bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human and bovine enamel erosion under ‘single‐drink’ conditions
Authors: White Andrew J. , Yorath Celyn , Ten Hengel Valerie , Leary Sam D. , Huysmans Marie‐Charlotte D. N. J. M. , Barbour Michele E.
Published: September 2010

White AJ, Yorath C, ten Hengel V, Leary SD, Huysmans M‐CDNJM, Barbour ME. Human and bovine enamel erosion under ‘single‐drink’ conditions. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 604–609. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Tooth‐surface pH is lowered, during drinking, to a value close to the pH of the drink itself. After the drink is swallowed, the pH rises to baseline values but this process can take several minutes. Few techniques can quantify enamel erosion at timescales representative of single drinks. The objective of this study was to compare human and bovine erosion over acid‐exposure times of 2 s to 1 h. Human and bovine enamel softening was compared in vitro using nanoindentation (2–60 s of exposure to acid) and tissue loss was compared using optical profilometry (1–60 min of exposure to acid). Nanoindentation revealed statistically significant softening after 2 s (human) and 5 s (bovine); there were no significant differences in hardness reduction for the two tissues at any time‐point. Profilometry demonstrated statistically significant tissue loss after 20 min (human) and 10 min (bovine); bovine tissue loss progressed 30% faster than human tissue loss. These results support the use of bovine enamel as a substitute for human enamel in erosion studies, with the understanding that for moderate exposure times bovine enamel erodes 30% faster than human enamel. Nanoindentation can be used to detect enamel dissolution at timescales comparable to the oral dwell‐time of a single ‘mouthful’ of a beverage.
Neonatal sublingual traumatic ulceration – case report & review of the literature
Authors: Padmanabhan Makkada Yuvaraj , Pandey Ramesh Kumar , Aparna Radharishnan , Radhakrishnan Valiyatharavath
Published: September 2010

Abstract – 

Traumatic ulceration of the ventral surface of the tongue is a rare condition observed in neonates with natal or neonatal teeth. These lesions are initiated and exacerbated by the continuous contact between the tongue and natal/neonatal teeth during physiologic activities such as suckling and swallowing, which in turn may interfere with proper feeding, putting the neonate at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Sublingual traumatic ulcers may also be the presenting sign of an underlying developmental or neurologic disorder. This case report details the management of a sublingual traumatic ulcer in a 20‐day‐old infant, along with a review of the treatment modalities available for management of this condition, especially in neonates.
Just the Two of Us? How Parents Influence Adult Children's Marital Quality
Authors: Reczek Corinne , Liu Hui , Umberson Debra
Published: September 2010

We work from a life‐course perspective to explore how relationships with parents affect adult children's marital quality. We further ask whether the effects of parents on adult children's marital quality depend on the adult child's gender, age, marital duration, and childhood family experiences. Growth‐curve analysis of national, longitudinal data (Americans' Changing Lives) indicated that relationships with fathers (n = 336) and mothers (n = 520) differentially affected the marital quality of adult children over time. Findings suggest that the effects of the parent–adult child relationship on adult children's marriages depend on age, marital duration, and levels of family stress experienced in childhood.
Union Dissolution and Mobility: Who Moves From the Family Home After Separation?
Authors: Mulder Clara H. , Wagner Michael
Published: September 2010

We investigate which partner of a 2‐gender couple moves out after separation. We test hypotheses on the impact of differences between the partners in the costs of moving out and resources, using data from the Divorce in the Netherlands survey (N = 1,537 ex‐couples who separated between 1972 and 1998). Ex‐partners initiating the separation were more likely to leave, as were those for whom a new partnership was a reason for the separation. An ex‐partner with custody of children was less likely to leave, as was an ex‐partner with more resources. A woman was less likely to leave when the joint children no longer lived at home or when the partnership had been longer lasting.
Duration of Leave and Resident Fathers' Involvement in Infant Care in Australia
Authors: Hosking Amanda , Whitehouse Gillian , Baxter Janeen
Published: September 2010

This article uses time‐diary data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC; N = 2,157 weekday diaries; N = 2,110 weekend diaries) to examine differences in infants' time with a resident father at age 4–19 months according to fathers' duration of leave around the birth. Results showed that those infants whose fathers took 4 weeks' leave or longer spent no more time with their father than did infants whose fathers took a shorter leave or no leave. We observed a positive association between any leave and sole father care on weekend days but not weekdays. The findings suggest that moderate increases in leave duration may not promote greater father involvement in Australia.
Work Characteristics and Parent‐Child Relationship Quality: The Mediating Role of Temporal Involvement
Authors: Roeters Anne , Van Der Lippe Tanja , Kluwer Esther S.
Published: September 2010

