bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROCK1-directed basement membrane positioning coordinates epithelial tissue polarity
Authors: Daley William P. , Gervais Elise M. , Centanni Samuel W. , Gulfo Kathryn M. , Nelson Deirdre A. , Larsen Melinda
Published: December 2011

The basement membrane is crucial for epithelial tissue organization and function. However, the mechanisms by which basement membrane is restricted to the basal periphery of epithelial tissues and the basement membrane-mediated signals that regulate coordinated tissue organization are not well defined. Here, we report that Rho kinase (ROCK) controls coordinated tissue organization by restricting basement membrane to the epithelial basal periphery in developing mouse submandibular salivary glands, and that ROCK inhibition results in accumulation of ectopic basement membrane throughout the epithelial compartment. ROCK-regulated restriction of PAR-1b (MARK2) localization in the outer basal epithelial cell layer is required for basement membrane positioning at the tissue periphery. PAR-1b is specifically required for basement membrane deposition, as inhibition of PAR-1b kinase activity prevents basement membrane deposition and disrupts overall tissue organization, and suppression of PAR-1b together with ROCK inhibition prevents interior accumulations of basement membrane. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of wild-type PAR-1b results in ectopic interior basement membrane deposition. Significantly, culture of salivary epithelial cells on exogenous basement membrane rescues epithelial organization in the presence of ROCK1 or PAR-1b inhibition, and this basement membrane-mediated rescue requires functional integrin β1 to maintain epithelial cell-cell adhesions. Taken together, these studies indicate that ROCK1/PAR-1b-dependent regulation of basement membrane placement is required for the coordination of tissue polarity and the elaboration of tissue structure in the developing submandibular salivary gland.
Clonal and molecular analysis of the prospective anterior neural boundary in the mouse embryo
Authors: Cajal Marieke , Lawson Kirstie A. , Hill Bill , Moreau Anne , Rao Jianguo , Ross Allyson , Collignon Jérôme , Camus Anne
Published: December 2011

In the mouse embryo the anterior ectoderm undergoes extensive growth and morphogenesis to form the forebrain and cephalic non-neural ectoderm. We traced descendants of single ectoderm cells to study cell fate choice and cell behaviour at late gastrulation. In addition, we provide a comprehensive spatiotemporal atlas of anterior gene expression at stages crucial for anterior ectoderm regionalisation and neural plate formation. Our results show that, at late gastrulation stage, expression patterns of anterior ectoderm genes overlap significantly and correlate with areas of distinct prospective fates but do not define lineages. The fate map delineates a rostral limit to forebrain contribution. However, no early subdivision of the presumptive forebrain territory can be detected. Lineage analysis at single-cell resolution revealed that precursors of the anterior neural ridge (ANR), a signalling centre involved in forebrain development and patterning, are clonally related to neural ectoderm. The prospective ANR and the forebrain neuroectoderm arise from cells scattered within the same broad area of anterior ectoderm. This study establishes that although the segregation between non-neural and neural precursors in the anterior midline ectoderm is not complete at late gastrulation stage, this tissue already harbours elements of regionalisation that prefigure the later organisation of the head.
Educating Surgical Patients to Reduce the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: An Audit of an Effective Strategy
Authors: Sadideen Hazim , O'Callaghan John M , Navidi Maziar , Sayegh Mazin
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) causes approximately 25,000 deaths each year from hospital-acquired thrombosis in the UK. Patient understanding of risk factors and preventive measures is important in preventing VTE. This audit was designed to assess surgical patient awareness and understanding of VTE risk factors and prophylaxis.

Design

A questionnaire was designed to assess preoperative patient understanding of components of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Leaflets were designed to address gaps in understanding and junior doctors were given guidance on patient education. A second group of patients completed the same questionnaire after introduction of the education system.

Setting

Worthing Hospital, UK.

Participants

One hundred and twenty-one patients due to undergo major general surgery. Seventy-one participants completed the questionnaire prior to implementation of the education system, and 50 after.

Main Outcome Measures

Improvement in patient awareness of VTE, its risk factors and its preventative measures (in response to the education system).

Results

Following the introduction of a targeted VTE education system, there was a significant improvement in the awareness of VTE to 90% ( P< 0.01), its signs to 80% ( P< 0.01), and its preventative measures to 84% ( P<0.01).

