bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical, chemical, and chronological characteristics of continental mantle
Authors: Carlson Richard W. , Pearson D. Graham , James David E.
Published: March 2005

Unlike in the ocean basins where the shallow mantle eventually contributes to the destruction of the overlying crust, the shallow mantle beneath continents serves as a stiff, buoyant “root” whose presence may be essential to the long‐term survival of continental crust at Earth's surface. These distinct roles for subcrustal mantle come about because the subcontinental mantle consists of a thick section of material left behind after extensive partial melt extraction, possibly from the wedge of mantle overlying a subducting oceanic plate. Melt removal causes the continental mantle to be cold and strong but also buoyant compared to oceanic mantle. These characteristics allow thick sections of cold mantle to persist beneath continental crust in some cases for over 3 billion years. If the continental mantle becomes gravitationally unstable, however, its detachment from the overlying crust can cause major episodes of intracontinental deformation and volcanism.
Surface-tension-driven nanoelectromechanical relaxation oscillator
Authors: Regan B. C. , Aloni S. , Jensen K. , Zettl A.
Published: March 2005

Because of its linear dependence on length scale, surface tension can be a dominant force for small systems. Properly harnessed, this force is uniquely suited for nanomechanical applications. We have developed a nanoelectromechanical relaxation oscillator with a surface-tension-driven power stroke. The oscillator consists of two liquid metal droplets exchanging mass, and its frequency is directly controlled with a low-level dc electrical voltage.
Temperature dependence of photoluminescence and photoreflectance spectra of dilute GaAsN alloys
Authors: Plaza J. , Castaño J. L. , García B. J. , Carrère H. , Bedel-Pereira E.
Published: March 2005

The temperature dependence of photoluminescence (PL) and photoreflectance (PR) spectra of GaAs1−xNx unrelaxed layers (0⩽x<0.05) grown on GaAs (100) substrates is studied and compared. The energy gap deduced from PR measurements and its temperature dependence are in good agreement with predictions of the band anticrossing model. The main PL peak follows a different temperature dependence, being lower in energy than the energy gap obtained by PR. The observed energy difference between PR and PL is much larger than the typical exciton binding energy, increasing with N content. This result agrees with other works, suggesting that low temperature PL recombination in GaAs1−xNx involves electrons trapped in potential fluctuations due to N concentration inhomogeneities.
Molecular-weight-dependent mobilities in regioregular poly(3-hexyl-thiophene) diodes
Authors: Goh Chiatzun , Kline R. Joseph , McGehee Michael D. , Kadnikova Ekaterina N. , Fréchet Jean M. J.
Published: March 2005

We have investigated the transport properties in the direction perpendicular to the substrate of regioregular poly(3-hexyl-thiophene) of different molecular weights (MW) in a diode geometry. In these devices, which exhibit space-charge-limited behavior, we find that the mobility values at room temperature increase from 1.33×10−5cm2∕Vsto3.30×10−4cm2∕Vs as the MW is increased from 2.9to31.1kg∕mol. The mobility is found to be field independent for high MW films, but field dependent for the low MW films. The current–voltage characteristics of the diodes are also studied as a function of temperature from 160Kto300K. The activation energy for carrier transport, extracted from the Arrhenius plot, is found to decrease gradually from 143meVto126meV as the MW is increased.
Predicting microhabitat selection in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar by the use of logistic regression and classification trees
Authors: TURGEON KATRINE , RODRÍGUEZ MARCO A.
Published: March 2005

1. We compared the capacity of logistic regression (LR) and classification tree (CT) models to predict microhabitat use and the summer distribution of juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, in two reaches of a small stream in eastern Quebec.

2. The models predicted the presence or absence of salmon at a location on the basis of habitat features (depth, current velocity, presence of instream and overhead cover, substratum particle size, and distance to stream bank) measured at that location. Models were validated by means of crossover field tests evaluating the performance of models developed for one reach (calibration trials) when applied to the other reach (validation trials). Model performance was evaluated with regard to accuracy, generality and ease of use and interpretation. Prediction maps based on habitat features were also built to compare the observed position of fish with those predicted by LR and CT models.

3. The spatial distribution of active fish differed markedly from that of resting fish, apparently as a result of the selection for water greater than about 30 cm depth by active fish and for the presence of rocky cover by resting fish.

4. All models made accurate predictions, validated by crossover trials. For both LR and CT models, the prediction maps reflected well the actual fish distributions. However, CT models were easier to build and interpret than LR models. CT models also had less variable performance and a smaller decline in predictive capability in crossover trials (for fish at rest), suggesting that they may be more transferable than LR models.
Ex vivo fracture resistance of direct resin composite complete crowns with and without posts on maxillary premolars
Authors: Fokkinga W. A. , Le Bell A.‐M. , Kreulen C. M. , Lassila L. V. J. , Vallittu P. K. , Creugers N. H. J.
Published: March 2005

Aim  To investigate ex vivo the fracture resistance and failure mode of direct resin composite complete crowns with and without various root canal posts made on maxillary premolars.

