bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyruvate Preserves Neutrophilic Superoxide Production in Acidic, High Glucose‐Enriched Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions
Authors: Wu Yi Tai , Wu Zhao Long , Jiang Xiao Feng , SuLi  , Zhou Fang Qiang
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Aim: To investigate effects of pyruvate (Py)‐based peritoneal dialysis solutions (P‐PDS) on neutrophilic superoxide (O2−) production against high glucose (HG) concentrations at acidic or physiologic pH value, and explore potential mechanisms. Methods: Human neutrophils were incubated with both dl‐lactate (La, 40 mM)‐based PDS (L‐PDS) and equimolar P‐PDS at various pH and HG levels, respectively. Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS) served as controls. O2− generation was determined by the reduction of ferricytochrome c. Results: Acidic pH and high La induced acute and substantial inhibitions of O2− production. HG in both PDS and HBSS resulted in a suppression of O2− in a dose‐dependent manner. P‐PDS generated near twofold O2− formation of L‐PDS counterparts at various pH and HG levels. P‐PDS with HG produced significantly more O2− than Py‐free HBSS counterparts. Conclusions: Py in PDS effectively protected neutrophils from HG‐induced inhibition of O2− production, even at a physiological pH. The Py cytoprotection may be associated with the preservation of carbohydrate metabolic pathways in addition to its alkalization.
Cystatin C in the anterior segment of rat and mouse eyes
Authors: Wassélius Johan , Håkansson Katarina , Abrahamson Magnus , Ehinger Berndt
Published: December 2004

Purpose: Cystatin C is a mammalian cysteine protease inhibitor. This study describes the localization of cystatin C in the anterior segment of normal rat and mouse eyes. Cysteine proteases play an important role in protein degradation (e.g. of photoreceptor outer segments in the retinal pigment epithelium) and the balance between these proteases and their specific inhibitors is therefore of great interest.

Methods: Cells containing cystatin C were identified by immunohistochemistry and quantified by ELISA. Messenger RNA levels were analysed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Cystatin C is present at biologically significant levels in the corneal epithelium, endothelium and stromal keratinocytes, lens epithelium, epithelial cells in the ciliary processes, aqueous humour and iris stromal cells. In the rat anterior segment, the highest cystatin C concentrations were found in the ciliary epithelium.

Conclusions: Cystatin C is present in several cell types and is probably locally produced. The inhibitor is likely to be an important regulator of cysteine proteases in the retinal pigment epithelium, ciliary epithelium, aqueous humour, lens epithelium and in the corneal endothelium and epithelium.
Vigabatrin‐associated loss of vision: rarebit perimetry illuminates the dose−damage relationship
Authors: Frisén Lars
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  The utility of vigabatrin in the treatment of epilepsy is partially offset by its retinal toxicity. The relationship between dosage and damage is obscure. This may be due to perimetric shortcomings. The new technique of rarebit (‘microdot’) perimetry might be more informative.

Methods:  Twelve patients who had been treated with vigabatrin for various durations were examined by manual, kinetic perimetry and by rarebit perimetry.

Results:  Rarebit results differed significantly between patients and normal controls and rarebit deficits were directly proportional to cumulated vigabatrin doses (correlation coefficients were − 0.92 in the nasal field and − 0.82 in the temporal field). Manual perimetry results were less clearly related to dosage (r = − 0.54 and r = − 0.73, respectively).

Conclusion:  Rarebit perimetry indicates that each treated subject will develop visual loss and that visual loss will be proportional to the accumulated dose. Conventional perimetry is less well suited to detecting and quantifying vigabatrin‐associated visual loss.
HLA class I/II matching and chronic endothelial cell loss in penetrating normal risk keratoplasty
Authors: Reinhard Thomas , Böhringer Daniel , Enczmann Jürgen , Kögler Gesine , Wernet Peter , Böhringer Stefan , Sundmacher Rainer
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Chronic endothelial cell loss of the graft is very common after penetrating keratoplasty. The aetiology of this is unknown. Clinically, non‐identifiable immune reactions have been suspected. Recently, we were able to demonstrate that proper human leucocyte antigen (HLA) matching is a suitable means to reduce classical immune reactions in normal risk keratoplasty patients. In this study, we therefore investigated whether HLA‐matched grafts also experience less chronic endothelial cell loss.

Methods:  A homogenous group of 223 normal risk keratoplasty patients was divided into six groups with different degrees of HLA matching (group 1 with unknown HLA data, group 2 with up to two mismatches, group 3 with three mismatches, group 4 with four mismatches, group 5 with five mismatches and group 6 with six mismatches on the HLA A, B, DR loci). All serological HLA A, B, C and all moleculargenetic HLA DRB, DRQB typings of donors and recipients were performed in a single laboratory accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Only patients with at least three postoperative endothelial cell density values were included in the study. The slopes of the regression lines for each individual scatterplot of endothelial cell density values plotted against postoperative time (linear regression, lost cells/mm2/day), and after logarithmic transformation (exponential regression, annual relative loss of cells) were evaluated, respectively.

