bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical progress and its factors in Russia’s economy
Authors: Simon György
Published: November 2010

In this paper long-term growth in Russia?s economy is viewed in the context
of technical progress, based on both neoclassical and endogenous theories.
The dynamics of economic growth with some aspects of catch-up development are
examined, as well as capital deepening. TFP is quantified in terms of both
output and productivity increases to reveal the leading role of embodied
technical progress in productivity growth. An endogenous growth model helped
to discern three complex factors of technical progress in the Russian
economy, to which at the macro level a factor related to natural wealth (oil
and gas resources) was added. This enabled the author to conclude that the
most important macroeconomic factor of Russia?s technical progress in the
half century from the early 1960s to the late 2000s was its immobile
component. At the manufacturing level the situation was more complicated, as
the initial leadership of creative technical progress was superseded by the
dominance of the mobile factor. The collapse of the Soviet Union made the
Russian economy more service-oriented and radically changed the conditions of
economic modernization, in which technology transfer ensured by FDI began to
play a more prominent part, particularly after the default of 1998.
Economic crisis in the Baltic states : Focusing on Latvia
Authors: Koyama Yoji
Published: November 2010

This paper examines the causes of the economic crisis in new EU member states
in Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on the Baltic States, especially
Latvia. Thanks to the Single Market of the EU, workers in this country became
able to migrate to advanced EU countries, especially the UK, decreasing the
unemployment rate and at the same time causing a sharp increase in wages due
to a tightened labour market. Banks from Nordic countries came to operate in
Latvia and competed for market shares, stirring a consumption boom. In a
situation in which people can easily get loans denominated in a foreign
currency the monetary policies of the central bank are weakened. The Latvian
economy already showed signs of overheating in 2005. However in the spring of
2007 the government turned to restrictive policies, causing a depression at
the end of 2007. The Lehman shock dealt the Latvian economy its final blow.
Latvia set up the introduction of the Euro in 2013 as an exit strategy.
Latvia is in a dilemma: if the country does not devalue its national currency
and tries to satisfy the Maastricht criteria soon, it will be obliged to
adopt pro-cyclical policies, causing economic stagnation.
Expression of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Lee Jang-Hyeog , Chung Seung Won , Park Il-Ho , Lee Sang Hag , Lee Seung Hoon , Lee Heung-Man
Published: November 2010

Background

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The presence of EMMPRIN in nontumoral tissues suggests a role in other physiological and pathological situations, which may be associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of EMMPRIN mRNA (OMIM *606080) and to localize the EMMPRIN protein in nasal polyps and healthy nasal mucosa.

Methods

The expression of EMMPRIN was investigated in the nasal polyps of 10 patients undergoing endonasal sinus surgery and compared with nasal mucosal samples obtained from 10 healthy controls. EMMPRIN mRNA was extracted from the tissues, and then a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was performed. Western blot analysis was used to analyze differences in the levels of expression of EMMPRIN protein between patients with nasal polyps and healthy controls, and the EMMPRIN protein was localized in immunohistochemical staining and quantitative analysis of immunopositivity.

Results

The levels of expression of EMMPRIN mRNA and protein were significantly increased in patients with nasal polyps compared with healthy controls. EMMPRIN protein was expressed in the epithelium and infiltrating inflammatory cells of nasal polyps and the healthy nasal mucosa. The percentages of the immune-stained area and the number of EMMPRIN-immunopositive inflammatory cells per millimeter were significantly elevated in nasal polyps compared with controls.

Conclusion

EMMPRIN is expressed in nasal mucosa and in nasal polyps, and the level of EMMPRIN expression is increased in nasal polyps. These results suggest that the increased expression of EMMPRIN may play a role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.
Video-Rhino-Hygrometer: A New Method for Evaluation of Nasal Breathing after Nasal Surgery
Authors: Casale Manuele , Pappacena Marco , Setola Roberto , Soda Paolo , Cusimano Valerio , Vitali Massimiliano , Mladina Ranko , Salvinelli Fabrizio
Published: November 2010

Background

Nasal obstruction is one of the most frequent symptoms in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) setting. It can be evaluated either subjectively or objectively. In a subjective way, a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT 20) can rapidly quantify the degree of obstruction, whereas the most commonly used objective methods are nasal endoscopy and active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR). It is still a matter of controversy to what extent the sense of nasal obstruction is associated with objective measures for nasal space and airflow. The aim of the study was to evaluate nasal breathing before and after functional nasal surgery by video-rhino-hygrometer (VRH) comparing the results with widely accepted methods.

Methods

Twenty patient candidates for septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction were included in the study. SNOT-20, VAS, nasal endoscopy, and AAR were analyzed and compared with VRH values.

Results

Before surgery VRH showed variability of nasal respiratory flow between individuals and between nostrils. After surgery we had an increase (p < 0.05) of airflow in both nostrils. VRH data were found to be correlated with VAS and SNOT-20 values (p < 0.05) both pre- and postoperatively. Despite the statistically significant correlation of AAR with SNOT-20 and VAS, no statistically significant correlation between AAR and VRH was found.