Methodology  The clinical crowns of 40 human extracted single‐rooted maxillary premolars were sectioned at the cemento‐enamel junction. The canals were prepared with Gates Glidden drills up to size 4. Thirty samples were provided with standardized post spaces in the palatal canal and all roots were embedded in acrylic. Minimal standardized preparations in the canal entrances were made. Groups of 10 samples were treated with (i) prefabricated metal posts, (ii) prefabricated glass fibre posts, (iii) custom‐made glass fibre posts, and (iv) no posts (control). Posts were cemented with resin cement and resin composite complete crowns were made. All specimens were thermocycled (6000×, 5–55 °C). Static load until fracture was applied using a universal loading device (crosshead speed 5 mm min−1) at a loading angle of 30°. Failure modes were categorized as favourable and unfavourable failures.

Results  No significant difference was observed between the mean failure loads (group 1: 1386 N, group 2: 1276 N, group 3: 1281 N, and group 4: 1717 N, P > 0.05), nor between frequencies of failure modes (P > 0.05). All failures were fractures of the resin composite crown in combination with tooth material (cohesive failures).

Conclusions  Within the limits of this laboratory investigation it is concluded that severely damaged and root filled maxillary premolars, restored with direct resin composite complete crowns without posts have similar fracture resistances and failure modes compared to those with various posts, which suggest that posts are not necessarily required.
A framework for good practice in interagency interventions with cases of self‐neglect
Authors: LAUDER W. , ANDERSON I. , BARCLAY A.
Published: March 2005

Self‐neglect is probably more common than has generally been thought and gives rise to a number of difficult conceptual, identification and intervention problems for health and social care workers. These patient management issues are compounded by the lack of any evidence‐base for practice which nurses can draw on when faced with managing people who self‐neglect. Nurses working with self‐neglecters operate in an interdisciplinary context which includes professional groups, such as environmental health officers, who do not normally figure within health and social care teams. In the absence of such an evidence‐base, a pragmatic solution in the form of a framework for interagency practice has been proposed. The background underpinning this framework, including a research study of housing in self‐neglect and interagency responses, is briefly outlined in this paper.
British Managers’ Attitudes and Behaviour in Industrial Relations: A Twenty‐Year Study
Authors: Poole Michael , Mansfield Roger , Gould‐Williams Julian , Mendes Priya
Published: March 2005

A unique longitudinal study of Britain's managers conducted in 1980, 1990 and 2000 permits comparisons of managerial attitudes and behaviour in industrial relations over twenty years. We find clear evidence of the relationship between macro‐level political and economic movements of the period from 1980 up until the late 1990s on managerial attitudes, the impact of changes in power relations and the ‘lag effect’ of institutions. The most unexpected findings are the modest rise of managerial unionism in the 1990s and the limited evidence of the replacement of collective bargaining by either individual or group involvement or by employee financial participation.
Previous induced abortions and the risk of very preterm delivery: results of the EPIPAGE study
Authors: Moreau Caroline , Kaminski Monique , Ancel Pierre Yves , Bouyer Jean , Escande Benoît , Thiriez Gérard , Boulot Pierre , Fresson Jeanne , Arnaud Catherine , Subtil Damien , Marpeau Loic , Rozé Jean‐Christophe , Maillard Françoise , Larroque Béatrice ,   EPIPAGE Group,   Members of the EPIPAGE Group are listed on Appendix
Published: March 2005

Objectives  To evaluate the risk of very preterm birth (22–32 weeks of gestation) associated with previous induced abortion according to the complications leading to very preterm delivery in singletons.

Design  Multicentre, case‐control study (the French EPIPAGE study).

Setting  Regionally defined population of births in France.

Sample  The sample consisted of 1943 very preterm live‐born singletons (<33 weeks of gestation), 276 moderate preterm live‐born singletons (33–34 weeks) and 618 unmatched full‐term controls (39–40 weeks).

Methods  Data from the EPIPAGE study were analysed using polytomous logistic regression models to control for social and demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits during pregnancy and obstetric history. The main mechanisms of preterm delivery were classified as gestational hypertension, antepartum haemorrhage, fetal growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes, idiopathic preterm labor and other causes.

Main outcome measures  Odds ratios for very preterm birth by gestational age and by pregnancy complications leading to preterm delivery associated with a history of induced abortion.

Results  Women with a history of induced abortion were at higher risk of very preterm delivery than those with no such history (OR + 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0); the risk was even higher for extremely preterm deliveries (<28 weeks). The association between previous induced abortion and very preterm delivery varied according to the main complications leading to very preterm delivery. A history of induced abortion was associated with an increased risk of premature rupture of the membranes, antepartum haemorrhage (not in association with hypertension) and idiopathic spontaneous preterm labour that occur at very small gestational ages (<28 weeks). Conversely, no association was found between induced abortion and very preterm delivery due to hypertension.

