bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erythropoietin: Can we afford to use it? Can we afford not to?
Authors: Laird J
Published: June 2006

summary.  Anaemia is a common side‐effect of malignancy and cancer therapy. Both red cells and erythropoietin will improve anaemia; however, the scarcity and risks of allogeneic blood transfusion need to be carefully considered against the expense and benefits of recombinant human erythropoietin. Both treatment options have significant economic implications and the definitive evaluation from NICE must be awaited with much interest.
Phosphate
Authors: Johnson David
Published: June 2006

Date written: February 2004

Final submission: July 2004
Exercise
Authors: Johnson David
Published: June 2006

Date written: February 2004

Final submission: July 2004
Smoking
Authors: Johnson David
Published: June 2006

Date written: February 2004

Final submission: July 2004
Reducing proteinuria
Authors: Gillin Adrian
Published: June 2006

Date written: May 2005

Final submission: October 2005
ACE inhibitor and angiotensin II antagonist combination treatment
Authors: Nicholls Kathy
Published: June 2006

Date written: September 2004

Final submission: September 2005
Protein restriction to prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nicholls Kathy
Published: June 2006

Date written: September 2004

Final submission: September 2005
Specific effects of calcium channel blockers in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nicholls Kathy
Published: June 2006

Date written: September 2004

Final submission: September 2005
Glucose control and progression of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nicholls Kathy
Published: June 2006

Date written: September 2004

Final submission: September 2005
Multifactorial therapy and the progression of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nicholls Kathy
Published: June 2006

Date written: September 2004

Final submission: September 2005
Analgesic‐associated kidney disease
Authors: Thomas Merlin
Published: June 2006

Date written: July 2005

Final submission: September 2005
Specific management of IgA nephropathy: role of triple therapy and cytotoxic therapy
Authors: Thomas Merlin
Published: June 2006

Date written: July 2005

Final submission: September 2005
Specific management of IgA nephropathy: role of cyclosporin and other therapies
Authors: Thomas Merlin
Published: June 2006

Date written: July 2005

Final submission: September 2005
Treatment of secondary membranous nephropathy
Authors: Thomas Merlin
Published: June 2006

Date written: July 2005

Final submission: September 2005
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: treatment with steroids
Authors: Thomas Merlin
Published: June 2006

Date written: July 2005

Final submission: September 2005
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: use of other therapies
Authors: Thomas Merlin
Published: June 2006

Date written: July 2005

Final submission: September 2005
Serum phosphate
Authors: Hawley Carmel
Published: June 2006

Date written: August 2005

Final submission: October 2005
Use of calcimimetic drugs
Authors: Elder Grahame
Published: June 2006

Date written: May 2005

Final submission: January 2006
Use of phosphate binders in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Branley Pauline
Published: June 2006

Date written: April 2005

Final submission: December 2005
The relationship between the transition and upper‐shelf fracture toughness of ferritic steels
Authors: ERICKSONKIRK MARJORIE , ERICKSONKIRK MARK
Published: June 2006

Conventionally, the transition fracture toughness and upper‐shelf fracture toughness of ferritic steels are viewed as separate properties: they are measured by tests conducted according to different standards, and neither toughness property can be estimated (except in very qualitative terms) based on knowledge of the other. Information presented in this paper demonstrates that quite the opposite is true: transition fracture toughness and upper‐shelf fracture toughness are directly related because the microstructural features responsible for both the temperature dependence of fracture toughness and for the magnitude of fracture toughness at any given temperature are the same in both transition and on the upper shelf (the lattice structure controls the temperature dependence, while the size and distribution of second‐phase particles control crack initiation and thus the magnitude of fracture toughness). These features bind the transition fracture toughness and upper‐shelf fracture toughness together in a way that is extremely consistent for all ferritic steels. We present empirical evidence of this relationship based on fracture toughness data from a variety of ferritic steels: various heats of nuclear grade pressure vessel steels and welds (both before and after irradiation), copper precipitation hardened steels used in naval ship construction and mild steels used in ship construction. In total, these data span a broad range of T0: from −180 °C to +140 °C. The combination of this theoretically motivated, empirically calibrated relationship between transition and upper‐shelf toughness with Wallin's Master Curve (for toughness in fracture mode transition), and EricksonKirk's proposed Master Curve for toughness on the upper shelf, produces a model that predicts the temperature dependence of, and scatter in, fracture toughness of ferritic steels throughout the transition and upper‐shelf temperature regimes. As input information, this model needs only the value of T0, which can be estimated by performing fracture toughness tests according to the protocols of ASTM test standard E1921‐05.
Proposed Criteria for Referral and Evaluation of Children for Epilepsy Surgery: Recommendations of the Subcommission for Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Cross J. Helen , Jayakar Prasanna , Nordli Doug , Delalande Olivier , Duchowny Michael , Wieser Heinz G. , Guerrini Renzo , Mathern Gary W.
Published: June 2006

