bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of serotonin and serotonin antagonists on bladder cancer cell proliferation
Authors: SIDDIQUI EMAD J. , SHABBIR MAJID A. , MIKHAILIDIS DIMITRI P. , MUMTAZ FAIZ H. , THOMPSON CECIL S.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) and its antagonists in the proliferation of high‐grade bladder cancer cells (HT1376), as high‐grade bladder cancer has a rapid rate of progression, invasion and recurrence, and 5HT antagonists inhibit the growth of the prostate cancer cell line (PC3).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HT1376 (human grade III transitional cell carcinoma) cells were incubated with either 5HT or 5HT antagonists (5HT1A, 5HT1B, 5HT1D, 5HT2, 5HT3 and 5HT4). After 72 h, cell viability was assessed using the crystal violet assay. The presence of 5HT receptor subtypes on HT1376 cells and sections of human bladder cancer tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

5HT caused a dose‐dependent increase in the proliferation of HT1376 cells. The maximum increase in cell proliferation (12%; 12 samples, P < 0.001) was at 10−8m as compared to the control at 72 h. At 10−4m, 5HT1A antagonist (NAN‐190 hydrobromide) and 5HT1B antagonist (SB224289 hydrochloride) had a 10% (12 samples, P < 0.001) and 93% (12, P < 0.001) inhibitory effect on HT1376 cell growth, respectively, compared to the control at 72 h. There was immunostaining for 5HT1A and 5HT1B receptors in HT1376 cells and malignant bladder tissue, confirming the presence of these two receptor subtypes. Western blot analysis showed the presence of 5HT1A and 5HT1B receptor proteins with bands of 46 kDa and 43 kDa, respectively.

CONCLUSION

5HT1A and to a greater extent 5HT1B antagonists significantly inhibit bladder cancer cell growth. This effect is probably mediated via the 5HT1A and 5HT1B receptors. These results highlight the potential use of 5HT1A and 5HT1B antagonists in the treatment of bladder cancer.
Simultaneous high‐throughput recombinational cloning of open reading frames in closed and open configurations
Authors: Underwood Beverly A. , Vanderhaeghen Rudy , Whitford Ryan , Town Christopher D. , Hilson Pierre
Published: February 2006

Comprehensive open reading frame (ORF) clone collections, ORFeomes, are key components of functional genomics projects. When recombinational cloning systems are used to capture ORFs in master clones, these DNA sequences can be easily transferred into a variety of expression plasmids, each designed for a specific assay. Depending on downstream applications, an ORF is cloned either with or without a stop codon at its original position, referred to as closed or open configuration, respectively. The former is preferred when the encoded protein is produced in its native form or with an amino‐terminal tag; the latter is obligatory when the protein is produced as a fusion with a carboxyl‐terminal tag. We developed a streamlined protocol for high‐throughput, simultaneous cloning of both open and closed ORF entry clones with the Gateway™ recombinational cloning system. The protocol is straightforward to set up in large‐scale ORF cloning projects, and is cost‐effective, because the initial ORF amplification and the cloning in a pDONR vector are performed only once to obtain the two ORF configurations. We illustrated its implementation for the isolation and validation of 346 Arabidopsis ORF entry clones.
Psychological empowerment, job satisfaction and performance among Filipino service workers
Authors: Hechanova Ma. Regina M. , Alampay Ramon Benedicto A. , Franco Edna P.
Published: February 2006

The present study surveyed 954 employees and their supervisors to determine the relationship of empowerment with job satisfaction and performance in five different service sectors: hotels, food service, banking, call centers, and airlines. Psychological empowerment was positively correlated with both job satisfaction and performance. Although intrinsic motivation was associated with higher levels of empowerment and job satisfaction, contrary to hypothesis, intrinsic motivation did not moderate the relationship between empowerment and job satisfaction and performance. Men reported greater empowerment than women even when job level and performance were controlled for. Cross‐industry analyses indicated differences in empowerment across different types of service sectors with employees in call centers reporting less empowerment compared to employees in hotel, airlines, food establishments, and banks.
Managing intergroup attitudes among Hong Kong adolescents: Effects of social category inclusiveness and time pressure
Authors: Lam Shui‐fong , Chiu Chi‐yue , Lau Ivy Yee‐man , Chan Wan‐man , Yim Pui‐shan
Published: February 2006

Previous research has shown a widespread bias among Hong Kong adolescents against Chinese Mainlanders. Based on social identity and social cognitive theories, we examined the effects of identity frame switching (situational induction of social category inclusiveness) and time pressure (environmental constraints on social information processing) on Hong Kong adolescents’ attitudes toward Chinese Mainlanders. Results indicated that Hong Kong adolescents had acquired a habitual tendency to make social comparisons within an exclusive regional framework of reference. This habitual tendency might lead to negative judgment biases toward Chinese Mainlanders, particularly when the adolescents made social judgments under time pressure. In addition, switching to an inclusive national frame of reference for social comparison attenuated negative intergroup attitudes. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Maintaining stereotypes in communication: Investigating memory biases and coherence‐seeking in storytelling
Authors: Lyons Anthony , Kashima Yoshihisa
Published: February 2006