This study investigated whether the amount and nature of parent‐child time mediated the association between parental work characteristics and parent‐child relationship quality. We based hypotheses on the conflict and enrichment approaches, and we tested a path model using self‐collected data on 1,008 Dutch fathers and 929 Dutch mothers with school‐aged children. Longer working hours and less work engagement were associated with less parent‐child time and longer working hours, more restrictive organizational norms, stress, flexibility, nonstandard hours (mothers only), and work engagement increased the disturbance of parent‐child activities. Less and more disturbed parent‐child activities were, in turn, associated with a lower parent‐child relationship quality. In addition, work engagement and working hours had direct, beneficial effects on parent‐child relationship quality.
Parenthood, Gender and Work‐Family Time in the United States, Australia, Italy, France, and Denmark
Authors: Craig Lyn , Mullan Killian
Published: September 2010

Research has associated parenthood with greater daily time commitments for fathers and mothers than for childless men and women, and with deeper gendered division of labor in households. How do these outcomes vary across countries with different average employment hours, family and social policies, and cultural attitudes to family care provision? Using nationally representative time‐use data from the United States, Australia, Italy, France, and Denmark (N = 5,337), we compare the paid and unpaid work of childless partnered adults and parents of young children in each country. Couples were matched (except for the United States). We found parents have higher, less gender‐equal workloads than nonparents in all five countries, but overall time commitments and the difference by parenthood status were most pronounced in the United States and Australia.
Enhanced thermostability of methyl parathion hydrolase from Ochrobactrum sp. M231 by rational engineering of a glycine to proline mutation
Authors: Tian Jian , Wang Ping , Gao Shan , Chu Xiaoyu , Wu Ningfeng , Fan Yunliu
Published: September 2010

Protein thermostability can be increased by some glycine to proline mutations in a target protein. However, not all glycine to proline mutations can improve protein thermostability, and this method is suitable only at carefully selected mutation sites that can accommodate structural stabilization. In this study, homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations were used to select appropriate glycine to proline mutations to improve protein thermostability, and the effect of the selected mutations was proved by the experiments. The structure of methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH) from Ochrobactrum sp. M231 (Ochr‐MPH) was constructed by homology modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the modeled structure. A profile of the root mean square fluctuations of Ochr‐MPH was calculated at the nanosecond timescale, and an eight‐amino acid loop region (residues 186–193) was identified as having high conformational fluctuation. The two glycines nearest to this region were selected as mutation targets that might affect protein flexibility in the vicinity. The structures and conformational fluctuations of two single mutants (G194P and G198P) and one double mutant (G194P/G198P) were modeled and analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations. The results predicted that the mutant G194P had the decreased conformational fluctuation in the loop region and might increase the thermostability of Ochr‐MPH. The thermostability and kinetic behavior of the wild‐type and three mutant enzymes were measured. The results were consistent with the computational predictions, and the mutant G194P was found to have higher thermostability than the wild‐type enzyme.
Quality of life evaluation in wounds: validation of the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment‐wound module, a disease‐specific instrument*
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Herberger Katharina , Rustenbach Stephan J , Schäfer Ines , Zschocke Ina , Blome Christine
Published: September 2010

Many patients with chronic wounds suffer not only directly from their wounds but also from high financial, social and psychological impairments, significantly reducing their quality of life. In order to provide an instrument both applicable to different patient populations and sensitive to areas of impact specific to certain skin diseases, the modular instrument ‘Freiburg Life Quality Assessment' has been developed. Each disease‐specific version of the instrument consists of a core module of generic items and items specific for a distinct skin disease.

Objective of the study was to assess reliability, sensitivity to change, and validity of the module for chronic ulcers.

The instrument was implemented in a longitudinal observational study on vacuum‐seal therapy (n = 175), in a cross‐sectional observational study involving patients with chronic leg ulcers (n = 384) and in a randomised clinical trial on keratinocyte transplantation (n = 198).

The instrument showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥0·85). There were minor floor effects ≤4·3%, but no ceiling effects. Retest‐reliability and convergent validity with the EuroQol quality of life questionnaire (EQ‐5D) (visual analogue scale) were satisfactory. Change scores correlated with change in other quality‐of‐life instruments (r = 0·59–0·61), but not with change in wound status.
Multiple myeloma presenting as eosinophilic pleural effusion
Authors: MEHTA Asmita A , VENKATAKRISHNAN Rajesh , JOSE Wesley , PALANIAPPAN Muthu , PAVITHRAN Keechilat
Published: September 2010

An elderly man, with no comorbidity, presented with rapidly accumulating left pleural effusion. He also had generalized adenopathy. Pleural fluid cytology showed exudative pleural effusion with eosinophilia. Supraclavicular lymph node biopsy was reported as amyloid. On further investigation he was found to have kappa‐light chain multiple myeloma. The final diagnosis was eosinophilic pleural effusion in a patient with multiple myeloma.
The spatial distribution of star formation in the solar neighbourhood: do all stars form in dense clusters?
Authors: Bressert E. , Bastian N. , Gutermuth R. , Megeath S. T. , Allen L. , Evans Neal J. , Rebull L. M. , Hatchell J. , Johnstone D. , Bourke T. L. , Cieza L. A. , Harvey P. M. , Merin B. , Ray T. P. , Tothill N. F. H.
Published: September 2010

