bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bronchoscopic diagnosis of endoscopically visible lung malignancies: should cytological examinations be carried out routinely?
Authors: Dobler C. C. , Crawford A. B. H.
Published: December 2009

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy in endoscopically visible malignancies and to evaluate whether cytological examination, including bronchial washings and brushings, increase the diagnostic yield compared with bronchial biopsy alone.

Methods:  We reviewed a series of bronchoscopies over a period of 7.5 years in which an endoscopically visible tumour was identified and which had a definite cytological or histological diagnosis of pulmonary malignancy obtained by bronchoscopy or any other examination.

Results:  The criteria were met by 174 bronchoscopies. In 155 bronchoscopies all specimens including bronchial washings, brushings and biopsies were obtained; the overall diagnostic yield was 88%. This compared with a diagnostic yield of 77% for biopsies only (P < 0.001). The individual diagnostic yields for biopsies, brushings and washings were 77, 50 and 38%, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield of cytology was 61%, providing a diagnosis in 95 patients. Of 11 repeat bronchoscopies after an initial non‐diagnostic bronchoscopy, 9 were diagnostic.

Conclusion:  The tumour detection rate with flexible bronchoscopy in endoscopically visible lung malignancies is high. Cytology‐based sampling techniques by means of bronchial washings and brushings significantly increase the overall diagnostic yield compared with forceps biopsy only. Repeat bronchoscopies after an initial non‐diagnostic bronchoscopy have a relatively high diagnostic yield and should therefore be considered in all patients with endoscopically visible tumour.
Prognostic efficacy of cardiac biomarkers for mortality in dialysis patients
Authors: Hickman P. E. , McGill D. A. , Talaulikar G. , Hiremagalur B. , Bromley J. , Rahman A. , Koerbin G. , Southcott E. , Potter J. M.
Published: December 2009

Background: The high prevalence of cardiovascular mortality in the end‐stage renal disease population is well established. The aim of this current study was to document the relative prognostic significance of established cardiac biomarkers troponin T (TnT), troponin I (TnI), B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N‐terminal pro‐BNP (NT‐pro‐BNP) in this population.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of dialysis patients undertaken in a single tertiary centre in Australia. Relevant clinical and biochemical information was collected at entry and all patients followed up prospectively without any loss to follow up. End‐point of interest was all‐cause mortality. Statistical analysis using Cox proportional hazards was used to study relationship between competing covariates and outcome. A total of 143 patients with a mean age of 59.67 ± 15.49 years was followed up for a median duration of 30 months. Of these patients, 89.3% were white Australians of European ancestry. Twenty‐seven per cent had an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The mean concentrations (±SD) of TnT, TnI, BNP and N‐terminal peptide pro‐BNP (NT‐pro‐BNP) were 0.08 ± 0.04 µg/L, 0.09 ± 0.2 µg/L, 270 ± 117 ng/L and 1434 ± 591 ng/L respectively.

Results: Twenty‐eight subjects died during the period of follow up. By univariate analysis, all cardiac markers (TnT, TnI, BNP, NT‐pro‐BNP and C‐reactive protein) were significantly associated with an increase in mortality. On Cox proportionate hazards analysis, only albumin and NT‐pro‐BNP showed a significant association with mortality, with hazard ratios of 0.834, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.779–0.893, P < 0.001, and 1.585, 95%CI 1.160–20165, P = 0.004 respectively.

Conclusion: In patients with end‐stage renal failure on dialysis NT‐pro‐BNP provides greater prognostic information compared with TnT and TnI.
Echocardiography for the clinician: a practical update
Authors: Hudaverdi M. , Hamilton‐Craig C. , Platts D. , Chan J. , Burstow D. J.
Published: January 2010

Echocardiography is the mainstay of cardiovascular diagnostics, and is the most performed test for the evaluation of cardiac function. Critical and costly management decisions are based on quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction. Recent advances in echocardiography, such as microsphere contrast echocardiography for left ventricular opacification and perfusion imaging, three‐dimensional transthoracic and trans‐oesophageal imaging, strain and tissue Doppler imaging, all contribute to improving accuracy and reproducibility of these important measurements. Such techniques are now routinely available on standard echocardiography equipment in Australian centres for daily use. Hand‐carried ultrasound devices have been developed, which are portable, are affordable and offer increased availability of echocardiography to the wider community. Clinicians should be actively encouraged to adopt these technologies to improve the diagnostic quality and reproducability of echocardiography for our patients. This article provides an overview of important recent advances in echocardiographic imaging with an emphasis on their role in clinical practice today.
POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M‐protein and skin changes) syndrome in China
Authors: Cui R. T. , Huang X. S. , Shi Q. , Tian C. L. , Liu J. X. , Pu C. Q.
Published: January 2010

Background/Aim:  The clinical characteristics of POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M‐protein and skin changes) syndrome in China are largely unknown. This work thus studied the clinical manifestations of POEMS syndrome in China.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 82 patients with POEMS syndrome in our hospital and made a comparison with those reported outside China.