When communicating, a general tendency exists for people to transmit more stereotype consistent (SC) than inconsistent (SI) information. Although some communicative factors have been shown to play a role, it is still not yet known the extent to which general memory biases (i.e. independent of communicative context) contribute to this phenomenon. To examine this issue, and to explore further mechanisms of the bias, the present paper presents quantitative and qualitative data of an experiment involving the transmission of a stereotype‐relevant story through 20 four‐person chains using the method of serial reproduction. An SC bias emerged when participants had an intention to communicate but not when they reproduced the story from memory with no such intention. Results also suggest that trying to tell a coherent story may be one further factor that contributes to the bias. These and other findings were discussed in terms of the role of communicative processes in maintaining stereotypes.
Pareto Sampling versus Sampford and Conditional Poisson Sampling
Authors: BONDESSON LENNART , TRAAT IMBI , LUNDQVIST ANDERS
Published: February 2006

Abstract.  Pareto sampling was introduced by Rosén in the late 1990s. It is a simple method to get a fixed size πps sample though with inclusion probabilities only approximately as desired. Sampford sampling, introduced by Sampford in 1967, gives the desired inclusion probabilities but it may take time to generate a sample. Using probability functions and Laplace approximations, we show that from a probabilistic point of view these two designs are very close to each other and asymptotically identical. A Sampford sample can rapidly be generated in all situations by letting a Pareto sample pass an acceptance–rejection filter. A new very efficient method to generate conditional Poisson (CP) samples appears as a byproduct. Further, it is shown how the inclusion probabilities of all orders for the Pareto design can be calculated from those of the CP design. A new explicit very accurate approximation of the second‐order inclusion probabilities, valid for several designs, is presented and applied to get single sum type variance estimates of the Horvitz–Thompson estimator.
A Semiparametric Binary Regression Model Involving Monotonicity Constraints
Authors: BANERJEE MOULINATH , BISWAS PINAKI , GHOSH DEBASHIS
Published: February 2006

Abstract.  We study a binary regression model using the complementary log–log link, where the response variable Δ is the indicator of an event of interest (for example, the incidence of cancer, or the detection of a tumour) and the set of covariates can be partitioned as (X, Z) where Z (real valued) is the primary covariate and X (vector valued) denotes a set of control variables. The conditional probability of the event of interest is assumed to be monotonic in Z, for every fixed X. A finite‐dimensional (regression) parameter β describes the effect of X. We show that the baseline conditional probability function (corresponding to X = 0) can be estimated by isotonic regression procedures and develop an asymptotically pivotal likelihood‐ratio‐based method for constructing (asymptotic) confidence sets for the regression function. We also show how likelihood‐ratio‐based confidence intervals for the regression parameter can be constructed using the chi‐square distribution. An interesting connection to the Cox proportional hazards model under current status censoring emerges. We present simulation results to illustrate the theory and apply our results to a data set involving lung tumour incidence in mice.
Dilemmas in fetal medicine: premature application of technology or responding to women's choice?
Authors: Williams Clare
Published: February 2006

It is argued that innovative health technologies (IHTs) may be changing the roles of both patients and health practitioners, and raising new issues, including ethical, legal and social dilemmas. This paper focuses on the innovative area of fetal medicine. All fetal treatment necessitates accessing the fetus through the pregnant woman's body, and non‐surgical treatments have long been a part of pregnancy care. However, recent developments in this area, including the increasing routinisation of sophisticated antenatal ultrasound screening and the introduction of treatments including fetal surgery, may mark a shift in this specialty. The paper explores such shifts from the perspectives of medical and midwifery practitioners working in two Fetal Medicine Units. It examines the apparent effects of the orientation of fetal medicine on prevalent conceptualisations of the maternal‐fetal relationship, and some of the consequences of this. It is argued that new forms of uncertainty, including complex risk and diagnostic information, and uncertain prognostic predictions set within the rhetoric of non‐directive counselling and women's choice, are leading to unprecedented ethical dilemmas within this area. More widespread debate about such potential dilemmas needs to take place before, rather than following their introduction.
The quest for the perfect baby: why do Israeli women seek prenatal genetic testing?
Authors: Remennick Larissa
Published: February 2006