Results:  There were no statistically significant differences between the six groups.

Conclusion:  Whereas proper HLA matching at present standards is already a suitable means to reduce identifiable immune reactions and to prolong graft survival even in normal risk keratoplasty patients, the same HLA matching procedures are not effective in reducing the extent of chronic endothelial cell loss. For several reasons this does not yet exclude, however, the possibility that the underlying cause of chronic endothelial cell loss is immunological.
Retinopathy in acute leukaemia at initial diagnosis: correlation of fundus lesions and haematological parameters
Authors: Reddy S. C. , Jackson N.
Published: December 2004

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of retinal changes in newly diagnosed acute leukaemia patients, and to establish the relationship between retinal lesions and haematological parameters in these patients.

Methods: A total of 127 patients with acute leukaemia (myeloid and lymphoid), of both genders, aged between 13 and 77 years, were examined by an ophthalmologist for retinal changes using direct/indirect ophthalmoscopy within 2 days of diagnosis before starting chemotherapy.

Results: Retinal lesions were seen in 62 cases (49%), with intraretinal haemorrhages being the most common lesion (42%). A high white blood cell count was significantly associated with intraretinal haemorrhages (p = 0.04) and white‐centred haemorrhages (p = 0.001), while a low platelet count was significantly associated with intraretinal haemorrhages (p = 0.03) in acute myeloid leukaemia patients.

Conclusions: A high white blood cell count may be considered as important as a low platelet count in the pathogenesis of leukaemic retinopathy.
Complications of Neodymium: YAG laser goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy
Authors: Vuori Marja‐Liisa
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  To study the complications of Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI).

Methods:  All patients who underwent a Nd:YAG goniopuncture after a successful DSCI for primary open‐angle glaucoma were included in a non‐randomized clinical study.

Results:  Nd:YAG goniopuncture was performed in 31 patients. The mean time from surgery to goniopuncture was 3.2 ± 3.2 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before goniopuncture was 32.0 ± 10.8 mmHg (SD); the mean IOP 1–2 hours after goniopuncture was 16.5 ± 6.3 mmHg. After a mean follow‐up of 5.4 ± 2.8 months, the mean IOP was 17.8 ± 11.6 mmHg. Three patients had a spontaneous iris prolapse after Nd:YAG goniopuncture and consequently high IOP. No signs of severe hypotension were observed.

Conclusion:  There are potentially serious complications relating to Nd:YAG goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy. However, further studies are needed to determine the safest time and level of IOP at which to perform Nd:YAG goniopuncture.
Influence of uveal melanoma therapy on patients' quality of life: a psychological study
Authors: Chabert Sophie , Velikay‐Parel Michaela , Zehetmayer Martin
Published: December 2004

Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the quality of life of 98 patients treated with brachytherapy or stereotactic external beam irradiation, either with the Leksell Gamma Knife® or a 6‐MV LINAC.

Methods: The EORTC QLQ‐C30 and the EORTC QLQ‐OPT37 psychological questionnaires and the HADS‐D scale were used. Two visual analogue scales (VASs) were applied to compare overall quality of life before and after treatment.

Results: The results revealed no significant differences in quality of life (p = 0.215) among treatments with different methods of radiotherapy. Comparison of quality of life before and after therapy did, however, indicate a decrease in quality following radiotherapy. The average binocular visual acuity (VA) was 0.8 (range 0.3−1). Complications arising from the treatment included a reduction in VA in the affected eye, keratitis, cataract, scleral and corneal necrosis, radiation retinopathy, radiation optic neuropathy, retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Conclusion: Due to the diagnosis revealed and the subsequent radiotherapy, patients with uveal melanoma experienced a reduced quality of life. However, compared to patients with other types of cancer, they seemed to feel relatively well and showed fewer signs of deterioration.
Efficacy and tolerability of the dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% combination (COSOPT™) versus latanoprost 0.005% (XALATAN™) in the treatment of ocular hypertension or glaucoma: results from two randomized clinical trials
Authors: Fechtner Robert D. , Airaksinen P. Juhani , Getson Albert J. , Lines Christopher R. , Adamsons Ingrid A. ,   the COSOPT versus XALATAN Study Groups
Published: December 2004

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of the fixed dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% combination (COSOPT™) versus latanoprost 0.005% (XALATAN™).

Methods: Two 3‐month, parallel group, randomized, observer‐masked and patient‐masked, multicentre, clinical trials were performed in patients with ocular hypertension or open‐angle glaucoma. Study 1 (n = 256) was conducted in the United States and Study 2 (n = 288) was conducted in Europe/Israel. Patients could be included whether or not they were currently taking ocular hypotensive therapy, and regardless of the effectiveness of any previous therapy. Patients were washed out from their usual ocular hypotensive medications and then those with a baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 24 mmHg were randomized to either the dorzolamide/timolol combination eye drops twice daily or latanoprost eye drops once daily in both eyes. Efficacy was assessed by daytime diurnal IOP (the mean of measurements made at 0800, 1000, 1400 and 1600 h).