Results:  There were 82 patients. Forty (49%) were 45 years old or younger. Sensorimotor deficits were the common initial symptoms. The clinical manifestations are as follows: (i) peripheral neuropathy and abnormal electromyogram were seen in all patients (100%); (ii) organomegaly was present in 72 patients (88%); 61 of them (74%) had splenomegaly; (iii) endocrinopathy was present in 74 cases (90%); hypothyroidism was seen in 51 of 70 patients (73%); (iv) 60 patients (73%) had monoclonal plasmaproliferative disorder; only 22 of 40 (55%) had M‐protein; (v) skin changes were seen in 71 patients (87%); (vi) 68 patients (83%) had oedema and effusions; of these, hydropericardium was seen in 23 patients (28%); (vii) 35 of 55 patients (64%) had abnormal electrocardiogram and only 21 of 46 (46%) had bone lesions in X‐ray.

Conclusions:  POEMS syndrome in China has its own distinctive features, parts of which are commoner in the young people, the higher frequency of splenomegaly, hypothyroidism, hydropericardium and abnormal electrocardiogram, as well as the lower M‐protein and bone lesions in X‐ray.
Long‐lasting memory for an odor acquired at the mother's breast
Authors: Delaunay‐El Allam Maryse , Soussignan Robert , Patris Bruno , Marlier Luc , Schaal Benoist
Published: January 2010

Whether neonatal odor memory can persist into toddlerhood and influence behaviors that tap processes related to cognition (attention and exploration), motivation (choice and consumption), and emotion (hedonic processing) remains under‐researched. Using a quasi‐experimental longitudinal design, we examined whether an odor experienced at the mother’s breast can be retained at 7 and 21 months. The prescribed prophylactic use of a camomile‐scented balm defined two groups: infants exposed (CaE) or never exposed (CaNE) to camomile odor. At 7 months, exploratory responses to three similar objects differing in odor (including camomile) were analyzed. At 21 months, three tasks were used to assess toddlers’ (i) facial responses; (ii) exploratory responses to three similar, but differently odorized objects; and (iii) choices between two bottles carrying different odors. CaE infants displayed preferential responses for camomile odor at both ages in every task. In contrast, CaNE infants behaved either randomly or more negatively to camomile odor. This study indicates that early odor memories acquired during breastfeeding can be reactivated and influence behavioral processes until at least toddlerhood.
The development of joint visual attention: a longitudinal study of gaze following during interactions with mothers and strangers
Authors: Gredebäck Gustaf , Fikke Linn , Melinder Annika
Published: January 2010

Two‐ to 8‐month‐old infants interacted with their mother or a stranger in a prospective longitudinal gaze following study. Gaze following, as assessed by eye tracking, emerged between 2 and 4 months and stabilized between 6 and 8 months of age. Overall, infants followed the gaze of a stranger more than they followed the gaze of their mothers, demonstrating a stranger preference that emerged between 4 and 6 months of age. These findings do not support the notion that infants acquire gaze following through reinforcement learning. Instead, the findings are discussed with respect to the social cognitive framework, suggesting that young infants are driven by social cognitive motives in their interactions with others.
PUBLIC EDUCATION, FERTILITY INCENTIVES, NEOCLASSICAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WELFARE
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Gori Luca
Published: January 2010

Using a simple overlapping generations model of neoclassical growth, we analyse the effects of both child allowances and the system of public education on the rate of fertility, the per capita income and the individual lifetime welfare. The essential message of the present paper is that developed countries plagued by below‐replacement fertility and income stagnation may raise per capita income and the rate of fertility at the same time by increasing the public education expenditure rather than by resorting to child allowances. The latter, in fact, are found to be harmful for long‐run neoclassical economic growth and, in contrast with the common belief, for the rate of population growth as well. Moreover, welfare analysis has shown the existence of a Pareto‐efficient welfare‐maximizing educational contribution rate.
Ontologies to Support RFID‐Based Link between Virtual Models and Construction Components
Authors: Sørensen Kristian Birch , Christiansson Per , Svidt Kjeld
Published: December 2009

Abstract: Virtual models have in recent years proven their worth in practice in building design. Today, virtual models of a complete building project are often created before the project is carried out in practice. The immediate advantages of this new working process are great; it reduces the number of errors, it gives a better production basis, and it improves clarity and enhances communication compared to traditional 2D drafting methods. However, there is still much unutilized potential in the virtual models, especially for use in the construction and operation phases. A digital link between the virtual models and the physical components in the construction process can improve the information handling and sharing in construction and building operation management. Such a link can be created by means of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Ontologies play an important role as the foundation for information sharing between trading partners, reuse of data from one phase in construction to the next, integration of process and product models with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, easy access of information, communication of data through networks, reading of data stored in electronic tags, etc. This article reviews existing ontologies relevant in relation to creating such a digital link between virtual models and the physical components. The ontologies are reviewed from an ontology consumer (system developer) point of view. The ontologies are categorized according to their applicability to specification of technical services, resources, organizational relations, business processes, and overall frameworks for ontology descriptions and their relations. It is concluded, with a few modifications for industrial use, the technical service and resource ontologies are applicable and that the meta‐, organizational, and business process ontologies need further development and industrial maturity to be applicable for use in system development.
SCEPTICISM ABOUT PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Brennan Jason
Published: January 2010

