bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase activator and inhibitor on in vivo rolipram binding to phosphodiesterase 4 in conscious rats
Authors: Itoh Tetsuji , Abe Kohji , Hong Jinsoo , Inoue Osamu , Pike Victor W. , Innis Robert B. , Fujita Masahiro
Published: October 2009

Rolipram is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4), and positron emission tomography (PET) using [11C]rolipram can monitor the in vivo activity of this enzyme that is part of the cAMP second messenger cascade. cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylates PDE4 and increases both enzyme activity and affinity for rolipram. In the present PET study, we examined effects of PKA modulators in conscious rats on the binding of [11C](R)‐rolipram in comparison to the much less active enantiomer [11C](S)‐rolipram. Unilateral injection of a PKA activator (dibutyryl‐cAMP) and a PKA inhibitor (Rp‐adenosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphorothioate) into the striatum significantly increased and decreased, respectively, the binding of [11C](R)‐rolipram. These effects were not caused by changes in blood flow or delivery of radioligand to brain, since these agents had no effect on the binding of [11C](S)‐rolipram binding. These results support the value of measuring in vivo [11C](R)‐rolipram binding in brain to assess responses to physiological or pharmacological challenges to the cAMP second messenger system. Synapse 64:172–176, 2010. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
N‐ethyl lidocaine (QX‐314) protects striatal neurons against ischemia: An in vitro electrophysiological study
Authors: Armogida Marta , Giustizieri Michela , Zona Cristina , Piccirilli Silvia , Nisticò Robert , Mercuri Nicola B.
Published: October 2009

In this study, we have investigated the neuroprotective actions of the membrane impermeable, lidocaine analog,N‐ethyl lidocaine (QX‐314) in the striatum. The effects of this drug were compared with those caused by the strictly‐related‐compound and sodium channel blocker lidocaine. To address this issue, electrophysiological recordings were performed in striatal slices, in control condition (normoxia) and during combined oxygen and glucose deprivation (in vitro ischemia). Either QX‐314 or lidocaine induced, to some extent, a protection of the permanent electrophysiological alteration (field potential loss) caused by a period (12 min) of ischemia. Thus, both compounds permitted a partial recovery of the ischemic depression of the corticostriatal transmission and reduced the amplitude of the ischemic depolarization in medium spiny neurons. However, while QX‐314, at the effective concentration of 100 μM, slightly reduced the amplitude of the excitatory field potential and did not affect the current‐evoked spikes discharge of medium spiny striatal neurons, equimolar lidocaine depressed the field potential and eliminated repetitive spikes on a depolarizing step. On the basis of these observations, our results suggest the use of QX‐314 as a neuroprotective agent in ischemic brain disorders. Synapse 64:161–168, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered response to antidepressant treatment in FoxG1 heterozygous knockout mice
Authors: Kinsler Rebecca , Taylor Mary Morgan , Flores Natasha M. , Leffert Janine J. , Beech Robert D.
Published: October 2009

Evidence from a variety of sources suggests that structural alterations in the brain, including neurogenesis, may play a role in both the pathogenesis of mood disorders and the mechanism of action of antidepressants. Previous studies have implicated both the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), and the phosphatidyl inositol‐3 kinase (PI3K)‐Akt pathways in the neurogenesis‐promoting and behavioral properties of antidepressants. Forkhead box protein G1 (FoxG1) is a major regulator of both of these pathways, and FoxG1 heterozygous null mice (FoxG1+/−) have previously been reported to have deficits in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and behavioral abnormalities including deficits in contextual fear learning. However the role of FoxG1, if any, in the response to antidepressants has not been previously investigated.

To investigate the role of the FoxG1 gene in the behavioral and neurogenic properties of antidepressants, we tested FoxG1+/− mice and littermate controls in two different rodent models of antidepressant action: the tail suspension test and the forced swim test. FoxG1+/− mice showed no response to antidepressants in either of these tests. These results suggest that normal levels of FoxG1 may be required for the behavioral response to antidepressants. Synapse 64:169–171, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of the Fas/Fas‐L pathway on fluoride‐induced apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Xu Bayi , Xu Zhixia , Xia Tao , He Ping , Gao Ping , He Weihong , Zhang Ming , Guo Lijuan , Niu Qiang , Wang Aiguo
Published: October 2009

The mechanisms underlying fluoride‐induced apoptosis in neurons still remain unknown. To investigate apoptosis, caspase‐3 activity, and mRNA expression of Fas, Fas‐L, and caspases (‐3 and ‐8) induced by fluoride, human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells were incubated with 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) for 24 h in vitro. The data show that cell viability in the 40 and 80 mg/L fluoride groups were significantly lower than that of the control group. The percentages of apoptosis in the 40 and 80 mg/L fluoride groups were markedly higher than those in the control group, and they increased with the increase in fluoride concentration. The activity of caspase‐3 and mRNA expression levels for Fas, Fas‐L, and caspases (‐3 and ‐8) in the 40 and 80 mg/L fluoride groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. An agonistic anti‐Fas monoclonal antibody (CH‐11) significantly augmented apoptosis induction by fluoride, showing a synergistic effect, while a Fas‐blocking antibody (ZB4) partly inhibited fluoride‐induced apoptosis of SH‐SY5Y cells. The results indicate that fluoride exposure could induce apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells, and the Fas/Fas‐L signaling pathway may play an important role in the process. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 26: 86–92, 2011.
Trace metal dynamics in zooplankton from the Bay of Bengal during summer monsoon
Authors: Rejomon G. , Kumar P. K. Dinesh , Nair M. , Muraleedharan K. R.
Published: October 2009

