bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bauman, strangerhood and attitudes towards immigrants among the Australian population
Authors: Pietsch Juliet , Marotta Vince
Published: May 2009

Through an investigation of the idea of the stranger, this article seeks to blend theory with empirical research. It does this in three ways. First, it engages with a social theory of the stranger articulated in the work of Zygmunt Bauman. Second, it examines data from the Australian Election Study surveys between 1996 and 2007 in order to explore attitudinal changes towards groups of immigrants. The findings from this survey suggests that attitudes towards immigrants in general have fluctuated in Australia, despite the negative effects of economic globalization, the growth in neoliberal economic reforms and terrorist attacks in the West. Third, drawing on Bauman's theory of the stranger we provide an interpretation of these fluctuating attitudes through the idea of the hybrid stranger. Finally, we argue that a more nuanced understanding of these attitudes towards immigrants in Australia is possible when a theory of the stranger is informed by a discussion on the constitution of host self, the influence of the media, the role of government policy, and the impact of class and geography.
Is homophobia inevitable?
Authors: McCann Pól Dominic , Minichiello Victor , Plummer David
Published: May 2009

The impact of homophobia on gay men and lesbians has been extensively studied, and shown to have profound, negative impacts on people. The current study examines how fear of being perceived as gay restrains the attitudes and behaviours of heterosexual Australian men. Choices of what subjects to study, sports to play, ways of interacting with other males and displays of emotion are shown to be influenced by homophobia. Homophobia is theorized as a social construct, not a phobia in the psychological sense, and as such is learnt through interaction and observation of which styles of male behaviour are valorized and which are devalued. The period of late childhood through to early adulthood is described as that most influenced by homophobia, and all -male environments during this period — single-sex schools and employment areas, team sports and other mono-gendered environments — are shown to elevate a narrow range of behaviours for boys and men . Participants described a loosening of ideas of what they felt was acceptable behaviour once they moved beyond these environs, allowing them to unlearn homophobia, and they describe impact that this has on how they feel they embodied masculinity.
Extended liveness and eventfulness in multi-platform reality formats
Authors: Ytreberg Espen
Published: May 2009

The international success of formats such as Pop Idol and Big Brother owes much to the ways in which they combine a number of broadcast and digital platforms under the aegis of a common 'brand'. The article argues that the media industry strategists behind such formats have come to rely on extending existing broadcast conventions of liveness and eventfulness by means of audience participation via digital return channels. It argues that such participation invites a sense of presence, heightened immediacy and involvement in the live event. The article emphasizes how such features are being developed by the broadcast media industry to exploit audience participation for the purposes of revenue, competitive edge and strategic expansion.
Internet practice and sociability in South Louisiana
Authors: Duque Ricardo B. , Ynalvez Marcus Antonius H.
Published: May 2009

This article examines the extent to which internet practice is associated with sociability in south Louisiana. Known for having a long and unique history of traditional values and a high frequency of social interaction, this sub-region is ideal to test the contradictory findings of previous research. Based on a survey of 371 randomly selected residents, the study utilizes 11 sociability and eight internet measures. The descriptive findings are consistent with the diffusion of innovations perspective, while regression analyses suggest that internet practice is associated with both more and less sociability, depending on what measures are used.
Unreal: hostile expectations from social gameplay
Authors: Eastin Matthew S. , Griffiths Robert P.
Published: May 2009

This article situates the general aggression model within the social structure of gameplay. Testing a mediated model of play, group gaming is examined in order to demonstrate how certain gameplay situations can promote hostile expectation bias or the tendency to predict how others would think, feel and act aggressively during social conflict. Demonstrating the casual structure inherent within complex gameplay, this study presents a needed step forward in the gaming literature. The mediated model presented departs from the typically examined direct effect model. Further, completing the model, this study suggests that when state hostility is heightened, hostile expectation bias increases.
Spinning the web of identity: the roles of the internet in the lives of immigrant adolescents
Authors: Elias Nelly , Lemish Dafna
Published: May 2009

This article illuminates the roles of the internet in the unique intersection between adolescence and immigration. The data presented were gathered through in-depth interviews with 70 teenage immigrants from the former Soviet Union to Israel. The analysis suggests that the internet provides valuable resources for personal growth and empowerment, as it helps to develop and strengthen many aspects of young immigrants' evolving identity during a critical period of social and material disadvantage, when they are engaged in settling into and adjusting to a new society. This case study highlights the importance of researching the internet's roles in the lives of disadvantaged populations, and the potential of this medium for closing knowledge and social gaps.
Weblogs, traditional sources online and political participation: an assessment of how the internet is changing the political environment
Authors: Gil De Zúñiga Homero , Puig-I-Abril Eulàlia , Rojas Hernando
Published: May 2009

