bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple, and potentially low‐cost method for measuring the prevalence of childhood obesity
Authors: Routh K. , Rao J. N. , Denley J.
Published: January 2006

Background  Recent official publications have highlighted obesity as one of the biggest threats to public health and the prevalence of obesity in children is widely believed to be rising rapidly. However, there are no data on the prevalence of childhood obesity at a local level. We have developed a simple low‐cost method of gaining such data by working with local schools.

Method  We designed our method on the observation that numeracy and data handling skills are often taught in schools by getting children to measure their height and weight. We recruited seven schools and offered them a numeracy lesson plan suitable for year 5 (aged 9–10) children together with healthcare staff to attend the lesson. As part of the lesson, each child's height and weight was measured and recorded anonymously. Parental consent was obtained on an ‘opt out’ basis. The method was evaluated by questionnaire.

Results  We gained data on body mass index for 252 children. In total, 20% of the children were overweight, and 7% obese. The brief questionnaire survey indicated that both teachers and school nurses were happy with the method and would repeat it. Weighing was carried out sensitively.

Conclusion  Our findings were in line with national studies of the prevalence of childhood obesity. The method was simple, low‐cost and acceptable to schools and school nurses. There seems no reason why this project cannot be used more widely across the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and beyond. We now propose to roll out the method across all primary schools in Birmingham.
Use of the Measure of Process of Care for families (MPOC‐56) and service providers (MPOC‐SP) to evaluate family‐centred services in a paediatric disability setting
Authors: Dyke P. , Buttigieg P. , Blackmore A. M. , Ghose A.
Published: January 2006

Background  The value of family‐centred principles in paediatric professional caregiving services is widely acknowledged. However, the degree to which such services adhere to these principles is not well documented.

Aim  To examine the perceptions of both families and service providers of the extent to which family‐centred services were being implemented by a paediatric disability service provider and to pinpoint areas for improvement.

Method  A sample of 158 families receiving services from the Cerebral Palsy Association of Western Australia completed the Measure of Processes of Care for families (MPOC‐56) and 43 clinicians (most of them physiotherapists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists) completed the Measure of Processes of Care for service providers (MPOC‐SP).

Results  As in previous studies, the families rated ‘respectful and supportive care’ highest and ‘providing general information’ lowest. Clinicians rated ‘showing interpersonal sensitivity’ highest and ‘providing general information’ lowest. Analysis of individual items revealed that the following areas of family‐centred services were in need of improvement: provision of general written information to families on a range of issues, continuity of care, greater involvement of the family in therapy and provision of more detailed information about therapy issues and provision of more general support to whole families.

Conclusions  The MPOC tools have been found useful in enabling disability service providers to identify areas for improvement and move towards providing services that are more family centred.
Characteristics and profile of boys and girls with emotional and behavioural disorders in Flanders mental health institutes: a quantitative study
Authors: D’Oosterlinck F. , Broekaert E. , De Wilde J. , Bockaert L. F. , Goethals I.
Published: January 2006

Background  In this article, we search for gender differences and outline a detailed gender profile for children and youngsters with emotional and behavioural disorders who are placed in Flemish residential care institutes.

Methods  Data were collected of all placements (517 children) in six residential and semi‐residential mental health care centres for children and youngsters with emotional and behavioural disorders in East Flanders, Belgium. File data (gender, age, retention, current treatment, type of referral, education, intelligence, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV‐diagnoses and medication use) were gathered. The Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) was implemented and completed for each child. On the basis of the CBCL, a behaviour profile was developed by means of correlation tables (Pearson correlation coefficient) and cross tabulations. Finally, the profile was compared with the file data of the boys and the girls.

Results  Significant gender differences were found for type of referral, intelligence and diagnoses. The same profile was developed for both genders separately, based on variables Externalizing and Social Problems. The file data associated with the profile groups differ for boys and girls.

Conclusions  The results of our study show the complexity and diversity of the needs of boys and girls with disruptive behaviour in Flemish residential care institutes. Flemish government has to be aware of the fact that the current referral system selects the children with outspoken externalizing and problematic behaviour towards special health care and special schools. They are relegated because the mainstream system is not equipped well enough to cope with their disruptive, aggressive behaviour. Even if governments are in favour of inclusive education, it seems that in practice a rest group is created, in which girls are selected through the same mechanisms as boys, in this case for the same reasons of negative externalizing behaviour and social problems. For this it seems appropriate that school and (semi)‐residential institutes apply a specific and adapted methodology.
Child deaths resulting from inflicted injuries: household risk factors and perpetrator characteristics
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: January 2006

Schnitzer P.G. &
Ewigman B.G.
(
2005
)

,
116
,
e687
–
e693
.

Objective  To determine the role of household composition as an independent risk factor for fatal inflicted injuries among young children and describe perpetrator characteristics.

Design, setting and population  A population‐based, case–control study of all children <5 years of age who died in Missouri between 1 January, 1992, and 31 December, 1999. Missouri Child Fatality Review Program data were analysed. Cases all involved children with injuries inflicted by a parent or caregiver. Two age‐matched controls per case child were selected randomly from children who died of natural causes.