Conclusion  Previous induced abortion was associated with an increased risk of very preterm delivery. The strength of the association increased with decreasing gestational age.
Exploring Scale‐Dependent Correlations Between Cancer Mortality Rates Using Factorial Kriging and Population‐Weighted Semivariograms
Authors: Goovaerts Pierre , Jacquez Geoffrey M. , Greiling Dunrie
Published: March 2005

This article presents a geostatistical methodology that accounts for spatially varying population size in the processing of cancer mortality data. The approach proceeds in two steps: (1) spatial patterns are first described and modeled using population‐weighted semivariogram estimators, (2) spatial components corresponding to nested structures identified on semivariograms are then estimated and mapped using a variant of factorial kriging. The main benefit over traditional spatial smoothers is that the pattern of spatial variability (i.e., direction‐dependent variability, range of correlation, presence of nested scales of variability) is directly incorporated into the computation of weights assigned to surrounding observations. Moreover, besides filtering the noise in the data, the procedure allows the decomposition of the structured component into several spatial components (i.e., local versus regional variability) on the basis of semivariogram models. A simulation study demonstrates that maps of spatial components are closer to the underlying risk maps in terms of prediction errors and provide a better visualization of regional patterns than the original maps of mortality rates or the maps smoothed using weighted linear averages. The proposed approach also attenuates the underestimation of the magnitude of the correlation between various cancer rates resulting from noise attached to the data. This methodology has great potential to explore scale‐dependent correlation between risks of developing cancers and to detect clusters at various spatial scales, which should lead to a more accurate representation of geographic variation in cancer risk, and ultimately to a better understanding of causative relationships.
Regulation of GluR1 abundance in murine hippocampal neurones by serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 3
Authors: Strutz‐Seebohm Nathalie , Seebohm Guiscard , Mack Andreas F. , Wagner Hans‐Joachim , Just Lothar , Skutella Thomas , Lang Undine E. , Henke Guido , Striegel Marion , Hollmann Michael , Rouach Nathalie , Nicoll Roger A. , McCormick James A. , Wang Jian , Pearce David , Lang Florian
Published: March 2005

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3‐kinase) is activated during and is required for hippocampal glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term potentiation. It mediates the delivery of AMPA receptors to the neuronal surface. Among the downstream targets of PI3‐kinase are three members of the serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase family, SGK1, SGK2 and SGK3. In Xenopus oocytes expressing the AMPA subunit GluR1, we show that SGK3, and to a lesser extent SGK2, but not SGK1, increase glutamate‐induced currents by increasing the abundance of GluR1 protein in the cell membrane. We further show Sgk3 mRNA expression in the hippocampus by RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization. According to Western blotting, the hippocampal abundance of GluR1 is significantly lower in gene‐targeted mice lacking SGK3 (Sgk3−/−) than in their wild‐type littermates (Sgk3+/+). The present observations disclose a novel mechanism in the regulation of GluR1.
Mitochondria‐associated apoptotic signalling in denervated rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Siu Parco M. , Alway Stephen E.
Published: March 2005

Apoptosis has been implicated in the regulation of denervation‐induced muscle atrophy. However, the activation of apoptotic signal transduction during muscle denervation has not been fully elucidated. The present study examined the apoptotic responses to denervation in rat gastrocnemius muscle. Following 14 days of denervation, the extent of apoptotic DNA fragmentation as determined by a cytosolic nucleosome ELISA was increased by 100% in the gastrocnemius muscle. RT‐PCR and immunoblot analyses indicated that Bax was dramatically upregulated while Bcl‐2 was modestly increased; however, the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was significantly increased in denervated muscles relative to control muscles. Analyses of ELISA and immunoblots from mitochondria‐free cytosol extracts showed a significant increase in mitochondria‐associated apoptotic factors, including cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF). In addition to the upregulation of caspase‐3 and ‐9 mRNA, pro‐/cleaved caspase protein and proteolytic activity levels, the X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) protein level was downregulated. The cleaved product of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) was detected in muscle samples following denervation. Although we did not find a difference in the inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation‐2 (Id2) and c‐Myc protein contents between the denervated and control muscles, the protein content of tumour suppressor p53 was significantly increased in both the nuclear and the cytosolic fractions with denervation. Moreover, denervation increased the protein content of HSP70, whereas the MnSOD (a mitochondrial isoform of superoxide dismutase) protein content was diminished, which indicated that denervation might have induced cellular and/or oxidative stress. Our data show that mitochondria‐associated apoptotic signalling is upregulated during muscle denervation. We interpret these findings to indicate that apoptosis has a physiologically important role in regulating denervation‐induced muscle atrophy.
The Molecular Requirements for Cytokinesis
Authors: Glotzer Michael
Published: March 2005

After anaphase onset, animal cells build an actomyosin contractile ring that constricts the plasma membrane to generate two daughter cells connected by a cytoplasmic bridge. The bridge is ultimately severed to complete cytokinesis. Myriad techniques have been used to identify proteins that participate in cytokinesis in vertebrates, insects, and nematodes. A conserved core of about 20 proteins are individually involved with cytokinesis in most animal cells. These components are found in the contractile ring, on the central spindle, within the RhoA pathway, and on vesicles that expand the membrane and sever the bridge. Cytokinesis involves additional proteins, but they, or their requirement in cytokinesis, are not conserved among animal cells.
STATES AND REPRESENTATIONS IN DEFORMATION QUANTIZATION
Authors: WALDMANN STEFAN
Published: March 2005