Conclusion

VRH provides an immediate, easy, and noninvasive assessment of nasal respiration. For these reasons it can be used, in association with rhinoscopic data and other instrumental tests, to evaluate nasal breathing in daily ENT practice.
The Diagnosis of Food Allergy
Authors: Lieberman Jay A. , Sicherer Scott H.
Published: November 2010

Background

Food allergy is increasingly common; however, there is a discrepancy between the large number of people who believe they or their children are affected and the actual number with true food allergies. It is therefore imperative that physicians evaluating patients with possible adverse reactions to foods understand the current modalities used to diagnose food allergies.

Methods

Simple tests including skin-prick testing (SPT) and serum food-specific IgE testing are the most commonly used diagnostic tests to evaluate for IgE-mediated food reactions. However, these tests have pitfalls and their usefulness must be appreciated to avoid over- and underdiagnosis.

Results

A firm diagnosis is imperative because a misdiagnosis could lead to life-threatening reactions and overdiagnosis will lead to unnecessary elimination diets with nutritional and social implications. Physician-supervised oral food challenges (OFC) remain the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis; however, a careful medical history and simple tests can often provide a reliable diagnosis.

Conclusion

In this review, we examine the usefulness and pitfalls of SPT used by allergists and serum food-specific IgE levels that are available to all practitioners. We also review the OFC as a diagnostic modality in food allergy. Finally, we describe emerging tests, such as the basophil activation test, atopy patch testing, and component-resolved diagnostics, that may be of benefit in the future.
Factors Affecting Outcome of Inferior Turbinate Mucotomy in Treatment of Postnasal Drip Syndrome
Authors: Zagólski Olaf
Published: November 2010

Background

Postnasal drip syndrome may result from isolated hyperplasia of nasal inferior turbinates due to chronic rhinitis. Mucotomy (conchotomy) performed in such patients is generally effective but in some individuals the problem persists after surgery.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing outcome of the therapy.

Methods

One hundred six patients aged 17–60 years (mean = 34, SD = 12) with hyperplasia of the inferior turbinates underwent bipolar diathermy mucotomy. Nonallergic noninfectious rhinitis was diagnosed in 18, neutrophilic in 58, allergic in 18 and NARES in 14 patients. The participants were questioned about postnasal drip (PND) intensity before and 2 months after surgery.

Results

Results of mucotomy significantly depended on the etiology of chronic rhinitis and were worst in patients with NARES (p < 0.05). Percent values of reduction of PND intensity after mucotomy and percent of daytime with PND persisting after surgery depended on Staphylococcus aureus colonization of the nose (the results were worse in patients with the colonization, p < 0.001). Satisfaction scores were also dependent on S. aureus nasal colonization (p < 0.001) and significantly correlated with percent values of subjective reduction of PND intensity after surgery (p < 0.001) and reduction of PND daily duration (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Results of mucotomy performed for postnasal drip depend on etiology of rhinitis and are worse in S. aureus nasal colonization.
High Prevalence of Humoral Immunodeficiency Patients with Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Alqudah Mohannad , Graham Scott M. , Ballas Zuhair K.
Published: November 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and contribution of humoral immunodeficiency in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (RCRS). This study was performed at a tertiary care academic referral center.

Methods

RCRS patients who had at least three episodes of documented sinusitis in the previous year despite antibiotic therapy, who had endoscopic sinus surgery performed at University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC), and who were evaluated by the UIHC Adult Immune Disorder Clinic were included. Exclusion criteria included allergic fungal sinusitis, human immunodeficiency virus, and other causes of secondary immunodeficiency. Sixty-seven patients fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of their immunologic evaluation for atopy and humoral immune function were examined.

Results

The average age of these patients was 50 years (±11.6 years). Twenty-eight (42%) patients had at least one positive result on allergy skin testing. Determination of quantitative immunoglobulins showed low IgG in 9%, low IgA in 3%, and low IgM in 12% of patients. Common variable immunodeficiency was diagnosed in one case. Immunoglobulin G subclasses were tested in 31 cases and found low in 6 patients. Fifty-one patients underwent a dynamic assessment of their antibody response by examining the increase in antibody titer to an unconjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Sixty-seven percent of patients failed to produce more than a fourfold increase in postimmunization antibody titer for >7 of 14 serotypes being tested and were considered to have functional antibody deficiency.

Conclusion

This retrospective review shows an unexpectedly high prevalence of humoral immune dysfunction in patients with RCRS. These findings suggest that assessment of immune function should be undertaken routinely in RCRS. Immune assessment should first include measurement of serum immunoglobulin levels; if these are normal, then functional antibody responses should be evaluated.
Distinctions between Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hutcheson Patricia S. , Schubert Mark S. , Slavin Raymond G.
Published: November 2010

Background

Recent reports have attempted to redefine the accepted diagnostic criteria for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), a form of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps. As a result, the existence of AFRS as a distinct entity has been questioned, suggesting that allergy has no role in CRS with sinonasal eosinophilia, and the condition should be referred to as eosinophilic fungal rhinosinusitis. The purpose of the study was to differentiate between AFRS and CRS by studying antibody responses in these two clearly defined patient groups.

