bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival after gastrointestinal mucormycosis in a neonate
Authors: KECSKES S , REYNOLDS G , BENNETT G
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Gastrointestinal mucormycosis has been reported more frequently in adults than in children. Due to the high mortality diagnosis is usually made at autopsy. Only one case of a neonate surviving this disease has been described. We report a premature infant presenting clinically with enterocolitis but lacking the radiological characteristics of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) Gastrointestinal mucormycosis was diagnosed on the histological specimen. The infant survived after surgery and 6 weeks of antifungal treatment. A high level of suspicion and early surgical intervention are necessary to make the correct diagnosis and commence appropriate treatment.
Obstetric and perinatal factors as predictors of child behaviour at 5 years
Authors: O'CALLAGHAN MJ , WILLIAMS GM , ANDERSEN MJ , BOR W , NAJMAN JM
Published: March 2008

Objective: To identify whether obstetric and perinatal factors are independent predictors of child behaviour at 5 years.

Methodology: The Mater University Study of Pregnancy (MUSP) is a prospective cohort study of 8556 mothers enrolled in early pregnancy. The relationship of obstetric and perinatal factors, maternal lifestyle, age and gender of the child, and social disadvantage were examined as predictors of child behaviour in 5005 children completing a modified child behaviour checklist at 5 years. This checklist contained three independent groups of behaviour: externalizng, internalizing and SAT (social, attentional and thought problems).

Results: In the initial analysis a limited number of associations were present. After adjusting for measures of social disadvantage, only number of antenatal admissions was associated with child behaviour in all three scales, while maternal cigarette smoking in pregnancy and male gender were associated with externalising and SAT behaviours.

Conclusions: Most common epidemiologic obstetric and perinatal risk factors were not independent predictors of behaviour problems in children at 5 years.
A prospective randomized study of wound approximation with tissue glue in circumcision in children
Authors: CHENG W , SAING H
Published: March 2008

Objective: Bleeding and wound infection are the most common complications of circumcision. Cyanoacrylate tissue glue has been claimed to have the advantage of being haemostatic, bacteriostatic and easy to use. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using the tissue glue in approximation of circumcision wound in children.

Methodology: A prospective randomized trial was carried out on 86 boys consecutively admitted into the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, Hong Kong. The results of wound approximation with cyanoacrylate tissue glue and suturing with interrupted 4/0 plain catgut were compared. The operations were carried out by the same surgeon using identical technique except for the wound approximation. The wound was assessed 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rates of wound inflammation, infection, bleeding, dehiscence and cosmetic appearance, but the duration of operation was longer using tissue glue (19.8 min vs 16.5 min, P= 0.002).

Conclusions: We conclude that tissue glue approximation of circumcision wounds in children is a feasible alternative, but it offers no extra advantage when compared to suturing.
Carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome type I: A cause of cerebellar vermis hypoplasia
Authors: WORTHINGTON S , ARBUCKLE S , NELSON P , CAREY W , LIPSON A , PAGAN E
Published: March 2008

Abstract: To report the first case of carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome Type I (CDG I) that has been identified in Australia and confirmed enzymatically to raise the awareness of paediatricians with regard to CDG I and its manifestations, implications and diagnostic investigations. Clinical and autopsy findings of an infant with CDG I are presented. The diagnosis of CDG I was suggested by the clinical findings and biochemical abnormalities and was confirmed by showing an abnormal transferrin isoform pattern. Subsequent studies showed a reduced level of phosphomannomutase in skin fibroblasts. Carbohydrate‐deficient glycoprotein syndrome I is one of the many causes of cerebellar hypoplasia. It is an important disorder to identify because of the prognostic and genetic implications and may be underdiagnosed in Australia.
Lead foreign body ingestion in children
Authors: FERGUSSON JAE , MALECKY G , SIMPSON E
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Foreign body ingestion is seen commonly in paediatric surgical practice and the vast majority of ingested foreign bodies will pass spontaneously once they have made their way into the stomach. Lead foreign body ingestion in children represents a special case in view of the potential for acute lead intoxication secondary to dissolution and absorption of the ingested lead. Lead dissolves poorly in physiological solutions with the exception of the acid environment of the stomach. We report a case of a 4‐year‐old child who ingested a lead sinker which was removed from the stomach by emergency endoscopy. This case stimulated a review of the relevant literature and the formulation of a management plan for lead foreign body ingestion in children. The principles of this management plan are observation of the child in hospital and use of a protein pump inhibitor until the foreign body has passed out of the stomach.
Association between waist‐to‐hip ratio and chronic kidney disease in the elderly
Authors: Chou C.‐Y. , Lin C.‐H. , Lin C.‐C. , Huang C.‐C. , Liu C.‐S. , Lai S.‐W.
Published: March 2008

Background:  To compare the anthropometric indices of obesity and identify which index serves as a better discriminator in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) for the elderly.

Methods:  Participants of a 1‐day health check, older than 60 years, in our hospital from 2003 to 2005 were enrolled. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate by modification of diet in renal disease formula less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Indices of obesity include body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and waist‐to‐height ratio. Traditional risk factors including diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were also taken into consideration. The accuracy of indices of obesity in predicting CKD was measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Association between risk factors was estimated by multivariate logistic regression.