Results: At baseline, the mean daytime diurnal IOP was 26.1 mmHg in the dorzolamide/timolol combination group versus 25.6 mmHg in the latanoprost group in Study 1, and 25.3 mmHg in the dorzolamide/timolol combination group versus 24.7 mmHg in the latanoprost group in Study 2. After 3 months, the mean daytime diurnal IOP was 18.9 mmHg for the dorzolamide/timolol combination versus 18.4 mmHg for latanoprost in Study 1, and 17.4 mmHg for the dorzolamide/timolol combination versus 17.5 mmHg for latanoprost in Study 2. The difference between treatments in mean IOP change at 3 months was − 0.04 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.85, 0.77] in Study 1, and − 0.57 mmHg (95% CI − 1.31, 0.16) in Study 2. The probability that the true difference lay between − 1.5 and 1.5 mmHg, the predefined bounds for equivalance, was > 0.950 in both studies. Both treatments were well tolerated over 3 months, although ocular stinging occurred more frequently with the dorzolamide/timolol combination.

Conclusion: The dorzolamide/timolol combination and latanoprost were equally effective at lowering IOP.
Enzyme adaptation to alkaline pH: Atomic resolution (1.08 Å) structure of phosphoserine aminotransferase from Bacillus alcalophilus
Authors: Dubnovitsky Anatoly P. , Kapetaniou Evangelia G. , Papageorgiou Anastassios C.
Published: December 2004

The crystal structure of the vitamin B6‐dependent enzyme phosphoserine aminotransferase from the obligatory alkaliphile Bacillus alcalophilus has been determined at 1.08 Å resolution. The model was refined to an R‐factor of 11.7% (Rfree = 13.9%). The enzyme displays a narrow pH optimum of enzymatic activity at pH 9.0. The final structure was compared to the previously reported structure of the mesophilic phosphoserine aminotransferase from Escherichia coli and to that of phosphoserine aminotransferase from a facultative alkaliphile, Bacillus circulans subsp. alkalophilus. All three enzymes are homodimers with each monomer comprising a two‐domain architecture. Despite the high structural similarity, the alkaliphilic representatives possess a set of distinctive structural features. Two residues directly interacting with pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate are replaced, and an additional hydrogen bond to the O3′ atom of the cofactor is present in alkaliphilic phosphoserine aminotransferases. The number of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions at the dimer interface is increased. Hydrophobic interactions between the two domains in the monomers are enhanced. Moreover, the number of negatively charged amino acid residues increases on the solvent‐accessible molecular surface and fewer hydrophobic residues are exposed to the solvent. Further, the total amount of ion pairs and ion networks is significantly reduced in the Bacillus enzymes, while the total number of hydrogen bonds is increased. The mesophilic enzyme from Escherichia coli contains two additional β‐strands in a surface loop with a third β‐strand being shorter in the structure. The identified structural features are proposed to be possible factors implicated in the alkaline adaptation of phosphoserine aminotransferase.
A novel member of the YchN‐like fold: Solution structure of the hypothetical protein Tm0979 from Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Gaspar Joe A. , Liu Chengsong , Vassall Kenrick A. , Meglei Gabriela , Stephen Ricardo , Stathopulos Peter B. , Pineda‐Lucena Antonio , Wu Bin , Yee Adelinda , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Meiering Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2004

We report herein the NMR structure of Tm0979, a structural proteomics target from Thermotoga maritima. The Tm0979 fold consists of four β/α units, which form a central parallel β‐sheet with strand order 1234. The first three helices pack toward one face of the sheet and the fourth helix packs against the other face. The protein forms a dimer by adjacent parallel packing of the fourth helices sandwiched between the two β‐sheets. This fold is very interesting from several points of view. First, it represents the first structure determination for the DsrH family of conserved hypothetical proteins, which are involved in oxidation of intracellular sulfur but have no defined molecular function. Based on structure and sequence analysis, possible functions are discussed. Second, the fold of Tm0979 most closely resembles YchN‐like folds; however the proteins that adopt these folds differ in secondary structural elements and quaternary structure. Comparison of these proteins provides insight into possible mechanisms of evolution of quaternary structure through a simple mechanism of hydrophobicity‐changing mutations of one or two residues. Third, the Tm0979 fold is found to be similar to flavodoxin‐like folds and β/α barrel proteins, and may provide a link between these very abundant folds and putative ancestral half‐barrel proteins.
Crystal structure of the YML079w protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals a new sequence family of the jelly‐roll fold
Authors: Zhou Cong‐Zhao , Meyer Philippe , Quevillon‐Cheruel Sophie , De La Sierra‐Gallay Inès Li , Collinet Bruno , Graille Marc , Blondeau Karine , François Jean‐Marie , Leulliot Nicolas , Sorel Isabelle , Poupon Anne , Janin Joel , Van Tilbeurgh Herman
Published: December 2004

