bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of sirolimus vs. calcineurin inhibitors on renal dysfunction after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Campbell Mical S , Rai Jitha , Kozin Elliott , Bloom Roy D , Markmann James F , Olthoff Kim M , Shaked Abraham , Rajender Reddy K
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Small uncontrolled series have suggested that sirolimus favorably impacts renal function after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We sought to retrospectively compare renal dysfunction between cohorts exposed to sirolimus‐based and calcineurin inhibitor‐based immunosuppression. We retrospectively studied 79 patients converted to sirolimus‐based immunosuppression and 100 control subjects continued on calcineurin inhibitor‐based immunosuppression after OLT at our institution from 2000 to 2005. We collected clinical, demographic, and medication history. Renal dysfunction was defined as two or more wk of creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dL. Cohorts were compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Patients began sirolimus a median 83 d post‐OLT and were followed on the medication for median 359 d. Patients in both the sirolimus and calcineurin inhibitor cohorts had median creatinine 1.2 mg/dL at study entry. Sirolimus‐based immunosuppression was associated with a 1.8 (0.8–4.3, p = 0.17) hazards ratio for renal dysfunction. Adjusting for presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, combined kidney/liver transplantation, and age, the hazards ratio was 2.0 (0.8–4.8, p = 0.13). These point estimates were not substantially altered after subgroup analysis of sirolimus as the lone immunosuppressant, duration of exposure, and time between OLT and sirolimus conversion. In conclusion, our retrospective, controlled study showed that conversion to sirolimus after OLT did not protect against renal dysfunction. The effect of sirolimus on renal function will need to be prospectively evaluated in a prospective, randomized trial.
Pharmacokinetics of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium in stable liver transplant recipients
Authors: Perry Theodore W. , Christians Uwe , Trotter James F. , Bendrick‐Peart Jamie
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Introduction:  Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is one of the major immunosuppressive agents used in liver transplantation recipients. In an attempt to mitigate one of the most common side effects of MMF (gastrointestinal symptoms), enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS) was developed. In this study, we report the pharmacokinetic profile of EC‐MPS in stable liver transplantation recipients administered a single 720 mg dose.

Methods:  Liver transplantation recipients more than one yr after transplantation were administered a single dose of 720 mg EC‐MPS after which blood levels of MPA were measured at frequent intervals using a specific and validated LC‐MS/MS assay.

Results:  The characteristics of the 21 patients studied were: mean age was 55.9 yr, 13 were female, eight had hepatitis C, and 14 were on tacrolimus. The mean apparent half‐life of MPA was 5.3 ± 4.3 h, (1.0–15.7). Mean tmax was 2.4 ± 1.1 h (1.0–5.0). The mean area‐under‐curve was 45.3 ± 23.1 μg‐h/mL (17.3–90.0). Trough level concentrations (C12 h) showed large inter‐individual variability (0–9.2 μg/mL). There was no difference in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters relative to: gender, HCV, administration of tacrolimus vs. cyclosporine or type of biliary anastomosis.

Conclusions:  There is a wide variation in pharmacokinetic parameters in stable, long‐term liver transplantation recipients receiving a single dose of EC‐MPS. These data suggest that therapeutic drug monitoring with EC‐MPS may have limited utility in liver transplantation recipients.
HLA‐A*1129, a new allele identified in a cord blood donor†
Authors: Danzer M. , Polin H. , Hofer K. , Gabriel C.
Published: March 2007

The new allele HLA‐A*1129 showed one nucleotide difference form A*110101 at codon 172 (CTG>CAG).
Identification of the uncommon allele HLA‐A*7403 in a Caucasian renal transplant cadaveric donor: extension of the exon 4 sequence†
Authors: Canossi A. , Del Beato T. , Piazza A. , Liberatore G. , Ozzella G. , Tessitore A. , Adorno D.
Published: March 2007

This report describes the unknown exon 4 sequence of the rare A*7403 allele, identified in a Caucasian renal transplant cadaveric donor from Italy. This sequence is identical to that of the only known A*7401 exon 4, and this result allowed us to confirm the hypothesis of the generation of A*7403 allele from the ancestor A*7402 by point mutation in exon 2.
Allograft inflammatory factor‐1 and tumor necrosis factor single nucleotide polymorphisms in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Otieno F. G. , Lopez A. M. , Jimenez S. A. , Gentiletti J. , Artlett C. M.
Published: March 2007

