bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inmate Assaults in Texas County Jails
Authors: Kellar Mark , Wang Hsiao-Ming
Published: November 2005

Local jails present unique challenges for the criminal justice researcher. The authors analyzed survey responses and existing documentation from 138 county jail administrators in Texas to determine relationships between select input variables and the incidence of inmate assaults on staff and other inmates. Logistic regression was used to examine the effects of importation model and managerial model variables on inmate assaults. The logistic model of inmate-on-inmate assaults was significant, whereas that of inmate-on-staff was not. The importation model approach was supported by a strong relationship between proportion of maximum security inmates and inmate assaults and by the relationship between inmates in metropolitan as opposed to non-metropolitan jails and inmate assaults. Findings indicated a weaker relationship between two managerial model variables. No discernible relationships were found between the degree of rehabilitative philosophy expressed by the administrator, the ethnic breakdown of staff, or the type of facility structure and inmate assaults.
Executive Coaching: A Review and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Feldman Daniel C. , Lankau Melenie J.
Published: November 2005

The use of executive coaching as a developmental intervention for managers has increased dramatically during the past decade. Consequently, there has been a burgeoning practitioner literature on the topic of executive coaching. Empirical research on executive coaching, however, has lagged far behind, and theoretical work on the processes underlying effective coaching has been limited. In this review, we investigate the construct of executive coaching and examine how coaches’ professional training, client characteristics, and types of coaching impact the effectiveness of this intervention. The article concludes with an agenda for future research on this emerging form of management development.
Why Are Individuals Attracted to Organizations?
Authors: Ehrhart Karen Holcombe , Ziegert Jonathan C.
Published: November 2005

Applicant attraction is vital to the success of an organization. Despite its importance, however, research on it has tended to proceed in a relatively piecemeal way. Accordingly, the authors present a framework for attraction research through an examination of the underlying relevant theories. Specifically, they identify three overarching metatheories focusing on environment processing, interactionist processing, and self-processing that form the basis for their theoretical model. The authors conclude with an examination of future research directions.
E-Learning in Organizations
Authors: Derouin Renée E. , Fritzsche Barbara A. , Salas Eduardo
Published: November 2005

E-learning, an instructional strategy for imparting needed knowledge, skills, and attitudes in organizations, is here to stay. Its viability, effectiveness, and potential to return tangible benefits to organizations depend largely on how it is designed, delivered, and evaluated. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state of the art of e-learning methods in organizations. The authors also critically examine e-learning’s effectiveness by reviewing the current literature on the outcomes of e-learning. Finally, they offer a research agenda designed to bridge the gap between the practice and science of e-learning.
The housing and support needs of visually impaired adults living in England today
Authors: Hanson Julienne , Percival John
Published: November 2005

This article reports findings from two linked projects. The first examined the housing, support and care needs of 400 visually impaired people aged 55 and over. The second looked at the housing and support needs of 121 adults aged 18-55. Only one half of younger informants and just over half of older informants had made physical alterations to their home to manage with impaired sight. A quarter of older people and three in ten younger people made no use whatsoever of aids or assistive technology. A lack of basic information prevented both groups from taking informed decisions about obtaining and adapting their accommodation. Older visually impaired people are the larger group numerically within society, and we found serious under provision of housing and services to ameliorate the problems of chronic ill health, social isolation and anxiety that many faced on a daily basis. Yet the difficulties faced by younger people were if anything even greater, especially if they had additional disabilities, were female or came from an ethnic minority. These findings challenge housing and service providers to devise innovative, person-centred and cost-effective solutions that improve the quality of life for adults of all ages with impaired vision.
Don't look! The history of education for partially sighted children
Authors: French Sally
Published: November 2005

By means of documentary evidence and a small number of qualitative interviews, this article traces the development of education for partially sighted children from the beginning of the 20th century until the 1960s. The article shows how for much of this period, and in different educational settings, partially sighted children were prevented from using their sight and were thus denied many important opportunities through the dominance of medical and educational 'experts'. The article concludes with a plea that the voices of disabled people, including children, are heard as educationalists grapple with the complex process of inclusion.
My blindness? No more than an inconvenience
Authors: Weller Jamie
Published: November 2005

A blind ex-service man gives an account of the onset of cone dystrophy which brought an end to his career as an aircraft engineer. He tells of his rehabilitation and training in residential settings, of the acquisition of new skills, and of studying to gain a bachelor's degree, and of setting out on an entirely new professional career. What emerges from the story is a man who is positive, determined not to let his blindness undermine his ambitions and committed, too, to participating in vigorous activities that give pleasure and meaning to his life.
A Conservative Framework for Regional Development
Authors: Dehaene Michiel
Published: November 2005

