bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attractions and constraints as determinants of relationship commitment: Longitudinal evidence from gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples
Authors: KURDEK LAWRENCE A.
Published: May 2005

The proposition that commitment to a relationship is uniquely determined by forces that draw one to the relationship (attractions) and forces that prevent one from leaving the relationship (constraints) was tested with five annual waves of longitudinal data from two samples: both partners from 155 married couples and both partners from 57 gay couples and 50 lesbian couples. Growth curve analyses that controlled for the interdependence of partners' scores indicated that, for both heterosexual and gay/lesbian couples, variability in one's own commitment was uniquely predicted by one's own attractions and one's own constraints, interactions involving one's own attractions and one's own constraints, and one's partner's attractions. It is concluded that attractions and constraints exert unique dynamic effects on maintaining a close relationship.
Genetic and environmental influences on adult attachment styles
Authors: BRUSSONI MARIANA J. , JANG KERRY L. , LIVESLEY W. JOHN , MACBETH TANNIS M.
Published: May 2005

The heritability of adult attachment styles as measured by the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ) was estimated on data from a volunteer general population sample of 220 adult twin pairs (116 monozygotic pairs. 104 dizygotic pairs). Additive genetic effects accounted for 37%, 43%, and 25% of the variance in the secure, fearful, and preoccupied adult attachment styles, respectively, but none of the variance in the dismissing style. Nonshared environmental influences accounted for the majority of the variance in all styles: 63% secure, 57% fearful, 75% preoccupied, and 71% dismissing. Shared environmental effects were negligible for all styles except dismissing (29%).
Adult attachment styles, early relationships, antenatal attachment, and perceptions of infant temperament: A study of first‐time mothers
Authors: PRIEL BEATRIZ , BESSER AVI
Published: May 2005

We explored the relative contributions of first‐time mothers’romantic attachment styles and early relations with their own mothers to the prediction of infant temperamental difficulty. A mediating role for mother's attachment to the unborn baby was assumed. In a prospective longitudinal study of 115 mothers of healthy babies, a structural model was delineated according to a conception of maternally reported infant temperament as a reflection of basic aspects of the mother's personality and mother‐infant relationships. Mothers’experiences with their own mothers as supportive and nonintrusive differentiated between securely and insecurely attached participants. Security of attachment was found to facilitate antenatal attachment and perceptions of the 4‐month‐old infant as easier. Findings indicate that the effects of the mothers’romantic attachment styles on their perceptions of temperamental difficulty are mediated by their antenatal attachment. Moreover, the pattern of findings obtained suggests a link among mothers’history of relationships, romantic attachment styles, and caregiving characteristics that is congruent with evolutionary theoretical assumptions.
Romantic partners’perceptions of social network attributes with the passage of time and relationship transitions
Authors: SPRECHER SUSAN , FELMLEE DIANE
Published: May 2005

Data from five waves of a longitudinal study of romantic couples were analyzed to examine how the partners’perceptions of social network attributes (i.e., network approval for the relationship, network overlap, liking for partner's network) change with the passage of time and relationship transitions. The results indicated that perceptions of network approval, especially from the male partner's friends, tended to increase over time for the participants whose relationship remained intact throughout the longitudinal study. Furthermore, the transitions to engagement and to marriage were also associated with an increase in network approval from the male's friends. Individuals who experienced a breakup during the study reported more network approval than disapproval for the breakup. Finally, the likelihood of a breakup was significantly lower the more approval women reported from their friends and the more women expressed liking for their partner's family at Time 1 (these same associations were nonsignificant for men). These findings provide support for various social network perspectives, including social reactance (Lewis, 1973).
Creating Mr. Right and Ms. Right: Interpersonal ideals and personal change in newlyweds
Authors: RUVOLO ANN P. , RUVOLO CATHERINE M.
Published: May 2005

Based on research on exchanging information during conflict (e.g., Levinger, 1983) and the energizing effects of negative feelings (e.g., Lewin, 1951; Gottman & Krokoff, 1989), this study explores circumstances in which individuals change, over the years, in fulfillment of their spouses’unmet ideals for them. In a longitudinal study of over 200 African American newlywed couples and White newlywed couples, respondents’ratings were combined to form an index of individuals’change in fulfillment of their partners’initially unmet ideals for them. Predictions were that individuals would change more when they listen and try to understand their partners’feelings during conflict or when they have negative feelings about the functioning of the relationship. Results were that high openness to information exchange during conflict predicted high change for White husbands, White wives, and African American wives, and negative feelings about relationship functioning predicted high change for White wives, African American wives, and African American husbands.
Attachment style and intimacy in friendship
Authors: GRABILL CHANDRA M. , KERNS KATHRYN A.
Published: May 2005

