bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonality of δ13C and C/N ratios in modern and mid-Holocene sediments in the Severn Estuary Levels, SW Britain
Authors: Allen John R.L. , Lamb Angela L. , Dark Petra
Published: February 2007

Bulk organic δ13C and C/N ratios from mid-Holocene salt-marsh deposits with sedimentary banding reveal subtle but significant differences between coarse- and fine-grained deposits. These are consistent with findings from seasonally sampled modern silts, and with the interpretation, on physical and palynological grounds, of the fine-grained and coarse-grained components as warm-season and cold-season deposits, respectively. The control is considered to be seasonal variations in the character of the organic matter supplied.
Teaching and Playing Sport for Conflict Resolution and Co-Existence in Israel
Authors: Sugden John
Published: February 2007

Football for Peace (F4P) is a sport-based co-existence project, for Jewish and Arab children, organized by the University of Brighton in partnership with the British Council, which has been running in towns and villages of the Galilee region of northern Israel since 2001. This article examines this initiative, first, by placing it in its broader socio-economic and political context; and, second, by tracing its specific history and development. Third, the article draws upon interviews conducted in the field and records kept by student volunteers to identify some of the key issues that emerge when making sport-based social interventions in complex, divided societies like Israel. The article suggests that if projects such of this are locally grounded, carefully thought out, and professionally managed they can make a modest contribution to wider efforts to promote conflict resolution and peaceful co-existence. The conclusion raises some of the broader socio-political issues and controversies that continue to inform the Project’s development.
Interferon-β regulates cytokines and BDNF: greater effect in relapsing than in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hamamcioglu K. , Reder AT
Published: February 2007

The mechanism of action of interferon (IFN)-β therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) is only partially known, and its efficacy changes with disease stage. In different forms of MS, we determined how IFN-β regulates mononuclear cell production of the important anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokine - IL-10, the Th1 cytokine - IFN-γ, and the brain-derived neurotrophic protein - BDNF. Activated T cells and monocytes from therapy-naïve patients secreted more IL-10 than healthy controls. During IFN-β therapy, however, T cells produced less IL-10. In vitro, IFN-β stimulated IL-10 production by activated T cells, but inhibited IL-10 secretion by activated monocytes, a richer source of IL-10 than T cells. The form of MS also affected cytokine production. IL-10 and BDNF levels in MNC were high during relapsing/remitting (RR) MS, but low in progressive MS. Surprisingly, IFN-β therapy increased BDNF levels in antidepressant-naïve patients, but BDNF was lower during concurrent antidepressant drug therapy, suggesting an interaction between MS, depression, and neurodegeneration. IFN-β in vitro strongly induced IL-10 and IFN-γ in activated T cells in RRMS, but not in progressive MS, suggesting IFN resistance. IFN-β effects are specific for disease state and immune subsets, possibly explaining why IFN-β therapy is most effective in early T cell-regulated RRMS, but less beneficial in progressive MS, where chronic plaques contain few T cells and high numbers of monocytes. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 459-470. http://msj.sagepub.com
Neuromyelitis optica with clinical and histopathological involvement of the brain
Authors: Hengstman G.J.D. , Wesseling P. , Frenken C.W.G.M. , Jongen P.J.H.
Published: February 2007

Diagnostic criteria for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) state that there should be no active disease outside the optic nerves and spinal cord. However, several cases have been described with symptomatic brain involvement. We describe an autopsy case of a patient with NMO and symptomatic involvement of the brain. The histopathology of the brain lesions is typical for NMO, with extensive macrophage infiltration, including perivascular accumulation of large numbers of eosinophils. This is the first case that clearly shows that in NMO, the histopathology of the brain lesions is identical to that of the lesions in the optic nerves and spinal cord. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 679-682. http://msj.sagepub.com
I nterferon beta-1a slows progression of brain atrophy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis predominantly by reducing gray matter atrophy
Authors: Zivadinov R. , Locatelli L. , Cookfair D. , Srinivasaraghavan B. , Bertolotto A. , Ukmar M. , Bratina A. , Maggiore C. , Bosco A. , Grop A. , Catalan M. , Zorzon M.
Published: February 2007

Background Brain atrophy, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has been correlated with disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent evidence indicates that both white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) are subject to atrophy in patients with MS. Although neurological deficiencies in MS are primarily due to loss of WM, the clinical significance of GM atrophy has not been fully explored in MS.

Methods We have undertaken a three-year, open-label study, comparing 26 patients who elected to receive intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IFN β-1a) therapy, with 28 patients who elected not to receive therapy. Both groups had quantitative cranial MRI scans at study entry and after three years, and standardized clinical assessments every six months. Brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), GM fraction (GMF), and WM fraction (WMF) percent changes were calculated, and T2- and T1-lesion volumes (LVs) assessed.