Summary: The Commission on Neurosurgery of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) formed the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Subcommission in 1998 and charged it with formulating guidelines and recommendations for epilepsy surgery in childhood. Also endorsed by the Commission on Paediatrics, the following document is the consensus agreement after a meeting of 32 individuals from 12 countries in 2003. The panel agreed that insufficient class 1 evidence exists to recommend practice guidelines at this time. Instead, the panel generated criteria concerning the unique features of pediatric epilepsy patients to justify dedicated resources for specialty pediatric surgical centers, suggested guidelines for physicians for when to refer children with refractory epilepsy, and recommendations on presurgical evaluation and postoperative assessments. The panel also outlined areas of agreement and disagreement on which future research and consensus meetings should focus attention to generate practice guidelines and criteria for pediatric epilepsy surgery centers.
Intraparotid pseudoglandular schwannoma
Authors: Ide F. , Obara K. , Mishima K. , Saito I.
Published: June 2006

A unique intraparotid location of a rare pseudoglandular schwannoma is described. Although the diagnosis of schwannoma could readily be substantiated, accurate subtyping was initially mislabeled. The pitfall was in failing to acknowledge the presence of multiple well‐formed gland‐like structures, which is instantly thought to be cystically dilated salivary ducts. Immunohistochemically, epithelial‐appearing cells lining the duct‐like spaces proved to be schwannian in nature. Interpretation of an immediately recognizable gland‐like architecture is more problematic when a pseudoglandular variant originates from a nerve coursing through the gland, as here.
Epstein–Barr virus and human immunodeficiency virus‐negative oral plasmablastic lymphoma
Authors: Lee Ok‐Jun , Kim Kyoung‐Won , Lee Geon Kook
Published: June 2006

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an unusual subtype of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma that was first described in the oral cavity. HIV‐related lymphomas are frequently associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Recently, dual infection with EBV and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) has been demonstrated in PBL. So far, a few cases of PBL occurring in an HIV‐negative patient have been documented and all of them were associated with immunosuppression status and/or EBV infection. Here we report a EBV and HHV8‐negative oral PBL occurring in an immunocompetent HIV‐negative male, which would be the first case.
Dual effect of nitric oxide in immortalized and malignant human oral keratinocytes: induction of apoptosis and differentiation
Authors: Lee S‐K. , Kim H‐S. , Lee H‐J. , Lee J. , Jeon B‐H. , Jun C‐D. , Lee S‐K. , Kim E‐C.
Published: June 2006

Background:  Nitric oxide (NO) is known to act cytostatically on several tumor cell when functioning as an effector molecule of activated macrophages, but the differential effects of NO on immortalized and malignant oral keratinocytes have not been examined.

Methods:  We investigated the influence of NO on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation of immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOK) and primary oral cancer cells (HN4) using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, flow cytometry, nuclear DNA staining, and Western blotting.

Results:  The MTT and SRB assays indicated inhibited growth of IHOK and HN4 cells that were treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at concentrations higher than 1 mM but not at lower SNP concentrations. The higher concentrations of SNP up‐regulated the apoptosis‐related protein expression, which is consistent with the analyses of sub‐G1 phase arrest, annexin V‐FITC (fluorescein isothiocynate) staining, nuclear staining, and DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, the lower concentrations of SNP enhanced the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers in IHOK and HN4 cells.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that high concentrations of NO can inhibit the growth of IHOK and HN4 cells through the induction of apoptosis, while low concentrations of NO can induce cytodifferentiation. The dual effects of NO, namely, the induction of apoptosis or cytodifferentiation, have important implications for the possible anti‐oral cancer treatment.
The role for ‘reminders’ in dental traumatology: 1. Current practices in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Day Peter F. , Duggal Monty S.
Published: June 2006

Abstract –  The aim of this study was to investigate the current method for recording trauma in UK dental hospitals. A standard questionnaire was sent out to all 19 UK and Irish dental hospitals to investigate how trauma was recorded both at initial presentation and at review appointments. Where a standard form was used, a copy was requested. Each form was analysed to assess what information was being recorded and whether prompts were used. For the initial presentation of trauma, nine institutions had a standard trauma form, one used a standard form for avulsions only, seven had no form and two did not respond. For subsequent follow‐up visits of trauma cases, six hospitals had a standard form, one used a standard from for avulsions only, 10 had no form and two did not respond. There was considerable variation in the questions that were asked at initial presentation of trauma cases and follow‐up reviews in dento‐alveolar trauma. Without consistent recording, there is little chance that multi‐centred prospective clinical trials can take place in the field of dental trauma.
A L225A substitution in the human tumour suppressor HIC1 abolishes its interaction with the corepressor CtBP
Authors: Stankovic‐Valentin Nicolas , Verger Alexis , Deltour‐Balerdi Sophie , Quinlan Kate G. R. , Crossley Merlin , Leprince Dominique
Published: June 2006

