bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking about commitment: Accessibility of commitment and prediction of relationship persistence, accommodation, and willingness to sacrifice
Authors: Etcheverry Paul E. , Le Benjamin
Published: January 2005

Research has demonstrated that more accessible cognitive constructs (e.g., attitudes, stereotypes) are more likely to influence thoughts and behaviors. The current research applies a social cognition framework to the prediction of romantic relationship persistence (i.e., “stay‐leave” behavior), accommodation, and willingness to sacrifice. Conceptualizing commitment as a partially cognitive construct and following from social cognition and attitudinal research, we hypothesized that the accessibility of commitment will moderate the association between commitment and relationship persistence, accommodative responses, and willingness to sacrifice. In Study 1, participants in romantic relationships responded to statements derived from the commitment subscale of the Investment Model Scale. Reaction times to these statements were used as a measure of accessibility of commitment. In addition, participants completed measures of their commitment level. Seven months later, participants were contacted and relationship persistence was assessed. Accessibility of commitment significantly moderated the association between commitment and relationship persistence. Study 2 expanded on the results of the first study by demonstrating that accessibility of commitment also significantly moderated the association between commitment and accommodation and willingness to sacrifice. Taken together, these two studies highlight the usefulness of applying social cognitive concepts to understand close relationships.
The adversity of secret relationships
Authors: Foster Craig. A. , Campbell W. Keith
Published: January 2005

Are secret romantic relationships alluring or aversive? Previous research suggests that romantic secrecy (i.e., keeping a romantic relationship secret from others) creates a cognitive preoccupation that enhances romantic attraction. In contrast, we predicted that romantic secrecy interferes with relationship interdependence and thereby decreases relationship quality. Three studies of secrecy in ongoing romantic relationships confirmed this prediction. In Study 1, romantic secrecy predicted lower levels of initial relationship quality and decreased relationship quality over a 2‐week period. In Study 2, relationship burden mediated partially the negative association between romantic secrecy and relationship quality. In Study 3, the negative association between romantic secrecy and relationship quality was primarily explained by decreased relationship satisfaction. The importance of understanding romantic secrecy is discussed.
On the interpersonal regulation of emotions: Emotional reliance across gender, relationships, and cultures
Authors: Ryan Richard M. , La Guardia Jennifer G. , Solky‐Butzel Jessica , Chirkov Valery , Kim Youngmee
Published: January 2005

Three studies examine people's willingness to rely on others for emotional support. We propose that emotional reliance (ER) is typically beneficial to well‐being. However, due to differing socialization and norms, ER is also expected to differ across gender and cultures. Further, following a self‐determination theory perspective, we hypothesize that ER is facilitated by social partners who support one's psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results from the studies supported the view that ER is generally associated with greater well‐being and that it varies significantly across different relationships, cultural groups, and gender. Within‐person variations in ER were systematically related to levels of need satisfaction within specific relationships, over and above between‐person differences. The discussion focuses on the adaptive value and dynamics of ER.
Adrenomedullin expression during hypoxia in fetal sheep
Authors: Jensen R. I. , Carter A. M. , Skøtt O. , Jensen B. L.
Published: January 2005

Aim:  We asked how adrenomedullin (AM), a vasodilator peptide, was distributed in fetal sheep organs and whether expression of AM would be upregulated in response to moderate acute fetal hypoxia in vivo.

Methods:  In four sheep at day 126–130 of gestation, nitrogen was added to the inspired air by tracheal infusion to reduce fetal arterial oxygen content for a period of 4 h. Control fetuses were from four ewes given a tracheal infusion of room air. Fetal and maternal blood samples were taken prior to and during hypoxia/sham hypoxia. Fetal tissue samples were frozen for RNA analysis and fixed for immunohistochemistry.

Results:  In hypoxic fetuses, arterial oxygen content was significantly reduced to 50% compared with sham fetuses with no change in arterial pH in either group. Plasma ACTH levels rose significantly at 2 and 4 h in hypoxic fetuses only. Initial plasma concentrations of AM in control and hypoxic fetuses were 457 ± 20 and 430 ± 35 pg mL−1 and did not change during the experiment. The relative abundance of AM mRNA was placental cotyledons ≫ lung > cerebral cortex ≅ renal cortex > left ventricle ≅ right ventricle > adrenal gland > renal medulla > aorta ≅ liver. Immunohistochemical staining for AM confirmed distinct labelling in organs with significant expression. AM mRNA level increased significantly in cerebral cortex of hypoxic fetuses.

Conclusion:  Our results show expression of AM in placenta and in several fetal organs in late gestation sheep. AM may participate in the cerebral vasodilatation that is an integral part of the fetal response to hypoxia.
Epithelial barrier integrity and intraluminal nitric oxide production in response to acid perfusion of the ferret oesophagus
Authors: Bove M. , Ruth M. , Lundell L. , Ny L.
Published: January 2005

Aim: To evaluate the source and role of acid‐induced intraluminal nitric oxide (NO) production in the oesophagus by studying how the exposure of the oesophagus to acid affects NO release, via the NO‐producing enzyme NO synthase and its relation to changes in epithelial barrier integrity.

