bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Neo‐liberalism on South Korea's Public Pension: A Political Economy of Pension Reform
Authors: Jung Chang Lyul , Walker Alan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis article examines the recent Korean pension reforms from a political economy perspective. It argues that these reforms are of particular interest because, unlike major pay‐as‐you‐go pension schemes in Europe, the Korean pension scheme is a funded one and, therefore, is subject to market exposure. Also in contrast to the problems that public pension reforms have encountered in European and other OECD countries, especially ‘blame avoidance’, the more radical Korean reforms were implemented without significant challenge or resistance. First of all, the National Pension Scheme is described prior to the 1997 Asian economic crisis. Then the impact of this crisis on the Korean welfare state and, especially, its pension system are analysed. The main part of the article consists of a political economy of the pension reform process, in which the key roles of the international governmental organizations and the domestic neo‐liberal policy elite are pinpointed. This neo‐liberal ideology was critical in developing and sustaining an influential discourse on the ‘crisis’ in Korea's national pension fund. The article concludes by arguing, against the neo‐liberal tide, for the inclusion of a pay‐as‐you‐go element in the national pension in order to tackle escalating poverty in old age.
Employment and Wage Trajectories for Mothers Entering Low‐skilled Work: Evidence from the British Lone Parent Cohort
Authors: Stewart Kitty 
Published: September 2009

AbstractUK government policy encourages mothers of young children in low‐income families to enter or return to work, via tax credit subsidies and support for childcare. Maternal employment is seen a central plank in the campaign against child poverty, both because it raises income immediately and because working now is seen as paving the way to better employment prospects in the future. But there is little evidence about medium‐ and long‐term outcomes for mothers entering low‐skilled employment. We know little about how likely such women are to remain in work, let alone how likely they are to progress to higher‐skilled and better‐paid jobs. This article uses the British Lone Parent Cohort, a data set which tracked lone mothers from 1991 to 2001, to examine employment trajectories for up to 560 mothers with a youngest child under five at the start of the period. It creates a typology of trajectories over the decade, identifying the share of women broadly stable in work, those remaining at home and those following unstable pathways between the two. It goes on to explore the factors associated with different pathways, asking whether individual and household characteristics, job characteristics, or changes in circumstances such as new health problems are most important. Finally, the article examines differences in wage progression across groups of women following different pathways, and similarly tries to identify the main factors associated with faster progress.
Targets and Taxes: Explaining the Welfare Orientations of the Australian Public
Authors: Wilson Shaun , Spies‐Butcher Ben , Stebbing Adam 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAustralia's welfare model – targeted payments alongside low but progressive taxation – exemplifies the targeted approach, prioritizing the needs of poorer citizens within the constraints of low taxation. But does this approach match the welfare orientations of Australia's voters? Does the public hold other views about welfare, emerging out of competing interests in welfare debates? We consider results of two questions included in the Australian Survey of Social Attitudes 2005. The first question asks respondents about four welfare goals that outline competing welfare orientations: targeting poverty, expanding health and education, enforcing the welfare rules and reducing welfare. The second question asks about four taxation goals drawing on similar orientations as established for welfare: targeting tax cuts, taxing for welfare, enforcing tax rules and reducing overall tax. Asking about both enables us to tell whether voters approach tax and welfare ‘consistently’ and to see whether, in Australia's case, there is a preference for Australia's targeting model. We reach three conclusions: (1) voters hold diverse preferences about welfare and taxes, but the targeted model has a relatively strong voter base; (2) voters hold ‘pro‐welfare’ orientations, choosing poverty reduction and expanding public services over both paternalism and cutting welfare, and (3) multivariate analysis indicates a level of consistency in welfare and tax orientations among voters.
