bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Staff Members' Working Conditions and Patients' Perceptions of the Treatment Environment
Authors: Rossberg Jan Ivar , Melle Ingrid , Opjordsmoen Stein , Friis Svein
Published: August 2008

Background: The psychosocial climate of inpatient units has proved to be related to both patient satisfaction and outcome.

Aims: The aims of the study were twofold: to study the relationship between patient and staff satisfaction, and to study the relationship between the patients' perception of the treatment environment and the perceived working conditions of the staff.

Method: A total of 129 different patients completed the Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS) and a General Satisfaction Index (GSI) at 11 time points between 1981 and 2000. Staff members completed the Working Environment Scale-10 (WES-10) and the GSI. Z-scores were calculated to describe the fluctuations in the WAS, WES-10 and the GSI subscale scores.

Results: The study revealed a strong correlation between patient satisfaction and staff satisfaction. Staff satisfaction correlated significantly with the WAS subscales of Practical orientation and Staff control. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant correlation between patient satisfaction and staff members' perception on the WES-10 subscale of Self-realization.

Conclusion: This exploratory study revealed that the working conditions of staff are related to both patient satisfaction and the patients' perceptions of the treatment environment. A satisfactory working environment for psychiatric staff members seems important for the quality of care perceived by patients.
Emotional Incompetence or Gender-Based Stereotyping?
Authors: Chiaburu Dan S. , Gray Barbara
Published: September 2008

The authors used a critical incident interview provided by a female manager and her statements (e.g., “I'm very ineffective emotionally”) as a starting point of an alternative analysis of the term emotional competence. Using reflexive inquiry and deconstruction, the authors argue that terms such as emotional competence , rather than being a reflection of something perceivable as a quality of the subject, are socially produced using language. However, such language is not value free and neutral but—based on the analysis—gendered and subject to power differentials. The authors elaborate on how such terms tend to be regarded as naturalized and reified in more conventional studies and on the implications for organizational members and organizational change.
Toward a Theory of Change Readiness
Authors: Walinga Jennifer
Published: September 2008

This research article describes and constructs a model of performance readiness. The goal of this article is to illustrate how one might meet the challenges of change effectively. The author explores the factors and principles driving the positive transformational change of a high-performing soccer team. Framed by theories of cognitive appraisal, stress, and coping, the study reveals critical variables to the change readiness process to be appraisal, focus, and perceived control. By inquiring deeply into individual appraisals of a change, it may be possible to facilitate a focal shift from “resistance” to “resolution” and from a desire for “power over” a change to a recognition of one's “power to” change effectively.
Microwave-assisted Polyurethane Bond Cleavage via Hydroglycolysis Process at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Mir Mohammad Alavi Nikje  , Nikrah Mahin , Fateme Haji Aga Mohammadi
Published: September 2008

The chemical recycling of flexible polyurethane foam wastes are performed through hydroglycolysis process under microwave irradiation at atmospheric pressure and 160°C. Mixtures of glycerin, water, and sodium hydroxide are used as hydroglycolysis agent. Water is added at different ratios containing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40% of solvent system. The effect of water in the foam dissolution rate as well as water content of final recovered polyol is investigated. Finally FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy of the recycled polyol is performed and compared with virgin polyol.
Degradation of Elastic Modulus of Progressively Crushable Foams in Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Flores-Johnson E.A. , Li Q.M. , Mines R.A.W.
Published: September 2008

The degradation of apparent modulus in progressively crushable foams in uniaxial compression is studied in this article based on an analysis of the measurement of engineering strain. It shows that the deformation mechanism of the progressive collapse of the foam causes the non-uniform deformation in the foam during uniaxial compression, which leads to the decrease of apparent elastic modulus with the increase of strain in the plateau stress regime. Theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results for different closed-cell polymeric foams with satisfactory agreement. It is also shown that this method is not applicable to the in-plane compression of honeycombs and the numerical modeling based on macroscopic constitutive equation is incapable of predicting the degradation of apparent modulus in progressively crushable foams.
Forecast of Antibiotic Development in an Era of Increasing Bacterial Resistance
Authors: Eiland Edward H. , Gatlin Derek
Published: August 2008

Over the last decade there has been a decreased number of novel antimicrobial agents introduced to the market due to multiple factors including reduced governmental funding, marginal research and development interest by the pharmaceutical industry, lack of return on investment relative to medications used for chronic illnesses, and spiking microbial resistance trends. In an effort to most judiciously use the available armamentarium of anti-infectives available, many hospitals are implementing stewardship programs to re-direct inappropriate antibiotic use, which is estimated to account for up to 50% of all antibiotics prescribed. These efforts make it increasingly evident that the best defense against inappropriate antimicrobial use is accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases. Both the public and federal government must recognize the need for new and improved antimicrobials, as well as augmented infection control strategies and diagnostic techniques, to appropriately aid in the facilitation of bacterial control or eradication.
National identity and law in the context of European integration: the case of Denmark
Authors: Kjær Anne Lise , Palsbro Lene
Published: August 2008

