bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leptospirosis in the Asia Pacific region
Authors: Victoriano Ann Florence B , Smythe Lee D , Gloriani-Barzaga Nina , Cavinta Lolita L , Kasai Takeshi , Limpakarnjanarat Khanchit , Ong Bee Lee , Gongal Gyanendra , Hall Julie , Coulombe Caroline Anne , Yanagihara Yasutake , Yoshida Shin-ichi , Adler Ben
Published: September 2009

Background

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection that has been recognized for decades, but the problem of the disease has not been fully addressed, particularly in resource-poor, developing countries, where the major burden of the disease occurs. This paper presents an overview of the current situation of leptospirosis in the region. It describes the current trends in the epidemiology of leptospirosis, the existing surveillance systems, and presents the existing prevention and control programs in the Asia Pacific region.

Methods

Data on leptospirosis in each member country were sought from official national organizations, international public health organizations, online articles and the scientific literature. Papers were reviewed and relevant data were extracted.

Results

Leptospirosis is highly prevalent in the Asia Pacific region. Infections in developed countries arise mainly from occupational exposure, travel to endemic areas, recreational activities, or importation of domestic and wild animals, whereas outbreaks in developing countries are most frequently related to normal daily activities, over-crowding, poor sanitation and climatic conditions.

Conclusion

In the Asia Pacific region, predominantly in developing countries, leptospirosis is largely a water-borne disease. Unless interventions to minimize exposure are aggressively implemented, the current global climate change will further aggravate the extent of the disease problem. Although trends indicate successful control of leptospirosis in some areas, there is no clear evidence that the disease has decreased in the last decade. The efficiency of surveillance systems and data collection varies significantly among the countries and areas within the region, leading to incomplete information in some instances. Thus, an accurate reflection of the true burden of the disease remains unknown.
Identifiability, exchangeability and confounding revisited
Authors: Greenland Sander , Robins James M
Published: September 2009

In 1986 the International Journal of Epidemiology published "Identifiability, Exchangeability and Epidemiological Confounding". We review the article from the perspective of a quarter century after it was first drafted and relate it to subsequent developments on confounding, ignorability, and collapsibility.
Ptf1a is expressed transiently in all types of amacrine cells in the embryonic zebrafish retina
Authors: Jusuf Patricia R , Harris William A
Published: September 2009

Background

The vertebrate retina is composed of five major types of neurons: three excitatory (photoreceptors, bipolar cells and ganglion cells) and two inhibitory (horizontal and amacrine cells). The transcription factor Ptf1a (pancreas transcription factor 1a) is important for the normal development of the inhibitory retinal neurons.

Results

Using a transgenic Ptf1a:GFP reporter and in situ hybridization in the zebrafish retina, we show that ptf1a message is transiently expressed in all amacrine and horizontal cells within hours after the terminal division of multipotent progenitors at the apical surface of the retinal neuroepithelium, and remains on as these cells migrate to their final laminar location. The message then shuts off, but we can follow the stable Ptf1a:GFP protein for up to 120 hours post-fertilization. A variety of anatomically and neurochemically distinct subtypes of amacrine cells can already be distinguished at this embryonic time point.

Conclusion

The timing of Ptf1a expression suggests that it is involved in the very early stages or steps in the differentiation of amacrine cells, which, due to the perdurance of the Ptf1a:GFP, can be seen to rapidly diversify into a large number of subtypes. This work sets the stage for future studies looking at genetic specification of amacrine subtypes.
Complex and dynamic patterns of Wnt pathway gene expression in the developing chick forebrain
Authors: Quinlan Robyn , Graf Manuela , Mason Ivor , Lumsden Andrew , Kiecker Clemens
Published: September 2009

Background

Wnt signalling regulates multiple aspects of brain development in vertebrate embryos. A large number of Wnts are expressed in the embryonic forebrain; however, it is poorly understood which specific Wnt performs which function and how they interact. Wnts are able to activate different intracellular pathways, but which of these pathways become activated in different brain subdivisions also remains enigmatic.

Results

We have compiled the first comprehensive spatiotemporal atlas of Wnt pathway gene expression at critical stages of forebrain regionalisation in the chick embryo and found that most of these genes are expressed in strikingly dynamic and complex patterns. Several expression domains do not respect proposed compartment boundaries in the developing forebrain, suggesting that areal identities are more dynamic than previously thought. Using an in ovo electroporation approach, we show that Wnt4 expression in the thalamus is negatively regulated by Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling from the zona limitans intrathalamica (ZLI), a known organising centre of forebrain development.