Methods

Ninety-nine patients were enrolled and classified as AFRS or CRS (without AFRS). Serum total IgE, IgG anti–Alternaria-specific antibodies (UniCAP 100), and IgE antifungal antibodies (immunoblotting) were compared between the groups.

Results

Sixty-four patients fit the traditional criteria for AFRS, with 35 as CRS. Mean serum total IgE and mean IgG anti–Alternaria-specific antibodies were statistically significantly increased in AFRS over CRS patients. There was also a statistically significant increase in the mean number of IgE antifungal bands from AFRS compared with CRS patients.

Conclusion

We have shown a clear immunologic difference between AFRS and CRS patients. The overwhelming evidence of increased total IgE and fungal-specific IgE in AFRS supports an allergic component in AFRS. IgG anti–Alternaria-specific antibodies also point to an exaggerated fungal immune response in these patients. These results support the existence of AFRS as a separate, distinct entity of CRS. It is important to recognize AFRS to ensure proper treatment in these patients.
Fluticasone Furoate Nasal Spray is Effective and Well Tolerated for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis in Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Given John T. , Cheema Amarjit S. , Dreykluft Tilman , Stillerman Allan , Silvey MaryJane , Wu Wei , Snowise Neil G. , Philpot Edward
Published: November 2010

Background

Fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS), an intranasal corticosteroid, has been shown to be effective in perennial allergic rhinitis in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies but has been less extensively studied in perennial allergic rhinitis than seasonal allergic rhinitis. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FFNS in perennial allergic rhinitis in adolescents and adults ≥12 years of age.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study (FFU111439), patients ≥12 years old with perennial allergic rhinitis received FFNS, 110 micrograms (n = 160), or placebo (n = 155) q.d. for 4 weeks.

Results

Over the entire treatment period, FFNS was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than placebo with respect to mean changes from baseline in daily reflective total nasal symptoms (primary end point), morning and evening reflective total nasal symptoms, daily reflective individual nasal symptoms, morning predose instantaneous total and individual nasal symptoms, and morning and evening peak nasal inspiratory flow. FFNS did not show a statistically significant difference from placebo in comparisons of ocular symptom measures. Clinically meaningful improvement versus placebo was observed on the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire with Standardised Activities overall score. Adverse events reported in >3% of patients in a treatment group and reported more frequently with FFNS than placebo were epistaxis (15% FFNS, 8% placebo) and nasopharyngitis (5% FFNS, 1% placebo).

Conclusion

Once-daily FFNS was well tolerated and more effective than placebo at improving nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in adolescents and adults ≥12 years of age.
Antigen Selection in IgE Antibodies from Individuals with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Pratt Eleanor , Collins Andrew M. , Sewell William A. , Harvey Richard J.
Published: November 2010

Background

It is generally assumed that all immunoglobulin isotopes develop under antigen selection pressure, leading to dramatic increases in antigen-binding affinity. As activated B cells proliferate, somatic mutations accumulate in the regions of the immunoglobulin gene associated with antigen binding. Emerging evidence from studies investigating mutations in variable region sequences of IgE antibodies suggest that IgE may develop under less selection pressure than other isotypes. Recent studies have focused on IgE mutation patterns in sequences from the blood of allergic individuals. There is, however, little evidence of these patterns in IgE sequences isolated from tissue.

Methods

Seminested reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the V region of IgE sequences from nasal tissue of individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). IgE sequences were analyzed for evidence of antigen selection and compared with previously reported IgE sequences from other inflammatory and allergic disorders and nonallergic individuals.

Results

IgE sequences were successfully amplified from four individuals with CRSwNPs. Of 217 sequences amplified, 38 were unique, 31 of which were from tissue. Identification of the IGHV, IGHD, and IGHJ genes making up each sequence showed overrepresentation of an unusual gene in one individual, but otherwise normal gene usage. Mutation analysis revealed that only 5 of the 31 unique sequences from tissue show clear evidence of antigen selection.

Conclusion

With little influence from antigen selection, IgE antibodies are unlikely to be highly specific for antigens. Consequently, these findings have significant implications for the relevance of specific IgE, e.g., Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin or fungal-specific IgE, in CRSwNP pathogenesis. Whether specific IgE expression is tightly related to pathogenesis or is merely a byproduct of B-cell interactions in local mucosa with colonizing organisms remains unresolved.
Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Provides Early, Continuing Relief of Nasal Congestion and Improves Nasal Patency in Allergic Patients
Authors: Salapatek Anne Marie , Patel Piyush , Gopalan Gokul , Varghese Santosh T.
Published: November 2010

Background

Patients report nasal congestion as the most bothersome seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptom. Measurement of this symptom in previous research has largely been based on subjective patient ratings. This study was designed to measure efficacy, onset, and duration of action of the corticosteroid mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) on nasal congestion using an environmental exposure chamber (EEC) and the objective assessment acoustic rhinometry (AcR).

