bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitory Sites: Mapping Dubai's ‘Forgotten’ Urban Spaces
Authors: ELSHESHTAWY YASSER
Published: December 2008

Seeking to uncover a hidden side of Dubai, this article investigates the city's ‘forgotten’ urban spaces. I use a theoretical framework that responds to a shift in global city research, emphasizing the everyday as well as transnational connections in which the local and the global are closely intertwined. I argue that such processes can be observed in these ‘forgotten’ settings, which, as well as being major gathering points, are utilized by Dubai's low‐income migrant community for the exchange of information. Through an analysis of users and their activities as well as of the morphology of these spaces, I situate them within the overall development of Dubai. A key construct developed in this study and used as a unit of analysis is the notion of transitory sites — viewed as a major element in understanding migrant cities. The architectural and urban character of these sites is identified. A key finding is that low‐income migrants resist globalizing influences by claiming these settings and establishing linkages through them to their home countries.

En tentant de révéler la face cachée de Dubaï, cet article étudie les espaces urbains ‘oubliés’ des grandes villes. Son cadre théorique tient compte d’une transformation dans la recherche sur les villes planétaires, en soulignant les rapports, à la fois quotidiens et transnationaux, dans lesquels le local et le mondial sont liés de manière inextricable. Ce genre de processus est observable dans ces environnements ‘oubliés’ qui, en plus d’être des points de rassemblement importants, servent à la communauté des migrants à faible revenu de Dubaï pour échanger des informations. En analysant les usagers et leurs activités, ainsi que la morphologie de ces espaces, on peut les positionner dans le cadre de l’aménagement global de Dubaï. Cette étude produit un concept essentiel qui est utilisé comme unité d’analyse : la notion de sites transitoires, considérée comme un élément majeur pour comprendre les villes de migration. Le caractère architectural et urbain de ces sites est identifié. L’un des principaux résultats est le fait que les migrants à faible revenu résistent aux influences mondialisatrices en revendiquant ces espaces et en instaurant, grâce à eux, des liens avec leurs pays d’origine.
New Ways of Making and Living Politics: The Movimiento de Trabajadores Desocupados de Solano and the ‘Movement of Movements’
Authors: MOTTA SARA C.
Published: December 2008

This article develops a critique of liberal and social democratic conceptualisations of the political that seek to analyse contemporary social movements in Latin America, arguing that they often silence, misinterpret and/or de‐legitimise new ways of living and making politics in the region. It develops an alternative conceptualisation, based upon the insights of post‐structuralism and heterodox Marxism, which offers the analytic means to engage more fully with territorialised movements that politicise place, subjectivity and everyday social relations. It illustrates the potential use of such a framework with reference to the Movimiento de Trabajadores Desocupados de Solano of Greater Buenos Aires.
Fried Chicken orPop? Redefining Development and Ethnicity in Totonicapán
Authors: DeHART MONICA
Published: December 2008

This article draws on ethnographic research with a K’iche’ community development organisation in the rural department of Totonicapán to examine how neoliberal development policies in post‐conflict Guatemala both enabled and problematised grassroots ethnic development strategies. Specifically, this study analyses efforts by the Cooperation for the Rural Development of the West (CDRO) to operationalise Maya culture as a tool for development through thepop(woven mat) methodology. This particular Maya development model was successful in its ability to appeal to both the international development industry and local community development goals. The article also examines, however, how thepopalso became an important site of critique of neoliberal state reforms and class inequality within the community.
Anarchy, State, and Dystopia: Venezuelan Economic Institutions before the Advent of Oil
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ FRANCISCO , GOMOLIN ADAM J.
Published: December 2008

This article studies the evolution of Venezuelan economic institutions before the emergence of oil exploitation in 1920. We argue that, by 1920, Venezuela had developed a highly centralised state and a professionalised military. These two institutions ensured that growing oil revenues would strengthen the state structure and protected Venezuela from the resource‐conflict trap into which many oil‐abundant countries have fallen. We also argue that the failure to develop institutions that could mediate between sectoral demands and the state, the subordination of property rights to political imperatives and the political dominance of the commercial‐financial elite conditioned the nation‘s response to the post‐1920 influx of oil revenues.
NF‐κB p50/RelA and c‐Rel‐containing dimers: opposite regulators of neuron vulnerability to ischaemia
Authors: Sarnico Ilenia , Lanzillotta Annamaria , Boroni Flora , Benarese Marina , Alghisi Manuela , Schwaninger Markus , Inta Ioana , Battistin Leontino , Spano PierFranco , Pizzi Marina
Published: December 2008

