bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of palliative urinary diversion by percutaneous nephrostomy drainage and ureteral stenting among patients with advanced cervical cancer and obstructive uropathy: A prospective cohort
Authors: Lapitan Marie Carmela M. , Buckley Brian S.
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Obstructive uropathy is a recognized complication in advanced cervical cancer. Urinary diversion is commonly used to bypass the obstruction and improve renal function. The degree of survival benefit that diversion offers is not well established and its impact on quality of life (QoL) is uncertain. This study considered these factors in order to inform treatment decisions.

Methods:  This study examined a prospective cohort of patients with advanced cervical cancer and obstructive uropathy in Manila, Philippines. Age, cancer treatment status, comorbidities, serum creatinine level, degree of obstructive uropathy and QoL were recorded at baseline. Patients with creatinine values >150 µmol/L, or who were being considered for radiotherapy or nephrotoxic chemotherapy or manifesting uncontrolled or recurrent uropathy‐related urinary tract infection, were offered diversion. Follow‐up data collection was at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from cohort entry.

Results:  Of the 230 patients invited, 205 patients joined the cohort. Complete data were available for 198, of whom 93 underwent diversion, 56 required diversion but elected not to receive it, and 49 did not require it. Although survival at 12 months among those who underwent diversion was no greater than among those who required but elected not to receive the procedure, diversion was associated with significantly improved chance of survival in the shorter term. There was no significant difference in the QoL between the groups throughout the study.

Conclusion:  With no evidence of an impact on QoL, the decision to offer diversionary surgery might be based solely on a survival benefit, which is modest but potentially important to patients.
Cardiomyopathy and heart failure in children: anesthetic implications
Authors: Rosenthal David N. , Hammer Gregory B.
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief but systematic overview of heart failure and cardiomyopathy in children and the anesthetic management of these patients. We will begin with disease definitions and descriptions of the disorders. Our review will include the epidemiology and etiology of the more prevalent underlying causes of heart failure, the principal pathophysiology of the specific cardiomyopathies, as well as the common therapies in use today in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Important implications for anesthetic management will be highlighted.
Uncovered Interest Parity: Cross‐Sectional Evidence
Authors: Lee Byung‐Joo
Published: April 2011

Uncovered interest parity (UIP) is estimated for short‐term horizons from one month to 12 months using a large number of cross‐sectional bilateral exchange rates. In contrast to conventional time‐series UIP, cross‐sectional UIP is examined with a single‐equation estimation and panel regression model estimation. The exchange rates analyzed here include a broad spectrum of countries: developed, developing, low‐inflation, and high‐inflation countries. Based on the empirical evidence, there does not appear to be a well‐publicized UIP puzzle for cross‐sectional UIP, and the slope estimates remain largely between zero and one throughout the sample periods, with a few exceptions. Evidence of UIP is more clear for low inflation countries than for high inflation countries. As interest rate maturity becomes longer from one month to 12 months, the UIP relationship becomes weaker.
Creating Backward Linkages from Multinationals: Is there a Role for Financial Incentives?
Authors: Görg Holger , Hanley Aoife , Strobl Eric
Published: April 2011

We investigate whether government subsidies encourage foreign multinationals to create linkages with domestic suppliers. To this end we use a unique panel dataset of foreign multinationals located in Ireland for which we have exhaustive information on grant receipt. Our results indicate that while European and US foreign plants develop backward linkages independently of grant receipt, multinationals from other parts of the world respond positively to government support. Our results hold even when controlling for the possible endogeneity of grants and the boundedness of the linkage variable. We conclude that governments should not apply a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach to incentivizing foreign multinationals.
Commercial Policy and Foreign Ownership
Authors: Ishikawa Jota , Sugita Yoichi , Zhao Laixun
Published: April 2011

Foreign multinationals often not only export but also control local firms through FDI. This paper examines the various effects of trade and industrial policies when exports and FDI coexist. We focus on the case in which a foreign firm has full control of a local firm through partial ownership. Cross‐border ownership on the basis of both financial interests and corporate control leads to horizontal market linkages through which tariffs and production subsidies may harm locally owned firms but benefit the foreign firm. Foreign ownership regulation benefits locally owned firms. These results could have strong policy implications for developing countries that attract an increasing share of world FDI.
Export Variety, Revenue, and Productivity in China
Authors: Chen Bo
Published: April 2011

In this paper I argue through empirical testing that it is the underlying export variety that helps to explain the strong correlation between China's provincial export revenue and productivity. The empirical model maps export varieties into provincial GDP functions with multiple sectors by price index theory. By employing panel data that covers all 31 executive districts of mainland China from 1998 to 2005, I find that export varieties, via export revenue, significantly affect productivity: it accounts for 44.1% of interprovincial TFP differences and 36.6% of within‐province TFP growth; a 10% increase in export variety leads to a 1.4% productivity growth in China.
Is China's Antidumping More Retaliatory than that of the US?
Authors: Bao Xiaohua , Qiu Larry D.
Published: April 2011