Conclusion

The forebrain is exposed to a multitude of Wnts and Wnt inhibitors that are expressed in a highly dynamic and complex fashion, precluding simple correlative conclusions about their respective functions or signalling mechanisms. In various biological systems, Wnts are antagonised by Shh signalling. By demonstrating that Wnt4 expression in the thalamus is repressed by Shh from the ZLI we reveal an additional level of interaction between these two pathways and provide an example for the cross-regulation between patterning centres during forebrain regionalisation.
Networking of differentially expressed genes in human cancer cells resistant to methotrexate
Authors: Selga Elisabet , Oleaga Carlota , Ramírez Sara , de Almagro M Cristina , Noé Véronique , Ciudad Carlos J
Published: September 2009

Background

The need for an integrated view of data obtained from high-throughput technologies gave rise to network analyses. These are especially useful to rationalize how external perturbations propagate through the expression of genes. To address this issue in the case of drug resistance, we constructed biological association networks of genes differentially expressed in cell lines resistant to methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

Seven cell lines representative of different types of cancer, including colon cancer (HT29 and Caco2), breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468), pancreatic cancer (MIA PaCa-2), erythroblastic leukemia (K562) and osteosarcoma (Saos-2), were used. The differential expression pattern between sensitive and MTX-resistant cells was determined by whole human genome microarrays and analyzed with the GeneSpring GX software package. Genes deregulated in common between the different cancer cell lines served to generate biological association networks using the Pathway Architect software.

Results

Dikkopf homolog-1 (DKK1) is a highly interconnected node in the network generated with genes in common between the two colon cancer cell lines, and functional validations of this target using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) showed a chemosensitization toward MTX. Members of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A) family formed a network of genes differentially expressed in the two breast cancer cell lines. siRNA treatment against UGT1A also showed an increase in MTX sensitivity. Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (EEF1A1) was overexpressed among the pancreatic cancer, leukemia and osteosarcoma cell lines, and siRNA treatment against EEF1A1 produced a chemosensitization toward MTX.

Conclusions

Biological association networks identified DKK1, UGT1A s and EEF1A1 as important gene nodes in MTX-resistance. Treatments using siRNA technology against these three genes showed chemosensitization toward MTX.
Campillo's pragmatic New System: A Mercantile and Utilitarian Approach to Indian Reform in Spanish Colonies of the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Tiryakian Josefina Cintrón
Published: September 2009

Nicholas Balabkins is Professor of Economics at Lehigh University.
David Robinson and the Tory macroeconomics of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
Authors: Rashid Salim
Published: September 2009

Salim Rashid is Assistant Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College.
The Editor of the Second Edition of T. R. Malthus' Principles of Political Economy
Authors: Pullen John M.
Published: September 2009

John M. Pullen is Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of New England, New South Wales.
Sir John William Lubbock's On Currency—“An Interesting Book by a Still More Interesting Man”
Authors: Henderson James P.
Published: September 2009

Quoted from Schumpeter, 705.
Keynes, Induction, and Econometrics
Authors: Bateman Bradley W.
Published: September 2009

Finally, it is necessary to refer to a doctrine which may, from one point of view, be regarded as the core of the whole book.

—Roy Harrod

Part III., “Induction and Analogy,” is the most important in the book from the point of view of philosophy and theory of knowledge.

—Bertrand Russell
A Note on Adam Smith's Version of the Vent for Surplus Model
Authors: Staley Charles E.
Published: September 2009

The author is grateful to Robert Lekachman and A. J. Youngson for comments, while he maintains responsibility for remaining errors.
Marget on the Issue of Inconsistency in the Theories of Prices
Authors: Mason Will E.
Published: September 2009

Will Mason is Professor of Economics at the Pensylvania State University.
James Mill and the Early Development of Comparative Advantage
Authors: Thweatt William O.
Published: September 2009

William Thweatt is Professor of Economics at Vanderbilt University. A shortened version of this article was given as a paper at the Second Annual Conference of the History of Economics Society, at the University of North Carolina, June 1974.
Dupuit and Marginal Utility: Context of the Discovery
Authors: Ekelund Robert B. , Hebert Robert F.
Published: September 2009

Robert Ekelund is Professor of Economics at Texas A&M University. Robert Hebert is Associate Professor of Economics at Auburn University.
Bertil Ohlin and the Origins of the Keynesian Revolution
Authors: Steiger Otto
Published: September 2009

Otto Steiger is Professor of Economics at the University of Bremen.
Monetary Theory in Ferdinando Galiani's Della moneta
Authors: Cesarano Filippo
Published: September 2009

Filippo Cesarano is an economist at the Banco d'Italia, Rome.
Sir John Suckling, A Sessions1 OF THE POETS SOME NOTED AND QUERIES
Authors: Benham Allen R.
Published: September 2009

1 This is the title given this poem in the first three editions of Suckling's poems. Many later editors have changed sessions to session.
Can News about the Future Drive the Business Cycle?
Authors: Jaimovich Nir , Rebelo Sergio
Published: September 2009

Aggregate and sectoral comovement are central features of business cycles, so the ability to generate comovement is a natural litmus test for macroeconomic models. But it is a test that most models fail. We propose a unified model that generates aggregate and sectoral comovement in response to contemporaneous and news shocks about fundamentals. The fundamentals that we consider are aggregate and sectoral total factor productivity shocks as well as investment-specific technical change. The model has three key elements: variable capital utilization, adjustment costs to investment, and preferences that allow us to parameterize the strength of short-run wealth effects on the labor supply. (JEL E13, E20, E32)
Salience and Taxation: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Chetty Raj , Looney Adam , Kroft Kory
Published: September 2009

