bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congruence of Family and Organizational Values in Relation to Organizational Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: Katrinli Alev Ergenc , Atabay Gulem , Gunay Gonca
Published: May 2006

As a cluster of behaviours resulting in desired organizational outcomes, antecedents of organizational citizenship behaviours have long been searched. Based on the fact that the work and family domains of individuals closely interact and that harmony between values shared in organizations and the values adopted by individuals, called person–organization fit, have important consequences on the desired outcomes, the research conducted tries to identify the relationship between values existing in the individual's family and organization with organizational citizenship behaviour. The results of the research show that the congruence between the values of two domains has a significant relationship with the level of organizational citizenship behaviour.
Global Existence and Uniqueness for a Thermomechanical Model for Shape Memory Alloys with Partition of the Strain
Authors: Bonetti Elena , Frémond Michel , Lexcellent Christian
Published: May 2006

This paper investigates an initial and boundary value problem describing the thermomechanical behavior of shape memory alloys. In the strain tensor an elastic contribution is combined with a phase transformation term, for which only one of the phases turns out to be responsible. In particular, the solid-solid phase transition between the austenite phase and the martensites is described by two functionals, the free energy and the pseudo-potential of dissipation. A global existence and uniqueness result is stated by use of a fixed point argument and contracting estimates technique.
Is tympanic membrane thermometry the best method for recording temperature in children?
Authors: Dew Paula L.
Published: May 2006

Tympanic membrane thermometry has become increasingly popular for measuring temperature in children. The aim of this review is to ascertain the most appropriate, research-based thermometry method for use with children in acute healthcare settings. The following are considered:

• Concerns regarding the accuracy of the tympanic membrane thermometer.

• Whether comparison of the tympanic membrane thermometer with temperature measurement at other body sites is appropriate.

• How choice of thermometer may be influenced by children's and nurses' preferences, technique, the age of the child, ear size and children with otitis media, perforated eardrums, cerumen (ear wax), ear pain or grommets in-situ.

• Children's preferences and rectal thermometry in relation to children's rights, which have not been reviewed so far.
The costs children incur during treatment for cancer: a neglected area in theory and research
Authors: Tsimicalis Argerie , McKeever Patricia , Kavanagh Tricia , Stevens Bonnie
Published: May 2006

This article argues that the costs children incur during treatment for cancer should be rendered visible. As economic agents, children expend time, engage in productive work and participate in activities. Each of these aspects of daily life can be affected by cancer and/or its therapy and can be considered costs of illness. This article challenges researchers to consider eliciting children's views and assessments of these costs to illustrate more fully the impact of cancer on children and their childhoods. The resulting findings will provide a more accurate account of the social and economic costs incurred by families over the course of children's treatment trajectories. Ultimately, such information could be used to lobby for changes which would improve the life circumstances of children and their families.
Socio-economic status, smoking during pregnancy and birth outcomes: an analysis of cross-sectional community studies in Liverpool (1993–2001)
Authors: Delpisheh Ali , Kelly Yvonne , Rizwan Shaheen , Brabin Bernard J.
Published: May 2006

Objective: To assess the influence of socio-economic status on pregnancy outcomes in smoking mothers.

Study design: Retrospective analysis.

Methods: Parent-completed questionnaires addressing pregnancy smoking patterns and birth outcomes. Were distributed via children aged 5–11 years attending 10 primary schools in Merseyside. Data from three communitybased cross-sectional surveys undertaken in 1993, 1998 and 2001 were analysed. Townsend score was used as an indicator of household socioeconomic status.

Results: 82.2 percent ( n = 3730) of respondents were classified as low (disadvantaged) socio-economic status. One-third of mothers smoked during pregnancy and this proportion was significantly higher among disadvantaged than advantaged categories (37.7% versus 14.6%; p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis showed that only maternal smoking during preg-nancy was a significant risk factor for adverse birth outcomes when socioeconomic variables were controlled.

Conclusion: Birth outcomes were worse in babies of smoking mothers during pregnancy independent of household's socio-economic status.
State of HIV Treatment
Authors: Zuniga José M.
Published: May 2006

Background: There are few reports about physician and patient attitudes about antiretroviral therapy. Reports on physician perceptions of HIV-positive patients and patients' perceptions of their physicians are even scarcer. Methods:The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care conducted surveys of HIV-treating physicians, and a separate set of HIV-positive patients. Physicians completed an online questionnaire. Patients completed a written questionnaire. Results: Physicians and patients agreed on several issues, including the priority of viral suppression when making treatment decisions and the treatment-limiting impact of side effects. However, they had diverging treatment goals in mind and differing impressions of the type and incidence of side effects. There were also sharp differences in physicians' estimates of how well patients understand HIV disease and its treatment. Conclusions: The differences revealed through these surveys underline the need to conduct a systematic study of physician and patient attitudes about antiretroviral therapy, as well as physician-patient communication.
Fine mapping of quantitative trait nucleotides underlying thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor antigen levels by a transethnic study
Authors: Frère Corinne , Tregouet David-Alexandre , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Saut Noémie , Kouassi Dinar , Juhan-Vague Irène , Tiret Laurence , Alessi Marie-Christine
Published: May 2006