Research has shown consistently that news consumption both online and offline is related positively to interpersonal discussion, political involvement and political engagement. However, little consideration has been given to the role that new sources of information may exert on different forms of political engagement. Based on secondary analysis of data collected by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, this article contrasts the influence of traditional sources of information online with that of emergent sources (blogs) in predicting further political discussion, campaigning and participation in both the online and the offline domains. The results show that the use of traditional sources online is related positively to different types of political engagement, both online and offline. Most interestingly, the article finds that blog use emerges as an equally important predictor of political engagement in the online domain. Its analyses provide support for the contention that asserts the democratic potential of the internet.
Doing the right thing online: a survey of bloggers' ethical beliefs and practices
Authors: Cenite Mark , Detenber Benjamin H. , Koh Andy W.K. , Lim Alvin L.H. , Ng Ee Soon
Published: May 2009

This study explores the ethical beliefs and practices of two distinct groups of bloggers — personal and non-personal — through a worldwide web survey. A stratified purposive sample of 1224 bloggers provided information about their blogging experience, blogging habits and demographics. They were asked about their beliefs and practices for four ethical principles: truth-telling, attribution, accountability and minimizing harm. The findings reveal that the two groups differ in terms of who they are and what they do in their weblogs (blogs). In addition, there were significant differences in the extent to which they value and adhere to the four principles, and some interesting similarities. For example, both groups believe that attribution is most important and accountability least important. Scholars have proposed blogging ethics codes, and this study found that bloggers themselves support such a code.
Information and communication technology innovations: radical and disruptive?
Authors: Latzer Michael
Published: May 2009

Information and communication technology innovations (ICT) are considered to be of central importance to social and economic developments. Various innovation theories offer classifications to predict and assess their impact. This article reviews the usefulness of selected approaches and their application in the convergent communications sector. It focuses on the notion of disruption, the comparatively new distinction between disruptive and sustaining innovations, and examines how it is related to other innovation-theoretical typologies. According to the literature, there is a high frequency of disruptive changes in the field of internet protocol-based innovations in combination with wireless technology. A closer analysis reveals that these classifications and assessments not only differ in detail but are even contradictory. The article explains these differences by highlighting delicate choices that have to be taken by analysts applying the disruption concept. It argues that its applicability is comparatively low in the convergent communications sector and generalizations of single-firm assessments are hardly valid.
Wii has never been modern: 'active' video games and the 'conduct of conduct'
Authors: Millington Brad
Published: May 2009

This article considers the role of 'active' video games — specifically the Nintendo 'Wii' — as technologies that foster control over corporeality. New media scholars have examined the politics of embodiment and hybridity as they relate to video games, yet have paid limited attention to the ways in which new gaming technologies might contribute to contemporary systems of 'government', or what Foucault calls the 'conduct of conduct'. Borrowing from influential social theorists, the article argues that, by undergoing what Latour labels 'translation' (by merging with the body), the Wii invokes and reinscribes governmental and post-disciplinary rationalities. The analysis concludes by contending that the Wii might be a particularly influential innovation in risk-based post-disciplinary societies: rather than connecting 'at-risk' subjects to human experts, the Wii functions as an active and autonomous quasi-object risk expert, able to diagnose 'problematic' tendencies and prescribe basic behavioural remedies.
Feminist Ethnography
Authors: McNamara Patricia
Published: May 2009

For millennia, women have carried culture across time and space. They have been the traditional custodians of folklore and fable. Women are expert at conducting rituals, holding secrets and telling stories. Yet the meanings they ascribe to situations, events and processes have often gone unheard or unheeded outside the safety of the `sisterhood'. Even there, women's voices can be silenced. Ethnography would appear offer the perfect window through which to access women's wisdom and experience. Yet even with the advantage of thick descriptions and conversational narratives there are major challenges to `giving women voice'. Patriarchy continues to cast long shadows across even the most gender sensitive of qualitative research methods. In this article two studies are sourced to illustrate opportunities and challenges associated with feminist ethnography as social work research.
Small is not too Small
Authors: Toner Jean
Published: May 2009

This article discusses issues of validity in focus group methodology when very few people actually participate in the research. The defense of small size emerges from experiences in dissertation research with women who have abused illegal substances and self-identify as addicts. Validity is addressed through application of standard measures of validity to the Very Small Focus Groups (VSFGs). In addition, the VSFGs are analyzed according to characteristics of group development, demonstrating that even with small size, typical group development stages occur. Attention is paid to feminist research principles, demonstrating that those principles are expressed regardless of small group size. Implications for social work research and practice in partnership with marginalized people are discussed.
HIV/AIDS Social Services and the Changing Treatment Context
Authors: Cain Roy , Todd Sarah
Published: May 2009

