bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discriminant Validity of the WISC-III with Children Classified with ADHD
Authors: Assesmany Amy , McIntosh David E. , Phelps LeAdelle , Rizza Mary G.
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this study was to explore the ability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III; Wechsler, 1991a) to discriminate between a group of children classified with ADHD (n = 40) and a group of non-ADHD children (n = 40), as well as to identify which combination of WISC-III subtests resulted in the highest level of correct classifications. A stepwise discriminant function analysis indicated that four WISC-III subtests contributed significantly to the prediction of group membership: Digit Span, Information, Vocabulary, and Picture Completion. An overall classification rate of approximately 89% was attained when the four WISC-III subtests were included in the equation. Ninety percent of the children classified as ADHD and 87.5% of the non-ADHD children were correctly identified when using the four WISC-III subtests as predictors.
Confir Rmatory Factor Analysis of the WISC-III for Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Watkins Marley W. , Kush Joseph C.
Published: May 2006

This study conducted confirmatory factor analyses to examine 12 competing models that attempt to explain the underlying latent constructs measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WNISC-III) in a sample of 1,201 students with learning disabilities (721 White and 480 Nonwhite). Models were selected based upon theoretical explanations of the WISC-III factor structure as well as from previously conducted empirical research conducted on the W7ISC-III normative sample and with independent samples of students with exceptionalities. For both White and Nonwhite groups, four models could not be statistically distinguished from one another based upon overall fit statistics. Plausible models included the traditional first-order four-factor oblique structure of the standardization sample, the hierarchical second-order model with four first-order factors favored by Keith and Witta (1997), a bifactor second-order model with four first-order factors described by Gustafsson and Undheim (1996), and a bifactor second-order model with three first-order factors. Current results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that WISC-III Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization. and Processing Speed factors are robust across samples but the Freedom from Distractibility factor demonstrates tenuous construct validity.
The Concurrent Validity of the Devereux Scales of Mental Disorders
Authors: Smith Steven R. , Reddy Linda A.
Published: May 2006

The present study was designed as an initial investigation of the concurrent validity of the Devereux Scales of Mental Disorders (DSMD; Naglieri, LeBuffe, & Pfeiffer, 1994) in relation to the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in two clinically referred samples of children and adolescents. The DSMD is a recently published multidimensional behavior rating scale comprised of empirically and conceptually derived scales designed to aid the diagnostic decision-making process for youth with severe psychiatric and educational classifications. To date, no published study has examined the concurrent validity of the DSMD. The first of the present studies compared the DSMD and BASC with 64 children and adolescents in an inpatient hospital setting; the second study compared the DSMD and CBCL with 74 children and adolescents classified as having serious emotional disturbance (SED) in residential care. Concurrent validity was assessed through correlations and squared semipartial correlation coefficients between the DSMD scale scores and the BASC and CBCL scale scores. Paired t tests (p < .001) were also computed across scales of similar constructs. In comparison to the BASC and CBCL, the DSMD demonstrated strong concurrent validity between conceptually similar scales, providing some evidence for the concurrent validity of the DSMD. Specifically, relative to the other measures, the DSMD appears to have some unique scales designed to detect more acute or serious pathology, whereas the BASC and CBCL may be better equipped to assess specific types of externalizing symptoms.
An Independent Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Differential Ability Scales
Authors: Dunham Mardis , Mcintosh David , Gridley Betty E.
Published: May 2006

This study investigated the structure of the Differential Ability Scales (DAS; Elliott, 1990a) using confirmatory factor analysis with 130 normal school-aged children. Maximum likelihood estimation, using the six Core subtests, found an extremely good fit with the data and supported the DAS model proposed by Elliott (1990a). In addition, the six Core subtests were found to be strong measures of g, supporting their contribution to the General Conceptual Ability. Replication of Keith's (1990) final model, which included the six Core subtests and three Diagnostic subtests, was also conducted. This model was based on the same theoretical framework against which Keith (1990) tested his models. This theoretical framework was derived from a logical analysis of the nature of the subtests in light of prior research. The present study found a reasonably good fit for the data when the model included both the Core and Diagnostic subtests.
Self-Perceived Competence among Preschool Children in Relation to Teacher-Perceived Competence
Authors: Madigan Amy L. , Winsler Adam , Maradiaga Jose A. , Grubba Jennifer
Published: May 2006

