bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of electronic prescribing on the quality of prescribing
Authors: Donyai Parastou , O'Grady Kara , Jacklin Ann , Barber Nick , Franklin Bryony Dean
Published: July 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Electronic prescribing has been shown to reduce prescribing errors in US hospitals.

• However we know little about its effect on prescribing quality, or its effectiveness in UK hospitals where systems for medication prescribing and supply are very different.

• Hospital pharmacists already review prescriptions to both detect errors and improve prescription quality.

What this study adds

• Electronic prescribing significantly increased prescribing quality in a UK hospital, as shown by fewer pharmacists' interventions and fewer prescribing errors.

• However, some new types of error were introduced.

• There was relatively little overlap between prescribing errors and pharmacists' interventions, signifying their different contributions to prescribing quality.

• Electronic prescribing and pharmacists' interventions should be viewed as an integrated system.

Aims

To investigate the effects of electronic prescribing (EP) on prescribing quality, as indicated by prescribing errors and pharmacists' clinical interventions, in a UK hospital.

Methods

Prescribing errors and pharmacists' interventions were recorded by the ward pharmacist during a 4 week period both pre‐ and post‐EP, with a second check by the principal investigator. The percentage of new medication orders with a prescribing error and/or pharmacist's intervention was calculated for each study period.

Results

Following the introduction of EP, there was a significant reduction in both pharmacists' interventions and prescribing errors. Interventions reduced from 73 (3.0% of all medication orders) to 45 (1.9%) (95% confidence interval (CI) for the absolute reduction 0.2, 2.0%), and errors from 94 (3.8%) to 48 (2.0%) (95% CI 0.9, 2.7%). Ten EP‐specific prescribing errors were identified. Only 52% of pharmacists' interventions related to a prescribing error pre‐EP, and 60% post‐EP; only 40% and 56% of prescribing errors resulted in an intervention pre‐ and post‐EP, respectively.

Conclusions

EP improved the quality of prescribing by reducing both prescribing errors and pharmacists' clinical interventions. Prescribers and pharmacists need to be aware of new types of error with EP, so that they can best target their activities to reduce clinical risk. Pharmacists may need to change the way they work to complement, rather than duplicate, the benefits of EP.
Interactions between normal mammary epithelial cells and mammary tumour cells in a model system
Authors: Quarrie L. H. , Pitts J. D. , Finbow M. E.
Published: July 2007

Abstract. Normal mammary epithelial (NME) cells and MCF‐7 cells aggregate and grow as spheroids when cultured on extracellular matrix derived from Engelbreth/ Holmes/Swarth (EHS) tumour. NME cells stop dividing and differentiate but MCF‐7 cells continue to proliferate, although growth is counterbalanced by cell death. In mixed cultures of NME cells and MCF‐7 cells, the two cell types form mixed aggregates but then segregate to form well separated domains, often joined by only a narrow neck of cells. In these mixed cultures the growth of MCF‐7 cells is inhibited by a factor secreted by NME cells into the medium.
Spontaneous apoptosis and expression of cell surface heat‐shock proteins in cultured EL‐4 lymphoma cells
Authors: Sapozhnikov A. M. , Ponomarev E. D. , Tarasenko T. N. , Telford W. G.
Published: July 2007

Abstract. The expression of heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) is enhanced in stressed cells and can protect cells from stress‐induced injury. However, existing data about the relationship between apoptosis and HSP expression is contradictory. In this paper, a mouse lymphoma cell death model system is used to detect simultaneously both the process of apoptosis and the level of HSP expression. The model was established after discovering that spontaneous apoptosis and spontaneous cell surface HSP expression occurs in EL‐4 mouse lymphoma cells during normal optimal culture conditions. The data show that apoptotic EL‐4 cells had higher levels of hsp25, hsp60, hsp70 and hsp90 exposed on the plasma membrane surface than viable cells. The level of surface HSPs was found to increase through several stages of early and late apoptotic death as measured by flow cytometry, with the highest levels observed during the loss of cell membrane phospholipid asymmetry. Heat shock and actinomycin D significantly increased the proportion of apoptotic cells in culture. However, hyperthermia only stimulated a weak and temporary increase in surface HSP expression, whereas actinomycin D strongly elevated the level of surface and intracellular HSPs, particularly in live cells. These results show an associative relationship between apoptosis and HSP expression. The relationship between the progression of cell death and HSP expression suggests a role for membrane HSP expression in programmed cell death.
Cell type‐specific regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in states of allergic inflammation
Authors: Groneberg D. A. , Fischer T. C. , Peckenschneider N. , Noga O. , Dinh Q. T. , Welte T. , Welker P.
Published: July 2007

Background
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a molecule influencing neuronal proliferation and differentiation. In states of allergy, it may orchestrate inflammatory changes by linking the immune system with the nervous system. Because the precise regulation of gene transcription in mast cells MCs is not clear, the present studies assessed the gene regulation of BDNF in this inflammatory cell type.

Methods
Transcriptional expression of BDNF in human skin was studied in isolated cells using RT‐PCR. In situ lesional MC BDNF protein expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and related to the differential staining of MCs and functional effects of BDNF on HaCaT keratinocytes.