Methods: Ferrets were anaesthetized and their oesophagi were divided at both ends. The test subjects were pre‐treated with the intravenous NO synthase inhibitorsNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester (l‐NAME, 100 mg kg−1) and 1400W (12 mg kg−1). Untreated andNG‐nitro‐d‐arginine‐methyl ester pre‐treated (d‐NAME, 100 mg kg−1) animals served as controls. The oesophagus was then perfused with either HCl (0.1 m) or physiological saline for 20 min. The intraluminal NO concentration was determined before and after the acid/saline infusion while the transmucosal potential difference (PD) was monitored continuously. Oesophageal biopsies were examined for expression of inducible NO synthase using immunohistochemistry.

Results: The intraluminal NO concentration increased after acid exposure. This was blocked byl‐NAME and 1400W, but not byd‐NAME. The peak PD response was not affected by agents affecting NO synthesis, while the plateau response was attenuated byl‐NAME,d‐NAME and 1400W. Immunohistochemistry revealed inducible NO synthase expression in the epithelium.

Conclusions: Exposing the ferret oesophageal mucosa to acid elicited an increase in juxtamucosal NO formation through the activation of inducible NO synthase. The corresponding electrophysiological observations suggested an association between mucosal NO production and epithelial integrity.
Elevations in core and muscle temperature impairs repeated sprint performance
Authors: Drust B. , Rasmussen P. , Mohr M. , Nielsen B. , Nybo L.
Published: January 2005

Aim:  The present study investigated the effects of hyperthermia on intermittent exercise and repeated sprint performance.

Methods:  Seven men completed 40 min of intermittent cycling comprising of 15 s exercise (306 ± 22 W) and 15 s rest periods (0 W) followed by 5 × 15 s maximal sprints on a cycle ergometer in normal (∼20 °C, control) and hot (40 °C, hyperthermia) environments.

Results:  Completion of the intermittent protocol in the heat elevated core and muscle temperatures (39.5 ± 0.2 °C; 40.2 ± 0.4 °C), heart rate (178 ± 11 beats min−1), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (18 ± 1) and noradrenaline (38.9 ± 13.2 μmol l−1) (all P < 0.05). During the first sprint (n = 6), both peak and mean power output were similar across the environmental conditions. However, mean power over the last four sprints declined to a larger extent during hyperthermia compared with the control trial (P < 0.05). Consequently, average mean power output during the five sprints was lower in hyperthermia (558.0 ± 146.9 W) compared with control (617.5 ± 122.6 W; P < 0.05). Power output during the repeated sprints was reduced by hyperthermia despite an elevated muscle temperature that should promote sprint performance. Venous plasma potassium concentrations (H; 5.3 ± 0.8 mmol l−1 vs. C; 6.3 ± 1.0 mmol l−1, P = 0.06) and muscle lactate levels (H; 76.6 ± 24.3 mmol kg−1 dry weight vs. C; 108.8 ± 20.1 mmol kg−1 dry weight) were lower following the hyperthermic sprints compared to control.

Conclusion:  Although an elevated muscle temperature is expected to promote sprint performance, power output during the repeated sprints was reduced by hyperthermia. The impaired performance does not seem to relate to the accumulation of recognized metabolic fatigue agents and we, therefore, suggest that it may relate to the influence of high core temperature on the function of the central nervous system.
Oral pre‐treatment with rosuvastatin protects porcine myocardium from ischaemia/reperfusion injury via a mechanism related to nitric oxide but not to serum cholesterol level
Authors: Bulhak A. A. , Gourine A. V. , Gonon A. T. , Sjöquist P.‐O. , Valen G. , Pernow J.
Published: January 2005

Aims:  The aim of this study was to test whether oral pre‐treatment with rosuvastatin at a dosage giving clinically relevant plasma concentrations protects the myocardium against ischaemia/reperfusion injury and to investigate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and neutrophil infiltration.

Methods:  Pigs were given placebo (n = 7), rosuvastatin (80 mg day−1, n =7), rosuvastatin (160 mg day−1, n = 7) or pravastatin (160 mg day−1, n = 7) orally for 5 days before being subjected to coronary artery ligation and reperfusion. An additional group was given rosuvastatin 160 mg day−1 and a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor.

Results:  Rosuvastatin 80 and 160 mg day−1 resulted in plasma concentrations of 2.6 ± 0.7 and 5.6 ± 1.0 ng mL−1, respectively. Serum cholesterol was not affected. Rosuvastatin 160 mg day−1 and pravastatin limited the infarct size from 82 ± 3% of the area at risk in the placebo group to 61 ± 3% (P < 0.05), and to 61 ± 2% (P < 0.05) respectively. Rosuvastatin 80 mg day−1 limited the infarct size to 69 ± 2%, however, this effect was not statistically significant. Rosuvastatin 160 mg day−1 attenuated neutrophil infiltration in the ischaemic/reperfused myocardium. The protective effect of rosuvastatin 160 mg day−1 was abolished by NOS inhibition. The expression of NOS2 and NOS3 in the myocardium did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions:  Oral pre‐treatment with rosuvastatin limited infarct size following ischaemia/reperfusion without affecting cholesterol levels. The cardioprotective effect is suggested to be dependent on maintained bioactivity of NO, without influencing NOS expression.
Changes in signalling molecule levels in 10‐day hindlimb immobilized rat muscles
Authors: Machida S. , Booth F. W.
Published: January 2005

Aim:  Hindlimb immobilization produces similar percentage decreases in muscle mass in the predominantly type I soleus and type II vastus lateralis muscles. Consequently we hypothesized that the percentage changes in potential regulatory molecules for atrophy would be similar in the two muscle fibre types.