Using two strategies, we show that consumers underreact to taxes that are not salient. First, using a field experiment in a grocery store, we find that posting tax-inclusive price tags reduces demand by 8 percent. Second, increases in taxes included in posted prices reduce alcohol consumption more than increases in taxes applied at the register. We develop a theoretical framework for applied welfare analysis that accommodates salience effects and other optimization failures. The simple formulas we derive imply that the economic incidence of a tax depends on its statutory incidence, and that even policies that induce no change in behavior can create efficiency losses. (JEL C93, D12, H25, H71)
The Origins of State Capacity: Property Rights, Taxation, and Politics
Authors: Besley Timothy , Persson Torsten
Published: September 2009

Economists generally assume that the state has sufficient institutional capacity to support markets and levy taxes. This paper develops a framework where “policy choices” in market regulation and taxation are constrained by past investments in legal and fiscal capacity. It studies the economic and political determinants of such investments, demonstrating that legal and fiscal capacity are typically complements. The results show that, among other things, common interest public goods, such as fighting external wars, as well as political stability and inclusive political institutions, are conducive to building state capacity. Some correlations in cross-country data are consistent with the theory. (JEL D72, E62, H11, H20, P14)
Active and Passive Waste in Government Spending: Evidence from a Policy Experiment
Authors: Bandiera Oriana , Prat Andrea , Valletti Tommaso
Published: September 2009

We propose a distinction between active and passive waste as determinants of the cost of public services. Active waste entails utility for the public decision maker, whereas passive waste does not. We analyze purchases of standardized goods by Italian public bodies and exploit a policy experiment associated with a national procurement agency. We find that: (i) some public bodies pay systematically more than others for equivalent goods; (ii) differences are correlated with governance structure; (iii) the variation in prices is principally due to variation in passive rather than active waste; and (iv) passive waste accounts for 83 percent of total estimated waste. (JEL H11, H57, H83)
Institution Formation in Public Goods Games
Authors: Kosfeld Michael , Okada Akira , Riedl Arno
Published: September 2009

Sanctioning institutions are of utmost importance for overcoming free-riding tendencies and enforcing outcomes that maximize group welfare in social dilemma situations. We investigate, theoretically and experimentally, the endogenous formation of institutions in public goods provision. Our theoretical analysis shows that players may form sanctioning institutions in equilibrium, including those governing only a subset of players. The experiment confirms that institutions are formed and that it positively affects cooperation and group welfare. However, the data also shows that success is not guaranteed. Players are unwilling to implement equilibrium institutions in which some players have the opportunity to free ride. Our results emphasize the role of fairness in the institution formation process. (JEL C72, D02, H41)
Tax Changes and Asset Pricing
Authors: Sialm Clemens
Published: September 2009

The tax burden on equity securities has varied substantially over time and remains a source of continuing policy debate. This paper investigates whether investors were compensated for the tax burden of equity securities over the period between 1913 and 2006. Taxes on equity securities vary over time due to changes in dividend and capital gains tax rates and due to changes in corporate payout policies. Equity taxes also vary across firms due to persistent differences in propensities to pay dividends. The results indicate an economically plausible and statistically significant tax capitalization over time and cross-sectionally. (JEL G10, G12, H22, H24, N21, N22)
The Effects of High Stakes High School Achievement Awards: Evidence from a Randomized Trial
Authors: Angrist Joshua , Lavy Victor
Published: September 2009

The Israeli matriculation certificate is a prerequisite for most postsecondary schooling. In a randomized trial, we attempted to increase certification rates among low-achievers with cash incentives. The experiment used a school-based randomization design offering awards to all who passed their exams in treated schools. This led to a substantial increase in certification rates for girls but had no effect on boys. Affected girls had a relatively high ex ante chance of certification. The increase in girls' matriculation rates translated into an increased likelihood of college attendance. Female matriculation rates increased partly because treated girls devoted extra time to exam preparation. (JEL I21, I28, J16)
Monetary Policy Analysis with Potentially Misspecified Models
Authors: Del Negro Marco , Schorfheide Frank
Published: September 2009

Policy analysis with potentially misspecified dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models faces two challenges: estimation of parameters that are relevant for policy trade-offs, and treatment of the deviations from the cross-equation restrictions. Using post-1982 US data, we study the robustness of the policy prescriptions from a state-of-the-art DSGE model with respect to two approaches to model misspecification pursued in the recent literature: (i) adding shocks to the DSGE model and/or generalizing the processes followed by these shocks; and (ii) explicit modeling of deviations from cross-equation restrictions (DSGE-VAR). (JEL C51, E13, E43, E52, E58)
Technological Revolutions and Stock Prices
Authors: Pástor Ľuboš , Veronesi Pietro
Published: September 2009

We develop a general equilibrium model in which stock prices of innovative firms exhibit “bubbles” during technological revolutions. In the model, the average productivity of a new technology is uncertain and subject to learning. During technological revolutions, the nature of this uncertainty changes from idiosyncratic to systematic. The resulting bubbles in stock prices are observable ex post but unpredictable ex ante, and they are most pronounced for technologies characterized by high uncertainty and fast adoption. We find empirical support for the model's predictions in 1830–1861 and 1992–2005 when the railroad and Internet technologies spread in the United States. (JEL G12, L86, L92, N21, N22, N71, N72)
Field Centipedes
Authors: Palacios-Huerta Ignacio , Volij Oscar
Published: September 2009

