bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA Immunoprecipitation to Determine RNA-Protein Associations In Vivo
Authors: Selth Luke A. , Gilbert Chris , Svejstrup Jesper Q.
Published: June 2009

INTRODUCTION

The crucial roles of RNA-binding proteins in all aspects of RNA metabolism, particularly in the regulation of mRNAs and subsequent control of gene expression patterns, have become increasingly evident. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) is a powerful technique used to detect the association of individual proteins with specific RNA molecules in vivo. Live cells are treated with formaldehyde to generate protein-RNA cross-links between proximal molecules. Following immunoprecipitation of a protein of interest and cross-link reversal, associated RNAs can be recovered, characterized, and quantitated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Protein association with specific RNA regions can be performed under a variety of conditions (e.g., different environmental and cell-cycle states) and/or in mutant strains. Furthermore, because formaldehyde inactivates cellular enzymes essentially immediately upon addition to cells, RIP provides snapshots of protein-RNA interactions at specific time points and hence is useful for kinetic analyses of events occurring on RNA in vivo. The basics of RIP are very similar to chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), but with some caveats that are important to appreciate to take full advantage of the possibilities afforded by RIP.
The impact and implications of virtual character expressiveness on learning and agent–learner interactions
Authors: Veletsianos G.
Published: June 2009

The possible benefits of agent expressiveness have been highlighted in previous literature; yet, the issue of verbal expressiveness has been left unexplored. I hypothesize that agent verbal expressiveness may improve the interaction between pedagogical agents and learners, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes. Evidence from a quasi‐experimental investigation, indicates that learners who interacted with an expressive agent 1) scored higher on a post‐task exam; and 2) rated the agent's ability to interact higher, than learners who interacted with a nonexpressive agent. Qualitative results provided insight into this finding, while indicating the complexity of deploying pedagogical agents in educational settings.
Fitness and abdominal obesity are independently associated with cardiovascular risk
Authors: Ekblom‐Bak E. , Hellenius M.‐L. , Ekblom Ö. , Engström L.‐M. , Ekblom B.
Published: May 2009

Objectives.  To examine the relationship between cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference) and individual cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, as well as a clustered risk factor profile, and to study the impact of gender, age and smoking on these relationships.

Design.  Cross‐sectional.

Setting.  Astrand Laboratory of Work Physiology, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.

Subjects.  Men (n = 781) and women (n = 890) from two random population‐based samples of Swedish women and men aged 20 to 65 years.

Main outcomes.  Odds ratios.

Results.  Each unit of higher fitness was associated with a decrease in all individual risk factors ranging from 2% to 4% independent of waist circumference, each unit of higher waist circumference was associated with an increased risk ranging from 2% to 5% independent of fitness. For clustering of three or more of the risk factors, each unit of fitness was associated with a 5% decrease in risk and each unit of waist circumference with a 5% increase in risk. The clustered risk was higher in unfit participants who were older or smoked daily, regardless of waist circumference. Obese participants were at higher risk if they were men or older, regardless of fitness level. However, neither a higher fitness level nor lean status reduced the risk associated with smoking.

Conclusions.  Higher fitness and lower waist circumference are each independently associated to a similar extent with a lower CVD risk. Simultaneous evaluation of both fitness and abdominal obesity status in clinical practice is important.
Comparison of midregional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic   peptide in the diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Potocki M. , Breidthardt T. , Reichlin T. , Hartwiger S. , Morgenthaler N. G. , Bergmann A. , Noveanu M. , Freidank H. , Taegtmeyer A. B. , Wetzel K. , Boldanova T. , Stelzig C. , Bingisser R. , Christ M. , Mueller C.
Published: May 2009

Objectives.  The concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the circulation is approximately 10‐ to 50‐ fold higher than B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP). We sought to compare the accuracy of midregional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP) measured with a novel sandwich immunoassay with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) in the diagnosis of heart failure.

Design.  The diagnosis of heart failure was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available clinical data (including BNP levels) in 287 consecutive patients presenting with dyspnoea to the emergency department (ED). MRproANP and NTproBNP levels were determined at presentation in a blinded fashion.

Results.  Heart failure was the adjudicated final diagnosis in 154 patients (54%). Median MRproANP was significantly higher in patients with heart failure as compared to patients with other causes of dyspnoea (400 vs. 92 pmol L−1, P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of MRproANP was very high with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92 and was comparable with that of NTproBNP (0.92, P = 0.791). Moreover, MRproANP provided incremental diagnostic information to BNP and NTproBNP in patients presenting with BNP levels in the grey zone between 100 and 500 pg mL−1.

