bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European polity: layers of legitimacy
Authors: Tamvaki Dionysia
Published: April 2010

Transferring the legitimacy or illegitimacy debate away from national discourse to the supranational agenda of the European Union (EU) requires a theoretical re‐invention of legitimacy so that it meets the normative standards of the ever‐enlarging European polity. After providing a taxonomy of legitimacy, this article reviews scholarly attempts to devise conceptual tools that smooth its transition from the familiar state level to the uncharted supranational level. Inter‐governmentalism, federalism and multilevel governance are the theoretical postulates revisited. Evading the temptation to apply state‐loaded legitimation criteria to a “polity in formation”, this study opts for a multilevel model. The latter is helpful in framing the multilayered legitimacy dilemmas stemming from the expansion of the EU into new territorial units, further functional tasks and additional loci of authority.
Synthesis of pattern and process in biodiversity conservation assessment: a flexible whole‐landscape modelling framework
Authors: Ferrier Simon , Drielsma Michael
Published: April 2010

Aim To describe a general modelling framework for integrating multiple pattern‐ and process‐related factors into biodiversity conservation assessments across whole landscapes.

Location New South Wales (Australia), and world‐wide.

Methods The framework allows for a rich array of alternatives to the target‐based model traditionally underpinning systematic conservation planning and consists of three broad modelling components. The first component models the future state (condition) of habitat across a landscape as a function of present state, current and projected pressures acting on this state, and any proposed, or implemented, management interventions. The second component uses this spatially explicit prediction of future habitat state to model the level of persistence expected for each of a set of surrogate biodiversity entities. The third component then integrates these individual expectations to estimate the overall level of persistence expected for biodiversity as a whole.

Results Options are explored for tailoring implementation of the framework to suit planning processes varying markedly in purpose, and in availability of data, time, funding and expertise. The framework allows considerable flexibility in the nature of employed biodiversity surrogates (species‐level, discrete or continuous community‐level) and spatial data structures (polygonal planning units, or fine‐scaled raster), the level of sophistication with which each of the three modelling components is implemented (from simple target‐based assessment to complex process‐based modelling approaches), and the forms of higher‐level analysis supported (e.g. optimal plan development, priority mapping, interactive scenario evaluation).

Main conclusions The described framework provides a logical, and highly flexible, foundation for integrating disparate pattern‐ and process‐related factors into conservation assessments in dynamic, multiple‐use landscapes.
Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Protein–Energy Wasting and Protein Wasting in End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Noori Nazanin , Kopple Joel D.
Published: April 2010

Protein wasting (PW) or protein–energy wasting (PEW) occurs commonly in patients with diabetes mellitus who have end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and are undergoing maintenance dialysis (MD) therapy. Some but not all studies indicate that PW or PEW is more prevalent in diabetic when compared with nondiabetic MD patients and that diabetic patients commencing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are more likely to lose fat‐free, edema‐free weight than are incident nondiabetic MHD patients. The causes of PW and PEW in diabetic MD patients are probably largely similar to those of nondiabetic MD patients. These causes include anorexia, reduced food intake, concurrent illnesses particularly when associated with inflammatory processes, physical or mental debility, removal of nutrients by dialysis procedure, acidemia, possibly physical deconditioning, and oxidant and carbonyl stress. However, diabetic MD patients are also at greater risk for PW or PEW from comorbidities related to diabetes per se. These disorders include ischemic vascular disease, hypertension, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and neuropathy. Metabolic disorders such as insulin deficiency or resistance to the actions of insulin, and elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones may also contribute to PW or PEW in diabetic MD patients. Mechanisms by which these metabolic disorders in diabetic ESRD patients may cause PW or PEW are discussed.
Long‐Term Performance of the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) Device: The 56‐Month Follow‐Up of the First Clinical Trial Patient
Authors: Nassar George M.
Published: April 2010

The Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO®) Vascular Access Device is a novel long‐term subcutaneous dialysis graft, ideally suited for catheter‐dependent patients and patients dialyzing with failing fistulas or grafts due to venous outflow stenosis. This case presentation depicts the clinical course of the first patient to enter a Food and Drug Administration approved clinical trial and receive the HeRO device. The course of this patient over 56 months of follow‐up provides the longest experience with the HeRO device to‐date. In this patient, the HeRO device provided long‐term dialysis access patency in conjunction with adequate dialysis and a low intervention rate.
Pulse Conductance and Flow‐induced Hemolysis During Pulsatile Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Simons Antoine P. , Wortel Pieter , Van Kan Rob A.T. , Van Der Veen Frederik H. , Weerwind Patrick W. , Maessen Jos G.
Published: April 2010

