bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidentiary truths? The evidence of anthropology through the anthropology of medical evidence
Authors: Lambert Helen
Published: January 2009

Anthropologists have become increasingly concerned about the discipline's lack of ‘public engagement’ with contemporary issues of late, but a key underlying problem ‐ anthropology's unwillingness to address the nature and evidentiary status of anthropological knowledge itself ‐ has remained largely unacknowledged. Here I approach this problem initially through an analysis of the rise of ‘evidence’ as a central concept in public policy and practice. Using the exemplar of ‘evidence‐based’ medicine, I analyse anthropological responses to these evidentiary requirements, arguing that this turn to evidence can be seen in many other arenas of research and public policy and presents a fundamental challenge for the credibility and legitimacy of anthropology as a discipline. In the second part of the article comparison with anthropological work on legal issues provides a reflexive opening through which to begin to consider the nature of anthropological ‘evidence’ itself.
The US–UK Special Relationship: Taking the 21st-Century Temperature
Authors: Dumbrell John
Published: January 2009

Although highly contested, the concept of the US–UK ‘special relationship’ does have real existence, primarily in the fields of defence and intelligence co-operation. The end of the premiership of Tony Blair saw the emergence of a significant public debate in the United Kingdom about the future appropriate trajectory for the relationship. This article assesses the state of the special relationship under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, placing it in the context of the wider Atlantic alliance and of perennial concerns about shared values and structural imbalances between London and Washington.
Transatlantic Institutions: Can Partnership be Engineered?
Authors: Peterson John , Steffenson Rebecca
Published: January 2009

The transatlantic alliance is widely viewed as being in a state of decline. Conflict over the war in Iraq highlighted a growing divergence between the Bush administration and European Union governments in their attitudes towards multilateralism. The rift severely tested institutions created to manage bilateral EU–US relations in the aftermath of the cold war. This article examines how well this institutional architecture has held up. It scrutinises the limitations of networked governance in transatlantic relations and acknowledges the quandary of trying to manufacture partnership using imperfect institutions. The Brussels–Washington channel is only one among many through which transatlantic relations flow, but we argue that it continues to gain in importance. Despite the limits of institutional engineering, we conclude that the US and the EU remain each other's most important ally.
Temporal Dynamics Linking Aspects of Parent Monitoring with Early Adolescent Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Kiesner Jeff , Dishion Thomas J. , Poulin François , Pastore Massimiliano
Published: January 2009

This longitudinal study examined the covariation between parents' use of control and solicitation, youth willingness to self‐disclose to parents, and youth antisocial behavior from ages 13 to 14. Structural equation analyses were conducted on a combined sample of Italian (N = 152) and French Canadian (N = 151) adolescents. Analyses tested for longitudinal cross‐lagged effects while controlling for stability and all concurrent associations. Although bivariate correlations showed consistent associations among these constructs, both concurrently and over one year, SEM results revealed virtually no cross‐lagged effects, after controlling for concurrent associations and stability. These findings suggest that the actual causal effects of parenting and youth behavior may best be conceptualized as occurring in the moment, rather than over extended periods of time. Results also showed that parental control and solicitation demonstrated very different associations with youth antisocial behavior, and should therefore be considered separately for research and prevention.
Asymmetries in Judgments of Responsibility and Intentional Action
Authors: COLE WRIGHT JENNIFER , BENGSON JOHN
Published: January 2009

Abstract: Recent experimental research on the ‘Knobe effect’ suggests, somewhat surprisingly, that there is a bi‐directional relation between attributions of intentional action and evaluative considerations. We defend a novel account of this phenomenon that exploits two factors: (i) an intuitive asymmetry in judgments of responsibility (e.g. praise/blame) and (ii) the fact that intentionality commonly connects the evaluative status of actions to the responsibility of actors. We present the results of several new studies that provide empirical evidence in support of this account while disconfirming various currently prominent alternative accounts. We end by discussing some implications of this account for folk psychology.
Scalar Implicature and Local Pragmatics
Authors: GEURTS BART
Published: January 2009

Abstract: The Gricean theory of conversational implicature has always been plagued by data suggesting that what would seem to be conversational inferences may occur within the scope of operators likebelieve, for example; which for bona fide implicatures should be an impossibility. Concentrating my attention on scalar implicatures, I argue that, for the most part, such observations can be accounted for within a Gricean framework, and without resorting to local pragmatic inferences of any kind. However, there remains a small class of marked cases that cannot be treated as conversational implicatures, and they do require a local mode of pragmatic interpretation.
Resisting the Entrepreneurial City: Street Vendors' Struggle in Mexico City's Historic Center
Authors: CROSSA VERONICA
Published: January 2009