In Patrick Abercrombie’s interwar regional planning work a concern to shape the geographic distribution of urban development at a regional level and a sustained concern for rural conservation intersect. His plans tried to configure environmentally sensitive areas into a green regional infrastructure, directing the desired development to take place within the confines of a “conservative” framework. This ambition reflected a keen awareness of the need to cross the distance between legitimate conservation concerns and the constructive development of future opportunities, trying to make use of the growing public consensus regarding rural conservation as a concrete force within the planning process.
Pulling rickshaws in the city of Dhaka: a way out of poverty?
Authors: Begum Sharifa , Sen Binayak
Published: November 2005

This paper is based on a study drawing on information from current and former rickshaw pullers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Most of these rickshaw pullers are very poor, and have little education and few skills. Rickshaw pulling provides them with relatively easy access to the urban labour market, and an escape from extreme rural poverty. But the initial trend of modest upward mobility from rickshaw pulling is not sustained in the long run. For the sample in this study, almost all economic and social indicators - including income poverty - deteriorated with the length of involvement in rickshaw pulling. The unsustainability of the livelihood is related to the extreme physical demands of the activity, which are unrealistic in the context of poverty and malnutrition, and which result in high vulnerability to health shocks. The paper concludes that rickshaw pulling provides no permanent route to escaping poverty.
The Social Aid and Assistance programme of the government of Egypt - a critical review
Authors: Sabry Sarah
Published: November 2005

This paper assesses the Egyptian government’s Social Aid and Assistance programme, mainly by interviewing households in two low-income areas of Cairo, and comparing what the programme offers with these households’ actual needs and vulnerabilities. This programme exists to support the most vulnerable in Egypt (those who cannot work and are not covered by any other insurance scheme) by providing them with a minimum monthly income. It is meant to benefit in particular the elderly, households with disabled persons, and women who are widows or divorced and bringing up children. The interviewees pointed to many limitations in what was provided, for instance too little money in relation to daily costs and too many eligible people unaware that they could receive it. The research also highlighted problems with the programme’s administration - for instance, the hostility of those who managed it towards those who applied, the complex application process (particularly difficult for illiterate people), the documentation required (which many women do not have), the refusals given with no explanation and, even if the application was successful, the long delay before benefits start.
Understanding urban chronic poverty: crossing the qualitative and quantitative divide
Authors: Kedir Abbi Mamo
Published: November 2005

This paper reviews the recent quantitative and qualitative evidence on urban poverty in Ethiopia. It attempts to synthesize the little evidence that exists on urban chronic poverty in some detail, and discusses the consistency of findings in the context of different methodological approaches. The review covers the discussion of key correlates/dimensions of poverty, such as livelihood insecurity, gender, household income, prices and HIV/AIDS. Most of the studies reviewed present a static picture of urban poverty rather than focusing on the dynamics of poverty over time. The paper suggests that future research should focus on a more dynamic analysis of household welfare. The studies reviewed here are heterogeneous in terms of their sources, and include academia, NGOs, independent research institutions and the World Bank. Despite differences in methodological approach, it is encouraging to see an overlap in the research agenda, and a consistency of findings on key correlates of urban poverty and its trends.
Street enterprises, urban livelihoods and poverty in Kinshasa
Authors: Iyenda Guillaume
Published: November 2005

Unemployment and poverty are currently the main preoccupations of people in Kinshasa. State bankruptcy has prevented the formal economy from stemming a rising tide of poverty, making the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of living standards. This paper examines the living conditions of the poor in Kinshasa in relation to the current situation of state bankruptcy, and looks, in particular, at the phenomenon of street enterprises in the city. Despite the capacity of street enterprises to provide employment for many poor people in the city, they have not proven to be a solution to poverty and its correlates of unemployment, illiteracy, disease, hunger, poor health, high infant mortality, social exclusion and poor housing conditions. The paper concludes by suggesting the need to fight corruption, mismanagement and political authoritarianism, and to increase the participation of poor people in the development process.
Urban livelihoods from children’s perspectives: protecting and promoting assets on the streets of Dhaka
Authors: Conticini Alessandro
Published: November 2005

This paper investigates what children in street situations in Dhaka value as important, and how they protect and promote their livelihoods when living on the street. It argues that, despite the common belief held by many people in mainstream society, in the realm of policy and in NGOs, these children are not destitute. They have dynamic portfolios of assets and show complex coping strategies generally managed in a group. When considering policy implications, this paper argues that to be effective, sustainable and respectful, intervention has to abandon the focus on children’s deprivations often fostered by a strict interpretation of children’s rights. On the contrary, a more systematic investigation of children’s initiatives to improve their lives when on the street should guide interventions on how to help them strengthen their assets, rather than to create substitutes for them.
Settling with danger: conditions and health problems in peri-urban neighbourhoods in Aleppo, Syria
Authors: Hammal F , Mock J , Ward K D , Fouad M F , Beech B M , Maziak W
Published: November 2005