Soluble immune receptor serum levels are associated with age, but not with clinical phenotype or disease severity in childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ott H , Wilke J , Baron J M , Höger PH , Fölster‐Holst R 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Soluble immune receptors (SIRs) have been proposed as biomarkers in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, their clinical applicability in affected children has rarely been studied.Objective  To assess the diagnostic usefulness of serum SIRs in childhood AD by correlating the obtained receptor profiles with serological parameters and clinical features such as age, AD phenotype and disease severity.Methods  We investigated 100 children with AD. The sCD14, sCD23, sCD25, sCD30, total IgE (tIgE) and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were determined using sera of all children. The clinical phenotype was classified as extrinsic AD (ADe) or intrinsic AD (ADi) by the presence of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies.Results  A total of 55 male and 45 female children were recruited. The sCD23, sCD25 and sCD30 serum levels revealed significant age‐dependency. At a mean SCORAD of 40 (range 8–98), none of the evaluated SIRs was correlated to disease severity. In all, 73% of patients suffered from ADe while 27% showed the ADi phenotype. None of the analysed SIRs differed significantly between ADe and ADi patients, while tIgE and ECP levels were elevated in the ADe subgroup.Conclusion  The current study provides evidence that sCD23, sCD25 and sCD30 serum levels are highly age‐dependent. Serum concentrations of all investigated SIRs did not significantly correlate with disease severity in children with AD and were not differentially expressed in patients of different AD phenotypes. Therefore, we believe that the studied SIRs cannot be regarded as clinically useful biomarkers for the assessment of childhood AD.
Clinical and laboratory study of rosacea in northern Greece
Authors: Lazaridou E , Apalla Z , Sotiraki S , Ziakas NG , Fotiadou C , Ioannides D 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Numerous factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rosacea, which remains obscure.Objectives  To examine the epidemiological characteristics of rosacea patients, the histopathological alterations, the prevalence of gastric Helicobacter pylori infection and the role of ultraviolet radiation, to detect the presence of Demodex folliculorum on affected skin and to elucidate the immunological nature of this disorder.Methods  The study included 100 patients with rosacea. Each patient was assessed with a clinical, haematological, biochemical and histological examination; serology test for the detection of antibodies against H. pylori; direct immunofluorescence on perilesional, sun exposed skin and indirect immunofluorescence with monkey oesophagus as a substrate; antinuclear antibody titre and a skin surface biopsy to search for Demodex folliculorum.Results  Women were more frequently affected. Half of our patients were 51–70 years old. About two‐thirds were phototypes I and II and 73% complained of worsening of conditions after sun exposure. An almost permanent histopathological feature was solar elastosis. Higher prevalence of H. pylori was not established. Prevalence and mean density of Demodex folliculorum were significantly increased in rosacea patients. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests were positive in 6.4% and 6.7% respectively. Antinuclear antibody titres were found in 21.1%.Conclusions  Our results suggest the pivotal role of chronic sun exposure in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Demodex folliculorum represents a significant cofactor that may contribute to the transition of the disease from a vascular to an inflammatory stage. The low positive results of direct and indirect immunofluorescence do not support a potential autoimmune role in the development of rosacea.
Staff Stress and Burnout in Intellectual Disability Services: Work Stress Theory and its Application
Authors: Devereux Jason , Hastings Richard , Noone Steve 
Published: September 2009

Background  Staff in intellectual disability services can be at risk of stress and burnout at work. Given that staff well‐being has implications for the quality of life of the staff themselves and people with intellectual disabilities themselves, this is an important research and practical topic. In this paper, we review work stress theories that have been applied within intellectual disability research.Method  A search of the literature identified five stress theories that have been applied in intellectual disability research: person–environment, demand–support–control, cognitive‐behavioural, emotional overload, and equity theory.Results  Each of the five work stress theories is described and the extent to which data within intellectual disability research relates to these theories is explored. Some of the key theoretical constructs within these work stress models have been explored in intellectual disability research but frequently the underlying processes within work stress models have not been fully tested.Conclusion  Partial exploration of work stress theories means that theoretical understanding of how best to explain work stress in intellectual disability staff is limited. Suggestions for future research are discussed, particularly concerning the relationship between empirical research and work stress theory.