Methods:  Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to measure phosphorylated p38 MAPK and JNK, as well as the protein levels of p53, growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible 45 (GADD45), and full‐length poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) to determine whether their changes in expression in the soleus and vastus lateralis muscles were similar at 10th day of hindlimb immobilization in young rats.

Results:  Unexpectedly, preferential increases in phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK and in the protein levels of p53, GADD45, as well as decreases in full‐length PARP occurred in the soleus muscle, while only p38 phosphorylation increased in the white portion of the vastus lateralis muscle at 10th day of hindlimb immobilization.

Conclusion:  Taken together, these results are interpreted to suggest that some of regulatory processes or kinetics in the atrophy of type I and II muscle fibres during limb immobilization may differ at the 10th day of limb immobilization.
The effect of acid suppression on sleep patterns and sleep‐related gastro‐oesophageal reflux
Authors: Orr W. C. , Goodrich S. , Robert J.
Published: January 2005

Background : Several studies have demonstrated that night‐time gastro‐oesophageal reflux affects sleep quality, and thereby impairs daytime functioning.

Aim : To determine whether treatment with a proton‐pump inhibitor (rabeprazole) would improve both objective and subjective measures of sleep.

Methods : Individuals with complaints of significant gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease were studied by polysomnography and 24‐h pH monitoring on two separate nights. On one occasion, participants received 20 mg rabeprazole b.d., and on another they received placebo. Both study conditions were preceded by a week of treatment with either rabeprazole or placebo. The order of treatments was randomized.

Results : Rabeprazole significantly reduced overall acid reflux, but it did not significantly reduce night‐time acid contact. Rabeprazole treatment significantly improved subjective indices of sleep quality. There were no significant differences on objective measures of sleep between placebo and rabeprazole treatment.

Conclusions : Consistent with other studies of pharmacological treatments for gastro‐oesophageal reflux, subjective measures of sleep improved with heartburn medication but objective measures were not affected.
Role of Chk1 and Chk2 in Ara‐C‐induced differentiation of human leukemia K562 cells
Authors: Takagaki Kazuchika , Katsuma Susumu , Kaminishi Yoshinori , Horio Tatsuya , Tanaka Teruo , Ohgi Tadaaki , Yano Junichi
Published: January 2005

Human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells are relatively resistant to the anti‐metabolite cytosine arabinoside (Ara‐C) and, when treated with Ara‐C, they differentiate into erythrocytes without undergoing apoptosis. In this study we investigated the mechanism by which Ara‐C induces K562 cells to differentiate. We first observed that Ara‐C‐induced differentiation of these cells is completely inhibited by the radiosensitizing agent caffeine, an inhibitor of ATM and ATR protein kinases. We next found that Ara‐C activates Chk1 and Chk2 in the cells, and that the activation of Chk1, but not of Chk2, was almost completely inhibited by caffeine. Proteasome‐mediated degradation of Cdc25A and phosphorylation of Cdc25C were induced by Ara‐C treatment, presumably due to the activation of Chk2 and Chk1, respectively. To directly observe the effects of checkpoint kinase activation in Ara‐C‐induced differentiation, we suppressed Chk1 or Chk2 with the Chk1‐specific inhibitor Gö6976, by generating cell lines stably over‐expressing dominant‐negative forms of Chk2, or by siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of the Chk1 or the Chk2 gene. The results suggest that Ara‐C‐induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells depends on both Chk1 and Chk2 pathways.
Smooth, a hnRNP encoding gene, controls axonal navigation in Drosophila
Authors: Layalle Sophie , Coessens Elise , Ghysen Alain , Dambly‐Chaudière Christine
Published: January 2005

We identified the gene smooth (sm) in a screen for genes that are specifically expressed within the lineage that forms the adult chemosensory bristles. sm is expressed in most or all differentiating neurones during embryogenesis, but is specifically expressed in the neurones of the adult chemosensory organs on the wings and legs during metamorphosis. The inactivation of sm results in axonal defects in the chemosensory neurones, in the inability of mutant flies to feed and in their precocious death. As sm belongs to a family of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP), we propose that the control of axonal navigation and connectivity is partly achieved at the level of mRNA splicing or exporting.
Identification of DRG family regulatory proteins (DFRPs): specific regulation of DRG1 and DRG2
Authors: Ishikawa Kosuke , Azuma Sakura , Ikawa Shuntaro , Semba Kentaro , Inoue Jun‐ichiro
Published: January 2005