Trace metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in zooplankton from the mixed layer were investigated at 8 coastal and 20 offshore stations in the western Bay of Bengal during the summer monsoon of 2003. The ecotoxicological importance of trace metal uptake was apparent within the Bay of Bengal zooplankton. There was a distinct spatial heterogeneity of metals, with highest concentrations in the upwelling zones of the southeast coast, moderate concentrations in the cyclonic eddy of the northeast coast, and lowest concentrations in the open ocean warm gyre regions. The average trace metal concentrations (μg g−1) in coastal zooplankton (Fe, 44894.1 ± 12198.2; Co, 46.2 ± 4.6; Ni, 62.8 ± 6.5; Cu, 84.9 ± 6.7; Zn, 7546.8 ± 1051.7; Cd, 46.2 ± 5.6; Pb, 19.2 ± 2.6) were higher than in offshore zooplankton (Fe, 3423.4 ± 681.6; Co, 19.5 ± 3.81; Ni, 25.3 ± 7.3; Cu, 29.4 ± 4.2; Zn, 502.3 ± 124.3; Cd, 14.3 ± 2.9; Pb, 3.2 ± 2.0). A comparison of average trace metal concentrations in zooplankton from the Bay of Bengal showed enrichment of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in coastal zooplankton may be related to metal absorption from primary producers, and differences in metal concentrations in phytoplankton from coastal waters (upwelling zone and cyclonic eddy) compared with offshore waters (warm gyre). Zooplankton showed a great capacity for accumulations of trace metals, with average concentration factors of 4 867 929 ± 569 971, 246 757 ± 51 321, 337 180 ± 125 725, 43 480 ± 11 212, 1 046 371 ± 110 286, 601 679 ± 213 949, and 15 420 ± 9201 for Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb with respect to dissolved concentrations in coastal and offshore waters of the Bay of Bengal. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Measurement of compensatory hyperplasia of the contralateral kidney: usefulness for differential diagnosis of fetal unilateral empty renal fossa
Authors: Cho J. Y. , Moon M. H. , Lee Y. H. , Kim K. W. , Kim S. H.
Published: October 2009

Objective

To assess the usefulness of sonographic evaluation of compensatory hyperplasia of the contralateral kidney for the differential diagnosis of fetal unilateral empty renal fossa (ERF).

Methods

We retrospectively measured the ratio of the anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (TR) diameters of the contralateral kidney in 24 fetuses with unilateral ERF including 12 cases of unilateral renal agenesis, six cases of a unilateral pelvic kidney and six cases of a unilateral ectopic multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). For the normal reference value, we calculated the AP : TR diameter ratios of both kidneys in 20 normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters. We calculated the accuracy of the AP : TR ratio to detect contralateral compensatory hyperplasia.

Results

The median (range) AP : TR diameter ratios of the normal kidneys were 0.84 (0.72–0.89) in the second trimester and 0.81 (0.65–0.89) in the third trimester. All cases of unilateral renal agenesis and ectopic MCDK showed the presence of compensatory hyperplasia, while no case of renal ectopy was seen with compensatory hyperplasia. The median (range) ratios for unilateral renal agenesis and ectopic MCDK were 1.0 (0.95–1.02) and 1.1 (1–1.25) in the second and third trimesters, respectively. The median ratios for a unilateral pelvic kidney were 0.8 (0.74–0.85) and 0.77 (0.74–0.84) in the second and third trimesters, respectively. Using 0.9 as the discriminating value, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the AP : TR diameter ratio for the prenatal diagnosis of compensatory renal hyperplasia was 100%.

Conclusion

Sonographic evaluation of compensatory hyperplasia of the contralateral kidney may be useful for the differential diagnosis of a fetal unilateral ERF. Prospective studies are warranted. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference intervals of gestational sac, yolk sac and embryo volumes using three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Bagratee J. S. , Regan L. , Khullar V. , Connolly C. , Moodley J.
Published: October 2009

Objectives

To create reference intervals of gestational sac volume (GSV), yolk sac volume (YSV), embryo volume (EV), crown–rump length (CRL) and gestational sac diameter (GSD) in the first trimester of pregnancy using three‐dimensional ultrasound.

