bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours associated with the provision of hepatitis C care by Canadian family physicians
Authors: Cox J. , Graves L. , Marks E. , Tremblay C. , Stephenson R. , Lambert‐Lanning A. , Steben M.
Published: February 2011

Summary.  The role of primary care physicians in providing care for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasingly emphasized, but many gaps and challenges remain. This study explores family physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with providing care for HCV infection. Seven hundred and forty‐nine members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) completed a self‐administered survey examining knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding HCV infection screening and care. Multivariate analyses were performed using the outcome, HCV care provision, and variables based on a conceptual model of practice guideline adherence. Family physicians providing basic–advanced HCV care were more likely to be older, practice in a rural setting, have injection drug users (IDU) in their practice and have higher levels of knowledge about the initial assessment (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.23–2.54) and treatment of HCV (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.24–2.43). They were also less likely to believe that family physicians do not have a role in HCV care (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.30–0.58). Educational programmes should target physicians less likely to provide HCV care, namely family physicians practicing in urban areas and those who do not care for any IDU patients. Training and continuing medical education programmes that aim to shift family physicians’ attitudes about the provision of HCV care by promoting their roles as integral to HCV care could contribute to easing the burden on consultant physicians and lead to improved access to treatment for HCV infection.
Effects of plant height on type I and type II resistance to fusarium head blight in wheat
Authors: Yan W. , Li H. B. , Cai S. B. , Ma H. X. , Rebetzke G. J. , Liu C. J.
Published: February 2011

By carefully separating type I and type II resistances, the possible effects of plant height on fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance in wheat were assessed using near‐isogenic lines (NILs) for several different reduced‐height (Rht) genes. Tall isolines all gave better type I resistance than their respective dwarf counterparts when assessed at their natural heights. These differences largely disappeared when the dwarf isolines were physically raised so that their spikes were positioned at the same height as those of their respective tall counterparts. The effects of plant height on type II resistance was less clear. For those NIL pairs which showed significant differences, it was the dwarf isolines which gave better resistance. As the Rht genes involved in these NILs locate at different genomic regions, the differences in FHB between the dwarf and tall isolines are unlikely to be the result of linkages between each of the different Rht loci with a beneficial or a deleterious gene affecting type I or type II resistance. Rather, the different FHB resistances are probably caused by direct or indirect effects of height difference per se, and microclimate may have contributed to the better type I resistance of the tall plants. Thus, caution should be exercised when attempting to exploit any of the FHB resistant loci co‐located with Rht genes.
Role of aromatic aldehyde synthase in wounding/herbivory response and flower scent production in different Arabidopsis ecotypes
Authors: Gutensohn Michael , Klempien Antje , Kaminaga Yasuhisa , Nagegowda Dinesh A. , Negre‐Zakharov Florence , Huh Jung‐Hyun , Luo Hongli , Weizbauer Renate , Mengiste Tesfaye , Tholl Dorothea , Dudareva Natalia
Published: February 2011

Aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylases (AADCs) are key enzymes operating at the interface between primary and secondary metabolism. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains two genes, At2g20340 and At4g28680, encoding pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent AADCs with high homology to the recently identified Petunia hybrida phenylacetaldehyde synthase involved in floral scent production. The At4g28680 gene product was recently biochemically characterized as an l‐tyrosine decarboxylase (AtTYDC), whereas the function of the other gene product remains unknown. The biochemical and functional characterization of the At2g20340 gene product revealed that it is an aromatic aldehyde synthase (AtAAS), which catalyzes the conversion of phenylalanine and 3,4‐dihydroxy‐l‐phenylalanine to phenylacetaldehyde and dopaldehyde, respectively. AtAAS knock‐down and transgenic AtAAS RNA interference (RNAi) lines show significant reduction in phenylacetaldehyde levels and an increase in phenylalanine, indicating that AtAAS is responsible for phenylacetaldehyde formation in planta. In A. thaliana ecotype Columbia (Col‐0), AtAAS expression was highest in leaves, and was induced by methyl jasmonate treatment and wounding. Pieris rapae larvae feeding on Col‐0 leaves resulted in increased phenylacetaldehyde emission, suggesting that the emitted aldehyde has a defensive activity against attacking herbivores. In the ecotypes Sei‐0 and Di‐G, which emit phenylacetaldehyde as a predominant flower volatile, the highest expression of AtAAS was found in flowers and RNAi AtAAS silencing led to a reduction of phenylacetaldehyde formation in this organ. In contrast to ecotype Col‐0, no phenylacetaldehyde accumulation was observed in Sei‐0 upon wounding, suggesting that AtAAS and subsequently phenylacetaldehyde contribute to pollinator attraction in this ecotype.
Ehd3, encoding a plant homeodomain finger‐containing protein, is a critical promoter of rice flowering
Authors: Matsubara Kazuki , Yamanouchi Utako , Nonoue Yasunori , Sugimoto Kazuhiko , Wang Zi‐Xuan , Minobe Yuzo , Yano Masahiro
Published: February 2011