In this study, the hypothesis was tested that a low‐resistant, high‐compliant oxygenator provides better pulse conductance and less hemolysis than a high‐resistant, low‐compliant oxygenator during pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass. Forty adults undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly divided into two groups using either an oxygenator with a relatively low hydraulic resistance (Quadrox BE‐HMO 2000, Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) or with a relatively high hydraulic resistance (Capiox SX18, Terumo Cardiovascular Systems, Tokyo, Japan). The phase shift between the flow signals measured at the inlet and outlet of the oxygenator was used to assess compliance. Pulse conductance in terms of pressure attenuation was calculated by dividing the outlet pulse pressure of the oxygenator by the inlet pulse pressure. A normalized index was used to assess hemolysis. The phase shifts in time of the flow pulses were 36 ± 6 ms in the low‐resistant (high‐compliant) oxygenator, and 14 ± 2 ms in the high‐resistant (low‐compliant) oxygenator group (P < 0.001). The low‐resistant, high‐compliant oxygenator provided 27% better pulse conductance compared with the high‐resistant, low‐compliant oxygenator (0.84 ± 0.02 and 0.66 ± 0.01, respectively, P < 0.001). Inlet pulse pressures were significantly higher (29%) in the high‐resistant, low‐compliant (Capiox) group than in the low‐resistant, high‐compliant (Quadrox) group (838 ± 38 mm Hg and 648 ± 25 mm Hg respectively, P < 0.001), but no significant difference in hemolysis was found. A low‐resistant, high‐compliant oxygenator provides better pulse conduction than a high‐resistant, low‐compliant oxygenator. However, the study data could not confirm the association of high pressures with increased hemolysis.
Ceramic‐On‐Metal for Total Hip Replacement: Mixing and Matching Can Lead to High Wear
Authors: Affatato Saverio , Spinelli Michele , Zavalloni Mara , Traina Francesco , Carmignato Simone , Toni Aldo
Published: April 2010

Ceramic‐on‐ceramic and metal‐on‐metal bearing surfaces are often employed for total hip replacement because of their resistance to wear. However, they have some limits: brittleness is a major concern for ceramic, and ion release is a drawback for metal. To reduce the effect of these limitations, a hybrid coupling of ceramic‐on‐metal has been proposed. The theoretical advantage of this new coupling might lead orthopedic surgeons to use it indiscriminately. We asked whether the wear rate of this innovative solution was comparable with that of ceramic‐on‐ceramic, which is considered to be the gold standard for wear resistance. In a hip simulator study, we tested the wear pattern of a hybrid ceramic‐on‐metal coupling supplied by the same distributor; in particular, three different configurations were tested for 5 million cycles: 36‐mm ceramic‐on‐ceramic, 32‐mm and 36‐mm ceramic‐on‐metal. These combinations were gravimetrically and geometrically evaluated. After 5 million cycles, the volumetric loss for the metal acetabular cups (Φ 36‐mm) was 20‐fold greater than that of the ceramic cups of the same size (Φ 36‐mm); a volumetric loss of 4.35 mm3 and 0.26 mm3 was observed, respectively, for ceramic‐on‐metal and ceramic‐on‐ceramic combinations. Significant statistical differences were observed between all 36‐mm different combinations (P <  0.0001). The increased diameter of the 36‐mm ceramic‐on‐metal configuration resulted in a lower volumetric loss compared with that of the 32‐mm ceramic‐on‐metal configuration. Our findings showed an increase in wear for the proposed hybrid specimens with respect to that of the ceramic‐on‐ceramic ones. This confirms that even in the case of ceramic‐on‐metal bearings, mixing and matching could not prove effective wear behavior, not even comparable with that of the ceramic‐on‐ceramic gold standard.
Effect of Photocrosslinkable Chitosan Hydrogel and Its Sponges to Stop Bleeding in a Rat Liver Injury Model
Authors: Horio Takuya , Ishihara Masayuki , Fujita Masanori , Kishimoto Satoko , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Ishizuka Takamitsu , Nogami Yashiro , Nakamura Shingo , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Morimoto Yuji , Maehara Tadaaki
Published: April 2010

This study examined the hemostatic efficacy of photocrosslinkable chitosan hydrogel‐mixed photocrosslinked chitosan sponges (PCM‐S) after hepatic injury in rats. The left lobe of the liver was penetrated with a dermal punch to produce a penetrating wound in heparinized and nonheparinized rats. Treated rats either had PCM‐S applied into the wound and then were immediately ultraviolet irradiated, or they had TachoComb (TC) inserted into the wound. Blood loss, hemostasis, and survival were quantified after the hepatic injury. Measurements on serum alanine aminotransferase in nonheparinized rats and hemoglobin concentrations and histologic examinations in heparinized rats were performed to assess hepatic function. Although the hemostatic effect in the PCM‐S‐treated nonheparinized rats was identical to that of the TC‐treated group, PCM‐S‐treatment has higher hemostatic effect in heparinized rats. No adverse events related to the use of PCM‐S were detected in blood and histologic examinations.
Comparison of Sustained Hemodiafiltration With Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration for the Treatment of Critically Ill Patients With Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Abe Masanori , Okada Kazuyoshi , Suzuki Midori , Nagura Chinami , Ishihara Yuko , Fujii Yuki , Ikeda Kazuya , Kaizu Kazo , Matsumoto Koichi
Published: April 2010