Main outcome measure  Inflicted‐injury death. Household composition of case and control children was compared by using multivariate logistic regression. We hypothesized that children residing in households with adults unrelated to them are at higher risk of inflicted‐injury death than children residing in households with two biological parents.

Results  We identified 149 inflicted‐injury deaths in our population during the 8‐year study period. Children residing in households with unrelated adults were nearly 50 times as likely to die of inflicted injuries than children residing with two biological parents (adjusted odds ratio: 47.6; 95% confidence interval: 10.4–218). Children in households with a single parent and no other adults in residence had no increased risk of inflicted‐injury death (adjusted odds ratio: 0.9; 95% confidence interval: 0.6–1.9). Perpetrators were identified in 132 (88.6%) of the cases. The majority of known perpetrators were male (71.2%), and most were the child's father (34.9%) or the boyfriend of the child's mother (24.2%). In households with unrelated adults, most perpetrators (83.9%) were the unrelated adult household member, and only two (6.5%) perpetrators were the biological parent of the child.

Conclusions  Young children who reside in households with unrelated adults are at exceptionally high risk for inflicted‐injury death. Most perpetrators are male, and most are residents of the decedent child's household at the time of injury.
Changes in the circumstances of young mothers in Britain: 1990–2000
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: January 2006

.
 
Nanchahal K.,
Wellings K.,
Barrett G.,
Copas A.J.,
Mercer C.H.,
Macmanus S.,
Macdowall W.,
Fenton K.A.,
Erens B. &
Johnson A.M.
(
2005
)

,
59
,
828
–
833
.

Objectives  To assess changes between 1990 and 2000 in the circumstances of women who became mothers before the age of 18.

Design  Two cross‐sectional probability sample surveys of the general population carried out in 1989–1991 (Natsal 1990) and 1999–2001 (Natsal 2000).

Setting  British households.

Participants  Women aged 18–27 years at time of survey (Natsal 1990: 2575, Natsal 2000: 1757).

Main outcome measures  Educational attainment, participation in education/work or training, living in social housing, social class, living as lone adult, parity, ill health, and health‐related behaviours at the time of the interview.

Results  The proportion of women who were sexually active before 18 increased between 1990 and 2000 from 58.9% to 71.3% (P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the proportion who had a child before the age of 18 (4.7% in 1990, 5.3% in 2000, P = 0.390). The proportion who had attained no educational qualifications and were not participating in education/work or training was significantly lower in 2000 than in 1990 for all women aged 18–27, but higher among those who were mothers before age 18, although the relative difference was not statistically significant. The proportion living in social housing or reporting a recent long‐term illness at time of interview was higher and this trend was more pronounced among women who did not experience motherhood before 18 than those who did, but the differences between these groups of women were not statistically significant.

Conclusions  Motherhood before the age of 18 continues to be related to a variety of adverse circumstances in adult life, including lack of educational attainment, not being in education/work or training, lone parenthood, and a reduced likelihood of home ownership. There is little evidence of improvement in the circumstances of young mothers between 1990 and 2000 despite improvements in life chances among young women in general.
Hybrid origin of a swordtail species (Teleostei:Xiphophorus clemenciae) driven by sexual selection
Authors: MEYER AXEL , SALZBURGER WALTER , SCHARTL MANFRED
Published: January 2006

The swordlike exaggerated caudal fin extensions of male swordtails are conspicuous traits that are selected for through female choice. Swords are one of only few examples where the hypothesis of a pre‐existing bias is believed to apply for the evolution of a male trait. Previous laboratory experiments demonstrated that females prefer males with longer swords and even females from some swordless species show an affiliation for males of sworded species. Earlier phylogenetic studies based on maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA placed the sworded southern swordtailXiphophorus clemenciaewith swordless platies, contradicting its morphology‐based evolutionary affinities. The analyses of new nuclear DNA markers now recover its traditional phylogenetic placement with other southern swordtails, suggesting that this species was formed by an ancient hybridization event. We propose that sexual selection through female choice was the likely process of hybrid speciation, by mating of platy females with males of an ancestral swordtail lineage. In artificial crosses of descendent species from the two potential ancestral lineages ofX. clemenciaethe hybrid and backcross males have swords of intermediate lengths. Additionally, mate choice experiments demonstrate that hybrid females prefer sworded males. These experimental lines of evidence make hybridization through xeno‐specific sexual selection by female choice the likely mechanism of speciation.
Winter acclimation of PsbS and related proteins in the evergreen Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi as influenced by altitude and light environment
Authors: ZARTER C. RYAN , ADAMS WILLIAM W. , EBBERT VOLKER , ADAMSKA IWONA , JANSSON STEFAN , DEMMIG‐ADAMS BARBARA
Published: January 2006