Two studies with college students tested the hypothesis that a secure attachment style enhances intimacy in friendship. Three intimacy characteristics were studied: self‐disclosure; responsiveness to a partner's disclosure; and feeling understood, validated, and cared for by a partner during conversations. In Study 1, individuals with a secure attachment style were higher on all three intimacy characteristics In Study 2, a lab‐based assessment of intimacy revealed some relations between attachment and intimacy, providing mixed support for the hypothesis. Both studies found gender differences in intimacy characteristics The findings provide a starting point for a model accounting for individual differences in friendship.
Adult attachment style, interpersonal communication competence, and social support
Authors: ANDERS SHERRY L. , TUCKER JOAN S.
Published: May 2005

Individuals with a more secure attachment style report having larger and more satisfying social support networks Individuals with a more anxious or a more avoidant attachment style, by contrast, report having smaller and less satisfying support networks The present study examined the role of interpersonal communication competence (ICC) as a possible mediator of the association between attachment and social support in a sample of college undergraduates Strong support was found for the described model. Mediational analyses revealed that global deficits in ICC could account for the smaller social support network sizes and lower levels of satisfaction among both more anxiously attached and more avoidantly attached individuals. In addition, subsequent analyses examining specific dimensions of ICC revealed that the lower support satisfaction among more anxious individuals could be uniquely accounted for by a lack of assertiveness in social interactions For more avoidantly attached individuals, smaller network sizes could be uniquely accounted for by lower levels of self‐disclosure, and less support satisfaction could be uniquely accounted for by a lack of assertiveness in addition to lower levels of self‐disclosure. The implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Distress and aggression during dating conflict: A test of the coercion hypothesis
Authors: KATZ JENNIFER , JONES DEBORAH J. , BEACH STEVEN R. H.
Published: May 2005

Research with clinically depressed and maritally discordant couples suggests that women's distressed behaviors function to suppress their partners' subsequent aggressive responses. We applied this coercion hypothesis to a nonclinical sample of dating couples (N = 288). We further examined whether these effects were gender‐specific, and whether distressed and aggressive behaviors differ within physically violent versus nonviolent relationships. Women but not men reported engaging in elevated rates of distress in response to partner aggression during past dating conflicts. However, both women and men expected distressed behavior to suppress partner aggression during future conflicts. Expectations about the functional effects of distressed behavior did not differ for participants with physically violent partners versus nonviolent partners. However, participants in violent relationships reported enacting more distressed behaviors and had greater expectations for partner verbal aggression during future conflicts than did participants in nonviolent relationships. Future research may identify the early onset of dysfunctional interaction patterns in couples and concomitant psychological distress.
DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR ARTICLERethinking women's sexual orientation: An interdisciplinary, relationship‐focused approach
Authors: PEPLAU LETITIA ANNE
Published: May 2005

What leads some women to form romantic and sexual relationships with men, and other women to form intimate relationships with women? This article presents a new conceptual paradigm for understanding women's sexual orientation that is emerging from research in such diverse fields as social psychology, sex research, evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and neuroscience. This approach acknowledges the potential plasticity of women's sexuality and the emphasis that women place on close relationships as a context for sexuality. Research also raises the possibility that for women the biological determinants of sexual desire, attraction, and attachment are not inherently linked to a partner's gender. This article begins with a brief survey of research on women's same‐sex romantic and sexual relationships not only in the United States today but also in other cultures and historical periods. These and other findings are used to critique prevailing conceptual models of women's sexual orientation. Finally, key elements in an alternative paradigm are described.
Gender and personality differences in conceptions of love: An interpersonal theory analysis
Authors: FEHR BEVERLEY , BROUGHTON ROSS
Published: May 2005

Three studies tested predictions derived from interpersonal theory regarding the relations among gender, personality, and conceptions of love. It was predicted that women would conceptualize love in terms of its nurturant varieties, namely companionate kinds of love, whereas men would conceptualize love in terms of non‐nurturant varieties, namely passionate kinds of love. Only the latter prediction received consistent support. Both women and men held a companionate conception of love, with the exception that women assigned higher ratings to friendship love and sisterly love. Regarding personality, it was predicted that high‐nurturance traits (e.g., warm‐agreeable) would be associated with a companionate conception of love whereas low‐nurturance traits (e.g., cold‐hearted) would be associated with a passionate conception of love. Results supported predictions. It was concluded that women's and men's conceptions of love are more similar than has been assumed and that the two robust interpersonal dimensions of dominance and nurturance hold considerable promise for integrating the literature on personality and gender differences in love.
Attachment style and coping resources as predictors of coping strategies in the transition to parenthood
Authors: ALEXANDER RICHARD , FEENEY JUDITH , HOHAUS LYDIA , NOLLER PATRICIA
Published: May 2005