DRG1 and DRG2 comprise a highly conserved subfamily of GTP‐binding proteins and are thought to act as critical regulators of cell growth. Their abnormal expressions may trigger cell transformation or cell cycle arrest. Our aim is to clarify their physiological functions and regulatory mechanisms. Here we report identification of novel proteins, DRG family regulatory protein (DFRP) 1 and DFRP2, which regulate expression of DRG proteins through specific binding. In transient transfection experiments, DFRP1 specifically binds DRG1, and DFRP2 preferentially binds DRG2. DFRPs provide stability to the target DRG proteins through physical association, possibly by blocking the poly‐ubiquitination that would precede proteolysis of DRG proteins. DFRPs are highly conserved in eucaryotes, and the expression patterns of dfrp1 and drg1 transcripts in Xenopus embryos and tissues are similar, indicating that these genes work cooperatively in various types of eukaryotic cells. Immunofluorescence experiments have revealed that the interaction between DRG1 and DFRP1 may occur in the cytoplasm. We generated dfrp1‐ knockout cells and found that endogenous expression of DRG1 is regulated by DFRP1, confirming that DFRP1 is a specific up‐regulator of DRG1 in vivo. On the basis of these results, we propose that DRG1 and DRG2 are regulated differently despite their structural similarities.
Neurolathyrism risk depends on type of grass pea preparation and on mixing with cereals and antioxidants
Authors: Getahun Haileyesus , Lambein Fernand , Vanhoorne Michel , Stuyft Patrick Van der
Published: January 2005

Objective  To study an array of household individual and dietary risk factors for neurolathyrism.

Method  Case–control study using recent cases in a district highly affected by the recent neurolathyrism epidemic in Ethiopia: 108 households with cases and 104 households with no cases; 170 neurolathyrism cases, 370 intra‐family controls and 170 community controls frequency matched for age and sex.

Results  A history of acute illness was associated with a two‐ and threefold increased risk of paralysis in community and intra‐family controls, respectively. Soaking grass pea in water before cooking roughly halved the risk of neurolathyrism but cooking in clay utensils more than quadrupled it. Consumption of grass pea in the green unripe and boiled forms increased the risk 10 times or more. Mixing the food with gravy that contains condiments with antioxidant activity reduced it by a factor of 4. The consumption of grass pea mixed with cereals rich in sulphur amino acids was also highly protective, but the magnitude of the effect depended on the grass pea preparation consumed.

Conclusion  Consumption of pure grass pea, especially in the green unripe and boiled forms, should be avoided. Communities at risk of neurolathyrism during famine crises should be encouraged to combine and use grass pea with cereals before the household cereal stock is fully depleted. Breeding programmes, alongside traditional attempts to reduce the toxin content, should enhance the content of sulphur amino acids and antioxidants in grass pea.
The effect of treatment with omalizumab, an anti‐IgE antibody, on asthma exacerbations and emergency medical visits in patients with severe persistent asthma
Authors: Bousquet J. , Cabrera P. , Berkman N. , Buhl R. , Holgate S. , Wenzel S. , Fox H. , Hedgecock S. , Blogg M. , Cioppa G. Della
Published: January 2005

Background:  Patients with severe persistent asthma who are inadequately controlled despite treatment according to current asthma management guidelines have a significant unmet medical need. Such patients are at high risk of serious exacerbations and asthma‐related mortality.

Methods:  Here, we pooled data from seven studies to determine the effect of omalizumab, an anti‐immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody, on asthma exacerbations in patients with severe persistent asthma. Omalizumab was added to current asthma therapy and compared with placebo (in five double‐blind studies) or with current asthma therapy alone (in two open‐label studies). The studies included 4308 patients (2511 treated with omalizumab), 93% of whom had severe persistent asthma according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2002 classification. Using the Poisson regression model, results were calculated as the ratio of treatment effect (omalizumab : control) on the standardized exacerbation rate per year.

Results:  Omalizumab significantly reduced the rate of asthma exacerbations by 38% (P < 0.0001 vs control) and the rate of total emergency visits by 47% (P < 0.0001 vs control). Analysis of demographic subgroups showed that the efficacy of omalizumab on asthma exacerbations was unaffected by patient age, gender, baseline serum IgE (split by median) or by 2‐ or 4‐weekly dosing schedule, although benefit in absolute terms appeared to be greatest in patients with more severe asthma, defined by a lower value of percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at baseline.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that omalizumab may fulfil an important need in patients with severe persistent asthma, many of whom are not adequately controlled on current therapy.
Benefits of omalizumab as add‐on therapy in patients with severe persistent asthma who are inadequately controlled despite best available therapy (GINA 2002 step 4 treatment): INNOVATE
Authors: Humbert M. , Beasley R. , Ayres J. , Slavin R. , Hébert J. , Bousquet J. , Beeh K.‐M. , Ramos S. , Canonica G. W. , Hedgecock S. , Fox H. , Blogg M. , Surrey K.
Published: January 2005

Background:  Patients with severe persistent asthma who are inadequately controlled despite Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2002 step 4 therapy are a challenging population with significant unmet medical need. We determined the effect of omalizumab on clinically significant asthma exacerbations (requiring systemic corticosteroids) in the first omalizumab study to exclusively enrol patients from this difficult‐to‐treat patient population.