Conclusions

Patient education is of paramount importance in reducing the risks of VTE perioperatively. A simple method of introducing patient education at pre-assessment clinic and as part of their discharge planning, for major elective surgery, is an effective system in improving patient understanding of VTE, its risk factors and the importance of prophylaxis. It may also increase compliance.
An observational study addressing the anatomic basis of mesosigmoidopexy as a rational treatment of non-gangrenous sigmoid volvulus
Authors: Samuel Jonathan C , Msiska Nelson , Muyco Arturo P , Cairns Bruce A , Charles Anthony G
Published: December 2011

Sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of bowel obstruction. We describe mesosigmoidopexy, an accepted surgical technique for the management of non-gangrenous sigmoid volvulus, and provide anatomic correlations supporting the therapy. Mesosigmoidopexy should be considered as a rational alternative to resection and anastomosis when operating on non-gangrenous sigmoid volvulus.
KREPB6, KREPB7, and KREPB8 are important for editing endonuclease function in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Guo Xuemin , Carnes Jason , Ernst Nancy Lewis , Winkler Matt , Stuart Kenneth
Published: December 2011

Three distinct editosomes are required for the uridine insertion/deletion editing that creates translatable mitochondrial mRNAs in Trypanosoma brucei. They contain KREPB6, KREPB7, or KREPB8 proteins and their respective endonucleases KREN3, KREN2, or KREN1. RNAi knockdowns of KREPB6, KREPB7, and KREPB8 variably affect growth and RNA editing. KREPB6 and KREPB7 knockdowns substantially reduced in vitro insertion site cleavage activity of their respective editosomes, while KREPB8 knockdown did not affect its editosome deletion site cleavage activity despite inhibition of growth and editing. KREPB6, KREPB7, and KREPB8 knockdowns disrupted tagged KREN3, KREN2, or KREN1 editosomes, respectively, to varying degrees, and in the case of KREN1 editosomes, the deletion editing site cleavage activity shifted to a smaller S value. The varying effects correlate with a combination of the relative abundances of the KREPB6-8 proteins and of the different insertion and deletion sites. Tagged KREPB6-8 were physically associated with deletion subcomplexes upon knockdown of the centrally interactive KREPA3 protein, while KREN1-3 endonucleases were associated with insertion subcomplexes. The results indicate that KREPB6-8 occupy similar positions in editosomes and are important for the activity and specificity of their respective endonucleases. This suggests that they contribute to the accurate recognition of the numerous similar but diverse editing site substrates.
Brentuximab Vedotin and Vemurafenib
Authors: Michael S. Edwards , Dominic A. Solimando , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: December 2011

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Rivaroxaban
Authors: Dennis J. Cada , Terri L. Levien , Christopher R. Woodruff , Danial E. Baker
Published: December 2011

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The December 2011 monograph topics are on deferiprone tablets, tapentadol extended-release tablets, crizotinib, tadalafil tablets for BPH, and vismodegib. The DUE/MUE is on deferiprone tablets.
New Drugs Approved by the FDA/New Dosage Forms and Indications Approved by the FDA/New Drug/Biologics License Applications Filed by Manufacturer/Significant Labeling Changes or “Dear Health Professional” Letters Related to Safety
Authors: Danial E. Baker
Published: December 2011

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at bakerdan@wsu.edu .
Therapeutic Options in Managing Hyponatremia: Focus on Arginine Vasopressin Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Human Theresa
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To describe the available and emerging treatment options for acute and chronic hyponatremia, including the efficacy, safety, and recommendations regarding appropriate use, monitoring, and treatment individualization.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor antagonists provide an opportunity to address some of the unmet medical needs of patients with hyponatremia. Traditional therapies, including diuretics, fluid restriction, and saline infusions, have variable effects, potential toxicities, and issues with patient adherence. Furthermore, these therapies are not specific to the underlying pathophysiology causing the hyponatremia. The recently approved AVP receptor antagonists target the underlying abnormal release of AVP that is very likely at the core of the physiology.

Conclusion

Management of hyponatremia requires balancing the benefits of therapeutic intervention for the restoration of normal serum sodium against the potential risks. The data available indicate that this new class of medications, the AVP receptor antagonists, can favorably affect serum sodium and clinical outcomes in patients with hypervolemic and euvolemic hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia's Impact on Patients and Health Systems
Authors: Patterson J. Herbert
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To define hyponatremia, discuss its incidence and epidemiology, and summarize the frequency and prognostic implications of hyponatremia in selected clinical conditions.

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered in clinical practice. Hyponatremia is commonly defined as a serum sodium concentration of <136 mEq/L. There are 3 different types of hyponatremia: hypovolemia, euvolemia, and hypervolemia. Epidemiologic studies reveal that hyponatremia is a common problem in hospitalized patients whether it is present at admission or is hospital acquired. The disorder increases the risk of admission to the intensive care unit, hospital length of stay, and morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia appears to be a marker for severe underlying disease with a poor prognosis. Congestive heart failure, pneumonia, cirrhosis, and neurologic disease are among the serious clinical conditions known to be associated with hyponatremia. Chronic hyponatremia presents its own set of challenges; even in mild disease that is often asymptomatic, patients are at heightened risk for falls, gait disturbances, attention deficits, and fracture.

