bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective Annuities and Redistribution
Authors: CREMER HELMUTH , LOZACHMEUR JEAN‐MARIE , PESTIEAU PIERRE
Published: January 2010

This paper studies the role of alternative pension systems that offer collective annuities. The defining characteristic of collective annuities is that they do not depend on an individual's survival probabilities. We show that such a system may be welfare improving (with a utilitarian social welfare function) even when private annuity markets are perfect and when life expectancy and earning abilities are positively correlated (i.e., in a setting that is a priori biased against collective annuities). We first concentrate on linear pension systems and contrast two schemes: a pure contributory (Bismarckian) pension and a flat rate (Beveridgean) pension. We show that the case for collective annuities is stronger when they are associated with a flat pension system. Then we analyze nonlinear pension schemes. We show that the solution can be implemented by a pension scheme associated with annuities that reflect some degree of “collectiveness.” Unlike under pure collective annuities, benefits do depend on life expectancy but to a lesser degree than with actuarially fair private annuities. In other words, the impact of survival probabilities is mitigated rather than completely neutralized.
The Design of Pension Pay Out Options When the Health Status during Retirement Is Uncertain
Authors: KIFMANN MATHIAS
Published: January 2010

This paper examines the optimal design of pension plans when the health status during retirement is uncertain. Assuming that the health status affects both life expectancy and the marginal utility of consumption, choice between a lump‐sum payment and an annuity can be welfare‐enhancing if the health status is not observable by pension plan providers. This result holds if the marginal utility of consumption and life expectancy are negatively correlated. On equity grounds, a lump‐sum option can be justified even if the marginal utility of consumption is independent of life expectancy.
The Political Economy of Social Security under Differential Longevity and Voluntary Retirement
Authors: LEROUX MARIE‐LOUISE
Published: January 2010

This paper studies a model where the existence of a pension system is decided by majority voting. We assume that individuals have the same income but different longevity. Retirement is voluntary and the pension system is characterised by a payroll tax on earnings and a flat pension benefit. Individuals vote only on the tax level. We show that a pension system emerges when there is a majority of long‐lived individuals and that voluntary retirement enables to lower the size of the transfers received by the long‐lived. A rise in average longevity will also increase the size of the pension system.
Bank Relationships and Firms' Financial Performance: The Italian Experience
Authors: Castelli Annalisa , Dwyer Gerald P. , Hasan Iftekhar
Published: January 2010

We examine the connection between the number of bank relationships and firms' performance using a unique data set on Italian small firms for which banks are a major source of financing. Our evidence indicates that return on equity and return on assets decrease as the number of bank relationships increases with a stronger effect on small firms than large firms. We also find that interest expense over assets increases as the number of relationships increases. Particularly for small firms, these results are consistent with analyses suggesting that fewer bank relationships reduce information asymmetries and agency problems and outweigh hold‐up problems.
False Discoveries in UK Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Cuthbertson Keith , Nitzsche Dirk , O'Sullivan Niall
Published: January 2010

We use a multiple hypothesis testing framework to estimate the false discovery rate (FDR) amongst UK equity mutual funds. Using all funds, we find a relatively high FDR for the best funds of 32.8% (at a 5% significance level), which implies that only around 3.7% of all funds truly outperform their benchmarks. For the worst funds the FDR is relatively small at 7.6% which results in 22% of funds which truly underperform their benchmarks. For different investment styles, this pattern of very few genuine winner funds is repeated for all companies, small companies and equity income funds. Forming portfolios of funds recursively for which the FDR is controlled at a ‘acceptable’ value, produces no performance persistence for positive alpha funds and weak evidence of persistence for negative alpha funds.
The association among hypertension and reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety and sleep disturbances: a population study
Authors: Hildingh Cathrine , Baigi Amir
Published: January 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 366–371
 
The association among hypertension and reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety and sleep disturbances: a population study

Hypertension (HP) is a serious condition affecting about one quarter of all adults, both men and women. Genetic and environmental factors are of importance in its aetiology, while psychosocial factors may also play a role. This study focused on psychosocial factors and examined the association among reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety, sleep disturbances and HP by comparing people with HP and the general population. A national survey of 12 166 individuals (hypertensives n = 2047; rest of population n = 10 119) was conducted using two‐step multiple logistic regression with an odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. The study is in accordance with Swedish legislation pertaining to ethics. Reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety and sleep disturbances were higher in the HP group and, in addition, reduced psychological well‐being was, still higher in the presence of severe anxiety and serious sleep disturbances. These three factors are of major importance for HP, but it is difficult to know whether they are causes or consequences. In order to prevent HP, support for people who exhibit such risk factors should be a matter of high priority.
Timing of propagule release significantly alters the deposition area of resulting aerial dispersal
Authors: Savage David , Barbetti Martin J. , MacLeod William J. , Salam Moin U. , Renton Michael
Published: January 2010

Aim  The aim of this study is to determine whether changes to the seasonal and circadian timing of propagule release can a have a significant effect on the area covered by resulting aerial dispersal.

Location  Western Australia.

Methods  Using the atmospheric pollution model (TAPM), an existing meso‐scale dispersal model, a range of release patterns was simulated and the resulting deposition compared. Comparisons were based on observations of deposition patterns and the calculated area of deposition.