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alleles have been associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, these alleles may be in linkage with other genes. Allograft inflammatory factor‐1 (AIF‐1) is a newly identified gene on the short arm of chromosome 6 in the class III region of the human leukocyte antigen. It appears to be involved in inflammation and was originally identified in rat cardiac allografts undergoing rejection. AIF‐1 has several sequence variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs), three of which result in nonsynonymous changes in amino acid coding. We analyzed the linkage of five TNFA and five AIF‐1 SNPs by polymerase chain reaction in 239 Caucasian individuals. The TNFA−1031T/T genotype was found to be associated with SSc (P < 0.0001) and both the DcSSc (diffuse subset of SSc) and the LcSSc (limited subset of SSc) subsets (P= 0.0004 and P= 0.0009, respectively) and the TNFA−237G/G genotype was found to be associated with all SSc (P= 0.0003) and with the DcSSc and LcSSc subsets (P= 0.01 and P= 0.005, respectively). Furthermore, the TNFA−857C/T genotype was associated with LcSSc (P= 0.0003) and TNFA−307A/A genotype associated with DcSSc (P= 0.028). In AIF‐1, RS2269475 exon 4A allele, which generates a nonsynonymous change (tryptophan to arginine), was significantly associated in patients with SSc (P= 0.0009) and was associated with those patients who had DcSSc (P= 0.002). A strong linkage disequilibrium was observed between the AIF‐1 alleles, A allele of RS2269475 and the A allele of RS4711274 (P < 0.0001), and linkage was observed between AIF‐1 and TNFA alleles. Here, we report a novel and significant association of a nonsynonymous change within the AIF‐1 with SSc and identified the linkage with TNFA alleles within 50 kb of this gene. Our study lends support that TNFA may be an important inflammatory modulator in SSc and may play a significant role with AIF‐1 in disease pathogenesis.
Improved pharmacokinetic monitoring of tacrolimus exposure after pediatric renal transplantation
Authors: Lee Martin N. , Butani Lavjay
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Because of its narrow therapeutic index, monitoring of drug exposure is recommended for tacrolimus (T). Limited data are available on kinetics of T in children after transplantation. Our study investigated the correlation between T trough and the area under the time‐concentration curve (AUC) in pediatric renal transplant recipients and investigated the effect of steroids. Data on T troughs and two h and four h post‐dose concentrations over the first post‐transplant year in 20 transplant recipients from August 2001 to June 2005 were analyzed. Patients were analyzed in two groups based on their use of steroids. Although the overall correlation between the troughs and AUC was good (r = 0.85, Pearson test), during the first month the correlation was poor in the cohort receiving steroids (r = 0.5) compared with those on a steroid minimization regimen (r = 0.9). In 85% of patients there was a discrepancy between the trough and AUC leading to errors in dose adjustment. In conclusion, although the overall correlation between T trough and AUC is good, it is suboptimal in the first post‐transplant month in children receiving steroids. Because of large variation in exposure, we recommend AUC monitoring for T. Prospective studies are needed to determine the impact of more accurate monitoring of T exposure on outcomes.
Low HDL‐C predicts the onset of transplant vasculopathy in pediatric cardiac recipients on pravastatin therapy
Authors: Hedman Mia , Pahlman Raija , Sundvall Jouko , Ehnholm Christian , Syvänne Mikko , Jokinen Eero , Jauhiainen Matti , Holmberg Christer , Antikainen Marjatta
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  The levels and protein/lipid compositions of major lipoprotein particles of 19 pediatric cardiac transplant recipients (4–18 yr of age) were studied in this prospective, open clinical follow‐up study before and at one yr of pravastatin therapy (10 mg/day). The recipients were grouped into those with (n = 6; group A) and those without (n = 13; group B) angiographically detectable vasculopathy. Twenty‐one pediatric non‐transplant controls were studied at baseline. At baseline, the group A recipients had 29% lower HDL‐C concentrations (p = 0.031) and 29% higher apoB‐100/apoA‐I ratios (p = 0.034) than the group B recipients. At one yr of pravastatin, the respective figures were 29% (p = 0.013) and 33% (p = 0.005). Compared with the healthy pediatric controls, the transplant recipients had significantly higher serum TG before pravastatin [median (range): 1.3 mmol/L (0.6–3.2) vs. 0.7 mmol/L (0.3–2.4), p = 0.0002] and at one yr [1.3 mmol/L (0.5–3.5) vs. 0.7 mmol/L (0.3–2.4), p = 0.0004]. The baseline apoB‐100/apoA1 ratios of the recipients were 33% higher (p = 0.005). In conclusion, low HDL‐C and high apoB‐100/apoA‐I ratio were associated with angiographically detectable vasculopathy. Even though pravastatin effectively lowered the TC and LDL‐C and improved compositional properties of LDL and HDL2 particles, it failed to normalize the elevated TG and, in some patients, to prevent the progression of transplant vasculopathy.
Ex vivo generation of cytokine‐induced killer cells (CD3+ CD56+) from post‐stem cell transplant pediatric patients against autologous–Epstein–Barr virus–transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: Petvises Sawang , Pakakasama Samart , Wongkajornsilp Adisak , Sirireung Somtawin , Panthangkool Wanpen , Hongeng Suradej
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  EBV‐PTLDs affect as high as 20% of SCT recipients especially those with T‐cell depleted grafts while high mortality rates were also noted. Adoptive allogeneic and autologous CTLs have a therapeutic potential in this setting. However, the process of expansion of these cells is tedious and time consuming in both allogeneic and autologous CTL generation. For the allogeneic SCT, another major obstacle is unavailability of donors especially in an unrelated SCT setting. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the efficacy of autologous CIK cells (CD3+ CD56+) against autologous EBV‐LCLs from post‐SCT pediatric patients. We could demonstrate that CIK cells can be generated within two wk and did show the significant cytotoxicity against autologous EBV‐LCLs. CIK cells may provide a potent tool for use in post‐transplantation adoptive immunotherapy.
The development of eosinophilic colitis after liver transplantation in children
Authors: Lee Jee Hyun , Park Hwa Young , Choe Yon Ho , Lee Suk‐Koo , Il Lee Sang
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplant recipients is known to be associated with EGID. Our goal was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and characteristics of EGID in our pediatric liver transplantation program. This study was a retrospective analysis of 38 pediatric liver transplant recipients. Rectal mucosal biopsy was performed to evaluate for gastrointestinal PTLD and eosinophilic colitis. There were 14 patients (37%) who were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis. The mean age at transplantation was 10.8 ± 1.8 months. Those with eosinophilic colitis had a higher incidence of peripheral eosinophilia (p = 0.003) during the first two months following transplantation and had a higher EBV infection rate. Symptoms, such as diarrhea, hematochezia, and abdominal pain, became apparent after an average of three months; diagnoses were made at 6.9 ± 2.0 months after transplantation. There were eight patients (57%) with elevated food‐specific IgE levels. With food restriction treatment, the symptoms of patients improved. EGID should be considered when clinical symptoms are present, because symptoms of this disorder are similar to those of gastrointestinal PTLD. It should also be considered when peripheral eosinophila is detected or when EBV seroconversion develops during the first two months following transplantation.
Comparison of propofol and isoflurane anesthesia in orthotopic pig‐to‐baboon cardiac xenotransplantation
Authors: Bauer Andreas , Baschnegger Heiko , Renz Vivian , Brandl Ulrike , Brenner Paolo , Thein Eckart , Reichart Bruno , Schmoeckel Michael , Christ Frank
Published: March 2007