This article examines how medical advances of the past decade affect social services for people living with HIV. Data for the study were drawn from in-depth interviews with 59 social service providers in Ontario, Canada. New antiretroviral treatments help many people to live longer and healthier lives with HIV. As a result of the improved health of clients, the focus of much of the work of social service providers has changed from acute health concerns to more chronic social issues. HIV can be just one of many complex issues in the lives of clients living with HIV/AIDS, as workers increasingly confront social problems, such as poverty, inadequate housing, or unavailable drug treatment services. Workers may have little training or experience in dealing with such issues. The article describes how agencies and workers have had to adapt to new practice realities resulting from effective HIV treatments.
Classical Curriculum Design
Authors: George Judith W.
Published: May 2009

The article identifies some key findings in pedagogical research over recent decades, placing them within a framework of logical curriculum development and current practice in quality assurance and enhancement. Throughout, the ideas and comments are related to the practice of teaching classics in university.
The `Research—Teaching Nexus' and the Learning—Teaching Relationship: Who's in charge?
Authors: Rowe Christopher , Okell Eleanor
Published: May 2009

This article engages, from the point of view of the higher education (HE) department and practitioner, with the realities, and explores the rhetoric, of the `research—teaching nexus' with reference to the role of research and research skills, in the context of the student experience in higher education. The ultimate questions are: How serious should we be about responding to this rhetoric? Would it mean significantly changing the way we currently do things? Who decides such questions? What control do practitioners have? In so doing, the article focuses on examples of `the student as researcher' as an educational goal relating to employ-ability, the Extended Project that will result from 14—19 curriculum reform and the undergraduate dissertation. It also provides rule-of-thumb definitions for the technical language that is evolving in this area.
sounding lives in and through music
Authors: Barrett Margaret S.
Published: May 2009

There is growing interest in the study of young children's `everyday' lives. Music engagement is central to young children's experience of the `everyday' yet few studies have investigated the ways young children and their families engage with and use music in their daily lives. The purpose of this article is twofold: it interrogates the ways in which a young child, and his family draw on musical engagement and use in their daily life; and it provides a storied account as a means to demonstrate the uses of narrative inquiry to early childhood research. Findings identify: the parenting education role of early music programs; the function of joint music-making in the regulation of children's behaviour and emotional states; the contribution of joint and individual music-making to children's language development; the role of individual music-making in children's self-making; and the function of joint music-making in fostering family unity.
roots of assimilation
Authors: Hibel Jacob
Published: May 2009

This study examines the relationship between children's generational status and their cognitive and social school readiness, paying particular attention to racial/ethnic and national origin differences. This relationship is examined using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998—99 (ECLS-K). Results indicate that, while children of foreign-born mothers tend to have lower levels of school readiness than children of native-born mothers, this disparity is largely due to differences in family context characteristics. After controlling for an array of family background variables, non-Hispanic black, Asian, Mexican, Puerto Rican and other Hispanic children of foreign-born mothers are found to have similar levels of academic school readiness to co-ethnic children of American-born mothers. Analyses also indicate that a substantial portion of the school readiness gaps between minority children of foreign-born mothers and non-Hispanic white children of American-born mothers can be explained by family background differences. The study includes a discussion of the implications for assimilation theory and the study of early educational inequality.
designing probabilistic tasks for kindergartners
Authors: Skoumpourdi Chrysanthi , Kafoussi Sonia , Tatsis Konstantinos
Published: May 2009

Recent research suggests that children could be engaged in probability tasks at an early age and task characteristics seem to play an important role in the way children perceive an activity. To this direction in the present article we investigate the role of some basic characteristics of probabilistic tasks in their design and implementation. In order to do so, we present the structure and the content of a series of tasks that were implemented in a kindergarten school focusing on two characteristics: the context and the materials used. In our case, the performance of the experiment together with the use of dice and spinners seemed to be critical in children's development of probabilistic thinking.
persistence in the face of academic challenge for economically disadvantaged children
Authors: Brown Eleanor D.
Published: May 2009

This study examined persistence in the face of academic challenge for economically disadvantaged children. Participants included 103 children attending Head Start preschools, as well as their caregivers and teachers. Child tasks measured persistence in the face of academic challenge as well as emergent implicit theories of intelligence. Caregiver interviews provided information about poverty risks. Teacher interviews measured child attention problems. A cumulative index of poverty risks, as well as teacher-reported child attention problems and child emergent implicit theories of intelligence predicted persistence in the face of challenge. Implications concern conceptualizing persistence in the face of academic challenge, understanding diversity in educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged children and closing the achievement gap.
supporting preschoolers' social development in school through funds of knowledge
Authors: Riojas-Cortez Mari , Bustos Flores Belinda
Published: May 2009