Despite improvements in medical care, the mortality of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who require renal replacement therapy (RRT) remains high. We describe a new approach, sustained hemodiafiltration, to treat patients who suffered from acute kidney injury and were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). In our study, 60 critically ill patients with AKI who required RRT were treated with either continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) or sustained hemodiafiltration (S‐HDF). The former was performed by administering a postfilter replacement fluid at an effluent rate of 35 mL/kg/h, and the latter was performed by administering a postfilter replacement fluid at a dialysate‐flow rate of 300–500 mL/min. The S‐HDF was delivered on a daily basis. The baseline characteristics of the patients in the two treatment groups were similar. The primary study outcome—survival until discharge from the ICU or survival for 30 days, whichever was earlier—did not significantly differ between the two groups: 70% after CVVHDF and 87% after S‐HDF. The hospital‐survival rate after CVVHDF was 63% and that after S‐HDF was 83% (P < 0.05). The number of patients who showed renal recovery at the time of discharge from the ICU and the hospital and the duration of the ICU stay significantly differed between the two treatments (P < 0.05). Although there was no significant difference between the mean number of treatments performed per patient, the mean duration of daily treatment in the S‐HDF group was 6.5 ± 1.0 h, which was significantly shorter. Although the total convective volumes—the sum of the replacement‐fluid and fluid‐removal volumes—did not differ significantly, the dialysate‐flow rate was higher in the S‐HDF group. Our results suggest that in comparison with conventional continuous RRT, including high‐dose CVVHDF, more intensive renal support in the form of postdilution S‐HDF will decrease the mortality and accelerate renal recovery in critically ill patients with AKI.
Configuration‐Based Processing of Phosphene Pattern Recognition for Simulated Prosthetic Vision
Authors: Guo Hong , Qin Ruogu , Qiu Yihong , Zhu Yisheng , Tong Shanbao
Published: April 2010

Visual prosthesis can elicit phosphenes by stimulating the retina, optic nerve, or visual cortex along the visual pathway. Psychophysical studies have demonstrated that visual function can be partly recovered with phosphene‐based prosthetic vision. This study investigated the cognitive process of prosthetic vision through a face recognition task. Both behavioral response and the face‐specific N170 component of event‐related potential were analyzed in the presence of face and non‐face stimuli with natural and simulated prosthetic vision. Our results showed that: (i) the accuracy of phosphene face recognition was comparable with that of the normal one when phosphene grid increased to 25 × 21 or more; (ii) shorter response time was needed for phosphene face recognition; and (iii) the N170 component was delayed and enhanced under phosphene stimuli. It was suggested that recognition of phosphene patterns employ a configuration‐based holistic processing mechanism with a distinct substage unspecific to faces.
Brain Protection During Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Su Xiaowei W. , Ündar Akif
Published: April 2010

Improvements in peri‐ and postoperative surgical techniques have greatly improved outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the treatment of congenital heart defects (CHDs). With decreased mortality rates, the incidence of adverse neurological outcomes, comprising cognitive and speech impairments, motor deficits, and behavioral abnormalities, has increased in those patients surviving bypass. A number of mechanisms, including ischemia, reperfusion injury, hypothermia, inflammation, and hemodilution, contribute to brain insult, which is further confounded by unique challenges presented in the pediatric population. However, a number of brain monitoring and preventative techniques have been developed or are being currently evaluated in the practice of pediatric CPB. Monitoring techniques include electroencephalography, near‐infrared as well as visible light spectroscopy, transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and emboli detection and classification quantitation. Preventative measures include hypothermic perfusion techniques such as deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, low‐flow CPB, blood gas management, and pharmacologic prophylaxes, among others. The present review summarizes the principles of brain insult, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, monitoring techniques, methods of prevention, as well as preexisting morbidities and risk factors in pediatric CPB, with a focus on brain protection. Clinical and translational research is presented with the aim of determining methods that may optimize neurological outcomes post CPB and guiding further study.
Comparison of Perfusion Quality in Hollow‐Fiber Membrane Oxygenators for Neonatal Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Talor Jonathan , Yee Stella , Rider Alan , Kunselman Allen R. , Guan Yulong , Ündar Akif
Published: April 2010

Perfusion quality is an important issue in extracorporeal life support (ECLS); without adequate perfusion of the brain and other vital organs, multiorgan dysfunction and other deficits can result. The authors tested three different pediatric oxygenators (Medos Hilite 800 LT, Medtronic Minimax Plus, and Capiox Baby RX) to determine which gives the highest quality of perfusion at flow rates of 400, 600, and 800 mL/min using human blood (36°C, 40% hematocrit) under both nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow conditions. Clinically identical equipment and a pseudo‐patient were used to mimic operating conditions during neonatal ECLS. Traditionally, the postoxygenator surplus hemodynamic energy value (SHEpost, extra energy obtained through pulsatile flow) is the one relied upon to give a qualitative determination of the amount of perfusion in the patient; the authors also examined SHE retention through the membrane, as well as the contribution of SHEpost to the postoxygenator total hemodynamic energy (THEpost). At each experimental condition, pulsatile flow outperformed nonpulsatile flow for all factors contributing to perfusion quality: the SHEpost values for pulsatile flow were 4.6–7.6 times greater than for nonpulsatile flow, while the THEpost remained nearly constant for pulsatile versus nonpulsatile flow. For both pulsatile and nonpulsatile flow, the Capiox Baby RX oxygenator was found to deliver the highest quality of perfusion, while the Minimax Plus oxygenator delivered the least perfusion. It is the authors' recommendation that the Baby RX oxygenator running under pulsatile flow conditions be used for pediatric ECLS, but further studies need to be done in order to establish its effectiveness beyond the FDA‐approved time span.
Geostatistical Simulation for the Assessment of Regional Soil Pollution. 区域土壤污染评估的地统计模拟方法
Authors: Van Meirvenne Marc , Meklit Tariku
Published: April 2010