Background:  Orthotopic pig‐to‐baboon xenogeneic heart transplantation (oXHTx) is the only accepted preclinical animal model for cardiac xenotransplantation. We compared the hemodynamic stability of a propofol‐ and isoflurane‐based anesthetic regimen during oXHTx.

Methods:  Hearts from 12 hDAF or hCD46 transgenic pigs (Sus scrofa; body weight 7 to 32 kg) were transplanted into baboons (Papio anubis and Papio hamadryas; body weight 9 to 26 kg) in the orthotopic life‐supporting position. Animals received a propofol‐based intravenous regimen or inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane. Analgesia was achieved with fentanyl in both groups. Systemic hemodynamic variables were measured before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the need for inotropic or vasoactive pharmacological support was compared before and after CPB.

Results:  Global hemodynamic variables [i.e. heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac output] were not significantly different in propofol‐anesthetized baboons compared to baboons anesthetized with isoflurane. Baboons anesthetized with isoflurane showed a trend towards less pharmacological support required to achieve an adequate MAP of >60 mmHg after CPB (propofol: epinephrine 0.13 [0.05; 0.16] and norepinephrine 0.15 [0.02; 0.16] μg/kg/min vs. isoflurane: epinephrine 0.05 [0.02; 0.08] and norepinephrine 0.06 [0.02; 0.19] μg/kg/min; no significant difference).

Conclusions:  Propofol and isoflurane appear to provide equal hemodynamic stability in orthotopic cardiac pig‐to‐baboon xenotransplantation prior to the start of CPB. The trend of a reduced catecholamine support needed after CPB, however, suggests that isoflurane may be the preferred drug for maintenance of anesthesia in this primate model.
Mycophenolate mofetil treatment for therapy‐resistant glomerulopathies
Authors: SAHIN GULIZAR MANGA , SAHIN SEVGI , KANTARCI GULCIN , ERGIN HUIYA
Published: March 2007

Background:  The management of steroid‐resistant glomerulopathies remains a clinical problem. In this trial, we report a clinical observation of 43 patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for steroid‐resistant glomerulopathies.

Methods:  All patients underwent renal biopsies, and immunofluorescence and light microscopy examinations were conducted in all cases. All patients had been treated with prednisone at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day for at least 8 weeks. Of the 43 patients, 16 were treated with cyclophosphamide and five were treated with cyclosporine A before MMF started. The primary study outcomes were the change in the urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine, comparing the levels at the start of MMF treatment with those at the end of the MMF treatment period. Changes in renal function were also estimated with Modification of Diet in Renal Failure calculation. Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test was used as appropriate to compare data from the start with data at the end of the treatment period.