Results
BDNF mRNA expression was found in isolated human skin MCs, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts. Also, low levels were found in endothelial cells and melanocytes. BDNF protein expression was found in situ in lesional and non‐lesional MCs. A significantly decreased expression of BDNF protein was found in atopic dermatitis lesional MCs when compared with control MC expression. Functional in vitro experiments demonstrated that a decrease in BDNF stimulation led to increased secretion rates for stem cell factor and IL‐8 in HaCaT keratinocytes.

Conclusion
The demonstration of a decreased level of BDNF gene transcription in lesional MCs points to a differential regulation of MC‐released neutrotrophins in cutaneous allergic inflammation. Topically administered neurotrophin receptor‐modulating compounds should be receptor target specific and not universally acting in diseases such as atopic dermatitis or allergic asthma.
Increased levels of HPV16 E6*I transcripts in high‐grade cervical cytology and histology (CIN II+) detected by rapid real‐time RT‐PCR amplification
Authors: Kösel S. , Burggraf S. , Engelhardt W. , Olgemöller B.
Published: July 2007

Objective:  As cervical dysplasia may regress to normal cytology or progress to cervical carcinoma, it would be valuable to have a diagnostic tool to help decide whether therapeutic conization should be performed.

Methods:  Cervical samples of 301 HPV16 positive women were collected in RNAlater reagent to prevent RNA degradation. Relative levels of HPV16 DNA and HPV16 E6*I mRNA in the samples were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Findings were correlated with histological diagnoses and cytological follow‐up.

Results:  HPV16 E6*I mRNA levels were significantly higher in women with cytologically diagnosed severe cervical dysplasia (mean normalized ratio = 0.25) than in those with mild‐to‐moderate dysplasia (mean norm. ratio = 0.12), atypical squamous cells of uncertain origin (mean norm. ratio = 0.071) or normal cytology (mean norm. ratio = 0.034). Viral DNA levels were not significantly different between severe and mild‐to‐moderate dysplasia (mean norm. ratios, 55.8 and 63.5, respectively). The PPV for a histological diagnosis of severe cervical dysplasia [cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II+] increased with the amounts of E6*I mRNA to more than 90% whereas the sensitivity decreased. The absence of HPV16 E6*I transcripts as well as HPV16 DNA considerably increased the negative predictive value and the specificity. However, low concentrations (or complete absence) of E6*I mRNA did not preclude a CIN II+ diagnosis.

Conclusions:  Although the sensitivity is low, high levels of HPV16 E6*I mRNA are indicative of CIN II+ in cytologically diagnosed cervical dysplasia of individual patients. Thus, quantification of HPV16 E6*I mRNA could be helpful in managing follow‐up and treatment in a subset of HPV16 positive women.
Human settlement and baobab distribution in south‐western Mali
Authors: Duvall Chris S.
Published: July 2007

Aim Human settlement establishment and reproduction of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) appear spatially and temporally dependent because baobabs are abundant in many settlement sites in Africa. This paper tests the spatiotemporal relationship between baobab and settlement distribution.

Location South‐western Mali.

Methods In an area of 183 km2, 1240 baobabs were located and mapped, their diameters measured, and habitat characteristics recorded for each individual. All occupied (n = 9) and abandoned (n = 84) settlements were located and mapped, and occupation dates were determined through interviews. Chi‐squared analysis indicated baobab habitat preferences, and bivariate point‐pattern analysis tested baobab–settlement spatiotemporal independence.

Results Baobabs and human settlements are positively spatially associated at most distances and for all baobab size‐class–settlement age‐class pairs. However, positive spatial association is significant only at distances < 500 m, and young settlements and large baobabs are not significantly associated. Positive association between small and large baobabs is marginally significant at <300 m, but observed significance is less than that for baobab–settlement positive association. Baobab abundance is not evenly distributed across the range of habitats it occupies; recruitment is strongest in settlements and fields, and on cliffs, while mortality is highest on cliffs. Ethnographic observations suggest that human settlement practices and fruit use are the main human factors contributing to baobab–settlement positive spatial association.

Main conclusions There are three main conclusions: (1) Human settlement and baobab recruitment are spatially dependant because settlement leads directly and indirectly to the development of baobab groves at settlement sites. (2) The lower than expected abundance of mature individuals in natural habitats, and the habitat preferences of the observed population, suggest that baobabs were introduced to south‐western Mali, probably centuries ago. (3) Human mobility over decadal time‐scales is necessary to maintain baobab population structure in landscapes dominated by shifting land use, where baobabs are not purposefully planted. Baobab population processes in such landscapes occur at the scale of human settlement.
Photosynthetic pathway variation among C4grasses along a precipitation gradient in Argentina
Authors: Cabido Marcelo , Pons Estela , Cantero Juan José , Lewis Juan Pablo , Anton Ana
Published: July 2007

Aim Based on the biochemical and physiological attributes of C4grasses, and on the close association between decarboxylation pathways and the taxa in which they evolved, the hypotheses tested were: (1) that C4grasses would become progressively more abundant as precipitation decreased, with grasses of the NADP‐me subtype more abundant in wetter sites and those of the NAD‐me subtype more common in arid regions; and (2) that the distribution of grass subfamilies would also be correlated with annual precipitation.

