bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustaining a Village's Social Fabric?
Authors: Huijbens Edward H.
Published: May 2012

This article deals with the rural community of Fjallabyggð in North Iceland and second home inhabitants of the constituent villages of Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður. Up to a quarter of the housing in these villages is owned by people with their registered residence elsewhere. The article asks whether and how the owners of these houses contribute to the maintenance of the villages' social fabric, building on the notion of social capital, in any formal or informal sense. The article finds that there are two types of second home owners. One the homesick local maintaining ties with family and friends and the other of those pursuing a lifestyle of creative leisure. The latter are actively involved in community projects, whilst the former are passive audience to these. Thus the article concludes by finding that community expats maintain a village's social fabric for mostly selfish reasons and to a limited extent, whilst those seeking a place away from home will be more active in maintaining it.
Hierarchical Modelling of Disparities in Preferences for Redistribution*
Authors: Pittau Maria Grazia , Massari Riccardo , Zelli Roberto
Published: May 2012

We evaluate the magnitude of the disparities in the demand for redistribution across European countries and American states during the 2000s. Modelling the demand for redistribution in a multilevel framework, we identify the determinants that contribute the most in predicting support for redistribution. We observe that individual characteristics and contextual variables are associated with demand for redistribution in the same way in Europe and in the US, whereas others exert different influences on the probability of supporting redistribution. We find important differences from some well‐established evidence obtained from data collected for the 1980s and the 1990s.
High Cost Residential Placements for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: McGill Peter , Poynter Jo
Published: May 2012

Background  Concern has been expressed repeatedly about the cost and quality of residential placements for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs. This study sought to identify characteristics of the highest cost placements in the South‐East of England.

Method  Lead learning disability commissioners in the South‐East of England were asked to provide information about the five highest cost residential placements that they commissioned for adults with learning disabilities.

Results  The average placement cost of £172k per annum disguised wide variation. Individuals placed were mainly young and male with high rates of challenging behaviour and/or autism spectrum disorder. Most placements were in out‐of‐area residential care. The highest costs were associated with hospital placements and placements for people presenting challenging behaviour.

Conclusions  Young, male adults with learning disability, challenging behaviour and/or autism continue to receive very high cost residential support, often in out‐of‐area residential care. There remains limited evidence of plans to redirect resources to more local service developments.
Latent class analysis of early developmental trajectory in baby siblings of children with autism
Authors: Landa Rebecca J. , Gross Alden L. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Bauman Margaret
Published: May 2012

Background: Siblings of children with autism (sibs‐A) are at increased genetic risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and milder impairments. To elucidate diversity and contour of early developmental trajectories exhibited by sibs‐A, regardless of diagnostic classification, latent class modeling was used.

Methods: Sibs‐A (N = 204) were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning from age 6 to 36 months. MullenTscores served as dependent variables. Outcome classifications at age 36 months included: ASD (N = 52); non‐ASD social/communication delay (broader autism phenotype; BAP;N = 31); and unaffected (N = 121). Child‐specific patterns of performance were studied using latent class growth analysis. Latent class membership was then related to diagnostic outcome through estimation of within‐class proportions of children assigned to each diagnostic classification.

Results: A 4‐class model was favored. Class 1 represented accelerated development and consisted of 25.7% of the sample, primarily unaffected children. Class 2 (40.0% of the sample), was characterized by normative development with above‐average nonverbal cognitive outcome. Class 3 (22.3% of the sample) was characterized by receptive language, and gross and fine motor delay. Class 4 (12.0% of the sample), was characterized by widespread delayed skill acquisition, reflected by declining trajectories. Children with an outcome diagnosis of ASD were spread across Classes 2, 3, and 4.

Conclusions: Results support a category of ASD that involves slowing in early non‐social development. Receptive language and motor development is vulnerable to early delay in sibs‐A with and without ASD outcomes. Non‐ASD sibs‐A are largely distributed across classes depicting average or accelerated development. Developmental trajectories of motor, language, and cognition appear independent of communication and social delays in non‐ASD sibs‐A.
The Affective Reactivity Index: a concise irritability scale for clinical and research settings
Authors: Stringaris Argyris , Goodman Robert , Ferdinando Sumudu , Razdan Varun , Muhrer Eli , Leibenluft Ellen , Brotman Melissa A.
Published: May 2012

Background:  Irritable mood has recently become a matter of intense scientific interest. Here, we present data from two samples, one from the United States and the other from the United Kingdom, demonstrating the clinical and research utility of the parent‐ and self‐report forms of the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), a concise dimensional measure of irritability.

Methods:  The US sample (n = 218) consisted of children and adolescents recruited at the National Institute of Mental Health meeting criteria for bipolar disorder (BD, n = 39), severe mood dysregulation (SMD, n = 67), children at family risk for BD (n = 35), or were healthy volunteers (n = 77). The UK sample (n = 88) was comprised of children from a generic mental health setting and healthy volunteers from primary and secondary schools.

