bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ready or Not?
Authors: Carroll Jason S. , Badger Sarah , Willoughby Brian J. , Nelson Larry J. , Madsen Stephanie D. , McNamara Barry Carolyn
Published: April 2009

This study examined emerging adults' criteria for marriage readiness and explored how these criteria are associated with their current attitudes and behaviors. This article establishes the psychometric value of the Criteria for Marriage Readiness Questionnaire and reports on a study of 788 emerging adults recruited from five college sites across the country. Results showed that marriage readiness is viewed by emerging adults as a process of developing interpersonal competencies, making life-long commitments, and acquiring capacities to care for others. These findings suggest that many emerging adults regard becoming an adult and becoming ready for marriage as two distinct transitions in life, with the first involving a shift from being cared for by others to taking care of oneself and the second consisting of a transition from self-care to caring for others. Results also showed that young people's criteria for marriage readiness are associated with individual differences in their current risk taking and family formation values.
The Role of Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Social Work Practice
Authors: Alzate Mónica M.
Published: April 2009

The understanding and promotion of sexual and reproductive rights are essential in the social work profession, not only to improve the health status of affected populations but to advocate effectively for social justice and to respond to globalized realities. This article highlights the relevance of sexual and reproductive rights in the philosophical foundation and practice of social work, emphasizes the impact of reproductive health and rights on women's lives, and proposes a social work agenda that will embrace and promote sexual and reproductive rights. It uses policy statements from the International Federation of Social Workers as well as a human rights framework focused on sexual and reproductive rights that stems from the global feminist movement.
The Girl Child
Authors: Heidemann Gretchen , Ferguson Kristin M.
Published: April 2009

This article presents a critical synthesis of the empirical literature on the girl child. The often-cited issues faced by this population include the lack of access to education and health care, commercial sexual exploitation, and harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage. Despite frequent accounts cited in the literature, there has been no prior comprehensive review of issues encountered by the girl child or accompanying solutions. Adopting the systematic review method, the authors examine 16 empirical studies in relation to their geographic settings, definitions of the girl child, research methods, issues explored, and findings. Recommendations for future research are offered.
Prison Privatization
Authors: Lundahl Brad W. , Kunz Chelsea , Brownell Cyndi , Harris Norma , Van Vleet Russ
Published: April 2009

Objective: To examine the results of prison privatization. Method: In an effort to provide an empirical base from which decisions about privatization might be made, we conducted a meta-analysis of reports on head-to-head comparisons between an identifiable privately managed and publicly managed prison(s). Results: Our search identified 12 studies. Indicators of cost of confinement and confinement quality were assessed. Results suggest privately managed prisons provide no clear benefit or detriment. Conclusion: Cost savings from privatizing prisons are not guaranteed and appear minimal. Quality of confinement is similar across privately and publicly managed systems, with publicly managed prisons delivering slightly better skills training and having slightly fewer inmate grievances.
Grief—Peer Dynamics: Understanding Experiences with Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Thannhauser Jennifer E.
Published: April 2009

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, and often debilitating disease of the central nervous system, for which there is no cure. This article provides insight into the experiences of adolescents with MS and the role of their peer relationships. Through the use of grounded theory, a preliminary theoretical model was developed for understanding the psychosocial experiences of these adolescents. Central to this framework is the interplay between the adolescents' grief and their peer relationships. Social, emotional, and cognitive manifestations of grief were expressed in response to the loss of health. Cyclical movements through grief and acceptance were demonstrated as the adolescents experienced a variety of secondary losses. Dynamic peer relationships either facilitated or impeded this process. Insight can be garnered from this study for further research and the development of multidisciplinary resources for this unique group of adolescents.
Application of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score to Patients With Cancer Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A. , Texcocano-Becerra Julia , Herrera-Gómez Angel
Published: April 2009

The aim of the current study was to describe the utility of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score in assessing the severity of organ dysfunction in patients with cancer before admission to the intensive care unit. This was a prospective cohort study performed from January to October 2007. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was recorded before admission to intensive care unit. Two hundred patients were included. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of patients having survived the intensive care unit stay was 3.44 ± 3.56 and of the patients no survivor’s was 9.35 ± 3.45. There were 89.5% of the patients who had 2 or more organ dysfunctions. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for score Sequential Organ Failure Assessment was 0.87. The mortality in the intensive care unit was 27.5%. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was predictive for survival in intensive care unit when applied before admission.
Reasons for Starting and Continuing to Volunteer for Hospice
Authors: Planalp Sally , Trost Melanie
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to find out from hospice volunteers how they first heard of opportunities to volunteer, what motivated them to volunteer when they first began, and why they continue. A total of 351 volunteers from 3 states in the western United States participated in a questionnaire study. Three open-ended questions addressed how they heard of hospice, why they started, and why they continued. Their intentions to continue were also measured on rating scales. Responses to the open-ended questions were coded with acceptable intercoder reliability. Findings were that volunteers heard of opportunities through hospice and health care contacts, personal contacts, print and electronic sources, and other nonhospice organizations. They began volunteering primarily to be of service and because of a personal experience with the death of someone to whom they were close. Most volunteers chose to continue because they found it personally rewarding, helpful to others, or both, but many reported that they continue because of the quality of their own hospice organization and its staff. Demographic influences were noted but were generally small.
The Incidence of Place of Death in Greek Patients with Cancer in 1995 and 2005
Authors: Mystakidou Kyriaki , Parpa Efi , Tsilika Eleni , Panagiotou Irene , Galanos Antonis , Tsiatas Marinos , Theodorakis Pavlos
Published: April 2009