Results After three years, mean percent (%) change in BPF favored the IFN β-1a treatment group (IFN β-1a —1.3% versus the control group —2.5%, P=0.009), as did the mean percent change in GMF (+0.2 versus —1.4%, P=0.014), and the mean percent change in T1-LV (—9.3 versus +91.6%, P=0.011). At the end of the study, there was a significant within-patient decrease in BPF for both groups (P=0.02 for the IFN β-1a treatment group, and P<0.001 for the control group), a significant within-patient decrease in WMF for the IFN β-1a treatment group (P=0.01), and a significant decrease in GMF for the control group (P=0.013) when compared with baseline.

Conclusion Over a three-year period, treatment with IFN β-1a significantly slowed the progression of whole-brain and GM atrophy, and of T1-hypointense LV accumulation, when compared with the control group. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 490-501. http://msj.sagepub.com
Access to health care for people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Minden S.L. , Frankel D. , Hadden L. , Hoaglin D.C.
Published: February 2007

The Sonya Slifka Longitudinal Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Study follows a population-based cohort of approximately 2000 people with MS to study demographic and clinical characteristics, use and cost of health services, provider and treatment characteristics, neurological, economic, and psychosocial outcomes. We examined key indicators of access to health care and found that the majority of participants had health insurance, a usual source of care, and access to specialty care. Nevertheless, 3.8% did not have health insurance which, with application of sampling weights, corresponds to approximately 7000 people with MS in the US population. Even with insurance, population-based estimates indicated that substantial numbers of people with MS have plans that pay nothing toward prescription medication, limit their access to specialists, and restrict their choice of hospitals and providers. Some 9% of the sample, corresponding to 15 800 people with MS, did not have a usual source of MS care; 11.8% or 17 300 people did not have a usual source of general health care; and 31% or 57 400 people did not see the specialists that they or their physicians wanted them to see. Further, 10.5% or 19 400 people reported difficulty obtaining prescription medication, 4.1% or 7600 people encountered obstacles accessing medical care, and 2.4% or 4500 people could not obtain the mental health services they needed. Finally, out-of-pocket health care expenditures were twice those found for the general population. Two-thirds of study participants (representing almost 70 000 people) chose their MS care providers because they were neurologists or MS specialists, creating a demand that almost certainly exceeds current supply. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 547-558. http://msj.sagepub.com
Histopathology and serial, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging in a multiple sclerosis variant
Authors: Lindquist S. , Bodammer N. , Kaufmann J. , König F. , Heinze H.-J. , Brück W. , Sailer M.
Published: February 2007

Defining tools in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) representing specific pathological processes is needed to understand the complex relationship between inflammation, myelin breakdown, axonal injury and clinical symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its variants. Here, we describe a case of histologically-defined MS, in which the radiological appearance of the lesion and clinical course support the diagnosis of Balo's concentric sclerosis. Serial magnetization transfer, diffusion tensor imaging and 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, from 14 days to 13 months after biopsy, allow the contextual interpretation of specific pathological changes. In our case, acute inflammation was sensitively traced by fractional anisotropy and increased lactate in spectroscopy. In contrast, magnetization transfer ratio and the apparent diffusion coefficient monitor the sequential loss of tissue in selected rings of the lesion. The delay from the peak of symptoms in a dramatic clinical course to the maximum tissue destruction indicated through MRI suggests that compromise of axonal function may be decisive for the acute clinical situation. This is the first report comparing 1Hmagnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetization transfer and diffusion tensor imaging with histopathology in a patient with Balo's concentric sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 471-482. http://msj.sagepub.com
A follow-up study of Nordic multiple sclerosis candidate gene regions
Authors: Datta P. , Harbo H.F. , Ryder L.P. , Akesson E. , Benedikz J. , Celius E.G. , Andersen O. , Myhr K.-M. , Sandberg-Wollheim M. , Hillert J. , Svejgaard A. , Sorensen P.S. , Spurkland A. , Oturai A.
Published: February 2007

In this study, the results from three Nordic linkage disequilibrium screens in multiple sclerosis (MS) were investigated, in a new sample set of 314 Nordic MS trios from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland. Among 30 non-HLA and two HLA microsatellite markers individually genotyped, eight markers displayed distorted transmission with uncorrected P-value <0.05, ranked in this order: D6S2443 (6p21.32, HLA class II) (P corrected =0.01), D2S2201 (2p24), D19S552 (19q13), D3S3584 (3q21), D17S975 (17q11), D1S2627 (1p22), D6S273 (6p21.33, HLA class III) and D12S1051 (12q23). These non-HLA regions need further investigation as possible MS candidate gene regions in our population. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 584-589. http://msj.sagepub.com
Conjugal multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran: a population-based study
Authors: Maghzi A.H. , Etemadifar M. , Shaygannejad V. , Saadatnia M. , Salehi M. , Hassanzadeh A.
Published: February 2007