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ragweed-sensitive subjects were exposed to ragweed pollen (3500 ± 500 pollen grains/m3) in an EEC (day 1). Subjects rated instantaneous total nasal symptom score (TNSS), including NSS for congestion (NSS-C). Qualifying subjects received MFNS, 200 micrograms, or placebo and rated postdosing symptoms; a subset received MFNS, 200 micrograms, or placebo q.d. for 6 subsequent days, returning to EEC on day 8. Days 1 and 8 assessments included AcR, TNSS, and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire developed for use in the EEC (RQOLQ-EEC).

Results

At day 1, hour 6, patients receiving MFNS (n = 155) reported significantly reduced congestion versus placebo (n = 155) per AcR and NSS-C after one dose, showing numerically superior TNSS change from baseline (p = NS). Among the subset who received 6 additional days of treatment, MFNS (n = 78) yielded significantly lower TNSS versus placebo (n = 77) before day 8 EEC entry and throughout 4-hour exposure (p < 0.05), except at 3.5 hours. AcR showed lower congestion with MFNS versus placebo before day 8 EEC exposure and at 24 and 26 hours after final dose (p < 0.05 for all). AcR and NSS-C correlated at multiple time points. Day 8 RQOLQ-EEC between-group scores were significantly different (p = 0.02) for practical problems.

Conclusion

MFNS, 200 micrograms, showed onset of nasal congestion relief at 6 hours and duration of action beyond 24 hours postdosing. Objective and subjective assessments were correlated in subjects with maximal (placebo) or minimal (MFNS treatment) congestion symptoms; both assessments were correlated with improved QOL.
Performance of Random Effects Model Estimators Under Complex Sampling Designs
Authors: Jia Yue , Stokes Lynne , Harris Ian , Wang Yan
Published: November 2010

In this article, we consider estimation of parameters of random effects models from samples collected via complex multistage designs. Incorporation of sampling weights is one way to reduce estimation bias due to unequal probabilities of selection. Several weighting methods have been proposed in the literature for estimating the parameters of hierarchical models, of which random effects models are a special case. We evaluate the bias of the weighted analysis of variance (ANOVA) estimators of the variance components for a two-level, one-way random effects model. For these estimators, analytic bias expressions are developed and the accuracy of the expressions is evaluated through Monte Carlo simulation. The expressions are used to examine the impact of sample size, the size of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the sampling design on the estimators' performance. The sampling designs considered are two-stage, with a general probability design at Level 2 and simple random sampling without replacement (SRS) at Level 1. The study shows that variance component estimators using only first-order weights perform well when both cluster size and ICC are moderate. However, this weighting method should be used with caution for small cluster sizes (less than 20), particularly when ICC is small (less than 0.2). In such scenarios, scaled first-order weighted (SFW) estimators provide an alternative to the difficult-to-use second-order weighted estimators for designs in which SRS is used at the ultimate sampling unit level (Level 1). This article is discussed in the context of large educational survey assessments.
Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Comorbid with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Authors: Hazell Philip
Published: November 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper was to conduct a practitioner review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) co-occurring with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) encompassing aetiological factors, associated factors, assessment, treatment and prognosis.

Conclusions: ADHD and ODD have both shared and unique genetic influences. Persistence of ADHD and ODD in adolescence is linked with an increased risk of delinquent behaviour, substance dependence, anxiety, depression, and possibly bipolar disorder. The diagnostic work up for ADHD must include screening for ODD, which may be achieved through targeted questioning or the use of standard symptom checklists. Treatment requires management of the core symptoms of ADHD plus, in many cases, augmentation with other treatment to address the ODD. Mild cases may respond to behaviour management alone, or monotherapy with stimulant medication or atomoxetine. Moderate to severe cases usually require a combination of pharmacotherapy, which may include clonidine, and behaviour management. Severe or refractory cases may require the introduction of an atypical antipsychotic such as risperidone.
Consumer Participation in Housing: Reflecting On Consumer Preferences
Authors: Browne Graeme , Hemsley Martin
Published: November 2010

Objective: Historically, people living with mental illness have had limited chance to participate in mental health services other than as patients. Following on from a recent review focusing on consumer participation in mental health services, this paper looks at consumer participation in housing. Housing is a critical element in recovery from mental illness. Without suitable housing, people have little chance of maintaining other resources in their lives, such as supportive social relationships and meaningful activities.

Conclusions: Consumer participation is not a common topic in the recent literature, despite the significant public policy push to promote it. The importance of appropriate housing to the recovery of people living with mental illness cannot be underestimated. Even well-meaning and well-resourced housing initiatives can fall short of meeting consumers’ recovery goals when they do not incorporate the expressed needs of consumers. These expressed needs include keeping units small in size and employing drop-in support models.
Psychiatry On the Burma-Thai Railway (1942–1943): Dr Rowley Richards and Colleagues
Authors: Macleod Sandy
Published: November 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper was to review the literature written by doctor-prisoners of the Japanese working on the Burma-Thai Railway with particular emphasis on the psychological and psychiatric conditions they encountered.