Nationalistic discourse is often associated with the flag waving of popular culture, political views of extremist right-wing parties or the routine rhetoric of `us' versus `them', pervading social life in general. However, nationalistic discourse is to be found even in academic writings by the professional elite of lawyers, who readily resort to ideological topoi of national identity and culture to support legal argument. Reporting from a comprehensive study on Danish academic and public debate on European human rights law, this article explores how the legal community of Denmark reacts emotionally and ideologically to legal integration in Europe. It is argued that the somewhat heated debate reflects points of instability within the social class of Danish jurists, who are engaged in a hegemonic struggle to construct or sustain positions of power within a national legal system under radical change.
Collaboration Is Not Enough
Authors: Weir Margaret , Rongerude Jane , Ansell Christopher K.
Published: August 2008

Over the past two decades, a burgeoning literature has touted the promise of regional collaboration to address a wide range of issues. This article challenges the premise that horizontal collaboration alone can empower regional decision-making venues. By analyzing efforts to create regional venues for transportation policy making in Chicago and Los Angeles, the authors show that vertical power is essential to building regional capacities. Only by exercising power at multiple levels of the political system can local reformers launch a virtuous cycle of reform that begins to build enduring regional capacities.
Paediatric chest trauma (part 1) — Initial Lethal Injuries
Authors: Kerr Maya , Maconochie Ian
Published: August 2008

Chest trauma is the second greatest cause of mortality from trauma, a leading cause of death in children over the age of one. Prompt diagnosis can be difficult as the underlying thoracic injuries are often disproportionately severe compared to the visible surface injury and symptoms may not appear for several hours. Diagnosis is easily underestimated, delayed or missed. This is a two part article reviewing paediatric chest trauma and its current management. The injuries are usefully classified into six lethal injuries that need excluding in the primary survey and six hidden injuries that must be considered in the secondary survey. The first article reviews paediatric anatomy and biomechanics, and mechanisms of injury with a view to improving the awareness and understanding of the unique response of children to thoracic trauma. This is followed by an in depth review of each of the six lethal injuries. The subsequent article reviews the six hidden injuries as well as the role of chest trauma in non-accidental injury.
Evidence-Based Medicine and the Management of the Chronic Wound: Is It Enough?
Authors: Dinh Thanh , Veves Aristidis
Published: August 2008

Evidence-based medicine has become ubiquitous in modern-day medicine, including wound care. However, the application of evidence-based medicine into the arena of chronic wounds has not been uniformly performed and measured. Most wound care studies are plagued by inconsistencies in inclusion criteria, data measurements, and endpoint reporting. Furthermore, the small sample sizes prohibit drawing effective conclusions. However, that does not imply that the current guidelines of treatment are substandard. Instead, one must rely more heavily on current evidence and experts in the field until larger, more consistent studies can establish good practice patterns.
Contact Allergens in Persons With Leg Ulcers: A Canadian Study in Contact Sensitization
Authors: Smart Victoria , Alavi Afsaneh , Coutts Pat , Fierheller Marjorie , Coelho Sunita , Linn Holness D. , Sibbald R. Gary
Published: August 2008

Individuals with chronic leg ulcers often develop contact allergic reactions to topical preparations used to treat their wounds and the surrounding skin. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of positive patch test responses to common allergens in patients with leg ulcers or venous disease. A case series of 100 consecutive, consenting patients with chronic venous disease and other causes of leg ulcers that were available for patch testing were enrolled. The patients were tested with 38 common allergens, including those most relevant to leg ulcers. A total of 46% of the patients had at least 1 positive patch test response. Multiple reactions in the same patient were common. The most frequent groups of sensitizers were fragrances, lanolin, antibacterial agents, and rubber-related allergens. Though the prevalence of positive patch test reactions is high in this population, it is lower than commonly reported. This may be the result of clinical practice that considered the avoidance of common sensitizers in the management of patients with leg ulcers.
Postburn Scars: An Update
Authors: Stella Maurizio , Castagnoli Carlotta , Gangemi Ezio Nicola
Published: August 2008

Burn wounds give rise to the largest scars we can find in human pathology, influencing patients' quality of life. Despite the improved knowledge on pathophysiology, efficacy of the various treatments remains unsatisfactory. In this short review recent literature is examined with a focus on recent data on postburn pathological scars epidemiology and risk factors, which underline the high prevalence and the long evolution, pointing to identify this illness as a systemic inflammatory one, more frequent in women and in those of younger age, regulated by local factors relevant in wound healing.
Adoption of Laparoscopic Colectomy: Results and Implications of ASCRS Hands-On Course Participation
Authors: Ross Howard M. , Simmang Clifford L. , Fleshman James W. , Marcello Peter W.
Published: August 2008