Purpose: To describe where (home or hospital) patients with cancer die in Greece, in 1995 and 2005. Methods: We used data from patients with cancer, who died in Greece in 1995 and 2005, and we studied the location changes of death in the 3 major geographical areas of Greece (Macedonia: North Greece, Central Greece, and Crete: South Greece). Results: In Central Greece and Crete, death incidences for 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80+ age groups decreased from 1995 to 2005. In Crete, in 1995, male and female death incidences for 80+ age group dying at home was higher than the corresponding one dying in hospital. Conclusion: It seemed that in Greece, more cancer patients are dying in hospitals. Geographical and socioeconomic criteria might affect the place of death of a patient with cancer.
Importing Medicine
Authors: Richards Michael R. , Chou Chiu-Fang , Lo Sasso Anthony T.
Published: April 2009

International medical graduates (IMGs) make up roughly one quarter of the U.S. physician supply and residency training positions. Commentary related to IMGs tends to project a continuing rise in supply over time. This study wanted to challenge these perceptions by disaggregating IMGs by immigration and citizenship status to carefully examine their numerical levels and choices in training specialty and location during a 10-year period. The results demonstrate a shrinking IMG population overall for the state of New York, with noncitizen IMGs shrinking the most markedly. This may bear heavily on New York's physician supply and distribution, particularly for underserved locales. The authors find evidence consistent with some degree of substitution in favor of native-born and naturalized IMGs versus noncitizen IMGs.
Network Evaluation from the Everyday Life Perspective
Authors: Horelli Liisa
Published: April 2009

Despite the rich literature on networks, publications on the evaluation of networks are scarce. The aim of the article is to present the core concepts of network evaluation in the context of local and regional development, and a case study in Finnish North-Karelia. It is argued that network evaluation from the everyday life perspective (NEELP) is a special case. It requires an integrative design and the building of a collective monitoring and self-evaluation system with a variety of enabling and traditional assessment tools. It contributes to the empowerment and capacity-building of individuals and groups of people who are involved in the co-creation of their contexts, while it also strives to recognize the complex systemic aspects of the environment.
Marx and `Modernization'
Authors: Garrett Paul Michael
Published: April 2009

• Summary: Despite the marginalization of Marxism with social work, Karl Marx's Capital still provides a devastating critique of capitalism and remains a vital resource for social workers seeking to understand and develop strategies of resistance to neoliberalization.

• Findings: Marx provides a number of `reminders' or `coordinates' which might help us to make sense of transformations taking place within the `world of work' today. More fundamentally, he illuminates aspects of `actually existing capitalism'. Furthermore, focusing on the first volume of Capital helps us to think about a constellation of connected factors, loosely referred to under the headings of time, toil (or labour) and technology, underpinning the `modernization' of social work and related areas of activity. The book also remains important because it reminds contemporary readers that capitalism is an exploitative economic system which damages bodies and minds. In this context, it is significant that Marx was perturbed and outraged by how the lives of children were being destroyed by the dynamic, unregulated power of capital.

• Applications : It would be erroneous to assume we can mechanically apply Marx's work in manifestly different times and circumstances. Rather, we have to `do our own work', in our particular time, place, and professional field and ponder whether some of the ideas adumbrated by Marx, in the late 19th century, still have contemporary resonance and meaning within neoliberal modernity.
Enteric Bacterial Pathogens in HIV-Infected Children With Acute Diarrhea in Mulago Referral and Teaching Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Musiime Victor , Kalyesubula Israel , Kaddu-Mulindwa Deogratius , Byarugaba Justus
Published: April 2009

