bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over‐expression of polycomb group protein EZH2 relates to decreased expression of p16INK4a in cholangiocarcinogenesis in hepatolithiasis
Authors: Sasaki M , Yamaguchi J , Itatsu K , Ikeda H , Nakanuma Y
Published: February 2008

Polycomb group protein EZH2 and Bmi1 are reportedly involved in the progression of malignant tumours. We examined the participation of EZH2 in multi‐step cholangiocarcinogenesis in hepatolithiasis with respect to tumour suppressor gene p16INK4a. We examined 20 hepatolithiatic livers with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and 10 histologically normal livers. Neoplastic biliary lesions were classified into biliary intraepithelial neoplasm (BilIN‐1, 2 and 3) and invasive carcinoma. We selected 15 foci of invasive carcinoma, 8 BilIN‐3 (carcinoma in situ), 12 BilIN‐2 (high‐grade dysplasia), 32 BilIN‐1 (low‐grade dysplasia) and 37 non‐neoplastic biliary epithelia from these livers. Expression of p16INK4a, EZH2 and Bmi1 were surveyed in these foci. P16INK4a promoter methylation was examined in microdissected tissues. Taking advantage of two cell lines of CC (HuCTT‐1 and TFK‐1) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), the effects of the knockdown of EZH2 on p16INK4a methylation of CC cells were examined. Expression of p16INK4a, which was frequent in BilIN1, was decreased in BilIN‐2/3 and invasive carcinoma, while EZH2 expression showed step‐wise increase from BilIN‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 to invasive carcinoma (p < 0.01). P16INK4a promoter hypermethylation was related to aberrant expression of EZH2. The knockdown of EZH2 in cultured CC cells decreased p16INK4a methylation and decreased binding of EZH2 to the p16INK4a gene promoter. The latter suggested that direct binding of EZH2 is involved in the regulation of the p16INK4a gene. Our data suggest that over‐expression of EZH2 may induce hypermethylation of p16INK4a promoter followed by decreased expression of p16INK4a in the multi‐step cholangiocarcinogenesis through intraepithelial neoplasm in hepatolithiasis. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadherin switching dictates the biology of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: ex vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Bryan RT , Atherfold PA , Yeo Y , Jones LJ , Harrison RF , Wallace DMA , Jankowski JA
Published: February 2008

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common malignancy in the UK. Clinically, the most important process in determining prognosis is the development of invasion, initially of the lamina propria and then beyond as these transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) progress from stage pT1 to stages T2+. Cadherins and catenins are the main mediators of cell–cell interactions in epithelial tissues, and loss of membranous E‐cadherin immunoreactivity is strongly correlated with high grade, advanced stage and poor prognosis in bladder cancer and other malignancies. However, the role of P‐cadherin is yet to be fully elucidated in bladder TCC. The objectives of this study were to establish how the expression of cadherins and catenins determines clinical and in vitro behaviour in bladder TCC. Utilizing immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blotting, we demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin as grade and stage of bladder TCC progress, accompanied by a significant increase in P‐cadherin expression (all p < 0.05, Pearson's χ2 test). Increased P‐cadherin expression was also associated with a significantly worse bladder cancer‐specific survival (log rank p = 0.008), with Cox regression showing P‐cadherin to be an independent prognostic factor. Utilizing a variety of tissue culture models in a range of functional studies, we demonstrated that P‐cadherin mediates defective cell–cell adhesion and enhances anchorage‐independent growth. The results provide evidence that increased P‐cadherin expression promotes a more malignant and invasive phenotype of bladder cancer, and appears to have a novel role late in the disease. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for BRCA1 exon 13 duplication mutation using linked polymorphic markers resulting in a live birth
Authors: Jasper Melinda J. , Liebelt Jan , Hussey Nicole D.
Published: February 2008

Background

The risk of breast cancer associated with inheriting a BRCA1 mutation is extremely high, in addition, there is a 50% chance of transmitting this familial cancer mutation to any offspring.

Methods

A 31‐year‐old woman with a strong maternal family history of early onset of breast cancer had experienced 3 years of primary infertility. Presymptomatic testing confirmed the woman had inherited a 6 kb duplication of exon 13 (ins6KbEx13) in BRCA1 from her mother. Neither gamete donation or adoption were acceptable options for this infertile couple, and as termination of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis following in vitro fertilization (IVF) was not ethically acceptable, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was sought. A single‐cell PCR protocol for PGD for the breast and ovarian cancer predisposing BRCA1 exon 13 duplication mutation was developed which involved amplification of three specific gene regions, including the BRCA1 mutation (ins6KbEx13), an intragenic marker (D17S855) and a flanking marker (D17S1185).

Results

In the first cycle of IVF, three embryos were analyzed and two were determined to be at low risk of having inherited the maternal BRCA1 mutation. Following the transfer of both embryos on day 5, a singleton pregnancy resulted. Declining confirmatory prenatal diagnosis, a male baby was subsequently delivered at term.

Conclusions

Successful PGD for BRCA1 resulted in the delivery of a live‐born male. PGD using linked polymorphic markers provides an alternate option for reproduction for couples with or at risk of having inherited a BRCA1 mutation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized criteria for using fluorescence in situ hybridization in the prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies
Authors: Leclercq Sandrine , Lebbar Aziza , Grange Gilles , Tsatsaris Vassilis , Le Tessier Dominique , Dupont Jean‐Michel
Published: February 2008

Objective

To evaluate the medical and economic performance of three strategies for selecting patients eligible for interphase FISH in the prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies.