We present a global study of low-mass, young stellar object (YSO) surface densities (Σ) in nearby (<500 pc) star-forming regions based on a comprehensive collection of Spitzer Space Telescope surveys. We show that the distribution of YSO surface densities in the solar neighbourhood is a smooth distribution, being adequately described by a lognormal function from a few to 103 YSOs pc−2, with a peak at ∼22 stars pc−2 and a dispersion of . We do not find evidence for multiple discrete modes of star formation (e.g. clustered and distributed). Comparing the observed surface density distribution to previously reported surface density threshold definitions of clusters, we find that the fraction of stars in clusters is crucially dependent on the adopted definitions, ranging from 40 to 90 per cent. However, we find that only a low fraction (<26 per cent) of stars are formed in dense environments where their formation/evolution (along with their circumstellar discs and/or planets) may be affected by the close proximity of their low-mass neighbours.
Global Health Governance: Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the Imperative for Change
Authors: Bell Ruth , Taylor Sebastian , Marmot Michael
Published: September 2010

On August 28, 2008, Michael Marmot, Chair of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, formally handed over the Commission’s Final Report to Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. It was a significant moment. Dr. Chan addressed a hall packed with representatives of the world’s communications media in a speech that was remarkably direct. Dr. Chan reiterated the Commission’s position that to improve health and health equity action needs to be taken not just across the health sector but across all social and economic policy areas, and stated, “Social deprivation is not a matter of fate. It is a marker of policy failure.” This was a bold statement from one of the world’s leading diplomats. Policy failure! The phrase echoes the Commission’s assertion that “a toxic combination of poor social policies, unfair economic arrangements and bad politics is killing people on a grand scale.” The Commission’s messages are far reaching.
Implementing Public Health Regulations in Developing Countries: Lessons from the OECD Countries
Authors: Mok Emily A. , Gostin Lawrence O. , Gupta Monica Das , Levin Max
Published: September 2010

Public health agencies undertake a broad range of health promotion and injury and disease prevention activities in collaboration with an array of actors, such as the community, businesses, and non-profit organizations. These activities are “multisectoral” in nature and centered on public health agencies that oversee and engage with the other actors. Public health agencies can influence the hazardous activities in the private sector in a variety of ways, “ranging from prohibition and regulation to volunteerism, and from cooperation to cooption.” Hence, a public health agency that possesses the necessary administrative resources and authority is vital to the effective implementation of health policies and regulations.

In the developing world, however, many state health agencies lack these basic capacities in dealing with critical health threats, including their ability to avert epidemics of communicable diseases arising from poor sanitary conditions. A serious constraint is the shortage of public health funding for health agencies in the developing world for typical agency functions (e.g., surveillance, monitoring, assessment, and intervention). This is often aggravated by the transaction-intensive demands entailed in enforcing regulations among an array of private and public sector actors including individuals, businesses, and local bodies responsible for providing civic services.
Addressing Global Health Governance Challenges through a New Mechanism: The Proposal for a Committee C of the World Health Assembly
Authors: Kickbusch Ilona , Hein Wolfgang , Silberschmidt Gaudenz
Published: September 2010

In January 2010 the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) called for an “informal consultation on the future of financing for WHO” and in her opening remarks expressed the need to make the WHO fit for purpose given the unique health challenges of the 21st century.

Margaret Chan referred to the constitutional role that WHO has to “act as the directing and co-ordinating authority on international health work” and stated clearly that global health leadership today and for the future must be earned through strategic and selective engagement. She said, “WHO can no longer aim to direct and coordinate all of the activities and policies in multiple sectors that influence public health today.” This is a clear challenge that she has put to the global health community in recognition that WHO’s role must be clarified in the face of major change.
Examining the Global Health Arena: Strengths and Weaknesses of a Convention Approach to Global Health Challenges
Authors: Haffeld Just Balstad , Siem Harald , Røttingen John-Arne
Published: September 2010

Global health is a concept which in recent years has evoked a lot of interest from both academics, politicians, celebrities, and the media. The term “global health” implies a globally shared responsibility to provide health as a public good through an expansive number of initiatives. This emerging era of consciousness about our international interdependence, regardless of a problem’s geographic location or type of disease, may be a good moment for exploring the strengths and weaknesses of an international law approach to global health challenges: a global health convention.