In this review we discuss various aspects of representation theory in deformation quantization starting with a detailed introduction to the concepts of states as positive functionals and the GNS construction. Rieffel induction of representations as well as strong Morita equivalence, Dirac monopole and strong Picard Groupoid are also discussed.
ADULT NEUROGENESIS IN THE MAMMALIAN CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Ming Guo-li , Song Hongjun
Published: March 2005

Forty years since the initial discovery of neurogenesis in the postnatal rat hippocampus, investigators have now firmly established that active neurogenesis from neural progenitors continues throughout life in discrete regions of the central nervous systems (CNS) of all mammals, including humans. Significant progress has been made over the past few years in understanding the developmental process and regulation of adult neurogenesis, including proliferation, fate specification, neuronal maturation, targeting, and synaptic integration of the newborn neurons. The function of this evolutionarily conserved phenomenon, however, remains elusive in mammals. Adult neurogenesis represents a striking example of structural plasticity in the mature CNS environment. Advances in our understanding of adult neurogenesis will not only shed light on the basic principles of adult plasticity, but also may lead to strategies for cell replacement therapy after injury or degenerative neurological diseases.
A B56 regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A localizes to nuclear speckles in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gigena Marisa S. , Ito Akihiko , Nojima Hiroshi , Rogers Terry B.
Published: March 2005

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is widely distributed in heart tissues, yet its precise cellular functions are poorly understood. This study is based on the notion that PP2A action is governed by interactions of the core enzyme with B targeting/regulatory subunits. The subcellular localizations of two B subunits, B56α and B56γ1, were assessed using adenovirus-driven expression of epitope-tagged (hemagglutinin, HA) in cultured neonatal and adult rat ventricular myocytes. Confocal imaging revealed that HA-B56α was excluded from the nucleus and decorated striated structures, whereas HA-B56γ1 was principally found in the nucleus. Precise immunolabeling studies showed that B56γ1 was concentrated in intranuclear structures known as nuclear speckles, macromolecular structures that accumulate transcription and splicing factors. Western blot analyses revealed that overexpression of either B subunit had no effect on the levels of other PP2A subunits in cultured neonatal cardiac cells. However, overexpression of only B56γ1 increased whole cell PP2A activity by 40% when measured in cell extracts. Finally, B56γ1 did not alter global gene expression or expression of hypertrophic gene markers such as α-skeletal actin. However, morphometric analyses of confocal images revealed that B56γ1 alters the dynamic assembly/disassembly process of nuclear speckles in heart cells. These studies provide new insight into mechanisms of PP2A targeting in the subnuclear architecture in cardiomyocytes and into the role of this phosphatase in nuclear signaling.
Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency exaggerates intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury
Authors: Wang Chao-Hung , Li Shu-Hong , Weisel Richard D. , Fedak Paul W. M. , Hung Agnes , Li Ren-Ke , Rao Vivek , Hyland Keith , Cherng Wen-Jin , Errett Lee , Leclerc Yves , Bonneau Daniel , Latter David A. , Verma Subodh
Published: March 2005

Decreased levels of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an absolute cofactor for nitric oxide synthase (NOS), lead to uncoupling of NOS into a superoxide v. nitric oxide producing enzyme, and it is this uncoupling that links it to the development of vascular disease. However, the effects of in vivo deficiency of BH4 on neointimal formation after vascular injury have not been previously investigated. Hph-1 mice, which display 90% deficiency in guanine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I, the rate limiting enzyme in BH4 synthesis, were used. Hph-1 and wild-type mice, treated with either vehicle or BH4 ( n = 15 per group), were subjected to wire-induced femoral artery injury, and NOS expression and activity, inflammation, cell proliferation, superoxide production, and neointimal formation were assessed. The major form of NOS expressed over vessel wall after vascular injury was endothelial NOS. Hph-1 mice exhibited lower NOS activity (2.8 ± 0.3 vs. 4.5 ± 0.4 pmol/min/mg protein, P < 0.01), and higher aortic superoxide content (5.2 ± 2.0 × 105 cpm vs. 1.6 ± 0.7 × 105 cpm, P < 0.01) compared with wild-type controls, indicating uncoupling of NOS. Treatment of hph-1 mice with BH4 significantly increased NOS activity (from 2.8 ± 0.3 to 4.1 ± 0.4 pmol·min−1·mg protein−1, P < 0.05), and attenuated superoxide production (from 5.2 ± 2.0 × 105 cpm to 0.8 ± 0.7 × 105 cpm, P < 0.05). Hph-1 mice also had higher inflammatory reactions and more cell proliferation after vascular injury. Furthermore, hph-1 mice responded by a marked increase in neointimal formation at 4 wk after vascular injury, compared with wild-type controls (intima:media ratio: 4.5 ± 0.5 vs. wild-type 0.7 ± 0.1, P < 0.001). Treatment of hph-1 mice with BH4 prevented vascular injury-induced increase in neointimal formation (intima:media ratio: 1.4 ± 0.1 vs. hph-1, P < 0.001). Treatment had no effect on wild-type controls. In summary, we describe, for the first time, that in vivo BH4 deficiency facilitates neointimal formation after vascular injury. Modulation of BH4 bioavailability is an important therapeutic target for restenosis.
Greater capillary-fiber interface per fiber mitochondrial volume in skeletal muscles of old rats
Authors: Mathieu-Costello O. , Ju Y. , Trejo-Morales M. , Cui L.
Published: March 2005