Methods

We evaluated three protocols on the same population that was referred for prenatal diagnosis between June 2001 and December 2006. The number of aneuploidies detected by FISH and the relative cost (reagent and technical staff cost) are reported for each strategy.

Results

2707 women were referred for prenatal diagnosis either because of advanced maternal age over 38 (48%), abnormal maternal serum screening (35%) or prenatal ultrasound anomalies (17%). A total of 4.8% chromosomal anomalies (balanced and unbalanced) were diagnosed after karyotyping. Theoretically, interphase FISH should have detected 79.4% of the unbalanced anomalies. We observed a significant improvement in the trisomy 21 detection by selecting the probes according to the reason for referral. The last protocol adopted, which offers a rapid test to 57% of women undergoing amniocentesis, presents the best aneuploidy detection rate (68% of total aneuploidies, 87% of trisomy 21).

Conclusion

Selecting probes according to medical criteria patients combined with a technical procedure modification allows medico‐economic improvement of interphase FISH in routine diagnosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies discordant for fetal anencephaly: a systematic review of prenatal management options
Authors: Lust Annelies , De Catte Luc , Lewi Liesbeth , Deprest Jan , Loquet Philippe , Devlieger Roland
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective feticide (SF) compared to expectant management (EM) on perinatal outcome in dichorionic and monochorionic twins discordant for anencephaly. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review of literature and added ten unpublished cases. As a result, we found that in dichorionic twins, mean gestational age (GA) at birth in the SF group was 38.0 weeks versus 34.9 weeks (P = 0.0002). Mean birth weight was 2922 g in the SF group versus 2474 g (P = 0.03). In monochorionic twins, mean GA at birth was 35.2 weeks versus 32.7 weeks (P = 0.1). Mean birth weight was 2711 g versus 1667 g (P = 0.0001).

We conclude that while SF does not reduce perinatal mortality, it does result in significantly longer gestations and higher birth weight, and appears to be the management of choice in dichorionic twins discordant for anencephaly. In monochorionic twins, SF also increases birth weight, but in view of the complexity of this group, no clear recommendations can be made. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for prolonged prescribing of aspirin–clopidogrel combination in Scottish primary care
Authors: Simpson Colin R. , Alford Karen , Williams David
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To identify whether patients were prescribed the combination of aspirin–clopidogrel in primary care after the generally recommended 12‐month period.

Methods

A population based cross‐sectional study using data from 61 general practices (1st April 2003–31st March 2004).

Results

691 patients (0.18% of total population) were prescribed aspirin–clopidogrel in combination. 27.78% of these patients had undergone coronary stenting or angioplasty and 34.30% were prescribed this combination for more than 1 year. 96 (13.9%) patients had a previous history of ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Conclusions

Patients were prescribed the combination of aspirin–clopidogrel beyond the generally accepted 12‐month period, which may lead to increased safety and cost concerns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association between antidepressant use and hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients: a nested case–control study
Authors: Derijks Hieronymus J. , Heerdink Eibert R. , De Koning Fred H. , Janknegt Robert , Klungel Olaf H. , Egberts Antoine C.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

Hypoglycaemia is a limiting factor for glycaemic management of diabetes with intensive insulin and/or oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) regimen. Case reports suggest that antidepressants may interfere with blood glucose metabolism in patients with diabetes mellitus potentially increasing the risk of clinically relevant hypoglycaemia. Comorbid depression treated with antidepressants could therefore further complicate glycaemic control. We have carried out a nested case–control study among diabetic patients to assess the risk of hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalisation associated with the use of antidepressants.

Methods

Diabetic patients treated with insulin and/or OADs were selected from the Dutch Pharmo system. Exposure to antidepressants was the primary determinant investigated. Use of antidepressants was further subclassified based on the receptor binding profile to investigate whether specific pharmacological properties could explain a potential influence on glucose homeostasis. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and to adjust for confounding factors.

Results

From the base cohort (40 600 patients), 549 (1.35%) cases were identified and 1897 controls were selected. Current use of any antidepressant was not associated with a significantly higher risk of hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalisation (OR: 1.36 (95%CI: 0.84–2.20)). A trend for a higher risk on hypoglycaemia was identified for antidepressants with high affinity for the serotonin reuptake transporter. The risk on severe hypoglycaemia was increased after 3 years of use (OR: 2.75 (95%CI: 1.31–5.77)).

Conclusions

It is important for diabetic patients using antidepressants for more than 3 years to pay attention for symptoms of hypoglycaemia and strict blood glucose self‐monitoring. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse drug reaction‐related hospitalisations: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: van der Hooft Cornelis S. , Dieleman Jeanne P. , Siemes Claire , Aarnoudse Albert‐Jan L.H.J. , Verhamme Katia M.C. , Stricker Bruno H.C.H. , Sturkenboom Miriam C.J.M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To evaluate the extent, characteristics and determinants of adverse drug reaction (ADR)‐related hospitalisations on a population‐based level in 2003.

Methods

We performed a cohort study in the Integrated Primary Care Information (IPCI) database, a general practitioners (GPs) research database with longitudinal data from electronic patient records of a group of 150 GP throughout the Netherlands. Hospital discharge letters and patient records were reviewed to evaluate ADR‐related hospitalisations applying WHO causality criteria. The prevalence of ADR‐related hospitalisations per total admissions and the incidence per drug group were calculated. Avoidability and seriousness of the ADRs causing admission were assessed applying the algorithm from Hallas.