Location The study was conducted along a precipitation gradient in central Argentina, from the eastern Pampas (>1000 mm year−1) to the western deserts and semi‐deserts near the Andes (<100 mm year−1).

Methods Percentage of species and relative cover of C3and C4grasses (including C4subtypes) in local floras from 15 lowland sites of central Argentina were obtained from our own unpublished data and from recently published floristic surveys. Pearson correlation coefficients were obtained between grass distribution parameters and the available climatic data.

Results The percentage of C4grasses increased towards the arid extreme and showed a strong negative correlation with annual rainfall (r = −0.74,P < 0.01). Within the C4subtypes, the NADP‐me species showed a higher proportional representation at the wetter extreme, whereas the representation of NAD‐me species increased towards the more arid extreme. The relationship of PEP‐ck species with climatic parameters in central Argentina was less evident. The distributions of the Panicoideae and Chloridoideae subfamilies along the precipitation gradient were diametrically opposed, with the Panicoideae positively (r = 0.86,P < 0.001) and the Chloridoideae negatively (r = −0.87,P < 0.001) correlated with annual precipitation.

Main conclusions Our data are consistent with the broad observation that C4grasses tend to dominate in areas where the wet season falls in the warmer summer months. In agreement with previously reported results for Africa, Asia, Australia and North America, we describe here for the first time a significant relationship between annual precipitation and the prevalence of the NADP‐me and NAD‐me photosynthetic pathways along climatic gradients for the Neotropics. We also report for the first time that correlations between C4species and annual rainfall are stronger when the relative cover of grass species is considered. The association of grass subfamilies Panicoideae and Chloridoideae with rainfall is as strong as that recorded for the NADP‐me and NAD‐me variants, respectively, suggesting that characteristics other than decarboxylation type may be responsible for the geographic patterns described in this study.
Compositional changes over space and time along an occurrence–abundance continuum: anthropogenic homogenization of the North American avifauna
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , McKinney Michael L.
Published: July 2007

Aim Changes in community attributes due to the influence of anthropogenic activities have been examined primarily using occurrence data with little consideration of associated changes in abundance. To determine how this influences our perception of biotic homogenization, we examined compositional patterns for avian assemblages over space and time along an occurrence–abundance continuum.

Location The contiguous United States and southern Canada.

Methods We examined avian assemblages at 951 Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) routes from 1970 to 2005 that contained a total of 443 species. We used five dissimilarity indices to estimate compositional patterns along an occurrence–abundance continuum of assemblage structure (from species occurrence to transformed abundance to raw abundance) for 396,925 unique combinations of BBS route pairs. We examined annual plots of dissimilarity by distance between BBS routes pairs to estimate spatial and temporal patterns for each index.

Results Dissimilarity declined with increasing distance between route pairs for occurrence and transformed abundance, reaching an asymptote at approximately 2500 km. For raw abundance, dissimilarity peaked at intermediate distances (1000–2500 km) with no evidence of an asymptote. Avian assemblages became more similar over time at all points along the continuum. Occurrence and transformed abundance presented the weakest temporal trends, which were uniform or poorly delineated as a function of distance between routes. Raw abundance presented the strongest temporal trends, which declined in strength with increasing distance between routes.

Main conclusions With the addition of abundance, there was a substantial and consistent pattern of degradation of β‐diversity for North American avifauna that differed considerably from that observed from occurrence data alone. The geographical expansion of a few species, which recently benefited from the direct and indirect consequences of anthropogenic activities, probably played a prominent role in these patterns. When broad‐scale expansions in occupancy are evident, minor gains in similarity based on species occurrence can mask more substantial gains in similarity based on local abundance. When abundance information is unavailable, its role can be estimated by how occupancy has responded geographically to anthropogenic activities and the expectations of the abundance–occupancy relationship. Our findings support previous work indicating that widespread and locally abundant species will tend to benefit more from anthropogenic activities, creating a possible synergism that enhances biotic homogenization.
Divergent echolocation call frequencies in insular rhinolophids (Chiroptera): a case of character displacement?
Authors: Russo Danilo , Mucedda Mauro , Bello Monica , Biscardi Stefania , Pidinchedda Ermanno , Jones Gareth
Published: July 2007

Aims  Because rhinolophids have been hypothesized to use echolocation call frequency to recognize conspecifics, sympatric species calling at similar frequencies should be subject to acoustic character displacement, i.e. a drift in frequency values to minimize the risk of misidentification of conspecifics. However, it has been proposed that insufficient geographical separation between populations in sympatry and allopatry may counter the establishment of frequency differences by character displacement. Here we tested the hypothesis that insular populations should exhibit acoustic divergence, and this should be revealed by comparing call frequencies with those observed in mainland, allopatric populations of conspecifics. We also tested whether the evolutionary pressure towards acoustic divergence should be especially strong at sites where rhinolophid species emitting similar call frequencies roost together in order to minimize interspecific frequency overlap.

Location  Sardinia and southern Italy (Campania, Lazio, Abruzzo).