The objective was to examine whether muscle structural capacity for O2 flux (i.e., capillary-to-fiber surface ratio) relative to fiber mitochondrial volume deteriorates with the muscle atrophy of aging in predominantly slow- (soleus, S) and fast-twitch (extensor digitorum longus, EDL) muscles of old (24 mo) and very old (35 mo) F344BN rats compared with adult (12 mo old). Wet muscle mass decreased 29% (196 ± 4 to 139 ± 5 mg) in S and 22% (192 ± 3 to 150 ± 3 mg) in EDL between 12 and 35 mo of age, without decline in body mass. Capillary density increased 65% (1,387 ± 54 to 2,291 ± 238 mm−2) in S and 130% (964 ± 95 to 2,216 ± 311 mm−2) in EDL, because of the muscle fiber atrophy, whereas capillary per fiber number remained unchanged. Altered capillary geometry, i.e., lesser contribution of tortuosity and branching to capillary length, was found in S at 35 compared with 12 and 24 mo, and not in EDL. Accounting for capillary geometry revealed 55% (1,776 ± 78 to 2,750 ± 271 mm−2) and 113% (1,194 ± 112 to 2,540 ± 343 mm−2) increases in capillary length-to-fiber volume ratio between 12 and 35 mo of age in S and EDL, respectively. Fiber mitochondrial volume density was unchanged over the same period, causing mitochondrial volume per micrometer fiber length to decrease in proportion to the fiber atrophy in both muscles. As a result of the smaller fiber mitochondrial volume in the face of the unchanged capillary-to-fiber number ratio, capillary-to-fiber surface ratio relative to fiber mitochondrial volume not only did not deteriorate, but in fact increased twofold in both muscles between 12 and 35 mo of age, independent of their different fiber type.
Acute changes in blood lipids and enzymes in postmenopausal women after exercise
Authors: Weise Shelly D. , Grandjean Peter W. , Rohack J. James , Womack John W. , Crouse Stephen F.
Published: March 2005

The effectiveness of lifestyle intervention strategies to improve blood lipids in women may be dependent on preexisting cholesterol concentrations. We characterized the effects of cholesterol status on blood lipid, lipoprotein lipid, and lipid regulatory enzyme responses to a single session of aerobic exercise in physically active, postmenopausal women. In this study, blood samples were obtained from 12 women with high cholesterol (HC; ≥200 mg/dl) and 13 women with normal cholesterol (NC; <200 mg/dl), 24 h before (Pre), immediately after (IPE), and 24 and 48 h after an exercise session (treadmill walking at 70% peak oxygen consumption, 400 kcal). We found that repeated-measures analysis revealed the following: 1) preexercise cholesterol differences did not influence the lipid or lipoprotein lipid responses to exercise; 2) for both groups, triglyceride was significantly reduced (−8.5%) after exercise; 3) the concentration profile over time for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significant for both groups, first falling at IPE then rising back to Pre levels by 24 h after exercise; 4) the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity (LCATA) exercise response was group dependent, increasing modestly in the NC group at 24 and 48 h; 5) lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) increased at IPE (by 17%) in the HC group only and then fell at 24 and 48 h (by 21%) compared with Pre; and 6) cholesterol ester transfer protein activity was unchanged by exercise. From these findings, we conclude that in postmenopausal women, a single session of endurance exercise elicited a short-term, favorable decrease in triglycerides independent of initial blood cholesterol concentrations. However, LCATA and LPLA postexercise changes were influenced by preexercise cholesterol status.
Co-Administration of Cyclosporine and Ketoconazole in Children with Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: El-Husseini Amr , El-Basuony Fathy , Donia Ahmed , Mahmoud Ihab , Hassan Nabil , Sayed-Ahmad Nagy , Sheashaa Hussein , Sabry Alaa , Sobh Mohamed
Published: March 2005

Background/Aims: The use of cyclosporine A (CsA) in the treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome was firstly reported in 1986. On the other hand, many studies have documented the benefit of ketoconazole (keto) administration in renal and cardiac transplant adults treated with CsA, but this co-administration has not been reported in children with minimal change disease (MCD). Thus, deliberate use of keto to reduce the need for cyclosporine is not new, but it is particularly relevant because of the high cost of cyclosporine. Methods: This study included 46 children with MCD who were steroid resistant or dependent and received CsA. Among them, 31 received daily keto therapy (keto group) in a dose of 50 mg with concomitant decrease of the CsA dose by one third while 15 patients received CsA alone (non-keto group). Results: The mean (±SD) duration of CsA treatment was 25.7 ± 13.7 months. The characteristics of both groups were comparable. Co-administration of keto significantly improved the response to CsA therapy (from 60 to 94%) and decreased the frequency of renal impairment (from 27 to 3%). Hepatic function remained within the normal range in both groups. Co-administration of keto significantly reduced mean doses of CsA with overall net cost savings of about 34%. Conclusion: From this study, we may conclude that co-administration of low dose ketoconazole to cyclosporine in children with idiopathic MCD is safe. This combination significantly reduces CsA cost and, moreover, keto may improve the response to cyclosporine and may have a favorable effect on the kidney function.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Is Involved in the Attenuation of Experimentally Induced Rat Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Kudo Yoshihiro , Kakinuma Yoshihiko , Mori Yasukiyo , Morimoto Norihito , Karashima Takashi , Furihata Mutsuo , Sato Takayuki , Shuin Taro , Sugiura Tetsuro
Published: March 2005