In the centipede game, all standard equilibrium concepts dictate that the player who decides first must stop the game immediately. There is vast experimental evidence, however, that this rarely occurs. We first conduct a field experiment in which highly ranked chess players play this game. Contrary to previous evidence, our results show that 69 percent of chess players stop immediately. When we restrict attention to Grandmasters, this percentage escalates to 100 percent. We then conduct a laboratory experiment in which chess players and students are matched in different treatments. When students play against chess players, the outcome approaches the subgame-perfect equilibrium. (JEL C72, C93)
VAR Analysis and the Great Moderation
Authors: Benati Luca , Surico Paolo
Published: September 2009

Most analyses of the US Great Moderation are based on structural VARs, and point toward good luck as the main explanation for the recent macroeconomic stability. Based on an estimated New-Keynesian model where the only source of change is the move from passive to active monetary policy, we show that (i) the theoretical VAR innovation variances for all series decrease across regimes; (ii) VAR-based counterfactuals assign a minor role to improved policy; and (iii) VAR impulse-response functions to a monetary shock exhibit little variation across regimes. Our analysis suggests that existing VAR evidence is also compatible with the “good policy” hypothesis. (JEL C32, C52, E13, E52, N12)
Art as an Investment and Conspicuous Consumption Good
Authors: Mandel Benjamin R
Published: September 2009

This paper provides a simple and empirically plausible model of artworks as investment vehicles. It reconciles the observation that average financial returns for collectibles are low and volatile with the theory of consumption-based asset pricing. Art assets are appealing both for their ability to transfer consumption over time and for their use as signals of wealth, as in the literature on the demand for luxuries. Adding art value to utility, returns also reflect this “conspicuous consumption” dividend; as a result, average financial returns are low. Risk premia for artworks are predicted to be modest or even negative. (JEL G11, Z11)
Offshoring and Volatility: Evidence from Mexico's Maquiladora Industry
Authors: Bergin Paul R , Feenstra Robert C , Hanson Gordon H
Published: September 2009

This paper studies the second-moment properties of offshoring, the arrangement whereby firms carry out particular stages of production abroad. It documents a new empirical regularity: maquiladora industries in Mexico that are associated with US offshoring experience fluctuations in employment that are twice as volatile as the corresponding industries in the United States. This finding is not attributable simply to higher volatility in the overall Mexican economy, nor to the smaller size of Mexico's industries compared to US counterparts. (JEL F14, F23, L24, L25, L60, O14)
Gibrat's Law for (All) Cities: Comment
Authors: Levy Moshe
Published: September 2009

Jan Eeckhout (2004) reports that the empirical city size distribution is lognormal, consistent with Gibrat's Law. We show that for the top 0.6 percent of the largest cities, the empirical distribution is dramatically different from the lognormal, and follows a power law. This top part is extremely important as it accounts for more than 23 percent of the population. The empirical hybrid lognormal-power-law distribution revealed may be characteristic of other key distributions, such as the wealth distribution and the income distribution. This distribution is not consistent with a simple Gibrat proportionate effect process, and its origin presents a puzzle yet to be answered. (JEL R11, R12, R23)
Gibrat's Law for (All) Cities: Reply
Authors: Eeckhout Jan
Published: September 2009

This reply refutes the objection raised by Levy (2009) about the fit of the upper tail of the city size distribution in Eeckhout (2004). I show that the method on which his conclusion is based is unsubstantiated. The visual interpretation of the fit on log-log plots is misleading. In addition, the methodology used to estimate a truncated subsample of the distribution while testing its significance against a distribution with prespecified parameters is ill-founded. The main conclusion is that Gibrat's law holds: city sizes follow proportionate growth, thus giving rise to a lognormal size distribution, tail included. (JEL R11, R12, R23)
Protein and albumin-to-creatinine ratios in random urines accurately predict 24 h protein and albumin loss in patients with kidney disease
Authors: Guy Mark , Borzomato Joanna K , Newall Ronald G , Kalra Philip A , Price Christopher P
Published: September 2009

Background

Random urine protein-to-creatinine (PCR) and albumin-to-creatinine (ACR) ratios have been proposed as alternatives to 24 h urine measurements to simplify sample collection and overcome errors. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of PCR and ACR to predict urinary 24 h protein and albumin loss, respectively, in patients with kidney disease, and determine the most appropriate time of collection.

Methods

Eighty-three patients were recruited from a renal outpatient clinic. In a 24 h period, each collected an early-morning urine (EMU), second and third voids, and the remaining urine passed that day. PCR and ACR were determined in random urines and compared with the 24 h loss of protein and albumin, respectively.

Results

For all patients, median (range) 24 h urine protein and albumin losses were 220 (30–15600) and 60 (<8–10,557) mg, respectively. Ratios derived from each of three random urines correlated well with 24 h protein or albumin loss (Spearman's rs > 0.87, P < 0.0001). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed PCR accurately predicted both an abnormal 24 h urine protein ≥150 mg/24 h (areas under curves [AUC] 0.90–0.92) and significant proteinuria above 300 mg/24 h (AUC between 0.97 and 1.00). ACR accurately predicted both an abnormal 24 h urine albumin ≥30 mg/24 h (AUC 0.98 to 0.99) and frank albuminuria at ≥300 mg/24 h or ≥700 mg/24 h (AUC between 0.99 and 1.00). EMU and random urines performed equally well in predicting proteinuria and albuminuria from PCR and ACR, respectively.