The aims of this study were to examine the utility of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children (PSPCSC; Harter & Pike, 1984) with preschoolers and to explore correspondence between children's and teacher's perceptions of child competence. Children's self-perceptions of competence were not internally consistent within the physical, maternal acceptance, or cognitive domains. Children's ratings of their competence were significantly higher than teacher ratings only for the domain of physical competence. Contrary to expectations, teachers' perceptions of children's peer acceptance and cognitive competence were significantly higher than children's self-perceptions. Associations between children's self-perceptions and teacher ratings were nonexistent. Overall, findings suggest that the PSPCSC may not be an appropriate measure of self-perceived competence in preschool children. It may be that teacher and child reports of perceived competence tap different constructs. Additional instrument development work is needed in this area in order to more reliably measure preschool children's self-perceived competence.
Does the Flynn Effect Differ by IQ Level in Samples of Students Classified as Learning Disabled?
Authors: Sanborn Kathryn J. , Truscott Stephen D. , Phelps LeAdelle , McDougal James L.
Published: May 2006

This research examined scores from two learning-disabled (LD) samples for evidence of the Flynn Effect (FE; Flynn, 1999) to determine (a) whether the FE was evident, and (b) if the magnitude of the FE differed on IQ scores at varying levels of intelligence. Sample 1 consisted of 40 children who were administered the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability-Revised (WJ-R Cog) and the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability-Ill (WJ-III Cog) approximately 8 weeks apart. Sample 2 consisted of triennial test data for 169 students who were tested once with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and 3 years later with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III). After an initial analysis for the overall FE, Samples 1 and 2 were each divided into IQ level groups (e.g., 91-105) and analyzed accordingly. Results for Sample 1 (W-J) indicated that the 2+ point observed IQ change was not significant for this relatively small sample, although it appeared to be consistent with the direction and degree predicted by the FE (Flynn, 1984). Results for Sample 2 (WISC) indicated a significant IQ change consistent with the FE. Neither sample exhibited statistically significant differences for FE by IQ level. However, consistent with previous research, observed differences increased from lower to higher IQ levels. Consequently, this research cannot rule out the possibility that a child's IQ level influences the degree to which the FE is apparent.
Evaluating the Utility of the Spanish Version of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Parent Report System
Authors: McCloskey Dalene M. , Hess Robyn S. , D'Amato Rik Carl
Published: May 2006

Parents of 55 Hispanic children between the ages of 7 and 9 years participated in a study to compare scores on the Spanish version of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Parent Report System (el Sistema Multidimensional de Evaluación de la Conducta de los Niños) with the BASC scores from the standardization sample. The scores for each group were compared using visual inspection and a correlation procedure. Results from our Hispanic group closely resemble correlation data reported in the BASC manual, with the exception of four scales that contribute to the Behavior Symptom Index. Significant differences were noted between the Adaptive Composite and scales from other composites. The results generally support the use of the Spanish version of the BASC with Spanish-speaking parents. Some caution is urged in interpreting the results of the Withdrawal, Attention, Hyperactivity, and Atypicality scales from the Behavior Symptom Index.
The Utility of Seven-Subtest Short Forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III in Young Adults
Authors: Tam Wai-Cheong Carl
Published: May 2006

Along with ongoing research on the WAIS-R, short forms of the WAIS-III have attracted much attention. However, few studies of WAIS-III short forms are based on normal samples or on the validation of estimated indexes. This study examined the utility of two seven-subtest short forms in 81 healthy young adults in Taiwan with the administration of the WAIS-III (Chinese version). Participants were recruited from three high schools and one university. Comparison of both the IQs and indexes from full administration and short forms was investigated extensively by using six different criteria. Results supported the utility of the seven-subtest short form, which includes Information, Arithmetic, Similarity, Digit Span, Picture Completion, Matrix Reasoning, and Digit Symbol. This short form can be used to estimate Full Scale IQ Verbal IQ Performance IQ Verbal Comprehension Index, and Working Memory Index in young adults. Thus the study was a cross-validation of the seven-subtest short form used in clinical settings. In addition, from a cross-cultural perspective, it was also a validation of the seven-subtest short forms of the WAIS-III (Chinese version).
Assessment of Children with Attention and Reading Difficulties Using the Pass Theory and Cognitive Assessment System
Authors: Naglieri Jack A. , Salter Claudia J. , Edwards Gwenyth H.
Published: May 2006

This study evaluated the Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive (PASS) characteristics of children assessed for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD referred), children with a Reading Disability (RD), and children in Regular Education (RE). The Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) was used to assess PASS processes for the 119 children (48 in ADHDR; 23 in RD; and 48 in RE groups). The results showed that the ADHDR group had lower Planning scores than the RE group (effect size = 0.6). The RD group had lower Successive scores than the RE group (effect size = 1.1) and the ADHDR group (effect size = 1.2), and lower Simultaneous scores than the RE group (large effect size of 0.9). The implications for using PASS theory to assist in the identification process as well as for the design of interventions for children with ADHDR and children with RD are discussed.
Relationship of School-Based Attributions to Depression
Authors: Bell Sherry Mee , McCallum R. Steve , Doucette Janette A.
Published: May 2006

