bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The link between prosody and language skills in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and/or dyslexia
Authors: Marshall C. R. , Harcourt‐Brown S. , Ramus F. , van der Lely H. K. J.
Published: January 2009

Background: Children with specific language impairment (SLI) and dyslexia are known to have impairments in various aspects of phonology, which have been claimed to cause their language and literacy impairments. However, ‘phonology’ encompasses a wide range of skills, and little is known about whether these phonological impairments extend to prosody.

Aims: To investigate certain prosodic abilities of children with SLI and/or dyslexia, to determine whether such children have prosodic impairments, whether they have the same pattern of impairments, and whether prosodic impairments are related to language and literacy deficits.

Methods & Procedures: Six subtests of the Profiling Elements of Prosodic Systems — Child version (PEPS‐C) were used to investigate discrimination/comprehension and imitation/production of prosodic forms that were either independent of language or that had one of two linguistic functions: chunking (prosodic boundaries) and focus (contrastive stress). The performance of three groups of 10–14‐year‐old children with SLI plus dyslexia, SLI, and dyslexia were compared with an age‐matched control group and two younger control groups matched for various aspects of language and reading.

Outcomes & Results: The majority of children with SLI and/or dyslexia performed well on the tasks that tested auditory discrimination and imitation of prosodic forms. However, their ability to use prosody to disambiguate certain linguistic structures was impaired relative to age‐matched controls, although these differences disappeared in comparison with language‐matched controls. No, or only very weak, links were found between prosody and language and literacy skills in children with SLI and/or dyslexia.

Conclusions & Implications: Children with SLI and/or dyslexia aged 10–14 years show an impaired ability to disambiguate linguistic structures for which prosody is required. However, they are able on the whole to discriminate and imitate the actual prosodic structures themselves, without reference to linguistic meaning. While the interaction between prosody and other components of language such as syntax and pragmatics is problematic for children with SLI and/or dyslexia, prosody itself does not appear to be a core impairment.
Name–picture verification as a control measure for object naming: A task analysis and norms for a large set of pictures
Authors: Stadthagen-Gonzalez Hans , Damian Markus F. , Pérez Miguel A. , Bowers Jeffrey S. , Marín Javier
Published: January 2009

The name–picture verification task is widely used in spoken production studies to control for nonlexical differences between picture sets. In this task a word is presented first and followed, after a pause, by a picture. Participants must then make a speeded decision on whether both word and picture refer to the same object. Using regression analyses, we systematically explored the characteristics of this task by assessing the independent contribution of a series of factors that have been found relevant for picture naming in previous studies. We found that, for “match” responses, both visual and conceptual factors played a role, but lexical variables were not significant contributors. No clear pattern emerged from the analysis of “no-match” responses. We interpret these results as validating the use of “match” latencies as control variables in studies or spoken production using picture naming. Norms for match and no-match responses for 396 line drawings taken from Cycowicz, Friedman, Rothstein, and Snodgrass (1997) can be downloaded at: http://language.psy.bris.ac.uk/name-picture_verification.html
Short Article: Are Attractive Facial Characteristics Peculiar to the Sex of a Face?
Authors: Casey Sarah J. , Mernagh Marion , Newell Fiona N.
Published: January 2009

Preferences for faces are thought to be the result of either general adaptations for mate selection, and thus influenced by sexual dimorphism, or mechanisms of general information processing and thus nonspecific to faces. If mate choice determines face preference then it should follow that the sex of a face should affect attractiveness judgements. To test this idea we used image morphing to generate three versions of face images: original, opposite sex, and antiface. First we established that the sex of the face was identifiable in our images. We then collected attractiveness ratings for the three face types. We found that attractiveness ratings to the original faces were correlated with, and did not differ significantly between, ratings to the opposite-sex faces. However, ratings for either the original or opposite face types were not correlated with and were significantly lower than ratings to the antifaces. Our findings failed to support the idea that attractiveness is related to sexual dimorphism in faces alone but suggest instead that other more generic factors influence preferences for all faces.
Short article: The effects of age of acquisition and frequency trajectory on object naming: Comments on Pérez (2007)
Authors: Bonin Patrick , Méot Alain , Mermillod Martial , Ferrand Ludovic , Barry Christopher
Published: January 2009

Pérez (2007) reported that objective age of acquisition (AoA) was a major determinant of adult object naming latencies when frequency trajectory and cumulative frequency were included in the same regression analysis. In this comment, we discuss several issues concerning the influence of frequency trajectory and AoA and argue that objective AoA is a behavioural outcome and a natural covariate of frequency trajectory. Bonin, Barry, Méot, and Chalard (2004) argued that the critical test of age-limited learning effects is finding an effect of frequency trajectory when AoA was not included as a factor. This critical test was lacking in Pérez's (2007) study, but several re-analyses of his data show that frequency trajectory is a reliable predictor of naming speed when objective AoA is not included in the regression. We conclude that frequency trajectory remains an important independent variable for the study of the effects of age-limited learning.
The Role of FilGAP-Filamin A Interactions in Mechanoprotection
Authors: Shifrin Yulia , Arora Pamela D. , Ohta Yasutaka , Calderwood David A. , McCulloch Christopher A.
Published: January 2009

