bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: Management issues in primary practice
Authors: Pongmarutani Tiwaporn , Alpert Patricia T. , Miller Sally K.
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with an update on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an emphasis on management considerations for primary care practitioners.

Data sources: An extensive literature review was conducted using both Medline and CINAHL databases. Research articles reflecting the most compelling findings were included in this review.

Conclusions: NPs who care for children with SLE may be able to prevent or delay the morbidities associated with this disease and its treatments, if they keep abreast of the new information evolving in this realm of rheumatologic diseases.

Implications for practice: As more is learned about pediatric SLE, better treatments have evolved such that the survival rates have increased. The primary care of pediatric SLE patients that is focused on preventing or delaying SLE morbidities may help to restore, maintain, or improve the quality of life for these patients.
Optimization and Computational Evaluation of a Series of Potential Active Site Inhibitors of the V82F/I84V Drug‐resistant Mutant of HIV‐1 Protease: an Application of the Relaxed Complex Method of Structure‐based Drug Design
Authors: Perryman Alexander L. , Lin Jung‐Hsin , Andrew McCammon J.
Published: May 2006

The Relaxed Complex method, an approach to structure‐based drug design that incorporates the flexibilities of both the ligand and target protein, was applied to the immunodeficiency virus protease system. The control cases used AutoDock3.0.5 to dock a fully flexible version of the prospective drug JE‐2147 (aka SM‐319777 or KNI‐764) to large ensembles of conformations extracted from conventional, all atom, explicitly solvated molecular dynamic simulations of the wild type, and the V82F/I84V drug‐resistant mutant of HIV‐1 protease. The best set of run parameters from the control cases produced robust results when used against 2200 different conformations of the wild‐type HIV‐1 protease or against 2200 conformations of the mutant. The results of the control cases, the published advice from experts, and structural intuition were used to design a new series of 23 potential active site inhibitors. The compounds were evaluated by docking them against 700 different conformations of the V82F/I84V mutant. The results of this first round of lead optimization were quite promising. Approximately one‐third of that series performed at least slightly better than the parent compound, and four of those compounds displayed significantly better binding affinities against that drug‐resistant mutant (within our computational model).
How we do it: Softband®– management of glue ear*
Authors: Ramakrishnan Y. , Davison T. , Johnson I.J.M.
Published: May 2006

Keypoints

• The management of refractory glue ear in some groups of children can be challenging.

• The conventional option of using a hearing aid is sometimes fraught with complicance issues and the need for repeated impressions for hearing moulds.

• The Softband offers an alternative method of managing refractory glue being safe, well‐tolerated, non‐invasive and easy to administer.
Are drawings a reliable way of recording retraction pockets?
Authors: Awad Z. , Pothier D.
Published: May 2006

Objectives. Although widely used, drawings have never been assessed for their accuracy and reproducibility when used to record retraction pockets. We set out to determine the relative reliability of drawings and endoscopic photographs to record retractions of the tympanic membrane.

Method. A series of 10 standardised ‘reference’ slides of retraction pockets were shown to 18 Otolaryngologists. Next to each slide were 10 drawings of a retraction pocket and 10 photographs of retraction pockets. Half of the photographs and half of the drawings were of the same ear as the ‘reference’ image and half were of a different ear, chosen at random. Participants were asked if each drawing and photograph was the same ear as ‘reference’ image, and to assess the relative stage of the pathology.

Results. Differences between the assessments of the photographs and drawings were dramatic. Where photographs were used, participants were able to identify an identical ear 96.4% of the time and a different ear 81.7% of the time; where drawings were used, this fell to 46.7% and 68.2% respectively (P < 0.001). Identification of the relative stage of pathology was also significantly better with a photograph of a tympanic membrane (96%) rather than a drawing (53.3%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions. This is the first attempt in the literature to compare the relative diagnostic accuracy of drawings of the tympanic membrane with photographs. A great deal of reliance is placed on clinical drawings of varying quality by clinicians. Digital photography is considerably more accurate than drawings and its use should be encouraged.
Value of post‐nasal space biopsy in patients with adult onset serous otitis media
Authors: Sadr A.H. , Prior M.
Published: May 2006

Background. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children but this is not the case in adults. In adults it can be associated with nasopharyngeal neoplasms (NPN). It is accepted practice in the UK to biopsy the posterior nasal space (PNS) to rule out neoplasms. We believe this routine practice is no longer justified in view of modern methods of examination of PNS.

Aims and objectives. To identify the incidence of NPN in adults with otitis media with effusion without any other signs and symptoms suggestive of NPN. We also identified the presenting symptoms and signs of all patients who were diagnosed with NPN during the study period.

Methods. This is a retrospective study of 158 adult onset otitis media who had a posterior nasal space biopsy performed. The patients with positive and negative biopsy results were analysed for their presenting signs and symptoms.

Results. Only 58 patients had OME as the sole presentation. The rest had other signs or symptoms in addition to OME. All patients with OME as the sole presentation had negative biopsy results and all patients with a positive biopsy result for NPN had other symptoms or signs in addition to OME.