Relationships among attributions for success and failure and depression were investigated for 63 5th-grade students. Significant relationships were found among school-based attributions, as measured by global scale scores from the Student Academic Attribution Scale (SAAS) and the Student Social Attribution Scale (SSAS), general attributions as measured by the Children's Attributional Style Questionnaire (CASQ), and depression as measured by the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Scores from the SAAS and SSAS tend to be more strongly related to depression than do those from the CASQ. When scores from the SAAS, SSAS, and the CASQ were entered into a stepwise multiple regression, only global scores from the SAAS and the SSAS explained significant proportions of the variance in the BASC depression score. Results suggest that school-related attributions are more highly related to depression in nonclinical intermediate-grade students than are general attributions.
The Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test with Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Pendley Julia D. , Myers Carl L. , Brown Reagan D.
Published: May 2006

The primary purpose of this study was to test two hypotheses proposed by Bracken and McCallum (1998), authors of the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT), as to how children diagnosed with ADHD would perform on the UNIT. Twenty-nine students between the ages of 5 and 17 years were administered the extended battery of the UNIT twice, with an average of 31 days between testing sessions. Paired sample t tests evaluated mean scores on various sections of the UNIT, and test-retest stability coefficients were compared with those reported in the test manual. As one hypothesis predicted, the students' scores were significantly lower on the Memory Quotient than on the Reasoning Quotient. However, an alternative hypothesis predicting lower scores on successive-processing and planning tasks than on simultaneous tasks was not supported. Additional findings were reported on the stability of the UNIT with students with ADHD.
Construct Validity of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition, and Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , Neitzel Ryan , Martin Blake E.
Published: May 2006

The present study reports data supporting the construct validity of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT; Kaufman & Kaufman, 1990), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III; Wechsler, 1991), and the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents (ASCA; McDermott, Marston, & Stott, 1993) through convergent and discriminant comparisons in a sample of 207 students receiving special education evaluations. Results were as hypothesized, with high and statistically significant correlations between the K-BIT and WISCIII, supporting convergent validity. Moderate and statistically significant correlations were obtained between the two intelligence measures (K-BIT and WISC-III) and measures of academic achievement (WIAT, WIAT-II, WJ-R ACH, or WJ-3 ACH) at levels typical of ability-achievement correlations. Correlations between the two intelligence measures (K-BIT and WISC-III) and the ASCA, a measure of child psychopathology, were low to near zero, supporting discriminant validity. Further discriminant evidence of construct validity was provided by the low to near zero correlations between the ASCA and the measures of academic achievement.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test with Limited English Proficient Mexican-American Elementary Students
Authors: Borghese Peter , Gronau Roger C.
Published: May 2006

Correlations and mean score differences between IQs derived from the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT; Bracken & McCallum, 1998) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III; Wechsler, 1991) were compared. Participants were Limited English Proficient (LEP) Mexican-American elementary school students, who were administered the UNIT and the WISC-III in counterbalanced order. The data revealed greater than expected correlations between the UNIT Full Scale and the WISC-III Full Scale and Verbal IQs. Patterns of correlations between the UNIT and the WISCIII provided support for both the convergent and discriminant validity of the UNIT with the targeted population. As anticipated, UNIT Full Scale IQs were significantly higher than WISCIII Full Scale IQs.
Behavioral Identification and Assessment of Gifted and Talented Students
Authors: Bracken Bruce A. , Brown E. F.
Published: May 2006

Forty-five gifted students and 45 regular education students without identified exceptionalities were rated by teachers and administrators on the Clinical Assessment of Behavior (CAB), a third-party behavior rating scale that rates students’ adaptive and behavior problems. The gifted students in this study were rated significantly higher on three adaptive behavioral scales/clusters: Competence, Executive Function, and Gifted and Talented. In addition, the gifted students were rated significantly lower on several clinical scales/clusters, including Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit, Learning Disability, Autistic Spectrum, Mental Retardation, as well as the total scale score. The results indicated that gifted and talented students displayed overall better behavioral adjustment than their regular education peers and that the CAB may be useful as part of the identification process for gifted and talented students.
Evaluation of Kaufman, Ishikuma, and Kaufman-Packer's Short Forms for Use with Psychiatric African American Children
Authors: Cravens Ted B.
Published: May 2006

