bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Utopianism and the Greening of Science and Higher Education
Authors: Mathisen Werner Christie
Published: February 2006

This article deals with the description of research and higher education in three important green literary utopias: Ernest Callenbach's Ecotopia, Ursula K. Le Guin's The Dispossessed , and Marge Piercy'sWoman on the Edge of Time. Some common characteristics are pointed out: Compared with the present situation, research and higher education are deprofessionalized, deinstitutionalized, and democratized. Academic activities and institutions are integrated with other spheres of society, especially the civil society. According to central scholarly contributions to the field of university-society relations, processes of change in a similar direction are taking place in our societies. This article argues in favour of maintaining the university as an institutional core of academic activities. On the other hand, to advance public debate and democratic decision making about science and technology, universities should also soften their borders and cooperate and communicate more with social movements and different forums for political and cultural debate.
Inside the “Black Box”
Authors: Howard-Grenville Jennifer A.
Published: February 2006

Companies do not respond identically when faced with similar environmental issues, confounding research that looks only at external influences on corporate environmental practice. In this article, the author explores the role of internal factors, specifically an organization's culture and subcultures, in shaping a company's interpretations and actions on environmental issues. Organizational culture influences how an organization's members define, or “set,” problems and the strategies they draw on to solve such problems. Drawing from a 9-month ethnographic study of a high-tech manufacturer, the author finds that the existence of multiple subcultures gives rise to divergent interpretations and strategies for action for environmental issues and that the relative power of the subcultures influences which interpretations and strategies for action are ultimately adopted. Differences between subcultures and the nature of the relationships between them can explain some of the variation in attention and action observed as organizations address issues of environmental protection.
Voluntary Provision of Public Goods and Administrative Costs
Authors: Lee Kangoh
Published: February 2006

This article considers voluntary provision of public goods in the presence of administrative costs. Government collects taxes and provides grants to a charity. Using government grants and private donations, the charity provides a public good. Administrative costs are paid twice for the government and for the charity in the case of taxes, and less of a one dollar tax goes toward the public good than from a one dollar donation. Donations are thus more efficient in terms of administrative costs than taxes. Donors then wish to donate more than in the standard model without administrative costs, and donors decrease their donations less than one dollar in response to a one-dollar increase in taxes. This partial crowding out caused by administrative costs helps explain the coexistence of the public provision and private provision of public goods in a number of contexts.
Opening Doors
Authors: Simons Helen , Hicks Judy
Published: January 2006

This article explores how using the creative arts in teaching in higher education can engage and empower individuals who learn in different ways, and who may have been excluded from traditional forms of learning which value cognitive and verbal means of learning and assessment. Drawing on an evaluation of a creative arts module in higher education, which used drama, movement, music, and visual art as teaching methods, the article first outlines a case for the kind of learning it is possible to engender through the creative arts. The second part exemplifies the argument in illustrating how use of the creative arts in teaching influenced the students’ learning. The article concludes by arguing that, given the current emphasis on inclusive education, an opportunity exists to use the creative arts as a bridge to facilitate inclusion and open doors to those previously disenfranchised in the education system.
First Insights
Authors: Freeman John
Published: January 2006

This article proposes an approach to teaching and learning in the university arts sector that is able to accommodate and assess creative process alongside practice. In arguing thus, romanticized notions of ‘the spontaneous artist’ are exposed to scrutiny, and the creative process itself is made subject to analysis. Notwithstanding its focus on the areas of theatre and performance, this article has a wide application to the field of developmental higher education. Whereas performance functions as a peg on which the article hangs, the content is concerned with locating the creative endeavours of students in all art and arts-related disciplines at the heart of the lifelong learning experience.
implementing intervention movement programs for kindergarten children
Authors: Deli Eleni , Bakle Iliana , Zachopoulou Evridiki
Published: January 2006

The reported study aimed to identify the effects of two 10-week intervention programs on fundamental locomotor skill performance in kindergarten children. Seventy-five children with mean age 5.4 ± 0.5 years participated. Experimental Group A followed a movement program, experimental Group B followed a music and movement program, and free-play Group C was engaged in free-play activities. The TGMD (Ulrich, 1985) was used for the assessment of locomotor skills (running, galloping, hopping, leaping, horizontal jump, skipping, and sliding) before and after the implementation of the intervention programs. Results indicated that both experimental groups significantly improved their performance compared to the free-play group in running, hopping, leaping, horizontal jump, and skipping. Differences were also found between Group A and Group C on sliding. It seems that the performance of fundamental locomotor skills can be improved through different types of organized practice in kindergarten children.
parents’ experiences of a family literacy programme
Authors: Hannon Peter , Morgan Anne , Nutbrown Cathy
Published: January 2006