Conclusions. The role of PNS biopsy in adults with isolated OME seems to be questionable in view of the limited information it provides. This may be due to wider use of endoscopes which enable us to detect small abnormalities in PNS.
Patients’ views on the utility of quality of life questionnaires in head and neck cancer: a randomised trial
Authors: Srinivasan R.T. , Morton R.P. , Mehanna H.M.
Published: May 2006

Objectives. (i) Evaluate head and neck cancer (HNC) patient perspectives regarding the usefulness of quality of life questionnaires (QLQ) in communicating their health problems to clinicians; (ii) identify the QLQ that HNC patients find most useful.

Design. Randomised questionnaire study. Patients completed all four validated HNC QLQs. Order of questionnaire presentation was randomised to counterbalance for order effects.

Participants. Eighty patients diagnosed and treated for HNC in a tertiary referral HNC centre.

Outcome measures. Patient ratings of perceived usefulness and preferences of studied questionnaires.

Results. Patients reported high relevance to their problems and high ease of understanding of all questionnaires, with FACT scoring highest (79% and 89% respectively). 58% participants (67% respondents) would like to complete a questionnaire in clinic, as it would help them describe their health problems to their doctors; 28% of participants did not. Almost half preferred a particular QLQ, FACT being most preferred.

Conclusions. Patients report that HNC QLQs effectively describe their health concerns. Most are in favour of completing QLQs in clinic, as an aid for describing health problems to clinicians. There appears to be a difference between clinicians and patients regarding perceived usefulness of QLQs in the clinic setting.
Investigation into the effects of cidofovir on an in vitro model of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Donne A.J. , Hampson L. , He X. , Rothera M.P. , Homer J.J. , Hampson I.N.
Published: May 2006

Problem. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) has no cure, and cidofovir is currently the most contemporary adjuvant treatment. Cidofovir has reported activity against Human Papilloma Virus type 16, but no laboratory studies have yet been performed on HPV type 6 which is the main cause of RRP. This work describes the generation of a novel HPV 6 related cell line and its use to evaluate the effects of Cidofovir.

Method. HPV6b E6 cDNA was stably introduced into HPV negative C33A cervical carcinoma cells to produce the C33AT6E6 cell line. Two different doses of Cidofovir were applied to parent C33A, C33AT6E6 and C33AT16E6 (type 16 cell line) with appropriate controls. Growth and FACS cell cycle analysis were performed after 3 and 6 days of continuous exposure followed by 2 and 3 days post‐drug withdrawal.

Result.PCR analysis confirmed HPV6 E6 expression in C33AT6E6 cells. High dose cidofovir was toxic at 3 and 6 days exposure in all cells tested. Low dose exposure was toxic for C33AT16E6 cells at 3 days whereas C33A and C33AT6E6 only showed minimal toxicity at 6 days. C33A and C33AT6E6 cells also showed earlier recovery following drug withdrawal.

Conclusion.Cidofovir showed varying degrees of non‐specific toxicity against all three cell lines tested. However, HPV16 E6 expressing cells were more sensitive than either parent or HPV6 E6 expressing cells indicating that cidofovir has no selective advantage for the RRP related HPV6 E6 expressing cell line.
Seasonal time constraints do not explain exceptions to the temperature size rule in ectotherms
Authors: Cabanita Rui , Atkinson David
Published: May 2006

A negative relationship between rearing temperature and adult size is widespread in ectotherms yet its causes remain poorly understood. It has been suggested that summer generations of some aquatic insects provide exceptions to this temperature size rule (TSR). The hypothesis that seasonal time constraints are responsible for these exceptions was tested using the mayfly Cloeon dipterum. Simulating early‐season conditions by varying photoperiod and temperature, we found that this species followed the TSR. However, under simulated seasonal time constraints, the species omitted most of its summer adult generation (delaying completion of nymphal development till the next year), which limited the scope and applicability of the hypothesis for this species. Even those animals that completed nymphal development before winter showed no weakening of the negative temperature size relationship that was predicted by the hypothesis. Moreover, these animals did not increase rates of development or growth in response to simulated time constraints. We then analysed further the study that originally indicated aquatic insect exceptions to the TSR and suggest that gaps in the data and/or experimental design can explain the apparent exceptions. From these analyses and a survey of other exceptions, we conclude that time constraints do not account for any reported counter‐TSR relationship.
Body weight distributions of European Hymenoptera
Authors: Ulrich Werner
Published: May 2006