The evergreen groundcover bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi[L.] Sprengel) was characterized over two successive years (2002–2004) from both sun‐exposed and shaded sites at a montane ponderosa pine and subalpine forest community of 1900‐ and 2800‐m‐high altitudes, respectively. During summer, photosynthetic capacities and pre‐dawn photosystem II (PSII) efficiency were similarly high in all four populations, and in winter, only the sun‐exposed and shaded populations at 2800 m exhibited complete down‐regulation of photosynthetic oxygen evolution capacity and consistent sustained down‐regulation of PSII efficiency. This photosynthetic down‐regulation at high altitude involved a substantial decrease in PSII components [pheophytin, D1 protein, oxygen evolving complex ([OEC)], a strong up‐regulation of several anti‐early‐light‐inducible protein (Elip)‐ and anti‐high‐light‐inducible protein (Hlip)‐reactive bands and a warm‐sustained retention of zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin (Z + A). PsbS, the protein modulating the rapid engagement and disengagement of Z + A in energy dissipation, exhibited its most pronounced winter increases in the shade at 1900 m, and thus apparently assumes a greater role in providing rapidly reversible zeaxanthin‐dependent photoprotection during winter when light becomes excessive in the shaded population, which remains photosynthetically active. It is attractive to hypothesize that PsbS relatives (Elips/Hlips) may be involved in sustained zeaxanthin‐dependent photoprotection under the more extreme winter conditions at 2800 m.
Non‐steady state effects in diurnal 18O discrimination by Picea sitchensis branches in the field
Authors: SEIBT U. , WINGATE L. , BERRY J. A. , LLOYD J.
Published: January 2006

We report diurnal variations in 18O discrimination (18Δ) during photosynthesis (18ΔA) and respiration (18ΔR) of Picea sitchensis branches measured in branch chambers in the field. These observations were compared with predicted 18Δ (18Δpred) based on concurrent measurements of branch gas exchange to evaluate steady state and non‐steady state (NSS) models of foliage water 18O enrichment for predicting the impact of this ecosystem on the δ18O of atmospheric CO2. The non‐steady state approach substantially improved the agreement between 18Δpred and observed 18Δ (18Δobs) compared with the assumption of isotopic steady state (ISS) for the δ18O signature of foliage water. In addition, we found direct observational evidence for NSS effects: extremely high apparent 18Δ values at dusk, dawn and during nocturnal respiration. Our experiments also show the importance of bidirectional foliage gas exchange at night (isotopic equilibration in addition to the net flux). Taken together, neglecting these effects leads to an underestimation of daily net canopy isofluxes from this forest by up to 30%. We expect NSS effects to be most pronounced in species with high specific leaf water content such as conifers and when stomata are open at night or when there is high relative humidity, and we suggest modifications to ecosystem and global models of δ18O of CO2.
A general model for the evolution of mutualisms
Authors: Foster K. R. , Wenseleers T.
Published: January 2006

The evolution of mutualisms presents a puzzle. Why does selection favour cooperation among species rather than cheaters that accept benefits but provide nothing in return? Here we present a general model that predicts three key factors will be important in mutualism evolution: (i) high benefit to cost ratio, (ii) high within-species relatedness and (iii) high between-species fidelity. These factors operate by moderating three types of feedback benefit from mutualism: cooperator association, partner-fidelity feedback and partner choice. In defining the relationship between these processes, our model also allows an assessment of their relative importance. Importantly, the model suggests that phenotypic feedbacks (partner-fidelity feedback, partner choice) are a more important explanation for between-species cooperation than the development of genetic correlations among species (cooperator association). We explain the relationship of our model to existing theories and discuss the empirical evidence for our predictions.
Characterization of a higher plant herbicide‐resistant phytoene desaturase and its use as a selectable marker
Authors: Arias Renée S. , Dayan Franck E. , Michel Albrecht , Howell J’Lynn , Scheffler Brian E.
Published: January 2006

Three natural somatic mutations at codon 304 of the phytoene desaturase gene (pds) of Hydrilla verticillata (L. f. Royle) have been reported to provide resistance to the herbicide fluridone. We substituted the arginine 304 present in the wild‐type H. verticillata phytoene desaturase (PDS) with all 19 other natural amino acids and tested PDS against fluridone. In in vitro assays, the threonine (Thr), cysteine (Cys), alanine (Ala) and glutamine (Gln) mutations imparted the highest resistance to fluridone. Thr, the three natural mutations [Cys, serine (Ser), histidine (His)] and the wild‐type PDS protein were tested in vitro against seven inhibitors of PDS representing several classes of herbicides. These mutations conferred cross‐resistance to norflurazon and overall negative cross‐resistance to beflubutamid, picolinafen and diflufenican. The T3 generation of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants harbouring the four selected mutations and wild‐type pds had similar patterns of cross‐resistance to the herbicides as observed in the in vitro assays. The Thr304 Hydrilla pds mutant proved to be an excellent marker for the selection of transgenic plants. Seedlings harbouring Thr304 pds had a maximum resistance to sensitivity (R/S) ratio of 57 and 14 times higher than that of the wild‐type for treatments with norflurazon and fluridone, respectively. These plants exhibited normal growth and development, even after long‐term exposure to herbicide. As Thr304 pds is of plant origin, it could become more acceptable than other selectable markers for use in genetically modified food.
Efficient production of male and female sterile plants by expression of a chimeric repressor in Arabidopsis and rice
Authors: Mitsuda Nobutaka , Hiratsu Keiichiro , Todaka Daisuke , Nakashima Kazuo , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko , Ohme‐Takagi Masaru
Published: January 2006

