bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circumferential stapled procedure for bleeding ano‐rectal varices is an effective treatment – experience in nine patients
Authors: Kaul A. K. , Skaife P. G.
Published: July 2008

Objective  The objective of this study was to demonstrate that stapled disruption of rectal varices is a feasible and suitable method of controlling bleeding varices.

Method  Patients known to have bleeding rectal varices secondary to liver failure were offered this procedure. All these patients had failed medical and endoscopic management. All nine patients underwent the procedure as an emergency, with the intention of controlling haemorrhage. The procedure was carried out under general anaesthetic by a colorectal surgeon experienced in using the stapled device for haemorrhoidectomy.

Results  Nine patients underwent this procedure, with successful control of bleeding achieved in all. Follow‐up period from 4 to 24 months revealed no further re‐bleeding.

Conclusion  We conclude that stapled disruption of bleeding rectal varices in patients with known portal hypertension is a very useful and effective procedure when carried out by an experienced colorectal surgeon.
Corneal stromal sequestration in a dog
Authors: Bouhanna Laurent , Liscoët Laure B. , Raymond‐Letron Isabelle
Published: July 2008

A case of corneal sequestrum in a 9‐year‐old Shih Tzu is reported. On the ophthalmic examination a brown‐pigmented ulcer with mild edema and corneal vascularization was present. The brownish plaque was facing an inferior palpebral tumor. A superficial keratectomy followed by a grid keratotomy and removal of the palpebral mass were performed. Histological findings revealed an inflammatory cell infiltration underneath the acellular stromal layers. No melanin granules were observed. No vascular infiltration was present within the necrotic stroma. The surgical area healed and no recurrence has been reported by the owners at the time of writing. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a corneal sequestrum in a dog.
Myocilin protein levels in the aqueous humor of the glaucomas in selected canine breeds
Authors: MacKay E. O. , Kallberg M. E. , Barrie K. P. , Miller W. , Sapienza J. S. , Denis H. , Ollivier F. J. , Plummer C. , Rinkoski T. , Scotty N. , Gelatt K. N.
Published: July 2008

Objective  To compare aqueous humor myocilin protein levels in dogs with the primary glaucomas to those with the secondary glaucomas, primary cataracts, and diabetic cataracts.

Materials and methods  Four groups were selected, based on diagnosis by the attending veterinary ophthalmologists and included: primary glaucoma (primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG); n = 155); secondary glaucoma (n = 94); primary (presumed inherited) cataract (n = 142), and diabetic cataract (n = 83). A total of 474 samples (187 males, 263 females, 24 unreported) with average ages of 117 months for the males and 101 months for the females were analyzed. Myocilin protein was measured using the Coomassie staining and Western blot methods relative to a myocilin control.

Results  Differences were seen between nonglaucomatous (cataractous) and glaucomatous dogs with myocilin levels in glaucomatous eyes being many times higher than those in the cataractous dogs. Primary glaucomatous dogs were found to have an aqueous humor myocilin protein level of 17.30 ± 1.03 units. Secondary glaucomas had the highest level of myocilin in the aqueous humor with 19.27 ± 1.41 units. Diabetic cataractous dogs had the lowest levels of myocilin reported with 6.60 ± 0.88 (mean ± SEM) units. Normal (cataractous) dogs had a myocilin level in the aqueous humor of 8.05 ± 0.86 units.

Conclusion  Aqueous humor protein levels were elevated, relative to the myocilin control, in both the primary and secondary glaucoma groups compared to the cataract and diabetic cataract groups. Like in the Beagle POAG, aqueous humor myocilin protein levels are increased. Further studies are indicated to investigate the exact role of the aqueous humor myocilin protein in the genesis in increased IOP in these primary glaucomatous breeds.
Ocular melanosis in the Cairn Terrier: histopathological description of the condition, and immunohistological and ultrastructural characterization of the characteristic pigment‐laden cells
Authors: Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Mentzer A. Lexi , Dubielzig Richard R. , Render James A. , Steficek Barbara A. , Kiupel Matti
Published: July 2008

Objective  To describe the microscopic features and lineage of proliferating/infiltrating pigmented cells in ocular melanosis of Cairn Terriers.

Animals studied  Forty‐nine globes removed from 45 Cairn Terriers with ocular melanosis and three globes from control dogs were available for microscopic examination.

Procedures  All globes were examined histologically, eight affected and three control globes were also examined by immunohistochemistry, and three affected and three control globes by transmission electron microscopy.