Conjugal multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare form of MS in which both spouses are affected, and at least one is affected after marriage. Among 1606 definite MS patients, 1076 were in marital relationship, among whom we identified six conjugal pairs, giving the conjugal rate of 0.5%. This rate is 12.5 times higher than the estimated risk of MS for the general population (0.04%). The observed conjugal rate suggests an increased risk of developing MS for MS patients' spouses, this could be due to transmission or, more likely, to the same environmental factors shared in adult life. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 673-675. http://msj.sagepub.com
Synergy between paclitaxel plus an exogenous methyl donor in the suppression of murine demyelinating diseases
Authors: Mastronardi FG , Tsui H. , Winer S. , Wood DD , Selvanantham T. , Galligan C. , Fish EN , Dosch H-M. , Moscarello MA
Published: February 2007

Progressive demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) reflects the negative balance between myelin damage and repair due to physical and molecular barriers, such as astrocytic glial scars, between oligodendrocytes and target neurons. In this paper, we show that combination therapy with paclitaxel (Taxol®) plus the universal methyl-donor, vitamin B12CN (B12CN), dramatically limits progressive demyelination, and enhances remyelination in several independent, immune and nonimmune, in vivo and in vitro model systems. Combination therapy significantly reduced clinical signs of EAE in SJL mice, as well as the spontaneously demyelinating ND4 transgenic mouse. Astrocytosis was normalised in parallel to ultrastructural and biochemical evidence of remyelination. The combination therapy suppressed T cell expansion, reduced IFN-gamma, while enhancing IFN-beta and STAT-1 expression, STAT-1 phosphorylation and methylation of STAT-1 and MBP in the brain. Paclitaxel/B12CN has nearly identical effects to the previously described combination of IFN-beta/ B12CN, whose clinical usefulness is transient because of IFN-neutralising antibodies, not observed (or expected) with the present drug combination. This report provides a mechanistic foundation for the development of a new therapeutic strategy in humans with MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 596-609. http://msj.sagepub.com
Enhancing physical activity adherence and well-being in multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: McAuley E. , Motl R.W. , Morris K.S. , Hu L. , Doerksen S.E. , Elavsky S. , Konopack J.F.
Published: February 2007

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more sedentary than the general population, increasing their propensity for reduced functional ability, mobility, and activities of daily living. Self-efficacy has been one of the most consistent determinants of physical activity across populations, including those with MS. However, no studies exist that have attempted to influence self-efficacy in MS patients, in an effort to improve physical activity participation. We conducted a three-month randomised, controlled trial (n = 26), contrasting the effects of an efficacy-enhancement exercise condition and a control exercise condition on exercise adherence, well-being, and affective responses to exercise. Analyses indicated that individuals in the efficacy enhancement condition attended more exercise sessions, reported greater levels of well-being and exertion, and felt better following exercise than individuals in the standard care condition. Regardless of treatment condition, individuals with a stronger sense of exercise self-efficacy, who reported more enjoyment following the exercise sessions, demonstrated significantly greater adherence with the exercise program. We believe this to be the first empirical attempt to change physical activity behavior in persons with MS using a well-established theoretical framework to drive the intervention. Continued examination of self-efficacy as a determinant of behavior change in individuals with MS is needed. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 652-659. http://msj.sagepub.com
Multiple sclerosis in Pakistan
Authors: Wasay M. , Ali S. , Khatri I.A. , Hassan A. , Asif M. , Zakiullah N. , Ahmed A. , Malik A. , Khealani B. , Haq A. , Fredrikson S.
Published: February 2007

We describe retrospective data from the largest series of patients (n=142) with multiple sclerosis (MS) from Pakistan. Mean age at onset was 27 years, with a female to male ratio of 1.45:1. The disease onset was polysymptomatic in 75% patients. Motor weakness was the most common onset symptom (70%), followed by sensory symptoms (45%). Optico-spinal type of MS was seen in only 3% of patients The courzse was relapsing-remitting (RR) in 81%, primary progressive (PP) in 21%, and secondary progressive (SP) in 4% of patients. Almost three-fourths of the patients were moderately (45%) or severely (31%) disabled at the time of evaluation. Two-thirds of patients with severe disability had a mean disease duration of only 5.2 years. In conclusion, MS is not uncommon in Pakistan, and many patients were found to have severe disability despite short disease duration. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 668-669. http://msj.sagepub.com
Clinical follow-up of 304 patients with multiple sclerosis three years after mitoxantrone treatment
Authors: Debouverie M. , Taillandier L. , Pittion-Vouyovitch S. , Louis S. , Vespignani H.
Published: February 2007