Oryza sativa (rice) flowers in response to photoperiod, and is a facultative short‐day (SD) plant. Under SD conditions, flowering is promoted through the activation of FT‐like genes (rice florigens) by Heading date 1 (Hd1, a rice CONSTANS homolog) and Early heading date 1 (Ehd1, with no ortholog in the Arabidopsis genome). On the other hand, under long‐day (LD) conditions, flowering is delayed by the repressive function of Hd1 on FT‐like genes and by downregulation of Ehd1 by the flowering repressor Ghd7 – a unique pathway in rice. We report here that an early heading date 3 (ehd3) mutant flowered later than wild‐type plants, particularly under LD conditions, regardless of the Hd1‐deficient background. Map‐based cloning revealed that Ehd3 encodes a nuclear protein that contains a putative transcriptional regulator with two plant homeodomain (PHD) finger motifs. To identify the role of Ehd3 within the gene regulatory network for rice flowering, we compared the transcript levels of genes related to rice flowering in wild‐type plants and ehd3 mutants. Increased transcription of Ghd7 under LD conditions and reduced transcription of downstream Ehd1 and FT‐like genes in the ehd3 mutants suggested that Ehd3 normally functions as an LD downregulator of Ghd7 in floral induction. Furthermore, Ehd3 ghd7 plants flowered earlier and show higher Ehd1 transcript levels than ehd3 ghd7 plants, suggesting a Ghd7‐independent role of Ehd3 in the upregulation of Ehd1. Our results demonstrate that the PHD‐finger gene Ehd3 acts as a promoter in the unique genetic pathway responsible for photoperiodic flowering in rice.
Trichuris and hookworm infections associated with anaemia during pregnancy
Authors: Gyorkos Theresa W. , Gilbert Nicolas L. , Larocque Renée , Casapía Martín
Published: February 2011

Objective  To assess the following associations between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy: (i) the intensity of soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) infection and haemoglobin/anaemia, (ii) the effect of mebendazole treatment on the occurrence of STH infection, and (iii) the effect of mebendazole treatment on haemoglobin/anaemia.

Methods  Data originated from a trial of 1042 pregnant women recruited in their second trimester and followed to delivery. Baseline assessments included socio‐demographic/health information from questionnaires, haemoglobin/anaemia from HemoCue ascertainment of fingerprick blood, and the presence and intensity of STH (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms and Trichuris trichiura) infections from Kato–Katz examination. All women were given iron supplements; half were randomly allocated to receive single dose 500 mg mebendazole, and half, placebo. Haemoglobin/anaemia and STH infection status were determined again in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Results  Complete information was available from 935 (89.7%) women. Mebendazole significantly reduced the prevalence and intensity of all three STH infections. Higher intensities of hookworm and Trichuris infections in the second trimester were associated with a higher risk of anaemia in the third trimester. Overall, women with moderate/heavy Trichuris infection were found to be at a higher risk of anaemia; the highest risk was observed among those with moderate/heavy hookworm co‐infection (adjusted OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.26, 6.11). Mebendazole treatment did not reduce the risk of anaemia.

Conclusion  Higher intensities of both Trichuris and hookworm infections are associated with anaemia in pregnancy. The importance of Trichuris infections during pregnancy requires renewed attention.
Expecting a good quality of life in health: assessing people with diverse diseases and conditions using the WHOQOL‐BREF
Authors: Skevington Suzanne M. , McCrate Farah M.
Published: February 2011

Background and objectives  Fulfilling patient expectations is central to defining a good quality of life (QoL) in health. The WHOQOL‐BREF was developed using novel, person‐centred methods and is a generic patient‐reported outcomes measure (PROM). However, without robust psychometric performance, PROMs cannot be relied upon to assess individuals. This study investigated the WHOQOL‐BREF (UK), with this use in mind.

Design  Cross sectional with nested repeated measures.

Setting and participants  Twenty‐seven disease groups or health conditions and healthy people were recruited at 38 UK sites, in a wide range of settings (n = 4628).

Interventions  ‘Treatment as usual’; new and alternative interventions.

Outcome measures  WHOQOL‐BREF (UK); SF‐36.

Results  Respondent burden was low, as acceptability and feasibility were high. Internal consistency was excellent (0.92) and test–retest reliability good. Distinctive QoL profiles were found for diverse conditions. Musculoskeletal, psychiatric and cardiovascular patients reported the poorest QoL and also improved most during treatment. Overall, QoL was good, and best for healthy groups, supporting discriminant validity. Compared with the SF‐36, WHOQOL physical and psychological domains showed good concurrent validity, although social was weak. Small or moderate effect sizes confirmed responsiveness to change in specified domains for certain conditions and interventions. Age had a small impact on reporting QoL.

