bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regime-Dependent Synchronization of Growth Cycles between Japan and East Asia
Authors: Girardin Eric
Published: August 2005

Some studies indicate that correlations between GDP growth in Japan and in emerging East Asian countries are consistently positive; others claim that such correlations are consistently negative. In this analysis of 10 East Asian countries over 1975–2002 using quarterly GDP data, a Markov-switching vector autoregressive system with three growth cycle regimes is used to examine to what extent such correlations are sensitive to third-country effects, transmission mechanisms, and the quality of Japanese output data. After controlling for third-country effects, correlations with Japan are found to be almost uniformly negative. When transmission variables are taken into account, however, positive correlations appear during rapid-growth regimes for China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. When higher-quality Japanese output data are used, shocks in these countries are symmetric with Japan's disturbances in growth-recession and rapid-growth regimes. However, synchronization with Japan is never present in the normal-growth regime. Because these five countries are not fully synchronized with Japan, it is probably premature for them to engage in exchange rate arrangements involving the yen.
The Asian Crises Reexamined
Authors: Willett Thomas D. , Nitithanprapas Ekniti , Nitithanprapas Isriya , Rongala Sunil
Published: August 2005

This paper analyzes hypotheses and evidence for the causes of the Asian crises. It presents new evidence that, along with high rates of credit expansion and low ratios of international reserves to short-term debt, the combination of substantially appreciated currencies and large current account deficits played an important role in the crises' severity. Furthermore, the paper concludes that pre-crisis over-optimism rather than panic caused financial markets to behave imperfectly and that perverse financial liberalization and limited flexibility of exchange rates generated moral hazard problems of more importance than those generated by prospects of international bailouts.
South Korea's Marginal Intra-Industry Trade and the Choice of Preferential Partners
Authors: Lee Hyun-Hoon , Sohn Chan-Hyun
Published: August 2005

South Korea recently signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Chile and is currently negotiating or studying bilateral FTAs with about 20 countries. However, some South Koreans oppose such agreements because they fear that trade liberalization would result in costly factor adjustment. Many researchers believe that intra-industry trade expansion generates smaller inter-industry factor adjustment (and therefore lower costs) compared with the costs associated with inter-industry trade expansion. This paper analyzes the extent and nature of intra-industry trade and marginal intra-industry trade in South Korea, to help predict the relative costs it might face upon opening its markets to various countries.
Public Venture Capital and Party Institutionalization
Authors: Birnir Jóhanna Kristín
Published: August 2005

Funding of parties is common and controversial in new democracies. Nonetheless, the nascent literature about the effects of money in new party systems largely sidesteps the issue of public funding. This article seeks to begin filling this theoretical and empirical void. Two hypotheses are formulated about the expected effects of introduction and marginal increases in public funding on institutionalization of the party system. The hypotheses are then tested in a statistical study of all new democracies in Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and other former Soviet Republics. The results show strong support for the idea that public funding increases institutionalization of new party systems. This is in stark contrast to theories about more established democracies that hold introduction of public funding decreases institutionalization of the party system. Furthermore, the results suggest that differing thresholds to public funding have divergent effects on political institutionalization, but this effect is not necessarily linear.
Measuring Political Democracy
Authors: Bowman Kirk , Lehoucq Fabrice , Mahoney James
Published: August 2005

Recent writings concerning measurement of political democracy offer sophisticated discussions of problems of conceptualization, operationalization, and aggregation. Yet they have less to say about the error that derives from the use of inaccurate, partial, or misleading data sources. Drawing on evidence from five Central American countries, the authors show this data-induced measurement error compromises the validity of the principal, long-term cross-national scales of democracy. They call for an approach to index construction that relies on case expertise and use of a wide range of data sources, and they employ this approach in developing an index of political democracy for the Central American countries during the 20th century. The authors’ index draws on a comprehensive set of secondary and primary sources as it rigorously pursues standards of conceptualization, operationalization, and aggregation. The index’s value is illustrated by showing how it suggests new lines of research in the field of Central American politics.
Federalism and the Politics of Old-Age Care in Germany and the United States
Authors: Campbell Andrea Louise , Morgan Kimberly J.
Published: August 2005

Until the early 1990s, Germany and the United States had similar systems of long-term care. At that time, Germany created a new social insurance program, whereas American reform efforts stalled. As conventional explanations of social policies—rooted in objective conditions, policy legacies, interest group mobilization, and party politics—fail to explain the diverging trajectories, the authors show how differing federal structures shaped reform efforts. German federalism gives states a strong voice and encourages collective responses to fiscal problems, enabling comprehensive restructuring of long-term care financing. In the United States, states lack a political mechanism to compel federal policy makers to tackle this subject. This analysis suggests reform of social welfare issues with weakly mobilized publics is unlikely without proxy actors that have institutional or political means to forcibly gain the attention of policy makers. In addition, scholars should pay more attention to “varieties of federalism” in analyses of the welfare state.
Evaluation of Quality in Social Care
Authors: Dutrénit Jean-Marc
Published: August 2005