Methods

Women in the first trimester of pregnancy were invited to participate in the study. Inclusion criteria were well‐established dates, and that the women were non‐smokers and healthy, without any medical disorders. Three‐dimensional ultrasound volumetric data (GSV, YSV, EV) were collected together with standard two‐dimensional measurements of CRL and GSD. For each measurement separate regression models were fitted to estimate the mean and SD at each gestational age. The 5th, 50th and 95th centiles were derived using a combination of these regression models.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐six women at between 6 and 12 weeks' gestation were scanned once. The mean ( ± SD) maternal age was 29.4 ( ± 5) years. There were no miscarriages and no congenital abnormalities were noted. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39.3 ( ± 1.4) weeks and mean birth weight was 3.3 ( ± 0.4) kg. The CRL centiles fitted a cubic model and the GSD centiles fitted a linear model. The centiles for YSV fitted a quadratic model on the modified log‐transformed data. The centiles for GSV and EV were modeled using quantile regression.

Conclusion

Reference intervals and centile charts for first‐trimester GSV, YSV and EV have been created in addition to CRL and GSD using rigorous methodology. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) compared with abdominal hysterectomy for treatment of uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Taran F. A. , Tempany C. M. C. , Regan L. , Inbar Y. , Revel A. , Stewart E. A.
Published: October 2009

Objectives

To compare women undergoing magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) to a group of contemporaneously recruited women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. Patient demographics, safety parameters, quality of life outcomes and disability measures are reported.

Methods

One hundred and nine women were recruited in seven centers for MRgFUS treatment and 83 women who underwent abdominal hysterectomy were recruited in seven separate centers to provide contemporaneous assessment of safety. The adverse‐event profile and disability parameters were prospectively assessed. Patients were also screened at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months using the SF‐36 health survey questionnaire.

Results

There were no life‐threatening adverse events in either group. Overall, the number of significant clinical complications and adverse events was lower in women in the MRgFUS group compared to women undergoing hysterectomy. MRgFUS was associated with significantly faster recovery, including resumption of usual activities. At 6 months of follow‐up, there were four (4%) treatment failures in the MRgFUS arm. Regarding SF‐36 subscale scores, at 6 months there was improvement in all SF‐36 subscales for both treatment groups. However, most of the SF‐36 subscale scores were significantly better at this stage in the hysterectomy group than in the MRgFUS group. Women undergoing MRgFUS had steady improvement in all parameters throughout the 6‐month follow‐up period, despite the fact that they continued to have myomatous uteri and menstruation, which at baseline had given them significant symptomatology.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that MRgFUS treatment of uterine leiomyomas leads to clinical improvement with fewer significant clinical complications and adverse events compared to hysterectomy at 6 months' follow‐up. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐invasive magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids in a large Japanese population: impact of the learning curve on patient outcome
Authors: Okada A. , Morita Y. , Fukunishi H. , Takeichi K. , Murakami T.
Published: October 2009

Objectives

To describe the learning curve effect of magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) on the outcomes of patients treated for uterine fibroids in four centers in Japan.

Methods

The extent of fibroid ablation (often used to measure treatment success) was evaluated using the non‐perfused volume (NPV) ratio in 287 Japanese patients. The patients were divided into two equal groups according to the chronological treatment time and results were compared between these groups to estimate the learning curve effect. Results were also compared with published data from clinical trials.

Results

The NPV ratio increased chronologically, from 39.3% to 54.0% (P < 0.001), indicating increasing effectiveness of the treatment with experience. The mean NPV ratios for the entire patient population were over double that of previous clinical trials (46.6% vs. 21.9%; P < 0.001). No serious complications were reported.

Conclusion

The learning process and accumulation of data on MRgFUS enable the optimization of treatments in order to safely achieve large NPV ratios and sustained clinical benefit. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Female reproductive parameters in the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch)
Authors: Hodgkiss Sarah , Thetford Ernie , Waitt C.D. , Nijman Vincent
Published: October 2009

Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) are one of the most endangered gibbon species in the world. Data on the reproductive biology of the species are almost nonexistent, and a general understanding of the female reproductive biology of this species is important for both ex situ and in situ conservation. Using 18 years of data from 11 captive individuals, we provide new information on the reproductive biology of Javan gibbons based on sexual swelling and menstrual bleeding, including reproductive development, interbirth intervals, and ovarian cycle lengths. Menarche and the onset of sexual swelling occurred at 6.2 and 6.5 years respectively, followed by a period of adolescent sterility of about 1.5 years. Average age at first birth was 8.8 years, and interbirth intervals were about 2.3 years, decreasing to 1.0 year during cases of infant mortality at or shortly after birth. Ovarian cyclicity was measured through periods between menstrual bleeding and sexual swelling. Menstrual bleeding indicates the start of a new ovarian cycle, while sexual swelling normally occurs near the time of ovulation. Menstrual bleeding intervals gave a cycle length of 25.6 days, while sexual swelling intervals gave a cycle length of 27.3 days. These both correspond closely to cycle lengths in other gibbon species, as well as hormonal studies in Javan gibbons. In particular, observing the presence/absence of swellings was found to be a useful and easy method to monitor female ovarian cycles, and could be a practical noninvasive technique for caretakers and researchers. Zoo Biol 29:449–456, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Animal‐based welfare monitoring: using keeper ratings as an assessment tool
Authors: Whitham Jessica C. , Wielebnowski Nadja
Published: October 2009