Regional scale inventories of heavy metal concentrations in soil increasingly are being done to evaluate their global patterns of variation. Sometimes these global pattern evaluations reveal information that is not identified by more detailed studies. Geostatistical methods, such as stochastic simulation, have not yet been used routinely for this purpose in spite of their potential. To investigate such a use of geostatistical methods, we analyzed a data set of 14,674 copper and 12,441 cadmium observations in the topsoil of Flanders, Belgium, covering 13,522 km2. Outliers were identified and removed, and the distributions were spatially declustered. Copper was analyzed using sequential Gaussian simulation, whereas for cadmium we used sequential indicator simulation because of the large proportion (43%) of censored data. We complemented maps of the estimated values with maps of the probability of exceeding a critical sanitation threshold for agricultural land use. These sets of maps allowed the identification of regional patterns of increased metal concentrations and provided insight into their potential causes. Mostly areas with known industrial activities (such as lead and zinc smelters) could be delineated, but the effects of shells fired during the First World War were also identified.
Space–Time Geostatistics for Geography: A Case Study of Radiation Monitoring Across Parts of Germany. 地理学的时空地统计学：横跨德国部分区域的辐射监测的案例研究
Authors: Heuvelink Gerard B. M. , Griffith Daniel A.
Published: April 2010

Many branches within geography deal with variables that vary not only in space but also in time. Therefore, conventional geostatistics needs to be extended with methods that estimate and quantify spatiotemporal variation and use it in spatiotemporal interpolation and stochastic simulation. This article briefly summarizes the main concepts of space–time geostatistics. Kriging in space and time can be done in much the same way as it is in a purely spatial setting. The main difficulties are in defining a realistic stochastic model that is assumed to have generated data and in characterizing and estimating the space–time correlation of that model. This article uses a model‐based geostatistical approach to characterize space–time variability. The space–time variable of interest is treated as a sum of independent stationary spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal components, which leads to a sum‐metric space–time variogram model. Methods are illustrated with a case study of space–time interpolation of monthly averages of detected background radiation for a 5‐year period in four German states.
Injuries Related to Snow Blowers in the United States: 2002 Through 2008
Authors: Hammig Bart , Jones Ches
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  The objective was to examine injuries related to the use of a snow blower among patients treated in an emergency department (ED).

Methods:  Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for the years 2002–2008. National estimates of ED visits for injuries associated with the use of a snow blower were obtained, and descriptive epidemiologic characteristics assessed.

Results:  From 2002 through 2008, there were an estimated 32,307 ED visits for injuries related to the use of a snow blower in the United States. Older adults had a higher proportion of ED visits for such injuries than younger age groups. The majority of injuries involved injuries to the hand, with 42% of cases diagnosed with fractures and 20% resulting in amputations.

Conclusions:  Findings indicate that injuries from snow blowers remain a public health problem. Efforts to reduce injury incidence are discussed in accordance with inherent challenges of prevention of injuries associated with these products.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:566–569 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Attitude and tendency of cheating behaviours amongst undergraduate students in a Dental Institution of India
Authors: Monica M. , Ankola A. V. , Ashokkumar B. R. , Hebbal I.
Published: April 2010

Honesty and integrity are key characteristics expected of a doctor, although academic misconduct amongst medical students is not new. Academic integrity provides the foundation upon, which a flourishing academic life rests. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude of undergraduate dental students about the seriousness of cheating behaviours and to determine the rate of malpractice amongst these students. A self designed closed ended questionnaire was distributed to 300 undergraduate students in a Dental Institution in India, to rate the seriousness of six cheating behaviours and to assess the rate of malpractice. The response rate was 100%. Two of the six cheating behaviours were considered by at least 61% of the students as very serious cheating behaviours. Almost 70% of the students agreed that they have involved in malpractice in examinations at least once. The majority also felt that cheating in examinations will not have any significant effect on their future. This study has revealed that cheating is an important issue, which needs to be addressed for the benefit of the society at large.
Oral health students’ perceptions of clinical reflective learning – relevance to their development as evolving professionals
Authors: Tsang A. K. L. , Walsh L. J.
Published: April 2010

Context:  A clinical professional should be a reflective practitioner, however reflective learning and deliberate clinical reflections have not traditionally featured in dentistry or dental hygiene programs. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no studies exploring the perceptions of oral health students to reflective learning and clinical reflective practices.