Species number–body weight distributions are generally thought to be skewed to the right. Hence it is assumed that the number of relatively small species is larger than the number of relatively large species. While this pattern is well documented in vertebrates, comparative studies on larger invertebrate taxa are still scarce. Here I show that the weight distributions of European Hymenoptera (based on 12 601 species body weight data compiled from major catalogues) do not exhibit a general trend towards right skewed species–body weight distributions. Skewness did not depend on the number of species per taxon. Species richness peaked at intermediate body weights irrespective of taxonomic level. Kernel density analysis revealed that hymenopteran taxa had between one and four peaks in their size distributions with larger taxa having fewer peaks. Within genus variability in body weight was allometrically related to mean body weight (σ2=μ1.81) in line with a proportional rescaling pattern. These results call for a rethinking about the generality of current vertebrate centred models of body size evolution.
Flowering phenologies of hummingbird plants from the temperate forest of southern South America: is there evidence of competitive displacement?
Authors: Aizen Marcelo A. , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: May 2006

Plant species sharing pollinators may compete through pollination. This type of competition may lead to overdispersed flowering phenologies. However, phenological segregation is difficult to detect in seasonal climates. We compared patterns of phenological overlap in assemblages of ornithophilous plants from three localities of the temperate forest of southern South America with those generated by four different null models. These species were all visited and presumably pollinated by a single species, the hummingbird Sephanoides sephaniodes, which makes this situation ideal to evaluate the role of pollination‐mediated competition. For one site, we compiled data on flowering phenologies for three different years. Three models considered the flowering period of the whole assemblage of ornithophilous plants as the phenological window within which flowering phenologies were randomized, but made no further assumptions on how species should be distributed within that temporal frame. The fourth model assigned differential probabilities to different time intervals based on the flowering onset of non‐ornithophilous plant species. Observed mean pairwise overlaps for all localities and years were well within the interval defined by the 2.5 and 97.5% percentiles of the randomized distribution of expected mean pairwise overlaps according to models 1–3. However, model 4 showed a consistent trend towards overdispersion of ornihophilous phenologies, which show a shift towards mid‐ to late‐summer flowering. Thus, to the extent that the distribution of flowering of non‐ornithophilous species reflects the constraints imposed by a highly seasonal climate, our results provide support to the proposal that pollinator sharing may cause evolutionary displacement or ecological sorting of flowering phenologies. Other factors, such as phylogenetic inertia, could also contribute to explain extant phenological patterns in the highly endemic ornithophilous flora of the temperate forest of southern South America.
Calf muscle wasting after tibial shaft fracture: Figure 1
Authors: Khalid M , Brannigan A , Burke T
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To study the long term effect of tibial shaft fractures treated by immobilisation in a long leg cast on the calf muscle bulk.

Methods:Computed tomography scans were performed at fixed points on the lower legs of 23 non-professional athletes who sustained closed tibial fractures 16 years previously. Length of immobilisation was determined from the hospital records. All the fractures were treated non-operatively. The cross sectional area of the various leg compartments was measured and compared with the non-injured leg.

Results:There was a significant reduction in cross sectional area of the posterior compartment (p<0.001, Student’sttest). No such difference was seen in the anterolateral compartment.

Conclusion:Tibial fractures treated non-operatively are associated with significant long term calf muscle wasting.
Changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing
Authors: Girard O , Lattier G , Micallef J-P , Millet G P
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To examine changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing.

Methods:Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), leg stiffness (hopping), and peak power in squat (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ) jumps were measured before, every 30 minutes during, and 30 minutes after a three hour tennis match in 12 well trained players. Heart rate (HR), the effective playing time (EPT), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and muscle soreness of knee extensors were also measured.

Results:Decreases in MVC (−9%; p<0.05) and leg stiffness (−9%; p  =  0.17) were observed after the match and were significantly correlated (r =  0.66; p  =  0.05). Peak power in SJ and CMJ tests was maintained during the match but was lower (p<0.001) 30 minutes after. Average HR and EPT were 144 (8) beats/min and 21 (4)% respectively. A strong correlation was found between EPT and HR (r =  0.93; p<0.05). RPE and muscle soreness increased linearly during the exercise and were significantly correlated (r =  0.99; p<0.001).

Conclusions:Progressive reductions in maximal voluntary strength and leg stiffness highly correlated with increases in perceived exertion and muscle soreness were observed throughout a three hour tennis match, whereas explosive strength was maintained and decreased only after the match. These alterations may result in less efficient on-court movement and stroke production. They are, however, lower than those reported during continuous exercise of the same duration. The intermittent pattern of tennis and the numerous stretch-shortening cycle movements partly explain these results.
Boxing: medical aspects
Authors: McCrory P
Published: May 2006

This article has been retracted. See the retraction notice for details. The PDF is retained for transparency.
QUANTUM MAPS WITH SPACE EXTENT: A PARADIGM FOR LATTICE QUANTUM WALKS
Authors: WÓJCIK DANIEL K.
Published: May 2006

Classical multibaker maps are deterministic models of classical random walks. Quantum multibaker maps are their quantum versions. As such, they can be naturally considered quantum random walks. In this review we discuss the construction and properties of quantum multibaker maps and related, more general models, in the context of the recent results in dynamical systems approach to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Properties of other models of quantum walks are also discussed.
COMPETITIVE MODES AND THEIR APPLICATION
Authors: YAO WEIGUANG , YU PEI , ESSEX CHRISTOPHER , DAVISON MATT
Published: May 2006