France is not advanced regarding evaluation in social work, despite a law established in January 2002 making evaluation a legal obligation every 5 years. This article presents a software program to help social services evaluate on both individual and group levels. Automatic dashboard results of the program with special emphasis on the main qualities social work would usually present reciprocity and social competence, client ability development, and social care treatment components. The last point is an automatic selection of most efficient treatment components of ability development.
Minimum Income Allocation System (RMI)
Authors: Cordazzo Philippe
Published: August 2005

In 2000, for the first time, the number of minimum income allocation system (RMI) recipients decreased. In 2001, this drop in the number of recipients began to stabilize, and the number started to increase again in 2002.The author observed a stabilization of the number of new recipients, whereas the number of exits decreased. This situation is different according to local countries (departments). The probability of RMI entries is more important for populations living in the south and southeast of France. RMI recipients of the more recent cohorts leave more quickly and in proportion more significantly than do the recipients of the older cohorts. This phenomenon is alarming because the exits occur massively during the first 2 years spent in the RMI device and because the probability of leaving decreases sharply. The author has thus observed that a significant portion of the recipients (28%) is present after 5 years or more in the RMI device.
Evaluation of Children’s Stay in Institutions
Authors: Lepage-Chabriais Michèle
Published: August 2005

This article presents a double approach: quantitative (about 653 older boys and girls who left special education centers less than 10 years ago) and qualitative (talks with 38 of them). The quantitative study, researching factors of success in special education centers, shows the importance of placement for 3 or 4 years, a later exit between 19 and 21 years, the harm done by many placements, and the importance of collaboration between parents and youth workers. The qualitative study shows the influence on boarders of various types of education adopted in special education centers: the need of adolescents for a normative structure, identification patterns, and progressive responsibility, as well as emotional needs expressed through a quest for parental substitutes. It appears that very heterogeneous groups are anxiogenous for fragile youngsters who are searching for their own identities. Coming in and leaving an institution are particularly delicate and often painful moments, and they must be prepared by the youth workers with very special care.
Redistributing Wealth to Families
Authors: Legendre François , Lorgnet Jean-Paul , Thibault Florence
Published: August 2005

This study aims to shed light on the main characteristics of the French system for redistributing wealth to families through tax revenues and social transfers. For the purposes of this exercise, the authors used the MYRIADE microsimulation model, which covers most of the redistribution system, though it is limited to monetary flows such as family benefits, housing allowances, minimum social welfare payments, income tax, and tax on furnished accommodation. The authors used a particular methodology to highlight the way this redistribution works; rather than calculate the difference between each family’s disposable income and their gross primary income, they opted to isolate the variation in disposable income that could be attributed to the youngest member of each family where there is at least one child under the age of 25. The average increase in disposable income that this child contributes to his or her family amounts to ∊200 per month.
Elevated NF-κB p50 complex formation and Bcl-3 expression in classical Hodgkin, anaplastic large-cell, and other peripheral T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Mathas Stephan , Jöhrens Korinna , Joos Stefan , Lietz Andreas , Hummel Franziska , Janz Martin , Jundt Franziska , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Bommert Kurt , Lichter Peter , Stein Harald , Scheidereit Claus , Dörken Bernd
Published: August 2005

Transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). In anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCLs), which share molecular lesions with cHL, the NF-κB system has not been equivalently investigated. Here we describe constitutive NF-κB p50 homodimer [(p50)2] activity in ALCL cells in the absence of constitutive activation of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. Furthermore, (p50)2 contributes to the NF-κB activity in Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells. Bcl-3, which is an inducer of nuclear (p50)2 and is associated with (p50)2 in ALCL and HRS cell lines, is abundantly expressed in ALCL and HRS cells. Notably, a selective overexpression of Bcl-3 target genes is found in ALCL cells. By immunohistochemical screening of 288 lymphoma cases, a strong Bcl-3 expression in cHL and in peripheral T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (T-NHL) including ALCL was found. In 3 of 6 HRS cell lines and 25% of primary ALCL, a copy number increase of the BCL3 gene locus was identified. Together, these data suggest that elevated Bcl-3 expression has an important function in cHL and peripheral T-NHL, in particular ALCL.
Angiogenic factors may have a different prognostic role in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Faderl Stefan , Do Kim-Anh , Johnson Marcella M. , Keating Michael , O'Brien Susan , Jilani Iman , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Ravandi-Kashani Farhad , Aguilar Christine , Dey Amanda , Thomas Deborah A. , Giles Francis J. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Albitar Maher
Published: August 2005