HIC1 (hypermethylated in cancer) is a tumour suppressor gene located in 17p13.3, a region frequently hypermethylated or deleted in many types of prevalent human tumour. HIC1 is also a candidate for a contiguous‐gene syndrome, the Miller–Dieker syndrome, a severe form of lissencephaly accompanied by developmental anomalies. HIC1 encodes a BTB/POZ‐zinc finger transcriptional repressor. HIC1 represses transcription via two autonomous repression domains, an N‐terminal BTB/POZ and a central region, by trichostatin A‐insensitive and trichostatin A‐sensitive mechanisms, respectively. The HIC1 central region recruits the corepressor CtBP (C‐terminal binding protein) through a conserved GLDLSKK motif, a variant of the consensus C‐terminal binding protein interaction domain PxDLSxK/R. Here, we show that HIC1 interacts with both CtBP1 and CtBP2 and that this interaction is stimulated by agents increasing NADH levels. Furthermore, point mutation of two CtBP2 residues forming part of the structure of the recognition cleft for a PxDLS motif also ablates the interaction with a GxDLS motif. Conversely, in perfect agreement with the structural data and the universal conservation of this residue in all C‐terminal binding protein‐interacting motifs, mutation of the central leucine residue (leucine 225 in HIC1) abolishes the interaction between HIC1 and CtBP1 or CtBP2. As expected from the corepressor activity of CtBP, this mutation also impairs the HIC1‐mediated transcriptional repression. These results thus demonstrate a strong conservation in the binding of C‐terminal binding protein‐interacting domains despite great variability in their amino acid sequences. Finally, this L225A point mutation could also provide useful knock‐in animal models to study the role of the HIC1–CtBP interaction in tumorigenesis and in development.
Cyclopeptidic Constituents from Arenaria oreophila J. D. Hooker (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Jia Ai‐Qun , Tan Ning‐Hua , Zhou Jun
Published: June 2006

To further investigate the cyclopeptides of the Caryophyllaceae family, two new cyclopeptides, named Arenariphilin E (compound 1) and Arenariphilin F (compound 2), were obtained from Arenaria oreophila J. D. Hooker using some isolation methods, e. g. normal and reverse silica gel. By detailed spectroscopic analysis, such as FAB+‐MS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, the structures of Arenariphilin E (compound 1) and Arenariphilin F (compound 2) were determined as cyclo(Ile1‐Gly‐Val1‐Ala‐Leu‐Ile3‐Ile2‐Val2‐Pro) and cyclo(Pro2‐Pro1‐Gly2‐Ile‐Val‐Leu‐Gly1‐Ala‐Thr‐ Gly3), respectively.

(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Phototropism of Thalli and Rhizoids Developed from the Thallus Segments of Bryopsis hypnoides Lamouroux
Authors: Ye Nai‐Hao , Wang Hong‐Xia , Wang Guang‐Ce , Gao Zheng‐Quan , Li De‐Mao
Published: June 2006

Newly regenerated thalli were used to study the phototropism of Bryopsis hypnoides Lamouroux under different qualities of light. Positive phototropism in the thalli and negative phototropism in the rhizoids of B. hypnoides were investigated and analyzed in terms of bending. Both thalli and rhizoids developed from thallus segments exhibited typical tip growth, and their photoreceptive sites for phototropism were also restricted to the apical hemisphere. The bending curvature of rhizoids and thalli were determined with unilateral lights at various wavelengths and different fluence rates after a fixed duration of illumination. The trends of bending from the rhizoid and thallus were coincident, which showed that the action spectrum had a large range, from ultraviolet radiation (366.5 nm) to green light (524 nm). Based on the bending curvatures, blue light had the highest efficiency, while the efficiency of longer wavelengths (>500 nm) was significantly lower. External Ca2+ had no effect on the bending curvature of thalli and rhizoids. Blue light (440 nm) induced thallus branching from rhizoids, while red light (650 nm) had no such effect. Fast‐occurring chloroplast accumulation in the outermost cytoplasmic layer of the blue light (440 nm)‐irradiated region in the rhizoid was observed, from which protrusions (new thalli) arose after 4 h of the onset of illumination, and this action was thought to be driven by the dynamics of actin microfilaments.

(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Mechanical Response of Single Plant Cells to Cell Poking: A Numerical Simulation Model
Authors: Wang Rong , Jiao Qun‐Ying , Wei De‐Qiang
Published: June 2006

Cell poking is an experimental technique that is widely used to study the mechanical properties of plant cells. A full understanding of the mechanical responses of plant cells to poking force is helpful for experimental work. The aim of this study was to numerically investigate the stress distribution of the cell wall, cell turgor, and deformation of plant cells in response to applied poking force. Furthermore, the locations damaged during poking were analyzed. The model simulates cell poking, with the cell treated as a spherical, homogeneous, isotropic elastic membrane, filled with incompressible, highly viscous liquid. Equilibrium equations for the contact region and the non‐contact regions were determined by using membrane theory. The boundary conditions and continuity conditions for the solution of the problem were found. The force‐deformation curve, turgor pressure and tension of the cell wall under cell poking conditions were obtained. The tension of the cell wall circumference was larger than that of the meridian. In general, maximal stress occurred at the equator around. When cell deformation increased to a certain level, the tension at the poker tip exceeded that of the equator. Breakage of the cell wall may start from the equator or the poker tip, depending on the deformation. A nonlinear model is suitable for estimating turgor, stress, and stiffness, and numerical simulation is a powerful method for determining plant cell mechanical properties.