Diverse nuclear factor‐κB subunits mediate opposite effects of extracellular signals on neuron survival. While RelA is activated by neurotoxic agents, c‐Rel drives neuroprotective effects. In brain ischaemia RelA and p50 factors rapidly activate, but how they associate with c‐Rel to form active dimers and contribute to the changes in diverse dimer activation for neuron susceptibility is unknown. We show that in both cortical neurons exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and mice subjected to brain ischaemia, activation of p50/RelA was associated with inhibition of c‐Rel/RelA dimer and no change p50/c‐Rel. Targeting c‐Rel and RelA expression revealed that c‐Rel dimers reduced while p50/RelA enhanced neuronal susceptibility to anoxia. Activation of p50/RelA complex is known to induce the pro‐apoptotic Bim and Noxa genes. We now show that c‐Rel‐containing dimers, p50/c‐Rel and RelA/c‐Rel, but not p50/RelA, promoted Bcl‐xL transcription. Accordingly, the OGD exposure induced Bim, but reduced Bcl‐xL promoter activity and decreased the content of endogenous Bcl‐xL protein. These findings demonstrate that within the same neuronal cell, the balance between activation of p50/RelA and c‐Rel‐containing complexes fine tunes the threshold of neuron vulnerability to the ischaemic insult. Selective targeting of different dimers will unravel new approaches to limit ischaemia‐associated apoptosis.
The knowledge–space dynamic in the UK bioeconomy
Authors: Birch Kean
Published: December 2008

The loss of manufacturing employment to lower cost economies has meant that countries like the UK have sought to promote innovation in areas such as biotechnology. The emergence of the ‘bioeconomy’, however, has been highly uneven, with concentrations of activity in certain countries and particular regions in those countries. In the UK, for example, there are four major concentrations of the bioeconomy. Each of these concentrations exhibit distinct patterns of knowledge and spatial inputs into the innovation process, meaning that it is important to consider the knowledge–space dynamic in and of each region.
Does Tax Evasion Modify the Redistributive Effect of Tax Progressivity?*
Authors: FREIRE‐SERÉN MARÍA JESÚS , PANADÉS JUDITH
Published: December 2008

This article shows how tax evasion modifies the redistributive effect of tax progressivity. The analysis, which is conducted by means of the standard tax evasion model, suggests a possible reduction of the redistributive effect of progressive income taxation. This issue is important to empirically evaluate and compare the redistributive effect of tax systems in economies with different tax evasion levels.
Gradgrinding the Social Sciences: The Politics of Metrics of Political Science
Authors: Donovan Claire
Published: December 2008

This article employs an interpretive approach, and in the light of contributions to this symposium by Butler and McAllister, and McLean et al., holds that metrics of research ‘quality’ are socially constructed and hence are as ‘subjective’ as peer review. Thus it rejects the use of stand-alone metrics as an ‘objective’ basis to inform funding allocations. Rather, the optimum method of ‘quality’ assessment is a panel-based exercise with expert judgement informed by a range of discipline-sensitive metrics and peer review of publications. The article maintains that the politics of metrics of political science conceals interests about the foundations of social scientific knowledge, and so the dispute over metrics and peer review is a metaphor for the conflicting epistemological preferences of UK political scientists. It is also argued that metrics-led assessment subjects political science to ‘Gradgrinding’ on two fronts: that political science departments amount to less than the sum of their parts, and the audit culture strips the discipline of its humanism.
Aural Cholesteatoma in Twenty Dogs
Authors: HARDIE ELIZABETH M. , LINDER KEITH E. , PEASE ANTHONY P.
Published: December 2008

Objective—To determine the clinical course in dogs with aural cholesteatoma.

Study Design—Case series.

Animals—Dogs (n=20) with aural cholesteatoma.

Methods—Case review (1998–2007).

Results—Twenty dogs were identified. Clinical signs other than those of chronic otitis externa included head tilt (6 dogs), unilateral facial palsy (4), pain on opening or inability to open the mouth (4), and ataxia (3). Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 19 dogs, abnormalities included osteoproliferation (13 dogs), lysis of the bulla (12), expansion of the bulla (11), bone lysis in the squamous or petrosal portion of the temporal bone (4) and enlargement of associated lymph nodes (7). Nineteen dogs had total ear canal ablation–lateral bulla osteotomy or ventral bulla osteotomy with the intent to cure; 9 dogs had no further signs of middle ear disease whereas 10 had persistent or recurrent clinical signs. Risk factors for recurrence after surgery were inability to open the mouth or neurologic signs on admission and lysis of any portion of the temporal bone on CT imaging. Dogs admitted with neurologic signs or inability to open the mouth had a median survival of 16 months.

Conclusions—Early surgical treatment of aural cholesteatoma may be curative. Recurrence after surgery is associated with advanced disease, typically indicated by inability to open the jaw, neurologic disease, or bone lysis on CT imaging.

Clinical Relevance—Presence of aural cholesteatoma may affect the prognosis for successful surgical treatment of middle ear disease.
Clinical Outcome in Patients with Intermediate Stenosis of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery after Deferral of Revascularization on the Basis of Noninvasive Coronary Flow Reserve Measurement
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Severino Sergio , Mita Claudia , Riegler Lucia , Cocchia Rosangela , Gravino Rita , Castaldo Francesca , Scarafile Raffaella , Salerno Gemma , Pirone Sergio , Calabrò Paolo , Bigazzi Maurizio Cappelli , Citro Rodolfo , Cuomo Sergio , Caso Pio , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: December 2008