Results:  The primary glomerular diseases represented included membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 23.2%, membranous glomerulonephritis in 18.6%, IgA nephropathy in 13.9%, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 9.3%, lupus nephritis (systemic lupus erythematosus) in 25.6% and pauci‐immune glomerulopathy in 9.3% of patients. The mean follow‐up time was 28.9 ± 12 months. Before MMF treatment, 16 patients (37%) had nephrotic range proteinuria and 11 (26%) had renal insufficiency. The urinary protein before MMF treatment was 3.3 ± 2.6 g/dL (0.6–9.6) and decreased significantly to 0.87 ± 1.1 g/dL (0–5.5) at the end of the MMF treatment period (P = 0.02). During treatment, complete remission was seen in 27 patients, partial remission in 10 patients and MMF failure in six patients. The serum creatinine level decreased significantly from 1.29 ± 0.55 mg/dL (0.6–3.0) to 1.14 ± 0.38 mg/dL (0.5–2.4) post MMF therapy (P = 0.046). Using the four‐variable Modification of Diet in Renal Failure formula, the glomerular filtration rate increased from 71.5 ± 28 mL/min per 1.73 m2 to 78.1 ± 27 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (P = 0.021). Renal insufficiency resolved in seven of the 11 (63.6%) patients with renal insufficiency initially, two with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, two with membranous glomerulonephritis, one with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, four with pauci‐immune glomerulopathy, two with systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis, and in two patients de novo renal insufficiency developed.

Conclusion:  In general, MMF was well tolerated, and most of the patients achieved remission and improvement of renal functions. MMF treatment appeared to offer benefits to problematic patients refractory to conventional therapies for glomerulopathies.
Dengue has a benign presentation in renal transplant patients: A case series
Authors: RENAUD CLAUDE JEFFREY , MANJIT KAUR , PARY SIVARAMAN
Published: March 2007

Aim:  Dengue fever and its complications are a poorly described entity in the renal transplant population. Previous reports in renal transplant patients suggest a high mortality rate.

Methods:  We undertook a retrospective study of six cases of dengue fever in renal transplant patients during a dengue outbreak in Singapore in 2005 which involved a total of 1400 cases in the city state.

Results:  Mean thrombocytopenia was 130 000/μL on presentation and 80 000/μL at deffervescence. No dengue haemorrhagic fever, dengue shock syndrome, deaths or abnormal graft function were observed. Mean hospital stay was 8.6 days. Four of six patients also had simultaneous CMV reactivation.

Conclusion:  In common with the majority of adults, dengue fever follows a benign course in the renal transplant population and dengue haemorrhagic fever is rare. This may be related to the relative immunosuppression reducing the risk for antibody‐enhanced complications.
Benazepril slows progression of renal dysfunction in patients with non‐diabetic renal disease
Authors: ISHIMITSU TOSHIHIKO , AKASHIBA AKIRA , KAMEDA TOMOKO , TAKAHASHI TOSHIAKI , OHTA SATOSHI , YOSHII MASAYOSHI , MINAMI JUNICHI , ONO HIDEHIKO , NUMABE ATSUSHI , MATSUOKA HIROAKI
Published: March 2007

Aim:  The present study examined the effects of benazepril, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, on the progression of renal insufficiency in patients with non‐diabetic renal disease.

Methods:  Fifteen patients with non‐diabetic renal disease whose serum creatinine (Cr) ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 mg/dL were given either benazepril (2.5–5 mg) or placebo once daily for 1 year in a random crossover manner. In both periods, antihypertensive medications were increased if blood pressure was greater than 130/85 mmHg. Blood sampling and urinalysis were performed bimonthly throughout the study period.

Results:  Blood pressure was similar when comparing the benazepril and the placebo periods (128 ± 12/83 ± 6 vs 129 ± 10/83 ± 7 mmHg). Serum Cr significantly increased from 1.62 ± 0.18 to 1.72 ± 0.30 mg/dL (P = 0.036) during the placebo period, while there was no statistically significant increase in serum Cr during the benazepril period (from 1.67 ± 0.17 to 1.71 ± 0.27 mg/dL). The slope of decrease of the reciprocal of serum Cr was steeper in the placebo period than in the benazepril period (−0.073 ± 0.067 vs−0.025 ± 0.096/year, P = 0.014). Urinary protein excretion was lower during the benazepril period than during the placebo period (0.57 ± 0.60 vs 1.00 ± 0.85 g/gCr, P = 0.006). Serum K was significantly higher in the benazepril period than in the placebo period (4.4 ± 0.5 vs 4.2 ± 0.5 mEq/L, P < 0.001), but no patient discontinued benazepril therapy as a result of hyperkalemia.

Conclusion:  Long‐term benazepril treatment decreased the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with non‐diabetic renal disease by a mechanism that is independent of blood pressure reduction.
A view of nursing epistemology through reciprocal interdependence: towards a reflexive way of knowing
Authors: Pitre Nicole Y. , Myrick Florence
Published: March 2007

Abstract The discipline of nursing has experienced the movement from modernism to postmodernism through expressions ranging from dualistic and polarized discourse to contradicting pluralistic positions. For the purpose of this paper, these responses are described as ways of knowing and are examined for their impact on the evolution of the nursing discipline.Reciprocal interdependenceis offered as an alternate way of knowing capable of incorporating differing world views into a coherent and comprehensive systemic whole. The reflexive and potentially transformational impact of reciprocal interdependence on the advancement of nursing knowledge is reviewed through a discussion of the value of polarity, as well as the contribution of complementary and dialectical perspectives to the maintenance of interactions between the whole and its constituents.
Paranoid investments in nursing: a schizoanalysis of the evidence‐based discourse
Authors: Holmes Dave , Gastaldo Denise , Perron Amélie
Published: March 2007