(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Species and Organ Diversity in the Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Superoxide Dismutase Activity In Vitro
Authors: Cheng Hong‐Yan , Song Song‐Quan
Published: June 2006

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is ubiquitous in aerobic organisms and constitutes the first link in the enzyme scavenging system of reactive oxygen species. In the present study, species and organ diversity of SOD activity in a solution and in an in‐gel assay system, as well as the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on SOD activity, were investigated. In a solution assay system, SOD activity of jackfruit root, shoot, leaves, axes, and cotyledons, of maize embryos and endosperms, of mung bean leaves and seeds, of sacred lotus axes and cotyledons, and of rice and wheat leaves was increased by 1–15 mmol/L H2 O2. However, SOD activity in rice root and seeds, maize roots and leaves, mung bean roots and shoots, and wheat seeds was decreased by 1–15 mmol/L H2O2. The SOD activity of wheat root and soybean roots, leaves, axes, and cotyledons was increased by 1–4 mmol/L H2O2, but was decreased by concentrations of H2O2 >4 mmol/L. The SOD activity of soybean shoots was not affected by 1–15 mmol/L H2O2. The SOD activity in crude mitochondria of jackfruit, maize, and upas seeds, as well as in purified mitochondria of jackfruit, was also increased by 1–15 mmol/L H2O2. In the in‐gel assay system, the SOD in jackfruit cotyledons was comprised of Mn‐SOD, Cu/Zn‐SOD, and Fe‐SOD, the crude mitochondria of jackfruit seeds and maizes embryo was comprised of Mn‐SOD and Cu/Zn‐SOD, and the crude mitochondria of maize seeds was comprised of Mn‐SOD only. In the present study, H2O2markedly inhibited Cu/Zn‐SOD and Fe‐SOD activity.

(Managing editor: Ping He)
Florigen: One Found, More to Follow?
Authors: Yu Xuhong , Klejnot John , Lin Chentao
Published: June 2006

Florigen(s) are molecules that are synthesized in response to appropriate photoperiods and transmitted from leaves to shoot apices to promote floral initiation. It has been recently discovered in Arabidopsis that mRNA of the FT gene acts as a florigen. In Arabidopsis, cryptochromes and phytochromes mediate long‐day promotion of CO protein expression, which activates FT mRNA expression in leaves. FT mRNA is transmitted to the shoot apex, where it acts together with FD to activate transcription of floral meristem identity genes, resulting in floral initiation. The discovery of the molecular nature of a florigen was a major scientific breakthrough in 2005.