Results:  Parent‐ and self‐report scales of the ARI showed excellent internal consistencies and formed a single factor in the two samples. In the US sample, the ARI showed a gradation with irritability significantly increasing from healthy volunteers through to SMD. Irritability was significantly higher in SMD than in BD by parent‐report, but this did not reach significance by self‐report. In the UK sample, parent‐rated irritability was differentially related to emotional problems.

Conclusions:  Irritability can be measured using a concise instrument both in a highly specialized US, as well as a general UK child mental health setting.
Secondary cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: a multi‐institutional study
Authors: Deraco M , Virzì S , Iusco DR , Puccio F , Macrì A , Famulari C , Solazzo M , Bonomi S , Grassi A , Baratti D , Kusamura S
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as:Deraco M, Virzì S, Raspagliesi F, Iusco D, Puccio F, Macrì A, Famulari C, Solazzo M, Bonomi S, Grassi A, Baratti D, Kusamura S. Secondary cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: a multi‐institutional study. BJOG 2012;119:800–809.

Objective To assess the efficacy and morbidity and mortality of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Design A retrospective study conducted using information extracted from a multi‐institutional prospective database on peritoneal surface malignancies (PSMs).

Setting Four Italian centres specializing in locoregional treatment of PSM.

Population Patients with recurrent EOC.

Methods Fifty‐six patients underwent 57 combined procedures. CRS was performed using peritonectomy procedures and HIPEC using the closed‐abdomen technique with cisplatin and doxorubicin or cisplatin and mitomycin‐C.

Main outcome measures Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), morbidity and mortality rates.

Results The median age of the patients was 55.2 years (range 30–75 years). The median peritoneal cancer index was 15.2 (range 4–30). Forty‐seven patients had microscopic residual disease (completeness of cytoreduction, CC‐0), seven had residual disease ≤2.5 mm (CC‐1) and one had residual disease >2.5 mm (CC>2). Major complications occurred in 15 patients (26.3%), and procedure‐related mortality occurred in three patients (5.3%). The median follow‐up time was 23.1 months. The median OS and PFS were 25.7 (95% CI 20.3–31.0) and 10.8 (95% CI 5.4–16.2) months, respectively. The 5‐year OS and PFS were 23% and 7%, respectively. Independent prognostic factors affecting OS according to the multivariate analysis were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, preoperative serum albumin, and completeness of cytoreduction.

Conclusions Patients with recurrent EOC treated with CRS and HIPEC showed promising results in terms of outcome. The combined treatment strategy could benefit subsets of patients wider than that defined for conventional secondary debulking surgery without HIPEC. These data warrant further evaluation in randomised clinical trials.
What about the mothers? An analysis of maternal mortality and morbidity in perinatal health surveillance systems in Europe
Authors: Bouvier‐Colle M‐H , Mohangoo AD , Gissler M , Novak‐Antolic Z , Vutuc C , Szamotulska K , Zeitlin J ,   for The Euro‐Peristat Scientific Committee
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Bouvier‐Colle M, Mohangoo A, Gissler M, Novak‐Antolic Z, Vutuc C, Szamotulska K, Zeitlin J for The Euro‐Peristat Scientific Committee. What about the mothers? An analysis of maternal mortality and morbidity in perinatal health surveillance systems in Europe. BJOG 2012;119:880–890.

Objective  To assess capacity to develop routine monitoring of maternal health in the European Union using indicators of maternal mortality and severe morbidity.

Design  Analysis of aggregate data from routine statistical systems compiled by the EURO‐PERISTAT project and comparison with data from national enquiries.

Setting  Twenty‐five countries in the European Union and Norway.

Population  Women giving birth in participating countries in 2003 and 2004.

Methods  Application of a common collection of data by selecting specific International Classification of Disease codes from the ‘Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium’ chapter. External validity was assessed by reviewing the results of national confidential enquiries and linkage studies.

Main outcome measures  Maternal mortality ratio, with distribution of specific obstetric causes, and severe acute maternal morbidity, which included: eclampsia, surgery and blood transfusion for obstetric haemorrhage, and intensive‐care unit admission.

Results  In 22 countries that provided data, the maternal mortality ratio was 6.3 per 100 000 live births overall and ranged from 0 to 29.6. Under‐ascertainment was evident from comparisons with studies that use enhanced identification of deaths. Furthermore, routine cause of death registration systems in countries with specific systems for audit reported higher maternal mortality ratio than those in countries without audits. For severe acute maternal morbidity, 16 countries provided data about at least one category of morbidity, and only three provided data for all categories. Reported values ranged widely (from 0.2 to 1.6 women with eclampsia per 1000 women giving birth and from 0.2 to 1.0 hysterectomies per 1000 women).

Conclusions  Currently available data on maternal mortality and morbidity are insufficient for monitoring trends over time in Europe and for comparison between countries. Confidential enquiries into maternal deaths are recommended.
The relationship between umbilical cord arterial pH and serious adverse neonatal outcome: analysis of 51 519 consecutive validated samples
Authors: Yeh P , Emary K , Impey L
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Yeh P, Emary K, Impey L. The relationship between umbilical cord arterial pH and serious adverse neonatal outcome: analysis of 51 519 consecutive validated samples. BJOG 2012;119:824–831.

