bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reproductive Revolution
Authors: MacInnes John , Díaz Julio Pérez
Published: April 2009

We suggest that a third revolution alongside the better known economic and political ones has been vital to the rise of modernity: the reproductive revolution, comprising a historically unrepeatable shift in the efficiency of human reproduction which for the first time brought demographic security. As well as highlighting the contribution of demographic change to the rise of modernity and addressing the limitations of orthodox theories of the demographic transition, the concept of the reproductive revolution offers a better way to integrate sociology and demography. The former has tended to pay insufficient heed to sexual reproduction, individual mortality and the generational replacement of population, while the latter has undervalued its own distinctive theoretical contribution, portraying demographic change as the effect of causes lying elsewhere. We outline a theory of the reproductive revolution, review some relevant supporting empirical evidence and briefly discuss its implications both for demographic transition theory itself, and for a range of key social changes that we suggest it made possible: the decline of patriarchy and feminisation of the public sphere, the deregulation and privatisation of sexuality, family change, the rise of identity, ‘low’ fertility and ‘population ageing’.
Divorce: Obstacles and Opportunities – South Asian Women in Britain
Authors: Guru Surinder
Published: April 2009

As divorce rates appear to rise amongst South Asian communities in Britain the repercussions for their members remain invisible and neglected in the research literature. The paper argues that this oversight needs to be addressed as it explores the findings from two separate studies to highlight some of the possible ramifications of divorce on South Asian women. The experiences presented here show that whilst divorce can have the most devastating effects on women in terms of their exclusion, it also presents some opportunities and optimism for their future. Furthermore, divorced women can not only bring positive change to their own lives, but also in the process, transform the cultures in which they live.
Social Capital, Labour Markets, and Job-Finding in Urban and Rural Regions: Comparing Paths to Employment in Prosperous Cities and Stressed Rural Communities in Canada,
Authors: Matthews Ralph , Pendakur Ravi , Young Nathan
Published: April 2009

This paper compares paths to employment (job-finding) in prosperous cities and economically-stressed rural communities in Canada. Since the pioneering work of Mark Granovetter (1973; 1974) , sociologists have investigated the role of social capital in job-finding (specifically, the use of strong and weak social ties to find out about employment opportunities). To date, however, there have been few direct comparisons of job-finding in urban and rural settings (see Lindsay et al., 2005 ; Wahba and Zenou, 2005 ). Using data from two major surveys and a qualitative interview project, we uncover several important differences in urban and rural paths to employment. First, we find that both strong and weak ties are used more frequently by rural residents to find a job, while city-dwellers rely more often on formal or impersonal means. Second, we find much stronger evidence of differentiation within rural regions. Long-time rural residents are much more likely to use strong and weak ties to find employment than are newcomers. However, rural residents who used weak ties as paths to employment have significantly lower incomes. None of these patterns are evident in the cities. Together, these findings lead us to conclude that job-finding in rural settings is strongly affected by constraints – in the labour market and in social capital resources – that are not present in cities.
Regional Integration and Trade: Controlling for Varying Degrees of Heterogeneity in the Gravity Model
Authors: Stack Marie M.
Published: April 2009

The proliferation of regional trade agreements (RTAs) in the 1990s prompted a renewal of interest in studying the effect of regional integration on trade. Using a panel dataset of bilateral export flows from 12 EU countries to 20 OECD trading partners over the period 1992–2003, the trade effect of European regional integration, denoted by an EU dummy, is examined across a number of fixed effects (FE) specifications, each of which has been claimed as the correct econometric specification of the gravity model. Typically parsimonious in (time‐varying) economic variables and abundant in fixed effects, the FE specifications allow for varying degrees of heterogeneity in the gravity model. Two gravity models are estimated: a gravity model of traditional trade determinants and a gravity model of new trade theory (NTT) determinants. Both gravity models provide reasonable coefficient estimates, although they vary somewhat across the FE specifications for the traditional gravity model. Both gravity models are congruent in suggesting that the coefficient of the EU dummy declines in magnitude and becomes insignificant as an increasing degree of heterogeneity is admitted into the model. This suggests the fundamental importance of the econometric specification when evaluating trade policy effects within a gravity framework.
LEASE DEFAULTS AND THE EFFICIENT MITIGATION OF DAMAGES*
Authors: Miceli Thomas J. , Sirmans C.F. , Turnbull Geoffrey K.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT The traditional law of leases imposed no duty on landlords to mitigate damages in the event of tenant breach, whereas the modern law of leases does. An economic model of leases, in which absentee tenants may or may not intend to breach, shows that the traditional rule promotes tenant investment in the property by discouraging landlord entry. In contrast, the modern rule prevents the property from being left idle by encouraging landlords to enter and re‐let abandoned property. The model reflects the historic use of the traditional rule for agricultural leases, where absentee use was valuable, and the emergence of the modern rule for residential leases, where the primary use entails continuous occupation.
Schooling and Public Capital in a Model of Endogenous Growth
Authors: AGÉNOR PIERRE‐RICHARD
Published: April 2009