Relatively few studies of family literacy programmes have investigated parents’ views, despite their importance for the future development of this kind of programme in early childhood education. This article reports on a family literacy programme from the perspectives of the parents involved in it. The study was carried out in socio-economically disadvantaged communities in a northern English city. Parent experiences were investigated through interviews at the beginning and end of the programme ( N = 85) and home visit records. Interviews with a control group ( N = 73) of parents who had never participated in a family literacy programme were also conducted at the end of programme. Take-up and participation rates were extremely high for child-focused components of the programme, but the adult (parent-focused) education component had lower take-up. Parents expressed extremely positive views about the child-focused component of the programme and all felt it had benefited children. There was evidence, according to parent report, of programme impact on family literacy practices. Implications for family literacy programmes are discussed.
grounds for values and attitudes
Authors: Löfdahl Annica
Published: January 2006

This study discusses how children make use of the content in play to get a superior status position in their peer-culture and looks at some implications for values education. Observations of children age three to six years were made during their free playtime in pre-school, and both field notes and videotape recording were used for data collection. Analysis of content in children’s peer-cultures was carried out through Corsaro’s perspective of interpretive reproduction. The social structure in children’s peer-culture is of great importance, and by interpreting communication in play, strategies were found that developed status positions. Results showed that pre-school children both make use of and contribute to attitudes and values of inequality and justice.
Social Network Analysis in Human Resource Development: A New Methodology
Authors: Hatala John-Paul
Published: February 2006

Through an exhaustive review of the literature, this article looks at the applicability of social network analysis (SNA) in the field of humanresource development. The literature review revealed that a number of disciplines have adopted this unique methodology, which has assisted in the development of theory. SNA is a methodology for examining the structure among actors, groups, and organizations and aides in explaining variations in beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes. The article is divided into three main sections: social network theory and analysis, the social network approach and application to HRD. First, the article provides an overview of social network theory and SNA. Second, the process for conducting an SNA is described and third, the application of SNA to the field of HRD is presented. It is proposed that SNA can improve the empirical rigor of HRD theory building in such areas as organizational development, organizational learning, leadership development, organizational change, and training and development.
Developing the Psychological Capital of Resiliency
Authors: Luthans Fred , Vogelgesang Gretchen R. , Lester Paul B.
Published: February 2006

In these turbulent times, we propose the importance of developing the psychological capital dimension of resiliency. After providing the theoretical background and meaning of psychological capital in general and resiliency in particular, the authors present proactive and reactive human resource development (HRD) strategies for its development. The proactive HRD includes increasing psychological assets, decreasing risk factors, and facilitating processes that allow human resources to enhance their resilience. The reactive HRD largely draws from a broaden-and-build model of positive emotions and self-enhancement, external attribution, and hardiness. The article includes specific guidelines for HRD applications and an agenda for future needed research.
Radiotherapy: a novel treatment for pneumothorax
Authors: Ong Y. E. , Sheth A. , Simmonds N. J. , Heenan S. , Allan R. , Glees J. P. , Madden B. P.
Published: February 2006

Pneumothorax is a relatively common condition that is usually managed either conservatively, by chest tube drainage or, if a refractory air leak persists, then with cardiothoracic intervention. However, there is a small group of patients with a persistent air leak in whom surgical intervention is felt to be inappropriate. This study looks at a novel management strategy in a patient presenting with this scenario.

A male with underlying bullous lung disease presented with a right pneumothorax. Complete re-expansion was not achieved, despite chest tube drainage and suction. Cardiothoracic intervention was felt to be inappropriate and the air leak persisted despite prolonged conservative management. Ventilation scintigraphy was therefore used to localise the air leak prior to targeted radiotherapy in an attempt to seal the leakviaradiation-induced fibrosis. Three weeks after the first fraction of radiotherapy, the air leak ceased.

In complex cases of pneumothorax with persistent air leak where cardiothoracic intervention is deemed inappropriate, identification of the air leak site and localised radiotherapy could be considered.
Computed tomographic estimation of lung dimensions throughout the growth period
Authors: de Jong P. A. , Long F. R. , Wong J. C. , Merkus P. J. , Tiddens H. A. , Hogg J. C. , Coxson H. O.
Published: February 2006

The aim of the current study was to use computed tomography (CT) to estimate airway wall and lumen, and arterial and parenchyma dimensions in children throughout the growth period, and to provide normative data to study alterations caused by pulmonary disease.

Clinical CT scans reported as normal that were performed in children for nonpulmonary and noncardiac reasons were analysed for lung weight, gas volume, lung expansion, lung surface/volume ratio, airway wall area, airway lumen area, airway lumen perimeter, arterial area and airway surface length/area ratio.

The age range of the 50 subjects was 0–17.2 yrs. The data showed only little increase in lung expansion throughout childhood (n = 32). There was substantial variability in lung expansion between subjects. Airway wall and lumen and arterial area were exponentially associated with subjects' height (n = 50). Airway surface length/area ratio was linearly associated to alveolar surface/volume ratio.