Angiogenesis plays an important role in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The prognostic significance of angiogenic factors in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains ambiguous. We therefore analyzed the impact of angiogenic factor levels on overall survival of newly diagnosed adult ALL patients. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin-1 receptor alpha (IL-1Rα), IL-6, IL-8, VEGF receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, and thrombopoietin (TPO) were measured in plasma samples of 95 patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In a univariate Cox proportional hazards model, higher levels of IL-1Rα, IL-8, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 were predictive of poor survival. In contrast, higher levels of VEGF were predictive of longer survival, and higher levels of bFGF suggested a similar trend (P = .09). The multivariate model simultaneously included VEGF (relative risk [RR] for death, 8.01; P = .001 for levels less than or equal to 19.5 pg/mL), IL-1Rα (RR, 5.12; P = .007 for levels greater than 373 pg/mL), and VEGFR2 (RR, 4.01; P = .04 for levels greater than 8222 pg/mL) as independent factors for survival. Of interest is the association of high levels of VEGF with good prognosis and higher levels of VEGF receptors with poor outcome. These data reflect the complexity by which angiogenic factors may affect the clinical behavior of patients with ALL, and this complexity should be considered in any therapeutic strategy incorporating antiangiogenic agents.
Costimulation of mast cells by 4-1BB, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, with the high-affinity IgE receptor
Authors: Nishimoto Hajime , Lee Seung-Woo , Hong Hong , Potter Karen G. , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Kinoshita Tatsuya , Kawakami Yuko , Mittler Robert S. , Kwon Byoung S. , Ware Carl F. , Croft Michael , Kawakami Toshiaki
Published: August 2005

Mast cells are the major effector-cell type for immediate hypersensitivity and other forms of allergic reactions. Expression of 4-1BB, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is induced at mRNA and protein levels on stimulation through the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE; FcϵRI). In this study, we present evidence that agonistic anti-4-1BB antibodies can enhance FcϵRI-induced cytokine production and secretion. Consistent with this, 4-1BB-deficient mast cells exhibit reduced degranulation and cytokine production on FcϵRI stimulation. Analysis of 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL)-deficient cells supported this notion. As a potential mechanism for these defects, we identified a defect in Ca2+ flux induced by FcϵRI stimulation. The defective Ca2+ flux could be accounted for by the reduced activity of Lyn/Btk/phospholipase C-γ2 pathway and constitutive interactions between 4-1BB and Lyn. Therefore, FcϵRI-inducible 4-1BB plays a costimulatory function together with FcϵRI stimulation.
Transferring functional immune responses to pathogens after haploidentical hematopoietic transplantation
Authors: Perruccio Katia , Tosti Antonella , Burchielli Emanuela , Topini Fabiana , Ruggeri Loredana , Carotti Alessandra , Capanni Marusca , Urbani Elena , Mancusi Antonella , Aversa Franco , Martelli Massimo F. , Romani Luigina , Velardi Andrea
Published: August 2005

Aspergillus and cytomegalovirus are major causes of morbidity/mortality after haploidentical hematopoietic transplantation. The high degree of mismatching makes cell immunotherapy impossible as it would result in lethal graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). We generated large numbers of donor T-cell clones specific for Aspergillus or cytomegalovirus antigens. We identified clones potentially responsible for causing GvHD by screening them for cross-reactivity against recipient mononuclear cells. Nonrecipient reactive, pathogen-specific clones were infused soon after transplantation. They were CD4+ and produced high levels of interferon-γ and low levels of interleukin-10. In 46 control transplant recipients who did not receive adoptive therapy, spontaneous pathogen-specific T cells occurred in low frequency 9 to 12 months after transplantation and displayed a nonprotective low interferon-γ/high interleukin-10 production phenotype. In the 35 recipients who received adoptive therapy, one single infusion of donor alloantigen-deleted, pathogen-specific clones in the dose range of 105 to 106 cells/kg body weight did not cause GvHD and induced high-frequency T-cell responses to pathogens, which exhibited a protective high interferon-γ/low interleukin-10 production phenotype within 3 weeks of infusion. Frequencies of pathogen-specific T cells remained stable over time, and were associated with control of Aspergillus and cytomegalovirus antigenemia and infectious mortality. This study opens new perspectives for reducing infectious mortality after haploidentical transplantations.
Epstein-Barr virus infection in vitro can rescue germinal center B cells with inactivated immunoglobulin genes
Authors: Chaganti Sridhar , Bell Andrew I. , Pastor Noelia Begue , Milner Anne E. , Drayson Mark , Gordon John , Rickinson Alan B.
Published: August 2005