This paper studies the allocation of public spending between education services and infrastructure investment in an endogenous growth model of a developing economy where public capital in infrastructure affects human capital accumulation. The balanced growth path is derived and the possibility of local indeterminacy is discussed. Dynamics associated with a budget‐neutral reallocation of spending from education to infrastructure are studied through numerical simulations. The growth‐maximizing share of investment in infrastructure is shown to depend on the goods production technology and the ‘productiveness’ of infrastructure in the schooling technology. Properties of the welfare‐maximizing solution are also discussed.
Environmental Protection and the Private Provision of International Public Goods
Authors: ALTEMEYER‐BARTSCHER MARTIN , RÜBBELKE DIRK T. G. , SHESHINSKI EYTAN
Published: April 2009

International environmental protection like the combat of global warming exhibits properties of public goods. In the international arena, no coercive authority exists that can enforce measures to overcome free‐rider incentives. Therefore decentralized negotiations between individual regions serve as an approach to pursue efficient international environmental protection. We propose a scheme which is based on the ideas of Coasean negotiations and Pigouvian taxes. The negotiating entities offer side‐payments to counterparts in order to influence their taxation of polluting consumption. Side‐payments, in turn, are self‐financed by means of externality‐correcting taxes. As we show, a Pareto‐efficient outcome can be attained.
High-Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Motor Cortex of Patients Affected by Migraine With Aura: A Way to Restore Normal Cortical Excitability?
Authors: Brighina F , Palermo A , Daniele O , Aloisio A , Fierro B
Published: April 2009

We showed reduced motor intracortical inhibition (ICI) and paradoxical increase of intracortical facilitation (ICF) to 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients affected by migraine with aura (MA). In conditions of enhanced excitability due to a reduced inhibition, high-frequency rTMS was found to potentiate intracortical inhibition. Here we explored the conditioning effects of high-frequency priming stimulation of motor cortex with the aim of normalizing excitability reverting paradoxical facilitation by 1 Hz rTMS in MA. Nine patients with MA and nine healthy controls underwent a paired-pulse TMS paradigm to evaluate motor intracortical excitability (ICI and ICF) before and after the following rTMS conditions: 1 Hz alone or preceded by a real or sham conditioning high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS. Sham was used to control for rTMS specificity. In baseline, ICI was significantly lower in migraineurs with respect to controls. One hertz stimulation reduced motor evoked potential amplitude and ICF in healthy controls, while it caused a significant paradoxical ICF increase in migraineurs. High-frequency rTMS conditioning normalized excitability in migraine, increasing short ICI and so reversing the paradoxical effects of 1 Hz rTMS. These findings raise the possibility that the interictal reduced intracortical inhibition in migraine could be normalized by high-frequency rTMS. This would open perspectives for new treatment strategies in migraine prevention.
The FHM1 Mutation S218L: A Severe Clinical Phenotype? A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Debiais S , Hommet C , Bonnaud I , Barthez MA , Rimbaux S , Riant F , Autret A
Published: April 2009

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare autosomal dominant subtype of migraine with aura that is characterized by motor weakness during attacks. FHM1 is associated with mutations in the CACNA1A gene located on chromosome 19. We report a severe, prolonged HM attack in a young pregnant patient who had the S218L FHM1. This CACNA1A mutation has been associated with HM, delayed cerebral oedema and coma following minor head trauma. The case history we report suggests a specific, severe phenotype and the co-occurrence of HM and epilepsy related to the S218L FHM1 mutation.
Improvement of the Closed Cranial Window Model in Rats by Intracarotid Infusion of Signalling Molecules Implicated in Migraine
Authors: Gupta S , Bhatt DK , Boni LJ , Olesen J
Published: April 2009

Intravital microscopy on a closed cranial window allows one to measure change in the diameter of cranial blood vessels after intravenous (i.v.) administration of pharmacodynamic substances. Putative targets being pursued in migraine are large vasodilating peptide molecules such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase polypeptide (PACAP)-38. High i.v. doses are required to study their craniovascular pharmacology. Unfortunately, this leads to a drop in blood pressure (BP) that subsequently causes blood vessels to dilate by autoregulation. Hence it is difficult to decipher what effect is caused by direct receptor agonist interaction or contributed by autoregulation. In the present study we infused substances with an ingenious indwelling catheter in the common carotid artery in rats. Intracarotidly seven-, 12- and 17-fold lower doses of CGRP, PACAP-38 and capsaicin were required, respectively, compared with i.v. infusion to induce the same dilation in dural artery. Dilating intracarotid (i.c.) doses caused no or a minimal fall in BP, whereas equi-responsive i.v. doses caused a marked BP reduction. The CGRP blocking potential of olcegepant was amplified by > 20 times on i.c. infusion. Pial artery responses to CGRP did not change with i.c. infusion, demonstrating that dilations after i.v. CGRP are mediated by autoregulation rather than through specific receptors. We applied CGRP topically, which induced concentration-dependent dural vasodilation, but no effect on pial artery or on BP. In conclusion, this new approach offers an improvement of the existing model by allowing more accurate assessment of effects of pharmaca on the cranial vasculature without inducing significant systemic effects.
Refined Geographic Distribution of the Oriental ALDH2*504Lys (nee 487Lys) Variant
Authors: Li Hui , Borinskaya Svetlana , Yoshimura Kimio , Kal’ina Nina , Marusin Andrey , Stepanov Vadim A. , Qin Zhendong , Khaliq Shagufta , Lee Mi‐Young , Yang Yajun , Mohyuddin Aisha , Gurwitz David , Mehdi Syed Qasim , Rogaev Evgeny , Jin Li , Yankovsky Nikolay K. , Kidd Judith R. , Kidd Kenneth K.
Published: April 2009