The most prominent global health initiatives are the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the 2005 Paris Declaration Process on Aid Effectiveness on the need for alignment and coordination (PDP), and the 2008 Accra High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (AHLF). These instruments have yet to prove their value, and the funds annually disbursed, approximately $25 billion in 2009, could have better effect if the negotiated principles from the PDP and the AHLF were followed.
Bridging the Divide between Genomic Science and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Jacobs Bette , Roffenbender Jason , Collmann Jeff , Cherry Kate , Bitsói LeManuel Lee , Bassett Kim , Evans Charles H.
Published: September 2010

The new science of genomics endeavors to chart the genomes of individuals around the world, with the dual goals of understanding the role genetic factors play in human health and solving problems of disease and disability. From the perspective of indigenous peoples and developing countries, the promises and perils of genomic science appear against a backdrop of global health disparity and political vulnerability. These conditions pose a dilemma for many communities when attempting to decide about participating in genomic research or any other biomedical research. Genomic research offers the possibility of improved technologies for managing the acute and chronic diseases that plague their members. Yet, the history of biomedical research among people in indigenous and developing nations offers salient examples of unethical practice, misuse of data and failed promises. This dilemma creates risks for communities who decide either to participate or not to participate in genomic science research.
Currents in Contemporary Ethics
Authors: Clayton Ellen Wright
Published: September 2010

Parents, providers, policy makers, and the public need to talk about the implications of advances in genomic technologies for state run newborn metabolic screening programs. Technologies, such as highly multiplex testing and whole genome sequencing, are raising old issues with new urgency and are posing new challenges that threaten to overwhelm newborn screening programs.

Newborn screening programs in their current form were born in the late 1960s. Robert Guthrie developed a screening test for phenylketonuria (PKU) that could be performed on blood spots collected on filter cards that Guthrie also developed. States rapidly established newborn screening programs, which were almost always mandatory, in response to advocacy by geneticists and parents. Although the programs initially varied in form and experienced significant pushback from the medical community, by the early 1970s, all states had established programs with centralized laboratories, and the medical community had come on board.
Inferring causal factors for a declining population of bottlenose dolphins via temporal symmetry capture–recapture modeling
Authors: Currey Rohan J. C. , Dawson Stephen M. , Schneider Karsten , Lusseau David , Boisseau Oliver J. , Haase Patti A. , Slooten Elisabeth
Published: September 2010

Abstract

We applied temporal symmetry capture–recapture (TSCR) models to assess the strength of evidence for factors potentially responsible for population decline in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand from 1995 to 2008. Model selection was conducted to estimate recruitment and population growth rates. There were similar levels of support for three different models, each reflecting distinct trends in recruitment. Modeling yielded low overall estimates of recruitment (0.0249, 95% CI: 0.0174–0.0324) and population growth rate (0.9642, 95% CI: 0.9546–0.9737). The TSCR rate of population decline was consistent with an estimate derived from trends in abundance (lambda = 0.9632, 95% CI: 0.9599–0.9665). The TSCR model selection confirmed the influence of a decline in the survival of calves (<1 yr old) since 2002 for population trends. However, TSCR population growth rates did not exceed 1 in any year between 1995 and 2008, indicating the population was declining prior to 2002. A separate reduction in juvenile survival (1–3 yr old) prior to 2002 was identified as a likely contributing factor in the population decline. Thus, TSCR modeling indicated the potential cause of the population decline in Doubtful Sound: cumulative impacts on individuals <3 yr old resulting in a reduced recruitment.
Comparative anatomy and evolutionary history of suction feeding in cetaceans
Authors: Johnston Cassie , Berta Annalisa
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Some odontocetes possess unique features of the hyolingual apparatus that are involved in suction feeding. The hyoid bone and associated musculature generates rapid, piston‐like retraction, and depression of the hyoid and tongue. “Capture” suction feeders (e.g., Globicephala) use suction for capturing and swallowing prey. “Combination” feeders (i.e., Lagenorhynchus) use both raptorial feeding (to capture prey) and suction (to ingest prey). In “capture” suction feeders, features of the hyoid and skull have been attributed to creating suction (i.e., large surface area and mandibular bluntness). In addition to odontocetes, a mysticete, the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), is considered a benthic suction feeder. However, anatomical studies of purported suction‐feeding structures of the gray whale are lacking. In addition, few studies have utilized evolutionary approaches to understand the history of suction feeding in cetaceans. This study incorporates quantitative and qualitative hyoid and cranial data from 35 extant and 14 extinct cetacean species into a multivariate principal component analysis and comparative phylogenetic analyses. Conclusions from these analyses are that some commonly attributed features (i.e., ventral throat grooves and mandibular bluntness) and one principal component are significantly correlated with suction feeding. Finally, ancestral state reconstructions indicate that suction feeding likely evolved once, early in cetacean evolutionary history.
The Nature and Timing of Specific Copy Number Changes in the Course of Molecular Progression in Diffuse Gliomas: Further Elucidation of Their Genetic “Life Story”
Authors: Jeuken Judith W.M. , Sijben Angelique , Bleeker Fonnet E. , Boots‐Sprenger Sandra H.E. , Rijntjes Jos , Gijtenbeek Johanna M.M. , Mueller Wolf , Wesseling Pieter
Published: September 2010