Objective. HIV-infected children develop severe bacterial infections. We set out to determine the enteric bacterial pathogens in HIV-infected children and HIV-negative controls with acute diarrhea and their antimicrobial sensitivities. Methods. Children below 5 years of age with acute diarrhea were screened for HIV and their stools were analyzed by culture and use of antisera and the sensitivities of the pathogens were determined using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results. Of the 190 children, 47 were HIV positive. The prevalence rates of the pathogens in HIV-infected and -uninfected children were 19% (9/47) and 27% (38/143), respectively; odds ratio = 0.64 (95% confidence interval 0.20-1.97), P value .396. The pathogens in HIV-infected and -uninfected children were Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella species. Most isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole. Conclusions. Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella species significantly cause acute diarrhea in HIV-infected and -uninfected children and they are highly resistant to cotrimoxazole.
Dried Blood Spots Versus Plasma for the Quantification of HIV-1 RNA Using the Manual (PCR-ELISA) Amplicor Monitor HIV-1 Version 1.5 Assay in Yaounde, Cameroon
Authors: Ikomey G.M. , Atashili J. , Okomo-Assoumou M.C. , Mesembe M. , Ndumbe P.M.
Published: April 2009

Objectives: Considering the recent accrued need for viral load quantification in resource-limited settings, this study evaluated the use of dried blood spots (DBS) compared to plasma as a means of sample collection and storage for HIV-1 RNA quantification using a non-automated assay. Methods: Venous blood was collected from 60 consenting HIV-1-positive patients, plasma separated within 4 hours, and stored at -20°C. Venous blood, 50 μL, was blotted on 4 designated areas of Whatman filter paper and air-dried at room temperature for 2 hours. Results: There was a strong statistically significant correlation between HIV-1 RNA viral load using plasma and DBS (r = .955, P < .001). On average plasma viral loads were only slightly higher than DBS viral loads (mean difference: 0.06 log10 copies/mL). Conclusion: Even when using an entirely manual HIV-quantification assay, DBS may provide a reliable, cost-effective method for sample collection and storage for HIV-1 RNA quantification in resource-limited settings.
Students' Perceptions of University Method Class Preparation for Teaching Across Music Disciplines
Authors: Hamann Donald , Ebie Brian
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine if participants believed that participation in music education methods courses would provide adequate training to address concerns they had about teaching either within or outside their area of familiarity. One hundred fifty-nine music majors enrolled in music methods courses during the 2005-2006 academic year served as participants. Using a free response, open-ended questionnaire, participants were asked to assess their concerns about teaching in a musical area within and outside their familiar music expertise. The authors found that participants had thought about and could express concerns about teaching within and outside their area of familiarity, were confident their training in college music education methods courses could provide them the skills needed to be effective teachers, and believed that these courses would provide ample knowledge and experience to alleviate their concerns at this point in their careers. Implications for music education are discussed.
Regulation of T cell-dendritic cell interactions by IL-7 governs T-cell activation and homeostasis
Authors: Saini Manoj , Pearson Claire , Seddon Benedict
Published: April 2009

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) plays a central role in the homeostasis of the T-cell compartment by regulating T-cell survival and proliferation. Whether IL-7 can influence T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in T cells remains controversial. Here, using IL-7–deficient hosts and TCR-transgenic T cells that conditionally express IL-7R, we examined antigen-specific T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo to viral infection and lymphopenia to determine whether IL-7 signaling influences TCR-triggered cell division events. In vitro, we could find no evidence that IL-7 signaling could costimulate T-cell activation over a broad range of conditions, suggesting that IL-7 does not directly tune TCR signaling. In vivo, however, we found an acute requirement for IL-7 signaling for efficiently triggering T-cell responses to influenza A virus challenge. Furthermore, we found that IL-7 was required for the enhanced homeostatic TCR signaling that drives lymphopenia-induced proliferation by a mechanism involving efficient contacts of T cells with dendritic cells. Consistent with this, saturating antigen-presenting capacity in vivo overcame the triggering defect in response to cognate peptide. Thus, we demonstrate a novel role for IL-7 in regulating T cell–dendritic cell interactions that is essential for both T-cell homeostasis and activation in vivo.
Molecular mechanisms of the defective hepcidin inhibition in TMPRSS6 mutations associated with iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Silvestri Laura , Guillem Flavia , Pagani Alessia , Nai Antonella , Oudin Claire , Silva Muriel , Toutain Fabienne , Kannengiesser Caroline , Beaumont Carole , Camaschella Clara , Grandchamp Bernard
Published: April 2009

Matriptase-2 is a transmembrane serine protease that negatively regulates hepcidin expression by cleaving membrane-bound hemojuvelin. Matriptase-2 has a complex ectodomain, including a C-terminal serine protease domain and its activation requires an autocatalytic cleavage. Matriptase-2 mutations have been reported in several patients with iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia. Here we describe a patient with 2 missense mutations in the second class A low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLRA) domain. Functional studies of these 2 mutations and of a previously reported mutation in the second C1r/C1s, urchin embryonic growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein 1 (CUB) domain were performed. Transfection of mutant cDNAs showed that membrane targeting of the 2 LDLRA mutants was impaired, with Golgi retention of the variants. The activating cleavage was absent for the LDLRA mutants and reduced for the CUB mutant. All 3 mutated proteins were still able to physically interact with hemojuvelin but only partially repressed hepcidin expression compared with wild-type matriptase-2. Our results underline the importance of LDLRA and CUB domains of matriptase-2.
Altered cellular dynamics and endosteal location of aged early hematopoietic progenitor cells revealed by time-lapse intravital imaging in long bones
Authors: Köhler Anja , Schmithorst Vince , Filippi Marie-Dominique , Ryan Marnie A. , Daria Deidre , Gunzer Matthias , Geiger Hartmut
Published: April 2009