Suppose a person who is agnostic about most philosophical issues wishes to have true philosophical beliefs but equally wishes to avoid false philosophical beliefs. I argue that this truth‐seeking, error‐avoiding agnostic would not have good grounds for pursuing philosophy. Widespread disagreement shows that pursuing philosophy is not a reliable method of discovering true answers to philosophical questions. More likely than not, pursuing philosophy leads to false belief. Many attempts to rebut this sceptical argument fail.
TWINNING, INORGANIC REPLACEMENT, AND THE ORGANISM VIEW
Authors: Liao S. Matthew
Published: January 2010

In explicating his version of the Organism View, Eric Olson argues that you begin to exist only after twinning is no longer possible and that you cannot survive a process of inorganic replacement. Assuming the correctness of the Organism View, but pace Olson, I argue in this paper that the Organism View does not require that you believe either proposition. The claim I shall make about twinning helps to advance a debate that currently divides defenders of the Organism View, while the claim I shall make about inorganic replacement will help to put the Organism View on a par with its rival views by allowing it to accommodate a plausible intuition that its rivals can accommodate, namely, the intuition that you can survive a process of inorganic replacement. Both claims, I shall also argue, are important for those who are interested in the identity condition of a human organism, even if they do not hold the view that you are essentially an organism.
THE FRESHMAN OBJECTION TO EXPRESSIVISM AND WHAT TO MAKE OF IT
Authors: Olson Jonas
Published: January 2010

Cognitivism is the view that the primary function of moral judgements is to express beliefs that purport to say how things are; expressivism is the contrasting view that their primary function is to express some desire‐like state of mind. I shall consider what I call the freshman objection to expressivism. It is pretty uncontroversial that this objection rests on simple misunderstandings. There are nevertheless interesting metaethical lessons to learn from the fact that the freshman objection is prevalent among undergraduates and non‐philosophers. It leaves for expressivists two awkward explanatory tasks. Number one is that of explaining why natural selection – which, by expressivism's own lights, favoured moral thought and talk because of their socially useful regulative and coordinating functions – did not favour a stance that would make moral thought and talk more effective in fulfilling these functions. Number two is that of explaining how moral thought and talk survive in cultural evolution, despite the prevalence of the freshman objection and related worries. I conclude that expressivism as a theory of actual moral discourse rather than a revisionist theory is either false or committed to an implausible error theory, according to which ordinary speakers are systematically mistaken about what they are up to when they make moral judgements.
Estimation of Viral Infection and Replication in Cells by Using Convolution Models
Authors: Follmann Dean , Qin Jing , Hoshino Yo
Published: January 2010

In some assays, a diluted suspension of infected cells is plated onto multiple wells. In each well the number of genome copies of virus, Y, is recorded, but interest focuses on the number of infected cells, X, and the number of genome copies in the infected cells, W1,…,WX. The statistical problem is to recover the distribution or at least moments of X and W on the basis of the convolution Y. We evaluate various parametric statistical models for this ‘mixture’- type problem and settle on a flexible robust approach where X follows a two-component Poisson mixture model and W is a shifted negative binomial distribution. Data analysis and simulations reveal that the means and occasionally variances of X and W can be reliably captured by the model proposed. We also identify the importance of selecting an appropriate dilution for a reliable assay.
Bayesian Geoadditive Sample Selection Models
Authors: Wiesenfarth Manuel , Kneib Thomas
Published: January 2010

Sample selection models attempt to correct for non-randomly selected data in a two-model hierarchy where, on the first level, a binary selection equation determines whether a particular observation will be available for the second level, i.e. in the outcome equation. Ignoring the non-random selection mechanism that is induced by the selection equation may result in biased estimation of the coefficients in the outcome equation. In the application that motivated this research, we analyse relief supply in earthquake-affected communities in Pakistan, where the decision to deliver goods represents the dependent variable in the selection equation whereas factors that determine the amount of goods supplied are analysed in the outcome equation. In this application, the inclusion of spatial effects is necessary since the available covariate information on the community level is rather scarce. Moreover, the high temporal dynamics underlying the immediate delivery of relief supply after a natural disaster calls for non-linear, time varying effects. We propose a geoadditive sample selection model that allows us to address these issues in a general Bayesian framework with inference being based on Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation techniques. The model proposed is studied in simulations and applied to the relief supply data from Pakistan.
Cross‐cultural Self‐assertion and Cultural Politics: African Migrants' Writing in German Since the Late 1990S
Authors: Göttsche Dirk
Published: January 2010

Since the 1980s African migrants’ writing in German has seen significant development, establishing itself as one of the few examples of a German postcolonial literature in the literal sense, undercutting traditional notions of national literatures, and contributing to the cross‐cultural diversification of contemporary German literature. This essay combines an overview of this strand of African diasporic writing in German since the late 1990s with concise textual analysis of selected works in order to explore the authors’ engagement with experiences of postcolonial migration, their critique of colonial legacies in both Africa and Germany, and their intervention in German and transnational cultural debates. The discussion highlights discursive shifts in the history of this mostly autobiographical tradition as well as the emerging diversity of African voices, which challenges potential stereotypes about migrants’ writing.

