bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health‐related quality of life of food allergic patients: comparison with the general population and other diseases
Authors: Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , Dubois A. E. J. , Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , Oude Elberink J. N. G. , Raat H. , DunnGalvin A. , Hourihane J. O’B. , Duiverman E. J.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Flokstra‐de Blok BMJ, Dubois AEJ, Vlieg‐Boerstra BJ, Oude Elberink JNG, Raat H, DunnGalvin A, Hourihane JO’B, Duiverman EJ. Health‐related quality of life of food allergic patients: comparison with the general population and other diseases. Allergy 2010; 65: 238–244.

Background:  To date no studies have compared generic health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of food allergic patients from childhood to adulthood with that of the general population or patients with other chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to compare generic HRQL of food allergic patients with the general population and other diseases.

Methods:  Generic HRQL questionnaires (CHQ‐CF87 and RAND‐36) were completed by 79 children, 74 adolescents and 72 adults with food allergy. The generic HRQL scores were compared with scores from published studies on the general population and patients with asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes mellitus (DM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Results:  Food allergic children and adolescents reported fewer limitations in school work due to behavioural problems (P ≤ 0.013), but food allergic adolescents and adults reported more pain (P = 0.020), poorer overall health (P < 0.001), more limitations in social activities (P < 0.001) and less vitality (P = 0.002) than individuals from the general population. Food allergic patients reported poorer generic HRQL than patients with DM, but better generic HRQL than patients with RA, asthma and IBS.

Conclusion:  HRQL is impaired in food allergic adolescents and adults, compared to the general population, and it is intermediate in magnitude between DM and RA, asthma and IBS. Children show the least impact on generic HRQL from food allergy.
Effects of a pseudoallergen‐free diet on chronic spontaneous urticaria: a prospective trial
Authors: Magerl M. , Pisarevskaja D. , Scheufele R. , Zuberbier T. , Maurer M.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a skin disorder that is difficult to manage and can last for years. ‘Pseudoallergens’ are substances that induce hypersensitive/intolerance reactions that are similar to true allergic reactions. They include food additives, vasoactive substances such as histamine, and some natural substances in fruits, vegetables and spices. Eliminating pseudoallergens from the diet can reduce symptom severity and improve patient quality of life.

Aim:  To assess the effects of a pseudoallergen‐free diet on disease activity and quality of life in patient’s chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Methods:  Study subjects had moderate or severe chronic spontaneous urticaria that had not responded adequately to treatment in primary care. For 3 weeks, subjects followed a pseudoallergen‐free diet. They kept a clinical diary, which recorded their wheal and pruritus severity each day, to yield a clinical rating of chronic spontaneous urticaria severity (the UAS4 score). The subjects also completed the DLQI, a validated quality‐of‐life instrument. Use of antihistamines and glucocorticoids was minimized, recorded, and analysed. Subjects were classified into nine response categories, according to the changes in symptom severity (UAS4), quality of life (DLQI) and medication usage.

Results:  From the 140 subjects, there were 20 (14%) strong responders and 19 (14%) partial responders. Additionally, there were nine (6%) subjects who made a substantial reduction in their medication without experiencing worse symptoms or quality of life.

Conclusions:  Altogether the pseudoallergen‐free diet is beneficial for one in three patients. The pseudoallergen‐free diet is a safe, healthy and cost‐free measure to identify patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria that will benefit from avoiding pseudoallergens.
Resolution of remodeling in eosinophilic esophagitis correlates with epithelial response to topical corticosteroids
Authors: Aceves S. S. , Newbury R. O. , Chen D. , Mueller J. , Dohil R. , Hoffman H. , Bastian J. F. , Broide D. H.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Esophageal remodeling occurs in eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) patients but whether the components of remodeling in the subepithelium are reversible by administration of topical oral corticosteroids is unknown.

Methods:  We quantitated the degree of lamina propria remodeling in esophageal biopsies obtained before and after at least 3 months of therapy with budesonide in 16 pediatric EE subjects. In addition, we investigated whether corticosteroid therapy modulated vascular activation (expression of VCAM‐1; level of interstitial edema), TGFβ1 activation (levels of TGFβ1, phosphorylated Smad2/3), and performed a pilot analysis of a polymorphism in the TGFβ1 promoter in relation to EE subjects who had reduced remodeling with budesonide therapy.

Results:  EE subjects were stratified based on the presence (n = 9) or absence (n = 7) of decreased epithelial eosinophilia following budesonide. Patients with residual eosinophil counts of ≤7 eosinophils per high power field in the epithelial space (responders) demonstrated significantly reduced esophageal remodeling with decreased fibrosis, TGFβ1 and pSmad2/3 positive cells, and decreased vascular activation in association with budesonide therapy. Responders were more likely to have a CC genotype at the −509 position in the TGFβ1 promoter.

Conclusions:  Reductions in epithelial eosinophils following budesonide therapy were associated with significantly reduced esophageal remodeling.
After 6 years with Xolair; a 3‐year withdrawal follow‐up
Authors: Nopp A. , Johansson S. G. O. , Adédoyin J. , Ankerst J. , Palmqvist M. , Öman H.
Published: October 2009

Background:  This study reports the clinical and immunological state of patients 3 years after a 6‐year period of Xolair treatment for severe allergic asthma.