Aged hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are impaired in supporting hematopoiesis. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of stem cell aging are not well defined. HSCs interact with nonhematopoietic stroma cells in the bone marrow forming the niche. Interactions of hematopoietic cells with the stroma/microenvironment inside bone cavities are central to hematopoiesis as they regulate cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. We recently hypothesized that one underlying cause of altered hematopoiesis in aging might be due to altered interactions of aged stem cells with the microenvironment/niche. We developed time-lapse 2-photon microscopy and novel image analysis algorithms to quantify the dynamics of young and aged hematopoietic cells inside the marrow of long bones of mice in vivo. We report in this study that aged early hematopoietic progenitor cells (eHPCs) present with increased cell protrusion movement in vivo and localize more distantly to the endosteum compared with young eHPCs. This correlated with reduced adhesion to stroma cells as well as reduced cell polarity upon adhesion of aged eHPCs. These data support a role of altered eHPC dynamics and altered cell polarity, and thus altered niche biology in mechanisms of mammalian aging.
Comparison of the rates of joint arthroplasty in patients with severe factor VIII and IX deficiency: an index of different clinical severity of the 2 coagulation disorders
Authors: Tagariello Giuseppe , Iorio Alfonso , Santagostino Elena , Morfini Massimo , Bisson Ruggero , Innocenti Massimo , Mancuso Maria Elisa , Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , Pasta Gian Luigi , Radossi Paolo , Rodorigo Giuseppina , Santoro Cristina , Sartori Roberto , Scaraggi Antonio , Solimeno Luigi Pier , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio
Published: April 2009

Data from the Italian Hemophilia Centres were collected to perform a retrospective survey of joint arthroplasty in patients with severe hemophilia. Twenty-nine of 49 hemophilia centers reported that 328 of the 347 operations were carried out in 253 patients with severe hemophilia A (HA) and 19 in 15 patients with severe hemophilia B (HB). When results were normalized to the whole Italian hemophilia population (1770 severe HA and 319 severe HB), patients with HA had a 3-fold higher risk of undergoing joint arthroplasty (odds ratio [OR], 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.97-5.77; P < .001). These results were confirmed after adjustment for age, HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and inhibitor in a Cox regression model (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.62-4.33; P < .001). The survival analysis of time to joint arthroplasty in the subset of patients with severe HA was not affected by the severity of factor VIII (FVIII) gene mutations. A systematic review of literature articles reporting joint arthroplasties in HA and HB showed that the proportion of HA patients who had undergone arthroplasties was higher than that of HB patients, in agreement with the findings in our Italian cohort. These data suggest that the 2 inherited coagulation disorders have a different severity of clinical phenotype.
Probing the mitotic history and developmental stage of hematopoietic cells using single telomere length analysis (STELA)
Authors: Hills Mark , Lücke Kai , Chavez Elizabeth A. , Eaves Connie J. , Lansdorp Peter M.
Published: April 2009

In most human somatic cells, telomeres shorten as a function of DNA replication. Telomere length is therefore an indirect measure of the replicative history of cells. We measured the telomere lengths at XpYp chromosomes in purified human hematopoietic populations enriched for stem cells (Lin−CD34+CD38−Rho−) and successively more mature cells. The average telomere length showed expected length changes, pointing to the utility of this method for classifying novel differentiation markers. Interestingly, the frequency of abruptly shortened telomeres increased in terminally differentiated adult populations, suggesting that damage to telomeric DNA occurs or is not repaired upon hematopoietic differentiation. When Lin−CD34+CD38−Rho− cord blood cells were transplanted into immunodeficient mice, the telomeres of the most primitive regenerated human hematopoietic cells lost approximately 3 kb, indicative of more than 30 cell divisions. Further losses in differentiating cells were similar to those observed in pretransplantation cell populations. These results indicate extensive self-renewal divisions of human hematopoietic stem cells are the primary cause of telomere erosion upon transplantation rather than added cell divisions in downstream progenitors.
Alterations in oestrogen metabolism: implications for higher penetrance of familial pulmonary arterial hypertension in females
Authors: Austin E. D. , Cogan J. D. , West J. D. , Hedges L. K. , Hamid R. , Dawson E. P. , Wheeler L. A. , Parl F. F. , Loyd J. E. , Phillips J. A.
Published: April 2009

Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) cause familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (FPAH), but the penetrance is reduced and females are significantly overrepresented. In addition, gene expression data implicating the oestrogen-metabolising enzyme CYP1B1 suggests a detrimental role of oestrogens or oestrogen metabolites. We examined genetic and metabolic markers of altered oestrogen metabolism in subjects with aBMPR2mutation.