We determined the three‐dimensional crystal structure of the protein YML079wp, encoded by a hypothetical open reading frame from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to a resolution of 1.75 Å. The protein has no close homologs and its molecular and cellular functions are unknown. The structure of the protein is a jelly‐roll fold consisting of ten β‐strands organized in two parallel packed β‐sheets. The protein has strong structural resemblance to the plant storage and ligand binding proteins (canavalin, glycinin, auxin binding protein) but also to some plant and bacterial enzymes (epimerase, germin). The protein forms homodimers in the crystal, confirming measurements of its molecular mass in solution. Two monomers have their β‐sheet packed together to form the dimer. The presence of a hydrophobic ligand in a well conserved pocket inside the barrel and local sequence similarity with bacterial epimerases may suggest a biochemical function for this protein.
LiveBench‐8: The large‐scale, continuous assessment of automated protein structure prediction
Authors: Rychlewski Leszek , Fischer Daniel
Published: December 2004

We present the results of the evaluation of the latest LiveBench‐8 experiment. These results provide a snapshot view of the state of the art in automated protein structure prediction, just before the 2004 CAFASP‐4/CASP‐6 experiments begin. The last CAFASP/CASP experiments demonstrated that automated meta‐predictors entail a significant advance in the field, already challenging most human expert predictors. LiveBench‐8 corroborates the superior performance of meta‐predictors, which are able to produce useful predictions for over one‐half of the test targets. More importantly, LiveBench‐8 identifies a handful of recently developed autonomous (nonmeta) servers that perform at the very top, suggesting that further progress in the individual methods has recently been obtained.
Release of ADP from the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Lu Benzhuo , Wong Chung F. , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: December 2004

Substrate phosphorylation by cAMP‐dependent‐protein kinase A (protein kinase A, PKA) has been studied extensively. Phosphoryl transfer was found to be fast, whereas ADP release was found to be the slow, rate‐limiting step. There is also evidence that ADP release may be preceded by a partially rate‐limiting conformational change. However, the atomic details of the conformational change and the mode of ADP release are difficult to obtain experimentally. In this work, we studied ADP release from PKA by carrying out molecular dynamics simulations with different pulling forces applied to the ligand. The detailed ADP release pathway and the associated conformational changes were analyzed. The ADP release process was found to involve a swinging motion with the phosphate of ADP anchored to the Gly‐rich loop, so that the more buried adenine base and ribose ring came out before the phosphate. In contrast to the common belief that a hinge‐bending motion was responsible for the opening of the ligand‐binding cleft, our simulations showed that the small lobe exhibited a large amplitude “rocking” motion when the ligand came out. The largest conformational change of the protein was observed at about the first quarter time point along the release pathway. Two prominent intermediate states were observed in the release process.
Thermodynamic consequences of disrupting a water‐mediated hydrogen bond network in a protein:pheromone complex
Authors: Sharrow Scott D. , Edmonds Katherine A. , Goodman Michael A. , Novotny Milos V. , Stone Martin J.
Published: December 2004

The mouse pheromones (±)‐2‐sec‐butyl‐4,5‐dihydrothiazole (SBT) and 6‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐3‐heptanone (HMH) bind into an occluded hydrophobic cavity in the mouse major urinary protein (MUP‐1). Although the ligands are structurally unrelated, in both cases binding is accompanied by formation of a similar buried, water‐mediated hydrogen bond network between the ligand and several backbone and side chain groups on the protein. To investigate the energetic contribution of this hydrogen bond network to ligand binding, we have applied isothermal titration calorimetry to measure the binding thermodynamics using several MUP mutants and ligand analogs. Mutation of Tyr‐120 to Phe, which disrupts a hydrogen bond from the phenolic hydroxyl group of Tyr‐120 to one of the bound water molecules, results in a substantial loss of favorable binding enthalpy, which is partially compensated by a favorable change in binding entropy. A similar thermodynamic effect was observed when the hydrogen bonded nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic ligand was replaced by a methyne group. Several other modifications of the protein or ligand had smaller effects on the binding thermodynamics. The data provide supporting evidence for the role of the hydrogen bond network in stabilizing the complex.
Automatic generation and evaluation of sparse protein signatures for families of protein structural domains
Authors: Blades Matthew J. , Ison Jon C. , Ranasinghe Ranjeeva , Findlay John B.C.
Published: December 2004

We identified key residues from the structural alignment of families of protein domains from SCOP which we represented in the form of sparse protein signatures. A signature‐generating algorithm (SigGen) was developed and used to automatically identify key residues based on several structural and sequence‐based criteria. The capacity of the signatures to detect related sequences from the SWISSPROT database was assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis and jack‐knife testing. Test signatures for families from each of the main SCOP classes are described in relation to the quality of the structural alignments, the SigGen parameters used, and their diagnostic performance. We show that automatically generated signatures are potently diagnostic for their family (ROC50 scores typically >0.8), consistently outperform random signatures, and can identify sequence relationships in the “twilight zone” of protein sequence similarity (<40%). Signatures based on 15%–30% of alignment positions occurred most frequently among the best‐performing signatures. When alignment quality is poor, sparser signatures perform better, whereas signatures generated from higher‐quality alignments of fewer structures require more positions to be diagnostic. Our validation of signatures from the Globin family shows that when sequences from the structural alignment are removed and new signatures generated, the omitted sequences are still detected. The positions highlighted by the signature often correspond (alignment specificity >0.7) to the key positions in the original (non‐jack‐knifed) alignment. We discuss potential applications of sparse signatures in sequence annotation and homology modeling.
Comparison between TRF2 and TRF1 of their telomeric DNA‐bound structures and DNA‐binding activities
Authors: Hanaoka Shingo , Nagadoi Aritaka , Nishimura Yoshifumi
Published: December 2004