Objective  To examine the relationship between umbilical cord pH at term and serious neonatal outcomes.

Design  Observational cohort study.

Settings  Deliveries within the Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust between 1991 and 2009.

Population  In all, 51 519 singleton, term, nonanomalous live neonates with validated umbilical cord arterial pH values.

Methods  Absolute risks, relative risks with 95% confidence intervals, and numbers needed to harm were calculated for different levels of arterial pH across the entire range.

Main outcome measures  Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures and/or death, encephalopathy within 24 hours of birth, 5‐minute Apgar scores and neonatal unit admission.

Results  The median arterial pH was 7.22, interquartile range 7.17–7.27. The absolute risk of an adverse neurological outcome was significantly increased below 7.10 (0.36%) and was lowest between 7.26 and 7.30 (0.16%). Even below 7.00, the risk was only 2.95%. However, more than 75% of neonates with neurological outcomes examined, including seizures within 24 hours of birth, had a pH above 7.10. A small increase in risk was evident at higher pH levels.

Conclusion  The threshold pH for adverse neurological outcomes is 7.10 and the ‘ideal’ cord pH is 7.26–7.30. Above 7.00, however, neonatal acidaemia is weakly associated with adverse outcomes. Most neonates with neurological morbidity have normal cord pH values. Other variables must influence adverse outcomes and account for more of these than acidaemia. A better understanding of these is required before intrapartum fetal monitoring can improve.
Influence of single peer interventions on the recovery attitude of persons with a psychiatric disability
Authors: Rabenschlag Franziska , Schusterschitz Claudia , Conca Antoinette , Knuf Andreas , Needham Ian , Hoffmann Holger
Published: May 2012

Objective:  This study examined the influence of single peer to peer interventions on participants’ recovery attitudes.

Methods:  Following a 40‐hour training, pairs of individuals with a psychiatric disability offered a session (2.5 hour) in outpatient and residential psychiatric institutions. These peer to peer interventions aimed at inspiring and contributing to participants’ recovery process, by introducing them to constituent parts of the concept Recovery. Thirteen of the peer interventions were evaluated by measuring participants’ recovery attitudes before (N = 145), just after (N = 115) and at 6 months postintervention (N = 53) using the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ7) and the Recovery Process Inventory (RPI).

Results:  Wilcoxon tests demonstrated that individuals participating in a peer intervention felt significantly more certain that Recovery is possible (factor ‘Recovery is possible’) just after the intervention (p = 0.004), but not 6 months later; likewise, the perception of the difficulty of recovery in spite of a mental illness (factor ‘Recovery is difficult and differs’) was significantly lower 6 months later (p = 0.016), but not from pre to just after.

Conclusions:  The statistically significant effect of a single recovery‐oriented peer intervention on participants’ attitude that recovery is possible was not sustainable. These results suggest a possible higher sustainability of repeated or longer‐lasting peer interventions.
Are informal caregivers less happy than noncaregivers? Happiness and the intensity of caregiving in combination with paid and voluntary work
Authors: van Campen Cretien , de Boer Alice H. , Iedema Jurjen
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 44–50

Are informal caregivers less happy than noncaregivers? Happiness and the intensity of caregiving in combination with paid and voluntary work

Informal caregivers are one of the pillars of home health care. In the Netherlands, the free help they provide to sick or disabled family members, acquaintances or friends exceeds the number of hours of home care provided by professionals. While the government welcomes their contribution, there is concern about the potential burden their work imposes on them. On the one hand, there is concern that informal caregiving could be experienced as a burden and diminish subjective well‐being; on the other, helping others as a meaningful activity might increase their subjective well‐being. Happiness ratings (as an indicator of subjective well‐being) of persons whose involvement in informal caregiving, voluntary work and paid work ranged from none to full time were analysed using multivariate regression models, which also took into account levels of physical disability and socio‐economic characteristics (age, sex, household composition, education level). The sample consisted of 336 informal caregivers and 1765 noncaregivers in the Dutch population. In line with the subjective well‐being assumption, the results suggest that caregivers are happier than noncaregivers when they provide care for <6 hours a week; and in line with the burden assumption, the results show that providing care for more than 11 hours a week is associated with lower levels of happiness. Other results contradicted the burden assumption that combining caregiving with paid or voluntary work is associated with more time burden and less happiness. The result that combining caregiving with paid employment or volunteering is related to higher rates of happiness confirms the subjective well‐being assumption. It is concluded that these cross‐sectional results open ways to longitudinal research that can inform governments in the development of policies to support informal caregivers.
A nurse‐led paediatric head injury follow‐up service
Authors: Falk Ann‐Charlotte
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 51–56

A nurse‐led paediatric head injury follow‐up service

Aim:  The aim of this study was to describe a nurse‐led follow‐up service, duration of children’s late head injury symptoms and parent/child informational needs.