Recent studies revisiting the association between plasma thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) Ag levels and polymorphisms of the CPB2 gene (coding for TAFI) suggested that TAFI Ag levels were influenced by 2 major quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) in European whites. However, the strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) between CPB2 polymorphisms in European whites did not allow one to distinguish which polymorphisms could be the putative QTNs. To get a better insight into the identification of QTNs, a transethnic haplotype analysis contrasting 2 populations of African and European subjects was performed using 13 CPB2 polymorphisms. Results of the haplotype analyses suggested that 3 QTNs had independent effects and explained about 15% of the TAFI variability, consistently in the 2 populations. The lower LD observed in the African population enabled us to identify the 1583T>A SNP located in 3′UTR as one of these QTNs, whereas the -2599C>G and -2345--2344insG SNPs located in the 5′ region might be the 2 other QTNs. A phylogenetic study suggested that these 3 polymorphisms occurred before the period of migration “out of Africa.” Although this transethnic comparison contributed to better map the putative CPB2 QTNs, further studies are required to clarify the role of the promoter region.
Integration of global SNP-based mapping and expression arrays reveals key regions, mechanisms, and genes important in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma
Authors: Walker Brian A. , Leone Paola E. , Jenner Matthew W. , Li Cheng , Gonzalez David , Johnson David C. , Ross Fiona M. , Davies Faith E. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: May 2006

Multiple myeloma is characterized by genomic alterations frequently involving gains and losses of chromosomes. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based mapping arrays allow the identification of copy number changes at the sub-megabase level and the identification of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) due to monosomy and uniparental disomy (UPD). We have found that SNP-based mapping array data and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) copy number data correlated well, making the technique robust as a tool to investigate myeloma genomics. The most frequently identified alterations are located at 1p, 1q, 6q, 8p, 13, and 16q. LOH is found in these large regions and also in smaller regions throughout the genome with a median size of 1 Mb. We have identified that UPD is prevalent in myeloma and occurs through a number of mechanisms including mitotic nondisjunction and mitotic recombination. For the first time in myeloma, integration of mapping and expression data has allowed us to reduce the complexity of standard gene expression data and identify candidate genes important in both the transition from normal to monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) to myeloma and in different subgroups within myeloma. We have documented these genes, providing a focus for further studies to identify and characterize those that are key in the pathogenesis of myeloma.
Frequent gain of chromosome band 1q21 in plasma-cell dyscrasias detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization: incidence increases from MGUS to relapsed myeloma and is related to prognosis and disease progression following tandem stem-cell transplantation
Authors: Hanamura Ichiro , Stewart James P. , Huang Yongsheng , Zhan Fenghuang , Santra Madhumita , Sawyer Jeffrey R. , Hollmig Klaus , Zangarri Maurizio , Pineda-Roman Mauricio , van Rhee Frits , Cavallo Federica , Burington Bart , Crowley John , Tricot Guido , Barlogie Bart , Shaughnessy John D.
Published: May 2006

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization we investigated amplification of chromosome band 1q21 (Amp1q21) in more than 500 untreated patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS; n = 14), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM; n = 31), and newly diagnosed MM (n = 479) as well as 45 with relapsed MM. The frequency of Amp1q21 was 0% in MGUS, 45% in SMM, 43% in newly diagnosed MM, and 72% in relapsed MM (newly diagnosed versus relapsed MM, P < .001). Amp1q21 was detected in 10 of 12 patients whose disease evolved to active MM compared with 4 of 19 who remained with SMM (P < .001). Patients with newly diagnosed MM with Amp1q21 had inferior 5-year event-free/overall survival compared with those lacking Amp1q21 (38%/52% versus 62%/78%, both P < .001). Thalidomide improved 5-year EFS in patients lacking Amp1q21 but not in those with Amp1q21 (P = .004). Multivariate analysis including other major predictors revealed that Amp1q21 was an independent poor prognostic factor. Relapsed patients who had Amp1q21 at relapse had inferior 5-year postrelapse survival compared with those lacking Amp1q21 at relapse (15% versus 53%, P = .027). The proportion of cells with Amp1q21 and the copy number of 1q21 tended to increase at relapse compared with diagnosis. Our data suggest that Amp1q21 is associated with both disease progression and poor prognosis.
Opposing roles of blood myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in HIV-1 infection of T cells: transmission facilitation versus replication inhibition
Authors: Groot Fedde , van Capel Toni M. M. , Kapsenberg Martien L. , Berkhout Ben , de Jong Esther C.
Published: May 2006

CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs) and CD11c– CD123+ plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs) have been identified as main human DC subsets. MDCs are professional antigen-presenting cells for T cells, and include Langerhans cells, dermal DCs, and interstitial DCs. They have been associated with HIV-1 capture and sexual transmission, whereas PDCs play an important role in the innate immune responses to different types of viruses, including HIV-1. To compare the influence of MDCs and PDCs on HIV-1 infection of T cells, we isolated donor-matched MDCs and PDCs from peripheral blood, activated them by adding different maturation-inducing compounds, and cocultured them with T cells and HIV-1. We found that MDCs enhance HIV-1 infection through capture of the virus and subsequent transmission to T cells, and that differently matured MDC subsets have different HIV-1 transmission efficiencies. These differences were not due to soluble factors, viral capture differences, or the expression of integrins ICAM-1, -2, -3, or LFA-1. In contrast, regardless of their state of maturation, PDCs inhibit HIV-1 replication in T cells through the secretion of IFNα and an additional, unidentified small molecule. This study shows that the 2 main types of DCs have opposing roles in HIV-1 infection of T cells.
Do CD8 effector cells need IL-7R expression to become resting memory cells?
Authors: Buentke Eva , Mathiot Anne , Tolaini Mauro , Di Santo James , Zamoyska Rose , Seddon Benedict
Published: May 2006

The role for IL-7R expression in the differentiation of effector T cells into resting memory remains controversial. Here, using a conditional IL-7R transgenic model, we were able to test directly whether CD8 effector T cells require IL-7R expression for their differentiation into resting memory cells. In the absence of IL-7R expression, effector cells transferred into “full” hosts underwent a protracted and unremitting contraction compared with IL-7R–expressing control cells and were unable to develop into long-term resting memory cells. Surprisingly, when the same effector cells were transferred into empty T-cell–deficient hosts, they could generate long-lived fully functional resting memory cells independently of IL-7R expression. Formation of these latter cells was found to be dependent on IL-15, because the same IL-7R–deficient effector cells were rapidly lost from IL-15–deficient hosts, having a half-life of less than 40 hours. Therefore, our data suggest that, under physiological conditions, both IL-7 and IL-15 synergize to promote the formation of memory cells directly by limiting the contraction of effectors that occurs following an immune response and that reexpression of IL-7R is a key checkpoint in the regulation of this process.
Teenage suicide cluster formation and contagion: implications for primary care
Authors: Johansson Lars , Lindqvist Per , Eriksson Anders
Published: May 2006

Background

We have previously studied unintentional as well as intentional injury deaths among teenagers living in the four northernmost counties, forming approximately 55% of Sweden with 908,000 inhabitants in 1991. During this work, we found what we suspected to be a suicide cluster among teenagers and we also suspected contagion since there were links between these cases. In this present study, we investigate the occurrence of suicide clustering among teenagers, analyze cluster definitions, and suggest preventive measures.

Methods

A retrospective study of teenager suicides autopsied at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Umeå, Sweden, during 1981 through 2000. Police reports, autopsy protocols, and medical records were studied in all cases, and the police officers that conducted the investigation at the scene were interviewed in all cluster cases. Parents of the suicide victims of the first cluster were also interviewed. Two aggregations of teenager suicides were detected and evaluated as possible suicide clusters using the US Centers for Disease Control definition of a suicide cluster.

Results

Two clusters including six teenagers were confirmed, and contagion was established within each cluster.

Conclusion

The general practitioner is identified as a key person in the aftermath of a teenage suicide since the general practitioner often meet the family, friends of the deceased, and other acquaintances early in the process after a suicide. This makes the general practitioner suitable to initiate contacts with others involved in the well-being of the young, in order to prevent suicide cluster formation and para-suicidal activities.
Prevalence of amyloid deposition in long standing rheumatoid arthritis in Iranian patients by abdominal subcutaneous fat biopsy and assessment of clinical and laboratory characteristics
Authors: Alishiri G Hussein , Salimzadeh Ahmad , Owlia Mohammad Bagher , Forghanizadeh Jafar , Setarehshenas Roya , Shayanfar Nasrin
Published: May 2006

Background

The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of secondary amyloidosis in a group of Iranian patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and the assessment of its correlation with the clinical and laboratory findings and data.

Method

A total number of 220 patients (167 female and 53 male) with a minimum five-year history of RA were selected. Congo red staining method was used for staining the specimens obtained by abdominal subcutaneous fat biopsy (ASFB) method. All of the specimens were examined for apple-green birefringence under polarized light microscope. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were assessed. Chi-square test and unpaired student's t-test were run for intergroup comparisons.

Results

Amyloid deposition test yielded positive results in 15 out of the 220 cases (6.8%) examined by the ASFB technique. Thirteen patients were found to have minimal amyloid deposits. Of all the clinically significant cases, 8 (53%) presented with proteinuria, and 7 cases (46.6%) had severe constipation.

Conclusion

The prevalence of fat amyloid deposits in Iranian patients with RA is low. In up to half of the study group the deposits were subclinical. Follow up studies are required to determine whether this subclinical amyloidosis can develop into full-blown clinically significant amyloidosis.
Trapping of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae with odour-baited MM-X traps in semi-field conditions in western Kenya
Authors: Njiru Basilio N , Mukabana Wolfgang R , Takken Willem , Knols Bart GJ
Published: May 2006

Background

The successful development of odour-baited trapping systems for mosquitoes depends on the identification of behaviourally active semiochemicals, besides the design and operating principles of such devices. A large variety of 'attractants' has been identified in laboratory investigations, yet few of these increase trap catches in the field. A contained system, intermediate between the laboratory and open field, is presented and previous reports that human foot odour induces behavioural responses of Anopheles gambiae confirmed.