The objectives of this study were to assess the benefits of 1) mitoxantrone after three years of follow-up and 2) disease-modifying treatment (DMT) after stopping mitoxantrone. A retrospective analysis was performed on 304 patients with active relapsing-remitting (RR) or progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) who were treated with mitoxantrone. After mitoxantrone therapy, some patients received DMT (interferon-beta or glatiramer acetate) while others did not. The disease course of the two groups was evaluated by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) before and after mitoxantrone and then every year for three years. The mean EDSS score at starting mitoxantrone and three years after stopping mitoxantrone respectively, were: 3.3 (1.3) and 3.2 (1.7) for the RRMS patients and 5.9 (1.2) and 6.4 (1.4) for the PMS patients. Before starting mitoxantrone, demographic and clinical parameters of predictive disability were not significantly different between patients who received DMT or not. The variation of EDSS between time of stopping mitoxantrone and three years later was significantly different (+0.9 versus +0.3; P=0.03) for patients with RRMS. We found that mitoxantrone treatment induces stable disease up to two years after discontinuation of mitoxantrone therapy. In the third year, patients without DMT deteriorated. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 626-631. http://msj.sagepub.com
Treatment of depression in people who have multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sollom A.C. , Kneebone I.I.
Published: February 2007

Depression is common among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research suggests that treatments for depression are effective in this population, though few patients appear to access these treatments. Our objectives were to consider whether persons with MS and significant depressive symptoms, prompted to seek treatment by letter, did so, what professionals they consulted, and the benefits of any treatment obtained. A total of 495 individuals with MS (401 female; 94 male), aged 22-65 years (mean: 45.8 years), were surveyed in three phases at yearly intervals. Significant depressive symptoms were found over the three phases (50-60.2%). Despite a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, few participants sought treatment, even though prompted to do so. Where treatment was sought, general practitioners remained the principal group consulted. Contrary to previous reports of the efficacy of treatment in clinical trials, no strong support for this was found. Future research needs to consider why the majority of people with MS do not seek treatment for depression, and why interventions, which are not clinical trials, seem to lack effectiveness. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 632-635. http://msj.sagepub.com
Fostering Futures: A Preventive Intervention Program for School-age Children in Foster Care
Authors: Nilsen Wendy
Published: February 2007

Children in foster care have social and emotional problems at rates three to ten times higher than those found in the general population. During the elementary school years (i.e. 5-12 years), research indicates that disruptive behavior in children in care can negatively impact social, emotional and academic development, as well as placement stability. Evidenced-based interventions to improve children’s behavior and reduce parenting stress are necessary. This pilot study augmented an existing evidenced-based intervention (i.e. the Incredible Years) developed for birth families for use with foster caregivers. Results from 18 families indicate that foster caregiver-reported conduct symptoms were significantly lower for children whose families participated in the treatment group. A similar trend was found for the overall externalizing behavior. No significant changes were identified in parenting attitudes and stress. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and acceptability with the program and outcomes. These findings indicate that foster caregiver training should be examined in larger, randomized control trials.
Applying a Traditional Individual Psychotherapy Model to Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP): Theory and Method
Authors: Karol Jane
Published: February 2007

This article describes a unique, innovative, and effective method of psychotherapy using horses to aid in the therapeutic process (Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy or EFP). The remarkable elements of the horse - power, grace, vulnerability, and a willingness to bear another - combine to form a fertile stage for psychotherapeutic exploration. Therapeutic programs using horses to work with various psychiatric presentations in children and adolescents have begun to receive attention over the past 10 years. However, few EFP programs utilize the expertise of masters and doctoral-level psychologists, clinical social workers, or psychiatrists. In contrast, the psychological practice described in this article, written and practiced by a doctoral-level clinician, applies the breadth and depth of psychological theory and practice developed over the last century to a distinctly compelling milieu. The method relies not only on the therapeutic relationship with the clinician, but is also fueled by the client’s compelling attachment to the therapeutic horse. As both of these relationships progress, the child’s inner world and interpersonal style come to the forefront and the EFP theater allows the clinician to explore the client’s intrapersonal and interpersonal worlds on preverbal, nonverbal and verbal levels of experience.
The Applicability of Webster-Stratton Parenting Programmes to Deaf Children with Emotional and Behavioural Problems, and Autism, and Their Families: Annotation and Case Report of a Child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Garcia Ruth , Turk Jeremy
Published: February 2007

This article describes a pilot project whose objective was to explore whether the Webster-Stratton Parenting Programme may be effective for hearing parents and their deaf children who present with conduct disorders and other emotional, behavioural and developmental problems. Outcome measures aimed at overall impact in decreasing behavioural problems and improving overall family function were used. Participants were hearing parents of deaf children referred to our specialist service whose assessment had recommended a parenting skills group as treatment of choice. The children had been diagnosed with behavioural problems with or without additional comorbidity. This pilot phase focused deliberately on one participant, in order to explore whether the approach justified further, more comprehensive evaluative research. Outcome was positive, suggesting that modified Webster-Stratton approaches may well be of use in deaf children of hearing parents.
`You've got to take them seriously': meeting information needs in mental healthcare
Authors: Clarke Karen , Rooksby John , Rouncefield Mark
Published: February 2007