Conclusion

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in clinical practice and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially at lower serum sodium concentrations. The disorder has a substantial impact on hospital length of stay with a direct impact on health care costs. Further, as this discussion illustrates, hyponatremia represents a significant clinical burden in all forms – mild, moderate, and severe – with subsequent clinical consequences.
Agents and artists in Central Africa
Authors: Boyd Raymond
Published: December 2011

Zande and Chamba-Daka are Adamawa-Ubangi (Niger-Congo) languages. The Zande agent noun is identical with the completive verb. Some agent nouns are instrumental or designate the process itself. The Chamba-Daka agent noun is a compound postposing the “infinitive” to the noun meaning ‘person’. It refers only to the subject argument of the source verb. Both languages have a semantically related compound: the “artist” noun meaning ‘owner, skillful user of (a material object)’ or ‘individual (with intrinsic attribute)’. The semantic range of the artist noun in both languages is similar. The artist noun may be formed with the “infinitive”; it then contrasts modally with the agent noun.
Pierrot L.
Authors: Pedneault-Deslauriers Julie
Published: December 2011

During Arnold Schoenberg's 1912–13 Pierrot lunaire tours, critics frequently described the work's Sprechstimme delivery as “hysterical” and “neurasthenic.” The essay expounds this important strand of Pierrot lunaire's reception by positioning the character of Pierrot in Paul Margueritte's pantomime Pierrot assassin de sa femme (1888) and Schoenberg's Opus 21 against Parisian and Viennese discourses on hysteria. Engaging aspects of pantomime, travesty, visual arts, medical iconography, and performance practice, I explicate how, as the medical definition of hysteria underwent important changes in etiology, symptomatology, and treatment in Freud's revisions of Jean-Martin Charcot's theories, so too did Pierrot's performance of the illness.
Early Childhood Overweight and Asthma and Allergic Sensitization at 8 Years of Age
Authors: Magnusson Jessica Öhman , Kull Inger , Mai Xiao-Mei , Wickman Magnus , Bergström Anna
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

Our aim was to examine the associations between high BMI and changes in BMI status during the first 7 years of life and asthma and allergic sensitization at age 8 years.

Methods:

A birth cohort of newborn infants was followed for 8 years. Repeated parental questionnaires provided information on environmental exposures and health outcomes. Information on height and weight during childhood was retrieved from preschool and school health care records. The analyses included the 2075 children for whom information was available on weight and height, as well as on asthma, at age 8 years.

Results:

A high BMI (≥85th percentile) at age 1, 4, and/or 7 years was associated with an increased risk of asthma at age 8 years. However, no significant association was observed among children with high BMI at age 12 and/or 18 months (early age) or at age 4 years who developed a normal BMI by age 7 years. The risk was increased among children with high BMI at age 7 years, regardless of their earlier weight. Moreover, we observed an increased risk of sensitization to inhalant allergens among children with high BMI at age 7 years.

Conclusions:

Our study indicates that high BMI during the first 4 years does not increase the risk of asthma at school age among children who have developed a normal weight by age 7 years. However, high BMI at age 7 years is associated with an increased risk of asthma and sensitization to inhalant allergens.
Cumulative Prevalence of Arrest From Ages 8 to 23 in a National Sample
Authors: Brame Robert , Turner Michael G. , Paternoster Raymond , Bushway Shawn D.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

To estimate the cumulative proportion of youth who self-report having been arrested or taken into custody for illegal or delinquent offenses (excluding arrests for minor traffic violations) from ages 8 to 23 years.

Methods:

Self-reported arrest history data (excluding arrests for minor traffic violations) from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (N = 7335) were examined from 1997 to 2008.

Results:

By age 18, the in-sample cumulative arrest prevalence rate lies between 15.9% and 26.8%; at age 23, it lies between 25.3% and 41.4%. These bounds make no assumptions at all about missing cases. If we assume that the missing cases are at least as likely to have been arrested as the observed cases, the in-sample age-23 prevalence rate must lie between 30.2% and 41.4%. The greatest growth in the cumulative prevalence of arrest occurs during late adolescence and the period of early or emerging adulthood.

Conclusions:

Since the last nationally defensible estimate based on data from 1965, the cumulative prevalence of arrest for American youth (particularly in the period of late adolescence and early adulthood) has increased substantially. At a minimum, being arrested for criminal activity signifies increased risk of unhealthy lifestyle, violence involvement, and violent victimization. Incorporating this insight into regular clinical assessment could yield significant benefits for patients and the larger community.
Early Intervention Improves Behavioral Outcomes for Preterm Infants: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nordhov S. Marianne , Rønning John A. , Ulvund Stein Erik , Dahl Lauritz B. , Kaaresen Per Ivar
Published: December 2011

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an early intervention program on behavioral outcomes at corrected age of 5 years for children with birth weights (BWs) of <2000 g.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial of a modified version of the Mother-Infant Transaction Program was performed. Outcomes were measured by the Child Behavior Check List report (parents) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 5 years (parents and preschool teachers).