Antidumping (AD) investigations are widespread. China and the US are two big users and targets of AD investigations. They, respectively, represent developing and developed countries on one hand, and new AD users and traditional AD users on the other. In this paper, using AD filing data of these two countries from 1991 to 2005, we explore whether China's AD is more retaliatory than that of the US. Our results obtained from negative binomial models with maximum likelihood techniques show that although both countries have some degree of retaliatory incentives in their AD filings, China is not more (or may even be less) retaliatory than the US. We also compare the two countries' similarities and differences in their AD responses to other factors such as macroeconomic conditions, contagions, and geographical distance.
Time Preference and Trade Imbalance
Authors: Kikuchi Toru , Hamada Koichi
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a unified theory of trade and investment in a world where the rate of time preference varies between countries. In the framework proposed by Buiter (1981), we can analyze a situation wherein two countries have different rates of discount. Here, the value of the debt to income does not converge to zero but remains constant even in the long run. Furthermore, we show that the existence of less‐capital‐intensive nontradables promotes capital movements: since a more patient country incompletely specializes in less‐capital‐intensive nontradables, capital must flow out of it.
JACOBIAN CLUSTER MUTATION ACROSS ADVERTISING AND INTERNET‐BASED MARKET COMMUNICATION
Authors: BUGGE MARKUS M.
Published: April 2011

The advertising industry is currently undergoing a profound restructuring process, where traditional media like TV and print are being complemented and replaced by new forms of online and interactive advertising. The versatile and interactive nature of the Internet medium represents new opportunities and challenges for the advertising agencies that transcend their traditional role as developers of creative contents and campaigns. The paper discusses how this transformation process affects services in the new online market communication regime. Based on a case study on how the Internet affects the advertising industry and its related actors the paper argues that the introduction and growth of Internet‐based market communication leads to a convergence of creative, strategic and technical services. It is suggested that this represents a new production and market communication space in which the end consumer often plays a more pro‐active and participatory role. The paper argues that the convergence of skills and services across advertising and information and communications technology can be viewed as a Jacobian cluster mutation across related and co‐evolving industrial agglomerations. The empirical findings are interpreted and conceptualised as a cyclical relationship between knowledge externalities associated with specialisation and differentiation.
Does naturally occurring comprehension strategies instruction make a difference when students read expository text?
Authors: Bråten Ivar , Anmarkrud Øistein
Published: April 2011

The present study examined whether observed differences in naturally occurring classroom instruction of reading comprehension strategies were reflected in students' independent use of strategies to comprehend expository text. Based on a descriptive classroom study in 4 ninth‐grade language arts classrooms, participants were divided into two groups depending on the amount of comprehension strategies instruction that had been observed in their classrooms. When working independently on an experimental reading task, students in the high strategies instruction group (n=58) performed better and seemed to make effective use of deeper‐level strategies, whereas students in the low strategies instruction group (n=46) seemed to rely more on surface‐level memorisation strategies. This study is unique in following up descriptive classroom data on comprehension strategies instruction with data from an experimental reading task, suggesting that not only carefully crafted comprehension strategies interventions but also naturally occurring comprehension strategies instruction may make a difference when students strive to comprehend expository text.
Intellectuals and politics
Authors: GIESEN BERNHARD
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT.By imagining their audiences, intellectuals invented and constructed the collective identities of nations and transnational communities like Europe or humankind. Four ideal types of intellectuals are outlined by describing them in their relation to politics: the intellectual as cosmopolitan ascetic; the intellectual as enlightened legislator; the intellectual as revolutionary; and the intellectual as the voice of a traumatic memory. These ideal types change over time in response to their focus of attention and their mode of communication. Because of changes in their media (from handwritten to printed books) and changes in their written language (from Latin to French and Italian, and further to vernacular languages), intellectuals were able to change views on past, present and future times. Today, they are involved in (civic) resistance but rarely in politicsper se. By renewing the tension of the sacred and profane – the so‐called axial‐age revolution – contemporary intellectuals in Eastern Europe are decoupled from direct political power.
Delayed myocardial preconditioning induced by cobalt chloride in the rat: HIF‐1α and iNOS involvement
Authors: Belaidi Elise , Beguin Pauline C. , Levy Patrick , Ribuot Christophe , Godin‐Ribuot Diane
Published: April 2011