Mammalian telomeres consist of long tandem arrays of double‐stranded telomeric TTAGGG repeats packaged by the telomeric DNA‐binding proteins TRF1 and TRF2. Both contain a similar C‐terminal Myb domain that mediates sequence‐specific binding to telomeric DNA. In a DNA complex of TRF1, only the single Myb‐like domain consisting of three helices can bind specifically to double‐stranded telomeric DNA. TRF2 also binds to double‐stranded telomeric DNA. Although the DNA binding mode of TRF2 is likely identical to that of TRF1, TRF2 plays an important role in the t‐loop formation that protects the ends of telomeres. Here, to clarify the details of the double‐stranded telomeric DNA‐binding modes of TRF1 and TRF2, we determined the solution structure of the DNA‐binding domain of human TRF2 bound to telomeric DNA; it consists of three helices, and like TRF1, the third helix recognizes TAGGG sequence in the major groove of DNA with the N‐terminal arm locating in the minor groove. However, small but significant differences are observed; in contrast to the minor groove recognition of TRF1, in which an arginine residue recognizes the TT sequence, a lysine residue of TRF2 interacts with the TT part. We examined the telomeric DNA‐binding activities of both DNA‐binding domains of TRF1 and TRF2 and found that TRF1 binds more strongly than TRF2. Based on the structural differences of both domains, we created several mutants of the DNA‐binding domain of TRF2 with stronger binding activities compared to the wild‐type TRF2.
Psychological Collectivism as a Moderator of the Impact of Supervisor–Subordinate Personality Similarity on Employees’ Service Quality
Authors: Hui C. Harry , Cheng Kevin , Gan Yiqun
Published: December 2004

Des chercheurs ont démontré que le collectivisme psychologique joue un rôle modérateur dans la relation entre certains construits. Les caractéristiques situationnelles peuvent avoir différents impacts sur les individualistes et les collectivistes dont les attitudes et valeurs divergent face aux relations interpersonnelles. Les collectivistes accordent beaucoup d’importance aux relations harmonieuses avec autrui, et seraient démoralisés quand ces relations sont menacées ou qu’elles ne se développent pas. Les individualistes voient l’individu comme la base de la survie et sont moins affectés par un manque d’harmonie. Nous avions prévu que l’effet de la similitude de personnalité entre superviseur–subordonné sur la qualité des services qu’un employé offre serait plus grand pour les collectivistes que pour les individualistes. Cette hypothèse a été testée auprès de 605 représentants à la clientèle et 113 superviseurs pour qui la similitude de personnalité a été mesurée par le nombre d’items pour lesquels les deux parties ont donné la même réponse. Bien que le collectivisme psychologique n’a pas d’effet direct sur la qualité du service, une analyse de régression indique que cette variable entre en interaction avec la similitude de personnalité. Ce résultat donne plus de soutien au modèle du rôle modérateur du collectivisme psychologique.

Researchers have found psychological collectivism (PC) to play a moderating role in relationships among certain constructs. Situational characteristics may have different impacts on individualists and collectivists, who have discrepant attitudes and values regarding interpersonal relationships. The collectivists strongly value harmonious relationships with others, and would be demoralised when such relationships are threatened or do not materialise at all. The individualists view the self as the basic unit of survival, and are less affected even if harmony is not guaranteed. On the basis of this PC‐as‐moderator perspective, we expected that the effect of supervisor–subordinate personality similarity on the quality of service an employee delivers would be stronger among collectivists than among individualists. This hypothesis was tested with 605 front‐line customer service staff and 113 supervisors, whose personality similarity was indexed by the number of personality items to which both parties gave the same answers. Although psychological collectivism does not have direct effect on service quality, regression analysis shows that it interacts with personality similarity, lending further support to the PC‐as‐moderator model.
Antecedents and Consequences of Employees’ Adjustment to Overseas Assignment: A Meta‐analytic Review
Authors: Hechanova Regina , Beehr Terry A. , Christiansen Neil D.
Published: December 2004

La recherche sur les antécédents et les conséquences de l’ajustement des expatriés a été revue de façon qualitative et avec la méthode quantitative de méta‐analyse. Les prédicteurs individuels, environnementaux, reliés au travail et reliés à la famille, de l’ajustement général, interactionnel et au travail ont été analysés. L’efficacité personnelle, la fréquence des interactions dans le pays hôte, et le soutien familial ont prédit les trois types d’ajustement. De plus, des compétences élevées en relations interpersonnelles ont été associées à un meilleur ajustement à l’environnement en général. Les résultats ont également démontré que la variable “conflit de rôle”était corrélée négativement avec l’ajustement au travail alors que l’ambiguïté du rôle et la discrétion ont été associés avec l’ajustement au travail. Un modèle d’équations structurelles a été développé avec les corrélations agrégées pour illustrer les relations causales possibles impliquant un facteur général d’ajustement et les résultats des tensions au travail, la satisfaction au travail, l’engagement organisationnel, l’intention de quitter, ainsi que la performance au travail. L’hypothèse était que l’ajustement influencerait les tensions et la satisfaction au travail et que ces deux dernières variables auraient un effet sur l’engagement organisationnel, la performance et l’intention de quitter. Le modèle a bien correspondu aux données.