Conclusion.  Midregional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide is as accurate in the diagnosis of heart failure as NTproBNP. MRproANP seems to provide incremental information on top of BNP or NT‐proBNP in some subgroups and should be further investigated in other studies.
Independent mental health nurse prescribing
Authors: JONES A. , HARBORNE G. C.
Published: June 2009

Independent prescribing (IP) is a new form of prescriptive authority for mental health services. Very little is known about where IP is being implemented and factors to support or constrain its adoption. An opportunistic sample of 119 respondents made up of nurses, doctors, support workers, occupational therapists and social workers completed an online survey. The sample worked in adult, old age and substance misuse services. Hospital wards and community mental health teams were identified as the highest ranked areas for implementation. A total of 68% of the sample identified pharmacology as the area for further training. And 40% of the sample felt that IP had been introduced to make services more effective. This opportunistic sample supported IP as a means to offer greater patient choice and as a method to broaden the boundaries of nursing practice. Integral to this development is the link between the psychiatrist and IP nurse in terms of work allocation and supervision.
HEART – the Hounslow Early Active Recovery Team: implementing an inclusive strength‐based model of care for people with early psychosis
Authors: KELLY J. , WELLMAN N. , SIN J.
Published: June 2009

In recent years in the UK, the National Health Service has made policy commitments to delivering mental health services based on recovery principles. In general though, the UK mental health service providers are in the early stages of implementing recovery principles and approaches in front‐line services. This paper describes the work of the Hounslow Early Active Recovery Team (HEART), which has made substantial progress in placing recovery principles and approaches at the heart of the work of an early intervention for psychosis team working in an ethnically diverse area of West London. As evidence of the success of the HEART, in its first year and half, the team has achieved high levels of customer satisfaction with its work and a recent audit has revealed that 57% of respondents were in employment or education contrasting with the extremely high unemployment rates reported in several UK studies of people with serious mental health problems.
Emotional pain: surviving mental health problems related to childhood experiences
Authors: HOLM A. L. , BÉGAT I. , SEVERINSSON E.
Published: June 2009

Emotional pain is described as intense by women who suffer from borderline personality disorder (BPD), and a high prevalence of reported childhood abuse was found in the literature and in research. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women suffering from BPD with focus on emotional pain related to childhood. An explorative design was used. Data were collected from in‐depth interviews consisting of women suffering from BPD (n = 13) and an interpretive content analysis was used to analyse the text. The findings revealed two main themes: ‘Power’ and ‘Assessment of vulnerability’. The main theme ‘Power’ resulted in two categories: ‘Surviving the feeling of being forced’ and ‘Surviving the feeling of having to assume responsibility’. The other main theme ‘Assessment of vulnerability’ had two categories: ‘Surviving the feeling of being victimized’ and ‘Surviving the feeling of not being loved’. The findings suggest that nursing care need to develop an understanding of how these women endure their emotional pain, and try to survive as fighting spirits and how struggling became their way of life.
Validating the Mental Health Assessment Protocols (MHAPs) in the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health (RAI‐MH)
Authors: MARTIN L. , HIRDES J. P. , MORRIS J. N. , MONTAGUE P. , RABINOWITZ T. , FRIES B. E.
Published: June 2009

Accessible summary

The Mental Health Assessment Protocols (MHAPs) embedded in the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health assessment instrument are valid measures, though more complex triggering algorithms capable of differentiating individuals based on outcomes could enhance their clinical relevance to care planning.

All but one of the 27 MHAPs had sensitivity rates above 80%, and the specificity was over 80% for 74% of the MHAPs.

The use of the MHAPs available in compatible instrumentation for community‐based mental health settings would be useful for enhancing continuity of care.

For persons with mental illness and addictions, comprehensive assessment of their strengths, preferences and needs is central to person‐centred care planning. In this study, the validity of the Mental Health Assessment Protocols (MHAPs) embedded in the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health instrument (the mandated assessment system for Ontario adult inpatient psychiatry) is examined, and triggering rates are compared in inpatient and community‐based mental health settings. The sample is based on adults admitted to a psychiatric facility (n = 963) and to community mental health programmes (n = 1505) participating in the study. An international panel of mental health experts further evaluated study results. Among the 27 MHAPs, all but one had sensitivity rates above 80%, and the specificity was over 80% for 74% of the MHAPs. The expert panel found that the MHAPs worked well and could be used to support mental health care. The present study found that the MHAPs are valid measures, though more complex triggering algorithms capable of differentiating individuals based on outcomes were suggested to enhance their clinical relevance to care planning. Further, the use of compatible instrumentation in community‐based mental health settings was promoted to enhance continuity of care.
Correlations between Terasaki’s HLA class II epitopes and HLAMatchmaker‐defined eplets on HLA‐DR and ‐DQ antigens
Authors: Marrari M. , Duquesnoy R. J.
Published: June 2009