Methods  Time‐expanded echolocation calls and body size were recorded from Sardinian populations of Rhinolophus mehelyi Matschie, Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein) and Rhinolophus euryale Blasius. Both call frequencies and forearm length of insular R. hipposideros and R. euryale were compared with those of populations from mainland areas of Italy where R. mehelyi is absent, to explore the hypothesis that the presence of the latter species (which calls at frequency values intermediate between the other two) may determine acoustic divergence in the other species. For Sardinian R. mehelyi and R. euryale, we also carried out intraspecific comparisons of call frequencies between bats from monospecific colonies and those from mixed colonies.

Results  As hypothesized, Sardinian R. hipposideros and R. euryale called at frequencies higher and lower, respectively, than in the peninsula. In this way, overlap with R. mehelyi is avoided. Body size showed no difference between insular and peninsular populations, i.e. frequency differences are not a by‐product of difference in body size determined by insularity. Frequency values in Sardinian R. euryale from monospecific colonies did not differ from those of bats roosting together with R. mehelyi. However, R. mehelyi showed frequency values significantly higher when associated with R. euryale, possibly to minimize the risk of species misrecognition.

Main conclusions  At least under geographical isolation, character displacement may be a causal mechanism for shifts in call frequency of sympatric rhinolophids. Species recognition and facilitation of intraspecific communication (with possible implications for mate recognition) constitute the best candidate factors for the phenomenon we observed.
Documented rapid course of hepatic fibrosis between two biopsies in patients coinfected by HIV and HCV despite high CD4 cell count
Authors: Bonnard P. , Lescure F. X. , Amiel C. , Guiard‐Schmid J.‐B. , Callard P. , Gharakhanian S. , Pialoux Gilles
Published: July 2007

Summary.  In HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected patients, it is recommended to repeat liver biopsy every 3 years when anti‐HCV treatment is not indicated. We studied fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients, who were not receiving anti‐HCV treatment, on the basis of two successive liver biopsies. Thirty‐two patients were retrospectively included. Twenty‐six patients (79%) were on antiretroviral treatment at the first biopsy. The mean CD4 cell count was 470 ± 283/mm3. Three patients were staged F2 and the remainder F0/F1. The median interval between the two biopsies was 49 (24–80) months. At the second biopsy, the stage distribution was F0 0%, F1 41% (n = 13), F2 34% (n = 11), F3 19% (n = 6) and F4 6% (n = 2). The mean fibrosis progression rate (FPR) was 0.25 points/year. Nine patients (28%) were considered as rapid fibrosis progressors (progression by more than two points) and their FPR was 0.5 point/year; comparison of these subjects with the other 23 patients showed no relation between FPR and age, alcohol consumption, CD4+ cell count, HIV viral load, HCV genotype, aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase. Analysis of the treatment received between the two liver biopsies did not find any correlation between liver FPR and a specific compound. Fifteen patients started anti‐HCV therapy based on the second biopsy. Liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients should be evaluated at least every 3 years, as nine of 32 (28%) of our patients progressed by at least two fibrosis points despite a high CD4+ cell count. The second biopsy showed that 15 patients (45%) qualified for anti‐HCV therapy. Development of noninvasive methods of fibrosis evaluation should permit more frequent monitoring.
Severe streptococcal infection is associated with M protein‐induced platelet activation and thrombus formation
Authors: Shannon Oonagh , Hertzén Erika , Norrby‐Teglund Anna , Mörgelin Matthias , Sjöbring Ulf , Björck Lars
Published: July 2007

Disturbed haemostasis is a central finding in severe Streptococcus pyogenes infection. In particular, microthrombi are found both at the local site of infection and at distant sites. Platelets are responsible for maintaining vascular function and haemostasis. We report here that M1 protein of S. pyogenes triggers immune‐mediated platelet activation and thrombus formation. M1 protein is released from the bacterial surface and forms complexes with plasma fibrinogen. These complexes bind to the fibrinogen receptor on resting platelets. When these complexes also contain immunoglobulin G (IgG) against M1 protein, this will engage the Fc receptor on the platelets and activation will occur. Activation of the platelets leads to platelet aggregation and the generation of platelet‐rich thrombi. Neutrophils and monocytes are in turn activated by the platelets. Platelet thrombi are deposited in the microvasculature, and aggregated platelets, IgG and M1 protein colocalize in biopsies from patients diagnosed with S. pyogenes toxic shock syndrome. This chain of events results in a pro‐coagulant and pro‐inflammatory state typical of severe S. pyogenes infection.
Conservation of NADPH utilization by chorismate synthase and its implications for the evolution of the shikimate pathway
Authors: Ehammer Heidemarie , Rauch Gernot , Prem Anna , Kappes Barbara , Macheroux Peter
Published: July 2007

The shikimate pathway is essential for the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds. The seventh and last step is catalysed by chorismate synthase, which has an absolute requirement for reduced FMN in its active site. There are two classes of this enzyme, which are distinguished according to the origin of the reduced cofactor. Monofunctional chorismate synthases sequester it from the cellular environment whereas bifunctional enzymes can generate reduced FMN at the expense of NADPH. These bifunctional enzymes are found in fungi and the ciliated protozoan Euglena gracilis while all bacterial and plant enzymes are monofunctional. In this study, we introduce an in vivo screen, which is based on a chorismate synthase‐deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, allowing the classification of hitherto uncharacterized chorismate synthases. This analysis revealed that bifunctionality is present in the enzymes of protozoan species. In contrast, all bacterial and plant enzymes tested are monofunctional. In addition, we demonstrate that a monofunctional chorismate synthase confers prototrophy in conjunction with a NADPH :  FMN oxidoreductase indicating that bifunctionality is required due to the lack of free reduced FMN in fungal and possibly protozoan species. Interestingly, the distribution of bifunctional chorismate synthase concurs with the presence of a pentafunctional enzyme complex.
SNP discovery via 454 transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Barbazuk W. Brad , Emrich Scott J. , Chen Hsin D. , Li Li , Schnable Patrick S.
Published: July 2007