Methods

The response of 3–5 day old female An. gambiae towards odour-baited counterflow geometry traps (MM-X model; American Biophysics Corp., RI) was studied in semi-field (screen house) conditions in western Kenya. Traps were baited with human foot odour (collected on socks), carbon dioxide (CO2, 500 ml min-1), ammonia (NH3), 1-octen-3-ol, or various combinations thereof. Trap catches were log (x+1) transformed and subjected to Latin square analysis of variance procedures.

Results

Apart from 1-octen-3-ol, all odour baits caused significant (P < 0.05) increases in trap catches over non-baited traps. Foot odour remained behaviourally active for at least 8 days after collection on nylon or cotton sock fabric. A synergistic response (P < 0.001) was observed towards the combination of foot odour and CO2, which increased catches of these odours alone by 3.8 and 2.7 times, respectively.

Conclusion

These results are the first to report behavioural responses of an African malaria vector to human foot odour outside the laboratory, and further investigation of fractions and/or individual chemical components of this odour complex are called for. Semi-field systems offer the prospect of high-throughput screening of candidate kairomones, which may expedite the development of efficient trap-bait systems for this and other African mosquito species.
A novel method to measure regional muscle blood flow continuously using NIRS kinetics information
Authors: Nioka Shoko , Kime Ryotaro , Sunar Ulas , Im Joohee , Izzetoglu Meltem , Zhang Jun , Alacam Burak , Chance Britton
Published: May 2006

Background

This article introduces a novel method to continuously monitor regional muscle blood flow by using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). We demonstrate the feasibility of the new method in two ways: (1) by applying this new method of determining blood flow to experimental NIRS data during exercise and ischemia; and, (2) by simulating muscle oxygenation and blood flow values using these newly developed equations during recovery from exercise and ischemia.

Methods

Deoxy (Hb) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), located in the blood ofthe skeletal muscle, carry two internal relationships between blood flow and oxygen consumption. One is a mass transfer principle and the other describes a relationship between oxygen consumption and Hb kinetics in a two-compartment model. To monitor blood flow continuously, we transfer these two relationships into two equations and calculate the blood flow with the differential information of HbO2 and Hb. In addition, these equations are used to simulate the relationship between blood flow and reoxygenation kinetics after cuff ischemia and a light exercise. Nine healthy subjects volunteered for the cuff ischemia, light arm exercise and arm exercise with cuff ischemia for the experimental study.

Results

Analysis of experimental data of both cuff ischemia and light exercise using the new equations show greater blood flow (four to six times more than resting values) during recovery, agreeing with previous findings. Further, the simulation and experimental studies of cuff ischemia and light exercise agree with each other.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the accuracy of this new method by showing that the blood flow obtained from the method agrees with previous data as well as with simulated data. We conclude that this novel continuous blood flow monitoring method can provide blood flow information non-invasively with NIRS.
Splenic and portal vein thrombosis in pancreatic metastasis from Renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shrikhande Shailesh V , Büchler Peter , Esposito Irene , Loos Martin , Büchler Markus W , Friess Helmut
Published: May 2006

Background

Pancreatic metastases from previously treated renal cell carcinoma are uncommon. Surgical resection of pancreatic metastasis remains the only worthwhile modality of treatment.

Case presentation

A case where pancreatic metastasis from previously resected right sided renal cell carcinoma was resected with a subtotal left pancreatectomy is described. An unusual feature was the presence of a large splenic vein tumor thrombus extending into the portal vein with associated portal hypertension. The patient underwent an uneventful portal vein resection with primary anastomosis.

Conclusion

This is possibly the first documented case of portal vein renal tumor thrombosis in a case of isolated pancreatic metastasis from previously operated renal cell carcinoma in published world surgical literature.
Identification of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible genes in human amniotic epithelial cells
Authors: Abe Yumiko , Sinozaki Hiromitsu , Takagi Takeshi , Minegishi Takashi , Kokame Koichi , Kangawa Kenji , Uesaka Miki , Miyamoto Kaoru
Published: May 2006

Background

Exposure to dioxins results in a broad range of pathophysiological disorders in human fetuses. In order to evaluate the effects of dioxins on the feto-placental tissues, we analyzed the gene expression in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) treated primary cultures of human amniotic epithelial cells.

Methods

Human amniotic epithelial cells were dispersed by trypsin from amniotic membranes and cultured in DME/Ham's F12 medium supplemented with 10% FBS. Two weeks after plating, cells were treated with 50 nM TCDD or DMSO (control), further incubated for 48 hrs, and the gene expression was analyzed by DNA microarray technology and quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

Thirty eight TCDD-inducible genes, including cytochromeP4501A1 and cytochromeP4501B1, were identified. One of the remarkable profiles of the gene expression was the prominent up-regulation of interferon-inducible genes. The genes involved in the interferon gene expression and interferon signaling pathways were also up-regulated. Furthermore, the expression of genes related to collagen synthesis or degradation was enhanced by TCDD.