Results  Small changes to the timing of propagule release were shown to significantly impact on the area experiencing deposition from the resulting aerial dispersal.

Main conclusions  Simulations performed in this study show that, for small propagules, changes to the timing of release can lead to alternate, clearly differentiable dispersal events. Small changes in both the seasonal and circadian patterns of release can have significant effects on the area that experiences deposition during the resulting dispersal event. This effect is particularly important at the landscape scale and when there is a need to quantify individual dispersal events. Predictive modelling of aerial dispersal needs to be undertaken with an understanding of the manner in which biological and environmental factors that affect the timing of propagule release can influence results. Results presented highlight the need to characterize the epidemiology of pathogenic organisms of importance to biosecurity as much as possible before they arrive.
Media malaise or a virtuous circle? Exploring the causal relationships between news media exposure, political news attention and political interest
Authors: STRÖMBÄCK JESPER , SHEHATA ADAM
Published: January 2010

Being politically interested is one of the most important norms from a democratic perspective, as it is a crucial antecedent for voting, political knowledge, civic and political participation, and attentiveness to political information. However, only limited research has focused on the relationship between media use and political interest, despite the notion that modern politics is mediated politics. Even more important is the fact that the causal relationship between media use and political interest still has not been firmly established. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between news media use and political interest. The results show that there are indeed causal and reciprocal relationships between political interest and attention to political news, and between political interest and exposure to some, but not all, news media. Overall these results lend stronger support to the perspective of media mobilisation theories than media malaise theories.
Cabinet structure and fiscal policy outcomes
Authors: WEHNER JOACHIM
Published: January 2010

A central explanation of fiscal performance focuses on the structure of the cabinet. However, the partisan context of cabinet decisions remains under‐explored, the findings are based on small samples and the variables of interest are often poorly operationalised. Using a new dataset of spending ministers and partisan fragmentation in the cabinets of 58 countries between 1975 and 1998, this study finds a strong positive association between the number of spending ministers and budget deficits and expenditures, as well as weaker evidence that these effects increase with partisan fragmentation.
The Effects of Current Subsyndromal Psychiatric Symptoms or Past Psychopathology on Alcohol Dependence Treatment Outcomes and Acamprosate Efficacy
Authors: Mason Barbara J. , Lehert Philippe
Published: January 2010

This secondary analysis of the first U.S. acamprosate trial (N = 601) for alcohol dependence examines the effects of subsyndromal psychiatric symptoms or history of severe psychopathology on alcoholism treatment outcomes and any mitigating effects of acamprosate. Psychiatric antecedents were documented using a protocol‐specific interview. Current psychiatric symptoms were assessed using Hamilton Anxiety and Depression (HAM‐A, HAM‐D) rating scales. Predictors of good response, defined as abstinence for ≥90% of trial duration, were identified using logistic regression. Subsyndromal anxiety (as determined by HAM‐A “Anxious Mood” item) and the presence of ≥1 psychiatric antecedent were significant negative predictors of good response. Lower pretreatment drinking intensity, baseline motivation to have abstinence as a goal, and treatment with acamprosate were significant positive predictors of good response. No significant interactions among predictors were detected, indicating that they are independent, additive factors. Thus, the beneficial effects of acamprosate treatment in combination with motivational therapy may offset the liabilities for alcoholism recovery that are associated with current anxiety symptoms and/or a significant past psychiatric history. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–8)
Methamphetamine and Paranoia: The Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire
Authors: Leamon Martin H. , Flower Keith , Salo Ruth E. , Nordahl Thomas E. , Kranzler Henry R. , Galloway Gantt P.
Published: January 2010

Paranoia in methamphetamine (MA) users is not well characterized or understood. To investigate this phenomenon, we created the Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), and tested its reliability and validity in assessing MA‐induced paranoia. We administered the MEQ to 274 MA‐dependent subjects. Of the total subjects, 45% (123) first experienced paranoia with MA use; 55% did not. Obtaining or using a weapon while paranoid was common (37% and 11% of subjects with MA‐induced paranoia, respectively). Test‐retest and inter‐rater reliability for MA‐induced paranoia showed substantial agreement (kappa = .77, p < .05 and kappa = .80, p < .05, respectively). First episodes of paranoia occurred more often with intravenous use of MA, and subsequent episodes at higher doses. There was modest correlation between paranoia on the MEQ and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) paranoid ideation scale (rho = .27, p < .05). As expected, there was a poor correlation between paranoia on the MEQ and the BSI depression scale (rho = .14, p = .07). The MEQ provides useful information on drug use variables that contribute to paranoia commonly associated with MA use. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–14)
Conducting Clinical Research with Prescription Opioid Dependence: Defining the Population
Authors: Weiss Roger D. , Potter Jennifer S. , Copersino Marc L. , Prather Kristi , Jacobs Petra , Provost Scott , Chim David , Selzer Jeffrey , Ling Walter
Published: January 2010