Male and female sterile plants are particularly useful for the effective production of commercial hybrid plants and for preventing the diffusion of seeds or pollen grains of genetically modified plants in the open field. In an attempt to create several types of sterile plant by genetic manipulation, we applied our Chimeric REpressor Gene‐Silencing Technology (CRES‐T) to four transcription factors, namely APETALA3, AGAMOUS, LEAFY and AtMYB26, involved in the regulation of petal and stamen identity, stamen and carpel identity, floral meristem identity and anther dehiscence, respectively, in Arabidopsis. Transgenic plants expressing each chimeric repressor exhibited, at high frequency, a sterile phenotype that resembled the loss‐of‐function phenotype of each corresponding gene. Furthermore, in the monocotyledonous crop plant ‘rice’, expression of the chimeric repressor derived from SUPERWOMAN1, the rice orthologue of APETALA3, resulted in the male sterile phenotype with high efficiency. Our results indicate that CRES‐T provides a powerful tool for controlling the fertility of both monocots and dicots by exploiting transcription factors that are strongly conserved amongst plants.
Foliage influences forced convection heat transfer in conifer branches and buds
Authors: Michaletz S. T. , Johnson E. A.
Published: January 2006

Conifer foliage structures affect branch and bud temperature by altering the development and convective resistance of the thermal boundary layer. This paper examines foliage effects on forced convection in branches and buds of Picea glauca (Moench) Voss and Pinus contorta Dougl. Ex. Loud., two species that represent the range of variation in foliage structure among conifers.

Forced convection is characterized by a power law relating Nusselt (heat transfer) and Reynolds (boundary layer development) numbers. Data were collected in a laminar flow wind tunnel for free stream velocities of 0.16–6.95 m s−1. Scaling parameters were compared against literature values for silver cast branch replicas, a bed of real foliage, cylinders, and tube banks.

Foliage structures reduced Nusselt numbers (heat transfer) relative to cylinders, which are typically used to approximate leafless branches and buds. Significantly different scaling relationships were observed for all foliage structures considered.

Forced convection scaling relationships varied with foliage structure. The scaling relationships reported here account for variation within populations of branches and buds and can be used to characterize forced convection in a forest canopy.
Chinese consumer response to imported fruit: intended uses and their effect on perceived quality
Authors: Sun Ximing , Collins Ray
Published: January 2006

Though imported fruit sells in China for many times the price of its local equivalent, and sometimes at prices higher than in developed countries, there are still many willing buyers. Previous reports argue that this purchase behaviour is impelled by the perceived high quality of imported fruit. However, perceived quality itself cannot explain this behaviour comprehensively without examining the intended use behind the decision to purchase. In this research we examined the relationships between intended use and people's perceptions of fruit quality. After convergent interviewing, an intercept mail survey of 1000 consumers was conducted in two different Chinese cities, Guangzhou (highly developed) and Urumqi (relatively undeveloped). The research identified five intended uses of imported fruit, each associated with different functions. Statistical analysis showed that intended use did affect people's perceptions of fruit quality, and that a significant difference exists between the two investigated cities in terms of the relative importance of the five intended uses. Results from this study could help to better understand why Chinese consumers purchase imported fruit and the interrelationships between quality attributes and intended uses. Such an understanding would be significant in developing strategies and policies in marketing imported fruit in China.
Neuronal responses to myelin are mediated by rho kinase
Authors: Alabed Yazan Z. , Grados‐Munro Edith , Ferraro Gino B. , Hsieh Sidney H.‐K. , Fournier Alyson E.
Published: January 2006

CNS myelin inhibits axon growth due to the expression of several growth‐inhibitory proteins, including myelin‐associated glycoprotein, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein and Nogo. Myelin‐associated inhibitory proteins activate rho GTPase in responsive neurons. Rho kinase (ROCK) has been implicated as a critical rho effector in this pathway due to the ability of the pharmacological inhibitor Y‐27632 to circumvent myelin‐dependent inhibition. Y‐27632, however, inhibits the activity of additional kinases. Using three independent approaches, we provide direct evidence that ROCKII is activated in response to the myelin‐associated inhibitor Nogo. We demonstrate that Nogo treatment enhances ROCKII translocation to the cellular membrane in PC12 cells and enhances ROCKII kinase activity towards an in vitro substrate. In addition, Nogo treatment enhances phosphorylation of myosin light chain II, a known ROCK substrate. Further, we demonstrate that primary dorsal root ganglia neurons can be rendered insensitive to the inhibitory effects of myelin via infection with dominant negative ROCK. Together these data provide direct evidence for a rho‐ROCK‐myosin light chain‐II signaling cascade in response to myelin‐associated inhibitors.
Using Public Reports of Patient Satisfaction for Hospital Quality Improvement
Authors: Barr Judith K. , Giannotti Tierney E. , Sofaer Shoshanna , Duquette Cathy E. , Waters William J. , Petrillo Marcia K.
Published: January 2006

Objective. To explore the impact of statewide public reporting of hospital patient satisfaction on hospital quality improvement (QI), using Rhode Island (RI) as a case example.