Aim:  This study determined student perceptions of clinical reflective learning and its relevance to their clinical and professional development.

Methods:  Reflective learning was embedded as a topic in the curriculum of the University of Queensland Bachelor of Oral Health program, within the discipline of dental hygiene practice. Reflective practices were integrated with clinical practice, and were linked with assessment requirements. Students’ perceptions of clinical reflective learning were obtained via quantitative and qualitative analyses of sequenced questionnaires. Computer‐assisted thematic analyses of the students’ reflective journals, reflective essays and summary notes from in‐class group discussions validated students’ perceptions.

Results:  Students (n = 17) perceived clinical reflective learning as relevant, and useful for consolidating their clinical learning and accelerating their professional development. In particular, students gained insights about their strengths and weaknesses, thought more deeply about what they were doing in the clinic, and unpacked difficult concepts.

Conclusion:  Students views of clinical reflective learning in this program were positive. They believed that the deliberate reflective process assisted their clinical learning and professional development.
The assessment of suturing skills of dental undergraduates
Authors: Hanson C. , Mossey P. , Macluskey M.
Published: April 2010

Introduction:  To improve the assessment of suturing skills, we firstly developed a checklist based assessment. As an aid to the teaching of suturing skills a video was subsequently developed.

Materials and methods:  To validate the checklist a cohort of 57 final year students were videoed performing the formative suturing assessment which was assessed by two examiners independently. Two cohorts of third year students took part in the formal assessment but only the second cohort of students would have access to the video.

Results:  The first cohort of 58 third year students’ success rate was 93% and 1 year later 94% of 53 third year students were successful. One hundred per cent of the first cohort and 98% of the second cohort thought that the exam was a fair assessment of suturing skills. The majority of students thought that the checklist was helpful (94% and 93%). However, 62% and 55% thought that the assessment was a stressful experience. However, only 80% of the first cohort compared with 98% of the second cohort thought that they could now place sutures in intra‐oral wounds.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that checklist based assessments of suturing skills were well received by the students and improved the objectivity and transparency of the assessment process. Further work is required to determine if teaching initially on a tabletop model can be transferred to the dental clinical situation.
REVIEW ARTICLE: An updated review of simianbetaretrovirus(SRV) in macaque hosts
Authors: Montiel N.A.
Published: April 2010

This review is an updated summary of nearly 30 years of SRV history and provides new and critical findings of original research accomplished in the last 5 years including, but not limited to, the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the origin of hematopoietic abnormalities observed in infected hosts and proposed new SRV serotypes. Despite major advances in the understanding and control of SRV disease, much more remains to be learned and SRV continues to be an exciting and attractive primate model for comparative studies of the mechanisms of retroviral immunosuppression.
Effect of novel therapeutic glucocorticoids on circadian rhythms of hormones and cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kirwan John R. , Clarke Lynsey , Hunt Linda P. , Perry Mark G. , Straub Rainer H. , Jessop David S.
Published: April 2010

The morning stiffness and pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is accompanied by a rise in serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) from 2 am to 7 am. Using a formulation that releases prednisone at 2 am (after ingestion at 10 pm), we studied the circadian dynamics of serum IL‐6, other cytokines, and cortisol in 9 patients before and after 2 weeks, therapy. Significant improvements occurred in morning stiffness, pain, disease activity, and the acute‐phase response. Only IL‐6 showed measurable cytokine circadian variation, its high pretreatment peak was abolished, and changes in IL‐6 correlated with the changes in morning stiffness. Following treatment, afternoon and evening serum cortisol was reduced, but in the early morning cortisol peak concentration increased. Thus the severity of morning symptoms is related to nocturnal serum IL‐6 concentration. The specific timing of the medication, linked to the interaction between IL‐6 and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, may correct a postulated deficiency in HPA control in RA.
Nonhormonal explanations for sex discrepancy in human illness
Authors: Lockshin Michael D.
Published: April 2010

Autoimmune illnesses have sex ratios that range from 10:1 female predominant to 1:3 male predominant. Potential genetic/chromosomal explanations include differences in X and Y chromosome genes, mutations or deletions of sex chromosomes, skewed inactivation of X chromosome genes, and gene imprinting. The latter may reflect epigenetic environmentally induced differences between the sexes. In addition, environmental exposure differences may explain sex differences in disease incidence. Pregnancy adds its own set of differences that may change susceptibility to autoimmune illnesses. Biological sex differences in immune function, especially those induced by sex hormones, are less likely explanations of sex differences.
A new assay for nerve fiber repulsion
Authors: Fassold Alexander , Straub Rainer H.
Published: April 2010