Recent work on entrepreneurial urban governance has focused on the new forms of exclusion produced by neoliberal entrepreneurial urban strategies, arguing that local forms of social–spatial organization are being dismantled through practices ranging from the privatization of urban public space to the emergence of gated communities. By exploring the role of agency amid these changing structures of constraints, this article interrogates processes of socio‐spatial exclusion under entrepreneurial forms of urban governance. I argue that despite constraints placed upon different groups of affected citizens, excluded groups develop survival strategies that enable them to maintain a livelihood and in some cases empower them to thrive. I use the case of a recently implemented entrepreneurial policy in Mexico City called the Programa de Rescate (The Rescue Program). The prime objective of the policy is to revitalize and beautify the streets, buildings and central plaza of the city's Historic Center. Although this policy seeks an improvement in the quality of life for the local population, it excludes particular forms of social interaction that are central to the well‐being of a large sector of the population, particularly street vendors who rely on public spaces for their daily survival. I use the case of the Programa to show how street vendors have struggled to remain on the streets of Mexico City's Historic Center.

Les travaux récents sur la gouvernance urbaine de type entrepreneurial s'intéressent surtout aux nouvelles formes d'exclusion que génèrent les stratégies urbaines néolibérales. Ils affirment que des formes locales d'organisation socio‐spatiale se désagrègent à cause de pratiques allant de la privatisation de l'espace public urbain à l'apparition de communautés privées sécurisées. En s'attachant au rôle de l'agence dans ces structures de contraintes évolutives, cet article examine les processus d'exclusion socio‐spatiale en cas de formes entrepreneuriales de gouvernance urbaine. Malgré les contraintes imposées aux différents groupes de citoyens concernés, les groupes exclus élaborent des stratégies de survie grâce auxquelles ils préservent leurs moyens de subsistance et se trouvent en mesure, dans certains cas, de prospérer. L'article prend le cas d'une politique publique de type entrepreneurial appliquée depuis peu à Mexico: Programa de Rescate (programme de sauvetage). En l'occurrence, il s'agit principalement de revitaliser et d'embellir les rues, les bâtiments et la place centrale du centre historique de la ville. Même si cette politique vise à améliorer la qualité de vie de la population locale, elle exclut certaines formes d'interaction sociale essentielles au bien‐être d'une grande part de la population, notamment des vendeurs ambulants dont la survie au quotidien dépend des espaces publics. Le cas du Programa permet de montrer comment ces vendeurs ont lutté pour rester dans les rues du centre historique de Mexico.
When words do not mean what they say. Self‐agency and the coercive use of language
Authors: Knox Jean
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  This paper explores the relationship between language and the development of self‐agency. I suggest that a child discovers that he or she actually exists as a person with a mind and desires through the mirroring response he or she creates in the parent. This developmental stage of ‘teleological’ level of self‐agency is related to Terrence Deacon's concept of indexical communication. The coercive effect this has on others is explored and the way language may become subverted from its symbolic function and used in the service of indexical communication is discussed, illustrated by examples from the plays of Harold Pinter.
Effects of glutamate receptor activation on NG2‐glia in the rat optic nerve
Authors: Hamilton Nicola , Hubbard Paul S. , Butt Arthur M.
Published: January 2009

NG2‐glia are a substantial population of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that can be identified by their specific expression of the NG2 chondroitin sulphate (CSPG). NG2‐glia can generate oligodendrocytes, but it is unlikely this is their only function; indeed, they may be multipotent neural stem cells. Moreover, NG2‐glia are a highly reactive cell type and a major function is to help form the axon growth inhibitory glial scar in response to CNS injury. The factors that regulate these diverse behaviours of NG2‐glia are not fully resolved, but NG2‐glia express receptors to the neurotransmitter glutamate, which has known potent effects on other glia. Here, we have examined the actions of glutamate receptor activation on NG2‐glia in the rat optic nerve, a typical CNS white matter tract that does not contain neuronal cell bodies. Glutamate induces an increase in [Ca2+]i in immuno‐identified NG2‐glia in situ and in vitro. In addition, we examined the effects of glutamate receptor activation in vivo by focal injection of the glutamate receptor agonist kainate into the optic nerve; saline was injected in controls. Changes in glial and axonal function were determined at 7 days post injection (dpi), by immunohistochemistry and electrophysiological measurement of the compound action potential (CAP). Injection of kainate resulted in a highly localized ‘injury response’ in NG2‐glia, marked by dense labelling for NG2 at the lesion site, as compared to astrocytes, which displayed a more extensive reactive astrogliosis. Furthermore, injection of kainate resulted in an axonal conduction block. These glial and axonal changes were not observed following injection of saline vehicle. In addition, we provide evidence that endogenous glutamate induces calcium‐dependent phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2), which may provide a potential mechanism by which glutamate‐mediated changes in raised intracellular calcium could regulate the observed gliosis. The results provide evidence that activation of AMPA‐kainate type ionotropic glutamate receptors evoke raised calcium in NG2‐glia and induces an injury response in NG2‐glia.
Extracellular matrix remodelling in human diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Hill Rebecca
Published: January 2009