Results

We identified 3515 hospital admissions, 1277 elective and 2238 acute. Of the acute admissions, 115 were caused by an ADR giving a prevalence of 5.1% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.3–6.1%). The prevalence of ADR‐related acute admissions increased with age up to 9.8% (95%CI: 7.5–12.7) for persons >75 years. The ADRs that most frequently caused hospitalisations were gastro‐intestinal bleeding with anti‐thrombotics, bradycardia/hypotension with cardiovascular drugs and neutropenic fever with cytostatics. The incidence rate of ADR‐related hospitalisations per drug group was highest for anti‐thrombotics and anti‐infectives and was relatively low for cardiovascular drugs. Fatality as a direct consequence of the ADR‐related admission was 0.31%. In elderly patients 40% of the ADRs causing hospitalisation were judged to be avoidable.

Conclusions

The extent and potential avoidability of ADR‐related hospitalisations is still substantial, especially in elderly patients. Measures need to be put into place to reduce the burden of ADRs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic 6FDA‐ODA copolyimide membranes for gas separation and pervaporation: Correlation of separation properties with diamine monomers
Authors: Xiao Shude , Feng Xianshe , Huang Robert Y.M.
Published: February 2008

Copolyimides were synthesized from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 4‐aminophenyl ether (ODA) with 4‐aminophenyl sulfone (DDS), 4,4′‐methylenedianiline (MDA), 4,4′‐bis(3‐aminophenoxy)diphenyl sulfone (BADS), 4,4′‐bis(3‐aminophenoxy) benzophenone (BABP), and 2,6‐bis(3‐aminophenoxyl) benzonitrile (DABN) as the third monomer. Surface free energies and interfacial free energies were calculated for comparison of the membrane hydrophilicity. Gas permeation was carried out with N2, O2, H2, He, and CO2, and the moiety contributions to membrane selectivity were calculated. DDS and BADS moieties contribute negatively to the selectivities toward O2/N2, H2/N2, and He/N2, and the DABN moiety is favorable for improving CO2/N2 selectivity. Water permeation and dehydration of isopropanol were performed, and the linear moiety contribution method was applied to study the effects of the monomer structures on the temperature and feed concentration dependencies of the permeation flux. The steric effects of DDS and BADS moieties, as well as the interactions of BABP and DABN moieties with water, account for the differences in pervaporation properties of the membranes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reliability and validity of the habitual activity estimation scale (HAES) in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Wells Greg D. , Wilkes Donna L. , Schneiderman‐Walker Jane , Elmi Maryam , Tullis Elizabeth , Lands Larry C. , Ratjen Felix , Coates Allan L.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To understand potential benefits of exercise in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population, there needs to be accurate methods to quantify it. The Habitual Activity Estimation Scale (HAES) questionnaire has been shown to be a feasible tool to measure physical activity however the reliability and validity have yet to be determined in the CF population.

Methods

Fourteen (seven male, seven female) patients aged 16.2 ± 4.2 years with CF participated in this study. Participants were clinically stable at the time of the study and participating in their habitual physical activity. To assess reliability, patients completed the HAES and a validated 3‐day activity diary, and wore an ActiGraph™ Accelerometer for two consecutive weeks. Validity was assessed by comparing the activity results of each of the three instruments over a single week time period.

Results

ICC estimates of reliability for the HAES, diary, and accelerometer were 0.72 (P < 0.0001), 0.76 (P < 0.0001), 0.63 (P < 0.0001), respectively. Validity analysis indicated that there were significant relationships between the participants' activity results as estimated by the HAES, diary and accelerometer. Further, significant relationships were detected between activity measures when broken into morning, afternoon, or evening periods, and between measures from weekday or weekend days. There were also significant relationships among the three instruments when recording different activity levels (somewhat inactive, somewhat active, and very active).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that the HAES questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used to assess activities of varying intensity in patients with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:345–353. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of sighs in the raised volume rapid thoracic compression technique (RVRTC) in infants
Authors: Wandalsen Gustavo F. , La Scala Cintia K. , Lanza Fernanda , Molero José Carlos , Solé Dirceu
Published: February 2008

The raised volume rapid thoracic compression (RVRTC) technique has shown to be very promising in the evaluation of infant's lung function. In this technique lungs are inflated several times to a preset pressure prior to the thoracic compression. Many infants made a spontaneous inspiration (sigh) at the end of these inflations. Our hypothesis was that such sighs could change the major variables derived by this technique and the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of these sighs during lung inflation in the RVRTC technique in infants. Pairs of maneuvers with and without sighs during lung inflation were obtained in 33 of 48 consecutive tests. Curves with sighs showed significantly higher values of FVC (median: 456 × 437 ml; P < 0.001) and FEV0.5 compared to those without, whereas FEF75 and FEF85 were significantly lower (median: 417 × 439 ml/sec, P = 0.008 and 251 × 273 ml/sec, P = 0.01; respectively). The mean percent change between maneuvers for FVC, FEV0.5, FEF75, and FEF85 was respectively: 6.4%, 3.8%, −3.1%, and −3.5%. These differences represent a mean change of 0.38 z score for FVC and of 0.12 z score for FEF75 and FEF85. In conclusion, the presence of sighs during lung inflation significantly changes RVRTC values in infants. We suggest that the presence or the absence of sighs should be registered for each maneuver and that it should be considered for within and between subject comparisons. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:360–365. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychological factors in childhood asthma
Authors: Macri' F. , Rossi F.P. , Lambiase C. , di Castelbianco F. Bianchi , Frassanito A.
Published: February 2008

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate psychological aspects of childhood asthma and the connections between the illness and behavioral disturbances in asthmatic children.