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is one of the most important enzymes in human alcohol metabolism. The oriental ALDH2*504Lys variant functions as a dominant negative, greatly reducing activity in heterozygotes and abolishing activity in homozygotes. This allele is associated with serious disorders such as alcohol liver disease, late onset Alzheimer disease, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer, and is best known for protection against alcoholism. Many hundreds of papers in various languages have been published on this variant, providing allele frequency data for many different populations. To develop a highly refined global geographic distribution of ALDH2*504Lys, we have collected new data on 4,091 individuals from 86 population samples and assembled published data on a total of 80,691 individuals from 366 population samples. The allele is essentially absent in all parts of the world except East Asia. The ALDH2*504Lys allele has its highest frequency in Southeast China, and occurs in most areas of China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Indochina with frequencies gradually declining radially from Southeast China. As the indigenous populations in South China have much lower frequencies than the southern Han migrants from Central China, we conclude that ALDH2*504Lys was carried by Han Chinese as they spread throughout East Asia. Esophageal cancer, with its highest incidence in East Asia, may be associated with ALDH2*504Lys because of a toxic effect of increased acetaldehyde in the tissue where ingested ethanol has its highest concentration. While the distributions of esophageal cancer and ALDH2*504Lys do not precisely correlate, that does not disprove the hypothesis. In general the study of fine scale geographic distributions of ALDH2*504Lys and diseases may help in understanding the multiple relationships among genes, diseases, environments, and cultures.
There will be blood: autohaemorrhage behaviour as part of the defence repertoire of an insect
Authors: Bateman P. W. , Fleming P. A.
Published: April 2009

Armoured ground crickets Acanthoplus discoidalis (Bradyporidae) have an arsenal of defence mechanisms in response to attack. Males but not females can stridulate when attacked, while both sexes will bite and regurgitate upon provocation. They will also autohaemorrhage. Here we have quantified these responses, examining how individuals of both sexes respond to repeated simulated predatory attack from the side (grabbing the legs with forceps) or from above (grabbing the animal by the pronotum). We found different responses depending on the method of attack. When attack was directed from the side (at the legs) the crickets can bite their attacker and males stridulate intensely. About 62% of such attacks elicited an autohaemorrhage response, where the crickets squirt 13±22 mg of acrid‐smelling haemolymph 43±63 mm from seams in the connective tissue between the trochanter and coxa of each leg and from under the pronotum. By contrast, animals attacked from above could not turn and bite their attacker, and stridulation was also reduced in males. About 86% of such attacks elicited an autohaemorrhage response with 19±19 mg of haemolymph projecting 10±30 mm from the body. Autohaemorrhaging is an effective form of chemical defence against bearded dragon lizards Pogona vitticeps (Agamidae) and Aca. discoidalis haemolymph applied to Gryllus bimaculatus nymphs (which have no such chemical defence) successfully saved them from predation by striped skinks Trachylepis punctatissima (Scincidae).
Therapeutic antibodies: successes, limitations and hopes for the future
Authors: Chames Patrick , Van Regenmortel Marc , Weiss Etienne , Baty Daniel
Published: April 2009

With more than 20 molecules in clinical use, monoclonal antibodies have finally come of age as therapeutics, generating a market value of $11 billion in 2004, expected to reach $26 billion by 2010. While delivering interesting results in the treatment of several major diseases including autoimmune, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, cancer and inflammation, clinical trials and research are generating a wealth of useful information, for instance about associations of clinical responses with Fc receptor polymorphisms and the infiltration and recruitment of effector cells into targeted tissues. Some functional limitations of therapeutic antibodies have come to light such as inadequate pharmacokinetics and tissue accessibility as well as impaired interactions with the immune system, and these deficiencies point to areas where additional research is needed. This review aims at giving an overview of the current state of the art and describes the most promising avenues that are being followed to create the next generation of antibody‐based therapeutic agents.

This article is part of a themed section on Vector Design and Drug Delivery. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Chemical vectors for gene delivery: a current review on polymers, peptides and lipids containing histidine or imidazole as nucleic acids carriers
Authors: Midoux Patrick , Pichon Chantal , Yaouanc Jean‐Jacques , Jaffrès Paul‐Alain
Published: April 2009