The relations among adult attachment style, coping resources, appraised strain, and coping strategies were examined in a prospective study of married couples having their first child (N= 92). Attachment and coping resources were measured during the second trimester of pregnancy, and parenting strain and coping strategies were assessed when the babies were about 6 weeks old. Results supported a theoretical model proposing that attachment is predictive of coping resources and appraised strain, and that attachment, resources, and strain are predictive of coping strategies. Results also highlighted the complexity of associations among attachment, stress, and coping: Gender differences in mean scores and predictive associations were obtained, and some interactions were found between resources and strain in predicting coping strategies. The findings support the utility of integrating theories of attachment and coping in explaining couples’adjustment to important developmental transitions.
Age‐related variations and sex differences in gender cleavage during middle childhood
Authors: SMITH ROSANNE BURTON , DAVIDSON JOHN , BALL PETER
Published: May 2005

Gender cleavage, the segregation of the sexes, is a powerful phenomenon affecting socialization during childhood, but its developmental trajectory is far from clear. Sociometric responses by 299 boys and girls in Grades 3 to 6 from a group preference record were used to investigate age‐related variations and sex differences in gender cleavage. Moreno's (1953) developmental model of gender cleavage was examined in the light of sociocultural changes, as well as advances in the theory and measurement of gender cleavage. Sex differences were found in same‐gender preference, with older elementary girls showing greater same‐gender preference than boys of the same age. However, this finding, plus the absence of gender differences in cross‐gender evaluations, did not support more recent developmental accounts of gender cleavage. Linear trend analyses contradicted Moreno's basic precept of increasing same‐gender preference between Grades 3 and 6. While same‐gender acceptance and rejection were relatively similar regardless of grade level, cross‐gender acceptance was greater in higher than in lower grades and the reverse was true for rejection. Furthermore, weaker gender cleavage effects in rejection data than in acceptance data suggested that strong same‐gender liking does not infer equally robust cross‐gender dislike. Gender cleavage appears to be relative rather than absolute. A more complex model is proposed incorporating sex differences as well as rejection evaluations
Relationships and the self‐concept
Authors: HINDE ROBERT A. , FINKENAUER CATRIN , AUHAGEN ANN ELISABETH
Published: May 2005

Progress in the study of relationships has depended in part on the recognition that relationships have properties not relevant to interactions or to the behavior of individuals, and may require additional principles of explanation. This has led to an emphasis on relationships as linking individuals. In this article we argue that relationship processes occur in the heads of individuals, with the participants having their own idiosyncratic views of the relationship as well as a shared one. The relationship is both affected by and affects the self‐concepts of the participants, so that the influences of the self‐concept may be critical for understanding the properties and dynamics of relationships Furthermore, consideration of the self‐concept can assist in the integration of different but not necessarily incompatible explanations for the same relationship phenomena.
Loneliness and life satisfaction among three cultural groups
Authors: GOODWIN ROBIN , COOK OLIVIA , YUNG YVONNE
Published: May 2005

Studies into loneliness and life satisfaction have rarely assessed the role of culture in moderating the relationship between these variables. The present study examined the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction using data from three nonstudent samples collected from Italian, Anglo‐Canadian and Chinese‐Canadian populations. A total of 206 respondents completed the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau, & Cutrona, 1980) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985). Two contrasting hypotheses were compared: one, a “postmodern” hypothesis, predicting that the relationship between life satisfaction and loneliness would be stronger in our individualist sample of Anglo‐Canadians, and a second, “relational” hypothesis predicting this association to be strongest in our collectivist, Chinese‐Canadian sample. Our findings demonstrated that culture has a small but significant impact on the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction, and, consistent with the relational hypothesis, the relationship between the two concepts was strongest among our Chinese‐Canadian respondents and weakest among our Anglo‐Canadian participants This finding is discussed in the context of the strong expectations of social cohesion in collectivist societies.
Relationship experiences and change in attachment characteristics of young adults: The role of relationship breakups and conflict avoidance
Authors: RUVOLO ANN P. , FABIN LISA A. , RUVOLO CATHERINE M.
Published: May 2005

This study examined whether close relationship experiences predict change in individuals’attachment Characteristics. Partners from 301 dating couples each rated their attachment characteristics and their conflict avoidance. Five months later 184 women and 138 men reported whether their relationships were intact or broken‐up, and they rated their attachment characteristics again. Women became less secure after a breakup and more secure after remaining together. There was a similar result for men who initially had insecure attachment characteristics. Additionally, women low in conflict avoidance became more secure over time, and those high in conflict avoidance became less secure. For men whose relationships remained intact, conflict avoidance was not related to change in attachment characteristics. For men whose relationships ended, however, initial conflict avoidance predicted increased attachment security. These results extend previous research on the stability of attachment characteristics by exploring predictors of change.
Adult sibling relationships: Validation of a typology
Authors: STEWART ROBERT B. , KOZAK ANDREA L. , TINGLEY LYNN M. , GODDARD JEAN M. , BLAKE ELISSA M. , CASSEL WENDY A.
Published: May 2005