A massively parallel pyro‐sequencing technology commercialized by 454 Life Sciences Corporation was used to sequence the transcriptomes of shoot apical meristems isolated from two inbred lines of maize using laser capture microdissection (LCM). A computational pipeline that uses the POLYBAYES polymorphism detection system was adapted for 454 ESTs and used to detect SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) between the two inbred lines. Putative SNPs were computationally identified using 260 000 and 280 000 454 ESTs from the B73 and Mo17 inbred lines, respectively. Over 36 000 putative SNPs were detected within 9980 unique B73 genomic anchor sequences (MAGIs). Stringent post‐processing reduced this number to > 7000 putative SNPs. Over 85% (94/110) of a sample of these putative SNPs were successfully validated by Sanger sequencing. Based on this validation rate, this pilot experiment conservatively identified > 4900 valid SNPs within > 2400 maize genes. These results demonstrate that 454‐based transcriptome sequencing is an excellent method for the high‐throughput acquisition of gene‐associated SNPs.
Sweet successes in diabetes genetics
Authors: Clee SM
Published: July 2007

Variant of transcription factor 7‐like 2 (TCF7L2) gene confers risk of type 2 diabetes Grant et al. (2006) Nature Genetics 38: 320–323

Combining information from common type 2 diabetes risk polymorphisms improves disease prediction Weedon et al. (2006) PLoS Medicine 3: e374

A genome‐wide association study identifies novel risk loci for type 2 diabetes Sladek et al. (2007) Nature 445: 881–885
Methamphetamine use in deceased kidney donors impairs one‐yr graft function*
Authors: Inouye David S. , Kickertz Katherine , Wong Linda L
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Methamphetamine (MA) has cumulative deleterious effects on multiple organ systems. A history of MA exposure in kidney donors may affect adversely graft function in recipients.

Methods:  Between September 2000 and March 2004, all deceased kidney donors were identified from the local registry (97 donors). Twenty donors (21%) with any MA exposure through history or toxicology were selected. Donors that did not fulfill UNOS standard criteria were excluded. Donor characteristics and subsequent recipient characteristics were retrospectively compared with a control group without MA exposure histories. The main outcome measure was mean serum creatinine at one‐yr post‐transplant (Cr365). Secondary outcome measures of delayed graft function and rejection episodes were reviewed.

Results:  Baseline serum creatinine at seven d post‐transplant were equivalent between groups (Cr7 = 2.5 ± 2.0 vs. 2.8 ± 3.4, p = 0.75). At one yr, Cr365 was significantly elevated in recipients of MA exposed kidneys compared with controls (1.9 ± 1.0 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4, p = 0.028). When adjusted for confounding variables, MA exposure lost its statistical significance (p = 0.07–0.09) as an independent predictor of increased Cr365.

Conclusion:  Donor MA exposure may be associated with increased Cr365 in recipients. Transplant centers can expect to encounter donors with MA use histories at rates higher that regional use rates. Larger studies may demonstrate MA exposure as an independent predictor of impaired graft function.
Indocyanine green elimination but not bilirubin indicates improvement of graft function during MARS therapy
Authors: Scheingraber Stefan , Richter Sven , Igna Dorian , Girndt Matthias , Flesch Sarah , Kleinschmidt Stefan , Schilling Martin K
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Measurement of indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (PDRICG) has been suggested as a meaningful liver function parameter. However, there are only very limited data concerning its value in the monitoring of graft dysfunction (GDF) and primary non‐function (PNF) especially during molecular absorbent recirculating system (MARS) therapy. This study was therefore performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy to detect and monitor GDF with the measurement of the PDRICG in direct comparison with conventional markers like bilirubin and prothrombin time (PT). Of the 19 liver recipients, four patients with GDF and two patients with PNF were treated with 38 MARS cycles. Only PDRICG did reliably indicate liver function between patients with GDF/PNF and patients with sufficient graft function who served as controls. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed the highest areas under the curve (AUC) for PDRICG (AUCPDRICG max: 0.840, AUCPDRICG max: 0.822), followed by bilirubin (AUCbilirubin: 0.528) and PT (AUCPT: 0.546). In contrast to the decrease of the serum bilirubin concentration due to MARS, a noticeable improvement of PDRICG was evident only in patients with GDF. Patients with acute fulminant failure and PNF had significantly lower PDRICG values, which did not improve even during continuous MARS treatments. Conclusively, monitoring of PDRICG is superior to bilirubin and PT measurements to determine the graft function especially in patients with PNF and GDF undergoing MARS therapy.
Risk factors and attributable mortality of late aspergillosis after T‐cell depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mihu C.N. , King E. , Yossepovitch O. , Taur Y. , Jakubowski A. , Pamer E. , Papanicolaou G.A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Aim. Invasive aspergillosis occurs in 5–15% of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Through the 1990s there has been an increase in the incidence of late aspergillosis (LA). We report on the incidence, risk factors, and attributable mortality of LA in a cohort of 398 adult and pediatric patients at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center from January 1999 through December 2003.