Up till now, typing and grading of diffuse gliomas is based on histopathological features. However, more objective tools are needed to improve reliable assessment of their biological behavior. We evaluated 331 diffuse gliomas for copy number changes involving 1p, 19q, CDKN2A, PTEN and EGFR(vIII) by Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA®, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Specifically based on the co‐occurrence of these aberrations we built a model for the timing of the different events and their exact nature (hemi‐ → homozygous loss; low‐level gain → (high‐copy) amplification) in the course of molecular progression. The mutation status of IDH1 and TP53 was also evaluated and shown to correlate with the level of molecular progression. The relevance of the proposed model was confirmed by analysis of 36 sets of gliomas and their 39 recurrence(s) whereas survival analysis for anaplastic gliomas confirmed the actual prognostic relevance of detecting molecular malignancy. Moreover, based on our results, molecular diagnostic analysis of 1p/19q can be further improved as different aberrations were identified, some of them being indicative for advanced molecular malignancy rather than for favorable tumor behavior. In conclusion, identification of molecular malignancy as proposed will aid in establishing a risk profile for individual patients and thereby in therapeutic decision making.
Influence of Variation in Eumelanin Content on Absorbance Spectra of Liquid Skin‐like Phantoms
Authors: Smit Jacoba E. , Grobler Anne F. , Sparrow Raymond W.
Published: September 2010

The attenuation behavior of two different types of skin‐like phantoms representing the range of Fitzpatrick skin Types I–VI was investigated and compared with real human skin. Intralipid (IL) and Pheroid™ artificial lipid membrane vesicles, respectively, were added to synthetic eumelanin concentrations ranging from 0.0044 to 0.13 mg mL−1 to produce skin‐like phantoms. Spectrophotometric absorbance and transmittance measurements were performed. Results indicated some of the nonmonotonic trends observed in real human skin, albeit shifted more toward the visible wavelength range. There exists, however, an underlying difference in interaction between the melanin and the Pheroid™ and IL skin‐like phantoms.
Roflumilast: clinical benefit in patients suffering from COPD
Authors: Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Calverley Peter Michael Anthony
Published: September 2010

Background and aims:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and is characterised by persistent airway inflammation, which leads to impaired airway function, quality of life and intermittent exacerbations. In spite of recent advances in the treatment of COPD, new treatment options for COPD are clearly necessary.

The oral phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) inhibitor roflumilast represents a new class of drugs that has shown efficacy and acceptable tolerability in preclinical and short‐term clinical studies in patients with COPD.

Methods and results:  The available long‐term clinical studies reviewed here suggest that the clinical efficacy of roflumilast is likely because of the suppression of airway inflammation and not through bronchodilation. Furthermore, the clinical studies have shown a modest improvement in airway function, including FEV1, and a reduction in frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations, as well as a positive effect on several patient‐reported outcomes. The clinical benefit of roflumilast appears to be greatest in patients with more symptomatic and severe disease who experience exacerbations. The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal events, primarily diarrhoea, nauseas and weight loss.

Conclusion:  Roflumilast is beneficial for maintenance treatment of patients with severe and symptomatic COPD and with a history of frequent acute exacerbations as an add‐on to treatment with long‐acting bronchodilators. It may have a role as an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids in more symptomatic COPD patients with frequent exacerbations, although direct comparisons are currently lacking.

Please cite this paper as: Ulrik CS and Calverley PMA. Roflumilast: clinical benefit in patients suffering from COPD. Clin Respir J 2010; 4: 197–201.
Clinical relevance of SKP2 alterations in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Rose Amy E. , Wang Guimin , Hanniford Douglas , Monni Stefano , Tu Ting , Shapiro Richard L. , Berman Russell S. , Pavlick Anna C. , Pagano Michele , Darvishian Farbod , Mazumdar Madhu , Hernando Eva , Osman Iman
Published: September 2010

In this study, we investigated the mechanism(s) of altered expression of protooncogene SKP2 in metastatic melanoma and its clinical relevance in patients with metastatic melanoma. The genomic status of SKP2 was assessed in cell lines by sequencing, single nucleotide polymorphism array, and genomic PCR. Copy number status was then evaluated for concordance with SKP2 mRNA and protein expression. SKP2 protein was further evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 93 human metastatic tissues. No mutations were identified in SKP2. Increased copy number at the SKP2 locus was observed in 6/14 (43%) metastatic cell lines and in 9/22 (41%) human metastatic tissues which was associated with overexpression of SKP2 protein. Overexpression of SKP2 protein in human tissues was associated with worse survival in a multivariate model controlling for the site of metastasis. Copy number gain is a major contributing mechanism of SKP2 overexpression in metastatic melanoma. Results may have implications for the development of therapeutics that target SKP2.
Calligonum taklimakanense sp. nov. (Polygonaceae) from Xinjiang, China
Authors: Sabirhazi Gulnur , Pan Bo‐Rong , Shen Guan‐Mian , Zhang Ming‐Li
Published: September 2010

Calligonum taklimakanense B. R. Pan & G. M. Shen, a new species of Polygonaceae from Taklimakan Desert, Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to C. ebinuricum Ivanova ex Soskov in having similar fruit shape and achenes with two rows of bristles, but differs in straight old branches and slightly coiled achenes without a long beak. Calligonum ebinuricum has tortuous old branches, very coiled achenes, and a 2–4 mm long beak.
Psychiatric morbidity among children in North Aceh district (Indonesia) exposed to the 26 December 2004 tsunami
Authors: Wiguna Tjhin , Guerrero Anthony P.S. , Kaligis Fransiska , Khamelia Malik
Published: September 2010

Introduction: The aim of the study was to ascertain, using available data from the Bio‐psychosocial Program for children, psychiatric morbidity and specific diagnoses among youths in North Aceh in the year after the tsunami disaster.