Conclusion

Using DNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR analyses, we identified TCDD-inducible genes, including interferon-inducible genes and genes related to collagen synthesis or degradation, in human amniotic epithelial cells.
Response of spontaneously hypertensive rats to inhalation of fine and ultrafine particles from traffic: experimental controlled study
Authors: Kooter Ingeborg M , Boere A John F , Fokkens Paul HB , Leseman Daan LAC , Dormans Jan AMA , Cassee Flemming R
Published: May 2006

Background

Many epidemiological studies have shown that mass concentrations of ambient particulate matter (PM) are associated with adverse health effects in the human population. Since PM is still a very crude measure, this experimental study has explored the role of two distinct size fractions: ultrafine (<0.15 μm) and fine (0.15- 2.5 μm) PM. In a series of 2-day inhalation studies, spontaneously hypersensitive (SH) rats were exposed to fine, concentrated, ambient PM (fCAP) at a city background location or a combination of ultrafine and fine (u+fCAP) PM at a location dominated by traffic. We examined the effect on inflammation and both pathological and haematological indicators as markers of pulmonary and cardiovascular injury. Exposure concentrations ranged from 399 μg/m3 to 3613 μg/m3 for fCAP and from 269μg/m3 to 556 μg/m3 for u+fCAP.

Results

Ammonium, nitrate, and sulphate ions accounted for 56 ± 16% of the total fCAP mass concentrations, but only 17 ± 6% of the u+fCAP mass concentrations. Unambiguous particle uptake in alveolar macrophages was only seen after u+fCAP exposures. Neither fCAP nor u+fCAP induced significant changes of cytotoxicity or inflammation in the lung. However, markers of oxidative stress (heme oxygenase-1 and malondialdehyde) were affected by both fCAP and u+fCAP exposure, although not always significantly. Additional analysis revealed heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels that followed a nonmonotonic function with an optimum at around 600 μg/m3 for fCAP. As a systemic response, exposure to u+fCAP and fCAP resulted in significant decreases of the white blood cell concentrations.

Conclusion

Minor pulmonary and systemic effects are observed after both fine and ultrafine + fine PM exposure. These effects do not linearly correlate with the CAP mass. A greater component of traffic CAP and/or a larger proportion ultrafine PM does not strengthen the absolute effects.
Cortical activation elicited by unrecognized stimuli
Authors: Badgaiyan Rajendra D
Published: May 2006

Background

It is unclear whether a stimulus that cannot be recognized consciously, could elicit a well-processed cognitive response.

Methods

We used functional imaging to examine the pattern of cortical activation elicited by unrecognized stimuli during memory processing. Subjects were given a recognition task using recognizable and non-recognizable subliminal stimuli.

Results

Unrecognized stimuli activated the cortical areas that are associated with retrieval attempt (left prefrontal), and novelty detection (left hippocampus). This indicates that the stimuli that were not consciously recognized, activated neural network associated with aspects of explicit memory processing.

Conclusion

Results suggest that conscious recognition of stimuli is not necessary for activation of cognitive processing.
Double blind, randomized controlled trial, to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled nitric oxide releasing patch versus meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis [NCT00317629]
Authors: Silva Sandra Y , Rueda Ligia C , López Marcos , Vélez Iván D , Rueda-Clausen Christian F , Smith Daniel J , Muñoz Gerardo , Mosquera Hernando , Silva Federico A , Buitrago Adriana , Díaz Holger , López-Jaramillo Patricio
Published: May 2006

Background

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a worldwide disease, endemic in 88 countries, that has shown an increasing incidence over the last two decades. So far, pentavalent antimony compounds have been considered the treatment of choice, with a percentage of cure of about 85%. However, the high efficacy of these drugs is counteracted by their many disadvantages and adverse events. Previous studies have shown nitric oxide to be a potential alternative treatment when administered topically with no serious adverse events. However, due to the unstable nitric oxide release, the topical donors needed to be applied frequently, making the adherence to the treatment difficult. The electrospinning technique has allowed the production of a multilayer transdermal patch that produces a continuous and stable nitric oxide release. The main objective of this study is to evaluate this novel nitric oxide topical donor for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods and design