Since the mid‐1990s, the Israeli medical scene has witnessed a real boom in elective prenatal testing for inherited diseases that has spread beyond risk groups to the general Jewish population, especially of Ashkenazi (European) origin. This study tried to identify key social influences involved in the growing range and prevalence of prenatal genetic tests as they emerged from women's own perspective. Twenty‐seven women having blood tests for genetic mutations were interviewed at two types of genetic clinics, and re‐interviewed after getting test results. The names of 23 women who chose not to have elective tests were obtained from testers, and these non‐testers were interviewed for comparison. Women's accounts suggest that elective genetic testing is more acceptable, if not normative, among educated middle class Ashkenazi women, and is more often questioned and refused by lower class Mizrahi women, as well as religious women of any ethnic origin. The key forces that drive women's choice of prenatal genetic diagnosis include the fear of having a sick and/or socially unfit child in an unsupportive environment; strong endorsement of testing by gynaecologists; popular and professional discourse on the common Ashkenazi mutations causing genetic anxiety in this ethnic group (i.e. apprehension of multiple known and unknown dangers hidden in its genetic makeup); and the emerging social pressure for comprehensive prenatal screening as an indispensable part of good motherhood. Many women described the experience of testing as frustrating because of the long wait for results and difficulty of their interpretation and subsequent decision‐making. Women who rejected elective tests explained their decision by moral/religious objections to abortion and/or eugenic aspects of prenatal screening, as well as by prohibitive costs and poor understanding of the tests’ meaning and implications. Yet, few informants voiced objections to the excessive medicalisation of pregnancy as such; ethno‐national motives of reproductive decisions were also uncommon in this group. More critical reflection is clearly needed from both providers and users of elective genetic screening before the more widespread uptake of this practice.
Psychiatric emergency room decision‐making, social control and the ‘undeserving sick’
Authors: Lincoln Alisa
Published: February 2006

The influence of social factors on involuntary hospitalisation has been an important and controversial area of sociological focus for many years. Traditionally, social control theory has been used to understand disproportionate rates of involuntary hospitalisation among marginalised and powerless groups. However, dramatic changes in the social context of mental healthcare have necessitated a re‐examination of the role of social factors in involuntary hospitalisation. In this study 287 psychiatric emergency room visits were examined in order to test hypotheses for understanding social influences on disposition. Little support for the traditional social control hypothesis was found. People from marginalised groups were not disproportionately involuntarily hospitalised, but instead were disproportionately treated and released from the hospital as people's social resources were used to access care rather than to prevent hospitalisation. This study highlights the importance of the historical relevance of our theoretical understanding of the relationship between social factors and involuntary commitment.
Accounting for risk and responsibility associated with smoking among mothers of children with respiratory illness
Authors: Coxhead Lauren , Rhodes Tim
Published: February 2006

Contemporary public health discourses construct individuals as rational, responsible and knowledgeable, and thus promote a self‐controlled prudent response to risk. In the context of evidence emphasising risks to children's health associated with passive smoking, mothers of children with respiratory illness may knowingly place their children at increased risk should they continue to smoke in their presence. Drawing on an analysis of depth qualitative interview accounts with mothers who smoke and whose young child was recently admitted to hospital with respiratory illness, this study describes mothers’ constructions of risk and responsibility associated with their smoking. Three forms of accounting style were identified: ‘stories of acceptability’; ‘denial of agency’; and ‘reflections of guilt’. ‘Stories of acceptability’ either positioned the risk of passive smoking as contained and controlled to an acceptable level, or disputed the level of risk that passive smoke posed. ‘Denial of agency’ drew on discourses of addiction and shared responsibility to exonerate the mother of responsibility or blame. ‘Reflections of guilt’ were presented when contradictions arose within accounts, particularly in relation to discussions of agency and rationality in decision‐making. The study illustrates how constructions of moral responsibility, especially in relation to being a ‘good mother’, framed mothers’ accounts of smoking in the face of risk. The study concludes that far greater consideration be given to the way in which mothers rationalise their smoking to others if paediatric doctors are to foster risk reduction practices associated with passive smoking more effectively.
It's Not Enough to Get through the Open Door: Inequalities by Social Background in Transfer from Community Colleges to Four-Year Colleges
Authors: Dougherty Kevin J. , Kienzl Gregory S.
Published: February 2006

The growing policy interest in community colleges as gateways to the baccalaureate degree naturally raises the question of how equitably transfer opportunities are distributed by student background and what factors may explain background differences that might be found. We analyze two nationally representative data sets to examine how the likelihood of transfer is affected by social background, precollege academic characteristics, external demands at college entrance, and experiences during college. We find that high-SES students have significantly higher transfer rates, in part because of advantages in precollege academic preparation and educational aspirations. Older college entrants are much less likely to transfer than students entering college right out of high school, and a significant portion of this age gap is more often due to having children, lower educational aspirations, and a vocational major, and being enrolled part time. Though women and nonwhites differ from men and whites in transfer rates, these differences are not statistically significant. But there is an important caveat: blacks tend to have higher educational aspirations than whites of the same socioeconomic background. When we control for educational aspirations, thus removing this black aspirational advantage, the black-white gap in transfer rates widens considerably, becoming statistically significant in one of our samples but not the other.
On a Mixture GARCH Time‐Series Model
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Wai Keung , Yuen Kam Chuen
Published: February 2006