Methods:  The patient’s cat allergen sensitivity, measured as CD‐sens, IgE and IgE‐ and IgG4 antibodies, was analysed and compared with asthma severity evaluated from FEV1 and a questionnaire.

Results:  Three years after treatment with Xolair was stopped, 12/18 patients reported improved or unchanged asthma compared with ongoing Xolair treatment. Most of the patients were in a stable clinical condition, 16/18 had not increased nightly asthma attacks and 14/18 little or no increase in medication. The CD‐sens to cat was still significantly lower (P < 0.02) than untreated patients with allergic asthma and lower than expected from their serum IgE antibody levels.

Conclusion:  Most of the patients in this study had, still 3 years after closing of 6 years Xolair treatment, a surprisingly mild and stable asthma. Interestingly, the observed, considerable, downregulation of basophil allergen sensitivity, CD‐sens, most likely representing mast cell allergen sensitivity, contributed to the clinical results.
Risk factors for allergic rhinitis in Costa Rican children with asthma
Authors: Bunyavanich S. , Soto‐Quiros M. E. , Avila L. , Laskey D. , Senter J. M. , Celedón J. C.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Bunyavanich S, Soto‐Quiros ME, Avila L, Laskey D, Senter JM, Celedón JC. Risk factors for allergic rhinitis in Costa Rican children with asthma. Allergy 2010; 65; 256–263 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398‐9995.2009.02159.x.

Background:  Risk factors for allergic rhinitis (AR) in asthmatics are likely distinct from those for AR or asthma alone. We sought to identify clinical and environmental risk factors for AR in children with asthma.

Methods:  We performed a cross‐sectional study of 616 Costa Rican children aged 6–14 years with asthma. Candidate risk factors were drawn from questionnaire data, spirometry, methacholine challenge testing, skin testing, and serology. Two outcome measures, skin test reaction (STR)‐positive AR and physician‐diagnosed AR, were examined by logistic regression.

Results:  STR‐positive AR had high prevalence (80%) in Costa Rican children with asthma, and its independent risk factors were nasal symptoms after exposure to dust or mold, parental history of AR, older age at asthma onset, oral steroid use in the past year, eosinophilia, and positive IgEs to dust mite and cockroach. Physician‐diagnosed AR had lower prevalence (27%), and its independent risk factors were nasal symptoms after pollen exposure, STR to tree pollens, a parental history of AR, inhaled steroid and short‐acting β2 agonist use in the past year, household mold/mildew, and fewer older siblings. A physician’s diagnosis was only 29.5% sensitive for STR‐positive AR.

Conclusions:  Risk factors for AR in children with asthma depend on the definition of AR. Indoor allergens drive risk for STR‐positive AR. Outdoor allergens and home environmental conditions are risk factors for physician‐diagnosed AR. We propose that children with asthma in Costa Rica and other Latin American nations undergo limited skin testing or specific IgE measurements to reduce the current under‐diagnosis of AR.
Expression levels of parvalbumins determine allergenicity of fish species
Authors: Griesmeier U. , Vázquez‐Cortés S. , Bublin M. , Radauer C. , Ma Y. , Briza P. , Fernández‐Rivas M. , Breiteneder H.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Griesmeier U, Vázquez‐Cortés S, Bublin M, Radauer C, Ma Y, Briza P, Fernández‐Rivas M, Breiteneder H. Expression levels of parvalbumins determine allergenicity of fish species. Allergy 2010; 65: 191–198.

Background:  Parvalbumins are the most important fish allergens. Polysensitization to various fish species is frequently reported and linked to the cross‐reactivity of their parvalbumins. Studies on cross‐reactivity and its association to the allergenicity of purified natural parvalbumins from different fish species are still lacking. In addition, some studies indicate that dark muscled fish such as tuna are less allergenic.

Methods:  Total protein extracts and purified parvalbumins from cod, whiff, and swordfish, all eaten frequently in Spain, were tested for their IgE‐binding properties with 16 fish allergic patients’ sera from Madrid. The extent of cross‐reactivity of these parvalbumins was investigated by IgE ELISA inhibition assays. Additionally, the cDNA sequences of whiff and swordfish parvalbumins were determined.

Results:  Extractable amounts of parvalbumins from cod were 20 times and from whiff 30 times higher than from swordfish. Parvalbumins were recognized by 94% of the patients in extracts of cod and whiff, but only by 60% in swordfish extracts. Nevertheless, a high cross‐reactivity was determined for all purified parvalbumins by IgE inhibition. The amino acid sequence identities of the three parvalbumins were in a range of 62–74%.