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II‐specific antibodies increase the risk of transplant failure, and their characterization must consider epitopes rather than antigens. There are two strategies to determine HLA epitope structure. Terasaki’s group has analyzed antibody reactivity patterns with single antigen panels with a computer program based on shared amino acid residues of reactive alleles. HLAMatchmaker is a theoretical algorithm that predicts HLA epitopes on the HLA molecular surface from stereochemical modeling of epitope–paratope interfaces of antigen–antibody complexes. Our epitope repertoire is based on so‐called ‘eplets’ representing 3‐Å patches of at least one polymorphic residue on the molecular surface. This report describes how 49 of 53 Terasaki’s HLA‐DR epitopes correspond to HLAMatchmaker‐defined eplets. Most of them are equivalent to single eplets (n = 33) or two or more possible eplets (n = 10), but six had corresponding eplet pairs. There were 10 cases whereby eplets have permissible residue combinations, and in 5 cases, we found that eplet specificity might be influenced by nearby hidden residues. We could assign corresponding eplets to 17 of 18 Terasaki’s HLA‐DQ epitopes. This study demonstrates how the HLAMatchmaker interpretation of amino acid residues shared between antibody‐reactive antigens can increase our understanding of the structural basis of HLA epitopes.
HLA‐B*15 subtypes in Burmese population by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Kongmaroeng C. , Romphruk A. , Ruangwerayut R. , Paupairoj C. , Leelayuwat C. , Inoko H. , Romphruk A.
Published: June 2009

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*15 encompasses an increasing number of subtypes of more than 150. Frequency studies and a strong genetic association between HLA subtypes and susceptibility to drug hypersensitivity have been reported in different ethnic populations. To identify HLA‐B*15 subtypes in Burmese using sequence‐based typing (SBT) method, we selected 65 HLA‐B*15‐positive samples from 170 unrelated healthy Burmese who were genotyped HLA‐B* by polymerase chain reaction with the sequence‐specific primer method. The frequency of HLA‐B*15 in Burmese was found to be 38.2%. By the SBT method, results showed 10 alleles of HLA‐B*15 subtypes. Four common alleles, B*1502 (45.2%), B*1532 (16.4%), B*1525 (12.3%), and B*1501 (8.2%), were found in 82.1% of HLA‐B*15‐positive Burmese. Whereas the B*1501 was the highest in the Caucasians, Koreans, and Japanese, the highest frequency of HLA‐B*15 alleles in Burmese was B*1502 (45.2%) that is similar to the frequency found in northeastern Thais and Vietnamese. This study is the first report of HLA‐B*15 subtypes in Burmese. These results will provide the basic data in the further study in transplantations, genetic association with diseases, and drug hypersensitivity.
Increase of inflammatory markers after indoor renovation activities: The LISA birth cohort study
Authors: Herberth Gunda , Gubelt Reinhild , Röder Stefan , Krämer Ursula , Schins Roel P. F. , Diez Ulrike , Borte Michael , Heinrich Joachim , Wichmann H.‐Erich , Herbarth Olf , Lehmann Irina ,   for the LISAplus study group
Published: May 2009

There is concern about indoor air quality as a possible cause for health impairment. Exposure to indoor renovation activities has been shown to be associated with airway symptoms and allergic manifestations in children. The aim of this study is to analyse immune markers responsible for disease development in relation to renovation activities. Within the LISAplus (Life style Immune System Allergy) birth cohort study, blood samples of 6‐yr‐old children were analysed for concentration of the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, MCP‐1 and IL‐10. Data on indoor renovation activities (painting, flooring, new furniture) were assessed with a questionnaire filled in by the parents. Data on cytokine blood concentrations and exposure variables were available for 250 children. Increased levels of IL‐8 and MCP‐1 in children’s blood were related to renovation activities. In particular, new floor covering was associated with increased inflammatory markers. Among floor covering materials only wall‐to‐wall carpets were associated with elevated IL‐8 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels. No association between the single renovation activities painting and furnishing and blood concentration of inflammatory markers has been found. Our data shows that IL‐8 and MCP‐1 may be suitable markers for monitoring inflammatory reactions in relation with renovation activities. Among renovation activities floor covering seems to induce the strongest inflammatory reactions.
Successful outcome after early combined liver and en bloc‐kidney transplant in an infant with primary hyperoxaluria type 1: A case report
Authors: Heffron Thomas G. , Rodriguez John , Fasola Carlos G. , Casper Katherine , Pillen Todd , Smallwood Gregory , Warshaw Barry , Romero Rene , Larsen Christian
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  PH1 is a metabolic disorder characterized by urolithiasis and the accumulation of oxalate crystals in the kidneys and other organs. Although patients often first present with renal failure, PH1 results from a deficiency of the hepatic peroxisomal enzyme AGT. Ultimately only liver transplantation will cure the underlying metabolic defect. Herein, we report the case of a three‐month‐old male infant diagnosed with PH and treated using a combined liver and en bloc‐kidney transplant from a single donor. At the time of transplant, the patient was 11 months old and weighed 7.9 kg. He received a full size liver graft and en bloc kidneys from a two‐yr‐old donor. At 36 months post‐transplant, the patient is steadily growing with normal renal and hepatic function. This is one of the first reports of successful liver and en bloc‐kidney transplantation with abdominal compartment expansion by PTFE for the infantile form of PH1 in a high risk child before one yr of age. Prompt diagnosis and early referral to a specialized center for liver and kidney replacement offer the best chance for survival for infants with this otherwise fatal disease.
Phosphoglucomutase (PGM) Type Determination by Agar Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Monn E.
Published: June 2009

Summary. Good separation of the PGM components of human erythrocytes is obtained by starch gel electrophoresis, which, however, is a relatively complicated, labourious, timeconsuming and expensive method.