A double-blind, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial, including 620 patients from endemic areas for Leishmaniasis in Colombia was designed to investigate whether this patch is as effective as meglumine antimoniate for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis but with less adverse events. Subjects with ulcers characteristic of cutaneous leishmaniasis will be medically evaluated and laboratory tests and parasitological confirmation performed. After checking the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. During 20 days Group 1 will receive simultaneously meglumine antimoniate and placebo of nitric oxide patches while Group 2 will receive placebo of meglumine antimoniate and active nitric oxide patches. During the treatment visits, the medications will be daily administered and the presence of adverse events assessed. During the follow-up, the research group will visit the patients at days 21, 45, 90 and 180. The healing process of the ulcer, the health of the participants, recidivisms and/or reinfection will also be assessed. The evolution of the ulcers will be photographically registered. In case that the effectiveness of the patches is demonstrated, a novel and safe therapeutic alternative for one of the most important public health problems in many countries will be available to patients.
Knee cartilage loss in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis over 4.5 years
Authors: Wluka Anita E , Forbes Andrew , Wang Yuanyuan , Hanna Fahad , Jones Graeme , Cicuttini Flavia M
Published: May 2006

The objective of this study was to describe the rate of change in knee cartilage volume over 4.5 years in subjects with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine factors associated with cartilage loss. One hundred and five subjects were eligible for this longitudinal study. Subjects' tibial cartilage volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline, at 2 years and at 4.5 years. Of 105 subjects, 78 (74%) completed the study. The annual percentage losses of medial and lateral tibial cartilage over 4.5 years were 3.7 ± 4.7% (mean ± SD; 95% confidence interval 2.7 to 4.8%) and 4.4 ± 4.7% (mean ± SD; 95% confidence interval 3.4 to 5.5%), respectively. Cartilage volume in each individual seemed to track over the study period, relative to other study participants. After multivariate adjustment, annual medial tibial cartilage loss was predicted by lesser severity of baseline knee pain but was independent of age, body mass index and structural factors. No factors specified a priori were associated with lateral cartilage volume rates of change. Tibial cartilage declines at an average rate of 4% per year in subjects with symptomatic knee OA. There was evidence to support the concept that tracking occurs in OA. This may enable the prediction of cartilage change in an individual. The only significant factor affecting the loss of medial tibial cartilage was baseline knee pain, possibly through altered joint loading.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Training and Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ahmed Rehana L. , Thomas William , Yee Douglas , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: May 2006

Purpose

Lymphedema is a common condition that breast cancer survivors face. Despite a lack of supporting evidence from prospective observational studies, occupational and leisure time physical activity are feared to be possible risk factors for lymphedema onset or exacerbation. We examined effects of supervised upper- and lower-body weight training on the incidence and symptoms of lymphedema in 45 breast cancer survivors who participated in the Weight Training for Breast Cancer Survivors study.

Methods

Participants were on average 52 years old, 4 to 36 months post-treatment, and had axillary dissection as part of their treatment. Thirteen women had prevalent lymphedema at baseline. The intervention was twice-a-week weight training over a period of 6 months. Lymphedema was monitored at baseline and 6 months by measuring the circumference of each arm, and by self-report of symptoms and clinical diagnosis.

Results

None of the intervention-group participants experienced a change in arm circumferences ≥ 2.0 cm after a 6-month exercise intervention. Self-reported incidence of a clinical diagnosis of lymphedema or symptom changes over 6 months did not vary by intervention status (P = .40 and P = .22, respectively).

Conclusion

This is the largest randomized controlled trial to examine associations between exercise and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. The results of this study support the hypotheses that a 6-month intervention of resistance exercise did not increase the risk for or exacerbate symptoms of lymphedema. These results herald the need to start reevaluating common clinical guidelines that breast cancer survivors avoid upper body resistance activity for fear of increasing risk of lymphedema.
Contributions of Student Questioning and Prior Knowledge to Construction of Knowledge from Reading Information Text
Authors: Taboada Ana , Guthrie John T.
Published: May 2006

This study investigated the relationship of student-generated questions and prior knowledge with reading comprehension. A questioning hierarchy was developed to describe the extent to which student-generated questions seek different levels of conceptual understanding. Third-and fourth-grade students ( N = 360) posed questions that were related to their prior knowledge and reading comprehension, measured as conceptual knowledge built from text. The results indicated that student questioning accounted for a significant amount of variance in students' reading comprehension, after accounting for the contribution of prior knowledge. Furthermore, low-and high-level questions were differentially associated with low and high levels of conceptual knowledge gained from text, showing a clear alignment between questioning levels and reading comprehension levels.
Power through Voicing Others: Girls' Positioning of Boys in Literature Circle Discussions
Authors: Clarke Lane W.
Published: May 2006

This qualitative study uses an analysis of literature circle discussions to illuminate larger issues of gender and social class for a group of fifth-grade students. By examining how four students were positioned and positioned themselves within these literature conversations, I demonstrate that the roles reproduced certain gender-and class-specific storylines. These storylines served to empower the girls' literacy development, while simultaneously disempowering the literacy development of the boys. I draw upon positioning (Davies & Harre, 1990), voicing (Bakhtin, 1986), and power (Foucault, 1977) as lenses to analyze the students' discussions of literature. I then connect these discussions to larger cultural storylines in order to demonstrate the connection between these small literature circles and greater gender and social class influences.
Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy Type and Route of Administration on Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lewandowski K. C. , Komorowski J. , Mikhalidis D. P. , Bienkiewicz M. , Tan B. K. , O’Callaghan C. J. , Lewinski A. , Prelevic G. , Randeva H. S.
Published: May 2006

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in numerous disease states including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because recent studies have shown a detrimental effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, we investigated whether there are any differences in the concentrations of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in women receiving various forms of postmenopausal therapy.