The data from the current study provide normative computed tomography estimates of airway wall and lumen, and arterial and parenchyma dimensions throughout the growth period that may be useful for the study of alterations in disease.
Exhaled nitric oxide is not reduced in infants with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Franklin P. J. , Hall G. L. , Moeller A. , Horak F. , Brennan S. , Stick S. M.
Published: February 2006

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been reported to be reduced in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. However, data from young children are conflicting and it is not clear whether this is a primary feature of the disease or a secondary response. The present study compared FeNObetween CF and healthy infants using a validated single-breath technique.

A total of 23 healthy infants (11 females; mean age 40.1 weeks) and 18 infants with CF (nine females; 64.9 weeks) underwent tests of lung function and FeNO. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected from all CF infants 2–5 days after lung function testing.

There was no significant difference in FeNObetween the CF and healthy infants (geometric mean: 23.1 parts per billion (ppb) and 17.0 ppb, respectively). There was an inverse relationship between age and FeNOin the CF patients, but not in the healthy group. Within the CF group, there was no association between FeNOand any marker of airway inflammation measured in the BAL.

Exhaled nitric oxide is not reduced in cystic fibrosis infants, but does decrease with age. The current data indicate that FeNOis not a good marker of airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis.
CpG-C ISS-ODN activation of blood-derived B cells from healthy and chronic immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques
Authors: Teleshova N , Kenney J , Williams V , Van Nest G , Marshall J , Lifson J D , Sivin I , Dufour J , Bohm R , Gettie A , Pope M
Published: January 2006

Cytosine-phosphate-guanine class C (CpG-C) immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotides (ISS-ODNs) activate human B cells and dendritic cells (DCs), properties that suggest potential use as a novel adjuvant to enhance vaccine efficacy. After demonstrating that the CpG-C ISS-ODN C274 activates macaque DCs, we examined in vitro activation of macaque B cells by C274 as a prelude to evaluation of this molecule as an adjuvant in the testing of candidate human immunodeficiency virus vaccines in the rhesus macaque-simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model. C274 induced macaque CD20+ B cells to proliferate more strongly than CD40 ligand or CpG-B ISS-ODN. C274 enhanced B cell survival; increased viability was most evident after 3–7 days of culture. Increased expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 by B cells was apparent within 24 h of exposure to C274 and persisted for up to 1 week. C274-stimulated, B cell-enriched and peripheral blood mononuclear cell suspensions from naïve and immunodeficiency virus-infected monkeys secreted several cytokines [e.g., interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, IL-12, interferon-α] and chemokines [e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), macrophage-inflammatory protein-1α/CCL3, IL-8/CXC chemokine ligand 8]. In comparison, exposure of macaque B cells to SIV had minimal impact on surface phenotype, despite inducing cytokine and chemokine production in cells from infected and uninfected animals. These observations emphasize the need to identify strategies to optimally boost immune function, as immunodeficiency viruses themselves only partially activate B cells and DCs. The ability of C274 to stimulate B cells and DCs in healthy and infected monkeys suggests its possible use as a broad-acting adjuvant to be applied in the rhesus macaque model for the development of preventative and therapeutic vaccines.
Suppression of MIP-1β transcription in human T cells is regulated by inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER)
Authors: Barabitskaja Oxana , Foulke James S , Pati Shibani , Bodor Josef , Reitz Marvin S
Published: January 2006

Local production of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), a β-chemokine that blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into CD4+ CC chemokine receptor 5+ target cells, may be a significant factor in resistance to HIV-1 infection and control of local viral spread. The mechanisms governing MIP-1β expression in T cells, however, are not well understood. Our results suggest that MIP-1β RNA expression in T cells is dynamically regulated by transcriptional factors of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element (CRE)-binding (CREB)/modulator family. Transient transfection of primary human T cells with 5′ deletion and site-specific mutants of the human MIP-1β promoter identified an activated protein-1 (AP-1)/CRE-like motif at position –74 to –65 base pairs, relative to the TATA box as a vital cis-acting element and a binding site for inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). Ectopic expression of ICER or induction of endogenous ICER with the cAMP agonists forskolin and prostaglandin E2 resulted in the formation of ICER-containing complexes, including an ICER:CREB heterodimer to the AP-1/CRE-like site and inhibition of MIP-1β promoter activity. Our data characterize an important binding site for the dominant-negative regulator ICER in the MIP-1β promoter and suggest that dynamic changes in the relative levels of ICER and CREB play a crucial role in cAMP-mediated attenuation of MIP-1β transcription in human T cells.
The sensitivity of three commonly used outcome measures to detect change amongst patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation following stroke
Authors: English C K , Hillier S L , Stiller K , Warden-Flood A
Published: January 2006

Objective: To investigate the sensitivity of three commonly used functional outcome measures to detect change over time in subjects receiving inpatient rehabilitation post stroke.