Zoological institutions are in urgent need of identifying and implementing welfare assessment tools that allow for ongoing, quantitative monitoring of individual animal well‐being. Although the American Zoological Association's (AZA) Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) promotes the use of such tools in internal review processes, current approaches to institutional welfare assessment are resource‐based and outline the resources, environmental parameters and “best practices” recommended for promoting good welfare in a species in general. We highlight the value of incorporating animal‐based monitoring tools that capture the individual animal's perspective and subjective experiences, including positive events and feelings, by validating zookeepers' qualitative assessments. We present evidence that, across a variety of species, caretakers' assessments of traits related to the well‐being of individual animals can be both reliable and valid. Furthermore, we demonstrate that among researchers investigating the welfare of farm, laboratory, companion and even zoo animals, support already exists for developing and validating instruments that objectively evaluate the qualitative assessments of caretakers. Finally, we outline a process currently being evaluated at Brookfield Zoo for developing, validating and testing a cost‐effective, user‐friendly monitoring tool that will help to quantify keepers' qualitative assessments of individual well‐being and can be integrated into daily operations. This tool (i.e. species‐specific Welfare Score Sheets designed through consultation with animal experts) will result in weekly scores of individual well‐being that are expected to provide a first indicator of welfare issues in the collection. Specifically, scores can be reviewed during regular workgroup meetings to identify welfare issues proactively, to assess whether particular conditions, practices or events impact individual well‐being, and finally, to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to address welfare issues. Upon completion of the tool validation and testing phases, we plan to make the Welfare Score Sheets for our 12 study species available to other institutions, and the methods we applied may serve as a “blueprint” for creating similar tools for additional species and institutions. Zoo Biol 28:545–560, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Aqueous CdTe/CdS/ZnS Core/shell/shell Quantum Dots by a Chemical Aerosol Flow Method
Authors: Yan Chuanmiao , Tang Fangqiong , Li Linlin , Li Hongbo , Huang Xinglu , Chen Dong , Meng Xianwei , Ren Jun
Published: October 2009

This work described a continuous method to synthesize CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots. In an integrated system by flawlessly combining the chemical aerosol flow system working at high temperature (200–300°C) to generate CdTe/CdS intermediate products and an additional heat-up setup at relatively low temperature to overcoat the ZnS shells, the CdTe/CdS/ZnS multishell structures were realized. The as-synthesized CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots are characterized by photoluminescence spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Fluorescence and XRD results confirm that the obtained quantum dots have a core/shell/shell structure. It shows the highest quantum yield above 45% when compared to the rhodamine 6G. The core/shell/shell QDs were more stable via the oxidation experiment by H2O2.
Determination of Lipid Degradation by Marine Lipase‐Producing Bacteria: Critical Evaluation of Lipase Activity Assays
Authors: Duflos Marie , Goutx Madeleine , Van Wambeke France
Published: October 2009

With the aim of obtaining a better understanding of lipids‐lipases interactions in bacterioplankton communities in oceans, we used different methods for measuring lipase activities in pure cultures of the marine strain Alteromonas macleodii. The decay of tripalmitate added to cultures was followed chemically over time. In an enzymatic approach, lipase activities were measured using the fluorogenic lipid analogs MUF‐palmitate and ELF‐palmitate. When hydrolyzed by lipase, the non‐fluorescent substrates release MUF and ELF Alcohol (ELFA) which are fluorescent. As shown by spectrofluorometry, ELF‐palmitate was an efficient competitor for MUF‐palmitate. However, the activities reached using these two fluorogenic substrates were different, but still much higher than the tripalmitate hydrolysis rate, measured chemically. MUF‐ and ELF‐palmitate would not be hydrolyzed by lipase sensu stricto (defined as triacylglycerol acylesterase E.C. 3.1.1.3) but rather reflects lipolytic activities in a broad sense. ELFA is also water‐insoluble and theoretically precipitates in the external membrane of bacteria causing its hydrolysis, which would allow microscopic identification of active cells. By epifluorescence microscopy, the accumulation of ELFA fluorescence over time was detected (as large, diffuse halos), but no precipitates were clearly associated with bacteria on slide preparations, neither for pure cultures of Alteromonas macleodii nor for natural samples from the Bay of Marseille, France. Among possible biases, those related to the hydrophobic/hydrophilic conditions required for precipitation are discussed.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers, t10c12 and c9t11, are Differentially Incorporated into Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle in Humans
Authors: Goedecke Julia H. , Rae Dale E. , Smuts Cornelius M. , Lambert Estelle V. , O'Shea Marianne
Published: October 2009

