is equally important to the successful management of this group. These are areas of care in which nurses have traditionally been involved. Evidence suggests that combining nursing skills with prescribing may result in shared decision‐making and increased medicines concordance.

Design and methods.  A collective case study of nine practice settings across England in which nurses prescribed medicines for people with diabetes. Data comprised of semi structured interviews (n = 31), patient questionnaires (n = 131) and video‐taped observations of nurse consultations (n = 35). Data analysis included thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Data were collected between October 2007–September 2008.

Results.  Nurses demonstrated good communication skills, which they integrated with the ability to prescribe. Questionnaire and video data confirmed an exchange of information between nurse and patient about aspects of self‐care and medicines management. Additional benefits included improved efficiency, supported by patient satisfaction with access and waiting times. Nurses were inconsistent in explaining the risks and benefits of treatments and side‐effects and exploring the use of non‐prescribed herbal or over‐the‐counter medicine.

Conclusion.  The care nurses are able to provide to people with diabetes is optimised through prescribing. Further evidence is required to evaluate nurse prescribing from the patient’s perspective. Our findings will be of interest to those keen to develop the prescribing role for nurses involved in diabetes service delivery.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Prescribing is a valuable development through which nurses are able to encourage self‐care and work towards shared‐decision making with patients in a way that supports national guidance on the care of people with diabetes.
Sources of functional social support provided to people living with HIV
Authors: Grant Joan S , Prachakul Worawan , Pryor Erica R , Keltner Norman L , Raper James L
Published: December 2009

Aim.  To identify sources of functional social support (i.e. appraisal, belonging and tangible) provided to people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome through biological, legal or social relationships. We also examined associations between self‐described sexual orientation (heterosexual vs. homosexual), gender, and race and sources of functional social support.

Background.  People from both traditional and non‐traditional structures are primary sources of social support for many people who experience serious illnesses. There is limited research regarding sources of functional social support provided to people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. No published studies were identified that examined the relationship between self‐described sexual orientation and sources of functional social support.

Methods.  The convenience sample in this cross‐sectional, exploratory study consisted of 150 people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, aged 19 to 68 years, who were mostly male (79·3%); African American (68·7%) and single (68·7%). Participants’ self‐described sexual orientation was almost equally heterosexual (48%) and homosexual (43·3%). Participants self‐reported whether appraisal, belonging and tangible support were provided from a list of potential biological, legal and social relationships. The study was conducted in 2005.

Results.  Relationships that provided appraisal, belonging and tangible functional social support most often involved spouses, friends, siblings and mothers. There was no significant relationship between self‐described sexual orientation (heterosexual vs. homosexual) or gender and sources of functional social support. Blacks were less likely to report tangible support from other relatives (e.g. aunts and uncles); otherwise, there were no significant difference in functional social support by race.

Conclusion.  People living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome most often received appraisal, belonging and tangible support from spouses, friends, siblings and mothers.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health‐care professionals should empower these people who provide functional social support.
Speaking truth to academics: The wisdom of the practitioners
Authors: Kernaghan Kenneth
Published: December 2009

Abstract: Academic scholars, both as researchers and teachers, need the ideas and insights of reflective practitioners on the real world of the public service. Public servants can “speak truth to academics” in the broad sense of providing information, analysis and counsel concerning the public service and candid commentary on scholarly writings. Conceptualizing the public servant as a theorist involved in research through reflection‐on‐action highlights the importance of the scholarly practitioner as a source of learning. This article profiles several public servants whose contributions to the scholarly literature on public administration have had substantial influence in the academic community. Among the factors limiting such contributions are time constraints, the scarcity of publication outlets and lack of senior‐level support. Incentives to write for publication include personal interest and motivation and invitations to contribute to a conference, book or article or to collaborate with someone else. Practitioner contributions to scholarly writing can be fostered by such means as co‐authorship with academics, communities of practice and senior‐level encouragement. Academic scholars can help foster the systematic accumulation of knowledge in the public service and its transfer beyond government.