The goals of the two studies reported here were to examine the nature of sibling typologies and to describe a new measure designed to classify the type of sibling relationship. In the first study, participants (N= 172) ranging in age from 18 to 65 years described their current sibling relationships using a new measure (Sibling Type Questionnaire; STQ). Principal components analysis reduced these data to five dimensions (mutuality, criticism, apathy, competition, and longing), which were used in a cluster analysis to partition the sample into five groups (supportive, longing, competitive, apathetic, and hostile). The second study was conducted to validate the classifications provided by the STQ by obtaining descriptions of sibling relationships from a representative sample of adults (N= 658) ranging in age from 18 to 86 years. Factorial congruence was established with each of the five dimensions previously identified, and cluster analyses again were employed to partition the sample into supportive, longing, apathetic, hostile, and competitive groups. Respondents completed the Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (ASRQ) and a brief interview to provide a means of validating the cluster solution. Differences in the nature of sibling relationships associated with phases of adult life were also assessed.
Personal relationships in late modernity
Authors: ALLAN GRAHAM
Published: May 2005

This article is concerned with the significance of personal relationships in contemporary social life, principally drawing on recent British research. After reviewing traditional sociological theories concerning the impact of economic transformations on family and community ties, the author examines the character of couple and family commitment in the context of the radical demographic changes that have been occurring, particularly in patterns of family formation and dissolution. Relating these changes to theories of “late modernity,” the author assesses their implications for the relevance of personal relationships in general, and friendship in particular, in contemporary social formations. The author's argument is that far from becoming socially marginal as dominant theories generally imply, personal relationships are likely to become increasingly significant as social life becomes more fragmented and less predictable.
Evolution and relationships: A call for integration
Authors: SIMPSON JEFFRY A. , GANGESTAD STEVEN W.
Published: May 2005

In this introduction to the special issue on evolutionary approaches to relationships, we first review some of the major theories and milestones that have shaped and informed modern evolutionary thinking. In doing so, we discuss some of the major evolutionary theories that are most relevant to interpersonal relationships, and we describe how these theories are structurally linked. We then discuss the importance of theorizing about and studying phenomena from multiple levels of explanation–ultimate, ontogenetic, and proximate. Several misconceptions that continue to plague evolutionary psychology are then discussed, and we suggest ways in which evolutionary psychologists have unwittingly created, perpetuated, or sometimes exacerbated certain misconceptions. We conclude that the science of relationships could benefit from an infusion of more evolutionary thinking, and we propose that evolutionary psychology could benefit by having more relationship researchers.
Context‐specific mate choice criteria: Women's trade‐offs in the contexts of long‐term and extra‐pair mateships
Authors: SCHEIB JOANNA E.
Published: May 2005

Women's mate choice criteria were examined experimentally in the contexts of long‐term and extra‐pair mateship scenarios. In long‐term mateships, women may benefit by pairing with males who provide material resources and assistance in child rearing. In contrast, in extra‐pair mateships, women may benefit in other ways, with such benefits outweighing the potential costs imposed by a primary mate who discovers the relationship. One benefit, or evolutionary function, of extra‐pair mateships may be to replace a primary mate, in which case mate preferences should look similar across long‐term and extra‐pair contexts. However, another function of extra‐pair mateships may be to obtain high quality gametes (Le., “good genes”), in which case women should be differentially attracted to cues of heritable phenotypic quality, such as physical attractiveness. By using detailed verbal and pictorial descriptions of men and requiring participants to trade off physical attractiveness for good character (i.e., being a good cooperator and parent), it was possible to determine whether women's criteria for partners varied across experimental contexts. Findings suggest that extra‐pair mateships may have served the evolutionary function of obtaining “good genes,” because attractiveness was more important in extra‐pair mateships to the detriment of good character. This effect was maintained even when characteristics of the female participants (age, parity, marital experience) were covaried. In addition, the preference for physical attractiveness was specific to the sexual context; it did not generalize, in a second experiment, to choices among short‐term male coworkers.
Evidence from a homosexual sample for a sex‐specific rival‐oriented mechanism: Jealousy as a function of a rival's physical attractiveness and dominance
Authors: BUUNK BRAM P , DIJKSTRA PIETERNEL
Published: May 2005

Among heterosexual women in particular, a rival's physical attractiveness evokes jealousy, whereas among heterosexual men in particular, a rival's dominance evokes feelings of jealousy. The present study conducted with gay men and lesbian women examined whether these sex‐differentiated responses reflect an evolved sex‐specific rival‐oriented mechanism according to which males and females pay attention to different rival characteristics or an evolved general partner‐oriented mechanism, according to which males and females pay attention to those characteristics that their actual and potential partners find important. In an experiment, using a 2 (Participant Sex) × 2 (Rival Physical Attractiveness) × 2 (Rival Dominance) mixed factor design, homosexual participants were presented with a scenario in which their partners were flirting with an individual of the same sex. Lesbian women, but not gay men, reported more jealousy when they were exposed to a physically attractive rival as compared with a physically unattractive rival. Gay males, but not lesbian women, reported more jealousy when they were exposed to a rival high in dominance as compared with a rival low in dominance, especially when exposed to a physically unattractive rival. In addition, among women high in dominance, a dominant rival evoked relatively less jealousy, and among women high in social comparison orientation, an unattractive rival evoked relatively more jealousy. It is concluded that males and females posses an evolved sex‐specific rival‐oriented mechanism through which they respond more or less automatically to those rival characteristics that have been important in sexual selection in our evolutionary past.
Poaching, promiscuity, and deceit: Combatting mating rivalry in same‐sex friendships
Authors: BLESKE APRIL L. , SHACKELFORD TODD K.
Published: May 2005