Conclusions: The enormous respect and gratitude expressed by survivors for their medical attendants is an indication that in addition to performing extraordinary surgical and medical care in appalling conditions and with very limited available resources, these doctors also very adequately attended the clinical problems of demoralization, depression and acute delirium.
Why do Adolescents Return to an Acute Psychiatric Unit?
Authors: Barker Dawn , Jairam Rajeev , Rocca Antonella , Goddard Luke , Matthey Stephen
Published: November 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper is to determine potentially modifiable factors associated with the high proportion of patients who are readmitted to adolescent psychiatric units.

Method: The case notes of 112 adolescents admitted over 1 year to an acute adolescent psychiatry unit were reviewed. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared between those who were readmitted over a 12-month period post discharge and those who were not.

Results: The readmission rate over a 12-month period was 31%. Males were significantly more likely to be readmitted. No other statistically significant predictors of readmission were identified. There was a trend towards readmission for those with bipolar disorder and a trend away from readmission for those with adjustment disorders. A history of sexual abuse and cluster B personality traits were significantly related to a history of previous admission, but not with subsequent readmission.

Conclusions: Readmission is influenced by a number of factors, which may not be easily identified by a chart review. Prospective studies which follow-up adolescents for several years after discharge are needed.
HoNOS in the Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Setting: Is it Valid?
Authors: Duke Benjamin
Published: November 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper was to assess whether the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) is a valid outcome measure in the consultation liaison psychiatry (CL) setting.

Methods: Statistical analysis was performed on 6 months of HoNOS data from a busy metropolitan CL service.

Results: There were statistical differences between the HoNOS scores of groups referred for different types of mental health follow up, but also wide ranges within, and substantial overlap between, each of these groups. HoNOS item analysis demonstrated significant contributions to changes in HoNOS scores across multiple items.

Conclusions: Although the HoNOS appears to have validity as a measure of severity of mental illness in the CL setting at a population level, concerns can be raised about its usefulness as a measure of change in the severity of mental illness in this setting.
How Effective is a Hospital at Home Service for People with Acute Mental Illness?
Authors: Singh Rajan , Rowan Jacky , Burton Cassandra , Galletly Cherrie
Published: November 2010

Objective: Hospital at home (HAH) services have been developed to replace traditional inpatient care but there is little recent published data about their efficacy. This study evaluates HAH treatment for people with an acute episode of psychiatric illness who would otherwise have been admitted to hospital.

Method: The staffing and operation of the service is described, along with admission criteria. Patients could be visited by the HAH team up to three times a day, 7 days a week. Data were collected for 1 year. Demographic data, diagnoses, referral, discharge pathways, and outcomes are presented.

Results: One hundred and eleven people were admitted to HAH. The most common diagnoses were mood disorders and non-affective psychoses. The mean length of stay was 17 days with an average of 22 home visits to each patient. Twenty percent of patients were transferred to inpatient services. For those who completed their treatment with HAH, symptom improvement and length of stay were comparable to inpatient services. There was only one adverse event, an episode of self harm.

Conclusions: HAH services can provide a safe, effective alternative to inpatient care for suitable patients. Home treatment has the potential to reduce costs, reduce the pressure on inpatient services and provide care that is acceptable to patients and their families.
A Novel Methodology to Evaluate Health Impacts Caused by VOC Exposures Using Real-Time VOC and Holter Monitors
Authors: Mizukoshi Atsushi , Kumagai Kazukiyo , Yamamoto Naomichi , Noguchi Miyuki , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Kumano Hiroaki , Yanagisawa Yukio
Published: November 2010

While various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are known to show neurotoxic effects, the detailed mechanisms of the action of VOCs on the autonomic nervous system are not fully understood, partially because objective and quantitative measures to indicate neural abnormalities are still under development. Nevertheless, heart rate variability (HRV) has been recently proposed as an indicative measure of the autonomic effects. In this study, we used HRV as an indicative measure of the autonomic effrects to relate their values to the personal concentrations of VOCs measured by a real-time VOC monitor. The measurements were conducted for 24 hours on seven healthy subjects under usual daily life conditions. The results showed HF powers were significantly decreased for six subjects when the changes of total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations were large, indicating a suppression of parasympathetic nervous activity induced by the exposure to VOCs. The present study indicated these real-time monitoring was useful to characterize the trends of VOC exposures and their effects on autonomic nervous system.
Dyslipidaemia and Undernutrition in Children from Impoverished Areas of Maceió, State of Alagoas, Brazil
Authors: Veiga Gabriela R. S. , Ferreira Haroldo S. , Sawaya Ana L. , Calado Jairo , Florêncio Telma M. M. T.
Published: November 2010