We investigate nonlinear dynamical systems from the mode competition point of view, and propose the necessary conditions for a system to be chaotic. We conjecture that a chaotic system has at least two competitive modes (CM's). For a general nonlinear dynamical system, we give a simple, dynamically motivated definition of mode suitable for this concept. Since for most chaotic systems it is difficult to obtain the form of a CM, we focus on the competition between the corresponding modulated frequency components of the CM's. Some direct applications result from the explicit form of the frequency functions. One application is to estimate parameter regimes which may lead to chaos. It is shown that chaos may be found by analyzing the frequency function of the CM's without applying a numerical integration scheme. Another application is to create new chaotic systems using custom-designed CM's. Several new chaotic systems are reported.
THE LANGUAGE OF CHAOS
Authors: BILOTTA ELEONORA , PANTANO PIETRO
Published: May 2006

This work presents a linguistic approach to the understanding of chaos. The idea comes from our work on translating into sounds and music the complexity of chaotic systems, as with Chua's attractors. Therefore, working with sounds, we have used a standardization criterion in order to detect only some of the features of the richness of chaos. This method involves the selection of a limited number of sounds, which, in turn, allow for the creation of other components of the system at different levels of organization, as with natural language. Thus, phonetic, morphological, syntactic and semantic levels, linked by a grammar of an "artificial chaotic language" are defined. Each linguistic unit of the artificial language presents networks of interrelated phenomena since for each of them, it is possible to detect its path length, tracing a graph of the mutual relationships of the system's components. We found that there is interaction among the different levels of the chaotic language. Furthermore, some traits of the dynamics of the evolution of language in human infants are found in the main routes to chaos. In this emergent dynamics, mutations, struggle for the fittest, natural selection, and the relative distribution of linguistic entities in genetic landscapes are observed. On the basis of this, a possible bridge of connection between the physical and the mental worlds may be developed.
GLOBALLY ATTRACTIVE AND POSITIVE INVARIANT SET OF THE LORENZ SYSTEM
Authors: YU PEI , LIAO XIAOXIN
Published: May 2006

In this paper, based on a generalized Lyapunov function, a simple proof is given to improve the estimation of globally attractive and positive invariant set of the Lorenz system. In particular, a new estimation is derived for the variable x. On the globally attractive set, the Lorenz system satisfies Lipschitz condition, which is very useful in the study of chaos control and chaos synchronization. Applications are presented for globally, exponentially tracking periodic solutions, stabilizing equilibrium points and synchronizing two Lorenz systems.
NUMERICAL TREATMENT OF WET/DRY FRONTS IN SHALLOW FLOWS WITH A MODIFIED ROE SCHEME
Authors: CASTRO MANUEL J. , GONZÁLEZ-VIDA JOSÉ M. , PARÉS CARLOS
Published: May 2006

This paper deals with the analysis of some numerical difficulties related to the appearance of wet/dry fronts that may occur during the simulation of free-surface waves in shallow fluids. The fluid is supposed to be governed by the Shallow Water equations and the discretization of the equations is performed, when wet/dry fronts do not appear, by means of the Q-scheme of Roe upwinding the source terms introduced in Ref. 40. This scheme is well-balanced in the sense that it solves exactly stationary solutions corresponding to water at rest. Wet/dry fronts cannot be correctly treated with this scheme: it can produce negative values of the thickness of the fluid layer and stationary solutions corresponding to water at rest including wet/dry transitions are not exactly solved. In Refs. 3–5 some variants of this numerical scheme have been proposed that partially solve these difficulties. Here we propose a new variant: at intercells where wet/dry transitions occur, a Nonlinear Riemann Problem is considered instead of a Linear one. The exact solutions of these nonlinear problems, which are easy to calculate, are used in order to define the numerical fluxes. We investigate the properties of the resulting scheme and present some comparisons with the numerical results obtained with some other modified numerical schemes proposed previously.
COMBINATORIAL FRACTAL GEOMETRY WITH A BIOLOGICAL APPLICATION
Authors: KONVALINA JOHN , KONFISAKHAR IGOR , HEIDEL JACK , ROGERS JIM
Published: May 2006

The solution to a deceptively simple combinatorial problem on bit strings results in the emergence of a fractal related to the Sierpinski Gasket. The result is generalized to higher dimensions and applied to the study of global dynamics in Boolean network models of complex biological systems.
Cost and Benefit of Ecuador's Dollarization Experience
Authors: Berríos Rubén
Published: May 2006

In 2000, Ecuador adopted the dollar as its official currency and gave up the sucre in a desperate move to halt inflation and help a distressed financial system. But dollarization, a substitute for deeper economic reforms, has been a mixed blessing and has had limited results. The measure brought temporary macroeconomic stability but did not ease other social and economic problems. Higher oil prices that have pushed up revenues and an increase in remittances from Ecuadoreans who have migrated abroad have helped Ecuador's economy, but also leave deeper problems unsolved. Many Ecuadoreans still resent dollarization because it has tarnished sovereignty, as monetary policy is no longer determined by Ecuador's Central Bank but by the Federal Reserve System.
Managing the Environmental Legitimation Crisis
Authors: Marshall Brent K. , Goldstein Warren S.
Published: May 2006