Immunoglobulin genotyping of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease has suggested that such lesions often arise from atypical post-germinal center B cells, in some cases carrying functionally inactivated immunoglobulin genes. To investigate whether EBV can rescue cells that are failed products of the somatic hypermutation process occurring in germinal centers (GCs), we isolated GC cells from tonsillar cell suspensions and exposed them to EBV in vitro. Screening more than 100 EBV-transformed cell lines of GC origin identified 6 lines lacking surface immunoglobulin, a phenotype never seen among lines derived from circulating naive or memory B cells. Furthermore, 3 of the 6 surface immunoglobulin-negative GC lines carried inactivating mutations in the immunoglobulin H (IgH) variable gene sequence. The ability of EBV to rescue aberrant products of the germinal center reaction in vitro strengthens the probability that a parallel activity contributes to EBV's lymphomagenic potential in vivo.
Adult acute megakaryocytic leukemia: an analysis of 37 patients treated at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Authors: Oki Yasuhiro , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Zhou Xian , Cortes Jorge , Faderl Stefan , Verstovsek Srdan , O'Brien Susan , Koller Charles , Beran Miloslav , Bekele B. Nebiyou , Pierce Sherry , Thomas Deborah , Ravandi Farhad , Wierda William G. , Giles Francis , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Jabbour Elias , Keating Michael J. , Bueso-Ramos Carlos E. , Estey Elihu , Garcia-Manero Guillermo
Published: August 2005

To characterize acute megakaryocytic leukemia (FAB M7 AML), we identified 37 patients with M7 AML treated at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1987 and 2003 and compared them with 1800 patients with non-M7, non-M3 AML treated during the same period. The median age of the M7 AML group was 56 years (range, 21-78 years); 22 patients (59%) had an antecedent hematologic disorder or myelodysplastic syndrome or both, and 7 patients (19%) had previously received chemotherapy for other malignancies. Extensive bone marrow fibrosis was found in 23 patients (62%). Poor cytogenetic characteristics were observed in 49% of patients with M7 AML versus 33% of others (P < .001). Complete remission rates were 43% with M7 AML and 57% with non-M7 AML (P = .089). Median overall survival (OS) was 23 and 38 weeks, respectively (P = .006). Median disease-free survivals were 23 versus 52 weeks, respectively (P < .001). By multivariate analysis, M7 AML was an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS, independent of other factors including cytogenetic abnormalities (hazard ratio 1.51, P = .049). These results confirm the poor prognosis of M7 AML and indicate that other biologic characteristics beyond cytogenetic abnormalities likely play a role in this disease.
An edit script for taxonomic classifications
Authors: Page Roderic DM , Valiente Gabriel
Published: August 2005

Background

The NCBI taxonomy provides one of the most powerful ways to navigate sequence data bases but currently users are forced to formulate queries according to a single taxonomic classification. Given that there is not universal agreement on the classification of organisms, providing a single classification places constraints on the questions biologists can ask. However, maintaining multiple classifications is burdensome in the face of a constantly growing NCBI classification.

Results

In this paper, we present a solution to the problem of generating modifications of the NCBI taxonomy, based on the computation of an edit script that summarises the differences between two classification trees. Our algorithms find the shortest possible edit script based on the identification of all shared subtrees, and only take time quasi linear in the size of the trees because classification trees have unique node labels.

Conclusion

These algorithms have been recently implemented, and the software is freely available for download from http://darwin.zoology.gla.ac.uk/~rpage/forest/.
Crosstalk between the actin cytoskeleton and Ran-mediated nuclear transport
Authors: Minakhina Svetlana , Myers Ron , Druzhinina Marina , Steward Ruth
Published: August 2005

Background

Transport of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus is a highly regulated process. The RanGTP/RanGDP gradient controls the trafficking of molecules exceeding the diffusion limit of the nuclear pore across the nuclear envelope.

Results

We found genetic interaction between genes establishing the Ran gradient, nuclear transport factor 2 (ntf-2), Ran GTPase activating protein (Sd), and the gene encoding Drosophila Profilin, chickadee (chic). The severe eye phenotype caused by reduction of NTF2 is suppressed by loss of function mutations in chic and gain of function mutations in Sd (RanGAP). We show that in chic mutants, as in Sd-RanGAP, nuclear export is impaired.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that Profilin and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton play an important role in nuclear trafficking.
Hemispheric biases and the control of visuospatial attention: an ERP study
Authors: Spencer Kevin M , Banich Marie T
Published: August 2005

Background

We examined whether individual differences in hemispheric utilization can interact with the intrinsic attentional biases of the cerebral hemispheres. Evidence suggests that the hemispheres have competing biases to direct attention contralaterally, with the left hemisphere (LH) having a stronger bias than the right hemisphere. There is also evidence that individuals have characteristic biases to utilize one hemisphere more than the other for processing information, which can induce a bias to direct attention to contralateral space. We predicted that LH-biased individuals would display a strong rightward attentional bias, which would create difficulty in selectively attending to target stimuli in the left visual field (LVF) as compared to right in the performance of a bilateral flanker task.