Discussion and conclusion  The WHOQOL‐BREF is found to be a high quality patient‐centred generic tool suited to individual assessment in clinics, for research, and audit.
Innovation and participation for healthy public policy: the first National Health Assembly in Thailand
Authors: Rasanathan Kumanan , Posayanonda Tipicha , Birmingham Maureen , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: February 2011

Aim  This paper aims to describe and disseminate the process and initial outcomes of the first National Health Assembly (NHA) in Thailand, as an innovative example of health policy making.

Setting  The first NHA, held in December 2008 in Bangkok, brought together over 1500 people from government agencies, academia, civil society, health professionals and the private sector to discuss key health issues and produce resolutions to guide policy making. It adapted the approach used at the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization.

Method  Findings are derived from a literature review, document analysis, and the views and experiences of the authors, two of whom contributed to the organization of the NHA and two of whom were invited external observers.

Results  Fourteen agenda items were discussed and resolutions passed. Potential early impacts on policy making have included an increase in the 2010 public budget for Thailand’s universal health coverage scheme as total public expenditure has decreased; cabinet endorsement of proposed Strategies for Universal Access to Medicines for Thai People; and establishment of National Commissions on Health Impact Assessment and Trade and Health.

Discussion  The NHA was successful in bringing together various actors and sectors involved in the social production of health, including groups often marginalized in policy making. It provides an innovative model of how governments may be able to increase public participation and intersectoral collaboration that could be adapted in other contexts. Significant challenges remain in ensuring full participation of interested groups and in implementing, and monitoring the impact of, the resolutions passed.
Donor transmission of pineoblastoma in a two‐yr‐old male recipient of a multivisceral transplant: A case report
Authors: Zhao Po , Strohl Alexis , Gonzalez Corina , Fishbein Thomas , Rosen‐Bronson Sandra , Kallakury Bhaskar , Ozdemirli Metin
Published: February 2011

Zhao P, Strohl A, Gonzalez C, Fishbein T, Rosen‐Bronson S, Kallakury B, Ozdemirli M. Donor transmission of pineoblastoma in a two‐yr‐old male recipient of a multivisceral transplant: a case report.

Abstract:  Transplant‐transmitted malignances are rare but devastating events. Primary brain tumors are the least common among reported donor‐derived malignancies. We report a case of donor‐transmitted pineoblastoma, a PNET, in a two‐yr‐old male recipient, who presented with a rapidly growing mass in the right mandible, four months after multiple visceral organ transplantation. The recipient had liver, pancreas, and small bowel transplants because of end‐stage liver failure and short gut syndrome, which was secondary to large bowel resection for management of gastroschisis complicated by intestinal volvulus. The donor autopsy results became available seven wk after transplantation, which found a pineoblastoma with meningeal spread. Evaluation of eyes, adrenal glands, bone marrow, and other organs did not identify metastasis outside the CNS. A biopsy of the recipient’s right mandibular mass revealed a malignant small round blue cell tumor with the immunohistochemistry profile of a PNET. Staging evaluation revealed the tumor in the right mandible with bone marrow involvement. Further investigation showed that recipient’s tumor and donor’s pineoblastoma shared the same immunophenotype and HLA type, suggesting the recipient’s tumor is a donor‐transmitted pineoblastoma. This is the first case report of donor‐transmitted pineoblastoma post‐organ transplant.
“When I had my transplant, I became normal.” Adolescent perspectives on life after kidney transplantation
Authors: Tong Allison , Morton Rachael , Howard Kirsten , McTaggart Steven , Craig Jonathan C.
Published: February 2011

Tong A, Morton R, Howard K, McTaggart S, Craig JC. “When I had my transplant, I became normal.” Adolescent perspectives on life after kidney transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 285–293. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  This study aimed to explore experiences and perspectives of adolescent kidney transplant recipients following kidney transplantation. We conducted 22 in‐depth, face‐to‐face interviews with adolescent kidney transplant recipients (aged 12–19 yr) from five Australian pediatric transplant units. We analyzed the interview transcripts for descriptive and analytical themes. The overarching theme was achieving a sense of normality. Having the same opportunities and potential to achieve as other adolescents facilitated better adjustment, well‐being and positive development after transplant. Five facilitators and five barriers to achieving a sense of normality were identified. The facilitators were developing their own identity, peer acceptance, making medications routine, freedom and energy, and support structures. The barriers included identity crisis, peer rejection, aversion to medications, lifestyle limitations, and fear and uncertainty. The adolescents felt more knowledge was needed on the technical, medical, and experiential aspects of transplantation and on pertinent issues such as alcohol, drugs, and substance use. Adolescent kidney transplant recipients value normality and have specific information needs about the effect of kidney transplantation on their physical appearance and the tolerance of drugs and alcohol. Novel approaches are needed to foster self‐confidence and sense of normality and to provide comprehensive information on the patient journey following kidney transplantation.
Cardiopulmonary haemodynamics in lambs during induced capillary leakage immediately after preterm birth
Authors: Polglase Graeme R , Kluckow Martin , Gill Andrew W , Allison Beth J , Moss Timothy JM , Dalton Richard GB , Pillow J Jane , Andersen Chad C , Nitsos Ilias , Hooper Stuart B
Published: February 2011

1. Early postnatal events might play a critical role in the development of cardiorespiratory diseases of prematurity. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, capillary leakage resulting in increased interstitial fluid volume has been postulated to play a critical role. We investigated the effects of capillary leakage, induced by a volume load, on cardiopulmonary and systemic haemodynamics immediately after preterm delivery.