Introduction. Beginning in 2003, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons has annually sponsored a laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery instructional course using a cadaver model. This study reports the adoption rate and postcourse practice patterns of participants. Methods. All prior participants of hands-on courses from 2003 to 2005 were asked to participate in a 25-question survey. Questions probed practice setting, prior laparoscopic experience, motivation for course participation, time to, indication for, and type of first laparoscopic colectomy, experience prior to cancer resection, factors facilitating skill acquisition, and impact on practice from course completion. Results. A total of 43 of 63 participants completed the survey and 53% had performed at least 1 laparoscopic colon resection prior to the course. A laparoscopic colon resection was performed within 1 week of the course by 52% of participants and within 1 month by 90%. Laparoscopic colectomy was performed frequently postcourse with 42% performing between 1 and 5 laparascopic colectomies/month and 42% between 5 and 10. Hand-assisted technologies lowered the threshold for performance of first laparascopic colectomy for 62% of participants. Cancer resection was the first procedure for 31% and 36% performed between 5 and 10 colectomies prior to cancer resection. Most important factor in particular course selection was a cadaver model (77%). A majority of the participants would require course completion prior to granting hospital privileges (73%) and would recommend the course to other surgeons (97%). Conclusions. Cadaver course completion enables rapid integration of laparoscopic colon resection into clinical practice. Experience prior to laparoscopic resection of cancer is modest. Hand-assisted technologies promote technique acquisition.
Genetic testing for asthma
Authors: Koppelman G. H. , te Meerman G. J. , Postma D. S.
Published: August 2008

Asthma is a genetically complex disease caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors. An increasing number of asthma susceptibility genes are currently being identified. The present study addresses the question as to whether this genetic information can be used to predict asthma, particularly in pre-school children.

The predictive value of a single gene test in a complex disease is very limited for diagnostic or preventive purposes and thus cannot be recommended. Based on data of simulation studies and other complex diseases, the use of genetic profiling that incorporates multiple genetic risk factors holds promise for clinical application. The results of genome-wide association studies will be crucial in establishing this genetic risk profile for asthma.

In the future, asthma prediction may be possible, based on a prediction model that incorporates genes, personal factors and environmental risk factors. Studies in general and at-risk populations are needed to investigate and validate this approach.
Development of human antibody fragments using antibody phage display for the detection and diagnosis of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV)
Authors: Kirsch Martina Inga , Hülseweh Birgit , Nacke Christoph , Rülker Torsten , Schirrmann Thomas , Marschall Hans-Jürgen , Hust Michael , Dübel Stefan
Published: September 2008

Background

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) belongs to the Alphavirus group. Several species of this family are also pathogenic to humans and are recognized as potential agents of biological warfare and terrorism. The objective of this work was the generation of recombinant antibodies for the detection of VEEV after a potential bioterrorism assault or an natural outbreak of VEEV.

Results

In this work, human anti-VEEV single chain Fragments variable (scFv) were isolated for the first time from a human naïve antibody gene library using optimized selection processes. In total eleven different scFvs were identified and their immunological specificity was assessed. The specific detection of the VEEV strains TC83, H12/93 and 230 by the selected antibody fragments was proved. Active as well as formalin inactivated virus particles were recognized by the selected antibody fragments which could be also used for Western blot analysis of VEEV proteins and immunohistochemistry of VEEV infected cells. The anti-VEEV scFv phage clones did not show any cross-reactivity with Alphavirus species of the Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) antigenic complex, nor did they react with Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), if they were used as detection reagent.

Conclusion

For the first time, this study describes the selection of antibodies against a human pathogenic virus from a human naïve scFv antibody gene library using complete, active virus particles as antigen. The broad and sensitive applicability of scFv-presenting phage for the immunological detection and diagnosis of Alphavirus species was demonstrated. The selected antibody fragments will improve the fast identification of VEEV in case of a biological warfare or terroristic attack or a natural outbreak.
Quantitative real-time PCR study on persistence of pDNA vaccine pVax-Hsp60 TM814 in beef muscles
Authors: Orság Petr , Kvardová Veronika , Raška Milan , Miller Andrew D , Ledvina Miroslav , Turánek Jaroslav
Published: September 2008

Background

Application of plasmid DNA for immunization of food-producing animals established new standards of food safety. The addition of foreign products e.g. pDNA into the food chain should be carefully examined to ensure that neither livestock animals nor consumers develop unpredicted or undesirable side-effects.

Methods

A quantitative real-time PCR (QRTPCR) methodology was developed to study the biodistribution and persistence of plasmid DNA vaccine pDNAX (pVAX-Hsp60 TM814) in mice and beef cattle. The linear quantification range and the sensitivity of the method was found to be 10 – 109 copies per reaction (500 ng/gDNA) and 3 copies per reaction, respectively.