DNA/cationic lipid (lipoplexes), DNA/cationic polymer (polyplexes) and DNA/cationic polymer/cationic lipid (lipopolyplexes) electrostatic complexes are proposed as non‐viral nucleic acids delivery systems. These DNA‐nanoparticles are taken up by the cells through endocytosis processes, but the low capacity of DNA to escape from endosomes is regarded as the major limitations of their transfection efficiency. Here, we present a current report on a particular class of carriers including the polymers, peptides and lipids, which is based on the exploitation of the imidazole ring as an endosome destabilization device to favour the nucleic acids delivery in the cytosol. The imidazole ring of histidine is a weak base that has the ability to acquire a cationic charge when the pH of the environment drops bellow 6. As it has been demonstrated for poly(histidine), this phenomena can induce membrane fusion and/or membrane permeation in an acidic medium. Moreover, the accumulation of histidine residues inside acidic vesicles can induce a proton sponge effect, which increases their osmolarity and their swelling. The proof of concept has been shown with polylysine partially substituted with histidine residues that has caused a dramatic increase by 3–4.5 orders of magnitude of the transfection efficiency of DNA/polylysine polyplexes. Then, several histidine‐rich polymers and peptides as well as lipids with imidazole, imidazolinium or imidazolium polar head have been reported to be efficient carriers to deliver nucleic acids including genes, mRNA or SiRNA in vitro and in vivo. More remarkable, histidylated carriers are often weakly cytotoxic, making them promising chemical vectors for nucleic acids delivery.

This article is part of a themed section on Vector Design and Drug Delivery. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Delivery of magic bullets: on the still rocky road to gene therapy
Authors: Takeda K.
Published: April 2009

In this issue, the promises, problems and current progress towards gene therapy are examined in a themed set of six reviews. These cover the major methodologies deployed over the last twenty to thirty years to deliver a gene or other potentially therapeutic molecules into an organism. Initial enthusiasm and optimism concerning the prospects for gene therapy and more generally, the delivery of magic bullets, arose after the pioneering discoveries of monoclonal antibodies and retroviral infection during the 1970's and were fuelled by strategies to make synthetic viruses and the advent of chemical vectors over the succeeding twenty years. However, despite significant advances, to date, the early hopes of widespread gene therapy still remain largely unfulfilled.

This article is part of a themed section on Vector Design and Drug Delivery. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Serum adipokine levels predictive of liver injury in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Lemoine Maud , Ratziu Vlad , Kim Minji , Maachi Mustapha , Wendum Dominique , Paye François , Bastard Jean Philippe , Poupon Raoul , Housset Chantal , Capeau Jacqueline , Serfaty Lawrence
Published: April 2009

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine whether serum levels of adipokines, including the ratio of serum adiponectin to leptin (A/L) levels could predict the severity of liver injury in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Patients and methods: Fifty‐seven patients with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (mean age 51±12, sex ratio 1), 17 with simple steatosis (mean age 47±12, sex ratio 1.4) and 10 controls without steatosis (mean age 51±11, sex ratio 4) were investigated. In all subjects, serum concentrations of triglycerides, ultrasensitive C reactive protein, leptin, adiponectin, soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1, interleukin (IL)‐6 and Homeostasis Model Assessment Method (HOMA) were measured. Hepatic expression of adiponectin and its two receptors was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Body mass index (BMI) and HOMA were correlated positively with leptin levels (r=0.44 and 0.28 respectively) and negatively with the A/L ratio (r=0.51 and 0.41 respectively). Independent parameters associated with NASH vs steatosis were HOMA>3 [odds ratio (OR)=6.9] and A/L ratio <1.4 103 (OR=5.2). The combination of HOMA with A/L ratio showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 for distinguishing between NASH and steatosis. Extensive portal fibrosis was present in 17 (23%) patients with NAFLD. Three independent parameters were associated with fibrosis: age (OR=1.1), BMI (OR=1.3) and high IL‐6 levels (OR=1.6). The hepatic expression of adiponectin receptor 2 was significantly higher in patients with NASH compared with controls and was related with necroinflammatory injury.

Conclusions: This study shows that in patients with NAFLD, the combination of HOMA with A/L ratio may be a useful non‐invasive approach to appreciate the severity of liver damage.
Effect of human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in a cirrhotic rat model
Authors: Jung Kyung Hee , Shin Hyun Phil , Lee Sun , Lim Yun Jeong , Hwang Soo Han , Han Hoon , Park Hwon Kyum , Chung Joo‐Ho , Yim Sung‐Vin
Published: April 2009

Background/Aim: Cirrhosis is a long‐term consequence of chronic hepatic injury and no effective therapy is currently available for this disease. Recent reports have shown that the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes, and umbilical cord blood is a rich source of MSCs. Hence, we investigated the effect of infusing of human umbilical cord blood‐derived MSCs (HMSCs) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced cirrhosis in a rat model.

Methods: The effect of HMSCs on cirrhosis was evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. To evaluate cirrhosis‐related factors, we measured protein and mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), collagen type I and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA).

Results: Histological findings showed that liver fibrosis in rats was alleviated by HMSCs infusion. Interestingly, CM‐DiI‐labelled HMSCs expressed the hepatocyte‐specific markers, human albumin and α‐fetoprotein. Infusion of HMSCs significantly inhibited TGF‐β1, collagen type I and α‐SMA expressions in CCl4‐induced cirrhotic rats.