Study design

We selected a group of 47 asthmatic children and a control group of 47 healthy children. The only criterion for inclusion was that the children be between 4 and 10 years of age; criteria for exclusion were neurological pathologies, cognitive retardation, and serious or chronic systemic disease. The collaboration of a psychologist and a comparative examination of questionnaires used in medical literature helped us prepare a calibrated questionnaire for our study.

Results

In our study, the asthmatic children show significantly more behavioral and psychological disturbances than the children in the control group.

Conclusions

Within the group of asthmatic children the boys and the children whose illness has lasted less than 4 years, are at greater risk of such disturbances; stressful situations connected to the birth or previous pregnancies can be seen more often in the group of asthmatic children than in the control group; before the onset of the illness the asthmatic children had significant sleep disturbances. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:366–370. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tuberculosis in children
Authors: Marais Ben J.
Published: February 2008

Tuberculosis (TB) control poses one of the major global health challenges in the new millennium. Children in TB‐endemic areas suffer severe TB related morbidity and mortality, despite the availability of cheap and effective TB treatment. However, providing an accurate TB diagnosis together with access to supervised, child friendly treatment remains difficult in resource‐limited settings. This review provides a broad overview of recent advances related to child TB, focusing on intra‐thoracic disease manifestations. It summarizes current understanding of TB epidemiology, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, but also introduces novel concepts for further discussion and future evaluation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:322–329. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of the hyporheic zone in the nitrogen dynamics of a semi‐arid gravel bed stream located downstream of a heavily polluted reservoir (Tafna wadi, Algeria)
Authors: Taleb Amina , Belaidi Nouria , SÁnchez‐PÉrez José‐Miguel , Vervier Philippe , Sauvage Sabine , Gagneur James
Published: February 2008

Nitrogen retention was measured along the Tafna wadi downstream of a heavily polluted reservoir in North‐West Algeria to understand the role of the hyporheic zone (HZ) in nitrogen dynamics. Nutrient concentrations were measured monthly for 2 years within the bed sediments of a 300 m reach located 20 km downstream from the dam. Due to strong hydrological fluctuations hyporheic water was analysed during natural low and high water (HW) periods, and during water reservoir releases. Nutrient concentrations in surface water (SW) increased during water releases and in the HZ during the low water (LW) periods. Surface/hyporheic water interactions were characterized by determining the vertical hydraulic gradient (VHG) and the chemical signature of the ground water (GW). The latter was obtained from regional GW monitoring. Hyporheic chemistry was strongly influenced by patterns of surface flow. Hyporheic and SWs had similar chloride concentrations during high flow when they were significantly lower than those of the regional GW. GW was generally richer in nitrates and nitrites, but was lower in ammonium concentrations than interstitial and river waters. Nitrates decreased significantly from upstream to downstream within the HZ throughout the hydrological period even though temporal fluctuations were high. Ammonium concentrations in interstitial water (IW) were significantly higher than in SW and generally increased from upstream to downstream. This study demonstrates the importance of the HZ in altering the dissolved inorganic nitrogen composition and concentrations of heavily polluted arid streams. The study is of interest because it documents a large ‘natural experiment’ that being the effect of periodic water release from a reservoir with serious water quality problems on the water quality dynamics (particularly nitrogen) of subsurface and SWs downstream. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
II. Cases Before the Court
Authors: Evans Malcolm D.
Published: February 2008

1. Questions of Interpretation and Application of the 1971 Montreal Convention arising from the Aerial Incident at Lockerbie (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya v. United Kingdom).
Marital resemblance for obsessive–compulsive, anxious and depressive symptoms in a population-based sample
Authors: van Grootheest D. S. , van den Berg S. M. , Cath D. C. , Willemsen G. , Boomsma D. I.
Published: February 2008

Background

Resemblance between spouses can be due to phenotypic assortment, social homogamy and/or marital interaction. A significant degree of assortment can have consequences for the genetic architecture of a population. We examined the existence and cause(s) of assortment for obsessive–compulsive (OC), anxious and depressive symptoms in a population-based twin-family sample.

Method

OC, anxious and depressive symptoms were measured in around 1400 twin–spouse pairs and >850 parent pairs. Correlations of twins and their spouse, twin and co-twin's spouse, spouses of both twins and parents of twins were obtained to consider phenotypic assortmentversussocial homogamy as possible causes of marital resemblance. The association of length of relationship with marital resemblance was also investigated. Finally, we examined whether within-trait or cross-trait processes play a primarily role in marital resemblance.

Results

Small but significant within-trait correlations of between 0.1 and 0.2 were seen for spouse similarity in OC, anxious and depressive symptoms. Cross-correlations were significant but lower. There was no correlation between length of relationship and marital resemblance. From the pattern of correlations for twin–spouse, co-twin–spouse and spouses of both twins, phenotypic assortment could not be distinguished from social homogamy. Both within- and cross-assortment processes play a role in marital resemblance.