Data Source. Primary data collected through semi‐structured interviews between September 2002 and January 2003.

Study Design. The design is a retrospective study of hospital executives at all 11 general and two specialty hospitals in RI. Respondents were asked about hospital QI activities at several points throughout the public reporting process, as well as about hospital structure and processes to accomplish QI. Qualitative analysis of the interview data proceeded through an iterative process to identify themes and categories in the data.

Principal Findings. Data from the standardized statewide patient satisfaction survey process were used by hospitals to identify and target new QI initiatives, evaluate performance, and monitor progress. While all hospitals fully participated in the public reporting process, they varied in the stage of development of their QI activities and adoption of the statewide standardized survey for ongoing monitoring of their QI programs. Most hospitals placed responsibility for QI within each department, with results reported to top management, who were perceived as giving strong support for QI. The external environment facilitated QI efforts.

Conclusion. Public reporting of comparative data on patient views can enhance and reinforce QI efforts in hospitals. The participation of key stakeholders facilitated successful implementation of statewide public reporting. This experience in RI offers lessons for other states or regions as they move to public reporting of hospital quality data.
DIVERGENCE OF OPINION AND LONG‐TERM PERFORMANCE OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS
Authors: Gao Yan , Mao Connie X. , Zhong Rui
Published: January 2006

Miller's hypothesis posits that divergence of opinion can lead to asset overvaluation and subsequent long‐term underperformance in markets (such as initial public offerings [IPOs]) with restricted short‐selling. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that early‐market return volatility, a proxy for divergence of opinion, is negatively related to subsequent IPO long‐term abnormal returns. This relation holds after accounting for other factors that previous studies suggest affect long‐term abnormal returns for IPOs (including another proxy for divergence of opinion). Moreover, we find that this relation is stronger in IPO markets than in non‐IPO markets (where short‐selling restrictions are less stringent), again consistent with Miller's hypothesis.
DAY‐END EFFECT ON THE PARIS BOURSE
Authors: Michayluk David , Sanger Gary C.
Published: January 2006

We study the day‐end effect on the Paris Bourse, a computerized order‐driven market with competing dealers. The day‐end return is approximately double the magnitude found in U.S. data and is nearly four times larger for stocks trading with a registered dealer. However, this is largely explained by the time between trades and the bid‐ask spread. Unlike the U.S. data, the effect does not decline as stock price increases, probably because of a variable tick size in the Paris market. Finally, a change to a closing call auction in May 1996 for a subset of stocks did not reduce the day‐end effect.
Efficacy and tolerance of interferon‐α in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C in end‐stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Rocha Cristina M. , Perez Renata M. , Ferreira Adalgisa P. , Carvalho‐Filho Roberto J. , Pace Fabio H. , Silva Ivonete S. , Pestana José O. M. , Lanzoni Valeria P. , Silva Antonio E. , Ferraz Maria Lucia G.
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Background: Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) show a high prevalence of hepatitis C, with a negative impact on the survival on hemodialysis and after renal transplantation. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) in HCV‐infected ESRD patients on dialysis.

Methods: Forty‐six HCV‐RNA‐positive ESRD patients were studied. IFN‐α regimen consisted of 3 million units three times a week for 12 months, and the patients were followed up for 6 months. End‐of‐treatment, and sustained biochemical and virological responses were evaluated and tolerance was assessed monthly.

Results: A sustained virological response (SVR) was observed in 10/46 patients (22%) and in 10/29 who completed the treatment (34%). Alanine aminotransferase was elevated in 63% of the patients at the beginning of the study and returned to normal levels within the first month in all patients with SVR. Treatment was discontinued because of side effects in 11/46 patients (24%) and six patients (13%) were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions: IFN‐α monotherapy for hepatitis C in dialysis patients shows a high frequency of adverse effects. However, the SVR is high (34%) in patients who complete treatment, emphasizing the importance of careful selection and close follow‐up in order to minimize and control possible side effects.
Prenatal detection of birth defects in a Malaysian population: Estimation of the influence of termination of pregnancy on birth prevalence in a developing country
Authors: HO Jacqueline J. , THONG Meow Keong , NURANI Noor Khatijah
Published: January 2006

We studied 253 women with a pregnancy complicated by a birth defect and 506 controls to determine the frequency and type of prenatal tests and the types of defects detected antenatally. Most women had at least one ultrasound examination, but the frequency of other screening tests was low. Only 38 (15%) of defects were detected antenatally (37 by ultrasound). Birth prevalence is unlikely to be affected by pregnancy termination.
Correlates of Oral Sex and Vaginal Intercourse in Early and Middle Adolescence
Authors: Bersamin Melina M. , Walker Samantha , Fisher Deborah A. , Grube Joel W.
Published: January 2006