In this article we explore the practical aspects of providing mental health information over the telephone, and discuss how this may be used to inform the creation of a website. We draw from an ethnographic study of an `information and listening helpline'. By paying close attention to how the helpline operators `take seriously' their callers' problems and requests - indeed, by taking the work of the phone operators seriously - we show that the operators artfully talk, categorize and translate to help the individual caller and to satisfy organizational demands. A website is seen by the helpline in question as a logical move to providing accessible information to a wider audience. Whilst web-based and phone-based services might both appear to function along similar lines for providing information, we question how a web-based system might afford or complement the kinds of services that can be done over the telephone.
Managing integration work in an NHS electronic patient record (EPR) project
Authors: Martin David , Mariani John , Rouncefield Mark
Published: February 2007

This article uses an ethnographic study of the design and deployment of an electronic patient record (EPR) system in the UK NHS to document some of the difficulties of integrating new IT systems with existing and developing practices, technologies and regulatory requirements. It highlights that `integration' in this situation produces a variety of different but connected and potentially competing requirements that create difficulties in achieving artful and successful system deployment.
Whitehead and Marcuse
Authors: Moore Duston
Published: February 2007

Essential elements of Marcuse’s Critical Theory can be better understood and appreciated when their Whiteheadian origins are examined. Marcuse’s recourse to Whitehead’s philosophy in both Eros and Civilization and One Dimensional Man has escaped explicit and sustained attention and this essay addresses this lacuna. The primary theme of the essay therefore consists of a careful examination of the instances of terminological and textual intersection grouped around three headings: the great refusal, universals and reason. A secondary objective that focuses the investigation concerns ‘provisional realism’. The phrase ‘provisional realism’ was used by Whitehead infrequently. I adopt it here to suggest the shared metaphysical concerns of Critical Theory and Whitehead’s philosophy. The great refusal is an appeal to a provisional realism implicating universals functioning as the intersection of actuality with possibility. This in turn facilitates the expansion and intensification of human reason as an agency in history.
Interpersonal Relations or Jokes of Social Structure? Laughter in Social Work
Authors: Mik-Meyer Nanna
Published: February 2007

The article is based on qualitative fieldwork in Danish rehabilitation centres. It uses an interactionist perspective in focusing on the role of humour and laughter in social work. As the article's analysis shows, laughter divides staff members (who laugh) from clients (who don't laugh). This finding can be related to the many inherent contradictions and paradoxes that define social work and which occasion laughter. The role of humour and laughter in the interaction between staff members and clients can be linked to sociological categories like inequality, tension, control, informality and group affiliations. The author therefore suggests that sociological literature on laughter, where laughter is viewed as closely related to what Douglas has termed ‘jokes of social structure’, be brought to bear on the analysis of central characteristics of the interaction between social workers and clients. For the purposes of this article, the sociological perspective on humour and laughter is systematically distinguished from a more traditional psychological perspective that links humour and the corresponding laughter with inner psychological states of individuals.
Lymphangioma Presenting as a Mediastinal Mass in an Infant
Authors: Gowdy Claire , Elliott Simon T.
Published: February 2007

We report a case of mediastinal lymphangioma in an infant with ultrasound and computed tomography findings that suggested the diagnosis of thymic cyst. The ultrasound findings, contribution to be made by other imaging modalities and differential diagnosis are discussed.
‘State-of-the-Art’ Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound
Authors: Leijser Lara M. , Cowan Frances M.
Published: February 2007

Cranial ultrasound (cUS) provides bedside imaging access to the neonatal brain. Modern scanners and the use of various acoustic windows give detail not only of the well known pathologies met in the preterm infant, but also allow assessment of more subtle aspects of normal and abnormal brain growth and development. cUS is also very helpful in the early diagnosis of the many aetiologies of neonatal encephalopathy and seizures in the term infant and the subsequent monitoring of progress of hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. Training issues in cUS need to be addressed.
Work-related Upper Limb Disorder: A Sonographer's Survival Guide
Authors: Burnage Julie
Published: February 2007

This article reviews the problem of work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD) and outlines action that sonographers can take to minimize their risk. By preparing for the task, learning from experience and mistakes, and by heeding the warning signs sonographers can implement simple strategies and daily routines that will help prevent and protect them from musculo-skeletal injury. One such strategy is the use of a prevention and recovery exercise routine—an example is provided.
Lean Management Systems: A Case Study in Reducing Waiting Lists
Authors: Hobson Kate
Published: February 2007

This article explains how the Superintendent Sonographer at Salisbury District General Hospital reduced her waiting lists from 12 weeks to less than 2 weeks using ‘lean’ management methodology. It explains how techniques and analogies from the motor car production industry can be used to concentrate the ultrasound service's efforts on doing routine examinations more efficiently. In addition to reduced waiting lists, implementing lean techniques means that staff morale has improved and they are less likely to have to stay behind at the end of the working day to finish off lists.
Improving Access to Vascular Ultrasound
Authors: Picton Andrew , Mccollum Charles
Published: February 2007