Abstract.  Recently, there has been a lot of interest in modelling real data with a heavy‐tailed distribution. A popular candidate is the so‐called generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (GARCH) model. Unfortunately, the tails of GARCH models are not thick enough in some applications. In this paper, we propose a mixture generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (MGARCH) model. The stationarity conditions and the tail behaviour of the MGARCH model are studied. It is shown that MGARCH models have tails thicker than those of the associated GARCH models. Therefore, the MGARCH models are more capable of capturing the heavy‐tailed features in real data. Some real examples illustrate the results.
Communication and Folk Psychology
Authors: Breheny Richard
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Prominent accounts of language use (those of Grice, Lewis, Stalnaker, Sperber and Wilson among others) have viewed basic communicative acts as essentially involving the attitudes of the participating agents. Developmental data poses a dilemma for these accounts, since it suggests children below age four are competent communicators but would lack the ability to conceptualise communication if philosophers and linguists are right about what communication is. This paper argues that this dilemma is quite serious and that these prominent accounts would be undermined if an adequate more minimal alternative were available. Just such a minimalist account of communication is offered, drawing on ideas from relevance theory and situation theory.
What Feelings Can’t Do
Authors: Sizer Laura
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Arguments over whether emotions and moods are feelings have demonstrated confusion over the concept of a feeling and, in particular, what it is that feelings can—and cannot—do. I argue that the causal and explanatory roles we assign emotions and moods in our theories are inconsistent with their being feelings. Sidestepping debates over the natures of emotions and moods I frame my arguments primarily in terms of what it is emotions, moods and feelings do. I provide an analysis that clarifies the role feelings can play in our psychology that is consistent with current psychological and neurological data.
Axonal regeneration in adult CNS neurons – signaling molecules and pathways
Authors: Teng Felicia Yu Hsuan , Tang Bor Luen
Published: February 2006

Failure of severed adult CNS axons to regenerate could be attributed to both a reduced intrinsic capacity to grow and an heightened susceptibility to inhibitory factors of the CNS extracellular environment. A particularly interesting and useful paradigm for investigating CNS axonal regeneration is its enhancement at the CNS branch of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons after conditional lesioning of their peripheral branch. Recent reports have implicated the involvement of two well‐known signaling pathways utilizing separate transcription factors; the Cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in conditional lesioning. The former appears to be the pathway activated by neurotrophic factors and Bcl‐2, while the latter is responsible for the neurogenic effect of cytokines [such as the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) elevated at lesion sites]. Recent findings also augmented earlier notions that modulations of the activity of another class of cellular signaling intermediate, the conventional protein kinase C (PKC), could result in a contrasting growth response by CNS neurons to myelin‐associated inhibitors. We discuss these signaling pathways and mechanisms, in conjunction with other recent reports of regeneration enhancement and also within the context of what is known about aiding regeneration of injured CNS axons.
Is endogenous d‐serine in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex necessary for pain‐related negative affect?
Authors: Ren Wen‐Hua , Guo Ji‐Dong , Cao Hong , Wang Hua , Wang Pei‐Fen , Sha Hong , Ji Ru‐Rong , Zhao Zhi‐Qi , Zhang Yu‐Qiu
Published: February 2006

Functional activation of NMDA receptors requires co‐activation of glutamate‐ and glycine‐binding sites. d‐serine is considered to be an endogenous ligand for the glycine site of NMDA receptors. Using a combination of a rat formalin‐induced conditioned place avoidance (F‐CPA) behavioral model and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording in rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) slices, we examined the effects of d‐amino acid oxidase (DAAO), an endogenous d‐serine‐degrading enzyme, and 7‐chlorokynurenate (7Cl‐KYNA), an antagonist of the glycine site of NMDA receptors, on pain‐related aversion. Degradation of endogenous d‐serine with DAAO, or selective blockade of the glycine site of NMDA receptors by 7Cl‐KYNA, effectively inhibited NMDA‐evoked currents in rACC slices. Intra‐rACC injection of DAAO (0.1 U) and 7Cl‐KYNA (2 and 0.2 mm, 0.6 µL per side) 20 min before F‐CPA conditioning greatly attenuated F‐CPA scores, but did not affect formalin‐induced acute nociceptive behaviors and electric foot shock‐induced conditioned place avoidance. This study reveals for the first time that endogenous d‐serine plays a critical role in pain‐related aversion by activating the glycine site of NMDA receptors in the rACC. Furthermore, these results extend our hypothesis that activation of NMDA receptors in the rACC is necessary for the acquisition of specific pain‐related negative emotion. Thus a new and promising strategy for the prevention of chronic pain‐induced emotional disturbance might be raised.
Inflammatory signalling pathways involved in astroglial activation by unconjugated bilirubin
Authors: Fernandes Adelaide , Falcão Ana S. , Silva Rui F. M. , Gordo Ana C. , Gama Maria J. , Brito Maria A. , Brites Dora
Published: February 2006

During neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, astrocytes activated by unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) may contibute to brain toxicity through the production of cytokines. As a first step in addressing the signal transduction cascades involved in the UCB‐induced astroglial immunological response, we tested whether tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α receptor 1 (TNFR1), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) would be activated in astrocytes exposed to UCB, and examined the profile of cytokine production. Astrocyte cultures stimulated with UCB showed a rapid rise in TNFR1 protein levels, followed by activation of the MAPKs p38, Jun N‐terminal kinase1/2 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2, and NF‐κB. Interestingly, the induction of these signal effectors preceded the early up‐regulation of TNF‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β mRNAs, and later secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6. Treatment of astrocytes with UCB also induced cell death, with levels comparable to those obtained after exposure of astrocytes to recombinant TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Moreover, loss of cell viability and cytokine secretion were reduced when the NF‐κB signal transduction pathway was inhibited, suggesting a key role for NF‐κB in the astroglial response to UCB. These results demonstrate the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in cell injury by UCB during hyperbilirubinaemia and provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Gender Patterns in College Students' Choices of Their Best and Worst Professors
Authors: Basow Susan A. , Phelan Julie E. , Capotosto Laura
Published: February 2006

Students ( N = 175) at a large public university described their best and worst professors. Male students chose a female professor as “best” less often than expected whereas female students chose a female professor as often as expected. There were no gender differences in choice of “worst” professors. Descriptions of best and worst professors varied by professor and student gender. Overall, the male student-female professor pairing seemed most affected by gender dynamics, with male students most likely to emphasize their best female professors' interpersonal skills, especially being approachable. Male students also were most likely to describe their worst female professor in terms of poor classroom interactions, especially closed-mindedness. Although the most frequently used descriptive qualities of best and worst professors showed similarities to those found in previous research, the hidden gendered patterns raise troubling questions for the use of student nominations and comments to choose superior teachers.
“Someone Like Me can be Successful”: Do College Students Need Same-Gender Role Models?
Authors: Lockwood Penelope
Published: February 2006

Two studies examined the extent to which matching on gender determines the impact of career role models on the self. Because women face negative stereotypes regarding their competence in the workplace, they may derive particular benefit from the example of an outstanding woman who illustrates the possibility of overcoming gender barriers to achieve success. In contrast, men may not have the same need for same-gender role models. Study 1 assessed the impact of gender-matched and mismatched career role models on the self-perceptions of female and male participants. In Study 2, female and male participants were asked to describe a career role model who had inspired them in the past. In both studies, results indicated that female participants were more inspired by outstanding female than male role models; in contrast, gender did not determine the impact of role models on male participants.
A Measure of Objectified Body Consciousness for Preadolescent and Adolescent Youth
Authors: Lindberg Sara M. , Hyde Janet Shibley , McKinley Nita Mary
Published: February 2006

Objectified body consciousness (OBC)—the tendency to view oneself as an object to be looked at and evaluated by others—has received recent attention as a possible vulnerability factor for depression and disordered eating. Although OBC generally is discussed in developmental terms, extant research has examined primarily the experiences of undergraduates and adults. Our goal in this study was to develop an age-appropriate measure to allow study of OBC development during preadolescence and adolescence. We modeled the OBC-Youth after McKinley and Hyde's (1996 ) OBC-Classic to measure three components of OBC: body surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs. The 14-item scale contains modified vocabulary and syntax to make it appropriate for use with preadolescent and adolescent youth. Results indicate that the OBC-Youth scale is a reliable, valid measure of OBC. Initial findings about the correlates of OBC in preadolescence are discussed.
Do Feminist Identity Styles Moderate the Relation Between Perceived Sexist Events and Disordered Eating?
Authors: Sabik Natalie J. , Tylka Tracy L.
Published: February 2006

Feminist consciousness is theorized to be a powerful resource against the detrimental effects of sexism. The present study examined whether feminist identity styles moderated the relation of perceived lifetime and recent sexist events to disordered eating for 256 college women. Using hierarchical moderated regression, we found two styles of feminist identity (i.e., synthesis and active commitment) buffered the relation between perceived sexist events and disordered eating; the three remaining styles of feminist identity did not moderate this relationship. For women low on synthesis and active commitment, both perceived lifetime and recent sexist events positively predicted disordered eating. In contrast, for women high on synthesis and active commitment, neither perceived lifetime nor recent sexist events predicted disordered eating. Our results substantiate extant theory that sexist events contribute more to the psychological distress of nonfeminist women than of feminist women.
Looking Good, Sounding Good: Femininity Ideology and Adolescent Girls' Mental Health
Authors: Tolman Deborah L. , Impett Emily A. , Tracy Allison J. , Michael Alice
Published: February 2006

This study used a feminist psychodynamic developmental framework to test the hypothesis that internalizing conventional femininity ideologies in two domains—inauthenticity in relationships and body objectification—is associated with early adolescent girls' mental health. One hundred forty-eight eighth-grade girls completed measures of femininity ideology, self-esteem, depression, and demographic characteristics. In the first part of this study, we refined the Adolescent Femininity Ideology Scale originally developed by Tolman and Porche (2000) . In the second part, we used structural equation modeling to test models linking femininity ideology to mental health. Results revealed that body objectification, and to a lesser extent, inauthenticity in relationships, accounted for half of the variance in depression and over two-thirds of the variance in self-esteem in a critical period of development for adolescent girls. The importance of a feminist psychodynamic developmental framework for identifying and understanding salient dimensions of female adolescence is discussed.
Long-Term Effects of labeling a Rape Experience
Authors: McMullin Darcy , White Jacquelyn W.
Published: February 2006