We previously reported that acute exposure to intermittent hypoxia results in delayed cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and that the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, a transcriptional factor stabilized by hypoxia, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) play a key role in this form of preconditioning. As cobalt chloride (CoCl2) is known to promote HIF‐1α stabilization by inhibiting prolyl hydroxylase activity, we hypothesized that CoCl2 could mimic the cardioprotective effects of hypoxia. Two groups of rats were administered 30 mg/kg twice of CoCl2 or sterile water. Twenty‐four hours later, hearts were perfused in Langendorff mode and subjected to an I/R protocol. Infarct size and functional recovery were studied. The role of iNOS was assessed by measuring myocardial iNOS content and by observing the effects of the iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (Ag, 100 μm, prior to ischemia). The role of HIF‐1α was investigated by preventing its stabilization using cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 1 mg/kg), administered 1 h before cobalt treatment. Treatment by CoCl2 significantly reduced myocardial infarction by 33% and increased coronary flow (CF) at reperfusion by 27% compared with control rats, and this was accompanied by a threefold increase in myocardial iNOS content. CdCl2 pretreatment and Ag perfusion abolished the beneficial effects on both infarct size and CF. Thus, the hypoxia‐sensitive transcription factor HIF‐1α and iNOS appear to play a pivotal role in the delayed pharmacological myocardial preconditioning induced by cobalt, thus mimicking the effects of hypoxic preconditioning. These results underscore the importance of prolyl hydroxylases as potential therapeutic targets for cardioprotection.
Modulation of diabetic retinopathy pathophysiology by natural medicines through PPAR‐γ‐related pharmacology
Authors: Song Min K , Roufogalis Basil D , Huang Tom H W
Published: April 2011

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and remains a major cause of preventable blindness among adults at working age. DR involves an abnormal pathology of major retinal cells, including retinal pigment epithelium, microaneurysms, inter‐retinal oedema, haemorrhage, exudates (hard exudates) and intraocular neovascularization. The biochemical mechanisms associated with hyperglycaemic‐induced DR are through multifactorial processes. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DR by inhibiting diabetes‐induced retinal leukostasis and leakage. Despite DR causing eventual blindness, only a few visual or ophthalmic symptoms are observed until visual loss develops. Therefore, early medical interventions and prevention are the current management strategies. Laser photocoagulation therapy is the most common treatment. However, this therapy may cause retinal damage and scarring. Herbal and traditional natural medicines may provide an alternative to prevent or delay the progression of DR. This review provides an analysis of the therapeutic potential of herbal and traditional natural medicines or their active components for the slowdown of progression of DR and their possible mechanism through the PPAR‐γ pathway.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Costa and Ciccodicola, pp. 1–3 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01443.x
Rosuvastatin improves endothelial function in db/db mice: role of angiotensin II type 1 receptors and oxidative stress
Authors: Tian XY , Wong WT , Xu A , Chen ZY , Lu Y , Liu LM , Lee VW , Lau CW , Yao X , Huang Y
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, with lipid‐reducing properties combat against atherosclerosis and diabetes. The favourable modulation of endothelial function may play a significant role in this effect. The present study aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic benefits of rosuvastatin in ameliorating diabetes‐associated endothelial dysfunction.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Twelve‐week‐old db/db diabetic mice were treated with rosuvastatin at 20 mg·kg−1·day−1 p.o.for 6 weeks. Isometric force was measured in isolated aortae and renal arteries. Protein expressions including angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), NOX4, p22phox, p67phox, Rac‐1, nitrotyrosine, phospho‐ERK1/2 and phospho‐p38 were determined by Western blotting, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the vascular wall was evaluated by dihydroethidium fluorescence and lucigenin assay.

KEY RESULTS Rosuvastatin treatment of db/db mice reversed the impaired ACh‐induced endothelium‐dependent dilatations in both renal arteries and aortae and prevented the exaggerated contractions to angiotensin II and phenylephrine in db/db mouse renal arteries and aortae. Rosuvastatin reduced the elevated expressions of AT1R, p22phox and p67phox, NOX4, Rac1, nitrotyrosine and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and inhibited ROS production in aortae from db/db mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The vasoprotective effects of rosuvastatin are attributed to an increase in NO bioavailability, which is probably achieved by its inhibition of ROS production from the AT1R‐NAD(P)H oxidase cascade.
Translational approaches to obsessive‐compulsive disorder: from animal models to clinical treatment
Authors: Fineberg NA , Chamberlain SR , Hollander E , Boulougouris V , Robbins TW
Published: April 2011

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive ritualistic behaviours) leading to functional impairment. Accumulating evidence links these conditions with underlying dysregulation of fronto‐striatal circuitry and monoamine systems. These abnormalities represent key targets for existing and novel treatment interventions. However, the brain bases of these conditions and treatment mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. Animal models simulating the behavioural and clinical manifestations of the disorder show great potential for augmenting our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of OCD. This paper provides an overview of what is known about OCD from several perspectives. We begin by describing the clinical features of OCD and the criteria used to assess the validity of animal models of symptomatology; namely, face validity (phenomenological similarity between inducing conditions and specific symptoms of the human phenomenon), predictive validity (similarity in response to treatment) and construct validity (similarity in underlying physiological or psychological mechanisms). We then survey animal models of OC spectrum conditions within this framework, focusing on (i) ethological models; (ii) genetic and pharmacological models; and (iii) neurobehavioural models. We also discuss their advantages and shortcomings in relation to their capacity to identify potentially efficacious new compounds. It is of interest that there has been rather little evidence of ‘false alarms’ for therapeutic drug effects in OCD models which actually fail in the clinic. While it is more difficult to model obsessive cognition than compulsive behaviour in experimental animals, it is feasible to infer cognitive inflexibility in certain animal paradigms. Finally, key future neurobiological and treatment research areas are highlighted.

LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4
Nitric oxide‐donating statin improves multiple functions of circulating angiogenic cells
Authors: Mangialardi G , Monopoli A , Ongini E , Spinetti G , Fortunato O , Emanueli C , Madeddu P
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Statins, a major component of the prevention of cardiovascular disease, aid progenitor cell functions in vivo and in vitro. Statins bearing a NO‐releasing moiety were developed for their enhanced anti‐inflammatory/anti‐thrombotic properties. Here, we investigated if the NO‐donating atorvastatin (NCX 547) improved the functions of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) were prepared from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy volunteers and type‐2 diabetic patients and were cultured in low (LG) or high glucose (HG) conditions, in presence of atorvastatin or NCX 547 (both at 0.1 µM) or vehicle. Functional assays (outgrowth, proliferation, viability, senescence and apoptosis) were performed in presence of the endothelial NOS inhibitor L‐NIO, the NO scavenger c‐PTIO or vehicle.

KEY RESULTS Culturing in HG conditions lowered NO in CACs, inhibited outgrowth, proliferation, viability and migration, and induced cell senescence and apoptosis. NCX 547 fully restored NO levels and functions of HG‐cultured CACs, while atorvastatin prevented only apoptosis in CACs. The activity of Akt, a pro‐survival kinase, was increased by atorvastatin in LG‐cultured but not in HG‐cultured CACs, whereas NCX 547 increased Akt activity in both conditions. L‐NIO partially blunted and c‐PTIO prevented NCX 547‐induced improvements in CAC functions. Finally, NCX 547 improved outgrowth and migration of CACs prepared from patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NCX 547 was more effective than atorvastatin in preserving functions of CACs. This property adds to the spectrum of favourable actions that would make NO‐releasing statins more effective agents for treating cardiovascular disease.
Noninvasive diagnostic criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatic masses >2 cm in a hepatitis B virus‐endemic area
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Lee Han Chu , Shim Ju Hyun , Park Hyun Joo , Kim Kang Mo , Kim Pyo Nyun , Shin Yong Moon , Yu Eun Sil , Chung Young‐Hwa , Suh Dong Jin
Published: April 2011

Background: Noninvasive criteria for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) suggested by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in 2005 consisted of serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level >200 ng/ml or a typical enhancement pattern (arterial enhancement and portal/delayed washed out) on dynamic imaging of hepatic mass(es) >2 cm in a cirrhotic liver.

Aims: To validate these criteria in a Korean population and to evaluate whether these criteria are applicable to patients without cirrhosis at a high risk of developing HCC.

Methods: We prospectively investigated 206 consecutive patients with hepatic mass(es) >2 cm who underwent biopsy or surgical resection. Patients were evaluated by four‐phase dynamic computed tomography (CT) and by assays of serum AFP concentrations at baseline. Patients were classified according to the presence of risk factors or cirrhosis, and the diagnostic accuracy of each test was determined.

Results: The positive predictive values (PPV) of typical CT findings or serum AFP >200 ng/ml were 97.8% in cirrhotic patients, 89.6% in high‐risk patients without cirrhosis and 82.4% in low‐risk patients. The PPVs of typical CT findings alone in these groups were 98.8, 97.6 and 87.5% respectively. In high‐risk patients without cirrhosis, the addition of serum AFP levels to typical CT findings minimally increased the diagnostic sensitivity from 81.6 to 87.8% but reduced the PPV from 97.6 to 89.6%.

Conclusions: Serum AFP concentration is not a suitable diagnostic criterion for HCC. Typical CT findings can be used to diagnose HCC >2 cm both in cirrhotic patients and in high‐risk patients without cirrhosis.
Outcomes of Brachial Artery–Basilic Vein Fistula
Authors: Dukkipati Ramanath , de Virgilio Christian , Reynolds Tyler , Dhamija Rajiv
Published: April 2011

Increasing the creation of arteriovenous fistulas in the maintenance of hemodialysis patients is of great importance to the nephrology community. The creation of the brachial artery–basilic vein fistula is an important option in patients with unsuccessful or failing forearm accesses for hemodialysis. The aim of this study is to review reported outcomes of brachial artery–basilic vein fistulas regarding patency and primary failure rates in comparison with other types of fistulas and grafts in the published literature. We have also described the variations in the surgical technique during creation and the potential influence on outcomes. Based on our review of the literature, the rate of primary failure is approximately 15–20% with a range of 0–40%. The mean 1‐year primary patency rate is approximately 72% with a range of 23–90%, and the 2‐year primary patency rate is approximately 62% with a range from 11% to 86%. The number of required interventions to maintain patency is lower with brachial artery–basilic vein fistula compared to arteriovenous grafts.
A Direct Comparison of Popular Models of Normal Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease in Samples of African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Refugees and Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Schrauf Robert W. , Iris Madelyn
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVES: To understand how people differentiate normal memory loss from Alzheimer's disease (AD) by investigating cultural models of these conditions.