Conclusions

By careful choice of cut-offs, both PCR and ACR can be used in patients with kidney disease to rule in or rule out abnormal 24 h losses of protein and albumin. EMU and, importantly, random samples can be used as surrogates for 24 h urine collections.
A rapid direct fluorescent assay for cell-free DNA quantification in biological fluids
Authors: Goldshtein Hagit , Hausmann Michael J , Douvdevani Amos
Published: September 2009

Background

Circulating cell-free DNA (CFD) levels may be elevated in trauma, stroke, sepsis, pre-eclampsia and cancer. Owing to the complex and expensive methodology, detection of CFD has hitherto been confined to research laboratories. This study presents a simple, inexpensive and accurate test for CFD.

Methods

Using the commercial fluorescent SYBR® Gold stain, biological fluids were directly assayed for CFD without prior DNA extraction and amplification. Stain was added to the sample in 96-well plates (final stain dilution: 1:10,000) and fluorescence was read by a fluorometer (excitation wavelength 488 nm, emission wavelength 535 nm).

Results

The assay was validated with serum, whole blood, urine and supernatant of cell cultures. Specificity and linearity were demonstrated over a wide range of concentrations; the results correlated with the conventional quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay of β-globin ( R2 = 0.9987, P < 0.001). The assay was not affected by exposure of whole blood or serum to room temperature for four or 24 h, respectively. Intra and day-to-day coefficients of variation (16–4.8% and 31–8%, respectively; depending on DNA level) compared well with published data describing more work-intensive tests. The limit of quantitation (170 ng/mL) was below the mean DNA level in a cohort of normal individuals (471 [203] ng/mL). Finally, free DNA in supernatant of cell cultures after cell lysis accurately reflected cell number ( R2 = 0.974, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The direct SYBR® Gold assay proved to be an accurate and simple technique for measuring CFD in biological fluids.
A convenient enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rapid screening of anti-adeno-associated virus neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Ito Tetsuo , Yamamoto Shigekazu , Hayashi Tsukasa , Kodera Mika , Mizukami Hiroaki , Ozawa Keiya , Muramatsu Shin-ichi
Published: September 2009

Background

Recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors based on serotype 2 (AAV-2) have become leading vehicles for gene therapy. Most humans in the general population have anti-AAV-2 antibodies as a result of naturally acquired infections. Pre-existing immunity to AAV-2 might affect the functional and safety consequences of AAV-2 vector-mediated gene transfer in clinical applications.

Methods

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was developed using microwell plates coated with intact particles of recombinant AAV-2 vectors, and horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-human immunoglobulin G (HRP-IgG). Neutralizing antibody titres were analysed by assessing the ability of serum antibody to inhibit transduction into HEK293 cells of AAV vectors that express β-galactosidase.

Results

Anti-AAV-2 antibodies were detected by ELISA in two of 20 healthy subjects. The positivity criterion (optical density >0.5) in ELISA corresponded to the cut-off value (320-fold dilution of serum) in the AAV-2 neutralization assay. Influences of interfering substances were not observed.

Conclusion

This ELISA method may be useful for rapid screening of anti-AAV-2 neutralizing antibodies in candidates for gene therapy.
Unintentional silver intoxication following self-medication: an unusual case of corticobasal degeneration
Authors: Stepien Karolina M , Morris Rob , Brown Sandy , Taylor Andrew , Morgan Linda
Published: September 2009

Silver toxicity is a rare condition. The most notable feature is a grey-blue discoloration of the skin, argyria, although harmful effects on the liver and kidney may be seen in severe cases. Neurological symptoms are an unusual consequence of silver toxicity. So far no effective treatment has been described for this metal overdose. We report the case of a 75-year-old man who had a history of self-medication with colloidal silver and presented with myoclonic seizures.
Pay for perfomance and the quality of diabetes management in individuals with and without co-morbid medical conditions
Authors: Millett Christopher , Bottle Alex , Ng Anthea , Curcin Vasa , Molokhia Mariam , Saxena Sonia , Majeed Azeem
Published: September 2009

Summary

Objective

To examine the impact of the Quality and Outcomes Framework, a major pay-for-performance incentive introduced in the UK during 2004, on diabetes management in patients with and without co-morbidity.

Design

Cohort study comparing actual achievement of treatment targets in 2004 and 2005 with that predicted by the underlying (pre-intervention) trend in diabetes patients with and without co-morbid conditions.

Setting

A total of 422 general practices participating in the General Practice Research Database.

Main outcomes measures

Achievement of diabetes treatment targets for blood pressure (< 140/80 mm Hg), HbA1c (≤ 7.0%) and cholesterol (≤ 5 mmol/L).