By the present agar gel technique the PGM components can be separated at room temperature. The method requires a small amount of blood, a relative short duration of electrophoresis and is cheaper and more simple than the original starch gel method.

The three common PGM phenotypes are easily demonstrated by the agar method. The patterns of two rare variant types are shown. Probably, most of the rare PGM phenotypes can be detected by the agar method.

It may be concluded that the agar gel method is advantageous to the starch gel method for practical PGM type determinations.
Red Blood Cell Transfusions for Total Hip Replacement in a Regional Hospital: A Six‐Year Analysis
Authors: Biesma Douwe H. , van Iperen Charlotte E. , Kraaijenhagen Rob J. , Marx Joannes J. M. , van, De Wiel Harry B. M. , van, De Wiel Albert
Published: June 2009

To evaluate changes in the need for homologous blood and to assess the impact of autologous blood transfusion, red cell transfusions in unilateral total hip replacement surgery, performed electively in the period 1986–1991, were studied in a regional hospital. Transfusion data, perioperative blood loss and postoperative haemoglobin concentration of 495 patients were analysed. From 1986 to 1991, the percentage of patients not transfused with homologous blood increased from 18.5 to 45.5%. After the introduction of an autologous blood transfusion programme in 1987, 116 of 430 patients (27.0%) donated autologous blood. No increase in the percentage of autologous donors was observed during the study. Most common reasons for nonparticipation were the patient's age, doctors' underordering and logistic limitations. 81.9% of autologous donors had total hip replacement surgery without homologous transfusions. Mean blood loss reduced significantly from 1,373 ± 781 ml in 1986 to 958 ± 582 ml in 1991 (p < 0.001). Transfusion requirement in the nonautologous patients fell from 2.6 ± 1.8 units in 1986 to 1.4 ± 1.4 units per patient in 1989 and increased thereafter to 2.2 ± 2.1 units in 1991 (p < 0.01) and showed a strong correlation with blood loss (r = 0.58; p < 0.001). No changes in postoperative haemoglobin concentration were observed throughout the study. In conclusion, collection of autologous blood is effective, albeit still underutilized, to reduce homologous blood requirement. The close correlation between blood loss and transfusion requirement accentuates the role of surgical practice in the reduction of homologous transfusions.
Effect of vitamin C on oxidative liver injury due to isoniazid in rats
Authors: Ergul Yakup , Erkan Tulay , Uzun Hafize , Genc Habibe , Altug Tuncay , Erginoz Ethem
Published: June 2009

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different doses of vitamin C on oxidative liver injury due to isoniazid (INH) in rats.

Methods: Rats were divided into four subgroups, each containing 10 rats. Group 1 was the control group; group 2, INH 50 mg/kg per day; group 3, INH 50 mg/kg per day + low‐dose vitamin C (100 mg/kg per day); group 4, INH 50 mg/kg per day + high‐dose vitamin C (1000 mg/kg per day). INH and vitamin C were administered into their stomachs through an oral tube. After 21 days, measurements were made in both serum and homogenized liver tissues. The levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other biochemical variables were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) and vitamin C were measured using commercial kits.

Results: Aspartate amino transferase and alanine aminotransferase in group 2 were higher than those in groups 1, 3 and 4 (P< 0.008 for both). Serum and tissue levels of MDA in group 2 were higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.008 for both). There was no difference in the SOD levels between the four groups (P= 0.095). Erythrocyte and tissue GSH in group 2 were higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.008 for both). Interestingly, erythrocyte and tissue GSH in group 4 were lower than those in group 1 (P< 0.008 for both). Erythrocyte level of GSH‐px in group 2 was higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.008 for both).

Conclusions: INH‐induced liver injury is associated with oxidative stress, and co‐administration of low‐dose vitamin C may reduce this damage effectively in a rat model. The antioxidant effect of high‐dose vitamin C does not seem more potent compared to the low dose.
Late‐life insomnia: A review
Authors: Fetveit Arne
Published: June 2009