DESIGN: Ethnographic interviews followed by a survey. Cultural consensus analysis was used to test for the presence of group models, derive the “culturally correct” set of beliefs, and compare models of normal memory loss and AD.

SETTING: Chicago, Illinois.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eight individuals from local neighborhoods: African Americans, Mexican Americans, and refugees and immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants responded to yes‐or‐no questions about the nature and causes of normal memory loss and AD and provided information on ethnicity, age, sex, acculturation, and experience with AD.

RESULTS: Groups held a common model of AD as a brain‐based disease reflecting irreversible cognitive decline. Higher levels of acculturation predicted greater knowledge of AD. Russian speakers favored biological over psychological models of the disease. Groups also held a common model of normal memory loss, including the important belief that “normal” forgetting involves eventual recall of the forgotten material.

CONCLUSION: Popular models of memory loss and AD confirm that patients and clinicians are speaking the same “language” in their discussions of memory loss and AD. Nevertheless, the presence of coherent models of memory loss and AD, and the unequal distribution of that knowledge across groups, suggests that clinicians should include wider circles of patients' families and friends in their consultations. These results frame knowledge as distributed across social groups rather than simply the possession of individual minds.
A Closer Look at Cross‐Functional Collaboration and Product Innovativeness: Contingency Effects of Structural and Relational Context
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Thongpapanl Narongsak (Tek) , Dimov Dimo
Published: April 2011

This study applies a contingency perspective to examine how the intra‐organizational context influences the relationship between cross‐functional collaboration and product innovativeness. It focuses on the role of (1) formal, structural factors directly controllable by top management decisions and (2) more intangible, relational factors as potential enhancements of the firm's ability to convert cross‐functional collaboration into product innovativeness. A study of 232 firms confirms the hypotheses, finding that the relationship between cross‐functional collaboration and product innovativeness is stronger for higher levels of decision autonomy and shared responsibility (structural context) and social interaction, trust, and goal congruence (relational context). In addition, a post‐hoc analysis using a configurational approach to organizational contingencies reveals that organizations' relational context is more potent than their structural context for converting cross‐functional collaboration into product innovativeness. The study's implications and future research directions are discussed.
Antecedents and Consequences of Reflexivity in New Product Idea Screening*
Authors: Hammedi Wafa , van Riel Allard C. R. , Sasovova Zuzana
Published: April 2011

Pre‐development activities, such as new product idea screening, are considered to play an important role in innovation success. At the screening stage, a management team evaluates new product and service ideas and makes a first go/no‐go decision under high levels of uncertainty and ambiguity. Paying more attention to the decision‐making process in the screening stage appears important because too rigorous a use of rigid evaluation criteria and inflexible methods have been shown to have an adverse effect on market performance of novel products. The present study proposes and tests a model of team‐level antecedents and consequences of reflexivity—the explicit evaluation and discussion of working methods, tools, and criteria within a team. Recently, researchers have proposed that cognitive style and leadership style are major antecedents of decision‐making performance. This study posits that reflexivity offers an explanation of how transformational leadership and cognitive style can eventually affect decision‐making performance in the context of new product idea screening. Results of a survey among 126 top managers from large international firms show that the positive effects of transformational leadership and procedural rationality on the effectiveness and efficiency of screening decision making are largely mediated by reflexivity at the team level. This suggests that screening teams can improve their decision making in the following ways: committee chairs are advised to stimulate openness, develop a stop‐and‐think attitude among screening committee members, and support argument‐based discussion in order to adapt available decision tools, models, and checklists whenever needed. The paper concludes with implications, limitations of the study, and suggestions for further research.
Soluble salivary proteins secreted by Schizaphis graminum
Authors: Baumann Linda , Baumann Paul
Published: April 2011

Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Homoptera: Aphididae), when feeding on a sucrose solution, secreted primarily three proteins of 154, 69, and 66 kilodaltons (kDa). The sequence of the first nine amino acids at the N‐terminus of the 66 and 69 kDa proteins was identical suggesting that they differ only in processing at the C‐terminus. The N‐terminus of the 154 kDa protein was different, yet had some similarity to the N‐terminus of the 66 and 69 kDa proteins. There was an immunological cross‐reaction between the 154 kDa and the 66 and 69 kDa proteins indicating some amino acid sequence similarity. The probable relationships of these proteins are discussed.
Behavioural and neurophysiological responses of Spodoptera littoralis to azadirachtin and a range of synthetic analogues
Authors: Simmonds M. S. J. , Blaney W. M. , Ley S. V. , Anderson J. C. , Banteli R. , Denholm A. A. , Green P. C. W. , Grossman R. B. , Gutteridge C. , Jennens L. , Smith S. C. , Toogood P. L. , Wood A.
Published: April 2011