Conclusions:  The parvalbumins of cod, whiff and swordfish are highly cross‐reactive. The high amino acid sequence identity among cod, whiff and swordfish parvalbumins results in the observed IgE cross‐reactivity. The low allergenicity of swordfish is due to the low expression levels of its parvalbumin.
National pholcodine consumption and prevalence of IgE‐sensitization: a multicentre study
Authors: Johansson S. G. O. , Florvaag E. , Öman H. , Poulsen L. K. , Mertes P. M. , Harper N. J. N. , Garvey L. H. , Gerth van Wijk R. , Metso T. , Irgens A. , Dybendal T. , Halsey J. , Seneviratne S. L. , Guttormsen A. B.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Johansson SGO, Florvaag E, Öman H, Poulsen LK, Mertes PM, Harper NJN, Garvey LH, Gerth van Wijk R, Metso T, Irgens A, Dybendal T, Halsey J, Seneviratne SL, Guttormsen AB. National pholcodine consumption and prevalence of IgE‐sensitization: a multicentre study. Allergy 2010; 65: 498–502.

Background:  The aim of this study was to test, on a multinational level, the pholcodine (PHO) hypothesis, i.e. that the consumption of PHO‐containing cough mixtures could cause higher prevalence of IgE antibodies to PHO, morphine (MOR) and suxamethonium (SUX). As a consequence the risk of anaphylaxis to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) will be increased.

Methods:  National PHO consumptions were derived from the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) database. IgE and IgE antibodies to PHO, MOR, SUX and P‐aminophenyl‐phosphoryl choline (PAPPC) were measured in sera from atopic individuals, defined by a positive Phadiatop® test (>0.35 kUA/l), collected in nine countries representing high and low PHO‐consuming nations.

Results:  There was a significant positive association between PHO consumption and prevalences of IgE‐sensitization to PHO and MOR, but not to SUX and PAPPC, as calculated both by exposure group comparisons and linear regression analysis. The Netherlands and the USA, did not have PHO‐containing drugs on the markets, although the former had a considerable PHO consumption. Both countries had high figures of IgE‐sensitization.

Conclusion:  This international prevalence study lends additional support to the PHO hypothesis and, consequently, that continued use of drugs containing this substance should be seriously questioned. The results also indicate that other, yet unknown, substances may lead to IgE‐sensitization towards NMBAs.
Case report: de novo BRCA2 gene mutation in a 35‐year‐old woman with breast cancer
Authors: Marshall M , Solomon S , Lawrence Wickerham D
Published: October 2009

In this report, we describe a patient with a de novo BRCA2 gene mutation (5301insA) who developed early onset breast cancer with no strong family history of the disease. Only three similar instances have been reported previously. Subsequent site‐specific analysis in her parents showed that neither carried the mutation previously identified in their daughter. Various possible explanations for this finding were excluded. Paternity was confirmed using 13 highly polymorphic markers, thereby illustrating that the patient carried a de novo mutation in the BRCA2 gene. The 5301insA mutation has been well described and reported many times in the Breast Cancer Information Core online Breast Cancer Mutation database. This finding illustrates the importance of determining the incidence of de novo BRCA mutations and is of significant clinical value to breast cancer prevention and management. Our case report presents the fourth case in which a de novo germline mutation in a BRCA1/2 gene has been identified.
Mutational screening of ACVR1 gene in Brazilian fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva patients
Authors: Carvalho DR , Navarro MMM , Martins BJAF , Coelho KEFA , Mello WD , Takata RI , Speck‐Martins CE
Published: October 2009

Carvalho DR, Navarro MMM, Martins BJAF, Coelho KEFA, Mello WD, Takata RI, Speck‐Martins CE. Mutational screening of ACVR1 gene in Brazilian fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva patients.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a severe genetic disorder reported worldwide. A specific heterozygous mutation (c.617G> A; p.R206H) in the activin A type I receptor gene (ACVR1) is regarded as the genetic cause of FOP in all classically affected individuals worldwide. However, a few patients with FOP variants harbor distinct mutations in ACVR1. We screened a group of FOP Brazilian population for mutations in ACVR1. Of 16 patients with a classic FOP phenotype (10 males and 6 females, age range of 3–42 years), all had the classic mutation (p.R206H). One 21‐year‐old woman with a variant FOP phenotype had the previously reported c.983G> A mutation (p.G328E). Our study contributes to the understanding of the predominant FOP phenotype and genotype and suggests that variant FOP phenotypes are associated with specific mutations in ACVR1 gene.
Current status of xenotransplantation and prospects for clinical application
Authors: Pierson Richard N. , Dorling Anthony , Ayares David , Rees Michael A. , Seebach Jörg D. , Fishman Jay A. , Hering Bernhard J. , Cooper David K. C.
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Xenotransplantation is one promising approach to bridge the gap between available human cells, tissues, and organs and the needs of patients with diabetes or end‐stage organ failure. Based on recent progress using genetically modified source pigs, improving results with conventional and experimental immunosuppression, and expanded understanding of residual physiologic hurdles, xenotransplantation appears likely to be evaluated in clinical trials in the near future for some select applications. This review offers a comprehensive overview of known mechanisms of xenograft injury, a contemporary assessment of preclinical progress and residual barriers, and our opinions regarding where breakthroughs are likely to occur.
Overview of 50 years' progress in upper gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Yeomans Neville D
Published: October 2009