Conclusion: Our results showed that HMSCs infusion could improve liver fibrosis in rats with CCl4‐induced cirrhosis, raising the possibility for clinical use of HMSCs in the treatment of cirrhosis.
Effects of ursodeoxycholic acid in combination with vitamin E on adipokines and apoptosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Balmer Maria Luisa , Siegrist Kathrin , Zimmermann Arthur , Dufour Jean‐François
Published: April 2009

Background/Aims: Adipokines and hepatocellular apoptosis participate in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In a randomized trial ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) with vitamin E (VitE) improved serum aminotransferases and hepatic histology. The present work evaluates the effect of this combination on adipokines and hepatocellular apoptosis.

Methods: Circulating levels of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, retinol binding protein‐4, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and tumour necrosis factor‐α were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassays at the beginning and after 2 years of treatment with either UDCA+VitE, UDCA+placebo (P) or P+P. Apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry for activated caspase‐3 and circulating levels of apoptosis‐associated cytokeratin 18 fragments (M30).

Results: Levels of adiponectin increased in patients treated with UDCA+VitE, whereas they decreased in the two other groups (P<0.04) and correlated with the improvement of liver steatosis (P<0.04). M30 levels worsened in the P/P group and improved in the other two groups. They correlated with hepatocellular apoptosis (P<0.02) and steatosis (P<0.02) as well as negatively with adiponectin levels (P<0.04).

Conclusions: UDCA+VitE improves not only aminotransferase levels and liver histology of patients with NASH, but also decreases hepatocellular apoptosis and restores circulating levels of adiponectin. These results suggest that the UDCA+VitE combination has metabolic effects in addition to its beneficial cytoprotective properties.
Treatment of hepatitis C virus carriers with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels with peginterferon α‐2a and ribavirin: a multicentric study
Authors: Puoti Claudio , Pellicelli Adriano M. , Romano Mario , Mecenate Fabrizio , Guarisco Riccardo , Barbarini Giorgio , Mazzoni Ettore , Spilabotti Lucia , Bellis Lia , Paglia Federica , Barlattani Angelo , Picardi Antonio , Paffetti Amerigo , Bonaventura Maria Elena , Nosotti Lorenzo , Mitidieri Olga , Dell' Unto Orlando , Villani Roberto , Dell' Unto Chiara , Morrone Aldo , Soccorsi Fabrizio ,   on behalf of the Club Epatologico Ospedaliero (Hospital Liver Club – CLEO)
Published: April 2009

Background/Aims: To evaluate, in clinical practice, the efficacy and safety of combined antiviral treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.

Methods: Eighty‐eight HCV carriers with persistently normal ALT levels were enrolled. All patients received peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) α‐2a 180 μg once weekly plus ribavirin (RBV) 800 mg/day for 24 weeks (HCV‐2 and ‐3) or 1000–1200 mg/day for 48 weeks (HCV‐1).

Results: Rapid virological response (RVR) was seen in 66/88 patients (75%): 19/32 HCV‐1 (59%), 40/46 HCV‐2 (87%) and 7/10 HCV‐3 patients. Younger patients, leaner subjects and patients with non‐1 genotype or lower baseline HCV RNA levels were more likely to achieve an RVR. Sustained virological response (SVR) was seen in 69/88 patients (78%): 20/32 HCV‐1 patients (62%), 41/46 HCV‐2 patients (89%) and 8/10 (80%) HCV‐3 patients. The overall SVR rate was 88% in patients with RVR (58/66) and 50% in those without RVR.

Conclusions: The combination of PEG‐IFN α‐2a and RBV produces, in patients with normal ALT, virological response rates that are comparable or even higher than those obtained in patients with elevated ALT levels. Thus, we suggest that in selected cases immediate therapy might be preferred to a ‘wait‐and‐see’ policy.
Seed Dispersal and Seedling Emergence in a Created and a Natural Salt Marsh on the Gulf of Mexico Coast in Southwest Louisiana, U.S.A.
Authors: Elsey‐Quirk Tracy , Middleton Beth A. , Proffitt C. Edward
Published: April 2009

Early regeneration dynamics related to seed dispersal and seedling emergence can contribute to differences in species composition among a created and a natural salt marsh. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether aquatic and aerial seed dispersal differed in low and high elevations within a created marsh and a natural marsh and (2) whether seedling emergence was influenced by marsh, the presence of openings in the vegetation, and seed availability along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast. Aerial seed traps captured a greater quantity of seeds than aquatic traps. Several factors influenced aquatic and aerial seed dispersal in a created and a natural salt marsh, including distance from the marsh edge, cover of existing vegetation, and water depth. The natural marsh had a high seed density of Spartina alterniflora and Distichlis spicata, the low‐elevation created marsh had a high seed density of S. alterniflora, and the high‐elevation created marsh had a high seed density of Aster subulatus and Iva frutescens. The presence of adult plants and water depth above the marsh surface influenced seed density. In the natural marsh, openings in vegetation increased seedling emergence for all species, whereas in the low‐elevation created marsh, S. alterniflora had higher seedling density under a canopy of vegetation. According to the early regeneration dynamics, the future vegetation in areas of the low‐elevation created marsh may become similar to that in the natural marsh. In the high‐elevation created marsh, vegetation may be upland fringe habitat dominated by high‐elevation marsh shrubs and annual herbaceous species.
Animals in the Restoration Process—Progressing the Trends
Authors: Majer Jonathan D.
Published: April 2009