Chronic undernutrition causes reduced growth and endocrine adaptations in order to maintain basic life processes. In the present study, the biochemical profiles of chronically undernourished children were determined in order to test the hypothesis that chronic undernutrition also causes changes in lipid profile in pre-school children. The study population comprised 80 children aged between 12 and 71 months, including 60 with moderate undernutrition [height-for-age Z (HAZ) scores ≤ −2 and > −3] and 20 with severe undernutrition (HAZ scores ≤ −3). Socioeconomic, demographic and environmental data were obtained by application of a questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements and information relating to sex, age and feeding habits were collected by a trained nutritionist. Blood samples were analysed for haemoglobin, vitamin A, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and serum lipids, while cortisol was assayed in the saliva. Faecal samples were submitted to parasitological investigation. Analysis of variance and χ2 methods were employed in order to select the variables that participated in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study population was socioeconomically homogeneous, while the lack of a treated water supply was clearly associated with the degree of malnutrition. Most children were parasitised and anaemia was significantly more prevalent among the severely undernourished. Levels of IGF-1 decreased significantly with increasing severity of undernutrition. Lipid analysis revealed that almost all of the children had dyslipidemia, while low levels of high-density lipoprotein were associated with the degree of undernutrition. It is concluded that chronic malnutrition causes endocrine changes that give rise to alterations in the metabolic profile of pre-school children.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine-containing 99mTc Nitrido Radiopharmaceuticals as Imaging Agents for Tumors
Authors: Ding Rui , He Yong , Xu Jingli , Liu Hang , Wang Xiao , Feng Man , Qi Chuanmin , Zhang Junbo
Published: November 2010

The compound 5-((2-aminoethylamino)methyl)-7-(4-bromoanilino)-3-cyano-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (ABCPP) was synthesized and conjugated with N-mercapto-acetylglycine (MAG), N-mercaptoacetylphenylalanine (MAF) and N-mercaptoacetylvaline (MAA), respectively. These three compounds were labeled successfully with [99mTcN]2+ intermediate in high radiochemical purities. Biodistribution in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that the three new complexes showed tumor accumulation, high tumor-to-muscle (T/M) ratios and fast clearance from blood and muscle. Among them, the 99mTcN-MAG-ABCPP showed the most favorable characteristics, with tumor/blood and tumor/ muscle ratios reaching 1.51 and 2.97 at 30 min post-injection, 1.84 and 2.49 at 60 min post-injection, suggesting it could be further studied as potential tumor imaging agent for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
A Compact Vertical Scanner for Atomic Force Microscopes
Authors: Park Jae Hong , Shim Jaesool , Lee Dong-Yeon
Published: November 2010

A compact vertical scanner for an atomic force microscope (AFM) is developed. The vertical scanner is designed to have no interference with the optical microscope for viewing the cantilever. The theoretical stiffness and resonance of the scanner are derived and verified via finite element analysis. An optimal design process that maximizes the resonance frequency is performed. To evaluate the scanner’s performance, experiments are performed to evaluate the travel range, resonance frequency, and feedback noise level. In addition, an AFM image using the proposed vertical scanner is generated.
Why Does Environmental Policy in Representative Democracies Tend to Be Inadequate? A Preliminary Public Choice Analysis
Authors: Kollmann Andrea , Schneider Friedrich
Published: November 2010

There is a widespread consensus among the most important players in developed countries (voters, politicians, producers, traditional and green interest groups and bureaucracies) that a shift towards an eco-social market economy is essential for sustainable growth. Nevertheless, market-based instruments have not as yet been implemented satisfactorily in environmental policy. To identify the reasons for this insufficient implementation over the past decade, the Public Choice theory is used. The players’ behavior is analyzed in order to show that their incentives for implementing market-based instruments in environmental policy, instead of command-and-control measures, are surprisingly weak. Knowing the obstacles to implementing market-based instruments provides valuable insight into how to overcome them.
The Porcine Circovirus Type 1 in Porcine Kidney 15 Cell Line is Not Transferred to Mice Lymphoid Cells after Xenoimplantation into the Peritoneal Cavity
Authors: Jáuregui P. Hernández , Ruiz M. Anaya , Pastrana F. Romero , López G. Delgado , Morales A. Pimentel , Betancourt E. Tena , Conde E. Gómez
Published: November 2010

The porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) has been identified within lymphoid tissues of experimental infected pigs and suggested to induce an immunosuppressive stage in pigs. The virus does not induce a cytophatic effect in the pig-derived cell line PK-15. Because PCV1 is prevalent in many pig cells and tissues, the risk of inducing a viral xenozoonosis by PCV1 was raised for the xenoimplantation of pig cells into human hosts. The present work evaluated if PCV1 is able to replicate in mice tissues after xenoimplantation of PCV1-infected pig cells. Active growing PK-15 cells harboring PCV1 with or without microencapsulation in sodium alginate were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of mice. After 1 month postimplantation in mice, peritoneal macrophages, spleen, and lymph nodes were harvested and analyzed with the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). No evidence of circovirus type 1 DNA was detected within the mice tissues.
Le rite, un état de suspension à l'adolescence
Authors: Pommier François
Published: November 2010