Results

Persistence of pDNAX in mice muscle tissue was restricted to injection site and the amount of pDNAX showed delivery formulation dependent (naked pDNA, electroporation, cationic liposome complexes) and mouse age-dependent clearance form injection site but pDNAX was still detectable even after 365 days. The QRTPCR analysis of various muscle tissue samples of vaccinated beef bulls performed 242–292 days after the last revaccination proved that residual pDNAX was found only in the injection site. The highest plasmid levels (up to 290 copies per reaction) were detected in the pDNAX:CDAN/DOPE group similarly to mice model. No pDNA was detected in the samples from distant muscles and draining lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Quantitative real-time PCR (QRTPCR) assay was developed to assess the residual pDNA vaccine pVAX-Hsp60 TM814 in mice and beef cattle. In beef cattle, ultra low residual level of pDNA vaccine was only found at the injection site. According to rough estimation, consumption of muscles from the injection site represents almost an undetectable intake of pDNA (400 fg/g muscle tissue) for consumers. Residual plasmid in native state will hardly be found at measurable level following further meat processing. This study brings supportive data for animal and food safety and hence for further approval of pDNA vaccine field trials.
Perianal squamous cell carcinoma in-situ: a report of two human papilloma virus-negative cases
Authors: Shehan James , Wang Jeff F , Repertinger Susan , Sarma Deba P
Published: September 2008

We are reporting two cases of perianal squamous cell carcinoma in-situ, negative for high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) human papilloma viruses. A brief review of anal and perianal squamous cell carcinoma and the role of HPV are presented.
Pelvic plastron secondary to acute appendicitis in a child presented as appendiceal intussusception. A case report
Authors: Christianakis Efstratios , Sakelaropoulos Anastasios , Papantzimas Constantinos , Pitiakoudis Michael , Filippou Georgios , Filippou Dimitrios , Rizos Spiros , Paschalidis Nikolaos
Published: September 2008

We report an unusual case of an 11-year-old Greek girl with complicated acute appendicitis. The pelvic plastron that had been formatted secondary to appendix perforation was mimicking appendiceal intussusception in the preoperative ultrasound and computed tomography images. Although acute complicated appendicitis and appendiceal intussusception may represent possible causes of acute abdomen no similar cases have reported in the literature.
Biochemical markers of bone turnover and their association with bone marrow lesions
Authors: Hunter David J , LaValley Michael , Li Jiang , Bauer Doug C , Nevitt Michael , DeGroot Jeroen , Poole Robin , Eyre David , Guermazi Ali , Gale Daniel , Totterman Saara , Felson David T
Published: August 2008

Introduction

Our objective was to determine whether markers of bone resorption and formation could serve as markers for the presence of bone marrow lesions (BMLs).

Methods

We conducted an analysis of data from the Boston Osteoarthritis of the Knee Study (BOKS). Knee magnetic resonance images were scored for BMLs using a semiquantitative grading scheme. In addition, a subset of persons with BMLs underwent quantitative volume measurement of their BML, using a proprietary software method. Within the BOKS population, 80 people with BMLs and 80 without BMLs were selected for the purposes of this case-control study. Bone biomarkers assayed included type I collagen N-telopeptide (NTx) corrected for urinary creatinine, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin. The same methods were used and applied to a nested case-control sample from the Framingham study, in which BMD assessments allowed evaluation of this as a covariate. Logistic regression models were fit using BML as the outcome and biomarkers, age, sex, and body mass index as predictors. An receiver operating characteristic curve was generated for each model and the area under the curve assessed.

Results

A total of 151 subjects from BOKS with knee OA were assessed. The mean (standard deviation) age was 67 (9) years and 60% were male. Sixty-nine per cent had maximum BML score above 0, and 48% had maximum BML score above 1. The only model that reached statistical significance used maximum score of BML above 0 as the outcome. Ln-NTx (Ln is the natural log) exhibited a significant association with BMLs, with the odds of a BML being present increasing by 1.4-fold (95% confidence interval = 1.0-fold to 2.0-fold) per 1 standard deviation increase in the LnNTx, and with a small partial R2 of 3.05. We also evaluated 144 participants in the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study, whose mean age was 68 years and body mass index was 29 kg/m2, and of whom 40% were male. Of these participants 55% had a maximum BML score above 0. The relationship between NTx and maximum score of BML above 0 revealed a significant association, with an odds ratio fo 1.7 (95% confidence interval = 1.1 to 2.7) after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index.