The authors discuss and extend the crisis theory of Habermas and Offe by adding and arguing for the semiautonomy of a fourth system—the ecological system. Based on Habermas's crisis systems theory and J. O'Connor's fiscal crisis-of-the-state thesis, they develop a crisis systems model (CSM) applicable to late capitalist societies. Within the framework of the CSM, they outline the three crises identified in earlier research— accumulation crisis of overproduction, accumulation crisis of underproduction, and social welfare legitimation—and argue for the relevance of a fourth crisis—the environmental legitimation crisis. They assess the empirical import of the CSM and the cogency of the environmental legitimation crisis by examining the evolving role of citizen participation in natural resource management in the United States. The authors conclude that the democratization of environmental decision making is, in part, an adaptive response by natural resources agencies to avoid an environmental legitimation crisis.
“Green Unions in a Grey World”
Authors: Silverman Victor
Published: May 2006

International labor environmentalism, a significant innovation in global politics, centers on the role of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions at the United Nations' Commission on Sustainable Development and other bodies. Unions face multiple challenges in international institutions, for example, from partnerships that privatize government functions and from disagreements within unions. Nonetheless, this article finds that environmentalism arising from the character of trade unions and the ideology of leaders has great potential.
Automatic generation of gene finders for eukaryotic species
Authors: Munch Kasper , Krogh Anders
Published: May 2006

Background

The number of sequenced eukaryotic genomes is rapidly increasing. This means that over time it will be hard to keep supplying customised gene finders for each genome. This calls for procedures to automatically generate species-specific gene finders and to re-train them as the quantity and quality of reliable gene annotation grows.

Results

We present a procedure, Agene, that automatically generates a species-specific gene predictor from a set of reliable mRNA sequences and a genome. We apply a Hidden Markov model (HMM) that implements explicit length distribution modelling for all gene structure blocks using acyclic discrete phase type distributions. The state structure of the each HMM is generated dynamically from an array of sub-models to include only gene features represented in the training set.

Conclusion

Acyclic discrete phase type distributions are well suited to model sequence length distributions. The performance of each individual gene predictor on each individual genome is comparable to the best of the manually optimised species-specific gene finders. It is shown that species-specific gene finders are superior to gene finders trained on other species.
Actin polymerisation at the cytoplasmic face of eukaryotic nuclei
Authors: Münter Sylvia , Enninga Jost , Vazquez-Martinez Rafael , Delbarre Erwan , David-Watine Brigitte , Nehrbass Ulf , Shorte Spencer L
Published: May 2006

Background

There exists abundant molecular and ultra-structural evidence to suggest that cytoplasmic actin can physically interact with the nuclear envelope (NE) membrane system. However, this interaction has yet to be characterised in living interphase cells.

Results

Using a fluorescent conjugate of the actin binding drug cytochalasin D (CD-BODIPY) we provide evidence that polymerising actin accumulates in vicinity to the NE. In addition, both transiently expressed fluorescent actin and cytoplasmic micro-injection of fluorescent actin resulted in accumulation of actin at the NE-membrane. Consistent with the idea that the cytoplasmic phase of NE-membranes can support this novel pool of perinuclear actin polymerisation we show that isolated, intact, differentiated primary hepatocyte nuclei support actin polymerisation in vitro. Further this phenomenon was inhibited by treatments hindering steric access to outer-nuclear-membrane proteins (e.g. wheat germ agglutinin, anti-nesprin and anti-nucleoporin antibodies).

Conclusion

We conclude that actin polymerisation occurs around interphase nuclei of living cells at the cytoplasmic phase of NE-membranes.
Gene by environment QTL mapping through multiple trait analyses in blood pressure salt-sensitivity: identification of a novel QTL in rat chromosome 5
Authors: Soler Júlia M Pavan , Pereira Alexandre C , Tôrres César H , Krieger José E
Published: May 2006

Background

The genetic mechanisms underlying interindividual blood pressure variation reflect the complex interplay of both genetic and environmental variables. The current standard statistical methods for detecting genes involved in the regulation mechanisms of complex traits are based on univariate analysis. Few studies have focused on the search for and understanding of quantitative trait loci responsible for gene × environmental interactions or multiple trait analysis. Composite interval mapping has been extended to multiple traits and may be an interesting approach to such a problem.

Methods

We used multiple-trait analysis for quantitative trait locus mapping of loci having different effects on systolic blood pressure with NaCl exposure. Animals studied were 188 rats, the progenies of an F2 rat intercross between the hypertensive and normotensive strain, genotyped in 179 polymorphic markers across the rat genome. To accommodate the correlational structure from measurements taken in the same animals, we applied univariate and multivariate strategies for analyzing the data.