Abstract  There are those who would argue that, recently, the profession of nursing has made a radical shift, while others believe that a schism has been created among both scholars and clinicians as a result of the emerging dominance of the evidence‐based nursing movement. This paper offers a philosophical critique of this movement using Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari’s concept of schizoanalysis. As a conclusion, the authors posit that nursing professionals maintain a stance of academic freedom of thought and scientific integrity through the acceptance of multiplicity, diversity, and polyvocality, and by challenging with politically charged concepts the totalizing perspectives that often spread through the profession/discipline of nursing.
Gadamer’s ‘apologia for the art of healing’: an application to gerontological nursing practice
Authors: Mitchell Mitzi G.
Published: March 2007

Abstract This paper will discuss Hans‐George Gadamer’s ‘The Enigma of Health’ Chapter 2, ‘Apologia for the Art of Healing’s (1965). In this chapter, Gadamer defends the art of healing as essentially an ability to reproduce and re‐establish the health of an ill person. He considers modern medicine’s progressive reliance on technology as mechanical rather than an art of healing. In support of this concept, I will also refer to Gadamer’s Chapter 6, ‘Between Nature and Art’ and briefly to Beardsworth’s ‘Practices of Procrastination’. First, I will discuss the above works showing how the authors make their arguments and what conclusions they draw, and then I will relate these arguments and conclusions to nursing, gerontological nursing in particular.
Impacts of forest fragmentation on species composition and forest structure in the temperate landscape of southern Chile
Authors: Echeverría Cristian , Newton Adrian C. , Lara Antonio , Benayas José María Rey , Coomes David A.
Published: March 2007

Aim  Few studies have explicitly examined the influence of spatial attributes of forest fragments when examining the impacts of fragmentation on woody species. The aim of this study was to assess the diverse impacts of fragmentation on forest habitats by integrating landscape‐level and species‐level approaches.

Location  The investigation was undertaken in temperate rain forests located in southern Chile. This ecosystem is characterized by high endemism and by intensive recent changes in land use.

Method  Measures of diversity, richness, species composition, forest structure and anthropogenic disturbances were related to spatial attributes of the landscape (size, shape, connectivity, isolation and interior forest area) of forest fragments using generalized linear models. A total of 63 sampling plots distributed in 51 forest fragments with different spatial attributes were sampled.

Results  Patch size was the most important attribute influencing different measures of species composition, stand structure and anthropogenic disturbances. The abundance of tree and shrub species associated with interior and edge habitats was significantly related to variation in patch size. Basal area, a measure of forest structure, significantly declined with decreasing patch size, suggesting that fragmentation is affecting successional processes in the remaining forests. Small patches also displayed a greater number of stumps, animal trails and cow pats, and lower values of canopy cover as a result of selective logging and livestock grazing in relatively accessible fragments. However, tree richness and β‐diversity of tree species were not significantly related to fragmentation.

Main conclusions  This study demonstrates that progressive fragmentation by logging and clearance is associated with dramatic changes in the structure and composition of the temperate forests in southern Chile. If this fragmentation process continues, the ability of the remnant forests to maintain their original biodiversity and ecological processes will be significantly reduced.
Does size matter for dispersal distance?
Authors: Jenkins David G. , Brescacin Camille R. , Duxbury Craig V. , Elliott Jennifer A. , Evans Jennafer A. , Grablow Katherine R. , Hillegass Melissa , Lyon Boyd N. , Metzger Genevieve A. , Olandese Michelle L. , Pepe Diana , Silvers Greg A. , Suresch Hiliary N. , Thompson Tracy N. , Trexler Christina M. , Williams Graham E. , Williams Natalie C. , Williams Sara E.
Published: March 2007

Aim  The aim of this study is to answer the questions: (1) do small organisms disperse farther than large, or vice versa; and (2) does the observed pattern differ for passive and active dispersers? These questions are central to several themes in biogeography (including microbial biogeography), macroecology, metacommunity ecology and conservation biology.

Location  The meta‐analysis was conducted using published data collected worldwide.

Methods  We collected and analysed 795 data values in the peer‐reviewed literature for direct observations of both maximal dispersal distance and mass of the dispersing organisms (e.g. seeds, not trees). Analysed taxa ranged in size from bacteria to whales. We applied macroecology analyses based on null models (using Monte Carlo randomizations) to test patterns relative to specific hypotheses.

Results  Collected dispersal distance and mass data spanned 9 and 21 orders of magnitude, respectively. Active dispersers dispersed significantly farther (P < 0.001) and were significantly greater in mass (P < 0.001) than passive dispersers. Overall, size matters: larger active dispersers attained greater maximum observed dispersal distances than smaller active dispersers. In contrast, passive‐disperser distances were random with respect to propagule mass, but not uniformly random, in part due to sparse data available for tiny propagules.