If humans faced recurrently over evolutionary history the adaptive problem of competition with same‐sex friends for mates, they may have evolved psychological mechanisms designed to prevent and combat mating rivalry with same‐sex friends. Four studies were conducted to test hypotheses about the design of these mechanisms. In Studies 1 and 2 (N= 406 and N= 342, respectively) we found that, as predicted, people experience more upset in response to imagined rivalry from a friend than from a stranger. In Study 3 (N= 455), in which a between‐subjects design was utilized, we found that women's, but not men's, willingness to become friends with a member of the same sex is lower when the person is described as sexually promiscuous. In Study 4 (N= 169) we found that people report being deceived by friends about mating rivalry more often than they themselves report engaging in deceit about rivalry, and women more than men deceive each other about how sexually experienced and promiscuous they are. Discussion addresses implications of the findings and the use of an evolutionary approach for understanding conflict in same‐sex friendship.
Hepatic iron overload in alcoholic end‐stage liver disease is associated with iron deposition in other organs in the absence of HFE‐1 hemochromatosis
Authors: Eng Sue C. , Taylor Shari L. , Reyes Victoria , Raaka Stuart , Berger Jose , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: May 2005

Background: End‐stage cirrhosis in the absence of hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) can be associated with moderate to marked hepatic iron overload, especially in liver disease as a result of alcohol and/or hepatitis C. However, no published studies have addressed extrahepatic iron deposition in this setting.

Method: A retrospective case series from three autopsied patients who died from end‐stage cirrhosis associated with significant hepatic iron overload. Histology of vital organs was performed to detect extrahepatic iron deposition. HFE genotyping for the C282Y and H63D mutations was determined from archival tissue. Hepatic iron index and hepatic iron concentration (HIC) were quantified from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. Medical records were reviewed for possible causes of iron overload.

Results: Two patients were H63D heterozygous (H63D +/−) and one was wild type (C282Y −/−, H63D −/−). Histology revealed evidence of stainable iron in the heart and pancreas of all three subjects. Additionally, stainable iron was seen in the stomach in one subject and in the thyroid, pituitary, choroid plexus and testes in another subject. HIC ranged from 4354 to 6834 μg/g dry weight and HII from 1.8 to 2.2 (μmol/g/years).

Conclusion: Iron overload secondary to end‐stage liver disease can be associated with iron deposition in other organs in the absence of HFE‐1 HHC.
Short‐term postliver transplant survival after the introduction of MELD scores for organ allocation in the United States
Authors: Yoo Hwan Y. , Thuluvath Paul J.
Published: May 2005

Background: It has been suggested that the introduction of model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) for organ allocation may reduce overall graft and patient survival since elevated serum creatinine is an important predictor of poor outcome after liver transplantation.

Objective: In this study, we determined the outcomes of liver transplantation before (PreMELD group, 1998–February, 2002) and after (MELD group, March–December, 2002, n=4642) the introduction of MELD score, and examined the impact of MELD scores on the outcome in the United States (US).

Patients & methods: After excluding patients for a variety of reasons (children, live‐donor, fulminant liver failure, patients with hepatoma and others who received extra MELD points, multiple organ transplantation, re‐transplantation, incomplete data), there were 3227 patients in the MELD group. These patients were compared with 14 593 patients in the preMELD group after applying similar exclusion criteria. The survival was compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression survival analysis.

Results: There was no difference in short‐term (up to 10 months) graft and patient survival between MELD and preMELD groups. However, graft and patient survival was lower in patients with MELD score ≥30 when compared with those with MELD score <30 after adjusting for the confounding variables.

Conclusion: Introduction of MELD score for organ prioritization has not reduced the short‐term survival of patients, but patients with MELD score of 30 or higher had a relatively poor outcome.
Bile duct proliferation associated with bile salt‐induced hypercholeresis in Mdr2 P‐glycoprotein‐deficient mice
Authors: Hulzebos Christian V , Voshol Peter J , Wolters Henk , Kruit Janine K , Ottenhof Roelof , Groen Albert K , Stellaard Frans , Verkade Henkjan J , Kuipers Folkert
Published: May 2005

Background/Aims: Bile flow consists of bile salt‐dependent bile flow (BSDF), generated by canalicular secretion of bile salts, and bile salt‐independent flow (BSIF), probably of combined canalicular and ductular origin. Bile salt transport proteins have been identified in cholangiocytes, suggesting a role in control of BSDF and/or in control of bile salt synthesis through cholehepatic shunting.