A survey of fauna‐focused papers in Restoration Ecology indicates that increased attention is being paid to this component of the biota. Although much of this work is for monitoring, a growing number of studies relate to the economic or ecological value of animals in restored land. There is still a bias toward vertebrates over invertebrates, although the proportion of invertebrate‐focused papers is steadily increasing. Analysis of these papers suggests that greater synergy would have been obtained if standardized protocols had been used and, in the case of invertebrates, studies would have been more informative if species‐level identifications had been obtained. Partnerships with industry should allow long‐term studies to be performed, which would provide more reliable information than that yielded from chronosequence‐type investigations.
Acupuncture for Treating Acute Attacks of Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Ying , Liang Fanrong , Yang Xuguang , Tian Xiaoping , Yan Jie , Sun Guojie , Chang Xiaorong , Tang Yong , Ma Tingting , Zhou Li , Lan Lei , Yao Wen , Zou Ran
Published: April 2009

Objective.— To discuss the results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of verum acupuncture in treating acute migraine attacks.

Background.— Acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to treat migraine headache. Convincing evidence of its efficacy in alleviating pain, however, has been inadequate to date.

Methods.— A total of 218 patients with migraine were recruited for the study; 180 met the inclusion criteria; 175 completed the callback process and were randomized into 3 groups. One group received verum acupuncture while subjects in the other 2 groups were treated with sham acupuncture. Each patient received 1 session of treatment and was observed over a period of 24 hours. The main outcome measure was the differences in visual analog scale (VAS) scores before treatment and 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours after treatment.

Results.— Significant decreases in VAS scores from baseline were observed in the fourth hour after treatment when VAS was measured in the patients who received either verum acupuncture or sham acupunctures (P < .05). The VAS scores in the fourth hour after treatment decreased by a median of 1.0 cm, 0.5 cm, and 0.1 cm in the verum acupuncture group, sham acupuncture group 1, and sham acupuncture group 2, respectively. Similarly, there was a significant difference in the change in VAS scores from baseline in the second hour after treatment among the 3 groups (P = .006). Moreover, at the second hour after treatment, only patients treated with verum acupuncture showed significant decreases in VAS scores from baseline by a median of 0.7 cm (P < .001). Significant differences were observed in pain relief, relapse, or aggravation within 24 hours after treatment as well as in the general evaluations among the 3 groups (P < .05). Most patients in the acupuncture group experienced complete pain relief (40.7%) and did not experience recurrence or intensification of pain (79.6%).

Conclusion.— Verum acupuncture treatment is more effective than sham acupuncture based on either Chinese or Western nonacupoints in reducing the discomfort of acute migraine. Verum acupuncture is also clearly effective in relieving pain and preventing migraine relapse or aggravation. These findings support the contention that there are specific physiological effects that distinguish genuine acupoints from nonacupoints.
Revisiting the Efficacy of Sumatriptan Therapy During the Aura Phase of Migraine
Authors: Aurora Sheena K. , Barrodale Patricia M. , McDonald Susan A. , Jakubowski Moshe , Burstein Rami
Published: April 2009

Objective.— To reexamine the efficacy of terminating migraine headache by administration of sumatriptan during the visual‐aura phase of the attack.

Background.— Although the antimigraine action of triptans is most effective soon after onset of the headache, treatment during the aura phase has been found to be ineffective.

Methods.— Nineteen subjects having migraine with aura were studied using a 4‐way crossover, open‐label design. Each patient was asked to treat 8 consecutive attacks with 100 mg of sumatriptan RT: 3 attacks treated at a timing of the patient's discretion (baseline); 1 attack treated 4 hours after onset of pain (late); 2 attacks treated within 1 hour of onset of pain (early); 2 attacks treated during the aura phase – before the onset of pain (aura). Pain level and cutaneous allodynia were reported by the patients at the onset of pain, at the time of treatment, and 2 and 24 hours after treatment.

Results.— Sumatriptan treatment during the aura preempted the development of headache in 34/38 (89%) attacks. The same patients were rendered pain‐free in 30/38 (79%) of attacks treated within 1 hour of pain onset, and in 4/19 (21%) of attacks treated 4 hours after the onset of pain. The incidence of allodynia at the time of treatment was 2/38 (5%) in attacks treated during aura, 8/38 (21%) in attacks treated early, and 14/19 (74%) in attacks treated late.

Conclusion.— Considering the discrepancy between the present and previous clinical studies, it is worthwhile revisiting the efficacy of preemptive triptan therapy during the aura phase of migraine attacks, using larger‐scale, 3‐way, crossover, placebo‐controlled studies.
The Evolution of Chronic Migraine: Classification and Nomenclature
Authors: Manack Aubrey , Turkel Catherine , Silberstein Stephen
Published: April 2009

