bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expression of SIRT1 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by high‐fat diet in rats
Authors: Deng Xiang‐Qun , Chen Lu‐Lu , Li Ning‐Xu
Published: May 2007

Objective: SIRT1 is an NAD+‐dependent deacetylase and its enzymatic activity may be regulated by cellular energy. SIRT1 overexpression reduces the level of oxygen consumption, which is correlative with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To elucidate the role of SIRT1 on the development of NAFLD, we investigated the expression of SIRT1 in NAFLD induced by high‐fat diet in rats and the effects of calorie restriction.

Methods: Thirty‐one male Wistar rats were divided at random into four groups. The rats in the normal control group NC (n=7) and in the NAFLD model group HF (n=9) were fed ad libitum with normal chow and high‐fat diet, respectively, for 3 months, the rats in the calorie restriction (CR) group HCR (n=9) were fed with a high‐fat diet for 2 months and then 60% CR with normal chow for 1 month, and the rats in group CRH (n=6) were firstly fed with 60% CR with normal chow for 1 month and then fed a high‐fat diet for 2 months. At the end of the experiment, some parameters and expressions of SIRT1 were detected.

Results: The rats in group HF displayed NAFLD. Compared with group NC, the expression of SIRT1 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.01). However, the lower body weight and visceral fat mass of rats in group HCR were showed. Compared with group HF, CR increased the expression of SIRT1 in liver significantly (P<0.01). Consequently, the ultramicropathology changes of NAFLD prominently improved in this group. Meanwhile, the rats in group CRH displayed higher expression of SIRT1 protein and very gentle pathology changes of NAFLD.

Conclusion: The expression of SIRT1 is reduced significantly in NAFLD induced by high‐fat diet in rats. CR increase‐SIRT1 protein expression may be an important mechanism by which CR improves NAFLD.
Expression of somatostatin receptors in splanchnic blood vessels of normal and cirrhotic rats
Authors: Reynaert Hendrik , Van Rossen Elke , Uyama Naoki , Chatterjee Nirjhar , Kumar Ujendra , Urbain Daniel , Geerts Albert
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: Somatostatin has been used for over two decades to treat acute variceal bleeding. Although it is assumed that somatostatin lowers portal pressure by constriction of the splanchnic arteries, little is known about the expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTR) in splanchnic blood vessels. In this study we investigated SSTR expression in splanchnic blood vessels from normal and cirrhotic rats.

Methods/Results: Cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg thioacetamide twice a week for 14 weeks. In portal vein, mesenteric artery and aorta of normal and cirrhotic rats, mRNA for the five known SSTR was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. SSTR subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 were expressed, but subtype 5 was undetectable. In the portal vein of cirrhotic animals, SSTR1 was significantly down‐regulated as compared with controls. Otherwise, no major differences in receptor expression between normal and cirrhotic animals were observed. Using immunohistochemistry, we identified all five receptors, although the staining of receptor 5 was very weak.

Conclusion: All five SSTR are expressed in splanchnic blood vessels. Our results suggest that cirrhosis reduces expression of SSTR1 in portal vein. In other vessels, no major differences between the normal and cirrhotic state were noted.
Identification of minimal regions of deletion at 8p23.1‐22 associated with metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lu Tomoe , Hano Hiroshi
Published: May 2007

Aims/Background: Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 8p is the most frequent chromosomal alteration in tumorigenesis of human cancers. However, the genetic change in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still has to be investigated.

Methods: We used 16 microsatellite markers informative in Japanese patients, selected from among 61 published microsatellite markers at 8p23.2‐21 to compare the frequency of LOH in primary tumours (Tps) and metastatic tumours (Tms) in a PCR‐based analysis. Sixty‐three informative cancerous lesions (26 were Tps, 37 were Tms) from 23 cases of HCC were used.

Results: The frequency of LOH at 8p23.2‐21 with at least one marker was 19% in Tps and 68% in Tms. Allelic loss at 8p23.2‐21 was significantly more frequent in Tms than in Tps (P=0.0003). More specifically, the frequency of LOH at D8S262, D8S1819, D8S503, D8S1130, D8S552, D8S1109, and D8S261 in Tms was 36–60% respectively.

Conclusions: In contrast, allelic loss at the same markers in Tp was only detected in 0–17% of the tumour respectively. The significant difference in the frequency of LOH at 8p between primary cancer and metastatic cancer in individual cases of HCC suggests LOH at 8p to be involved in the enhancement of tumour aggressiveness, especially during metastasis.
Clinical significance and evolution of core promoter and precore mutations in HBeAg‐positive patients with HBV genotype B and C: a longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hung , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Hung Chao‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Wang Jing‐Houng , Wang Jyh‐Chwan , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Changchien Chi‐Sin
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: The aims of this longitudinal study were to investigate whether the clinical outcome and evolution of core promoter and precore mutations were different during hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes B and C in HBeAg‐positive patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Patients and Methods: The core promoter and precore sequences were determined from serial sera of 156 HBeAg‐positive patients with chronic HBV infection.