This article reviews the types of patients who might benefit from rapid access to vascular diagnostic services. It explains how current services will need to develop to deliver a primary screening service aimed at reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, and the potential impact of this on hospital, independent sector and community-based provision.
Conceptual-level workflow modeling of scientific experiments using NMR as a case study
Authors: Verdi Kacy K , Ellis Heidi JC , Gryk Michael R
Published: February 2007

Background

Scientific workflows improve the process of scientific experiments by making computations explicit, underscoring data flow, and emphasizing the participation of humans in the process when intuition and human reasoning are required. Workflows for experiments also highlight transitions among experimental phases, allowing intermediate results to be verified and supporting the proper handling of semantic mismatches and different file formats among the various tools used in the scientific process. Thus, scientific workflows are important for the modeling and subsequent capture of bioinformatics-related data. While much research has been conducted on the implementation of scientific workflows, the initial process of actually designing and generating the workflow at the conceptual level has received little consideration.

Results

We propose a structured process to capture scientific workflows at the conceptual level that allows workflows to be documented efficiently, results in concise models of the workflow and more-correct workflow implementations, and provides insight into the scientific process itself. The approach uses three modeling techniques to model the structural, data flow, and control flow aspects of the workflow. The domain of biomolecular structure determination using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy is used to demonstrate the process. Specifically, we show the application of the approach to capture the workflow for the process of conducting biomolecular analysis using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Conclusion

Using the approach, we were able to accurately document, in a short amount of time, numerous steps in the process of conducting an experiment using NMR spectroscopy. The resulting models are correct and precise, as outside validation of the models identified only minor omissions in the models. In addition, the models provide an accurate visual description of the control flow for conducting biomolecular analysis using NMR spectroscopy experiment.
Estimation of the real population and its impact on the utilisation of healthcare services in Mediterranean resort regions: an ecological study
Authors: Perea-Milla Emilio , Pons Sergi Mari , Rivas-Ruiz Francisco , Gallofre Anna , Jurado Enrique Navarro , Ales Marco A Navarro , Jimenez-Puente Alberto , Fernandez-Nieto Fidel , Cerda Joan C March , Carrasco Manuel , Martin Lydia , Cano Damian Lopez , Gutierrez Gonzalo E , Macías Rafael Cortes , Garcia-Ruiz Jose A
Published: February 2007

Background

The demographic structure has a significant influence on the use of healthcare services, as does the size of the population denominators. Very few studies have been published on methods for estimating the real population such as tourist resorts. The lack of information about these problems means there is a corresponding lack of information about the behaviour of populational denominators (the floating population or tourist load) and the effect of this on the use of healthcare services. The objectives of the study were: a) To determine the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) ratio, per person per day, among populations of known size; b) to estimate, by means of this ratio, the real population in an area where tourist numbers are very significant; and c) to determine the impact on the utilisation of hospital emergency healthcare services of the registered population, in comparison to the non-resident population, in two areas where tourist numbers are very significant.

Methods

An ecological study design was employed. We analysed the Healthcare Districts of the Costa del Sol and the island of Menorca. Both are Spanish territories in the Mediterranean region.

Results

In the two areas analysed, the correlation coefficient between the MSW ratio and admissions to hospital emergency departments exceeded 0.9, with p < 0.001. On the basis of MSW generation ratios, obtained for a control zone and also measured in neighbouring countries, we estimated the real population. For the summer months, when tourist activity is greatest and demand for emergency healthcare at hospitals is highest, this value was found to be double that of the registered population.

Conclusion

The MSW indicator, which is both ecological and indirect, can be used to estimate the real population in areas where population levels vary significantly during the year. This parameter is of interest in planning and dimensioning the provision of healthcare services.
MDA-7/IL-24 suppresses human ovarian carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gopalan Began , Shanker Manish , Chada Sunil , Ramesh Rajagopal
Published: February 2007

Background

Previous studies showed that the human melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 (mda-7), also known as interleukin-24 (IL-24), has potent antitumor activity against human and murine cancer cells. However, the majority of these studies were limited to in vitro testing. In the present study, we investigated the antitumor activity of mda-7/IL-24 against human ovarian cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

In vitro, treatment of ovarian cancer cells with an adenoviral vector carrying the mda-7 gene (Ad-mda7) resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cell cycle arrest, leading to apoptosis. We did not observe inhibitory activity in Ad-mda7-treated normal cells. In vivo, treatment of subcutaneous tumor xenografts with Ad-mda7 resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition when compared with that in control groups (p < 0.001). Molecular analysis of ovarian tumor tissue lysates treated with Ad-mda7 showed that MDA-7 protein expression was associated with activation of the caspase cascade.