The Effect of Active Support Interactive Training on the Daily Lives of Adults with an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Totsika Vasiliki , Toogood Sandy , Hastings Richard P. , McCarthy Jonathan 
Published: September 2009

Background  Interactive training (IT) is one of the two staff training components of the active support (AS) model. The present study explores how effective IT is when offered to staff divorced in time from the AS workshops, the other training component. We explored the effects of IT on resident activity engagement, challenging behaviours and staff assistance.Materials and Methods  Twenty‐one adults with an intellectual disability living in residential settings participated. Observations and ratings of staff and resident behaviours were obtained before, immediately after the training sessions, and at 6 months follow‐up.Results  Group‐level analyses indicated a short‐lived improvement in quality of staff support but, in general, there was an overall lack of change in staff behaviours, resident engagement and – observed and rated – challenging behaviours. However, subgroup analyses indicated that there was a significant improvement in engagement immediately after IT for a distinct subgroup of participants; those who had significantly higher aggressive behaviour ratings at the beginning of the study.Conclusions  Findings support the combination of the training components of AS for improvements in the quality of life for people with intellectual disability. IT may also be worthy of future study as a potential stand‐alone intervention for people with the most difficult challenging behaviours.
Caregiver Perceptions of the Understanding of Death and Need for Bereavement Support in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: MacHale Rosemary , McEvoy John , Tierney Edel 
Published: September 2009

Background  Care staff are an important source of information and support for people with intellectual disabilities following bereavement. The purpose of this study was to explore staff perceptions of service users’ conceptualizations of death, reactions to bereavement, required levels of support and staff confidence in providing post‐bereavement support.Method  Forty‐two staff rated individuals with intellectual disabilities with whom they worked on a regular basis.Results  In general, staff believed that service users had a good concept of death, though staff tended to overestimate levels of understanding and possibly underestimate the potential for dysfunctional behaviour post‐bereavement. Although staff expressed confidence in their ability to recognize grief symptoms, they were less confident in their ability to provide post‐bereavement support.Conclusions  The overall picture was positive with good agreement between staff, though ensuring that staff consider the potential for psychopathology following bereavement is important in providing support. The implications for staff training and post‐bereavement support are considered.
Visuo‐spatial processing and the N1 component of the ERP
Authors: Wascher Edmund , Hoffmann Sven , Sänger Jessica , Grosjean Marc 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAsymmetries in posterior ERP components, such as the N1, are generally taken to reflect the visual processing of spatial information in absolute (fixation‐based) coordinates. Yet, it is also well established that the position of an object can be coded relative to the position of other objects. To examine the ERP correlates of relative spatial coding, two experiments were conducted in which spatially neutral target stimuli were preceded, accompanied, or followed by laterally presented, task‐irrelevant accessory stimuli. Targets presented simultaneously with a lateral accessory evoked, despite physical asymmetry, a bilateral, symmetric N1. Targets that followed the accessory evoked, despite physical symmetry, an asymmetric N1, with a maximum contralateral to the accessory N1. Thus, lateralizations in the N1 range already reflect relative spatial coding rather than just the processing of the absolute location of incoming information.