In inflammatory lesions, sympathetic nerve fibers get lost soon after the start of inflammation. To be able to identify and examine the factors that are responsible for this repulsion of the sympathetic nerve fibers we established anin vitroassay. Sympathetic trunk ganglia of postnatal mice were used for the outgrowth of axons. They were plated on poly‐d‐lysine‐coated culture slides. Axons were encouraged to grow out by the addition of nerve growth factor‐7S (NGF) from murine submaxillary gland. Using live imaging it was clearly shown that SEMA3F is a nerve‐repellent factor. Two different types of nerve fiber repulsion were observed. The assay turned out to be an excellent model for the investigation of axon guidance factors of sympathetic neurons (nerve fiber repulsion/nerve fiber attraction).
Estrogens interfere with leflunomide modulation of cytokine production by human activated monocytes
Authors: Montagna Paola , Soldano Stefano , Brizzolara Renata , Villaggio Barbara , Triolo Pierfranco , Clerico Paolo , Meroni Marianna , Sulli Alberto , Seriolo Bruno , Molfetta Luigi , Cutolo Maurizio
Published: April 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prevalence is greater in females than in males, supporting estrogens as modulators of immune response. Leflunomide (LEF) is employed in the RA treatment. We studied the combinatory effects of LEF active metabolite A77 1726 (LEF‐M) and 17beta‐estradiol (E2) on inflammatory cytokine production by cultured macrophages obtained from activated human monocytes (THP‐1 cells). Macrophages were cultured with LEF‐M alone and in combination with E2. IL‐6, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β were evaluated by immunocytochemistry (ICC), Western blot (WB), and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). ICC, as well as WB and RT‐PCR, showed that LEF‐M, in respect to untreated cells, significantly downregulated the cytokine production (IL‐6P< 0.01, TNF‐αP< 0.001, TGF‐βP< 0.01). On the contrary, E2 increased the cytokine production, a result that was significantly reversed when LEF‐M was subsequently added (IL‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐βP< 0.001 vs. E2). E2 seems to contrast the LEF‐M activity. These results might support a more efficient therapeutical effect of LEF in male with respect to female RA patients.
Vitamin D receptor agonists target static, dynamic, and inflammatory components of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Adorini Luciano , Penna Giuseppe , Fibbi Benedetta , Maggi Mario
Published: April 2010

The bioactive form of vitamin D, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, is a secosteroid hormone that binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, and modulates a variety of biological functions. The VDR is expressed by most cell types, including cells of the urogenital system, such as prostate and bladder cells. In particular, the prostate is a target organ of VDR agonists and represents an extrarenal synthesis site of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3. We have analyzed the capacity of VDR agonists to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a complex syndrome characterized by a static component related to prostate overgrowth, a dynamic component responsible for urinary irritative symptoms, and an inflammatory component. Data reviewed here demonstrate that VDR agonists, and notably elocalcitol, reduce the static component of BPH by inhibiting the activity of intraprostatic growth factors downstream of the androgen receptor, the dynamic component by targeting the RhoA/ROCK pathway in prostate and bladder cells, and the inflammatory component by targeting the NF‐κB pathway.
Effects of sleep and circadian rhythm on the human immune system
Authors: Lange Tanja , Dimitrov Stoyan , Born Jan
Published: April 2010

Many immune parameters show systematic fluctuations over the 24‐h day in human blood. Circulating naive T‐cells and production of proinflammatory cytokines, like interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), peak during nighttime, whereas cytotoxic effector leukocytes and production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 peak during daytime. These temporal changes originate from a combined influence of the circadian system and sleep. Both brain functions act synergistically and share neuroendocrine effector mechanisms to convey control over immune functions. Sympathetic tone and cortisol levels show a circadian nadir during nighttime and are further suppressed by sleep, whereas growth hormone and prolactin show a circadian peak during nighttime and are further enhanced by sleep. Thus, the circadian system and sleep jointly evoke a unique endocrine constellation that is extremely effective in inducing changes in leukocyte traffic and a shift toward proinflammatory type 1‐cytokines during the nocturnal period of sleep, that is, an action with strong clinical implications.
Abnormal olfactory function demonstrated by manganese‐enhanced MRI in mice with experimental neuropsychiatric lupus
Authors: Kivity Shaye , Tsarfaty Galia , Agmon‐Levin Nancy , Blank Miri , Manor David , Konen Eli , Chapman Joab , Reichlin Morris , Wasson Craig , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Kushnir Tammar
Published: April 2010

Mice with experimental neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), induced by anti‐ribosomal‐P antibodies, developed depression‐like behavior and a diminished sense of smell. Manganese‐enhanced MRI (MEMRI) allows in vivo mapping of functional neuronal connections in the brain, including the olfactory tract. The aim of this study was to analyze and describe, via the MEMRI technique, the effect of the anti‐ribosomal‐P injection on the olfactory pathway. Twenty mice were intra‐cerebra‐ventricular injected to the right hemisphere: 10 with human anti‐ribosomal‐P antibodies and 10 with human IgG antibodies (control). Depression was addressed by forced swimming test and smell function was evaluated by smelling different concentrations of menthol. MEMRI was used to investigate the olfactory system in these mice. Passive transfer of anti‐ribosomal‐P to mice resulted in a depression‐like behavior, accompanied with a significant deficit in olfactory function. MEMRI of these mice demonstrated significant reduction (P < 0.001) in normalized manganese enhancement ratios of olfactory structures, compared to control mice. We concluded that an impaired olfactory neuronal function in mice with experimental depression, mediated by passive transfer of human‐anti‐ribosomal‐P, can be demonstrated by MEMRI.
Low‐dose glucocorticoid therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: an obligatory therapy
Authors: Bijlsma Johannes W.J. , van der Goes Marlies C. , Hoes Jos N. , Jacobs Johannes W.G. , Buttgereit Frank , Kirwan John
Published: April 2010