Genotypes forCYP1B1 Asn453Ser(N453S) were determined for 140BMPR2mutation carriers (86 females and 54 males). Nested from those subjects, a case–control study of urinary oestrogen metabolite levels (2-hydroxyoestrogen (2-OHE) and 16α-hydroxyoestrone (16α-OHE1)) was conducted in females (five affected mutation carriersversussix unaffected mutation carriers).

Among females, there was four-fold higher penetrance among subjects homozygous for the wild-type genotype (N/N) than those with N/S or S/S genotypes (p = 0.005). Consistent with this finding, the 2-OHE/16α-OHE1ratio was 2.3-fold lower in affected mutation carriers compared to unaffected mutation carriers (p = 0.006).

Our findings suggest that variations in oestrogens and oestrogen metabolism modify FPAH risk. Further investigation of the role of oestrogens in this disease with profound sex bias may yield new insights and, perhaps, therapeutic interventions.
Elastin expression in very severe human COPD
Authors: Deslee G. , Woods J. C. , Moore C. M. , Liu L. , Conradi S. H. , Milne M. , Gierada D. S. , Pierce J. , Patterson A. , Lewit R. A. , Battaile J. T. , Holtzman M. J. , Hogg J. C. , Pierce R. A.
Published: April 2009

Alveolar elastic fibres are key targets of proteases during the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the current study, we hypothesised that a response to injury leads to enhanced alveolar elastin gene expression in very severe COPD.

Lung samples obtained from 43 patients, including 11 with very severe COPD (stage 4), 10 donors, 10 with moderate/severe COPD (stage 2–3) and 12 non-COPD subjects, were analysed for elastin mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR andin situhybridisation. Alveolar elastic fibres were visualised using Hart's staining of sections of frozen inflated lungs obtained from 11 COPD stage 4 patients and three donor lungs.

Compared with donors, non-COPD and stage 2–3 COPD, elastin mRNA expression was significantly increased in very severe COPD lungs (12-fold change), and localisedin situhybridisation induced elastin expression to alveolar walls. Compared with donors, alveolar elastic fibres also comprised a greater volume fraction of total lung tissue in very severe COPD lungs (p<0.01), but elastic fibre content was not increased per lung volume, and desmosine content was not increased.

The present study demonstrates enhanced alveolar elastin expression in very severe COPD. The efficiency of this potential repair mechanism and its regulation remain to be demonstrated.
Predictors of residual sleepiness in adequately treated obstructive sleep apnoea patients
Authors: Koutsourelakis I. , Perraki E. , Economou N. T. , Dimitrokalli P. , Vagiakis E. , Roussos C. , Zakynthinos S.
Published: April 2009

Some patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS; respiratory distress index (RDI) of >5 events·h−1) experience residual excessive daytime subjective sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score of >10), despite adequate use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The aim of the present study was to identify clinical and polysomnographic predictors of this sleepiness.

Clinical and polysomnographic variables and ESS score were evaluated in 208 OSAS patients with an ESS score of >10 before (initial assessment) and after ≥6 months of adequate (≥4 h·day−1) CPAP use.

Following CPAP treatment, 114 (55%) patients showed an abnormal ESS score (>10; CPAP nonresponders), whereas 94 (45%) showed a normal ESS score (<11; CPAP responders). Of the CPAP responders, none had a history of depression, whereas the converse was true for 38.8% of CPAP nonresponders. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of residual excessive daytime sleepiness following CPAP therapy were a history of diabetes and heart disease, and a higher ESS score and lower RDI on initial assessment.

In conclusion, predictors of residual excessive sleepiness in adequately CPAP-treated OSAS were a history of depression, diabetes and heart disease, and a higher ESS score and lower RDI on initial assessment.
Sibutramineversuscontinuous positive airway pressure in obese obstructive sleep apnoea patients
Authors: Ferland A. , Poirier P. , Sériès F.
Published: April 2009

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of 1 yr of sibutramine-induced weight lossversuscontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on sleep-disordered breathing, cardiac autonomic function and systemic blood pressure in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Subjects with a body mass index of ≥30 kg·m−2without previous treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea underwent either sibutramine (n = 22) or CPAP (n = 18) treatment for 1 yr.

Sibutramine induced a 5.4±1.4 kg decrease in body weight compared to the CPAP group, in which no changes in anthropometric variables were observed. The CPAP treatment improved all sleep and respiratory variables, whereas sibutramine-induced weight loss improved only nocturnal arterial oxygen saturation profile. Only CPAP treatment improved night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressure and 24-h and daytime ambulatory diastolic blood pressure. Sibutramine-induced weight loss had no impact on indices of heart rate variability, whereas CPAP treatment increased daytime time domain indices.