Methods: We studied effects of bile duct proliferation under non‐cholestatic conditions in multidrug resistance‐2 P‐glycoprotein (Abcb4)‐deficient multidrug resistance gene‐2 (Mdr2(−/−)) mice. BSDF and BSIF were determined in wild‐type and Mdr2(−/−) mice during infusion of step‐wise increasing dosages of tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC). Cholate synthesis rate was determined by 2H4‐cholate dilution. Results were related to expression of transport proteins in liver and intestine.

Results: During TUDC infusion, BSDF was increased by ∼50% and BSIF by ∼100% in Mdr2(−/−) mice compared with controls. Cholate synthesis rate was unaffected in Mdr2(−/−) mice. Hepatic expression of the apical sodium‐dependent bile salt transporter (Asbt), its truncated form (tAsbt) and the multidrug resistance‐related protein 3 were upregulated in Mdr2(−/−) mice.

Conclusions: Bile duct proliferation in Mdr2(−/−) mice enhances cholehepatic shunting of bile salts, which is associated with a disproportionally high bile flow but does not affect bile salt synthesis.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression correlates with inflammatory changes in human chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Ying , Nanji Amin A. , Luk John M. , Huang Xiao‐Ru , Lo Chung‐Mau , Chen Yong Xiong , Yuen Siu‐Tsan , Lan Hui Y. , Lau George K. K.
Published: May 2005

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has emerged to be a pivotal cytokine in immune‐mediated diseases.

Patients and methods: To investigate the role of MIF in chronic hepatitis B infection, we studied two groups of hepatitis B surface antigen positive patients: group 1 (immune tolerant, n=16) and group 2 (immune clearance, n=16). Serum level of MIF was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and intrahepatic expression of MIF, macrophage and T‐cell localisation were detected by double immunohistochemistry.

Results: An increased serum MIF correlated significantly with increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity (r=0.73, P<0.001) and the severity of necroinflammatory injury (r=0.642, P<0.001). In group 2, there was marked MIF mRNA expression in all KP‐1+ macrophages and CD45RO+ activated T cells and, to a lesser extent, in hepatocytes within inflammatory areas. In contrast to its mRNA expression, the cytoplasmic MIF protein level in hepatocytes, infiltrating macrophages and T cells within the inflammatory area was reduced, which probably contributed to the increased serum MIF level.

Conclusions: Our data suggested that MIF played a role in sustaining cell‐mediated hepatic injury during the immune‐clearance phase of chronic hepatitis B infection.
Antioxidant levels in peripheral blood, disease activity and fibrotic stage in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Bandara Priyanka , George Jacob , McCaughan Geoffrey , Naidoo Daya , Lux Ora , Salonikas Chris , Kench James , Byth Karen , Farrell Geoffrey C
Published: May 2005

Background: This study addressed the suggested association between levels of the antioxidants glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E in peripheral blood and the histological activity and fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We then determined whether regular antioxidant supplementation influenced these antioxidant levels or disease severity.

Methods: Clinical, biochemical, histological and demographic data were collected from 247 CHC patients at the time of liver biopsy. Whole blood total GSH, plasma vitamin C and E were assessed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analyses were performed to test for associations between the variables and to identify independent predictors for hepatic necroinflammatory and fibrosis scores.

Results: GSH and vitamin C, but not vitamin E correlated with both portal/periportal activity (r=−0.19, P=0.004; r=−0.19, P=0.009 respectively) and fibrosis stage (r=−0.18, P=0.007; r=−0.18, P=0.009 respectively). GSH was an independent negative predictor of portal/periportal inflammation (P=0.02) and fibrosis (P=0.01). Vitamin C was an independent negative predictor of fibrosis stage (P=0.02). Antioxidant intake was associated with higher vitamin C (P<0.0001) and vitamin E (P=0.005) levels, but not GSH.

Conclusions: Whole blood GSH and plasma vitamin C are negatively associated with hepatic portal/periportal inflammation and fibrosis stage in CHC. Controlled intervention studies with vitamin C and agents that boost endogenous GSH levels are warranted.
Suppression of adenoviral gene expression in the liver: role of innate vs adaptive immunity and their cell lysis mechanisms
Authors: Minagawa Masahiro , Kawamura Hiroki , Liu Zhangxu , Govindarajan Sugantha , Dennert Gunther
Published: May 2005

Background: Injection of adenoviral constructs causes liver infection prompting immunity, which suppress viral gene expression. Innate and adaptive immunity mediate these processes raising the question which pathways are the most prominent.

Methods: Adenovirus expressing the β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) gene was injected into normal and immunodeficient mice. Elimination of β‐gal‐expressing hepatocytes and increases in liver enzymes were assayed. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I densities, perforin channel insertion and apoptosis by Fas and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were assayed.