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used extensively in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent data on the efficacy of these drugs in alleviating symptoms of inflammation, but also in retarding erosive damage, are presented. In addition, a critical review of the rather limited literature on adverse effects of chronic use of low dose GCs is given. It becomes clear that the net effect of low‐dose GCs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis favors the beneficial aspects of these drugs above the negative aspects. Prudent use of GCs can be recommended.
Neuroendocrine therapy of fibromyalgia syndrome: an update
Authors: Sarzi‐Puttini Piercarlo , Atzeni Fabiola , Cazzola Marco
Published: April 2010

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep alterations, and distress. Emerging evidence points toward augmented pain processing within the central nervous system as having a primary role in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Recent studies have identified distinct FM subgroups on the basis of clinical, neurochemical, and neuroendocrinological abnormalities, including increased cerebrospinal fluid levels of substance P and excitatory amino acids and functional abnormalities in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and sympathoadrenal (autonomic nervous) system. Pharmacological treatments have been gradually enriched by a variety of compounds. Antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, opioids, sedatives, muscle relaxants, and alpha2‐delta agonists have all been used to treat FM with varying results. Physical exercise and multimodal cognitive‐behavioral therapy seem to be the most widely accepted and beneficial forms of nonpharmacological therapy. Studies predicting treatment response indicate that it is useful if not essential to tailor the choice of treatment components to the needs of individual patients.
An endocrinologist's view on relative adrenocortical insufficiency in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Imrich Richard , Vlcek Miroslav , Aldag Jean C. , Kerlik Jana , Radikova Zofia , Rovensky Jozef , Vigas Milan , Masi Alfonse T.
Published: April 2010

The concept of relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) has been originally introduced to describe a situation in which critically ill patients, without any prior risk or evidence for adrenal insufficiency, have total serum cortisol levels inadequate for the severity of patients’ illness. The concept provided a framework for other disease states, in which higher than normal adrenal function could be expected, such as in chronic inflammation. An intense research in RAI field highlighted some new methodological aspects that significantly improved assessment of adrenal function in chronic illness. Measurement of salivary cortisol may provide additional information on locally available cortisol in target tissues. Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) for given age and gender were confirmed as a simple and reliable indicator of decreased adrenal function, even in subjects with normal baseline cortisol or normal corticotropin‐stimulated cortisol response. Combined lower DHEAS and lower baseline cortisol levels could be an example of hypocompetence of adrenocortical function, yet clinically not apparent.
Changes in adiponectin and leptin concentrations during glucocorticoid treatment: a pilot study in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Cimmino M. A. , Andraghetti G. , Briatore L. , Salani B. , Parodi M. , Cutolo M. , Cordera R.
Published: April 2010

This study is concerned with an evaluation of the effects of glucocorticoids (GC) on adiponectin and leptin concentrations in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Seven patients diagnosed with PMR were studied at baseline and after one and three months of prednisone treatment. Serum leptin and adiponectin, serum glucose and insulin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, and IL‐6 were all measured by commercial assays. The treatment with GC normalized inflammation markers and significantly increased adiponectin and leptin concentrations without any impairment of insulin sensitivity measured by HOMA‐IR. Adiponectin significantly increased only between baseline and 1 month (P= 0.013). A significant correlation was found between adiponectin and leptin concentrations both at baseline and after 3 months of treatment (both rho = 0.89, P= 0.03). In addition, adiponectin correlated also with serum glucose at baseline (rho = 0.81, P= 0.047). According to our results, adiponectin concentrations seem to be driven by inflammation, whereas leptin seems to be increased directly by the use of steroids.
THE ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF POLLUTION IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Davidson B. R.
Published: April 2010

Water, air and land pollution exist in Australia, but are still well below the levels found in the U.S.A. and Europe. It has not been demonstrated that either water or air pollution causes serious economic loss in Australia. On the other hand the high cost of using automobiles as a means of transport in the cities and the losses caused by accidents are an economic drain on the economy.

Most of the water pollution in Australia could be removed by sewering all urban centres at a cost of between $700 and $1,100 million to public authorities and of an additional $450 million to householders in unsewered urban areas. The cost to public authorities should be contrasted with the $635 million spent on roads in 1969–70 and with the $672 million spent on irrigation between 1948 and 1969, much of which would be difficult to justify on economic grounds.

These figures are particularly pertinent when it is remembered that Australia's citizens have demonstrated that they are prepared to pay for the cost of sewerage. Australia's sewage authorities in major cities show a profit after meeting operating expenses, interest and repayment of capital charges. The same cannot be said for irrigation farmers or for many road users.