Cells in mechanically active environments are subjected to high-amplitude exogenous forces that can lead to cell death. Filamin A (FLNa) may protect cells from mechanically induced death by mechanisms that are not yet defined. We found that mechanical forces applied through integrins enhanced Rac-mediated lamellae formation in FLNa-null but not FLNa-expressing cells. Suppression of force-induced lamella formation was mediated by repeat 23 of FLNa, which also binds FilGAP, a recently discovered Rac GTPase-activating protein (GAP). We found that FilGAP is targeted to sites of force transfer by FLNa. This force-induced redistribution of FilGAP was essential for the suppression of Rac activity and lamellae formation in cells treated with tensile forces. Depletion of FilGAP by small interfering RNA, inhibition of FilGAP activity by dominant-negative mutation or deletion of its FLNa-binding domain, all resulted in a dramatic force-induced increase of the percentage of annexin-V–positive cells. FilGAP therefore plays a role in protecting cells against force-induced apoptosis, and this function is mediated by FLNa.
The Novel Adaptor Protein Tks4 (SH3PXD2B) Is Required for Functional Podosome Formation
Authors: Buschman Matthew D. , Bromann Paul A. , Cejudo-Martin Pilar , Wen Fang , Pass Ian , Courtneidge Sara A.
Published: January 2009

Metastatic cancer cells have the ability to both degrade and migrate through the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invasiveness can be correlated with the presence of dynamic actin-rich membrane structures called podosomes or invadopodia. We showed previously that the adaptor protein tyrosine kinase substrate with five Src homology 3 domains (Tks5)/Fish is required for podosome/invadopodia formation, degradation of ECM, and cancer cell invasion in vivo and in vitro. Here, we describe Tks4, a novel protein that is closely related to Tks5. This protein contains an amino-terminal Phox homology domain, four SH3 domains, and several proline-rich motifs. In Src-transformed fibroblasts, Tks4 is tyrosine phosphorylated and predominantly localized to rosettes of podosomes. We used both short hairpin RNA knockdown and mouse embryo fibroblasts lacking Tks4 to investigate its role in podosome formation. We found that lack of Tks4 resulted in incomplete podosome formation and inhibited ECM degradation. Both phenotypes were rescued by reintroduction of Tks4, whereas only podosome formation, but not ECM degradation, was rescued by overexpression of Tks5. The tyrosine phosphorylation sites of Tks4 were required for efficient rescue. Furthermore, in the absence of Tks4, membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) was not recruited to the incomplete podosomes. These findings suggest that Tks4 and Tks5 have overlapping, but not identical, functions, and implicate Tks4 in MT1-MMP recruitment and ECM degradation.
Hinterland Dreams and Midwestern Rails: Public Power and Railroading in Nineteenth-Century La Crosse, Wisconsin
Authors: Morser Eric John
Published: January 2009

Historians of the nineteenth-century American Middle West typically pay scant attention to the financial and regulatory role that smaller cities played in forging a regional railroad network. This article, however, explores railroading in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to demonstrate that politicians and boosters in such cities often took advantage of municipal power to shape the course of railroads in unexpected ways. In 1853, 1864, and 1876, for example, local boosters convinced city aldermen to fund railways and help forge commercial links to Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, and other markets in the East and West. The city's influence over railroading did not start and stop with public investment. Beginning in 1883, after state lawmakers had amended the city's charter and given municipal officials new police powers, aldermen forced railroad executives to clear city streets, prevent damage to private property, and guarantee the personal safety of local residents. Moreover, even when La Crossers lost a fight with railroads, as they did when they waged a holy war over the location of a Mississippi River bridge in the 1860s and 1870s, they forced railroadmen to pay attention to their concerns. In the end, the case of La Crosse suggests that historians need to pay much greater mind to people and governments in small, hinterland cities before they can fully grasp the rich history of railroading, and of capitalism more generally, in the nineteenth-century Middle West.
Transition of Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease From Pediatric to Adult Care: A Survey of Adult Gastroenterologists
Authors: Hait Elizabeth J , Barendse Renée M , Arnold Janis H , Valim Clarissa , Sands Bruce E , Korzenik Joshua R , Fishman Laurie N
Published: January 2009

Objectives:

Transition of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from pediatric to adult providers requires preparation. Gastroenterologists for adult patients (“adult gastroenterologists”) may have expectations of patients that are different from those of pediatric patients. We sought to explore the perspectives of adult gastroenterologists caring for adolescents and young adults with IBD, to improve preparation for transition.

Materials and Methods:

A survey sent to 1132 adult gastroenterologists caring for patients with IBD asked physicians to rank the importance of patient competencies thought necessary in successful transition to an adult practice. Providers reported which problems occurred in patients with IBD transitioning to their own practice. Adult gastroenterologists were asked about medical and developmental issues that are unique to adolescence.