Background:  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. In Sweden; 7200 children and adolescents are hospitalized every year because of head trauma, and 90% of all head traumas are considered a mild head injury. Although the head injury may be mild, 5–15% of children report sequelae (headache, dizziness, fatigue or memory problems), and the need for a follow‐up service has been proposed several times.

Methods/Design:  An empirical descriptive study of a nurse‐led follow‐up service to improve the quality of care among children with mild‐to‐moderate head injuries. The data were collected in the period 2003–2005 at a Swedish University Hospital.

Findings:  In total, 149 children (mean age: 9.3 years) received the follow‐up service. In 92% of cases, one follow‐up visit was performed. Eight per cent needed several visits to ensure symptom resolution. Ninety‐one per cent of all children described late symptoms [headache (75%) and tiredness (74%)] at the follow‐up visits. The mean symptom duration was 5 weeks. However, 18% of the children reported long‐lasting symptoms for 8 weeks, and 16 children (10%) reported long‐lasting symptoms beyond 3 months postinjury.

Conclusion:  An early follow‐up service with the aim of meeting the family’s needs and reducing any negative impact after a childhood head injury could minimize long‐lasting complications for both parents and children.
The influence of an anti‐stigma intervention on adolescents' attitudes to schizophrenia: a mixed methodology approach
Authors: Economou Marina , Peppou Lily E. , Geroulanou Klio , Louki Eleni , Tsaliagkou Irene , Kolostoumpis Dimitris , Stefanis Costas N.
Published: May 2012

Background

This study aimed at exploring adolescents' attitudes to schizophrenia and the impact of an educational intervention on improving them, by employing a mixed methodology.

Method

A total of 1081 secondary‐school students were randomly allocated to a control and intervention condition. Stigma endorsement was assessed by a free association card and a questionnaire, before and 2 weeks after the intervention.

Results

The intervention yielded substantial changes in students' beliefs, attitudes and social distance levels as well as in their associations with the term ‘severe mental illness’.

Conclusions

Educational interventions can contribute substantially to preventing consolidation of unfavourable attitudes towards mental illness.
The role of gender in the relationship between physical activity, appearance evaluation and psychological distress
Authors: Haugen Tommy , Johansen Bjørn Tore , Ommundsen Yngvar
Published: May 2012

Background

Based on previous research, the aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the indirect effect of physical activity on psychological distress through appearance evaluation. The indirect effect was hypothesized to be conditional on gender, with the effect being more profound among females than among males.

Method

A total of 2055 adolescents (Mage = 15.3) completed a self‐report questionnaire.

Results

Physical activity was indirectly related to psychological distress through appearance evaluation in both males and females, but the indirect effect was stronger for females than for males.

Conclusions

Physical activity may prevent distress through enhanced appearance evaluation.
CHIHARAEA AND YAMADAIA (CORALLINALES, RHODOPHYTA) REPRESENT REDUCED AND RECENTLY DERIVED ARTICULATED CORALLINE MORPHOLOGIES1
Authors: Martone Patrick T. , Lindstrom Sandra C. , Miller Kathy Ann , Gabrielson Paul W.
Published: May 2012

Phycologists have hypothesized that the diminutive fronds produced by species in the genera Chiharaea and Yamadaia, which are composed of comparatively few genicula and intergenicula, represent morphological intermediates in the evolution of articulated corallines from crustose ancestors. We test this “intermediate frond hypothesis” by comparing rbcL sequences from the generitype species Chiharaea bodegensis and Yamadaia melobesioides to sequences from other coralline genera. We demonstrate that Chiharaea includes two other NE Pacific species, Arthrocardia silvae and Yamadaia americana. Chiharaea species are characterized morphologically by inflated intergenicula and axial conceptacles with apical or acentric pores. Although relationships among the three species are unresolved, Chiharaea bodegensis, C. americana comb. nov., and C. silvae comb. nov. are distinguished from one another by DNA sequences, morphology, habitat, and biogeography. Chiharaea occurs together with Alatocladia, Bossiella, Calliarthron, and Serraticardia macmillanii in a strongly supported clade of nearly endemic north Pacific articulated coralline genera and species that have evolved relatively recently compared to other articulated corallines. In contrast, NW Pacific Yamadaia melobesioides belongs in a clade with Corallina officinalis, the generitype species of Corallina, and therefore we reduce Yamadia to a synonym of Corallina and propose Corallina melobesioides comb. nov. We reject the ‘intermediate frond hypothesis’ and conclude that Chiharaea and Yamadaia are recently derived taxa that evolved from articulated coralline ancestors and represent a reduction in the number of genicula and intergenicula.
Democratic Accountability and Retrospective Voting: A Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Woon Jonathan
Published: May 2012