Results: In HBV genotype C, the T1762/A1764 mutant was detected earlier than the A1896 mutant, and the frequency was significantly higher than in HBV genotype Ba over the entire follow‐up period. In HBV genotype Ba, A1896 was found earlier than the T1762/A1764 mutant, and the frequency was significantly higher than in genotype C only before HBeAg seroconversion, and the A1896 mutant played an important role in HBeAg seroconversion in HBV genotype Ba. In addition, the T1846 variant was an independent factor associated with HBeAg seroconversion. Furthermore, HBV genotype C was associated with the development of G or C1753 and T1766/A1768 mutations, and the reactivation of hepatitis after HBeAg seroconversion. Based on Cox's regression analysis, the significant risk factors of liver cirrhosis were older age at entry [hazard ratio (HR)=1.085, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.036–1.136, P=0.001], alanine transaminase (ALT) >80 U/l (HR=3.48, 95% CI=1.37–8.86, P=0.009), and the T1762/A1764 mutant (HR=5.54, 95% CI=2.18–14.08, P<0.001).

Conclusions: Our study showed that different HBV genotypes were associated with various mutations in the core promoter and precore regions during HBeAg seroconversion. T1762/A1764 mutation could be useful in predicting clinical outcomes in HBeAg‐positive patients with HBV infection.
Partitioning colour differences into dyers’ components: the ‘DBH’ model†
Authors: Smith Ken J
Published: May 2007

Mathematics are given for a method of converting the cylindrical components of colour differences reported by colour measurement systems (differences in lightness, chroma and hue) into components that are correlates of those naturally used by dyers during visual assessment (differences in depth, brightness and hue). The history of the development of the method is recorded. The method has been in successful routine use by many organisations throughout the dye‐making, dyeing and textile‐finishing industries for more than 30 years but its mathematics have hitherto remained unpublished.
One‐bath dyeing of polyester/cotton with disperse and bis‐3‐carboxypyridinium‐s‐triazine reactive dyes. Part 1: Factors limiting production of heavy shades
Authors: Bone J A , Le T T , Phillips D A S , Taylor J A
Published: May 2007

Over the last 20 years, selected disperse dyes and bis‐3‐carboxypyridinium‐s‐triazine reactive dyes have been widely promoted for the exhaust dyeing of polyester/cotton blends in a one‐bath‐one‐stage (‘all‐in’) process under neutral conditions. However, despite the time and energy savings afforded by this elegant dyeing process, there is a belief in the dyeing industry that economical production is limited to pale and medium depths of shade. In this paper, the two dye classes (disperse dyes on polyester and bis‐3‐carboxypyridinium‐s‐triazine reactive dyes on cotton) have been investigated to understand why heavy depths of shade cannot readily be obtained economically using this process.
Review of the process development aspects of electrochemical dyeing: its impact and commercial applications
Authors: Kulandainathan M Anbu , Patil Kiran , Muthukumaran A , Chavan R B
Published: May 2007

This review discusses the recent progress made in both direct and indirect electrochemical dyeing processes and the parameters that control the dyeing process.
Protection of lyocell against fibrillation. Part 3: Investigation of the durability of crosslinks formed with 4,6‐(p‐β‐sulphatoethylsulphonyl)‐anilino‐1,3, 5‐triazin‐2(1H)‐one on lyocell fibre
Authors: Bates I , Phillips D A S , Renfrew A H M
Published: May 2007

Application of 4,6‐(p‐β‐sulphatoethylsulphonyl)‐anilino‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2(1H)‐one (Hydroxy‐XLC) to lyocell fibre produced two types of crosslinking, one essentially permanent and the other transitory, in the presence of weak alkali. Permanent or stable crosslinking arose from covalent bonding between the fibre and vinyl sulphone reactive groups. The transitory or unstable crosslinking was due to two agent molecules forming an intermolecular ether linkage, followed by crosslinking via the residual vinyl sulphone reactive groups. On subsequent mild alkali treatment, the ether bond was cleaved, resulting in a loss of wet abrasion resistance (Nass–Scheuer–Festigkeit, NSF), without any significant loss of agent from the fibre. Further treatment with mild alkali partially restored the NSF value. The formation of ethers is a general reaction of vinyl sulphones in alkaline medium, and for Hydroxy‐XLC, this side reaction exerts a negative influence on the compound's suitability as a crosslinking agent.
Smoking‐Related Morbidity and Mortality in the Cardiovascular Setting
Authors: White William B.
Published: May 2007

It is estimated that during the 20th century, 100 million people died of tobacco‐related illnesses worldwide. The outlook for the future is grim as this number is expected to increase 10‐fold during the 21st century. Many of these deaths will occur in middle‐aged adults and, while most tobacco‐related deaths currently occur in men, female mortality is expected to increase markedly due to increased rates of smoking in women, especially in developing countries. The risk of coronary heart disease is strongly associated with smoking in both developed and undeveloped countries. In addition, other forms of tobacco exposure (chewing, inhalation through water, and secondhand smoke) have also been documented to be important causes of coronary disease worldwide. Fortunately, the news is not all bad. Recent large‐scale studies show that much of the excess risk associated with smoking is attenuated 1 to 2 years after quitting, depending on the level of smoking during an individual's lifetime. These latest findings should stimulate efforts of health care workers to become more aggressive toward cessation of smoking in our practices.
The ALLHAT Study Revisited: Do Newer Data From This Trial and Others Indicate Changes in Treatment Guidelines?
Authors: Moser Marvin , Oparil Suzanne , Cushman William , Papademetriou Vasilios
Published: May 2007