Conclusion

Our results show that treatment of ovarian cancer cells with mda-7/IL-24 results in growth suppression both in vitro and in vivo.
An informatic pipeline for the data capture and submission of quantitative proteomic data using iTRAQ
TM
Authors: Siepen Jennifer A , Swainston Neil , Jones Andrew R , Hart Sarah R , Hermjakob Henning , Jones Philip , Hubbard Simon J
Published: February 2007

Background

Proteomics continues to play a critical role in post-genomic science as continued advances in mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry support the separation and identification of increasing numbers of peptides and proteins from their characteristic mass spectra. In order to facilitate the sharing of this data, various standard formats have been, and continue to be, developed. Still not fully mature however, these are not yet able to cope with the increasing number of quantitative proteomic technologies that are being developed.

Results

We propose an extension to the PRIDE and mzData XML schema to accommodate the concept of multiple samples per experiment, and in addition, capture the intensities of the iTRAQ
TM
reporter ions in the entry. A simple Java-client has been developed to capture and convert the raw data from common spectral file formats, which also uses a third-party open source tool for the generation of iTRAQ
TM
reported intensities from Mascot output, into a valid PRIDE XML entry.

Conclusion

We describe an extension to the PRIDE and mzData schemas to enable the capture of quantitative data. Currently this is limited to iTRAQ
TM
data but is readily extensible for other quantitative proteomic technologies. Furthermore, a software tool has been developed which enables conversion from various mass spectrum file formats and corresponding Mascot peptide identifications to PRIDE formatted XML. The tool represents a simple approach to preparing quantitative and qualitative data for submission to repositories such as PRIDE, which is necessary to facilitate data deposition and sharing in public domain database. The software is freely available from http://www.mcisb.org/software/PrideWizard.
Effect of chloroquine on reducing HIV-1 replication in vitro and the DC-SIGN mediated transfer of virus to CD4+T-lymphocytes
Authors: Naarding Marloes A , Baan Elly , Pollakis Georgios , Paxton William A
Published: February 2007

Background

Chloroquine (CQ) has been shown to inhibit HIV-1 replication in vitro as well as in vivo and has been proposed to alter the glycosylation pattern of the gp120 envelope. These activities indicate that the compound can be used not only as an effective HIV-1 therapeutic agent but also as a modulator of the gp120 envelope protein structure enabling for the production of broader neutralizing Ab responses.

Results

We confirm here that HIV-1 replication on CD4+ T-lymphocytes can be reduced in the presence of CQ and show that the reduced replication is producer cell mediated, with viruses generated in the presence of CQ not being inhibited for subsequent infectivity and replication. By analysing the gp120 envelope protein sequences from viruses cultured long-term in the absence or presence of CQ we demonstrate variant evolution patterns. One noticeable change is the reduction in the number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites in the V3 region as well as within the 2G12 Ab binding and neutralization epitope. We also demonstrate that HIV-1 produced in the presence of CQ has a reduced capacity for transfer by Raji-DC-SIGN cells to CD4+ T-lymphocytes, indicating another means whereby virus transmission or replication may be reduced in vivo.

Conclusion

These results indicate that CQ should be considered as an HIV-1 therapeutic agent with its influence exerted through a number of mechanisms in vivo, including modulation of the gp120 structure.
Quantification of human bocavirus in lower respiratory tract infections in China
Authors: Lin Feng , Zeng Aiping , Yang Ningmin , Lin Haiyan , Yang En , Wang Shengqi , Pintel David , Qiu Jianming
Published: February 2007

A quantitative PCR method was established to quantify human bocavirus (HBoV) genomic copies in clinical specimens from children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in China. A total of 257 respiratory tract specimens were tested, and 7 (2.7%) of these (all sputum samples) were positive, with genomic copies that ranged from 8.0 × 103 to 8.0 × 109 in the samples. The main clinical symptom of patients who were positive for HBoV DNA was a pneumonia-like syndrome represented by high fever and cough. Our results suggest that HBoV may be an important etiological agent of LRTI in children in China.
DFT/Ab initio Study on the Pathways for the Reaction of CH3SH with NO3 Radical
Authors: Uchimaru Tadafumi , El-Nahas Ahmed M , Sugie Masaaki , Tokuhashi Kazuaki , Sekiya Akira
Published: February 2007

Pathways for hydrogen abstraction (H-abstraction) by the NO3 radical from the SH and the CH sites of the CH3SH molecule have been found for the reaction of CH3SH + NO3. Energy evaluations of the stationary points indicate that H-abstraction exclusively occurs from the SH site via a reactant complex [CH3S(H)–ONO2] possessing a two-center three-electron (2c–3e) S–O bond. Two oxygen atoms of the NO3 radical are involved separately in the 2c–3e S–O bond and in H-abstraction from the SH site.
Functional defects in transfer RNAs lead to the accumulation of ribosomal RNA precursors
Authors: Slagter-Jäger Jacoba G. , Puzis Leopold , Gutgsell Nancy S. , Belfort Marlene , Jain Chaitanya
Published: February 2007