Background/Aim: Among various kidney disease models, there are few rat glomerulonephritis (GN) models that develop in a short time, and with mainly glomerular lesions. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is a transcriptional factor that induces genes supporting cell survival, but the involvement of HIF-1α in attenuating the progression of GN remains to be elucidated. We developed a new model of rat GN by coadministration of angiotensin II (AII) with Habu snake venom (HV) and investigated whether HIF-1α is involved in renal protection. Methods: Male Wistar rats were unilaterally nephrectomized on day 1, and divided into 4 groups on day 0; N group (no treatment), HV group, A group (AII), and H+A group (HV and AII). To preinduce HIF-1α, cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was injected twice before injections of HV and AII in 11 rats. Results: GN was detected only in the H+A group; observed first on day 2 and aggravated thereafter. HIF-1α was expressed in the glomeruli and renal tubules in the A and H+A groups. In the H+A group, GN was remarkably reduced by CoCl2 pretreatment (44.9 to 12.2%, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Both HV and AII were critical for the development of GN, and HIF-1α remarkably attenuated the progression of GN.
Activation of Inflammation and Coagulation After Infusion of C-Reactive Protein in Humans
Authors: Bisoendial Radjesh J. , Kastelein John J.P. , Levels Johannes H.M. , Zwaginga Jaap J. , van den Bogaard Bas , Reitsma Pieter H. , Meijers Joost C.M. , Hartman Daniel , Levi Marcel , Stroes Erik S.G.
Published: March 2005

C-reactive protein (CRP) has been postulated to play a causal part in atherosclerosis and its acute complications. We assessed the effects of CRP-infusion on coagulation and inflammatory pathways to determine its role in atherothrombotic disease. Seven male volunteers received an infusion on two occasions, containing 1.25 mg/kg recombinant human CRP (rhCRP) or diluent, respectively. CRP-concentrations rose after rhCRP-infusion from 1.9 (0.3 to 8.5) to 23.9 (20.5 to 28.1) mg/L, and subsequently both inflammation and coagulation were activated. This sequence of events suggests that CRP is not only a well known marker of cardiovascular disease, but is also probably a mediator of atherothrombotic disease.
Looking for Love (or Tragedy) in All the Wrong Places
Authors: Bonds John Bledsoe
Published: March 2005

Five distinguished scholars offer separate commentaries on the article by Michael Cox and Caroline Kennedy-Pipe. All of the commentators reject the broad interpretation and many of the specific arguments put forth by Cox and Kennedy-Pipe. They point out several crucial issues that are omitted from the article and raise questions about the authors' sources, use of evidence, and selective invocation of secondary literature. They regret that Cox and Kennedy Pipe seem to dwell on a large number of the same matters that preoccupied radical revisionist historians in the 1960s. They argue that although Cox and Kennedy-Pipe offer a more sophisticated version of revisionism, their article suffers from many of the same shortcomings. Most of the commentators believe that the Marshall Plan merely reflected a division of Europe that was already well under way rather than being the precipitating cause. In that sense, the debate on the origins of the Cold War needs to go well beyond the issues raised by Cox and Kennedy-Pipe.
Was American Diplomacy Really Tragic?
Authors: Borhi László
Published: March 2005

Five distinguished scholars offer separate commentaries on the article by Michael Cox and Caroline Kennedy-Pipe. All of the commentators reject the broad interpretation and many of the specific arguments put forth by Cox and Kennedy-Pipe. They point out several crucial issues that are omitted from the article and raise questions about the authors' sources, use of evidence, and selective invocation of secondary literature. They regret that Cox and Kennedy Pipe seem to dwell on a large number of the same matters that preoccupied radical revisionist historians in the 1960s. They argue that although Cox and Kennedy-Pipe offer a more sophisticated version of revisionism, their article suffers from many of the same shortcomings. Most of the commentators believe that the Marshall Plan merely reflected a division of Europe that was already well under way rather than being the precipitating cause. In that sense, the debate on the origins of the Cold War needs to go well beyond the issues raised by Cox and Kennedy-Pipe.
The Tragedy of American Diplomacy? Rethinking the Marshall Plan
Authors: Cox Michael , Kennedy-Pipe Caroline
Published: March 2005