Results:

A total of 146 infants were assigned randomly (intervention group: 72 infants; reference group: 74 infants). A term group was recruited (75 infants). The mean BWs were 1396 ± 429 g for the intervention group, 1381 ± 436 g for the control group, and 3619 ± 490 g for the term reference group. Parents in the intervention group reported significantly fewer behavioral problems measured by both instruments at 5 years. There were no differences in behavior problems reported by preschool teachers. Significantly more children in the preterm control group scored within the clinical area of both instruments.

Conclusions:

This modified version of the Mother-Infant Transaction Program led to fewer behavioral problems reported by parents at corrected age of 5 years for children with BWs of <2000 g.
Recurrent Parotitis as a Presentation of Primary Pediatric Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Baszis Kevin , Toib Dana , Cooper Megan , French Anthony , White Andrew
Published: December 2011

Parotitis is a common condition seen in the pediatric population, usually as an isolated occurrence associated with viral or bacterial infection. The differential diagnosis expands when recurrent parotitis is encountered. One etiology is primary pediatric Sjögren syndrome (SS), an autoimmune condition typically associated with dryness of the eyes and mouth in adults. Pediatric patients often present with isolated recurrent bilateral parotitis, however, and we describe 4 such cases in children aged 9 to 17 years at presentation. Despite lack of ocular complaints, 3 of these patients had ocular findings on ophthalmologic exam. Our patients also exhibited classic laboratory abnormalities, including positive antinuclear antibody, SS A, and SS B antibodies; presence of rheumatoid factor; and hypergammaglobulinemia. Consideration of SS in the child with recurrent parotitis is important for timely and appropriate referral and treatment. We review the differential diagnosis of parotitis in children as well as the salient features of pediatric SS.
Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule to Distinguish Lyme Meningitis From Aseptic Meningitis
Authors: Cohn Keri A. , Thompson Amy D. , Shah Samir S. , Hines Elizabeth M. , Lyons Todd W. , Welsh Elizabeth J. , Nigrovic Lise E.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

The “Rule of 7′s,” a Lyme meningitis clinical prediction rule, classifies children at low risk for Lyme meningitis when each of the following 3 criteria are met: <7 days of headache, <70% cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mononuclear cells, and absence of seventh or other cranial nerve palsy. The goal of this study was to test the performance of the Rule of 7′s in a multicenter cohort of children with CSF pleocytosis.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of children evaluated at 1 of 3 emergency departments located in Lyme disease–endemic areas with CSF pleocytosis and Lyme serology obtained. Lyme meningitis was defined using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria (either positive Lyme serology test result or an erythema migrans [EM] rash). We calculated the performance of the Rule of 7′s in our overall study population and in children without physician-documented EM.

Results:

We identified 423 children, of whom 117 (28% [95% confidence interval (CI): 24%–32%]) had Lyme meningitis, 306 (72% [95% CI: 68%–76%]) had aseptic meningitis, and 0 (95% CI: 0%–1%) had bacterial meningitis. Of the 130 classified as low risk, 5 had Lyme meningitis (sensitivity, 112 of 117 [96% (95% CI: 90%–99%)]; specificity, 125 of 302 [41% (95% CI: 36%–47%)]). In the 390 children without EM, 3 of the 127 low-risk patients had Lyme meningitis (2% [95% CI: 0%–7%]).

Conclusions:

Patients classified as low risk by using the Rule of 7′s were unlikely to have Lyme meningitis and could be managed as outpatients while awaiting results of Lyme serology tests.
The Value of the Medical Home for Children Without Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Long Webb E. , Bauchner Howard , Sege Robert D. , Cabral Howard J. , Garg Arvin
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Although the medical home is promoted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Affordable Care Act, its impact on children without special health care needs is unknown. We examined whether the medical home is associated with beneficial health care utilization and health-promoting behaviors in this population.

Methods:

This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health. Data were available for 70 007 children without special health care needs. We operationalized the medical home according to the National Survey of Children’s Health design. Logistic regression for complex sample surveys was used to model each outcome with the medical home, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results:

Overall, 58.1% of children without special health care needs had a medical home. The medical home was significantly associated with increased preventive care visits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.32 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–1.43]), decreased outpatient sick visits (aOR: 0.71 [95% CI: 0.66–0.76), and decreased emergency department sick visits (aOR: 0.70 [95% CI: 0.65–0.76]). It was associated with increased odds of “excellent/very good” child health according to parental assessment (aOR: 1.29 [95% CI: 1.15–1.45) and health-promoting behaviors such as being read to daily (aOR: 1.46 [95% CI: 1.13–1.89]), reported helmet use (aOR: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.03–1.34]), and decreased screen time (aOR: 1.12 [95% CI: 1.02–1.22]).