Three short forms of the WAIS-R, a dyad, triad, and tetrad suggested by Kaufman, Ishikuma, and Kaufman-Packer (1991), were adapted for the WISCIII and evaluated for a group of 137 6- to 16-year-old African American psychiatric inpatients. These short forms were also compared with a dyad and a tetrad suggested by Silverstein (1982) for the WAIS-R and by Kaufman (1976) for the WISCR. Kaufman et al's (1991) tetrad, which consists of Similarities, Arithmetic, Picture Completion, and Coding (the WISCIII analog of Digit Span), was judged superior, based on its brief administration time, ease of scoring, reliability, and predictive accuracy. The advisability of administering certain subtest combinations to African American children is questioned and discussed.
Cross-National Variability in Capital Punishment
Authors: Miethe Terance D. , Lu Hong , Deibert Gini R.
Published: May 2006

Guided by existing macrolevel theories on punishment and society, the present study explores the independent and conjunctive effects of measures of sociopolitical conditions on the legal retention of capital punishment in 185 nations in the 21st century. Significant correlations are found between a nation’s retention of legal executions for ordinary crimes and its level of economic development, primary religious orientation, citizens’ voice in governance, political stability, and recent history of extrajudicial executions. Subsequent multivariate analyses through qualitative comparative methods reveal substantial context-specific effects and wide variability in legal retention even within countries with similar sociopolitical structures. These results are then discussed in terms of their theoretical implications for future cross-national research on punishment and society.
The Case for a Pluralist Health Psychology
Authors: Marks David F.
Published: May 2006

Hepworth (2006) offers a timely and insightful review of critical health psychology. A pluralist health psychology can accommodate the interests and concerns of all psychologists working in the health field. Health inequalities are neglected by the mainstream and yet policy makers at national and international level are giving this a high priority. Also, ecological validity and replicability of mainstream quantitative studies are unacceptably low while qualitative studies are being increasingly utilized. Hepworth’s passionate call to action is an appeal that no psychologist with a concern for human wellbeing can easily ignore.
Do We Need Critical Health Psychology or Rather Critical Health Psychologists?
Authors: Vinck Jan , Meganck Jeroen
Published: May 2006

In her article Julie Hepworth (this issue) discusses the definition of critical health psychology and its position within the field of health psychology. We understand that she is inclined to favour a position of critical health psychology that is separate from and in opposition to mainstream health psychology. In contrast to this, we are convinced that the important concerns of critical health psychology are better served by efforts to help mainstream health psychologists think and work more strongly from a critical perspective.
Public Health is an Interdiscipline, and about Wholes and Parts
Authors: von Lengerke Thomas
Published: May 2006

Hepworth’s assessment of critical health psychology’s capacity to contribute to public health promotion (this issue) is commented on and supplemented by selected issues relevant to Hepworth’s timely call for interdisciplinary research and action in this context. Drawing on eco-epidemiology, multilevel research strategies are suggested that comprehensively account for individual/psychological and population/sociological factors. It is delineated how health promotion policies may be backed by psychologically informed policy analysis. Regarding health, it is argued to keep scrutinizing ill-health and to resist simplistic notions of quality of life or wellness but also to enhance these by incorporating concepts from positive psychology. Finally, it is considered whether trans disciplinarity may be in aid of fully realizing the potentials of blending the merits of health psychology and public health.
Against reviving republicanism
Authors: Brennan Geoffrey , Lomasky Loren
Published: May 2006

The strategy of this article is to consider republicanism in contrast with liberalism. We focus on three aspects of this contrast: republicanism’s emphasis on ‘social goods’ under various conceptualizations of that category; republicanism’s emphasis on political participation as an essential element of the ‘good life’; and republicanism’s distinctive understanding of freedom (following the lines developed by Pettit). In each case, we are skeptical that what republicanism offers is superior to the liberal alternative and indicate the grounds for that skepticism.
Multiple myeloma cell survival relies on high activity of protein kinase CK2
Authors: Piazza Francesco A. , Ruzzene Maria , Gurrieri Carmela , Montini Barbara , Bonanni Luca , Chioetto Gino , Di Maira Giovanni , Barbon Francesca , Cabrelle Anna , Zambello Renato , Adami Fausto , Trentin Livio , Pinna Lorenzo A. , Semenzato Gianpietro
Published: May 2006

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous cellular serine-threonine kinase that regulates relevant biologic processes, many of which are dysregulated in malignant plasma cells. Here we investigated its role in multiple myeloma (MM). Analysis of MM cell lines and highly purified malignant plasma cells in patients with MM revealed higher protein and CK2 activity levels than in controls (normal in vitro-generated polyclonal plasma cells and B lymphocytes). The inhibition of CK2 with specific synthetic compounds or by means of RNA interference caused a cytotoxic effect on MM plasma cells that could not be overcome by IL-6 or IGF-I and that was associated with the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic caspase cascades. CK2 blockage lowered the sensitivity threshold of MM plasma cells to the cytotoxic effect of melphalan. CK2 inhibition also resulted in impaired IL-6-dependent STAT3 activation and in decreased basal and TNF-α-dependent IκBα degradation and NF-κB-driven transcription. Our data show that CK2 was involved in the pathophysiology of MM, suggesting that it might play a crucial role in controlling survival and sensitivity to chemotherapeutics of malignant plasma cells.
Tolerogenic dendritic cells: cytokine modulation comes of age
Authors: Rutella Sergio , Danese Silvio , Leone Giuseppe
Published: May 2006