There have been numerous and dramatic advances in our understanding of the mechanisms, causes and treatments of upper gastrointestinal diseases in the past 50 years. This review focuses on a few, not dealt with elsewhere in this special issue of the Journal. The early history of the recognition that nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are a major cause of peptic ulcer is described, with particular attention to the work of the pioneering Australian investigators. The story of the development of the histamine H2‐receptor antagonists and the proton pump inhibitors is also outlined.
Population‐based screening for colorectal cancer: Australian research and implementation
Authors: Young Graeme P
Published: October 2009

Australia is one of the first countries in the world to implement an organized whole‐of‐population screening program for colorectal cancer (CRC). Australians have made broad contributions to CRC in general ranging from primary prevention through genetics, secondary prevention and treatment, to palliation. This overview focuses on some of the contributions of direct relevance to population‐based screening, stretching from technology development to population‐based controlled studies and health services research. In terms of simple screening tests in a two‐step screening strategy, the evidence is overwhelming that fecal immunochemical tests for hemoglobin (FITs) improve detection and are more acceptable. FIT‐based screening is clearly acceptable to Australians and it has been demonstrated that a national organized screening program is feasible. In terms of benefit for Australians, with full roll out and high uptake by the population we could see the number of cases dying from CRC halved by this strategy. To this will be added the extra‐screening benefits of improved diagnosis, improved treatment and improved public awareness, all benefits of other screening programs. CRC screening has progressed from a matter of irrelevance and distaste, to commonwealth government policy in the context of an organized program for all Australians.
Sphincter of Oddi: Function, dysfunction, and its management
Authors: Toouli James
Published: October 2009

The most common functional disorder of the biliary tract and pancreas relates to the activity of the Sphincter of Oddi. The Sphincter of Oddi is a small smooth muscle sphincter strategically placed at the junction of the bile duct, pancreatic duct, and duodenum. The sphincter controls flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum and prevents reflux of duodenal content into the ducts. Disorder in its motility is called Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Clinically this presents either with recurrent abdominal biliary type pain or episodes of recurrent pancreatitis. Manometry may identify the motility abnormalities, the most clinically significant being an abnormally elevated basal pressure. The most effective treatment once an abnormal basal pressure is identified is division of the sphincter. This is associated with good long‐term results.
Overview of inflammatory bowel disease in Australia in the last 50 years
Authors: Gibson Peter R
Published: October 2009

Inflammatory diseases of the intestine, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease are now very common in Australia and remain major challenges for clinicians. Australian (and New Zealand) clinicians and scientists have made considerable contributions to our current understanding of these diseases over the last 50 years, including pathogenesis (such as the ‘butyrate hypothesis’, ‘endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress’, and the identification of the peptide sequences that incite celiac disease), true population epidemiology (albeit in New Zealand), precise clinical observation, new investigative tools, innovative new potential therapies, influential clinical drug trials (such as triple antibiotics for Crohn's disease), and a dietary approach with efficacy for functional gut symptoms (the low FODMAP diet). Underpinning the success has been clinical excellence and adaptation of clinicians to the changing landscape of disease severity and therapeutic options. The future is indeed bright if such trends continue.
The role of basic nutritional research in pediatric liver disease: An historical perspective
Authors: Cleghorn Geoffrey
Published: October 2009

The advent of liver transplantation for end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) in children has necessitated a major rethink in the preoperative preparation and management from simple palliative care to active directed intervention. This is particularly evident in the approach to the nutritional care of these patients with the historical understanding of the nutritional pertubations in ESLD being described from a single pediatric liver transplant center. ESLD in children is a hypermetabolic process adversely affecting nutritional status, metabolic, and non‐metabolic body compartments. There is a complex dynamic process affecting metabolic activity within the metabolically active body cell mass, as well as lipid oxidation during fasting and at rest, with other factors operating in conjunction with daily activities. We have proposed that immediately ingested nutrients are a more important source of energy in patients with ESLD than in healthy children, among whom energy may be stored in various body compartments.
Advances in viral hepatitis: 50 years of Australian gastroenterology
Authors: McCaughan Geoff
Published: October 2009

Viral hepatitis classification, treatments and pathogenesis has been increasingly defined over the past 50 years. Australian researchers have made significant contributions in the areas of viral hepatitis A vaccine development, treatment outcomes for chronic hepatitis B and C, the role of liver transplantation and the pathogenesis of injury and disease progression. This review outlines some of these contributions.
The evolution of ketamine applications in children
Authors: ROELOFSE JAMES A.
Published: October 2009

Ketamine has found many applications in pediatric anesthetic practice. Insights into the mechanism of action and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of its isomers have led to a re‐evaluation of this drug, expanding the range of applications in children. Ketamine is a remarkably versatile drug that can be administered through almost any route. It can also be used for different purposes. The aim of this review is to look at the possible applications of this drug in children.
Long‐term posttraumatic effects of intraoperative awareness in children
Authors: PHELAN LAUREN , STARGATT ROBYN , DAVIDSON ANDREW J.
Published: October 2009

Background:  The consequences of intraoperative awareness in children have received little empirical attention to date. Previous studies suggest that children are less likely to be distressed than adults in the short term, but long‐term consequences have only been studied retrospectively.