2. Fetal sheep were instrumented at 129 days gestation, delivered and ventilated. After 15 min, lambs in the volume load group received intravenous saline (50 mL/kg) infused over 10 min; control lambs received no infusion. At 30 min, lambs underwent a pulmonary challenge by increasing positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) by 2 cmH2O every 10 min to 10 cmH2O, with similar decrements back to baseline PEEP. Pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and arterial pressures were recorded in real‐time and cardiovascular variables were measured by Doppler echocardiography.

3. Total protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar‐lavage fluid was higher in volume load lambs compared with controls, and histological interstitial fluid retention was evident in volume load lambs, both indicative of capillary leak. PBF increased immediately after the volume load, but PBF, pulmonary and systemic arterial pressures, and oxygenation all deteriorated during the PEEP challenge compared with controls, coinciding with an increase in downstream pulmonary resistance. Three of six volume load lambs had pulmonary haemorrhage, which was not observed in control lambs.

4. Capillary leakage had moderate effects, but subsequent high levels of PEEP had significant negative effects on cardiopulmonary and respiratory function in preterm lambs. Capillary leakage might contribute to postnatal cardiopulmonary failure in preterm infants.
Neuroendocrine–immune disorder in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy
Authors: Obulkasim Mutallip , Turdi Ablikim , Amat Nurmuhammat , Haxim Muhtar , Eziz Rena , Haji Hurxide , Li Linlin , Chen Xueyi , Upur Halmurat , Ren Jun
Published: February 2011

1. Diabetes mellitus is usually accompanied by hyperactivity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most devastating complications in diabetes although little is known with regards to the HPA activity in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) with diabetic retinopathy. The present study was designed to evaluate the HPA axis activity in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy.

2. Diabetic retinopathy was examined by fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) in 174 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients. Levels of / were measured using flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma levels of monoamines norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were assessed using high performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a fluorescence detection. Patients were grouped into the non‐diabetic retinopathy (NDR), non‐proliferating diabetic retinopathy (NPR) and proliferating diabetic retinopathy (PDR) categories.

3. Patients with PDR showed significantly less than those with NDR and NPR (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found in / and NK or severity of retinopathy among the three patient groups. There was no significant difference in serum IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels among the different patient groups (P > 0.05). The serum concentrations of ACTH and cortisone were lower in PDR patients than other groups. There was no significant difference in plasma concentrations of DA and NE among all three groups (P > 0.05).

4. Our data suggest that HPA and immune dysfunction might play a role in the development and/or progression of PDR.
Characterization of novel antibiotic resistance genes identified by functional metagenomics on soil samples
Authors: Torres‐Cortés Gloria , Millán Vicenta , Ramírez‐Saad Hugo C. , Nisa‐Martínez Rafael , Toro Nicolás , Martínez‐Abarca Francisco
Published: February 2011

The soil microbial community is highly complex and contains a high density of antibiotic‐producing bacteria, making it a likely source of diverse antibiotic resistance determinants. We used functional metagenomics to search for antibiotic resistance genes in libraries generated from three different soil samples, containing 3.6 Gb of DNA in total. We identified 11 new antibiotic resistance genes: 3 conferring resistance to ampicillin, 2 to gentamicin, 2 to chloramphenicol and 4 to trimethoprim. One of the clones identified was a new trimethoprim resistance gene encoding a 26.8 kDa protein closely resembling unassigned reductases of the dihydrofolate reductase group. This protein, Tm8‐3, conferred trimethoprim resistance in Escherichia coli and Sinorhizobium meliloti (γ‐ and α‐proteobacteria respectively). We demonstrated that this gene encoded an enzyme with dihydrofolate reductase activity, with kinetic constants similar to other type I and II dihydrofolate reductases (Km of 8.9 µM for NADPH and 3.7 µM for dihydrofolate and IC50 of 20 µM for trimethoprim). This is the first description of a new type of reductase conferring resistance to trimethoprim. Our results indicate that soil bacteria display a high level of genetic diversity and are a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, supporting the use of this approach for the discovery of novel enzymes with unexpected activities unpredictable from their amino acid sequences.
The role of sacral neuromodulation in double incontinence
Authors: Leroi A. M.
Published: February 2011

Aim  Urinary and faecal incontinence are common conditions that are frequently associated. When conservative treatments fail, sacral nerve modulation (SNM) is considered to be a first‐line treatment for patients with urge urinary incontinence and for patients with faecal incontinence. This article aims to determine the effect of SNM on the treatment of double incontinence (i.e. urinary and faecal incontinence).