Following a hypertension symposium in Washington, DC, in November 2006, a panel was convened to discuss new data from the Antihypertensive and Lipid‐Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) and to revisit the significance of this trial in the management of hypertension. Based on these data and information from other trials, the expert panel also addressed the questions, “Is it time for a new Joint National Committee report?” and “Should the 2003 hypertension treatment recommendations be updated or are they still valid?” The panel was moderated by Marvin Moser, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. On the panel were Suzanne Oparil, MD, Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and President of the American Society of Hypertension (ASH); William Cushman, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Medicine at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and attending physician at the Washington, DC, VA Medical Center; and Vasilios Papademetriou, MD, Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and attending physician at the Washington, DC, VA Medical Center. This expert panel discussion was supported by Pfizer Inc and each author received an honorarium from Pfizer Inc for time and effort spent participating in the discussion and reviewing the transcript for important intellectual content prior to publication. The authors maintained full control of the discussion and the resulting content of this article; Pfizer had no input in the choice of topic, speakers, or content. (Please note that Dr Oparil's comments herein do not represent the official opinion of ASH.)
Arterial Plasma Vasopressin and Aldosterone Predict Left Ventricular Mass in Men Who Develop Hypertension Over 20 Years
Authors: Strand Arne H. , Gudmundsdottir Helga , Fossum Eigil , Os Ingrid , Bjørnerheim Reidar , Kjeldsen Sverre E.
Published: May 2007

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is related to blood pressure level and neurohormonal factors. The authors previously demonstrated that arterial norepinephrine levels predict LV mass in middle‐aged men who developed hypertension through 20 years. The aim of this 20‐year prospective study was to investigate arterial vasopressin, aldosterone, and renin as long‐term predictors of LV mass. Normotensives (n=17), subjects who developed hypertension (n=17), and sustained hypertensives (n=22) were compared at baseline (42 years) and at follow‐up (62 years). There were no significant differences in baseline vasopressin, aldosterone, or renin levels. The group with sustained hypertension had more LV hypertrophy (P=.025) at follow‐up. Among new hypertensives, multiple regression analysis demonstrated that baseline arterial vasopressin (β‐0.53; P=.041) and aldosterone (β‐0.56;P=.032) independently explained LV mass index (R2=0.85; P=.035). In conclusion, baseline arterial vasopressin and aldosterone, but not renin, appear to predict LV mass in middle‐aged men who developed hypertension over a 20‐year period.
Blood Pressure and Lipid Goal Attainment in the Hypertensive Population in the Primary Care Setting in Spain
Authors: Barrios Vivencio , Escobar Carlos , Calderón Alberto , Llisterri José L. , Echarri Rocio , Alegría Eduardo , Muñiz Javier , Matalí Arantxa
Published: May 2007

Although blood pressure (BP) control is crucial in hypertensive patients, clinical practice guidelines agree that the goal of treatment should be aimed at not only decreasing BP but reducing global cardiovascular risk. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate BP, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and composite control rates in a hypertensive population in a primary care setting in Spain. Good BP control was defined as <140/90 mm Hg (<130/80 mm Hg for diabetics).LDL‐C control rate was established according to the third report of the National Cholestrol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel criteria. A total of 12,954 patients (49.9% women, aged 62.1±10.7 years) were included. BP was controlled in 24.8% of patients, LDL‐C in 26% of patients and, when combined, in only 8.6%. The rates of control were significantly worse in high‐risk subgroups, such as high‐coronary‐risk, diabetic, or metabolic syndrome patients. The BP and LDL‐C control rates in the hypertensive population attended to daily in primary care settings in Spain are low.
Amlodipine and Valsartan Combined and as Monotherapy in Stage 2, Elderly, and Black Hypertensive Patients: Subgroup Analyses of 2 Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Studies
Authors: Smith Timothy R. , Philipp Thomas , Vaisse Bernard , Bakris George L. , Margaret Wernsing  , Yen Joseph , Glazer Robert
Published: May 2007