Most treatment studies of opioid‐dependent populations have focused predominantly on heroin users, despite a recent increase in those dependent upon prescription opioids. A key methodological challenge involved in studying the latter group involves defining the population. Specifically, researchers must decide whether to include (1) concurrent heroin users and (2) individuals with pain. The multi‐site Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study is examining treatments for this population. This paper describes various inclusion criteria considered by the study team related to heroin use and pain. The goal was to recruit a distinct but generalizable population of individuals dependent upon prescription opioids. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–6)
Effects of Sensory and Behavioral Substitutes Following an Experimentally Induced Stressor among Abstinent Smokeless Tobacco Users
Authors: Prensky Eric H. , Cohen Lee M. , McChargue Dennis , Gao Weihua
Published: January 2010

Despite the well‐known health risks associated with smokeless tobacco use, much is unresolved with respect to effective treatment for use of this substance. The present study examined the impact of a nicotine‐free smokeless tobacco substitute and confectionary chewing gum on craving, withdrawal, and anxiety among 24 smokeless tobacco users following 24 hours of nicotine abstinence and a laboratory stressor. Although chewing gum did not impact withdrawal, craving, or anxiety compared to a no‐product control condition, smokeless tobacco substitute administration resulted in a reduction of withdrawal and craving levels compared to the control condition following 24 hours of abstinence. Furthermore, significantly lower levels of craving and withdrawal were observed in both smokeless tobacco and smokeless tobacco substitute conditions compared to the control condition following the stressor. Results indicate that although general oral stimulation (eg, chewing gum) was not effective in reducing symptoms related to nicotine withdrawal, smokeless tobacco substitute use appears to be helpful in reducing withdrawal levels post‐stressor. These data suggest that use of a smokeless tobacco substitute may be an effective aid in helping individuals wishing to quit, especially when managing stressors. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–8)
Age at Regular Drinking, Clinical Course, and Heritability of Alcohol Dependence in the San Francisco Family Study: A Gender Analysis
Authors: Ehlers Cindy L. , Gizer Ian R. , Vieten Cassandra , Gilder Allison , Gilder David A. , Stouffer Gina M. , Lau Philip , Wilhelmsen Kirk C.
Published: January 2010

We examined gender differences in age of onset, clinical course, and heritability of alcohol dependence in 2,524 adults participating in the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) family study of alcoholism. Men were significantly more likely than women to have initiated regular drinking during adolescence. Onset of regular drinking was not found to be heritable but was found to be significantly associated with a shorter time to onset of alcohol dependence. A high degree of similarity in the sequence of alcohol‐related life events was found between men and women, however, men experienced alcohol dependence symptoms at a younger age and women had a more rapid clinical course. Women were found to have a higher heritability estimate for alcohol dependence (h2= .46) than men (h2= .32). These findings suggest that environmental factors influencing the initiation of regular drinking rather than genetic factors associated with dependence may in part underlie some of the gender differences seen in the prevalence of alcohol dependence in this population. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–10)
Sex under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Common for Men in Substance Abuse Treatment and Associated with High‐Risk Sexual Behavior
Authors: Calsyn Donald A. , Cousins Sarah J. , Hatch‐Maillette Mary A. , Forcehimes Alyssa , Mandler Raul , Doyle Suzanne R. , Woody George
Published: January 2010

Sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol is associated with high‐risk sexual behavior. Heterosexual men (n = 505) in substance abuse treatment completed a computer‐administered interview assessing sexual risk behaviors. Most men (73.3%) endorsed sex under the influence in the prior 90 days, and 39.1% endorsed sex under the influence during their most recent sexual event. Sex under the influence at the most recent event was more likely to involve anal intercourse, sex with a casual partner, and less condom use. Patients might benefit from interventions targeting sexual behavior and substance use as mutual triggers. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–9)
Effect of PTSD Diagnosis and Contingency Management Procedures on Cocaine Use in Dually Cocaine‐ and Opioid‐Dependent Individuals Maintained on LAAM: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mancino Michael J. , McGaugh Janette , Feldman Zachary , Poling James , Oliveto Alison
Published: January 2010

This randomized clinical trial retrospectively examined the effect of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and contingency management (CM) on cocaine use in opioid and cocaine dependent individuals maintained on high or low‐dose LAAM randomly assigned to CM or a yoked‐control condition. Cocaine‐positive urines decreased more rapidly over time in those without PTSD versus those with PTSD in the noncontingency condition. In participants with PTSD, CM resulted in fewer cocaine‐positive urines compared to the noncontingent condition. This suggests that CM may help improve the potentially worse outcomes in opioid‐ and cocaine‐dependent individuals with PTSD compared to those without PTSD. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–9)
Evaluation of the Hemodynamics of a Tissue‐engineered Hybrid Graft
Authors: Son Kuk Hui , Fang Yong Hu , Choi Yoon Jeong , Noh Insup , Won Jae Kyung , Park Yongdoo , Lee Sung Ho , Sun Kyung , Son Ho Sung
Published: January 2010