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate posttraumatic stress symptoms in children who have experienced an awareness event.

Methods:  In this prospective cohort study, children who were found to have experienced intraoperative awareness in our previous study were approached for assessment for posttraumatic stress symptoms using the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (Alternate version; TSCC‐A).

Results:  Seven children were aware in the original cohort. Only four families agreed to participate and were interviewed via telephone. Only one child recalled the awareness event. No children exhibited trauma related symptoms in the clinically significant range.

Conclusions:  Although no children had clinically significant symptoms, the small numbers and failure to follow‐up all children limit any conclusions with respect to true incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder in children who have had an awareness event.
Environmental correlates of tree biomass, basal area, wood specific gravity and stem density gradients in Borneo's tropical forests
Authors: Slik J. W. F. , Aiba Shin‐Ichiro , Brearley Francis Q. , Cannon Chuck H. , Forshed Olle , Kitayama Kanehiro , Nagamasu Hidetoshi , Nilus Reuben , Payne John , Paoli Gary , Poulsen Axel D. , Raes Niels , Sheil Douglas , Sidiyasa Kade , Suzuki Eizi , van Valkenburg Johan L. C. H.
Published: October 2009

Aim  Tropical forests have been recognized as important global carbon sinks and sources. However, many uncertainties about the spatial distribution of live tree above‐ground biomass (AGB) remain, mostly due to limited availability of AGB field data. Recent studies in the Amazon have already shown the importance of large sample size for accurate AGB gradient analysis. Here we use a large stem density, basal area, community wood density and AGB dataset to study and explain their spatial patterns in an Asian tropical forest.

Location  Borneo, Southeast Asia.

Methods  We combined stem density, basal area, community wood density and AGB data from 83 locations in Borneo with an environmental database containing elevation, climate and soil variables. The Akaike information criterion was used to select models and environmental variables that best explained the observed values of stem density, basal area, community wood density and AGB. These models were used to extrapolate these parameters across Borneo.

Results  We found that wood density, stem density, basal area and AGB respond significantly, but differentially, to the environment. AGB was only correlated with basal area, but not with stem density and community wood specific gravity.

Main conclusions  Unlike results from Amazonian forests, soil fertility was an important positive correlate for AGB in Borneo while community wood density, which is a main driver of AGB in the Neotropics, did not correlate with AGB in Borneo. Also, Borneo's average AGB of 457.1 Mg ha−1 was c. 60% higher than the Amazonian average of 288.6 Mg ha−1. We find evidence that this difference might be partly explained by the high density of large wind‐dispersed Dipterocarpaceae in Borneo, which need to be tall and emergent to disperse their seeds. Our results emphasize the importance of Bornean forests as carbon sinks and sources due to their high carbon storage capacity.
Partitioning the turnover and nestedness components of beta diversity
Authors: Baselga Andrés
Published: October 2009

Aim  Beta diversity (variation of the species composition of assemblages) may reflect two different phenomena, spatial species turnover and nestedness of assemblages, which result from two antithetic processes, namely species replacement and species loss, respectively. The aim of this paper is to provide a unified framework for the assessment of beta diversity, disentangling the contribution of spatial turnover and nestedness to beta‐diversity patterns.

Innovation  I derive an additive partitioning of beta diversity that provides the two separate components of spatial turnover and nestedness underlying the total amount of beta diversity. I propose two families of measures of beta diversity for pairwise and multiple‐site situations. Each family comprises one measure accounting for all aspects of beta diversity, which is additively decomposed into two measures accounting for the pure spatial turnover and nestedness components, respectively. Finally, I provide a case study using European longhorn beetles to exemplify the relevance of disentangling spatial turnover and nestedness patterns.

Main conclusion  Assigning the different beta‐diversity patterns to their respective biological phenomena is essential for analysing the causality of the processes underlying biodiversity. Thus, the differentiation of the spatial turnover and nestedness components of beta diversity is crucial for our understanding of central biogeographic, ecological and conservation issues.
In the aftermath of the Qa'yamat:1 the Kashmir earthquake disaster in northern Pakistan
Authors: Halvorson Sarah J. , Parker Hamilton Jennifer
Published: October 2009

This article explores the local impact of the catastrophic earthquake in northern Pakistan on 8 October 2005. Drawing on field research, including interviews with 40 earthquake survivors, the post‐disaster analysis presented here focuses upon risk awareness and the reactions of respondents to the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that devastated areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir State, and North‐West Frontier Province. The analysis provides insights into local perceptions of seismic hazard and exposure as well as survivors' priorities with regard to rebuilding and reconstruction. The article suggests that the tragedy of the devastating earthquake is entangled in a deeper knot of causal factors that are social, economic and political in nature. Rapid population growth, urbanisation, changing building styles, environmental degradation and lack of preparedness and mitigation are associated with the circumstances that place the population at risk. Remarks concerning present and future risk reduction efforts are included.
Messages from the field
Authors: Simpson Bob
Published: October 2009