Results:  We studied 984 participants (537 men and 447 women) with a mean age of 66.7 ± 5.3 years. A total of 161 (16.4%) participants was found having CKD. In the indices of obesity, WHR showed best diagnostic accuracy in predicting CKD (AUC: 0.58). A WHR cut‐off value of 0.88 had a sensitivity of 68.9% and a specificity of 45.4%. The odds ratios were significant for WHR, hypertension and diabetes (P = 0.025, P < 0.001 and P = 0.033).

Conclusion:  In indices of obesity, WHR is better than body mass index, bodyweight and waist circumferences in predicting CKD in elder Taiwanese. Furthermore, the association of WHR and CKD is independent of hypertension and diabetes.
Provision of information on regulatory authorities’ websites
Authors: Vitry A. , Lexchin J. , Sasich L. , Dupin‐Spriet T. , Reed T. , Bertele V. , Garattini S. , Toop L. , Hurley E.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Several organizations have raised concerns about the excessive secrecy maintained by regulatory authorities around the world, in particular in the European Union, France, UK, Canada and Australia. However, limited research has assessed the provision of information by regulatory authorities. This study aimed to assess the type and availability of information provided on the regulatory authorities’ websites.

Methods:  Regulatory authorities’ websites in six countries (USA, Canada, UK, France, Australia and New Zealand) and at the European level (European Medicines Evaluation Agency) were surveyed by two reviewers between October 2005 and March 2006. The survey instrument included 16 criteria organized in 3 domains: information on marketed drugs, information on assessment of drugs and information on drug safety.

Results:  There was a great variability in the level of information provided. Several medicine agencies did not provide basic information on marketed drugs, such as the summary of products’ characteristics. Information on registration dossiers was scant on most websites except that of the US Food and Drug Administration. The European Medicines Evaluation Agency, the French agency and the Canadian agency released public assessment reports that contained only summarized information of registration data. Only one country, Canada, provided full access to pharmacovigilance data. The periodic safety update reports that companies have to provide regularly to regulatory authorities were not available in any country.

Conclusion:  Information on which regulatory authorities base their decisions for licensing new drugs and the rationales behind these decisions were often not publicly available.
Prevalence of the JAK2‐V617F mutation in Taiwanese patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Lieu C.‐H. , Wu H.‐S. , Hon Y.‐C. , Tsai W.‐H. , Yang C.‐F. , Wang C.‐C. , Lin Y.‐C. , Shih C.‐H. , Hsu H.‐C.
Published: March 2008

Background:  The Janus kinase‐2 (JAK‐2) V617F mutation has been recently reported in patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), which is believed to underlie growth factor hypersensitivity displayed by haematopoietic progenitors in these disorders. However, its frequency has been rarely determined in Taiwanese patients.

Methods:  The frequency of JAK2‐V617F mutation in patients with polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) was determined in the DNA from the peripheral blood leucocytes of 108 patients by genomic polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme‐based assay.

Results:  The JAK2‐V617F mutation could be detected in 28 of 33 polycythaemia vera patients (85%), 29 of 49 essential thrombocythaemia patients (59%) and 2 of 6 IMF patients (33%), but was not detected in 11 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or another 10 with other haematological diseases. The presence of the JAK2 mutation was associated with specific MPD disease subtypes (P = 0.007), longer disease duration (P = 0.005), splenomegaly (P = 0.019), a higher white blood cell count (P = 0.002) and a higher haemoglobin level (P = 0.036). However, the overall risk of thrombosis or bleeding was not affected by the presence of the JAK2 mutation (32 vs 17%; P = 0.22).

Conclusion:  The JAK2‐V617F mutation can be frequently detected in the Taiwanese patients with MPD disorders and therefore should be incorporated into the initial evaluation of patients suspected of MPD.
Redvine (Brunnichia ovata) and trumpetcreeper (Campsis radicans) controlled under field conditions by a synergistic interaction of the bioherbicide, Myrothecium verrucaria, with glyphosate
Authors: BOYETTE C. DOUGLAS , HOAGLAND ROBERT E. , WEAVER MARK A. , REDDY KRISHNA N.
Published: March 2008

In field experiments conducted near Stoneville, MS, USA, in 2000 and 2001, the bioherbicidal fungus, Myrothecium verrucaria (Alb. & Schwein.) Ditmar: Fr., was tested alone and in combination with a glyphosate (N‐[phosphonomethyl]glycine) product for controlling natural infestations of the invasive vines, redvine (Brunnichia ovata[Walt.] Shinners) and trumpetcreeper (Campsis radicans[L.] Seem. ex Bureau). After 12 days, redvine and trumpetcreeper were controlled by 88% and 90%, respectively, through a synergistic interaction between the fungus and the herbicide, glyphosate. The disease symptomatology was characterized by rapid necrosis of the leaf and stem tissues, with mortality occurring within 72 h. Neither glyphosate alone, nor M. verrucaria alone, controlled these weeds at commercially acceptable levels (≥80%). No visual disease or herbicide damage occurred to the soybean in the treated test plots 12 days after planting. These results suggest that some formulations of glyphosate, mixed with M. verrucaria, can effectively control redvine and trumpetcreeper.
Effects of surfactants on primisulfuron activity in barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus‐galli	[L.] Beauv.) and green foxtail (Setaria viridis [L.] Beauv.)
Authors: SANYAL DEBANJAN , BHOWMIK PRASANTA C. , REDDY KRISHNA N.
Published: March 2008

Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted to measure the contact angle of primisulfuron droplets with and without surfactants on the leaf surfaces of barnyardgrass and green foxtail, to determine the primisulfuron activity on these weed species, and to examine the spray deposit of primisulfuron with and without surfactants on the leaf surface of green foxtail using scanning electron microscopy. A non‐ionic surfactant (NIS) and an organosilicone wetting agent (OWA) were used. The contact angles of 1 μL droplets were measured on the leaf surface using a goniometer. The activity of primisulfuron on barnyardgrass and green foxtail was assessed at 3 weeks after treatment based on visual injury and the fresh weight. The contact angles of the droplets of primisulfuron on the adaxial surface of the barnyardgrass and green foxtail leaves were 152° and 127°, respectively, when applied without surfactant. The addition of either surfactant markedly reduced the contact angle for both weed species, which was lowest when the OWA was added to primisulfuron. The percentage injury of barnyardgrass was very low, even at the higher rate of primisulfuron, regardless of the surfactant. Primisulfuron at 40 g ha−1 controlled 43% of green foxtail without surfactant, which increased to 65% with the NIS and 83% with the OWA. Primisulfuron with a surfactant markedly reduced the fresh weight of green foxtail compared with primisulfuron applied alone, regardless of the primisulfuron rate and surfactant type. The scanning electron micrographs showed a uniform deposit of spray droplets, with close contact of the droplets to the leaf epicuticular surface in green foxtail in the presence of a surfactant compared with no surfactant. The enhanced primisulfuron activity on green foxtail with surfactants was related to the reduced contact angle and uniform deposition of the primisulfuron spray droplets on the leaf surface.
Psychophysiological responses to drug‐associated stimuli in chronic heavy cannabis use
Authors: Wölfling Klaus , Flor Herta , Grüsser Sabine M.
Published: March 2008

Due to learning processes originally neutral stimuli become drug‐associated and can activate an implicit drug memory, which leads to a conditioned arousing ‘drug‐seeking’ state. This condition is accompanied by specific psychophysiological responses. The goal of the present study was the analysis of changes in cortical and peripheral reactivity to cannabis as well as alcohol‐associated pictures compared with emotionally significant drug‐unrelated and neutral pictures in long‐term heavy cannabis users. Participants were 15 chronic heavy cannabis users and 15 healthy controls. Verbal reports as well as event‐related potentials of the electroencephalogram and skin conductance responses were assessed in a cue‐reactivity paradigm to determine the psychophysiological effects caused by drug‐related visual stimulus material. The evaluation of self‐reported craving and emotional processing showed that cannabis stimuli were perceived as more arousing and pleasant and elicited significantly more cannabis craving in cannabis users than in healthy controls. Cannabis users also demonstrated higher cannabis stimulus‐induced arousal, as indicated by significantly increased skin conductance and a larger late positivity of the visual event‐related brain potential. These findings support the assumption that drug‐associated stimuli acquire increased incentive salience in addiction history and induce conditioned physiological patterns, which lead to craving and potentially to drug intake. The potency of visual drug‐associated cues to capture attention and to activate drug‐specific memory traces and accompanying physiological symptoms embedded in a cycle of abstinence and relapse – even in a ‘so‐called’ soft drug – was assessed for the first time.
Dissociation of the morphological correlates of stress‐induced anxiety and fear
Authors: Pêgo J. M. , Morgado P. , Pinto L. G. , Cerqueira J. J. , Almeida O. F. X. , Sousa N.
Published: March 2008

Chronic stress is a powerful modulator of emotional behaviour. Previous studies have shown that distinct neuronal pathways modulate different emotional behaviours: while the amygdala plays a key role in fear‐conditioned‐to‐cue stimuli, the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) is implicated in anxiety behaviour and responses to contextual stimuli. In addition, the BNST is directly involved in the regulation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In the present study, we assessed anxiety (measured in the elevated‐plus maze and acoustic startle apparatus) and fear‐conditioned responses to light stimuli in rats that had been exposed to either chronic unpredictable stress or corticosterone for 28 days; thereafter, stereological estimates of the BNST and amygdaloid complex were performed, followed by three‐dimensional morphometric dendritic analysis. Results show that chronic stress induces hyperanxiety without influencing fear conditioning or locomotion and exploratory activity. Stress‐induced hyperanxiety was correlated with increased volumes of the BNST but not of the amygdala. Dendritic remodelling was found to make a significant contribution to the stress‐induced increase in BNST volume, primarily due to changes in the anteromedial area of the BNST, an area strongly implicated in emotional behaviour and in the neuroendocrine control of the stress response. Importantly, all of the effects of stress were recapitulated by exogenous corticosterone. In conclusion, this study shows that chronic stress impacts on BNST structure and function; its findings pertain to the modulation of emotional behaviour and the maladaptive response to stress.
Study of the adhesiveness of medical tapes when wet, dry or following application of Friars’ balsam
Authors: BERINGER R.M.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Adhesive tapes are routinely used during anesthesia for vital roles such as securing tracheal tubes or intravascular access devices. There are currently very few experimental data available to guide the choice of tape for a particular indication.