Background: Several reports suggest that noninvasive measurements of coronary flow reserve (CFR) by use of echocardiography may support decision making in intermediate stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The aim of the present study was therefore to analyze the clinical outcome in patients with intermediate stenosis of LAD after deferral of coronary revascularization on the basis of noninvasive CFR measurement. Methods: the study population included 280 patients with intermediate LAD stenosis (50–70% by angiography) (62.2 ± 9.6 years). All the patients underwent transthoracic CFR assessment of LAD (after dipyridamole infusion) within 2 weeks from coronary angiography. If CFR of LAD was ≤ 2, PTCA was recommended; if CFR was > 2, medical treatment was chosen. Primary end points were cardiac death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization procedure, and unstable angina. Results: mean follow‐up was 43 ± 11 months (range 12–52 months). In 150 patients (53.6%) (CFR ≤ 2), coronary artery revascularization was performed (PTCA group); the remaining 130 patients (46.4%) (CFR > 2) were medically treated (medical group). Survival from cardiac death was 94% in the PTCA group and 92.4% in the medical group (P = 0.56). As for all cardiac events, the Kaplan–Meier percentage survival from cardiac events was 88.3% in the PTCA group and 86.4% in the medical group (P = 0.36). Conclusions: even if CFR as a “stand‐alone” diagnostic criterion suffers from several structural limitations, a combined strategy including also other clinical and instrumental measurements before undergoing interventional procedures could improve the cost–benefit practice, in particular, for the management of patients with intermediate LAD stenosis.
An Unusual Cause for Recurrent Syncope in a Female Adult with LEOPARD Syndrome
Authors: Hammerstingl Christoph , Ghanem Alexander , Tiemann Klaus
Published: December 2008

The LEOPARD syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant, multisystem disease involving the skin, skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Echocardiography including stress testing was used in a patient with LEOPARD syndrome and recurrent syncope to reveal the hemodynamic relevance of a giant aneurysm of the interventricular membraneous septum ballooning into the right ventricular outflow tract. This case impressively underlines the vital necessity of dynamic testing particularly in patients with symptoms during exercise even if these symptoms might be addressed to other findings.
On the Problem of Empathy: The Case of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: Throop C. Jason
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Drawing from research conducted on the personal, cultural, and moral significance of pain on the island of Yap (Waqab), Federated States of Micronesia, I argue in this article that one possible root to reincorporating empathy within the context of contemporary culture theory is to uncover the cultural and phenomenological ways that understandings of empathy and what constitutes authentic empathetic acts are shaped. After briefly examining foundational philosophical definitions of empathy, the article advances a number of differing cultural phenomenological orientations implicated in the experience and expression of empathy. These orientations are understood to help to foreground the place of empathy in what may otherwise be viewed as a general reluctance to engage in empathetic attunement in Yapese society. [empathy, cultural phenomenology, morality, suffering, Yap]
On Recognition, Caring, and Dementia
Authors: Taylor Janelle S.
Published: December 2008

The onset of dementia raises troubling questions. Does the person with dementia still recognize you? If someone cannot recognize you, can they still care about you? This essay takes such questions as the entry point for a broader inquiry into recognition, its linkages to care, and how claims to social and political “recognition” are linked to, or premised on, the demonstrated capacity to “recognize” people and things. In the words and actions of her severely impaired mother, the author finds guidance toward a better, more compassionate question to ask about dementia: how can we best strive to “keep the cares together”?
Paternity for Sale:
Authors: Castañeda Heide
Published: December 2008

Women's experiences of migration, and their relationship to a host country, vary significantly from those of migrant men simply because pregnancy is a possibility. The concept of “demographic theft” highlights popular anxieties regarding high fertility among foreigners, including undocumented migrants. This article examines pregnant undocumented women's experiences with the health care system and relationship to the state in Germany. It also provides a discussion of how a restrictive immigration climate, particular models of citizenship, and liberal family laws have resulted in unique practices surrounding paternity claims. It is based on long‐term ethnographic data to highlight contradictions and ambiguities in the policy environment and utilizes the notion of stratified reproduction to bring new evidence regarding mothers' deportability and practices of paternity.
Graciela Iturbide as Anthropological Photographer
Authors: BRANDES STANLEY
Published: December 2008

This article is a reflection on the images of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide. Focusing on her portraits of indigenous peoples of Mexico (particularly the Seri, Isthmus Zapotec, and Mixtec), the author addresses the anthropological value of a body of visual material that is artistic, rather than documentary, in conception and execution. The article inquires into whether and to what extent the images of a professional photographer such as Iturbide can be considered ethnographic. In essence, the author argues, Iturbide may be thought of as an anthropological photographer, given that her work is of educational and inspirational value to ethnographers of Mexico.
Sculpting Blackness: Representations of Black‐Puerto Ricans in Public Art
Authors: LLORÉNS HILDA , CARRASQUILLO ROSA E.
Published: December 2008

This article examines how race is represented in public art‐works sponsored by the State in contemporary Puerto Rico. We focus mainly on two sculptures that commemorate Puerto Rico's black heritage, the sculptural triad entitled “Ritmo” (2006), and the sculpture titled “Osaín” (2007), both located in the town of Caguas. We argue that blackness in Puerto Rican art‐works is rendered passive, foreign, and primitive. Nevertheless, while creating folkloric representations of blacks, black artists also try to convey a different image of blackness: one that is marked by modernity and rebelliousness.
Paramedic Self‐efficacy and Skill Retention in Pediatric Airway Management
Authors: Youngquist Scott T. , Henderson Deborah P. , Gausche‐Hill Marianne , Goodrich Suzanne M. , Poore Pamela D. , Lewis Roger J.
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  The objectives were to determine the effect of pediatric airway management training on paramedic self‐efficacy and skill performance and to determine which of several retraining methods is superior.