Conclusions:

For children without special health care needs, the medical home is associated with improved health care utilization patterns, better parental assessment of child health, and increased adherence with health-promoting behaviors. These findings support the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Affordable Care Act to extend the medical home to all children.
US Estimates of Hospitalized Children With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Clinical Trials
Authors: Stanley Rachel M. , Bonsu Bema K. , Zhao Weiyan , Ehrlich Peter F. , Rogers Alexander J. , Xiang Huiyun
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

To estimate sample sizes available for clinical trials of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children, we described the patient demographics and hospital characteristics associated with children hospitalized with severe TBI in the United States.

Methods:

We analyzed the 2006 Kids’ Inpatient Database. Severe TBI hospitalizations were defined as children discharged with TBI who required mechanical ventilation or intubation. Types of high-volume severe TBI hospitals were categorized based on the numbers of discharged patients with severe TBI in 2006. National estimates of demographics and hospital characteristics were calculated for pediatric severe TBI. Simulation analyses were performed to assess the potential number of severe TBI cases from randomly selected hospitals for inclusion in future clinical trials.

Results:

The majority of children with severe TBI were discharged from either a children’s unit in general hospitals (41%) or a nonchildren’s hospital (34%). Less than 5% of all hospitals were high-volume TBI hospitals, which discharged >78% of severe TBI cases and were more likely to be a children’s unit in a general hospital or a children’s hospital. Simulation analyses indicate that there is a saturation point after which the benefit of adding additional recruitment sites decreases significantly.

Conclusions:

Children with severe TBI are infrequent at any one hospital in the United States, and few hospitals treat large numbers of children with severe TBI. To effectively plan trials of therapies for severe TBI, much attention has to be paid to selecting the right types of centers to maximize enrollment efficiency.
Overview of the Global Health Issues Facing Children
Authors: Cabral Sergio Augusto , Soares de Moura Anna Tereza , Berkelhamer Jay E.
Published: December 2011

This first Pediatrics Perspectives column on global health joins the monthly rotation with other columns on medical history, graduate medical education, and medical student education. It makes good sense to add global health to the rotation. After all, the future of our world depends on the health and well-being of all its children. Medical history will be determined by the global health issues facing children today, and surely our education programs must broaden their content to include worldwide issues to meet the demands of future pediatric practice. It has been said by many pediatricians that any disease found on this planet is no farther than a plane ride from your local hospital. Clearly, the world is a very small place for all its inhabitants, and every day, travel continues to bring us closer. Global Health Perspectives will bring issues to the readership that will stimulate our thinking about strategies and initiatives to improve child health in the broadest context. For our initial column, Drs Cabral and Soares de Moura have traced the recent history of global child health, sharing perspectives that should cause each of us to think about the future of humankind.
Briefing: A military perspective on renewable energy developments
Authors: Neenan Marie
Published: December 2011

This paper illustrates how the UK’s Ministry of Defence safeguards its assets from potential threats and physical obstruction. The Ministry of Defence has introduced safeguarding processes in an attempt to encourage local planning authorities, directing authorities and developers to consult the department about development proposals at the pre-application and planning stage and in the development of policies and guidance. With processes in place, the Ministry of Defence can carry out in-depth technical assessments to determine whether proposed developments will impact upon military operations. Defence and wind energy have long been conflicting priorities for the government, owing to the detrimental effects wind turbines can have on the performance of Ministry of Defence radars. This department, in parallel with the wind industry, has developed a greater understanding of wind energy and is committed to meeting the government’s renewable energy targets of 20% from renewable sources by 2020. The department remains at the forefront of studying and understanding the effects of wind turbines on military operations in the UK and is also a signatory to the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the wind farm industry and the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Signed in June 2008, this document commits the signatory organisations to work together to identify solutions to mitigate the impacts of wind turbine developments on aviation interests.
Laterally loaded monopile design for offshore wind farms
Authors: Doherty Paul , Gavin Kenneth
Published: December 2011

Expansion of the offshore UK wind energy sector has stimulated renewed interest in the response of piles to lateral and moment loads. This paper compares the state of the art in foundation design with current industry trends in offshore wind turbine construction. The historical evolution of pile design for lateral loading is described in detail, focusing on the American Petroleum Institute guidelines used by the offshore sector. The limitations of these design codes are discussed in light of the specific requirements for the wind sector. Recent research efforts attempting to bridge the gap between practice and industry are highlighted and further research needs are identified.
The other Side of the Chinese Economic Miracle
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: December 2011

Despite the financial crisis still sinking the world economy, China's GDP growth rate in 2010 reached 10 percent, continuing the great momentum maintained since the 1980s. This is often referred to as the Chinese economic miracle. While many marvel at and try to mystify the miracle, the other side of the miracle is less than miraculous. Compared with the period of its planned economy between the 1950s and 1970s, in the ensuing three decades, China has undergone slower progress in major health indicators, and this has been accompanied by an ailing health care system. This report presents a portrait of China's underdevelopment of health and its health care system, with up-to-date statistics. Such information is important for a fuller, more balanced, and more accurate view of the Chinese economic miracle.
Debate on the Chernobyl Disaster: On the Causes of Chernobyl Overestimation
Authors: Jargin Sergei V.
Published: December 2011

The Journal is pleased to publish an exchange of articles on the nuclear catastrophe at Chernobyl that has special importance in the light of the Fukushima situation in Japan.