Conclusions

Serum NTx was weakly associated with the presence of BMLs in both study samples. This relationship was not strong and we would not advocate the use of NTx as a marker of the presence of BMLs.
Evaluation of text-mining systems for biology: overview of the Second BioCreative community challenge
Authors: Krallinger Martin , Morgan Alexander , Smith Larry , Leitner Florian , Tanabe Lorraine , Wilbur John , Hirschman Lynette , Valencia Alfonso
Published: September 2008

Background:

Genome sciences have experienced an increasing demand for efficient text-processing tools that can extract biologically relevant information from the growing amount of published literature. In response, a range of text-mining and information-extraction tools have recently been developed specifically for the biological domain. Such tools are only useful if they are designed to meet real-life tasks and if their performance can be estimated and compared. The BioCreative challenge (Critical Assessment of Information Extraction in Biology) consists of a collaborative initiative to provide a common evaluation framework for monitoring and assessing the state-of-the-art of text-mining systems applied to biologically relevant problems.

Results:

The Second BioCreative assessment (2006 to 2007) attracted 44 teams from 13 countries worldwide, with the aim of evaluating current information-extraction/text-mining technologies developed for one or more of the three tasks defined for this challenge evaluation. These tasks included the recognition of gene mentions in abstracts (gene mention task); the extraction of a list of unique identifiers for human genes mentioned in abstracts (gene normalization task); and finally the extraction of physical protein-protein interaction annotation-relevant information (protein-protein interaction task). The 'gold standard' data used for evaluating submissions for the third task was provided by the interaction databases MINT (Molecular Interaction Database) and IntAct.

Conclusion:

The Second BioCreative assessment almost doubled the number of participants for each individual task when compared with the first BioCreative assessment. An overall improvement in terms of balanced precision and recall was observed for the best submissions for the gene mention (F score 0.87); for the gene normalization task, the best results were comparable (F score 0.81) compared with results obtained for similar tasks posed at the first BioCreative challenge. In case of the protein-protein interaction task, the importance and difficulties of experimentally confirmed annotation extraction from full-text articles were explored, yielding different results depending on the step of the annotation extraction workflow. A common characteristic observed in all three tasks was that the combination of system outputs could yield better results than any single system. Finally, the development of the first text-mining meta-server was promoted within the context of this community challenge.
Teaching Statistics in Biology: Using Inquiry-based Learning to Strengthen Understanding of Statistical Analysis in Biology Laboratory Courses
Authors: Metz Anneke M.
Published: September 2008

There is an increasing need for students in the biological sciences to build a strong foundation in quantitative approaches to data analyses. Although most science, engineering, and math field majors are required to take at least one statistics course, statistical analysis is poorly integrated into undergraduate biology course work, particularly at the lower-division level. Elements of statistics were incorporated into an introductory biology course, including a review of statistics concepts and opportunity for students to perform statistical analysis in a biological context. Learning gains were measured with an 11-item statistics learning survey instrument developed for the course. Students showed a statistically significant 25% (p < 0.005) increase in statistics knowledge after completing introductory biology. Students improved their scores on the survey after completing introductory biology, even if they had previously completed an introductory statistics course (9%, improvement p < 0.005). Students retested 1 yr after completing introductory biology showed no loss of their statistics knowledge as measured by this instrument, suggesting that the use of statistics in biology course work may aid long-term retention of statistics knowledge. No statistically significant differences in learning were detected between male and female students in the study.
An Innovative Plant Genomics and Gene Annotation Program for High School, Community College, and University Faculty
Authors: Hacisalihoglu Gokhan , Hilgert Uwe , Nash E. Bruce , Micklos David A.
Published: September 2008

Today's biology educators face the challenge of training their students in modern molecular biology techniques including genomics and bioinformatics. The Dolan DNA Learning Center (DNALC) of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has developed and disseminated a bench- and computer-based plant genomics curriculum for biology faculty. In 2007, a five-day “Plant Genomics and Gene Annotation” workshop was held at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL, to enhance participants' knowledge and understanding of plant molecular genetics and assist them in developing and honing their laboratory and computer skills. Florida A&M University is a historically black university with over 95% African-American student enrollment. Sixteen participants, including high school (56%) and community college faculty (25%), attended the workshop. Participants carried out in vitro and in silico experiments with maize, Arabidopsis, soybean, and food products to determine the genotype of the samples. Benefits of the workshop included increased awareness of plant biology research for high school and college level students. Participants completed pre- and postworkshop evaluations for the measurement of effectiveness. Participants demonstrated an overall improvement in their postworkshop evaluation scores. This article provides a detailed description of workshop activities, as well as assessment and long-term support for broad classroom implementation.
Night Sister
Authors: Oyebode Femi
Published: August 2008

How is it possible not to grow hard,To build a shell around yourself when youHave to watch so much pain, and hear it too?Many you see are puzzled, wounded; fewAre cheerful long. How can you not be scarred?
Applying telecare in dementia: what psychiatrists need to know
Authors: Siotia Rajiv , Simpson Chris
Published: August 2008