Material and Methods: A total of 195 healthy postmenopausal women were assessed: 46 were taking tibolone, 47 were taking transdermal estradiol, 46 were taking conjugated equine estrogens (CEE), and 56 were not taking any menopausal therapy (CTR). Plasma levels of MMP-2 and -9 and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were measured by ELISA methods.

Results: MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in the CEE group in comparison with healthy women not receiving menopausal therapy (P < 0.05). In contrast, MMP-9 levels in the tibolone group were significantly lower than in any other group (P < 0.01, compared with transdermal estradiol and CTR, and P < 0.001, compared with CEE). MMP-9 to TIMP-1 ratio was also significantly higher in the CEE, compared with CTR (P < 0.05), and lower in the tibolone group (P < 0.01, compared with all groups). MMP-2 levels were higher in the CEE group, compared with healthy women not receiving any menopausal therapy, and women taking tibolone (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates differential effects of various forms of postmenopausal therapy on serum levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2. It remains to be established whether these differences might be associated with differences in risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer in these women.
The N-Terminal Neurotensin Fragment, NT1–11, Inhibits Cortisol Secretion by Human Adrenocortical Cells
Authors: Sicard Flavie , Contesse Vincent , Lefebvre Hervé , Ait-Ali Djida , Gras Marjorie , Cartier Dorthe , Decker Annick , Chartrel Nicolas , Anouar Youssef , Vaudry Hubert , Delarue Catherine
Published: May 2006

Context: Neurotensin (NT) modulates corticosteroid secretion from the mammalian adrenal gland.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of NT in the control of cortisol secretion in the human adrenal gland.

Design: In vitro studies were conducted on cultured human adrenocortical cells.

Setting: This study was conducted in a university research laboratory.

Patients: Adrenal explants from patients undergoing expanded nephrectomy for kidney cancer were studied.

Main Outcome Measure: Cortisol secretion from cultured adrenocortical cells was measured.

Results: NT1–11, the N-terminal fragment of NT, dose-dependently inhibited basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol production by human adrenocortical cells in primary culture. In contrast, NT had no influence on cortisol output at concentrations up to 10−6m. HPLC and RT-PCR analyses failed to detect any significant amounts of NT and NT mRNA, respectively, in adrenal extracts. Molecular and pharmacological studies were performed to determine the type of NT receptor involved in the corticostatic effect of NT1–11. RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of NT receptor type (NTR) 3 mRNA but not NTR1 and NTR2 mRNAs in the human adrenal tissue. However, the pharmacological profile of the adrenal NT1–11 receptor was different from that of NTR3, indicating that this receptor type is not involved in the action of NT1–11 on corticosteroidogenesis.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that NT1–11 may act as an endocrine factor to inhibit cortisol secretion through activation of a receptor distinct from the classical NTR1, NTR2, and NTR3.
Unusual Clinical Presentation and Possible Rescue of a Novel Claudin-16 Mutation
Authors: Müller Dominik , Kausalya P. Jaya , Bockenhauer Detlef , Thumfart Julia , Meij Iwan C. , Dillon Michael J. , Hoff William van’t , Hunziker Walter
Published: May 2006

Context: Familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) is caused by a dysfunction of Claudin-16 (CLDN16) and characterized by renal wasting of Mg2+ and Ca2+.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to study the clinical parameters in suspected FHHNC patients, identify mutations in the CLDN16 gene, and analyze molecular defects associated with the mutant protein.

Design, Setting, and Participants: CLDN16 genes from two siblings diagnosed with FHHNC were sequenced. Expression and characterization of the mutant protein in renal MDCK cells were studied.

Outcome Measures: Standard urine and serum parameters to diagnose FHHNC were determined. Mutations in the CLDN16 gene were identified. The subcellular distribution of the mutant protein was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results: Urine and blood analysis showed signs typical for FHHNC. One patient, in addition, presented with hypocalcemic tetany, a phenomenon so far not described for FHHNC. Both siblings carry a novel mutation in CLDN16, Y207X. The review of medical records showed that hypocalcemia is not uncommon in the early childhood of FHHNC patients. Expressed in MDCK cells, the Y207X mutant is not detected at tight junctions but instead is found in lysosomes and, to a lesser extent, the endoplasmic reticulum. Surface expression can be rescued by inhibiting clathrin-mediated internalization.

Conclusions: We propose that mutations in CLDN16 are considered in childhood hypocalcemia. CLDN16 Y207X is transiently delivered to the plasma membrane but not retained and is rapidly retrieved by internalization. Inhibitors of endocytosis may provide novel therapeutic strategies.
Effects of Testosterone Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy and Satellite Cells in Community-Dwelling Older Men
Authors: Sinha-Hikim Indrani , Cornford Marcia , Gaytan Hilda , Lee Martin L. , Bhasin Shalender
Published: May 2006

Objective: In this study, we determined the effects of graded doses of testosterone on muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and satellite cell number and replication in older men.