The extracellular matrix of peripheral nerve plays a vital role in terms of normal nerve fibre function and also in the regenerative response following nerve injury. Nerve fibre loss is a major feature of diabetic neuropathy; however, the regenerative response is limited and this may be associated with changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix. Glycoproteins and collagens are major components of the extracellular matrix and are known to be important in terms of axonal growth. This work has therefore examined whether changes in the expression of two major glycoproteins, laminin and tenascin, and three collagen types (IV, V and VI) occur in the endoneurial and perineurial connective tissue compartments of human diabetic nerve. Despite being known to have a positive effect in terms of axonal growth, laminin levels were not elevated in the diabetic nerves. However, the pattern of tenascin expression did differ between the two groups being found in association with axon myelin units in the diabetic samples only. The pattern of collagen IV expression was the same in both tissue groups and was not found to be up‐regulated. However, levels of collagen V and VI were both significantly increased in the endoneurium and for collagen VI also in the perineurium.
Dual role for neural crest cells during outflow tract septation in the neural crest‐deficient mutant Splotch2H
Authors: Bradshaw Lucy , Chaudhry Bill , Hildreth Victoria , Webb Sandra , Henderson Deborah J.
Published: January 2009

Splotch2H (Sp2H) is a well‐recognized mouse model of neural crest cell (NCC) deficiency that develops a spectrum of cardiac outflow tract malformations including common arterial trunk, double outlet right ventricle, ventricular septal defects and pharyngeal arch artery patterning defects, as well as defects in other neural‐crest derived organ systems. These defects have been ascribed to reduced NCC in the pharyngeal and outflow regions. Here we provide a detailed map of NCC within the pharyngeal arches and outflow tract of Sp2H/Sp2H embryos and fetuses, relating this to the development of the abnormal anatomy of these structures. In the majority of Sp2H/Sp2H embryos we show that deficiency of NCC in the pharyngeal region results in a failure to stabilize, and early loss of, posterior pharyngeal arch arteries. Furthermore, marked reduction in the NCC‐derived mesenchyme in the dorsal wall of the aortic sac disrupts fusion with the distal outflow tract cushions, preventing the initiation of outflow tract septation and resulting in common arterial trunk. In around 25% of Sp2H/Sp2H embryos, posterior arch arteries are stabilized and fusion occurs between the dorsal wall of the aortic sac and the outflow cushions, initiating outflow tract septation; these embryos develop double outlet right ventricle. Thus, NCC are required in the pharyngeal region both for stabilization of posterior arch arteries and initiation of outflow tract septation. Loss of NCC also disrupts the distribution of second heart field cells in the pharyngeal and outflow regions. These secondary effects of NCC deficiency likely contribute to the overall outflow phenotype, suggesting that disrupted interactions between these two cell types may underlie many common outflow defects.
Coparenting behavior moderates longitudinal relations between effortful control and preschool children’s externalizing behavior
Authors: Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J. , Weldon Arielle H. , Claire Cook J. , Davis Evan F. , Buckley Catherine K.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Temperamental effortful control involves the voluntary control of attention and behavior. Deficits in effortful control put children at risk for developing externalizing behavior problems. Coparenting behavior, or the extent to which parents support or undermine each other’s parenting efforts, has also been identified as an important correlate of children’s socioemotional adjustment. The present study tested whether coparenting behavior moderated longitudinal relations between preschool children’s effortful control and their externalizing behavior.

Methods:  Ninety‐two families (mother, father, 4‐year‐old child) participated. Parents’ coparenting behavior was observed during family interaction, and children’s effortful control was rated by parents. At that time and one year later, mothers and teachers reported on children’s externalizing behavior.

Results:  Supportive coparenting behavior moderated longitudinal relations between children’s effortful control and mothers’ and teachers’ reports of their externalizing behavior, even when taking into account initial levels of externalizing behavior.

Conclusions:  Effective coparenting served as a buffer for children, such that when parents displayed high levels of supportive coparenting behavior, the link between low effortful control and increases in externalizing behavior was not observed.
Psychopathic traits, victim distress and aggression in children
Authors: Van Baardewijk Yoast , Stegge Hedy , Bushman Brad J. , Vermeiren Robert
Published: January 2009

Background:  The relationship between psychopathic traits and aggression in children may be explained by their reduced sensitivity to signs of distress in others. Emotional cues such as fear and sadness function to make the perpetrator aware of the victim’s distress and supposedly inhibit aggression. As children high in psychopathic traits show a reduced sensitivity to others’ distress, these important interpersonal signals cannot perform their aggression inhibiting function. The present experiment tested the hypothesis that aggression in children with psychopathic traits can be attenuated by making distress cues more salient.

Methods:  N = 224 participants from the community (53 % boys, M age = 10.81 years, SD = 0.92) played a computer‐based competitive reaction‐time game against a simulated opponent by blasting him or her with loud noise through a headphone. The salience of the opponent’s distress was increased for half of the participants (randomly selected) by a written message expressing his or her fear. Psychopathic traits were assessed using the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory – Child Version (Van Baardewijk et al., 2008).