We evaluated the hemodynamics of tissue‐engineered hybrid graft in vivo. The hybrid expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) scaffold was fabricated by coating the ePTFE graft with poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) solution. This scaffold was turned into an engineered hybrid graft by culturing smooth muscle cells on its surface. Both the ePTFE (n = 6) and the engineered hybrid grafts (n = 8) were implanted in the carotid arteries of mongrel dogs. The length of intima in the engineered hybrid graft was greater than the ePTFE. The neoarterial thickness in the engineered hybrid group was greater, and the foreign body reaction was more severe. We compared the hemodynamics (diameter, flow rate, pulsatile index, mean velocity, shear stress, resistance index, and systolic/diastolic ratio) of the native arteries in the distal anastmosis. The shear rate in the engineered hybrid group was higher immediately after implantation, and the resistance index was lower, but there was no significant difference after 4 weeks. The engineered grafts demonstrated similar hemodynamics with the ePTFE grafts after 4 weeks implantation.
Aortic Arch Surgery With a Single Centrifugal Pump for Selective Cerebral Perfusion and Systemic Circulation
Authors: Iwata Keiji , Shimazaki Yasuhisa , Sakamoto Tomohiko , Ueda Hideki , Nakagawa Masashi , Yamada Hideto , Doi Teruo , Ooue Takuya
Published: January 2010

In aortic arch surgery, two pumps are required for systemic perfusion and selective cerebral perfusion (SCP). A new technique with a single centrifugal pump for systemic perfusion and SCP was developed and its efficacy and safety evaluated. This technique was adopted for total arch replacement in 22 consecutive patients with true aneurysms (13) and aortic dissection (nine) from January 2005 to January 2008. Cerebral perfusion lines branched from the main perfusion line. During SCP, right radial arterial pressure was maintained at 50 mm Hg and left common carotid arterial pressure at 60 mm Hg, and the regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) values were maintained at approximately >80% of the baseline value. Two operative deaths (9%) occurred due to pneumonia and hemorrhage in the left lung, respectively. Stroke occurred in one patient (5%). This simple circuit system can thus be easily and safely applied for aortic arch surgery.
Analysis of Specific Absorption Rate and Current Density in Biological Tissues Surrounding Energy Transmission Transformer for an Artificial Heart: Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐based Human Body Model
Authors: Higaki Naoya , Shiba Kenji
Published: January 2010

The transcutaneous energy transmission system used for artificial hearts is a transmission system that uses electromagnetic induction. Use of the TETS improves quality of life and reduces the risk of infection caused by percutaneous connections. This article reports the changes in the electromagnetic effects of TETS that influence a human body when the locations of the air‐core coils of the transcutaneous transformer are changed. The specific absorption rate and current density in a model consisting of a human trunk that included 24 different organs are analyzed using an electromagnetic simulator. The air‐core coils are located on the pectoralis major muscle near the collarbone in model 1, whereas they are located on the axillary region of the serratus anterior musle, which overlies the rib in model 2. The maximum current densities in models 1 and 2 are 5.2 A/m2 and 6.1 A/m2, respectively. The current density observed in model 2 slightly exceeds the limiting value prescribed by International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). When the volumes of biological tissues whose current densities exceed the limiting value of current density for general public exposure are compared, the volume in model 2 (156.1 cm3) is found to be larger than that in model 1 (93.7 cm3). Hence, it is speculated that the presence of the ribs caused an increase in the current density. Therefore, it is concluded that model 1 satisfies the ICNIRP standards.
Psychometric Analysis of the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure (B‐PEM)
Authors: Flint Anndrea , Farrugia Charles , Courtney Mary , Webster Joan
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To undertake rigorous psychometric testing of the newly developed contemporary work environment measure (the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure [B‐PEM]) using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.

Methods: Content validity of the 33‐item measure was established by a panel of experts. Initial testing involved 195 nursing staff using principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation (orthogonal) and Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using data from a further 983 nursing staff.

Results: Principal component factor analysis yielded a four‐factor solution with eigenvalues greater than 1 that explained 52.53% of the variance. These factors were then verified using confirmatory factor analysis. Goodness‐of‐fit indices showed an acceptable fit overall with the full model, explaining 21% to 73% of the variance. Deletion of items took place throughout the evolution of the instrument, resulting in a 26‐item, four‐factor measure called the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure‐Tested.

Conclusions: The B‐PEM has undergone rigorous psychometric testing, providing evidence of internal consistency and goodness‐of‐fit indices within acceptable ranges. The measure can be utilised as a subscale or total score reflective of a contemporary nursing work environment.

Clinical Relevance: An up‐to‐date instrument to measure practice environment may be useful for nursing leaders to monitor the workplace and to assist in identifying areas for improvement, facilitating greater job satisfaction and retention.
Authors’ and Editors’ Perspectives on Peer Review Quality in Three Scholarly Nursing Journals
Authors: Shattell Mona M. , Chinn Peggy , Thomas Sandra P. , Cowling W. Richard
Published: January 2010

Purpose: This study examined the quality of peer review in three scholarly nursing journals from the perspectives of authors and editors. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which manuscript reviews provided constructive guidance for authors to further develop their work for publication, and for editors to make informed and sound decisions on the disposition of manuscripts.

Methods: Corresponding authors who had submitted manuscripts to the study journals in 2005–2007 were invited via email to complete an online survey about the quality of the peer review process; 320 authors responded. In addition, one third of the reviews of manuscripts submitted in 2005–2007 (a total of 528) were selected for rating by journal editors on level of detail, bias, and constructive tone; usefulness to authors in revising/developing the manuscript; and usefulness to the editor in making a decision.