Nuclear expression of μ‐opioid receptors in a human mesothelial cell line
Authors: Khorram‐Manesh A. , Nordlander S. , Novotny A. , Bengtsson C. , Nylund G. , Levin M. , Nordgren S. , Delbro D. S. 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1 Possibly acting via μ‐opioid receptors (MORs), morphine inhibits the formation of experimentally induced postoperative abdominal adhesions in rats. Mesothelial cells may participate in adhesion formation by secreting mediators that interfere negatively with fibrinolysis. Morphine may prevent adhesions by inhibiting the release of pro‐adhesion mediators from mesothelial cells. This study aimed to investigate whether human mesothelial cells express ΜΟR‐1; if so, such could constitute a site of action for morphine in adhesion prevention. 2 Cells from Met‐5A, a human mesothelial cell line were seeded and prepared for immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. 3 Immunocytochemistry showed MOR‐1 expression in mesothelial cells, predominantly in the nuclei. Western blotting showed two bands (c. 35 and 50 kDa) which correspond to those obtained with a control lysate from cells known to express MORs. In addition, we found MOR‐1 expression with nuclear and cytoplasmatic localization in biopsies from human abdominal adhesions. 4 The current findings may suggest that morphine could interact directly with mesothelial cells via MOR‐1 receptors, and thereby modulate adhesion formation, possibly by interfering with the release of pro‐adhesion factors from these cells.
Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α induction by tumour necrosis factor‐α, but not by toll‐like receptor agonists, modulates cellular respiration in cultured human hepatocytes
Authors: Regueira Tomas , Lepper Philipp M. , Brandt Sebastian , Ochs Matthias , Vuda Madhusudanarao , Takala Jukka , Jakob Stephan M. , Djafarzadeh Siamak 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground/Aims: Genes encoding for some of the mitochondrial proteins are under the control of the transcriptional factor hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), which can accumulate under normoxic conditions in inflammatory states. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl2, a hypoxia mimicking agent), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and toll‐like receptor (TLR) ‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists on HIF‐1α accumulation, and further on HIF‐1α‐mediated modulation of mitochondrial respiration in cultured human hepatocytes.Methods: The human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was used in this study. Cells were treated with CoCl2, TNF‐α and TLR‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists. HIF‐1α was determined by Western blotting and mitochondrial respiration in stimulated cells by high‐resolution respirometry.Results: CoCl2, TNF‐α and TLR agonists induced the expression of HIF‐1α in a time‐dependent fashion. TNF‐α and CoCl2, but not TLR agonists, induced a reduction in complex I‐, II‐ and IV‐dependent mitochondrial oxygen consumption. TNF‐α‐associated reduction of cellular oxygen consumption was abolished through inhibition of HIF‐1α activity by chetomin (CTM). Pretreatment with cyclosporine A prevented CoCl2‐induced reduction of complex I‐ and II‐dependent mitochondrial oxygen consumption and TNF‐α‐induced reduction of complex‐I‐dependent respiration, implicating the involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore openings. TNF‐α and TLR‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists induced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which was partially abolished by the blockage of HIF‐1α with CTM.Conclusions: The data suggest that HIF‐1α modulates mitochondrial respiration during CoCl2 and TNF‐α stimulation, whereas it has no effect when induced with TLR‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists.
Evaluation of a New Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α‐Inducing Membrane Protein of Helicobacter pylori as a Prophylactic Vaccine Antigen
Authors: Inoue Kunimitsu , Shiota Seiji , Yamada Kentaro , Gotoh Kazuyo , Suganuma Masami , Fujioka Toshio , Ahmed Kamruddin , Iha Hidekatsu , Nishizono Akira 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground:  Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐inducing protein (Tipα) is a newly identified carcinogenic factor present in Helicobacter pylori. Tipα has the unique function of inducing TNF‐α production by gastric cells in vitro and is assumed to be related with the development of gastritis and gastric cancer. We investigated the effects of vaccination with Tipα against H. pylori infection and analyzed the immune responses.Methods:  C57BL/6 mice were immunized via the intranasal route with CpG, recombinant Tipα + CpG, and recombinant del‐Tipα (a mutant of Tipα) + CpG. Eight weeks after the mice were infected with H. pylori (5 × 107 CFU), the number of colonizing bacteria in the stomach was calculated, and the histological severity of gastritis was evaluated. Levels of Tipα‐specific IgG and IgA antibodies in mouse serum were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Local production of cytokines including Interleukin (IL)‐10, TNF‐α and Interferon (IFN)‐γ in gastric mucosa was also measured by real time‐PCR.Results:  Levels of Tipα‐specific antibodies were significantly higher in Tipα‐immunized and del‐Tipα‐immunized mice than in the infection control group. The numbers of colonizing bacteria were significantly reduced in Tipα‐immunized mice (4.29 × 105 CFU/g) and del‐Tipα immunized mice (2.5 × 105 CFU/g) compared with infection control mice (5.7 × 106 CFU/g). The levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐10 were significantly higher in del‐Tipα‐immunized mice than the infection control group.Conclusion:  Vaccinations with Tipα and del‐Tipα were effective against H. pylori infection. The inhibition of H. pylori colonization is associated mainly with Th1 cell‐mediated immunity.