Results  Large round pigment‐laden cells infiltrated the anterior uvea, obscured the drainage angle and were present within the sclera and episclera of affected globes. Similar pigmented cells were present in lower numbers in the posterior segment of the globe, the optic nerve meninges and periphery of the optic nerve. Changes due to chronic glaucoma were present in many globes and some had evidence of uveitis. Many of the pigmented cells were immunoreactive to HMB45 and some were MITF and vimentin positive. One globe, which was inflamed when removed, had many pigmented cells that were CD18 immunoreactive. The other eyes had lower numbers of CD18 positive cells. The pigmented cells were not immunoreactive to smooth muscle actin, S‐100, MART/Melan A, chromogranin A/B, PGP 9.5, synaptophysin, MNF116, AE1/AE3, and CD45. Ultrastructurally many of the pigmented cells had features typical of melanocytes while a smaller number appeared to be melanophages.

Conclusions  Ocular melanosis in Cairn Terriers is characterized by an infiltration of pigment‐laden cells predominantly, but not exclusively, within the anterior uvea and anterior sclera. Most of these cells appear to be melanocytes although a variable proportion are pigment‐laden melanophages.
SEMI‐PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF COVARIANCE UNDER DEPENDENCE CONDITIONS WITHIN EACH GROUP
Authors: Aneiros‐Pérez Germán
Published: July 2008

Consider the problem of covariance analysis based on regression models whose regression function is the sum of a linear and a non‐parametric component. We propose a parametric and a non‐parametric statistical test to compare the effects of the linear and non‐parametric components, respectively, on the response variable inL≥ 2groups. Serially correlated errors within each group are allowed. The first (second) test compares the differences between the estimates of the parametric (non‐parametric) components of each group by means of a Mahalanobis(L2)distance. The asymptotic distribution of each statistic under the null hypothesis is obtained. A modest simulation study and an application to a real data set illustrate our methodology.
Crisis Management: Looking Back to Look Forward
Authors: Stein Janice Gross
Published: July 2008

Alexander George made a seminal contribution to theories of preventive diplomacy, crisis management, deterrence, and coercive diplomacy. Although he made his contribution in the highly structured environment of the Cold War, his analysis of the close connections between positive and negative inducements, the importance of interests in shaping outcomes, and the dangers of threat‐based strategies as substitutes for policy speaks to the central challenges of contemporary global politics.
Bridges, Barriers, and Gaps: Research and Policy
Authors: Jervis Robert
Published: July 2008

Like many other scholars of international relations (IR), Alexander George was concerned with both understanding the world and improving policy. This double focus presents opportunities and difficulties. Among the latter are the influences of our theories and our policy preferences on each other and the possibility that theories can become either self‐fulfilling or self‐denying prophecies. Less abstractly, following George we then examine prescriptions for better policymaking procedures. This area is plagued by motivated biases because decision makers are responding to powerful political pressures and psychological needs, which means that there are good reasons for them to reject the procedures that scholars advocate. By contrast, unmotivated biases are at work when decision makers adopt inappropriate short‐cuts to rationality, and here scholars' help may be more welcome. Furthermore, good social science methods can produce better decisions. But the flow of ideas is not simply one way. In the areas of coercion and cooperation, scholars and officials have much to teach each other.
Bridging the Gap between Theory and Policy
Authors: Nye, Jr. Joseph S.
Published: July 2008

Two decades ago, Alexander George observed a growing gap between academic theorists and practitioners in the formulation of foreign policy. The significance of the gap has been debated, but trends in the academy, society, and government suggest it is likely to grow.
Capital Inflows, Dutch Disease Effects, and Monetary Policy in a Small Open Economy
Authors: Lartey Emmanuel K. K.
Published: July 2008

This paper studies the role of monetary policy in a small open economy that experiences Dutch disease effects as a result of capital inflows, and examines the issue of whether such a policy should seek to address these effects from a welfare perspective. I find that Dutch disease effects occur under a fixed nominal exchange rate regime. However, a monetary policy regime characterized by generalized Taylor interest rate rules featuring either the real exchange rate or the nominal exchange rate avert Dutch disease effects. Welfare results reveal that the optimal rule is a generalized Taylor rule consistent with nominal exchange rate flexibility.
The United States is a Small Country in World Trade*
Authors: Magee Christopher S. P. , Magee Stephen P.
Published: July 2008

Despite being the largest country in world trade and thus presumably having high optimal tariffs, the United States has long had low and declining levels of protection. This paradox suggests that the United States is failing to exploit its monopsony power by levying optimal tariffs. Using data on world output and trade flows, we find that the United States is a small country in world trade in that its trade policies have negligible impacts on world prices. In the median manufacturing industry, US tariffs reduce world prices by only 0.12%. United States optimal tariffs are also typically small (3.6% in the median industry) and are lower than existing US tariffs in most industries. It is no puzzle that the United States has been a champion of free trade since the 1930s—the United States, like other small countries, benefits economically from tariff reductions.
International Outsourcing and R&D: Long‐Run Implications for Consumers*
Authors: Marjit Sugata , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: July 2008