Results

We detected a new quantitative train locus on a region close to marker R589 in chromosome 5 of the rat genome, not previously identified through serial analysis of individual traits. In addition, we were able to justify analytically the parametric restrictions in terms of regression coefficients responsible for the gain in precision with the adopted analytical approach.

Conclusion

Future work should focus on fine mapping and the identification of the causative variant responsible for this quantitative trait locus signal. The multivariable strategy might be valuable in the study of genetic determinants of interindividual variation of antihypertensive drug effectiveness.
Smoking, respiratory symptoms and likely asthma in young people: evidence from postal questionnaire surveys in the Wythenshawe Community Asthma Project (WYCAP)
Authors: Frank Peter , Morris Julie , Hazell Michelle , Linehan Mary , Frank Timothy
Published: May 2006

Background

Although it is recognised that smoking is a major risk factor for subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is associated with respiratory symptoms, there is less agreement concerning the relationship between asthma and smoking. This study aims to examine the relationship between cigarette smoking and asthma prevalence.

Method

Data were used from two postal questionnaire surveys (1999 and 2001) in two general practice populations, using a respiratory questionnaire based on the ECRHQ and a generic quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D). Only subjects less than 45 years old were included in the survey. An empirical definition of likely asthma was used based on respiratory questionnaire responses. Smoking was examined according to three categories, current smoker, ex smoker and never smoker.

Results

Almost 3500 subjects were included in the analyses. Current smokers had a higher prevalence of likely asthma compared to never smokers, odds ratio (OR) 1.59 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 2.04). and also compared to ex smokers OR 1.79 (CI 1.25 to 2.56), but there was no difference between ex smokers and never smokers (OR 1.00 (0.75–1.35)). Current smoking was also positively associated with all symptoms but not with a history of hayfever/eczema.

Conclusion

Although the positive association found between current smoking and obstructive airways disease is likely to be due to the effect of cigarettes on asthma, it could reflect an association with early COPD (GOLD stages 0 or 1). Smoking cessation has a beneficial effect on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and is therefore of paramount importance among these young adults.
Characterization of the ribonuclease activity on the skin surface
Authors: Probst Jochen , Brechtel Sonja , Scheel Birgit , Hoerr Ingmar , Jung Günther , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Pascolo Steve
Published: May 2006

The rapid degradation of ribonucleic acids (RNA) by ubiquitous ribonucleases limits the efficacy of new therapies based on RNA molecules. Therefore, our aim was to characterize the natural ribonuclease activities on the skin and in blood plasma i.e. at sites where many drugs in development are applied. On the skin surfaces of Homo sapiens and Mus musculus we observed dominant pyrimidine-specific ribonuclease activity. This activity is not prevented by a cap structure at the 5'-end of messenger RNA (mRNA) and is not primarily of a 5'- or 3'-exonuclease type. Moreover, the ribonuclease activity on the skin or in blood plasma is not inhibited by chemical modifications introduced at the 2'OH group of cytidine or uridine residues. It is, however, inhibited by the ribonuclease inhibitor RNasin® although not by the ribonuclease inhibitor SUPERase· In™. The application of our findings in the field of medical science may result in an improved efficiency of RNA-based therapies that are currently in development.
Expression of bioactive bone morphogenetic proteins in the subacromial bursa of patients with chronic degeneration of the rotator cuff
Authors: Neuwirth Jana , Fuhrmann Renée AE , Veit Amanda , Aurich Matthias , Stonâns Ilmars , Trommer Tilo , Hortschansky Peter , Chubinskaya Susanna , Mollenhauer Juergen A
Published: May 2006

Degeneration of the rotator cuff is often associated with inflammation of the subacromial bursa and focal mineralization of the supraspinatus tendon. Portions of the supraspinatus tendon distant from the insertion site could transform into fibrous cartilage, causing rotator-cuff tears owing to mechanical instability. Indirect evidence is presented to link this pathology to ectopic production and secretion of bioactive bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) from sites within the subacromial bursa. Surgically removed specimens of subacromial bursa tissue from patients with chronic tears of the rotator cuff were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR. Bioactive BMP was detected in bursa extracts by a bioassay based on induction of alkaline phosphatase in the osteogenic/myogenic cell line C2C12. Topical and differential expression of BMP-2/4 and BMP-7 mRNA and protein was found in bursa tissue. The bioassay of C2C12 cells revealed amounts of active BMP high enough to induce osteogenic cell types, and blocking BMP with specific antibodies or soluble BMP receptors Alk-3 and Alk-6 abolished the inductive properties of the extract. Sufficient information was gathered to explain how ectopic expression of BMP might induce tissue transformation into ectopic bone/cartilage and, therefore, promote structural degeneration of the rotator cuff. Early surgical removal of the subacromial bursa might present an option to interrupt disease progression.
γ-Selective Cross-coupling of Potassium Allyltrifluoroborates with Aryl and 1-Alkenyl Bromides Catalyzed by a Pd(OAc)2/D-t-BPF Complex
Authors: Yamamoto Yasunori , Takada Shingo , Miyaura Norio
Published: May 2006