Conclusions  Size is important to maximal dispersal distance for active dispersers, but not for passive dispersers. Claims that microbes disperse widely cannot be tested by current data based on direct observations of dispersal: indirect approaches will need to be applied. Distance–mass relationships should contribute to a resolution of neutral and niche‐based metacommunity theories by helping scale expectations for dispersal limitation. Also, distance–mass relationships should inform analyses of latitudinal species richness and conservation biology topics such as fragmentation, umbrella species and taxonomic homogenization.
Stakeholder appraisal of policy options for responding to obesity in Finland
Authors: Borg P. , Fogelholm M.
Published: March 2007

The aim of the Finnish Policy Options for Responding to the Growing Challenge of Obesity Research Project study was to use a multi‐criteria mapping method to assess stakeholder opinions on policies that might have relevance when planning policies targeting obesity prevention. When evaluating policies, criteria relating to ‘Positive societal benefits’ and ‘Additional health benefits’ were often considered important, along with the more obvious ‘Efficacy in addressing obesity’. Other criteria (like economic factors) were of less importance. All policy options targeting at ‘Educational and Research Initiatives’ were highly ranked in the analysis by all stakeholders. Policies aimed at improving ‘Food‐Related Informational Initiatives’ were also ranked well on average, although more variation between stakeholders existed. Policies targeting increased physical activity and easier access/provision to healthy foods received also relatively good rankings but with wide variation and doubts in the appraisals. Policies encouraging new technological innovations and institutional reforms were mostly ranked poorly and were not seen as solutions to obesity problem. Irrespective of the stakeholder group, it seems that while traditional educational policies were most highly ranked, several other policies are also viable options in the policy portfolio of obesity prevention.
Stakeholder views on policy options for responding to the growing challenge from obesity in France: findings from the PorGrow project
Authors: Holdsworth M. , Kameli Y. , Delpeuch F.
Published: March 2007

To explore the perspectives of key stakeholders towards a range of policy options to prevent obesity in France, a multi‐criteria mapping method was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 21 types of stakeholder groups. During structured interviews, stakeholders appraised a set of pre‐defined options by reference to criteria of their own choosing and provided relative weights to their criteria, and overall rankings of the policy options. Efficacy, feasibility and societal benefits were the groups of criteria given most importance by stakeholders. There was most consensus and preference for options related to health education, particularly in schools, compared with options that aimed at changing the environment to prevent obesity, i.e. options around physical activity; options that modified food supply and demand; and information‐related options. There was little support for technological solutions or institutional reforms. While there was broad interest in a range of different options, those related to behaviour change through education were the most valued by stakeholders. Raising awareness among policymakers about the convincing scientific evidence for the effectiveness of environmental level policy options will be a crucial first step.
Stakeholder appraisal of policy options for tackling obesity in Greece
Authors: Codrington C. , Sarri K. , Kafatos A.
Published: March 2007

The study aimed to map stakeholders’ evaluations of policy options to counter the rising prevalence of obesity in Greece, where the case for action on obesity is only now being made. The multi‐criteria mapping method was used to capture and compare stakeholders’ appraisals and to provide a policy analysis.

Efficacy and practical feasibility were the issues most frequently used by stakeholders to evaluate options and were weighted more highly than cost criteria, which were often defined in terms of governmental costs. There was a broad favourable appraisal for downstream measures offering individuals the skills, information and opportunities to make healthier choices, rather than options to modify the obesogenic environment. Consistently, high rankings were given to educational options, for improving communal facilities and for some information‐related options (food labelling, advertising), with particular support for policies targeting the young. There was also significant advocacy by a few for the creation of a new government body charged with intersectoral policy co‐ordination. The Policy Options for Responding to the Growing Challenge of Obesity Research Project analyses thus point to support for a portfolio of measures to combat the problem of obesity in Greece as well as an appreciation that political will is an essential prerequisite.
Stakeholder appraisal of policy options for responding to obesity in Italy
Authors: De Marchi B. , Casati S. , Tarlao G.
Published: March 2007

This article deals with the phenomenon of obesity in contemporary Italian society. It is based on the fieldwork carried out during the year 2005 within the European Union‐funded project ‘PorGrow: policy options for responding to obesity’ (see: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/PorGrow).

The most recent statistical data on the spread of overweight and obesity in Italian society reveal that the phenomenon has reached a dimension that, albeit not as serious as in other Western countries, constitutes a serious threat to public health and to the national budget.

The panel of stakeholders interviewed for this research showed awareness of this issue and generally agreed on the necessity to adopt a very multifaceted portfolio of policy measures to address the problem. Participants frequently regarded educational policies as the highest priority, followed by informational measures and infrastructural actions. Fiscal policy options were widely considered ineffective and unacceptable, and little enthusiasm was shown for technological innovations.