Results

Consistent with our hypothesis, flanker interference effects were found on the N2c event-related brain potential and error rate for LH-biased individuals in the Attend-LVF condition. The error rate effect was correlated with the degree of hemispheric utilization bias for the LH-Bias group.

Conclusion

We conclude that hemispheric utilization bias can enhance a hemisphere's contralateral attentional bias, at least for individuals with a LH utilization bias. Hemispheric utilization bias may play an important and largely unrecognized role in visuospatial attention.
Regulation and splicing of scavenger receptor class B type I in human macrophages and atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Svensson Per-Arne , Englund Mikael CO , Snäckestrand Magnus SC , Hägg Daniel A , Ohlsson Bertil G , Stemme Veronika , Mattsson-Hulten Lillemor , Thelle Dag S , Fagerberg Björn , Wiklund Olov , Carlsson Lena MS , Carlsson Björn
Published: August 2005

Background

The protective role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the cardiovascular system is related to its role in the reverse transport of cholesterol from the arterial wall to the liver for subsequent excretion via the bile. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) binds HDL and mediates selective uptake of cholesterol ester and cellular efflux of cholesterol to HDL. The role of SR-BI in atherosclerosis has been well established in murine models but it remains unclear whether SR-BI plays an equally important role in atherosclerosis in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of SR-BI and its isoforms in human macrophages and atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods

The effect of hypoxia and minimally modified low-density lipoprotein (mmLDL), two proatherogenic stimuli, on SR-BI expression was studied in human monocyte-derived macrophages from healthy subjects using real-time PCR. In addition, SR-BI expression was determined in macrophages obtained from subjects with atherosclerosis (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 15). Expression of SR-BI isoforms was characterized in human atherosclerotic plaques and macrophages using RT-PCR and DNA sequencing.

Results

SR-BI expression was decreased in macrophages after hypoxia (p < 0.005). In contrast, SR-BI expression was increased by exposure to mmLDL (p < 0.05). There was no difference in SR-BI expression in macrophages from patients with atherosclerosis compared to controls. In both groups, SR-BI expression was increased by exposure to mmLDL (p < 0.05). Transcripts corresponding to SR-BI and SR-BII were detected in macrophages. In addition, a third isoform, referred to as SR-BIII, was discovered. All three isoforms were also expressed in human atherosclerotic plaque. Compared to the other isoforms, the novel SR-BIII isoform was predicted to have a unique intracellular C-terminal domain containing 53 amino acids.

Conclusion

We conclude that SR-BI is regulated by proatherogenic stimuli in humans. However, we found no differences between subjects with atherosclerosis and healthy controls. This indicates that altered SR-BI expression is not a common cause of atherosclerosis. In addition, we identified SR-BIII as a novel isoform expressed in human macrophages and in human atherosclerotic plaques.
Parents' psychological adjustment in families of children with Spina Bifida: a meta-analysis
Authors: Vermaes Ignace PR , Janssens Jan MAM , Bosman Anna MT , Gerris Jan RM
Published: August 2005

Background

Spina Bifida (SB) is the second most common birth defect worldwide. Since the chances of survival in children with severe SB-forms have increased, medical care has shifted its emphasis from life-saving interventions to fostering the quality of life for these children and their families. Little is known, however, about the impact of SB on family adjustment. Reviewers have struggled to synthesize the few contradictory studies available. In this systematic review a new attempt was made to summarize the findings by using meta-analysis and by delimiting the scope of review to one concept of family adjustment: Parents' psychological adjustment. The questions addressed were: (a) do parents of children with SB have more psychological distress than controls? (b) do mothers and fathers differ? and (c) which factors correlate with variations in psychological adjustment?

Methods

PsycInfo, Medline, and reference lists were scanned. Thirty-three relevant studies were identified of which 15 were eligible for meta-analysis.

Results

SB had a negative medium-large effect on parents' psychological adjustment. The effect was more heterogeneous for mothers than for fathers. In the reviewed studies child factors (age, conduct problems, emotional problems, and mental retardation), parent factors (SES, hope, appraised stress, coping, and parenting competence), family factors (family income, partner relationship, and family climate), and environmental factors (social support) were found to be associated with variations in parents' psychological adjustment.

Conclusion

Meta-analysis proved to be helpful in organizing studies. Clinical implications indicate a need to be especially alert to psychological suffering in mothers of children with SB. Future research should increase sample sizes through multi-center collaborations.
Patterns of HIV prevalence among injecting drug users in the cross-border area of Lang Son Province, Vietnam, and Ning Ming County, Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Des Jarlais Don C , Johnston Patrick , Friedmann Patricia , Kling Ryan , Liu Wei , Ngu Doan , Chen Yi , Hoang Tran V , Donghua Meng , Van Ly K , Tung Nguyen D , Binh Kieu T , Hammett Theodore M
Published: August 2005

Background

To assess patterns of injecting drug use and HIV prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs) in an international border area along a major heroin trans-shipment route.