This study identified Mexican immigrant and Mexican American families' common values and beliefs about preschoolers' socioemotional development in a low-income urban school, which offers a dual language program in South Texas. Approximately 65 families participated in the Family Institute for Early Literacy Development (FIELD), which focused on the social skills expected from children as they enter public preschools. Findings show five socioemotional values within the home that are aligned with research based prosocial behaviors needed for school readiness. Thus, findings imply the importance of supporting preschoolers' social development in school through funds of knowledge.
Progressive Shoulder Abduction Loading is a Crucial Element of Arm Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Ellis Michael D. , Sukal-Moulton Theresa , Dewald Julius P. A.
Published: May 2009

Background. Total reaching range of motion (work area) diminishes as a function of shoulder abduction loading in the paretic arm in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. This occurs when reaching outward against gravity or during transport of an object. Objectives. This study implements 2 closely related impairment-based interventions to identify the effect of a subcomponent of reaching exercise thought to be a crucial element in arm rehabilitation. Methods. A total of 14 individuals with chronic moderate to severe hemiparesis participated in the participant-blinded, randomized controlled study. The experimental group progressively trained for 8 weeks to actively support the weight of the arm, up to and beyond, while reaching to various outward targets. The control group practiced the same reaching tasks with matched frequency and duration with the weight of the arm supported. Work area and isometric strength were measured before and after the intervention. Results. Change scores for work area at 9 loads were calculated for each group. Change scores were significantly larger for the experimental group indicating a larger increase in work area, especially shoulder abduction loads equivalent to those experienced during object transport. Changes in strength were not found within or between groups. Conclusions. Progressive shoulder abduction loading can be utilized to ameliorate reaching range of motion against gravity. Future work should investigate the dosage response of this intervention, as well as test whether shoulder abduction loading can augment other therapeutic techniques such as goal-directed functional task practice and behavioral shaping to enhance real-world arm function.
Brainstem Reflexes Are Enhanced Following Severe Spinal Cord Injury and Reduced by Continuous Intrathecal Baclofen
Authors: Kumru Hatice , Kofler Markus , Valls-Solé Josep , Portell Enric , Vidal Joan
Published: May 2009

Objective. Plastic changes in the human central nervous system can occur at multiple levels, including circuits rostral to the lesion level in spinal cord injury (SCI). GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. The authors hypothesized that one of the consequences of plasticity in SCI patients could be enhancement of brainstem reflexes, and they investigated the effect of continuous intrathecal baclofen (CITB) on such enhancement. Methods. The authors studied the early ipsilateral component R1 and the late component R2 of the blink reflex (BR), jaw jerk, masseter silent period (MSP), and auditory startle response (ASR) in 9 SCI patients without baclofen and in 8 with CITB. Nine healthy volunteers served as controls. Results. The amplitude of R1 of BR was significantly smaller in patients with CITB than in the other groups. The area of R2 of BR and of the ASR recorded in the orbicularis oculi, sternocleidomastoid, and biceps brachii muscles were significantly larger in SCI patients without baclofen than in controls, whereas there was no difference between patients with CITB and controls. The MSP magnitude was significantly larger in patients with CITB as compared with those without baclofen. Conclusion. The enhancement of brainstem reflexes in SCI patients may be due to plastic changes at the brainstem level after SCI. The significant reduction in response size in patients with CITB in comparison with patients without baclofen suggests that the enhancement of brainstem reflexes may be due to decreased GABAergic activity and that CITB is effective in reducing abnormal brainstem hyperexcitability.
A Split-EPB Tendon Sling for Chronic Post-Traumatic Palmar Instability of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint
Authors: LIM G. J. S. , YAM A. , TAY S. C. , YONG F. C. , TEOH L. C.
Published: May 2009