After nearly 3 decades of debate, the headache community still lacks globally accepted criteria for chronic migraine. This review summarizes the evolution of chronic migraine nomenclature and criteria. We concluded that although there are discrepancies in the currently proposed criteria, there is a significant amount of overlap with previously used classifications such that they all appear to describe the same subset of highly burdened migraine patients. In order to continue to understand the natural history of chronic migraine, address the unmet medical need, and develop effective therapies, field experts and physicians must have a classification that is well understood and accepted by the broader clinical community. It is our view that of the currently established classifications, the Silberstein and Lipton revised criteria for transformed migraine are the most applicable to daily clinical practice and field research.
Caliber Fluctuations of Cervical Internal Carotid Artery and Migraine With Aura: A Possible Vasospasm Detected by Ultrasonographic Examinations
Authors: Usai Susanna , Caputi Luigi , Ciceri Elisa , Grazzi Licia , Carriero Maria Rita , Parati Eugenio , Bussone Gennaro
Published: April 2009

Caliber fluctuations of extra‐ and intracranial arteries, mostly related to vasospasm, are often recognized in various neurological conditions. We report a case of a 33‐year‐old woman affected by migraine with and without aura who exhibited a possible cervical internal carotid artery vasospasm, detected by ultrasound, before a typical migraine aura.
Correlations of Headache Diary Parameters, Quality of Life and Disability Scales
Authors: Hoppe Andrea , Weidenhammer Wolfgang , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Melchart Dieter , Linde Klaus
Published: April 2009

Objective.— We aimed to investigate (1) to which extent headache diary variables correlate among each other; (2) to which extent they correlate with generic measures of quality of life and disability; (3) and whether correlations vary over time.

Methods.— We performed a secondary analysis of data from 301 patients suffering from migraine and 270 patients suffering from tension‐type headache collected in 2 randomized trials of acupuncture. We calculated product–moment correlation coefficients.

Results.— Correlations between diary parameters varied to a great extent. Attack frequency, a measure recommended by the International Headache Society as a primary outcome measure for migraine prophylaxis trials, correlated only moderately with other diary outcomes. At baseline the parameters measured in the headache diary correlated only weakly with the generic outcome measures. After 12 weeks these correlations had increased considerably.

Conclusion.— Our findings suggest that participants in headache trials “learn” to fill in diaries and generic instruments in a more consistent manner during the course of the study.
Current incidence and residual risk of hepatitis B infection among blood donors in the United States
Authors: Zou Shimian , Stramer Susan L. , Notari Edward P. , Kuhns Mary C , Krysztof David , Musavi Fatemeh , Fang Chyang T. , Dodd Roger Y.
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: This study used two approaches to estimate the current incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a US donor population.

METHODS: HBV incidence was estimated through the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) yield approach and the seroconversion method. Residual risk was estimated by the incidence–window period model. HBsAg yield refers to an HBsAg confirmed‐positive, antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc)–nonreactive donation, adjusted for false‐positive neutralization results. The number of HBsAg‐seroconverting repeat donors divided by total number of person‐years of evaluation or the HBsAg yield rate divided by HBsAg yield window gave rise to incidence estimates.

RESULTS: The seroconversion and the yield approach, respectively, gave an incidence estimate of 3.41 or 3.43 per 105 person‐years. Using a revised infectious window period of 38 or 30 days for current HBsAg assays, the current residual risk for HBV was respectively estimated for 2006 to 2008 at 1 in 282,000 or 1 in 357,000 donations from the seroconversion approach and 1 in 280,000 or 1 in 355,000 donations from the yield approach. With the same database and methods, this is a decrease from 1 in 86,000 to 1 in 110,000 observed in 1997 to 1999.

CONCLUSIONS: Current HBV incidence and residual risk are lower than earlier estimates, especially in the youngest donors, but remain higher in the absence of HBV nucleic acid test than those for human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C virus (HCV). In addition to the exclusion of HBsAg false‐positive donors, the reduction could reflect shortened window periods and decreased incidence rates due to vaccination or other reasons.
Evaluation and comparison of coagulation factor activity in fresh‐frozen plasma and 24‐hour plasma at thaw and after 120 hours of 1 to 6°C storage
Authors: Scott Erik , Puca Kathleen , Heraly Jennifer , Gottschall Jerome , Friedman Kenneth
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Current transfusion‐related acute lung injury reduction strategies include avoiding transfusion of plasma products collected from female donors or female donors that have been pregnant to reduce transfusion of plasma‐containing HLA antibodies. Such a policy considerably decreases the number of donors available for generation of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP). To increase the supply of FFP, substitution of 24‐hour plasma (FP24) and thawed plasma (TP) derived from either FFP or FP24 may be viable substitutes. To justify such a policy the coagulation factor content of FFP, FP24, and TP derived from both product types was assessed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Coagulation factor (F)II, FV, FVII, FVIII, F IX, and FX; protein C (PC) and protein S (PS); von Willebrand factor antigen and ristocetin cofactor; fibrinogen; and antithrombin activities were analyzed in nonpaired FFP and FP24 at the time of product thaw and again after 120 hours of 1 to 6°C storage.

RESULTS: At thaw, mean FVIII and PC activities were lower in FP24 than FFP. Mean PC and PS activities were lower in FP24‐ than FFP‐derived 120‐hour‐old TP. No other differences in mean activity reached significance. Activity levels were generally lower in TP; FVIII, FV, and FVII showed the largest changes. However, prestorage leukoreduction appears to improve the stability of FV.