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a popular supplement believed to enhance immune function, body composition and insulin sensitivity, but results of scientific studies investigating its effects are conflicting. The isomer‐ and tissue‐specific effects of CLA may explain these conflicting results. Therefore, this study quantified the incorporation of the c9t11 and t10c12 CLA isomers into adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in response to supplementation in healthy, regularly‐exercising, non‐obese persons. The CLA group (n = 14) ingested 3.9 g per day CLA (50:50 t9c11:c10t12) and the placebo group (n = 11) 3.9 g per day high‐oleic‐acid sunflower oil for 12 weeks. Following supplementation, the t10c12 isomer was incorporated into adipose tissue triacylglycerol (P < 0.001), and the c9t11 isomer tended to increase in skeletal muscle phospholipids (P = 0.056). Therefore, human adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are enriched with CLA in an isomer‐specific manner.
Significance of glycosphingolipid fatty acid chain length on membrane microdomain‐mediated signal transduction
Authors: Iwabuchi Kazuhisa , Nakayama Hitoshi , Iwahara Chihiro , Takamori Kenji
Published: October 2009

Lactosylceramide (LacCer), a neutral glycosphingolipid, is abundantly expressed on human neutrophils, and specifically recognizes several pathogenic microorganisms. LacCer forms membrane microdomains coupled with the Src family kinase Lyn on the plasma membrane, and ligand binding to LacCer activates Lyn, resulting in neutrophil functions. In contrast, neutrophilic differentiated HL‐60 cells do not have Lyn‐associated LacCer‐enriched microdomains and lack LacCer‐mediated functions. In neutrophil plasma membranes, the very long fatty acid C24:0 and C24:1 chains are the main components of LacCer, whereas plasma membrane of D‐HL‐60 cells mainly includes C16‐LacCer species. Here, we suggest that LacCer species containing very long fatty acid chains are indispensable for the association of Lyn with LacCer‐enriched microdomains and LacCer‐mediated functions.
A novel neural‐specific BMP antagonist, Brorin‐like, of the Chordin family
Authors: Miwa Hiroyuki , Miyake Ayumi , Kouta Yuya , Shimada Akihiko , Yamashita Yuki , Nakayama Yoshiaki , Yamauchi Hajime , Konishi Morichika , Itoh Nobuyuki
Published: October 2009

We identified a gene encoding a novel secreted protein in mice, humans, and zebrafish. As the protein of 222 amino acids is similar to Brorin, a secreted BMP antagonist, which is a member of the Chordin family, we named it Brorin‐like. Recombinant Brorin‐like protein weakly but significantly inhibited the activity of BMP in mouse preosteoblastic cells and promoted neurogenesis in mouse neural precursor cells. Brorin‐like was predominantly expressed in the adult brain and embryonic neural tissues. The inhibition of Brorin‐like functions in zebrafish resulted in the impairment of neural development. Brorin‐like potentially plays roles in neural development and functions.
Government guarantees and risk sharing in public–private partnerships
Authors: Takashima Ryuta , Yagi Kyoko , Takamori Hiroshi
Published: October 2009

We study the interaction between a private firm and a government when they time an investment decision while in a public–private partnership. We use a real options framework and consider the degree of sharing in the cost of the investment and the risk in the operation of the project. The degree of sharing influences the investment timing and the project value. When the guarantee of the government is large and/or the cost sharing rate for the private firm is low, then the private firm‐maximizing policy exercises the investment option earlier than the project value‐maximizing policy.
Periglacial Climate at the 2.5 Ma Onset of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation Inferred from the Whippoorwill Formation, Northern Missouri, USA
Authors: Rovey Charles W. , Balco Greg
Published: October 2009

The Whippoorwill Formation is a gleyed diamicton that is present locally within bedrock depressions beneath the oldest glacial till in northern Missouri, USA. Stratigraphy, paleomagnetism, and cosmogenic–nuclide burial ages show that it was deposited between the Matuyama–Gauss magnetostratigraphic boundary at 2.58 Ma and the first advance of the Laurentide ice sheet into Missouri at 2.47 ± 0.19 Ma. High cosmogenic–nuclide concentrations also show that the constituents of the Whippoorwill Formation experienced long exposure at a stable landscape surface with erosion rates of 1–2 m/Ma. However, cosmogenic–nuclide concentrations are invariant with depth below the Whippoorwill Formation surface, indicating active mixing of the soil profile shortly before burial by till. The Whippoorwill Formation retains numerous features indicative of cryoturbation. Therefore, we interpret it as a buried Gelisol, a soil formed under periglacial conditions in the presence of permafrost. At the onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciation, climate cooling established permafrost conditions and accelerated erosion by inducing landscape instability. Thus, weathered regolith materials were mobilized and redeposited by gelifluction shortly before the ice sheet overrode the landscape.
Policy Punctuations in Mature Welfare States
Authors: Jensen Carsten
Published: October 2009

In mainstream welfare state theory the new institutional approach has explained incremental changes as institutions gradually adjust at the margin. However, big and sudden changes remain outside the scope of this theory. The article uses the theory of punctuated equilibrium to argue that politics is characterized by long periods of stability followed by dramatic bursts of change. The theory is tested on policy data from 18 Western countries, 1971–2002. It confirms that the degree of non-incrementalism depends partly on the institutional friction in a country and partly on the type of welfare programme in question.
Regulatory Quality and Performance in EU Network Industries: Evidence on Telecommunications, Gas and Electricity
Authors: Ugur Mehmet
Published: October 2009