(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
An Analysis of Medicare's Incentive Payment Program for Physicians in Health Professional Shortage Areas
Authors: Chan Leighton , Hart L. Gary , Ricketts Thomas C. , Beaver Shelli K.
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: Medicare's Incentive Payment (MIP) program provides a 10% bonus payment to providers who treat Medicare patients in rural and urban areas where there is a shortage of generalist physicians. Purpose: To examine the experience of Alaska, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington with the MIP program. We determined the program's utilization and which types of physicians received payments. Methods: Retrospective cohort design, utilizing complete 1998 Medicare Part B data. Physician specialty was determined through American Medical Association data. Rural status was determined by linking the physician business ZIP code to its Rural‐Urban Commuting Area code (RUCA). Findings: There were 2,220,275 patients and 39,749 providers in the cohort, including 9,769 (24.6%) generalists, 21,331 (53.7%) specialists, and 8,649 (21.8%) nonphysician providers. Over $4 million in bonus payments (median payment =$173) were made to providers in HPSAs. Specialists and urban providers received 58% and 14% of the bonus reimbursements, respectively. Two million dollars in payments were not distributed because the providers did not claim them. Over $2.8 million in bonus claims were distributed to providers who likely did not work in approved HPSA sites. Conclusions: The MIP bonus payments given to providers are small. Many providers who should have claimed the bonus did not, and many providers who likely did not qualify for the bonus claimed and received it. Consideration should be given to focusing and enlarging the bonus payments to specific providers, rather than rewarding all providers equally. Policy makers should also consider a system that prospectively determines provider eligibility.
Disparities in Access to Care Among Rural Working‐age Adults
Authors: Glover Saundra , Moore Charity G. , Probst Janice C. , Samuels Michael E.
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: Nationally, minority population disparities in health and in the receipt of health services are well documented but are infrequently examined within rural populations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide a national picture of health insurance coverage and access to care among rural minorities. Methods: A cross‐sectional analysis using the 1999–2000 National Health Interview Surveys examined insurance status and receipt of ambulatory care during the past year. Multiple logistic regression was used to measure factors influencing the odds of insurance coverage and a provider visit. Findings: Among rural minority adults, 32% of blacks, 35% of “other” race persons, and 45% of Hispanics were uninsured compared to 18% of whites. Differences in insurance status were not significant for rural blacks and Hispanics after resources such as education, income, and employment were held constant. Examining use, 37% of rural Hispanics and 27% of blacks, versus 20% of whites and 19% of persons of other race, had not made a health care visit in the past year. When resources were held constant, blacks and persons of other race/ethnicity no longer differed from whites, but differences among Hispanics persisted. Conclusions: A comprehensive approach to the health needs of rural working age adults must consider the unique characteristics of rural communities and populations, requiring cultural as well as financial creativity in the design of health delivery systems. The importance of resources such as education and employment points to the need to link health problems to area‐specific rural economic development.
Meeting the Health Care Needs of a Rural Hispanic Migrant Population With Diabetes
Authors: Heuer Loretta , Hess Carla W. , Klug Marilyn G.
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: There is a need for models of health care that provide accessible, culturally appropriate, quality services to the population of Hispanic migrant farmworkers at risk for or diagnosed with diabetes. Purposes: The purposes of this study were to describe the Migrant Health Service, Inc (MHSI), Diabetes Program, the conceptual model on which it is based, and 4 types of outcomes achieved over a 3‐year period. Methods: Types and amounts of medical services and education were studied. Qualitative data obtained from program records and documents were analyzed to determine the nature of the program. Quantitative data were used to measure outcomes of the program. Findings: The multiplecomponent MHSI Diabetes Program is addressing economic, cultural, and language barriers experienced by the target population. The program provides a continuum of health services and education that meet American Diabetes Association (ADA) Clinical Practice Recommendations on diabetes. The program exposes regional health care professionals and university students from numerous academic disciplines to Hispanic farmworker culture. Conclusions: Evidence‐based program management, patient care, and program evaluation are traits of this program, which offers accessible, culturally appropriate, quality health services and education to Hispanic farmworkers. The multicomponent program model has high potential for positively impacting the health of the target population.
Measuring Rural Hospital Quality
Authors: Moscovice Ira , Wholey Douglas R. , Klingner Jill , Knott Astrid
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: Increased interest in the measurement of hospital quality has been stimulated by accrediting bodies, purchaser coalitions, government agencies, and other entities. Purpose: This paper examines quality measurement for hospitals in rural settings. We seek to identify rural hospital quality measures that reflect quality in all hospitals and that are sensitive to the rural hospital context. Methods: We develop a conceptual model for measuring rural hospital quality, with a focus on the special issues posed by the rural hospital context for quality measurement. With the assistance of a panel of rural hospital and hospital quality measurement experts, we review hospital quality measures from national and rural organizations for their fit to rural hospitals. Findings: Based on this analysis, we recommend an initial core set of quality measures relevant for rural hospitals with less than 50 beds. This core set of 20 measures includes 11 core measures from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) related to community acquired pneumonia, heart failure, and acute myocardial infarction; 1 measure related to infection control; 3 measures related to medication dispensing and teaching; 2 procedure‐related measures; 1 financial measure; and 2 other measures related to the use of advance directives and emergency department monitoring of trauma vital signs. Conclusion: Based on the special measurement needs posed by the rural hospital context, we suggest avenues for future quality measure development for core rural hospital functions (eg, triage, stabilization, and transfer, and emergency care) not considered in existing quality measurement sets.
Self‐rated Health Among Vulnerable Older Adults in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Steele Jenessa C. , Patrick Julie Hicks , Goins R. Turner , Brown David K.
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: Self‐rated health (SRH) predicts service use, morbidity, and mortality. Additionally, SRH has been associated with indices of psychological well‐being. Purpose: The main focus of the study was to investigate important differences among the lower spectrum of SRH (ie, fair and poor) on indices of well‐being. Methods: In‐person interviews collected data from 207 (M age = 75.8) older rural adults. Data were used to examine differences between those reporting poor, fair, and good or excellent SRH on measures of demographics, and physical and psychological health. Results: Significant differences emerged between levels of SRH in relation to measures of physical and psychological health. Specifically, individuals with poor SRH were significantly more likely to have (1) illnesses, (2) problems with basic and cognitive tasks of daily living, and (3) depressed affect than individuals reporting good or excellent health. Individuals with poor SRH were significantly more likely to have problems with basic and cognitive tasks of daily living than individuals with fair SRH. No significant differences were found between people reporting fair and good or excellent SRH on illnesses and depressed affect. Conclusions: Results suggest that future research should investigate the expansion of the lower‐end of the SRH measure to more accurately assess SRH among vulnerable, rural older adults. Such efforts would better inform health care providers, practitioners, and policy makers in rural areas as to how SRH affects the well‐being of vulnerable older adults.
West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus Antibody Seroconversion, Prevalence, and Persistence in Naturally Infected Pig-Tailed Macaques (
Macaca nemestrina
)
Authors: Hukkanen Renee R. , Liggitt H. Denny , Kelley Stephen T. , Grant Richard , Anderson David M. , Hall Roy A. , Tesh Robert B. , Travassos DaRosa Amelia P. , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle
Published: June 2006

Pig-tailed macaques (
Macaca nemestrina
) naturally infected with West Nile virus were monitored from 1999 to 2005 to determine virus-specific antibody seroconversion, prevalence, and persistence. Antibodies persisted for up to 36 months, as detected by epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent and hemagglutination inhibition assays. Exposure to cocirculating St. Louis encephalitis virus was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays.
Mature Glycoprotein G Presents High Performance in Diagnosing Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection in Sera of Different Tanzanian Cohorts
Authors: Görander Staffan , Mbwana Judica , Lyamuya Eligius , Lagergård Teresa , Liljeqvist Jan-Åke
Published: June 2006