In the Eastern Mediterranean region, mass rural-to-urban migration and uncontrolled population growth in low-income countries such as Syria have given rise to sprawling unplanned peri-urban development. Virtually no data are available on the environmental conditions and health status of residents of such communities. This paper describes formative qualitative research in eight settlements in informal zones around Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, to assess environmental problems and health hazards. Several common themes emerged regarding community-level conditions that placed residents at substantial health risk, including sub-standard housing, limited access to high-quality health care, an absence of adequate essential services, problems with toxins and pollutants, poor educational and employment opportunities, and crime. Further research is being conducted to understand the distribution of these problems and the associations between environmental conditions and health status. Urgent action is needed to eliminate dangerous living conditions in these settlements.
The GOOD-BYE TO DENGUE GAME
Authors: Lennon Jeffrey L. , Coombs David W.
Published: November 2005

This study examined the use of postgame debriefing of a health educational board game activity on dengue fever in a Filipino student population. The debriefing used a series of specific open-ended questions, exploring students’ feelings about the game and game-related questionnaires, students’ perceptions of important information about dengue from the game, new information learned about dengue, areas of improvement on students’ dengue control skills, and suggested areas of improvement for the game. Eighty-one students in Grade 5, Grade 6, and High School Year 1 participated in the in-school debriefing, conducted by seven Filipino student teachers. Eighty out of 81 students indicated “liking” the game. Reasons for liking the game were divided among responses based on their learning about dengue, and also perceived fun. Dengue control and prevention yielded the greatest category response to the question on perceived important material covered by the game.
Downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in nasal polyposis
Authors: Cardell Lars-Olaf , Hägge Magnus , Uddman Rolf , Adner Mikael
Published: November 2005

Background

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, βδ and γ are nuclear receptors activated by fatty acid metabolites. An anti-inflammatory role for these receptors in airway inflammation has been suggested.

Methods

Nasal biopsies were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with symptomatic allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps were obtained from 22 patients, before and after 4 weeks of local steroid treatment (fluticasone). Real-time RT-PCR was used for mRNA quantification and immunohistochemistry for protein localization and quantification.

Results

mRNA expression of PPARα, PPARβδ, PPARγ was found in all specimens. No differences in the expression of PPARs were obtained in nasal biopsies from patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy volunteers. Nasal polyps exhibited lower levels of PPARα and PPARγ than normal nasal mucosa and these levels were, for PPARγ, further reduced following steroid treatment. PPARγ immunoreactivity was detected in the epithelium, but also found in smooth muscle of blood vessels, glandular acini and inflammatory cells. Quantitative evaluation of the epithelial immunostaining revealed no differences between nasal biopsies from patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy volunteers. In polyps, the PPARγ immunoreactivity was lower than in nasal mucosa and further decreased after steroid treatment.

Conclusion

The down-regulation of PPARγ, in nasal polyposis but not in turbinates during symptomatic seasonal rhinitis, suggests that PPARγ might be of importance in long standing inflammations.
Genetic covariance between indices of body condition and immunocompetence in a passerine bird
Authors: Gleeson Deborah J , Blows Mark W , Owens Ian PF
Published: November 2005

Background

Condition-dependence is a ubiquitous feature of animal life histories and has important implications for both natural and sexual selection. Mate choice, for instance, is typically based on condition-dependent signals. Theory predicts that one reason why condition-dependent signals may be special is that they allow females to scan for genes that confer high parasite resistance. Such explanations require a genetic link between immunocompetence and body condition, but existing evidence is limited to phenotypic associations. It remains unknown, therefore, whether females selecting males with good body condition simply obtain a healthy mate, or if they acquire genes for their offspring that confer high immunocompetence.

Results

Here we use a cross-foster experimental design to partition the phenotypic covariance in indices of body condition and immunocompetence into genetic, maternal and environmental effects in a passerine bird, the zebra finchTaeniopygia guttata. We show that there is significant positive additive genetic covariance between an index of body condition and an index of cell-mediated immune response. In this case, genetic variance in the index of immune response explained 56% of the additive genetic variance in the index of body condition.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that, in the context of sexual selection, females that assess males on the basis of condition-dependent signals may gain genes that confer high immunocompetence for their offspring. More generally, a genetic correlation between indices of body condition and imuunocompetence supports the hypothesis that parasite resistance may be an important target of natural selection. Additional work is now required to test whether genetic covariance exists among other aspects of both condition and immunocompetence.
Reasons for and consequences of missed appointments in general practice in the UK: questionnaire survey and prospective review of medical records
Authors: Neal Richard D , Hussain-Gambles Mahvash , Allgar Victoria L , Lawlor Debbie A , Dempsey Owen
Published: November 2005

Background

Missed appointments are a common occurrence in primary care in the UK, yet little is known about the reasons for them, or the consequences of missing an appointment. This paper aims to determine the reasons for missed appointments and whether patients who miss an appointment subsequently consult their general practitioner (GP). Secondary aims are to compare psychological morbidity, and the previous appointments with GPs between subjects and a comparison group.