Results:

A response rate of 34% was achieved. Adult gastroenterologists reported that young adults with IBD often demonstrated deficits in knowledge of their medical history (55%) and medication regimens (69%). In addition, 51% of adult gastroenterologists reported receiving inadequate medical history from pediatric providers. Adult providers were less concerned about the ability of patients to identify previous and current health care providers (19%), or attend office visits by themselves (15%). Knowledge of adolescent medical and developmental issues was perceived as important by adult gastroenterologists; however, only 46% felt competent addressing the developmental aspects of adolescents.

Conclusions:

For successful transition, adolescents and young adults with IBD need improved education about their medical history and medications. Pediatric providers need to improve communication with the receiving physicians. In addition, adult providers may benefit from further training in adolescent issues. Formal transition checklists and programs may improve the transition of patients with IBD from pediatric to adult care.
Morphological Changes of the Enteric Nervous System, Interstitial Cells of Cajal, and Smooth Muscle in Children With Colonic Motility Disorders
Authors: van den Berg MM , Di Lorenzo C , Mousa HM , Benninga MA , Boeckxstaens GEE , Luquette M
Published: January 2009

Objectives:

To evaluate the relation between colonic manometry findings and the colonic enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal, and smooth muscle morphology.

Patients and Methods:

Colonic specimens from surgical resections or full‐thickness biopsy specimens were assessed from a cohort of children who underwent colonic manometry before surgery. Colonic manometric patterns were subdivided into high‐amplitude propagating contractions, low‐amplitude propagating contractions, absence of contractions, and low‐amplitude simultaneous contractions. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify abnormalities in the enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal, and smooth muscle layers.

Results:

Study participants included patients with Hirschsprung disease (n = 4), chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (n = 1), and idiopathic intractable constipation (n = 8). Thirty‐seven ganglionic segments were studied. Abnormalities in myenteric plexus were recognized in segments of all manometry groups, and no differences could be identified when they were compared with segments with high‐amplitude propagating contractions. All of the segments showed an abnormal interstitial cells of Cajal plexus, and no statistical difference could be identified between the 4 groups (n = 0.08). Homogeneous expression of smooth muscle actin was observed in all of the segments.

Conclusions:

In this cohort we were unable to classify specific manometric findings as reflective of myopathic or neuropathic abnormalities in patients with motility disorders. Caution should be used when predicting the type of neuromuscular disorder based on colonic manometry.
14 Years of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Clinical Features and Prognosis
Authors: Spergel Jonathan M , Brown‐Whitehorn Terri F , Beausoleil Janet L , Franciosi James , Shuker Michele , Verma Ritu , Liacouras Chris A
Published: January 2009

Objective:

To determine the natural history of treated and untreated eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) and examine the presenting symptoms of EE.

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective and prospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with EE at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. EE was defined as greater than 20 eosinophils per high power field after treatment with reflux medications.

Results:

We identified 620 patients in our database in the last 14 years and 330 patients with greater than 1 year of follow‐up for analysis. The number of new EE patients has increased on an annual basis. Of the patients presenting with EE, 68% were younger than 6 years old. Reflux symptoms and feeding issues/failure to thrive were the most common presenting symptoms for EE. Eleven patients had resolution of all of their food allergies and 33 patients had resolutions of some of their food allergies. No patients have progression of EE into other gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusions:

EE is a chronic disease with less than 10% of the population developing tolerance to their food allergies. EE does not progress into other gastrointestinal diseases.
Zinc Therapy for Diarrhoea Improves Growth Among Bangladeshi Infants 6 to 11 Months of Age
Authors: Naheed Aliya , Walker Fischer Christa L , Mondal Dinesh , Ahmed Saifuddin , Arifeen Shams El , Yunus Mohammad , Black Robert E , Baqui Abdullah H
Published: January 2009

Objectives:

We assessed the effect of zinc for the treatment of diarrhoea implemented at the community level on physical growth among children 6 to 35 months of age.

Methods:

The service areas of 30 community health workers in the Matlab field site of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, were randomly allocated to the intervention or comparison study arm. Between November 1998 and October 2000, caretakers of 3‐ to 59‐month‐old children with diarrhoea in both intervention and comparison areas were offered oral rehydration solution and feeding advice, and severe episodes were referred for facility‐based care. The caretakers of the children in the intervention area were additionally offered 20 mg/day elemental zinc for 14 days as adjunct treatment for each diarrhoea episode. Weight and length of children who were 6 to 11 months of age at the beginning of the study were measured every 2 months for 2 years. Rates of length and weight gains were compared between children living in intervention and control arms using a latent growth model.

Results:

Characteristics of children living in control and intervention areas were similar, except that more children living in intervention areas were underweight at baseline (44 vs 35%; P = 0.02). Children living in intervention clusters gained slightly more weight and length than children in the control clusters (86.4 g/year and 2.8 mm/year, respectively).