Understanding the incentives of politicians requires understanding the nature of voting behavior. I conduct a laboratory experiment to investigate whether voters focus on the problem of electoral selection or if they instead focus on electoral sanctioning. If voters are forward‐looking but uncertain about politicians’ unobservable characteristics, then it is rational to focus on selection. But doing so undermines democratic accountability because selection renders sanctioning an empty threat. In contrast to rational choice predictions, the experimental results indicate a strong behavioral tendency to use a retrospective voting rule. Additional experiments support the interpretation that retrospective voting is a simple heuristic that voters use to cope with a cognitively difficult inference and decision problem and, in addition, suggest that voters have a preference for accountability. The results pose a challenge for theories of electoral selection and voter learning and suggest new interpretations of empirical studies of economic and retrospective voting.
Inflammation‐Driven Dermal Lymphangiogenesis in Atopic Dermatitis is Associated with CD11b+ Macrophage Recruitment and VEGF‐C Up‐regulation in the IL‐4‐Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: SHI VIVIAN Y. , BAO LEI , CHAN LAWRENCE S.
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Shi VY, Bao L, Chan LS. Inflammation‐driven dermal lymphangiogenesis in atopic dermatitis is associated with CD11b+ macrophage recruitment and VEGF‐C up‐regulation in the IL‐4‐transgenic mouse model. Microcirculation 19: 567–579, 2012.

Objective:  To investigate the presence and extent of inflammatory lymphangiogenesis in AD and determine the role of IL‐4 in lymphatic proliferation in both K14‐IL‐4 Tg mouse model of AD and cultured human epidermal cells.

Methods:  Skin tissues from Tg mice were collected for immunostaining against PDPN, LYVE‐1, CD11b and VEGF‐C. The regulation of specific lymphatic biomarkers and growth factors were determined using qPCR and Western Blot analyses. Dermal lymphatic uptake and drainage were assessed using intradermal EB dye micro‐injections. Total RNA from IL‐4‐stimulated HaCaT cells was analyzed in a PCR array to evaluate the regulation of lymphangiogenic‐related genes.

Results:  Prominent dermal microvascular lymphangiogenesis occurs in the Tg mice, characterized by a significant increase in number and caliber of the vasculature. The extent of both lymphatic proliferation and drainage parallels the progression of lesion severity, as does the up‐regulation of pro‐lymphangiogenic factors VEGF‐C, VEGFR‐3, ANG‐1, and ANG‐2. IL‐4‐stimulated HaCaT cells express high levels of MCP‐1, a strong macrophage chemo‐attractant. Additionally, Tg mice show significantly increased number of dermal CD11b+ macrophages expressing VEGF‐C in the skin.

Conclusions:  Our results provide the first demonstration of inflammation‐mediated lymphangiogenesis in AD and that IL‐4 triggered macrophage recruitment may be closely linked to this phenomenon.
The effect of manipulated shading on the colony abundance of two species of ants, Formica aserva and Leptothorax muscorum, in dead wood
Authors: Higgins R.J. , Lindgren B.S.
Published: May 2012

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are known to be a thermophilic group with fewer species at higher latitudes. They are ubiquitous in the sub‐boreal forests of west‐central British Columbia (Canada) in the early seral ages of forest succession, nesting almost exclusively in woody debris. Individual species begin to disappear with advancing seral ages as the canopy closes, suggesting the hypothesis that heat gain from insolation is critical to many species. We experimentally manipulated shading of two wood‐nesting ant species –Leptothorax muscorum (Nylander) and Formica aserva Forel – to emulate advancing seral age, in an environment documented to support their normal habitation. Shaded down woody debris (DWD) was found to be ca. 2 °C cooler than unshaded DWD, whereas stumps were ca. 1.5 °C cooler when shaded than when unshaded. We found significantly fewer colonies of both L. muscorum and F. aserva in shaded wood, as compared to unshaded, in a pattern consistent with how each species has been observed to respond to advancing seral age. Temperature monitoring during the experiment indicated that soil was cooler than either stumps or DWD, possibly explaining the absence of soil‐nesting ant species in these forests. The species‐specific differences in ant colony abundance in response to small temperature differences, found in this study, support other research on the significance of temperature in structuring ant assemblages.
Antennal and behavioural responses of Heortia vitessoides females to host plant volatiles of Aquilaria sinensis
Authors: Qiao Hai‐Li , Lu Peng‐Fei , Chen Jun , Ma Wei‐Si , Qin Rong‐Min , Li Xiang‐Ming
Published: May 2012

This study investigated volatiles from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg (Thymelaeaceae) leaves that attracted Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Volatiles from young and old A. sinensis leaves were identified and quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography‐electroantennogram detection. Both wind tunnel bioassays and field tests were conducted to measure the attraction of adults to synthetic blends of volatiles from leaves of different maturations. Consistent electroantennographic activity was obtained for nine and three compounds from headspace collections of young and old A. sinensis leaves, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative differences were found among two odour profiles. In wind tunnel experiments, the fresh young leaves proved to be more attractive to females than old leaves. A nine‐component mixture, including hexanal, limonene, 2‐hexanol, octanal, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, nonanal, decanal, and 2,6,10‐trimethyl‐dodecane (with a ratio of 2:16:9:4:63:100:13:10:5) from young leaves attracted moths significantly more than the three‐component mixture of nonanal, decanal, and 2,6,10‐trimethyl‐dodecane (with a ratio of 11:14:26) from old leaves. Further subtractive bioassays conducted in the wind tunnel showed that both the complete nine‐component mixture and a subtracted four‐component mixture of hexanal, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, nonanal, and decanal (with a ratio of 2:63:13:10) elicited equivalent responses in females. All components in the four‐component blend were essential for optimal attraction. In a field trial using the nine‐ and four‐component blends, more moths were captured using both blends than in traps baited with hexane only. Our study indicates that the odour blends of young leaves play an important role in H. vitessoides host plant recognition. The mechanisms behind host recognition and age‐dependent changes in leaf chemistry are discussed.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis and patch test results of leather workers at two Indonesian tanneries
Authors: Febriana Sri Awalia , Jungbauer Frank , Soebono Hardyanto , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan
Published: May 2012