This study examined whether a comprehensive set of psychosocial factors was equally predictive of both adolescent vaginal intercourse and oral sex among 1,105 adolescents aged 12–16. Logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between parental communication, religiosity, bonding to school, heavy drinking, sex expectancies, normative beliefs, and both oral sex and vaginal intercourse. Age, gender, bonding to school, heavy drinking, and negative health expectancies predicted both oral sex and vaginal intercourse. Parental communication was associated with vaginal intercourse but not oral sex. Behavior‐specific normative beliefs were differentially associated with oral and vaginal sex.
Fish Stories: Science, Advocacy, and Policy Change in New England Fishery Management
Authors: Layzer Judith
Published: January 2006

Once the poster child for government‐sponsored overfishing, New England by 2005 had become a fishery conservation success story. This article develops and deploys a problem‐definition framework to explain the dramatic shift from a permissive to a protective fishery management regime in New England. I argue that neither new and improved scientific information nor pressure from powerful commercial interests caused government officials to modify their approach to fishery management. Instead, environmentalists used lawsuits to threaten fishery managers’ autonomy and thereby forced them to replace fishers’ risk‐tolerant definition of the problem with environmentalists’ more precautionary one as the basis for management. Environmentalists had legal leverage because they were able to demonstrate convincingly a substantial discrepancy between what the agency's governing statute required and what managers actually did. Two factors were critical to environmentalists’ success: a compelling and credible scientific story about the relationship between fishing and the health of fish stocks, and an explicit conservation requirement in the language governing fishery management.
Microinflammation in hemodialysis is related to a preactivated subset of monocytes
Authors: RAMIREZ Rafael , CARRACEDO Julia , BERDUD Isabel , CARRETERO Diana , MERINO Ana , RODRÍGUEZ Mariano , TETTA Ciro , MARTÍN‐MALO Alejandro , ALJAMA Pedro
Published: January 2006

Increased percentage of monocytes with low CD14 expression and that co‐express CD16 (CD14+/CD16+) have been reported in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We sought to determine whether CD14+/CD16+ monocytes in HD therapy are sensibilized cells to a proinflammatory activity. Cells from 32 HD patients, and from 9 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), 9 individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1‐ and 15 healthy controls were studied. Cells were analyzed by means of flow cytometry for CD14/CD16 expression and immune function (cytokine, chemokines, and sialoadhesin expression), and phagocytosis. Increased percentage of CD14+/CD16+ monocytes was observed in HD patients. Compared with CD14++ monocytes, the CD14+/CD16+ monocytes exhibited increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and markers of differentiated cells. In addition, these monocytes showed an increased phagocytic activity. Similarly, CD14+/CD16+ monocytes from SLE and HIV patients showed increased inflammatory activity as compared with CD14++ cells. These results support that CD14+/CD16+ monocytes from HD patients evidence characteristics of primed prestimulated proinflammatory cells, similar to data observed in SLE and HIV.
The relevance of convection in clinical practice: A critical review of the literature
Authors: POZZONI Pietro , Di FILIPPO Salvatore , MANZONI Celestina , LOCATELLI Francesco
Published: January 2006

Convective treatments (high‐flux hemodialysis (HD), hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration) are characterized by enhanced removal of middle and large molecular weight solutes compared with conventional low‐flux HD. As these molecules are claimed to play an important role in the genesis of many complications of chronic HD, the availability of these techniques represented an intriguing innovation and a possible means to improve the still poor prognosis of HD patients. Here we will critically review the most important published studies comparing convective treatments with low‐flux HD on chronic morbidity, preservation of residual renal function, and long‐term survival.
Oligomerization states of the association domain and the holoenyzme of Ca2+/CaM kinase II
Authors: Rosenberg Oren S. , Deindl Sebastian , Comolli Luis R. , Hoelz André , Downing Kenneth H. , Nairn Angus C. , Kuriyan John
Published: January 2006

Ca2+/calmodulin activated protein kinase II (CaMKII) is an oligomeric protein kinase with a unique holoenyzme architecture. The subunits of CaMKII are bound together into the holoenzyme by the association domain, a C‐terminal region of ≈ 140 residues in the CaMKII polypeptide. Single particle analyses of electron micrographs have suggested previously that the holoenyzme forms a dodecamer that contains two stacked 6‐fold symmetric rings. In contrast, a recent crystal structure of the isolated association domain of mouse CaMKIIα has revealed a tetradecameric assembly with two stacked 7‐fold symmetric rings. In this study, we have determined the crystal structure of the Caenorhabditis elegans CaMKII association domain and it too forms a tetradecamer. We also show by electron microscopy that in its fully assembled form the CaMKII holoenzyme is a dodecamer but without the kinase domains, either from expression of the isolated association domain in bacteria or following their removal by proteolysis, the association domains form a tetradecamer. We speculate that the holoenzyme is held in its 6‐fold symmetric state by the interactions of the N‐terminal ≈ 1–335 residues and that the removal of this region allows the association domain to convert into a more stable 7‐fold symmetric form.
Limited mutagenesis increases the stability of human carboxypeptidase U (TAFIa) and demonstrates the importance of CPU stability over proCPU concentration in down‐regulating fibrinolysis
Authors: Knecht Wolfgang , Willemse Johan , Stenhamre Hanna , Andersson Mats , Berntsson Pia , Furebring Christina , Harrysson Anna , Hager Ann‐Christin Malmborg , Wissing Britt‐Marie , Hendriks Dirk , Cronet Philippe
Published: January 2006