Results:  As expected, regression analysis showed that psychopathic traits were strongly related to aggression in the no distress condition but not in the distress condition. Thus, the relation between psychopathic traits and aggression depended upon the salience of the opponent’s distress.

Conclusions:  It was concluded that children with psychopathic traits are indeed prone to act aggressively, but also that this aggression is dynamic and is dependent upon circumstances. Their aggression can be attenuated by a salient display of others’ distress. These results suggest that empathy based treatment techniques may reduce aggression in children with psychopathic traits.
Surviving north of the natural range: the importance of density independence in determining population size
Authors: Unnsteinsdottir E. R. , Hersteinsson P.
Published: January 2009

The relative importance of density‐dependent and ‐independent processes in determining population density has been predicted to vary according to whether the population concerned is located near the centre or the periphery of the species' range. Thus, density‐independent processes should be more pronounced near the periphery. The long‐tailed wood mouseApodemus sylvaticusin Iceland is at the northern and western edge of its geographical range. We estimated the autumn population density in an open habitat in south‐western Iceland in 9 years out of 10 during 1996–2005 in order to monitor the annual maximum population size. Furthermore, we estimated population density and survival atc. 5‐week intervals from September 2001 to October 2003 and from September 2004 to November 2005 in order to reveal the causes of variation in maximum population size. The estimated autumn population density was low, ranging from 2.7 to 8.9 mice ha−1while spring densities ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 mice ha−1. Apparent monthly survival probabilities ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 per month in autumn and 0.7 to 0.9 in winter. Our results suggest that low temperature in early winter (October–December) is the major determinant of population density in the following autumn, explaining 74% of the variation in autumn population density. No significant correlation was found between either the NAO index or the NAO winter index and variation in wood mouse population density in autumn. Differential mortality in early winter results in variation in spring population size. This study shows clear evidence of density‐independent control of a mammal population at the edge of its geographical range as opposed to the mostly density‐dependent control previously recorded near its centre of distribution.
To feed or to wrap? Female silk cues elicit male nuptial gift construction in a semiaquatic trechaleid spider
Authors: Albo M. J. , Costa‐Schmidt L. E. , Costa F. G.
Published: January 2009

By wrapping prey and offering it as a nuptial gift, males can obtain mating and/or parental benefits despite some costs. Males of the Neotropical semiaquatic spiderParatrechalea ornata(Trechaleidae) offer females a nuptial gift consisting of a prey item wrapped in silk. What stimulus inhibits males from feeding and elicits gift construction? We hypothesized that signals associated with female silk threads could affect decision‐making by males. We investigated three groups of males carrying a captured prey under different experimental treatments. In the treatment S, males were exposed to an arena with female silk; in SF, males were exposed to both silk and a female confined in a cell, and in the control group, males were exposed to a clean arena. Gift construction was observed only in the S and SF groups, with a similar occurrence rate. After touching females (SF group), males did not change their pattern of gift construction. Gift construction occurrence increased with male and female age. The results lead us to assume that the existence of chemical cues associated with female silk elicits male searching behaviour and gift construction, allowing males to decide between eating or wrapping prey according to the possibility of a sexual encounter. Anticipating gift construction, males are ready to mate, diminishing the risks of predation, female desertion or male–male scramble competition. The effect of age on behavioural variation and the rate of construction is discussed.
Cardiac modulation of startle eye blink
Authors: Schulz André , Lass‐Hennemann Johanna , Nees Frauke , Blumenthal Terry D. , Berger Willi , Schachinger Hartmut
Published: January 2009

As an alternative to interoceptive paradigms that depend on the participants' active cooperation, two studies are presented to show that startle methodology may be employed to study visceral afferent processing. The first study of 38 volunteers showed that startle responses were smaller when elicited during cardiac systole as compared to diastole. In the second study, 31 diabetic patients were divided into two groups, having normal or diminished (<6 ms/mmHg) baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Patients with normal BRS showed the same results found in healthy volunteers. Diabetic patients with diminished BRS did not show this pattern. Because diminished BRS is an indicator of impaired baro‐afferent signal transmission, it is concluded that cardiac modulation of startle is associated with intact baro‐afferent feedback. Thus, pre‐attentive startle methodology is feasible to study visceral afferent processing originating from the cardiovascular system.
Alpha power is influenced by performance errors
Authors: Carp Joshua , Compton Rebecca J.
Published: January 2009