Patients with difficult to control hypertension typically require 2 or more agents to achieve goal blood pressure (BP) levels. Fixed‐dose combination therapies with lower doses generally are well tolerated and more effective than higher‐dose monotherapy. The authors performed prespecified and post hoc subgroup analyses of 2 double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials that assessed the efficacy and safety of amlodipine and valsartan, alone and in combination, in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Patients were randomized to amlodipine (study 1: 2.5 or 5 mg/d; study 2: 10 mg/d), valsartan (study 1: 40, 80, 160, or 320 mg/d; study 2: 160 or 320 mg/d), combination therapy across the same dose ranges, or placebo. Analyses were performed on changes from baseline in mean sitting systolic and diastolic BP and the occurrence of adverse events in specific subgroups of patients (ie, those with stage 2 hypertension [post hoc], the elderly [65 years or older], and blacks [both prespecified]). Amlodipine + valsartan combination therapy was associated with greater BP‐lowering effects in the subgroups compared with each respective monotherapy and placebo. These findings were consistent with the primary efficacy analysis results from the overall study populations. Combination regimens were generally well tolerated by all patient subgroups.
Sumatriptan/Naproxen Sodium for Migraine: Efficacy, Health Related Quality of Life, and Satisfaction Outcomes
Authors: Smith Timothy , Blumenthal Harvey , Diamond Merle , Mauskop Alexander , Ames Michael , McDonald Susan , Lener Shelley , Burch Steven
Published: May 2007

Objective.—To describe the pain relief, satisfaction, and health‐related quality of life results of moderate or severe migraines treated with a sumatriptan/naproxen sodium combination tablet.

Methods.—Sumatriptan and naproxen sodium as a single‐dose formulation tablet was used to treat moderate to severe migraines over a 12‐month period in a phase 3, open‐label, multicenter study (n = 565) in patients with at least 6 months' history of migraine headaches.

Results.—Seventy percent of all attacks were treated with 1 dose of sumatriptan/naproxen sodium. Overall subjects treated 24,485 attacks; of these, 81% attacks achieved pain relief and 60% pain‐free by 2 hours. At 3 months, the percentage of patients satisfied or very satisfied increased from baseline on all 8 Patient Perception of Migraine Questionnaire (PPMQ) items and remained high throughout the study. Mean Migraine‐Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) domain scores also increased by 13–15 points from baseline during this time and remained high.

Conclusions.—Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium provides consistent relief of migraine attacks over 12 months, resulting in improved patient satisfaction and migraine specific quality of life.
Lectin‐like Oxidized Low‐density Lipoprotein Receptor‐1, a New Promising Target for the Therapy of Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Chen Xiu‐Ping , Zhang Tian‐Tai , Du Guan‐Hua
Published: May 2007

Endothelial activation and dysfunction induced by oxidized modified low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) is one of the key steps in the initiation of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that a new lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LOX‐1) mediates the recognition and internalization of ox‐LDL. LOX‐1 is the main receptor for ox‐LDL and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, diabetes, and, especially, of atherosclerosis. The potential role of LOX‐1 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis includes: endocytosis of ox‐LDL, expression co‐location with atherosclerosis enhanced by atherosclerosis‐related risk factors, elevated LOX‐1 protein in cardiovascular disease, effects related to atherosclerosis and eliminated by antiatherosclerotic drugs. Identification and regulation of LOX‐1 and understanding its signal transduction pathways might improve our insight toward the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and provide a selective treatment approach. LOX‐1 might be a potential and promising target for the development of novel antiatherosclerotic drugs. However, due to limited knowledge about LOX‐1, there are still many questions to be answered.
VARIATION IN INTERNAL δ15N AND δ13C DISTRIBUTIONS AND THEIR BULK VALUES IN THE BROWN MACROALGA PADINA AUSTRALIS GROWING IN SUBTROPICAL OLIGOTROPHIC WATERS1
Authors: Umezawa Yu , Miyajima Toshihiro , Tanaka Yasuaki , Koike Isao , Hayashibara Takeshi
Published: May 2007

The utility of δ15N measurements in Padina australis Hauck as a probe for its external nitrogen (N) sources was tested by monitoring the bulk values of chemical components [δ15N, δ13C, and N and carbon (C) contents] and their internal distributions during a 12 d incubation in a controlled environment. Under the saturated conditions of isotopically heavier nitrate than that of original algal tissue, the bulk δ15N in P. australis was enriched, but less than what was predicted from a simple mixing model, signaling possible isotopic discrimination during N assimilation and subsequent N efflux from the cells. The enhanced N content (%), which occurred simultaneously with this δ15N shift, was a useful signal indicating this phenomenon. Bulk δ15N was enriched, especially around the meristem, in tissues growing under conditions of higher irradiance and temperature, probably due in part to dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) excretion. The δ13C enhancement in bulk algal tissues, also associated with high photosynthetic activity, may be an additional signal indicating this unbalanced internal δ15N distribution. However, in summer and winter environmental conditions with periodic nitrate supplies simulating typical fringing reef waters, the difference in measured algal bulk δ15N from theoretical predictions was within ±1.0‰. This difference is very small compared with the variation in δ15N in possible N sources in coastal areas. In the field, therefore, δ15N in Padina can be used effectively to trace N sources in both space and time after determining algal N content and δ13C to determine whether large alterations occur in algal δ15N.
Equity and Adverse Selection
Authors: Desiraju Ramarao , Sappington David E. M.
Published: May 2007