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common sexually transmitted infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Glycoprotein G (gG) of HSV-2 elicits a type-specific antibody response and is widely used for serodiagnosis. gG is cleaved into a secreted portion (sgG-2) and a highly O-glycosylated mature portion (mgG-2). The performances of these two native immunosorbent purified antigens were compared in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format with a commercially available assay (FOCUS2) using sera from blood donors (n= 194) and individuals (n= 198) with genital ulcer disease (GUD) from Tanzania. Discordant results were resolved by Western blotting. The HSV-2 seroprevalence for blood donors was estimated as 42%, and that for the GUD cohort was estimated as 78%. The prevalence increased significantly with age for both cohorts and was higher among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals than among HIV-negative subjects. In the GUD cohort with a high HSV-2 prevalence, all three assays showed statistically similar performances, with sensitivities between 97% and 99% and specificities in the range of 86% to 91%. In contrast, among blood donors with a lower seroprevalence, the mgG-2-based ELISA presented significantly higher specificity (97%) than the sgG-2 ELISA (89%) and FOCUS2 (74%). Overall, the mgG-2 ELISA gave a high performance, with negative and positive predictive values of 96% for blood donors and a negative predictive value of 95% and a positive predictive value of 97% for the GUD cohort. We conclude that native purified mgG-2 showed the highest accuracy for detection of HSV-2 in patient sera from Tanzania and is therefore suitable for seroprevalence studies as well as in clinical settings.
Comparison of PCR for Sputum Samples Obtained by Induced Cough and Serological Tests for Diagnosis of
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Infection in Children
Authors: Yamazaki Tsutomu , Narita Mitsuo , Sasaki Nozomu , Kenri Tsuyoshi , Arakawa Yoshichika , Sasaki Tsuguo
Published: June 2006

Passive agglutination (PA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the diagnosis of
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
were compared with PCR testing of sputum samples obtained from children with lower respiratory tract infections. The sensitivity and specificity of PA were 80.3% and 92.3% at a titer of 1:80. ELISA was found to be less sensitive than PA.
Enterobacterial Autoinducer of Growth Enhances Shiga Toxin Production by Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Voigt W. , Fruth A. , Tschäpe H. , Reissbrodt R. , Williams P. H.
Published: June 2006

The addition of the enterobacterial autoinducer of growth to nutrient-poor minimal medium markedly accelerated the exponential growth rates of strains of enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
but had little or no effect on maximal cell densities in stationary phase. Growth in the presence of the autoinducer resulted in an approximately twofold enhancement in Shiga toxin production.
Comparison of a Stool Antigen Detection Kit and PCR for Diagnosis of
Entamoeba histolytica
and
Entamoeba dispar
Infections in Asymptomatic Cyst Passers in Iran
Authors: Solaymani-Mohammadi Shahram , Rezaian Mostafa , Babaei Zahra , Rajabpour Azam , Meamar Ahmad R. , Pourbabai Ahmad A. , Petri William A.
Published: June 2006

The present study was conducted to compare stool antigen detection with PCR for the diagnosis of
Entamoeba
sp. infection in asymptomatic cyst passers from Iran.
Entamoeba dispar
and, in one case,
E. moshkovskii
were the
Entamoeba
spp. found in the amebic cyst passers. There was a 100% correlation between the results from the TechLab
E. histolytica
II stool antigen kit and those from nested PCR. We concluded that
E. dispar
is much more common in asymptomatic cyst passers in Iran and that antigen detection and PCR are comparable diagnostic modalities.
Changing Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Bloodstream Isolates from a Teaching Hospital in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yhu-Chering , Su Lin-Hui , Wu Tsu-Lan , Lin Tzou-Yien
Published: June 2006

A changing molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bloodstream isolates from a university-affiliated hospital in Taiwan during a 4-year interval was demonstrated. The changing epidemiology is due to the introduction of a new epidemic clone (sequence type 5) and a local community clone (sequence type 59) of MRSA into the hospital.
Evaluation of a Novel Kit for Use with the BacT/ALERT 3D System for Drug Susceptibility Testing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Werngren Jim , Klintz Lisbeth , Hoffner Sven E.
Published: June 2006

We evaluated a new protocol for the BacT/ALERT MB susceptibility test (bioMérieux Inc., Durham, NC) using 80
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
WHO challenge panel strains. The drug susceptibility profiles of these strains are well characterized, and consensus drug resistance results have been established after tests were performed at around 20 international reference laboratories using recommended reference drug susceptibility techniques. Strains were tested according to the bioMérieux protocol using the following critical concentrations: rifampin (RIF), 0.9 mg/liter; isoniazid (INH), 0.4 and 0.09 mg/liter; and ethambutol (EMB), 1.8 mg/liter. The BacT/ALERT system detected 36/37 RIF-resistant strains. For INH (low concentration), 59/59 resistant strains were detected, and for EMB, 34/34 resistant strains were detected. Thus, the sensitivities were 97%, 100%, and 100% for RIF, INH, and EMB, respectively. The corresponding specificities were 100%, 95%, and 98%, respectively, for the same drugs. As soon as the BacT/ALERT MP seed bottle flagged positive, the median time to obtain a susceptibility results was 7.8 days. The results show good concordance with the consensus results of the international reference laboratories and demonstrate that BacT/ALERT 3D should be considered as an alternative method for rapid and automated drug susceptibility testing of
M. tuberculosis
.
Coronavirus HKU1 and Other Coronavirus Infections in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Yip Cyril C. Y. , Tse Herman , Tsoi Hoi-wah , Cheng Vincent C. C. , Lee Paul , Tang Bone S. F. , Cheung Chris H. Y. , Lee Rodney A. , So Lok-yee , Lau Yu-lung , Chan Kwok-hung , Yuen Kwok-yung
Published: June 2006