Methods:  The performance of four medical adhesive tapes (Sleek™, Elastoplast™, Mefix™ and Leukoplast™ zinc oxide) was evaluated under three different conditions (wet, dry and following prior application of Friars’ balsam). A strain gauge was used to determine the force required to detach each tape from the skin of the inner forearm. The test was repeated 20 times under each standardized condition. Statistical analysis was performed using two way anova and the Scheffe posthoc test.

Results:  Leukoplast was the most adhesive tape overall (P < 0.001); Sleek was more adhesive than Mefix and Elastoplast (P < 0.001); and Mefix was more adhesive than Elastoplast (P = 0.018). Under wet conditions, Elastoplast and Mefix were less adhesive than when dry (P < 0.001), whereas the adhesiveness of Sleek and zinc oxide was unchanged. Friars’ balsam significantly increased the adhesiveness of Elastoplast and Sleek (P = 0.02 for both).

Conclusions:  There is a dramatic variation in performance between different adhesive tapes and between different conditions, which has implications for the choice of tape for a particular clinical application.
No differences in mortality between users of pancreatic‐specific and non‐pancreatic‐specific sulphonylureas: a cohort analysis
Authors: Evans Josie M. M. , Ogston Simon A. , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M. , Morris Andrew D. , Pearson Ewan R.
Published: March 2008

To assess whether users of pancreatic‐specific sulphonylureas are at reduced risk of mortality and cardiovascular mortality compared with users of non‐specific sulphonylureas, we conducted a cohort study in the population of Tayside, Scotland. We identified 3331 patients with type 2 diabetes who were newly treated with sulphonylureas between 1994 and 2001 and categorized them into those treated with only pancreatic‐specific sulphonylureas and those treated with only non‐specific sulphonylureas. The risks of mortality and cardiovascular mortality were compared in a survival analysis. There were 2914 patients treated with pancreatic‐specific sulphonylureas only, of which 683 (23.4%) died. Of 186 patients treated with non‐specific drugs only, 40 (21.5%) died. After adjusting for confounding factors, the adjusted risk ratios (with 95% CI) for mortality and cardiovascular mortality were 0.84 (0.61 to 1.17) and 0.81 (0.59 to 1.11) among the non‐specific users compared with the pancreatic‐specific users. This provides no evidence that there are differences between the two sulphonylureas types.
The dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor PHX1149 improves blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Garcia‐Soria G. , Gonzalez‐Galvez G. , Argoud G. M. , Gerstman M. , Littlejohn T. W. , Schwartz S. L. , O’Farrell A.‐M. , Li X. , Cherrington J. M. , Bennett C. , Guler H.‐P.
Published: March 2008

Aim:  To determine the efficacy and tolerability of PHX1149, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:  This is a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 4‐week study in patients with type 2 diabetes with suboptimal metabolic control. Patients with a baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.3 to 11.0% were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 to receive once‐daily oral therapy with either PHX1149 (100, 200 or 400 mg) or placebo; patients were on a constant background therapy of either metformin alone or metformin plus a glitazone.

Results:  Treatment with 100, 200 or 400 mg of PHX1149 significantly decreased postprandial glucose area under the curve AUC0–2 h by approximately 20% (+0.11 ± 0.50, −2.08 ± 0.51, −1.73 ± 0.49 and −1.88 ± 0.48 mmol/l × h, respectively, for placebo and 100, 200 and 400 mg (p = 0.002, 0.008 and 0.004 vs. placebo). Postprandial AUC0–2 h of intact glucagon‐like peptide‐1, the principal mediator of the biological effects of DPP4 inhibitors, was increased by 3.90 ± 2.83, 11.63 ± 2.86, 16.42 ± 2.72 and 15.75 ± 2.71 pmol/l × h, respectively, for placebo and 100, 200 and 400 mg (p = 0.053, 0.001 and 0.002 vs. placebo). Mean HbA1c was lower in all dose groups; the placebo‐corrected change in the groups receiving 400 mg PHX1149 was −0.28% (p = 0.02). DPP4 inhibition on day 28 was 53, 73 and 78% at 24 h postdose in the groups receiving 100, 200 and 400 mg PHX1149, respectively. There were no differences in adverse events between PHX1149‐treated and placebo subjects.