Method  We searched for relevant articles in MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase, and for reviews in the Cochrane database. Articles were restricted to the English language.

Results  Only a few studies have studied the efficacy of SNM for double incontinence and in a limited number of patients. Between 30% and 100% of patients with double incontinence experience improvement in urinary and faecal incontinence at medium‐term follow up.

Conclusion  Further prospective trials are needed to determine which patients with combined problems will benefit from SNM at a long‐term follow up.
Expression of an immunogenic Ebola immune complex in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Phoolcharoen Waranyoo , Bhoo Seong H. , Lai Huafang , Ma Julian , Arntzen Charles J. , Chen Qiang , Mason Hugh S.
Published: February 2011

Filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg viruses) cause severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever in humans and non‐human primates. The US Centers for Disease Control identifies Ebola and Marburg viruses as ‘category A’ pathogens (defined as posing a risk to national security as bioterrorism agents), which has lead to a search for vaccines that could prevent the disease. Because the use of such vaccines would be in the service of public health, the cost of production is an important component of their development. The use of plant biotechnology is one possible way to cost‐effectively produce subunit vaccines. In this work, a geminiviral replicon system was used to produce an Ebola immune complex (EIC) in Nicotiana benthamiana. Ebola glycoprotein (GP1) was fused at the C‐terminus of the heavy chain of humanized 6D8 IgG monoclonal antibody, which specifically binds to a linear epitope on GP1. Co‐expression of the GP1‐heavy chain fusion and the 6D8 light chain using a geminiviral vector in leaves of N. benthamiana produced assembled immunoglobulin, which was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and protein G affinity chromatography. Immune complex formation was confirmed by assays to show that the recombinant protein bound the complement factor C1q. Size measurements of purified recombinant protein by dynamic light scattering and size‐exclusion chromatography also indicated complex formation. Subcutaneous immunization of BALB/C mice with purified EIC resulted in anti‐Ebola virus antibody production at levels comparable to those obtained with a GP1 virus‐like particle. These results show excellent potential for a plant‐expressed EIC as a human vaccine.
Experiencing research‐informed teaching from the student perspective: Insights from developing an undergraduate e‐journal
Authors: Gresty Karen A. , Edwards‐Jones Andrew
Published: February 2011

This paper reports the findings of a science e‐journal initiative to publish undergraduate research and assesses student evaluations of this experience. Students in this (post‐1992, non‐research‐intensive) institution overwhelmingly reported that research was a key feature of their course at the point of the e‐journal introduction and that they were involved in research in a variety of ways (especially honours projects, lab work and fieldwork). Research‐informed teaching from the student perspective involved two specific categories of pedagogic activities: things that students did and things that tutors did. Students largely understood research‐informed teaching as an activity where tutors impart knowledge about their own and others' research (a research‐led approach). Yet, what students wanted was a more active involvement in the research process (research‐oriented/research‐based). The e‐journal initiative enabled some students to acquire this additional experience and without great cost so could be adopted elsewhere. There is some debate about equality of access to research opportunities in higher education, and an e‐journal has the potential to be more widely accessible than, for example, research apprenticeships (especially if students can be involved as reviewers and as active contributors via Web 2.0 technologies). However, there is still an element of elitism about selection for the publication process.
‘Promising’ therapies: neuroscience, clinical practice, and the treatment of psychopathy
Authors: Pickersgill Martyn
Published: February 2011

Neuroscientific research into mental health commands generous funding, suggesting neuroscience is understood by a variety of actors and institutions as having significant potential to enhance the therapeutic practices of psychiatrists. This article interrogates this ‘therapeutic promise’ of neuroscience through the case study of the psychiatric condition personality disorder. Specifically, the focus is on the promissory discourse of clinicians specialising in the management of two variants of personality disorder − antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy − and researchers investigating the neurobiology of these constructs. The article discusses the respondents’ ambivalent expectations regarding the therapeutic promise of brain research, and shows how these are structured by understandings of the ontology of personality disorder. In turn, these ambivalences direct our attention to practical issues surrounding the potential of neuroscience to translate into and enhance clinical practice, as well as theoretical concerns revolving around the place and role of the biological within contemporary neuroscience, psychiatry and psychology. In sum, the necessity of large material and symbolic investments in neuroscience should, perhaps, be reflected upon more critically, and analytic encounters with this discipline must keep in mind it's at times surprising commitment to the realms of the social and the psychological.
Shifting normalities: interactions of changing conceptions of a normal life and the normalisation of symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sanderson Tessa , Calnan Michael , Morris Marianne , Richards Pam , Hewlett Sarah
Published: February 2011