Cross-coupling reactions of [RCH=CHCH2BF3]K with aryl or 1-alkenyl bromides occurred at the γ-carbon of an allylborane moiety with perfect regioselectivities (>99%) in the presence of a palladium/D-t-BPF complex and K2CO3 in refluxing THF.
Reconstruction of femoral defects in revision hip surgery
Authors: Barker R. , Takahashi T. , Toms A. , Gregson P. , Kuiper J. H.
Published: May 2006

The use of impaction bone grafting during revision arthroplasty of the hip in the presence of cortical defects has a high risk of post-operative fracture. Our laboratory study addressed the effect of extramedullary augmentation and length of femoral stem on the initial stability of the prosthesis and the risk of fracture.

Cortical defects in plastic femora were repaired using either surgical mesh without extramedullary augmentation, mesh with a strut graft or mesh with a plate. After bone impaction, standard or long-stem Exeter prostheses were inserted, which were tested by cyclical loading while measuring defect strain and migration of the stem.

Compared with standard stems without extramedullary augmentation, defect strains were 31% lower with longer stems, 43% lower with a plate and 50% lower with a strut graft. Combining extramedullary augmentation with a long stem showed little additional benefit (p = 0.67). The type of repair did not affect the initial stability. Our results support the use of impaction bone grafting and extramedullary augmentation of diaphyseal defects after mesh containment.
Comminuted fractures of the radial head treated by the Judet floating radial head prosthesis
Authors: Dotzis A. , Cochu G. , Mabit C. , Charissoux J. L. , Arnaud J. P.
Published: May 2006

Excision is not a suitable treatment for all comminuted fractures of the radial head. In elbows where instability can be predicted, a replacement arthroplasty of the radial head is more effective. The aim of this paper was to present the medium-term results of the Judet floating radial head prosthesis.

This operation was performed on 14 patients between 1992 and 2003, of whom 12 were reviewed at a mean follow-up of five years and three months (1 to 12 years). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score and a modified Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) questionnaire. There were six excellent results, four good, one fair and one poor, as graded by the Mayo score. The mean DASH score was 23.9/100 (0 to 65.8/100). The only significant complication occurred in one patient who developed a severe complex regional pain syndrome. There were no patients with secondary instability of the elbow, implant loosening, cubitus valgus, osteoporosis of the capitellum, or pain in the forearm and wrist. Our experience, combined with that of other authors using this device, has encouraged us to continue using the Judet prosthesis in comminuted fractures of the elbow where instability is a potential problem.
Resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip in osteopetrosis
Authors: Girard J. , Vendittoli P.-A. , Lavigne M. , Roy A. G.
Published: May 2006

A 34-year-old woman with a benign form of osteopetrosis developed osteoarthritis of the hip. In order to avoid the difficulties associated with inserting the femoral component of a conventional total hip arthroplasty, a hybrid metal-on-metal resurfacing was performed. There were several technical challenges associated with the procedure, including the sizing of the component, press-fit fixation of the acetabular component and femoral head preparation, as well as trying to avoid a fracture. No surgical complication occurred. After more than a year following surgery, the patient showed excellent clinical function and remained satisfied with the outcome. We conclude that the hybrid metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty represents a valuable option for the treatment of patients with osteopetrosis and secondary hip osteoarthritis.
Single-stage bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Gerber C. , Lingenfelter E. J. , Reischl N. , Sukthankar A.
Published: May 2006

We compared six patients with a mean age of 70 years (49 to 80) with severe bilateral, painful glenohumeral joint destruction who underwent a single-stage bilateral total shoulder replacement, with eight patients of mean age 61 years (22 to 89) who underwent bilateral total shoulder replacement in two stages, at a mean interval of 18 months (6 to 43).

The overall function, pain and strength improved significantly in both groups. The subjective shoulder value, relative Constant score, active external rotation and the strength were improved significantly more in the single-stage group. Active elevation, abduction and overall function improved, significantly more in the single-stage group. Both the total duration of hospitalisation and the time off work per shoulder were substantially shorter in the single-stage group. The overall rate of complication was lower in the single-stage group.

Our findings indicated that single-stage bilateral total shoulder replacement yielded significantly better clinical results with shorter hospitalisation and rehabilitation than staged replacement, and was not associated with any increase in complications.
Police Training and Management Impact Sexual Assault Conviction Rates in Boston
Authors: Stevens Dennis J.
Published: May 2006