Recent technological advancements have been used to help people with dementia remain independent. These are reviewed and case vignettes are used to explain their use in common scenarios. The ethical perspective and current evidence are explored in the context of telecare use.
CADASIL: a guide to a comparatively unrecognised condition in psychiatry
Authors: Taylor Mark H. , Doody Gillian A.
Published: August 2008

This guide to the neurological disorder cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leuco encephalopathy (CADASIL) is specifically targeted at psychiatrists. The aims are to enhance awareness, provide educational clinical information and offer practical guidance on management of the disorder. An overview of diagnostic algorithms and recent research is also provided.
Article 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Curtice Martin
Published: August 2008

The Human Rights Act 1998 was introduced into UK law in 2000. It must be considered in all clinical cases, including mental health review tribunals. The number of mental health cases brought to the European Court of Human Rights that breach Article 3 has been very few. However, Article 3 will need to be considered in the clinical setting in complaints arising from conditions of detention, seclusion, control and restraint. This article analyses the case law, illustrating its evolution and also demonstrating the fundamental and core concepts that underpin the Act that can be used in clinical practice.
Expression of Neurexin, Neuroligin, and Their Cytoplasmic Binding Partners in the Pancreatic β-Cells and the Involvement of Neuroligin in Insulin Secretion
Authors: Suckow Arthur T. , Comoletti Davide , Waldrop Megan A. , Mosedale Merrie , Egodage Sonya , Taylor Palmer , Chessler Steven D.
Published: August 2008

The composition of the β-cell exocytic machinery is very similar to that of neuronal synapses, and the developmental pathway of β-cells and neurons substantially overlap. β-Cells secrete γ-aminobutyric acid and express proteins that, in the brain, are specific markers of inhibitory synapses. Recently, neuronal coculture experiments have identified three families of synaptic cell-surface molecules (neurexins, neuroligins, and SynCAM) that drive synapse formation in vitro and that control the differentiation of nascent synapses into either excitatory or inhibitory fully mature nerve terminals. The inhibitory synapse-like character of the β-cells led us to hypothesize that members of these families of synapse-inducing adhesion molecules would be expressed in β-cells and that the pattern of expression would resemble that associated with neuronal inhibitory synaptogenesis. Here, we describe β-cell expression of the neuroligins, neurexins, and SynCAM, and show that neuroligin expression affects insulin secretion in INS-1 β-cells and rat islet cells. Our findings demonstrate that neuroligins and neurexins are expressed outside the central nervous system and help confer an inhibitory synaptic-like phenotype onto the β-cell surface. Analogous to their role in synaptic neurotransmission, neurexin-neuroligin interactions may play a role in the formation of the submembrane insulin secretory apparatus.
Prenatal Stress Modifies Behavior and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Function in Female Guinea Pig Offspring: Effects of Timing of Prenatal Stress and Stage of Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Kapoor Amita , Matthews Stephen G.
Published: August 2008

Prenatal stress is associated with altered behavior and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function postnatally. Recent studies suggest that these outcomes are dependent on the timing of the prenatal stress. The majority of these studies have been carried out in male offspring. We hypothesized that a short period of prenatal stress would result in female offspring that exhibit differences in open-field behavior and HPA axis activity, but the outcome would depend on the timing of the prenatal stress and the stage of the reproductive cycle. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to a strobe light during the fetal brain growth spurt [gestational d 50–52 (PS50)] or during the period of rapid brain myelination [gestational d 60–62 (PS60)]. Open-field activity was assessed in juvenile and adult female offspring. HPA axis function was tested in adult offspring. All tests in adulthood were carried out during the estrous and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle to determine the effect of stage on HPA axis programming. Tissues were collected upon completion of the study for analysis by in situ hybridization. PS60 offspring exhibited decreased activity in an open field during the estrous phase of the reproductive cycle compared with control offspring. Both PS50 and PS60 offspring exhibited a lower salivary cortisol response to a stressor, only during the estrous phase. Consistent with the behavioral and endocrine data, PS60 females exhibited lower plasma estradiol levels, reduced ovary weight, and increased glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that there are effects of prenatal stress on behavior and HPA axis functioning in female offspring but that the outcomes are dependent on the timing of the prenatal stress together with the status of the reproductive cycle.
Leydig Cells Express Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptors in African Catfish
Authors: García-López Ángel , Bogerd Jan , Granneman Joke C. M. , van Dijk Wytske , Trant John M. , Taranger Geir Lasse , Schulz Rüdiger W.
Published: August 2008