Kessler’s extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) palmar tendon sling is a simple and reliable reconstruction for symptomatic palmar instability of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. However, we encountered subluxation of the extensor pollicis longus tendon and extension lag at the MP joint when the entire tendon was used. We modified the technique, splitting the tendon to preserve its function as an MP joint extensor. Six thumb MP joints with anteroposterior instability secondary to hyperextension injury were reconstructed using the split-EPB technique. At an average of 22 months postoperatively, all patients had stable and pain-free MP joints. Pinch strength improved an average of 5.6 kg. MP joint flexion was decreased an average of 17.5° and two patients had flexion contractures of 5° and 20°, respectively. Extensor pollicis longus subluxation and MP extension lag did not occur, and there were no recurrences.
The Incidence of Asymptomatic Kienböck’s Disease
Authors: MENNEN U. , SITHEBE H.
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of asymptomatic Kienböck’s disease in patients who attended the Dr George Mukhari Hospital (formerly Ga-Rankuwa Hospital), as well as the relevance of ulnar variance on the disease. This was a retrospective study. In a 12 month period we reviewed postero-anterior radiographs of 1287 patients seen at our radiology department, with complaints unrelated to the upper limb including the wrist and hand. We identified 23 cases (1.9%) of asymptomatic Lichtman stage II–IV Kienböck’s disease in our African population. The majority (63%) were male with an average age of 49 years, and 37% were female with an average age of 46.5 years. All cases were unilateral and all were in the dominant hand. Thirteen cases (57%) had an ulnar neutral wrist and the remaining ten (43%) had an ulnar negative variance. The vast majority (83%) were unemployed. Analysis of the data shed no further light on the aetiology. The relevance of ulnar variance as an aetiological factor is questioned.
Guy Pulvertaft – An Appreciation
Authors: BURKE F. D.
Published: May 2009

The life and times of Guy Pulvertaft. His contribution to the development of hand surgery.
Equilibrium study of adsorption of L-cysteine by natural bentonite
Authors: Faghihian H. , Nejati-Yazdinejad M.
Published: May 2009

L-cysteine (Cys) was adsorbed by bentonite (Ben) from aqueous solutions of variable concentrations and pHs. The raw materials and the adsorbed molecules (Ben-Cys) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis methods (TG, DTG and DSC). The results indicated that the adsorption process depended strongly on pH, temperature and concentration of amino acid. Cysteine is specifically adsorbed on bentonite surface sites, probably through its NH3+ moiety. The pH dependence suggests that these sites may be silanolate groups (≡Si-O–). It is presumed that ion exchange interaction governs the adsorption process. The experimental data of adsorption isotherms obtained and analysed with the Langmuir model showed that this model fitted the adsorption data. Calculated thermodynamic parameters (ΔHº, ΔSº, and ΔGº) indicate that the adsorption processes were exothermic.
Dickite and kaolinite in the Pb-Zn-Ag sulphide deposits of northern Kosovo (Trepča and Crnac)
Authors: Palinkaš S. S. , Šoštarić S. B. , Bermanec V. , Palinkaš L. , Prochaska W. , Furić K. , Smajlović J.
Published: May 2009

Alteration minerals dickite and kaolinite were detected in two hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag sulphide deposits in the northern Kosovo region. Dickite is associated with skarn mineralization in the Trepča (Stari Trg) deposit and kaolinite occurs in vein sulphide parageneses in the Crnac deposit. The mineralogical characteristics of dickite and kaolinite were determined by X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with EDS detector. Fluid-inclusion microthermometry and ion chromatography of leachates provided information on theP-T-Xconditions of the genesis of dickite at Trepča. It was formed at temperatures between 290 and 330ºC and pressures between 12 and 60 MPa from a fluid with salinity in the range 6–8.5 wt.% NaCl eq. and pH <5.5. Kaolinite was deposited from a fluid with minimum temperatures between 210 and 250ºC, minimum pressure of 1.7 to 3.7 MPa, and salinity between 4.6 and 5.1 wt.% NaCl eq. Both dickite and kaolinite are related to the acidic pre-mineralization phase in the deposits.
MIMAS 3.0 is a Multiomics Information Management and Annotation System
Authors: Gattiker Alexandre , Hermida Leandro , Liechti Robin , Xenarios Ioannis , Collin Olivier , Rougemont Jacques , Primig Michael
Published: May 2009

Background

DNA sequence integrity, mRNA concentrations and protein-DNA interactions have been subject to genome-wide analyses based on microarrays with ever increasing efficiency and reliability over the past fifteen years. However, very recently novel technologies for Ultra High-Throughput DNA Sequencing (UHTS) have been harnessed to study these phenomena with unprecedented precision. As a consequence, the extensive bioinformatics environment available for array data management, analysis, interpretation and publication must be extended to include these novel sequencing data types.

Description

MIMAS was originally conceived as a simple, convenient and local Microarray Information Management and Annotation System focused on GeneChips for expression profiling studies. MIMAS 3.0 enables users to manage data from high-density oligonucleotide SNP Chips, expression arrays (both 3'UTR and tiling) and promoter arrays, BeadArrays as well as UHTS data using MIAME-compliant standardized vocabulary. Importantly, researchers can export data in MAGE-TAB format and upload them to the EBI's ArrayExpress certified data repository using a one-step procedure.