Methods:  Following a run‐in phase, patients (12–75 years) inadequately controlled despite therapy with high‐dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long‐acting β2‐agonists (LABA) with reduced lung function and a recent history of clinically significant exacerbations were randomized to receive omalizumab or placebo for 28 weeks in a double‐blind, parallel‐group, multicentre study.

Results:  A total of 419 patients were included in the efficacy analyses. The clinically significant asthma exacerbation rate (primary efficacy variable), adjusted for an observed relevant imbalance in history of clinically significant asthma exacerbations, was 0.68 with omalizumab and 0.91 with placebo (26% reduction) during the 28‐week treatment phase (P =  0.042). Without adjustment, a similar magnitude of effect was seen (19% reduction), but this did not reach statistical significance. Omalizumab significantly reduced severe asthma exacerbation rate (0.24 vs 0.48, P =  0.002) and emergency visit rate (0.24 vs 0.43, P = 0.038). Omalizumab significantly improved asthma‐related quality of life, morning peak expiratory flow and asthma symptom scores. The incidence of adverse events was similar between treatment groups.

Conclusions:  In patients with inadequately controlled severe persistent asthma, despite high‐dose ICS and LABA therapy, and often additional therapy, omalizumab significantly reduced the rate of clinically significant asthma exacerbations, severe exacerbations and emergency visits. Omalizumab is effective and should be considered as add‐on therapy for patients with inadequately controlled severe persistent asthma who have a significant unmet need despite best available therapy.
A multifactorial analysis of concurrent patch‐test reactions to nickel, cobalt, and chromate
Authors: Hegewald J. , Uter W. , Pfahlberg A. , Geier J. , Schnuch A. ,   the IVDK
Published: January 2005

Background:  Previous research indicates that positive patch tests to nickel (II) sulphate, cobalt (II) chloride and potassium dichromate commonly occur together.

Methods:  To further examine the relationship between nickel, cobalt, chromate, and the factors that may potentially be related to concurrent sensitizations to two or all three metal allergens, data from the Information Network of Dermatology Departments (IVDK, http://www.ivdk.org) have been investigated.

Results:  Women had a higher conditional odds of concurrent nickel–cobalt (OR = 6.80; 95% CI: 5.65–8.19) and nickel–chromate (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.67–2.72) reactions than men. Construction workers had a significantly higher odds of cobalt–chromate reactions (OR = 13.89; 95% CI: 10.36–18.64), while the odds of isolated cobalt allergy was only 0.92 (95% CI: 0.48–1.74). Patients with underlying atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome had a 40–90% higher chance of any positive outcome, which involved chromate. Polysensitization, defined as the number of positive reactions to standard series substances other than nickel, cobalt, and chromate, was also significantly associated with the concurrent reactions; moreover, steady and significant effect gradients were noted.

Conclusions:  This research confirms the occupational nature of cobalt–chromate concurrent reactions, in particular, in construction workers. Polysensitization, which is considered to represent susceptibility to delayed‐hypersensitivity in general, is also associated with the concurrent reactions to the metals. Hence, not only coupled exposure, but also individual susceptibility may be responsible for concurrent reactions to metals in man.
Allergy to cypress pollen
Authors: Charpin D. , Calleja M. , Lahoz C. , Pichot C. , Waisel Y.
Published: January 2005

Although Cupressus sempervirens has been spread over southern Europe since antiquity, cypress pollen allergy has not been reported until 1945 (1). In France, the very first case reports were published in 1962 (2). Since then, the prevalence of cypress pollinosis seems to demonstrate an upward trend, concomitantly with the increased use of cypress trees as ornamental plants, as wind breaks and as hedges. Hyposensitization, using improved pollen extracts, is increasingly prescribed. Besides, prevention measures begin to be implemented. Such measures include avoidance of planting new cypress trees, especially near human populations’ centres, trimming of cypress hedges before the pollination season and agronomical research for hypoallergenic trees. Altogether, such new developments in cypress allergy deserve an update review.
Epidemiological characterization of the intermittent and persistent types of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Bauchau V. , Durham S. R.
Published: January 2005

Background:  A new classification of allergic rhinitis (AR) has been proposed by the allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) workgroup. The validity of this new classification is still largely unknown, especially the extent to which it differs from the classical seasonal/perennial (SAR/PAR) classification, and how and whether intermittent and persistent types of AR, as defined by ARIA, differ from each other.

Methods:  Two‐step cross‐sectional, population‐based, in six Western Europe countries; telephone interview followed by clinical diagnosis [including specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements] in a selected subset.

Results:  Within the population with AR, 29% of the subjects had persistent AR. There was no association between the intermittent/persistent and the SAR/PAR classifications. Subjects with persistent AR had more severe symptoms, and higher rate of self‐awareness and previous diagnosis of AR; they were also clearly distinct in their sensitization pattern and medication use.