After the Chernobyl accident, many publications appeared that overestimated its medical consequences. Some of them are discussed in this article. Among the motives for the overestimation were anti-nuclear sentiments, widespread among some adherents of the Green movement; however, their attitude has not been wrong: nuclear facilities should have been prevented from spreading to overpopulated countries governed by unstable regimes and regions where conflicts and terrorism cannot be excluded. The Chernobyl accident has hindered worldwide development of atomic industry. Today, there are no alternatives to nuclear power: nonrenewable fossil fuels will become more and more expensive, contributing to affluence in the oil-producing countries and poverty in the rest of the world. Worldwide introduction of nuclear energy will become possible only after a concentration of authority within an efficient international executive. This will enable construction of nuclear power plants in optimally suitable places, considering all sociopolitical, geographic, geologic, and other preconditions. In this way, accidents such as that in Japan in 2011 will be prevented.
Wealth and Well-Being, Economic Growth, and Integral Development
Authors: Bunge Mario
Published: December 2011

This essay tackles a bimillenary problem in psychology, ethics, economics, and political philosophy: that of the relations between wealth and well-being. What are they, and should we live for pleasure, or rather seek to live a full and useful life? This is the ancient dilemma between hedonism, the cult of pleasure, and eudemonism, the search for a good life. Economists, almost without exception, have opted for hedonism, but they have not found out what percentage of the goods that ordinary people want are not merchandises. This gap is currently being filled by psychologists, sociologists, socioeconomists, and other workers in the new “science of happiness.” Their main finding, that happiness is not for sale, might surprise the orthodox economists. On the social level, the former problem, concerning individuals, gets translated into the question of national development: what kind of development should we seek, and for whom? In particular, should economic growth be prioritized, or should we promote the simultaneous development of all sectors of society, including the political and cultural? In either case, should development benefit the chosen few or everybody? And should it enhance the well-being of the individual and make that of her offspring possible? This problem, of course, lies at the intersection of three sciences—psychology, economics, and political science—and two chapters of philosophy—ethics and political philosophy. Consequently, anyone daring to propose original solutions to the problem in question will risk being criticized by experts distributed among these five fields, who are not used to talking to one another.
The Cuban Experience in Public Health: Does Political Will Have a Role?
Authors: Pagliccia Nino , Pérez Adolfo Álvarez
Published: December 2011

The role of political will in public health has been largely ignored. In Cuba, however, for the past 50 years, political will has been the ultimate, encompassing intersectoral action in public health. The excellent achievements in population health in Cuba during these 50 years have been widely recognized. Researchers have sought to explain this “Cuban paradox” by focusing on a large array of public health factors, including health promotion, primary care activities, and intersectoral action on health determinants. These factors constitute necessary but not sufficient conditions to achieve good health outcomes. This article defines political will and uses the experience of Cuba to illustrate the potential role of political will in public health. The authors suggest a framework for the evaluation of political will aimed at achieving good health, examining the “Five R's of political will,” five observable features that may provide systematic information on the direction and realization of political will: (1) renewal of commitment, (2) reform of the system, (3) resource development, (4) review of performance, and (5) responsible management. These five features focus the spotlight on the consistency between health goals and public discourse and action.
The Reformist Triad and Institutional Forgetting of Culture: A Field Study into Twentieth-Century Swedish Social Medicine
Authors: Nyce James M. , Timpka Toomas
Published: December 2011

Social medicine deals with the interplay between medicine and society. An awareness of how analytical categories have emerged historically can strengthen the role the discipline can play in the societal reinventions of health care now under way around the world. This study examines the categories that informed social medicine in Sweden during the 20th century. An anthropological field study was conducted over a 12-year period in a Swedish academic clinical setting. Historical documents were used to link local-level issues with macro-level (here, national and European) contexts. Social medicine, modernity, and social democracy were found to share a common history and a common vision of what society should be. As a result, concepts from politics, ideology, economy, and science tended to be conflated. As a clinician at the study site explained, “ samhälle [community] is both society and state.” The consequence for social medicine is that culture has become neglected as an analytical category. This institutional amnesia has strongly influenced how 21st century social medicine, in this region of the world, has defined itself and its interests. To return a cultural perspective to social medicine, a critical distance must be kept between the analyses the discipline undertakes and the prevailing societal ideologies.
Harmony in Drug Regulation, but Who's Calling the Tune? An Examination of Regulatory Harmonization in Health Canada
Authors: Lexchin Joel
Published: December 2011