Normal expression and function of transfer RNA (tRNA) are of paramount importance for translation. In this study, we show that tRNA defects are also associated with increased levels of immature ribosomal RNA (rRNA). This association was first shown in detail for a mutant strain that underproduces tRNAArg2 in which unprocessed 16S and 23S rRNA levels were increased several-fold. Ribosome profiles indicated that unprocessed 23S rRNA in the mutant strain accumulates in ribosomal fractions that sediment with altered mobility. Underproduction of tRNAArg2 also resulted in growth defects under standard laboratory growth conditions. Interestingly, the growth and rRNA processing defects were attenuated when cells were grown in minimal medium or at low temperatures, indicating that the requirement for tRNAArg2 may be reduced under conditions of slower growth. Other tRNA defects were also studied, including a defect in RNase P, an enzyme involved in tRNA processing; a mutation in tRNATrp that results in its degradation at elevated temperatures; and the titration of the tRNA that recognizes rare AGA codons. In all cases, the levels of unprocessed 16S and 23S rRNA were enhanced. Thus, a range of tRNA defects can indirectly influence translation via effects on the biogenesis of the translation apparatus.
Number discrimination in 10‐month‐old infants
Authors: Xu Fei , Arriaga Rosa I.
Published: February 2007

Two experiments investigated developmental changes in large number discrimination with visual‐spatial arrays. Previous studies found that 6‐month‐old infants were able to discriminate arrays that differ by a ratio of 1:2 but not 2:3. We found that by 10 months, infants were able to reliably discriminate 8 from 12 elements (2:3) but not 8 from 10 elements (4:5). Thus, number discrimination improves in precision during the first year, and these findings converge with studies using auditory stimuli.
Heart rate reactivity during contingency learning in 5‐ to 10‐month‐old at‐risk and non‐risk babies
Authors: Millar W. S. , Weir C. G.
Published: February 2007

The study investigated the dynamic relation between contingency learning and heart rate with risk and non‐risk babies 5‐ to 10‐months‐old. Four groups were compared in a two contingency treatments (contingent, yoked) × two risk status design. Concurrent heart rate was monitored during three phases of a contingency learning task (baseline, contingency/stimulation, extinction) and analysis focused on phase transitions. Non‐risk babies presented with contingent stimulation showed an immediate increase in cardiac rate associated with a subsequent response increase to the contingency. Risk infants presented with contingent stimulation showed delayed cardiac reactivity accompanied by a smaller response increase to the contingency. Yoked controls decreased responding in the contingent period with no significant changes in cardiac reactivity at phase transitions. The findings of the study are discussed in relation to individual differences in physiological regulation and to differential sensitization in a contingency learning task.
The role of shared practice in joint attention
Authors: Racine Timothy P. , Carpendale Jeremy I. M.
Published: February 2007

The infant's participation in sequences of joint activity that require visual attention is usually seen as an outcome of and evidence for the existence of particular infant psychological competencies. In a review of the relevant literature, we suggest that what is presupposed in most theories of joint attention is the role that shared social practices play in understanding the mind. It is, in fact, with recourse to such practices that researchers theorize about the infant's understanding of mind in the first instance. We argue: (1) the mind is not an entity that is separable from human activity; (2) knowledge of shared practices is what the developing agent requires to come to an understanding of their own mind and that of others; and (3) rather than searching for the best indicator of a true competence lying behind and necessary for joint attention, we should consider the various forms of interaction involving shared attention as constitutive of varying degrees of understanding. We consider the relevance of these arguments for contemporary social developmental theory.
Show me the theory!
Authors: Moore Chris
Published: February 2007

In this commentary, I respond toRacine and Carpendale's (2007)comments on our approach to joint attention and social understanding. In addition, I urge them to provide a more articulated and an empirically tractable account of their own theory in addition to their critique of others.
Hamlet without the Prince: Shortcomings of an activity‐based account of joint attention
Authors: Hobson R. Peter
Published: February 2007

In this commentary, I consider several strengths of the position adopted by Racine and Carpendale (2007), but suggest that the authors are in danger of overstating their case. In doing so, they appear to sideline an issue that should be pivotal for accounts of joint attention: how does a child come to arrive at an understanding that people, both themselves and others, have subjective perspectives upon a shared world? I conclude with few comments on the authors' criticisms of my approach to such issues.
Shared practices, understanding, language and joint attention
Authors: Racine Timothy P. , Carpendale Jeremy I. M.
Published: February 2007

In responding to the commentaries from Hobson (2007), Moore (2007) and Rakoczy (2007), we first discuss the commonalities our approach has with other theories and then elaborate on the nature of shared practices and their relationship with language and understanding. We then address views of representation, arguing against an empiricist approach and for a constructivist, action‐based account of knowledge and development. Finally, we briefly discuss implications following from our approach regarding how existing research would be reinterpreted and directions for new research.