Methods:  A total of 2,520 paramedics were trained to proficiency in pediatric bag‐mask ventilation (BMV) and endotracheal intubation (ETI) on mannequins. Subjects were a convenience sample of 245 (10% of original cohort) presenting for voluntary retraining. A total of 212 of 245 (87%) completed skills testing. Self‐efficacy was measured prior to and following initial training and retraining events. Paramedics were assigned to control (no retraining), videotape presentation, self‐directed learning, or instructor‐facilitated lecture and demonstration retraining. Following retraining, BMV and ETI skills were tested.

Results:  Paramedics from low‐call‐volume areas reported lower baseline self‐efficacy and derived larger increases with training, but also experienced the most decline between training events. Pass rates for BMV and ETI were 66% (139/211) and 42% (88/212), respectively. However, overall cohort self‐efficacy was maintained over the study period. In ordinal regression modeling, only the lecture and demonstration method was superior to control, with an odds ratio (OR) of achieving higher scores of 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2 to 5.2) for BMV and 5.2 (95% CI = 2.4 to 11.2) for ETI. Poor performance with ETI but not BMV was associated with time elapsed since training (p = 0.01). Self‐efficacy ratings were not predictive of skill performance.

Conclusions:  Training provides increases in self‐efficacy, particularly among paramedics from low‐call‐volume areas. A gap exists between self‐efficacy and skill performance, in that self‐efficacy may be maintained even when skill performance declines. Pediatric airway skills decay quickly, ETI skills drop off more significantly than BMV skills, and a lecture and demonstration format seems superior to other retraining methods investigated.
In Vivo Study of Wound Bursting Strength and Compliance of Topical Skin Adhesives
Authors: Singer Adam J. , Perry Larry C. , Allen Jr Robert L.
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Over the past decade, the use of topical skin adhesives (TSA) for wound closure has increased. Among TSA characteristics, strength and flexibility are most important. Prior studies have compared the wound bursting strengths (WBSs) of the cyanoacrylates immediately after wound closure. In this study the authors compared the WBS and flexibility of multiple TSAs immediately and up to 2 days after closure.

Methods:  This was a controlled animal experiment. Two‐centimeter incisions were created on both sides of 210 Sprague‐Dawley rats and randomly closed with one of five commercially available TSAs (Dermabond [D], Indermil [I], Histoacryl [H], Liquiband [L], or GluStitch [G]). WBS and TSA flexibility were measured using the BTC‐2000 device immediately after closure and at 1 and 2 days after closure. WBS and TSA flexibility were compared across groups with analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:  Wound bursting strengths were higher (p < 0.05) at 0, 1, and 2 days for D (274, 388, 232 mm Hg) than for all other TSAs (I 182, 225, and 107; H 189, 214, and 69; L 146, 118, and 75; or G 161, 150, and 73). TSA flexibility was also greater (p < 0.05) at 0, 1, and 2 days for D (36, 27, and 29 mm Hg/mm) than for all other TSAs (I 18, 14, and 12; H 18, 13, and 15; L 19, 14, and 12; G 26, 23, and 18).

Conclusions:  The octyl‐cyanoacrylate–based adhesive is significantly stronger and more flexible than all the butyl‐cyanoacrylate–based adhesives at 0, 1 and 2 days after closure.
A Survey of Workplace Violence Across 65 U.S. Emergency Departments
Authors: Kansagra Susan M. , Rao Sowmya R. , Sullivan Ashley F. , Gordon James A. , Magid David J. , Kaushal Rainu , Camargo, Jr. Carlos A. , Blumenthal David
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Workplace violence is a concerning issue. Healthcare workers represent a significant portion of the victims, especially those who work in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to examine ED workplace violence and staff perceptions of physical safety.

Methods:  Data were obtained from the National Emergency Department Safety Study (NEDSS), which surveyed staff across 69 U.S. EDs including physicians, residents, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The authors also conducted surveys of key informants (one from each site) including ED chairs, medical directors, nurse managers, and administrators. The main outcome measures included physical attacks against staff, frequency of guns or knives in the ED, and staff perceptions of physical safety.

Results:  A total of 5,695 staff surveys were distributed, and 3,518 surveys from 65 sites were included in the final analysis. One‐fourth of surveyed ED staff reported feeling safe sometimes, rarely, or never. Key informants at the sampled EDs reported a total of 3,461 physical attacks (median of 11 attacks per ED) over the 5‐year period. Key informants at 20% of EDs reported that guns or knives were brought to the ED on a daily or weekly basis. In multivariate analysis, nurses were less likely to feel safe “most of the time” or “always” when compared to other surveyed staff.