Harmonizing standards on drug regulation makes sense, but it must protect safety, ensure that only drugs that are truly effective are marketed, and protect a country's ability to act independently. The main driving force behind international harmonization is the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). When it comes to safety, the ICH has been harmonizing to the lowest common denominator. Examples of harmonization indicate that industry priorities have influenced the direction that Health Canada has taken. Harmonization is also intimately tied in with the policy of smart regulation, changing regulations in a way that enhances the climate for investment. Canada has introduced user fees in concert with other countries, but there are concerns that these may compromise safety standards. When it comes to transparency, Health Canada has chosen to adopt the more restrictive European Union model rather than the more open process used by the United States. Finally, there are a number of areas in which Health Canada has chosen not to harmonize, and in each case the decision is in the direction of lower safety standards. Harmonization could be of benefit to Canada, but the evidence to date suggests that Health Canada been harmonizing down rather than up.
Fusariotoxins in wheat grain in Serbia
Authors: Stepanic Ana , Stankovic Slavica , Levic Jelena , Ivanovic Mirko , Krnjaja Vesna
Published: December 2011

Samples of wheat grain (41), collected during the 2010 harvest from seven
localities in Serbia, were analyzed for the presence of zearalenone (ZEA),
T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisine B1 (FB1). Results of
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) showed that all analysed samples
were positive for the presence of at least one of four observed
fusariotoxins. The most distributed mycotoxins were ZEA (90.2%, with the
average concentration of 442.6?g kg-1) and T-2 (90.2%, with the average
concentration of 24.2 ?g kg-1). DON (73.2%) and FB1 (84.4%) were detected in
a somewhat smaller number of samples, but their average concentrations were
higher (1988.1 ?g DON kg-1 and 882.7 ?g FB1 kg-1). The established
correlations between concentrations of DON and FB1 (r = 0.32) or DON and ZEA
(r = 0.22) were not statistically significant. A negative correlation was
established between concentrations of T-2 and FB1 (r= -0.24), as well as,
between T-2 and DON (r = -0.36). Detected concentrations of ZEA and T-2 were
bellow the level prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), while
concentrations of FB1 and DON detected in five that is, 17 samples,
respectively, were above the permissible limit for human consumption.
Optimal timing of fungicide applications for the control of Podosphaera leucotricha, the causal agent of peach rusty spot in Serbia
Authors: Dolovac Nenad , Miletic Novica , Trkulja Nenad , Pfaf-Dolovac Erika , Zivkovic Svetlana , Krstic Branka , Bulajic Aleksandra
Published: December 2011

Peach rusty spot has regularly occurred in Serbia in recent years, causing
significant economic losses in the production of late maturing cultivars
(Summerset, Suncrest, Fayette and O?Henry). Concerns regarding the etiology
of this disease have been solved using molecular identification and
cross-pathogenicity tests, which have proved that peach rusty spot is caused
by Podosphaera leucotricha. The usual recommended strategy for its control,
by multiple treatments starting from petal fall phenophase, has not proved
satisfactory in agro-ecological conditions in Serbia. After testing the
fungicide efficacy, a three-year study was carried out to determine the
precise treatment terms and make the control of P. leucotricha more
efficient. The investigation was conducted in the conditions of natural
infection in a Summerset cultivar orchard at the locality of Bela Crkva,
during the period 2006-2008. Nine different variants of both single and mixed
treatments were tested, covering six defined peach growth phenophases - from
green top, until the phenophase of second fruit falling. In the conditions of
high levels of natural infection in the control plots, in all three
investigation years the most efficient was the variant in which
kresoxim-methyl was applied three times: in green top, pink bud and full
bloom phenophases (91.69 - 91.92%), followed by the variant of treatments in
the phenophases of rose bud, full bloom and petal fall (86.3-87.87%) and the
variant of two treatments, performed in the phenophases of pink bud and full
bloom (79.3-83.09%). The other tested variants showed significantly lower
efficiency. The results obtained could significantly contribute to better
peach fruit production, without losses caused by peach rusty spot which is
commercially very important disease in Serbia.
Intensity of attack caused by Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedem. (Diptera, Tephritidae) on mandarin along the Montenegrin seacoast
Authors: Radonjic Sanja
Published: December 2011