Seit ihren Anfängen in den 1980er Jahren hat die afrikanische Migrantenliteratur in deutscher Sprache erheblich an Profil gewonnen. Als eines der wenigen Beispiele einer im Wortsinne post‐kolonialen deutschsprachigen Literatur unterläuft sie die traditionelle Vorstellung separater Nationalliteraturen und trägt entscheidend zur interkulturellen Diversifizierung der deutschen Gegenwartsliteratur bei. Der vorliegende Aufsatz verbindet einen Überblick über die Entwicklung dieser Form afrikanischer Diaspora‐Literatur seit den späteren 1990er Jahren mit der knappen Analyse ausgewählter Texte, die sich mit postkolonialen Migrationserfahrungen auseinandersetzen, fortdauernde Auswirkungen der Kolonialzeit sowohl in Afrika wie in Deutschland thematisieren und im Zuge transkultureller Selbstbehauptung an verschiedenen, teils deutschen, teils transnationalen kulturellen Diskursen und Initiativen partizipieren. Der Aufsatz beleuchtet sowohl diskursive Verschiebungen in der Geschichte dieser oft autobiographischen Traditionslinie als auch jene zunehmende Vielfalt dieser afrikanischen Stimmen, die geläufige Stereotypen zur Migrantenliteratur in Frage stellt.
The ‘hidden work’ of a hospital neurologist: 1000 consults later
Authors: Ali E. , Chaila E. , Hutchinson M. , Tubridy N.
Published: December 2009

Background:  A new Web‐based, internal neurology referral service was introduced in our department to expedite inpatient review for other departments and to allow assessment of the impact of neurology consults on patient care throughout the hospital, especially in the emergency department (ED). The results of the analysis of the first 1000 referrals using the new system are presented.

Methods:  An intranet referral system was designed by the consultant neurologists. The previous method of referral was by handwritten letter. The electronic template included ‘drop‐down’ menus and mandatory fields to help guide referring teams. An outcome section is completed by the neurology team.

Results:  An average of 17 referrals was seen weekly. Seventy‐seven per cent were seen within 24 h of referral. A consultant neurologist saw 87% of the referrals directly; 13% were first seen by a registrar and later discussed with a consultant. Forty per cent were seen in the ED of which a one‐third of the patients were discharged following assessment. The most common reason for referral was seizure(s) or an episode of collapse (28%). Patients presenting with stroke/transient ischaemic attack represented 13.5%, and 12.5% presented with headaches. The management of 79% of referred cases was deemed to have been significantly changed after neurology review.

Discussion:  The introduction of a neurology consultant‐designed and consultant‐led intranet referral service has greatly enhanced the delivery of the consult service to patients in our hospital. This referral system contributes significantly to hospital efficiency and to access for patients to specialist assessment.
The FTLD‐modified Clinical Dementia Rating scale is a reliable tool for defining disease severity in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: evidence from a brain SPECT study
Authors: Borroni B. , Agosti C. , Premi E. , Cerini C. , Cosseddu M. , Paghera B. , Bellelli G. , Padovani A.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by impairment in executive functions, behavioural disturbance and language deficit. Reliable scales of global impairment are under evaluation. A consortium of Mayo Clinic and University of California FTLD Centers has recently developed the FTLD‐modified Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale to assess FTLD severity.

Objective:  To evaluate whether FTLD‐modified CDR scores correlate with the pattern and degree of brain SPECT hypoperfusion in patients with FTLD.

Methods:  Ninety‐nine patients with FTLD entered the study. Patients underwent a clinical evaluation and a wide standardized neuropsychological assessment, including mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and FTLD‐modified CDR. A brain SPECT perfusion imaging study was carried out in each patient. A linear correlation analysis between frontotemporal dementia‐modified CDR or neuropsychological tests scores and perfusion data was performed.

Results:  There was a significant relationship between higher FTLD‐modified CDR score and lower global regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal and temporal lobes, bilaterally. No significant correlation between MMSE and brain frontotemporal hypoperfusion was found. The correlation between brain hypoperfusion pattern and neuropsychological test scores tapping different cognitive domains fitted with previously published data.

Conclusions:  The recently introduced FTLD‐modified CDR scale correlates with the degree of frontotemporal hypoperfusion in patients with FTLD. This study confirms and further supports the usefulness of FTLD‐modified CDR in future clinical trials to monitor disease progression.
Location and severity of spasticity in the first 1–2 weeks and at 3 and 18 months after stroke
Authors: Welmer A.‐K. , Widén Holmqvist L. , Sommerfeld D. K.
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  There is no consensus concerning the location or severity of spasticity, or how this changes with time after stroke. The purpose was to describe: the location and severity of spasticity, in different muscle groups, during the first 1–2 weeks and at 3 and 18 months after stroke; the association between the severity of spasticity and control of voluntary movements; and the occurrence of spasticity in younger versus older patients.