Error commission evokes changes in event‐related potentials, autonomic nervous system activity, and behavior, presumably reflecting the operation of a cognitive control network. Here we test the hypothesis that errors lead to increased cortical arousal, measurable as changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha band power. Participants performed a Stroop task while EEG was recorded. Following correct responses, alpha power increased and then decreased in a quadratic pattern, implying transient mental disengagement during the intertrial interval. This trend was absent following errors, which elicited significantly less alpha power than correct trials. Moreover, post‐error alpha power was a better predictor of individual differences in post‐error slowing than the error‐related negativity (ERN), whereas the ERN was a better predictor of post‐error accuracy than alpha power. These findings imply that changes in cortical arousal play a unique role in modulating post‐error behavior.
Self‐reported and P3 event‐related potential evaluations of condoms: Does what we say match how we feel?
Authors: Lust Sarah A. , Bartholow Bruce D.
Published: January 2009

Research consistently reveals positive self‐reported condom evaluations, yet such evaluations often do not predict condom use. Whereas positive self‐reports likely reflect social norms regarding prevention of diseases and pregnancy, psychophysiological measures might better assess spontaneous condom evaluations. Here, participants completed a visual oddball task in which condoms and alcoholic beverages were infrequent targets among neutral, positive, and negative context images. Although self‐reported condom evaluations were very positive, condom images presented in a negative context produced a smaller P3 than condom images presented in a neutral or positive context, suggesting that spontaneous condom evaluations were more negative than positive. The P3 elicited by alcohol images indicated positive evaluations. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of evaluations and point to the utility of ERPs for assessing health‐related attitudes.
The maternal Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a reduced risk of spina bifida in the offspring
Authors: Vujkovic M , Steegers EA , Looman CW , Ocké MC , van der Spek PJ , Steegers‐Theunissen RP
Published: January 2009

Objective  The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis whether a maternal dietary pattern is associated with the risk of spina bifida (SB) in the offspring.

Design  Case–control study.

Setting  Eight clinic sites in the Netherlands, 1999–2001.

Sample  A total of 50 mothers of children with SB and 81 control mothers.

Methods  Maternal food intakes were obtained by food frequency questionnaires at the standardised study moment of 14 months after the birth of the index child. Principal component factor analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) were used to identify dietary patterns.

Main outcome measures  Maternal biomarkers were used as response measures in the RRR analysis and composed of serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate, serum vitamin B12 and total plasma homocysteine. The strength of the use of the dietary pattern in association with SB risk was estimated by odds ratios and 95% CI with the highest quartiles of the dietary pattern as reference.

Results  A predominantly Mediterranean dietary pattern was identified by both PCA and RRR. Those dietary patterns were highly correlated (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) and characterised by joint intakes of fruit, vegetables, vegetable oil, alcohol, fish, legumes and cereals and low intakes of potatoes and sweets. We observed a significantly increased risk of SB offspring in mothers with a weak use of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.2–6.1) and OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.5–7.9). The Mediterranean dietary pattern was correlated with higher levels of serum and RBC folate, serum vitamin B12 and lower plasma homocysteine.

Conclusion  The Mediterranean dietary pattern seems to be associated with reduction in the risk of offspring being affected by SB.
Preferred strategies of men and women for managing chlamydial infection
Authors: Melvin L , Cameron ST , Glasier A , Scott G , Johnstone A , Elton R
Published: January 2009

Objectives  To determine men and women’s preferred strategies for managing chlamydial infection: partner notification (patient referral), postal testing kit (PTK) or patient‐delivered partner medication (PDPM).

Design  Interviewer‐conducted questionnaires (women) and anonymous, self‐administered questionnaires (men).

Population  Women infected with chlamydia who were participating in a randomised study assigning partners to patient referral, PTK or PDPM. Men attending genitourinary medicine, family planning and fracture clinics in Edinburgh.

Methods  Men and women were asked their preferred strategy for testing/treating sexual partners (patient referral, PTK or PDPM) if they or their partner had a positive chlamydia test. Women were also asked the reasons for their choice and whether partners were satisfied with the intervention received.

Main outcome measures  Reported preferences of men and women for testing/treating partners.

Results  Response rates were 97 and 81% for the women’s questionnaires at study entry and 6 months, respectively, and 81% for the men’s questionnaires. Of 174 women responding, 67% preferred PDPM for partners and 57% would prefer PDPM for themselves. The main reasons were that PDPM allows simpler, more convenient and faster treatment. Women reported that 65% of partners were satisfied with whichever intervention they received. Of 293 men responding, 70% would choose patient referral for partners and 53% would prefer patient referral for themselves. Men previously tested for chlamydia were significantly more likely to choose PDPM (n = 22) than those never tested (n = 7); P < 0.001. Only 3% of women and 9% of men preferred PTKs for partners.

Conclusion  The results suggest that women prefer PDPM and men, at least hypothetically, prefer patient referral. PTK appears unpopular with both sexes.
Comparison of maternal mortality between migrating population and permanent residents in Shanghai, China, 1996–2005
Authors: Zhu L , Qin M , Du L , Jia W , Yang Q , Walker MC , Wen SW
Published: January 2009

Objective  Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Shanghai residents has been declining in the past two decades and has reached levels comparable to developed countries. The MMR in migrating population in Shanghai remains high, however. The objectives of this study were to compare the trends of MMR between residents and migrating population in Shanghai from 1996 to 2005 and to explore the reasons for the dramatic differences in MMR between the two groups living in the same city.