Research on the antecedents and consequences of expatriate adjustment was reviewed using meta‐analytic methods. The antecedents and outcomes of three facets of adjustment were examined. Self‐efficacy, frequency of interaction with host nationals, and family support consistently predicted all three types of adjustment. In addition, better interpersonal skills were associated with greater adjustment to general environment. Greater cultural novelty was associated with less interactional adjustment. Role conflict, ambiguity, and discretion were also strong predictors of work adjustment. A structural equations model that illustrated causal relationships involving expatriate adjustment and outcomes of job strain, job satisfaction, organisational citizenship, intent to turnover, and job performance generated a good fit with the data.
Testing the Impact of Job Search and Recruitment Source on New Hire Turnover in a Maquiladora
Authors: Linnehan Frank , Blau Gary
Published: December 2004

En faisant appel à un échantillon de 345 travailleurs mexicains d’une maquiladora, cette étude met à l’épreuve l’impact d’échelles de comportement de recherches préliminaires et actives de travail, l’impact de l’orientation des salariés et de mesures des sources de recrutement américaines et mexicaines sur le changement de personnel. Au delà des variables sous contrôle, la recherche active de travail et les mesures des sources de recrutement et d’orientation des salariés entretenaient des relations positives et significatives avec le changement de personnel. Beaucoup des sources de recrutement mexicaines présentaient avec les démissions une liaison négative plus forte que beaucoup des sources de recrutement américaines. Les résultats montrent qu’une prise en considération attentive de la culture mexicaine est indispensable si l’on veut favoriser un développement réussi des multinationales au Mexique.

Using a sample of 345 Mexican maquiladora workers, this study tested the impact of preparatory and active job search behavior scales, employee referral, US and Mexican recruitment source measures on new hire turnover. Beyond controlled‐for variables, active job search and employee referral recruitment source measures were found to have significant, positive relationships to new hire turnover. Number of Mexican recruitment sources used had a stronger negative relationship to voluntary turnover than number of US recruitment sources used. These findings suggest that careful consideration of Mexican culture is needed to enhance the successful growth of international firms in Mexico.
Cross‐cultural Variance in Goal Orientations and their Effects
Authors: Lee Cynthia , Tinsley Catherine , Bobko Philip
Published: December 2004

Nous avons comparé l’orientation des buts d’un échantillon d’étudiants américains (n= 104) et un de Hong Kong (n= 175). Notre résultat principal indique que l’échantillon américain reproduit les résultats de la méta‐analyse de Beaubien et Payne (1999), en indiquant une corrélation très près de zéro entre les orientations d’apprentissage et de performance. Cela suggère que les étudiants des États‐Unis considèrent ces deux orientations comme différentes. Cependant, tel que prévu, dans l’échantillon d’étudiants de Hong Kong, la corrélation entre les orientations d’apprentissage et de performance est très élevée (r= .71, p < .01) suggérant que ces étudiants ne font pas de distinction entre ces deux orientations (ou que ces deux orientations sont fondamentalement les mêmes pour eux). De façon similaire, nous avons trouvé que les deux orientations de but sont associées positivement avec la performance en classe pour l’échantillon de Hong Kong alors que seule l’orientation d’apprentissage est liée à la performance pour les étudiants américains. Enfin, tel que prévu, les étudiants féminins dans l’échantillon chinois ont une orientation de performance plus élevé que les étudiants masculins. Cependant, les résultats ont aussi indiqué que le sexe n’est pas liéà aucune des orientations dans l’échantillon américain. Ce dernier résultat est cohérent avec les résultats de Button et al. (1996) mais non avec ceux de Beaubien et Payne (1999).

We compared goal orientations of United States (n= 104) and Hong Kong (n= 175) student samples. Our major finding was that our United States sample replicated Beaubien and Payne's (1999) meta‐analysis, indicating that the correlation between learning and performance goal orientations is near zero. This suggests that United States students embrace learning and performance goal orientations as separate and distinct ideas. However, as hypothesised, in the Hong Kong student sample, the correlation between learning and performance goal orientation was r= .71 (p < .01) suggesting that these students do not readily distinguish the two goal orientations (or that these two goal orientations are fundamentally the same to them). Similarly, we found that both goal orientations showed positive associations with classroom performance in the Hong Kong sample, but only learning goal orientation was related to performance in the US sample. Lastly, as hypothesised, female students in the Hong Kong sample had higher performance goal orientations than male students. However, gender was unrelated to both goal orientations in the United States sample—consistent with Button, Mathiew, and Zajac's (1996) findings but inconsistent with Beaubien and Payne's (1999) findings.
Auctions Versus Beauty Contests: The Allocation of UMTS Licences in Europe
Authors: Cartelier L.
Published: December 2004

The deployment of the so‐called UMTS 3rd generation mobile networks is a step of vital importance for the promotion of competition in the telecommunications sector. The provision of high‐traffic services presupposes that operators have access to the hertzian spectrum.