Methods

Cross-sectional surveys of IDUs in 5 sites in Lang Son Province, Vietnam (n = 348) and 3 sites in Ning Ming County, Guangxi Province, China (n = 308). Respondents were recruited through peer referral ("snowball") methods in both countries, and also from officially recorded lists of IDUs in Vietnam. A risk behavior questionnaire was administered and HIV counseling and testing conducted.

Results

Participants in both countries were largely male, in their 20s, and unmarried. A majority of subjects in both countries were members of ethnic minority groups. There were strong geographic gradients for length of drug injecting and for HIV seroprevalence. Both mean years injecting and HIV seroprevalence declined from the Vietnamese site farthest from the border to the Chinese site farthest from the border. 10.6% of participants in China and 24.5% of participants in Vietnam reported crossing the international border in the 6 months prior to interview. Crossing the border by IDUs was associated with (1) distance from the border, (2) being a member of an ethnic minority group, and (3) being HIV seropositive among Chinese participants.

Conclusion

Reducing the international spread of HIV among IDUs will require programs at the global, regional, national, and "local cross border" levels. At the local cross border level, the programs should be coordinated on both sides of the border and on a sufficient scale that IDUs will be able to readily obtain clean injection equipment on the other side of the border as well as in their country of residence.
The rise of injecting drug use in east Africa: a case study from Kenya
Authors: Beckerleg Susan , Telfer Maggie , Hundt Gillian Lewando
Published: August 2005

Studies on injecting drug use in East Africa are reviewed. The existingstudies document the spread of heroin injection in Kenya and Tanzania, both countries where HIV rates are high. No data from Uganda on injecting drug use was found by the authors. A case study of the growth of heroin injection in a Kenyan coastal town is presented. The need for needle-exchange programmes and other prevention services is discussed.
Possible Cis-acting signal that could be involved in the localization of different mRNAs in neuronal axons
Authors: Aranda-Abreu Gonzalo E , Hernández Ma Elena , Soto Abraham , Manzo Jorge
Published: August 2005

Background

Messenger RNA (mRNA) comprises three major parts: a 5'-UTR (UnTranslated Region), a coding region, and a 3'-UTR. The 3'-UTR contains signal sequences involved in polyadenylation, degradation and localization/stabilization processes. Some sequences in the 3'-UTR are involved in the localization of mRNAs in (e.g.) neurons, epithelial cells, oocytes and early embryos, but such localization has been most thoroughly studied in neurons. Neuronal polarity is maintained by the microtubules (MTs) found along both dendrites and axon and is partially influenced by sub-cellular mRNA localization. A widely studied mRNA is that for Tau protein, which is located in the axon hillock and growth cone; its localization depends on the well-characterized cis-acting signal (U-rich region) in the 3'-UTR.

Methods

We compared the cis-acting signal of Tau with mRNAs in the axonal regions of neurons using the ClustalW program for alignment of sequences and the Mfold program for analysis of secondary structures.

Results

We found that at least 3 out of 12 mRNA analyzed (GRP75, cofilin and synuclein) have a sequence similar to the cis-acting signal of Tau in the 3'-UTR. This could indicate that these messengers are localized specifically in the axon. The Mfold program showed that these mRNAs have a similar "bubble" structure in the putative sequence signal.

Conclusion

Hence, we suggest that a U-rich sequence in the 3'-UTR region of the mRNA could act as a signal for its localization in the axon in neuronal cells. Sequences homologous to the DTE sequence of BC1 mRNA could direct the messenger to the dendrites. Messengers with homologues of both types of sequence, e.g. β-actin, might be located in both dendrites and axon.
Strategically examining the full-genome of dengue virus type 3 in clinical isolates reveals its mutation spectra
Authors: Chao Day-Yu , King Chwan-Chuen , Wang Wei-Kung , Chen Wei-June , Wu Hui-Lin , Chang Gwong-Jen J
Published: August 2005

Background

Previous studies presented the quasispecies spectrum of the envelope region of dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3) from either clinical specimens or field-caught mosquitoes. However, the extent of sequence variation among full genomic sequences of DENV within infected individuals remains largely unknown.

Results

Instead of arbitrarily choosing one genomic region in this study, the full genomic consensus sequences of six DENV-3 isolates were used to locate four genomic regions that had a higher potential of sequence heterogeneity at capsid-premembrane (C-prM), envelope (E), nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), and NS5. The extentof sequence heterogeneity revealed by clonal sequencing was genomic region-dependent, whereas the NS3 and NS5 had lower sequence heterogeneity than C-prM and E. Interestingly, the Phylogenetic Analysis by Maximum Likelihood program (PAML) analysis supported that the domain III of E region, the most heterogeneous region analyzed, was under the influence of positive selection.