Methods

Postal questionnaire survey and prospective medical notes review of adult patients missing an appointment and the comparison group who attended appointments over a three week period in seven general practices in West Yorkshire.

Results

Of the 386 who missed appointments 122 (32%) responded. Of the 386 in the comparison group 223 (58%) responded, resulting in 23 case-control matched pairs with complete data collection. Over 40% of individuals who missed an appointment and participated said that they forgot the appointment and a quarter said that they tried very hard to cancel the appointment or that it was at an inconvenient time. A fifth reported family commitments or being too ill to attend. Over 90% of the patients who missed an appointment subsequently consulted within three months and of these nearly 60% consulted for the stated problem that was going to be presented in the missed consultation. The odds of missing an appointment decreased with increasing age and were greater among those who had missed at least one appointment in the previous 12 months. However, estimates for comparisons between those who missed appointments and the comparison group were imprecise due to the low response rate.

Conclusion

Patients who miss appointments tend to cite practice factors and their own forgetfulness as the main reasons for doing so, and most attend within three months of a missed appointment. This study highlights a number of implications for future research. More work needs to be done to engage people who miss appointments into research in a meaningful way.
Adjunctive corticosteroids for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with HIV infection: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Briel Matthias , Boscacci Remy , Furrer Hansjakob , Bucher Heiner C
Published: November 2005

Background

The objective of this study was to review the effects of adjunctive corticosteroids on overall mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in HIV-infected patients withPneumocystis jirovecipneumonia (PCP) and substantial hypoxemia (arterial oxygen partial pressure <70 mmHg or alveolar-arterial gradient >35 mmHg on room air).

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of the literature for randomised trials published up to December 2004. Selected trials compared adjunctive corticosteroids with placebo or usual care in HIV-infected patients with PCP and reported mortality data. Two teams of reviewers independently evaluated the methodology and extracted data from each primary study.

Results

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Risk ratios for overall mortality for adjunctive corticosteroids were 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.79) at 1 month and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.49–0.93) at 3–4 months of follow-up. Numbers needed to treat, to prevent 1 death, are 9 patients in a setting without highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) available and 22 patients with HAART available. Only the 3 largest trials provided data on the need for mechanical ventilation with a risk ratio of 0.37 (95% CI, 0.20–0.70) in favour of adjunctive corticosteroids.

Conclusion

The number and size of trials investigating adjunctive corticosteroids for HIV-infected patients with PCP is small, but our results suggest a beneficial effect for patients with substantial hypoxemia.
Lumbar segmental instability: a criterion-related validity study of manual therapy assessment
Authors: Abbott J Haxby , McCane Brendan , Herbison Peter , Moginie Graeme , Chapple Cathy , Hogarty Tracy
Published: November 2005

Background

Musculoskeletal physiotherapists routinely assess lumbar segmental motion during the clinical examination of a patient with low back pain. The validity of manual assessment of segmental motion has not, however, been adequately investigated.

Methods

In this prospective, multi-centre, pragmatic, diagnostic validity study, 138 consecutive patients with recurrent or chronic low back pain (R/CLBP) were recruited. Physiotherapists with post-graduate training in manual therapy performed passive accessory intervertebral motion tests (PAIVMs) and passive physiological intervertebral motion tests (PPIVMs). Consenting patients were referred for flexion-extension radiographs. Sagittal angular rotation and sagittal translation of each lumbar spinal motion segment was measured from these radiographs, and compared to a reference range derived from a study of 30 asymptomatic volunteers. Motion beyond two standard deviations from the reference mean was considered diagnostic of rotational lumbar segmental instability (LSI) and translational LSI. Accuracy and validity of the clinical assessments were expressed using sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio statistics with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Only translation LSI was found to be significantly associated with R/CLBP (p < 0.05). PAIVMs were specific for the diagnosis of translation LSI (specificity 89%, CI 83–93%), but showed poor sensitivity (29%, CI 14–50%). A positive test results in a likelihood ratio (LR+) of 2.52 (95% CI 1.15–5.53). Flexion PPIVMs were highly specific for the diagnosis of translation LSI (specificity 99.5%; CI 97–100%), but showed very poor sensitivity (5%; CI 1–22%). Likelihood ratio statistics for flexion PPIVMs were not statistically significant. Extension PPIVMs performed better than flexion PPIVMs, with slightly higher sensitivity (16%; CI 6–38%) resulting in a likelihood ratio for a positive test of 7.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 29.2) for translation LSI.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence reporting the concurrent validity of manual tests for the detection of abnormal sagittal planar motion. PAIVMs and PPIVMs are highly specific, but not sensitive, for the detection of translation LSI. Likelihood ratios resulting from positive test results were only moderate. This research indicates that manual clinical examination procedures have moderate validity for detecting segmental motion abnormality.
Use of endogenous signal sequences for transient production and efficient secretion by moss (Physcomitrella patens) cells
Authors: Schaaf Andreas , Tintelnot Stefanie , Baur Armin , Reski Ralf , Gorr Gilbert , Decker Eva L
Published: November 2005

Background

Efficient targeting to appropriate cell organelles is one of the bottlenecks for the production of recombinant proteins in plant systems. A common practice is to use the native secretory signal peptide of the heterologous protein to be produced. Though general features of secretion signals are conserved between plants and animals, the broad sequence variability among signal peptides suggests differing efficiency of signal peptide recognition.