Design: Subjects were assessed within one week of admission and one week of discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Several parameters of sensitivity were calculated, including floor and ceiling effects, the percentage of subjects showing no change and the effect size of the change between admission and discharge.

Setting: The medical rehabilitation ward of an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Subjects: Seventy-eight subjects receiving inpatient rehabilitation following a first or recurrent stroke.

Measures: Five-metre walk, comfortable pace (gait speed), the Berg Balance Scale and the Motor Assessment Scale.

Results: Sixty-one subjects had complete admission and discharge data. Gait speed and the Berg Balance Scale were both sensitive to change and demonstrated large effect sizes. The Motor Assessment Scale item five also showed a large effect size and was able to detect change amongst lower functioning subjects. The other items of the Motor Assessment Scale were less useful, in particular, the effect sizes for upper extremity change scores were small ( d=0.36–0.5) and the majority of subjects (44.3–63.9%) showed no change over time on these measures.

Conclusion: Gait speed, the Berg Balance Scale and the Motor Assessment Scale item five were sensitive to change over time in this sample.
Health problems and health-related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Forbes Angus , While Alison , Mathes Lucia , Griffiths Peter
Published: January 2006

Objective: To explore the interrelationship between a number of common multiple sclerosis-related problems and health-related quality of life independent of the effect of physical disease impact.

Design: A cross-sectional postal survey.

Setting: The study was conducted in seven treatment centres within England.

Subjects: Nine hundred and twenty-nine people with multiple sclerosis.

Measures: The severity of the multiple sclerosis problems (fatigue, pain, urinary incontinence, bowel, depression, pressure ulcers, sexual and employment problems) was assessed using 5-point self-report ordinal scales. Disease impact was measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29. Health-related quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF-36). The relationship between the problems, disease impact and health-related quality of life was determined using multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results: Seventy four per cent of the sample experienced four or more of the selected problems. The extent and severity of problems increased with the level of disease impact (P B=0.001). Fatigue, pain, employment, depression and relationship problems were all found to have negative effect on the SF-36 scales independent to the effect of disease impact. SF-36 scores were most compromised in patients experiencing multiple problems. The data suggest an interdependent relationship between depression, fatigue and pain.

Conclusion: The data suggest that many multiple sclerosis complications negatively affect health-related quality of life, independent of the effect of overall disease impact.
Delayed discharge from rehabilitation after brain injury
Authors: Worthington Andrew D , Oldham J Barrie
Published: January 2006

Objective: To investigate the extent of, and factors contributing to, delayed discharges for younger adults in rehabilitation.

Method: Survey of patients discharged and awaiting discharge in a six-month period in five centres across England operated by a leading independent sector provider. Discharge was classified as delayed if a person had been waiting more than 30 days for transfer.

Results: One in three beds was occupied by a delayed discharge (median delay > seven months). Common reasons were absence of a suitable placement (41%) and failure to obtain funding for postdischarge support (31%). Delays were also associated with poor indoor mobility and additional physical/mental health problems. We estimated earlier discharge would have resulted in overall cost savings of almost £490 000.

Conclusion: Delayed discharge remains a significant obstacle to the development of cost-effective care pathways for younger adults. Our study suggests that health and social services are not exploiting the UK government's legislation for flexible partnership working in this area.
The Physical Performance Test as a predictor of frequent fallers: a prospective community-based cohort study
Authors: Delbaere Kim , Van den Noortgate Nele , Bourgois Jan , Vanderstraeten Guy , Tine Willems , Cambier Dirk
Published: January 2006

Objective: To construct a risk model in order to identify elderly individuals at risk of frequent falling.

Design: Prospective community-based cohort study over 12 months.

Setting: Baseline measures were performed at a local community centre.

Subjects: Two hundred and sixty-three community-dwelling elderly people (mean age 72 years).

Measurements: A variety of variables were evaluated, including medical, psychological, sensory, physical and postural control measurements. Fall incidence was monitored retrospectively and during one-year follow-up.

Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that polypharmacia was the most prominent medical fall predictor with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.29 (P =0.005), poor visual acuity the best sensory predictor (OR=0.84; P =0.009) and general fear of falling the most crucial psychological predictor (OR=3.25; P B=0.001). Increased postural sway in near-tandem stance with eyes open was selected as the best balance predictor for falls (OR=5.60; P =0.010), followed by delayed anteroposterior movement velocity during rhythmic weight shifts (OR=0.42; P =0.004). The best physical predictor was a low score on the Physical Performance Test (OR=4.16; P <0.001), followed by decreased maximal handgrip strength (OR=0.87; P <0.001) and increased timed chair-stands (OR=1.13; P <0.003). Step-by-step regression analysis revealed a risk model for the prediction of future falls, as a combination of the Physical Performance Test and maximal handgrip strength.