Conclusion

This study confirmed previous reports that the most heterogeneous region of the dengue viral genome resided at the envelope region, of which the domain III was under positive selection pressure. Further studies will need to address the influence of these mutations on the overall fitness in different hosts (i.e., mosquito and human) during dengue viral transmission.
Change in bronchial responsiveness and cough reflex sensitivity in patients with cough variant asthma: effect of inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Fujimura Masaki , Hara Johsuke , Myou Shigeharu
Published: August 2005

Background

Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a cause of chronic cough and a precursor of typical asthma. We retrospectively examined the longitudinal change in bronchial responsiveness and cough reflex sensitivity in CVA patients with respect to the effect of long-term inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Methods

Provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PC20-FEV1) and provocative concentration of capsaicin eliciting 5 or more coughs (C5) were measured before treatment and during a follow up period following relief of cough (median; 2.0 (range; 0.5 to 8.0) years after the initial visit) in a total of 20 patients with CVA (7 males and 13 females, mean ± SD age of 49.9 ± 12.9 years).

Results

Three of 8 patients not taking long-term ICS developed typical asthma compared to none of 12 patients taking ICS (p = 0.0171). PC20-FEV1 significantly (p < 0.0001) increased from 1.80 (GSEM, 1.35) to 10.7 (GSEM, 1.63) mg/ml in patients taking ICS but did not change in patients not taking ICS [2.10 (GSEM, 1.47) compared to 2.13 (GSEM, 1.52) mg/ml]. Cough threshold did not change in patients whether taking or not taking ICS.

Conclusion

Long-term ICS reduces bronchial hyperresponsiveness in CVA as recognized in typical asthma. Cough reflex sensitivity is not involved in the mechanism of cough in CVA.
Tissue engineering: a challenge of today's medicine
Authors: Meyer Ulrich , Wiesmann Hans-Peter
Published: August 2005

During the last years, tissue engineering-based therapies have been introduced in clinical practice in the head and face area. The regeneration of complex tissue structures for all sites of the body is envisioned for the future. In the present situation, specialists of the different fields publish excellent research papers in specialised journals. As a result, the scientific community, seperated towards distinct sub-specialities, has difficulties in communication. To overcome this problem, the demanding, complex and interdisciplinary aspects of tissue engineering has to be approached from new ways. We have conceptualised Head & Face Medicine therefore as a thematically broad ranged journal, including all disciplines involved in the head and neck area. We hope this journal will attract basic researchers and clinicians who are involved in investigating and applying complex themes (examplified by tissue engineering) in the head and face region and will contribute to a gain in scientific information, communication, and collaboration in order to improve the outcome of patient treatments.
Cephalometric norms for the Saudi children living in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a research report
Authors: Hassan Ali H.
Published: August 2005

Background

Previous studies have established specific cephalometric norms for children with different ethnic backgrounds, showing different facial features for each group. Up till now, there is a paucity of information about the cephalometric features of Saudi children living in the western region of Saudi Arabia, who have distinct social and climatic characteristics. The aim of the present study was to establish cephalometric norms for children living in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A total of 62 lateral cephalometric radiographs of Saudis (33 females and 29 males; aged 9–12 years) having good facial proportions and Class I dental occlusion, were traced and analyzed. Using the t-test, the mean value, standard deviation and the range of 20 angular and linear variables were calculated and compared to norms of adult Saudis living in the Western region of Saudi Arabia using the t-test. Male and female groups were also compared using the t- test.

Results

Saudi children tend to have a significantly shorter and lower face height, a larger angle of convexity, and more proclined and protruded incisors when compared with adult Saudis (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between male and female groups.

Conclusion

Saudi children have distinct cephalometric features, which should be used as a reference in the orthodontic treatment of young Saudi patients.
A new option for early breast cancer patients previously irradiated for Hodgkin's disease: intraoperative radiotherapy with electrons (ELIOT)
Authors: Intra Mattia , Gentilini Oreste , Veronesi Paolo , Ciocca Mario , Luini Alberto , Lazzari Roberta , Soteldo Javier , Farante Gabriel , Orecchia Roberto , Veronesi Umberto
Published: August 2005

Introduction

Patients who have undergone mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease (HD) are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. In such patients, breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by breast irradiation is generally considered contraindicated owing to the high cumulative radiation dose. Mastectomy is therefore recommended as the first option treatment in these women.

Methods

Six patients affected by early breast cancer previously treated with mantle radiation for HD underwent BCS associated with full-dose intraoperative radiotherapy with electrons (ELIOT).

Results

A total dose of 21 Gy (prescribed at 90% isodose) in five cases and 17 Gy (at 100% isodose) in one case were delivered directly to the mammary gland without acute complications and with good cosmetic results. After an average of 30.8 months of follow up, no late sequelae were observed and the patients are free of disease.