Background. Tannery workers are at considerable risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis. Occupational skin diseases in tannery workers in newly industrialized countries have been reported, but neither the prevalence of occupational allergic contact dermatitis nor the skin‐sensitizing agents were specifically examined in those studies.

Objectives. To assess the prevalence of occupational allergic contact dermatitis in Indonesian tanneries, identify the causative allergens, and propose a tannery work series of patch test allergens.

Patients/methods A cross‐sectional study in all workers at two Indonesian tanneries was performed to assess the prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis via a questionnaire‐based interview and skin examination. Workers with occupational contact dermatitis were patch tested to identify the causative allergens.

Results. Occupational contact dermatitis was suspected in 77 (16%) of the 472 workers. Thirteen (3%) of these 472 workers were confirmed to have occupational allergic contact dermatitis. Potassium dichromate (9.2%), N,N‐diphenylguanidine (5.3%), benzidine (3.9%) and sodium metabisulfite (2.6%) were found to be the occupationally relevant sensitizers.

Conclusions. The sensitization pattern showed some differences from the data in studies reported from other newly industrial countries. We compiled a ‘tannery work series' of allergens for patch testing. A number of these allergens may also be considered for patch testing in patients with (leather) shoe dermatitis.
Intratumoral mast cell number is negatively correlated with tumor size and mitosis in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Kim Minji , Cho Kwang Hyun , Lee Jong Hee , Chang Mee Soo , Cho Soyun
Published: May 2012

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous tumor with intermediate malignancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of p53, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and c‐kit as immunohistochemical markers and toluidine blue staining for mast cell that can correlate with the clinical outcome and clarify role of mast cells in pathogenesis of tumor. We analysed data for 32 lesions from 31 patients. Fibrosarcomatous type DFSP showed high immunoreactivity for SMA compared with other subtypes (P = 0.026). No differences in p53 immunoreactivity were observed between subtypes. None of tumor cells were immunoreactive with c‐kit. The mast cell counts showed a negative correlation with mitosis and tumor size (P < 0.05), implying that mast cells do not have a causative primary role in tumorigenesis but rather play a secondary role.
Nicotine and lipopolysaccharide stimulate the production of MMPs and prostaglandin E2by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α up‐regulation in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Kim Y‐S. , Shin S‐I. , Kang K‐L. , Chung J‐H. , Herr Y. , Bae W‐J. , Kim E‐C.
Published: May 2012

Kim Y‐S, Shin S‐I, Kang K‐L, Herr Y, Bae W‐J, Kim E‐C. Nicotine and lipopolysaccharide stimulate the production of MMPs and prostaglandin E2by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α up‐regulation in human periodontal ligament cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 719–728. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective: Although hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is up‐regulated in the periodontal pockets of periodontitis patients, the expression and precise molecular mechanisms of HIF‐1α remain unknown in human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). The aim of this study was to explore the effects, as well as the signaling pathway, of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of HIF‐1α and on the production of its target genes, including cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)‐derived prostaglandin E2(PGE2), MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in PDLCs.

Material and Methods: The expression of COX‐2 and HIF‐1α proteins was evaluated using western blotting. The production of PGE2and MMPs was evaluated using enzyme immunoassays and zymography, respectively.

Results: LPS and nicotine synergistically induced the production of PGE2, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, and increased the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, COX‐2 and HIF‐1α proteins. Inhibition of HIF‐1α activity by chetomin or knockdown ofHIF1αgene expression by small interfering RNA markedly attenuated the production of LPS‐ and nicotine‐stimulated PGE2and MMPs, as well as the expression of COX‐2 and HIF‐1α. Furthermore, pretreatment with inhibitors of COX‐2, p38, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, Jun N‐terminal kinase, protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and nuclear factor‐kappaB decreased the expression of nicotine‐ and LPS‐induced HIF‐1α and COX‐2, as well as the activity of PGE2and MMPs.

Conclusion: These data demonstrate novel mechanisms by which nicotine and LPS promote periodontal tissue destruction, and provide further evidence that HIF‐1α is a potential target in periodontal disease associated with smoking and dental plaque.
Genital tract sepsis: early diagnosis, management and prevention
Authors: Sinha Prabha , Otify Mohamed
Published: May 2012

Key content

While maternal mortality is declining overall, maternal deaths due to sepsis have risen in recent triennia.