We introduce concerns with inequity into the canonical adverse selection model. We find that aversion to ex post inequity is not constraining for the principal if the two agents are identical ex ante, but generally is constraining when the agents differ ex ante. Constraining equity concerns can lead to output levels that are either above or below standard levels, and can result in only one agent experiencing systematic inequity in equilibrium.
Competitive Mixed Bundling and Consumer Surplus
Authors: Thanassoulis John
Published: May 2007

Mixed bundling in imperfectly competitive industries causes some prices to rise and others to fall. This paper studies under what conditions mixed bundling works for or against the consumer interest. We find that if buyers incur firm‐specific costs or have shop‐specific tastes then competitive mixed bundling lowers consumer surplus overall and raises profits—the same is true of competitive volume discounts. Competition without these volume discounts causes all prices to be kept low as larger customers are targeted; with volume discounts the prices for heavy users drop, but more is extracted from small users. The consumer surplus result is reversed if the differentiation between components as opposed to firms is key.
Medication Review: Patient Selection and General Practitioner's Report of Drug‐Related Problems and Actions Taken in Elderly Australians
Authors: Pit Sabrina Winona , Byles Julie Ellen , Cockburn Jill
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To investigate which patients general practitioners (GPs) selected for medication review based on risk factors for medication problems and patient demographics; to describe drug‐related problems and actions taken to solve those problems during medication review consultations based on GPs' self‐report.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: General practices.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifty‐two patients recruited from 11 GPs.

MEASUREMENTS: Patients' self‐reported risk factors for medication misadventures collected from Medication Risk Assessment Forms; doctors' report of patients' drug‐related problems and actions taken to solve those problems collected from Medication Review Checklists. Patients completed a Medication Risk Assessment Form in the waiting room, which they presented to their doctor, who then decided whether the patient needed a medication review. GPs completed a Medication Review Checklist.

RESULTS: GPs completed 124 Medication Review Checklists. The group that had a medication review had a lower proportion of individuals aged 65 to 74 than the group that did not (40% vs 56%). The proportion of people with risk factors for medication misadventure was consistently higher for patients who received a medication review. GPs found that 88% (95% confidence interval (CI) =66–97) of patients who had a medication review had at least one problem with use of their medication. GPs reported taking at least one action for 104 (88%) patients (95% CI=65–97) to rectify medication problems. Most common actions taken were monitoring (55%), improving compliance (50%), dose change (37%), cessation of drug (28%), and ordering of a pathology test (26%).

CONCLUSION: A Medication Risk Assessment Form completed by patients can be used to select patients for medication review, and medication reviews conducted by GPs can be beneficial in improving the use of medication in older people living in the community.
White Coats Meet Grey Power: Students and Seniors Respond to an “Intergenerational Gala”
Authors: Dumbrell Andrea C. , Durst Michelle A. , Diachun Laura L.
Published: May 2007

Research suggests that nonclinical interactions with older people may enhance medical students' traditionally poor attitudes toward this patient group. Although extensive literature has reported on student attitudes, seniors' perspectives of their relationships with younger healthcare professionals (HCPs) are generally unknown. This study explores students' and seniors' perceptions of aging and the influence of these perceptions on medical practice before and after a recreational, intergenerational event.

In March 2006, the Schulich Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario held its second annual “Intergenerational Gala.” Approximately 150 seniors and students were invited to complete a brief pre‐ and postevent questionnaire exploring attitudes toward aging, care of older people, and HCP training.

After the event, approximately 60% of students did not feel that their curriculum contained adequate geriatrics content, and more than one‐third of seniors did not feel that today's HCPs are adequately trained to address the healthcare needs of older people. Content analysis indicated strongly positive postevent perceptions of the gala but also considerable divergences between students' and seniors' responses to “To me, growing older means. …” Seniors also offered advice to young HCPs encouraging listening, patience, and not using “age” as a medical diagnosis.

The second Intergenerational Gala explored similarities and differences between how seniors and students view aging. Although significant changes in attitudes were not observed, qualitative responses from both groups suggest that similar events hold promise as part of a concerted curricular strategy to encourage and improve intergenerational relations in the context of medical practice.
Magnitude of Underascertainment of Impaired Kidney Function in Older Adults with Normal Serum Creatinine
Authors: Giannelli Sandra V. , Patel Kushang V. , Windham B. Gwen , Pizzarelli Francesco , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To estimate in a community‐dwelling elderly population the magnitude of renal function misclassification, occurring when persons with normal serum creatinine have reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and to describe the participant characteristics related to misclassification.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Population‐based study of older Italian people.

PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred sixty participants aged 65 to 92 with normal serum creatinine.

MEASUREMENTS: GFR was estimated using the Cockcroft–Gault equation and creatinine clearance (CrCl) calculated from 24‐hour urine collection.

RESULTS: In participants with normal serum creatinine, 39% and 25% had moderate renal function impairment (GFR<60 mL/min) according to the Cockcroft–Gault equation and CrCl calculation, respectively. Prevalence of moderate renal impairment in those aged 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 and older was 18.6%, 58.3%, and 96.8%, respectively (P for trend <.001) according to the Cockcroft–Gault equation, and 15%, 35.7%, and 58.7%, respectively (P for trend <.001) based on the CrCl calculation. In addition, female sex (P<.001) and normal or underweight (P<.05) were factors associated with high risk of misclassification.