Conclusions:  This study showed that violence and weapons in the ED are common, and nurses were less likely to feel safe than other ED staff.
National Study of Emergency Department Visits for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 1993–2005
Authors: Tsai Chu‐Lin , Sobrino Justin A. , Camargo Jr Carlos A.
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Little is known about recent trends in U.S. emergency department (ED) visits for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) or about ED management of AECOPD. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of ED visits for AECOPD and to evaluate concordance with guideline‐recommended care.

Methods:  Data were obtained from National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). ED visits for AECOPD, during 1993 to 2005, were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes. Concordance with guideline recommendations was evaluated using process measures.

Results:  Over the 13‐year study period, there was an average annual 0.6 million ED visits for AECOPD, and the visit rates for AECOPD were consistently high (3.2 per 1,000 U.S. population; Ptrend = 0.13). The trends in the use of chest radiograph, pulse oximetry, or bronchodilator remained stable (all Ptrend > 0.5). By contrast, the use of systemic corticosteroids increased from 29% in 1993–1994 to 60% in 2005, antibiotics increased from 14% to 42%, and methylxanthines decreased from 15% to <1% (all Ptrend < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed patients in the South (vs. the Northeast) were less likely to receive systemic corticosteroids (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4 to 0.9).

Conclusions:  The high burden of ED visits for AECOPD persisted. Overall concordance with guideline‐recommended care for AECOPD was moderate, and some emergency treatments had improved over time.
Valproic acid blocks adhesion of renal cell carcinoma cells to endothelium and extracellular matrix
Authors: Jones Jon , Juengel Eva , Mickuckyte Ausra , Hudak Lukasz , Wedel Steffen , Jonas Dietger , Hintereder Gudrun , Blaheta Roman A.
Published: December 2008

Treatment strategies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been limited due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance. The development of targeted drugs has now opened novel therapeutic options. In the present study, anti‐tumoral properties of the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) were tested in vitro and in vivo on pre‐clinical RCC models. RCC cell lines Caki‐1, KTC‐26 or A498 were treated with various concentrations of VPA to evaluate tumour cell adhesion to vascular endothelial cells or to immobilized extracellular matrix proteins. In vivo tumour growth was conducted in subcutaneous xenograft mouse models. VPA was also combined with low dosed interferon‐α (IFN‐α) and the efficacy of the combination therapy, as opposed to VPA monotherapy, was compared. VPA significantly and dose‐dependently prevented tumour cell attachment to endothelium or matrix proteins, accompanied by elevated histones H3 and H4 acetylation. VPA altered integrin‐α and ‐β subtype expression, in particular α3, α5 and β3, and blocked integrin‐dependent signalling. In vivo, VPA significantly inhibited the growth of Caki‐1 in subcutaneous xenografts with the 200 mg/kg being superior to the 400 mg/kg dosing schedule. VPA‐IFN‐α combination markedly enhanced the effects of VPA on RCC adhesion, and in vivo tumour growth was further reduced by the 400 mg/kg but not by the 200 mg/kg VPA dosing schedule. VPA profoundly blocked the interaction of RCC cells with endothelium and extracellular matrix and reduced tumour growth in vivo. Therefore, VPA should be considered an attractive candidate for clinical trials.
Tagging effects on three non‐native fish species in England (Lepomis gibbosus, Pseudorasbora parva, Sander lucioperca) and of native Salmo trutta
Authors: Stakėnas S. , Copp G. H. , Scott D. M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract –  To address the dearth of information on tagging effects and long‐term survivorship of tagged fish in native and introduced species, laboratory and field investigations were undertaken on three non‐native fish species (pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus; topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva; pikeperch Sander lucioperca) tagged with coded‐wire (CW), passive integrated transponder (PIT), radio (RT) telemetry and/or acoustic tags (AT), with survivorship of native brown trout (Salmo trutta) examined in the field. Laboratory results revealed high survivorship following tag attachment/insertion and resumption of feeding within 24–48 h of tagging (all mortalities could be attributed to an unrelated outbreak of fungal infection), with retention rates being high in both pumpkinseed and pikeperch but low in topmouth gudgeon (excluded from field studies). In the field, short‐term post‐operation survival was high in pikeperch, pumpkinseed and brown trout. In pumpkinseed and trout, 100% of RT fish survived a 24–30 day tracking study, with 60% and 80%, respectively, recaptured alive at least 3 months post‐tagging. Of PIT tagged pumpkinseed, 44% were recaptured (after 6–18 months), with small‐sized, CW‐tagged fish (0.38 g weight) captured up to 1 year after tagging. In pikeperch, all AT fish except one (the smallest specimen) survived their full expected tracking period (i.e. tag life) – the single lost specimen survived at least half of its expected tracking period (i.e. 6 month battery life). Overall, the tagging methods used were highly effective in pumpkinseed and pikeperch, showing good retention and survival, but PIT tagging of topmouth gudgeon was plagued by low survivorship and tag rejection.
Melatonin protects against experimental reflux esophagitis
Authors: Lahiri Shawon , Singh Pratibha , Singh Sarvesh , Rasheed Naila , Palit Gautam , Pant K. K.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Reflux esophagitis (RE), a major gastrointestinal disorder results from excess exposure of the esophageal mucosa to acidic gastric juice or bile‐containing duodenal contents refluxed via an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. Recent studies implicated oxygen derived free radicals in RE induced esophageal mucosal damage resulting in mucosal inflammation. Thus, control over free radical generation and modulation of inflammatory responses might offer better therapeutic effects to counteract the severity of RE. In this context we investigated the effect of melatonin against experimental RE in rats. Melatonin pretreatment significantly reduced the haemorrhagic lesions and decreased esophageal lipid peroxidation aggravated by RE. Moreover, the depleted levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione observed in RE were replenished by melatonin signifying its free radical scavenging properties and antioxidant effects resulting in the improvement of esophageal defense mechanism. Further melatonin repressed the upregulated levels of expression of proinflammatory cytokines like, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 in RE. However, increased levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 remained unaltered after melatonin administration signifying its immunomodulatory effect through suppression of Th1‐mediated immune responses. The involvement of receptor dependent actions of melatonin against RE were also investigated with MT2 receptor antagonist, luzindole (LUZ). LUZ failed to antagonize melatonin’s protective effects against RE indicating that melatonin mediated these beneficial effects in a receptor‐independent fashion. Thus, esophageal mucosal protection elicited by melatonin against experimental RE is not only dependent on its free radical scavenging activity but also mediated in part through its effect on the associated inflammatory events in a receptor‐independent manner.
Clinical manifestations of infants with nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency due to maternal dietary deficiency
Authors: Zengin E , Sarper N , Çakı Kılıç S
Published: December 2008