Conclusion: This study confirms the multicausality of falls, since medical, psychological, sensory, postural control as well as physical variables provides a predictive value. The composed fall risk model was mainly physically oriented.
Assessing adherence to the evidence base in the management of poststroke dysphagia
Authors: Burton Christopher , Pennington Lindsay , Roddam Hazel , Russell Ian , Russell Daphne , Krawczyk Karen , Smith Hilary A
Published: January 2006

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and responsiveness to change of an audit tool to assess adherence to evidence of effectiveness in the speech and language therapy (SLT) management of poststroke dysphagia.

Design: The tool was used to review SLT practice as part of a randomized study of different education strategies. Medical records were audited before and after delivery of the trial intervention.

Setting: Seventeen SLT departments in the north-west of England participated in the study.

Subjects: The assessment tool was used to assess the medical records of 753 patients before and 717 patients after delivery of the trial intervention across the 17 departments. A target of 10 records per department per month was sought, using systematic sampling with a random start.

Analysis: Inter- and intra-rater reliability were explored, together with the tool's internal consistency and responsiveness to change.

Results: The assessment tool had high face validity, although internal consistency was low ( ra=0.37). Composite scores on the tool were however responsive to differences between SLT departments. Both inter- and intra-rater reliability ranged from ‘substantial’ to ‘near perfect’ across all items.

Conclusions: The audit tool has high face validity and measurement reliability. The use of a composite adherence score should, however, proceed with caution as internal consistency is low.
Evaluation of physical therapy in parkinsonian patients with freezing of gait: a pilot study
Authors: Brichetto G , Pelosin E , Marchese R , Abbruzzese G
Published: January 2006

Objective: Freezing of gait is a frequently disabling symptom in Parkinson's disease, poorly responding to dopaminergic treatment. We investigated the short-term effectiveness of a rehabilitation protocol in parkinsonian patients with freezing of gait.

Design: Prospective, uncontrolled pilot study with open label design.

Setting: Outpatient service for rehabilitation of neurological disorders.

Subjects: Twelve patients (8 male, 4 female; aged 59-78 years; Hoehn-Yahr stage: 2-3; mean disease duration: 14.29±SD 4.1 years).

Interventions: Patients attended three (45 min) sessions every week, over a six-week period, of physical therapy focused to improve balance, postural control and walking, and to learn new strategies for overcoming freezing of gait.

Main outcome measures: Patients were evaluated before (T0), at the end (T1), and one month after (T2) rehabilitation by means of clinical rating scales (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Motor Section; Freezing of Gait Questionnaire; Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Score) and gait parameters (number of strides, stride length and velocity) during a standardized walking test.

Results: The scores of Freezing of Gait Questionnaire and of Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (but not of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Motor Section) were significantly improved after treatment (T1). Gait parameters were significantly improved at T1 and T2.

Conclusions: We showed the potential short-term efficacy of a rehabilitative approach to freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. The positive outcome was documented by clinical rating scales and objective gait evaluation. The rapid reversibility of the clinical benefit suggests that further studies are needed to better define the optimal frequency and duration of treatment.
How relevant are exercise capacity measures for evaluating treatment effects in chronic fatigue syndrome? Results from a prospective, multidisciplinary outcome study
Authors: Pardaens K , Haagdorens L , Van Wambeke P , Van den Broeck A , Van Houdenhove B
Published: January 2006

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of a multidisciplinary treatment programme for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial variables, and exercise capacity measures.

Design: A six-month prospective outcome study.

Setting: University outpatient rehabilitation clinic; group setting.

Subjects: One hundred and sixteen women fulfilling chronic fatigue syndrome criteria.

Interventions: Cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based strategies; emphasis on adaptive lifestyle changes.

Measures: Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36); Symptom Checklist (SCL-90); Causal Attribution List (CAL); Self-Efficacy Scale (SE); maximum progressive bicycle ergometer test with respiratory gas analysis; and isokinetic leg strength test, before and after treatment.

Results: The total group significantly improved on nearly all reported HRQoL/ psychosocial variables. Changes in exercise capacity measures were rather modest and did not correlate or only weakly correlated with HRQoL/psychosocial variables. Subgroup analyses indicated that less fit patients improved significantly more on exercise capacity measures than their more fit counterparts. Patients who were fitter at baseline scored better on pretreatment HRQoL/psychosocial variables, but both subgroups improved similarly on these variables.