Conclusions:

The therapeutic use of zinc along with oral rehydration solution for community‐based diarrhoea management may have a small positive benefit on the rates of growth among children younger than 3 years of age.
Candida aurissp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast isolated from the external ear canal of an inpatient in a Japanese hospital
Authors: Satoh Kazuo , Makimura Koichi , Hasumi Yayoi , Nishiyama Yayoi , Uchida Katsuhisa , Yamaguchi Hideyo
Published: January 2009

A single strain of a novel ascomycetous yeast species belonging to the genusCandidawas isolated from the external ear canal of an inpatient in a Japanese hospital. Analyses of the 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain, nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS region sequences, and chemotaxonomic studies indicated that this strain represents a new species with a close phylogenetic relationship toCandida ruelliaeandCandida haemuloniiin the Metschnikowiaceae clade. This strain grew well at 40 °C, but showed slow and weak growth at 42 °C. The taxonomic description ofCandida aurissp. nov. is proposed (type strain JCM15448T= CBS10913T= DSM21092T).
Simple broad‐spectrum protocol using labiase for bacterial cell lysis to prepare genomic DNA for pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis analysis
Authors: Oana Kozue , Kawakami Yoshiyuki , Hayashi Tetsuya , Ohnishi Makoto
Published: January 2009

We have developed a simple broad‐spectrum protocol using labiase for bacterial cell lysis in pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis analysis. The protocol reported here is widely applicable to the preparations of genomic DNA from Gram‐negative and ‐positive pathogens, including enterococcal strains resistant to any conventional lysis protocols.
IL‐4‐dependent induction of IgE+ basophils in peripheral blood and IgE+ B cells in spleen as respective indicators of allergen sensitization and a precursor of cells secreting allergen‐specific IgE antibody
Authors: Miyoshi‐Higashino Masako , Hirano Masayo , Ogita‐Nakanishi Hiromi , Yamamoto‐Kimoto Yumiko , Sakurai Kanji , Tashiro‐Yamaji Junko , Nomi Hayahito , Takahashi Takeshi , Miura‐Takeda Sayako , Takenaka Hiroshi , Kubota Takahiro , Yoshida Ryotaro
Published: January 2009

It was recently reported by us that either primary i.n. or i.p. injection of cedar pollen extract into BALB/c mice, or a second s.c. injection of the allergen into i.v. or s.c. sensitized mice, causes an IL‐4‐dependent increase in total IgE serum antibody to produce allergen‐specific IgE antibody upon further s.c. sensitization. To determine the biology of total IgE antibody, in the present study IgE+ cells in peripheral blood or lymphoid tissues of allergen‐sensitized BALB/c mice have been characterized. In peripheral blood, mice sensitized one to three times with the allergen produced a 2.5‐ to 4‐fold increase in the number of IgE+ cells, with a time‐course similar to that of the concentration of total IgE antibody in serum. These IgE+ cells were basophils. On the other hand, the number of IgE+ cells in the lymphoid tissues did not change significantly after an i.n., i.p., i.v. or s.c. injection of allergen into the mice, whereas a second s.c. injection of the allergen into the i.v.‐, but not into the i.n.‐, i.p.‐ or s.c.‐, sensitized mice induced a small number of IgE+/IgM+/B220+ B cells in the spleen. In contrast, IgE+ cells were not seen in the blood or spleen of IL‐4 ‐/‐ mice after sensitization with the allergen.

These results suggest that IgE+ basophils in the peripheral blood, and IgE+ B cells in the spleen, might be IL‐4‐dependently induced as an indicator of sensitization with allergen, and a precursor of cells secreting allergen‐specific IgE antibody, respectively.
Changes in women's use of illicit drugs following imprisonment
Authors: Plugge Emma , Yudkin Patricia , Douglas Nicola
Published: January 2009

Aim  To provide data on changes in illegal drug use in women following imprisonment.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  Recruitment took place in two prisons in the Midlands and South‐East England and follow‐up in 13 prisons across England.

Participants  A total of 505 women prisoners participated, a response rate of 82%.

Measurements  Questions about drug use were contained within a questionnaire which examined broad aspects of health. On entry into prison, women answered questions about daily drug use and injecting drug use prior to imprisonment. One month later the questionnaires examined drug use during this period of imprisonment.

Findings  Prior to imprisonment, 53% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49–58%] of women took at least one illegal drug daily and 38% (CI: 34–42%) said they had ever injected drugs. Following imprisonment, some women continued to use drugs; 14% (CI: 10–20%) of women reported using at least one illegal drug daily and 2% (CI: 0.7–5%) of women had injected drugs. There were important changes in the types of drugs used; there was a change in use from crack and heroin to benzodiazepines and opiate substitutes. Prior to imprisonment, women most commonly used crack and heroin, but in prison the two most commonly used illegal drugs were benzodiazepines and opiate substitutes.

Conclusions  The study provides quantitative evidence of the impact of imprisonment on drug use among women. It highlights the need for enhanced drug treatment services and stronger measures to reduce the availability of illegal drugs to women in prison.
The role of personality dispositions to risky behavior in predicting first‐year college drinking
Authors: Cyders Melissa A. , Flory Kate , Rainer Sarah , Smith Gregory T.
Published: January 2009

Aims  US college student drinking is associated with enormous risks to health, safety and productivity. Recent advances in personality research that have delineated multiple, separate dispositions to engage in risky behaviors may help to clarify the personality contribution to risk for this problem.