This editorial poses the question of how the development of ‘pervasive’ communication technologies are impacting on the way in which fieldwork might now be conducted? It explores pessimistic and optmistic responses both of which illuminate the way that the production of contemporary anthropological knowledge undergoing significant change.
Príncipe eclipsed: Commemorating the confirmation of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity
Authors: Weszkalnys Gisa
Published: October 2009

This article reflects on the West African island of Príncipe as the venue of one of the most significant events in 20th century science, the confirmation of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity during an eclipse expedition led by Arthur Eddington. It takes as its starting point the 2009 commemoration of the event, involving international institutions promoting scientific knowledge and tourism, and overlays this with another, colonial history of Príncipe as the focus of a controversy around the alleged use of slave labour in its early 20th century cocoa plantations. What is the anthropologist's license in problematising the commemoration, and what are the specific ethnographic insights afforded by this unique event?
THE GENDER PAY GAP UNDER DUOPSONY: JOAN ROBINSON MEETS HAROLD HOTELLING
Authors: Hirsch Boris
Published: October 2009

This paper presents an alternative explanation of the gender pay gap resting on a simple Hotelling‐style duopsony model of the labour market. Since there are only two employers, equally productive women and men have to commute and face travel cost to do so. We assume that some women have higher travel cost, e.g., due to more domestic responsibilities. Employers exploit that women on average are less inclined to commute and offer lower wages to all women. Since women's firm‐level labour supply is for this reason less wage‐elastic, this model is in line with Robinson's explanation of wage discrimination.
ASYMMETRIC PREFERENCES FOR INTEREST RATE VARIABILITY AND NON‐LINEAR MONETARY POLICY INERTIA
Authors: Florio Anna
Published: October 2009

Introducing in a central bank loss function asymmetric preferences for interest rate stabilization together with a (symmetric) smoothing goal could lead to asymmetric interest rate smoothing. An empirical analysis supports this theoretical result and finds for the disinflation (Volcker) period a more cautious adjustment of interest rates downwards than upwards, and for the ‘price stability’ (Greenspan) period a more inertial behaviour in the opposite direction.
TECHNOLOGICAL CATCH‐UP AND GEOGRAPHIC PROXIMITY*
Authors: Griffith Rachel , Redding Stephen , Simpson Helen
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT This paper examines productivity catch‐up as a source of establishment productivity growth. We present evidence that, other things equal, establishments further behind the industry frontier experience faster rates of productivity growth. Geographic proximity to frontier firms makes catch‐up faster. Our econometric specification implies a long‐run relationship between productivity levels, where nonfrontier establishments lie a steady‐state distance behind the frontier such that their rate of productivity growth including catch‐up equals productivity growth at the frontier. We use our econometric estimates to quantify the implied contribution to productivity growth of catch‐up to both the national and regional productivity frontiers.
VERTICAL INDUSTRY RELATIONS, SPILLOVERS, AND PRODUCTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM CHILEAN PLANTS*
Authors: López Ricardo A. , Südekum Jens
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT We use disaggregated data on Chilean plants, and the Chilean input–output table to examine the impact of agglomeration spillovers on total factor productivity (TFP). In common with previous studies, we find evidence for intraindustry spillovers, but none for general cross‐industry spillovers. This picture changes when we take vertical industry relations into account. There are important productivity spillovers from plants in upstream industries. Interestingly, a similar effect cannot be found from plants in downstream industries. The number of plants in these sectors has no effect on plant‐level TFP, just as the number of plants in other industries that are neither important upstream suppliers nor downstream customers also has no effect.
‘A Blinding Lack of Progress’: Management Rhetoric and Affirmative Action
Authors: Ainsworth Susan , Knox Angela , O'Flynn Janine
Published: October 2009

In this study we explore how versions of organizational reality and gender are constructed in management discourse and whether such patterns change over time. Specifically, we examine management explanations and accounts of the gendered nature of their organizations through their commentaries on their affirmative action programmes. In Australia private sector organizations with 100 or more employees are required to report to government on their affirmative action programmes for women. In these documents, management representatives outline objectives for the coming year and report on their progress in reducing employment‐related barriers for women. In doing so they account for the ‘problem’ of gender‐based discrimination that affirmative action is designed to address, justify their actions (or lack of action) and reproduce versions of gendered identity. Thus we use affirmative action reporting as cases of management rhetoric to explore how aspects of gender and organization are constructed, taken for granted, challenged or problematized. Comparing reports from the hospitality sector over a 14‐year period, we explore whether there is any evidence of discursive change in management accounts of the gendered nature of their organizations.
The Impact of Migration on the Gendering of Service Work: The Case of a West London Hotel
Authors: Dyer Sarah , McDowell Linda , Batnitzky Adina
Published: October 2009

This article responds to a call from Kerfoot and Korczynski to investigate the gendering of service sector employment. As a characteristic of many post‐industrial economies in the global North is the growing significance of migrant workers, this article investigates the impact of migration for work on the gendering of service work. Taking the embodied and emotional labour of workers to be fundamental to service work, it describes how these are refracted and produced through migration. The article draws on 60 interviews with workers in a west London hotel who were born abroad and the human resources staff and managers who are responsible for the recruitment and promotion of the workforce. We argue that migration is an important process in the construction of the contemporary workforce in post‐industrial service economies and that migration status should be understood as intersecting with gender in the production of a gendered performance at work.
Fatigue and processing speed are related in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Andreasen A. K. , Spliid P. E. , Andersen H. , Jakobsen J.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Fatigue is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and could be related to impaired processing speed caused by MS specific brain alterations. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between processing speed and fatigue in patients with relapsing remitting MS.