Results: A majority (73.8%) of authors agreed that peer reviews provided constructive guidance, and 75.6% agreed that reviews provided adequate rationale for editors’ decisions. New authors generally reported less satisfaction with reviews than more experienced authors. Ratings of reviews by the editors revealed some problem areas, including inconsistency, insufficient feedback to the author, reviewer bias, and disrespectful tone.

Conclusions: Given the inexperience of many nurse authors, it is incumbent upon editors and reviewers to provide guidance and support. Manuscript reviews could be improved by increasing the consistency of numeric ratings, narrative comments, and recommendations regarding disposition of the manuscripts. Nevertheless, the results of this study reaffirm the worth of the peer review approach.

Clinical Relevance: Publication of research and other forms of scholarly work is critical to the development of nursing knowledge that can be used in clinical practice. Authors with a variety of backgrounds, knowledge, and skills have important work to share that can serve healthcare providers and their clients. Thus, ensuring the quality of the peer review process is essential.
NF‐κB is involved in inhibition of lipoxin A4 on dermal inflammation and hyperplasia induced by mezerein
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Hua , Liu Bin , Dong Ling , Wu Hong‐Juan
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: NF‐κB is involved in inhibition of lipoxin A4 on dermal inflammation and hyperplasia induced by mezerein. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e286–e288.

Abstract:  The mechanisms by which lipoxin A4 (LXA4) inhibit skin inflammation remain unclear. In the present studies, the ear inflammatory model was induced by topical application of mezerein. Treatment of the mouse ear with LXA4 exhibited the inhibitory effects on oedema, neutrophil infiltration, vascular permeability, expressions of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA, DNA‐binding activity of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and on dermal hyperplasia. NF‐κB reporter activities and nuclear translocations of NF‐κB p65 in cultured keratinocytes stimulated by mezerein were inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with LXA4. LXA4 reduced degradation, but not phosphorylation of IκBα in cultured keratinocytes stimulated by mezerein, suggesting that LXA4‐attenuated IκBα degradation may restore the mezerein‐blocked inhibitory effects of IκB on nuclear translocation and DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB. Our results demonstrated that LXA4 displays the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐proliferative role on ear inflammatory model induced by mezerein and these effects were related with downregulation of DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB.
Survival of infants in the context of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission in South Africa
Authors: Chopra M , Doherty T , Goga A , Jackson D , Persson LA
Published: January 2010

Aim:  We sought to study the survival of newborn children according to HIV status of the mother, that of the child and the timing of infection.

Methods:  This is a prospective cohort study of 883 mothers (665 HIV‐positive and 218 HIV‐negative) and their infants. Data were collected using semi‐structured questionnaires during home visits between the antenatal period and 36 weeks post‐delivery. Infant HIV status was determined at 3, 24 and 36 weeks by HIV DNA PCR.

Results:  The majority (81.3%) of infected infants who died were infected by 3 weeks of age. Of the HIV‐exposed infants who died, 19 (28.4%) died before 6 weeks and 38 (56.7%) died by 12 weeks. The hazard ratio (HR) of mortality at 36 weeks of age in HIV‐infected infants compared with exposed but negative infants was 8.9 (95% CI: 6.7–11.8). There was no significant difference in 36 week survival rates between HIV‐non‐exposed and HIV‐exposed but negative infants (HR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.3–1.5). The infant being HIV‐positive at age 3 weeks (HR: 32 95% CI: 14.0–73.1) and rural site (HR: 4.4 95% CI: 1.2–23.4) were the two independent risk factors for infant death amongst HIV‐exposed infants.

Conclusion:  The prognosis for infants with early HIV infection was very poor in this cohort. A greater focus on prevention of early infection, earlier screening for HIV infection and access to antiretrovirals for eligible infants is recommended.
Multicenter prospective study analysing the role of rotavirus on acute gastroenteritis in Spain
Authors: Gimenez‐Sanchez F , Delgado‐Rubio A , Martinon‐Torres F , Bernaola‐Iturbe E ,   Rotascore Research Group
Published: January 2010

Background:  Paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis is the most frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children up to 5 years of age worldwide.

Aim:  To analyse the clinical characteristics of AGE caused by rotavirus comparing to AGE caused by other agents.

Methods:  The study was conducted in 30 health‐care centers in Spain (25 hospitals and five primary centers) between January and March 2006. Children with AGE up to 2 years of age were included. Stool samples were analysed using immunochromatographic test to identify rotavirus infection. Clinical and epidemiological data were analysed.

Results:  A total of 1192 children were enrolled (mean age: 11.2 months). Fever, Vomiting, weakness and dehydration were more frequent in rotavirus‐positive AGE cases. Severity score was higher and hospitalization was likely in AGE caused by rotavirus. Family AGE illness was more frequent in children with rotavirus‐positive AGE. Breastfeeding was found as a protective factor against Rotavirus AGE.