Design  The authors compared the prospective roles of sensation seeking, lack of planning, lack of perseverance, negative urgency and positive urgency (dispositions to engage in rash action when in an unusually negative or positive mood, respectively) in predicting increases in drinking frequency, drinking quantity and negative outcomes from consumption across the first year of college.

Setting  University of Kentucky campus.

Participants  A total of 418 first‐year US college students enrolled in an Introduction to Psychology course during the first assessment; 293 participants completed both phases of the study.

Measurements  Participants completed self‐report measures of personality and drinking behavior twice during the first year of college [the UPPS‐R Impulsive Behavior Scale, positive urgency measure (PUM) and Drinking Styles Questionnaire (DSQ)].

Findings  Whereas sensation seeking related to increases in the frequency with which college students drank alcohol, positive urgency predicted increases in (i) the quantity of alcohol students consumed at any given drinking episode and (ii) negative outcomes experienced from drinking.

Conclusions  It appears that although sensation seeking is a risk factor for participation in drinking behaviors, risk for increased quantity of consumption and its negative outcomes may be more a function of dyscontrol stemming from high positive mood for college students.
Factors associated with incarceration and incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among injection drug users participating in an HIV vaccine trial in Bangkok, Thailand, 1999–2003
Authors: Suntharasamai Pravan , Martin Michael , Vanichseni Suphak , Van Griensven Frits , Mock Philip A. , Pitisuttithum Punnee , Tappero Jordan W. , Sangkum Udomsak , Kitayaporn Dwip , Gurwith Marc , Choopanya Kachit
Published: January 2009

Aims To determine if incarceration was associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and identify risk factors for incarceration among injection drug users (IDUs) participating in an HIV vaccine trial in Bangkok.

Design The AIDSVAX B/E HIV vaccine trial was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. A proportional hazards model was used to evaluate demographic characteristics, risk behavior and incarceration as predictors of HIV infection and generalized estimation equation logistic regression analysis to investigate demographic characteristics and risk behaviors for predictors of incarceration.

Setting The trial was conducted in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration drug‐treatment clinics, 1999–2003.

Participants A total of 2546 HIV‐uninfected IDUs enrolled in the trial.

Measurements HIV testing was performed and an interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to assess risk behavior and incarceration at baseline and every 6 months for a total of 36 months.

Findings HIV incidence was 3.4 per 100 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.0–3.9] and did not differ among vaccine and placebo recipients. In multivariable analysis, being in jail (P < 0.04), injecting (P < 0.0001), injecting daily (P < 0.0001) and sharing needles (P = 0.02) were associated with HIV infection and methadone maintenance was protective (P = 0.0006). Predictors of incarceration in multivariable analysis included: male sex (P = 0.04), younger age (P < 0.0001), less education (P = 0.001) and being in jail (P < 0.0001) or prison (P < 0.0001) before enrollment.

Conclusions Among IDUs in the AIDSVAX B/E trial, incarceration in jail was associated with incident HIV infection. IDUs in Thailand remain at high risk of HIV infection and additional prevention tools are needed urgently. HIV prevention services, including methadone, should be made available to IDUs.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of modafinil (200 mg/day) for methamphetamine dependence
Authors: Shearer James , Darke Shane , Rodgers Craig , Slade Tim , Van Beek Ingrid , Lewis John , Brady Donna , McKetin Rebecca , Mattick Richard P. , Wodak Alex
Published: January 2009

Aim  To examine the safety and efficacy of modafinil (200 mg/day) compared to placebo in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence and to examine predictors of post‐treatment outcome.

Participants and design  Eighty methamphetamine‐dependent subjects in Sydney, Australia were allocated randomly to modafinil (200 mg/day) (n = 38) or placebo (n = 42) under double‐blind conditions for 10 weeks with a further 12 weeks post‐ treatment follow‐up.

Measures  Comprehensive drug use data (urine specimens and self‐report) and other health and psychosocial data were collected weekly during treatment and research interviews at baseline, week 10 and week 22.

Results  Treatment retention and medication adherence were equivalent between groups. There were no differences in methamphetamine abstinence, craving or severity of dependence. Medication‐compliant subjects tended to provide more methamphetamine‐negative urine samples over the 10‐week treatment period (P = 0.07). Outcomes were better for methamphetamine‐dependent subjects with no other substance dependence and those who accessed counselling. There were statistically significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.03) and weight gain (P = 0.05) in modafinil‐compliant subjects compared to placebo. There were no medication‐related serious adverse events. Adverse events were generally mild and consistent with known pharmacological effects.