Results

Aiming to improve secretion in moss bioreactors, we quantitatively compared the efficiency of two human signal peptides and six signals from recently isolated moss (Physcomitrella patens) proteins. We therefore used fusions of the different signals to heterologous reporter sequences for transient transfection of moss cells and measured the extra- and intracellular accumulation of the recombinant proteins rhVEGF and GST, respectively. Our data demonstrates an up to fivefold higher secretion efficiency with endogenous moss signals compared to the two utilised human signal peptides.

Conclusion

From the distribution of extra- and intracellular recombinant proteins, we suggest translational inhibition during the signal recognition particle-cycle (SRP-cycle) as the most probable of several possible explanations for the decreased extracellular accumulation with the human signals. In this work, we report on the supremacy of moss secretion signals over the utilised heterologous ones within the moss-bioreactor system. Though the molecular details of this effect remain to be elucidated, our results will contribute to the improvement of molecular farming systems.
Short-term administration of growth hormone (GH) lowers blood pressure by activating eNOS/nitric oxide (NO)-pathway in male hypophysectomized (Hx) rats
Authors: Nyström Henrik C , Klintland Natalia , Caidahl Kenneth , Bergström Göran , Wickman Anna
Published: November 2005

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute and continuous (up to 14 days of treatment) effect of growth hormone (GH) on blood pressure (BP) regulation and to investigate the interplay between GH, nitric oxide (NO) and BP.

In un-supplemented and GH supplemented hypophysectomized (Hx) male rats as well as intact rats, continuous resting mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was measured using telemetry. Baroreceptor activity and the influences of NO on BP control were assessed during telemetric measurement. Furthermore, basal plasma and urine nitrate levels and aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression were analysed. Endothelial function as well as vascular structure in the hindquarter vascular bed was estimated using an in vivo constant-flow preparation.

Results

Hypophysectomy was associated with decreased MAP (Hx: 83 ± 3 vs Intact: 98 ± 6 mmHg, p < 0.05) and heart rate (HR) (Hx: 291 ± 4 vs Intact: 351 ± 7 beat/min, p < 0.05). Endothelial dysfunction and reduced vasculature mass in the hindquarter vascular bed was found in Hx rats. GH substitution caused a further transient decrease in MAP and a transient increase in HR (14% and 16% respectively, p < 0.05). The reduction in MAP appeared to be NO dependent. Aortic eNOS expression was unchanged. GH substitution resulted in an impaired baroreceptor function. Two weeks of GH treatment did not normalise the BP, vascular structure and the endothelial function in the resistance vessels.

Conclusion

GH substitution seems to have a short lasting effect on lowering blood pressure via activation of the NO-system. An interaction between GH, NO-system and BP regulation can be demonstrated.
Increasing work-place healthiness with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Tubelius Py , Stan Vlaicu , Zachrisson Anders
Published: November 2005

Background

Short term illnesses, usually caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases are disruptive to productivity and there is relatively little focus on preventative measures. This study examined the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri protectis (ATCC55730) on its ability to improve work-place healthiness by reducing short term sick-leave caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.

Methods

262 employees at TetraPak in Sweden (day-workers and three-shift-workers) that were healthy at study start were randomised in a double-blind fashion to receive either a daily dose of 108 Colony Forming Units of L. reuteri or placebo for 80 days. The study products were administered with a drinking straw. 181 subjects complied with the study protocol, 94 were randomised to receive L. reuteri and 87 received placebo.

Results

In the placebo group 26.4% reported sick-leave for the defined causes during the study as compared with 10.6% in the L. reuteri group (p < 0.01). The frequency of sick-days was 0.9% in the placebo group and 0.4% in the L. reuteri group (p < 0.01). Among the 53 shift-workers, 33% in the placebo group reported sick during the study period as compared with none in the L. reuteri group(p < 0.005).
Increased PAI-1 plasma levels and risk of death from dengue: no association with the 4G/5G promoter polymorphism
Authors: Mairuhu ATA , Setiati TE , Koraka P , Hack CE , Leyte A , Faradz SMH , ten Cate H , Brandjes DPM , Osterhaus ADME , Reitsma PH , van Gorp ECM
Published: November 2005

Background

Dengue virus infected patients have high plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1) plasma concentrations. Whether the insertion/deletion (4G/5G) polymorphism in the promotor region of the PAI-1 gene is associated with increased PAI-1 plasma concentrations and with death from dengue is unknown. We, therefore, investigated the relationship between the 4G/5G polymorphism and PAI-1 plasma concentrations in dengue patients and risk of death from dengue.