Results: At high virus doses, suppression of viral gene expression was as efficient in immunodeficient as in normal mice, while at low doses effects of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were demonstrable. Despite CTL priming and elimination of infected hepatocytes no liver injury is detected. Hepatocyte MHC I densities were able to trigger CTL granule exocytosis and perforin lysis in vitro but not in vivo. This is we show is because of decreased sensitivity of hepatocytes from infected mice to perforin and increased sensitivity to Fas and TNF‐α lysis.

Conclusion: Effector cells of the innate immune system are exceedingly effective in suppressing adenoviral gene expression. Perforin‐independent pathways, those mediated by TNF‐α and Fas are very efficient in hepatocytes from virus‐infected livers.
Octreotide in liver cirrhosis: a salvage for variceal bleeding can be a gunshot for kidneys
Authors: Duman Deniz Güney , Tüney Davut , Bilsel Serpil , Benli Fehime , Karan Sehnaz , Avsar Erol , Özdogan Osman , Tözün Nurdan
Published: May 2005

Background: The renal effects of octreotide, used for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis, are controversial.

Methods: Fourteen cirrhotic patients (Child–Pugh; A/B/C: 1/12/1) were enrolled. Plasma nitrite and endothelin (ET) levels, urinary nitrite output, free water clearance (FWC) and fractional excretion of filtered sodium (FENa) were measured and renal Doppler ultrasound was carried out. Octreotide was infused at a rate of 0.75 μg/kg/h for 3 h after a bolus of 0.75 μg/kg body weight. All the parameters were reevaluated during octreotide administration while the patients acted as their own controls.

Results: Octreotide induced significant reductions in urinary nitrite, FENa and FWC. Plasma ET levels increased (baseline: 6.7 pg/ml, octreotide: 8.4 pg/ml), whereas the plasma nitrite level did not change significantly after octreotide infusion. Overall, no significant change in renal resistive index (RRI) could be demonstrated on Doppler after octreotide administration. However, patients with elevated baseline RRI values had significantly more deterioration in FWC and FENa compared with patients with normal RRI in response to octreotide.

Conclusion: A marked decrease in FENa, FWC and urinary nitrite output, together with a significant increase in plasma ET level in response to octreotide, may indicate renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. This deleterious renal effect of octreotide may be more enhanced in patients with elevated baseline RRI.
Asian‐Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B: a 2005 update
Authors: Liaw Yun‐Fan , Leung Nancy , Guan Richard , Lau George K.K. , Merican Ismail , McCaughan Geoff , Gane Edward , Kao Jia‐Horng , Omata Masao ,   for the Asian‐Pacific consensus update working party on chronic hepatitis B
Published: May 2005

Background/Aims: A large amount of new data on the treatment of chronic hepatitis B has become available such that the 2003 consensus statement requires revision and update.

Methods: New data were presented, discussed and debated in an expert pre‐meeting to draft a revision. The revised contents were finalized after discussion in a general meeting of APASL.

Results: Conceptual background, including the efficacy and safety profile of currently available and emerging drugs, was reviewed. Nineteen recommendations were formed and unresolved issues and areas for further study were suggested.

Conclusion: The current therapy of chronic hepatitis B is modestly effective but not satisfactory. The development of new drugs and new strategies is required to further improve the outcomes of treatment.
Induction of immune tolerance: a role for Natural killer T lymphocytes?
Authors: Margalit Maya , Ilan Yaron
Published: May 2005

Abstract: The ability of the immune system to distinguish between harmful and harmless antigens is essential for mounting protective immune responses and preventing the induction of pathology. Tolerance is a mechanism that prevents or suppresses potentially injurious immune responses. Natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes, a subset of regulatory T lymphocytes, can induce pro‐inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory immune responses. This subset of cells appears to be crucial for induction of tolerance by several immune‐modulatory interventions; these include immune manipulations in the setting of transplantation, induction of tolerance by introduction of antigen into immune‐privileged sites, and oral administration of disease‐associated‐antigen. The ability to predict whether tolerance or immunity will be generated in a given situation is essential for development of NKT lymphocyte‐based immune‐modulatory treatments. The role of NKT lymphocytes in these settings, and the requirements for development of tolerance, rather than immunity, are discussed.
The Blink Reflex in Cluster Headache
Authors: Raudino Francesco
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

To investigate the involvement of the trigeminal system in cluster headache, in twelve subjects the electrically‐elicited blink reflex during a symptomatic period was examined. In eleven cases, the amplitude of the contralateral R2 response on the symptomatic side was significantly lower. at the same stimulus intensity, than on the asymptomatic side (p = 0.005). The blink reflex can be useful to evaluate biologicaland drug‐induced phenomena in cluster headache.
Arterial Stenosis in Migraine: Spasm or Arteriopathy?
Authors: Solomon Seymour , Lipton Richard B. , Harris Phyllis Y.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Segmental arterial narrowing has rarely been angiographically demonstrated in patients with migraine. One new case is reported and 12 previous cases are reviewed. Though often referred to as vasospasm, arteriographic stenosis may result from edema of the vessel wall, arterial dissection, the effects of puerperium or arteritis.