Conclusions  Modafinil demonstrated promise in reducing methamphetamine use in selected methamphetamine‐dependent patients. The study findings support definitive trials of modafinil in larger multi‐site trials.
Effects of beverage alcohol price and tax levels on drinking: a meta‐analysis of 1003 estimates from 112 studies
Authors: Wagenaar Alexander C. , Salois Matthew J. , Komro Kelli A.
Published: January 2009

Aims  We conducted a systematic review of studies examining relationships between measures of beverage alcohol tax or price levels and alcohol sales or self‐reported drinking. A total of 112 studies of alcohol tax or price effects were found, containing1003 estimates of the tax/price–consumption relationship.

Design  Studies included analyses of alternative outcome measures, varying subgroups of the population, several statistical models, and using different units of analysis. Multiple estimates were coded from each study, along with numerous study characteristics. Using reported estimates, standard errors, t‐ratios, sample sizes and other statistics, we calculated the partial correlation for the relationship between alcohol price or tax and sales or drinking measures for each major model or subgroup reported within each study. Random‐effects models were used to combine studies for inverse variance weighted overall estimates of the magnitude and significance of the relationship between alcohol tax/price and drinking.

Findings  Simple means of reported elasticities are −0.46 for beer, −0.69 for wine and −0.80 for spirits. Meta‐analytical results document the highly significant relationships (P < 0.001) between alcohol tax or price measures and indices of sales or consumption of alcohol (aggregate‐level r = −0.17 for beer, −0.30 for wine, −0.29 for spirits and −0.44 for total alcohol). Price/tax also affects heavy drinking significantly (mean reported elasticity = −0.28, individual‐level r = −0.01, P < 0.01), but the magnitude of effect is smaller than effects on overall drinking.

Conclusions  A large literature establishes that beverage alcohol prices and taxes are related inversely to drinking. Effects are large compared to other prevention policies and programs. Public policies that raise prices of alcohol are an effective means to reduce drinking.
Drug use and perceived treatment need among newly sentenced prisoners in England and Wales
Authors: Stewart Duncan
Published: January 2009

Aims  To investigate pre‐custody levels of drug use among newly sentenced prisoners and factors associated with perceived drug treatment need.

Design, setting and participants  A sample of 1457 prisoners was recruited to a general purpose longitudinal survey of convicted prisoners starting a new sentence.

Measurements  Data were collected by structured interviews on reception to prison. Measures were taken of illicit drug use, drug treatment history, current treatment needs, psychological health and a range of social problems.

Findings  Life‐time use of heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine powder, amphetamines or cannabis was reported by 79% of prisoners. Cannabis was the drug reported most commonly, but approximately a third had used heroin or crack cocaine during the year before custody. Nearly half of recent drug users reported wanting help or support with a drug problem during their sentence. Dependence on heroin and cocaine, previous drug treatment, employment, accommodation and psychological health problems were all associated positively with perceived treatment need.

Conclusions  The prevalence of pre‐custody drug use among this sample of newly sentenced prisoners was high. Because treatment need was associated with a range of drug, health and social factors, assessment and referral to appropriate interventions should occur as soon as possible on reception. Treatment should be coordinated with other services and support.
A survey of tobacco dependence treatment services in 36 countries
Authors: Raw Martin , Regan Susan , Rigotti Nancy A. , McNeill Ann
Published: January 2009

Aims  This paper reports the results of a survey of national tobacco dependence treatment services in 36 countries. The objective was to describe the services and discuss the results in the context of Article 14 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which asks countries to promote adequate treatment for tobacco dependence.

Design, setting and participants  A questionnaire on tobacco dependence treatment services was e‐mailed to a convenience sample of contacts in 2007. Completed questionnaires were received from contacts in 36 countries.

Measurements  The survey instrument was a 10‐item questionnaire asking about treatment policy and practice, including medications.

Findings  According to our informants, fewer than half the countries in our survey had an official written policy on (44%), or a government official responsible for (49%), treatment. Only 19% had a specialized national treatment system and only 24% said help was easily available in general practice. Most countries (94%) allowed the sale of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion (75%) and varenicline (69%) but only 40% permitted NRT on ‘general sale’. Very few countries responding to the question fully reimbursed any of the medications. Fewer than half (45%) fully reimbursed brief advice and only 29% fully reimbursed intensive specialist support. Only 31% of countries said that their official treatment policy included the mandatory recording of patients' smoking status in medical notes.

Conclusion  Taken together, our findings show that few countries have well‐developed tobacco dependence treatment services and that, at a national level, treatment is not yet a priority in most countries.
Family members of people with alcohol or drug dependence: health problems and medical cost compared to family members of people with diabetes and asthma
Authors: Ray G. Thomas , Mertens Jennifer R. , Weisner Constance
Published: January 2009

Aims  To compare the medical costs and prevalence of health conditions of family members of people with an alcohol or drug dependence (AODD) diagnosis to family members of people with diabetes and asthma.

Setting  Kaiser Permanente of Northern California (KPNC).

Participants  Family members of people diagnosed with AODD between 2002 and 2005, and matched samples of family members of people diagnosed with diabetes and asthma.

Measurements  Logistic regression was used to determine whether the family members of people with AODD were more likely to be diagnosed with medical conditions than family members of people with diabetes or asthma. Multivariate models were used to compare health services cost and utilization of AODD family members and diabetes and asthma family members. Analyses were for the year before, and 2 years following, initial diagnosis of the index person.