Conclusions:  Addition of the DPP4 inhibitor PHX1149 to a stable regimen of metformin or metformin plus a glitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes was well tolerated and improved blood glucose control.
The Influence of Regulatory Focus on Risky Decision‐Making
Authors: Bryant Peter , Dunford Richard
Published: March 2008

Although studies show that regulatory focus influences decision making and risk taking, theories of risky decision making typically conflate different regulatory orientations and the related distinctions between the positive and negative risks associated with acts of omission and commission. In contrast, we argue that different regulatory orientations influence risk perception and risk propensity in different ways and underpin complex emotional responses in risky decision making. We propose a new model of these processes and suggest that regulatory focus may be important in priming and managing risk taking behavior. We conclude by discussing implications for research and practice.

Bien que des recherches montrent que le centre de régulation influence la prise de décision et la prise de risque, les théories de la prise décision risquée regroupent habituellement différentes formes de régulation et les distinctions connexes entre les risques positifs et négatifs associés au passage à l’acte ou non. Contrairement à ces théories, nous avançons que les différentes formes de régulation influencent la perception et la propension au risque selon différentes modalités et sous‐tendent les réponses émotionnelles complexes dans la prise de décision risquée. Nous proposons un nouveau modèle de ces processus et suggérons que le centre de régulation peut être important dans l’amorce et la gestion du comportement de prise de risque. Nous concluons en discutant des implications de ces résultats pour la recherche et la pratique.
Components of the plasminogen activator system and their complexes in renal cell and bladder cancer: comparison between normal and matched cancerous tissues
Authors: Span Paul N. , Witjes Johannes A. , Grebenchtchikov Nicolai , Geurts‐Moespot Anneke , Moonen Paula M.J. , Aalders Tilly W. , Vriesema Jessica L.J. , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , Schalken Jack A. , Sweep Fred C.G.J.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To analyse and compare the concentration of plasminogen activator (PA), urokinase‐type PA (uPA), tissue‐type PA (tPA), PA inhibitor (PAI)‐1 and PAI‐2, and the complexes uPA‐PAI‐1 and tPA‐PAI‐1 and calculated uPA and tPA uncomplexed with PAI‐1 (‘free’) in urothelial cell carcinoma and matched benign urothelium, and in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and matched benign renal tissue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tissue samples were obtained during cystectomy (33 patients) and nephrectomy (55), and specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the PA components in extracts of these tissues.

RESULTS

Tissue levels of uPA‐PAI‐1 and tPA‐PAI‐1, but also PAI‐1 itself, were greater in tumorous bladder and kidney tissue than in matched normal tissue (by 1.5–7.8 times). Free tPA was clearly lower in tumour tissue (by 0–0.12‐fold). In bladder cancer, but not in RCC, levels of uPA (15.8‐fold) and free uPA (16.4‐fold) were greater in tumour tissue. Free uPA levels were less in RCC (0.41‐fold). For both normal bladder and kidney tissue, there was no clear correlation between uPA‐PAI‐1 complex and either component. However, the formation of tPA‐PAI‐1 complexes in normal bladder and kidney tissue was primarily determined by PAI‐1. Interestingly, in tumour tissues there was a strong, significant correlation between complex levels and both components.

CONCLUSION

RCC and bladder cancer show distinct profiles of components of the PA system. This study provides a basis for further studies into both the (patho)physiological role of the PA system in these tumours, and into a possible relation with tumour progression and prognosis, and as target for therapy.
Scintigraphic renal function after unilateral pyeloplasty in children: a systematic review
Authors: Castagnetti Marco , Novara Giacomo , Beniamin Francesco , Vezzú Beatrice , Rigamonti Waifro , Artibani Walter
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review previous reports and thus determine the functional outcome after pyeloplasty in children with unilateral hydronephrosis due to pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction, and the possible variables that could affect it.

METHODS

We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for articles in English published from 1966 to 2007, using both ‘medical subject headings’ and ‘free text’ protocols. Abstracts, full texts, and bibliographies of pertinent papers were reviewed to select studies of scintigraphic renal function before and after pyeloplasty. The postoperative change in scintigraphic renal function was assessed in relation to presentation (antenatal vs postnatal), timing of surgery (early vs delayed), age at surgery, and preoperative ultrasonography (US) and scintigraphic findings.

RESULTS

Thirty‐six studies (2.1% of the initial search) were eventually selected for review. Studies were generally of poor scientific quality and very heterogeneous in their indications for surgery and follow‐up protocols. Postoperative function showed a wide variability. Symptomatic patients diagnosed postnatally seemed to have a greater chance of functional improvement after surgery than asymptomatic patients diagnosed antenatally. The chance of improvement seemed also to be greater in patients with moderately rather than severely impaired preoperative function. Otherwise, the improvement seemed unrelated to the age at surgery, the preoperative US findings, or the excretion pattern on renal scintigraphy. Of patients having delayed surgery >97.5% had preserved function afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with moderately impaired preoperative function and those diagnosed postnatally because of symptoms are those with the greatest likelihood of having a functional improvement after surgery.
WILL BUSINESS CYCLES IN THE EURO AREA CONVERGE? A CRITICAL SURVEY OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
Authors: De Haan Jakob , Inklaar Robert , Jong‐A‐Pin Richard
Published: March 2008