Conclusions: Health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome improves after a six-month cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based multidisciplinary treatment programme. Increase in exercise capacity measures is not a necessary condition for reported improvements, except for less fit patients.
Comparison of effects of Cyriax physiotherapy, a supervised exercise programme and polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light) for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Stasinopoulos Dimitrios , Stasinopoulos Ioannis
Published: January 2006

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Cyriax physiotherapy, a supervised exercise programme, and polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Design: Controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Rheumatology and rehabilitation centre.

Subjects: This study was carried out with 75 patients who had lateral epicondylitis. They were allocated to three groups by sequential allocation.

Interventions: Group A ( n=25) was treated with Cyriax physiotherapy. A supervised exercise programme was given to group B ( n=25). Group C ( n=25) received polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light). All patients received three treatments per week for four weeks.

Outcomes: Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale and function using a visual analogue scale and pain-free grip strength at the end of the four-week course of treatment (week 4), one month (week 8), three months (week 16) and six months (week 28) after the end of treatment.

Results: The supervised exercise programme produced the largest effect in the reduction of pain and in the improvement of function at the end of the treatment ( P<0.05) and at any of the follow-up time points ( P<0.05).

Conclusion: The supervised exercise programme should be the first treatment option for therapists when they manage lateral epicondylitis patients. If this is not possible, Cyriax physiotherapy and polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light) may be suitable.
Effects of visual and auditory cues on gait initiation in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Jiang Ying , Norman Kathleen E
Published: January 2006

Objective: To evaluate the effects of auditory and visual cues on gait initiation in people with Parkinson's disease.

Subjects: Fourteen subjects with Parkinson's disease were recruited from community support groups, seven of whom reported having experienced freezing when walking.

Design and setting: This study was a repeated measures analysis of gait initiation performance during a single visit to a university-based motion laboratory. Following baseline trials, auditory and visual cue conditions were presented in random order. The auditory cues were rhythmic sounds with an interval matching the subject's average step time. The visual cues were high-contrast transverse lines on the floor adjusted for the subject's first step length and overall height.

Main measures: Kinematic recordings enabled calculation of the timing and length of steps as well as overall velocity. The timing and magnitude of weight shift and push-off force were obtained from a force platform.

Results: The magnitudes of first and second step lengths, of push-off force and of overall gait velocity were significantly greater in the visual cue condition than in the baseline condition, whereas there was no significant effect of auditory cue on these measures. Neither cue had any significant effect on the timing of key events in gait initiation.

Conclusions: Transverse line visual cues enable people with Parkinson's disease to begin walking with longer steps, greater push-off force and higher velocity. Auditory cues that others have shown to improve aspects of gait in people with Parkinson's disease do not appear to have any systematic effect on the first two steps of gait initiation.
Effects of single-dose methylphenidate on cognitive performance in patients with traumatic brain injury: a double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Kim Yun-Hee , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Na Seung-Yong , Park Se-Hun , Kim Kee-Won
Published: January 2006

Objectives: To determine the effect of a single dose of methylphenidate on the cognitive performance of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and particularly on working memory and visuospatial attention.

Design: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group taking methylphenidate and a control group taking a placebo.

Setting: The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of a university hospital.

Subjects: Eighteen subjects with TBI (16 male and two female) were enrolled.

Interventions: The patients were given 20 mg methylphenidate or a placebo. Cognitive assessments were performed at three times: before the medication as a baseline, 2 h after medication and at follow-up (48 h later).

Main measures: Cognitive assessments consisted of working memory tasks and endogenous visuospatial attention tasks designed using SuperLabPro 2.0 software. Response accuracy and reaction time were measured.

Results: There were significant improvements in response accuracy in the methylphenidate group compared with the placebo group for both the working memory and visuospatial attention tasks. A significant decrease in the reaction time was also observed in the methylphenidate group only for the working memory task.

Conclusions: The administration of single-dose methylphenidate has an effect in improving cognitive functioning following a TBI. The effects were most prominent regarding the reaction time of the working memory.
Electrical stimulation of wrist and fingers for sensory and functional recovery in acute hemiplegia
Authors: Yozbatiran Nuray , Donmez Birgül , Kayak Nuray , Bozan Ozgür
Published: January 2006

Objective: To investigate the effects of a short-term electrical stimulation in conjunction with neurodevelopmental exercises on sensory and functional recovery of hemiparetic upper limb in acute stroke patients.

Design: Controlled clinical trial with alternate allocation.

Setting: Acute inpatient medical care setting of a university hospital.

Subjects: Thirty-six acute stroke patients (18 TENS group; 18 control group) who experienced their first stroke were studied.

Intervention: Both groups received 1 h/day neurodevelopmental exercises in accordance with Bobath for 10 days. In addition to exercises the TENS group received electrical stimulation of the wrist and finger extensors for 1 h. Main outcome measures: Kinaesthesia and position sense tests, a hand function test and a hand movement scale were performed before and after treatment.