Methods:  In a cohort of consecutive patients, the following parameters were assessed during the first 1–2 weeks (n = 109) and at 3 (n = 95) and 18 (n = 66) months after first‐ever stroke: spasticity, by the Modified Ashworth Scale in different muscle groups; plantar‐flexor clonus, by physical examination; and movement function, by the Lindmark Motor Assessment Scale.

Results:  During the first 1–2 weeks and at 3 months after stroke, spasticity was most common in the anti‐gravity muscles. The severity of upper extremity spasticity increased over time (P < 0.05). Upper extremity spasticity and movement scores were moderately associated (r = −0.61, P < 0.05). At 3 months, spasticity was more common amongst the younger patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  The results confirm that spasticity is most common in the anti‐gravity muscles and is associated with the control of voluntary movements. As the severity of spasticity also increased after 3 months, when neurally mediated spasticity is expected to have passed its peak, intrinsic muscle changes may play a larger role than neural components with the passage of time after stroke.
Ribosomal RNA gene fragments from fossilized cyanobacteria identified in primary gypsum from the late Miocene, Italy
Authors: PANIERI G. , LUGLI S. , MANZI V. , ROVERI M. , SCHREIBER B. C. , PALINSKA K. A.
Published: January 2010

Earth scientists have searched for signs of microscopic life in ancient samples of permafrost, ice, deep‐sea sediments, amber, salt and chert. Until now, evidence of cyanobacteria has not been reported in any studies of ancient DNA older than a few thousand years. Here, we investigate morphologically, biochemically and genetically primary evaporites depositedin situduring the late Miocene (Messinian) Salinity Crisis from the north‐eastern Apennines of Italy. The evaporites contain fossilized bacterial structures having identical morphological forms as modern microbes. We successfully extracted and amplified genetic material belonging to ancient cyanobacteria from gypsum crystals dating back to 5.910–5.816 Ma, when the Mediterranean became a giant hypersaline brine pool. This finding represents the oldest ancient cyanobacterial DNA to date. Our clone library and its phylogenetic comparison with present cyanobacterial populations point to a marine origin for the depositional basin. This investigation opens the possibility of including fossil cyanobacterial DNA into the palaeo‐reconstruction of various environments and could also be used to quantify the ecological importance of cyanobacteria through geological time. These genetic markers serve as biosignatures providing important clues about ancient life and begin a new discussion concerning the debate on the origin of late Miocene evaporites in the Mediterranean.
UNIT CONSISTENCY AND BIPOLARIZATION OF INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Lasso de la Vega Ma Casilda , Urrutia Ana , Díez Henar
Published: December 2009

Many polarization measures proposed in the literature assume some invariance condition. Clearly, each invariance condition imposes a specific value judgment on polarization measurement. In inequality and poverty measurement, B. Zheng suggests rejecting these invariance conditions as axioms, and proposes replacing them with the unit‐consistency axiom. This property demands that the inequality or poverty rankings, rather than their cardinal values, are not altered when income is measured in different monetary units. Following Zheng's proposal we explore the consequences of the unit‐consistency axiom in the bipolarization field. We introduce a new family of Krtscha‐type intermediate bipolarization indices, and also propose and characterize a class of intermediate polarization orderings which are unit‐consistent. Finally, a short empirical application using data from Spain is also provided to illustrate how the bipolarization orderings proposed may be used in practice.
POLARIZATION OF THE POOR: MULTIVARIATE RELATIVE POVERTY MEASUREMENT SANS FRONTIERS
Authors: Anderson Gordon
Published: December 2009

A major impediment to poverty evaluation in environments with a multiplicity of wellbeing indicators is the difficulty associated with formulating a poverty frontier in many dimensions. This paper proposes two multivariate relative polarization measures which, in appropriate circumstances, serve as multivariate poverty measures which do not require computation of a poverty frontier. As poverty measures they have the intuitive appeal of reflecting the degree to which poor and non‐poor societies are polarized. (The measures would also have considerable application in studying multivariate convergence issues in economic growth models.) The measures are exemplified in a poor–non‐poor country study over the period 1990–2005, based upon the joint distribution of per capita GNP and Life Expectancy. The results suggest that as a group, the world's poor are experiencing diminished poverty polarization; however, within the world's poor the African nations are experiencing increased poverty polarization.
Comparison of Health Outcomes for Male Seniors in the Veterans Health Administration and Medicare Advantage Plans
Authors: Selim Alfredo J. , Berlowitz Dan , Kazis Lewis E. , Rogers William , Wright Steven M. , Qian Shirley X. , Rothendler James A. , Spiro III Avron , Miller Donald , Selim Bernardo J. , Fincke Benjamin G.
Published: December 2009

Objectives. To compare the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with the Medicare Advantage (MA) plans with regard to health outcomes.