Methods

A total of 194 patients admitted to the Dr. Kariadi Hospital in Semarang, Indonesia, with clinical suspected severe dengue virus infection were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained on day of admission, days 1, 2 and 7 after admission and at a 1-month follow-up visit. Plasma concentrations of PAI-1 were measured using a sandwich ELISA kit. The PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism was typed by allele-specific PCR analysis.

Results

Concentrations of PAI-1 on admission and peak values of PAI-1 during admission were higher than the values measured in healthy controls. Survival was significantly worse in patients with PAI-1 concentrations in the highest tertile (at admission: OR 4.7 [95% CI 0.9–23.8], peak value during admission: OR 6.3 [95%CI 1.3–30.8]). No association was found between the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism, and PAI-1 plasma concentrations, dengue disease severity and mortality from dengue.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the 4G/5G polymorphism has no significant influence on PAI-1 concentrations in dengue virus infected patients and is not associated with the risk of death from dengue. Other factors contributing to the variability of PAI-1 plasma concentrations in patients with dengue need to be explored.
Effects of co-administered dexamethasone and diclofenac potassium on pain, swelling and trismus following third molar surgery
Authors: Bamgbose Babatunde Olamide , Akinwande Jelili Adisa , Adeyemo Wasiu Lanre , Ladeinde Akinola Ladipo , Arotiba Godwin Toyin , Ogunlewe Mobolanle Olugbemiga
Published: November 2005

Background

The apparent interactions between the mechanisms of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and steroids suggest that co-therapy may provide beneficial inflammatory and pain relief in the absence of side effects. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of co-administered dexamethasone and diclofenac potassium (diclofenac K) with diclofenac K alone on the postoperative pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of third molars.

Patients and Methods

A prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. A total of 100 patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups of dexamethasone (prophylactic 8 mg and postoperative 4 mg IV) and diclofenac K (50 mg Oral before and after surgery), and diclofenac K alone (as with first group). The overall analgesic efficacy of the drug combinations was assessed postoperatively by determination of pain intensity using a category rating scale. Facial swelling was measured using a tape measure placed from tragus to gonion to tragus, while interincisal mouth-opening of patients was measured using a vernier calibrated caliper pre-operatively and post-operatively.

Results

Co-administration of dexamethasone and diclofenac K was significantly superior to diclofenac alone for the relief of pain (P < 0.05), and facial swelling up to post-operative 48 hour (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference for trismus relief between the two medication protocols (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study illustrates enhanced effects of co-administered dexamethasone and diclofenac K on short-term post-operative pain and swelling, compared to diclofenac potassium alone in third molar surgery.
Cationic liposomes induce apoptosis through p38 MAP kinase–caspase-8–Bid pathway in macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Iwaoka Sayaka , Nakamura Tomoko , Takano Shuhei , Tsuchiya Seishi , Aramaki Yukihiko
Published: November 2005

We have demonstrated that cationic liposomes composed of stearylamine (SA-liposomes) induce apoptosis in a variety of cells, but the mechanism responsible for the cellular death is not clear. In this paper, we investigated the signaling pathways implicated in SA-liposome-induced apoptosis in the macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. Treatment with SA-liposomes caused the activation of mitogen-activated proein kinases (MAPKs), especially p38 and c-jun N-terminal kinase, and apoptosis was only inhibited upon the addition of a specific inhibitor for p38. N-acetylcysteine, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively inhibited the activation of p38 and cellular death, indicating that the activation induced by ROS is an initial step in the process of apoptosis triggered by SA-liposomes. Caspase-8 was activated by p38, and caspase-8-dependent cleavage of Bid was also observed. No down-regulation of bcl-2 expression, and no cleavage of Bax protein were observed. Taken together, our results suggest that apoptosis of RAW264.7 by SA-liposomes was mediated by the MAPK p38 and a caspase-8-dependent Bid-cleavage pathway. Moreover, we found that ROS can contribute intimately to the SA-liposome-induced cell death in RAW264.7.
Prostaglandin E2 promotes degranulation-independent release of MCP-1 from mast cells
Authors: Nakayama Takayuki , Mutsuga Noriko , Yao Lei , Tosato Giovanna
Published: November 2005