Air pollution could become a major problem in Australian cities if the automobile remains the major means of transport. The problem could be overcome at a cost of $300 per vehicle or a total of $840 million for the 2.8 million cars in large cities.

The major land pollution problem is the congestion caused in large cities by the automobile. The problem arises because the automobile is not charged for the space it occupies. In the business centre of Sydney the correct charge could range from $1 to $3 per hour. Once land is charged for the automobile becomes an expensive means of transport in cities. American figures suggest that trains can move peak crowds at the rate of 30,000 per hour at a total cost of $9 million per annum, compared with $29 million per annum for automobiles.

A proper distribution of resources into uses for which citizens are prepared to pay and economic charges for services provided by the State would probably completely overcome the pollution problems which do exist in Australia at present.
FINANCE FOR AUSTRALIAN SMEs: POLICY ISSUES
Authors: HAWTREY K. M.
Published: April 2010

The special financial needs of small business have long been a policy issue in Australia, with the claim often made that capital markets are less than fully responsive to this sector. This paper argues that despite financial deregulation, the small business sector is yet to fully benefit from improved supply of finance. The future reform process should not be jeopardised by precipitate policy changes (such as bank mergers) which could upset the delicate balance of forces currently emerging in the industry. Further, proactive policies are needed to encourage the growth of secondary debt and primary equity capital markets for small business.
SOME THOUGHTS ON ECONOMICS AND REGULATION
Authors: Samuel Graeme
Published: April 2010

The author discusses the role of the ACCC in promoting competition policy in Australia. The ACCC's regulatory activities in focusing on of those industries where competition is limited are examined. It is argued that the focus here is two fold: to create conditions for fair competition in industries that rely on the services of facilities with natural monopoly characteristics and the administration of price caps to minimise the impact of monopoly power.
MARKUP, RETURNS TO SCALE, THE BUSINESS CYCLE AND OPENNESS: EVIDENCE FROM AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING
Authors: Olive Michael
Published: April 2010

This paper aims to measure markup and returns to scale for eight Australian manufacturing industries, for the period 1971‐72 to 1984‐85, and to explore the relationship between markup, the business cycle and openness to the international economy in this period. A Hall type model is used for this purpose, where allowance is made for non‐stochastic time variation in the contribution of technical change to output growth and intermediate materials are included in the production function.
RUNNING ECONOMICS DOWN: FACT AND FANTASY IN THE PRESENTATION OF ECONOMISTS IN THE MEDIA
Authors: Coleman William
Published: April 2010

This paper surveys the denigration of economics and economists in the media and evaluates the truthfulness of the media's principal assertions. It seeks to answer the following questions: (a) why is economics denigrated in the media? (b) why are economists silent in the face of such denigration? and (c) what might be done?
MEASURING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY: THE BENEFITS OF A FAST‐GROWING MOTOR VEHICLE AND PARTS INDUSTRY
Authors: Dixon Peter B. , Rimmer Maureen T.
Published: April 2010

The contribution of an industry to the economy is often measured by an out‐put calculation showing labour used directly in the industry and indirectly via the production of intermediate inputs for the industry. This paper demonstrates an alternative approach based on simulations with a dynamic computable general equilibrium model. Rather than measuring contribution in terms of resources used, we look at the potential contribution of an industry in terms of the effect on economic welfare of improved performance. We apply our methodology to the Australian motor vehicle industry by simulating the impact that this industry could make if it were to achieve higher productivity growth, higher export growth and the production of cars of greater appeal to Australian consumers.
APPARENTLY CONTRADICTORY SUPERANNUATION CHOICES AMONG YOUNGER FUND MEMBERS: A MISUNDERSTANDING OF RISK?
Authors: Clark‐Murphy Marilyn , Gerrans Paul
Published: April 2010

This paper reports on a survey of fund members who were simultaneously given a particular and restricted choice of fund, between an existing defined benefit fund (DBF) or a new defined contribution fund (DCF), and investment choice within the DCF. A significant sub‐group, including relatively young employees, chose to move from the DBF to the DCF and then chose one of the lowest risk/return investment options available. We find that, compared to the whole sample, this sub‐group of young risk‐avoiders have a higher proportion of female and single respondents, have limited knowledge of super annuation, and are more concerned with risk. There also appears to be significant misunderstanding of the relative risk/return profiles of the DBF and DCF schemes.
IS THERE A LONG‐RUN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPORTS AND IMPORTS? EVIDENCE FROM TWO PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES
Authors: Narayan Paresh Kumar , Narayan Seema
Published: April 2010

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether there is long‐run relationship between exports and imports for two Pacific Island Countries ‐ Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG). This is an important issue because long‐run convergence will ensure that trade imbalances are sustainable. We explore this issue using the bounds‐testing approach to cointegration and find that while exports and imports for Fiji and PNG are indeed cointegrated, the coefficient on exports is unity only in the case of Fiji. These results imply that Fiji satisfies the strong form of its intertemporal budget constraint while PNG satisfies only the weak form of its intertemporal budget constraint.