This report aimed to establish, using African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, as model species, a basis for understanding a well-known, although not yet clarified, feature of male fish reproductive physiology: the strong steroidogenic activity of FSHs. Assays with gonadotropin receptor-expressing cell lines showed that FSH activated its cognate receptor (FSHR) with an at least 1000-fold lower EC50 than when challenging the LH receptor (LHR), whereas LH stimulated both receptors with similar EC50s. In androgen release bioassays, FSH elicited a significant response at lower concentrations than those required to cross-activate of the LHR, indicating that FSH stimulated steroid release via FSHR-dependent mechanisms. LHR/FSHR-mediated stimulation of androgen release was completely abolished by H-89, a specific protein kinase A inhibitor, pointing to the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway as the main route for both LH- and FSH-stimulated steroid release. Localization studies showed that intratubular Sertoli cells express FSHR mRNA, whereas, as reported for the first time in a vertebrate, catfish Leydig cells express both LHR and FSHR mRNA. Testicular FSHR and LHR mRNA expression increased gradually during pubertal development. FSHR, but not LHR, transcript levels continued to rise between completion of the first wave of spermatogenesis at about 7 months and full maturity at about 12 months of age, which was associated with a previously recorded approximately 3-fold increase in the steroid production capacity per unit testis weight. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that the steroidogenic potency of FSH can be explained by its direct trophic action on FSHR-expressing Leydig cells.

In search of a mechanistic basis for the strong steroidogenic activity of fish FSH, we demonstrate FSH receptor expression by Leydig cells in catfish.
Modulation of Runx2 Activity by Estrogen Receptor-α: Implications for Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer
Authors: Khalid Omar , Baniwal Sanjeev K. , Purcell Daniel J. , Leclerc Nathalie , Gabet Yankel , Stallcup Michael R. , Coetzee Gerhard A. , Frenkel Baruch
Published: August 2008

The transcription factors Runx2 and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) are involved in numerous normal and disease processes, including postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer. Using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and pull-down techniques, we found them to colocalize and form complexes in a ligand-dependent manner. Estradiol-bound ERα strongly interacted with Runx2 directly through its DNA-binding domain and only indirectly through its N-terminal and ligand-binding domains. Runx2’s amino acids 417–514, encompassing activation domain 3 and the nuclear matrix targeting sequence, were sufficient for interaction with ERα’s DNA-binding domain. As a consequence of the interaction, Runx2’s transcriptional activation activity was strongly repressed, as shown by reporter assays in COS7 cells, breast cancer cells, and late-stage MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures. Metaanalysis of gene expression in 779 breast cancer biopsies indicated negative correlation between the expression of ERα and Runx2 target genes. Selective ER modulators (SERM) induced ERα-Runx2 interactions but led to various functional outcomes. The regulation of Runx2 by ERα may play key roles in osteoblast and breast epithelial cell growth and differentiation; hence, modulation of Runx2 by native and synthetic ERα ligands offers new avenues in selective ER modulator evaluation and development.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin
Published: September 2008

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. However, we do not review software. To submit a book for review, please send it to me at the above address. Although we cannot review all books because of space limitations, we do list all books that we receive. We commission all book reviews and do not accept unsolicited reviews. To become a reviewer, please send me your name, address, and specific areas of expertise. We encourage readers to suggest books for review or to ask publishers to send copies of such books. The authors or editors of books we review in this issue are David L. Applegate, Robert E. Bixby, Vašek Chvátal, William J. Cook, Paolo Brandimarte, Chetan S. Sankar, and Karl-Heinz Rau.
Spreadsheet Decision-Support Tools: Lessons Learned at Hewlett-Packard
Authors: Olavson Thomas , Fry Chris
Published: September 2008

Spreadsheet tools are an inexpensive and flexible way to provide analytical support for repeated decisions. However, good modeling and analysis alone are not enough to create an effective tool. Using examples from Hewlett-Packard in forecasting, planning, procurement, and product management, we discuss lessons learned for creating reusable spreadsheet tools to support fact-based decision making. These lessons pertain to the entire life cycle of tool development: Before starting development, what role should analytics play in solving your business problem? Is a spreadsheet tool an appropriate solution? During development, are you partnering with end users to discover key insights and building a simple tool to capture those insights without unneeded complexity? Can you develop an OR champion in the process? When handing off a tool, are you providing a complete solution including roles and responsibilities, processes, and metrics? Ensuring that spreadsheet tools have maximum impact in an organization requires smart decision making before the first prototype is drafted, customer-focused management during development, and a complete handoff to users.
Safeguarding patient care: the Invited Review Mechanism
Authors: Watts Hannah
Published: August 2008

Since its relaunch in August 2006 the Invited Review Mechanism (IRM) has received an increase in requests from trusts to assist them in supporting surgeons and helping them provide high-quality surgical services. Here we examine the process of the review mechanism and explain that trusts do not have to feel alone in coping with unsatisfactory surgical standards.
Thinking about violence: do surgeons have a role outside the operating theatre?
Authors: Bem Chris
Published: August 2008