Mast cells (MCs) are common components of inflammatory infiltrates and a source of proangiogenic factors. Inflammation is often accompanied by vascular changes. However, little is known about modulation of MC-derived proangiogenic factors during inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the proinflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on MC expression and release of proangiogenic factors. We report that PGE2 dose-dependentlyinduces primary MCs to release the proangiogenic chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). This release of MCP-1 is complete by 2 h after PGE2 exposure, reaches levels of MCP-1 at least 15-fold higher than background, and is not accompanied by degranulation or increased MCP-1 gene expression. By immunoelectron microscopy, MCP-1 is detected within MCs at a cytoplasmic location distinct from the secretory granules. Dexamethasone and cyclosporine A inhibit PGE2-induced MCP-1 secretion by ∼60%. Agonists of PGE2 receptor subtypes revealed that the EP1 and EP3 receptors can independently mediate MCP-1 release from MCs. These observations identify PGE2-induced MCP-1 release from MCs as a pathway underlying inflammation-associated angiogenesis and extend current understanding of the activities of PGE2.
Bovine natural killer cells acquire cytotoxic/effector activity following activation with IL-12/15 and reduce Mycobacterium bovis BCG in infected macrophages
Authors: Endsley Janice J , Endsley Mark A , Estes D Mark
Published: November 2005

Bovine natural killer (NK) cells were recently identified by positive selection of a NK cell-activating receptor p46 (NKp46)+ CD3– lymphocyte population, which expresses CD25 and CD8 and lyses tumor cell lines following stimulation with recombinant interleukin-2. In the current work, we characterize the cytotoxic/effector potential of a CD3–CD8–CD11b– population isolated through negative selection of bovine peripheral blood leukocytes. This population is CD25loCD62hi when isolated and becomes CD25hiCD62Llo following cytokine stimulation. Activated bovine NK cells increase expression of granulysin, interferon-γ, and perforin and have cytotoxic activity against human tumor cells and Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin-infected alveolar and monocyte-derived macrophages. Expression of a bovine homologue of the CD56 neural adhesion molecule expressed by human NK cells was detected in mRNA from brain tissue but was not detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or purified NK cell mRNA. Analysis of mRNA from nonstimulated peripheral blood NK cells demonstrates the constitutive expression of homologues of human NK receptors NKp46, CD244, and CD94 and the granule proteins granulysin and perforin. Phorbol ester-stimulated CD8+ T cells also expressed CD244 and CD94, and CD4+ T cells expressed CD94. These NK cell receptors bearing T lymphocytes may represent memory subsets characterized in humans. The results of these studies demonstrate that bovine NK cells may play an important role in the innate immune responses of cattle.
Virulent clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis grow rapidly and induce cellular necrosis but minimal apoptosis in murine macrophages
Authors: Park Jae Seuk , Tamayo Marcela Henao , Gonzalez-Juarrero Mercedes , Orme Ian M , Ordway Diane J
Published: November 2005

In this study, we investigated the ability of four clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis representing a range of virulence for their capacity to grow in bone marrow-derived macrophages. The rate of growth of each of the isolates in macrophages reflected their known virulence, but the most virulent isolates strongly induced production of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor α. A key difference, however, was the degree of cell cytotoxicity observed with the more virulent strains ater several days in culture. Staining of cell monolayers for DNA fragmentation indicative of apoptosis showed that this was minimal and only evident to any degree in macrophages infected with the most virulent strains. In contrast, electron microscopy revealed damage of macrophages consistent with cell necrosis. These results suggest that rapid intracellular growth rate and induction of necrotic cell death within host macrophages are virulence factors of M. tuberculosis in the early stages of bacterial infection. They further imply that infected cell apoptosis, regarded as a defense mechanism or cross-priming mechanism, plays a minimal role.
Chemical inhibitors of TNF signal transduction in human neutrophils point to distinct steps in cell activation
Authors: Han Hyunsil , Roberts Julia , Lou Olivia , Muller Willam A , Nathan Noah , Nathan Carl
Published: November 2005

Chemical screening identified three small compounds that selectively inhibited activation of the respiratory burst (RB) of human neutrophils in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and formylated peptide but not phorbol ester and spared the ability of neutrophils to kill bacteria. These compounds partially inhibited TNF-triggered cytoskeletal rearrangements without blocking adhesion or transmigation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils through TNF-activated monolayers of endothelial cells. The compounds were nontoxic to neutrophils and endothelial cells. They had no direct inhibitory effect on the tyrosine kinases Src, Syk, or Pyk2. However, their differential effects on cell spreading, bacteria-induced RB, TNF-induced degranulation, TNF-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and TNF-induced Syk activation suggested that each may act on different elements of neutrophil signaling pathways.
Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in TNF-stimulated neutrophils: novel pathways for tertiary granule release
Authors: Chakrabarti Subhadeep , Zee Jennifer M , Patel Kamala D
Published: November 2005