Methods. LA was defined as occurring >40 days post HSCT. LA cases were identified by prospective surveillance and examination of a computerized database. Probable or definite aspergillosis was defined by standard EORTC/MSG criteria. Mortality was attributed to LA if it caused or significantly contributed to death.

Results. The overall incidence of LA in our cohort was 4.1%. Median time from stem cell infusion to diagnosis of LA was 164 days (range 68–677) after HSCT. The incidence of LA among unmodified, T‐cell depleted, or reduced intensity HSCT was 2.2%, 4%, and 6.8%, respectively (P not significant). Risk factors for LA were grade II–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (P=0.002), chronic GVHD (P=0.01), secondary neutropenia (P=0.02), and reduced intensity conditioning containing alemtuzumab (P=0.01). LA was the immediate cause of death in 1 of 10 (10%) T‐cell depleted, 2 of 2 (100%) unmodified, and 1 of 4 (25%) of reduced‐intensity HSCT.

Conclusions. LA developed a median 164 days post HSCT. All‐cause 30‐day mortality of LA was 56.3%. The majority of LA cases died of concurrent infections and not from invasive aspergillosis.
Body Size and Testicular Traits of Tropically–adapted Bucks Raised Under Extensive Husbandry in Ethiopia
Authors: Mekasha Y , Tegegne A , Abera A , Rodriguez‐Martinez H
Published: July 2007

Contents Five tropically adapted buck breeds extensively managed in Ethiopia were studied to determine possible effects of breed and age on body size and testicular traits. In all, 177 bucks were selected following stratified random sampling, and evaluated in three age groups: <14 months (young), 14–19.5 months (intermediate) and 19.6–24 months (old). The breeds studied were Arsi‐Bale (AB; N = 35), Central Highlands (CH; N = 33), Afar (N = 35), Boran (N = 36) and Woito‐Guji (WG; N = 38). In all the three age groups, Boran and CH bucks were the heaviest (p < 0.05), Afar were the lightest, and AB and WG were in between. The highest body weight (BW) was achieved in the intermediate age group for Afar, but in the oldest age group for the other breeds. In the youngest age group, scrotal circumference (SC) was the widest (p < 0.05) for Boran and CH and the narrowest for Afar, AB and WG, while in the intermediate and the oldest age groups, Boran showed the widest SC. Boran, WG and CH had higher (p < 0.05) testicular weight (TW) than Afar and AB in the youngest age group. Boran retained the highest (p < 0.05) TW in the intermediate and the oldest age groups, while in the oldest age group WG and AB medium TW and Afar had the lowest TW. However, Afar had the highest TW expressed as percentage of BW. SC was well correlated with TW (p < 0.001; r = 0.74) and BW (p < 0.001; r = 0.61), indicating a linear, positive association between BW and TW (p < 0.001; r = 0.51). In conclusion, body size and testicular traits of Ethiopian bucks under an extensive management system are influenced differently by breed and age group.
A strong Madagascan rainforest MDE and no equatorward increase in species richness: re‐analysis of ‘The missing Madagascan mid‐domain effect’, by Kerr J.T., Perring M. & Currie D.J. (Ecology Letters 9:149–159, 2006)
Authors: Lees David C. , Colwell Robert K.
Published: July 2007

By reanalysing inaccurately presented data of Kerr et al. (2006), we refute their claims that area‐corrected species richness of endemic Madagascan birds and mammals increases toward the Equator and is best explained by environmental factors, and that the rainforest mid‐domain effect (MDE) Lees et al. (1999) demonstrated is artefactual.
Testing, as opposed to supporting, the Mid‐domain Hypothesis: a response to Lees and Colwell (2007)
Authors: Currie David , Kerr Jeremy
Published: July 2007

Both our analysis (Kerr et al. 2006), and Lees and Colwell's (2007) reanalysis, of patterns of bird and mammal diversity on Madagascar show that the central peak of richness predicted by the Mid‐Domain Hypothesis (MDH) is not observed. Lees and Colwell emphasize an observation consistent with MDH predictions: a latitudinal mid‐domain richness peak in the rainforest biome. They find (but do not mention) that no analogous peak is observed in the other two main Madagascan biomes. MDH fails nearly all its tests in Madagascar.
Ethnicity and Nationalism: A Psychoanalytic Perspective
Authors: Volkan Vamik D.
Published: July 2007

Bien que l'ethnicité ne soit pas visible, son existence est palpable et I'on pourrait penser qu'il s'agit de quelque chose d'assez facile à décrire. Les Arabes et les Israéliens ou bien les Arméniens et les Azerbaïdjanais, par exemple, insistent si résolument sur leur hétérogénéité qu'il ne devrait pas être difficile d'en isoler les raisons. II est pourtant impossible de trouver une description unique de l'ethnicité qui serait acceptée par la plupart des scientifiques. Le terme d'ethnicité (ou I'identification de grands groupes à partir de leur appartenance religieuse ou professionnelle) change de portée et de consistance selon les disciplines. Dans cet article, on s'intéresse aux significations des processus en jeu dans les grands groupes. La psychologie des grands groupes est abordée sous deux perspectives: la première a trait à l‘évolution historique et biologique des grands groupes, quelle que soit leur dénomination (clans, tribus, etc.) et la seconde concerne le développement de l'enfant. Les deux approches se croisent dans la relation leader‐suiveur pour constituer le besoin humain d'avoir des ennemis (les “mauvais”) et des alliés (les “bons”).