Résumé Après avoir rappelé la définition du rite non seulement du point de vue anthropologique mais aussi psychanalytique et à l’articulation entre ces deux aspects, l’auteur de cet article cherche, d’abord d’une manière générale puis en se rapportant plus particulièrement aux processus adolescents, à faire la distinction entre le rituel et le rite. Il rapproche le premier de la conservation et de la déliaison, alors qu’il situe le second du côté de la dépressivité et de la subjectivation avec un appel à la progression dans un entre-deux temporel. Le rite se présente essentiellement du côté de la fonction symbolique, comme une solution d’attente, une plage de réassurance qui du point de vue dynamique comporte une dimension ludique à travers la volonté de rompre avec des mécanismes répétitifs. Le rite, à la jonction entre temps circulaire et temps linéaire apparaît comme un état « métastable » qui ne cherche pas tant à faire sens qu’à éviter une sortie trop brutale du monde de l’enfance.
L'épreuve initiatique dans les rites et le cheminement chrétien
Authors: Lecuit Jean-Baptiste
Published: November 2010

Résumé Les rites d’initiation concernent le plus souvent l’adolescence. Ils suivent un schème de mort et de renaissance, comportant une épreuve physique. La problématique œdipienne et sa réactivation à l’adolescence en sont une clé d’interprétation. Les rites des sacrements dits de l’initiation chrétienne comportent ce même schème initiatique. La part d’épreuve en est absente, mais se retrouve dans l’existence croyante, dans la mesure où s’y déploie ce qu’inaugurent les sacrements d’initiation. Loin de satisfaire spontanément les attentes infantiles, le cheminement chrétien appelle une profonde transformation du désir, un désillusionnement exigeant. On peut parler à son sujet d’une épreuve initiatique, correspondant au passage, toujours à approfondir, de la croyance infantile à la subjectivité filiale. Cette transformation suit une dynamique analogue à la subjectivation adolescente.
Note sur le rite
Authors: Marliangeas Frère Bernard
Published: November 2010

Résumé Le rite est un agir social programmé et répétitif. Le rituel est un ensemble organisé de gestes et de paroles dans lequel ce qui va parler nous dépasse. Le rite est un agir symbolique qui permet à chacun de se situer comme sujet dans son rapport au monde et à son propre monde. Le sacrement est un point de rencontre entre deux désirs et rejoint les questions sur l’adolescence : désir de Dieu de partager sa vie avec l’homme et désir de l’homme qui se reconnaît rejoint et qui l’atteste par un geste.
Rite et signification : sur quelques malentendus contemporains au sujet de l'essence du rite
Authors: Bourgeois Frère Daniel
Published: November 2010

Résumé Que signifie initiation dans le vocabulaire de la théologie chrétienne ? Ce mot est-il l’équivalent des rites d’initiation des religions anciennes, dans lesquelles le souci premier est d’insérer les jeunes dans la réalité de la vie sociale adulte ? Le christianisme propose une autre vision de la question : l’initiation ouvre à une vie nouvelle, le Royaume de Dieu et elle s’accomplit par le moyen des sacrements. En affirmant cela, l’Église propose une clef pour évaluer la relation spécifique entre le monde présent (la « nature ») et l’irruption du monde nouveau (le « Royaume de Dieu ») : la nature est signe de la grâce. Rupture autant que nouveauté, l’initiation établit un rapport d’altérité entre les deux domaines, comme un signe est tout entier orienté vers l’altérité de la réalité qu’il a mission de désigner.
Les rites à l'adolescence
Authors: Jeammet Philippe
Published: November 2010

Résumé Les rites d’initiation sont caractéristiques de l’adolescence et parmi les plus fortement organisés qui soient, mettant en jeu le corps et tout ce qui tourne autour de la sexualité. Les rites correspondent à un aménagement des menaces qui pèsent sur le sujet et sur le groupe. Ils sont faits pour soutenir le sujet et l’intégrer dans le monde des adultes. Ils doivent par leur ambiguïté même répondre à cette situation paradoxale, d’être soi-même demandeur de ce que les autres en fait imposent. Ils permettent une co-création par le groupe et l’individu d’un espace commun de médiation. Ils évitent ainsi la violence potentielle de la confrontation narcissique des territoires. Ils s’expriment par l’agir mais ouvrent la voie à une confiance partagée, fondement de la symbolisation.
Thérèse de Lisieux ou la sublimation des pulsions meurtrières
Authors: Donard Véronique
Published: November 2010

Résumé Cet article aborde certains aspects de la fantasmatique de Thérèse de Lisieux lors de sa préadolescence et de sa puberté. Il met à jour des conflits psychiques marqués par la mort et la violence, de même que par la force des affects œdipiens et par une impossible sexualité. Il cherche à montrer que, si la réalité psychique de la « petite Thérèse » est loin de correspondre à l’image édulcorée que l’on s’en fait habituellement, elle ne révèle pas moins la qualité du travail des pulsions de vie et la force d’un remarquable processus de maturation qui sut transformer progressivement une organisation psychique pathologique et mortifère en une dynamique tournée vers la vie.
Rite et vie monastique
Authors: Jeammet Nicole
Published: November 2010

Résumé À partir d’une recherche effectuée dans un monastère, cet article interroge le sens que peuvent prendre la liturgie et les rites : à travers l’importance donnée au corps et au faire dans un lieu commun à l’Autre et à soi, ne peut-on les voir comme une porte d’accès à un espace transitionnel ?
Roland Gori, philosophe.
Authors: Le Coz Pierre
Published: November 2010