Results

The percentage of diabetes patients with co-morbidity reaching blood pressure and cholesterol targets exceeded that predicted by the underlying trend during the first two years of pay for perfomance (by 3.1% [95% CI 1.1–5.1] for BP and 4.1% [95% CI 2.2–6.0] for cholesterol among patients with ≥ 5 co-morbidities in 2005). Similar improvements were evident in patients without co-morbidity, except for cholesterol control in 2004 (−0.2% [95% CI −1.7–1.4]). The percentage of patients meeting the HbA1c target in the first two years of this program was significantly lower than predicted by the underlying trend in all patients, with the greatest shortfall in patients without co-morbidity (3.8% [95% CI 2.6–5.0] lower in 2005). Patients with co-morbidity remained significantly more likely to meet treatment targets for cholesterol and HbA1c than those without after the introduction of pay for perfomance.

Conclusions

Diabetes patients with co-morbid conditions appear to have benefited more from this pay-for-performance program than those without co-morbidity.
Cell-Free DNA as a Noninvasive Acute Rejection Marker in Renal Transplantation
Authors: García Moreira Vanessa , Prieto García Belen , Baltar Martín Jose M , Ortega Suárez Francisco , Alvarez Francisco V
Published: September 2009

Background: Acute rejection (AR) is a key conditioning factor for long-term graft function and survival in renal transplantation patients. The standard care with creatinine measurements and biopsy upon allograft dysfunction implies that AR is usually detected at advanced stages. Rapid noninvasive biomarkers of rejection are needed to improve the management of these patients. We assessed whether total cell-free DNA (tCF-DNA) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddCF-DNA) were useful markers for this purpose, both in plasma and in urine.

Methods: Plasma and urine samples from 100 renal transplant recipients were obtained during the first 3 months after transplantation. tCF-DNA and ddCF-DNA were analyzed by quantitative PCR for the HBB (hemoglobin, beta) and the TSPY1 (testis specific protein, Y-linked 1) genes, respectively. We observed 19 episodes of AR, as well as other complications, such as acute tubular necrosis, nephrotoxicity, and infections.

Results: Plasma tCF-DNA concentrations increased markedly during AR episodes, often before clinical diagnosis, and returned to reference values after antirejection treatment. A cutoff plasma tCF-DNA concentration of 12 000 genome equivalents/mL correctly classified AR and non-AR episodes in 86% of posttransplantation complications (diagnostic sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 85%). Although similar increases were observed during severe posttransplantation infections, use of the combination of plasma tCF-DNA and procalcitonin (PCT), a specific marker of sepsis, significantly improved the diagnostic specificity (to 98%; 95% CI, 92%–100%), with 97% of the episodes being correctly classified. Use of transrenal DNA and ddCF-DNA concentrations did not add relevant information.

Conclusions: Given that renal biopsy is the gold standard for detecting AR, analysis of both plasma tCF-DNA and PCT could permit a more selective use of this invasive procedure.
The Roles of Nature, Deities, and Ancestors in Constructing Religious Identity in Contemporary Druidry
Authors: Cooper Michael T.
Published: September 2009

This article will look explicitly at the Druid religious identity as it relates to nature, deities and ancestors. Setting the article in the context of religious identity theory, it proposes that the study of religious identity needs to incorporate three salient features – intellect, experience and behavior. The article suggests a framework for religious identity theory – a theory of religious identity, satisfaction and deprivation – as a manner by which one might understand the ascription and achievement of an identity. Drawing from ethnographic field work, this article utilizes the interviews of contemporary practitioners as a means to understand religious identity construction.
Effect of Implants on Maximum Bite Force in Edentulous Patients
Authors: Rismanchian Mansour , Bajoghli Farshad , Mostajeran Zahra , Fazel Akbar , Eshkevari Psadr
Published: September 2009

One of the main goals of prosthetic dentistry is to reconstruct the masticatory system. Replacing missing teeth by complete or partial denture is associated with decreased bite force and patient satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to measure the maximum bite force (MBF) and to evaluate patients' satisfaction from their conventional complete dentures and their mandibular implant-supported overdentures opposed by complete denture. In this cross sectional analytical descriptive study, seventy-five 45- to 65-year-old patients were divided into 3 groups wearing: (1) conventional complete dentures for up to 6 months; (2) conventional complete dentures for 10 years or more; and (3) complete maxillary dentures opposing mandibular implant-supported overdentures. Bite force was measured by means of electronic bite force measuring device with strain gauges. Three measurements were made on each side on the first molar region and the mean values were recorded. Patient satisfaction was also recorded using questionnaires. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test, chi-square, and Pearson correlation test. The mean MBF for the first, the second, and the third group was, respectively, 5.65 ± 1.46 kgf, 7.01 ± 2.1 kgf, and 12.22 ± 27 kgf. The difference between MBF in patients with overdentures and in patients with conventional complete dentures was statistically significant (P  =  .001). Patient satisfaction with mandibular implant-supported overdentures was recorded as “great.” Results indicated MBF in the patients with mandibular implant-supported overdentures was significantly higher than that of patients with conventional complete dentures. This difference may indicate the important role of dental implants in the improvement of bite force and chewing efficiency and therefore patients' satisfaction.
Circulação e mediação da obra de arte na Belle Époque paulistana
Authors: Rossi Mirian Silva
Published: September 2009