Findings  In the year before initial diagnosis of the index person, AODD family members were more likely to be diagnosed with substance use disorders, depression and trauma than diabetes or asthma family members. AODD family members had higher total health‐care costs than diabetes family members in the year following, and the second year following, the index date ($217 and $293, respectively). AODD family members had higher total health‐care costs than asthma family members in the year before, and second year following, the index date ($104 and $269, respectively).

Conclusions  AODD family members have unique patterns of health conditions compared to the diabetes and asthma family members and have similar, or higher, health‐care cost and utilization.
Adherence to best practice guidelines in dyspepsia: a survey comparing dyspepsia experts, community gastroenterologists and primary‐care providers
Authors: SPIEGEL B. M. R. , FARID M. , VAN OIJEN M. G. H. , LAINE L. , HOWDEN C. W. , ESRAILIAN E.
Published: January 2009

Background  Although ‘best practice’ guidelines for dyspepsia management have been disseminated, it remains unclear whether providers adhere to these guidelines.

Aim  To compare adherence to ‘best practice’ guidelines among dyspepsia experts, community gastroenterologists and primary‐care providers (PCPs).

Methods  We administered a vignette survey to elicit knowledge and beliefs about dyspepsia including a set of 16 best practices, to three groups: (i) dyspepsia experts; (ii) community gastroenterologists and (iii) PCPs.

Results  The expert, community gastroenterologist and PCP groups endorsed 75%, 73% and 57% of best practices respectively. Gastroenterologists were more likely to adhere with guidelines than PCPs (P < 0.0001). PCPs were more likely to define dyspepsia incorrectly, overuse radiographic testing, delay endoscopy, treat empirically for Helciobacter pylori without confirmatory testing and avoid first‐line proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PCPs had more concerns about adverse events with PPIs [e.g. osteoporosis (P = 0.04), community‐acquired pneumonia (P = 0.01)] and higher level of concern predicted lower guideline adherence (P = 0.04).

Conclusions  Gastroenterologists are more likely than PCPs to comply with best practices in dyspepsia, although compliance remains incomplete in both groups. PCPs harbour more concerns regarding long‐term PPI use and these concerns may affect therapeutic decision making. This suggests that best practices have not been uniformly adopted and persistent guideline‐practice disconnects should be addressed.
The views of gastroenterologists about the role of nurse endoscopists, especially in colorectal cancer screening
Authors: VAN PUTTEN P. G. , VAN LEERDAM M. E. , KUIPERS E. J.
Published: January 2009

Background  Nurse endoscopists may provide a solution for the insufficient endoscopic capacity in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Aim  To determine the views of gastroenterologists about the potential role of nurse endoscopists in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods  A postal questionnaire was sent to all registered gastroenterologists (n = 301) and gastroenterology residents (n = 79) in the Netherlands.

Results  Two hundred and thirty five of 380 (62%) gastroenterologists and residents completed the questionnaire. Overall, 48% were positive towards introduction of nurse endoscopists, whereas 18% were neutral and 34% negative. Respondents expected no major differences in endoscopic quality between physicians and nurse endoscopists. Nevertheless, 69% expected that patient experiences would be better met by physicians. Multivariate analysis showed that actual experience with nurse endoscopists and beliefs that nurse endoscopists are able to provide adequate endoscopic quality and good patient experiences, were independent predictors for a positive attitude towards introduction of nurse endoscopists [OR 6.6 (2.3–18.4), OR 1.9 (1.2–3.5) and OR 2.1 (1.2–2.9), respectively]. Respectively 89% and 66% of the respondents considered sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy for CRC screening as appropriate procedures to be performed by nurse endoscopists. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies were considered less appropriate.

Conclusion  A majority of gastroenterologists have a positive attitude towards introduction of nurse endoscopists, especially for CRC screening endoscopies.
Influence of bone marrow graft B lymphocyte subsets on outcome after HLA‐identical sibling transplants
Authors: Michonneau David , Peffault de Latour Régis , Porcher Raphaël , Robin Marie , Benbunan Marc , Rocha Vanderson , Ribaud Patricia , Ferry Christele , Devergie Agnes , Vanneaux Valérie , Gluckman Eliane , Marolleau Jean Pierre , Socié Gérard , Larghero Jérôme
Published: January 2009

The potential role of the infused B cell subset after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation has not been yet studied. The present study analyzed the impact of B cells on transplant outcome in 254 patients who received a bone marrow graft from a human leucocyte antigen‐identical sibling donor. The influence of B lineage‐specific hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+ CD19+) and B cells (immature and mature B cells, CD34− CD19+) was also analyzed. All included patients received a myeloablative regimen. The cumulative incidence function of acute graft‐versus‐host (GvHD) grade II to IV was 48% and was inversely associated with the number of CD34+ CD19+. There were no statistically significant associations between B cell subsets and chronic GvHD or survival. The CD34+ CD19+ B cell subset remained significantly associated with acute GvHD in multivariate analysis (Relative risk = 0·32, 95% confidence interval: 0·11–0·92, P = 0·035). In conclusion, a higher B lineage‐specific hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+ CD19+) cell dose is associated with a significant decrease incidence of acute GvHD.
Transcriptional profiling of CD31+ cells isolated from murine embryonic stem cells
Authors: Mariappan Devi , Winkler Johannes , Chen Shuhua , Schulz Herbert , Hescheler Jürgen , Sachinidis Agapios
Published: January 2009