In sum, while interviewees saw a real need for improved food habits on the part of Italian citizens, nonetheless in a country affected by many criticalities, the weakness of political will and the pressure of fast food culture remain severe obstacles in the fight against overweight and obesity.
Is Managerial Level Related to Personality?
Authors: Moutafi Joanna , Furnham Adrian , Crump John
Published: March 2007

A total of 900 participants completed two personality tests (Revised NEO Personality Inventory; Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and reported their managerial level in their organization. Results showed that conscientiousness, extraversion and MBTI intuition were positively correlated with managerial level, and neuroticism, MBTI introversion and sensing were negatively correlated with managerial level. These findings attest to the utility of personality tests used within the occupational community, for selection and assessment of suitability for promotion to senior managerial roles.
Retelling Is Not the Same as Recalling
Authors: Marsh Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2007

In contrast to laboratory free recall (which emphasizes detailed and accurate remembering), conversational retellings depend upon the speaker's goals, the audience, and the social context more generally. Because memories are frequently retrieved in social contexts, retellings of events are often incomplete or distorted, with consequences for later memory. Selective rehearsal contributes to the memory effects, as does the schema activated during retelling. Retellings can be linked to memory errors observed in domains such as eyewitness testimony and flashbulb memories; in all of these situations, people retell events rather than engage in verbatim remembering.
Sleep and Immunity
Authors: Motivala Sarosh J. , Irwin Michael R.
Published: March 2007

The functions of sleep are enigmatic but are beginning to be delineated. Sleep has been long thought to be important for health, and poor sleep is prospectively associated with worsened health outcomes. Yet the mechanisms accounting for this are only partially understood. In this review, we suggest that the immune system plays a role in the relationship between sleep and health and that sleep processes and immunity show bidirectional interactions, as evidenced in both animal and human studies. Immunological signaling molecules, termed cytokines, are important in coordinating brain–immune system communication, and particular cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 play a crucial role in sleep regulation. Elevated levels of these cytokines are also associated with a number of chronic diseases and may provide a pathway linking poor sleep with health outcomes.
Everyday Problem Solving and Emotion
Authors: Blanchard-Fields Fredda
Published: March 2007

Despite cognitive declines that occur with aging, older adults solve emotionally salient and interpersonal problems in more effective ways than young adults do. I review evidence suggesting that older adults (a) tailor their strategies to the contextual features of the problem and (b) effectively use a combination of instrumental and emotion-regulation strategies. I identify factors of problem-solving contexts that affect what types of problem-solving strategies will be effective. Finally, I discuss how this identification of factors affects what we know about developmental differences in everyday problem-solving competence.
Children's Social and Moral Reasoning About Exclusion
Authors: Killen Melanie
Published: March 2007

Developmental research on social and moral reasoning about exclusion has utilized a social-domain theory, in contrast to a global stage theory, to investigate children's evaluations of gender- and race-based peer exclusion. The social-domain model postulates that moral, social-conventional, and personal reasoning coexist in children's evaluations of inclusion and exclusion, and that the priority given to these forms of judgments varies by the age of the child, the context, and the target of exclusion. Findings from developmental intergroup research studies disconfirm a general-stage-model approach to morality in the child, and provide empirical data on the developmental origins and emergence of intergroup attitudes regarding prejudice, bias, and exclusion.
Justice in Ideal Theory: A Refutation
Authors: Farrelly Colin
Published: March 2007

In this article I argue that theorizing about justice at the level of ideal theory is inherently flawed and thus has impoverished liberal egalitarianism. Ideal theorists (falsely) assume that a political philosopher can easily determine (or has privileged access to) what constitutes the ‘best foreseeable conditions’. Furthermore, by assuming full compliance, ideal theorists violate the constraints of a realistic utopia. More specifically I argue that liberal egalitarians who function at the level of ideal theory adopt a cost-blind approach to rights and a narrow view of possible human misfortune. The former issue leads liberal egalitarians to give priority to a serially ordered principle of equal basic liberties or to treat rights as ‘trumps’; and the latter to a stringent prioritarian principle (Rawls' difference principle) or luck egalitarianism. Taken together, the cost-blind approach to rights, coupled with the narrow view of human misfortune, mean the liberal egalitarian theories of justice cannot address the issue of trade-offs that inevitably arises in real non-ideal societies that face the fact of scarcity. This makes liberal egalitarianism an ineffective theory of social justice.
Longitudinal Relations Among Parental Emotional Expressivity and Sympathy and Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence
Authors: Michalik Nicole M. , Eisenberg Nancy , Spinrad Tracy L. , Ladd Becky , Thompson Marilyn , Valiente Carlos
Published: March 2007