Sommaire : Les universitaires, qu'ils soient chercheurs ou enseignants, ont besoin des idées et des perspectives de praticiens qui réfléchissent sur le monde concret de la fonction publique. Les fonctionnaires peuvent « révéler la vérité aux universitaires » au sens large du terme en fournissant des informations, des analyses et des conseils sur la fonction publique et des commentaires francs sur les publications savantes. Le fait de concevoir le fonctionnaire comme un théoricien engagé dans la recherche grâce à la réflexion sur l'action souligne l'importance du praticien universitaire comme source d'apprentissage. Cet article dresse le profil de plusieurs fonctionnaires dont les contributions aux publications érudites sur l'administration publique ont eu une influence considérable dans le milieu universitaire. Parmi les facteurs qui restreignent de telles contributions, on note les contraintes de temps, la rareté des débouchés pour les publications, et le manque de soutien de la part de la haute direction. Les motivations qui encouragent la rédaction d'articles en vue de publication comprennent l'intérêt personnel, les invitations à contribuer à une conférence, à un livre ou à un article, ou bien la collaboration avec quelqu'un d'autre. Les praticiens peuvent être incités à contribuer à la recherche si on leur donne la possibilité d'être coauteurs avec des universitaires, de participer à des communautés de praticiens et de recevoir les encouragements de la haute direction. Les universitaires peuvent contribuer à l'accumulation systématique de connaissances dans la fonction publique en les faisant passer au‐delà du gouvernement.
The Canada Revenue Agency as separate employer: Anomaly or model for the future?
Authors: Brown David C.G.
Published: December 2009

Abstract: In 1999, Revenue Canada became the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), with a governance model that combines traditional ministerial responsibility in program areas and Crown corporation governance in internal management. The greatest changes were in human resources management, where the agency became a separate employer, providing a rare opportunity to design from first principles. This article discusses the factors that led to the single most ambitious federal government “alternative service delivery” project. It then looks at the agency's governance model and the development and implementation of its human resources management regime, which sought to meet agency business requirements while responding to criticisms of the mainstream public‐service model. The agency's workforce is on the scale of the larger provincial governments, and it provides extensive support to the provinces and territories, compounding the need for innovative governance and human resources management. The circumstances of moving to agency status and later reinforcements have contributed to its success and make it unlikely that the decision will be reversed, notwithstanding the later return of the Customs function to the mainstream public service. Tensions with broader public‐service management objectives make it equally unlikely that the move will be replicated on a large scale.

Sommaire : En 1999, Revenu Canada est devenu l'Agence des douanes et du revenu du Canada (ADRC), dotée d'un modèle de gouvernance qui associe la responsabilité mi‐nistérielle traditionnelle dans les domaines de programmes et la gouvernance des sociétés d'État pour la gestion interne. Les plus grands changements se sont produits dans la gestion des ressources humaines, lorsque l'Agence est devenue un employeur distinct, fournissant une rare occasion de conception à partir des principes de base. Le présent article aborde les facteurs qui ont conduit au projet le plus ambitieux « diversification des modes de prestation de services » du gouvernement fédéral. Il se penche ensuite sur le modèle de gouvernance de l'Agence et l'établissement et la mise en œuvre de son régime de gestion des ressources humaines, qui a cherchéà répondre aux exigences opérationnelles de l'Agence tout en faisant face aux critiques du modèle de service public ordinaire. La main‐d'œuvre de l'Agence est d'une échelle équivalente à celle des plus grands gouvernements provinciaux, et elle apporte un important soutien aux provinces et territoires, combinant le besoin d'innovation en matière de gou‐vernance et de gestion des ressources humaines. Les circonstances de la transition au statut d'Agence et des renforcements subséquents ont contribuéà son succès et rendent bien improbable que la décision soit infirmée, compte non tenu du retour ultérieur de la fonction de Douanes au service public ordinaire. Les tensions qui accompagnent les plus vastes objectifs de gestion du service public rendent également improbable que l'initiative se reproduise à une grande échelle.