Aging is associated with substantial changes in sleep patterns, which are almost always negative in nature. Typical findings in the elderly include a reduction in the deeper stages of sleep and a profound increase in the fragmentation of nighttime sleep by periods of wakefulness. The prevalence of specific sleep disorders increases with age, such as a phase advance in the normal circadian sleep cycle, restless legs syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea, which is increasingly seen among older individuals and is significantly associated with cardio‐ and cerebrovascular disease as well as cognitive impairment. Elderly patients with sleep disturbances are often considered difficult to treat; yet, they are among the groups with the greatest need of treatment. Management of sleep disturbances begins with recognition and adequate assessment. Hypnotic drugs have clearly been shown to improve subjective and objective sleep measures in short‐term situations, but their role in chronic insomnia still remains to be further defined by research evidence. Non‐pharmacological treatments, particularly stimulus control and sleep restriction, are effective for conditioned aspects of insomnia and are associated with a stable, long‐term improvement in sleep. This review delineates the common causes of disordered sleep in older individuals, and effective diagnostic approaches and treatments for these conditions.
Mode of cytotoxic action of nephrotoxic agents: oxidative stress and glutathione‐dependent enzyme
Authors: Louie Brandon , Rajamahanty Srinivas , Pyo Paul , Choudhury Muhammad , Konno Sensuke
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cytotoxic action of nephrotoxic agents using an in vitro renal cell model, focusing on the cellular oxidative status and a specific glutathione (GSH)‐dependent enzyme, glyoxalase I (Gly‐I).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Renal proximal tubular LLC‐PK1 cells were exposed to mercuric chloride, glycerol, cisplatin, gentamicin and cyclosporin A, and cell number/viability were determined. Oxidative stress was assessed by lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay, and Gly‐I activity was measured by enzymatic method on a spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Both mercuric chloride (30 µm) and glycerol (2.5%) were highly toxic to LLC‐PK1 cells, inducing >90% cell death within 24 h. The remaining agents led to slightly >50% growth inhibition at 72 h. The LPO levels at 3 h in cells exposed to mercuric chloride or glycerol were ≈2.5 times higher than that in controls. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant and precursor for GSH, almost completely (>95%) prevented renal cell death from mercuric chloride or glycerol. Gly‐I activity was dependent on NAC and closely associated with cell viability. A ≈65% loss in Gly‐I activity by mercuric chloride/glycerol led to >90% cell death, while restoring a basal activity of Gly‐I with NAC was accompanied by complete cell viability.

CONCLUSIONS

The cytotoxic action of nephrotoxic agents appears to be triggered by oxidative stress, leading to Gly‐I inactivation. As Gly‐I plays a key role in cellular detoxification, its inactivation under oxidative stress probably becomes fatal to cells. However, cytoprotection provided with NAC is significant and might have implications in preventing renal cell injury mediated through nephrotoxic agents.
Outcomes for patients with high‐grade prostate cancer treated with a combination of brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy and hormonal therapy
Authors: Stock Richard G. , Cesaretti Jamie A. , Hall Simon J. , Stone Nelson N.
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes for patients with Gleason score 8–10 prostate cancer treated with brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and hormonal therapy (HT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 181 patients with Gleason scores 8–10 prostate cancer were treated from 1994 to 2006 with a 103Pd implant (prescription dose 100 Gy), 45 Gy of EBRT and 9 months of HT. The median (range) follow‐up was 65 (24–150) months; freedom from biochemical failure (FBF) rates were calculated using the Phoenix definition.

RESULTS

The 8‐year actuarial FBF, freedom from distant metastases, prostate‐cancer specific survival and overall survival were 73%, 80%, 87% and 79%, respectively. The pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level significantly affected FBF, with 8‐year rates of 72%, 82% and 58% for patients with PSA level of ≤10, >10–20 and >20 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.006). The PSA level had no significant effect on rates of distant metastases. The Gleason score had the most significant affect on FBF in a multivariate analysis, and was the only factor to significantly affect rates of distant metastases; the 8‐year FBF rates were 84%, 55% and 30% for scores of 8, 9 and 10, respectively (P = 0.003). The corresponding freedom from distant metastases and prostate‐cancer specific survival rates were 86%, 76%, 30% (P < 0.001) and 92%, 80%, 62.5% (P = 0.003), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 8‐year outcomes after this regimen showed favourable biochemical and distant control, as well disease‐specific survival rates for patients with Gleason scores of 8–10. This treatment approach should be considered as a viable option for this subset of patients with high‐risk disease.
Mixed Repertoire of an Indian Labor Movement, 1990–2006*
Authors: NAIR MANJUSHA
Published: June 2009

This article analyzes the protest repertoire of an Indian labor movement between 1990 and 2006. Chhattisgarh Liberation Front led a seventeen year struggle against the industrialists and state in central India for the recognition of contract workers' entitlements. During this long contentious history, the movement deployed disruptive repertoire, ranging from relatively legitimate “wild‐cat strikes” (illegal stoppage of work) to extreme physical attacks, against the industrialists, and non‐disruptive repertoire, ranging from disciplined participation in court‐cases to mass martyr day celebrations, against the state. The mixed repertoire points at the two distinct capacities in which the movement was acting, as a radical trade union against the industrialists and a social movement in relation to the state. The finding suggests that the CMM participants perceived the state as holding genuine power, and their relation to it as citizens, and perceived the industrialists, despite their being indigenous capitalists, as adversaries.
Models of Labour Services and Estimates of Australian Productivity
Authors: Dixon Robert , Freebairn John
Published: May 2009

This paper examines the manner in which labour services are modelled in the aggregate production function, concentrating on the specification of the relationship between the number of persons employed and average hours worked. We argue that, given the presence of quasi‐fixed costs of employment, hours of work and the number of employees cannot be perfect substitutes. We then show that estimates using total hours worked as the measure of labour input implicitly assumes that they are perfect substitutes and this false assumption results, inter alia, in biased estimates of the rate of labour and multifactor productivity growth in Australia.
Who's Getting Caught? An Analysis of the Australian Medicare Safety Net
Authors: Van Gool Kees , Savage Elizabeth , Viney Rosalie , Haas Marion , Anderson Rob
Published: May 2009