Concurrent and longitudinal relations among parental emotional expressivity, children's sympathy and children's prosocial behavior were assessed with correlations and structural equation modeling when the children were 55–97 months old (N = 214;Mage = 73 months,SD = 9.59) and eight years later (N = 130; ages 150–195 months old,M = 171 months,SD = 10.01). Parent emotional expressivity (positive and negative) and children's sympathy were stable across time and early parent‐reported sympathy predicted adolescents' sympathy and prosocial behavior. Parents' positive expressivity was positively related to sympathy and prosocial behavior, but in adolescence, this was likely primarily because of consistency over time. Early observed parental negative expressivity was negatively related to adolescents' prosocial behavior. Reported negative expressivity in childhood was negatively related to boys' sympathy in childhood and positively related to girls' sympathy behavior in adolescence. The later relation remained significant when controlling for the stability of parental expressivity and sympathy, suggesting an emerging positive relation between the variables for girls.
The Development of Integrated Administration in the EU and its Consequences
Authors: Hofmann Herwig C. H. , Türk Alexander
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  The discussion about the transformation of forms of government and governance in Europe cannot avoid touching upon the role of administrations or administrative actors. Within the EU's multi‐level system, the activities of agenda‐setting, policy formulation, and implementation all involve some form of interaction between public actors from the sub‐national, national, supranational, and international levels. Cooperation amongst administrations in Europe has become the backbone of the EU's unique system of government and governance. Forms of cooperation have led to an integrated administration, which has developed in an evolutionary fashion and operates in large parts beyond the formally constituted rules of the treaties. This article explores the implications of this phenomenon and argues for the need of a changed perspective.
An Assessment of the Recast of Community Equality Laws
Authors: Burrows Noreen , Robison Muriel
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  This article explores some of the issues arising from the decision taken in 2003 to ‘recast for modernisation’ the directives on equal treatment between men and women. It examines the meaning and significance of the recast technique itself and considers the rationale for applying the recast to certain, but not all, of the equality Directives. The article attempts a first‐level analysis of the main issues arising from the recast in terms of the substance of Community gender discrimination law. It is also argued that the recast has the potential to improve Community equality law and not just in terms of readability.
Violence against Women, Trafficking, and Migration in the European Union
Authors: Askola Heli
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  This article examines the evolving EU policy against human trafficking, especially trafficking that targets migrant women for sexual exploitation. It maintains that even though action against trafficking is now firmly on the EU agenda, current policies excessively focus on repressive measures and lack attention to the broader setting in which the exploitation of migrants takes place. This means that current EU anti‐trafficking policy remains ineffectual, and may in some cases even be counterproductive.
Gender Equality: Before and After the Enlargement of EU: The Case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Koldinskà Kristina
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  This article focuses on the case of the Czech Republic as an example of historical determination of the post‐communist society in central Europe. It looks at the Czech Republic as an example of a society harmonising its legislation with EU law, focusing on the impact on changes in ‘gender issue’. The article discuses the strugle for equality between men and women as a strugle for freedom and for real democracy.
The evolution of amphibian metamorphosis: insights based on the transformation of the aortic arches of Pelobates fuscus (Anura)
Authors: Kolesová Hana , Lametschwandtner Alois , Roček Zbyněk
Published: March 2007

In order to gain insights into how the aortic arches changed during the transition of vertebrates to land, transformations of the aortic arches during the metamorphosis of Pelobates fuscus were investigated and compared with data from the early development of a recent ganoid fish Amia calva and a primitive caudate amphibian Salamandrella keyserlingi. Although in larval Pelobates, as in other non‐pipid anurans, the gill arches serve partly as a filter‐feeding device, their aortic arches maintain the original piscine‐like arrangement, except for the mandibular and hyoid aortic arches which were lost. As important pre‐adaptations for breathing of atmospheric oxygen occur in larval Pelobates (which have well‐developed, though non‐respiratory lungs and pulmonary artery), transformation of aortic arches during metamorphosis is fast. The transformation involves disappearance of the ductus Botalli, which results in a complete shunting of blood into the lungs and skin, disappearance of the ductus caroticus, which results in shunting of blood into the head through the arteria carotis interna, and disappearance of arch V, which results in shunting blood to the body through arch IV (systemic arch). It is supposed that the branching pattern of the aortic arches of permanently water‐dwelling piscine ancestors, of intermediate forms which occasionally left the water and of primitive tetrapods capable of spending longer periods of time on land had been the same as in the prematamorphic anuran larvae or in some metamorphosed caudates in which the ductus caroticus and ductus Botalli were not interrupted, and arch V was still complete.
VIEWS OF THE PROCESS AND CONTENT OF ETHICAL REVIEWS OF HIV VACCINE TRIALS AMONG MEMBERS OF US INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARDS AND SOUTH AFRICAN RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEES
Authors: KLITZMAN ROBERT
Published: March 2007

Given the ethical controversies concerning HIV vaccine trials (HVTs), we aimed to understand through an exploratory study how members of institutional review boards (IRBs) in the United States (US) and research ethics committees (RECs) in South Africa (SA) view issues concerning the process and content of reviews of these studies. We mailed packets of 20 questionnaires to 12 US IRB chairs and administrators and seven REC chairs to distribute to their members. We received 113 questionnaires (76 from the US and 37 from SA). In both countries, members tended to be white males with advanced academic degrees. Compared to the US, SA members called for ‘major changes’ in HVT protocols more frequently (p = 0.004), and were less likely to think that HVT participants understood risks and benefits (p = 0.033) or informed consent forms (p = 0.000). In both countries, members were divided on several critical issues (e.g. the minimum standard for treatment for HVT participants who became infected during the HVT), but agreed that they needed more training. Of the SA respondents, 40% reported that they were ‘self‐taught’ in ethics. This study, the first we know of to offer quantitative data comparing US vs. non‐US IRBs/RECs, thus suggests key similarities and differences (e.g. compared to SA respondents, US respondents appeared to overestimate participants' understanding of informed consent), along with needs for education. These initial exploratory data in this area have important implications for IRBs, RECs, policy‐makers and scholars concerning future practice, training, policy, and investigations in research ethics, and prevention and treatment of HIV and other diseases in the developing world and elsewhere.