We have recently described the discovery of a novel coronavirus, coronavirus HKU1 (CoV-HKU1), associated with community-acquired pneumonia. However, the clinical spectrum of disease and the epidemiology of CoV-HKU1 infections in relation to infections with other respiratory viruses are unknown. In this 12-month prospective study, 4,181 nasopharyngeal aspirates from patients with acute respiratory tract infections were subjected to reverse transcription-PCRs specific for CoV-HKU1 and human coronaviruses NL63 (HCoV-NL63), OC43 (HCoV-OC43), and 229E (HCoV-229E). Coronaviruses were detected in 87 (2.1%) patients, with 13 (0.3%) positive for CoV-HKU1, 17 (0.4%) positive for HCoV-NL63, 53 (1.3%) positive for HCoV-OC43, and 4 (0.1%) positive for HCoV-229E. Of the 13 patients with CoV-HKU1 infections, 11 were children and 8 had underlying diseases. Similar to the case for other coronaviruses, upper respiratory infection was the most common presentation of CoV-HKU1 infections, although pneumonia, acute bronchiolitis, and asthmatic exacerbation also occurred. Despite a shorter duration of fever (mean, 1.7 days) and no difference in maximum temperature in children with CoV-HKU1 infections compared to patients with most other respiratory virus infections, a high incidence of febrile seizures (50%) was noted, which was significantly higher than those for HCoV-OC43 (14%), adenovirus (9%), human parainfluenza virus 1 (0%), and respiratory syncytial virus (8%) infections. CoV-HKU1 and HCoV-OC43 infections peaked in winter, although cases of the former also occurred in spring to early summer. This is in contrast to HCoV-NL63 infections, which mainly occurred in early summer and autumn but were absent in winter. Two genotypes of CoV-HKU1 cocirculated during the study period. Continuous studies over a longer period are warranted to ascertain the seasonal variation and relative importance of the different coronaviruses. Similar studies in other countries are required to better determine the epidemiology and genetic diversity of CoV-HKU1.
Nucleoside Prodrugs of A3 Adenosine Receptor Agonists and Antagonists
Authors: Besada Pedro , Mamedova Liaman K. , Palaniappan Krishnan K. , Gao Zhan-Guo , Joshi Bhalchandra V. , Jeong Lak Shin , Civan Mortimer M. , Jacobson Kenneth A.
Published: June 2006

9-(β-D-Ribosfuranosyluronamide)adenine derivatives that are selective agonists and antagonists of the A3 adenosine receptor (AR) have been derivatized as prodrugs for in vivo delivery. The free hydroxy groups at the 2' and 3' positions of the agonists 2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-9-(N-methyl-(β-D-ribosfuranosyluronamide)adenine 2b, the corresponding 4'-thio nucleoside 2c, and antagonists 4a and 4b (5'-N,N-dimethylamides related to 2b and 2c, respectively) were derivatized through simple acylation reactions. The prodrug derivatives were tested in radioligand binding assays at ARs and in a functional assay of adenylate cyclase at the A3AR and found to be considerably less active than the parent drugs. The hydrolysis of nucleoside 2',3'-diesters to regenerate the parent compound in the presence of human blood was demonstrated. 2',3'-Dipropionate esters of 2b and 4a were readily cleaved in a two-step reaction to regenerate the parent drug, on a time scale of two hours. The cleavage of a 2',3'-dihexanoate ester occurred at a slower rate. This indicates that the prodrugs are suitable as masked forms of the biologically active A3AR agonists and antagonists for future evaluation in vivo.
Predictors of occupational exposure to styrene and styrene-7,8-oxide in the reinforced plastics industry
Authors: Serdar B , Tornero-Velez R , Echeverria D , Nylander-French L A , Kupper L L , Rappaport S M
Published: June 2006

Objective:To identify demographic and work related factors that predict blood levels of styrene and styrene-7,8-oxide (SO) in the fibreglass reinforced plastics (FRP) industry.

Methods:Personal breathing-zone air samples and whole blood samples were collected repeatedly from 328 reinforced plastics workers in the Unuted States between 1996 and 1999. Styrene and its major metabolite SO were measured in these samples. Multivariable linear regression analyses were applied to the subject-specific levels to explain the variation in exposure and biomarker levels.

Results:Exposure levels of styrene were approximately 500-fold higher than those of SO. Exposure levels of styrene and SO varied greatly among the types of products manufactured, with an 11-fold range of median air levels among categories for styrene and a 23-fold range for SO. Even after stratification by job title, median exposures of styrene and SO among laminators varied 14- and 31-fold across product categories. Furthermore, the relative proportions of exposures to styrene and SO varied among product categories. Multivariable regression analyses explained 70% and 63% of the variation in air levels of styrene and SO, respectively, and 72% and 34% of the variation in blood levels of styrene and SO, respectively. Overall, air levels of styrene and SO appear to have decreased substantially in this industry over the last 10–20 years in the US and were greatest among workers with the least seniority.