Résumé Même si une partie de son œuvre est consacrée au statut de la parole dans la cure psychanalytique, ce n’est pas à une lecture immanente de la psychopathologie que Roland Gori a consacré l’essentiel de son œuvre. Sa pensée est celle d’un clinicien qui lève les yeux sur le monde auquel le renvoie constamment la parole de ses patients. Dans cette contribution en hommage à son œuvre, nous développons l’idée que sa réflexion s’inscrit dans une tradition de pensée de la technique. Le concept de technique ne s’entend pas seulement au sens d’un rassemblement extérieur d’ustensiles et d’outils technologiques. La technique au sens conceptuel et philosophique du terme n’est pas dissociable du dispositif de rationalisation instrumentale qui le sous-tend. La technique désigne un mode de contrôle procédural qui agence un ensemble de pratiques sociales. Son effet le plus saisissant réside dans le discours gestionnaire que l’homme tient sur lui-même. À l’objectivisme technoscientifique qui ne retient de l’homme ce qui peut entrer dans des sigles et des items, Roland Gori réplique par l’exercice d’une pensée critique et humaniste qui nous parle de notre condition et de notre destinée.
Rêve et névrose de transfert d'après Freud
Authors: Stein Conrad
Published: November 2010

Résumé L’auteur s’attache ici à montrer que l’on peut trouver dans L’interprétation des rêves les linéaments d’une problématique sur laquelle Freud ne s’est jamais penché : ceux d’une théorie des processus à l’œuvre dans la situation analytique. Se référer à ce qui a été élaboré par Freud au titre de la « Psychologie des processus oniriques » – tel est l’objet du chapitre vii de L’interprétation des rêves – rend en effet compte de ces processus en œuvre. Il apparaît ainsi que les sources du rêve, « l’infantile en tant que source du rêve », donnent à reconnaître les sources de la névrose de transfert. Si le but des « techniques de la psychanalyse » consiste du point de vue descriptif à combler les lacunes de la mémoire, et du point de vue dynamique à surmonter les résistances du refoulement, une question cruciale demeure : quelles sont donc les conditions de possibilité d’une telle entreprise ?
La mère séductrice perverse
Authors: Ruiz Louis
Published: November 2010

Résumé Les enjeux métapsychologiques liés au thème de la séduction maternelle n’ont pu être pleinement développés par Freud, puisque, comme on le sait, la représentation qui était la sienne des soins maternels supposait que la mère demeure celle « qui ne saurait être ambivalente à l’égard de son premier fils ». Celle qui ne saurait être destructrice – mais aussi séductrice –, autrement qu’au travers du fantasme. Le texte de Conrad Stein : Les Érinyes d’une mère , reprendra cette lecture apriorique de Freud, et la dépassera pour formaliser une conceptualisation de la haine qui est un élément constitutif de la problématique mélancolique.
Recontextualizing Learning in Nursing Education: Taking an Ontological Turn
Authors: Doane Gweneth Hartrick , Brown Helen
Published: November 2010

An ontological focus has been embedded within nursing education since its inception. There has been a strong emphasis on teaching students to become safe, competent nurses by translating knowledge into clinical action. But how would nursing education shift if we were to more intentionally orient the educative process ontologically and explicitly put epistemology at the service of ontology? We consider this question of an ontological turn in nursing education by examining what is commonly referred to in nursing curricula as interpersonal communication. With the goal of providing learning opportunities that can support students to develop confident and competent practice within the shifting, complex terrain of contemporary health care milieus, we explore the possibility of shifting the relationship between epistemology and ontology, and purposefully orienting the educative process in such a way that emphasizes and illuminates the manner in which nursing knowledge and action intersect with subjectivity and context.
Nursing Students’ Perceptions of the Effect on Critical Thinking, Assessment, and Learner Satisfaction in Simple Versus Complex High-Fidelity Simulation Scenarios
Authors: Guhde Jacqueline
Published: November 2010

This comparative study with high-fidelity simulation measured students’ perceptions of the learning effective-ness of two different levels of assignments (simple vignettes versus complex scenarios). The assignments were evaluated on critical thinking, assessment, and learner satisfaction with the teaching method. No significant differ-ence was found between the means of the simple versus complex assignments on any of the three variables or the total score. In the qualitative comments, students identified that both simple and complex scenarios can be used to help them learn different aspects of the nursing role. Faculty new to this technology can use simple scenarios to learn how to manage the simulation program and still create an effective learning activity.
Long-Term Ocular Follow-up in a Case With Hereditary Mucoepithelial Dysplasia
Authors: Avadhanam Venkata S. , Khaw Peng T. , Martin Keith R.
Published: November 2010

Hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia is a rare desmosomal gap junction abnormality known to produce keratitis and cataracts in addition to multiple systemic problems. It generally carries a poor visual prognosis due to corneal scarring, amblyopia, and side effects of the treatment. The authors present a sporadic case of hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia with an unusually good visual outcome and suggest that timely and appropriate intervention can improve the visual prognosis of this rare disorder.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2010;47:e1–e4.]