Aim: In developing countries, nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in infants due to maternal diet without adequate protein of animal origin has some characteristic clinical features. In this study, haematological, neurological and gastrointestinal characteristics of nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency are presented.

Methods: Hospital records of 27 infants diagnosed in a paediatric haematology unit between 2000 and 2008 were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: The median age at diagnosis was 10.5 months (3–24 months). All the infants were exclusively breast fed and they presented with severe nonspecific manifestations, such as weakness, failure to thrive, refusal to wean, vomiting, developmental delay, irritability and tremor in addition to megaloblastic anaemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by complete blood counts, blood and marrow smears and serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. The median haemoglobin level was 6.4 g/dL (3.1–10.6) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 96.8 fL (73–112.3). Some patients also had thrombocytopaenia and neutropaenia. All the infants showed clinical and haematological improvement with vitamin B12 administration. Patients with severe anaemia causing heart failure received packed red blood cell transfusions as the initial therapy.

Conclusion: Paediatricians must consider nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency due to maternal dietary deficiency in the differential diagnosis of some gastrointestinal, haematological, developmental and neurological disorders of infants with poor socioeconomic status. Delay in diagnosis may cause irreversible neurological damage.
Cow's milk allergic children can present sensitisation to probiotics
Authors: Bruni Francesca M , Piacentini Giorgio L , Peroni Diego G , Bodini Alessandro , Fasoli Erica , Boner Attilio L.
Published: December 2008

Aim: To evaluate sensitivity to different probiotics in children with cow's milk allergy.

Methods: Eighty‐five patients (age range: 4 months –12 years) presenting atopic dermatitis (AD) were enrolled. Skin prick test (SPT) responses to three different probiotics preparations (Fiorilac®, Dicoflor® and Reuterin®) were evaluated in addition to relevant food allergens.

Results: Thirty‐nine patients out of 85 (45.8%) had a positive skin response to prick test for cow's milk (3 with reaction <3 mm). Of the thirty‐six patients with a cow's milk weal reaction >3 mm, twenty‐eight (77.8%) had a skin response to Fiorilac®, four patients (11%) to Dicoflor® and four (11%) to Reuterin®. The proportion of SPT reaction to all the investigated probiotics preparations was significantly lower than cow's milk (r = 9.406; p = 0.002). A significantly higher sensitization was observed for Fiorilac® versus Dicoflor® (r = 30.916; p < 0.001) and versus Reuterin® (r = 34.133; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Probiotic use in patients with cow's milk allergy has to be limited to products that do not contain milk. This should be clearly reported in the label. In selected patients, it is advisable to perform a screening SPT with the product to evaluate its potential contamination with milk.
The upper arm muscle and fat area of Santal children: an evaluation of nutritional status
Authors: Chowdhury Sutanu Dutta , Ghosh Tusharkanti
Published: December 2008

Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine the growth pattern of upper arm muscle area (UAMA), upper arm fat area (UAFA) and upper arm muscle area by height (UAMAH) and assessment of magnitude of undernutrition on the basis of these parameters in Santal children.

Methods: UAMA and UAFA of 890 (473 boys and 417 girls) Santal children aged 5–12 years were calculated from mid‐upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold.

Results: Growth curves of UAFA‐for‐age and UAMA by height in Santal boys and girls are placed at lower level of reference curve indicating severe undernutrition. The growth curves of UAMA‐for‐age in Santal children of both sexes do not indicate severe undermutrition. 17.13% Santal boys and 20.63% girls were truly undernourished on the basis of three Z‐scores of height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐height and UAMAH of each subject. Santal children have more UAMA and less UAFA compared to similar undernourished children of Sugalis.