This article provides empirical evidence onex anteandex postindicators of regulatory quality and the relationship between those indicators and market performance in liberalised EU-15 network industries. It finds a low level of regulatory independence and competence, a high level of cross-country variations in regulatory quality, and widespread absence of correlation betweenex anteregulatory quality andex postperformance indicators. On the basis of these findings, it suggests that the design of national regulatory agencies (NRAs) in Europe is not optimal and may be conducive to regulatory ineffectiveness or outright regulatory failure. Nevertheless, the existence and strengthening of EU-level regulators could enable EU member states to reduce the risk of regulatory failure by encouraging coordination and adoption of best practice.
The Politics of Healthcare Reform in Postcommunist Europe: The Importance of Access
Authors: Roberts Andrew
Published: October 2009

Why do countries move from public to private financing of healthcare? This paper explores this issue by looking at the divergent reform trajectories of three postcommunist countries – the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. While existing accounts emphasize veto points to explain changes in healthcare systems, the present analysis finds that moves towards private financing can be better explained by differences in access to the policymaking arm of the state. Specifically, a penetrable single-party government and weak bureaucratic capacities allow physicians to capture the reform process and implement their preferred policies. The results suggest that scholars of health policy should focus more attention on the actors seeking change and their access to policy makers.
Policymaking without Policy Choice: The Rise of Private Health Insurance in Denmark
Authors: Olesen Jeppe Dørup
Published: October 2009

Policymaking and policy outcomes are not necessarily the result of a carefully designed process but can result from intertwined political and institutional dynamics that are often difficult to predict from the outset. This article examines such a policy process, the dramatic rise in the uptake of private health insurance (PHI) in Denmark. In a comprehensive welfare state, founded on the principle of universalism, its success is puzzling. The explanation suggested here is that the rise in PHI is an example of policymaking without policy choice. The article reviews the intended and unintended effects concerning equality in health care and public finance. It also notes that the introduction of a private alternative to the universal health care system has not weakened the support for the public services.
Reducing the health risks of severe winter weather among older people in the United Kingdom: an evidence-based intervention
Authors: GASCOIGNE CLAIRE , MORGAN KEVIN , GROSS HARRIET , GOODWIN JAMES
Published: October 2009

Excess winter morbidity and mortality among older people remain significant public health issues in those European countries which experience relatively mild winter temperatures, particularly the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Portugal and Spain. In the UK, episodes of severe winter weather, when ambient temperatures fall below 5° C, are associated with peaks in general practitioner consultations, hospital admissions, and cardiovascular deaths among those aged over 65. While research indicates that such health risks could be substantially reduced by the adoption of appropriate behavioural strategies, accessible and credible advice on how older people can reduce risk during ‘cold snaps’ is lacking. This paper describes a programme of research that aimed: (a) to translate the relevant scientific literature into practical advice for older people in order to reduce health risk during episodes of severe winter weather; and (b) to integrate this advice with a severe winter weather ‘Early Warning System’ developed by the UK Met Office. An advice booklet was generated through a sequential process of systematic review, consensus development, and focus group discussions with older people. In a subsequent field trial, a combination of the Met Office ‘Early Warning System’ and the advice booklet produced behavioural change among older people consistent with risk reduction. The results also show that long-held convictions about ‘healthy environments’ and anxieties about fuel costs are barriers to risk reduction.
Developing medical device technologies from users' perspectives: A theoretical framework for involving users in the development process
Authors: Shah Syed Ghulam Sarwar , Robinson Ian , AlShawi Sarmad
Published: October 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to suggest an acceptable and generic theoretical framework for involving various types of users in the medical device technology (MDT) development process (MDTDP).

Methods: The authors propose a theoretical framework suggesting different routes, methods and stages through which various types of medical device users can be involved in the MDTDP.

Results: The suggested framework comprises two streams of users’ involvement in MDT development, that is, what might be called the end users’ stream and the professional users’ stream for involving these two groups respectively in the process of developing both simple and more complex and innovative medical devices from conceptualization through to the market deployment. This framework suggests various methods that can be used for users’ involvement at different stages of the MDT lifecycle. To illustrate the application of the framework, several MDT development scenarios and device exemplars are presented.

Conclusions: Development of medical devices from users’ perspectives requires not only the involvement of healthcare professionals but also that of the ultimate end users, that is, patients, people with disabilities and/or special needs, and their caregivers. The evidence shows that such end users quickly discard devices that do not fulfill their personal expectations, even though both manufacturers and healthcare professionals may consider those end users’ requirements met. Developers and manufacturers need to recognize this potent potential discrepancy between the parties involved, and involve end users and professional healthcare staff directly in the MDTDP. The framework, the authors contend, is a step forward in helping medical device manufacturers plan and make decisions about users’ involvement at different stages of the MDTDP.
A content analysis of health technology assessment programs in Latin America
Authors: Arellano Luis E. , Reza Mercedes , Blasco Juan Antonio , Andradas Elena
Published: October 2009

Objectives:Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a relatively new concept in Latin America (LA). The objectives of this exploratory study were to identify HTA programs in LA, review HTA documents produced by those programs, and assess the extent to which HTA aims are being achieved.