Data Sources. The Medicare Health Outcome Survey, the 1999 Large Health Survey of Veteran Enrollees, and the Ambulatory Care Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients (Fiscal Years 2002 and 2003).

Study Design. A retrospective study.

Extraction Methods. Men 65+ receiving care in MA (N=198,421) or in VHA (N=360,316). We compared the risk‐adjusted probability of being alive with the same or better physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health at 2‐years follow‐up. We computed hazard ratio (HR) for 2‐year mortality.

Principal Findings. Veterans had a higher adjusted probability of being alive with the same or better PCS compared with MA participants (VHA 69.2 versus MA 63.6 percent, p<.001). VHA patients had a higher adjusted probability than MA patients of being alive with the same or better MCS (76.1 versus 69.6 percent, p<.001). The HRs for mortality in the MA were higher than in the VHA (HR, 1.26 [95 percent CI 1.23–1.29]).

Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the VHA has better patient outcomes than the private managed care plans in Medicare. The VHA's performance offers encouragement that the public sector can both finance and provide exemplary health care.
Use and practice of patient diaries in Swedish intensive care units: a national survey
Authors: Åkerman Eva , Granberg‐Axéll Anetth , Ersson Anders , Fridlund Bengt , Bergbom Ingegerd
Published: January 2010

Aims and objectives: To describe and compare the extent and application of patients' diaries in Sweden.

Background: Since 1991, patient diaries have been used in intensive care unit (ICU) follow‐up in Sweden. There is paucity of relevant data evaluating the effect of this tool and also on what premises patients are enrolled. Likewise, data are sparse on the diaries' design, content structure and the use of photographs.

Design: Descriptive explorative design by a semi‐structured telephone interview.

Methods: The interview results were analysed with descriptive statistics and differences between the ICU levels were explored by χ2 analysis. Qualitative manifest content analysis was performed to explore the purpose of diary writing.

Results: Of all ICUs (n = 85), 99% responded and 75% used diaries. The source of inspiration was collegial rather than from scientific data. The main reason for keeping a diary was to help the patient to recapitulate the ICU stay. Discrepancies between the different levels of ICUs were detected in patient selection, dedicated staff for follow‐up and the use of photographs. Comparison between the χ2 analysis and the content analysis outcome displayed incongruence between the set unit‐goals and the activities for achievement but did not explain the procedural differences detected.

Conclusion: The uses of diaries in post ICU follow up were found to be common in Sweden. A majority used defined goals and content structure. However, there were differences in practice and patient recruitment among the levels of ICUs. These discrepancies seemed not to be based on evidence‐based data nor on ongoing research or evaluation but merely on professional judgement. As ICU follow‐up is resource intense and time consuming, it is paramount that solid criteria for patient selection and guidelines for the structure and use of diaries in post‐ICU follow‐up are defined.
Dominant Logic and Entrepreneurial Firms‘ Performance in a Transition Economy
Authors: Obloj Tomasz , Obloj Krzysztof , Pratt Michael G.
Published: January 2010

Dominant logic is the manner in which firms conceptualize and make critical resource–allocation decisions, and over time develop mental maps, business models, and processes that become organizational recipes. This study compares and contrasts the dominant logic of Polish entrepreneurial firms. We find evidence that a dominant logic characterized by external orientation, proactiveness, and simplicity of routines significantly influences the performance of entrepreneurial firms in this emerging economy. These dominant logic characteristics of high performers serve as a key intangible resource in transition economies that are characterized by the absence of strong institutions and resource constraints. Future research in this critical domain should include how dominant logic needs in transition economies evolve over time as the institutional environment matures and market mechanisms become more solidified.
Temperature‐Dependent 5D0→7F0 Luminescence of Sm2+ Ions Doped in Alkaline Earth Borophosphate Glass
Authors: Li Yadong , Wang Jiayu , Huang Yanlin , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: December 2009

Sm2O3‐doped SrO–BaO–P2O5–B2O3 glass was prepared by a conventional melt quenching method in air. The glass was irradiated using X‐rays to reduce the Sm3+ ions to Sm2+ ions. After the X‐ray irradiation, photoluminescence studies at different temperatures showed that the conversion of Sm3+ to Sm2+ could be realized in this alkaline earth borophosphate glass. The luminescence of the Sm2+ ions showed a strong dependence on temperature. Photo‐stability of Sm2+ ion was evaluated using a photo‐bleaching method. Thermo‐luminescence and life‐time measurements were also investigated. The results of this study could be useful for understanding the reduction mechanism of Sm3+ ions to Sm2+ ions in alkaline earth borophosphate glass.
Sensitivity of Bedside Ultrasound and Supine Anteroposterior Chest Radiographs for the Identification of Pneumothorax After Blunt Trauma
Authors: Gentry Wilkerson R. , Stone Michael B.
Published: January 2010

Objectives:  Supine anteroposterior (AP) chest radiographs in patients with blunt trauma have poor sensitivity for the identification of pneumothorax. Ultrasound (US) has been proposed as an alternative screening test for pneumothorax in this population. The authors conducted an evidence‐based review of the medical literature to compare sensitivity of bedside US and AP chest radiographs in identifying pneumothorax after blunt trauma.