Conclusions

Small within- and across-trait correlations exist for OC, anxious and depressive symptoms. No evidence for marital interaction was found. Spouse correlations are small, which makes it difficult to distinguish between social homogamy and phenotypic assortment. It is unlikely that correlations of this size will have a large impact on genetic studies.
Biology and distribution of South Georgia icefish (Pseudochaenichthys georgianus) around South Georgia and Shag Rocks
Authors: Clarke Sarah , Reid William D.K. , Collins Martin A. , Belchier Mark
Published: February 2008

Pseudochaenichthys georgianus is a member of the unique Channichthyidae family of fishes, which lack haemoglobin. The distribution, length-frequency and summer diet are described from 14 bottom trawl surveys undertaken in the summers between 1986 and 2006. Pseudochaenichthys georgianus (50–590 mm TL) were caught throughout the South Georgia shelf from depths of 76–370 m, but very few specimens (< 1%) were caught on the Shag Rocks shelf. Multiple cohorts were present during each survey and length-frequency analysis of these cohorts suggests that growth is fast during the first 3–4 years. Stomach contents analysis (2005 & 2006) indicated that P. georgianus is a pelagic or semi pelagic predator, with the summer diet dominated by Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). Fish (channichthyids and notothenids) were also taken, but were a relatively minor part of the diet.
The reproductive biology of two epibenthic species of Antarctic nototheniid fish of the genus Trematomus
Authors: La Mesa Mario , Caputo Vincenzo , Eastman Joseph T.
Published: February 2008

Trematomus eulepidotus and T. loennbergii are two of the most common epibenthic fish in the waters of the High Antarctic continental shelf. Since the reproductive biology of these species has not been studied in the Ross Sea, we provide a macroscopic and histological analysis of the reproductive effort and gonadal development in both sexes. Most samples were collected during benthic trawl surveys in the south-western Ross Sea in the 1996 and 1997 summer seasons. The aim of the study was to define the reproductive characteristics of these two sympatric species and to examine the hypothesis that different reproductive strategies mitigate interspecific competition. We found that, in common with most Antarctic notothenioids, both species possess a suite of similar reproductive strategies including delayed sexual maturity, prolonged gametogenesis, group-synchronous oocyte maturation, a single spawning event per year and iteroparity. Both species show a comparable reproductive effort in terms of potential fecundity with between 2000 and 20 000 eggs per female per season. Nevertheless, the two species exhibited a considerable difference in the timing of the breeding season, spawning in summer (T. eulepidotus) and in autumn (T. loennbergii). This gives rise to a mismatch in the time of appearance of larvae in the environment and probably leads to reduced competition.
Vauxhall on the boulevard: pleasure gardens in London and Paris, 1764–1784
Authors: CONLIN JONATHAN
Published: February 2008

Open to both aristocracy and middling rank, pleasure gardens fashioned a spectacle of order out of a heterogeneous crowd. They have been seen as uniquely British spaces, demonstrating how Britain juggled commerce, politeness and liberty. Yet these resorts had imitators abroad, especially in Paris. Far from being a case of Paris emulating London, they created a playful fantasy that shuttled visitors between the two cities – helping them imagine the ideal metropolis, polite yet policed.
The Nottingham Arboretum (1852): natural history, leisure and public culture in a Victorian regional centre
Authors: ELLIOTT PAUL , DANIELS STEPHEN , WATKINS CHARLES
Published: February 2008

This article examines the development of the Nottingham Arboretum (1852), the centrepiece of one of the most ambitious schemes of urban enclosure and improvement in mid-Victorian Britain. It contends that the provision for parks and green spaces in the town was inspired by local naturalists and sanitary reformers as well as cultural emulation and civic rivalry with other urban centres such as Derby and Manchester. Analysis of the design and management of the Arboretum and green spaces and local controversies about funding and access reveal major local disagreements concerning uses of such spaces reflecting continued divisions in Victorian urban society beneath the public rhetorical and celebratory façade.
‘Temporary relief for specially recommended or selected deserving persons’: the mission of the House of Charity, Soho, 1846–1914
Authors: STARKEY PAT
Published: February 2008

Twentieth-century voluntary social work organizations became accustomed to altering the emphases of their work in response to changing legislation or shifts in funding priorities. The House of Charity for Distressed Persons in Soho, founded in 1846, provides a nineteenth-century example of a similar phenomenon. The history of its first 70 years suggests that the intention to serve ‘selected deserving persons’ was outweighed by the need to ensure the spiritual well-being of its benefactors through opportunities for Christian service. Its primary purpose was thereby subverted, and the energies of its workers were diverted from raising funds to support ‘selected deserving persons’ to casting round for ways to fill the space in the House and to continue to give the benefactors a role.
Characterization of Recombinant Glyoxylate Reductase from Thermophile Thermus thermophilus HB27
Authors: Ogino Hiroyasu , Nakayama Hitoshi , China Hideyasu , Kawata Takuya , Doukyu Noriyuki , Yasuda Masahiro
Published: February 2008