Conclusion:  Rotavirus is the primary causal agent of AGE in children under 2 years of age in Spain, causing more severe symptoms and more hospital admissions than other causal agents. Our data support the interest of the introduction of the available rotavirus vaccines in the Spanish immunization schedule.
Effects of motilin on intracellular free calcium in cultured smooth muscle cells from the antrum of neonatal rats
Authors: Fang P. , Dong L. , Luo J.Y.
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the effects of motilin on [Ca2+]i regulation and its underlying molecular mechanism in cultured antral smooth muscle cells (ASMCs).

Methods:  Antral cells were isolated and cultured from neonatal rats, and then the [Ca2+]i in these cells was evaluated by calcium fluorescent probe Fluo‐3/AM on a laser scanning confocal microscope.

Results:  We show that motilin dose‐dependently increased [Ca2+]i concentration in cultured ASMCs. Pre‐incubation of cells with either the calcium antagonist verapamil (10−5 mol L−1) or the calcium chelator Egtazic (EGTA, 0.1 mmol L−1) significantly suppressed motilin (10−6 mol L−1) induced [Ca2+]i increase as indicated by fluorescent intensity. Interestingly, after mixing with the non‐selective intracellular calcium release blocker TMB‐8 (10−5 mol L−1), guanosine triphosphate regulatory protein antagonist NEM (10−5 mol L−1), phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor compound 48/80 (1.2 μg mL−1) and ryanodine at high concentration (10−5 mol L−1), the motilin‐induced [Ca2+]i increase was only partially blocked. The protein kinase C inhibitor d‐sphingosine (10−6 mol L−1), however, did not show any inhibitory effect on motilin‐induced [Ca2+]i elevation.

Conclusions:  Our study suggests that motilin‐stimulated [Ca2+]i elevation in ASMCs is probably due to sustained extracellular Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from Ca2+ stores via inositol tris‐phosphate receptors and ryanodine receptors. Specifically, motilin‐induced [Ca2+]i release is accompanied with guanosine triphosphate‐binding protein‐coupled receptor–PLC–inositol tris‐phosphate signalling cascades.
Chronic periaortitis with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: KIM Hyoun‐Ah , WON Je‐Hwan , SUH Chang‐Hee
Published: January 2010

Chronic periaortitis (CP) is a rare disease, the common denominator of which is a retroperitoneal periaortic fibroinflammatory tissue that frequently obstructs neighboring structures. CP has already been reported in association with various autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome. The association with autoimmune disorders suggests that CP is a manifestation of a systemic autoimmune process. We describe the first case of antiphospholipid syndrome in a patient with CP.
Validation of the International Criteria for Behçet’s disease (ICBD) in Iran
Authors: DAVATCHI Fereydoun , SADEGHI ABDOLLAHI Bahar , SHAHRAM Farhad , NADJI Abdolhadi , CHAMS‐DAVATCHI Cheyda , SHAMS Hormoz , NADERI Nasim , AKHLAGHI Massoomeh , FAEZI Tahereh , FARIDAR Alireza
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the performance of the new International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease (ICBD) in Iran. The ICBD was created in 2006 to replace the International Study Group (ISG) criteria (created in 1990). In this study, 14 existing diagnosis/classification criteria (Curth, Hewitt, Mason and Barnes, Japan original, Hubault and Hamza, O’Duffy, Cheng and Zhang, Dilsen, Japan revised, International Study Group, Iran traditional, Iran Classification Tree, revised Dilsen, Korea), were evaluated and compared to ICBD by calculating their sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Methods:  All patients from the Behçet’s Disease registry (6128) and controls (3400), up to January 2008, entered the study. The diagnosis was clinical and not by any of the above‐mentioned criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy (percent agreement), and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The performance of ICBD and ISG were compared by the McNemar test.

Results:  The sensitivity was 98.2% for ICBD and 78.1% for ISG (P < 0.0001). The specificity was 95.6% for ICBD and 98.4% for ISG (P < 0.0001). The accuracy was 97.3% for ICBD and 85.5% for ISG (P < 0.0001).

Discussion:  In Iranian patients, ICBD has 20.1% higher sensitivity and 11.8% higher accuracy than ISG, while the specificity was only 2.8% lower. ICBD was better optimized than ISG (difference between sensitivity and specificity 2.6% vs 20.3%).

Conclusion:  ICBD has by far better performance than ISG in Iran. The difference is even more prominent in Iranian patients than in the cohort of the international patients upon whom the criteria were created.
The immunological basis of B‐cell therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: MOK Mo Yin
Published: January 2010

Loss of B‐cell tolerance is a hallmark feature of the pathogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that is characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia and autoantibody production. These autoantibodies lead to formation of immune‐complex deposition in internal organs causing inflammation and damage. Autoreactive B‐cells are believed to be central in the pathophysiology of SLE. Other than its role in the production of antibodies that mediate humoral immune response, B‐cells also function as antigen‐presenting cells and are capable of activating T‐cells. Activated B‐cells may also produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines that aggravate local inflammation. Abnormal B‐cell homeostasis has been described in SLE patients. This may occur as a result of intrinsic B‐cell defect or from aberrant regulation by maturation and survival signals. B‐cell‐based therapy is the current mainstream of research and development of novel therapies in SLE patients with severe and refractory disease. Potential cellular and molecular targets for B‐cell therapies include cell surface molecules such as CD20 (rituximab) and CD22 (epratuzumab); co‐stimulatory molecules involved in B‐cell–T‐cell interaction such as CTLA4 and B7 molecules (abatacept); maturation and growth factors such as B‐cell activating factor and a proliferation‐inducing ligand (belimumab, briobacept, atacicept) and B‐cell tolerogen (abetimus). This article provides an overview on normal B‐cell physiology and abnormal B‐cell biology in SLE that form the immunological basis of B‐cell‐targeted therapy in the treatment of these patients with refractory diseases.
Putative ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and archaea in an acidic red soil with different land utilization patterns
Authors: Ying Jiao‐Yan , Zhang Li‐Mei , He Ji‐Zheng
Published: January 2010