The Medicare Safety Net (MSN) was introduced in March 2004 to provide financial relief for those who incur high out‐of‐pocket costs from medical services. The policy has the potential to improve equity. This study examines: (i) how the health and income profiles of small areas influence MSN expenditure; and (ii) the distribution of expenditure by medical service type. The results indicate that MSN expenditure is positively related to income and that patients who use private obstetricians and assisted reproductive services are the greatest beneficiaries. The MSN has possibly created greater inequities in Australia's health‐care financing arrangements.
The Case for Gender‐Sensitive Superannuation Plan Design
Authors: Basu Anup K. , Drew Michael E.
Published: May 2009

A key feature of superannuation plan design is the assumption that members have long and continuous periods of employment over which contributions are made. This heroic design feature has led to debate on the adequacy of superannuation plans for those with interrupted employment, particularly the adverse impacts this has on the retirement income prospects of women. This paper employs non‐parametric stochastic simulation to investigate two possible solutions to gender inequality in superannuation, higher contribution rates and more aggressive asset allocation. Our results suggest that while both these strategies in isolation are effective in reducing the current gender disparity in superannuation outcomes, they demand significant changes to current arrangements when employed individually to address the problem. A combined approach is found to be more powerful in ensuring a more equitable superannuation outcome for women, as it nullifies the relative disadvantage of interrupted employment with only modest changes to contribution rates and asset allocation.
The Dynamics of Public Housing Tenure in Australia
Authors: Whelan Stephen
Published: May 2009

The analysis in this paper presents evidence on the behaviour of tenants in public housing in Australia. Using a unique administrative dataset for West Australia, we identify the nature of spells in public housing and the determinants of the length of those spells. Our results indicate that lone parents and single individuals experience longer spells in public housing compared with couple households. We find that an increase in the market rent of a property in the order of $100 per month reduces the hazard out of public housing by between 17 per cent (lone parents) and 10 per cent (couples).
Reflection on Microeconomic Policy Frameworks in Australia, and a Suggestion about Fairness
Authors: Pincus Jonathan
Published: May 2009

For economists, the main test of a microeconomic policy change is its effect on efficiency: gains minus losses, equally weighted. However, it is standard economics that individuals value losses more than gains. Moreover, imposing large, uncompensated and uninsurable policy‐induced losses would be widely regarded as unfair, when they are merely collateral damage from policy action. The article argues the case for adjusting the calculation of efficiency to take account of this ‘unfairness’ and discusses how it could be done. The context is the relatively recent acceptance in Australia of competition, if planned and regulated, as being generally socially beneficial.
Is Co-Decision Good for the Environment? an Analysis of the European Parliament's Green Credentials
Authors: Burns Charlotte , Carter Neil
Published: June 2009

The European Parliament (EP) has long been regarded as a positive force for environmental change in the EU, but there has been little detailed empirical scrutiny to determine whether its reputation as a green champion is deserved. Nor has there been any evaluation of the environmental impact of the increase in EP powers under co-decision. These oversights are rectified by an evaluation of the EP's amendments to environmental legislation using typologies that rank them in terms of their level of ecological commitment and importance. EP amendments proposed under three procedures of decision making are compared in order to determine whether recent increases in the EP's powers under the co-decision procedure have affected its ability and willingness to adopt ‘green’ amendments. It is clear that the EP has consistently tried to strengthen environmental legislation but there is some ambiguity as to whether co-decision has been good for the environment.
Absolute Positing, the Frege Anticipation Thesis, and Kant's Definitions of Judgment
Authors: Rosenkoetter Timothy
Published: June 2009

Abstract:Kant follows a substantial tradition by defining judgment so that it must involve a relation of concepts, which raises the question of why he thinks that single‐term existential judgments should still qualify as judgments. There is a ready explanation if Kant is somehow anticipating a Fregean second‐order account of existence, an interpretation that is already widely held for separate reasons. This paper examines Kant's early (1763) critique of Wolffian accounts of existence, finding that it provides the key idea in his mature model of existential judgment, which is in fact sharply opposed to the Fregean strategy. By relating this to Kant's theory of judgment in general—in particular, to his claim for an isomorphism between the assertoric function of judgment and the category of existence—a preliminary case is made that absolute positing, far from being a marginal special case, accomplishes the primary function of judgment. This argument shows the importance of distinguishing between contexts in which Kant is treating judgment as a vehicle for inference (e.g. pure general logic) and contexts in which he is treating it, more robustly, as the cognition of an object.
The individual and combined influence of HIV and hepatitis C virus on dyslipidaemia in a high‐risk Hispanic population
Authors: Forrester JE , McGovern BH , Rhee MS , Sterling RK
Published: June 2009

Objectives

To assess the effects of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV infection on dyslipidaemia in a Hispanic population at high risk of insulin resistance.