Methods:  MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for trials from 1965 through June 2009 using a search strategy derived from the following PICO formulation of our clinical question: patients included adult (18 +  years) emergency department (ED) patients in whom pneumothorax was suspected after blunt trauma. The intervention was thoracic ultrasonography for the detection of pneumothorax. The comparator was the supine AP chest radiograph during the initial evaluation of the patient. The outcome was the diagnostic performance of US in identifying the presence of pneumothorax in the study population. The criterion standard for the presence or absence of pneumothorax was computed tomography (CT) of the chest or a rush of air during thoracostomy tube placement (in unstable patients). Prospective, observational trials of emergency physician (EP)‐performed thoracic US were included. Trials in which the exams were performed by radiologists or surgeons, or trials that investigated patients suffering penetrating trauma or with spontaneous or iatrogenic pneumothoraces, were excluded. The methodologic quality of the studies was assessed. Qualitative methods were used to summarize the study results. Data analysis consisted of test performance (sensitivity and specificity, with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of thoracic US and supine AP chest radiography.

Results:  Four prospective observational studies were identified, with a total of 606 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of US for the detection of pneumothorax ranged from 86% to 98% and 97% to 100%, respectively. The sensitivity of supine AP chest radiographs for the detection of pneumothorax ranged from 28% to 75%. The specificity of supine AP chest radiographs was 100% in all included studies.

Conclusions:  This evidence‐based review suggests that bedside thoracic US is a more sensitive screening test than supine AP chest radiography for the detection of pneumothorax in adult patients with blunt chest trauma.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:11–17 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Feminist Anthropology in Mexico: The Political‐Intellectual Trajectory of Mercedes Olivera Bustamante
Authors: Mora Mariana
Published: December 2009

Fran Rothstein is contributing editor of the Commission on World Anthropologies column in Anthropology News.
A Review of the Potential Forensic Significance of Traditional Herbal Medicines
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  Traditional herbal substances may contain highly toxic chemicals and heavy metals, in addition to naturally occurring organic toxins. These substances may cause illness, exacerbate pre‐existing ill health or result in death, particularly if taken in excess or in an unusual manner (e.g., injected rather than ingested). Lack of regulation of the content and quality of herbal medicines may result in contamination and adulteration with prescription medications. As there may be no history of the specific use of these products their contribution to death may not be fully appreciated during a standard autopsy. Even when their existence is known or suspected, it may be difficult to identify these substances on standard toxicologic screening. Herbal medicines may also be responsible for a range of symptoms and signs that may confuse the clinical presentation of cases. Given these issues the role of herbal medicines in forensic practice needs to be more clearly defined as deaths may be occurring where herbal medicines have made a significant, but as‐yet unrecognized, contribution.
High efficacy and minimal peptide required for the anti‐angiogenic and anti‐hepatocarcinoma activities of plasminogen K5
Authors: Yang Xia , Cai Weibin , Xu Zumin , Chen Jing , Li Chaoyang , Liu Shaojun , Yang Zhonghan , Pan Qiuhui , Li Mingtao , Ma Jianxing , Gao Guoquan
Published: December 2009

Kringle 5(K5) is the fifth kringle domain of human plasminogen and its anti‐angiogenic activity is more potent than angiostatin that includes the first four kringle fragment of plasminogen. Our recent study demonstrated that K5 suppressed hepatocarcinoma growth by anti‐angiogenesis. To find high efficacy and minimal peptide sequence required for the anti‐angiogenic and anti‐tumour activities of K5, two deletion mutants of K5 were generated. The amino acid residues outside kringle domain of intact K5 (Pro452‐Ala542) were deleted to form K5mut1(Cys462‐Cys541). The residue Cys462 was deleted again to form K5mut2(Met463‐Cys541). K5mut1 specifically inhibited proliferation, migration and induced apoptosis of endothelial cells, with an apparent two‐fold enhanced activity than K5. Intraperitoneal injection of K5mut1 resulted in more potent tumour growth inhibition and microvessel density reduction than K5 both in HepA‐grafted and Bel7402‐xenografted hepatocarcinoma mouse models. These results suggested that K5mut1 has more potent anti‐angiogenic activity than intact K5. K5mut2, which lacks only the amino terminal cysteine of K5mut1, completely lost the activity, suggesting that the kringle domain is essential for the activity of K5. The activity was enhanced to K5mut1 level when five acidic amino acids of K5 in NH2 terminal outside kringle domain were replaced by five serine residues (K5mut3). The shielding effect of acidic amino acids may explain why K5mut1 has higher activity. K5, K5mut1 and K5mut3 held characteristic β‐sheet spectrum while K5mut2 adopted random coil structure. These results suggest that K5mut1 with high efficacy is the minimal active peptide sequence of K5 and may have therapeutic potential in liver cancer.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: No Association Between the GSTP1 Exon 5 Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Advanced Stage Endometriosis in the Korean Population
Authors: Jeon Myung Jae , Choi Young Min , Hong Min A , Lee Gyoung Hoon , Ku Seung Yup , Kim Seok Hyun , Kim Jung Gu , Moon Shin Yong
Published: December 2009

CitationJeon MJ, Choi YM, Hong MA, Lee GH, Ku SY, Kim SH, Kim JG, Moon SY. No Association between the GSTP1 exon 5 polymorphism and susceptibility to advanced stage endometriosis in the Korean population. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 222–226

Problem  To investigate whether the glutathione‐S‐transferase P1 (GSTP1) exon 5 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to advanced stage endometriosis in Korean women.