CPAP treatment for 1 yr had beneficial impacts on nocturnal breathing disturbances, and improved nocturnal oxygenation, night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and daytime cardiac parasympathetic modulation. Sibutramine did not improve sleep-disordered breathing, systemic blood pressure or heart rate variability. There were no adverse effects, such as increment in blood pressure or arrhythmias, associated with this treatment regimen.
Second-hand smoke exposure in cars and respiratory health effects in children
Authors: Kabir Z. , Manning P. J. , Holohan J. , Keogan S. , Goodman P. G. , Clancy L.
Published: April 2009

We examined potential associations of ever asthma, and symptoms of wheeze (past 12 months), hay fever, eczema and bronchitis (cough with phlegm) among school children exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in cars, using a modified Irish International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol.

2,809 children of 13–14 yrs old and who selected randomly from post-primary schools throughout Ireland completed the 2007 ISAAC self-administered questionnaire. Adjusted OR (adjusted for sex, active smoking status of children interviewed and their SHS exposure at home) were estimated for the associations studied, using multivariable logistic regression techniques.

Overall, 14.8% (13.9% in young males, 15.4% in young females) of Irish children aged 13–14 yrs old were exposed to SHS in cars. Although there was a tendency towards increased likelihood of both respiratory and allergic symptoms with SHS exposure in cars, wheeze and hay fever symptoms were significantly higher (adjusted OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.08–1.70) and 1.30 (1.01–1.67), respectively), while bronchitis symptoms and asthma were not significant (1.33 (0.92–1.95) and 1.07 (0.81–1.42), respectively).

Approximately one in seven Irish schoolchildren are exposed to SHS in cars and could have adverse respiratory health effects. Further studies are imperative to explore such associations across different population settings.
Identification of distinct SET/TAF-Iβ domains required for core histone binding and quantitative characterisation of the interaction
Authors: Karetsou Zoe , Emmanouilidou Anastasia , Sanidas Ioannis , Liokatis Stamatis , Nikolakaki Eleni , Politou Anastasia S , Papamarcaki Thomais
Published: April 2009

Background

The assembly of nucleosomes to higher-order chromatin structures is finely tuned by the relative affinities of histones for chaperones and nucleosomal binding sites. The myeloid leukaemia protein SET/TAF-Iβ belongs to the NAP1 family of histone chaperones and participates in several chromatin-based mechanisms, such as chromatin assembly, nucleosome reorganisation and transcriptional activation. To better understand the histone chaperone function of SET/TAF-Iβ, we designed several SET/TAF-Iβ truncations, examined their structural integrity by circular Dichroism and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively the histone binding properties of wild-type protein and mutant forms using GST-pull down experiments and fluorescence spectroscopy-based binding assays.

Results

Wild type SET/TAF-Iβ binds to histones H2B and H3 with Kd values of 2.87 and 0.15 μM, respectively. The preferential binding of SET/TAF-Iβ to histone H3 is mediated by its central region and the globular part of H3. On the contrary, the acidic C-terminal tail and the amino-terminal dimerisation domain of SET/TAF-Iβ, as well as the H3 amino-terminal tail, are dispensable for this interaction.

Conclusion

This type of analysis allowed us to assess the relative affinities of SET/TAF-Iβ for different histones and identify the domains of the protein required for effective histone recognition. Our findings are consistent with recent structural studies of SET/TAF-Iβ and can be valuable to understand the role of SET/TAF-Iβ in chromatin function.
PRIMA-1MET induces nucleolar translocation of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded EBNA-5 protein
Authors: Stuber György , Flaberg Emilie , Petranyi Gabor , Ötvös Rita , Rökaeus Nina , Kashuba Elena , Wiman Klas G , Klein George , Szekely Laszlo
Published: April 2009

The low molecular weight compound, PRIMA-1MET restores the transcriptional transactivation function of certain p53 mutants in tumor cells. We have previously shown that PRIMA-1MET induces nucleolar translocation of p53, PML, CBP and Hsp70. The Epstein-Barr virus encoded, latency associated antigen EBNA-5 (also known as EBNA-LP) is required for the efficient transformation of human B lymphocytes by EBV. EBNA-5 associates with p53-hMDM2-p14ARF complexes. EBNA-5 is a nuclear protein that translocates to the nucleolus upon heat shock or inhibition of proteasomes along with p53, hMDM2, Hsp70, PML and proteasome subunits. Here we show that PRIMA-1MET induces the nucleolar translocation of EBNA-5 in EBV transformed B lymphoblasts and in transfected tumor cells. The PRIMA-1MET induced translocation of EBNA-5 is not dependent on the presence of mutant p53. It also occurs in p53 null cells or in cells that express wild type p53. Both the native and the EGFP or DSRed conjugated EBNA-5 respond to PRIMA-1MET treatment in the same way. Image analysis of DSRed-EBNA-5 expressing cells, using confocal fluorescence time-lapse microscopy showed that the nucleolar translocation requires several hours to complete. FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) and FLIP (fluorescence loss in photobleaching) measurements on live cells showed that the nucleolar translocation was accompanied by the formation of EBNA-5 aggregates. The process is reversible since the aggregates are dissolved upon removal of PRIMA-1MET. Our results suggest that mutant p53 is not the sole target of PRIMA-1MET. We propose that PRIMA-1MET may reversibly inhibit cellular chaperons that prevent the aggregation of misfolded proteins, and that EBNA-5 may serve as a surrogate drug target for elucidating the precise molecular action of PRIMA-1MET.
ACTH-producing carcinoma of the pituitary with refractory Cushing's Disease and hepatic metastases: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pinchot Scott N , Sippel Rebecca , Chen Herbert
Published: April 2009