Ammonia‐oxidizers play a key role in nitrification, which is important for nitrogen cycling and soil function. However, little is known about how vegetation successions and agricultural practices caused by human activities impact the ammonia‐oxidizers and nitrification process. Putative ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) communities under different land utilization patterns of restoration (forest), degradation (pasture), cropland and pine plantation were analysed in an acidic red soil based on bacterial and archaeal amoA genes together with archaeal 16S rRNA gene. Real‐time PCR, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and sequencing of clone libraries were conducted to study their abundance and community structure. Land utilization pattern showed significant effects on the copy numbers of all these genes, but only the bacterial amoA gene correlated significantly with potential nitrification rates (PNR). The cropland plot possessed the highest bacterial amoA gene copies and PNR, while the degradation plot was opposite to that. There were no significant variations in the bacterial amoA gene structure, which was dominated by Clusters 10 and 11 in Nitrosospira. However, archaeal amoA gene structure varied among different land utilization patterns especially for the cropland. The degradation plot was dominated by Crenarchaea 1.1c‐related groups from which the amoA gene could not been amplified in this study, while other plots were dominated by Crenarchaea 1.1a/b group based on archaeal 16S rRNA gene analysis. These results indicated significant effects of land utilization patterns on putative ammonia oxidizers, which were especially obvious in the degradation and cropland plots where frequent human disturbance occurred.
Phylogeny of the coral pathogenVibrio coralliilyticus
Authors: Pollock F. Joseph , Wilson Bryan , Johnson Wesley R. , Morris Pamela J. , Willis Bette L. , Bourne David G.
Published: January 2010

A phenotypic and phylogenetic comparison of geographically disparate isolates of the coral pathogenVibrio coralliilyticuswas conducted to determine whether the bacterium exists as a single cosmopolitan clonal population, which might indicate rapid spread of a pandemic strain, or is grouped into endemic and genotypically distinct strains. All strains included in this study displayed similar phenotypic characteristics to those of the typedV. coralliilyticusstrain LMG 20984T. Five phylogenetic marker genes (16S,rpoA,recA,pyrHanddnaJ) frequently used for discriminating closely relatedVibriospecies and a zinc‐metalloprotease gene (vcpA) linked to pathogenicity were sequenced in 13 V. coralliilyticusisolates collected from corals, bivalves, and their surrounding seawater in the Red and Caribbean Seas, and Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. A high level of genetic polymorphism was observed with all isolates possessing unique genotypes at all six genetic loci examined. No consistent lineage structure was observed within the marker genes and homologous recombination was detected in the16SandvcpAgenes, suggesting thatV. coralliilyticusdoes not possess a highly clonal population structure. Interestingly, two geographically distinct (Caribbean/south‐Atlantic and Indo‐Pacific/north‐Atlantic) and highly divergent clades were detected within the zinc‐metalloprotease gene, but it is not known if these clades correspond to phenotypic differences in virulence. These findings stress the need for a multi‐locus approach for inferringV. coralliilyticusphylogeny and indicate that populations of this bacterium are likely an endemic component of coral reef ecosystems globally.
Guidelines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection for the fiscal year 2008 in Japan
Authors: Kumada Hiromitsu , Okanoue Takeshi , Onji Morikazu , Moriwaki Hisataka , Izumi Namiki , Tanaka Eiji , Chayama Kazuaki , Sakisaka Shotaro , Takehara Tetsuo , Oketani Makoto , Suzuki Fumitaka , Toyota Joji , Nomura Hideyuki , Yoshioka Kentaro , Seike Masataka , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Ueno Yoshiyuki ,   The Study Group for the Standardization of Treatment of Viral Hepatitis Including Cirrhosis, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
Published: January 2010

In the 2008 guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C, pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) combined with ribavirin for 48 weeks are indicated for treatment‐naive patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) of genotype 1. Treatment is continued for an additional 24 weeks (72 weeks total) in the patients who have remained positive for HCV RNA detectable by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction at 12 weeks after the start of treatment, but who turn negative for HCV RNA during 13–36 weeks on treatment. Re‐treatment is aimed to either eradicate HCV or normalize transaminase levels for preventing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For patients with compensated cirrhosis, the clearance of HCV RNA is aimed toward improving histological damages and decreasing the development of HCC. The recommended therapeutic regimen is the initial daily dose of 6 million international units (MIU) IFN continued for 2–8 weeks that is extended to longer than 48 weeks, if possible. IFN dose is reduced to 3 MIU daily in patients who fail to clear HCV RNA by 12 weeks for preventing the development of HCC. Splenectomy or embolization of the splenic artery is recommended to patients with platelet counts of less than 50 × 103/mm3 prior to the commencement of IFN treatment. When the prevention of HCC is at issue, not only IFN, but also liver supportive therapy such as stronger neo‐minophagen C, ursodeoxycholic acid, phlebotomy, branched chain amino acids (BCAA), either alone or in combination, are given. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, by contrast, reversal to compensation is attempted.
Modelflow estimates of cardiac output compared with Doppler ultrasound during acute changes in vascular resistance in women
Authors: Dyson Kenneth S. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Arbeille Philippe , Hughson Richard L.
Published: January 2010