Method of study  Case–control study in a collective of 260 patients and 164 controls. Genotyping of the GSTP1 exon 5 polymorphism was performed by using real‐time TaqMan PCR assay.

Results  The genotype distribution of the GSTP1 exon 5 polymorphism in the endometriosis group was not significantly different from that of the control group (AA/AG/GG rates were 64.2%/32.7%/3.1% and 65.2%/31.7%/3.0% for the endometriosis and control groups, respectively, P = 0.977). Further subgroup analysis according to either stage or bilaterality of ovarian endometrioma also found no significant difference in the genotype distribution between any of the endometriosis subgroups and the control group.

Conclusion  These findings suggest that the GSTP1 exon 5 polymorphism is not a major determinant of the development of advanced stage endometriosis in the Korean population.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Transforming Growth Factor‐Beta1 Gene Polymorphisms in Korean Patients with Pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Kim Shin Young , Lim Ji Hyae , Park So Yeon , Yang Jae Hyug , Kim Moon Young , Kim Min Hyoung , Ryu Hyun Mee
Published: January 2010

Citation Kim SY, Lim JH, Park SY, Yang JH, Kim MY, Kim MH, Ryu HM. Transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) gene polymorphisms in Korean patients with pre‐eclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 291–298

Problem  The aim of this study was to investigate whether c.869T>C (Leu10Pro) and c.915G>C (Arg25Pro) polymorphisms in exon1 of the transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) gene are associated with development of pre‐eclampsia (PE) in Korean women.

Method of study  We analyzed blood samples from 164 patients with PE and 182 healthy pregnant women using the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Results  The frequencies of the 869CC and combined TC/CC genotypes were higher in patients with PE than in healthy controls. In the PE with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), the frequencies of these genotypes were also higher than that in controls. Furthermore, the 869C allele frequency was significantly higher in both PE and IUGR‐complicated PE than in controls. Multivariate analysis showed that the 869TC, CC, and combined TC/CC genotypes were associated with an increased risk of PE compared with the 869TT genotype. In addition, the 869TC, CC, and combined TC/CC genotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of IUGR‐complicated PE compared with the 869TT genotype. The TGF‐β1 c.915G>C polymorphism was not detected in our population.

Conclusion  Our findings indicate that the TGF‐β1 c.869T>C polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor for PE and IUGR‐complicated PE.
Cross‐species divergence of the major recognition pathways of ubiquitylated substrates for ubiquitin/26S proteasome‐mediated proteolysis
Authors: Fatimababy Antony S. , Lin Ya‐Ling , Usharani Raju , Radjacommare Ramalingam , Wang Hsing‐Ting , Tsai Hwang‐Long , Lee Yenfen , Fu Hongyong
Published: January 2010

The recognition of ubiquitylated substrates is an essential element of ubiquitin/26S proteasome‐mediated proteolysis (UPP), which is mediated directly by the proteasome subunit RPN10 and/or RPN13, or indirectly by ubiquitin receptors containing ubiquitin‐like and ubiquitin‐associated domains. By pull‐down and mutagenesis assays, we detected cross‐species divergence of the major recognition pathways. RPN10 plays a major role in direct recognition in Arabidopsis and yeast based on the strong affinity for the long and K48‐linked ubiquitin chains. In contrast, both the RPN10 and RPN13 homologs play major roles in humans. For indirect recognition, the RAD23 and DSK2 homologs (except for the human DSK2 homolog) are major receptors. The human RAD23 homolog is targeted to the 26S proteasome by the RPN10 and RPN13 homologs. In comparison, Arabidopsis uses UIM1 and UIM3 of RPN10 to bind DSK2 and RAD23, respectively. Yeast uses UIM in RPN10 and LRR in RPN1. Overall, multiple proteasome subunits are responsible for the direct and/or indirect recognition of ubiquitylated substrates in yeast and humans. In contrast, a single proteasome subunit, RPN10, is critical for both the direct and indirect recognition pathways in Arabidopsis. In agreement with these results, the accumulation of ubiquitylated substrates and severe pleiotropic phenotypes of vegetative and reproductive growth are associated with the loss of RPN10 function in an Arabidopsis T‐DNA insertion mutant. This implies that the targeting and proteolysis of the critical regulators involved are affected. These results support a cross‐species mechanistic and functional divergence of the major recognition pathways for ubiquitylated substrates of UPP.

Structured digital abstract

A list of the large number of protein‐protein interactions described in this article is available via the MINT article ID MINT‐7307429