We show that international outsourcing and R&D by the outsourced firm may be either substitutes or complements. Outsourcing increases the R&D investment in small markets and in highly competitive product markets, whereas it decreases the R&D investment in large markets. If the outsourced firm can be technologically very efficient under exporting, outsourcing can make the consumers worse off by reducing the R&D investment. If there is skill differential in the production process and outsourcing occurs only in the unskilled activities, R&D‐reducing outsourcing occurs in a relatively low‐skilled industry. If outsourcing of the unskilled jobs reduces the effective cost of the skilled workers by increasing the productivities of the skilled workers, outsourcing provides further disincentive for R&D compared to the situation where outsourcing of the unskilled jobs does not affect the effective cost of the skilled workers.
Interaction of Shallow Water Waves
Authors: Sekhar T. Raja , Sharma V. D.
Published: July 2008

In this paper, we consider the Riemann problem and interaction of elementary waves for a nonlinear hyperbolic system of conservation laws that arises in shallow water theory. This class of equations includes as a special case the equations of classical shallow water equations. We study the bore and dilatation waves and their properties, and show the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the Riemann problem. Towards the end, we discuss numerical results for different initial data along with all possible interactions of elementary waves. It is noticed that in contrast to thep‐system, the Riemann problem is solvable for arbitrary initial data, and its solution does not contain vacuum state.
A Numerical Method of Local Energy Decay for the Boundary Controllability of Time‐Reversible Distributed Parameter Systems
Authors: Pedregal Pablo , Periago Francisco , Villena Jorge
Published: July 2008

This paper deals with the numerical computation of the boundary controls of linear, time‐reversible, second‐order evolution systems. Based on a method introduced by Russell (Stud. Appl. Math. LII(3) (1973)) for the wave equation, a numerical algorithm is proposed for solving this type of problems. The convergence of the method is based on the local energy decay of the solution of a suitable Cauchy problem associated with the original control system. The method is illustrated with several numerical simulations for the Klein–Gordon and the Euler–Bernoulli equations in 1D, the wave equation on a rectangle, and the plate equation on a disk.
Bureaucratic Advice and Political Governance
Authors: BOADWAY ROBIN , SATO MOTOHIRO
Published: July 2008

This paper studies the conflict of interest between politicians and better‐informed bureaucrats when they have differing preferences over a public project. We start with a baseline model where a bureaucrat advises a single decision maker (politician) whether to adopt a project. The bureaucrat can be punished if his misrepresentation of the project is detected. We extend this to multiple projects and multiple bureaucrats, and compare the level of Type I and Type II errors generated with centralized and decentralized decision making. This typically depends on the form of the distribution function that determines the bureaucrats' expectation of being disciplined.
Bargaining by Limiting Cooperation: Withholding Consent for the Level of a Public Good
Authors: BURTON PETER S.
Published: July 2008

This paper analyzes how the ability to limit cooperation influences the outcome of complete information bargaining between two players. When cooperation involves prompt resolution of a conflict, as in alternating‐offer games and wars‐of‐attrition, the solutions equate the marginal rates of substitution between earlier resolution and more private goods. When cooperation involves consent for the level of a public good, the outcome again equates the marginal rates of substitution between greater cooperation (more public good) and more private goods (lower cost shares). Here, the equilibrium consists of balanced linear cost shares given by the ratio of marginal‐willingness‐to‐pay to marginal cost.
Bias Modelling in Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Turner Rebecca M. , Spiegelhalter David J. , Smith Gordon C. S. , Thompson Simon G.
Published: July 2008

Policy decisions often require synthesis of evidence from multiple sources, and the source studies typically vary in rigour and in relevance to the target question. We present simple methods of allowing for differences in rigour (or lack of internal bias) and relevance (or lack of external bias) in evidence synthesis. The methods are developed in the context of reanalysing a UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence technology appraisal in antenatal care, which includes eight comparative studies. Many were historically controlled, only one was a randomized trial and doses, populations and outcomes varied between studies and differed from the target UK setting. Using elicited opinion, we construct prior distributions to represent the biases in each study and perform a bias-adjusted meta-analysis. Adjustment had the effect of shifting the combined estimate away from the null by approximately 10%, and the variance of the combined estimate was almost tripled. Our generic bias modelling approach allows decisions to be based on all available evidence, with less rigorous or less relevant studies downweighted by using computationally simple methods.
Particle Filters for Partially Observed Diffusions
Authors: Fearnhead Paul , Papaspiliopoulos Omiros , Roberts Gareth O.
Published: July 2008

We introduce a novel particle filter scheme for a class of partially observed multivariate diffusions. We consider a variety of observation schemes, including diffusion observed with error, observation of a subset of the components of the multivariate diffusion and arrival times of a Poisson process whose intensity is a known function of the diffusion (Cox process). Unlike currently available methods, our particle filters do not require approximations of the transition and/or the observation density by using time discretizations. Instead, they build on recent methodology for the exact simulation of the diffusion process and the unbiased estimation of the transition density. We introduce the generalized Poisson estimator, which generalizes the Poisson estimator of Beskos and co-workers. A central limit theorem is given for our particle filter scheme.
Modelling Cell Generation Times by Using the Tempered Stable Distribution
Authors: Palmer Karen J. , Ridout Martin S. , Morgan Byron J. T.
Published: July 2008