The antifeedant activity of azadirachtin and 56 azadirachtin analogues, including 22, 23‐dihydroazadirachtin, against larvae of Spodoptera littoralis was investigated using behavioural and electrophysiological bioassays. None of the analogues was as active as azadirachtin, although many showed significant antifeedant activity at high concentrations. The majority of the analogues stimulated a dose‐dependent response from a neurone in the medial styloconic maxillary sensilla which correlated with the behavioural activity. Methylation of the hydroxy substitutions on the azadirachtin molecule usually resulted in a decrease in antifeedant activity, as did the addition of bulky groups to the dihydrofuran ring.
Accumulation of Cd and Pb in successive stages ofGalleria mellonellaand metal transfer to the pupal parasitoidPimpla turionellae
Authors: Ortel J.
Published: April 2011

Larvae ofGalleria mellonellaL. (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) were exposed to Pb (4, 43, 430 μg Pb/g food dw) and Cd (4, 20, 40 μg Cd/g food dw) applied singly and in combination. Metal transfer of Pb and Cd was investigated from food to larvae and successive stages ofG. mellonellaand also to the pupal parasitoidPimpla turionellaeL. (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae). Larvae/food concentration factors (CFs) were highest in controls (Cd 5.25, Pb 3.07) and ranged from 0.19 to 0.92 for Cd and from 0.18 to 0.83 for Pb in contaminated groups; in general, the CFs decreased with an increasing contamination level in food.G. mellonellaeliminated most of its larval metal load before pupation (metal concentration in larvae >> pupae). Although pupae were only moderately contaminated (0.11–1.61 μg Cd/g dw), concentrations inP. turionellaeranged from 0.5 to 6.8 μg Cd/g dw. Again, CFs (parasitoid/pupa) decreased with enhanced levels of metal in the host pupae (Cd 3.07–14.05, Pb 0.0–2.47). The CFs calculated for both species were lower at combined contamination compared to single application.G. mellonellacan be classified as a ‘deconcentrator’ (CF < 1) along with other lepidopteran species, whereasP. turionellaeis apparently a ‘macroconcentrator’ (CF > 2).
Constructing nutrient budgets
Authors: Raubenheimer D. , Simpson S.J.
Published: April 2011

We present a formalised, yet flexible, scheme for classifying and symbolising the components of nutrient budgets. The scheme distinguishes hierarchically both among components of the ingesta and among the various sinks to which they are allocated. The primary terms in the budget are distinguished according to either methodological criteria (whether in a given time period they are retained by the animal or dissociated from the body) or functional criteria (whether they contribute to fitness). In both methodological and functional classifications, the primary terms of the budget may be progressively expanded to represent with increasing resolution nutrient allocation. The interplay between the various components of the ingesta and their subsequent allocation may be considered simultaneously using a two‐dimensional nutritional matrix.
Cerebral blood flow changes associated with fetal intracranial hemorrhages
Authors: Kirkinen Pertti , Ordén Maija‐Riitta , Partanen Kaarina
Published: April 2011

Background and material. In order to evaluate cerebral blood flow changes associated with fetal intracranial hemorrhages, ultrasound and MRI examinations were carried out in four pregnancies with this complication.

Results. Increased resistance indices of the blood flow profile of the middle cerebral artery were detected in three of the fetuses, two of them presenting retrograde diastolic flow. Flow became normalized in one case within four weeks, changing on the contralateral side to an increased diastolic flow pattern.

Conclusion. Increased intracranial pressure can cause these flow changes, but cerebral blood flow autoregulation need not be completely ruined in this complication.
Socioeconomic status and perinatal outcome according to residence area in the city of Malmö
Authors: Gudmundsson Saemundur , Björgvinsdóttir Lara , Molin Johan , Gunnarsson Gudmundur , Marsal Karel
Published: April 2011

Background. Maternal socioeconomic status is known to influence perinatal outcome. Antenatal care is free of charge in Sweden and all pregnant women are followed according to a standardized protocol of surveillance. The city of Malmö in southern Sweden is divided into 124 townships with great differences in socioeconomic standard. The aim of this study was to evaluate perinatal outcome according to the address of residence of the mothers within the city of Malmö.

Methods. Perinatal outcome of 7056 pregnancies was related to three socioeconomic characteristics of the 124 townships in Malmö: percentage of immigrants, percentage of inhabitants on social welfare and the median income.

Results. Maternal age was lower, number of abortions and parity were higher in low income areas. Perinatal complications were also more frequent, including low birthweight, small‐for‐gestational age newborns, maternal anemia, infections, and low 1‐ and 5‐minute Apgar scores. Premature rupture of membranes was associated with low income areas. Symphysiolysis and pre‐eclampsia were more frequent in the high income areas.