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is present in the tertiary granules of neutrophils and is rapidly released following stimulation. We examined the pathways that regulate tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated MMP-9 release and found this to be dependent on the TNF receptor I. TNF rapidly activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, but neither of these pathways was critical for MMP-9 release. Many neutrophil responses to TNF require β2-integrin-dependent signaling and subsequent Src family kinase activation. In conrast, we found that MMP-9 release from tertiary granules was only partially affected by blocking β2-integrin-mediated adhesion. Similarly, blocking Src family kinases with the inhibitor PP2 only attenuated TNF-induced MMP-9 release. Blocking β2-integrin-mediated adhesion and Src family kinases did not result in additive inhibition of MMP-9 release. In contrast, inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) with a pan-specific inhibitor blocked greater than 85% of MMP-9 release. Inhibitors against specific PKC isoforms suggested a role for PKC α and PKC δ in maximal MMP-9 release. These data suggest that MMP-9 release from tertiary granules uses β2-integrin-independent signaling pathways. Furthermore, PKC isoforms play a critical role in regulating tertiary granule release.
Elevated gelatinase activity in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: role of macrophage-colony stimulating factor
Authors: Bonfield Tracey L , Swaisgood Carmen M , Barna Barbara P , Farver Carol F , Kavuru Mani S , Thomassen Mary Jane
Published: November 2005

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is an anti-granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoimmune disease resulting in the accumulation of phospholipids in the alveoli. GM-CSF knockout (KO) mice exhibit a strikingly similar lung pathology to patients with PAP. The lack of functionally active GM-CSF correlates with highly elevated concentrations of M-CSF in the lungs of PAP patients and GM-CSF KO mice. M-CSF has been associated with alternative macrophage activation, and in models of pulmonary fibrosis, M-CSF also contributes to tissue resorption and fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 have been implicated in extracellular matrix degradation in animal models of fibrosis and asthma. We show for the first time that the lungs of PAP patients contain highly elevated levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. PAP broncholaveolar lavage (BAL) cells but not bronchial epithelial cells expressed increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA relative to healthy controls. Both MMPs were detectable as pro and active proteins by gelatin zymography; and by fluorometric global assay, PAP–MMP activity was elevated. BAL cells/fluids from GM-CSF KO mice also demonstrated significantly elevated MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene expression, protein, and activity. Finally, PAP patients undergoing GM-CSF therapy exhibited significantly reduced MMPs and M-CSF. These data suggest that in the absence of GM-CSF, excess M-CSF in PAP may redirect alveolar macrophage activation, thus potentially contributing to elevated MMP expression in the lung.
LIGHT enhances the bactericidal activity of human monocytes and neutrophils via HVEM
Authors: Heo Sook-Kyoung , Ju Seong-A , Lee Sang-Chul , Park Sang-Min , Choe Suck-Young , Kwon Byungsuk , Kwon Byoung S , Kim Byung-Sam
Published: November 2005

Human monocytes and neutrophils play major roles in clearing bacteria from human blood and tissues. We found that the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) was highly expressed in monocytes and neutrophils, and its interaction with “homologous to lymphotoxins, shows inducible expression, and competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for HVEM/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related 2” (LIGHT) enhanced bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The LIGHT-HVEM interaction increased levels of phagocytosis, interleukin (IL)-8, TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in monocytes and neutrophils. Anti-HVEM monoclonal antibody was able to block LIGHT-induced bactericidal activity, cytokine production (IL-8 and TNF-α), and ROS generation. Moreover, inhibition of ROS and NO production blocked LIGHT-induced bactericidal activity. Our results indicate that the LIGHT/HVEM interaction in monocytes and neutrophils contributes to antibacterial activity.
The Multiple Chemicals and Actions Model of carcinogenesis. A possible new approach to developing prevention strategies for environmental carcinogenesis
Authors: Battershill Jonathan M
Published: November 2005

The number of definite and probable human chemical carcinogens identified by IARC approaches between 1987 and June 2004 is reported to be 50 agents. However, overall, given the rapid expansion in the number of chemicals in use, the throughput of the current approach to identifying potential environmental carcinogens is low. The long-term rodent bioassay, a key part of the current approach, identifies many chemicals which eventually turn out to be irrelevant for human health with regard to cancer. A new approach is suggested which focuses on identifying the potency of environmental mixtures for induction of toxicological changes relevant to carcinogenesis (e.g., cell proliferation, chronic inflammation, inhibition of apoptosis, mutagenicity). Details regarding a suggested strategy for prioritization of mixtures are provided with more detailed information regarding mutagenicity as an end point. The long-term rodent bioassay is not included in the proposal (although it is acknowledged that it will continue to be important in premarketing regulatory schemes) for hazard identification. The Multiple Chemicals and Actions Model (MCAM) is developed. In this model the chemical mixtures in the environment act via a number of mechanisms as ‘effectors’ or ‘inhibitors’ of a multistage carcinogenic process. Identifying effectors and inhibitors of the rate-limiting step would be important for preventive strategies. Genetic polymorphisms act as modulators of effector and inhibitor mixtures. It is suggested that the MCAM model could be used in public education programmes to help inform on public health issues regarding cancer and to help avoid future scares which tend to focus on single chemicals. It is acknowledged that there would need to be basic research undertaken to generate appropriate data to support the application of the proposal before it could be used in cancer prevention strategies.