Procarboxypeptidase U [proCPU, thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), EC 3.4.17.20] belongs to the metallocarboxypeptidase family and is a zymogen found in human plasma. ProCPU has been proposed to be a molecular link between coagulation and fibrinolysis. Upon activation of proCPU, the active enzyme (CPU) rapidly becomes inactive due to its intrinsic instability. The inherent instability of CPU is likely to be of major importance for the in vivo down‐regulation of its activity, but the underlying structural mechanisms of this fast and spontaneous loss of activity of CPU have not yet been explained, and they severely inhibit the structural characterization of CPU. In this study, we screened for more thermostable versions of CPU to increase our understanding of the mechanism underlying the instability of CPU's activity. We have shown that single as well as a few 2–4 mutations in human CPU can prolong the half‐life of CPU's activity at 37 °C from 0.2 h of wild‐type CPU to 0.5–5.5 h for the mutants. We provide evidence that the gain in stable activity is accompanied by a gain in thermostability of the enzyme and increased resistance to proteolytic digest by trypsin. Using one of the stable mutants, we demonstrate the importance of CPU stability over proCPU concentration in down‐regulating fibrinolysis.
Molecular mechanisms regulating molting in a crustacean
Authors: Devaraj Halagowder , Natarajan Ayithan
Published: January 2006

Crustacean growth and development is characterized by periodic shedding (ecdysis) and replacement of the rigid exoskeleton. Secretions of the X‐organ sinus gland complex control the cellular events that lead to growth and molting. Western blot and ELISA results showed a progressive increase in growth arrest‐specific protein (Gas7) from early postmolt stage to a maximum at late postmolt stage. Phosphorylation of ERK2, a downstream signaling protein, was also identified in the subsequent stages. ERK2 phosphorylation resulted in the expression of molt‐inhibiting hormone (MIH). Specific ERK inhibitors (PD98059 and UO126) exhibited the ability to reduce the molting duration of Fenneropenaeus indicus from 12–14 days to 7–8 days, suggesting that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway is responsible for the expression of MIH, which controls the molt cycle. We have identified the stage‐specific expression of Gas7 (≈ 48 kDa) in the X‐organ sinus gland complex of eyestalk which is involved in the downstream signaling of the ERK1/2 pathway regulating the expression of MIH during the molt cycle of the white shrimp, F. indicus. These are the first data showing an association between the Gas7 signal‐transduction process and regulation of the molt cycle and provides an alternative molecular intervention mechanism to the traditional eyestalk ablation in crustaceans.
Pharmacodynamic Activity of Amphotericin B Deoxycholate Is Associated with Peak Plasma Concentrations in a Neutropenic Murine Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Tam Vincent H. , Chi Jingduan , Prince Randall A. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Lewis Russell E.
Published: January 2006

We conducted a dose fractionation study of neutropenic, corticosteroid-immunosuppressed mice to characterize the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) parameter most closely associated with amphotericin B (AMB) efficacy in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were determined by a nonparametric population pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma drug concentrations following single intraperitoneal doses (0.25, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg of body weight) of amphotericin B deoxycholate. Three dosage groups (0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mg/kg) fractionated into three dosing intervals (every 8 h [q8h], q24h, or q72h) were tested to discriminate between the PK/PD parameters (the ratio of maximum concentration of drug in serum [
C
max
]/MIC, the ratio of area under the concentration-time curve/MIC, and percentage of time above MIC) most closely associated with AMB efficacy over a range of clinically achievable exposures in humans. The efficacy of each regimen was determined by quantitative PCR and survival. Reductions in pulmonary fungal burden and improvements in survival were maximized at the highest peak plasma concentrations in each of the dosage groups. Reductions in pulmonary fungal burden and increased survival were most closely associated with
C
max
/MIC, with maximal activity occurring as the
C
max
/MIC approached 2.4. In our model,
C
max
/MIC is the PK/PD parameter most closely associated with efficacy in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. These data predict that less frequently administered, higher dosages of AMB would optimize efficacy.
Antibacterial Properties of Dermaseptin S4 Derivatives under Extreme Incubation Conditions
Authors: Rydlo Tali , Rotem Shahar , Mor Amram
Published: January 2006

Antibacterial properties of the frog-derived peptide dermaseptin S4 and a series of synthetic derivatives against the food pathogen
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 were investigated under extreme incubation conditions. The 28-mer analog K
4
K
20
S4 (P
28
) displayed an MIC of 8 μM and rapid bactericidal kinetics under standard culture conditions. Potent bactericidal properties were maintained at high salt concentrations, under acidic or basic conditions, and at extreme temperatures. The N-terminal 14-mer sequence (P
14
) displayed higher potency (MIC, 4 μM) but only within a narrow range of incubation conditions, pointing to the importance of the C-terminal domain of P
28
. The potency range was reextended upon conjugation of aminododecanoic acid to P
14
. The resulting lipopeptide was even more potent (MIC, 2 μM) and affected bacterial viability under most of the conditions tested, including in commercial apple juice. The mechanistic implications of peptides' hydrophobicity, charge, structure, and binding to an idealized membrane were probed and are discussed here. Collectively, the data indicate interest in simple peptide-based compounds for design of antimicrobials that affect pathogens under a variable range of incubation conditions.
Human Immunoglobulin G Recognizing Fibrinogen-Binding Surface Proteins Is Protective against both
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Infections In Vivo
Authors: Vernachio John H. , Bayer Arnold S. , Ames Brenda , Bryant Dawn , Prater Bradley D. , Syribeys Peter J. , Gorovits Elena L. , Patti Joseph M.
Published: January 2006