Conclusion

In patients previously irradiated for HD, ELIOT can avoid repeat irradiation of the whole breast, permit BCS and decrease the number of avoidable mastectomies.
Strain difference of murine bone marrow-derived mast cell functions
Authors: Noguchi Junko , Kuroda Etsushi , Yamashita Uki
Published: August 2005

Mast cells play an important role for the induction and the expression of allergic responses. In this report, we studied the strain difference of bone marrow-derived murine mast cell (BMMC) functions in vitro. BMMC were induced by in vitro culture of bone marrow cells from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with interleukin (IL)-3 for 4 weeks, stimulated with immunoglobulin E antibody and antigen, and mediators and cytokines released in the culture supernatant were assayed. BMMC from C57BL/6 mice released a higher amount of granule-associated mediators, β-hexosaminidase, and histamine than that from BALB/c mice. The expression of mRNA of histidine decarboxylase was higher in C57BL/6 mice. Conversely, the productions of newly synthesized mediators, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and the mRNA expression of IL-5 were higher in ALB/c BMMC than C57BL/6 BMMC. Although mRNA and protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 were equal in two strains, both expression levels of hematopoietic PGD synthase (hPGDS) were higher in BALB/c BMMC. Mast cells, freshly obtained from mice, also showed the same strain difference concerning the mediator release. These results indicate that the strain difference exists in mast cell functions in mice, and this difference can be considered to induce the susceptibility difference to allergic reactions in mouse strains.
Differential Involvement of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Differentiation and Mitogenesis of Thyroid Cells: Inactivation of Rho Proteins Contributes to Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate-Dependent Gene Expression but Prevents Mitogenesis
Authors: Fortemaison Nathalie , Blancquaert Sara , Dumont Jacques E. , Maenhaut Carine , Aktories Klaus , Roger Pierre P. , Dremier Sarah
Published: August 2005

In thyroid epithelial cells, TSH via cAMP induces a rounding up of the cells associated with actin stress fiber disruption, expression of differentiation genes and cell cycle progression. Here we have evaluated the role of small G proteins of the Rho family and their impact on the actin cytoskeleton in these different processes in primary cultures of canine thyrocytes. TSH and forskolin, but not growth factors, rapidly inactivated RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, as assayed by detection of GTP-bound forms. Using toxins that inactivate Rho proteins (toxin B, C3 exoenzyme) or activate them [cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1)], in comparison with disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by dihydrocytochalasin B (DCB) or latrunculin, two unexpected conclusions were reached: 1) inactivation of Rho proteins by cAMP, by disorganizing actin microfilaments and inducing cell retraction, could be necessary and sufficient to mediate at least part of the cAMP-dependent induction of thyroglobulin and thyroid oxidases, but only partly necessary for the induction of Na+/I− symporter and thyroperoxidase; 2) as indicated by the effect of their inhibition by toxin B and C3, some residual activity of Rho proteins could be required for the induction by cAMP-dependent or -independent mitogenic cascades of DNA synthesis and retinoblastoma protein (pRb) phosphorylation, through mechanisms targeting the activity, but not the stimulated assembly, of cyclin D3-cyclin-dependent kinase 4 complexes. However, at variance with current concepts mostly derived from fibroblast models, DNA synthesis induction and cyclin D3-cyclin-dependent kinase 4 activation were resistant to actin depolymerization by dihydrocytochalasin B in canine thyrocytes, which provides a first such example in a normal adherent cell.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Induce Differentiation of Human Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Cells through Up-Regulation of Glycodelin
Authors: Uchida Hiroshi , Maruyama Tetsuo , Nagashima Takashi , Asada Hironori , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: August 2005

Histone reversible acetylation, which is controlled by histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases, plays a fundamental role in gene transcription. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), such as trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), have been characterized not only as anticancer drugs, but also as cytodifferentiation-inducing agents. In human endometrium, postovulatory production of progesterone directs estrogen-primed endometrial glandular cells to differentiate and thereby produce a number of unique bioactive substances, including glycodelin, that are critical for implantation at the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. In this study, we show that TSA and SAHA, belonging to the hydroxamic acid group of HDACIs, can induce the phenotype of a human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line, Ishikawa (originally derived from the glandular component of the endometrium), to differentiate to closely resemble normal endometrial epithelium in a time- and dose-dependent manner, as determined by morphological changes, synthesis of glycogen, and expression of secretory phase-specific proteins, including glycodelin. The proliferation- and differentiation-modulating effects elicited by TSA and SAHA at their optimal concentrations were comparable or more potent than those exerted by combined treatment with progesterone and estradiol. Furthermore, the gene silencing of glycodelin by small interference RNA resulted in the blockade of HDACI-induced differentiation in Ishikawa cells, suggesting the requirement for glycodelin for endometrial epithelial differentiation. Our results collectively indicate that TSA and SAHA are potent differentiation inducers for endometrial glandular cells, providing a clue for a possible therapeutic strategy to modulate endometrial function by targeting glycodelin.