CONCLUSION: Serum creatinine alone is one of the most widely used methods of assessing renal function in clinical practice despite its well‐known poor correlation with GFR. A large proportion of older persons with impaired renal function are not diagnosed if clinicians rely solely on normal serum creatinine as evidence of normal renal function. Opportunities may be missed for slowing progression of kidney disease, managing comorbidities and complications related to renal impairment, and adjusting drug dosage for renal function.
Measuring Financial Condition: A Study of U.S. States
Authors: WANG XIAOHU , DENNIS LYNDA , TU YUAN SEN (JEFF)
Published: May 2007

This study tests a measure of financial condition using government‐wide information as required under the new financial reporting model set forth in GASB Statement No. 34. The measure consists of four financial condition dimensions in cash, budget, long‐run and service‐level solvencies, and 11 financial condition indicators. Results show that the measure is relatively reliable and valid and that government‐wide information reported under the requirements of GASB Statement No. 34 provides a useful reporting framework to evaluate financial condition of a government. Additionally, financial condition among states varies greatly and there is much room for improvement.
Service Management—Academic Issues and Scholarly Reflections from Operations Management Researchers*
Authors: Metters Richard , Marucheck Ann
Published: May 2007

Services are now a larger portion of the economy than manufacturing for every nation on Earth, and services are an overwhelming portion of Western economies. While decision‐making research has begun responding to this change, much of the scholarly work still addresses manufacturing issues. Particularly revealing is the field of operations management (OM), in which the proportion of manuscripts dedicated to services has been estimated at 3%, 6%, and 7.5% by various authors. We investigate several possible reasons for the neglect of services in research, including the difficulty in defining services, viewing services as derivative activities, a lack of defined processes, a lack of scale in services, and the effect of variability on service performance. We argue that times have changed, and none of these reasons is valid anymore. We sound the warning that failure to emphasize services in our research and teaching may signal the decline of the discipline. We note the proportion of OM faculty in business schools has shrunk in the past 10 years. Finally, we examine a selection of service research agendas and note several directions for high‐impact, innovative research to revitalize the decision sciences. With practitioners joining the call for more research in services, the academic community has an exciting opportunity to embrace services and reshape its future.
Managing Internet Product Returns: A Focus on Effective Service Operations
Authors: Mollenkopf Diane A. , Rabinovich Elliot , Laseter Timothy M. , Boyer Kenneth K.
Published: May 2007

Product returns present one of the biggest operational challenges in the world of Internet retailing due to the sheer volume and cost of processing returns. But returns also represent an often‐missed opportunity to manage customer relationships and build customer loyalty to the retailer. Based upon data from a survey of 464 customers of five different Internet retailers, this article explores how firms' returns management systems affect loyalty intentions. We draw upon extant literature in the fields of Internet retailing, service quality, supply chain management, and customer satisfaction/loyalty to develop a model and a set of hypotheses relating ten latent variables in the service returns offering area. Our resulting structural equation model provides evidence of the impact of the returns management system upon customer loyalty intentions. The model also identifies effects on loyalty intentions arising from customers' satisfaction with, and perceptions of, the value of the returns service offered. These findings will help inform managers' choices regarding investment in the returns management system as an element of service quality improvement and a potential means of improved profitability. In addition, this study's empirical exploration and testing of a returns management model in the Internet retailing environment is a contribution to the currently underrepresented body of academic literature linking marketing and supply chain management in the context of end consumers.
Usability of Online Services: The Role of Technology Readiness and Context*
Authors: Massey Anne P. , Khatri Vijay , Montoya‐Weiss Mitzi M.
Published: May 2007

An important prerequisite for the success of any online service is ensuring that customers' experience—via the interface—satisfies both sensory and functional needs. Developing interfaces that are responsive to customers' needs requires a perspective on interface design as well as a deep understanding of the customers themselves. Drawing upon research in consumer behavior concerning consumer beliefs about technology, we deploy an alternative way to describe customers based on psychographic characteristics. Technology readiness (TR), a multidimensional psychographic construct, offers a way to segment online customers based upon underlying positive and negative technology beliefs. The core premise of this study is that the beliefs form the foundation for expectations of how things should work and how specific online service interfaces are evaluated by customers. At the same time, usability evaluations of specific online services might be contingent on contextual factors, specifically the type of site (hedonic vs. utilitarian) and access method (Web vs. wireless Web). The aspects of usability examined here are those incorporated into the usability metric and instrument based on the Microsoft Usability Guidelines (MUG). The results of an empirical study with 160 participants indicate that (i) TR customer segments vary in usability requirements and (ii) usability evaluations of specific online service interfaces are influenced by complex interactions among site type, access method, and TR segment membership. As organizations continue to expand their online service offerings, managers must recognize that the interface exists to serve the customers, so their design must be matched to market needs and TR.
Efficiency and the Bear: Short Sales and Markets Around the World
Authors: BRIS ARTURO , GOETZMANN WILLIAM N. , ZHU NING
Published: May 2007