We show that the family of tempered stable distributions has considerable potential for modelling cell generation time data. Several real examples illustrate how these distributions can improve on currently assumed models, including the gamma and inverse Gaussian distributions which arise as special cases. Our applications concentrate on the generation times of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Numerical inversion of the Laplace transform of the probability density function provides fast and accurate approximations to the tempered stable density, for which no closed form generally exists. We also show how the asymptotic population growth rate is easily calculated under a tempered stable model.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? The Effects of Having a Sibling on Geographic Mobility and Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: RAINER HELMUT , SIEDLER THOMAS
Published: July 2008

This paper formulates a model to explain how parental care responsibilities and family structure interact in affecting children's mobility characteristics. Our main result is that the mobility of young adults crucially depends on the presence of a sibling. Siblings compete in location and employment decisions to direct parental care decisions towards their preferred outcome. Only children are not exposed to this kind of competition. This causes an equilibrium in which siblings exhibit higher mobility than only children, and also have better labour market outcomes. Using data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel, we find evidence that confirms these patterns.
LOBBYING UNDER ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION
Authors: KARABAY BILGEHAN
Published: July 2008

We analyze an informational theory of lobbying in the context of strategic trade policy. A home firm competes with a foreign firm to export to a third country. The home policy‐maker aims to improve the home firm's profit using an export subsidy. The optimal export subsidy depends on the demand conditions in the third country, which are unknown to the policy‐maker. The home firm can convey this information to the policy‐maker via costly lobbying. Surprisingly, the presence of lobbying costs can be advantageous for both: it makes the home firm's lobby effort credible and eases the policy‐maker's information problem. We identify the conditions under which lobbying is beneficial on balance and the conditions under which it is harmful.
Governance and Complexity—Emerging Issues for Governance Theory
Authors: DUIT ANDREAS , GALAZ VICTOR
Published: July 2008

Unexpected epidemics, abrupt catastrophic shifts in biophysical systems, and economic crises that cascade across national borders and regions are events that challenge the steering capacity of governance at all political levels. This article seeks to extend the applicability of governance theory by developing hypotheses about how different governance types can be expected to handle processes of change characterized by nonlinear dynamics, threshold effects, cascades, and limited predictability. The first part of the article argues the relevance of a complex adaptive system approach and goes on to review how well governance theory acknowledges the intriguing behavior of complex adaptive systems. In the second part, we develop a typology of governance systems based on their adaptive capacities. Finally, we investigate how combinations of governance systems on different levels buffer or weaken the capacity to govern complex adaptive systems.
Collegiality and Complexity: Humboldt's Relevance to British Universities Today
Authors: Elton Lewis
Published: July 2008

The two fundamental features of Humboldt's prescription for the new University of Berlin in 1810 – research‐like learning as a collaboration of teachers and students, and academic freedom of research and teaching (based essentially on an intuitive, but deep understanding of complexity theory) – are as valid now as they were 200 years ago in spite of all the changes over the nearly 200 years, including the substantial loss of societal status of the academic profession. It proposes means of adapting them to 21st century conditions, in strong contrast with the increasing present practices of school‐like learning, micromanagement by top‐down administrations and constant interference by governments.

Man, it seems, is a delicate machine, which gets out of order easily.

N. Kazantzakis, ‘Christ Recrucified’
OCJS Predicted Recidivism Amongst Admitted Violence Perpetrators: A Comparison of Adults and Youth
Authors: KAUTT PAULA
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Serious violence is often not reported to the police. Most violent offenders are either never arrested or only arrested for non‐violent offences. Yet, most recidivism studies rely on data from perpetrators known to the criminal justice system, leaving the recidivism risk for certain offenders largely unexplored. This study uses data from self‐admitted but otherwise unidentified violent offenders to statistically identify the factors influencing respondent self‐assessments of whether they would violently reoffend. Results for young adults are compared with those of juveniles, indicating that different factors influence self‐predictions between the two groups. The practical implications of this are discussed.
Government for the people: the substantive elements of democracy
Authors: Spicker Paul
Published: July 2008

The most widely used understandings of the concept of democracy – normative, procedural and institutional – focus on its methods and approaches. This article argues that democracy needs also to be understood in terms of its substantive implications. Democratic rights include not only the civil and political rights associated with liberal democracy, but also the economic and social rights promoted in industrially developed countries. Liberal principles promote democracy and economic development. Social rights have developed, not just through state action, but through the independent establishment of solidarities facilitated by the exercise of democratic rights. Every established democracy has a system of social welfare provision. This is not coincidental. Democracy, economic development and social protection are intimately linked.
The perceptions of hospital social workers in Saudi Arabia regarding the organisational factors that impact on their role
Authors: Yalli Nadir , Cooper Neil
Published: July 2008