Abstract This survey of business cycle synchronization in the European monetary union focuses on two issues: have business cycles become more similar, and which factors drive business cycle synchronization. We conclude that business cycles in the euro area have gone through periods of both convergence and divergence. Still, there is quite some evidence that during the 1990s business cycle synchronization in the euro area has increased. Higher trade intensity is found to lead to more synchronization, but the point estimates vary widely. The evidence for other factors affecting business cycle synchronization is very mixed.
INCORPORATING FINANCING‐RELATED DETERMINANTS OF VALUE IN THE DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW MODEL
Authors: Armitage Seth
Published: March 2008

Abstract The paper discusses how some of the main types of interaction between financing and value can be incorporated in the discounted cash flow model of valuation, including effects arising from taxes, transactions costs, disclosure, information asymmetry and agency problems. It explains whether a given effect should appear in a project's cash flows, in its cost of capital or as an upfront adjustment to value. Most of the effects imply that the principle of value additivity does not hold.
A THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE EQUITY RISK PREMIUM*
Authors: Salomons Roelof
Published: March 2008

Abstract In historical perspective, equity returns have been higher than interest rates but have also varied a good deal more. However, the average excess return has been larger than what could be expected based on classical equilibrium theory: the equity risk premium (ERP) puzzle. This paper has two objectives. First, the paper presents a comprehensive overview of the vast literature developed aimed at adjusting theory and testing the robustness of the puzzle. Here we will show that the failure of theory to link asset prices to economics is mostly quantitative by nature and not qualitative (anymore). Second, beyond providing a survey of theory, we aim for a relevant practical angle as well. Our main contribution is that we spend time on why returns have been higher than investors reasonably could have expected. We present evidence that forecasts of equity returns can be enhanced by valuation models: low valuation levels (low price‐to‐earnings ratios) portend high subsequent returns. While conventional wisdom (several years ago) was to use historical returns to forecast future returns, a growing consensus now recognizes that the predictive power of valuation ratios is preferred. Finally we provide some practical implications based on this predictability. While the ERP is essentially a long‐term issue, the likelihood of a lower risk premium increases risk for many and means that short‐term volatility might not be neglected.
TRADE AND FACTOR FLOWS IN A DIVERSE EU: WHAT LESSONS FOR THE EASTERN ENLARGEMENT(S)?
Authors: Marques Helena
Published: March 2008

Abstract This paper reviews the neoclassical and new economic geography (NEG) theoretical frameworks used to analyse the effects of integration on trade and factor flows, and the empirical work carried out within those theoretical frameworks for the European case. The European Union (EU) is of particular interest because it is illustrative of the tensions between deepening of the integration process and widening membership: whereas deepening requires homogeneity, widening has made the EU increasingly diverse. The orthodox framework saw trade and factor flows as substitutes, thus separating their analysis, and was mainly concerned with efficiency issues of trade integration. The NEG framework saw trade and factor flows as complements, and analysed them jointly, looking mainly at distribution issues such as disparities in industry location and wages arising from a single market for goods and factors. The main lesson for the Eastern enlargement(s) is that integration in its various forms leads to an uneven distribution of gains across member countries when these have very diverse economic structures.
Bilingual experience and executive functioning in young children
Authors: Carlson Stephanie M. , Meltzoff Andrew N.
Published: March 2008

Advanced inhibitory control skills have been found in bilingual speakers as compared to monolingual controls (

Bialystok, 1999

). We examined whether this effect is generalized to an unstudied language group (Spanish‐English bilingual) and multiple measures of executive function by administering a battery of tasks to 50 kindergarten children drawn from three language groups: native bilinguals, monolinguals (English), and English speakers enrolled in second‐language immersion kindergarten. Despite having significantly lower verbal scores and parent education/income level, Spanish‐English bilingual children's raw scores did not differ from their peers. After statistically controlling for these factors and age, native bilingual children performed significantly better on the executive function battery than both other groups. Importantly, the relative advantage was significant for tasks that appear to call for managing conflicting attentional demands (Conflict tasks); there was no advantage on impulse‐control (Delay tasks). These results advance our understanding of both the generalizability and specificity of the compensatory effects of bilingual experience for children's cognitive development.
Atypical neural functions underlying phonological processing and silent rehearsal in children who stutter
Authors: Weber‐Fox Christine , Spruill John E. , Spencer Rebecca , Smith Anne
Published: March 2008