Conclusions:  The classic types of SAR/PAR cannot be used interchangeably with the new classification of intermittent/persistent, as they do not represent the same stratum of disease. There is also evidence that the persistent type describes a distinct group with characteristics that differentiates them from intermittent AR. These results support the validity of the new ARIA classification.
Genetic structure and differentiation of 12 African Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle breeds, inferred from protein and microsatellite polymorphisms
Authors: Ibeagha‐Awemu E.M. , Erhardt G.
Published: January 2005

Level of genetic differentiation, gene flow and genetic structuring of nine Bos indicus and three Bos taurus cattle breeds in Cameroon and Nigeria were estimated using the genetic information from 16 microsatellite, five blood protein and seven milk protein markers. The global heterozygote deficit across all populations (Fit) amounted to 11.7% (p < 0.001). The overall significant (p < 0.001) deficit of heterozygotes because of inbreeding within breeds (Fis) amounted to 6.1%. The breeds were moderately differentiated (Fst = 6%, p < 0.001) with all loci except CSN1S2 contributing significantly to the Fst value. The 12 populations belong to two genetic clusters, a zebu and a taurine cluster. While inferred sub‐clusters within the taurine group corresponded extremely well to predefined breed categorizations, no real sub‐clusters, corresponding to predefined breeds, existed within the zebu cluster. With the application of prior population information, cluster analysis achieved posterior probabilities from 0.962 to 0.994 of correctly assigning individuals to their rightful populations. High gene flow was evident between the zebu populations. Positive and negative implications of the observed genetic structure of the breeds on their development, improvement and conservation are discussed. The study shows that the breeds are threatened by uncontrolled breeding and therefore are at risk to become genetically uniform in the future. This situation can be avoided by putting in place effective breeding and management measures aimed at limiting uncontrolled mating between the breeds and to preserve special characteristics, genetic as well as breed biodiversity. The first step towards realizing these goals might be to geographically demarcate the breeds.
Estimation of genetic parameters for lactational milk yields using two‐dimensional random regressions on parities and days in milk in Chinese Simmental cattle
Authors: Yang R.Q. , Ren H.Y. , Schaeffer L.R. , Xu S.Z.
Published: January 2005

A two‐dimensional random regression model with regressions on days in milk (DIM) and parity number was applied to lactational milk yields in Chinese Simmental cattle. Random regressions were fitted for additive genetic and permanent environmental effects using a two‐dimensional polynomial on DIM and parity number. A total of 4340 lactational milk yields from Chinese Simmental cattle which calved between 1980 and early 2000 were used in this study. Variance components were estimated using Bayesian methodology via Gibbs sampling. Variances of random regression coefficients associated with all terms of the polynomials were significant. A covariance function showed that heritabilities of lactational milk yields between 200 and 400 DIM over parities varied between 0.25 and 0.45. Heritabilities of 305‐day milk yields from 1st to 6–8th parities were 0.28, 0.30, 0.32 0.32, 0.32, and 0.31, respectively. Ratios of permanent environment variances to total variances at each DIM were greater than corresponding heritabilities. Generally, genetic correlations were higher between lactational milk yields with similar DIM and parity number.
Oestrogen receptor genotypes and litter size in Hungarian Large White pigs
Authors: Horogh G. , Zsolnai A. , Komlósi I. , Nyíri A. , Anton I. , Fésüs L.
Published: January 2005

A total of 869 litter records of 226 Hungarian Large White sows have been analysed to investigate the possible use of the oestrogen receptor gene (ESR) as marker to improve litter size. First, second and later parities have been evaluated separately. Frequencies of A = 0.55 and B =0.45 have been calculated for the two ESR alleles and the observed/expected number of the three genotypes were as follows: AA: 71/69.1, AB: 108/111.8 and BB: 47/45.1. BB type first and later parity sows were superior to AB and AA sows for number born alive (NBA), total number of born (TNB) and the corrected number of weaned piglets (CNW), respectively.
Dermatophytosis on the eyelid caused by Microsporum gypseum
Authors: Machado Alexandre Paulo , Hirata Sérgio Henrique , Ogawa Marília Marufugi , Tomimori‐Yamashita Jane , Fischman Olga
Published: January 2005

We report a case of tinea on the eyelid in a woman with psoriasis. Due to the history of psoriasis and clinical aspect of the lesion the diagnosis of psoriasis was suggested in the first place; however, laboratory examination revealed Microsporum gypseum. The patient was treated with oral itraconazole resulting in clinical and mycological cure. We emphasize the uncommon location of tinea caused by M. gypseum and the importance of searching for fungal infection on scaly lesions.
Evaluation of a synchronous twin‐pulse technique for shock wave lithotripsy: the first prospective clinical study
Authors: Sheir Khaled Z. , El‐Diasty Tarek A. , Ismail Amani M.
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of the first clinical study of a synchronous twin‐pulse technique for extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which is effective for in vitro stone fragmentation and safe when assessed in vivo on animal tissue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with urinary stones (35 men and 15 women) were enrolled and treated with the TWINHEADS lithotripter. The entry criteria were: age ≥ 18 years, with a radio‐opaque single stone in the kidney or upper ureter, a normal laboratory profile (serum creatinine, liver function, blood, bleeding and clotting times, and prothrombin concentration). The exclusion criteria included lower ureteric stones, patients with urinary tract infection, obstructed urinary tract distal to the stones, or congenital abnormalities. All patients received one session and were evaluated by ultrasonography (US), urinary tract plain X‐ray, and complete laboratory investigations before and immediately after treatment, and after 2, 14 and 30 days. Patients requiring re‐treatment at the 14‐day visit received a second session and were re‐evaluated after 7 and 14 days.