A glyoxylate reductase gene from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB27 (TthGR) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant enzyme was highly purified to homogeneity and characterized. The purified TthGR showed thermostability up to 70 °C. In contrast, the maximum reaction condition was relatively mild (45 °C and pH 6.7). Although the kcat values against co‐enzyme NADH and NADPH were similar, the Km value against co‐enzyme NADH was ∼18 times higher than that against NADPH. TthGR prefers NADPH rather than NADH as an electron donor. These results indicate that a phosphate group of a co‐enzyme affects the binding affinity rather than the reaction efficiency, and TthGR demands appropriate amount of phosphate for a high activity. Furthermore, it was found that the half‐lives of TthGR in the presence of 25% dimethyl sulfoxide and diethylene glycol were significantly longer than that in the absence of an organic solvent.
Production and Characterization of ZFP36L1 Antiserum against Recombinant Protein from Escherichia coli
Authors: Cao Heping , Lin Rui , Ghosh Sanjukta , Anderson Richard A. , F. Urban Joseph
Published: February 2008

Tristetraprolin/zinc finger protein 36 (TTP/ZFP36) family proteins are anti‐inflammatory. They bind and destabilize some AU‐rich element‐containing mRNAs such as tumor necrosis factor mRNA. In this study, recombinant ZFP36L1/TIS11B (a TTP homologue) was overexpressed in E. coli, purified, and used for polyclonal antibody production in rabbits. The antiserum recognized nanograms of the antigen on immunoblots. This antiserum and another antiserum developed against recombinant mouse TTP were used to detect ZFP36L1 and TTP in mouse 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. Immunoblotting showed that ZFP36L1 was stably expressed with a size corresponding to the lower mass size of ZFP36L1 expressed in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells, but TTP was induced by cinnamon extract and not by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in adipocytes. In contrast, ZFP36L1 was undetectable, but TTP was strongly induced in LPS‐stimulated RAW cells. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction confirmed the higher levels of ZFP36L1 mRNA in adipocytes and TTP mRNA in RAW cells. Low levels of ZFP36L1 expression were also confirmed by Northern blotting in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These results demonstrate that ZFP36L1 antiserum is useful in the detection of this protein and that TTP and ZFP36L1 are differentially expressed and regulated at the mRNA and protein levels in mouse adipocytes and macrophages.
Entzündliche Erkrankungen der oberen und unteren Atemwege – Epidemiologie und Pathophysiologie
Authors: Russi Erich W.
Published: February 2008

Die Schleimhäute des oberen und unteren Respirationstrakts bilden eine funktionelle Einheit. Es verwundert deshalb nicht, dass sie im Rahmen von Systemerkrankungen zwar ähnlich reagieren, entsprechend ihren anatomischen und funktionellen Gegebenheiten aber unterschiedliche Symptome verursachen («United Airways»). Die häufigsten akut verlaufenden Entzündungen der oberen und unteren Atemwege sind durch Viren verursacht und verlaufen bei sonst gesunden Personen selbstlimitierend. Allergische oder nicht-allergische Rhinosinusitide und Bronchialasthma sind die häufigsten chronischen Atemwegserkrankungen. Diese Erkrankungen manifestieren sich häufig konsekutiv oder gleichzeitig, was bei Diagnostik und Therapie zu berücksichtigen ist.
Allergische Erkrankungen der oberen und unteren Atemwege
Authors: Schmid-Grendelmeier Peter
Published: February 2008

Allergische Erkrankungen der Atemwege sind häufig in der täglichen Praxis und betreffen bis zu 25% der Bevölkerung. Die Abklärung basiert auf einer eingehenden Anamnese, Hauttests und/oder Bestimmung von spezifischem IgE im Serum gegen die entsprechenden Allergene. Zur Behandlung können größtmögliche Allergenkarenz, eine zunehmend wirksamere und besser verträgliche medikamentöse Therapie sowie die allergen-spezifischen Immuntherapie (SIT) als einzige Therapie mit kausalem Ansatz eingesetzt werden. Der Erfolg der SIT hängt wesentlich ab von der richtigen Selektion des Patienten, der Wahl des Extraktes mit dem für den Patienten relevanten Allergenen, dem geeigneten Therapieschema und der Führung des Patienten. Durch die komponenten-basierte Bestimmung von IgE gegen Einzelallergene eröffnen sich neue Perspektiven in der In-Vitro-Allergiediagnostik. Verbesserte Verfahren und moderne molekularbiolgische Methoden lassen zudem in naher Zukunft auch eine Effizienzsteigerung bei weniger zeitaufwändige Applikationsschemata für die SIT erwarten.
Asthma bronchiale – medikamentöse Behandlung
Authors: Steurer-Stey Claudia , Russi Erich W.
Published: February 2008

Asthma ist eine häufige Erkrankung mit erheblichen gesundheitlichen und gesundheitsökonomischen Konsequenzen. In den Richtlinien wurde Asthma bisher nach dem Schweregrad basierend auf Symptomen, Ausmaß der Obstruktion und Variabilität in vier Subgruppen (intermittierend, chronisch leicht, chronisch mittelschwer und chronisch schwer) eingeteilt. In den neuen GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) Richtlinien wird das Erreichen einer guten Asthmakontrolle als das wichtigste Ziel im Management dieser Erkrankung genannt. Statt des Schweregrades wird das periodisches Erheben der Asthmakontrolle empfohlen und das Maß der Asthmakontrolle in kontrolliert, teilweise kontrolliert oder unkontrolliert eingeteilt. Eine gute Asthmakontrolle zu erreichen und aufrechtzuerhalten ist ein komplexer Langzeitprozess und die Bemühungen sollten sich auf folgende vier Bereiche konzentrieren: ( 1.) Diagnose und sorgfältige Erhebung der Krankheitsaktivität, (2.) Adäquate Pharmakotherapie mit Evaluation des Ansprechens auf die Therapie, (3.) regelmäßige klinische Kontrollen und (4.) Schulung der Patienten. Diese Arbeit bietet einen Überblick über die Pharmakotherapie im Kontext der Asthmakontrolle.
Die Rolle des Selbstmanagement bei Asthma
Authors: Steurer-Stey Claudia
Published: February 2008