Annual Change of Primary Resistance to Clarithromycin amongHelicobacter pyloriIsolates from 1996 through 2008 in Japan
Authors: Horiki Noriyuki , Omata Fumio , Uemura Masayo , Suzuki Shoko , Ishii Naoki , Iizuka Yusuke , Fukuda Katsuyuki , Fujita Yoshiyuki , Katsurahara Masaki , Ito Toshiyuki , Cesar Gabazza Esteban , Imoto Ichiro , Takei Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground: Recent studies have shown that the combination of proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is one of the best choices forHelicobacter pylorieradication therapy. However, increasing number of cases ofH. pyloriinfection showing resistance to clarithromycin therapy has been reported and this is currently the main cause of eradication failure. We investigated the annual changes of the antimicrobial susceptibility to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline during a period of 12 years in Japan.Methods: This study comprised 3521 patients (mean age (SD), 55.4 (13.7) years‐old, 2467 males and 1054 females) positive forH. pylorias assessed by microaerobic bacterial culture from 1996 through 2008. All patients were previously untreated forH. pyloriand were enrolled in the study to assess primary resistance to the three antibiotics.Results: The overall primary resistance to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline were 16.4%, (577/3521), 0.03% (1/3521) and 0.06% (2/3521), respectively. From1996 through 2004, the resistance rate to clarithromycin increased gradually to approximately 30% and then it remained without marked fluctuation since 2004. Analysis by gender showed a significant increase (p < .0001) in resistance rate to clarithromycin among females (217/1057, 20.6%) compared to males (360/2467, 14.6%). Analysis by age, disclosed significantly (p < .0001) higher resistance rate to clarithromycin in patients of more than 65‐years‐old compared to the younger population.Conclusions: The resistance rate ofH. pyloriinfection to clarithromycin in Japan has increased gradually to approximately 30% from 1996 through 2004, and remained unchanged since 2004. Elderly and females were at high risk of having resistance to clarithromycin. Our results suggested that the level of clarithromycin resistance in Japan has now risen to the point where it should no longer be used as empiric therapy.
Controversies and Concerns in Hemodialysis  Series Editor: Marcello Tonelli: What’s Next After Fistula First: Is an Arteriovenous Graft or Central Venous Catheter Preferable When an Arteriovenous Fistula Is Not Possible?
Authors: James Matthew T. , Manns Braden J. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Ravani Pietro ,   for the Alberta Kidney Disease Network
Published: September 2009

AbstractFindings from observational studies have established that the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred form of vascular access for chronic hemodialysis. Unfortunately, in a subset of patients with end‐stage renal disease, an AVF cannot be placed or fails to mature. In these patients an alternate form of vascular access, either an arteriovenous graft (AVG) or central venous catheter (CVC) must be selected. In this review we discuss the findings and limitations of studies examining the effect of access type (AVG or CVC) on clinical endpoints including mortality, quality of life, occurrence of infections, as well as the impact of the different access types on resource requirements. Specifically, we examine whether findings from previous studies are valid and applicable to patients for whom an AVF is not possible, and outline the need for future randomized clinical trials addressing this question.