Methods:  Patients with EDSS score ≤3.5 were grouped as fatigued [Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score ≥5.0] or non‐fatigued (FSS score ≤4.0). Patients with FSS scores ≥5 were categorized as primary or secondary fatigued according to various indices. A cognitive test battery obtained from Wechsler’s Adult Intelligence Scale‐III/Wechsler’s Memory Scale‐III was applied.

Results:  Processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding) was lower amongst all MS patients being 9.4(2.9) in primary fatigued, 8.3(2.8) in secondary fatigued and 10.3(2.7) in non‐fatigued versus 12.3(3.0) in healthy controls. In the combined group of primary and secondary fatigued MS patients, processing speed was slower than that in non‐fatigued MS patients and inversely related to fatigue (r = −0.35; P < 0.05). No such relationship could be established in non‐fatigued MS patients or in healthy controls.

Conclusion:  The degree of fatigue in MS is related to processing speed impairment and longitudinal studies should clarify their mutual dependency.
How many dementia cases in France and Europe? Alternative projections and scenarios 2010–2050
Authors: Mura T. , Dartigues J.‐F. , Berr C.
Published: October 2009

Background and purpose:  The objective of this study is to estimate the number of dementia cases expected to occur in France and Europe over the next few decades until 2050.

Methods:  Our estimates are based on a model using the European incidence data for dementia by age and sex, the relative mortality risks related to dementia stratified by age classes, and the projections of mortality coefficients in the French and European general population.

Results:  In France, in 2010, the number of dementia cases should reach 754000, i.e., 1.2% of the general population or 2.8% of the active population. By 2050 this number should be multiplied by 2.4, i.e., 1813000 cases, which will be 2.6% of the total population and 6.2% of the active population. In Europe this number could reach more than 6 millions in 2010 and 14 millions in 2050. The sensitivity analysis performed on French data showed that our projections were robust to the use of alternative data for incidence and relative mortality risk (variation of 5.5% and 6.5%), but very sensitive to hypotheses of evolution of mortality (variation of −22% to 29%).

Conclusions:  The approach used in our study, integrating both the dementia incidence and the mortality in the calculations, allowed us to refine the projections and stress the great sensitivity of the demographic hypotheses forecasts on the evolution of life expectancy. The likely increase is particularly important and confirms that French and European health systems must take this into account when making future plans.
An outbreak of furniture related dermatitis (‘sofa dermatitis’) in Finland and the UK: history and clinical cases
Authors: Susitaival P , Winhoven SM , Williams J , Lammintausta K , Hasan T , Beck MH , Gruvberger B , Zimerson E , Bruze M
Published: October 2009

In February 2007, an epidemic of severe dermatitis from Chinese recliner chairs and sofas started to unfold first in Finland and a few months later in the UK. Some patients reacted in patch tests (PTs) strongly to the material of their furniture, either leather or fabric. There have been hundreds of reports of chair or sofa dermatitis from Finland and the UK, with all cases linked to the same furniture factory in China. Clinical findings in both countries were very similar and unlike any known dermatosis. Many cases have been quite severe, resembling mycosis fungoides or septic infections, requiring hospitalization. Commercial PTs did not reveal the cause but a fungicide was strongly suspected, although such use was denied by the factory. The laboratory of Malmö University Dermatology Clinic has helped in the process by making thin layer chromatograms from sofa or chair materials and test substances of suspected chemicals. Finally, sachets marked with ‘mouldproof agent’ were found in varying numbers and distribution in the sofas. These contained dimethyl fumarate (DMF) which proved in skin tests to cause strong positive reactions with down to 0.01 dilution. Reports from other countries (Belgium, France, Ireland, Sweden and Spain) have since appeared, and the EU has banned the use of DMF in consumer products.
Photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris using 5‐aminolevulinic acid 0.5% liposomal spray and intense pulsed light in combination with topical keratolytic agents
Authors: De Leeuw J , Van Der Beek N , Bjerring P , Martino Neumann HA
Published: October 2009

Background  Increasing antibiotic resistance of Propionibacterium acnes and growing awareness on the side effects of topical and systemic drugs in the treatment of acne vulgaris by physicians and patients have paved the way for a search into new efficacious and safe treatment modalities such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). Although the efficacy of PDT using 20% 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) cream has been established, phototoxic side effects limit its use. The 5‐ALA concentration can be lowered by a factor of 40 by changing the vehicle of 5‐ALA from a moisturizing cream to liposome encapsulation.