Asthma ist eine häufige Erkrankung und ein Großteil der Patienten mit Asthma wird hausärztlich betreut. Regelmäßige, aktuelle Information ist für Grundversorger daher wichtig, um ihrer Verantwortung als Erstbetreuer gerecht zu werden. Auch wenn einige Ärzte den Wert von Richtlinien und Guidelines skeptisch beurteilen, so lässt sich doch zeigen, dass die Umsetzung der wichtigsten Empfehlungen zur Verbesserung im Asthma-Management beiträgt und zumindest eine «gemeinsame Sprache» fördert. Alle Asthma-Richtlinien betonen den Stellenwert der Partnerschaft zwischen Patient und Arzt und die Vorteile, die durch Kompetenzförderung und ein geführtes Selbstmanagement erreicht werden. Diese Übersicht erläutert wichtige Aspekte des Asthma Selbstmanagements und zeigt auf was die Begriffe bedeuten, wie Beratung und effiziente Schulung erfolgen kann und nimmt Stellung zur Wirksamkeit solcher Maßnahmen. Es wird gefolgert, dass Patientenschulung und Förderung der Kompetenzen des Patienten zum Selbstmanagement essentieller Bestandteil einer guten Asthma Betreuung sein sollte. Es müssen Wege gefunden und Anreize geschaffen werden, die die Integration der Selbstmanagement-Schulung in den Praxisalltag besser ermöglichen.
Rauchen und Nikotinabhängigkeit in Deutschland
Authors: Hoch Eva , Mühlig Stephan , Nowak Dennis , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich
Published: February 2008

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Der Konsum von Tabak ist verantwortlich für zahlreiche körperliche Erkrankungen und kann zu einer psychischen Störung führen, der Nikotinabhängigkeit. Ziel: Feststellung der aktuellen Verbreitung, Therapiemöglichkeiten und Versorgungssituation von Rauchern und Nikotinabhängigen in Deutschland. Methode: Übersicht über einschlägige (versorgungs-)epidemiologische und klinische Studien. Ergebnisse: Rauchen ist stark verbreitet, Nikotinabhängigkeit eine der häufigsten psychischen Störungen. Die Wirksamkeit von Entwöhnungsbehandlungen ist empirisch gut belegt, dennoch sind nur wenige Raucher zu einem Konsumstopp bereit. Die Inanspruchnahmerate insbesondere der wirksamsten multimodalen Behandlungsprogramme ist gering, wobei es allerdings auch an professionellen Anbietern mangelt. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Versorgungssituation von Rauchern in Deutschland ist unzureichend und verbesserungsbedürftig. Als notwendig erscheinen Aufbau einer flächendeckenden Infrastruktur von Entwöhnungsanbietern sowie verbesserte Kostenerstattungsmöglichkeiten durch die Krankenkassen. Dieser Professionalisierungsprozess bietet den Psychologen interessante Chancen für neue Tätigkeitsfelder.
Warten, Entspannung oder Verhaltenstherapie
Authors: Zaby Alexandra , Heider Jens , Schröder Annette
Published: February 2008

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Auf Grund hoher Prävalenzen und deutlicher einhergehender sozio-ökonomischer Folgen stellen multiple somatoforme Beschwerden ein ernst zu nehmendes Problem dar. Fragestellung: Wie effektiv ist eine ambulante kognitiv-behaviorale Gruppenbehandlung im Vergleich zu einem Entspannungsverfahren und einer Wartegruppe in Bezug auf körperliche Beschwerden, Angst, Depressivität und subjektive Gesundheit. Methode: Es wurde eine randomisierte Kontrollgruppenstudie (N = 77) durchgeführt. Die manualisierten Interventionen umfassten acht 90-minütige Termine, die wöchentlich stattfanden. Die manualisierte kognitiv-behaviorale Intervention baut auf dem Behandlungsansatz von Rief und Hiller (1998) auf. Ergebnisse: Sowohl die kognitiv-behaviorale Behandlung als auch die Entspannungsgruppe führten zu einer Verbesserung der somatoformen Beschwerden (SOMS-7). Die kognitiv-behaviorale Behandlung hatte darüber hinaus einen positiven Einfluss auf die Angst (HADS-D) und die subjektive psychische Gesundheit (SF-12). Schlussfolgerungen: Diese kurze, kognitiv-behaviorale Gruppenbehandlung hat positive Effekte auf ambulante Patientinnen und Patienten mit somatoformen Symptomen, die über die Effekte einer Entspannungsgruppe hinausgehen.
Evidenzbasierte Psychotherapie und Therapie-Ressourcen
Authors: Krampen Günter , Schui Gabriel , Wiesenhütter Jürgen
Published: February 2008