Methods: All youths (n=2,135) who participated in the program were included in the study and screened in two phases. They were first administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ); those with positive scores were then clinically interviewed by a psychiatrist, who then provided a diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fourth edition) (DSM‐IV).

Results: Subjects ranged in age from 4 to 18 years. Female‐to‐male ratio was 1:1.5. 98.1% of subjects were directly exposed to the trauma. There were significantly higher percentages (P<0.05) of abnormal total SDQ scores among trauma‐exposed youths (52.3% among 4 to 10‐year‐olds and 46.5% among 11 to 18‐year‐olds, compared with youths in the non‐trauma‐exposed group (8% among 4 to 10‐year‐old children and 12% among 11 to 18‐year‐old adolescents. Clinical interviews revealed that 8.94% of the trauma‐exposed youths met criteria for any mental disorder. Among youths with DSM‐IV diagnoses, the most common diagnoses were post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 24.6% of total diagnoses among 4 to 10‐year‐olds and 35.6% among 11 to 18‐year‐olds), followed by depressive disorders.

Discussion: Consistent with our hypotheses, youths directly exposed to the trauma demonstrated more psychiatric difficulties and higher rates of psychiatric diagnoses, most notably PTSD. Also, compared to younger children, adolescents and older children exposed to the trauma appeared to have higher rates of psychiatric disorders. In the face of disasters – natural or otherwise – further research is needed on optimal prevention of child and adolescent psychiatric morbidity.
International Climate Policy after Copenhagen: Towards a ‘Building Blocks’ Approach
Authors: Falkner Robert , Stephan Hannes , Vogler John
Published: September 2010

This article reviews the options for future international climate policy after the 2009 Copenhagen conference. It argues that a major reassessment of the current approach to building a climate regime is required. This approach, which we refer to as the ‘global deal’ strategy, is predicated on the idea of negotiating a comprehensive, universal and legally binding treaty that prescribes, in a top‐down fashion, generally applicable policies based on previously agreed principles. From a review of the history of the ‘global deal’ strategy from Rio (1992) to Kyoto (1997) and beyond we conclude that this approach has been producing diminishing returns for some time, and that it is time to consider an alternative path – if not goal – for climate policy. The alternative that, in our view, is most likely to move the world closer towards a working international climate regime is a ‘building blocks’ approach, which develops different elements of climate governance in an incremental fashion and embeds them in an international political framework. In fact, this alternative is already emergent in international politics. The goal of a full treaty has been abandoned for the next climate conference in Mexico, which is instead aiming at a number of partial agreements (on finance, forestry, technology transfer, adaptation) under the UNFCCC umbrella. For this to produce results, a more strategic approach is needed to ensure that – over time – such partial elements add up to an ambitious and internationally coordinated climate policy which does not drive down the level of aspiration and commitment.

Policy Implications

 The current approach to negotiating a comprehensive, universal and legally binding ‘global deal’ on climate change is unlikely to succeed. A strategic rethink is needed on how to advance global climate protection in the current global political and economic environment.

 An alternative approach is the ‘building blocks’ strategy, which develops different elements of climate governance in an incremental fashion and embeds them in a broader political framework. In fact, such an approach is already emergent in post‐Copenhagen international climate politics.

 The building blocks approach offers the hope of breaking the current diplomatic stalemate but remains a second best scenario. It promises no swift, short‐term solutions, risks strengthening the logic of free‐riding and may lead to excessive regulatory fragmentation.

 A more strategic, long‐term vision is required for the building blocks model to lead to the creation of an ambitious international architecture for climate protection and prevent the slide into a purely decentralised, ‘bottom‐up’ approach.
Campylobacter spp. in Broiler Flocks at Farm Level and the Potential for Cross‐Contamination During Slaughter
Authors: Ellerbroek L. I. , Lienau J.‐A. , Klein G.
Published: September 2010