We analyze cross‐sectional and time‐series information from 46 equity markets around the world to consider whether short sales restrictions affect the efficiency of the market and the distributional characteristics of returns to individual stocks and market indices. We find some evidence that prices incorporate negative information faster in countries where short sales are allowed and practiced. A common conjecture by regulators is that short sales restrictions can reduce the relative severity of a market panic. We find strong evidence that in markets where short selling is either prohibited or not practiced, market returns display significantly less negative skewness.
Global Growth Opportunities and Market Integration
Authors: BEKAERT GEERT , HARVEY CAMPBELL R. , LUNDBLAD CHRISTIAN , SIEGEL STEPHAN
Published: May 2007

We propose an exogenous measure of a country's growth opportunities by interacting the country's local industry mix with global price to earnings (PE) ratios. We find that these exogenous growth opportunities predict future changes in real GDP and investment in a large panel of countries. This relation is strongest in countries that have liberalized their capital accounts, equity markets, and banking systems. We also find that financial development, external finance dependence, and investor protection measures are much less important in aligning growth opportunities with growth than is capital market openness. Finally, we formulate new tests of market integration and segmentation by linking local and global PE ratios to relative economic growth.
Financial Speculators' Underperformance: Learning, Self‐Selection, and Endogenous Liquidity
Authors: MAHANI REZA , BERNHARDT DAN
Published: May 2007

We develop an equilibrium model of learning by rational traders to reconcile several empirical regularities: Cross sectionally, most individual speculators lose money; large speculators outperform small speculators; past performance positively affects subsequent trade intensity; most new traders lose money and cease speculation; and performance shows persistence. Learning from trading generates substantial endogenous liquidity, reducing bid–ask spreads and the impact of exogenous liquidity shocks on asset prices, but amplifying the effects of real shocks. Introducing slightly overconfident traders increases bid–ask spreads, hurting all traders. Finally, behavioral theories cannot reconcile all of these empirical regularities.
Stroke‐Work Loss Underestimates Hemodynamic Significance of Aortic Stenosis in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Wong Raymond Ching‐Chiew , Yeo Tiong Cheng
Published: May 2007

Background: Stroke‐work loss (SWL) represents the amount of energy the left ventricle dissipates as heat because of outflow obstruction. Recent studies suggest that SWL > 25% was the most clinically efficient Doppler measure for predicting hemodynamic significance, symptomatic status, and outcome in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, SWL may be affected by systolic blood pressure (SBP). Objective: To determine if SWL reliably predicts hemodynamic significance of AS in patients with hypertension. Methods: We studied 42 consecutive patients with hemodynamically significant AS requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR). Data on demographics, preoperative hemodynamics, and echocardiographic parameters were obtained. SWL was measured using the formula SWL = 100 × mean PG/ (mean PG + SBP), where PG is transaortic pressure gradient. Patients were considered hypertensive if their BP > 140/90 mmHg or if they are on antihypertensive medications. Results: There were 27 males (64%) and mean age was 68 ± 11 years. Twenty‐four patients (57%) were hypertensive. Mean SBP was 134 ± 24 mmHg, mean transaortic PG 47 ± 20 mmHg, effective valve orifice area (EOA) by Doppler estimation 0.74 ± 0.23 cm2, and SWL 26 ± 9%. Patients with hypertension had smaller SWL than normotensives (

table I

). SWL was >25% in 20 (49%) patients, and fewer patients with hypertension have SWL >25% (33% vs 71%, P = 0.019). Of note, patients with SWL ≤25% had significantly higher SBP (145 ± 21 mmHg vs 122 ± 22 mmHg, P = 0.02). Conclusion: SWL underestimates the hemodynamic significance of aortic stenosis in the majority of patients with hypertension.

 Differences in Blood Pressures, Echocardiographic Parameters and Calculated Stroke‐Work Loss Values among Subjects Stratified into Hypertensive Status

Overall n = 42
Hypertensives n = 24
Normotensives n = 18
P

Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
134 ± 24 
150 ± 17 
111 ± 10 
<0.0001

Mean transaortic PG (cm2)
47 ± 20
47 ± 24
47 ± 13
0.92

Max transaortic PG (cm2)
77 ± 31
79 ± 37
76 ± 21
0.73

Ejection fraction (%)
55 ± 15
54 ± 15
56 ± 16
0.67

EOA indexed (cm2/M2)
0.44 ± 0.13
0.45 ± 0.14
0.43 ± 0.11
0.58

SWL (%)
 26 ± 9%
23 ± 9 
30 ± 7 
0.015

SWL > 25% (within group)
49%
33%
71%
0.019
Semiparametric Bayesian Analysis of Case–Control Data under Conditional Gene‐Environment Independence
Authors: Mukherjee Bhramar , Zhang Li , Ghosh Malay , Sinha Samiran
Published: May 2007