Phonological processing was examined in school‐age children who stutter (CWS) by assessing their performance and recording event‐related brain potentials (ERPs) in a visual rhyming task. CWS had lower accuracy on rhyming judgments, but the cognitive processes that mediate the comparisons of the phonological representations of words, as indexed by the rhyming effect (RE) ERP, were similar for the stuttering and normally fluent groups. Thus the lower behavioral accuracy of rhyming judgments by the CWS could not be attributed to that particular stage of processing. Instead, the neural functions for processes preceding the RE, indexed by the N400 and CNV elicited by the primes and the N400 elicited by the targets, suggest atypical processing that may have resulted in less efficient, less accurate rhyming judgment for the CWS. Based on the present results, it seems likely that the neural processes related to phonological rehearsal and target word anticipation, as indexed by the CNV, are distinctive for CWS at this age. Further, it is likely that the relative contributions of the left and right hemispheres differ in CWS in the stage of processing when linguistic integration occurs, as indexed by the N400. Taken together, these results suggest that CWS may be less able to form and retain a stable neural representation of the prime onset and rime as they anticipate the target presentation, which may lead to lower rhyming judgment accuracy.
Blood, timber, and the state in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Van Klinken Gerry
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  West Kalimantan (West Borneo) has a history of violent communal conflict.1 It also has extensive forests that have been looted for decades. The argument will be that these two are linked, but not by the grievances of the forest dwellers. Except in its first few days, the two main episodes of 1997 and 1999 were not driven mainly by grievances among marginal groups. Rather, explanations based on the ‘resource curse’ carry more weight. These focus attention on the contested nature of the state, rather than on rebellious activities of marginal groups. When state institutions were thrown into disarray by the sudden resignation of President Suharto in 1998, Dayak militants already close to state power rewrote the rules of local politics by demonstratively ‘cleansing’ certain areas of an unpopular immigrant minority. This theatrical manoeuvre impressed political rivals sufficiently to allow Dayaks to gain control over several timber‐rich districts, which had a thriving black economy. Malays later imitated these techniques to stem the tide.
Resource conflict and ethnic peace in northern Thailand
Authors: Englehart Neil A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Although northern Thailand has experienced both ethnic discrimination and resource conflicts, neither has produced significant organised violence. The relative absence of ethnically mobilised natural resource conflict in northern Thailand is due in part to the historical pattern of state formation, and in part to the Thai state's capacity to deter and mediate conflicts before they escalate into organised violence.
FELICITOMETRY: MEASURING THE ‘QUALITY’ IN QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: KOWALSKI CHARLES , PENNELL STEVEN , VINOKUR AMIRAM
Published: March 2008

Following Bernheim,1 we examine aspects of ‘felicitometrics,’2 the measurement of the ‘quality’ term in Quality of Life (QOL). Bernheim argued that overall QOL is best captured as the Gestalt3 of a global self‐assessment and suggested that the Anamnestic Comparative Self Assessment (ACSA) approach, in which subjects' memories of the best and worst times of their lives are used to anchor a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), provided a serious answer to the serious question, ‘How have you been?’

Bernheim compares and contrasts the ACSA to multi‐item questionnaire QOL instruments, such as the SF‐36, concluding that the ACSA has a number of advantages. His discussion assumes that the use of QOL outcomes in clinical trials is both relevant and appropriate. In the present paper, we document the reasonableness of this latter assumption,4 contribute to the characterization of the similarities and differences between multi‐item and individualized QOL instruments, and point to some other individualized instruments that may be used in clinical trial contexts. These ‘other individualized instruments’ differ from the ACSA in fundamental ways; but they are individualized in that the subject defines those areas in his/her life that are most important, and these may vary from subject‐to‐subject.
An Efficient Method for Evaluating Origin‐Destination Connectivity Reliability of Real‐World Lifeline Networks
Authors: Ching Jianye , Hsu Wei‐Chih
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  A method of analyzing origin‐destination (O‐D) connectivity reliability of real‐world lifeline networks is proposed in this research. This research is novel because, for real‐world lifeline networks with thousands of vertices and links, evaluating O‐D connectivity is computationally infeasible with traditional methods, for example, combinatorial methods. It is postulated that the O‐D connectivity problem for the actual network can be converted into a virtual problem, while the computation for this problem is fast even for large networks. Hence, it is applicable to real‐world lifeline networks. When combined with reliability analysis methods, the proposed method can be used to efficiently solve realistic O‐D connectivity reliability problems for real‐world lifeline networks. Besides, a rating method is also proposed to rank critical links, that is, links that have great influence on the O‐D connectivity. The proposed framework should be valuable for management and reliability analysis of real‐world lifeline networks.
3D Modeling and Section Properties of Ancient Irregular Timber Structures by Means of Digital Photogrammetry
Authors: Arias Pedro , Carlos Caamaño J. , Lorenzo Henrique , Armesto Julia
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  This article deals with the application of low‐cost Close Range Digital Photogrammetry to obtain an accurate three‐dimensional (3D) re‐construction of irregular geometry structures in the field of building construction, with special attention to the evaluation of old structures. Photogrammetry can be used as a non‐destructive tool to give precise 3D information about the size and shape of some elements of a structure, quickly and with no risk to the surveyors. The geometric data achieved can be used by engineers and architects to obtain the section properties, and also to estimate the influence of geometric variations in the distribution of stress. This allows us to compare areas subject to higher stress, and could be of special interest regarding some historic and cultural heritage constructions—such as the timber roof structure included as a case study in this work—from two points of view: On the one hand, Photogrammetry makes it possible to obtain precise 3D models of highly irregular elements, as old timber purlines and trusses in the case of ancient constructions; on the other, Photogrammetry is a non‐contact method that minimizes the measurement time and allows us to obtain the section properties, which can be used together with some material testing characterization to evaluate the structural safety of the construction.
Labor Inflow Induced Wage Inequality and Public Infrastructure
Authors: Anwar Sajid
Published: March 2008