Design  Retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Shanghai, China.

Population  A total of 902 807 pregnancies with live births in Shanghai in the period of 1996–2005.

Methods  We first compared the overall MMR between migrating population and permanent residents in Shanghai and examined temporal trends of MMR in the two subpopulations. We then compared the causes and maternal characteristics of maternal deaths between the two subpopulations.

Main outcome measures  Maternal mortality and cause of death.

Results  A total of 902 807 live births and 243 maternal deaths were recorded in Shanghai in the period of 1996 to 2005, with an average MMR of 26.66 per 100 000 live births. The MMR in Shanghai residents declined dramatically from 22.47 per 100 000 in 1996 to 1.64 per 100 000 live births in 2005 (P < 0.01), while the MMR in migrating population was reduced only moderately from 54.68 per 100 000 live births to 48.46 per 100 000 (P > 0.05). The main causes of maternal deaths in migrating population were postpartum haemorrhage (39.9%), pregnancy‐induced hypertension (9.8%), and puerperal infection (9.3%), whereas the main causes of maternal death of Shanghai residents were chronic heart and liver diseases (20.0%), postpartum haemorrhage (12.9%), and amniotic fluid embolism (12.9%). Among the maternal death cases in migrating women, 60% had elementary education or less, 22% were unemployed, 65% had no prenatal visit, 44% gave a birth at home, and 12% of the deaths occurred at home.

Conclusion  Lack of access to quality maternity care, especially for the effective management of postpartum haemorrhage, is the main reason for the high MMR in migrating population in Shanghai.
Systematic analysis of research underfunding in maternal and perinatal health
Authors: Fisk NM , Atun R
Published: January 2009

Background  Little published evidence supports the widely held contention that research in pregnancy is underfunded compared with other disease areas.

Objectives  To assess absolute and relative government and charitable funding for maternal and perinatal research in the UK and internationally.

Search strategy, selection criteria, data collection, and analysis  Major research funding bodies and alliances were identified from an Internet search and discussions with opinion leaders/senior investigators. Websites and annual reports were reviewed for details of strategy, research spend, grants awarded, and allocation to maternal and/or perinatal disease using generic and disease‐specific search terms.

Main results  Within the imprecision in the data sets, ≤1% of health research spend in the UK was on maternal/perinatal health. Other countries fared better with 1–4% investment, although nonexclusive categorisation may render this an overestimate. In low‐resource settings, government funders focused on infectious disease but not maternal and perinatal health despite high relative disease burden, while global philanthropy concentrated on service provision rather than research. Although research expenditure has been deemed as appropriate for ‘reproductive health’ disease burden in the UK, there are no data on the equity of maternal/perinatal research spend against disease burden, which globally may justify a manyfold increase.

Author’s conclusions  This systematic review of research expenditure and priorities from national and international funding bodies suggests relative underinvestment in maternal/perinatal health. Contributing factors include the low political priority given to women’s health, the challenging nature of clinical research in pregnancy, and research capacity dearth as a consequence of chronic underinvestment.
‘Blood On The Tracks’ from corpora lutea to endometriomas*
Authors: Vercellini P , Somigliana E , Vigano P , Abbiati A , Barbara G , Fedele L
Published: January 2009

Objective  To detect a direct transition from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to an endometriotic cyst by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic scans.

Design  Prospective observational study.

Setting  An academic tertiary care and referral centre for women with endometriosis.

Population  One hundred and nine women younger than 40 years, with regular menstrual cycles, undergoing first‐line surgery for endometriomas, and not wanting postoperative oral contraception.

Methods  Three‐monthly transvaginal ultrasonography during the luteal phase for 2 years after surgery.

Main outcome measure  Sonographic identification of progression from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to a recurrent endometriotic cyst.

Results  A haemorrhagic corpus luteum was identified in 13 women. Serial ultrasonographic scans demonstrated transition to an endometriotic cyst in 11 (85%) instances and resorption in two. A unilateral endometriotic cyst without previous detection of a cystic corpus luteum was observed in 14 women.

Conclusions  Bleeding from a corpus luteum appears to be a critical event in the development of endometriomas.
Continuous versus interrupted sutures for repair of episiotomy or second‐degree perineal tears: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Valenzuela P , Saiz Puente MS , Valero JL , Azorín R , Ortega R , Guijarro R
Published: January 2009

Objective  To evaluate the repair techniques of continuous and interrupted methods for episiotomy or perineal tears.

Design  A randomised controlled trial.

Setting  The Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, a state hospital belonging to the community of Madrid.

Sample  Four hundred forty‐five women who had undergone vaginal deliveries with episiotomies or second‐grade tearing of the perineum between September 2005 and July 2007.