All surgical subspecialties involve the management of trauma. Surgeons meet trauma in many guises, mostly as accidents involving vehicles or falls. They also meet the trauma of violence. Violence is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation.
Why Would You Do It? Age and Motivation to Become a Fire Service Volunteer
Authors: McLennan Jim , Birch Adrian
Published: September 2008

Australian communities are very dependent on volunteer-based fire services for protection against fires and other hazards. However, overall volunteer numbers have declined significantly over the past decade, due mostly to the impact of economic and demographic changes on Australian society. One effect of these is that volunteer fire service memberships are ageing. Little is known with certainty about what motivates individuals to become fire service volunteers. A survey of 455 CFA volunteers suggested that those who volunteer do so because of a mix of community-safety, community-contribution, and self-oriented motivations. It appears that younger volunteers are more likely to be motivated by self-oriented perceived benefits from volunteering compared with older volunteers. However, they are no less motivated, on average, by community-safety concerns and community contribution desires than are older volunteers.
Demystifying the Pathologic Diagnoses of Villitis and Fetal Thrombotic Vasculopathy
Authors: Faye-Petersen Ona M. , Reilly Stephanie D.
Published: September 2008

Understanding the fundamental histopathology of chorionic villitis, intervillositis, and chorionic vascular thrombi, known as fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, can enable neonatologists to interpret placental pathology reports. In addition, such understanding helps them to provide parents with explanations about their infants’ conditions, short- and long-term prognoses, and risk factors for subsequent pathologies.
Chorioamnionitis and Funisitis
Authors: Reilly Stephanie D. , Faye-Petersen Ona M.
Published: September 2008

Chorioamnionitis is a common complication of pregnancy, especially in preterm deliveries. This review covers the current understanding of the implications of the maternal and fetal inflammatory response in assessing the risk of neonatal sepsis, complications of prematurity, and risk of adverse neurologic sequelae.
Sphagnum beringiense sp. nov. (Bryophyta) from Arctic Alaska, Based on Morphological and Molecular Data
Authors: Shaw Jonathan A. , Andrus Richard E. , Shaw Blanka
Published: September 2008

A new species of Sphagnum section Subsecunda, S. beringiense, is described from arctic Alaska from the vicinity of Barrow along the northern coast. The species is distinguished morphologically by the light, yellow-green color of the gametophytes, multistratose
stem cortex with 2–4 layers of enlarged thin-walled cells, round, medium-size (ca. 5 μm diameter) outer branch leaf pores, scattered inner branch leaf pores, typically few outer stem leaf pores, and abundant, round to elliptic inner stem leaf pores. Two unique plastid DNA haplotypes
occur among Barrow area plants of S. beringiense, and these differ by a minimum of three nucleotide substitutions from those of other Alaskan Sphagnum species in the section Subsecunda. Microsatellite markers show that S. beringiense is genetically
variable despite the fact that all plants were sampled from within an area of a few km2 and neither gametangia nor sporophytes have been observed. A key to the six Alaskan species of Sphagnum section Subsecunda is provided.
Antitumoral Activity and Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Antagonist Amino-Terminal Fragment in a Murine Model of Osteolytic Tumor
Authors: Fritz Vanessa , Noël Danièle , Bouquet Céline , Opolon Paule , Voide Romain , Apparailly Florence , Louis-Plence Pascale , Bouffi Carine , Drissi Hicham , Xie Chao , Perricaudet Michel , Müller Ralph , Schwarz Edward , Jorgensen Christian
Published: August 2008

Prostate cancer metastasis to bone results in mixed osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions associated with high morbidity, and there is mounting evidence that the urokinase-type plasminogen system is causatively involved in the progression of prostate cancer. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising tools for cell-mediated gene therapy with the advantage of osteogenic potential, a critical issue in the case of osteolytic metastases. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic use of engineered murine MSCs for in vivo delivery of the urokinase-type plasminogen antagonist amino-terminal fragment (hATF) to impair osteolytic prostate cancer cell progression in bone and to repair bone lesions. Bioluminescence imaging revealed that both primary MSCs and the MSC line C3H10T1/2 (C3) expressing hATF (MSC-hATF) significantly inhibited intratibial PC-3 Luciferase (Luc) growth following coinjection in SCID mice. Furthermore, microcomputed tomography imaging of vascular network clearly demonstrated a significant decrease in tumor-associated angiogenesis and a protection from tumor-induced osteolysis in MSC-hATF-treated mice. Importantly, the osteogenic potential of MSC-hATF cells was unaffected, and an area of new bone formation was evidenced in 60% of animals. Together, these data support the concept of MSC-based therapy of tumor osteolysis disease, indicating that MSCs may combine properties of vehicle for angiostatic agent with osteogenic potential.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.