Research has found that approximately half of women who report an experience that meets the legal definition of rape do not label it rape. It has been assumed that labeling the experience as rape is necessary and beneficial for recovery; however, conflicting findings have been reported. In the present study, a longitudinal design was utilized to examine the long-term consequences of being a rape victim and of labeling the experience as rape. Assessments were obtained at two time points approximately 10 months apart from females in their first year of college. Participants were classified as nonvictims, victims who labeled the experience as rape, or victims who did not label the experience as rape. Results showed that there were negative effects of being raped, such as more psychological distress and increased alcohol use; however, few differences were found at either assessment based on rape victims' labeling of the experience.
Effect of serotonin receptor 2 blockage on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in the rat liver
Authors: Papadimas George K. , Tzirogiannis Konstantinos N. , Panoutsopoulos Georgios I. , Demonakou Maria D. , Skaltsas Spyridon D. , Hereti Rosa I. , Papadopoulou‐Daifoti Zeta , Mykoniatis Michael G.
Published: February 2006

Abstract: The effect of serotonin receptor 2 blockade (5‐HT2) on liver regeneration after 30–34% and 60–70% partial hepatectomy in the rat liver was investigated.

Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to 60–70% (group I) and 30–34% (group II) partial hepatectomy. Serotonin receptor 2 blockade was exerted by intraperitoneal administration of ketanserin at different doses and time points after partial hepatectomy. The rats of all groups were killed at different time points until 96 h after partial hepatectomy. The rate of liver regeneration was evaluated by the mitotic index in hematoxylin and eosin sections, the immunochemical detection of Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigens, the rate of [3H]‐thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA and liver thymidine kinase enzymatic activity.

Results: Liver regeneration peaked at 24 and 32 h after partial hepatectomy in 60–70% hepatectomized rats. In 30–34% hepatectomized rats liver regeneration peaked at 60 h, whereas low rates of regenerative activity were observed between 24 and 72 h after partial hepatectomy. Ketanserin administration arrested liver regeneration only when administered at 16 h after 60–70% partial hepatectomy. Ketanserin also abrogated the observed peak of regenerative activity at 60 h in 30–34% hepatectomized rats when administered at 52 h after partial hepatectomy. All indices of liver regeneration were affected by ketanserin administration.

Conclusions: Serotonin receptor 2 blockade can arrest liver regeneration only when administered close to G1/S transition point, and that while serotonin may be a cofactor for DNA synthesis, it does not play a role in initiation of liver regeneration.
The development and clinical features of splenic aneurysm associated with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sunagozaka Hajime , Tsuji Hirokazu , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Arai Kuniaki , Kagaya Takashi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Sakai Akito , Nakamoto Yasunari , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Objectives: Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is usually asymptomatic, but can be fatal if it ruptures. Portal hypertensive patients with varix or splenomegaly are sometimes complicated by SAA. However, there have been no large‐scale clinical studies regarding whether liver cirrhosis itself is associated with splenic aneurysm regardless of varix or splenomegaly.

Methods: In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed 303 cirrhotic patients examined with arteriography. The diagnosis and characteristics of SAAs were determined, and the relation with splenic artery diameter was evaluated.

Results: Nine patients (2.97%) had 12 complicated SAAs. The aneurysms, which measured 4–22 mm in diameter, were all saccular, and occurred commonly in the splenic hilum (50.0%). A correlation was noted between splenic artery diameter and aneurysm diameter (R2=0.706). Aneurysm growth was strongly associated with an increase in diameter of the splenic artery trunk (R2=0.705), which is closely related to arterial flow.

Conclusions: SAA is considered a complication of cirrhosis. The increase in splenic artery diameter may result in SAA enlargement and rupture. Elective procedures should be considered based on the follow‐up of main trunk or diameter of the splenic artery in addition to SAA size, a known risk factor of aneurysmal rupture.
The effect of the metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis on liver fibrosis in hereditary hemochromatosis
Authors: Adams Leon A. , Angulo Paul , Abraham Susan C. , Torgerson Heidi , Brandhagen David
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Objectives: The variability in phenotypic expression of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is not fully understood. We sought to examine whether the metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis or steatohepatitis influenced hepatic fibrosis among patients with HH and iron overload.

Methods: We identified 86 patients with C282Y/C282Y or C282Y/H63D HH and iron overload (hepatic iron concentration (HIC) >2200 μg/g for males, >1600 μg/g for females). Features of the metabolic syndrome were assessed at the time of liver biopsy. Biopsies were scored by a blinded pathologist. Significant fibrosis was defined as peri‐portal fibrosis or greater.