Conclusion

We have vastly extended the capability of the system such that it processes the data output of six types of GeneChips (Affymetrix), two different BeadArrays for mRNA and miRNA (Illumina) and the Genome Analyzer (a popular Ultra-High Throughput DNA Sequencer, Illumina), without compromising on its flexibility and user-friendliness. MIMAS, appropriately renamed into Multiomics Information Management and Annotation System, is currently used by scientists working in approximately 50 academic laboratories and genomics platforms in Switzerland and France. MIMAS 3.0 is freely available via http://multiomics.sourceforge.net/.
Antiulcer activity of fluvoxamine in rats and its effect on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in stomach tissue
Authors: Dursun Hakan , Bilici Mehmet , Albayrak Fatih , Ozturk Cengiz , Saglam Mustafa B , Alp Hamit H , Suleyman Halis
Published: May 2009

Background

Although many drugs are available for the treatment of gastric ulcers, often these drugs are ineffective. Many antidepressant drugs have been shown to have antiulcer activity in various models of experimental ulcer. One such drug, the antidepressant mirtazapine, has been reported to have an antiulcer effect that involves an increase in antioxidant, and a decrease in oxidant, parameters. To date, however, there is no information available regarding the antiulcer activity for a similar antidepressant, fluvoxamine. This study aimed to investigate the antiulcer effects of fluvoxamine and to determine its relationship with antioxidants.

Methods

Groups of rats fasted for 24 h received fluvoxamine (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), ranitidine (50 mg/kg) or distilled water by oral gavage. Indomethacin (25 mg/kg) was orally administered to the rats as an ulcerative agent. Six hours after ulcer induction, the stomachs of the rats were excised and an ulcer index determined. Separate groups of rats were treated with the same doses of fluvoxamine and ranitidine, but not with indomethacin, to test effects of these drugs alone on biochemical parameters. The stomachs were evaluated biochemically to determine oxidant and antioxidant parameters. We used one-way ANOVA and least significant difference (LSD) options for data analysis.

Results

The 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of fluvoxamine exerted antiulcer effects of 48.5, 67.5, 82.1 and 96.1%, respectively, compared to the control rat group. Ranitidine showed an 86.5% antiulcer effect. No differences were observed in the absence of indomethacin treatment for any dose of fluvoxamine or for ranitidine. The levels of antioxidant parameters, total glutathione and nitric oxide, were increased in all fluvoxamine groups and in the ranitidine group when compared with the indomethacin-only group. In addition, fluvoxamine and ranitidine decreased the levels of the oxidant parameters, myeloperoxidase and malondialdeyhyde, in the stomach tissues of the rats when compared to indomethacin group.

Conclusion

We conclude that fluvoxamine has antiulcer effects, and that these occur by a mechanism that involves activation of antioxidant parameters and inhibition of some toxic oxidant parameters.
Potential antitumor effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate in hormone receptor negative breast cancer patients with bone metastases
Authors: Park In Hae , Ro Jungsil , Nam Byung Ho , Kwon Youngmi , Lee Keun Seok
Published: May 2009

Background

This retrospective study evaluated, according to hormone receptor status, the antitumor effects of bisphosphonate especially on survival and disease progression in breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease.

Methods

Of 317 patients with initial bone metastasis and known breast cancer subtypes, 230 patients (72.6%) had hormone receptor (HR) positive tumors, and 87 patients (27.4%) had HR negative tumors. We assessed the primary outcome of overall survival (OS), after adjusting for other factors, comparing a group that received bisphosphonates (BPs) with a group that did not receive it.

Results

87.8% of HR positive and 69.0% of HR negative patients received BPs with a median number of 17.7 cycles. Although BPs treatment made no survival benefit in HR positive group, HR negative patients showed a significant prolonged survival when they received BPs treatment (hazard ratio = 0.56 [95% CI 0.34 to 0.91],P= 0.019). In multivariate analysis, disease free interval > 2 years (P= 0.036), a sum of metastatic sites < 3 (P= 0.034), and BP treatments (P= 0.007) were significant factors for survival in HR negative patients.

Conclusion

Bisphosphonate treatment can result in a survival benefit in metastatic breast cancer patients with HR negative tumors.
Physical activity inversely associated with the presence of depression among urban adolescents in regional China
Authors: Hong Xin , Li JieQuan , Xu Fei , Tse Lap Ah , Liang YaQiong , Wang ZhiYong , Yu Ignatius Tak-sun , Griffiths Sian
Published: May 2009