Dendritic cells (DCs) include a heterogeneous family of professional APCs involved in initiation of immunity and in immunologic tolerance. Specifically, peripheral tolerance can be achieved and maintained by promoting regulatory T-cell (Treg) responses and/or T-cell anergy or deletion. Until recently, immature developmental stages of DC differentiation were believed to induce T-cell anergy or Treg cells, whereas DCs transformed into mature DCs by activation stimuli were thought to represent immunogenic DCs capable of inciting primary T-cell responses. This paradigm has been challenged by the demonstration of Treg-cell expansion by antigen-bearing, fully mature DCs. Similarly, semimature DCs with a distinctive interleukin 10 (IL-10)+IL-12- cytokine production profile might be endowed with tolerogenic functions, supporting the concept that DC maturation per se should no longer be considered as a distinguishing feature of immunogenic as opposed to tolerogenic DCs (TDCs). Cytokine-modulated TDCs reflect an incomplete or altered status of monocyte differentiation and promote in vitro induction of Treg cells and/or in vivo protection from autoimmune diseases. Several growth factors, including IL-10, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), modulate DC maturation and favor the differentiation of TDCs. From a therapeutic standpoint, cytokine-modulated TDCs might be beneficial for prevention and/or treatment of posttransplantation graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and autoimmunity.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors prevent exocytosis of interleukin-1β-containing secretory lysosomes: role of microtubules
Authors: Carta Sonia , Tassi Sara , Semino Claudia , Fossati Gianluca , Mascagni Paolo , Dinarello Charles A. , Rubartelli Anna
Published: May 2006

A number of agents reducing interleukin-1β (IL-1β) activity are being developed as novel immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapies. However, the elucidation of their molecular mechanism of action is required in the context of medical management of inflammatory diseases. Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) are promising anticancer agents with pleiotropic activities. Of these, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid has been reported to inhibit the production of several proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 2 HDAC inhibitors on IL-1β secretion: suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and a newly developed hydroxamic acid-derived compound ITF2357. These HDAC inhibitors do not affect the synthesis or intracellular localization of IL-1β but both strongly reduce the levels of extracellular IL-1β by preventing the exocytosis of IL-1β-containing secretory lysosomes. At nanomolar concentrations, ITF2357 reduces the secretion of IL-1β following ATP activation of the P2X7 receptor. Whereas the inhibition of HDACs results in hyperacetylation of tubulin, acetylation of HSP90 was unaffected. The reduction in IL-1β secretion appears to be due to disruption of microtubules impairing lysosome exocytosis. Together, these observations indicate that a functional microtubule network is required for IL-1β secretion and suggest that disruption of tubulin is the mechanism by which inhibitors of HDACs reduce the secretion of IL-1β.
The placental cholinergic system: localization to the cytotrophoblast and modulation of nitric oxide
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Badiul , Murad Ferid , Fant Michael E
Published: May 2006

Background

The human placenta, a non-neuronal tissue, contains an active cholinergic system comprised of acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and high affinity muscarinic receptors. The cell(s) of origin of placental ACh and its role in trophoblast function has not been defined. These studies were performed to define the cellular location of ACh synthesis (ChAT) in the human placenta and to begin studying its functional role.

Results

Using immunohistochemical techniques, ChAT was observed primarily within the cytotrophoblasts of preterm placentae as well as some mesenchymal elements. Similar intense immunostaining of the cytotrophoblast was observed for endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) suggesting that ACh may interact with nitric oxide (NO)-dependent signaling pathways. The ability of carbamylcholine (CCh), an ACh analogue, to stimulate a rise in intracellular Ca++ and NO production in trophoblasts was therefore tested using the BeWob30 choriocarcinoma cell as a model system. First, CCh significantly increased intracellular calcium as assessed by fluorescence microscopy. We then examined the ability of CCh to stimulate NO production by measuring total nitrite/nitrate production in conditioned media using chemiluminescence-based analysis. CCh, alone, had no effect on NO production. However, CCh increased measurable NO approximately 100% in the presence of 10 nM estradiol. This stimulatory effect was inhibited by 1 (micro)M scopolamine suggesting mediation via muscarinic receptors. Estradiol, alone, had no effect on total NO or eNOS protein or mRNA.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that placental ChAT localizes to the cytotrophoblast and some mesenchymal cells in human placenta. It further suggests that ACh acts via muscarinic receptors on the trophoblast cell membrane to modulate NO in an estrogen-dependent manner.
Enhanced early vascular permeability in gelatinase B (MMP-9)-deficient mice: putative contribution of COX-1-derived PGE2 of macrophage origin
Authors: Kolaczkowska Elzbieta , Scislowska-Czarnecka Anna , Chadzinska Magdalena , Plytycz Barbara , van Rooijen Nico , Opdenakker Ghislain , Arnold Bernd
Published: May 2006