Results: Both groups showed considerable improvement in kinaesthesia sense and position sense after treatment. Comparison of the two groups after treatment revealed that this difference was not significant ( P>0.05). Both groups showed improvement in hand movement scores ( P<0.05), whereas hand function improved only in the TENS group ( P<0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that additional stimulation of the hand and fingers leads to an improved sensorimotor outcome immediately after the intervention.
Inhibition of TPO-induced MEK or mTOR activity induces opposite effects on the ploidy of human differentiating megakaryocytes
Authors: Guerriero Raffaella , Parolini Isabella , Testa Ugo , Samoggia Paola , Petrucci Eleonora , Sargiacomo Massimo , Chelucci Cristiana , Gabbianelli Marco , Peschle Cesare
Published: February 2006

The megakaryocyte is a paradigm for mammalian polyploid cells. However, the mechanisms underlying megakaryocytic polyploidization have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of Shc-Ras-MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways in promoting megakaryocytic differentiation, maturation and polyploidization. CD34+ cells, purified from human peripheral blood, were induced in serum-free liquid suspension culture supplemented with thrombopoietin (TPO) to differentiate into a virtually pure megakaryocytic progeny (97-99% CD61+/CD41+ cells). The early and repeated addition to cell cultures of low concentrations of PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK1/2 activation, gave rise to a population of large megakaryocytes showing an increase in DNA content and polylobated nuclei (from 45% to 70% in control and treated cultures, respectively). Conversely, treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin strongly inhibited cell polyploidization, as compared with control cultures. Western blot analysis of PD98059-treated progenitor cells compared with the control showed a downmodulation of phospho-ERK 1 and phospho-ERK 2 and a minimal influence on p70S6K activation; by contrast, p70S6K activation was completely inhibited in rapamycin-treated cells. Interestingly, the cyclin D3 localization was nuclear in PD98059-induced polyploid megakaryocytes, whereas it was completely cytoplasmic in those treated with rapamycin. Altogether, our results are in line with a model in which binding of TPO to the TPO receptor (mpl) could activate the rapamycin-sensitive PI3K-AKT-mTOR-p70S6K pathway and its downstream targets in promoting megakaryocytic cell polyploidization.
Microwave Enhancement of Elasticity in Poly(propylene)–Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Yoshida Suguru , Mitsumata Tetsu , Sano Masahito
Published: January 2006

Irradiating weak microwave to a poly(propylene) composite containing a small amount of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) enhances the storage modulus but has no effect on the loss modulus. We postulate that local melting and recrystallization of the polymer in the close vicinity of the SWCNT surface lead to better wetting and larger contact areas for the improved elastic response.
Oriented Attachment of Crystalline CuS Nanorods
Authors: Xu Haolan , Wang Wenzhong , Zhu Wei
Published: January 2006

Oriented attachment growth was observed in CuS nanostructure for the first time. TEM and HRTEM were used to investigate the connections between the crystal pathway and microstructure of the attached CuS nanostructures.
Consequences of HIV testing without consent
Authors: Obi Samuel N , Ifebunandu Ngozi A
Published: January 2006

The objective of this study is to explore the HIV-infected individuals' experience with HIV testing, counselling, disclosure of diagnosis and subsequent life events following diagnosis.

The method used is a questionnaire survey of 340 consecutive HIV-positive victims, seen in two health institutions in southeast Nigeria within a one-year-period, November 2003 to October 2004.

Three hundred and twenty respondents answered the questionnaire, 121 were men and 199 women, with 79% in the age range 20–39 years. Most respondents had known their HIV status for 3.2 (±1.1) years and the majority are in the lower social class. About 80% reported that their consent for HIV test was not asked for, resulting in feelings of fear, disbelief, shock and embarrassment on learning about their HIV status. Despite the initial reaction to the diagnosis, majority (81.9%) expressed satisfaction with the pattern of disclosure of diagnosis. There was some reluctance to inform spouse/partner of the diagnosis especially among asymptomatic, unmarried, childless or divorced victims. A serodiscordant couple resulted in mistrust and increased incidence of abandonment. Apart from spouse/partner the respondents are more likely to inform their siblings of the diagnosis than parents, children or friends. Despite being supportive, the respondents are more likely to suffer more neglect from siblings than their spouse ( P<0.05) but the risk of being abandoned was more with the spouse than with siblings ( P<0.05). Only 32.6% of the 129 respondents on antiretroviral therapy are regular with it mainly because of cost and non-availability of drugs. Default in treatment was more evident among the unmarried, those with low educational status and treatment with antiretroviral drugs for more than two years.