A biphasic course of spasm, similar to the pattern noted with subarachnoid hemorrhage, has been recorded in some migraineurs. The current neurogenic and biochemical concepts of “spasm” developed for subarachnoid hemorrhage are reviewed.

Arterial narrowing may be important in several phenomena associated with migraine. It may account for migrainous cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. Vasoconstriction has also been invoked to explain the aura and other features of migraine. But the site of stenosis does not always correlate with the headache or focal neurologic features in location or timing. The angiographic changes are probably an epiphenomena rather than a primary mechanism of migraine. These changes may result from altered sympathetic neuronal activity; factors supporting that concept are reviewed.
Insomnia and Perceptual Disturbances During Flunarizine Treatment
Authors: Dalla Volta Giorgio , Magoni Mauro , Cappa Stefano , Di Monda Vincenzo
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

We report two cases of sleep disturbances and perceptual disorder appearing in close temporal relationship with initiation of flunarizine therapy for migraine prophylaxis: these side effects disappeared after therapy interruption; resumption of the drug in one case was associated with symptom recurrence.
Posttraumatic Headache with Ptosis, Miosis and Chronic Forehead Hyperhidrosis
Authors: Khurana Ramesh K.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Injury to the right lateral forehead was followed by headaches, and chronic ipsilateral ptosis, miosis, and forehead hyperhidrosis. Episodes of headache were accompanied by an increase in ptosis, miosis and forehead hyperhidrosis. The headaches abated within 6 weeks but the ptosis and miosis, due to postganglionic sympathetic insufficiency, were persistent. Spontaneous forehead hyperhidrosis, was also persistent at the time of last follow‐up, 15 months later. Autonomic assessment of the oculocephalic sympathetic dysfunction, localization of the lesion and possible explanation of the autonomic findings are discussed.
Sleep and Headache Syndromes: A Clinical Review
Authors: Sahota R K. , Dexter J.D.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

The relationship between sleep and headache has been known for over a century. Sleep represents the only well documented behavioral state related to the occurrence of some headache syndrome. Liveing1 in 1873, wrote about the effect of sleep in terminating an attack of headache. Bing2 also, noted this relationship when he wrote about early morning headaches. Gans3 reported a decrease in frequency and severity of migraine attacks following selective ‘deep‐sleep deprivation.’ Dreams4 leading to headache have been reported. Quite obviously, headache also finds a place in the classification of sleep disorders.5 This very important relationship between sleep and headache is the subject of this clinical review.
Response of Non‐Migrainous Headaches to Chlorpromazine
Authors: Barclay C.L. , Shuaib A. , Montoya D. , Seland T.P. , Thomas H.G.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Chlorpromazine, given intravenously, is a useful agent in the treatment of acute migraine headaches. Patients with more serious conditions, however, may also respond to this medication. In this paper we report two patients who were initially diagnosed as having migraine headaches and treated with chlorpromazine. Both experienced temporary pain relief and it was only after repeated presentations to the emergency department that their conditions‐a subarachnoid hemorrhage and a subdural hematoma‐were accurately diagnosed.

Because of this, caution must be exercised before re‐treating within a short period of time, a patient with recurrent headache. Strong consideration must be given to an alternate diagnosis and such a diagnosis should be actively sought should there be any suspicion of a non‐migrainous cause for headache. It is only by doing so that we may avoid missing more serious and life‐threatening conditions such as those with which our patients presented.
MRI Studies in Basilar Artery Migraine
Authors: Jacome Daniel E. , Leborgne Juan
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed in 18 patients with non‐epileptiform basilar artery migraine (BAM). In a few subjects, mild enlargement of the cortical sulci and white matter T2 weighted increased signal intensity were present. Twelve of the patients also underwent computerized tomography (CT) of the head: 6 of the latter individuals had abnormalities on their MRI not detested by CT, but their finding did not modify the pre‐existing diagnosis or influence clinical management. No evidence of biologic markers (i.e. congenital anomalies of the brainstem) was encountered and no signs of prior traumatic lesions, demyelinating disease or complicating stroke. MRI is a useful but limited complementary diagnostic tool in BAM.
Clomipramine and Mianserin in the Treatment of Chronic Tension Headache. A Double‐Blind, Controlled Study
Authors: Langemark M. , Loldrup D. , Bech Per , Olesen J.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

114 patients with chronic tension headache {more than 10 days per month for at least 6 months) were treated with placebo, clomipramine or mianserin in a double blind parallel group comparison. Eighty‐two patients completed the study. Headache pain was scored weekly on visual analogue scales for the 6 weeks of treatment. Observer‐rating of headache was made at entry, after 3 weeks and after 6 weeks of treatment.

In all groups, headache complaints decreased significantly compared to baseline. With the main parameter the decrease on both clomipramine and mianserin was significant compared to placebo. Although the tend was the same for the other parameters, the changes relative to placebo did not reach statistical significance.