Screening of broiler flocks for their Campylobacter carriage on farm level and consequently the spread of Campylobacter spp. during slaughtering can help to identify hygiene control points. Therefore, between December 2001 and August 2002 in total 51 broiler flocks from three farms of different geographical regions in Germany were analysed for thermophilic Campylobacter. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 45% of the broiler flocks examined. Subsequently, 1101 samples were taken from 22 flocks during different stages of processing. Samples were collected from: transport crates before and after cleaning/disinfection, evisceration, post‐scalded and post‐chilled carcasses and endproducts. Additionally, 45 selected Campylobacter isolates of droppings were genotyped by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Campylobacter carriage of flocks showed seasonal variation, with the highest contamination rate during the period of June to August. No evidence was found for a horizontal transmission from one broiler flock to the next via a persistent house‐contamination. In each positive flock, one to three different genotypes were found. One or two clones dominated isolations obtained from the farm level. The fact that in different flocks indistinguishable isolates of clonal origin were detected during the same rearing period suggested a transmission between the broiler flocks or an intermittent common external source. In one case, isolates of clonal origin were detected in various farms during different rearing periods. Sampling during processing confirmed that the entrance of a positive flock resulted in contamination of the abattoir environment. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from all sampling stages along the processing line, with a percentage of 91.1–100 of isolates at different stages of slaughtering.
Seroepidemiologic Survey for Coxiella burnetii Among Hospitalized US Troops Deployed to Iraq*
Authors: Anderson A. D. , Baker T. R. , Littrell A. C. , Mott R. L. , Niebuhr D. W. , Smoak B. L.
Published: September 2010

Q fever is a zoonotic illness which frequently has a non‐specific clinical presentation. Cases among deployed US military personnel have been reported in increasing numbers indicating an emerging at‐risk occupational group. Banked serum specimens were utilized to estimate seroprevalence and risk factors among military personnel deployed to Iraq. Coxiella burnetii antibody testing was performed and epidemiologic data were analysed from 909 servicemembers. The overall number who seroconverted to Q fever was 88 (10%). The most common ICD‐9 code assigned to Q fever cases was fever not otherwise specified (NOS) (45%). A combat occupational specialty was a risk factor for Q fever seroconversion (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8) as well as receiving a primary diagnosis of fever NOS (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6–4.1).These findings indicate that Q fever is a significant infectious disease threat to military personnel deployed to Iraq. A heightened awareness among physicians is necessary to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of clock gene mPer2 promotes liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Chen Peng , Han Zheyi , Yang Ping , Zhu Lin , Hua Zichun , Zhang Jianfa
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The clock gene mPer2 controls circadian periods and plays a critical role in clock resetting and responses to drugs of abuse. Mice deficient in mPer2 exhibit a marked susceptibility to acute liver injury. Clinical observations have demonstrated the existence of a relationship between circadian rhythm and liver cirrhosis. Here, we sought direct evidence for clock function to liver fibrosis using mPer2‐deficient mice.

Methods:  Hepatic fibrosis was induced in wild‐type (WT) and mPer2−/− mice by repetitive intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection. Masson trichrome staining and analysis of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) immunohistochemistry were performed to show the collagen accumulation and the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, respectively. The mRNA levels of fibrosis‐related genes were monitored by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The protein level of TIMP‐1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. Transferase deoxytidyl uridine end labeling, α‐SMA double staining and 4′,6′‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride staining were performed to show HSC apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, respectively.

Results:  CCl4 caused much more severe liver fibrosis and activated more HSC in mPer2 null mice as compared to WT animals. Meanwhile, mPer2 null mice exhibited less efficiency in fibrosis resolution. Apoptotic HSC were significantly fewer in mPer2 null mice compared with WT mice after CCl4; transfected Per2 cDNA into cultured HSC resulted in more HSC apoptosis with upregulation of TRAIL‐R2/DR5 expression.

Conclusion:  Loss of clock gene mPer2 predisposes liver fibrosis by increasing HSC activation and inhibiting HSC apoptosis.
Reliability and validity of splenic volume measurement by 3‐D ultrasound
Authors: Hidaka Hisashi , Nakazawa Takahide , Wang Guoqin , Kokubu Shigehiro , Minamino Tsutomu , Takada Juichi , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Okuwaki Yusuke , Watanabe Masaaki , Shibuya Akitaka , Koizumi Wasaburo
Published: September 2010

Aim:  We prospectively evaluated the reliability and validity of splenic volume with 3‐D ultrasound measurement and clarified its clinical usefulness.

Methods:  Thirty healthy volunteers and 30 patients with cirrhosis were included in this study. All 3‐D ultrasound examinations of splenic volumes were performed twice by two experienced sonographers with transabdominal ultrasound using virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL). Reliability was confirmed among all subjects by evaluating within‐observer repeatability and between‐observer reproducibility using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots. Overall between‐instrument agreement of the measurements and computed tomography (CT) volumetry among cirrhotic patients were performed to determine validity.

Results:  For all 240 examinations, 3‐D ultrasound visualization and measurement of the spleen volume was possible. Mean spleen volume was 104.0 mL for the volunteers and 283.5 mL for the cirrhotic patients. The repeatability was high, with ICC (95% confidence interval) of 0.996 (0.993–0.997) for observer A and 0.997 (0.994–0.998) for observer B. Moreover, the interobserver ICC was 0.996, indicating high reproducibility. Despite the difference in volume between the volunteers and cirrhotic patients, sensitivity analyses indicated consistent results for both groups. Regarding the validity of the 3‐D ultrasound measurement, it also showed moderate to high agreement with CT volumetry, with mean ICC of 0.922 and 0.924 for observers A and B, respectively. The reliability and validity results from the Bland–Altman plots were similar to those from the ICC, with limits of agreement consistently narrow from a clinically practical view.