Background

Pituitary carcinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors affecting the adenohypophysis. The hallmark of these lesions is the demonstration of distant metastatic spread. To date, few well-documented cases have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of a fatal pituitary carcinoma evolving within two years from an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting macroadenoma and review the global literature regarding this rare neuroendocrine tumor.

Conclusion

Pituitary carcinomas are extremely rare neoplasms, representing only 0.1% to 0.2% of all pituitary tumors. To date, little is understood about the molecular basis of malignant transformation. The latency period between initial presentation of a pituitary adenoma and the development of distal metastases marking carcinoma is extremely variable, and some patients may live well over 10 years with pituitary carcinoma.
Cellular localization of kinin B1 receptor in the spinal cord of streptozotocin-diabetic rats with a fluorescent [Nα-Bodipy]-des-Arg9-bradykinin
Authors: Talbot Sébastien , Théberge-Turmel Patrick , Liazoghli Dalinda , Sénécal Jacques , Gaudreau Pierrette , Couture Réjean
Published: April 2009

Background

The kinin B1receptor (B1R) is upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, bacterial endotoxins and hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress. In animal models of diabetes, it contributes to pain polyneuropathy. This study aims at defining the cellular localization of B1R in thoracic spinal cord of type 1 diabetic rats by confocal microscopy with the use of a fluorescent agonist, [Nα-Bodipy]-des-Arg9-BK (BdABK) and selective antibodies.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg, i.p.). Four days post-STZ treatment, B1R expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and autoradiography. The B1R selectivity of BdABK was determined by assessing its ability to displace B1R [125I]-HPP-desArg10-Hoe140 and B2R [125I]-HPP-Hoe 140 radioligands. Thein vivoactivity of BdABK was also evaluated on thermal hyperalgesia.

Results

B1R was increased by 18-fold (mRNA) and 2.7-fold (binding sites) in the thoracic spinal cord of STZ-treated rats when compared to control. BdABK failed to displace the B2R radioligand but displaced the B1R radioligand (IC50= 5.3 nM). In comparison, IC50values of B1R selective antagonist R-715 and B1R agonist des-Arg9-BK were 4.3 nM and 19 nM, respectively. Intraperitoneal BdABK and des-Arg9-BK elicited dose-dependent thermal hyperalgesia in STZ-treated rats but not in control rats. The B1R fluorescent agonist was co-localized with immunomarkers of microglia, astrocytes and sensory C fibers in the spinal cord of STZ-treated rats.

Conclusion

The induction and up-regulation of B1R in glial and sensory cells of the spinal cord in STZ-diabetic rats reinforce the idea that kinin B1R is an important target for drug development in pain processes.
Supplementary health benefits of soy aglycons of isoflavone by improvement of serum biochemical attributes, enhancement of liver antioxidative capacities and protection of vaginal epithelium of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Lien Tu-Fa , Hsu Yu-Lin , Lo Dan-Yuan , Chiou Robin YY
Published: April 2009

Background

In the literature, supplement of soy aglycons of isoflavone as estrogen agonists in improvement of serum biochemical attributes, liver antioxidative capacities and vaginal epithelium protection has been meagerly investigated. In this study, ovariectomized (OVX) rats were used as an animal model to simulate post-menopausal status. Supplementary health benefits of soy aglycons of isoflavone (SAI) on improvement of growth and serum biochemical attributes, enhancement of liver antioxidation-related capacities and protection of vaginal epithelium of the OVX rats were assessed.

Methods

As an in vivo study, 30 OVX Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed into OVX (positive control), OVX/LSAI (low SAI group – supplemented with 0.0135% SAI being equivalent to 80 mg per day for a 60 Kg-human), and OVX/HSAI (high SAI group – supplemented with 0.027% SAI) and 10 rats with sham operation as negative control fed with basal diet.