CONCLUSION: FFP, FP24, and the derived TP all contain adequate coagulation factor activities to maintain hemostatic activity. As FFP becomes less available, increased use of FP24 and TP are viable alternatives for most clinical situations.
Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in sickle cell disease patients: evidence of an emerging syndrome with suicidal red blood cell death
Authors: Chadebech Philippe , Habibi Anoosha , Nzouakou Ruben , Bachir Dora , Meunier‐Costes Natacha , Bonin Philippe , Rodet Martine , Chami Btissam , Galacteros Frederic , Bierling Philippe , Noizat‐Pirenne France
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is a life‐threatening complication in sickle cell disease (SCD) characterized by recurrence of disease complications, recipient red blood cell (RBC) destruction, and frequently no detectable antibody. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure signs suicidal RBC death or eryptosis and is involved in vasoocclusive crisis (VOC).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Transfusion was monitored in 48 SCD patients for up to 20 days. PS exposure was evaluated in vivo on patient RBCs (PS‐RBCs) at five time points and in vitro after incubation of donor RBCs with pretransfusion plasma.

RESULTS: Three VOC patients displayed DHTR with recurrent SCD features and no detectable antibody in two cases. In vitro, PS‐RBC percentage was significantly increased by incubating donor RBCs with pretransfusion plasma samples from DHTR patients with no detectable antibody. No such increase was observed with samples from other patients. This result indicates that donor RBCs may be damaged by the environment of SCD patients, increasing the physiologic clearance of apoptotic RBCs. In vivo, PS‐RBC percentage increased in all three cases after destruction of transfused RBCs, indicating that DHTR induces PS‐RBCs and, possibly, subsequent VOC and autologous RBC destruction.

CONCLUSION: This study clearly demonstrates that DHTR can occur in the absence of detectable antibody. In these cases, a mechanism of excessive eryptosis is proposed.
The spleen plays a central role in primary humoral alloimmunization to transfused mHEL red blood cells
Authors: Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Saakadze Natia , Cadwell Chantel M. , Upton Jason W. , Mocarski Edward S. , Hillyer Christopher D. , Zimring James C.
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Several differences exist between antigens on transfused red blood cells (RBCs) and other immunogens, including anatomical compartmentalization. Whereas antigens from microbial pathogens and solid organ transplants drain into local lymph nodes, circulating RBCs remain segregated in the peripheral circulation, where they are consumed by antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) in the spleen and liver. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that the splenic APCs play a central role in primary alloimmunization to transfused RBCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Recipient mice were splenectomized and transfused with transgenic RBCs expressing the membrane‐bound hen egg lysozyme (mHEL) model RBC antigen. In some experiments, mHEL‐specific CD4+ T cells were adoptively transferred into recipient mice to allow investigation of helper T‐cell responses. Unmanipulated or sham‐splenectomized mice served as controls. Recombinant murine cytomegalovirus expressing mHEL (mHEL‐MCMV) was used as a control non‐RBC immunogen. Humoral responses were measured by mHEL‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometric–based RBC cross‐match.

RESULTS: Control animals synthesized detectable anti‐HEL immunoglobulin (Ig)G after a single mHEL RBC transfusion. mHEL‐specific CD4+ T cells underwent robust expansion, and adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells resulted in a 1000‐fold increase in anti‐HEL IgG. In contrast, minimal anti‐HEL IgG was detectable in splenectomized mice, mHEL‐specific CD4+ T cells did not proliferate, and adoptive transfer did not increase anti‐HEL IgG. However, anti‐HEL IgG response after exposure to mHEL‐MCMV was equivalent in control and splenectomized mice.

DISCUSSION: Together, these findings illustrate the distinct properties of transfused RBCs as immunologic stimuli, with the spleen playing a critical role in primary RBC alloimmunization at the level of CD4+ T‐cell activation.
If You Promise to Build It, Will They Come? The Interaction between Local Economic Development Policy and the Real Estate Market: Evidence from Tax Increment Finance Districts
Authors: Smith Brent C.
Published: April 2009

The analysis in this article examines the impacts of one of the more prominent economic development tools, tax increment financing (TIF) districts, on the local commercial real estate market. The study area is the city of Chicago, a community with a long history of reliance on TIF districts as a means to foster local development initiatives. A treatment effects model is used to address the selection bias often attributed to studies of public policy impacts on real estate markets. The results indicate that commercial properties located within designated TIF districts exhibit higher rates of appreciation after the area is designated a qualifying TIF district.
House Price Changes and Idiosyncratic Risk: The Impact of Property Characteristics
Authors: Bourassa Steven C. , Haurin Donald R. , Haurin Jessica L. , Hoesli Martin , Sun Jian
Published: April 2009

Although the average change in house prices is related to changes in fundamentals or perhaps market‐wide bubbles, not all houses in a market appreciate at the same rate. The primary focus of our study is to investigate the reasons for these variations in price changes among houses within a market. We draw on three theories for guidance, one related to the optimal search strategy for sellers of atypical dwellings, another focusing on the bargaining process between a seller and potential buyers and the third relying on the concept of land leverage. We hypothesize that houses will appreciate at different rates depending on the characteristics of the property and the change in the strength of the housing market. These hypotheses are supported using data from three New Zealand housing markets.