Along the Montenegrin seacoast, all cultivated citrus species (mandarin,
orange, lemon, grapefruit), fig, loquat and ziziphus were detected as host
plants of the Ceratitis capitata Wiedem. Among those found, in economic
sense, the most important host plant is mandarin Unsiu. Intensity of the
attack were monitored on mandarin in 2003 and 2004 in localities Baosici,
Lastva Grbaljska and Bar, and was determined as higher in 2003. The first
symptoms of attack were detected, depending on locality, from middle of
September until beginning of October, one to two months earlier then in 2004.
The maximum number of larvae per fruit were detected in October and November
(average from 13.44?0.16 to 22.82?0.13). Time of the first symptoms
appearence on mandarin in September and October 2003 and in November 2004,
indicate on crucial importance of alternative host plants (figs and loquat)
for reproduction and increasing of C. capitata population, because later
during a season its intensity of attack on mandarin, depend largely on their
presence.
Hematological effects of herbicide Avalon® (bentazon+dicamba) in rats
Authors: Brkic Dragica , Szakonyne-Pasics Ilona , Gasic Slavica , Karan Vesela , Radivojevic Ljiljana , Neskovic Nesko
Published: December 2011

Hematological effects of the herbicide Avalon (GAL-57), a mixture of bentazon
and dicamba, were tested on rats. Avalon was administered by gavage at three
and four dose levels (250, 500, 1000 and 1250 mg/kg weight/day) for 28 and 90
days. Hematological parameters, number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and
platelets, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and erythrocyte indexes (MCV,
MCH and MCHC) were monitored. The results showed that the herbicide Avalon
caused decrease in the values of hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte
indexes (both males and females). The changes (mostly) correlated with the
doses administered and, in most cases, a lower susceptibility of females than
males was observed. The herbicide GAL-57 had no adverse effect on the number
of leukocytes, erythrocytes and thrombocytes (both sexes, all doses tested).
The results showed that the herbicide Avalon causes weak anemia to the
animals tested. Reversibility was apparent during the recovery period of 28
days.
Oil dispersion with abamectin as active ingredient
Authors: Gasic Slavica , Brkic Dragica , Tomasevic Andjelka
Published: December 2011

Abamectin was developed as an insecticide, nematocide and acaricide for use
on a variety of agricultural and horticultural crops. The products with this
active ingredient can be found on the market mostly formulated as
emulsifiable concentrate (EC). Usually producers recommend using the EC
formulation of abamectin together with some kind of adjuvants (natural oils)
to improve efficacy of the active ingredient. To overcome the efficacy
problem we tried to formulate the active ingredient abamectin as oil
dispersion (OD). Oil dispersion, preferably based on naturally derived oils
could improve pesticide efficacy. This type of pesticide formulation contains
oil instead of water as in classical suspension concentrate and typically has
better retention and coverage. In the case of abamectin, in this
investigation soybean oil was used with the mixture of different nonionic
emulsifiers. Content of abamecetin in formulation was 1.8 %. The developed
formulation was tested for few important parameters. The obtained
physicochemical properties for the above mentioned formulation have shown
that it is stable and could be used in plant protection.
Specificities of prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation in amputees with head injury
Authors: Teofilovski Mirko , Parapid Biljana , Rakic Miodrag , Popovic Nikola , Teofilovski-Parapid Gordana
Published: December 2011

Background/Aim. The prosthetic-orthotic rehabilitation (POR) of amputees with
head injury within the polytrauma presents a specific entity. The number of
traumas caused by the traffic and the low-intensity war conflicts, increases
constantly. The aim of our study was to examine the influence of
complications on the POR duration and outcome in polytrauma amputees with
head injury (PTAHI) recording complications at the beginning and during the
POR. Methods. The study was carried out on the patients divided into two
groups of 35 polytrauma male patients each of corresponding age with
unilateral transfemoral amputation caused by the war injury. The experimental
group consisted of the amputees with head injury. Standard clinical
techniques and procedures, as well as special functional evaluation
techniques were used. Results. The PATHI started POR with a greater number of
complications (average rate 7.29 vs 5.11 per patient; W = 928.000: Z = 3.730:
p = 0.000). There was a highly significant positive correlation between this
number and the Barthel Score value change (Fx, H, p < 0.01), and negative
significant correlation considering prosthetic use and functional capacity
test values (Fx, H p < 0.05). On admision, the amount of complications
defined for the value 4 of POR outcome was significantly higher than values 2
and 3, respectively (H = 8.948; df = 2; p = 0.011). The PTAHI developed
significantly more frequently complications during rehabilitation (X2 =
1.061; df = 1; p < 0.01). The proportion of the examinees with the value 4
who developed complications during rehabilitations was significantly higher
than those with value 2 (Fp = 3.406; df1 = 2; df2 = 67; p = 0.038). The
rehabilitation of the PTAHI lasted significantly longer (average 259.09 vs
183.63 days; W = 923.500; Z = -3.748; p = 0.000). Conclusion. The PTAHI
including head injuries started prostheticorthotic rehabilitation with more
prosthetic complications and their psychological status was worse, resulting
in the longer duration of rehabilitation whereas the outcome itself was poor.
The value 4 of the prosthetic-orthotic rehabilitation outcome can be expected
more often in patients developing complications during rehabilitation.