Participants: Healthy men, 60–75 yr old, received a long-acting GnRH agonist to suppress endogenous testosterone production and 25, 50, 125, 300, or 600 mg testosterone enanthate im weekly for 20 wk.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry, light and confocal microscopy, and electron microscopy were used to perform fiber typing and quantitate myonuclear and satellite cell number in vastus lateralis biopsies, obtained before and after 20 wk of treatment.

Results: Testosterone administration in older men was associated with dose-dependent increases in CSA of both types I and II fibers. Satellite cell number increased dose dependently at the three highest doses (3% at baseline vs. 6.2, 9.2, and 13.0% at 125, 300, and 600 mg doses, P < 0.05). Testosterone administration was associated with an increase in the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen+ satellite cells (1.8% at baseline vs. 3.9, 7.5, and 13% at 125, 300, and 600 mg doses, P < 0.005). The expression of activated Notch, examined only in the 300-mg group (baseline, 2.3 vs. 9.0% after treatment, P < 0.005), increased in satellite cells after testosterone treatment. The expression of myogenin (baseline, 6.2 vs. 20.7% after treatment, P < 0.005), examined only in the 300-mg group, increased significantly in muscle fiber nuclei after testosterone treatment, but Numb expression did not change.

Conclusions: Older men respond to graded doses of testosterone with a dose-dependent increase in muscle fiber CSA and satellite cell number. Testosterone-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy in older men is associated with increased satellite cell replication and activation.
Monosomy for the X-Chromosome Is Associated with an Atherogenic Lipid Profile
Authors: Van Phillip L. , Bakalov Vladimir K. , Bondy Carolyn A.
Published: May 2006

Context and Objective: Men typically have a more atherogenic lipid profile than women characterized by higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduced lipid particle size, contributing to a greater risk for coronary disease. To determine whether X-chromosomal gene dosage affects lipid metabolism independent of sex steroid effects, we compared lipid profiles in age- and body mass-matched young women with ovarian failure, differing only in X-chromosome dosage.

Design, Setting, and Patients: Women with premature ovarian failure associated with monosomy X or Turner syndrome (TS, n = 118) were compared with women with 46,XX premature ovarian failure (n = 51) in an in-patient clinical research center unit at the National Institutes of Health. These women were normally on estrogen replacement treatment but discontinued the estrogen 2 wk before study.

Major Outcomes: Fasting lipid levels and nuclear magnetic resonance lipid particle profiles in the two study groups were the major outcomes.

Results: Average age and body mass were similar in the two groups of women, but LDL cholesterol (P = 0.001) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.0005) were higher in the TS group. Also among women with TS, average LDL particle size was reduced (P < 0.0001) and LDL particle concentration increased, with a 2-fold increase in the smallest particle categories (P < 0.0001). Whereas total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were similar, high-density lipoprotein particle size was significantly smaller in women with TS, compared with women with premature ovarian failure (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Women with 45,X with ovarian failure exhibit a distinctly more atherogenic lipid profile than 46,XX women with ovarian failure, suggesting that the second X-chromosome contributes to a more salutary lipid profile in normal women, independent of sex steroid effects.
Interorganizational Ties and Business Group Boundaries: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Khanna Tarun , Rivkin Jan W.
Published: May 2006

We identify which types of ties best distinguish pairs of Chilean firms in the same business group from pairs of Chilean firms that are not group brethren. Overlap in owners, indirect equity holdings, and director interlocks are especially strong delineators of group boundaries. Family connections and direct equity holdings do not do as good a job of distinguishing group boundaries. These findings challenge the longstanding conventional wisdom among field-based scholars that family bonds are the defining feature of business groups in emerging markets. We speculate that family bonds are so durable that, over time, they come to pervade the entirety of an economy and lose their ability to distinguish business groups from the overall network of social and economic ties. Our techniques to identify business groups may apply to research on other types of groups—interpersonal and interorganizational—in which ties among actors are multiplex, ties are only partly observed, and group definitions are socially constructed.
Is your evidence robust enough? Questions for policy makers and practitioners
Authors: Shaxson Louise
Published: May 2006

English

This article examines the reasons we need evidence for policy, discusses where evidence is needed in the policy-making process, and the nature of the evidence base for strategy and policy. Working relationships between policy makers and their advisers are key: as policy makers come from a variety of backgrounds, developing a common language helps set discussions about the robustness of the evidence base on a sound footing. The article identifies five components of robustness, proposes a series of questions that could be used to address them and discusses the implications for the processes of policy making.
Book Reviews
Authors: Parkhouse Peter
Published: May 2006

Children with developmental co‐ordination disorder
Book Reviews
Authors: Macdonald Ranald R.
Published: May 2006

Cognition and chance Nickerson

By R. S. Nickerson

Mahwah NJ: Lawrence Erbaum 2004, Paper $49.95. ISBN: 0‐8058‐4899‐1