The perceptions of ten social workers regarding their practice within the organisational context of Saudi hospitals were examined using semi‐structured interviews. A qualitative analysis employing a thematic approach informed by grounded theory was undertaken and produced the two broad interrelated themes – organisational structure and management processes – which highlighted an overarching concern of an ‘us and them’ division between social workers and management. The discussion shows how solutions to the perceived difficulties of social workers in hospital settings require a consideration of how partnership between practitioners and management personnel may be enhanced.
Class‐competent social work: a preliminary definition
Authors: Strier Roni
Published: July 2008

The article seeks to present a theoretical framework for defining class‐competence in social work practice. Social work has made significant progress in enhancing practice competence with respect to contextual factors that transcend social class such as gender, culture, race and ethnicity. But this positive development in overcoming the rigid view, which framed class as the sole explanation of diversity, has obscured the current impact of social class differences in social work practice. This article takes a critical look at the historical approach of the profession to class issues, extends the boundaries of the social class concept beyond its narrow economic dimensions, discusses the relevance of addressing class issues in light of current challenges in social work practice and, lastly, proposes a preliminary definition of class‐competent social work practice.
Migrants and Changing Urban Periphery: Social Relations, Cultural Diversity and the Public Space in Istanbul’s New Neighbourhoods
Authors: Ayata Sencer
Published: July 2008

This study examines the dynamics of socio‐cultural change in a peripheral neighbourhood in Istanbul, an “edge city” that is ethnically mixed, culturally heterogeneous, socially differentiated and spatially multi‐functional. One major focus in the study is the changing nature of social relations in traditional groups. Though kinship, hemşeri (place of origin) and neighbourhood solidarity is still crucial in the lives of the migrants, participation in these groups becomes more voluntary and the ties among members less obligatory. Secondly, the ethnic and religious groupings in the neighbourhood are not always exclusive, authoritarian and patriarchal communities. What generally appears as rigid communitarian fragmentation is often one of cultural diversity for the residents of the locality. The associational pluralism that exists in the neighbourhood enables people to claim multiple ethnic, religious, political and cultural identities. Thirdly, though they compare unfavourably with their middle class counterparts in the city, the new neighbourhoods provide greater opportunities and more public space for interaction among the members of the locality than for instance, the rural communities. The study also questions the often taken‐for‐granted image of a rigidly polarized city in view of empirical evidence that indicates the multiple and complex economic and political links between the new neighbourhoods and the broader urban society. Finally, isolation from middle class areas in the city does not necessarily lead to the exclusion of the whole peripheral urban population from urban life, urban institutions and urban culture. These become increasingly present in the new neighbourhoods and available for the majority of the residents. The main conclusion is that Istanbul contains a number of such edge cities, which have powerful integrating and urbanizing influences on individuals.
International Labour Migrants’ Return to Meiji‐era Yamaguchi and Hiroshima: Economic and Social Effects
Authors: Dresner Jonathan
Published: July 2008

International labour migration from Meiji era (1868–1912) Japan was intensely concentrated: over 60 per cent of the 29,000 participants in the government‐managed Hawai’i emigration programme (kan’yaku imin, 1885–1894) came from seven coastal counties around the Hiroshima‐Yamaguchi prefectural border in southwest Japan. Almost half of the emigrants became long‐term settlers instead of returning to their hometowns, but this paper examines what happened to returning emigrants and to their home communities. Since the migration was primarily economic in nature, the effect of migrant earnings was carefully monitored and is frequently cited by scholars. Surveys showed high rates of debt repayment and savings, and improved living conditions, but investment and entrepreneurship were limited. High‐emigration regions rarely became economic centers of any importance. Less carefully studied are non‐economic effects, partially because the labour programme was structured to minimize contact with Hawaiian or Caucasian culture, and thus returnees had little cultural experience to transfer to their hometowns. Local officials in Yamaguchi seemed proud of the lack of social change. Even long‐term sojourners, who returned due to family needs after a decade or more overseas, exhibited no readjustment difficulties. Returnees, particularly in Yamaguchi, sometimes moved on to Japanese colonial territories, creating multilateral and complex relationships with overseas communities. This sojourning migration, like contemporary analogs, was a powerful form of poverty relief in the midst of dislocating globalization, but did not produce a rise in entrepreneurship or a Westernization of local culture. Because this sojourning migration was structurally similar to our modern‐day patterns, it provides evidence of the longevity of those patterns and the possible long‐term effects, and raises questions about our expectations for migration policy.
Forced Migration and HIV/AIDS Risks in Angola
Authors: Agadjanian Victor , Avogo Winfred
Published: July 2008