Risk factors such as obesity, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, impaired immunity and anaemia should be identified and highlighted by health professionals.

Most maternal deaths occur due to substandard care, such as failure or delay in the diagnosis and late referral to hospital.

It is recommended that all maternity units use the Modified Obstetric Early Warning Scoring system for the early recognition of serious illness.

Learning objectives

To be able to identify risk factors for genital tract sepsis, as well as signs and symptoms.

To learn about a model of care for initial assessment and management.

To learn about the guiding principles for antibiotic therapy.

To understand the consequences of delayed management and potentially life‐threatening scenarios.

Ethical issues

Given the real concerns regarding the safety and adverse effects of antibiotics, should empirical treatment be given to all women?

The risks of unhelpful and unnecessary investigations should be balanced against the risks associated with delay and possible misdiagnosis.
Hyperprolactinaemia and female reproductive function: what does the evidence say?
Authors: Hamoda Haitham , Khalaf Yakoub , Carroll Paul
Published: May 2012

Key content

Raised levels of prolactin are common and can result in the inhibition of ovulation and infertility.

This review summarises the published evidence on the association between hyperprolactinaemia and fertility in women.

The evidence on the assessment and treatment of the subfertile woman with clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperprolactinaemia is discussed.

The management of hyperprolactinaemia in pregnancy is discussed.

Learning objectives

To understand the effect of prolactin on ovulation and female reproductive function.

To be able to carry out an initial assessment of the infertile woman presenting with hyperprolactinaemia.

To understand the management of hyperprolactinaemia in pregnancy.

Ethical issues

Whether hyperprolactinaemia in the presence of ovulation in the subfertile woman should be treated is debatable.

There are safety issues regarding the use of dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline and quinagolide) in pregnancy.
Prescription drug use in pregnancy: more evidence of safety is needed
Authors: Chan Melanie , Wong Ian C K , Sutcliffe Alastair Gordon
Published: May 2012

Key content

Prescription drug use during pregnancy is prevalent, with 44–99% of women being prescribed medication during pregnancy.

Pregnant women and their unborn children are considered a vulnerable population; recent public health scares, such as H1N1, have highlighted the need for more detailed research into medication use in pregnancy.

The teratogenic risk of more than 80% of 468 drugs released in the USA over the last 20 years remains to be clarified.

Maternal physiological changes during pregnancy can alter drug pharmacokinetics, with poorly understood effects, while placental transfer of medications may have unknown fetal consequences.

There is an urgent need for further research into the adverse effects of drugs used in pregnancy.

Learning objectives

To know about the prevalence of prescription medication use during pregnancy.

To be aware of the lack of safety data available on fetal adverse effects for commonly prescribed drugs.

Ethical issues

Drug companies are reluctant to carry out phase III clinical trials in pregnant women and they rely on animal models and post‐marketing surveillance for the identification of adverse effects.

Is it unethical to prescribe drugs in pregnancy for which there is little concrete safety data?
Characterization of Two Putative Protein Phosphatase Genes and Their Involvement in Phosphorus Efficiency in Phaseolus vulgarisF
Authors: Liang Cui‐Yue , Chen Zhi‐Jian , Yao Zhu‐Fang , Tian Jiang , Liao Hong
Published: May 2012

Protein dephosphorylation mediated by protein phosphatases plays a major role in signal transduction of plant responses to environmental stresses. In this study, two putative protein phosphatases, PvPS2:1 and PvPS2:2 were identified and characterized in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The two PvPS2 members were found to be localized to the plasma membrane and the nucleus by transient expression of PvPS2:GFP in onion epidermal cells. Transcripts of the two PvPS2 genes were significantly increased by phosphate (Pi) starvation in the two bean genotypes, G19833 (a P‐efficient genotype) and DOR364 (a P‐inefficient genotype). However, G19833 exhibited higher PvPS2:1 expression levels than DOR364 in both leaves and roots during Pi starvation. Increased transcription of PvPS2:1 in response to Pi starvation was further verified through histochemical analysis of PvPS2:1 promoter fusion ß‐glucuronidase (GUS) in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Analysis of PvPS2:1 overexpression lines in bean hairy roots and Arabidopsis showed that PvS2:1 was involved in root growth and P accumulation. Furthermore, expression levels of two Pi starvation responsive genes were upregulated and the APase activities were enhanced in the overexpressing PvPS2:1 Arabidopsis lines. Taken together, our results strongly suggested that PvPS2:1 positively regulated plant responses to Pi starvation, and could be further targeted as a candidate gene to improve crop P efficiency.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM THE “SCORE AND RANK” PROCEDURE IN PREFERENCE STUDIES WITH CHILDREN
Authors: VIGNEAU E. , DULON L. , TEXIER F.
Published: May 2012