Results: The mean (±SD) age of the study population was 53±12 years and 68 (79%) were male. The median (range) values of ferritin and HIC were 1125 (253–9530) μg/l and 9963 (1926–50 887) μg/g, respectively. The metabolic syndrome was present in 23 (27%), hepatic steatosis in 43 (50%), steatohepatitis in 18 (21%) and significant fibrosis in 38 (44%). Overall, neither the metabolic syndrome nor any of its components were associated with significant fibrosis or a higher mean fibrosis stage. Hepatic steatosis but not steatohepatitis was associated with a lower fibrosis stage. C282Y/H63D compound heterozygous individuals who had glucose intolerance had more severe fibrosis compared with those without glucose intolerance (1.0±1.0 vs. 0.1±0.3, P=0.01).

Conclusions: Overall, the metabolic syndrome and fatty liver were not associated with hepatic fibrosis among individuals with HH and iron overload. However, glucose intolerance may be important risk factor for the development of hepatic fibrosis in subjects with the C282Y/H63D HFE genotype.
Patterns and Predictors of Smoking Cessation in an Elderly Cohort
Authors: Whitson Heather E. , Heflin Mitchell T. , Burchett Bruce M.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES: To identify subject characteristics that predict smoking cessation and describe patterns of cessation and recidivism in a cohort of elderly smokers.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Piedmont region, North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred seventy‐three subjects enrolled in the North Carolina Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly who responded “yes” to question 179 on the baseline survey (Do you smoke cigarettes regularly now?) and survived at least 3 years, until the next in‐person follow‐up (1989/90). Subjects were classified as quitters (n=100) or nonquitters (n=473) based on subsequent smoking behavior.

MEASUREMENTS: Reported smoking behavior, demographic characteristics of the smokers at baseline or subsequent interviews, 7‐year mortality.

RESULTS: After controlling for all characteristics studied, subjects who quit smoking were more likely to be female (P=.03) and showed a trend toward greater likelihood of a recent cancer diagnosis (P=.11). Recidivism was observed in only 16% (19/119) of subjects who reported no smoking in 1989/90. The percentage of subjects who died during 7 years of follow‐up was 44.0% of quitters, compared with 51.6% of nonquitters. Smoking cessation was not associated with a statistically significant decrease in risk of death after controlling for other variables (odds ratio=0.78, 95% confidence interval=0.48–1.26).

CONCLUSION: Smoking cessation in this elderly cohort was associated with different subject characteristics from those that predict successful cessation in younger populations, suggesting that older smokers may have unique reasons to stop smoking. Further study is needed to assess potential motives and benefits associated with smoking cessation at an advanced age.
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections in Older People
Authors: Kaye Keith S. , Sloane Richard , Sexton Daniel J. , Schmader Kenneth A.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in older people and to test a priori hypotheses regarding particular variables and SSI risk.

DESIGN: Case‐control study.

SETTING: Duke University Medical Center and seven community hospitals in North Carolina and Virginia.

PARTICIPANTS: Elderly patients (≥65) who underwent surgery between 1991 and 2002 at the study hospitals. Cases were elderly patients with SSI; controls were elderly operative patients without SSI. Infection control practitioners prospectively identified patients.

MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected retrospectively. Case patients who developed SSI were compared with control patients who did not develop SSI.

RESULTS: Five hundred sixty‐nine SSI cases were identified, and 589 uninfected controls were selected. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of SSI included obesity (odds ratio (OR)=1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.34–2.32), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.17–2.34), and a wound class classified as contaminated or dirty (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.01–2.72). Having private insurance was associated with lower risk (OR=0.29, 95% CI=0.12–0.68).

CONCLUSION: This study identified several independent predictors of SSI in older people, including comorbid conditions (COPD and obesity), perioperative variables (wound class), and socioeconomic factors (private insurance, which was associated with lower risk). The results from this study can be used to design and implement interventions for SSI prevention in high‐risk older people.
Results of Clinical Renal Transplantation in 15 Dogs Using Triple Drug Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: GREGORY CLARE R. , KYLES ANDREW E. , BERNSTEEN LYNDA , MEHL MARGO
Published: February 2006

Objective— To evaluate outcome of renal transplantation in dogs administered cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone immunosuppression.

Study Design— Prospective clinical study.

Animals— Fifteen dogs with chronic renal failure.

Results— Nine dogs died within 1 month of surgery; 5 died from complications associated with generalized thromboembolism. Three dogs survived for 6–25 months. Three dogs alive at the time of this report have survived 22–48 months; however, all 3 dogs have had bacterial infections that responded to antibiotic therapy. There was no biochemical evidence of acute allograft rejection in any dog. Perioperative use of enoxaparin may have prevented thromboembolism in 5 dogs.

Conclusions— Triple drug immunosuppressive therapy used in this study prevented acute renal allograft rejection in 6 dogs that survived >4 weeks; however, immunosuppression was excessive, resulting in an unacceptable frequency of infection and other drug‐related complications. Perioperative anticoagulation therapy seem to be warranted.