The hertzian spectrum is a natural resource whose scarcity derives from the fact that only part of it is usable, for both technical and economic reasons. While the resource was sufficient to meet users' needs, the hertzian spectrum was allocated for little or no charge, on the principle of ‘first come, first served’. However, with the explosion of technical progress in transmission technologies, new applications and new forms of use appeared, leading to a drastic increase in potential demand. It is in this context that the idea of charging for use of the spectrum arose, so as to discourage uneconomical use of the resource (e.g. stockpiling, wastage), to ensure a fair allocation between competing users and to forestall congestion.

The purpose of this paper is first to examine the procedures for the allocation of hertzian spectrum operating licences, from the points of view of efficiency, transparency and sharing of the surplus. We shall then compare the results from the two approaches that were actually used in Europe: the open ascending auction and the beauty contest, before turning our attention to new forms of public action that result from the process of liberalization.
Does fetal screening affect women's worries about the health of their baby?
Authors: Georgsson Öhman Susanne , Saltvedt Sissel , Grunewald Charlotta , Waldenström Ulla
Published: December 2004

Background.  Screening for fetal abnormality may increase women's anxiety as attention is directed at the possibility of something being wrong with the baby. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound screening for Down's syndrome on women's anxiety in mid‐pregnancy and 2 months after delivery.

Method.  Two thousand and twenty‐six women were randomly allocated to an ultrasound examination at 12–14 gestational weeks (gws) including risk assessment for Down's syndrome or to a routine scan at 15–20 gws. Questionnaires including the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were filled in at baseline in early pregnancy, at 24 gws and 2 months after delivery.

Results.  No statistically significant differences were found between the trial groups regarding women's worries about the health of the baby, general anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy or 2 months after delivery. Women's worries about something being wrong with the baby in the early ultrasound group and routine group, respectively, decreased from baseline (39.1% versus 36.0%) to mid‐pregnancy (29.2% versus 27.8%), and finally to 2 months after delivery (5.2% versus 6.6%).

Conclusion.  Fetal screening for Down's syndrome by an early ultrasound scan did not cause more anxiety or concerns about the health of the baby in mid‐pregnancy or 2 months after birth than in women who had a routine scan.
Review of nonsurgical and surgical treatment and the role of insulin‐sensitizing agents in the management of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Saleh Ahmed M. , Khalil Hala S.
Published: December 2004

Objectives.  To review the nonsurgical and surgical treatment and the role of insulin‐sensitizing agents in the management of anovulatory infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and methods.  The search term of subfertile women with anovulation and PCOS was used for identification of randomized controlled trials. Nonrandomized controlled studies were identified through computer MEDLINE and EMBASE searches for the years 1980–2002.

Results.  For obese PCOS women weight loss of > 5% of pretreatment weight restores menstrual regularity in 89%, of whom 30% achieved spontaneous pregnancy. It was estimated that 75–80% of anovulatory PCOS women will respond to clomiphene citrate (CC) and 35–50% will achieve pregnancy. For CC‐resistant PCOS women (20–25%), CC + metformin (1.5 g/day) for 3–6 months has a 70% chance of restoration of regular menses and ovulation, and a 23% chance of pregnancy. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) can be offered to CC‐resistant PCOS women. There was no statistically significant difference in the ovulation rate following LOD with electrocoagulation and laser [83% vs. 77.5%; odds ratio (OR) 1.4; 95% CI 0.9–2.1], while there was a significantly higher cumulative pregnancy rate at 12 months after surgery (65% vs. 54.5%; OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1–2.1).

Conclusion.  Diet and exercise followed by CC should be used for nonsurgical ovulation induction. For CC‐resistant PCOS women, metformin may be included in a stepwise approach before a surgical approach. LOD with electrocautery is superior to laser drilling and gonadotropin therapy.
Chlamydiae in the ejaculate: their influence on the quality and morphology of sperm
Authors: Veznik Zdenek , Pospisil Leopold , Svecova Drahomira , Zajicova Atanaska , Unzeitig Vit
Published: December 2004

Background.  Given the lack of information concerning the role of Chlamydia trachomatis in male fertility, the aim of this study was to ascertain and analyze the quality of Chlamydiae‐positive and ‐negative semen.

Material and methods.  Sperm count was performed according to the 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for examination of human semen and sperm–cervical mucus interaction, and sperm survival was assessed by a 120‐min test. The evaluation of the morphological examination of ejaculates was carried out using the sasmo (strict morphological analysis of ejaculates) computer program. Chlamydiae were detected by immunofluorescent reaction using the Progen Biotechnik GmbH diagnostic set. Fisher's exact test and the χ‐quadrate test were used for statistical analysis.