The elicitation of preferences among children is a key to the successful development of products designed for children. Among the several hedonic methodologies adapted for children aged between 6 and 10, the “score and rank” procedure introduced by L. L. Birch et al. was selected and tested. This procedure comprises two steps: hedonic categorization followed by ranking within each hedonic category. A new strategy of data analysis generated from this procedure of evaluation is discussed and illustrated on the basis of case studies with primary school children with whom close variants of commercial food products were tested.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The data processing strategy suggested for the “score and rank” procedure yields scores associated with the products being evaluated. In comparison with the usual procedure of data analysis that is based on ranks, the new strategy of analysis does not overestimate the differences in likings between the products and the number of consumers clusters.
Ethiopia's World Trade Organization Accession and Maintaining Policy Space in Intellectual Property Policy in the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Era: A Preliminary Look at the Ethiopian Patent Regime in the Light of the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Obligations and Flexibilities
Authors: Birhanu Fikremarkos Merso
Published: May 2012

After having stayed as an observer for about 6 years, Ethiopia formally applied for membership at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in January 2003, and it has since been going through the accession negotiations. One of the areas of scrutiny by the WTO members as part of the accession process has been Ethiopia's intellectual property (IP) regime. Indeed, a number of issues were raised in relation to Ethiopia's IP regime in the three rounds of questions the country received from WTO members. In its replies to the questions from WTO members, Ethiopia has promised to revise this law in the light of the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Agreement). The accession process has thus given impetus for Ethiopia to embark on a reform of its IP regime, which is being carried out in two fronts: the enactment of new IP laws in areas where little or none existed before, and revising existing IP laws, particularly the patent law. This article analyzes Ethiopia's patent regime in light of the TRIPS Agreement, identifies the obligations that might need to be met as part of the accession, as well as the flexibilities that might be available to Ethiopia as a least‐developed country (LDC).
Improving Patent Information Quality: Development and the Disclosure Requirements
Authors: Chakroun Nefissa
Published: May 2012

The paper is based on the premise that disclosure of patent information is essential for development. Thus, the question posed is related to the extent to which substantive disclosure rules can secure the release of quality patent information that can be easily retrieved and utilized for development. To this end, the paper has made the argument that clear and complete disclosure might not be necessarily adequate to secure disclosure of quality patent information so that access and exploitation of this technical knowledge is less than optimal in developing countries. Apart from that, the research has suggested that improving patent information quality in itself might not be sufficient enough to secure access to this technical knowledge. Because availability of information does not always mean that it is accessible, the paper has analysed impediments to the accessibility of patent information showing that in practical terms, accessibility to technical knowledge might be quite poor.
Enabling global principle‐based regulation: The case of risk analysis in the Codex Alimentarius
Authors: Demortain David
Published: May 2012

This paper deals with the creation of global principle‐based standards. For such standards to be accepted and effective, particular conditions must be fulfilled. One such condition, little explored, is that standard‐makers and ‐takers share knowledge about the meaning of the principles, as well as the practices through which they are likely to be applied. The paper shows that this condition is fulfilled when transnational cultural systems exist, by means of which both types of actors engage in the explication and representation of their practices so that a common, standard understanding emerges of how principles may be interpreted on the ground and informs the negotiations. A transnational cultural system is a crucial governance infrastructure to set global standards, as shown by the long history of creating a risk analysis guideline by the Codex Alimentarius, the inter‐governmental body for food standards.
Minuartia aksoyi sp. nov. and M. buschiana subsp. artvinica subsp. nov. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey
Authors: Koç Murat , Hamzaog lu Ergin , Budak Ümit
Published: May 2012

Two new taxa of Minuartia L. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey, Minuartia aksoyi M. Koç & Hamzaoğlu sp. nov. and Minuartia buschiana Schischk. subsp. artvinica M. Koç & Hamzaoğlu subsp. nov. are described and illustrated. Their taxonomic positions are discussed and they are compared with allied taxa. The distributions of the new and closely related taxa are given. Seed structures were examined by SEM.
Raphiocarpus tamdaoensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: Phuong Vu Xuan , Xuyen Do‐Thi , Wen Fang , Wei Yi‐Gang
Published: May 2012

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Raphiocarpus tamdaoensis V. X. Phuong, D. T. Xuyen & Y. G. Wei, is described and illustrated from Vietnam. It is similar to R. asper (Drake) B. L. Burtt and R. evrardii (Pellegr.) B. L. Burtt, but is easily differentiated by leaf blades being ovate–elliptic or obovate, 4–10 × 1.5–3.5 cm, one cyme with only one flower, peduncle linear, 3.0–5.0 cm long, corolla light yellow, 3.0–4.5 cm long, and a pubescent ovary.
Hedyotis nankunshanensis sp. nov. (Rubiaceae) from Guangdong, China
Authors: Deng Shu‐Jun , Wang Rui‐Jiang
Published: May 2012

Hedyotis nankunshanensis R.‐J. Wang & S.‐J. Deng sp. nov. from China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to H. cantoniensis How ex Ko, but differs by having a pleiochasium inflorescence, hollow peduncles and stems, and different flowering season. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from nuclear internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and plastid petD sequences of 17 taxa revealed that H. nankunshanensis is an independent lineage that is closely related to H. cantoniensis and H. consanguinea Hance. Pollen ultrastructure was observed by SEM and described.