Increased vascular permeability leading to vascular leakage is a central feature of all inflammatory reactions and is critical for the formation of an inflammatory exudate. The leakage occurs because of gap formation between endothelial cells and breakdown of the basement membrane barriers. The present study aimed to investigate the role of gelatinase B [matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)], known to be involved in neutrophil exudation, in changes of vascular permeability at the early stages of acute zymosan peritonitis. We show that although MMP-9 is being released already within the first minutes of peritonitis, its lack, induced pharmacologically or genetically, does not decrease but rather increases vasopermeability. In mice treated with an inhibitor of gelatinases (A and B), a tendency to increased vasopermeability existed, and in MMP-9−/− mice [knockout (KO)], the difference was statistically significant in comparison with their controls. Moreover, in intact KO mice, significantly augmented production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) origin was detected, and depletion of peritoneal macrophages, but not mast cells, decreased vasopermeability in KO mice. Thus, the increase of vasopermeability observed on KO mice is a result of the increased production of COX-1-derived PGE2 by peritoneal macrophages. We conclude that genetic deficiency in gelatinase B might lead to the development of a compensatory mechanism involving the COX pathway.
Altered proximal T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in human CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Tsang Julia Yuen-Shan , Camara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Eren Efrem , Schneider Helga , Rudd Christopher , Lombardi Giovanna , Lechler Robert
Published: May 2006

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells play an important role in peripheral tolerance. Upon T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated activation, the cells fail to proliferate but are induced to have a suppressor function. The intracellular signaling events that lead to their responses have not been elucidated. In this study, we have examined the proximal TCR signaling events in freshly isolated human CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells after TCR ligation. In contrast to CD4+CD25– T cells, TCR ligation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells by anti-CD3 cross-linking resulted in a lower calcium influx and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. Examination of the CD3ζ chain phosphorylation status indicated that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells have poor phosphorylation of the protein and consequently, reduced recruitment of ζ-associated protein-70 to the TCR immunoreceptor tyrosine motif. The adaptor protein, Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte phosphoprotein of 76 kDa, which relays signals to downstream signaling components, also showed reduced phosphorylation, which correlated with reduced VAV guanine nucleotide exchange factors association. Consistent with other findings, the defect is accompanied with impaired actin cap formation, implicating a failure of actin remodeling of the cells. Together, our results demonstrate that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells have altered TCR proximal signaling pathways, which could be critical for inducing the distinct behavior of these cells.
Hyperthyrotropinemia in Obese Children Is Reversible after Weight Loss and Is Not Related to Lipids
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , de Sousa Gideon , Andler Werner
Published: May 2006

Context: There is some controversy whether T4 treatment is indicated in obese humans with hyperthyrotropinemia.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine whether hyperthyrotropinemia is a cause or a consequence of obesity.

Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional comparison between obese and lean children and includes a 1-yr follow-up study.

Setting: The study was set in a primary care facility.

Patients: The patients were 246 obese and 71 lean children.

Intervention: The 1-yr intervention program was based on exercise, behavior therapy, and nutrition education.

Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were TSH, free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol at baseline and 1 yr later.

Results: TSH (P = 0.009) and fT3 (P = 0.003) concentrations were significantly higher in obese children than in normal weight children, whereas there was no difference in fT4 levels (P = 0.804). Lipids did not correlate significantly to thyroid hormones in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. fT3, fT4, and lipids did not differ significantly in the 43 (17%) children with TSH levels above the normal range from the children with TSH levels within the normal range. Substantial weight loss in 49 obese children led to a significant reduction of TSH (P = 0.035) and fT3 (P = 0.036). The 197 obese children without substantial weight loss demonstrated no significant changes of thyroid hormones.

Conclusions: Because fT3 and TSH were moderately increased in obese children and weight loss led to a reduction, the elevation of these hormones seems to be rather a consequence of obesity than a cause of obesity. Because fT3 and TSH were both increased in obesity and thyroid hormones were not associated to lipids, we put forward the hypothesis that there is no necessity for thyroxine treatment.
A systematic review of the use of simulated patients and pharmacy practice research
Authors: Watson M C , Norris P , Granas A G
Published: May 2006

Objective

The use of simulated patients to assess current practice, or to derive outcome measures for pharmacy practice research, has received much attention in recent years. A simulated patient is an individual who is trained to visit a pharmacy to enact a scenario testing specific behaviour of the pharmacist or pharmacy staff. The aim of this study was to provide a definitive review of the use of simulated patients as a methodological tool for pharmacy practice research.