Conclusion. Although maternity care is provided free of charge, perinatal complications were more frequent in areas of lower socioeconomic status. In order to improve perinatal outcome, antenatal surveillance should be intensified in low class socioeconomic areas.
Delivery and pudendal nerve function
Authors: Tetzschner Tine , Sørensen Michael , Jønsson Lisbeth , Lose Gunnar , Christiansen John
Published: April 2011

Objective. To assess the impact of mode of delivery and the occurrence of pelvic instability upon the pudendal nerve function and relate the pudendal nerve function to the occurrence of anal and urinary incontinence.

Methods. One hundred and forty‐six pregnant women were examined during pregnancy and 12 weeks post partum with measurement of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML), the difference between the two measurements was defined as ΔPNTML. Anal and urinary continence status, details of delivery and the occurrence of pelvic instability were recorded prospectively.

Results. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency increased from 1.7 msec in primiparae and 1.8 msec in multiparae during pregnancy to 2.0 msec (p<0.001) and 2.1 (p<0.001) respectively after delivery. The increase was significantly higher after the use of vacuum extraction (p<0.04). Multivariate analysis showed that ΔPNTML was associated with age, the presence of pelvic instability and the use of vacuum extraction. Whereas ΔPNTML was not associated with factors such as infant's head circumference and weight, parity, cesarean section, pudendal block, epidural analgesia and second stage of labor. Only four women had anal incontinence after delivery. Twenty‐five women with urinary incontinence had a significantly higher mean PNTML (2.20 msec) than 121 continent women (2.01 msec).

Conclusion. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency increases in both primiparous and multiparous women after delivery. In 10% of the women the increase resulted in a pathologic PNTML value >2.4 msec. The ΔPNTML was significantly associated with age, the occurrence of pelvic instability and the use of vacuum extraction. The group of women with urinary incontinence had a significant increased PNTML.
Pre‐ and postoperative therapy with GnRH agonist for endometrial resection
Authors: Sørensen Søren Stampe , Colov Nina Palmgren , Vejerslev Lars O.
Published: April 2011

Background. To assess the value of endometrial preparation, with preoperative and pre‐ and postoperative GnRH agonist therapy in transcervical endometrial resection.

Methods. Sixty women with menorrhagia were randomly divided between three groups: A: no preoperative preparation, B: goserelin 3.6 mg given as a subcutaneous implant 4–6 weeks preoperatively, and C: the same regimen as B, and repeated on the day of endometrial resection. At follow‐up visits 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operations the patients were interviewed for duration, amount and pains of menstrual periods.

Results. The duration of surgery for the pretreated group (32.8 ± 5.1 min) and the group treated postoperatively (30.9 ± 8.9 min) were significantly shorter than that in the control group (46.4 ± 11.5 min) (p<0.01). The weight of endomyometrial strips was about 3 times lower for group B and C as compared to group A (p<0.01). Three months following the procedure twenty five percent of patients in group A were amenorrheic or showed scanty bleeding as compared to 58% and 85% in group B and C (p<0.05 and p<0.01), respectively. At 12 months follow‐up these rates were 35%, 58% and 67% respectively (A versus B: NS, A versus C: p<0.05) and 24%, 65% and 75% after excluding larger submucosal fibroids (A versus B: p<0.025, A versus C: p<0.005). No statistical difference was demonstrated between group B and C. Sixty‐nine percent of pretreated patients (group B+C) versus 35% of women in group A reported improved or relieved menstrual cramps (p<0.05).

Conclusions. GnRH pretreatment facilitates endometrial resection and increases the rate of amenorrhea and scanty bleeding postoperatively. Whether supplementary postoperative therapy with GnRH agonist enhances the success rate further is uncertain.
Gynecological complaints and war traumas
Authors: Frljak Amira , Cengic Sabina , Hauser Monika , Schei Berit
Published: April 2011

Background. During the war in former Yugoslavia people endured great suffering. Although many had sought refuge in other countries, the majority remained within Bosnia‐Herzegovina. Special service for women within the war zone was urgently needed. A Women's Therapy Center was established in Zenica, Bosnia‐Herzegovina offering reproductive health services and psychosocial assistance. The aim of the study was to establish the most commonly occurring gynecological problems during different periods in the war and relate these to war traumas.

Methods. Information from 486 records of consecutive gynecological consultations in four different periods during in 1993/94 were retrospectively recorded.

Results. Vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and amenorrhea were the most commonly occurring problems. A higher proportion of pregnant women requested legal abortion in the first period compared to later periods when the situation was improved. In 14 (3%) of the consultations a history of rape during the war was recorded. Additionally 42 (9%) had suffered from other types of war traumas. The reporting of war traumas was significantly related to suffering from pelvic pain (p<0.05).