Methods

We compared serum lipids and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in 257 Hispanic adults including 47 HIV‐ mono‐infected, 43 HCV‐mono‐infected and 59 HIV/HCV‐co‐infected individuals as well as 108 healthy controls. We also assessed the effect of HCV on lipid alterations associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the impact of HCV and HIV on the associations among insulin resistance, triglycerides and cholesterol.

Results

HCV infection was associated with lower total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but not high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglycerides compared with healthy controls. HIV infection was associated with higher triglycerides and lower HDL, but not total or LDL cholesterol. HCV mitigated the elevation of triglycerides associated with ART. In healthy Hispanic adults, insulin resistance was significantly correlated with higher triglycerides, CRP and lower HDL. HIV infection nullified the association of insulin resistance with triglycerides and HDL, and the association of triglycerides with LDL. HCV infection nullified the association of insulin resistance with triglycerides, HDL and CRP.

Conclusions

HCV co‐infection alters the profile of HIV‐associated dyslipidaemia. The clinical significance of these findings for cardiovascular complications in HIV merits further study.
Chronic rhinosinusitis gives a ninefold increased risk of chronic headache. The Akershus study of chronic headache
Authors: Aaseth K , Grande RB , Kværner K , Lundqvist C , Russell MB
Published: June 2009

We studied the association of chronic headache and chronic rhinosinusitis in 30 000 persons aged 30–44 years from the general population. They received a mailed questionnaire. Those with possible chronic headache were interviewed by neurological residents. The criteria of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery were applied to diagnose headache attributed to chronic rhinosinusitis (HACRS), otherwise the International Classification of Headache Disorders was used. The questionnaire response rate was 71%, and the participation rate of the interview was 74%. Compared with the general population, persons with chronic rhinosinusitis have an at least ninefold increased risk of having chronic headache. A 3-year follow-up showed that HACRS symptoms were significantly improved after treatment with nasal surgery, nasal corticosteroids, discontinuation of overused headache medications and discontinuation of nasal decongestants or unspecified reasons. Chronic rhinosinusitis is significantly associated with chronic headache, and HACRS is likely to be a distinct type of headache.
Entry Demographics and Pharmacological Treatment of Migraine Patients Referred to a Tertiary Care Pain Clinic
Authors: Nijjar SS , Gordon AS , Clark MD
Published: June 2009

The aim was to examine pharmacological treatment of migraine patients admitted to a tertiary care pain clinic. A retrospective review of 100 consecutive migraine patients admitted to The Wasser Pain Management Centre was conducted. Patients included met the 2nd Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for diagnosis of migraine. Data were collected with regard to nicotine and alcohol consumption, family history of migraine headaches, other pain diagnoses and pharmacological treatment. Twenty-two per cent of these patients were male as opposed to 78% female. The mean age of patients admitted for migraine was 43.4 years. Of the patients admitted, 48% had tried at least one triptan in the past and only 31% were actively using triptan(s). The most commonly used triptan in the past had been sumatriptan, whereas the most common triptan used on admission was rizatriptan. Opiate use was much more prevalent; 72% of admitted patients were using an opiate and 27% used multiple opiates. A significant number of patients had not yet been tried on a triptan despite meeting the diagnostic criteria for migraine and having significant disability. More education of the general medical community may be beneficial in implementing a stratified care approach to migraine management.
“And Who Is My Neighbor?” Religion and Immigration Policy Attitudes
Authors: Knoll Benjamin R.
Published: June 2009

This study explores immigration reform as a possible new “moral” issue upon which American religious elites and organizations take public positions. It is argued that religion is a key independent variable necessary for understanding the determinants of public attitudes regarding immigration policy. Theoretical expectations are formed from the ethnoreligious, religious restructuralism, and minority marginalization frameworks. Quantitative evidence is presented, that demonstrates that those who attend religious services more frequently are more likely to support liberal immigration reform policies. Members of minority religions, notably Jews and Latter‐day Saints, are also more likely to empathize with the plight of undocumented immigrants and support liberal immigration reform measures.
Paradoxical effect of ethanol on potassium channel currents and cell survival in cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Lefebvre Thomas , Gonzalez Bruno J. , Vaudry David , Desrues Laurence , Falluel‐Morel Antony , Aubert Nicolas , Fournier Alain , Tonon Marie‐Christine , Vaudry Hubert , Castel Hélène
Published: May 2009