Methods  One group was repaired with continuous, nonlocking sutures involving the vagina, perineum, and subcutaneous tissues. The other group had continuous, locking sutures of the vagina, interrupted sutures in the perineal muscles, and interrupted transcutaneous sutures. The threads used for stitching were identical in both groups.

Main outcome measures  The participants were questioned regarding the sensation of pain and the use of painkillers on the second and the tenth days, and 3 months postpartum.

Results  When comparing the group with continuous suture to the group with interrupted sutures, the differences included less repair time (1 minute; P= 0.017) and less suture material used (relative risk [RR], 3.2, 95% CI: 2.6–4.0). The comparison of pain on the second and tenth days, and 3 months postpartum were not statistically different between the two techniques (RR, 1.08, 95% CI: 0.74–1.57; RR, 0.96, 95% CI: 0.59–1.55; and RR, 0.68, 95% CI: 0.19–2.46, respectively).

Conclusions  Although we did not demonstrate that one technique was better than the other in the incidence of pain in the short or long term, we showed that episiotomy and perineal tear repairs with continuous suturing were quicker and used less suture material without an increase in complication than interrupted suturing.
Families’ perceptions of given information in relation to their child’s head injury
Authors: Falk Ann‐Charlotte , Von Wendt Lennart , Söderkvist Birgitta Klang
Published: January 2009

Information and effective communication is an essential element in treating children in hospital. Researches have shown that parents who are well informed and well prepared were less anxious, a fact that was found to decrease the child’s level of stress. Studies in the head injury population reveal that not only patients but their families need support such as general information about a head injury but also individual support, independent of the severity of the head injury.

Aim:  To describe the families’ perceptions of information provided in relation to a head injury during their visit at the emergency department at Astrid Lindgren children’s hospital.

Design:  Retrospective, descriptive study.

Method:  Postal questionnaires at 3 months posthead injury.

Results:  There were 96 families that participated, 51 families with children <5 years and 45 families with children >5 years. Eighty‐five per cent of all families understood the information concerning head injury they had been given during the visit to the emergency department. However, only 69% received the information they needed about head injury in children before discharge from the emergency department. There were significant differences between the two age groups as to whether or not the information was addressed to the child or that the information was age appropriate. The results from our study should be interpreted with caution because of the relatively low number of respondents and the fact that the study was conducted using a questionnaire. Another limitation is the fact that we asked for the information 3 months posthead injury.

Conclusions:  Most families do understand the information that was provided and they also generally received the information they needed. However, they had not received information about common symptoms after a head injury. Strategies to improve information to families who experience a childhood head injury therefore seem necessary.
Diabetes and pregnancy: women’s opinions about the care provided during the childbearing year
Authors: Anderberg Eva , Berntorp Kerstin , Crang‐Svalenius Elizabeth
Published: January 2009

Background:  The extended programmes for pregnant women with diabetes, needed to improve pregnancy outcome, might negatively influence the experience of expecting a baby.

Aim:  To investigate opinions about care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period among women with diabetes mellitus (DM) and gestational DM (GDM).

Method:  A four‐part questionnaire was constructed, covering the childbearing year, with a focus on treatment and information. A total of 156 women were asked to participate (53 DM, 103 GDM), three refused. The questionnaire was anonymous.

Results:  The reply frequency was 94%. Of all answers, 95% fell in neutral‐satisfied range (Lickert scale 2–5). Three answering patterns deviated positively (care on Specialist Antenatal Clinic, accessibility, and participation–responsibility–respect). Four patterns deviated negatively (information flow, preparation, postpartum care and postpartum check‐up). Increased supervision caused problems with time for the family and at work. Comments showed focus on diabetes, forcing the healthy pregnancy aspects into the background. The answers concerning treatment indicated satisfaction (4 + 5 Lickert scale). Women with GDM felt badly prepared before the glucose tolerance test. It was doubtful whether they had been able to make an informed choice about participating. Lack of knowledge among staff was pointed out. Need for more written material was expressed.

Conclusion:  Satisfaction with care was shown. A discussion about the implication of informed choice with both staff and mothers are needed. Sharper implementation of the diabetes‐care‐chain was also an area for improvement.
NEW EVIDENCE FOR EARLY SILK IN THE INDUS CIVILIZATION*
Authors: GOOD I. L. , KENOYER J. M. , MEADOW R. H.
Published: January 2009