Proper pre- and post-test counselling, promotion of behavioural change among the society about HIV/AIDS and provision of support and cost-effective care for HIV victims is advocated.
Penile carcinoma arising in balanitis xerotica obliterans
Authors: Goolamali S I , Pakianathan M
Published: January 2006

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is an uncommon cancer, though in one study it accounted for 90% of all penile cancers. Its association with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a rare though recognized occurrence. We describe a case of a 46-year-old Caucasian male who first presented to our open-access clinic with a mild phimosis. An elective circumcision was performed and histological examination of the circumcision specimen showed BXO. He was lost to follow-up but re-presented three years later with a persistent tender penile ulcer which on biopsy showed no obvious sinister pathology. He returned a further two years later with a short history of bleeding from the ulcer, and another biopsy now confirmed penile squamous cell carcinoma. Our case emphasizes the importance of regular review of patients with BXO, in particular those with persistent symptoms.
Racial and ethnic differences in knowledge and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials in an urban population in the Southeastern US
Authors: Priddy F H , Cheng A C , Salazar L F , Frew P M
Published: January 2006

Racial/ethnic minorities in the Southeastern USA are disproportionately affected by HIV, and would benefit from a preventive vaccine. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 220 community college students in Atlanta to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in knowledge and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials. Willingness to participate did not differ by race/ethnicity, age, or gender, and was not associated with knowledge. African-Americans and Asians were more likely than Whites to: believe that an HIV vaccine exists, but is being withheld from the public; believe that AIDS was caused by a government conspiracy; feel that having other participants and investigators of their ethnic background in the trial was important. Misconceptions regarding HIV vaccines are common and differ by race/ethnicity. However, willingness to participate was not associated with knowledge or race/ethnicity. Efforts to increase participation should address the ethnic diversity of the trial personnel, and education to eliminate misconceptions about HIV vaccines and trials.
A national audit of gonorrhoea management
Authors: Price I H O , Menon-Johansson A , Daniels D ,   For and on behalf of the National Audit Group of the Association for Sexual Health and HIV
Published: January 2006

A national audit of gonorrhoea clinic policy and case management was carried out by postal survey on behalf of the National Audit Group of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. Ninety-three clinics out of a total of 278 (33%) and 1324 cases were included. The results showed that both the auditable outcome measures listed in the National Guideline for the Management of Gonorrhoea in Adults and the evidence-based outcome standards recently published by Low et al. were broadly being met.
Hepatitis C transmission – where are we now?
Authors: Clarke A , Kulasegaram R
Published: January 2006

Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989, there has been much debate regarding its potential modes of transmission particularly as only about half of the reported cases of acute HCV have a defined parenteral exposure. It has been clearly established that blood–blood contact is important in its transmission, but the question of sexual transmission has caused more controversy with studies producing conflicting evidence. The objective of this review was to examine the current evidence on all reported routes of transmission of hepatitis C with particular attention to sexual transmission in men having sex with men (MSM) and HIV-positive individuals. We conducted PubMed searches using keywords hepatitis C, transmission, sexual, HIV, MSM, mother to child, haemophilia, intravenous drug use, tattooing and skin piercing. The bibliographies in articles identified were also searched.
Delivering results to clients: a question of satisfying needs or desires?
Authors: Patel H , Heng E L , Aleem A , Chung N , Tang O , John M , Patel M , Green L , Theobald N
Published: January 2006

Demand for genitourinary (GU) medicine services is outstripping supply. Improving efficiency can modulate the supply side of the equation, e.g. decreasing the number of clients having to return for their results. This survey explored how clients at two central London GU medicine clinics would like to receive their results and their views were reflected against what was offered by London GU medicine clinics. There was a significant difference between the result delivery services that the clients wanted and what the clinics provided ( P <0.0001, χ2). Of the clients, 92% wanted to know their results regardless of outcome whereas 22% of London clinics would only inform clients of positive results. This study questions the importance and feasibility of patient choice, an important aspect of the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV. Clinics may not individually be able to provide choice but between them, they do provide a wide range of alternatives for the client.
Pseudohepatic tumour associated with secondary syphilis in an HIV-positive male
Authors: Mahto Mrinalini , Mohammed Faiyaz , Wilkins Ed , Mason John , Haboubi Najib Y , Khan Ali N
Published: January 2006

Inflammatory pseudohepatic tumours are unusual tumour-like conditions which can easily be mistaken for malignant lesions or liver abscesses. Patients usually present with fever, abdominal pain and loss of weight. The aetiology is unclear but the predominant inflammatory pattern of pathology and the associated systemic reactions suggest an underlying infectious agent. In the majority, microorganisms are not detected. As even routine imaging procedures usually fail to distinguish hepatic pseudotumours from liver neoplasms, biopsy is the definitive means of diagnosis. Until now, no case of pseudohepatic tumour has been reported as being associated with secondary syphilis. We believe secondary syphilis is the cause of this pseudohepatic tumour in our HIV-positive male.