Although ethnicity cannot be seen, its presence is palpable, and one would think it would be something rather easy to describe. Arabs and Israelis or Armenians and Azerbajanis, for example, so adamantly insist on being different that it should not be difficult to isolate the reasons. Yet it is impossible to find one single description of ethnicity that is acceptable by most scholars. The term ethnicity, and other large‐group identities such as religious or nationalistic affiliations, change in scope and substance according to the discipline studying it. This paper focuses on the meanings of large‐group processes. Large‐group psychology is examined from two perspectives. The first concerns the historical and biological evolution of large groups, be they called clans, tribes, or other names. The second relates to childhood development.
Developmental Psychology as Political Psychology in Sub‐Saharan Africa: The Challenge of Africanisation
Authors: Nsamenang A. Bame , Dawes Andy
Published: July 2007

L'Afrique a été un creuset majeur des influences étrangères qui y ont été largement imposées plus que sollicitées. Le continent a toujours eu à ajuster des demandes extérieures et en conséquence, il a développé un milieu culturel hybride. Un important aspect de ce processus se situe dans une acculturation académique et dans l'externalisation des comportements africains. Cet article explore la problématique de l'étude de développement psychologique des enfants et celle de la contribution à des projets de développement des enfants africains, dans le contexte de psychologies concurentielles indigène et moderne. II constate qu'ensemble, la psychologie culturelle et les cadres éco‐culturels ont des rôles contributifs importants à jouer dans la façon d'aborder les problèmes de l'hégémonie eurocentrique au sein de la psychologie développementale africaine. Dans ce projet libérateur pour la psychologie africaine, les chercheurs et les praticiens sont encouragés à entamer un dialogue critique avec les systémes pédagogiques externes. en construisant une approche du développement psychologique des enfants sur le continent. Ceci est crucial si la discipline doit contribuer à une amélioration des conditions de vie des enfants africains.

Africa has been a major recipient of alien influences that have been largely imposed rather than solicited. The continent has always had to adjust to external demands, and as a consequence, it has developed a hybrid cultural milieu. An important aspect of this process has been academic acculturation and the externalisation of African outlooks. This paper explores the problem of studying child psychological development and contributing to development projects for African children, in the context of competing indigenous and modern psychologies. It suggests that both cultural psychology and ecocultural frameworks have important contributory roles to play in addressing the problems of the Eurocentric hegemony in African developmental psychology. As part of a liberatory project for African psychology, researchers and practitioners are encouraged to enter a critical dialogue with external knowledge systems, in constructing an understanding of child psychological development on the continent. This is crucial if the discipline is to contribute to an improvement of the life circumstances of African children.
Health Psychology in the United States: A Critique and Selective Review
Authors: Terborg James R.
Published: July 2007

Cette revue de questions décrit les développements actuels des recherches américaines en psychologie de la santé. Bien que la mission et les objectifs du Département de Psychologie de la Santé de l'Association Américaine de Psychologie soient vastes, la majorité des recherches aux Etats‐Unis ont été réductionistes pour ce qui est de la théorie, essentiellement cliniques et centrées sur l'individu avec une ouverture minimale sur l'environnement. On examine en détail les recherches qui ont porté sur les programmes de promotion de la santé sur le lieu de travail. Ces investigations qui adoptent une perspective plus ouverte que la plupart des recherches en psychologie de la santé peuvent servir de modèle pour les études à venir. L'article conclut en montrant que la psychologie de la santé atteint aux Etats‐Unis un moment critique. C'est l'occasion de développer une vaste psychologie de la santé qui engloberait la santé et la maladie, les recherches mono‐ et interdisciplinaires, l'individu et de multiples niveaux d'analyse. II est également probable qu'à l'avenir la psychologie de la santé se dédoublera avec un regard sur l'individu et un autre sur l'environnement.

This review examines current developments in American research in health psychology. Although the mission and objectives of the Division of Health Psychology in the American Psychological Association are broad, the majority of research in the US has been reductionistic in theory, clinical in focus, and directed at studying the individual with minimal attention to context. Research on health promotion programmes at the worksite is reviewed in detail. This literature, which takes a broader perspective than most health psychology research, may provide a model for future studies. The paper concludes by stating that health psychology in the US is at a critical stage. There is the opportunity to develop a comprehensive health psychology that is inclusive of health and illness, of single‐disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, and of intra‐individual and multiple levels of analysis. There also is a chance that in the future we will see two distinct fields of health psychology; one that looks inside the individual and one that looks outside.
Simon or Sipho: South African Children's Given Names and Their Academic Achievement in Grade One
Authors: Liddell Christine , Lycett John
Published: July 2007