Background

An inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and depression among adolescents has been reported in developed communities without consideration of sedentary behaviors (SB, including sitting for course study, viewing TV, and sleeping). We explored the association between recreational PA time (hr/wk) and depression after adjustment with SB and other possible confounders among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Nanjing municipality of China in 2004 using a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. A total of 72 classes were randomly selected from 24 urban junior high schools and all students completed the structured questionnaire. Adolescent depression was examined by the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) of Chinese version with cutoff point value of 20 or above as the presence of depression. Recreational PA time was measured by a question on weekly hours of PA outside of school. Descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used in analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of depression was 15.7% (95%CI: 14.3%, 17.1%) among 2,444 eligible participants. It was found that physical activity was negatively associated with depression. After adjustment for sedentary behaviors and other potential confounders, participants who spent 1–7 hr/wk, 8–14 hr/wk and 15+ hr/wk for recreational PA, respectively, had odds ratios of 0.70 (95% CI = 0.57, 0.86), 0.68 (95% CI = 0.53, 0.88) and 0.66 (95% CI = 0.50, 0.87) for likelihood of being depressive, compared to their counterparts who spent 0–0.9 hr/wk for PA. This inverse relationship between PA time and depression remained statistically significant by gender and grade.

Conclusion

This study, conducted among Chinese adolescents, strengthened the evidence that physical activity was inversely associated with depression. Our study has important implications for health officers and public health professionals to pay much attention to the relationship between physical activity and depression in Mainland China.
B-cell Lymphoma in retrieved femoral heads: a long term follow up
Authors: Zwitser Eline W , de Gast Arthur , Basie Mirjam JA , van Kemenade Folkert J , van Royen Barend J
Published: May 2009

Background

A relatively high incidence of pathological conditions in retrieved femoral heads, including a group of patients having low grade B-cell lymphoma, has been described before. At short term follow up none of these patients with low-grade B-cell lymphoma showed evidence of systemic disease. However, the long term follow up of these patients is not known.

Methods

From November 1994 up to and including December 2005 we screened all femoral heads removed at the time of primary total hip replacement histopathologically and included them in the bone banking protocol according to the guidelines of the American Associations of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the European Association of Musculo-Skeletal Transplantation (EAMST). We determined the percentage of B-cell lymphoma in all femoral heads and in the group that fulfilled all criteria of the bone banking protocol and report on the long-term follow-up.

Results

Of 852 femoral heads fourteen (1.6%) were highly suspicious for low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Of these 852 femoral heads, 504 were eligible for bone transplantation according to the guidelines of the AATB and the EAMST. Six femoral heads of this group of 504 were highly suspicious for low-grade B-cell lymphoma (1.2%). At long term follow up two (0.2%) of all patients developed systemic malignant disease and one of them needed medical treatment for her condition.

Conclusion

In routine histopathological screening we found variable numbers of low-grade B-cell lymphoma throughout the years, even in a group of femoral heads that were eligible for bone transplantation. Allogenic transmission of malignancy has not yet been reported on, but surviving viruses are proven to be transmissible. Therefore, we recommend the routine histopathological evaluation of all femoral heads removed at primary total hip arthroplasty as a tool for quality control, whether the femoral head is used for bone banking or not.
Universal partitioning of the hierarchical fold network of 50-residue segments in proteins
Authors: Ito Jun-ichi , Sonobe Yuki , Ikeda Kazuyoshi , Tomii Kentaro , Higo Junichi
Published: May 2009

Background

Several studies have demonstrated that protein fold space is structured hierarchically and that power-law statistics are satisfied in relation between the numbers of protein families and protein folds (or superfamilies). We examined the internal structure and statistics in the fold space of 50 amino-acid residue segments taken from various protein folds. We used inter-residue contact patterns to measure the tertiary structural similarity among segments. Using this similarity measure, the segments were classified into a number (K
c) of clusters. We examined various K
c values for the clustering. The special resolution to differentiate the segment tertiary structures increases with increasing K
c. Furthermore, we constructed networks by linking structurally similar clusters.

Results

The network was partitioned persistently into four regions for K
c ≥ 1000. This main partitioning is consistent with results of earlier studies, where similar partitioning was reported in classifying protein domain structures. Furthermore, the network was partitioned naturally into several dozens of sub-networks (i.e., communities). Therefore, intra-sub-network clusters were mutually connected with numerous links, although inter-sub-network ones were rarely done with few links. For K
c ≥ 1000, the major sub-networks were about 40; the contents of the major sub-networks were conserved. This sub-partitioning is a novel finding, suggesting that the network is structured hierarchically: Segments construct a cluster, clusters form a sub-network, and sub-networks constitute a region. Additionally, the network was characterized by non-power-law statistics, which is also a novel finding.