Results

The average daily gain (ADG), feed intake and feed/gain ratio were higher for the OVX groups than the sham group (P < 0.05). Serum isoflavone concentrations of the OVX rats were increased by SAI supplementation. In comparison, significantly lower serum cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, and higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels were detected for the rats of OVX/HSAI group (P < 0.05). SAI supplementation also increased iron chelating ability and decreased values of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance) (P < 0.05) of liver extracts. Liver catalase activity and total antioxidative activity (trolox equivalency) were enhanced by HSAI supplementation (P < 0.05). Decrease of vagina epithelial cellular linings of the OVX rats were noticeably improved by dietary supplementation with SAI.

Conclusion

Diets supplemented with soy aglycons of isoflavone have conferred health benefits to the OVX rats, in comparison to the sham rats fed with basal diet, by detection of higher serum isoflavone concentrations, significantly lower contents of serum cholesterol and LDL, and higher contents of serum HDL, increased iron chelating ability, lower contents of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance) and enhanced catalase and total antioxidative (as trolox equivalency) activities of the liver extracts, and protection of the epithelial cellular linings of vagina in the former rather than in the latter. This evidences that estrogen-agonist chemoprevention of menopausal-related cardiovascular diseases, decreased liver antioxidative capacities and epithelial degeneration of vagina could be achieved by dietary supplementation with soy aglycons of isoflavone.
The future of public health: the importance of workforce
Authors: Lin Vivian , Watson Rebecca , Oldenburg Brian
Published: April 2009

Health workforce has become a major concern and a significant health policy issue around the world in recent years. With recent international and national initiatives and models being developed and implemented in Australia and other countries, it is timely to understand the need and the rationale for a better trained and educated public health workforce for the future. Much more attention should also be given to evaluation and research in this field.

Through this thematic series on Workforce and Public Health, we have drawn on the diverse nature of public health, workforce implications, education and training and national and international case examples of ongoing improvements and issues in this sector.
How do government health departments in Australia access health economics advice to inform decisions for health? A survey
Authors: Madden Lynne , King Lesley , Shiell Alan
Published: April 2009

Background

Government anticipates that health economic analysis will contribute to evidence-based policy development. Early examples in Australia where this expectation has been met include the economic evaluations of breast and cervical screening. However, the level of integration of health economics within health services that require this advice appears uneven. We sought to describe how government health departments in Australia use specialist health economic advice to inform policy and planning and the mechanisms through which they access this advice.

Methods

Information describing the arrangements for gaining health economics input into health decision-making was sought through interviews with a purposeful sample of economists and non-economists employed by all departments of health in Australia (state, territories and national). The survey was undertaken in August 2004. To aid interpretation of the results eight health economic functions were identified. As a comparison, four other government departments in NSW provided information about their access to economic advice.

Results

All health departments except one reported being current users of health economics expertise. A variety of arrangements were described to source this, from building organisational capacity with self-sufficient in-house units to forging links with external sources. However, specialist positions for economists or health economists employed within health were few. A framework mapping these arrangements for sourcing advice with the eight common health economic functions to be met is presented. All other non-health government departments approached accessed economic advice, with three having in-house units.

Discussion

A small health economics capacity in Australia has been established over the past 30 years through a variety of structural and strategic mechanisms. Health departments value health economic advice and use a variety of arrangements to obtain this. These arrangements have strengths and weaknesses depending upon the task to be undertaken. The lack of uniformity of approach suggests that health departments are still seeking the best ways to incorporate this form of specialist advice into mainstream decision-making.

Implications

Summarises ways that governments source specialist services. Demonstrates how to describe an organisation's need for specialist services as a set of functions. This approach could be applied to assessing need for other specialist areas of advice.
Drug monitoring in child and adolescent psychiatry for improved efficacy and safety of psychopharmacotherapy
Authors: Mehler-Wex Claudia , Kölch Michael , Kirchheiner Julia , Antony Gisela , Fegert Jörg M , Gerlach Manfred
Published: April 2009

Most psychotropic drugs used in the treatment of children and adolescents are applied "off label" with a direct risk of under- or overdosing and a delayed risk of long-term side effects. The selection of doses in paediatric psychiatric patients requires a consideration of pharmacokinetic parameters and the development of central nervous system, and warrants specific studies in children and adolescents. Because these are lacking for most of the psychotropic drugs applied in the Child and Adolescent and Psychiatry, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a valid tool to optimise pharmacotherapy and to enable to adjust the dosage of drugs according to the characteristics of the individual patient. Multi-centre TDM studies enable the identification of age- and development-dependent therapeutic ranges of blood concentrations and facilitate a highly qualified standardized documentation in the child and adolescent health care system. In addition, they will provide data for future research on psychopharmacological treatment in children and adolescents, as a baseline for example for clinically relevant interactions with various co-medications. Therefore, a German-Austrian-Swiss "Competence Network on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" was founded [1] introducing a comprehensive internet data base for the collection of demographic, safety and efficacy data as well as blood concentrations of psychotropic drugs in children and adolescents.