Method

A systematic review was undertaken to identify all pharmacy practice studies that had used simulated patient methodology. The electronic databases searched to identify relevant studies were MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Articles fulfilling all the following criteria were considered for inclusion in the review: primary reports of trials conducted in community pharmacy and drug store settings which used simulated patients to derive outcome measures. The review was not restricted by language or by country. The review was restricted to publications from 1976 to May 2005.

Key findings

In total, 56 full publications were retrieved for further examination, of which 46 studies were included in the review, including: nine randomised controlled trials, three controlled trials, 30 cross-sectional, two time-series and two ‘other’ studies. Ten publications were excluded: seven reviews, one laboratory-based study, one telephone survey and one study presented only as an abstract.

Conclusions

There has been steady growth in the use of simulated patient methodology over the past 30 years. Although simulated patients have received negative attention in the pharmaceutical media, they can be a rigorous and robust method of measuring practice if used appropriately. This review demonstrates the range of activities for which this method can be used, including the assessment of counselling and advice provision, the treatment of minor and major illness, and the assessment of the public health activities of pharmacy and drug store staff. Simulated patient methodology has been used in developing countries to a similar, if not greater extent, than the developed world, demonstrating its versatility and applicability to pharmacy practice research globally.
A review of pharmaceutical scheduling processes in six countries and the effect on consumer access to medicines
Authors: Gilbert Andrew , Rao Deepa , Quintrell Neil
Published: May 2006

Objective

This analysis determined and compared pharmaceutical scheduling arrangements in six selected countries and explored how these different scheduling arrangements affect the availability of medicines to the public for self-medication.

Method

A comparison of the pharmaceutical scheduling requirements for medicines in six countries was undertaken in September 2003. The six countries of comparison were Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand (NZ), the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK). The World Self-Medication Industry website, in September 2003, listed 216 medicines available in 27 countries. Of these, 104 medicines were available in each of the six countries selected for the study. As different scheduling arrangements pertain to different forms (external, internal) or doses and pack sizes, the total number of medicines and medicine forms for comparison was 119. The scheduling of each of the 119 products was determined and compared across the six countries.

Results

Of the 119 medicines and medicine forms available, Australia and NZ have 38 and 34 ‘prescription-only’ medicines and 81 and 85 medicines available without a prescription respectively. UK, Canada and France have 47, 53, and 55 ‘prescription-only’ medicines and 72, 66 and 64 medicines available without a prescription. US, which has only two schedules, ‘prescription-only’ and ‘general sale’, has the highest number of ‘prescription-only’ drugs (66) and the least number of medicines available without a prescription (53).

Conclusion

The results indicate that there is a tendency for more products to be made available without a prescription in countries that have schedules with pharmacy involvement (Australia, NZ, Canada, France and UK) and a matching tendency for preparations to be held in ‘prescription-only’ schedules in the USA where ‘pharmacy-only’ schedules do not exist. The presence of ‘pharmacy-only’ schedules provides a structure whereby greater consumer access to medication is available.
The nuclear ubiquitin-proteasome system
Authors: von Mikecz Anna
Published: May 2006

In eukaryotes, thousands of genes have to be organized and expressed in the cell nucleus. Conformational and kinetic instability of nuclear structure and components appear to enable cells to use the encoded information selectively. The ubiquitin-proteasome system is active in distinct nuclear domains and plays a major role controlling the initial steps of gene expression, DNA repair and nuclear quality-control mechanisms. Recent work indicates that a tuned balance of ubiquitylation and proteasome-dependent protein degradation of nuclear proteins is instrumental in nuclear function and, when deregulated, leads to the development of diseases such as polyQ disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Facile Synthesis of Alkenylsilanes from Organic Halides and Vinylsilanes in the Presence of Triethylamine and Palladium Catalysts
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Roan Bella L , Tanaka Masato
Published: May 2006

Organic halides such as PhI, ArBr, and β-bromostyrene reacted with di- or monochlorovinylsilanes or triethoxyvinylsilane in the presence of triethylamine and palladium catalysts to give β-substituted vinylsilanes in excellent to moderate yields.
Decomposition of Freon-12 and Methyl Chloride over Supported Gold Catalysts
Authors: Aida Takashi , Higuchi Reiji , Niiyama Hiroo
Published: May 2006