A human donor-selected immunoglobulin G for intravenous injection (IGIV) product with elevated titers against the staphylococcal fibrinogen-binding MSCRAMM proteins ClfA and SdrG (INH-A21) was tested in vitro and in vivo. INH-A21 contained a significantly increased ability to inhibit the fibrinogen-binding activity of recombinant forms of both ClfA and SdrG. Evaluation of the opsonizing potential of INH-A21 was evaluated using fluorescently labeled bacteria; this assay indicated an increase in phagocytic activity compared to normal IGIV. The prophylactic efficacy of INH-A21 against an intraperitoneal challenge of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(MRSE) was evaluated in a neonatal rat model. INH-A21 was also evaluated for prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in a rabbit model of catheter-induced aortic valve infective endocarditis caused by either MRSE or methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Results from the in vivo models demonstrated potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against both MRSE and MRSA. These data suggest that INH-A21 may be an important tool for the prevention and treatment of staphylococcal infections, especially in high-risk populations.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication in Latently Infected Cells by a Novel IκB Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Victoriano Ann Florence B. , Asamitsu Kaori , Hibi Yurina , Imai Kenichi , Barzaga Nina G. , Okamoto Takashi
Published: January 2006

In human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) latently infected cells, NF-κB plays a major role in the transcriptional induction of HIV-1 replication. Hence, downregulation of NF-κB activation has long been sought for effective anti-HIV therapy. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulates IκB kinase (IKK) complex, a critical regulator in the NF-κB signaling pathway. A novel IKK inhibitor, ACHP {2-amino-6-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-hydroxyphenyl]-4-piperidin-4-yl-nicotinonitrile}, was developed and evaluated as a potent and specific inhibitor for IKK-α and IKK-β. In this study, we examined the ability of this compound to inhibit HIV-1 replication in OM10.1 cells latently infected with HIV. When these cells were pretreated with ACHP, TNF-α-induced HIV-1 replication was dramatically inhibited, as measured by the HIV p24 antigen levels in the culture supernatants. Its 50% effective concentration was approximately 0.56 μM, whereas its 50% cytotoxic concentration was about 15 μM. Western blot analysis revealed inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 nuclear translocation, and p65 phosphorylation. ACHP was also found to suppress HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-driven gene expression through the inhibition of NF-κB activation. Furthermore, ACHP inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB (p65) recruitment to the HIV-1 LTR, as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. These findings suggest that ACHP acts as a potent suppressor of TNF-α-induced HIV replication in latently infected cells and that this inhibition is mediated through suppression of IKK activity.
3,5-Dioxopyrazolidines, Novel Inhibitors of UDP-
N
- Acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine Reductase (MurB) with Activity against Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Yang Youjun , Severin Anatoly , Chopra Rajiv , Krishnamurthy Girija , Singh Guy , Hu William , Keeney David , Svenson Kristine , Petersen Peter J. , Labthavikul Pornpen , Shlaes David M. , Rasmussen Beth A. , Failli Amedeo A. , Shumsky Jay S. , Kutterer Kristina M. K. , Gilbert Adam , Mansour Tarek S.
Published: January 2006

A series of 3,5-dioxopyrazolidines was identified as novel inhibitors of UDP-
N
-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB). Compounds 1 to 3, which are 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dioxopyrazolidine-4-carboxamides, inhibited
Escherichia coli
MurB,
Staphyloccocus aureus
MurB, and
E. coli
MurA with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) in the range of 4.1 to 6.8 μM, 4.3 to 10.3 μM, and 6.8 to 29.4 μM, respectively. Compound 4, a C-4-unsubstituted 1,2-bis(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3,5-dioxopyrazolidine, showed moderate inhibitory activity against
E. coli
MurB,
S. aureus
MurB, and
E. coli
MurC (IC
50
s, 24.5 to 35 μM). A fluorescence-binding assay indicated tight binding of compound 3 with
E. coli
MurB, giving a dissociation constant of 260 nM. Structural characterization of
E. coli
MurB was undertaken, and the crystal structure of a complex with compound 4 was obtained at 2.4 Å resolution. The crystal structure indicated the binding of a compound at the active site of MurB and specific interactions with active-site residues and the bound flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis studies using a strain of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
revealed reduced peptidoglycan biosynthesis upon incubation with 3,5-dioxopyrazolidines, with IC
50
s of 0.39 to 11.1 μM. Antibacterial activity was observed for compounds 1 to 3 (MICs, 0.25 to 16 μg/ml) and 4 (MICs, 4 to 8 μg/ml) against gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
, vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
, and penicillin-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
.