Silk is an important economic fibre, and is generally considered to have been the exclusive cultural heritage of China. Silk weaving is evident from the Shang period c. 1600–1045 bc, though the earliest evidence for silk textiles in ancient China may date to as much as a millennium earlier. Recent microscopic analysis of archaeological thread fragments found inside copper‐alloy ornaments from Harappa and steatite beads from Chanhu‐daro, two important Indus sites, have yielded silk fibres, dating to c. 2450–2000 bc. This study offers the earliest evidence in the world for any silk outside China, and is roughly contemporaneous with the earliest Chinese evidence for silk. This important new finding brings into question the traditional historical notion of sericulture as being an exclusively Chinese invention.
MINERALOGY OF MEDIEVAL SLAGS FROM LEAD AND SILVER SMELTING (BOHUTÍN, PŘÍBRAM DISTRICT, CZECH REPUBLIC): TOWARDS ESTIMATION OF HISTORICAL SMELTING CONDITIONS*
Authors: ETTLER V. , ČERVINKA R. , JOHAN Z.
Published: January 2009

Slags from the Pb/Ag medieval (14th century) smelting plant located at Bohutín, Příbram district, Czech Republic, were studied from the mineralogical and geochemical points of view. Two types of slags were distinguished: (i) quenched slags formed mainly by Pb‐rich glass and unmelted residual grains of SiO2 and feldspars, and (ii) crystallized slags mainly composed of Fe‐rich olivine (fayalite) and glass. The mean log viscosity value of the slags calculated for 1200°C was 2.119 Pa s. The morphology of olivine crystals was used to estimate the cooling rates of the melt, for some slags indicating rates > 1450°C/h. The projection of the bulk composition of slags onto the SiO2–PbO–FeO ternary system was used for rough temperature estimates of slag formation, lying probably between 800 and 1200°C.
The impact of cytokines on the expression of drug transporters, cytochrome P450 enzymes and chemokine receptors in human PBMC
Authors: Liptrott NJ , Penny M , Bray PG , Sathish J , Khoo SH , Back DJ , Owen A
Published: January 2009

Mandarin translation of abstract

Background and purpose:  The function of transporters in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) has been characterized, but less is known about cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme function in these cells. Given that cytokines are dysregulated in many diseases, the purpose of this work was to assess the impact of cytokines on the expression of CYPs, transporters and chemokine receptors in PBMC.

Experimental approach:  Human PBMC were incubated with cytokines for 48 h. ATP‐binding cassette (ABC)B1, ABCC1, ABCC2, CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CXCR4 and CCR5 expression were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry at 0, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h. Enzyme activity was assessed using fluorescent probes.

Key results:  We show here functional activity of CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 in PBMC. Furthermore, cytokines had a significant impact on the mRNA and protein expression of all proteins. For example, interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) had a marked impact on ABCB1 mRNA (% control 4745 ± 11961) and protein (% control 200 ± 57). Increases in drug efflux transporter expression, in response to cytokines, resulted in reduced cellular accumulation of digoxin [decrease of 17% and 26% for IL‐2 and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) respectively] and saquinavir (decrease of 28% and 30% for IL‐2 and IFNγ respectively). The degree to which drug transporter and chemokine receptor expression changed in response to cytokines was positively correlated (e.g. ABCB1 and CXCR4, r2 = 0.545).

Conclusions and implications:  These data have important implications for diseases in which cytokines are dysregulated and for which pharmacological intervention targets immune cells.

Mandarin translation of abstract
BGC20‐1531, a novel, potent and selective prostanoid EP4receptor antagonist: a putative new treatment for migraine headache
Authors: Maubach KA , Davis RJ , Clark DE , Fenton G , Lockey PM , Clark KL , Oxford AW , Hagan RM , Routledge C , Coleman RA
Published: January 2009

Background and purpose: Prostanoid EP4receptor antagonists may have therapeutic utility in the treatment of migraine since EP4receptors have been shown to be involved in prostaglandin (PG)E2‐induced cerebral vascular dilatation, which may be an important contributor to migraine pain. This study reports the pharmacological characterization of BGC20‐1531, a novel EP4receptor antagonist.

Experimental approach: BGC20‐1531 was characterized in radioligand binding andin vitrofunctional assays employing recombinant and native EP4receptors. Changes in canine carotid haemodynamics were used to assess the pharmacodynamic profile of BGC20‐1531in vivo.

Key results: BGC20‐1531 exhibited high affinity at recombinant human EP4receptors expressed in cell lines (pKB7.6) and native EP4receptors in human cerebral and meningeal artery (pKB7.6–7.8) but showed no appreciable affinity at a wide range of other receptors (including other prostanoid receptors), channels, transporters and enzymes (pKi < 5). BGC20‐1531 competitively antagonized PGE2‐induced vasodilatation of human middle cerebral (pKB7.8) and meningeal (pKB7.6) arteriesin vitro, but had no effect on responses induced by PGE2on coronary, pulmonary or renal arteriesin vitro. BGC20‐1531 (1–10 mg·kg−1i.v.) caused a dose‐dependent antagonism of the PGE2‐induced increase in canine carotid blood flowin vivo.

Conclusions and implications: BGC20‐1531 is a potent and selective antagonist at EP4receptorsin vitroandin vivo, with the potential to alleviate the symptoms of migraine that result from cerebral vasodilatation. BGC20‐1531 is currently in clinical development for the treatment of migraine headache.