This study examines HIV/AIDS‐related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of forced migrants in Luanda, Angola by comparing them with those of voluntary migrants and long‐time city residents. The study uses data from a survey of 1081 men and women conducted in 2004 in two suburban municipalities of Luanda. One of the municipalities has a large share and the other a small share of the forced migrant population. The analysis detects differences between forced migrants and the other groups in HIV/AIDS‐related knowledge and attitudes, but these differences are explained away by the demographic characteristics and socio‐economic disadvantages of forced migrants. With respect to behaviour, we find that regardless of other characteristics forced migrant men are more likely to engage in practices that may lead to increased HIV risks than long‐time male city dwellers. The differences between forced and voluntary male migrants show the same tendency but are not statistically significant. While women overall are less likely to engage in potentially risky practices than men, differences among women in the three migration‐status groups are not as pronounced as among men.
Migrant Workers and HIV Vulnerability in Korea
Authors: Lee Jungwhan
Published: July 2008

Despite a rapid increase of both migrant workers and incidence of HIV infection in Korea, little is known about the relation between the two. This paper examines the vulnerability to HIV infection of migrant workers in Korea, highlighting socio‐cultural, political and economic contexts. Major information sources include articles, government reports, archives in migrant‐support and AIDS‐prevention organizations and in‐depth interviews with government officials, NGO representatives and migrant workers. The study reveals migrant workers in Korea face an environment of discrimination and isolation because of their status as foreigners from less developed countries and with jobs characterised by low pay and status. Encountering stress and loneliness and without family support, migrant workers – especially single males, those undocumented and females in the sex industry – engage in risky sexual behaviours such as commercial and casual sex, leaving them vulnerable to HIV infection. Little knowledge of STD/HIV, few STD/HIV prevention programs and easy access to commercial sex compound migrant workers’ vulnerability to HIV infection. The situation is worsening and current government policy, including lack of education, largely contributes to the problem.
Quantitative EEG Power and Asymmetry Increase 36 h Before a Migraine Attack
Authors: Bjørk MH , Sand T
Published: July 2008

The aim was to estimate ictal, pre- and postictal brain function changes in migraine in a blinded paired quantitative EEG (QEEG) study. EEG recordings ( n = 119) from 40 migraineurs were retrospectively classified as ictal, interictal, preictal or postictal. δ, θ, α and β power, and hemispheric asymmetry in frontocentral, temporal and occipitoparietal regions were calculated from artefact-free EEG. Power and power asymmetry were calculated for two time-windows, 36 and 72 h before/after the attack, and compared with the interictal values. Frontocentral δ power increased ( P = 0.03), whereas frontocentral θ and α power tended to increase ( P < 0.09) within 36 h before the next attack compared with the interictal period. Occipitoparietal (α and θ) and temporal (α) power were more asymmetric before the attack compared with the interictal baseline ( P < 0.04). Ictal posterior a power increased slightly ( P = 0.01). Postictal power and power asymmetry were not significantly different from interictal baseline. EEG activity seems to change shortly before the attack. This suggests that migraineurs are most susceptible to attack when anterior QEEG δ power and posterior α and θ asymmetry values are high. Changed activity patterns in cholinergic brainstem or basal forebrain nuclei and thalamo-cortical connections before the migraine attack are hypothesized.
Abnormalities of the Vestibulo-Collic Reflex are Similar in Migraineurs With and Without Vertigo
Authors: Roceanu A , Allena M , De Pasqua V , Bisdorff A , Schoenen J
Published: July 2008

The amplitude and habituation of the click-evoked vestibulo-collic reflex (VCR) was found reduced between attacks in migraineurs without complaints of ictal or interictal vertigo or dizziness, compared with healthy subjects. As a next step we recorded VCR in 17 migraine patients (eight with migraine without aura and nine with migraine with aura) who presented ictal migrainous vertigo according to the criteria defined by Neuhauser et al., using a method described previously. Migraineurs with migrainous vertigo have similar VCR abnormalities as patients without vertigo, i.e. a decreased global amplitude and absence of habituation. Potentiation seemed more pronounced in migraineurs with vertigo (7.46 ± 18.6), but the difference was not significant.
Effects of Pregnancy on Slow Cortical Potentials in Migraine Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Darabaneanu S , Kropp P , Niederberger U , Strenge H , Gerber W-D
Published: July 2008