Biographical disruption and related concepts have been widely applied in chronic illness. Different conceptualisations of normalisation have also been proposed in order to explain individuals’ diverse responses to illness on their biography, but as yet, not clearly related to changing bodily experience or normalisation of symptoms. This article aims to examine the relevance of these concepts in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an unpredictable autoinflammatory disease characterised by painful and swollen joints, disability, fatigue and joint damage. Interviews were conducted with 23 people living with RA, and analysed using Framework, to enable people’s whole narratives and context to be considered. Six typologies of normality emerged from the data: disrupted; struggling to maintain; fluctuating; resetting; returning; and continuing normality. Multiple normalities were often present in individuals’ narratives, with one normality typology usually dominating at the time of the interview. The typologies connect to several biographical concepts, and instances of ‘biographical reinstatement’ were also found, where participants described returning to normal life, through perceived effective medication rather than reconceptualisation of health. The concept of ‘shifting normalities’ is proposed, providing a dynamic explanatory model of chronic illness that captures the interaction of changing conceptions of a normal life and the normalisation of symptoms.
CONTEXTUAL INFLUENCES AND THE DUTCH REJECTION OF THE EU CONSTITUTIONAL TREATY: UNDERSTANDING MUNICIPALITY DIFFERENCES
Authors: TAMMES PETER , OUDE NIJHUIS DENNIE
Published: February 2011

In this paper we study the Dutch rejection of the Constitutional Treaty during the 2005 referendum by comparing the outcomes among the Dutch municipalities. This approach is ideally suited to illustrate the importance of contextual influences on voting outcomes. In addition, it gives excellent statistical opportunities to re‐analyse some of the hypotheses used in previous studies. Based on the existing literature we developed six hypotheses that describe a relationship between the strength of the no vote and the context that shapes voter choice. All hypotheses were in line with our expectations, indicating that contextual influences did matter. In addition, we investigated the relationship between the turnout rate and the referendum outcome. The Treaty was more firmly rejected in municipalities in which the turnout rate was higher.
Occlusive hydrocephalus complicating tuberous sclerosis: report of two cases
Authors: Büki A. , Horváth Z. , Kövér F. , Vetǒ F. , Dóczi T.
Published: February 2011

Two patients—6 and 14 years old—with tuberous sclerosis are presented. Both developed a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma from nodules located near to the foramen of Monro. They caused obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid pathways. Signs of raised intracranial pressure were detected in both patients, and one of them had also developed infantile spasm—Blitz‐Nick‐Salaam seizures. Cutaneous stigmata being characteristic for this entity were observed in both cases, but their mental development was unaffected. Diagnosis was based on computed tomography. Angiography did not reveal pathological vessels. The tumours were completely excised through transcallosal exposure in both cases. The patients have been symptom‐free during the follow‐up time of 1 and 2 years. Although the incidence of malignant transformation of tuberous sclerosis is less than 15% the disease generally has a poor prognosis which can be ascribed to sudden increase of intracranial pressure caused by obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid pathways by paraventricular tumours. However, regular follow‐up of paraventricular nodules and maintenance of patency of cerebrospinal fluid pathways by microsurgical methods in patients suffering from mild cerebral disorders offers a better chance of survival.
Reconstructing the Sikh Diaspora
Authors: Kaur Harpreet
Published: February 2011

The Sikh diaspora, along with the Jewish Diaspora, is perhaps one of the only religious diasporas in the world. The Sikhs are scattered across the globe today. This article is an attempt to outline the reasons for Sikh migration out of Punjab and the role played by the colonial rulers in that migration. It traces the process of migration of Sikhs and their emergence as a diaspora.
Impugning the Humanitarian Defence
Authors: Watson Scott D
Published: February 2011

This article examines the claim that democratic states are justified in restricting access to asylum seekers on the grounds that failing to do so reduces public support for humanitarian refugee policies – referred to here as the humanitarian defence. Drawing on detailed historical, comparative and interpretive analysis of migration policy in Canada and Australia, the author builds on Matthew Gibney’s development of practically guided normative theory to assess cases in which political elites may legitimately enact restrictive policies in response to strong public opposition. Challenging the normative basis of the humanitarian defence, the article engages in a detailed discourse analysis of asylum crises in Canada (1987, 1999) and Australia (1979, 2001). The findings suggest that political elites do not respond to an independently arrived at, and objectively established, public opinion as implied in the humanitarian defence. Rather, political elites play a crucial role in shaping the discourse on asylum seekers and consequently, influence the very “public opinion” to which they claim to be responding. The author concludes that political elites should attempt to foster an environment in which the public accepts international obligations to refugees but accepts that in some cases political elites may be justified in implementing restrictive measures.
In Search of a Better Life: The Experiences of Working Poor Immigrants in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Zuberi Dan , Ptashnick Melita
Published: February 2011

We utilized data from 72 in‐depth interviews with immigrant hotel and hospital support workers employed in the service sector of Vancouver, Canada to analyse migration decisions and subsequent experiences after arrival. We found that migrant social networks were centrally important, both as a stimulus for migration and in shaping post‐arrival experiences. At the same time, the working conditions faced by immigrants after arrival, such as low pay and long work hours, resulted in serious challenges. While some struggled with multiple jobs to make ends meet, others felt their economic circumstances prevented them from even bringing their children to Canada. In some cases, children were returned to their country of origin. Features of low‐wage service sector jobs also limited the time available for participation in community life.