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: In der Methodologie der klinisch-psychologischen Forschung steht nach dem Konzept der evidenzbasierten Psychotherapie das aus der pharmakologischen Forschung und evidenzbasierten Medizin adaptierte 4-Phasen-Prüfmodell im Vordergrund. Empirisch fundierte Psychotherapie ist die Basis von Therapie-Ressourcen wie Behandlungs-Leitlinien und -Manualen sowie Patientenratgebern. Fragestellung: Auf welchen der Prüfphasen liegen die Schwerpunkte der klinisch-psychologischen Forschung, wie viele Therapie-Ressourcen sind aus ihr resultiert, zeigen sich seit 1977 Veränderungen in den Schwerpunkten? Methode: Alle in der Fachliteraturdatenbank PSYNDEX dokumentierten Beiträge zur klinisch-psychologischen Interventionsforschung wurden nach einem erweiterten 4-Phasen-Prüfmodell und nach der Art der Therapie-Ressourcen klassifiziert. Ergebnisse: Zwischen 1977 und 2006 wurden im deutschsprachigen Bereich 16.467 empirische Beiträge zu klinisch-psychologischen Interventionen publiziert. Die Mehrheit ist den Phasen 0 (Entwicklungsphase: 55%), 1 (Erkundungsphase: 23%), 4 (Praxiskontrolle: 12%) und 5 (Prävention, Rehabilitation und Persönlichkeitsentwicklung: 22%) zugeordnet. Befunde zur Phase 2 (Randomisierte Studien: 2.2%) und Phase 3 [Testphase mit Multicenter-Studien (1.5%) und Metaanalysen (1.0%)] wurden seltener publiziert, weisen aber in den letzten zehn Jahren eine ansteigende Tendenz auf. Bei den Therapie-Ressourcen dominieren Patientenratgeber (61%) im Vergleich zu Behandlungs-Manualen (32%) und -Leitlinien (9%). Schlussfolgerungen: Aus der klinisch-psychologischen Forschung im deutschsprachigen Bereich liegt ein umfangreiches Reservoir von Publikationen zur empirisch fundierten Psychotherapie und zu Therapie-Ressourcen vor. Defizite bestehen bei Veröffentlichungen zu randomisierten Studien (Phasen 2 und 3), für die Ratgeber-Literatur ist inzwischen ein Überhang festzustellen.
Preventing Suicide in Prisons, Part II
Authors: Daigle Marc S. , Daniel Anasseril E. , Dear Greg E. , Frottier Patrick , Hayes Lindsay M. , Kerkhof Ad , Konrad Norbert , Liebling Alison , Sarchiapone Marco
Published: February 2008

Abstract. The International Association for Suicide Prevention created a Task Force on Suicide in Prisons to better disseminate the information in this domain. One of its objectives was to summarize suicide-prevention activities in the prison systems. This study of the Task Force uncovered many differences between countries, although mental health professionals remain central in all suicide prevention activities. Inmate peer-support and correctional officers also play critical roles in suicide prevention but there is great variation in the involvement of outside community workers. These differences could be explained by the availability of resources, by the structure of the correctional and community services, but mainly by the different paradigms about suicide prevention. While there is a common and traditional paradigm that suicide prevention services are mainly offered to individuals by mental health services, correctional systems differ in the way they include (or not) other partners of suicide prevention: correctional officers, other employees, peer inmates, chaplains/priests, and community workers. Circumstances, history, and national cultures may explain such diversity but they might also depend on the basic way we think about suicide prevention at both individual and environmental levels.
Risk Factors for and Protective Factors Against Adolescent Suicidal Behavior in Turkey
Authors: Eskin Mehmet , Ertekin Kamil , Dereboy Ciğdem , Demirkiran Fatma
Published: February 2008

Abstract. This study investigated the possible role of depression, self-esteem, problem solving, assertiveness, social support, and some socioeconomic factors on adolescent suicidal behavior in youth in a small city located in the southwestern part of Turkey. Participants in the study were 805 (367 girls) first-year high school students between the ages of 13-18 years. Some 23% of participants reported having thought of killing themselves during the past 12 months or their lifetime. The percentage of students who said that they had attempted to kill themselves was 2.5. Suicidal ideation during one's lifetime or during the past 12 months was more frequent among girls than among boys but suicidal attempts were equally common in girls and boys. Girls scored significantly higher on depression and the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) but also on assertiveness and perceived social support from friends than boys. Boys tended to score higher on self-esteem than girls. Depression and low self-esteem were the most consistent and independent predictors of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and SPS scores in both girls and boys. The results are discussed in terms of relevant literature with special reference to developmental and sociocultural issues. The implications of findings for the assessment and treatment of suicidal youths are highlighted.
Maytree: A Respite Center for the Suicidal
Authors: Briggs Stephen , Webb Liz , Buhagiar Jonathan , Braun Gaby
Published: February 2008

Abstract. This paper evaluates the contribution to suicide prevention made by an innovative project, Maytree, a respite center for the suicidal. Maytree offers a distinctive brief period of sanctuary for four nights for suicidal people; within this limited time it aims to provide opportunities through talking, reflecting, and relaxing for reducing the intense feelings that lead to suicidal behavior. The focus of this paper is on evaluating the first 3 years of Maytree's operation, exploring how Maytree works, and its effects on the people who stay there as “guests.” This shows that Maytree reaches people who are at significant risk of suicide. Guests report both short term relief and longer term benefits. These changes are understood, through applying crisis intervention theory, as being generated by the opportunities for change in the Maytree approach. Thus, there is the potential for a benign cycle to be established. Maytree's model is different from that of mainstream, statutory services; we conclude that Maytree complements these services and also challenges the values and frameworks of statutory provision in the field of suicide prevention.