Este artigo trata de alguns dos principais aspectos que dizem respeito às inter-relações que a práxis artística mantinha com os circuitos de circulação e mediação da obra de arte, no período conhecido como Belle époque. A emergência de fenômenos específicos ligados ao campo em causa foi favorecida pelo ambiente de mudanças profundas, nos mais diversos níveis, que se instaurara na capital paulista em decorrência da Proclamação da República, do desenvolvimento da lavoura cafeeira e do crescimento da indústria. O amplo circuito que se formou em torno da arte, aqui exemplificado pelas exposições e pelos espaços de exposição permitiram apreender os principais elementos constitutivos do campo artístico paulistano em seu momento de nucleação original.
Reflexões sobre a cor na conservação/restauração
Authors: Paula Teresa Cristina Toledo de
Published: September 2009

Este texto apresenta algumas possibilidades de pesquisa do tema Cor dentro das áreas de conservaçÃo/restauraçÃo de bens móveis. SÃo apresentados alguns exemplos do tema Cor relacionado aos tecidos e às artes contemporâneas. Questões específicas à Arquitetura nÃo sÃo abordadas.
Perfis eletrocardiográfico e ecodopplercardiográfico de ovinos após ingestão da suspensão aquosa de Mascagnia rigida Griseb. (Malpighiaceae).
Authors: Lago E.P. , Melo M.M. , Araújo R.B. , Nascimento E.F. , Silva E.F. , Melo M.B.
Published: September 2009

Estudou-se o perfil eletrocardiográfico e ecodopplercardiográfico de ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente pela Mascagnia rigida Griseb (Malpighiaceae). Quinze ovinos machos da raça Santa Inês, com sete meses de idade e pesando, em média, 27kg, foram distribuídos em três grupos (G) com cinco animais cada: No G1 (controle), os animais receberam apenas água; nos G2, receberam 20g/kg de M. rigida durante três dias; e no G3, 20g/kg de M. rigida, durante sete dias. As folhas de M. rigida foram trituradas com água e administradas na forma de suspensão, por via oral, por meio de sonda. M. rigida promoveu aumento da FC em repouso e, principalmente, durante o esforço físico e diminuiu a fração de ejeção e o percentual de encurtamento sistólico do ventrículo esquerdo.
Avaliação in vitro da atividade inibitória de Lactobacillus spp., isolados do inglúvio e cecos de aves sobre Salmonella
Authors: Barros M.R. , Andreatti Filho R.L. , Lima E.T. , Crocci J.A.
Published: September 2009

Inglúvios e cecos de reprodutoras comerciais de frangos de corte foram utilizados para o isolamento de Lactobacillus spp. As estirpes isoladas foram caracterizadas como Gram-positivo, catalase negativo, produtoras de gás em glicose, não produtoras de H2S em triple sugar iron e identificadas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase como Lactobacillus reuteri e Lactobacillus salivarius. A utilização da técnica spot-on-the-lawn para avaliação da inibição in vitro permitiu a análise de vários microrganismos simultaneamente. Todas as estirpes isoladas inibiram in vitro S. Enteritidis fagotipo 4, S. Enteritidis fagotipo 28, S. Typhimurium, S. Pullorum, S. Agona, S. Anatum, S. Dublin e S. Senftenberg.
Sensibilidade dos espermatozoides de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) a diferentes soluções crioprotetoras
Authors: Viveiros A.T.M. , Oliveira A.V. , Maria A.N. , Orfão L.H. , Souza J.C.
Published: September 2009

Em três experimentos, avaliou-se a sensibilidade dos espermatozoides de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) a diferentes soluções crioprotetoras. No experimento 1, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:10, em 12 soluções (quatro diluidores x três crioprotetores - dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), metilglicol ou glicerol). Metade de cada amostra foi resfriada por uma hora e a outra, criopreservada. A motilidade espermática foi avaliada imediatamente após a diluição e após o resfriamento em todas as amostras e, após o descongelamento, apenas nas amostras criopreservadas em DMSO. No experimento 2, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:5, em cinco soluções contendo DMSO e resfriado, criopreservado e avaliado como no experimento 1. No experimento 3, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:5, em quatro soluções contendo DMSO e criopreservado e avaliado quanto à motilidade e à fertilidade. Quando o sêmen foi diluído 1:10, observou-se motilidade acima de 58% em todas as amostras resfriadas em DMSO e em NaCl-tris-metilglicol. Baixa motilidade foi observada nas amostras resfriadas nas outras combinações com metilglicol (5-32%) ou glicerol (0-8%) e naquelas criopreservadas (16-20%). Todas as amostras diluídas 1:5 apresentaram motilidade de 65-72% após o resfriamento e de 45-66% após o descongelamento (experimentos 2 e 3). As taxas de eclosão produzidas com sêmen criopreservado, entretanto, foram baixas (17-23%) em relação ao sêmen fresco (60%).
Presença de Campylobacter spp. em macacos-de-cheiro (Saimiri spp.) assintomáticos cativos e sua correlação com as condições de manejo
Authors: Andrade M.C.R. , Lopes D.A. , Gabeira S.C.O. , Esteves W.T.C. , Vilardo M.C.B. , Thomé J.D.S. , Lauria-Filgueiras A.L.
Published: September 2009