Decomposition of Freon-12 (CCl2F2) and methyl chloride (CH3Cl) over gold catalysts were studied. Au/Co3O4 showed a high activity for CH3Cl but a lesser activity for CCl2F2 while Au/Al2O3 showed moderate activities for the both reactants. The first step of the reactions over Au/Al2O3 was considered as substitution of Cl by surface OH group on support surface.
Selective Coupling of Non-Activated Olefins with Ethyl Cyanoacetate by Mn3+-Mediated Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Shundo Ryushi , Nishiguchi Ikuzo , Matsubara Yoshiharu , Hirashima Tsuneaki
Published: May 2006

Novel carbon-carbon bond formation of non-activated olefins with ethyl cyanoacetate has been developed by anodic oxidation using only a small amount of Mn(OAc)2·4H2O to give selectively either saturated or unsaturated coupling products depending upon the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu(OAc)2·H2O.
The role of professional expertise in the purchasing of health services
Authors: Lian P. C. S. , Laing A. W.
Published: May 2006

Using data gathered from a mixture of quantitative and qualitative tools, this research into the purchasing of health services, namely occupational health services, is utilized to build an understanding of the role of service professionals in the purchasing of health services. In analysing the themes emerging from the interviews it was found that, typical of a complex, highly intangible professional service, the buyers found it difficult to objectively evaluate the service. The purchasing of occupational health services, similar to other professional services, was perceived to be an uncertain and risky process. The high uncertainties and risk of purchasing occupational health services lead to the utilization of the expertise of the service providers as a risk-reducing mechanism. This understanding of the role of health professionals in the purchasing of health services illustrates that the service characteristics enables the health professionals to utilize their expertise in influencing all stages of this process.
Exposure rates to hepatitis C and G virus infections among HIV-infected patients: evidence of efficient transmission of HGV by the sexual route
Authors: Ramia S , Mokhbat J , Sibai A , Klayme S , Naman R ,   HIV Epidemiology Research Study (HERSD) Group
Published: May 2006

The importance of sexual transmission in the epidemiology of hepatitis G virus (HGV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) was evaluated in two groups of HIV-1-positive Lebanese patients. Members of one group (90 patients) were HIV-1-infected via sexual route and denied intravenous drug (IVD) use, while members of the other group (28 patients) became HIV-1-infected parenterally and confessed frequent IVD use. The overall prevalence of HGV infection was relatively high in both groups and with no statistically significant difference between them (28% among IVD users vs 32% among the non-IVD users) despite the fact that non-IVD users were significantly older (32.7 ± 1.7 years) than the IVD users (24.0 ± 1.4 years) ( P < 0.01). Conversely, there was a clear association between IVD use and HCV infection (25% for IVD users vs 7% for non-IVD users) despite the significantly lower age of the IVD users. These results point to the efficient transmission of HGV via the sexual route, while the transmission of HCV is mainly via the parenteral route. CD4+ lymphocyte counts were known on only 82 HIV1-infected patients. Although the number of HGV-RNA-positive patients (three) was small compared with anti-HGV-positive patients (24), a relationship was not found between CD4+ lymphocyte counts and the presence of HGV-RNA in the HIV-1-positive patients. The role of HGV in causing significant liver disease is still under dispute.
Which treatment for genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis infection?
Authors: Tobin J M , Harindra V , Mani R
Published: May 2006

A national opportunistic chlamydia screening programme, mainly targeting young sexually active women, is gradually being introduced across the UK and in future will predominantly occur in primary care sites. The relative efficacy of recommended antibiotic treatments for chlamydia has been poorly studied and especially that of single dose azithromycin. In Portsmouth, 1536 patients treated for chlamydia, with four different antibiotic regimens, during the Department of Health pilot study, were asked to return for test of cure. No difference in treatment outcome was found using doxycycline, oxytetracycline, erythromycin or azithromycin. Directly observed therapy with azithromycin may be especially helpful in treating young chlamydia-positive patients.
Health literacy and patient knowledge in a Southern US HIV clinic
Authors: Wolf M S , Davis T C , Cross J T , Marin E , Green K , Bennett C L
Published: May 2006

Pharmaceutical management of HIV infection is complex, and proper adherence to antiretroviral regimens is contingent on active patient involvement in treatment. We examined the relationship between patient understanding of HIV and its treatment and health literacy. Structured interviews were conducted with 157 HIV-infected individuals receiving care at a community-based clinic in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA. In all, 48% of patients were reading below a 9th grade level. One-third of patients could not name their HIV medications and this was significantly related to low literacy ( P < 0.01). Two-thirds of those reading below the 9th grade level did not know how to take their medications correctly ( P < 0.05), and 75% did not know the meaning of a CD4 count or viral load ( P < 0.001). Patients with low literacy skills were more likely to state that their physician was their sole source of HIV information ( P < 0.005). Physicians may require training to appropriately convey health information to patients of low literacy.