Identification of genes involved in endothelial differentiation is of great interest for the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of new blood vessels. Mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells serve as a potential source of endothelial cells for transcriptomic analysis. We isolated endothelial cells from 8‐days old embryoid bodies by immuno‐magnetic separation using platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (also known as CD31) expressed on both early and mature endothelial cells. CD31+ cells exhibit endothelial‐like behavior by being able to incorporate DiI‐labeled acetylated low‐density lipoprotein as well as form tubular structures on matrigel. Quantitative and semi‐quantitative PCR analysis further demonstrated the increased expression of endothelial transcripts. To ascertain the specific transcriptomic identity of the CD31+ cells, large‐scale microarray analysis was carried out. Comparative bioinformatic analysis reveals an enrichment of the gene ontology categories angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, vasculogenesis and blood coagulation in the CD31+ cell population. Based on the transcriptomic signatures of the CD31+ cells, we conclude that this ES cell‐derived population contains endothelial‐like cells expressing a mesodermal marker BMP2 and possess an angiogenic potential. The transcriptomic characterization of CD31+ cells enables an in vitro functional genomic model to identify genes required for angiogenesis.
Differential responses to warming and increased precipitation among three contrasting grasshopper species
Authors: GUO KUN , HAO SHU‐GUANG , SUN OSBERT JIANXIN , KANG LE
Published: January 2009

We conducted a field manipulation experiment to investigate developmental and demographic responses to warming and increased precipitation in three Inner Mongolian grasshopper species that differ in phenology (an early‐season speciesDasyhippus barbipes, a mid‐season speciesOedaleus asiaticus, and a late‐season speciesChorthippus fallax). Infrared heaters were used for warming the ground surface by 1–2 °C above the ambient condition and periodic irrigations were applied to simulate a 50% increase in annual precipitation. We found that warming advanced the timing for egg hatching and grasshopper eclosion in each of the three species. However, grasshopper diapause and increased precipitation appeared to offset the effect of warming on egg development. Hatching and development were more strongly affected by warming in the mid‐seasonO. asiaticusand the late‐seasonC. fallaxrelative to the early‐seasonD. barbipes. Warming by ∼1.5 °C advanced the occurrence of the mid‐seasonO. asiaticusby an average of 4.96 days; while warming and increased precipitation interactively affected the occurrence of the late‐seasonC. fallax, which advanced by 5.53 days. Our data and those of others suggest that most grasshopper species in the Inner Mongolian grassland are likely to extend their distribution northward with climate change. However, because of the differential response to warming we demonstrate for these species, the different grasshopper species are predicted to aggregate toward the middle period of the growing season, potentially increasing interspecific competition and grazing pressure on grasslands.
Stream ecosystem responses to the 2007 spring freeze in the southeastern United States: unexpected effects of climate change
Authors: MULHOLLAND PATRICK J. , ROBERTS BRIAN J. , HILL WALTER R. , SMITH JOHN G.
Published: January 2009

Some expected changes in climate resulting from human greenhouse gas emissions are clear and well documented, but others may be harder to predict because they involve extreme weather events or heretofore unusual combinations of weather patterns. One recent example of unusual weather that may become more frequent with climate change occurred in early spring 2007 when a large Arctic air mass moved into the eastern United States following a very warm late winter. In this paper, we document effects of this freeze event on Walker Branch, a well‐studied stream ecosystem in eastern Tennessee. The 2007 spring freeze killed newly grown leaf tissues in the forest canopy, dramatically increasing the amount of light reaching the stream. Light levels at the stream surface were sustained at levels considerably above those normal for the late spring and summer months due to the incomplete recovery of canopy leaf area. Increased light levels caused a cascade of ecological effects in the stream beginning with considerably higher (two–three times) rates of gross primary production (GPP) during the late spring and summer months when normally low light levels severely limit stream GPP. Higher rates of stream GPP in turn resulted in higher rates of nitrate (NO3−) uptake by the autotrophic community and lower NO3− concentrations in stream water. Higher rates of stream GPP in summer also resulted in higher growth rates of a dominant herbivore, the snail Elimia clavaeformis. Typically, during summer months net NO3− uptake and snail growth rates are zero to negative; however, in 2007 uptake and growth were maintained at moderate levels. These results show how changes in forest vegetation phenology can have dramatic effects on stream productivity at multiple trophic levels and on nutrient cycling as a result of tight coupling of forest and stream ecosystems. Thus, climate change‐induced changes in canopy structure and phenology may lead to large effects on stream ecosystems in the future.