We compared Modelflow (MF) estimates of cardiac stroke volume (SV) from the finger pressure‐pulse waveform (Finometer®) with pulsed Doppler ultrasound (DU) of the ascending aorta during acute changes in total peripheral resistance (TPR) in the supine and head‐up‐tilt (HUT) postures. Twenty‐four women were tested during intravenous infusion of 0.005 or 0.01 μg kg−1min−1isoprenaline, 10 or 50 ng kg−1min−1noradrenaline and 0.3 mg sublingual nitroglycerine. Responses to static hand‐grip exercise (SHG), graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP, from −20 to −45 mmHg) and 45 deg HUT were evaluated on separate days. Bland–Altman analysis indicated that SVMFyielded lower estimates than SVDUduring infusion of 0.01 μg kg−1min−1isoprenaline (SVMF92.7 ± 15.5versusSVDU104.3 ± 22.9 ml,P= 0.03) and SHG (SVMF78.8 ± 12.0versusSVDU106.1 ± 28.5 ml,P< 0.01), while larger estimates were recorded with SVMFduring −45 mmHg LBNP (SVMF52.6 ± 10.7versusSVDU46.2 ± 14.5 ml,P= 0.04) and HUT (SVMF59.3 ± 13.6versusSVDU45.2 ± 11.3 ml,P< 0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed a relationship (r2= 0.41,P< 0.01) between the change in TPR from baseline and the between‐methods discrepancy in SV measurements. This relationship held up under all of the experimental protocols (regression for fixed effects,P= 0.46). These results revealed a discrepancy in MF estimates of SV, in comparison with those measured by DU, during acute changes in TPR.
Identification of RACK1 and Protein Kinase Cα as Integral Components of the Mammalian Circadian Clock
Authors: Robles Maria S. , Boyault Cyril , Knutti Darko , Padmanabhan Kiran , Weitz Charles J.
Published: January 2010

Late-Running Clock Components

Many mammalian cells contain a well-characterized biological clock with a 24-hour cycle. In the latter part of the day, transcription mediated by one of the clock components, the transcription factor made up of the CLOCK and BMAL1 proteins, is inhibited, but the mechanism of inhibition has been unclear.

Robles
et al.

(p.
463
) used mass spectrometry to identify proteins that RACK1 (receptor for activated C kinase–1), a scaffold protein that brings protein kinase C–α (PKCα ) into contact with its substrates, caused to be associated with BMAL1 at the time of day when its transcription-activating function was inhibited. Further studies implicated PKCα and RACK1 as integral components of the clock, without which the clock's free-running period was shortened.
The Genetic Landscape of a Cell
Authors: Costanzo Michael , Baryshnikova Anastasia , Bellay Jeremy , Kim Yungil , Spear Eric D. , Sevier Carolyn S. , Ding Huiming , Koh Judice L.Y. , Toufighi Kiana , Mostafavi Sara , Prinz Jeany , St. Onge Robert P. , VanderSluis Benjamin , Makhnevych Taras , Vizeacoumar Franco J. , Alizadeh Solmaz , Bahr Sondra , Brost Renee L. , Chen Yiqun , Cokol Murat , Deshpande Raamesh , Li Zhijian , Lin Zhen-Yuan , Liang Wendy , Marback Michaela , Paw Jadine , San Luis Bryan-Joseph , Shuteriqi Ermira , Tong Amy Hin Yan , van Dyk Nydia , Wallace Iain M. , Whitney Joseph A. , Weirauch Matthew T. , Zhong Guoqing , Zhu Hongwei , Houry Walid A. , Brudno Michael , Ragibizadeh Sasan , Papp Balázs , Pál Csaba , Roth Frederick P. , Giaever Guri , Nislow Corey , Troyanskaya Olga G. , Bussey Howard , Bader Gary D. , Gingras Anne-Claude , Morris Quaid D. , Kim Philip M. , Kaiser Chris A. , Myers Chad L. , Andrews Brenda J. , Boone Charles
Published: January 2010

Making Connections

Genetic interaction profiles highlight cross-connections between bioprocesses, providing a global view of cellular pleiotropy, and enable the prediction of genetic network hubs.

Costanzo
et al.

(p.
425
) performed a pairwise fitness screen covering approximately one-third of all potential genetic interactions in yeast, examining 5.4 million gene-gene pairs and generating quantitative profiles for ∼75% of the genome. Of the pairwise interactions tested, about 3% of the genes investigated interact under the conditions tested. On the basis of these data, a reference map for the yeast genetic network was created.