Two British scholars reassess what they view as the decisive episode in the early Cold War, the Marshall Plan. Far from seeing the Plan as a mere act of generosity by the United States, they argue that it was an integral part of an increasingly aggressive U.S. posture toward the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was still seeking a cooperative relationship with the United States, but the U.S. decision to establish a European Recovery Program (ERP) without a sincere intention of including the Soviet Union posed a threat to Soviet security interests. Josif Stalin wanted to prevent the United States from luring the East European countries away from the Soviet Union's sphere of influence and into the Western sphere. Although Stalin was reluctant to abandon his bid for close cooperation with the West, the Marshall Plan left him with little choice. As the ERP progressed, Stalin drastically tightened his hold over Eastern Europe and imposed Soviet-style systems on the countries in the region. The Marshall Plan thus had the “tragic” effect of creating a long-term divide in Europe that consigned tens of millions of people to life under tyranny.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in situs inversus totalis: a case report
Authors: McKay Damian , Blake Geoffrey
Published: March 2005

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the commonest surgical procedures carried out in the world today. Occasionally patients present with undiagnosed situs inversus and acute cholecystitis. We discuss one such case and outline how the diagnosis was made and the pitfalls encountered during surgery and how they were overcome.

Case presentation

A 32 year old female presented to our department with epigastric pain radiating through to the back. A diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in a patient with situs inversus totalis was made following clinical examination and radiological investigation. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was subsequently performed and the patient made an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion

Situs inversus presenting with acute cholecystitis is very rare. The surgeon must appreciate that care should be taken to set up the operating theatre in the mirror image of the normal set-up for cholecystectomy, and that right handed surgeons must modify their technique to adapt to the mirror image anatomy.
Attitudes of Patients With Incurable Cancer Toward Medical Treatment in the Last Phase of Life
Authors: Voogt Elsbeth , van der Heide Agnes , Rietjens Judith A.C. , van Leeuwen Anna F. , Visser Adriaan P. , van der Rijt Carin C.D. , van der Maas Paul J.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

When cancer has advanced to a stage in which cure becomes unlikely, patients may have to consider the aim of further treatment. We studied the relationship of patients' attitudes toward treatment with advance care planning and the development of these attitudes after diagnosis of incurable cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients with incurable cancer were interviewed and asked to fill out a written questionnaire about their attitudes concerning life-prolonging treatment and end-of-life decision making. These questions were repeated after 6 and 12 months.

Results

One hundred twenty-two patients (mean age, 64 years; standard deviation, 10.5 years; 53% women) participated in the study. Patients' attitudes toward treatment could be categorized into the following three different profiles: striving for quality of life, striving for length of life, and no clear preference. Patients who were older, more tired, or had less positive feelings and patients who had more often taken initiatives to engage in advance care planning were more inclined to strive for quality of life than others. Patients with a history of cancer of less than 6 months were more inclined to prefer life prolongation than patients with a longer history of cancer. During follow-up, no changes in attitudes toward treatment were found, except for patients with a short history of cancer in whom the inclination to strive for length decreased.

Conclusion

Patients who appreciate advance care planning were more inclined to strive for quality of life than other patients. Shortly after the diagnosis of cancer, patients typically seem to prefer life-prolonging treatment, whereas quality of life becomes more important when death is nearing.
Trabectedin for Women With Ovarian Carcinoma After Treatment With Platinum and Taxanes Fails
Authors: Sessa Cristiana , De Braud Filippo , Perotti Antonella , Bauer Jean , Curigliano Giuseppe , Noberasco Cristina , Zanaboni Flavia , Gianni Luca , Marsoni Silvia , Jimeno José , D'Incalci Maurizio , Dall’ó Elisa , Colombo Nicoletta
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of the marine-derived alkaloid trabectedin (ET-743) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer refractory to or experiencing disease relapse after platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-nine patients from four institutions either resistant (n = 30) or sensitive (n = 29) to prior platinum and taxanes were treated with a 3-hour infusion of trabectedin every 3 weeks. Patients were monitored weekly for toxicity and restaged every two cycles for response. Response was assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Group.

Results

The peer-reviewed objective response rate in platinum-sensitive patients was 43% (95% CI, 23% to 65%) with an estimated median time to progression of 7.9 months (95% CI, 7.5 to 14.1 months); in platinum-resistant patients two partial responses were observed. Responses were durable for up to 12.9 months (median, 5 months). The predominant toxicities at the recommended dose of 1,300 μg/m2 were neutropenia, asthenia, and self-limited increase of aminotransferases never requiring treatment interruption.

Conclusion

Trabectedin administered as a 3-hour infusion at 1,300 μg/m2 is a safe new drug with promising activity in relapsed ovarian cancer, showing a 43% objective response rate in patients with platinum-sensitive disease, which favorably compares with other salvage treatments and warrants additional development either alone or in combination.
Minireview: Regulation of Steroidogenesis by Electron Transfer
Authors: Miller Walter L.
Published: March 2005

Cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze the degradation of drugs and xenobiotics, but also catalyze a wide variety of biosynthetic processes, including most steps in steroidogenesis. The catalytic rate of a P450 enzyme is determined in large part by the rate of electron transfer from its redox partners. Type I P450 enzymes, found in mitochondria, receive electrons from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADPH) via the intermediacy of two proteins—ferredoxin reductase (a flavoprotein) and ferredoxin (an iron/sulfur protein). Type I P450 enzymes include the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), the two isozymes of 11-hydroxylase (P450c11β and P450c11AS), and several vitamin D-metabolizing enzymes. Disorders of these enzymes, but not of the two redox partners, have been described. Type II P450 enzymes, found in the endoplasmic reticulum, receive electrons from NADPH via P450 oxidoreductase (POR), which contains two flavin moieties. Steroidogenic Type II P450 enzymes include 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (P450c17), 21-hydroxylase (P450c21), and aromatase (P450aro). All P450 enzymes catalyze multiple reactions, but P450c17 appears to be unique in that the ratio of its activities is regulated at a posttranslational level. Three factors can increase the degree of 17,20 lyase activity relative to the 17α-hydroxylase activity by increasing electron flow from POR: a high molar ratio of POR to P450c17, serine phosphorylation of P450c17, and the presence of cytochrome b5, acting as an allosteric factor to promote the interaction of POR with P450c17. POR is required for the activity of all 50 human Type II P450 enzymes, and ablation of the Por gene in mice causes embryonic lethality. Nevertheless, mutation of the human POR gene is compatible with life, causing multiple steroidogenic defects and a skeletal dysplasia called Antley-Bixler syndrome.
Maternal/paternal antenatal attachment and fourth‐dimensional ultrasound technique: A preliminary report
Authors: Righetti P. L. , Dell'Avanzo M. , Grigio M. , Nicolini U.
Published: March 2005

The purpose of the present research was to investigate the role of the fourth‐dimensional (4D) ultrasound scanning on the antenatal attachment development, in pregnant women (19–23 weeks of gestation) and their partners. A total of 44 couples were asked to complete questionnaires about maternal and paternal antenatal attachment, before the two‐dimensional (2D; control group) and 4D (experimental group) ultrasound scanning and 2 weeks later. In the groups of women, our findings underline the progressive increase in antenatal attachment throughout gestation: the mean level of antenatal attachment was significantly different between the first and the second assessment. No significant differences are shown between 2D and 4D ultrasound scanning groups. We do not eliminate the possibility that ultrasound scanning practice would be a helpful and crucial means of investigation for a complete explanation of prenatal attachment (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978; Fivaz‐Depeursinge & Corboz‐Warney, 2000) and parental mental representations (Stern, 1987).
The dilemmas of residential care staff working with the challenging behaviour of people with learning disabilities
Authors: Whittington Adrian , Burns Jan
Published: March 2005

Objectives. To investigate residential care staff beliefs and feelings about the challenging behaviour of adults with learning disabilities in their care, and how they perceive these beliefs and feelings to have developed over time.

Design. A qualitative study using thematic analysis.

Methods. A group of 18 staff from 10 different residential services participated in in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed according to thematic analysis techniques drawn from interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and grounded theory. The analysis was then subjected to scrutiny by participants using a respondent validation survey.

Results. Staff talked of dilemmas about whether challenging behaviour should be seen as a ‘communication’ of need or as a ‘behaviour problem’, how to balance a ‘firm’ response with ‘kindness’, and how to deal with unpleasant feelings evoked by the work, especially fear and frustration. Over time, staff reported overcoming initial fears of the client by ‘getting to know them’, or alternatively, avoiding the client, ‘cutting off’ emotionally, or protecting themselves with safety procedures.

Conclusions. The analysis suggests that staffs are troubled by the limitations of a narrow behavioural discourse. Staff development and training based on richer approaches that integrate behavioural ideas with a value‐based philosophy, might allow staff to respond to needs expressed by behaviour without fear of reinforcing it. Services should attend to staff emotional reactions to their work, to help them maintain non‐avoidant coping strategies.
Visual hallucinations in psychiatric conditions: Appraisals and their relationship to distress
Authors: Gauntlett‐Gilbert Jeremy , Kuipers Elizabeth
Published: March 2005

Objectives.Visual hallucinations (visions) associated with psychiatric conditions are poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that appraisals of visions would predict distress associated with visions. It also aimed to describe typical appraisals of visions.

Design.A cross‐sectional interview study of people with visual hallucinations.

Method.Participants (N=20) who had experienced visions caused by their psychiatric condition (i.e. not by additional pathology such as epilepsy or substance abuse) completed a semi‐structured interview and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Possible associations between appraisals of visions (e.g. of controllability or outcome) and distress were examined. Novel categories of appraisal were generated in an attempt to reflect individuals' experiences as closely as possible.

Results.Appraisals of negative outcome, but not control, predicted distress. Thus, if individuals believed that the persistence of their visions would result in unpleasant consequences, they experienced more distress. Neither the form nor content of the visions predicted distress, nor was current mood predictive. Five categories of appraisal were generated, and independent raters could assign these reliably. Preliminary analyses showed that where individuals appraised a vision as indicating a special task, gifts or powers, they experienced less distress.

Conclusions.Appraisals of visions predicted the distress associated with visions. ‘Objective’ characteristics of visions were poorer predictors of distress, and appraisals did not simply follow from the content of the vision. However, current mood may partially determine appraisals. The novel categories of distress require replication but may help to guide clinical practice. Therapeutic interventions aimed at altering appraisals may reduce distress.