Transient exposure to ethanol (EtOH) results in a massive neurodegeneration in the developing brain leading to behavioral and cognitive deficits observed in fetal alcohol syndrome. There is now compelling evidence that K+channels play an important role in the control of programmed cell death. The aim of the present work was to investigate the involvement of K+channels in the EtOH‐induced cerebellar granule cell death and/or survival. At low and high concentrations, EtOH evoked membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization, respectively. Bath perfusion of EtOH (10 mM) depressed theIA(transient K+current) potassium current whereas EtOH (400 mM) provoked a marked potentiation of the specificIK(delayed rectifier K+current) current. Pipette dialysis with GTPγS or GDPβS did not modify the effects of EtOH (400 mM) on both membrane potential andIKcurrent. In contrast, the reversible depolarization and slowly recovering inhibition ofIAinduced by EtOH (10 mM) became irreversible in the presence of GTPγS. EtOH (400 mM) induced prodeath responses whereas EtOH (10 mM) and K+channel blockers promoted cell survival. Altogether, these results indicate that in cerebellar granule cells, EtOH mediates a dual effect on K+currents partly involved in the control of granule cell death.
Characterization of prion protein‐enriched domains, isolated from rat cerebellar granule cells in culture
Authors: Farina Francesca , Botto Laura , Chinello Clizia , Cunati Diana , Magni Fulvio , Masserini Massimo , Palestini Paola
Published: May 2009

The biological functions of prion protein (PrPC) and its possible interaction with other specific molecular membrane partners remain largely unknown. The aim of this study is to gain information on the molecular environment of PrPC by analyzing the lipid and protein composition of a PrPC‐enriched membrane subfraction, called prion domain, PrD. This domain was obtained by immunoprecipitation of detergent‐resistant microdomains (DRM) of rat cerebellar granule cells under conditions designed to preserve lipid‐mediated membrane organization. The electrophoretic pattern of PrD, after staining with Coomassie blue, showed the enrichment of some protein bands in comparison with DRM. μLiquid cromatography‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (μLC‐ESI‐MS)/MS analysis showed that Thy‐1 and different types of myosin were strongly enriched in PrD and, in a lesser extent, also OBCAM, LSAMP and tubulin, present altogether in a single band. Experiments using the chemical cross‐linker BS3 suggested the existence of an interaction between PrPC and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Concerning lipids, the comparison between PrD and DRM showed a similar phospholipid/sphingolipid ratio, a phospholipid/cholesterol ratio doubled, and a strong decrease of plasmenilethanolamine (19.7 ± 3.5% vs. 38.3 ± 1.2%). In conclusion, the peculiar lipid composition and in particular the presence of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton regulation and signalling, suggest an important physiological role in neurons of Prion Domain.
On the mechanism of oleate transport across human brain microvessel endothelial cells
Authors: Mitchell Ryan W. , Edmundson Carmen L. , Miller Donald W. , Hatch Grant M.
Published: May 2009

The blood–brain barrier formed by the brain capillary endothelial cells provides a protective barrier between the systemic blood and the extracellular environment of the CNS. As most fatty acids in the brain enter from the blood, we examined the mechanism of oleate (C18:1) transport across primary human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMEC). The permeability of [1‐14C]oleate was determined using confluent cells grown on Transwell® inserts in both the absence or presence of bovine serum albumin in the basolateral media, and following inhibition of various fatty acid transporters. The passage of [1‐14C]oleate across confluent HBMEC monolayers was significantly enhanced when fatty acid free albumin was present in the basolateral media. The presence of the non‐specific fatty acid uptake inhibitor phloretin significantly decreased [1‐14C]oleate uptake by HBMEC and the subsequent release of [1‐14C]oleate into the basolateral medium. Knockdown of fatty acid transport protein‐1 or fatty acid translocase/CD36 significantly decreased [1‐14C]oleate transport across the HBMEC monolayer from either apical as well as basolateral sides. The findings indicate that a fatty acid acceptor is a requirement for oleate transport across HBMEC monolayers. In addition, transport of oleate across HBMEC is, in part, a transcellular process mediated by fatty acid transport proteins.
Varying survival of motoneurons and activation of distinct molecular mechanism in response to altered peripheral myelin protein 22 gene dosage
Authors: Nattkämper Heiner , Halfter Hartmut , Khazaei Mohammad R. , Lohmann Tina , Gess Burkhard , Eisenacher Martin , Willscher Edith , Young Peter
Published: May 2009

Alteration in the expression level of peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) is the most frequent cause for demyelinating neuropathies of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type. Here, we demonstrate a loss of motoneurons (MNs) in the spinal cords from transgenic mice over‐expressing Pmp22 (Pmp22tg) while mice lacking Pmp22 [Pmp22ko; knockout (ko)] exhibited normal MN numbers at the symptomatic age of 60 days. In order to describe the molecular changes in affected MNs, these cells were isolated from lumbar spinal cords by laser‐capture microdissection. Remarkably, the MNs of the Pmp22ko and Pmp22tg mice showed different expression profiles because of the altered Pmp22 expression. The changes in the expression profile of MNs from Pmp22ko mice resemble those described in MNs from mice after nerve injury and included genes that had been described in neuronal growth and regeneration like Gap43 and Sprr11a. The changes detected in the expression pattern of MNs from Pmp22tg mice exhibited fewer similarities to other expression patterns. The specific expression pattern in the MNs of the Pmp22ko mice might contribute to the better survival of the MNs. Our study also revealed induction of genes like brain‐expressed X‐linked 1 (Bex1) and desmoplakin (Dsp) that had recently been found up‐regulated in MNs of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.