Conclusions. The focus on the need of victims of rape during war has highlighted the need for reproductive services as part of emergency situations. The suffering of war traumas has to be taken into account in the handling of gynecological problems in this situation.
Obesity as a predictor of postpartum urinary symptoms
Authors: Rasmussen Kjeld Leisgárd , Krue Søren , Johansson Lars Eric , Knudsen Hans Jørgen Hynding , Agger Anders Ole
Published: April 2011

Background. To investigate the relationship between pre‐pregnancy obesity, and urinary symptoms, especially urinary incontinence, before, during, and 6–18 months after delivery.

Methods. Body Mass Index extracted from obstetric records. Postal questionnaire.

Material and setting. One hundred and eight women with Body Mass Index of at least 30 kg/m2 delivered at the Obstetric Department, Herning Central Hospital, October 1994 to September 1995. As control served 108 matched, normal weight women delivering during the same period.

Result. Response rate was 83%. Stress incontinence, urgency and the feeling of having a hygienic problem was significantly more common after delivery in both groups, but at any time significantly more common among obese women. Urge incontinence was a numerically small problem after delivery.

Conclusion. Obesity is a potent risk factor for several urinary symptoms after pregnancy and delivery, and a substantial number of women still have problems 6–18 months postpartum.
Second‐look laparotomy in the management of fallopian tube carcinoma
Authors: Cormio Gennaro , Gabriele Antonio , Maneo Andrea , Marzola Marta , Lissoni Andrea , Mangioni Costantino
Published: April 2011

Objective. To evaluate the role of second‐look laparotomy following platinum‐based combination chemotherapy in patients with fallopian tube carcinoma.

Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 21 patients with tubal carcinoma who underwent second‐look laparotomy following cytoreductive surgery and platinum‐based combination chemotherapy.

Results. Thirteen patients (62%) were found to be free of disease at second‐look operation. Neither stage nor grade were predictive of findings at second‐look procedure. The absence of gross residual disease following primary surgery was the only predictor of disease‐free status at second‐look laparotomy (p<0.01). With a mean follow‐up of 49 months among the survivors, four (31%) of the patients with negative second‐look laparotomy have had a recurrence. The median survival following a positive second‐look laparotomy was 18 months (range 5–42 months).

Conclusion. Second‐look laparotomy provides useful prognostic information in patients with tubal carcinoma. The high rate of recurrent disease after negative second‐look laparotomy, and the lack of an effective second‐line treatment in patients with persistent disease, represent major criticisms of this procedure.
Childbearing and mortality from cancer of the corpus uteri
Authors: Løchen Maja‐Lisa , Lund Eiliv
Published: April 2011

Background. To investigate the mortality from cancer of the corpus uteri in relation to parity and age at first and last birth.

Methods. A cohort of 431,604 married women aged 45–74 years at the Norwegian Census in 1970 was followed over 15 years. A total of 752 deaths from cancer of the corpus uteri were diagnosed during follow‐up.

Results. All age groups showed significant trends of decreasing mortality rates with increasing number of children. The age‐adjusted reduction in mortality was 9.2% (95% CI 5.2–13.0) for each child. Women with 8–11 children had a relative risk of 0.35 (95% CI 0.14–0.85) compared to nulliparous women. For first birth at age >=35 years versus<=19 years, the relative risk was 0.53 (95% CI 0.34–0.83). No significant effect of age at last birth was found.

Conclusions. This study supports the notion that high parity and postponing the first delivery may reduce the risk of uterine cancer death.
Folic acid rescue of ATRA‐induced cleft palate by restoring the TGF‐β signal and inhibiting apoptosis
Authors: Yao Zhaoyou , Chen Dan , Wang Anxun , Ding Xueqiang , Liu Zhonghua , Ling Li , He Qianting , Zhao Tingting
Published: April 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 40: 433–439

Background:  Cleft palate is a frequent congenital malformation with a heterogeneous etiology, for which folic acid (FA) supplementation has a protective effect. To gain more insight into the molecular pathways affected by FA, TGF‐β signaling and apoptosis in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA)‐induced cleft palate in organ culture were tested.

Methods:  C57BL/6J mice embryonic palates were explanted on embryonic day 14 and cultured in DMEM/F12 medium with or without ATRA or FA for 72 h. The palatal fusion was examined by light microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect TGFβ3/TGF receptor II and caspase 9 in MEPM cells. TUNEL was used to detect apoptosis.

Results:  Similar to development in vivo, palatal development and fusion were normal in control medium. ATRA inhibited palatal development and induced cleft palate, which can be rescued by FA. A higher apoptosis rate and caspase‐9 in MEPM cells were detected in the ATRA group than in the control or the ATRA + FA group. Compared with the control or the ATRA + FA group, ATRA had little effect on TGF‐β3 in MEPM cells but significantly inhibited TGF‐β receptor II.

Conclusions:  Folic acid can rescue the cultured palates to continue developing and fusing that were inhibited and resulted in cleft palate by ATRA. Apoptosis and TGFβ signaling in MEPM cells were involved in folic acid rescued ATRA‐induced cleft palate.