By making use of a simple general equilibrium model of a small open economy, the author examines the link between labor mobility and the size of wage inequality in the presence of productive public infrastructure. The paper shows that the provision of public infrastructure plays an important part in determining the size of labor inflow induced wage inequality. Specifically, it shows that, irrespective of the relative factor intensities, a small inflow of either skilled or unskilled labor does not affect the size of wage inequality if private industries derive equal benefits from public infrastructure provision. A small inflow of skilled (unskilled) labor increases (decreases) wage inequality if skilled (unskilled) labor intensive industry derives more benefits from public infrastructure.
Environmental Protection and Trade Liberalization in a Small Open Dual Economy
Authors: Daitoh Ichiroh
Published: March 2008

The author investigates the conditions under which environmental protection and trade liberalization might improve urban unemployment and welfare in a small open Harris–Todaro model with polluting urban manufacturing. While a tariff reduction decreases manufacturing employment, a rise in the pollution tax rate may increase it when a dirty input is complementary to capital. Environmental protection and trade liberalization are consistent in reducing the level of urban unemployment because they lower it under the same condition. They are consistent in increasing GDP if a rise in the pollution tax rate decreases manufacturing employment. Otherwise, trade liberalization will mitigate a decrease in GDP because of environmental protection if the degree of urbanization is low and if rural technology exhibits weak diminishing returns to labor. This GDP effect plays a central role in welfare improvement.
THE DUTY TO FEED IN CASES OF ADVANCED DEMENTIA
Authors: Alibhai Shabbir M. H.
Published: March 2008

Cases of dementia present us with difficult ethical dilemmas as we strive to care for those unable to care for themselves. In this article, I review the relevant Islamic texts on caring for the ill, alleviating suffering, and feeding the hungry—all in light of the modern clinical environment. I find that the ethical appropriateness of tube feeding at the end of life is not as clear‐cut as it may seem. My analysis, however, suggests that Muslim scholars ought to favor insertion of a feeding tube in patients who can no longer respond to assisted feeding. Nonetheless, several important issues require further clarification in this clinically important but neglected area of ethical inquiry.
Official Statistics, Public Policy and Public Trust
Authors: Holt D. Tim
Published: March 2008

The question of public confidence in official statistics has been central to government statistical policy for the last 10 years. This year the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 was passed. The paper suggests key characteristics of the new arrangements that will be needed if public confidence in the official statistics outputs is to be strengthened. It is argued that this will depend on public confidence in the statistical system as a whole rather than just the new Board. The organizational structure of the UK statistical system is described and this is linked to the issue of public confidence. Finally the wider questions of evidence-based policy and the use of statistics and statistical thinking throughout government are discussed.
Identification ofSalmonellaHigh Risk Pig-Herds in Belgium by using Semiparametric Quantile Regression
Authors: Bollaerts Kaatje , Aerts Marc , Ribbens Stefaan , Van der Stede Yves , Boone Ides , Mintiens Koen
Published: March 2008

Consumption of pork that is contaminated with Salmonella is an important source of human salmonellosis world wide. To control and prevent salmonellosis, Belgian pig-herds with high Salmonella infection burden are encouraged to take part in a control programme supporting the implementation of control measures. The Belgian government decided that only the 10% of pig-herds with the highest Salmonella infection burden (denoted high risk herds) can participate. To identify these herds, serological data reported as sample-to-positive ratios (SP-ratios) are collected. However, SP-ratios have an extremely skewed distribution and are heavily subject to confounding seasonal and animal age effects. Therefore, we propose to identify the 10% high risk herds by using semiparametric quantile regression with P-splines. In particular, quantile curves of animal SP-ratios are estimated as a function of sampling time and animal age. Then, pigs are classified into low and high risk animals with high risk animals having an SP-ratio that is larger than the corresponding estimated upper quantile. Finally, for each herd, the number of high risk animals is calculated as well as the beta–binomial p-value reflecting the hypothesis that the Salmonella infection burden is higher in that herd compared with the other herds. The 10% pig-herds with the lowest p-values are then identified as high risk herds. In addition, since high risk herds are supported to implement control measures, a risk factor analysis is conducted by using binomial generalized linear mixed models to investigate factors that are associated with decreased or increased Salmonella infection burden. Finally, since the choice of a specific upper quantile is to a certain extent arbitrary, a sensitivity analysis is conducted comparing different choices of upper quantiles.
Design Priorities and Disciplinary Perspectives: The Case of the US National Children’s Study
Authors: Michael Robert T. , O’Muircheartaigh Colm A.
Published: March 2008

The National Children’s Study (NCS), which was undertaken in 2000 by collaboration between several US federal government agencies, is one of the largest and boldest longitudinal studies of children’s health ever undertaken. One of the key design issues has been the nature of the NCS sample. The paper describes the nature of the choices and the reasons for the decision that the NCS be based on a national probability sample. Designed as a study of the environmental influences on children’s health and development, the NCS is expected to identify, enrol and follow about 100000 children from their birth to the age of 21 years. A broad definition of relevant environments of interest, and a full partnership between government, university and medical scientists, introduces considerable challenges in the design of the study.