Conclusion

Main findings are: (1) The universe of 50 residue segments found here was characterized by non-power-law statistics. Therefore, the universe differs from those ever reported for the protein domains. (2) The 50-residue segments were partitioned persistently and universally into some dozens (ca. 40) of major sub-networks, irrespective of the number of clusters. (3) These major sub-networks encompassed 90% of all segments. Consequently, the protein tertiary structure is constructed using the dozens of elements (sub-networks).
Determinants of participation in worksite health promotion programmes: a systematic review
Authors: Robroek Suzan JW , van Lenthe Frank J , van Empelen Pepijn , Burdorf Alex
Published: May 2009

Background

The workplace has been identified as a promising setting for health promotion, and many worksite health promotion programmes have been implemented in the past years. Research has mainly focused on the effectiveness of these interventions. For implementation of interventions at a large scale however, information about (determinants of) participation in these programmes is essential. This systematic review investigates initial participation in worksite health promotion programmes, the underlying determinants of participation, and programme characteristics influencing participation levels.

Methods

Studies on characteristics of participants and non-participants in worksite health promotion programmes aimed at physical activity and/or nutrition published from 1988 to 2007 were identified through a structured search in PubMed and Web of Science. Studies were included if a primary preventive worksite health promotion programme on PA and/or nutrition was described, and if quantitative information was present on determinants of participation.

Results

In total, 23 studies were included with 10 studies on educational or counselling programmes, 6 fitness centre interventions, and 7 studies examining determinants of participation in multi-component programmes. Participation levels varied from 10% to 64%, with a median of 33% (95% CI 25–42%). In general, female workers had a higher participation than men (OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.25–2.27]), but this difference was not observed for interventions consisting of access to fitness centre programmes. For the other demographic, health- and work-related characteristics no consistent effect on participation was found. Pooling of studies showed a higher participation level when an incentive was offered, when the programme consisted of multiple components, or when the programme was aimed at multiple behaviours.

Conclusion

In this systematic review, participation levels in health promotion interventions at the workplace were typically below 50%. Few studies evaluated the influence of health, lifestyle and work-related factors on participation, which hampers the insight in the underlying determinants of initial participation in worksite health promotion. Nevertheless, the present review does provide some strategies that can be adopted in order to increase participation levels. In addition, the review highlights that further insight is essential to develop intervention programmes with the ability to reach many employees, including those who need it most and to increase the generalizability across all workers.
Erratum to: Arch height change during sit‐to‐stand: an alternative for the navicular drop test
Authors: McPoil Thomas G , Cornwall Mark W , Medoff Lynn , Vicenzino Bill , Fosberg Kelly K , Hilz Dana
Published: May 2009

Correction to McPoil TG, Cornwall MW, Medoff L, Vicenzion B, Fosberg K, Hilz D. Arch height change during sit‐to‐stand: an alternative for the navicular drop test. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2008; 1:3.
Discriminant validity, responsiveness and reliability of the rheumatoid arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey (WPS-RA)
Authors: Osterhaus Jane T , Purcaru Oana , Richard Lance
Published: May 2009

Introduction

The rheumatoid arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey (WPS-RA) measures the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and treatment on patient productivity within and outside the home. It contains nine questions addressing employment status, productivity within and outside the home, and daily activities. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the discriminant validity, responsiveness, and reliability of the WPS-RA in patients with active RA.

Methods

Two hundred twenty subjects (mean age was 53.8 years, 83.6% were female, mean disease duration was 9.54 years, mean number of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs failed was 2, and 38.6% were employed outside the home) in a phase III, 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial completed the WPS-RA at baseline and every 4 weeks until withdrawal/study completion. Validity was evaluated via known groups using baseline data (first and third quartiles of subjects' Health Assessment Questionnaire – Disability Index [HAQ-DI] scores and Short Form-36 health survey [SF-36] scores). To evaluate responsiveness, mean changes in WPS-RA at week 24 were compared between American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20) (or HAQ-DI) responders and non-responders. Standardized response mean (SRM) was also used to quantify responsiveness. All group comparisons were conducted using a non-parametric bootstrap-t method.

Results

Subjects with lower HAQ-DI or SF-36 scores generally had statistically greater RA-associated losses in productivity within and outside the home compared with subjects with higher scores (25 of 32 evaluations were statistically significant). Smallest differences between groupswere seen in work absenteeism and days with outside help. At week 24, ACR20 and HAQ-DI responders reported large improvements in productivity within and outside the home; non-responders reported mainly a worsening in productivity (P ≤ 0.05). Effect size for productivity changes in ACR20 or HAQ-DI responders was moderate to large for six out of eight items (SRM = 0.48 to 1.12). The effect size was small for work absenteeism and days with outside help. (SRM = 0.4 and 0.24, respectively). In non-responders, the magnitude of change was negligible (SRM < 0.1) or small (SRM < 0.3).

Conclusions

The WPS-RA has demonstrated properties of discriminative validity, reliability, and responsiveness for the measurement of productivity within and outside the home in subjects with active RA.