Le succès au niveau 1 de 2046 enfants sud‐africains portant des noms africains traditionnels a été comparéà celui de 1019 enfants des mêmes écoles qui étaient inscrits sous des noms anglais. Les résultats semblent indiquer que les élèves portant un nom britannique ont significativement mieux réuissi dans deux des quatre disciplines (langue maternelle et mathématiques), que l'école soit située dans un environnement rural ou urbain. Pour les deux autres disciplines, (hygiène et éducation religieuse), les enfants urbains portant un nom anglais ont significativement dépassé les enfants urbains portant un nom traditionnel. On ne peut éliminer l'hypothèse selon laquelle l'attribution des notes est soumise à l'influence du nom de l'enfant. Les variables démographiques et l'habitat sont également pris en considération, mais se révèlent sans grand intérêt pour rendre compte des résultats; la seule différence significative porte sur le point suivant: les enfants avec un nom anglais (ceux qui réuissent le mieux au niveau 1) ont plutôt des mères ayant bénéficié d'une scolarité moins longue.

The Grade One achievement of 2046 South African children bearing traditional African names was compared with that of 1019 children from the same schools who were enrolled under English names. Results suggest that children bearing English names did significantly better in two of four subjects (Home Language and Mathematics) regardless of whether they were at school in an urban or rural context. For the remaining two subjects (Health and Religious Education), urban children bearing English names significantly outperformed urban children with traditional names. Consideration is given to the possibility that the marks teachers assign to children might in some way be influenced by the child's name type. Home and demographic variables are also explored but are of little assistance in explaining the results; the only significant difference is that children bearing English names–i. e. those faring better in Grade One–tend to have mothers with fewer years of schooling. Home and demographic variables do not, therefore, provide any obvious explanation for the results.
Economic Psychology Between Psychology and Economics: An Introduction
Authors: van Raaij W. Fred
Published: July 2007

On présente, dans cette introduction à l'édition speciale sur la psychologie economique, trois étapes et trois domaines de cette psychologie. Les trois étapes représented les tentatives historiques pour introduire des approches et des concepts psychologiques dans la théorie économique. Les deux premières étapes ont été vouées l'échec, mais la dernière et actuelle (l'économie psychologique) paraǐt plus prometteuse. Les trois domaines de la psychologie économique qui sont traités dans cet article sont: la psychologie micro‐économique, la psychologie macro‐économique et l' économie psychologique. Les six articles de cette édition spéciale sont des représentants de ces approches et traitent de sujets intéressant aussi bien les psychologues, les économistes, les spécialists du marketing que les conseillers auprés des consommateurs.

In this introduction to the special issue on economic psychology, three waves and three domains of economic psychology will be discussed. The three waves are the historical attempts to introduce psychological concepts and approaches in economic theory. Although the first two waves were unsuccessful, the third and present wave (psychological economics) looks more promising. The three domains of economic psychology that are discussed in this paper are: (1) micro‐economic psychology, (2) macro‐economic psychology, and (3) psychological economics. The six papers in this special issue are examples of these approaches in economic psychology, and discuss interesting topics for psychologists, economists, marketing professionals, and consumer educators alike.
The Role of Macroeconomic Psychology
Authors: Wärneryd Karl‐Erik
Published: July 2007

I wish to thank three anonymous referees for valuable comments on an earlier version of this paper.

La psychologie macroéconomique traite des problèmes qui se rapportent à des agrégats plutǒt qu'aux individus. Les problèmes étuéies sont proches de la macroéconomie. Celle‐ci comprend l' étude des relations entre des agrégats tels que le revenu total, la consommation totale et L' épargne totale.

La psychologie économique a fourni quelques concepts macro psychologiques qui n'ont pas d'; équivalent au niveau micro individuel, telles des mesures de confiance du consommateur mais elle opère surtout sur les caractéristiques psychologiques individuelles qui peuvent ětre utilisées à la fois aux niveaux micro et macro.

Les recherches sur les attentes financeères, le comportement d'épargne et la fiscalité ayant rapport à la macroéconomie sont présentées. II y a aussi la partie de la psychologie économique relative aux problèmes qui se posent au niveau des agrégats et qui n'ont pas reçu beaucoup d'attention de la part en macroéconomie: l';esprit d'entreprise et d'innovation. II est suggéré que la psychologic macroéconomique offre un large éventail de problèmes psychologiques qui comptent pour les économics nationales et qui peuvent, en měme temps, stimuler la recherche fondamentale en psychologie.

Macroeconomic psychology deals with problems that relate to aggregates rather than to individuals. The problems studied are close to macroeconomics. The latter involves the study of relationships between aggregates such as total income, total consumption, and total savings. Economic psychology has contributed a few macropsychological concepts without equivalents at the individual, micro level, such as measures of consumer confidence, but it mostly works with individual psychological characteristics that can be used both at the micro and the macro levels. Research on financial expectations, saving behaviour and taxation–which all are relevant to macroeconomics–is presented. There is also economic psychology related to problems at an aggregate level that have not been given much attention in macroeconomics. An example is entrepreneurship and innovation. It is suggested that macroeconomic psychology offers approaches to a wide array of psychological problems that are important to national economies and at the same time could stimulate basic psychological research.