Methods:An electronic search through two databases was performed to identify HTA programs in LA. A content analysis was performed on HTA documents (n= 236) produced by six programs between January 2000 and March 2007. Results were analyzed by comparing document content with the main goals of HTA.

Results:The number of HTA documents increased incrementally during the study period. The documents produced were mostly short HTA documents (82 percent) that assessed technologies such as drugs (31 percent), diagnostic and/or screening technologies (18 percent), or medical procedures (18 percent). Two-thirds (66 percent) of all HTA documents addressed issues related to clinical effectiveness and economic evaluations. Ethical, social, and/or legal issues were rarely addressed (<1 percent). The two groups most often targeted for dissemination of HTA information were third-party payers (55 percent) or government policy makers (41 percent).

Conclusions:This study showed that while HTA programs in LA have attempted to address the main goals of HTA, they have done so through the production of short documents that focus on practical high-technology areas of importance to two specific target groups. Clinical and economic considerations still take precedence over ethical, social, and/or legal issues. Thus, an integrated conceptual framework in LA is wanting.
Knowledge network for medical technology management in Mexico
Authors: Licona Fabiola Martínez , Leehan Joaquín Azpiroz , Méndez Miguel Cadena , Yuriar Salvador Duarte , Salazar Raúl Molina , Gilmore Amador Terán
Published: October 2009

Objectives: The role of biomedical engineers (BMEs) has changed widely over the years, from managing a group of technicians to the planning of large installations and the management of medical technology countrywide. As the technology has advanced, the competence of BMEs has been challenged because it is no longer possible to be an expert in every component of the technology involved in running a hospital. Our approach has been to form a network of professionals that are experts in different fields related to medical technology, where work is coordinated to provide high quality services at the planning and execution stages of projects related to medical technology.

Methods: A study of the procedures involved in the procurement of medical technology has been carried out over the years. These experiences have been compared with several case studies where the approach to problem solving in this area has been multidisciplinary. Planning and execution phases of projects involving medical technology management have been identified.

Results: After several instances of collaboration among experts from different fields, a network for management of healthcare technology has been formed at our institution that incorporates the experience from different departments that were dealing separately with projects involving medical technology.

Conclusions: This network has led us to propose this approach to solve medical technology management projects, where the strengths of each subgroup complement each other. This structure will lead to a more integrated approach to healthcare technology management and will ensure higher quality solutions.
Quality of trials reported as conference abstracts in China: How well are they reported?
Authors: Duan Yurong , Li Jing , Ai Changlin , Chen Yaolong , Chen Peixian , Zhang Mingming , Hopewell Sally
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Clear, transparent, and sufficiently detailed abstracts of journal articles and conference abstracts are important because readers often base their assessment of a trial on such information. There are concerns over the reliability and quality of trials published only in the proceedings of scientific meetings. This study aims to assess the reporting quality of abstracts of randomized trials published in Chinese medical conference abstracts.

Methods: Conference abstracts reporting randomized trials included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) in 2007 were identified. A revised checklist (based on the CONSORT extension for reporting randomized controlled trials in journal and conference abstracts) was used to assess the reporting quality of these conference abstracts.

Results: A total of 567 conference abstracts of randomized trials were identified. Some aspects were well reported, including 94 percent of authors contact details, 83 percent of trial interventions and 78 percent of control interventions, 62 percent of participant eligibility criteria, and 66 percent the number of participants randomized to each group. Other areas were very poorly reported: only 1 percent identified the study as randomized in the abstract title, 2 percent reported the trial design, and only 7 percent reported on blinding. No details of allocation concealment, trial registration, or funding were reported.

Conclusion: The information given for trials in conference proceedings in China is very poor, especially in some aspects of methodological quality, trial registration, and funding source. The quality of conference abstracts for trials should be improved to further facilitate understanding of their conduct and validity.
Systematic review of economic evidence for the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of colorectal cancer in the United Kingdom
Authors: Tappenden Paul , Chilcott Jim , Brennan Alan , Pilgrim Hazel
Published: October 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the availability and consistency of economic evidence for the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of colorectal cancer.

Methods: A systematic review of UK economic evaluations of colorectal cancer interventions was undertaken. Searches were undertaken across ten electronic databases. Studies were critically appraised through reference to a conceptual model of UK colorectal cancer services.

Results: Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. There is a substantial economic evidence base surrounding population-level colorectal screening, surgical procedures, and cytotoxic therapies for the adjuvant and palliative treatment of colorectal cancer. There is limited evidence concerning the diagnosis of suspected colorectal cancer, curative treatments for metastatic disease and follow-up regimens for nonmetastatic disease. No studies were identified relating to the economics of radiotherapy, surveillance of increased-risk groups, end-of-life care, or the management of hereditary colorectal cancer. Where evidence is available, studies are subject to important differences concerning treatment options, decision criteria, and incongruent assumptions concerning the disease and its management.