Conclusion: Growth curves of UAFA‐for‐age and UAMA by height are good indicators of nutritional status in Santal children. UAMA and UAFA may not be similarly affected in undernourished children of every community. A comprehensive approach to identify the truly undernourished child has been suggested from this study.
The effect of passive smoking and breast feeding on serum antioxidant vitamin (A, C, E) levels in infants
Authors: Yılmaz Gonca , Isik Agras Pınar , Hizli Samil , Karacan Candemir , Besler H Tanju , Yurdakok Kadriye , Coskun Turgay
Published: December 2008

Aim: Toxic substances in tobacco smoke are known to have negative effects on the antioxidant capacity of human body. In order to investigate the effect of passive smoking on serum antioxidant levels in infants, serum vitamin A, E, C levels and urinary cotinine/creatinine levels were measured in 254 infants at the age of 6 months.

Methods: The information about infants' nutrition and exposure to tobacco smoke was obtained from the mothers by the help of a questionnaire. The infants were grouped according to both smoking status of mother and urinary cotinine/creatinine levels.

Results: The mean serum vitamin A, C and E levels of infants of smoking mothers were significantly lower than those of non‐smoking mothers (p < 0.05). Vitamin A, E and C levels were negatively correlated with urinary cotinine/creatinine levels (p < 0.05, r: −0.61, −0.42, −0.53, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed independent factors determining the serum vitamin A, E and C levels of infants as maternal smoking and breast feeding (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Tobacco smoke exposure of infants significantly decreases their serum antioxidant vitamin A, C and E levels. However, breast feeding may help to prevent the decrement of antioxidant vitamin levels of passive smoking infants.
Incidence and clinical outcome of cytomegalovirus transmission via breast milk in preterm infants ≤31 weeks
Authors: Buxmann Horst , Miljak Ante , Fischer Doris , Rabenau Holger F , Doerr Hans W , Schloesser Rolf L
Published: December 2008

Aim: To evaluate incidence, timing and clinical relevance of acquired human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in preterm infants.

Methods: The prospective longitudinal study included preterm infants ≤31 weeks. Congenital HCMV infection was excluded by negative HCMV culture from urine or by HCMV‐PCR‐negative umbilical cord blood. Infants from HCMV‐IgG‐positive mothers received thawed frozen breast milk until 33 weeks. Urine samples were obtained weekly for HCMV culture. Data were collected regarding clinical course and milk‐intake.

Results: Twenty‐nine mothers (29/48, 60%) of 35 infants were HCMV‐IgG‐positive. Five of 35 infants (14%) excreted HCMV in urine. Three of five children remained asymptomatic. One child developed a respirator‐dependent HCMV pneumonia, the other child an upper airway infection and a transient thrombocytopenia. HCMV infected children had a significant longer hospital stay (median 96 vs. 73 days, p = 0.025) and received more formula milk (89 vs. 44 mL/kg/day, p = 0.04). Mothers of infected children had significantly higher HCMV‐IgG levels than those of non‐infected children (mean 1557 vs. 921 AU/mL, p = 0.048).

Nineteen of 48 mothers (40%) with 23 infants were HCMV‐IgG‐negative. These children remained HCMV negative.

Conclusion: Feeding preterm infants ≤31 weeks of HCMV‐IgG‐positive mothers with thawed frozen breast milk until 33 completed weeks does not prevent symptomatic HCMV infection in all cases. These infections can be associated with a prolonged hospital stay.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 5‐ and 12‐year‐old Finnish children in 1986 and 2006
Authors: Vuorela Nina , Saha Marja‐Terttu , Salo Matti
Published: December 2008

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and the trends of overweight and obesity in Finnish 5‐ and 12‐year‐old children in 1986 and 2006.

Design: Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Subjects and methods: Anthropometric data were collected retrospectively from health examinations in Tampere and in three rural municipalities. The size of the 5‐ and 12‐year‐old cohorts were 2108 in 1986 and 4013 in 2006, respectively. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Overweight and obesity was estimated using the International Obesity Task Force cutoff values (ISO BMI).

Results: The prevalence of overweight (ISO BMI >25) and obesity (ISO BMI >30) in 5‐year‐old boys in 2006 was 9.8% and 2.5% and in girls 17.7% and 2.5%, respectively. At the age of 12 years, the corresponding figures in boys were 23.6% and 4.7% and in girls 19.1% and 3.2%. Between 1986 and 2006, the prevalence of overweight in 12‐year‐old children had increased 1.8 fold in boys (p < 0.001) and 1.5 fold in girls (p = 0.008). Overweight was significantly more common in rural than in urban areas.

Conclusion: During the last 20 years the prevalence of overweight has markedly increased in 12‐year‐old Finnish children, but remained nearly unchanged in 5‐year‐old children.
Therapy in a subtropical climate for children with cerebral palsy. Evidence of physical and psychosocial effects?
Authors: Skjeldal OH , Capjon H , Dahl A , Diseth TH
Published: December 2008

Aim: To assess a possible therapeutic effect in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy of a habilitation programme in a warm sunny climate.