RESULTS

The mean (sd, range) stone size (longest diameter) was 12.3 (2.6, 9–18) mm. Intravenous sedation was used in 30 patients. There was mild haematuria in 25 patients on the day of treatment. During the follow‐up there was no evidence of haematoma, gross renal injury, upper urinary tract obstruction or significant changes in the laboratory investigations. After 14 days, 17 patients (34%) were free of stones, with residual stones of ≤ 5 mm in 20 (40%); they were free of stones at the 1‐month follow‐up. Thirteen patients (26%) had residual stones of 6–9 mm, but the stones were half or less of the original size. Patients with residual stones of > 5 mm had another ESWL session and were free of stones within 14 days. Thus all patients were rendered stone‐free within 1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous twin‐pulse ESWL is promising, seems safe and effective for treating patients with renal and upper ureteric lithiasis.
The Social Context of Young Children's Peer Victimization
Authors: Hanish Laura D. , Ryan Patti , Martin Carol Lynn , Fabes Richard A.
Published: January 2005

The goal of this study was to investigate differences in the social context of peer victimization for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Data were collected from 168 children. For preschoolers, neither social acceptance nor friendships were significantly related to peer victimization. Instead, playing with peers and exposure to aggressive peers were associated with higher rates of peer victimization. For kindergarteners, exposure to aggressive peers also contributed to the risk for peer victimization, but being liked by peers and having friends were inversely related to victimization, thereby providing a buffering effect. The developmental implications of these findings are discussed.
A Comparison of Majority‐race Children With and Without a Minority‐race Friend
Authors: Lease A. Michele , Blake Jamilia J.
Published: January 2005

Majority‐race (black or white)1 elementary school children with and without a minority friend (black or white) in their classroom were compared on measures of social, behavioral, and affective characteristics. Analyses focused on 260 4th through 6th grade students who were racial majorities in their classrooms and had at least one reciprocated friendship in the classroom‐based peer group. Overall, the results were consistent with the scenario that majority children with minority friends are high status, prosocial, and socially satisfied members of the peer group, compared to majority children without a cross‐race friendship, although race and gender differences were observed. In contrast, class‐level characteristics (e.g. class size, the proportion of participating children in each classroom of the majority race, and the number of minority‐race children in the classroom) were not predictive of whether a majority child had a cross‐race friendship or not. Implications for the current status of black– white relations among our youth were discussed.
Target Specificity of Subjective Relationship Measures: Understanding the Determination of Item Variance
Authors: Kiesner Jeff , Nicotra Eraldo , Notari Giorgia
Published: January 2005

The present study was conducted to test the ability of two subscales from the Friendship Quality Questionnaire (FQQ; Parker & Asher, 1993) to discriminate between different target friendships. This was done by testing for mean differences between targets, and by using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to examine the factor structures for these measures when the responses for different targets were considered together. Participants were 293 Italian middle‐school students. Both subscales (Validation and Caring, and Conflict and Betrayal) showed mean differences between the best friend and the second and third best friends, but only the validation and caring subscale demonstrated differences between the second and third best friends. Factor analyses showed that for both subscales some items were able to discriminate between friends whereas others were not. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated the existence of target‐specific factors, as well as a common ‘individual differences’ factor. Practical and theoretical issues regarding the different sources of item variance are discussed.
Clinical significance of subcortical vascular disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: de Mendonça A. , Ribeiro F. , Guerreiro M. , Palma T. , Garcia C.
Published: January 2005

Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) typically present with memory complaints. Some of these patients have subcortical vascular disease on computed tomography (CT) scan, namely white matter changes and lacunar infarcts, however it is not known whether these findings are associated with more pronounced cognitive deficits. In the present study we compare demographic, clinical and neuropsychological characteristics of MCI patients according to the presence or the absence of subcortical vascular disease. Forty consecutive patients with memory complaints, at least one neuropsychological memory test below 1 SD the normal for age and education, and maintained activities of daily living, were included. Patients with dementia, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, or other brain disorders, were excluded. Twenty‐five (62.5%) patients with MCI had no ischemic lesions on CT scan, and 15 (37.5%) were found to have subcortical vascular changes. MCI patients with subcortical vascular changes were older (77.1 ± 6.8 vs. 70.8 ± 7.5 years old), and more often males. The number of vascular risk factors, the frequency of neurological signs, the Hachinski score and the neuropsychological tests scores were not significantly different. The presence of subcortical vascular disease on CT scan is frequent in older patients with MCI, but does not appear to be associated with the severity of cognitive deficits.
Patient preference for eletriptan 80 mg versus subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg: results of a crossover study in patients who have recently used subcutaneous sumatriptan
Authors: Schoenen J. , Pascual J. , Rasmussen S. , Sun W. , Sikes C. , Hettiarachchi J.
Published: January 2005