This study attempts to explain low sexual assault conviction rates in Boston. Patrol officers are generally first-responders to emergency 911 call-ins and their task is to secure the crime scene. But often sexual assault goes unreported and first-responders can be misguided by victims as to the extent of their victimisation. However, when sex offenders are apprehended, the case is generally dismissed because of a lack of evidence or a credible witness. Do law enforcement officers intentionally overlook evidence that could lead to detection and conviction of sex offenders? The hypothesis tested was that sexual assault training and supervision styles affect the likelihood of first-responder attempts to identify and secure sexual assault evidence. To test this theory, 319 Boston officers were surveyed and eight were interviewed. The hypothesis was supported. One implication arising from the findings is that training and supervision styles affect sex offender detection and conviction rates. It is recommended that total quality management styles replace the hierarchy of command.
The Theories and Practice of Community Problem-Oriented Policing: A Case Study
Authors: Lumb Richard , Wang Yumin
Published: May 2006

Renaissance of traditional philosophy of law enforcement is revealed in the theory and practice of the contemporary community problem-oriented policing. Taking a historical comparative view, this article explains how the traditional strategy that was originally conceptualised and operationalised in Britain, the country where modern policing originated, has been reserved by Japan, the nation that by-passed the police professionalism movement, and how the tasteful old wine was subsequently poured back into the old bottle. In an analysis of the case of successful application by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the effectiveness of fighting crime backed up by community collaboration was manifested.
Effect of Exercise on Extraskeletal Risk Factors for Hip Fractures in Elderly Women With Low BMD: A Population-Based Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Korpelainen Raija , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Heikkinen Jorma , Väänänen Kalervo , Korpelainen Juha
Published: May 2006

We conducted a 30-month population-based, randomized, controlled trial in 160 elderly women at risk for fractures on the basis of a low baseline BMD. Mainly home-based weight-bearing exercise was effective in improving strength, balance, and gait.

Introduction: Evidence on the effect of exercise on extraskeletal risk factors for hip fractures comes mainly from studies in voluntary low-risk women, and no population-based, long-term interventions have been performed in elderly women with low bone mass. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of long-term weight-bearing exercise on balance, muscle strength, and gait in elderly women at risk for fractures on the basis of a low baseline BMD.

Materials and Methods: A birth cohort of 1690 women 70–73 years of age were invited to the radius and hip BMD measurements; 96 women were excluded because of medical reasons; 160 women with radius and hip BMD values of >2 SD below the reference value were included in the trial. The participants were randomly assigned to 30 months of impact, balancing, and strengthening exercises or to no intervention. Main outcome measures were body sway length and leg strength at month 30. Secondary endpoints included gait speed, endurance, and grip strength. Outcomes were assessed at 0, 12, 24, and 30 months using blinded operators. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance. The analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Results: Body sway increased more in the control group than in the exercise group over time (time–group interaction, p < 0.001). Leg strength improved in the exercise group and decreased in the control group (interaction, p < 0.001). A significant time–group interaction (p < 0.001) in favor of the exercise group was found on the following secondary endpoints: the timed up and go test score, walking speed, and distance walked in 2 minutes.

Conclusions: Weight-bearing exercise is an effective way of modifying extraskeletal risk factors for fractures in elderly women.
Effect of the Women's Health Initiative on Osteoporosis Therapy and Expenditure in Medicaid
Authors: Udell Jacob A , Fischer Michael A , Brookhart M Alan , Solomon Daniel H , Choudhry Niteesh K
Published: May 2006

Decreasing HRT use among postmenopausal women may have a reciprocal impact on other osteoporosis therapy. Time series analysis of prescribing trends for millions of Medicaid beneficiaries revealed a 57% decline in HRT without augmenting the pace of bisphosphonate use. Prescribing changes dramatically increased Medicaid spending on osteoporosis therapy over the last decade and requires further evaluation of cost effectiveness.

Introduction: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been commonly prescribed to postmenopausal women, but its use is decreasing because adverse cardiac outcomes were reported by the Womeńs Health Initiative (WHI) in July 2002. The reciprocal impact of the WHI on other osteoporosis medications use and expenditure is unknown.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a time series analysis on prescription data from 50 state Medicaid programs between 1995 and 2004. Five medication categories were used: HRT, bisphosphonates, calcium, calcitonin, and raloxifene.

Results: HRT was increasing before publication of the WHI, reaching 5 million prescriptions per year by mid-2002 (136 prescriptions per 1000 beneficiaries). Bisphosphonate prescribing rose in parallel until mid-2002. WHI publication was associated with a rapid reduction in HRT use, declining 57% by mid-2004 to an average of 59 prescriptions per 1000 beneficiaries (p = 0.01). WHI publication did not augment bisphosphonates' nearly linear rate of rise (p = 0.43) as their prescribing pace continued, whereas HRT declined. Medicaid spending on osteoporosis therapy also changed dramatically during the last decade, as yearly expenditure increased 664% from $1465 to $9742 per 1000 beneficiaries. Over this period, a significant shift from daily to weekly bisphosphonates also occurred.

Conclusions: A dramatic decline in HRT and continued rise in bisphosphonate prescribing has occurred since the publication of the WHI. During this time, there have also been substantial increases in osteoporosis medication spending within Medicaid. Determining whether these trends are clinically appropriate and cost effective for osteoporosis therapy will have important implications for the development of future drug reimbursement programs, especially for elderly patients.