Conclusion:  3‐D ultrasound measurements using VOCAL are valid and reliable in spleen volume examinations.
Impact of early elevation of serum bilirubin during treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ishigami Masatoshi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Katano Yoshiaki , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Hemolytic anemia is a well‐known adverse effect of interferon and ribavirin combination treatment. Herein, we analyzed the impact of early elevation of serum bilirubin level as a marker for predicting severe anemia during treatment.

Methods:  We studied 245 chronic hepatitis C patients who received pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination treatment, and divided them using two different threshold levels: (i) elevation of total bilirubin of 0.5 mg/dL or more within 1 week of starting treatment; and (ii) drop of hemoglobin (Hb) by 3 g/dL or more within 4 weeks of starting treatment. We compared the dynamics in each group and then investigated independent factors for predicting a severe Hb drop (≥3 g/dL) at 4 weeks after beginning treatment and dose reduction of ribavirin.

Results:  Total bilirubin levels at 1 week were significantly higher in patients with a Hb drop of 3 g/dL or more as compared to those with a drop of less than 3 g/dL (P < 0.0001). Hb levels at 4 weeks were significantly lower in the group of 0.5 mg/dL or more increase of total bilirubin levels than in the group with a less than 0.5 mg/dL increase (P < 0.0001). Therefore, elevation of total bilirubin after 1 week of treatment was shown to be an independent factor for predicting severe Hb drop (≥3 g/dL) at 4 weeks (P < 0.0001), and dose reduction of ribavirin during treatment (P = 0.0321).

Conclusion:  Early elevation of serum bilirubin level was found to be a possible predictive marker of both a severe drop of Hb in the early phase of treatment and dose reduction of ribavirin.
Transcatheter chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and comparison of five staging systems
Authors: Kawaoka Tomokazu , Aikata Hiroshi , Takaki Shintaro , Hashimoto Yoshimasa , Katamura Yoshio , Hiramatsu Akira , Waki Koji , Takahashi Shoichi , Kamada Koji , Kitamoto Mikiya , Nakanishi Toshio , Ishikawa Masaki , Hieda Masashi , Kakizawa Hideaki , Tanaka Junko , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: September 2010

Aim:  We compared the ability of five staging system to predict survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with chemoembolization.

Methods:  The study subjects were 214 patients with HCC treated with repeated chemoembolization alone using cisplatin and lipiodol. Predictors of survival were assessed by multivariate analysis. Before chemoembolization was carried out, the modified Japan Integrated Staging (m‐JIS), Japan Integrated Staging (JIS score), Barcelona (BCLC) stage, Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan/Tumor–Node–Metastasis (LCSGJ/TNM) and Italian score (CLIP score) were checked. To validate the prognostic value of these staging systems, the survival curve was obtained and analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Discriminatory ability and predictive power were compared using Akaike's information criterion (AIC) score and the likelihood ratio (LR) χ2.

Results:  Overall survival was 1 year in 82.9%, 3 years in 39.9% and 5 years in 15.1%. Multivariate analysis identified more than 90% lipiodol accumulation (grade I) after the first chemoembolization (P = 0.001), absence of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) (P < 0.001) and liver damage A (P = 0.012) as independent determinants of survival. AIC score and the LR χ2 showed superior predictive power of the m‐JIS system in 95 patients with grade I accumulation of lipiodol after first chemoembolization.

Conclusion:  The discriminate ability of the m‐JIS score is substantially better than those of other staging systems and has better prognostic predictive power in patients with grade I accumulation of lipiodol after first chemoembolization.
Regulatory Trade Risk and Supply Chain Strategy
Authors: Wang Yimin , Gilland Wendell , Tomlin Brian
Published: September 2010

Trade regulations are an important driver of supply chain strategy in many industries. For example, the textile, paper, chemical, and steel industries grapple with significant levels of non‐tariff barriers (NTBs) such as safeguard controls and countervailing duties. We explore three often observed supply chain strategies in industries subject to NTBs; direct procurement, split procurement, and outward processing arrangements (OPAs). We characterize the optimal procurement quantities for each of these three strategies, and examine how industry and country characteristics influence the firm's strategy preference. For example, we establish that the direct and split strategy profits increase in the NTB price variance but decrease in the mean price. These effects are sufficiently large that NTB price characteristics can dictate which supply chain strategy is preferred. Both the cost disadvantage and lead‐time advantage of domestic production are also significant influencers of the preferred strategy, as is the domestic‐country mandated production constraint associated with the OPA strategy.
Design Thinking in Business: An Interview with Gianfranco Zaccai
Authors: Lockwood Thomas
Published: September 2010

Continuum's Gianfranco Zaccai offers some opinions about design thinking (it's been around forever and has had many different names), about the use of language both among designers and among designers and clients, and about the process that leads a company from early design awareness toward making design a part of its business strategy.