Conclusions:As levels of styrene and SO in air and blood varied among product categories in the FRP industry, use of job title as a surrogate for exposure can introduce unpredictable measurement errors and can confound the relation between exposure and health outcomes in epidemiology studies. Also, inverse relations between the intensity of exposure to styrene and SO and years on the job suggest that younger workers with little seniority are typically exposed to higher levels of styrene and SO than their coworkers.
GH receptor signaling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in human subjects following exposure to an intravenous GH bolus
Authors: Jørgensen Jens O. L. , Jessen Niels , Pedersen Steen B. , Vestergaard Esben , Gormsen Lars , Lund Sten A. , Billestrup Nils
Published: June 2006

Growth hormone (GH) regulates muscle and fat metabolism, which impacts on body composition and insulin sensitivty, but the underlying GH signaling pathways have not been studied in vivo in humans. We investigated GH signaling in biopsies from muscle and abdominal fat obtained 30 ( n = 3) or 60 ( n = 3) min after an intravenous bolus of GH (0.5 mg) vs. saline in conjunction with serum sampling in six healthy males after an overnight fast. Expression of the following signal proteins were assayed by Western blotting: STAT5/p-STAT5, MAPK, and Akt/PKB. IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase activity was measured by in vitro phosphorylation of PI. STAT5 DNA binding activity was assessed with EMSA, and the expression of IGF-I and SOCS mRNA was measured by real-time RT-PCR. GH induced a 52% increase in circulating FFA levels with peak values after 155 min ( P = 0.03). Tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT5 was detected in muscle and fat of all subjects after GH. Activation of MAPK was observed in several lysates but without GH dependency. Neither PKB/Akt nor PI 3-kinase activity was affected by GH. GH-induced STAT5 DNA binding and expression of IGF-I mRNA were detected in fat, whereas expression of SOCS-1 and -3 tended to increase after GH in muscle and fat, respectively. We conclude that 1) STAT5 is acutely activated in human muscle and fat after a GH bolus, but additional downstream GH signaling was significant only in fat; 2) the direct GH effects in muscle need further characterization; and 3) this human in vivo model may be used to study the mechanisms subserving the actions of GH on substrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat.
Locations, abundances, and possible functions of FXYD ion transport regulators in rat renal medulla
Authors: Pihakaski-Maunsbach Kaarina , Vorum Henrik , Honoré Bent , Tokonabe Shigeki , Frøkiær Jørgen , Garty Haim , Karlish Steven J. D. , Maunsbach Arvid B.
Published: June 2006

The γ-subunit of Na-K-ATPase (FXYD2) and corticosteroid hormone-induced factor (CHIF; FXYD4) are considered pump regulators in kidney tubules. The aim of this study was to expand the information about their locations in the kidney medulla and to evaluate their importance for electrolyte excretion in an animal model. The cellular and subcellular locations and abundances of γ and CHIF in the medulla of control and sodium-depleted rats were analyzed by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy and semiquantitative Western blotting. The results showed that antibodies against the γ-subunit COOH terminus and splice variant γa, but not splice variant γb, labeled intercalated cells, but not principal cells, in the initial part of the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD1). In subsequent segments (IMCD2 and IMCD3), all principal cells exhibited distinct basolateral labeling for both the γ-subunit COOH terminus, splice variant γa, and CHIF. Splice variant γbwas abundant in the inner stripe of the outer medulla but absent in the inner medulla (IM). Double labeling by high-resolution immunoelectron microscopy showed close structural association between CHIF and the Na-K-ATPase α1-subunit in basolateral membranes. The present observations provide new information about the cellular and subcellular locations of γ and CHIF in the renal medulla and show a new γ variant in the IM. Extensive NaCl depletion did not induce significant changes in the locations or abundances of the γ-subunit COOH terminus and CHIF in different kidney zones. We conclude that the unchanged levels of these two FXYD proteins suggest that they are not primary determinants for urine electrolyte composition during NaCl depletion.
How Intra-Industry Trade Is Related to Income Difference and Foreign Direct Investment in East Asia
Authors: Sohn Chan-Hyun , Zhang Zhaoyong
Published: June 2006

This paper investigates how intra-industry trade (IIT) is linked to cross-country income difference and foreign direct investment (FDI). We distinguish IIT as either horizontally or vertically differentiated, using bilateral exports and imports data for Japan and the remaining East Asian countries at the SITC five-digit level over 1990–2000. Our results show that the income difference has a negative relationship with the share of horizontal IIT, but a positive relationship with vertical IIT, and that cross-country FDI has a positive relationship with share of horizontal IIT and a negative relationship with share of vertical IIT.
Enhancing Singapore's Competitiveness: Some Fundamental Rethinking
Authors: Giap Tan Khee , Kang Chen
Published: June 2006

Singapore's economy faces some major concerns resulting from intensified regional competition and the transformation from being investment-driven to innovation-driven. This paper examines (1) the accumulation and utilization of huge government surpluses in the past 40 years; (2) the country's total cost structure (e.g., land, wages, and regulatory costs); (3) the relationships among small and medium-sized enterprises, government-linked companies, and multinational corporations; and (4) the product and market diversification that is needed to mitigate the impacts on unemployment resulting from structural changes and the transition from manufacturing to services. Singapore's comparative and competitive advantages as a strategic hub of economic activities in Asia are examined and policy recommendations are put forward.