Clinical Relevance— Survival time and quality of life for this group of dogs was poor; however, there was no evidence of acute rejection in the dogs surviving >4 weeks. This protocol should only be used if the degree of immunosuppression is reduced, and early evidence of allograft rejection is monitored by renal biopsy or markers of lymphocyte activation.
Biomechanics of Tibial Plateau Leveling of the Canine Cruciate‐Deficient Stifle Joint: A Theoretical Model
Authors: SHAHAR RON , MILGRAM JOSHUA
Published: February 2006

Objective—To evaluate the effect of tibial plateau leveling on the biomechanics of the canine stifle.

Study Design—Analysis of a 3‐dimensional (3‐D) anatomically accurate theoretical model of the canine stifle.

Methods—A 3‐D, 3‐segment mathematical model of the normal canine stifle was modified to simulate the effect of rotation of the tibial plateau during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The model examined the normal stifle, the stifle with a tibial plateau angle (TPA) of 0°, and the stifle with a TPA of 5°. Analysis of the models at 10 consecutive equally spaced positions during the stance phase yielded data such as ligament forces and joint reaction forces at each position.

Results—Rotation of the tibial plateau to a TPA of 0° almost eliminates forces in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) throughout the stance phase. Rotation to a TPA of 5° did not, however, substantially decrease the load in the CCL. Both procedures increased the load in the caudal cruciate ligament (CaCL).

Conclusions—Cranial tibial thrust (CTT) is converted into caudal tibial thrust when the TPA is 0°; however, rotating the plateau to a TPA of 5° does not eliminate the CTT.

Clinical Relevance—The TPLO procedure performed as currently recommended (rotating the tibial plateau to a TPA of 5°) may not eliminate the CTT, but only reduce it. Both TPLO procedures evaluated here were found to increase the load in the CaCL.
Ex Vivo Comparison of One Versus Two Distal Screws in 8 mm Model 11 Interlocking Nails Used to Stabilize Canine Distal Femoral Fractures
Authors: REEMS MICHAEL R. , PLUHAR G. ELIZABETH , WHEELER DONNA L.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To compare the structural properties of an 8 mm model 11 interlocking nail (IN) with 2 proximal and 2 distal screws (2/2) to 2 proximal and 1 distal screws (2/1) in an unstable canine fracture model.

Study Design—Ex vivo biomechanical investigation.

Sample Population—Eight pairs of adult canine femurs.

Methods—A simple transverse distal metaphyseal femoral fracture with a 1 cm gap was created. The unstable fracture in 1 femur was repaired with a nail with 2 distal and 2 proximal screws and the paired femur with a nail with 1 distal and 2 proximal screws. Cyclic mechanical testing in torsion was performed to assess fatigue life, peak torque, stiffness, and mode of failure.

Results—All 2/1 IN‐femoral constructs, but only 2 of eight 2/2 constructs, failed before completion of 50,000 loading cycles. The 2/2 constructs had significantly greater peak torque to failure (P=.002) and longer fatigue life (P=.00003) compared with 2/1 constructs. There were no significant differences in stiffness between 2/2 and 2/1 constructs when the non‐failed constructs were compared (P>.5). All constructs failed by screw deformation.

Conclusions—An 8 mm model 11 IN used for fixation of unstable canine distal femoral fractures has a longer fatigue life and is stronger under torsional loads when 2 rather than 1 distal screws are placed.

Clinical Relevance—

When repairing unstable canine distal femoral fractures with an IN system, 2 distal screws should be inserted to avoid catastrophic implant failure before bone healing is achieved.
Spinal Epidural Empyema in Seven Dogs
Authors: LAVELY JAMES A. , VERNAU KAREN M. , VERNAU WILLIAM , HERRGESELL ERIC J. , LECOUTEUR RICHARD A.
Published: February 2006

Objective— To characterize the clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and outcome in dogs with spinal epidural empyema (SEE).

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Animals— Seven dogs.

Methods— Dogs with SEE between 1992 and 2001 were identified from a computerized medical record system. Inclusion criteria were: neurologic examination, vertebral column radiographs, myelography, antimicrobial culture and susceptibility of material collected surgically from the vertebral canal, a definitive diagnosis of SEE confirmed by surgery, and microscopic examination of tissue from the vertebral canal.

Results— Common signs were lethargy, fever, anorexia, apparent spinal pain, and paraparesis/plegia. Common laboratory abnormalities were peripheral neutrophilia, and neutrophilic pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Three dogs had concurrent discospondylitis and 1 of these had vertebral luxation. On myelography, extradural spinal cord compression was focal (2 dogs), multifocal (3), or diffuse (2). Bacteria were isolated not from CSF but from blood, surgical site, pleural fluid, or urine in 6 dogs. Dogs were administered antibiotics and had surgical decompression by hemilaminectomy. Five dogs improved neurologically and had a good long‐term outcome. Two dogs were euthanatized, 1 because of worsening of neurologic signs and pneumonia, and the other because of herniation of a cervical intervertebral disc 1 month postoperatively, unrelated to the SEE.

Conclusion— Dogs with SEE may have a good outcome when treated by surgical decompression and antibiotic administration.

Clinical Relevance— SEE should be included in a list of possible causes for dogs with fever, apparent spinal pain, and myelopathy.