Avaliou-se a circulação de Campylobacter spp. em uma criação de primatas neotropicais macacos-de-cheiro (Saimiri spp.), clinicamente saudáveis, utilizados em investigações biomédicas. A análise foi feita no decorrer de sete anos não consecutivos, de 1995 a 1999, 2002 e 2003. Os resultados revelaram um maior índice de positividade no ano de 1996, em contraste com a ausência do agente em 2003. Os dados sugerem que as alterações realizadas no manejo animal, ao longo deste estudo, foram eficazes para a eliminação do Campylobacter spp. na criação de macacos-de-cheiro, levando os animais a uma melhor qualidade de vida e, consequentemente, obtendo-se um melhor produto para fins de pesquisas.
Análise bayesiana na estimação de correlações genéticas entre escores visuais e características reprodutivas de bovinos Nelore utilizando modelos linear-limiar
Authors: Faria C.U. , Magnabosco C.U. , Albuquerque L.G. , de los Reyes A. , Bezerra L.A.F. , Lôbo R.B.
Published: September 2009

Estimaram-se as correlações genéticas entre os escores visuais e as características reprodutivas, utilizando a estatística bayesiana sob modelo animal linear-limiar, em bovinos da raça Nelore. Foram estudadas características categóricas morfológicas, avaliadas visualmente aos oito, 15 e 22 meses de idade; e características contínuas de perímetro escrotal padronizado aos 365 e 450 dias de idade, além da idade ao primeiro parto. As estimativas de correlações genéticas foram de sentido favorável à seleção, apresentando magnitudes moderadas, sugerindo que a seleção de animais para um biótipo desejável pode levar a animais com maior fertilidade e precocidade sexual. As estimativas de correlação genética para o perímetro escrotal padronizado aos 450 dias e a idade ao primeiro parto com as características morfológicas avaliadas aos 22 meses de idade foram maiores do que as obtidas entre as características de escores visuais avaliadas aos oito e 15 meses de idade. A utilização de escores visuais como critério de seleção trará progresso genético também para as características reprodutivas.
Spatial Distribution and Temporal Stability of Prostrate Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) and Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) Seed Bank in a Cereal Field
Authors: Izquierdo J. , Blanco-Moreno J. M. , Chamorro L. , Recasens J. , Sans F. X.
Published: September 2009

The knowledge of weed distribution in a field is a key factor to manage weeds effectively. The feasibility of using weed distribution maps for site-specific weed control will largely depend on the stability of the spatial distribution of the populations. Seed banks are the most reliable way of telling the area's weediness, but the effect of regular herbicide applications on its stability is largely unknown. A field experiment was conducted during 3 yr in a winter wheat field under herbicide treatments with the aim of studying the seed bank's spatial distribution of prostrate knotweed and corn poppy and the spatiotemporal stability of their populations. Soil samples were taken each year on the same locations, and seed abundance was measured by germination in greenhouse. Both species accounted for more than 10% of the broad-leaved weed seed bank and they were selected for further analysis. Prostrate knotweed seed-bank density decreased 76% and corn poppy 88% in 3 yr. Spatial distribution was described by spherical isotropic semivariograms. Distance of spatial dependence (range) of prostrate knotweed and corn poppy decreased 33 and 11% respectively, and the spatial variability (sill) decreased 96 and 99%. Yearly spatial seed distribution was compared for each species and no temporal stability was observed over a 3-yr period. The lack of stability was attributed to the important decrease of seed density over time and the increase in the short-range variability (nugget). However, for prostrate knotweed, the location of minima and maxima were roughly the same between years, allowing farmers to extend the period of use of the weed distribution maps. Although spatial distribution of seed banks can be affected by processes that promote fast changes in the densities of weed populations, this fact does not mean that weed distribution maps could not be used in consecutive seasons.
Evolution of Weediness and Invasiveness: Charting the Course for Weed Genomics
Authors: Stewart C. Neal , Tranel Patrick J. , Horvath David P. , Anderson James V. , Rieseberg Loren H. , Westwood James H. , Mallory-Smith Carol A. , Zapiola Maria L. , Dlugosch Katrina M.
Published: September 2009

The genetic basis of weedy and invasive traits and their evolution remain poorly understood, but genomic approaches offer tremendous promise for elucidating these important features of weed biology. However, the genomic tools and resources available for weed research are currently meager compared with those available for many crops. Because genomic methodologies are becoming increasingly accessible and less expensive, the time is ripe for weed scientists to incorporate these methods into their research programs. One example is next-generation sequencing technology, which has the advantage of enhancing the sequencing output from the transcriptome of a weedy plant at a reduced cost. Successful implementation of these approaches will require collaborative efforts that focus resources on common goals and bring together expertise in weed science, molecular biology, plant physiology, and bioinformatics. We outline how these large-scale genomic programs can aid both our understanding of the biology of weedy and invasive plants and our success at managing these species in agriculture. The judicious selection of species for developing weed genomics programs is needed, and we offer up choices, but noArabidopsis-like model species exists in the world of weeds. We outline the roadmap for creating a powerful synergy of weed science and genomics, given well-placed effort and resources.