Summary In case–control studies of gene‐environment association with disease, when genetic and environmental exposures can be assumed to be independent in the underlying population, one may exploit the independence in order to derive more efficient estimation techniques than the traditional logistic regression analysis (Chatterjee and Carroll, 2005, Biometrika92, 399–418). However, covariates that stratify the population, such as age, ethnicity and alike, could potentially lead to nonindependence. In this article, we provide a novel semiparametric Bayesian approach to model stratification effects under the assumption of gene‐environment independence in the control population. We illustrate the methods by applying them to data from a population‐based case–control study on ovarian cancer conducted in Israel. A simulation study is conducted to compare our method with other popular choices. The results reflect that the semiparametric Bayesian model allows incorporation of key scientific evidence in the form of a prior and offers a flexible, robust alternative when standard parametric model assumptions do not hold.
Ordered Multiple Comparisons with the Best and Their Applications to Dose–Response Studies
Authors: Strassburger K. , Bretz F. , Finner H.
Published: May 2007

Summary This article considers the problem of comparing several treatments (dose levels, interventions, etc.) with the best, where the best treatment is unknown and the treatments are ordered in some sense. Order relations among treatments often occur quite naturally in practice. They may be ordered according to increasing risks, such as tolerability or safety problems with increasing dose levels in a dose–response study, for example. We tackle the problem of constructing a lower confidence bound for the smallest index of all treatments being at most marginally less effective than the (best) treatment having the largest effect. Such a bound ensures at confidence level 1 −α that all treatments with lower indices are relevantly less effective than the best competitor. We derive a multiple testing strategy that results in sharp confidence bounds. The proposed lower confidence bound is compared with those derived from other testing strategies. We further derive closed‐form expressions for power and sample size calculations. Finally, we investigate several real data sets to illustrate various applications of our methods.
Evaluating the Predictiveness of a Continuous Marker
Authors: Huang Ying , Sullivan Pepe Margaret , Feng Ziding
Published: May 2007

Summary Consider a continuous marker for predicting a binary outcome. For example, the serum concentration of prostate specific antigen may be used to calculate the risk of finding prostate cancer in a biopsy. In this article, we argue that the predictive capacity of a marker has to do with the population distribution of risk given the marker and suggest a graphical tool, the predictiveness curve, that displays this distribution. The display provides a common meaningful scale for comparing markers that may not be comparable on their original scales. Some existing measures of predictiveness are shown to be summary indices derived from the predictiveness curve. We develop methods for making inference about the predictiveness curve, for making pointwise comparisons between two curves, and for evaluating covariate effects. Applications to risk prediction markers in cancer and cystic fibrosis are discussed.
Evolution and Diversity of Amitochondrial Zooflagellates
Authors: BRUGEROLLE GUY
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. The amitochondrial flagellates comprise the Archamoebae, the Metamonada (orders: Retortamonadida, Diplomonadida, Oxymonadida) and the Parabasala. Molecular rDNA sequence comparison has shown that the diplomonads are very ancient and placed at the base of the tree, but the position of the parabasalids before or after the Euglenozoa and other mitochondriate protists is not definitively determined and such molecular data are required to place the other groups. Common cytological features such as one basal body and a basal body‐nucleus connector show that the mastigamoebids or Archamoebae are an evolutionary lineage. The metamonad grouping is heterogenous; the three orders have in common two pairs of basal bodies, no Golgi and could be poly‐ or paraphyletic. The Parabasala is an evolutionary lineage with a large set of homologous cytological characters. A biochemical study of the cytoskeletal structures such as costa, parabasal fibre, preaxostylar fibre and undulating membrane in trichomonads reveals a large diversity in the protein composition among the genera that fits with the large distance between the taxa estimated by rDNA sequencing. Molecular comparison in seven tnchomonad genera indicates that the Trichomonadinae and Tritrichomonadinae form two divergent branches, the genera Hypotrichomonas and Monocercomonas are now incorporated in the tritrichomonad branch, and Trichomitus is at the bifurcation of the two branches. This scheme is different from the classic tree but not incompatible with it.
Ultrastructural Study of Endoreticulatus durforti N. Sp., a New Microsporidian Parasite of the Intestinal Epithelium of Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca)
Authors: MARTINEZ M. ASUNCION , VIVARES CHRISTIAN P. , BOUIX GEORGES
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. A new microsporidian parasite of the Artemia intestinal epithelium has been studied. The microsporidium developed within a membranous parasitophorous vesicle from the host rough endoplasmic reticulum consisting of two membranes, with the proximal one usually lacking ribosomes.

All developmental stages had isolated nuclei. Unikaryotic meronts developed into merogonial plasmodia. Merogonial division occurred by binary fission and rosette‐shaped fragmentation. In young sporonts, an electron‐lucent space, corresponding to the developing endospore, was immediately observed between both the plasmalemma and the exospore primordium. Sporogonial division occurred also by rosette‐shaped fragmentation, resulting in at least eight sporoblasts that developed directly into spores. Fresh spores were 1.7 × 0.9 μm in size and oval‐shaped. The 8–11 coil isofilar polar filament was arranged in two rows. The polaroplast was bipartite. The nature of the parasitophorous envelope, host‐parasite interaction, developmental cycle and taxonomy are discussed.