The findings both support and advance recent theoretical contributions about the incorporation of immigrants in the United States and Canada. As immigrants frequently face occupational downgrading and are channelled into low‐wage service sector jobs, the conditions of work and social policies are important for their post‐arrival experiences and incorporation.

Going beyond traditional conceptions of citizenship in the immigration literature, some respondents acted through their union and community organizations to attempt to change society and improve their fortunes. While some sought social justice through political activism, others used their limited family and community life time to reterritorialize values from their countries of origin. Part of their activism was transnational, such as sending remittances to help loved ones back home, but other involvement included participation in organizations with the aim of promoting social justice or improving life in their new country. The experiences of immigrant service sector workers in Vancouver suggest a need for greater emphasis on the role of both immigrant and non‐immigrant specific social and labour policies for understanding immigrant incorporation in North America.
Religion as a Core Value in Language Maintenance: Arabic Speakers in Greece
Authors: Gogonas Nikos
Published: February 2011

This paper presents the findings of research investigating language maintenance/shift among second‐generation Arabic speakers in Athens using adolescents of mainly Egyptian origin and their parents as informants. Quantitative data on language competence and on patterns of language use within Egyptian households indicate language shift in adolescents of the Coptic religion. In contrast, Muslim informants emerge as language maintainers. Qualitative results originating from interviews with parents indicate that the significance of religious practice leads Muslims and Copts to view Arabic and Coptic respectively as core values for their identity. This distinction leads to a differentiation in patterns of Arabic language transmission between Muslim and Coptic Egyptian parents, reflecting both the different internal dynamics of these sub‐communities, and their different relationships to the host society.
Why do Europeans Migrate to Berlin? Social‐Structural Differences for Italian, British, French and Polish Nationals in the Period between 1980 and 2002*
Authors: Verwiebe Roland
Published: February 2011

One of the main issues in migration research concerns the reasons migrants have for crossing borders. It is assumed in the research that migration is primarily economically driven. In recent studies, however, the importance of social and cultural reasons for migration has become apparent. In this context, the present contribution discusses the reasons for the migration of Europeans from Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland who moved to Germany (Berlin) between 1980 and 2002. In this case, it can be shown empirically that purely economic reasons play a lesser role in migration than is generally assumed, whereas social and cultural motives actually have a much greater influence. Primary data gathered in Berlin early in 2002 form the empirical foundation of the study. Multinomial logistic regressions are used to discuss the function of social‐structural differences (e.g., nationality, age, gender, education, social origin) in the formation of individual reasons for migration.
The Impact of Female Emigration on Families and the Welfare State in Countries of Origin: The Case of Romania
Authors: Piperno Flavia
Published: February 2011

The heavy reliance on foreign labour in the care sector by Western countries (particularly those in southern Europe) is fuelling a growing feminization of migration in many emigration countries. This migration has a new impact on the countries of origin: it adds the problem of “care drain” to the better known “skill drain” problem ‐‐ which has already been extensively examined in the literature. In this article, we investigate how this phenomenon is taking place in Romania. In particular, the article explores the compensatory strategies put in place by Romanian families and local welfare states to limit the impact of care drain. Furthermore, it considers the persistence of a “care shortage” problem, which constrains both individuals and local institutions in Romania and requires the establishment of new social and cooperation policies.

The research is based on the results of qualitative interviews conducted between the winter and spring of 2006 with 30 Romanian female care‐workers living in Turin and Rome, and with 40 family members of female care‐workers (often belonging to the same family units as the women interviewed in Italy) in Romania. With a view to gaining a more comprehensive overview of the phenomenon, more than 35 privileged observers were also interviewed in both countries in which the field work was carried out.
Preparation and characterization of carnauba wax nanostructured lipid carriers containing benzophenone‐3
Authors: Lacerda S. P. , Cerize N. N. P. , Ré M. I.
Published: February 2011