Increased negative amplitudes and lack of habituation of contingent negative variation (CNV) in migraine are well established and are supposed to reflect an altered cortical excitability level. Migraine attacks occur less during pregnancy but often relapse after delivery. We investigated the effect of pregnancy on slow cortical potentials and reaction time in migraine patients and healthy controls. Four groups were examined: 14 pregnant migraine patients, 12 non-pregnant migraine patients, 15 pregnant healthy women and 16 non-pregnant healthy women aged 19-38 years. Two recordings were performed in the pregnant subjects: in the 36th week of gestation and 4 weeks after delivery. The nonpregnant subjects were recorded at the same time interval of 8 weeks. Pregnant migraine patients showed significantly fewer migraine days during the third trimester of pregnancy and returned to nearly the former level 4 weeks post delivery. Non-pregnant migraine patients demonstrated a significant reduction of migraine days at the second measurement. There was no effect of pregnancy on CNV amplitudes, but there was an effect of pregnancy on the habituation coefficient and reaction time of migraine patients. Faster habituation from a higher preactivation level was found. As an explanation for the changed habituation level we favour the model of correlation between preactivation level and habituation level, the so-called law of initial value. We found a correlation between preactivation level and habituation. Our study confirms a specific effect of pregnancy on slow cortical potentials in migraine patients.
Clinicopathlogical features and prognosis of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: a study of 30 cases in Taiwan
Authors: Chiou C‐C , Yang L‐C , Hung S‐I , Chang Y‐C , Kuo T‐T , Ho H‐C , Hu S , Hong H‐S , Chung W‐H
Published: July 2008

Background  Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), a group of non‐blistering severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCADRs), is characterized by skin rash and multiorgan involvement. Details of this reaction have not been reported in the literature so far.

Aim  We investigate clinical and pathological features and prognosis of DRESS and hope this study will provide data concerning this disorder in Taiwan.

Methods  From January 2001 to June 2006, a total of 30 patients, diagnosed with DRESS, were enrolled and evaluated for demographic characteristics, pathological findings, complications and outcome.

Results  Patient ages ranged from 13 to 78, with an equal sex ratio. The most common offending drug was allopurinol followed by carbamazepine. Pathologic changes observed were lichenoid dermatitis, erythema multiforme, pseudolymphoma and vasculitis. Impairment of liver and renal functions and blood dyscrasia were frequent complications. Active infection or reactivation of HHV‐6 was observed in 7 of 11 patients studied serologically. Two patients developed type 1 diabetes mellitus. The mortality rate was 10% (3 of 30).

Conclusions  DRESS is a heterogeneous group of life‐threatening conditions. The leading drug in DRESS in Taiwan is allopurinol. High eosinophil count and multiple underlying diseases are poor prognostic factors in patients with DRESS.
Association between smoking and cutaneous ageing in a Brazilian population
Authors: Raduan APP , Luiz RR , Manela‐Azulay M
Published: July 2008

Objective  This study aims to determine the relationship between smoking and cutaneous ageing.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study was carried out on 301 subjects (191 women and 110 men, aged between 25 and 86 years), of which 165 were non‐smokers and 136 were smokers and ex‐smokers. The association between tabagism and cutaneous ageing was controlled for other variables (solar exposure, age, skin phototype, sex, sunscreen use, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, sports participation, body mass index, and history of relatives with precocious ageing).

Results  Analysis revealed that age, chronic solar exposure, skin phototype and tobacco load significantly contributed to the formation of facial wrinkles. The larger the tobacco load, the larger was the amount of facial wrinkling, with an odds ratio of 3.92 in ‘heavy’ smokers (> 40 packs/year) in relation to non‐smokers.

Conclusion  The results of this study point to smoking as one of the main factors involved in facial wrinkling. The relationship between smoking and cutaneous ageing is an important element in educational campaigns against tabagism.
Low prescription rate for systemic treatments in the management of severe psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis in dermatological practices in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany: results from a patient registry
Authors: Nast A , Reytan N , Rosumeck S , Erdmann R , Rzany B
Published: July 2008

Background  Many treatment options are available for the management of psoriasis vulgaris. However, detailed data on prescription behaviour in Germany, especially with regard to the use of new treatment options (e.g. biologics) in private practices, are lacking.

Objective  To assess the treatment choices being made in the management of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis in private dermatological practices.

Methods  We established a patient registry that documented the treatment decisions taken during 4797 patient visits between January 2006 and September 2006 with regard to disease activity and concomitant psoriatic arthritis.

Results  Corticosteroids were the most frequently prescribed topical treatment, and methotrexate and fumaric acid esters were the most frequently prescribed systemic treatments. Biologics were prescribed in only 2% of patient visits. Systemic treatments were prescribed in only 31% of visits made by patients suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis (which was diagnosed in 48% of all patient visits) and in only 58% of visits made by patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis (which was diagnosed in 12% of all patient visits).

Conclusions  Anti‐psoriatic treatment was too often limited to topical agents. The rather small percentage of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who received systemic therapy indicates that the use of systemic treatments in our sample was too restrictive. Novel therapeutic options such as biologics were rarely used in private practices. New strategies to improve the quality of care provided to patients suffering from severe psoriasis are needed.
Combination of short CAG and GGN repeats in the androgen receptor gene is associated with acne risk in North East China
Authors: Pang Y , He CD , Liu Y , Wang KB , Xiao T , Wang YK , Zhu H , Wei B , Zhao N , Jiang Y , Wei HC , Chen HD
Published: July 2008

Background  Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders, and androgen is known to play a key role in the development of acne. However, the exact genetic mechanism by which androgen receptor (AR) gene affects acne development is still unclear.