Conclusions: Across many aspects of the colorectal cancer service, current practice appears to have emerged without the consideration or support of economic evidence. There is a need to develop a common understanding how colorectal cancer models should be structured and implemented.
Cost-effectiveness of prophylaxis against on-demand treatment in boys with severe hemophilia A in Iran
Authors: Daliri Aliasghar Ahmad Kia , Haghparast Hassan , Mamikhani Jahanara
Published: October 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness of on-demand versus prophylactic hemophilia therapy in Iran from a third-party payers’ perspective.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of twenty-five type A hemophiliacs who were treated in three hemophilia treatment centers was conducted. The patients were boys 0–9 years old receiving one of two treatments: (i) prophylaxis with concentrate at clinic; (ii) concentrate at clinic as on-demand. Fourteen boys received on-demand infusions for bleeding events, and eleven boys received infusions prophylaxis. Data were extracted from documents in the hemophilia treatment centers during a period of approximately 6 months.

Results: The patients receiving prophylactic treatment had fewer bleeding events each month (mean, 0.26 versus 2.74) but used more concentrate (225.31 versus 87.20 units/kg per month). Average monthly cost per patient in the prophylaxis group was approximately 1.9 times higher than in the on-demand group. Compared with on-demand infusion, prophylaxis costs 3,201,656 Rials (€213.45) per bleeding event prevented.

Conclusion: Prophylactic care markedly reduces the number of bleeding episodes, but at considerable cost.
How well do search filters perform in identifying economic evaluations in MEDLINE and EMBASE
Authors: Glanville Julie , Kaunelis David , Mensinkai Shaila
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Health technology assessment (HTA) agencies assessing the cost-effectiveness of healthcare technologies seek evidence from economic evaluations. As well as searching economic evaluation databases, researchers often search MEDLINE and EMBASE, using search filters whose current performance is unclear. We assessed the performance of search filters in identifying economic evaluations from MEDLINE and EMBASE.

Methods: A gold standard of economic evaluations was compiled from National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) records for 2000, 2003, and 2006. Corresponding records were retrieved in MEDLINE and EMBASE. Search filters were identified from the InterTASC Information Specialists’ SubGroup Web site and from Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Information Services. The sensitivity and precision of search filters in retrieving gold standard records from MEDLINE and EMBASE were tested.

Results: A total of 2,070 full economic evaluations were identified from NHS EED. Of these, 1,955 records were available in Ovid MEDLINE and 1,873 were available in Ovid EMBASE. Thirteen MEDLINE and eight EMBASE filters were identified. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (full and brief filters), the NHS EED and Royle and Waugh filters achieved over 0.99 sensitivity in MEDLINE. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, CADTH, Royle and Waugh, and NHS EED filters achieved greater than 0.99 sensitivity in EMBASE. Filters demonstrated low precision.

Conclusions: This research provided new performance data on search filters to identify economic evaluations in MEDLINE and EMBASE. It demonstrated that highly sensitive economic evaluation filters are available, but that precision is low, yielding perhaps 5 relevant records per 100 records scanned.
Development of health technology assessment in Central Europe
Authors: Kárpáti Krisztián , Sándor János
Published: October 2009

Once upon a time in the 1990s, if you wanted to do HTA in the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEs), you got yourself invited by Egon Jonsson and travelled to Stockholm to learn how to do HTA. There you met him and Prof. Banta and other HTA professionals from all over the world—very importantly, motivated healthcare professionals from all CEEs who were eager to learn HTA. These eminent founding fathers were always available, and were never tired if help or assistance was needed. During that time, the telephone number of HTA was known and used extensively, making it a real, living, informal HTA network. Formal HTA collaborations organized by them and funded by the European Commission, such as EUR-ASSESS, HTA EUROPE, ECHTA/ECAHI, were also crucial . . .
Point-source outbreak of coccidioidomycosis in construction workers
Authors: CUMMINGS K. C. , McDOWELL A. , WHEELER C. , McNARY J. , DAS R. , VUGIA D. J. , MOHLE-BOETANI J. C.
Published: October 2009

Coccidioidomycosis results from inhaling spores of the fungusCoccidioidesspp. in soil or airborne dust in endemic areas. We investigated an outbreak of coccidioidomycosis in a 12-person civilian construction crew that excavated soil during an underground pipe installation on Camp Roberts Military Base, California in October 2007. Ten (83·3%) workers developed symptoms of coccidioidomycosis; eight (66·7%) had serologically confirmed disease, seven had abnormal chest radiographs, and one developed disseminated infection; none used respiratory protection. A diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in an eleventh worker followed his exposure to the outbreak site in 2008. Although episodic clusters of infections have occurred at Camp Roberts, the general area is not associated with the high disease rates found in California's San Joaquin Valley. Measures to minimize exposure to airborne spores during soil-disrupting activities should be taken before work begins in any coccidioides-endemic area, including regions with only historic evidence of disease activity.