Results.  Of the total of 627 sperm samples examined, Chlamydiae were detected in 136 cases (21.7%). Sperm analysis showed significant differences between Chlamydiae‐positive and ‐negative samples. The Chlamydiae‐contaminated group showed normal sperm morphology 14.4% lower, volume 6.4% lower, concentration 8.3% lower, motility 7.8% and velocity 9.3% lower than in Chlamydiae‐negative samples. The average values for normal spermatozoa and motility in the Chlamydiae‐positive group were also significantly reduced.

Conclusion.  Chlamydia trachomatis was found to be a possible factor in sperm pathology. These results could help to elucidate the role of Chlamydia trachomatis in male infertility.
Ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization in patients with endometriosis
Authors: Zikopoulos Kostantinos , Kolibianakis Efstratios M. , Devroey Paul
Published: December 2004

The use of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists in a long protocol appears to enhance the probability of conception in the presence of endometriosis. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that the use of prolonged downregulation with GnRH agonists prior to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is beneficial for achieving pregnancy. Until now, GnRH antagonists have not been used in patients with endometriosis. The management of endometriomas prior to stimulation for IVF and its impact on reproductive outcome are still subject to debate.
A pilot‐randomized comparison of sublingual misoprostol with syntometrine on the blood loss in third stage of labor
Authors: Lam H. , Tang O. S. , Lee C. P. , Ho P. C.
Published: December 2004

Background.  To compare sublingual misoprostol with intravenous syntometrine use during third stage of labor by measuring the blood loss.

Methods.  Sixty women were randomized to receive either 600 µg misoprostol sublingually or 1 ml syntometrine intravenously during the third stage of labor after spontaneous vaginal delivery. For those with risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage such as medical induction or augmentation of labor, previous third stage complications were excluded. The blood loss in labor was measured by the alkaline–hematin method, and differences in hemoglobin before and after delivery were compared.

Results.  There was no significant difference in the median measured blood loss between the misoprostol group and the syntometrine group (280 versus 226 ml, p = 0.45). The change in hemoglobin was comparable between the two groups. There were more women in the misoprostol group who required additional oxytocics, but the difference was not statistically significant. A major complication occurred in one patient in the misoprostol group with blood loss in excess of 1000 ml. The incidence of side effects such as shivering and pyrexia in women receiving misoprostol was significantly higher than that in the syntometrine group.

Conclusion.  The use of sublingual misoprostol or intravenous syntometrine in spontaneous vaginal delivery resulted in a comparable amount of blood loss. Transient side effect such as fever and shivering which resolved within a day occurred more frequent to those who received sublingual misoprostol.
Incidence of venous thromboembolism in young Swedish women and possibly preventable cases among combined oral contraceptive users
Authors: Samuelsson Eva , Hägg Staffan
Published: December 2004

Background.  We wanted to study the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), acquired risk factors of VTE and preventable cases among users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs).

Methods.  All women aged 15–44 years, (n = 24 373) living in the county of Jämtland, Sweden, between 1991 and 2000, constituted the study base in a retrospective case‐reference study. Women with VTE were identified through hospital registers and interviewed by telephone. The utilization of COCs according to age was obtained from a prospective prescription database, and data from national health databases were used.

Results.  Of 88 women with first‐time VTE, 43 (49%) were COC users and 13 (15%) were pregnant. All women had at least one known risk factor, and 51 (58%) women had combinations of risk factors. The total incidence rate of VTE per 100 000 women‐years for all women were 36 (29–44), for nonusers 19 (12–25) for women using third generation COCs 115 (67–184), for women using other COCs 60 (37–83), and for women during pregnancy and postpartum 103 (55–177). Of the total 244 000 women‐years represented, COC users constituted 24%, pregnant women 5%, and women with other acquired risk factors 5%. The corresponding incidence rates after excluding VTE cases with other acquired risk factors were 10 (6–14), 1.2 (0.14–4.4), 64 (29–121), 27 (13–48), and 59 (24–121), per 100 000 women‐years. In 11 (26%) of the COC‐related VTE cases, there were relative contraindications for use of COCs or lack of thromboprophylaxis in relation to surgery.

Conclusion.  We found a very low incidence of idiopathic VTE among young non‐OC users. The incidence of VTE during pregnancy was only slightly higher than during COC use. It was considered that a significant part of COC‐related VTE might have been avoided.
Female genital mutilation in the West: traditional circumcision versus genital cosmetic surgery
Authors: Essén Birgitta , Johnsdotter Sara
Published: December 2004

This article intends to present the Scandinavian legislation on female genital mutilation and explore the implications of the laws. Juxtaposing trends of plastic genital surgery in the West with claims that female circumcision may be a practice generally abandoned in Scandinavia, we highlight the double morality inherent in current public discussions. Finally, we pose the question: Is the legal principle of equality before the law regarded when it comes to alterations of the female genitals?