Objective  Our study aimed to investigate whether CAG and GGN polymorphism of the AR gene are associated with acne risk.

Patients and methods  Two hundred thirty‐eight patients and 207 controls were included in the study. The repeat lengths of the AR gene were determined by GeneScan analysis.

Results  Men with CAG < 23 and women with CAG < 24 had significant risk compared to those men with CAG ≥ 23 [odds ratio (OR), 2.07; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.21–3.54] and women with CAG ≥ 24 (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.18–3.56). In males, GGN repeats, considered independently of the CAG repeat, have no significant effect on the acne risk; however, when combined with CAG repeats, the acne patients exhibited significantly higher frequency of the haplotypes CAG < 23/GGN ≤ 23 (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.10–10.07; P < 0.05) compared with the controls.

Conclusion  Our results of this study strongly indicated that a shorter CAG repeat length and specific haplotypes of AR attributed to the risk of acne development and thus could serve as a susceptibility marker.
Epithelial stem cells and malignancy
Authors: Costea Daniela E. , Gammon Luke , Kitajima Kayoko , Harper Lisa , Mackenzie Ian C.
Published: July 2008

The renewal of normal epithelia depends on a small sub‐population of cells, termed somatic stem cells, whose primary characteristic is an ability for indefinite self‐renewal. Evidence is accumulating that the growth of tumours similarly depends on a sub‐population of malignant stem cells, often termed tumour‐initiating cells. Tumour‐initiating sub‐populations within solid tumours have been identified by their cell surface expression of various phenotypic markers and by their ability to regenerate tumours in immune‐deficient mice. Cells with such clonogenic abilities differ consistently from the remainder of the cell population in cellular properties such as size, adhesiveness, dye exclusion, and patterns of gene expression. Sub‐populations of malignant cells freshly isolated from tumours also show differing patterns of expression of molecules related to stem cell maintenance and asymmetric division. As the cells ultimately responsible for tumour renewal, malignant stem cells appear to form the necessary target of therapy but some findings indicate greater resistance of these cells to the induction of apoptotic cell death and their potential failure to respond effectively to standard therapeutic procedures. Of particular interest, cells with clonogenic properties and expression patterns similar to those of tumour‐initiating cells in vivo persist in malignant cell lines and show similar apoptotic resistance. Cell lines may thus provide a model for analysis of malignant stem cell properties and may be useful for the development of appropriate methods for their elimination.
Small intestinal stem cell markers
Authors: Montgomery Robert K. , Breault David T.
Published: July 2008

Stem cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine but remain elusive in many tissues, including the small intestine, where it is well accepted that the epithelium is maintained by intestinal stem cells located in the crypts. The lack of established markers to prospectively identify intestinal stem cells has necessitated the use of indirect analysis, e.g. long‐term label retention, which is based on the hypothesis that intestinal stem cells are slow‐cycling. Several intestinal stem cell markers have been proposed, including Musashi‐1, BMPR1α, phospho‐PTEN, DCAMKL1, Eph receptors and integrins, but their validity, using functional and/or lineage tracing assays, has yet to be confirmed. Recently, Lgr5 has been identified by lineage tracing as an intestinal stem cell marker. In this review we summarize what is known about the currently reported intestinal stem cell markers and provide a rationale for developing model systems whereby intestinal stem cells can be functionally validated.
The unusual orbitosphenoid of the snakelike lizard Bachia bicolor
Authors: Tarazona Oscar A. , Ramírez‐Pinilla Martha Patricia
Published: July 2008

We studied the morphology of the chondrocranial orbitotemporal region in the snakelike gymnophthalmid lizard Bachia bicolor and its relation to other structures such as the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve and eye muscles, to show its particular morphology, and discuss the homology of some skeletal structures relative to other squamates. We used three‐dimensional computer reconstructions from serial histological sections; additionally we studied the embryonic and postembryonic development of the orbitosphenoid bone using cleared and double‐stained whole‐mount skeletal material. The chondrocranial orbitotemporal morphology in B. bicolor was found to be severely reduced as described for other miniaturized snakelike squamates, but it was accompanied by extensive orbitosphenoid ossifications. Within squamates, only amphisbaenians showed an expanded orbitosphenoid, which originates from fused endochondral and membranous ossifications. In B. bicolor the orbitosphenoid was also found to be formed by endochondral and membranous ossifications, but contrary to the amphisbaenian condition the membranous ossifications were found to arise as membrane bone outgrowths from the perichondral ossification of the chondral core. Despite its derived morphologies, we argue that the orbitosphenoids in amphisbaenians and B. bicolor are homologous to the orbitosphenoids of other squamates. Thus, the expanded orbitosphenoid morphology is found to be achieved by different ontogenetic processes in amphisbaenians and B. bicolor, representing a case of independent evolution by convergence.