Synopsis

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are potential active delivery systems based on mixtures of solid lipids and liquid oil. In this paper, aqueous dispersions of NLCs were prepared by a hot high‐pressure homogenization technique using carnauba wax as the solid lipid and isodecyl oleate as the liquid oil. The preparation and stability parameters of benzophenone‐3‐loaded NLCs have been investigated concerning particle size, zeta potential and loading capacity to encapsulate benzophenone‐3, a molecular sunscreen. The current investigation illustrates the effect of the composition of the lipid mixture on the entrapment efficiency, in vitro release and stability of benzophenone‐3‐loaded in these NLCs. A loading capacity of approximately 5% of benzophenone‐3 (mBZ‐3/mlipids) was characteristic of these systems.
Relation between facial morphology, personality and the functions of facial make‐up in women
Authors: Korichi R. , Pelle‐de‐Queral D. , Gazano G. , Aubert A.
Published: February 2011

Synopsis

Our external appearance plays a key role in everyday life’s social interactions. Hence, taking care of our appearance allows us to adjust and protect ourselves, as well as communicate emotional disposition (i.e. sympathy or aversion) and social information (i.e. values, status). However, some discrete body parts or characteristics appear to be more salient than others in contributing to global body image. For example, authors showed that facial attractiveness is one of the best predictors of overall physical attractiveness and represent one of the primary factors influencing global self‐esteem. Make‐up is therefore ought to play a major influence in these parameters. Moreover, in a previous study whose subject was to explain the reasons that motivate women to make‐up, we showed a high implication of specific psychological traits in correlation with two make‐up functions (i.e. psycho‐behavioural profiles ‘Seduction’ and ‘Camouflage’; group S and group C, respectively). The purpose of this study was to assess the possible relation between our two psycho‐behavioural profiles and some morphological parameters know to be involved in facial attraction (i.e. facial asymmetry and skin visual quality). First of all, our study revealed for women from the group C a greater asymmetry of the lower face (i.e. mouth area) that could be related to a possible larger amount of negative emotional experiences. Concerning make‐up behaviour, women from the group S more extensively manipulated their relative facial attractiveness, by using a large range of colours, but also through a significantly longer make‐up process used to adjust their visual asymmetry and therefore increase their potential of attractiveness. On the overall, our results suggest that make‐up is used differentially, according to stable psychological profiles of women, to manipulate specific visual/morphological facial features involved in attractiveness.
Sex difference in human fingertip recognition of micron‐level randomness as unpleasant
Authors: Nakatani M. , Kawasoe T. , Denda M.
Published: February 2011

Synopsis

We investigated sex difference in evaluation, using the human fingertip, of the tactile impressions of three different micron‐scale patterns laser‐engraved on plastic plates. There were two ordered (periodical) patterns consisting of ripples on a scale of a few micrometres and one pseudo‐random (non‐periodical) pattern; these patterns were considered to mimic the surface geometry of healthy and damaged human hair, respectively. In the first experiment, 10 women and 10 men ran a fingertip over each surface and determined which of the three plates felt most unpleasant. All 10 female participants reported the random pattern, but not the ordered patterns, as unpleasant, whereas the majority of the male participants did not. In the second experiment, 9 of 10 female participants continued to report the pseudo‐random pattern as unpleasant even after their fingertip had been coated with a collodion membrane. In the third experiment, participants were asked to evaluate the magnitude of the tactile impression for each pattern. The results again indicated that female participants tend to report a greater magnitude of unpleasantness than male participants. Our findings indicate that the female participants could readily detect microgeometric surface characteristics and that they evaluated the random pattern as more unpleasant. Possible physical and perceptual mechanisms involved are discussed.
Standardized extract of Syzygium aqueum: a safe cosmetic ingredient
Authors: Palanisamy U. D. , Ling L. T. , Manaharan T. , Sivapalan V. , Subramaniam T. , Helme M. H. , Masilamani T.
Published: February 2011

Synopsis

Syzygium aqueum, a species in the Myrtaceae family, commonly called the water jambu is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. It is well documented as a medicinal plant, and various parts of the tree have been used in traditional medicine, for instance as an antibiotic. In this study, we show S. aqueum leaf extracts to have a significant composition of phenolic compounds, protective activity against free radicals as well as low pro‐oxidant capability. Its ethanolic extract, in particular, is characterized by its excellent radical scavenging activity of EC50 of 133 μg mL−1 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH), 65 μg mL−1 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 71 μg mL−1 (Galvinoxyl), low pro‐oxidant capabilities and a phenolic content of 585–670 mg GAE g−1 extract. The extract also displayed other activities, deeming it an ideal cosmetic ingredient. A substantial tyrosinase inhibition activity with an IC50 of about 60 μg mL−1 was observed. In addition, the extract was also found to have anti‐cellulite activity tested for its ability to cause 98% activation of lipolysis of adipocytes (fat cells) at a concentration of 25 μg mL−1. In addition, the extract was not cytotoxic to Vero cell lines up to a concentration of 600 μg mL−1. Although various parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine, this is the first time it has been shown to have cosmeceutical properties. Therefore, the use of this extract, alone or in combination with other active principles, is of interest to the cosmetic industry.