This current randomized, open‐label, crossover study evaluated preference for oral eletriptan 80 mg compared with subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg (suma‐sc) amongst patients (n = 311) meeting IHS criteria for migraine who had recently used suma‐sc, and found it well tolerated. Three attacks were treated on each study medication. Assessment of subjective preference was evaluated, after which patients freely chose which study medication they wished to use to treat each of three additional migraine attacks. A slight majority (50.6%) preferred or greatly preferred eletriptan, whilst 43% preferred suma‐sc. When permitted to choose between eletriptan and suma‐sc for subsequent treatment, 78% of patients who had preferred eletriptan took eletriptan during the extension phase for all three of their attacks, whilst only 37% of patients who preferred suma‐sc took suma‐sc for all of their extension‐phase attacks (P < 0.05). Secondary efficacy measures showed comparable efficacy for each study medication, except for faster headache response and pain‐free rates favor of suma‐sc, and a significantly lower recurrence rate on eletriptan (25% vs. 40%; P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that eletriptan is a strong alternative option for patients who have been prescribed suma‐sc.
Association between APOE polymorphisms and mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Yeni S. N. , Özkara Ç. , Buyru N. , Baykara O. , Hanoğlu L. , Karaağac N. , Özyurt E. , Uzan M.
Published: January 2005

To evaluate the hypothetical link between apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms and mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS) and whether presence of APOE epsilon4 allele shortens the latent period between febrile seizures and epilepsy. A further interest is whether presence of APOE epsilon4 allele has an impact on severity of the disease. Forty‐seven patients with MTLE‐HS were compared with 62 controls. APOE polymorphisms were determined from lymphocytes by standard methods. Eight patients (17%) and 10 controls (16.1%) were demonstrated to have one APOE epsilon4 allele. There was not any statistically significant difference in APOE epsilon4 frequency between patients and controls (P > 0.05). There was not any difference statistically according to onset age of epilepsy and the presence of APOE epsilon4 allele within patient group. APOE epsilon4 polymorphisms did not influence the severity of epilepsy. APOE epsilon4 polymorphisms had no impact on outcome after surgery. Patients with bilateral memory deficits, bilateral hippocampal atrophy and with bilateral epileptiform interictal EEG transients, were independently compared with patients having unilateral features and there were not any statistically significant differences. This study has found no association between APOE epsilon4 polymorphisms and presentation of MTLE‐HS in a group of Turkish patients.
Developmental language disorders – a follow‐up in later adult life. Cognitive, language and psychosocial outcomes
Authors: Clegg J. , Hollis C. , Mawhood L. , Rutter M.
Published: January 2005

Background:  Little is known on the adult outcome and longitudinal trajectory of childhood developmental language disorders (DLD) and on the prognostic predictors.

Method:  Seventeen men with a severe receptive DLD in childhood, reassessed in middle childhood and early adult life, were studied again in their mid‐thirties with tests of intelligence (IQ), language, literacy, theory of mind and memory together with assessments of psychosocial outcome. They were compared with the non language disordered siblings of the DLD cohort to control for shared family background, adults matched to the DLD cohort on age and performance IQ (IQM group) and a cohort from the National Child Development Study (NCDS) matched to the DLD cohort on childhood IQ and social class.

Results:  The DLD men had normal intelligence with higher performance IQ than verbal IQ, a severe and persisting language disorder, severe literacy impairments and significant deficits in theory of mind and phonological processing. Within the DLD cohort higher childhood intelligence and language were associated with superior cognitive and language ability at final adult outcome. In their mid‐thirties, the DLD cohort had significantly worse social adaptation (with prolonged unemployment and a paucity of close friendships and love relationships) compared with both their siblings and NCDS controls. Self‐reports showed a higher rate of schizotypal features but not affective disorder. Four DLD adults had serious mental health problems (two had developed schizophrenia).

Conclusion:  A receptive developmental language disorder involves significant deficits in theory of mind, verbal short‐term memory and phonological processing, together with substantial social adaptation difficulties and increased risk of psychiatric disorder in adult life. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
Comparison of the DSM‐IV combined and inattentive types of ADHD in a school‐based sample of Latino/Hispanic children
Authors: Bauermeister José J. , Matos Maribel , Reina Graciela , Salas Carmen C. , Martínez José V. , Cumba Eduardo , Barkley Russell A.
Published: January 2005

Background:  The aim of this investigation was to examine the construct validity and distinctiveness of the inattentive type (IT) and combined type (CT) of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a Latino/Hispanic sample.

Method:  A comprehensive assessment was conducted with a clinically diagnosed school‐based sample of 98 children aged 6 to 11 (CT = 44; IT = 25; control group = 29).

Results:  Both ADHD groups were impaired on academic achievement measures, presented more ADHD‐type behaviors during math and vigilance tasks, and exhibited greater internalizing symptoms. The IT group had a later onset of inattention symptoms, presented more sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms, was less prone to initiate social interactions or to be assertive and more self‐controlled in social interchanges, was less likely to have externalizing behaviors, had mothers who reported less child‐related family stress, and was less impaired in their adaptive functioning.

Conclusions:  Findings supported the construct validity of ADHD in this culturally different sample and suggested that the CT and IT represent distinct disorders.