Methods: Fifty‐seven children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, all integrated with normal functioning children through mainstream schooling, received an individualized four‐week habilitation programme at a habilitation centre in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. They were clinically assessed before and after treatment, and again after three and six months. The clinical tests included gross motor function measure (GMFM) and the paediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI). Mental health and self‐esteem were assessed by using the youth self report (YSR), the child behaviour checklist (CBCL) and the Harter's self‐perception profile. We also used focus‐group interviews on all 57 parents by the end of the treatment period.

Results: The study revealed some improvements in the level of physical performance. The most striking finding, however, was the lasting effect on behavioural and emotional parameters and the children's self‐esteem.

Conclusion: Training in a warm climate may explain some of this positive effect. However, based on the focus‐group interviews and its quantitative findings a more plausible explanation may be the interaction in a social setting with others in a similar situation.
Overweight/obesity and factors associated with body mass index during adolescence: the VYRONAS study
Authors: Mihas Constantinos , Mariolis Anargiros , Manios Yiannis , Naska Androniki , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Arapaki Angeliki , Alevizos Alevizos , Mariolis‐Sapsakos Theodoros , Tountas Yiannis
Published: December 2008

Aim: To describe overweight and obese adolescents and to determine any correlations between an adolescent's body mass index (BMI) with personal (age, gender), lifestyle (sedentary/sport activities, smoking status) and parental (smoking status, BMI, number of cars) characteristics.

Methods: Cross‐sectional data on weight, height and various characteristics from 2008 Greek adolescents (12‐ to 17‐year olds, 50.85% boys), measured in 2005–2007, were used.

Results: Almost 1 in 5 (19.2%) boys and 1 in 7 (13.2%) girls 12–17 years of age were overweight while 4.4% of the boys and 1.7% of the girls were obese. The adolescents’ age, mother's smoking status, father's and mother's BMI predicted boys’ and girls’ BMI (b = 0.551, 0.203, 0.110, 0.495 for boys, b = 0.233, 0.187, 0.180, 0.531 for girls, respectively, p ≤ 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that television watching/using personal computer/playing video games and playtime were not correlated with BMI, while an inverse association of exercising for ≥ 5 h/week and BMI was found in both boys and girls (b =−1.098, −0.528, p = 0.005, 0.004 respectively).

Conclusion: The results of our study underline the high prevalence of obesity during adolescence in Greece. Age and parental unhealthy behaviour (increased BMI and maternal smoking status) were positive predictors of increased BMI of adolescents in both genders.
Why Is Elvis on Burkina Faso Postage Stamps? Cross‐Country Evidence on the Commercialization of State Sovereignty
Authors: Slemrod Joel
Published: December 2008

Why would the country of Burkina Faso issue postage stamps featuring Elvis? In part, to make money, one example of what has been called the commercialization of state sovereignty. I could issue stamps, but no one would buy them. But many philatelists (stamp collectors) want countries' stamps, especially those with popular themes like Elvis or Disney characters, in their collection. I examine the commercialization of state sovereignty by first setting out a simple model and then, in the context of the predictions of this model, conduction an empirical examination of what determines whether a country will pursue a set of commercialization opportunities, from the benign to the malign. Three examples are examined: postage stamps, tax havens, and money laundering. The data analysis provides support for the idea that commercialization of state sovereignty is more likely in countries where it is more difficult to raise revenue in alternative ways, and less support for the role of costs of commercialization related to integrity and, for less benign activities, sanctions. The examined examples of commercialization that are more likely to directly raise revenue (stamp pandering and tax havens) are more attractive to poorer countries, and stamp pandering is more attractive to more agricultural countries at a given level of per‐capita income. This provides some support to the notion that when revenue is difficult to raise in other ways, revenue‐raising commercialization becomes more attractive. Being a tax haven or a stamp panderer is more attractive to small countries, a finding that is consistent with the Slemrod and Wilson (2007) hypothesis about tax havens that the benefits are unrelated to size but the costs are. The results corroborate and extend the Dharmapala and Hines (2007) finding that good governance is associated with tax haven status. Notably, governance has no partial association with the probability of being a money launderer. Thus, there is no evidence that bad governance as measured by the World Bank is associated with international unlawfulness. The fact that governance matters positively for the propensity to be a stamp panderer as well as to be a tax haven expands the Dharmapala‐Hines interpretation that governance proxies for a country's credibility, and suggests that governance may also be associated with the capability to undertake domestic‐welfare‐enhancing activities and may help to explain why more of the most desperately poor nations of the world are not involved in the commercialization of state sovereignty.
Takeover Defenses and Competition: The Role of Stakeholders
Authors: Cremers K. J. Martijn , Nair Vinay B. , Peyer Urs
Published: December 2008

This article studies the interaction between takeover defenses and competition. We find that firms in more competitive industries have more takeover defenses. This suggests that product market competition can be a substitute for the market for corporate control, with more information available in competitive markets making monitoring less costly. A novel instrument for the incentives of stakeholders in the product market to monitor is provided by the nature of the relationship between the firm and its customers. For firms in industries with long‐term relationships with customers and suppliers, these stakeholders have greater incentives to monitor. We document that stronger competition is linked to more defenses only in these “relationship” industries. Finally, we discuss the implications for the design of other governance mechanisms.