Objectives  Assessment of the efficacy and the safety of PDT using 5‐ALA 0.5% in liposomal spray and intense pulsed light (IPL) in combination with topical peeling agents (Li‐PDT‐PC) in acne vulgaris.

Materials and Methods  32 patients suffering from acne participated in this randomized, prospective, single blind study. All patients were treated with Li‐PDT‐PC. During the study nine patients were additionally treated with topical or systemic antibiotics (Li‐PDT‐PC‐AT). These patients were removed from the study although their results were recorded.

Results  After a mean period of 7.8 months and a mean number of 5.7 treatments the mean total number of lesions dropped from 34.6 lesions to 11.0 lesions, resulting in a mean improvement of 68.2%. Side effects were minimal. Additionally, an intention to treat analysis was conducted.

Conclusion  Photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris using 5‐ALA 0.5% liposomal spray and IPL in combination with topical peeling agents is safe and efficacious, even in patients with acne recalcitrant to standard therapy.
Social contextual links to emotion regulation in an adolescent psychiatric inpatient population: do gender and symptomatology matter?
Authors: Adrian Molly , Zeman Janice , Erdley Cynthia , Lisa Ludmila , Homan Kendra , Sim Leslie
Published: October 2009

Background:  The regulation of emotion is essential for adaptive functioning. However, delineating the pathways of emotion regulation (ER) processes that lead to psychological adaptation remains under‐studied, with mixed evidence for the specificity vs. generality of ER deficits in relation to specific forms of psychopathology. To examine this issue, this study investigated links among ER, social‐contextual factors (family, peer), and psychological adjustment (internalizing, externalizing).

Method:  Participants were 140 adolescents (71% female, 83.3% Caucasian, M age = 16.03 years) who were consecutive psychiatric admissions over a one‐year period. Adolescents completed measures on family environment and peer relationship experiences. Both adolescents and parents reported on adolescents’ characteristic patterns of ER and psychopathology.

Results:  Discriminant analyses revealed that two functions, ER skills and impulsivity/lability, differentiated among adolescents who were elevated in internalizing symptoms only, in externalizing symptoms only, in both domains, or in neither domain. Regarding social contextual variables, family cohesion was associated with adaptive ER behaviors for girls along the internalizing dimension and all adolescents reporting externalizing behaviors. Relational victimization predicted difficulties with ER in both symptom domains for all adolescents. Within the internalizing domain, friendship support was related to adaptive ER.

Conclusion:  Facets of ER do differentiate between global indices of internalizing and externalizing behaviors and suggest that both general and specific factors contribute to adolescents’ unique learning history with emotions and characteristic patterns for managing emotions.
Information and communication: a library’s local response to HIV/AIDS in Zambia
Authors: Kanyengo Christine Wamunyima
Published: October 2009

Objective:  To document and describe the University of Zambia Medical library’s responses to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Zambia.

Methods:  The methodology adopted was a case study approach combined with an analysis of the literature such as annual reports and official documents. This was augmented by personal reflections of the author having worked at the Medical Library.

Results:  The University of Zambia Medical library has over the years instituted and implemented HIV/AIDS information provision programmes that include the provision of information in various formats ‐‐ print or electronic and, in addition, capacity building in HIV/AIDS information literacy skills.

Conclusion:  A library’s social responsibility calls for it to be part of national responses to crises that arise in society. As HIV/AIDS has affected every aspect of Zambian society prevention, treatment, care and support there is an understanding that the library’s role should be using the cri tical and strategic resource at its disposal – information ‐‐ as part of their contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS. In this context, libraries should source, collect, organize and disseminate information on HIV/AIDS in a way that is easily accessible to researchers, HIV/AIDS programme implementation agencies and the ordinary public.
Pharmacological actions of curcumin in liver diseases or damage
Authors: Rivera‐Espinoza Yadira , Muriel Pablo
Published: October 2009

Since 1900 bc, several therapeutic activities have been attributed to the rhizomes of the plantCurcuma longafor a variety of diseases, including liver disorders. Curcumin, the main active compound obtained from this plant, was first isolated two centuries ago and its structure as diferuloylmethane was determined in 1910. Curcumin has shown anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and anticancer activities. The pharmacological properties of curcumin were reviewed recently and focused mainly on its anticancer properties. However, its beneficial activity on liver diseases (known centuries ago, and demonstrated recently utilizing animal models) has not being reviewed in depth until now. The curcumin ability to inhibit several factors like nuclear factor‐κB, which modulates several pro‐inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines as well as its anti‐oxidant properties, provide a rational molecular basis to use it in hepatic disorders. Curcumin attenuates liver injury induced by ethanol, thioacetamide, iron overdose, cholestasis and acute, subchronic and chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication; moreover, it reverses CCl4cirrhosis to some extent. Unfortunately, the number of studies of curcumin on liver diseases is still very low and investigations in this area must be encouraged because hepatic disorders constitute one of the main causes of worldwide mortality.